Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v faith_n revelation_n 2,202 5 9.5251 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60471 The designed end to the Socinian controversy, or, A rational and plain discourse to prove, that no other person but the Father of Christ is God most high by John Smith. Smith, John, fl. 1673-1680. 1695 (1695) Wing S4103; ESTC R15169 29,912 68

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

contradiction_n to_o the_o most_o self-evident_a sentiment_n of_o humane_a understanding_n but_o some_o may_v say_v if_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o be_v so_o general_o to_o be_v overlook_v in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n why_o then_o do_v god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v record_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n make_v so_o many_o sort_n of_o small_a and_o as_o we_o think_v useless_a infect_v to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n since_o we_o know_v not_o what_o benefit_n they_o be_v of_o to_o the_o world_n doubtless_o god_n who_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a make_v they_o for_o some_o great_a end_n though_o our_o shortsighted_a understanding_n can_v perceive_v what_o those_o excellent_a end_n of_o his_o be_v even_o so_o likewise_o will_v his_o wisdom_n be_v manifest_v some_o way_n or_o other_o by_o what_o to_o we_o be_v yet_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o scripture_n and_o though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o many_o of_o the_o most_o obscure_a and_o doubtful_a part_n thereof_o yet_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v write_v either_o be_v or_o shall_v in_o due_a time_n be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o ought_v to_o magnify_v that_o manifest_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v communicate_v to_o mankind_n such_o a_o number_n of_o plain_a and_o evident_a precept_n as_o will_v be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o salvation_n if_o we_o careful_o observe_v they_o all_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o business_n of_o life_n eternal_a therefore_o have_v god_n give_v we_o law_n suitable_a to_o our_o common_a capacity_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o poor_a which_o intimate_v that_o the_o glad-tiding_n of_o salvation_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o unintelligible_a mystery_n but_o of_o such_o plain_a and_o evident_a notion_n as_o do_v fit_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o low_a people_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a false_a persuasion_n who_o when_o they_o can_v no_o long_o maintain_v their_o error_n against_o the_o power_n of_o true_a reason_n fly_v to_o faith_n as_o their_o last_o refuge_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n only_o that_o we_o be_v make_v able_a to_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 4._o and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v what_o yet_o they_o can_v comprehend_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o faith_n indeed_o be_v the_o chief_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o do_v engage_v mankind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o precept_n few_o i_o doubt_v will_v be_v religious_a be_v there_o no_o fear_n of_o hell_n nor_o hope_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v mark_v 9_o 23._o which_o in_o other_o word_n import_v that_o no_o difficulty_n nor_o hazard_n how_o great_a soever_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a race_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o only_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o inspire_v the_o faithful_a with_o courage_n to_o overcome_v and_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n not_o only_o of_o the_o devil_n but_o of_o the_o lust_n of_o this_o world_n too_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o therefore_o we_o must_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o liable_a to_o believe_v thing_n false_a as_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a wherefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o avoid_v false_a principle_n for_o error_n of_o any_o kind_n will_v rather_o make_v we_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n than_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v and_o conquer_v he_o as_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v to_o embrace_v truth_n wheresoever_o thou_o do_v find_v it_o so_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o relinquish_v error_n when_o by_o careful_o examine_v into_o religion_n thou_o have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_o for_o it_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n as_o heroic_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v ourselves_o in_o the_o wrong_n when_o we_o real_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o adhere_v steadfast_o to_o a_o truth_n undoubted_a know_v then_o that_o no_o kind_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v true_a that_o be_v certain_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v as_o much_o god_n law_n as_o divine_a revelation_n and_o none_o must_v ever_o think_v that_o god_n law_n can_v contradict_v itself_o right_o self-evident_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a touchstone_n that_o man_n have_v to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o it_o be_v the_o agreement_n even_o of_o scripture_n with_o this_o reason_n that_o make_v we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o our_o forefather_n say_v so_o but_o the_o exact_a concurrence_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o that_o testimony_n and_o though_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o not_o at_o all_o to_o trust_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o very_a man_n that_o exclaim_v most_o against_o it_o be_v yet_o necessitate_v to_o give_v reason_n of_o their_o own_o to_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o and_o certain_o that_o guide_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o safe_a who_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o