hear_v person_n of_o different_a judgement_n cite_v the_o same_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n shall_v not_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o because_o that_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o party_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o battle_n and_o dispute_v with_o so_o much_o fierceness_n and_o rage_n as_o general_o they_o do_v i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v and_o commend_v the_o excellent_a candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o first_o pious_a reformer_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o such_o article_n as_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a have_v not_o show_v themselves_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a rigid_a and_o magisterial_a have_v not_o wound_v up_o the_o string_n too_o high_a lest_o they_o shall_v mar_v the_o harmony_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o where_o the_o argument_n be_v deem_v to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n they_o have_v allow_v we_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n and_o permit_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n severe_o and_o indispensable_o urge_v upon_o we_o all_o article_n that_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o which_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o rank_n of_o principle_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a and_o of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o reparation_n make_v by_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o justification_n by_o his_o blood_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o those_o substantial_a article_n of_o faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o christian_a verity_n and_o these_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a in_o god_n word_n and_o have_v plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o have_v not_o renounce_v the_o christian_a profession_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a use_n and_o guidance_n of_o scripture_n and_o for_o that_o plain_a direction_n which_o it_o give_v we_o in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o prize_n and_o value_v it_o as_o the_o rich_a treasure_n nay_o as_o the_o only_a treasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o from_o this_o inspire_a book_n alone_o we_o have_v these_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o be_v original_o in_o no_o other_o write_n in_o the_o world_n but_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o grand_a truth_n as_o the_o main_a and_o necessary_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o concern_v in_o as_o for_o those_o text_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a or_o which_o relate_v not_o to_o faith_n or_o manner_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v let_v we_o not_o be_v displease_v that_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o interpreter_n vary_v here_o and_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n say_v thus_o st._n augustin_n otherwise_o and_o st._n chrisostom_n vary_v from_o both_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o four_o differ_v from_o these_o and_o a_o five_o come_v and_o diffent_n from_o they_o all_o this_o do_v not_o offend_v i_o in_o the_o least_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v abstruse_a or_o speak_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a manner_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o plain_a discovery_n of_o those_o passage_n and_o consequent_o that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v treat_v of_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n let_v not_o this_o trouble_v we_o for_o it_o be_v god_n will_n there_o shall_v be_v these_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n and_o he_o have_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o certain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o place_n but_o this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_o reveal_v declare_v and_o write_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v that_o if_o christian_a man_n will_v read_v the_o bible_n to_o learn_v thence_o these_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o not_o to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o dispute_n they_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a people_n under_o heaven_n and_o be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a to_o the_o great_a which_o be_v the_o unbelieve_a part_v of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o dissension_n and_o disagreement_n o_o when_o will_v that_o bless_a day_n come_v when_o rectify_v and_o unbiased_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a arbitrement_n of_o scripture_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n in_o christendom_n if_o these_o be_v once_o admit_v as_o impartial_a umpire_n they_o will_v make_v short_a work_n of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n about_o religion_n namely_o by_o pronounce_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v vain_a jangle_n and_o most_o of_o they_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a by_o assure_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o if_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n and_o vile-affection_n nothing_o will_v appear_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o undisputable_a as_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n abovenamed_a and_o that_o all_o who_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v these_o necessary_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v wary_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o determination_n concern_v other_o proposition_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o circumstantial_a it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o or_o mutual_o agree_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o where_o then_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o uncharitable_a dispute_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n no_o where_o certain_o but_o where_o mere_a wilfulness_n and_o perverseness_n reign_v for_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n easie_n and_o intelligible_a have_v we_o not_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o reason_n the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o moreover_o have_v we_o not_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o inspire_a write_n to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v have_v we_o not_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o exalt_v our_o natural_a notion_n have_v not_o the_o divine_a goodness_n bless_v we_o with_o abundant_a discovery_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o the_o latter_a that_o complete_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n that_o authentic_a volume_n of_o religion_n that_o inestimable_a treasury_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v sincere_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o renew_v this_o demand_n what_o be_v truth_n now_o to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o father_n of_o light_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n be_v ascribe_v everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n amen_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o judge_n at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n psalm_n lxxxii_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o you_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n this_o psalm_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v style_v the_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n psalm_n for_o of_o they_o it_o speak_v and_o for_o they_o it_o be_v pen_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o dignity_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o discharge_v their_o office_n which_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o verse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v likewise_o that_o heaven_n itself_o have_v vouch_v their_o function_n and_o authorize_v their_o profession_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ascertain_v that_o those_o of_o their_o eminent_a rank_n and_o quality_n be_v under_o the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v god_n charge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o go_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o follow_a one_o which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o general_a part_n viz._n a_o concession_n and_o a_o correction_n one_a a_o honourable_a concession_n of_o