some_o kind_n or_o other_o do_v find_v it_o so_o necessary_a to_o follow_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o only_a good_a of_o mankind_n he_o forbid_v some_o thing_n and_o command_n other_o only_o because_o the_o one_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o man_n wellbeing_a and_o the_o other_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o peace_n and_o happiness_n in_o order_n then_o to_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o this_o life_n there_o be_v require_v a_o suitable_a way_n of_o live_v even_o such_o as_o respect_v the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a kind_a which_o in_o short_a be_v that_o which_o man_n call_v a_o life_n of_o holiness_n or_o a_o life_n perfect_o free_a from_o every_o kind_n of_o injustice_n or_o mischief_n both_o to_o one_o self_n and_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o heavenly_a state_n that_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a goodness_n and_o purity_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o that_o divine_a kind_n of_o life_n hereafter_o which_o he_o hate_v here_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n can_v the_o wicked_a be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n yet_o then_o will_v they_o be_v unhappy_a by_o reason_n that_o there_o none_o of_o those_o base_a and_o ignoble_a pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v which_o their_o corrupt_a mind_n on_o earth_n do_v love_n and_o admire_v it_o be_v then_o only_a a_o good_a life_n on_o earth_n that_o can_v fit_v we_o for_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n now_o this_o goodness_n of_o life_n so_o necessary_a to_o man_n both_o present_a and_o future_a bliss_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o speculation_n but_o in_o practice_n belief_n be_v of_o no_o other_o use_v than_o as_o it_o enact_v obedience_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v represent_v as_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o opinion_n but_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o men._n have_v you_o feed_v the_o hungry_a have_v you_o clothe_v the_o naked_a have_v you_o visit_v the_o sick_a mat._n 25._o 36._o at_o that_o great_a solemnity_n the_o inquiry_n will_v not_o be_v what_o have_v you_o in_o the_o world_n or_o what_o do_v you_o profess_v but_o what_o good_a deed_n have_v you_o do_v therein_o how_o have_v your_o care_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o universal_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n have_v you_o renounce_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n 1_o john_n 2._o 26._o and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o and_o do_v just_o and_o love_a mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n mich._n 6._o 8._o now_o if_o it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o our_o practice_n that_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o the_o disbelieve_v either_o a_o few_o doubtful_a or_o else_o a_o few_o unreasonable_a opinion_n can_v never_o be_v dangerous_a let_v we_o then_o as_o to_o the_o point_n now_o under_o examination_n ask_v ourselves_o but_o this_o one_o question_n will_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n
now_o they_o must_v impose_v strange_o upon_o their_o own_o understanding_n that_o can_v unrequire_v by_o the_o gospel_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v true_o god_n even_o infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v so_o plain_o that_o whatever_o power_n and_o dignity_n he_o have_v be_v give_v he_o by_o another_o christ_n not_o god_n because_o god_n and_o he_o be_v plain_o distinguish_v this_o consideration_n alone_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v our_o lord_n christ_n not_o to_o be_v real_o and_o true_o god_n since_o he_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o person_n that_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o god_n as_o a_o noble_a subject_n differ_v from_o his_o prince_n or_o king_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o god_n anoint_v he_o act_v 10._o 38._o that_o he_o offer_v himself_o up_o to_o god_n heb._n 9_o 14._o that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 2._o 24._o that_o he_o be_v exalt_v by_o god_n act_v 2._o 33._o that_o he_o ascend_v to_o god_n joh._n 20._o 17._o that_o he_o sit_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n act_v 7._o 56._o that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o eph._n 4._o 32._o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o unto_o god_n by_o his_o blood_n rev._n 5._o 9_o that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n eph._n 1._o 22._o i_o may_v collect_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o other_o place_n that_o speak_v to_o the_o very_a same_o purpose_n all_o which_o do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n for_o if_o jesus_n be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o god_n and_o sit_v now_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o he_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o honour_n or_o employ_v it_o will_v be_v strange_o absurd_a for_o a_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o god_n can_v be_v send_v of_o god_n that_o god_n can_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o god_n can_v ascend_v to_o god_n that_o god_n can_v sit_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v this_o possible_a be_v fit_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a error_n that_o be_v ever_o find_v in_o the_o world_n of_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n christ_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o show_v what_o the_o scripture_n do_v declare_v concern_v he_o as_o to_o what_o he_o be_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v well_o the_o general_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n we_o shall_v perceive_v very_o plain_o that_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n be_v real_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o which_o he_o come_v to_o redeem_v that_o as_o by_o man_n come_v death_n so_o by_o man_n may_v come_v