head_n whilst_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v in_o their_o ear_n that_o here_o be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v truth_n they_o have_v grow_v perplex_v and_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o and_o what_o part_n to_o take_v they_o hear_v that_o the_o claim_n to_o truth_n be_v universal_a but_o then_o they_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o it_o can_v be_v true_a and_o how_o say_v they_o if_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o hereupon_o they_o renounce_v religion_n as_o a_o faction_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o cheat_n and_o consequent_o they_o live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o please_v if_o truth_n be_v claim_v by_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o professor_n contradict_v one_o another_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o interrogatory_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o way_n of_o reply_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v at_o present_a for_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o cavil_n afterward_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o these_o several_a division_n and_o party_n evident_o prove_v a_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o rational_a man_n will_v not_o contend_v for_o nothing_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o reality_n at_o the_o bottom_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o person_n of_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n as_o we_o must_v allow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v will_v thus_o serious_o busy_a themselves_o and_o be_v so_o mighty_o concern_v 2._o some_o man_n fond_a and_o groundless_a pretence_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o just_a claim_n of_o other_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n continue_v in_o this_o degenerate_a posture_n where_o it_o be_v there_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v pretend_v to_o truth_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o for_o these_o pretender_n only_o so_o far_o as_o to_o slight_v they_o as_o person_n govern_v by_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o to_o pity_v they_o as_o those_o who_o be_v mislead_v by_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o dispute_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n on_o foot_n religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o essential_o and_o vital_n of_o it_o which_o give_v it_o its_o denomination_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o quarrel_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v anon_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o here_o but_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v object_v i_o will_v go_v on_o with_o my_o present_a design_n which_o be_v a_o inquest_n after_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o attempt_n will_v not_o prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v it_o out_o those_o two_o know_v but_o too_o much_o neglect_v rule_n or_o standard_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o we_o viz._n reason_n and_o scripture_n by_o reason_n i_o mean_v the_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v natural_o endue_v we_o with_o and_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o our_o bodily_a sense_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o by_o serious_a and_o steady_a observation_n and_o well-grounded_n experience_n for_o these_o must_v be_v assist_v to_o humane_a reason_n to_o render_v it_o perfect_a and_o complete_a if_o thuâ—_n we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a search_n after_o truth_n we_o shall_v soon_o make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o it_o for_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n very_o significant_o call_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v set_v up_o in_o our_o breast_n by_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o discover_v truth_n to_o we_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o light_n have_v be_v much_o impair_v by_o man_n degeneracy_n so_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v out_o i.e._n perfect_o to_o display_v itself_o it_o have_v be_v cloud_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o apostasy_n and_o obscure_v daily_o by_o the_o actual_a prevalency_n of_o vice_n a_o undeniable_a evidence_n whereof_o be_v those_o swarm_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n those_o prodigious_a shape_v and_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o they_o oftentimes_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o creature_n make_v and_o frame_v his_o creator_n they_o shape_v out_o deity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o a_o god_n be_v even_o what_o they_o think_v good_a to_o make_v he_o or_o suppose_v nature_n light_n do_v shine_v out_o to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v clear_a and_o bright_a enough_o to_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v dictate_v those_o thing_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n the_o method_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n dispensation_n how_o be_v nicodemus_n a_o note_a master_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o mean_a possessor_n of_o reason_n baffle_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n who_o make_v his_o visit_n only_o by_o the_o dusky_a and_o obscure_a light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o though_o reason_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n use_v its_o reason_a faculty_n be_v a_o laudable_a guide_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v another_o guide_n beside_o this_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o heavenly_a verity_n and_o proposition_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v divine_a illumination_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o find_v out_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a truth_n the_o second_o standard_n then_o of_o truth_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n divine_a truth_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n not_o from_o human_a write_n but_o a_o unerring_a word_n not_o from_o those_o who_o be_v finite_a and_o ignorant_a but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n not_o from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only-begotten_a son_n of_o god_n the_o revealer_n of_o his_o father_n will_n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only-begotten_a son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o as_o the_o belove_a disciple_n bear_v witness_v john_n 1._o 18._o none_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n which_o our_o religion_n be_v fraught_v with_o but_o the_o founder_n of_o they_o 24._o we_o can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o those_o transcendent_a notion_n unless_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v not_o skill_v to_o appoint_v the_o manner_n of_o appease_v the_o incense_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n suitable_a to_o that_o oeconomy_n this_o will_v have_v be_v as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o some_o silly_a country_n peasant_n to_o assign_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o treat_v a_o mighty_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o will_v not_o expect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a a_o rude_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_n and_o courtship_n and_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o particular_a divine_a discovery_n a_o clear_a light_n a_o sure_a guide_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o past_a generation_n of_o man_n yet_o to_o make_v that_o revelation_n complete_a he_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n christ_n therefore_o say_v and_o that_o emphatical_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n john_n 14._o 6._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o must_v never_o look_v for_o any_o other_o to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v truth_n more_o eminent_o so_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o truth_n which_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o bless_a evangelist_n speak_v
here_o of_o no_o value_n it_o be_v general_o despise_v and_o reject_v you_o must_v think_v of_o some_o other_o way_n for_o this_o will_v not_o do_v alas_o what_o be_v truth_n worth_a and_o what_o be_v you_o like_v to_o get_v by_o abet_v it_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o pilate_n ask_v this_o question_n in_o contempt_n and_o derision_n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o be_v the_o right_a definition_n of_o truth_n do_v you_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o exact_a notion_n of_o it_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o this_o friend_n man_n be_v as_o much_o mistake_v about_o this_o as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v one_o of_o that_o number_n you_o talk_v of_o truth_n but_o do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v start_v this_o query_n he_o go_v off_o the_o bench._n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o enquiry_n be_v not_o serious_a and_o that_o he_o care_v not_o for_o a_o reply_n to_o it_o otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n without_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n for_o he_o be_v a_o person_n extreme_o communicative_a and_o use_v to_o satisfy_v all_o material_a question_n to_o the_o full_a yea_o above_o what_o be_v demand_v as_o when_o a_o lawyer_n ask_v he_o what_o be_v the_o first_o commandment_n he_o tell_v he_o moreover_o what_o be_v the_o second_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o so_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v he_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o give_v tribute_n to_o cesar_n or_o no_o his_o answer_n be_v more_o than_o satisfactory_a for_o he_o not_o only_o acquaint_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v cesar_n his_o tribute_n but_o he_o add_v also_o that_o god_n as_o well_o as_o cesar_n due_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o satisfy_v man_n demand_n will_v have_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o of_o pilate_n if_o this_o great_a man_n will_v have_v stay_v for_o it_o but_o though_o pilate_n go_v away_o in_o haste_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o time_n to_o stay_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o this_o question_n of_o so_o unspeakable_a use_n and_o value_v a_o question_n which_o be_v every_o way_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o conscientious_a and_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a a_o question_n whereon_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o religion_n depend_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n next_o to_o that_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o it_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v join_v they_o together_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o a_o other_o question_n than_o will_v arise_v how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o not_o on_o every_o side_n beset_v with_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n be_v not_o error_n very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v it_o not_o bear_v date_n from_o adam_n i_o have_v not_o examine_v whether_o that_o be_v true_a which_o one_o say_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o speech_n deliver_v before_o the_o flood_n by_o man_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o erroneous_a conception_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o mistake_v and_o falsehood_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n betimes_o and_o that_o ever_o since_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n have_v overspread_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o obscurity_n and_o imperfection_n in_o cebes_n table_n which_o represent_v man_n life_n imposture_n give_v her_o cup_n to_o all_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o potion_n and_o every_o one_o drink_n of_o it_o but_o some_o more_o and_o some_o less_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o pretence_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n cozen_v we_o imperfect_a argumentation_n and_o superficial_a discourse_n easy_o determine_v we_o a_o petty_a inducement_n a_o weak_a likelihood_n a_o plausible_a harangue_n be_v enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n with_o we_o and_o weigh_v heavy_a sometime_o than_o a_o demonstration_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v just_o complain_v as_o he_o of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v out_o true_a reason_n or_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o hermias_n the_o old_a christian_a philosopher_n do_v 〈◊〉_d truth_n have_v abandon_v and_o take_v its_o farewell_n of_o the_o world_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o hope_v to_o have_v this_o question_v assoil_v and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n nay_o we_o be_v in_o as_o bad_a circumstance_n as_o before_o and_o pilat_n demand_n be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v answer_v as_o it_o be_v for_o as_o the_o sceptic_a doubt_v of_o all_o truth_n yea_o indeed_o deny_v it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o see_v that_o all_o party_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v that_o they_o be_v master_n and_o possessor_n of_o it_o before_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o now_o all_o be_v truth_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o it_o truth_n you_o shall_v not_o want_v whole_a herd_n of_o man_n who_o will_v come_v and_o offer_v their_o service_n to_o you_o and_o with_o all_o officiousness_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v you_o in_o such_o a_o easy_a question_n as_o that_o be_v truth_n take_v up_o its_o residence_n with_o we_o say_v the_o pagan_a worshipper_n our_o numerous_a deity_n and_o their_o idol_n have_v be_v vouch_v by_o oracle_n and_o divination_n and_o all_o the_o way_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o religion_n authentic_a we_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o orthodox_n faith_n say_v the_o jew_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bewilder_v and_o lose_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o pillar_n of_o light_a to_o lead_v they_o alas_o they_o be_v envelop_v in_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o must_v continue_v to_o be_v so_o till_o they_o take_v moses_n for_o their_o only_a guide_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o it_o but_o then_o again_o neither_o gentile_n nor_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o right_n say_v the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o pagan_a father_n and_o a_o jewish_a mother_n the_o alcoran_n be_v the_o true_a charter_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o who_o can_v suspect_v it_o since_o our_o prophet_n receive_v it_o from_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n we_o be_v the_o true_a musselman_n