also_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 1_o cor._n 15._o it_o be_v by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o the_o serpent_n head_n be_v bruise_v gen._n 3._o 15._o to_o abraham_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 28._o 14._o moses_n tell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n shall_v raise_v up_o unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o he_o deut._n 8._o 15._o of_o this_o man_n seed_n namely_o david_n be_v say_v st._n paul_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o unto_o israel_n a_o saviour_n jesus_n act_v 13._o 23._o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4._o 4._o from_o all_o which_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o as_o to_o the_o personal_a nature_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o same_o as_o be_v those_o humane_a ancestor_n from_o who_o he_o do_v lineal_o descend_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o be_v like_a unto_o his_o brethren_n except_o in_o be_v a_o sinner_n heb._n 2._o 17._o heb._n 4._o 15._o and_o according_o we_o find_v he_o almost_o every_o where_o mention_v by_o that_o plain_a denomination_n and_o term_n of_o a_o man_n you_o seek_v say_v he_o himself_o to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n joh._n 8._o 40._o after_o i_o come_v a_o man_n that_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o joh._n 1._o 30._o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n by_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o act_v 13._o 38._o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v act_v 17._o 31._o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o but_o this_o man_n because_o he_o continue_v ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n heb._n 2._o 7._o but_o this_o man_n after_o he_o have_v once_o offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n heb._n 10._o 12._o i_o can_v name_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v needless_a now_o to_o i_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o believe_v and_o assert_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_o a_o humane_a person_n shall_v derogate_v from_o his_o true_a honour_n and_o dignity_n when_o the_o gospel_n do_v so_o frequent_o assert_v he_o to_o be_v such_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o say_v so_o much_o as_o once_o that_o he_o be_v god_n most_o high_a or_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o sacred_a three_o which_o do_v constitute_v or_o make_v up_o the_o true_a godhead_n these_o unscriptural_a title_n be_v derive_v only_o from_o the_o mere_a opinion_n and_o tradition_n of_o either_o deceive_v or_o deceive_a man_n who_o eye_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v or_o discern_v the_o truth_n the_o primitive_a confession_n concern_v christ_n be_v not_o that_o jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v god_n equal_a to_o the_o father_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o divine_a perfection_n nor_o that_o he_o be_v god_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o father_n as_o he_o be_v man_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o mother_n as_o some_o have_v teach_v in_o aftertime_n all_o that_o those_o first_o confession_n do_v contain_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o martha_n she_o say_v unto_o he_o yea_o lord_n i_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 11._o 27._o this_o be_v st._n peter_n be_v faith_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n mat._n 16._o 16._o this_o be_v the_o eunuch_n faith_n i_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act_v 8._o 37._o this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o mariner_n of_o a_o truth_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 14._o 33._o and_o the_o faith_n of_o nicodemus_n be_v we_o know_v thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3._o 2._o st._n paul_n be_v also_o say_v to_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act_v 9_o 20._o he_o be_v say_v also_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o jew_n not_o that_o jesus_n be_v god_n but_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n act_v 18._o 5._o we_o have_v see_v and_o do_v testify_v say_v st._n john_n that_o the_o father_n send_v the_o son_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 14._o here_o be_v no_o trinity_n in_o unity_n nor_o god-man_n nor_o hypostatical_a union_n so_o much_o as_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o of_o those_o hard_a and_o cramp_a name_n with_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v since_o perplex_v the_o undoubted_a faith_n on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n do_v depend_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o these_o thing_n say_v st._n john_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v
own_o practice_n be_v according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n say_v he_o to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eph._n 3._o 14._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n god_n or_o the_o father_n not_o christ_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o alone_a object_n of_o divine_a adoration_n and_o petition_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o that_o christ_n himself_o who_o example_n and_o footstep_n we_o shall_v follow_v pray_v always_o to_o his_o father_n and_o never_o do_v so_o much_o as_o once_o petition_v any_o other_o person_n of_o the_o suppose_a trinity_n and_o as_o to_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v plain_o say_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o col._n 3._o 17._o and_o in_o another_o place_n we_o be_v command_v to_o give_v thanks_o always_o unto_o god_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n eph._n 5._o 20._o and_o according_o we_o read_v in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o the_o apostle_n give_v god_n thanks_o through_o jesus_n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n 9_o 24._o to_o be_v a_o advocate_n for_o sinner_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 1._o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n rom._n 