i.e._n believer_n and_o all_o other_o be_v downright_a infidel_n and_o miscreant_n nay_o even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n for_o out_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n will_v arise_v the_o worst_a of_o corruption_n and_o heresy_n the_o party_n and_o division_n the_o dispute_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o a_o few_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o think_v they_o monopolise_v it_o every_o sect_n be_v eager_a and_o violent_a and_o some_o of_o they_o confine_v all_o religion_n and_o salvation_n to_o their_o own_o way_n nay_o they_o be_v for_o persecute_v all_o party_n but_o their_o own_o like_o the_o ottoman_a prince_n they_o must_v strangle_v all_o their_o brethren_n otherwise_o they_o think_v they_o can_v reign_v safe_o ask_v the_o different_a party_n even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a from_o the_o old_a gentleman_n that_o sit_v in_o the_o porphyry_n chair_n to_o the_o mean_a quaker_n or_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o will_v all_o tell_v you_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n every_o persuasion_n have_v this_o of_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o think_v themselves_o infallible_a and_o say_v they_o have_v a_o unerring_a guide_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o chair_n and_o determine_v peremptory_o on_o their_o own_o side_n even_o whilst_o some_o cry_n this_o be_v false_a and_o other_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o single_o they_o all_o say_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o every_o one_o confident_o vouch_v that_o he_o be_v proprietor_n of_o truth_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o that_o truth_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o all_o man_n or_o rather_o indeed_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o it_o be_v so_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o scepticism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v their_o rise_n for_o too_o lavish_a pretence_n to_o truth_n have_v make_v some_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o the_o divers_a claim_n and_o quarrel_n in_o christianity_n have_v wonderful_o foster_v atheism_n for_o whilst_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o divinity_n have_v every_o where_o become_v polemical_a and_o that_o man_n have_v throw_v bibles_n at_o one_o another_o
20._o bishop_n treat_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o clergyman_n concern_v basil_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o 9_o rufinus_n that_o for_o thirteen_o year_n together_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o secular_a matter_n and_o apply_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n this_o most_o true_o may_v be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v other_o write_n yet_o these_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o other_o book_n rather_o than_o not_o find_v time_n to_o read_v these_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o theological_a study_n who_o have_v not_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o sacred_a text._n for_o see_v how_o it_o be_v in_o other_o art_n and_o faculty_n there_o be_v book_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o without_o which_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a despair_n of_o attain_v any_o skill_n in_o they_o thus_o to_o offer_v one_o example_n only_o the_o civil_a law_n be_v gain_v by_o read_v the_o digest_v or_o pandect_v of_o which_o the_o institution_n be_v a_o abstract_n compile_v out_o of_o the_o immense_a volume_n of_o the_o roman_a lawyer_n some_o of_o which_o be_v write_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o other_o afterward_o and_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o say_n response_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n by_o read_v the_o code_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o rescript_n decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o their_o wise_a council_n from_o adrian_n to_o justinian_n so_o that_o this_o volume_n differ_v from_o the_o pandect_n as_o among_o we_o the_o statute-law_n or_o act_n of_o parliament_n differ_v from_o the_o common-law_n i._n e._n the_o judgement_n of_o lawyer_n call_v report_n wherefore_o the_o pandect_n must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o code_n this_o be_v more_o valid_a than_o they_o as_o the_o command_v of_o prince_n be_v of_o great_a force_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o lawyer_n moreover_o by_o read_v the_o authentic_o or_o novel_n call_v so_o because_o they_o be_v new_a law_n add_v to_o the_o other_o last_o by_o look_v into_o the_o feud_n i.e._n the_o custom_n and_o service_n for_o the_o land_n hold_v by_o vassal_n of_o their_o lord_n which_o last_o volume_n of_o the_o imperial_a law_n be_v not_o add_v till_o about_o the_o year_n 1150._o under_o the_o emperor_n frederick_n barbarossa_n there_o be_v a_o utter_a despair_n i_o say_v of_o gain_v any_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o this_o excellent_a sort_n of_o learning_n unless_o a_o man_n peruse_v these_o book_n and_o the_o commentator_n on_o they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o study_n of_o physic_n no_o man_n can_v arrive_v to_o any_o perfection_n in_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v conversant_a with_o the_o particular_a author_n whether_o ancient_a or_o modern_a that_o be_v famous_a in_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n but_o this_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n true_a in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o reach_v without_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a perusal_n of_o the_o book_n which_o constitute_v the_o holy_a canon_n the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o both_o be_v necessary_a as_o we_o see_v plain_o in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o former_a which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v four_o and_o twenty_o book_n of_o the_o one_o cite_v or_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o other_o and_o out_o of_o exodus_fw-la some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v above_o forty_o out_o of_o isaiah_n other_o above_o sixty_o passage_n allege_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o bible_n than_o be_v a_o volume_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o can_v be_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o that_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o ministry_n for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v heretofore_o order_v that_o this_o sacred_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v at_o bishop_n and_o priest_n table_n even_o at_o dinner_n and_o still_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a obligation_n on_o those_o of_o the_o sacred_a function_n to_o give_v themselves_o daily_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o divine_a write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o they_o must_v build_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o by_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o rule_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n unless_o we_o be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o can_v regulate_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n action_n by_o this_o canon_n we_o can_v skilful_o apply_v this_o rule_n this_o square_a if_o we_o be_v not_o very_o conversant_a with_o it_o and_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n these_o be_v the_o write_n that_o have_v this_o peculiar_a and_o matchless_a character_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2_o tim._n three_o 15._o for_o as_o it_o follow_v all_o scripture_n i.e._n all_o holy_a scripture_n which_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n may_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n more_o especial_o