3._o 34._o to_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n heb._n 8._o 6._o all_o which_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o person_n that_o plead_v our_o cause_n that_o solicit_v our_o acceptance_n the_o great_a transactor_n and_o manager_n of_o all_o affair_n between_o god_n and_o we_o but_o it_o no_o way_n intimate_v any_o divine_a worship_n due_a to_o himself_o and_o indeed_o shall_v we_o put_v christ_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o make_v he_o the_o alone_a object_n of_o divine_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o who_o name_n then_o shall_v we_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o who_o shall_v we_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v our_o intercessor_n our_o advocate_n our_o mediator_n for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v but_o of_o one_o mediator_n and_o that_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o and_o he_o only_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o we_o man_n and_o the_o one_o true_a god_n who_o i_o before_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v only_o the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o make_v our_o lord_n christ_n therefore_o the_o object_n of_o our_o divine_a address_n be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n which_o also_o by_o consequence_n be_v to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o the_o belove_a in_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v accept_v eph._n 1._o 6._o yea_o and_o by_o this_o we_o deny_v also_o the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n in_o who_o stead_n we_o do_v by_o this_o mean_v place_n christ_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v more_o true_o antichristian_a see_v 1_o john_n 2._o 22._o now_o from_o the_o aforegoing_a argument_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o object_v place_n be_v yet_o they_o can_v mean_v that_o which_o the_o objector_n intend_v since_o in_o vast_o more_o numerous_a and_o plain_a place_n the_o scripture_n make_v god_n and_o not_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a object_n of_o our_o divine_a address_n of_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vnitarian_n doctrine_n some_o object_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o person_n the_o novelty_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o comparison_n to_o that_o which_o assert_n a_o trinity_n which_o be_v they_o say_v of_o at_o least_o 1600_o and_o odd_a year_n stand_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o objector_n be_v great_o mistake_v for_o can_v that_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o plain_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o its_o foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o person_n be_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o work_n prove_v to_o be_v express_o and_o plain_o contain_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o consequence_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o long_a continuance_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o objector_n affirm_v be_v yet_o no_o argument_n of_o its_o real_a truth_n we_o read_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o good_a wheat_n be_v sow_v the_o enemy_n begin_v to_o sprinkle_v tare_n in_o the_o field_n mat._n 13._o 25._o and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v even_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n 2_o thess_n 2._o 7._o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o some_o error_n as_o suppose_v this_o of_o the_o trinity_n be_v almost_o of_o equal_a stand_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n for_o where_o god_n have_v a_o church_n the_o devil_n always_o have_v a_o chapel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o long_a or_o short_a continuance_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o to_o its_o profession_n that_o make_v it_o authentic_a but_o that_o foundation_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v a_o tenet_n be_v not_o therefore_o true_a because_o of_o its_o long_a or_o general_a belief_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o contradict_v self-evidence_n and_o the_o general_a current_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n of_o scripture-mystery_n some_o object_n that_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v mere_a mystery_n and_o therefore_o since_o all_o scripture_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v sometime_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v i_o answer_v if_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v mystery_n when_o clear_o reveal_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n a_o just_a god_n can_v never_o lay_v on_o we_o a_o necessity_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o understand_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o such_o obscure_a mystery_n as_o evident_o do_v contradict_v other_o plain_a truth_n do_v no_o way_n concern_v we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o their_o true_a sense_n and_o mean_v when_o a_o mystery_n be_v plain_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v a_o virgin_n do_v conceive_v a_o son_n or_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v rise_v again_o or_o that_o christ_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o no_o other_o plain_a scripture_n contradict_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o be_v then_o to_o believe_v it_o though_o it_o may_v be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v which_o way_n the_o power_n of_o god_n shall_v enable_v a_o virgin_n to_o conceive_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n our_o scatter_a dust_n shall_v be_v recollect_v and_o revive_v or_o how_o our_o bless_a saviour_n can_v be_v make_v fit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o a_o universal_a judg._n but_o if_o some_o place_n in_o scripture_n have_v say_v these_o thing_n but_o other_o more_o numerous_a and_o plain_a have_v affirm_v the_o contrary_a or_o have_v it_o contradict_v any_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v then_o have_v reject_v the_o