those_o which_o appertain_v to_o his_o sacred_a call_v beside_o on_o other_o account_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o book_n whatsoever_o the_o great_a admirer_n of_o homer_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o find_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o poem_n what_o be_v excellent_a in_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o but_o upon_o better_a ground_n i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o write_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o deserve_v that_o character_n and_o testimony_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o clear_a reason_n but_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v more_o undoubted_a antiquity_n more_o excellent_a history_n more_o profound_a reason_n more_o delightful_a eloquence_n more_o choice_a learning_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o bible_n than_o in_o any_o other_o write_n extant_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o need_v then_o no_o elaborate_v persuasive_n to_o read_v this_o sacred_a volume_n which_o be_v the_o best_a under_o heaven_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o divine_a but_o humane_a literature_n and_o that_o of_o all_o kind_n contain_v in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o this_o latter_a there_o be_v none_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o accomplish_v scholar_n if_o he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o this_o book_n next_o to_o the_o infallible_a record_n of_o both_o testament_n the_o first_o and_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n call_v for_o our_o esteem_n and_o enquiry_n antiquity_n in_o monument_n be_v venerable_a in_o religion_n it_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o so_o prescription_n corroborate_v the_o civil_a right_n and_o tenor_n i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o fortify_v the_o ecclesiastical_a luther_n and_o calvin_n be_v great_a name_n and_o will_v ever_o be_v so_o in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o ought_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o veil_n to_o those_o great_a and_o early_o light_n of_o the_o church_n ignatius_n justin_n martyr_n irenâ—â—us_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v what_o defection_n there_o be_v from_o the_o truth_n what_o be_v the_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o the_o virgin_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v almost_o deface_v by_o they_o especial_o from_o those_o that_o be_v the_o learned_a apologist_n in_o those_o time_n and_o afterward_o who_o assert_v christianity_n against_o the_o jew_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pagan_n on_o the_o other_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n discover_v what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o authentic_a and_o what_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n shall_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v defend_v and_o vindicated_n by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o first_o defender_n they_o be_v so_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n three_o to_o read_v i_o must_v necessary_o adjoin_v meditation_n both_o which_o perform_v by_o due_a turn_v be_v
proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n experiment_n concern_v himself_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n say_v he_o than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n psal._n cxix_o 99_o i_o find_v a_o mighty_a increase_n and_o advance_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n because_o i_o use_v myself_o to_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n on_o those_o heavenly_a and_o sublime_a truth_n and_o thereby_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o penetrate_v into_o the_o profound_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o to_o discern_v those_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o after_o many_o seasonable_a instruction_n and_o precept_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n his_o faithful_a assistant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o adjoin_v this_o which_o be_v of_o as_o great_a use_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n 1_o tim._n four_o 15._o and_o so_o again_o after_o several_a pious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n he_o add_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v 2_o tim._n two_o 7._o which_o advice_n reach_v all_o of_o timothy_n character_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v revolve_v these_o thing_n often_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o let_v this_o charge_n which_o i_o leave_v with_o you_o be_v continual_o in_o your_o thought_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o think_v and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o man_n but_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a qualification_n in_o a_o public_a instructor_n in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o amend_v and_o rectify_v the_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o improvement_n and_o excellency_n in_o our_o ministry_n we_o must_v not_o herd_n with_o the_o crowd_n but_o retire_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v converse_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thereby_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ourselves_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o four_o another_o way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o excel_v in_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v or_o as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o prophesy_v he_o give_v this_o the_o precedence_n to_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n which_o he_o mention_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n covet_v earnest_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v this_o be_v that_o endowment_n which_o according_a to_o he_o make_v most_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v this_o gift_n which_o i'm_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o complicate_v office_n and_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o first_o the_o inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o set_v they_o into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n â—_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
barbarian_n be_v the_o disagreeing_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n socrates_n particular_o observe_v this_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o clergy_n persecute_v other_o dissent_v christian_n the_o goth_n and_o longobard_n invade_v italy_n the_o four_o century_n have_v abound_v with_o schism_n and_o faction_n as_o well_o as_o heresy_n and_o behold_v as_o the_o effect_n as_o well_o as_o recompense_n of_o these_o the_o five_o century_n labour_v under_o a_o other_o sort_n of_o plague_n viz._n the_o irruption_n of_o those_o savage_n partly_o pagan_n and_o partly_o arian_n who_o miserable_o persecute_v the_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o italy_n spain_n france_n and_o other_o country_n the_o church_n may_v just_o ascribe_v this_o to_o their_o own_o home-division_n those_o dreadful_a thing_n it_o be_v probable_a have_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o be_v shatter_v and_o distract_v among_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v not_o swarm_v with_o various_a opinion_n and_o fill_v every_o place_n with_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n if_o they_o have_v not_o mangle_v and_o corrupt_v many_o head_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o their_o bishop_n have_v not_o be_v haughty_a and_o proud_a and_o not_o only_o despise_v and_o vilify_v their_o inferior_a brethren_n but_o likewise_o have_v jar_v with_o one_o another_o in_o short_a if_o both_o governor_n and_o people_n have_v not_o be_v give_v to_o tear_v and_o rend_v among_o themselves_o and_o if_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n have_v not_o possess_v they_o beyond_o all_o exorcism_n thus_o it_o happen_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o five_o century_n again_o to_o touch_v upon_o a_o other_o coast_n of_o history_n when_o in_o arabia_n fellix_fw-la and_o syria_n and_o the_o adjoin_a country_n several_a sect_n and_o party_n of_o christian_n have_v spring_v up_o as_o melchites_n maronites_n eutychian_o nestorian_n monothelites_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o that_o very_a arabia_n but_o no_o long_o to_o be_v call_v the_o happy_a appear_v the_o grand_a impostor_n mahomet_n he_o and_o his_o successor_n get_v up_o and_o gain_v ground_n not_o only_o there_o but_o in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o party_n which_o be_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o whilst_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n and_o constantinople_n unchristian_o contend_v about_o priority_n and_o such_o like_a point_n the_o turk_n come_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n this_o be_v now_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o the_o mahometan_a empire_n arise_v from_o the_o contention_n in_o the_o east_n when_o the_o church_n be_v tear_v asunder_o with_o the_o arian_n and_o manichean_a doctrine_n for_o this_o dissension_n breed_v in_o many_o man_n a_o hatred_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o and_o then_o any_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n especial_o if_o grateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n can_v not_o but_o be_v easy_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v be_v it_o not_o fad_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o vile_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n that_o of_o mahometism_n be_v foster_v and_o set_v forward_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o afterward_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o the_o greek_a church_n be_v divide_v within_o itself_o into_o armeniâ—ns_n georgian_n jacobite_v &c._n &c._n it_o be_v oppress_v by_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n and_o quite_o overrun_v by_o they_o their_o own_o division_n arm_v these_o people_n against_o they_o their_o quarrel_n among_o themselves_o put_v weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o help_v they_o to_o vanquish_v they_o to_o make_v this_o reflection_n the_o more_o authentic_a i_o will_v give_v it_o you_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o 2._o one_o of_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n where_o after_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o dissension_n of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a christian_n be_v very_o much_o promote_v by_o the_o quarrel_n about_o image_n the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o so_o that_o when_o the_o saracen_n first_o and_o afterward_o the_o turk_n invade_v the_o christian_n the_o one_o part_n of_o christendom_n will_v not_o help_v the_o other_o by_o reason_n whereof_o at_o last_o the_o noble_a empire_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o city_n imperial_a constantinople_n be_v lose_v and_o come_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o immediate_o after_o thus_o a_o sea_n of_o mischief_n be_v bring_v in_o a_o horrible_a schism_n between_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n church_n a_o hatred_n between_o one_o christian_n and_o another_o counsel_n against_o counsel_n church_n against_o church_n christian_n against_o christian_n prince_n against_o prince_n at_o last_o the_o tear_n in_o sunder_o of_o christendom_n and_o the_o empire_n in_o two_o piece_n till_o the_o infidel_n saracen_n and_o turk_n common_a enemy_n to_o both_o part_n have_v most_o cruel_o vanquish_v destroy_v and_o subdue_v the_o one_o part_n and_o have_v win_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o the_o other_o empire_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a in_o dreadful_a fear_n and_o most_o horrible_a danger_n still_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o be_o upon_o i_o may_v remind_n you_o that_o the_o discord_n of_o christian_n be_v it_o which_o lose_v jerusalem_n after_o it_o have_v be_v hold_v by_o they_o successive_o a_o long_a time_n after_o it_o have_v cost_v they_o so_o much_o blood_n in_o their_o several_a expedition_n and_o crusade_n the_o saracen_n strength_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n accrue_v by_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o europe_n when_o the_o holy_a war_n be_v turn_v into_o civil_a dissension_n and_o as_o turcism_n arise_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o dissension_n of_o christian_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o popery_n have_v the_o same_o rise_v and_o advance_v for_o there_o be_v abundant_a history_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a that_o by_o division_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n those_o corruption_n first_o creep_v in_o especial_o by_o reaso_n of_o the_o dissension_n among_o christian_a emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n the_o papal_a religion_n arrive_v to_o what_o it_o be_v for_o whenever_o these_o fall_v out_o with_o one_o another_o the_o pope_n stand_v ready_a to_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o and_o they_o always_o thereby_o increase_v and_o advance_v their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o consequent_o the_o papal_a cause_n i_o may_v leave_v christendom_n and_o travel_v as_o far_o as_o china_n and_o show_v you_o that_o vast_a and_o spacious_a kingdom_n which_o above_o 4000_o year_n together_o enjoy_v a_o uninterrupted_a peace_n and_o know_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o use_v of_o arm_n to_o defend_v their_o country_n which_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v say_v beside_o they_o at_o last_o the_o occasion_n of_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o long_a tranquillity_n be_v sinarum_fw-la the_o discord_n of_o this_o kingdom_n among_o themselves_o the_o division_n and_o inflammation_n within_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n occasion_v by_o usurper_n of_o the_o throne_n which_o be_v follow_v with_o the_o irruption_n of_o the_o scythian_n and_o asiatick_n tartar_n upon_o they_o who_o in_o those_o unhappy_a circumstance_n get_v the_o better_a of_o they_o and_o after_o a_o long_a and_o bloody_a war_n possess_v that_o kingdom_n the_o wealthy_a and_o most_o populous_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o to_o this_o day_n be_v master_n of_o it_o and_o now_o when_o we_o be_v travel_v we_o may_v visit_v the_o famous_a country_n of_o the_o abyssine_n or_o ethiopia_n a_o large_a kingdom_n in_o africa_n but_o late_o shrink_v into_o a_o lesser_a compass_n and_o almost_o abyss_n lay_v waist_n by_o the_o native_n of_o the_o place_n some_o of_o they_o have_v turn_v state-rebel_n and_o other_o set_v on_o by_o the_o jesuit_n fight_v on_o a_o religious_a account_n but_o i_o will_v not_o wander_v so_o far_o but_o come_v home_o to_o ourselves_o and_o prosecute_v the_o argument_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n they_o be_v the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o ancient_a britain_n which_o tempt_v julius_n caesar_n to_o invade_v this_o island_n at_o first_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o roman_n come_v hither_o and_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o britain_n be_v conquer_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o most_o credible_a historian_n that_o our_o ancestor_n a_o very_a warlike_a and_o valiant_a people_n be_v vanquish_v rather_o by_o the_o perfidiousness_n of_o their_o own_o androgeus_n and_o the_o quarrel_n of_o other_o among_o themselves_o than_o by_o the_o valour_n and_o force_n of_o the_o invader_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o julius_n caesar_n be_v invite_v over_o by_o that_o androgeus_n who_o at_o that_o time_n quarrel_v with_o