belief_n thereof_o as_o safe_o and_o with_o as_o good_a authority_n as_o we_o now_o do_v that_o of_o the_o popish_a transubstantiation_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v as_o express_o contain_v in_o scripture_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o trinity_n but_o for_o mystery_n of_o a_o more_o doubtful_a nature_n such_o as_o want_v the_o qualification_n before_o express_v they_o can_v no_o way_n oblige_v our_o faith_n so_o long_o as_o their_o true_a mean_v lie_v hide_v in_o obscurity_n of_o expression_n there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o secret_a thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o hide_a thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o light_v for_o which_o we_o must_v wait_v with_o patience_n and_o not_o pretend_v as_o some_o do_v to_o explain_v even_o what_o be_v most_o hard_a and_o difficult_a by_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v pure_o unintelligible_a for_o this_o be_v but_o the_o more_o to_o confound_v their_o mind_n which_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n before_o it_o be_v true_a if_o any_o man_n can_v rational_o explain_v a_o mystery_n he_o than_o do_v good_a service_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o this_o we_o be_v infallible_o certain_a be_v never_o do_v when_o the_o sense_n that_o be_v give_v of_o a_o doubtful_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a not_o only_o to_o the_o general_a current_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v also_o a_o
mighty_a salvation_n for_o we_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o his_o servant_n david_n luke_n 1._o 68_o 69._o a_o general_a rule_n for_o answer_v all_o objection_n have_v consider_v and_o answer_v the_o principal_a objection_n urge_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o assert_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o his_o be_v only_o the_o man_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o or_o that_o which_o assert_n that_o none_o be_v god_n but_o the_o father_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o confute_v those_o other_o little_a objection_n which_o still_o remain_v since_o when_o the_o chief_a strength_n that_o do_v uphold_v a_o error_n be_v overthrow_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o some_o little_a prop_n to_o maintain_v and_o support_v it_o nevertheless_o lest_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o shall_v thereby_o be_v perplex_v i_o here_o lay_v down_o one_o general_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o other_o objection_n may_v be_v easy_o refute_v and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o any_o principle_n in_o religion_n be_v true_a by_o the_o great_a and_o by_o the_o plain_a number_n of_o evidence_n it_o can_v never_o be_v false_a by_o a_o few_o in_o number_n or_o by_o they_o that_o be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a if_o then_o the_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v only_o the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o in_o number_n and_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o those_o be_v which_o be_v object_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o contrary_a you_o need_v then_o only_o to_o reply_v thus_o that_o the_o proof_n that_o make_v for_o it_o be_v more_o both_o in_o number_n and_o weight_n than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v unpardonable_a to_o suffer_v such_o trifle_n to_o unsettle_v and_o shake_v your_o faith_n suppose_v a_o man_n object_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o person_n this_o text_n let_v we_o make_v man_n gen._n 1._o 26._o and_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v from_o thence_o that_o god_n be_v more_o than_o one_o in_o person_n be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o suffer_v this_o to_o alter_v your_o judgement_n when_o for_o that_o one_o passage_n we_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o more_o person_n than_o one_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o that_o mention_n god_n to_o be_v but_o only_o one_o in_o such_o term_n as_o these_o ay_o thou_o i_o he_o his_o and_o as_o for_o the_o term_n of_o we_o they_o they_o etc._n etc._n they_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n so_o much_o as_o once_o as_o apply_v to_o god_n alone_o if_o every_o single_a objection_n that_o be_v start_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v of_o authority_n sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v the_o best_a and_o clear_a proof_n or_o if_o every_o hard_a and_o doubtful_a passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v all_o they_o that_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a than_o all_o true_a religion_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o some_o plausible_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o chief_a and_o plain_a truth_n in_o religion_n otherwise_o so_o many_o false_a and_o erroneous_a opinion_n will_v not_o have_v obtain_v that_o authority_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n indeed_o when_o we_o be_v tell_v plain_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o argument_n true_o considerable_a be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n offer_v to_o undeceive_v we_o we_o ought_v then_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v convince_v for_o if_o what_o be_v thus_o urge_v carry_v with_o it_o so_o much_o clear_a evidence_n as_o make_v it_o undoubted_a the_o change_v then_o of_o our_o opinion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v reasonable_a but_o very_o honourable_a too_o since_o nothing_o be_v more_o ignoble_a and_o base_a than_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o error_n from_o which_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o truth_n can_v free_v we_o of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o general_a analogy_n of_o true_a faith_n ground_v on_o scripture-evidence_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v no_o distinct_a person_n subsist_v of_o himself_o for_o then_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o our_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v the_o son_n of_o he_o who_o be_v now_o call_v god_n the_o father_n or_o the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o suppose_a trinity_n since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o virgin_n mary_n conception_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o overshadow_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n luke_n 1._o 35._o which_o all_o trinitarian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o three_o person_n and_o not_o the_o first_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v conceive_v in_o she_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mat._n 1._o 20._o and_o that_o she_o be_v with_o child_n by_o he_o mat._n 1._o 18._o wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o additional_a word_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o luke_n 1._o 35._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o that_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o work_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o two_o distinct_a person_n than_o man_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v for_o to_o the_o one_o the_o other_o be_v compare_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o and_o as_o the_o member_n of_o man_n body_n do_v secret_o and_o wonderful_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o will_n or_o mind_n so_o and_o much_o more_o so_o do_v all_o creature_n act_v and_o be_v command_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n divine_a and_o most_o wise_a will_n and_o pleasure_n when_o therefore_o all_o the_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o that_o new_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o mind_n which_o god_n by_o his_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n do_v work_v or_o cause_n in_o men._n when_o he_o powerful_o raise_v up_o in_o they_o holy_a thought_n and_o excite_v in_o their_o mind_n new_a desire_n he_o be_v then_o true_o say_v to_o sanctify_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o when_o man_n wilful_o reject_v those_o motion_n to_o goodness_n which_o god_n by_o his_o power_n do_v raise_v up_o in_o they_o they_o be_v then_o true_o say_v to_o resist_v and_o grieve_v and_o quench_v his_o spirit_n and_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o be_v send_v from_o whence_o some_o will_v infer_v its_o distinct_a personality_n it_o be_v reply_v that_o these_o be_v but_o improper_a expression_n such_o as_o be_v before_o note_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o be_v word_n fit_v to_o our_o dull_a apprehension_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o even_o as_o god_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v the_o action_n and_o passion_n of_o a_o man_n and_o to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n when_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v already_o every_o where_o though_o our_o mortal_a eye_n have_v not_o power_n fit_v to_o perceive_v he_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o thing_n can_v no_o way_n be_v capable_a of_o move_v out_o of_o his_o place_n such_o expression_n as_o these_o therefore_o be_v plain_o improper_a and_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v literal_o or_o as_o at_o first_o sight_n they_o seem_v to_o express_v the_o conclusion_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o will_v only_o add_v this_o one_o solemn_a protestation_n that_o as_o what_o i_o here_o offer_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o dictate_v only_o of_o plain_a and_o positive_a scripture_n and_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o perfect_a reason_n as_o i_o humble_o judge_v so_o the_o design_n of_o this_o its_o publication_n be_v the_o alone_a glory_n of_o god_n almighty_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o no_o way_n can_v be_v establish_v firm_o but_o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a the_o work_n be_v not_o perform_v with_o that_o exactness_n as_o to_o be_v in_o every_o part_n without_o reproof_n yet_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o in_o the_o main_a i_o have_v therein_o manage_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v a_o secret_a distrust_n within_o i_o that_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v will_v not_o be_v kind_o receive_v for_o my_o best_a endeavour_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v better_a success_n than_o do_v those_o of_o my_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o though_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n with_o such_o miracle_n as_o do_v demonstrate_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v believe_v on_o but_o by_o a_o few_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v then_o general_o much_o more_o belove_v than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n joh._n 12._o 43._o and_o i_o doubt_v the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o man_n now_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n 2._o 21._o they_o that_o love_v riches_n will_v hardly_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v any_o temporal_a preferment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n other_o will_v be_v averse_a from_o acknowledge_v themselves_o in_o a_o mistake_n who_o before_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o repute_n both_o of_o orthodox_n and_o learned_a man_n and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o prepossess_v with_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n will_v hardly_o relinquish_v it_o though_o the_o best_a of_o reason_n be_v offer_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n in_o short_a the_o religion_n of_o mankind_n general_o be_v but_o a_o self-righteousness_n a_o law_n rather_o of_o their_o own_o make_v than_o of_o god_n appoint_v there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n do_v either_o live_v or_o believe_v as_o the_o gospel_n direct_v they_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prefer_v some_o senseless_a humour_n before_o sacred_a truth_n and_o that_o immortal_a bliss_n to_o which_o it_o will_v conduct_v they_o the_o end_n