cassibelan_n and_o other_o great_a man_n and_o so_o caesar_n fight_v and_o overcome_v and_o make_v this_o island_n tributary_n to_o rome_n though_o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v not_o present_o effect_v but_o after_o several_a assault_n for_o the_o britain_n who_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o the_o roman_a legion_n in_o valour_n repulse_v they_o at_o first_o and_o caesar_n flee_v from_o britain_n of_o this_o juncture_n of_o affair_n tacitus_n speak_v acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o britain_n fall_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n and_o can_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o resist_v the_o common_a danger_n agricolae_fw-la so_o whilst_o they_o fight_v divide_v they_o be_v joint_o defeat_v and_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o never_o be_v any_o great_a enemy_n enter_v this_o kingdom_n but_o when_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o distraction_n at_o home_n whether_o other_o nation_n be_v invite_v over_o hither_o or_o invade_v we_o it_o be_v always_o occasion_v by_o dissension_n among_o ourselves_o there_o different_a people_n successive_o take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o overrun_v our_o country_n when_o our_o bicker_n and_o digladiation_n be_v great_a in_o our_o own_o bowel_n it_o be_v this_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o saxon_n to_o invade_v this_o land_n or_o if_o you_o will_v rather_o to_o our_o ancestor_n to_o call_v they_o in_o for_o the_o pict_n who_o be_v the_o old_a barbarous_a britain_n be_v divide_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o hold_v confederacy_n with_o the_o scot_n therefore_o gildas_n express_o show_v that_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a council_n of_o send_v for_o the_o saxon_n to_o come_v and_o assist_v they_o be_v their_o disagreement_n and_o contention_n among_o themselves_o the_o southern_a and_o northern_a inhabitant_n be_v at_o odds_o which_o move_v vortigern_n the_o head_n of_o the_o native_n at_o that_o time_n to_o send_v for_o those_o saxon_n who_o come_v over_o and_o miserable_o requite_v the_o britain_n for_o the_o care_n they_o show_v to_o they_o and_o the_o kind_a entertainment_n they_o give_v they_o and_o with_o many_o and_o long_a battle_n make_v this_o land_n a_o place_n of_o slaughter_n ravage_n and_o bloodshed_n and_o afterward_o these_o very_a saxon_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v amends_o for_o all_o their_o violence_n and_o mischief_n by_o the_o ardent_a zeal_n which_o they_o show_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v preach_v among_o they_o by_o their_o build_n of_o church_n and_o religious_a house_n by_o their_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o by_o their_o care_n to_o propagate_v and_o spread_v the_o christian_a religion_n these_o noble_a convert_v who_o flourish_v under_o their_o heptarchy_n so_o long_o a_o time_n be_v ruin_v at_o length_n by_o their_o intestine_a broil_n and_o war_n as_o our_o britâ—n_n learned_a antiquary_n observe_v and_o if_o you_o consult_v our_o chronicle_n you_o will_v find_v that_o nothing_o give_v the_o dane_n and_o norman_n more_o advantage_n against_o our_o predecessor_n than_o their_o division_n and_o quarrel_n among_o themselves_o in_o brief_a the_o former_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o nation_n immediate_o foregoing_a the_o several_a devastation_n by_o foreign_a invasion_n have_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o circumstance_n too_o near_o a_o alliance_n and_o correspondence_n with_o our_o present_a time_n i_o pray_v god_n avert_v the_o omen_n and_o let_v we_o endeavour_v for_o now_o i_o be_o come_v to_o turn_v my_o history_n into_o application_n let_v we_o i_o say_v endeavour_v to_o avert_v it_o by_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n we_o can_v use_v that_o be_v by_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o by_o promote_a love_n and_o goodwill_n among_o one_o another_o this_o be_v the_o practical_a inference_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o certain_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o preach_v and_o practise_v this_o due_o there_o be_v now_o more_o especial_o we_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o people_n divide_v against_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a prodigy_n that_o we_o have_v not_o have_v our_o final_a downfall_n before_o this_o but_o now_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o stand_v any_o long_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o division_n and_o persist_v in_o our_o mutual_a antipathy_n let_v we_o then_o in_o this_o our_o day_n know_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o let_v we_o agree_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o community_n and_o banish_v all_o dissension_n and_o animosity_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a common_a and_o trite_a subject_n but_o assure_v yourselves_o that_o at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a one_o that_o a_o preacher_n can_v entertain_v you_o with_o for_o on_o the_o speedy_a practice_n of_o this_o depend_v all_o your_o safety_n all_o your_o security_n all_o your_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n if_o you_o neglect_v this_o you_o plunge_v yourselves_o into_o ruin_n but_o if_o you_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o attend_v to_o it_o you_o contribute_v towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o nation_n towards_o the_o last_a prosperity_n of_o the_o public_a amphion_n be_v say_v in_o a_o poetic_a rant_v to_o have_v build_v the_o wall_n of_o thebes_n by_o help_n of_o his_o music_n but_o it_o be_v no_o fiction_n but_o a_o solid_a truth_n that_o harmony_n and_o concord_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o encompass_v it_o with_o more_o firm_a and_o durable_a one_o than_o those_o of_o brass_n which_o the_o fame_a friar_n as_o it_o be_v say_v vain_o boa_v he_o will_v environ_v england_n with_o let_v we_o then_o cast_v away_o all_o unbecoming_a disgust_n and_o grudge_n at_o one_o another_o and_o though_o we_o be_v a_o island_n and_o divide_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o not_o be_v dissever_v and_o divide_v from_o ourselves_o let_v we_o love_n as_o brother_n and_o acknowledge_v none_o to_o be_v our_o enemy_n but_o such_o as_o we_o know_v be_v implacable_a enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v those_o who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o rob_v we_o of_o that_o which_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n and_o to_o urge_v this_o effectual_o upon_o you_o i_o will_v offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n to_o you_o one_a consider_v the_o scandal_n of_o our_o division_n it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o nourish_v so_o many_o feud_n and_o disturbance_n among_o we_o for_o the_o bless_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n pronounce_v the_o peacemaker_n bless_v and_o make_v love_n and_o peace_n the_o honourable_a badge_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o excellent_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n lead_v to_o these_o and_o that_o christianity_n itself_o inculcate_n nothing_o more_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o but_o not_o only_o thus_o in_o general_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n as_o we_o be_v protestant_n we_o be_v under_o a_o strict_a obligation_n of_o mutual_a amity_n and_o agreement_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n among_o other_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n glory_n in_o first_o that_o they_o perfect_o agree_v among_o themselves_o second_o that_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v divide_v and_o break_v out_o into_o passionate_a heat_n and_o contest_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o their_o boast_v we_o can_v denâ—â—_n though_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a part_n it_o must_v be_v say_v and_o that_o with_o equal_a truth_n that_o they_o have_v their_o division_n and_o party_n no_o less_o than_o we_o as_o i_o can_v easy_o prove_v if_o i_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o do_v it_o but_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o be_v at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o that_o be_v they_o perfect_o agree_v to_o oppose_v the_o protestant_a cause_n they_o consult_v together_o with_o one_o consent_n and_o be_v confederate_a against_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prop_n and_o preservative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o buoy_n up_o the_o whole_a papal_a interest_n viz._n their_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o their_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n viz._n with_o relation_n to_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n that_o we_o shall_v learn_v of_o they_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o do_v not_o our_o own_o reason_n necessity_n and_o the_o cause_n itself_o require_v that_o we_o maintain_v a_o entire_a concord_n must_v we_o go_v to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n to_o be_v teach_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o point_n this_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o i_o can_v mention_v it_o without_o a_o peculiar_a disdain_n and_o regret_n nor_o can_v
certainty_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o but_o still_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sundry_a evangelical_n truth_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o some_o person_n for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o that_o quality_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o surmount_v and_o baffle_v the_o utmost_a efforr_v of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n in_o another_o place_n col._n 2._o 2._o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n or_o rather_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o the_o like_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o because_o of_o these_o sublime_a truth_n christianity_n itself_o have_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n give_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v find_v it_o can_v not_o create_v wonder_n that_o the_o socinian_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o alone_a contend_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o call_v a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n for_o here_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v assert_v for_o the_o word_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o person_n god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n who_o be_v both_o father_n and_o christ_n and_o consequent_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v very_a god_n as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v deny_v the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o too_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o text_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n col._n 4._o 3._o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o stile_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o apostle_n express_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o he_o request_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o colossian_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n to_o speak_v this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n i.e._n free_o and_o open_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v further_a from_o what_o follow_v next_o for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n that_o be_v a_o sufferer_n a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o preach_v the_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n here_o any_o otherwise_o than_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v then_o preach_v by_o this_o apostle_n this_o be_v mysterious_a and_o hide_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n inexplicable_a so_o again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v i.e._n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n the_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o here_o with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o that_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o in_o that_o text_n on_o which_o i_o find_v the_o present_a discourse_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o on_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o â—_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
enjoin_v we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n will_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o these_o man_n allow_v of_o this_o as_o just_a and_o rational_a and_o advise_v that_o our_o natural_a desire_n and_o propension_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o our_o saviour_n command_n he_o be_v our_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o master_n and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o show_v themselves_o partial_a in_o deny_v it_o reasonable_a to_o submit_v the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o faculty_n to_o look_v to_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n as_o there_o be_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o the_o elective_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v content_a to_o surrender_v this_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n why_o be_v they_o against_o subject_v the_o other_o to_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o discovery_n if_o it_o be_v commendable_a to_o curb_v and_o moderate_v the_o concupiscible_a or_o irascible_a part_n why_o not_o also_o to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o perceptive_a if_o the_o will_n must_v be_v check_v why_o must_v the_o intellect_n be_v leave_v uncontrollable_a if_o they_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o former_a power_n in_o they_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o measure_v not_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o latter_a by_o the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v they_o deem_v it_o proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o humane_a mind_n to_o vail_v the_o first_o to_o the_o express_a injunction_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o as_o requisite_a to_o submit_v the_o second_o to_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n why_o do_v they_o not_o abandon_v their_o own_o weak_a sentiment_n about_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n why_o do_v they_o not_o renounce_v their_o private_a surmise_n their_o shallow_a arguing_n their_o sophistical_a ratiocination_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n why_o be_v they_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o deficiency_n and_o indigence_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o contractedness_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o why_o do_v they_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n adore_v the_o divine_a perfection_n why_o do_v they_o not_o inure_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o inspiration_n and_o believe_v what_o be_v unintelligible_a particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n why_o do_v they_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n why_o do_v they_o prescribe_v to_o heaven_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o weak_a conception_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v their_o mere_a natural_a notion_n and_o principle_n truckle_n to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o bring_v their_o reason_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o come_v here_o with_o their_o old_a cry_n and_o cavil_n that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o some_o other_o that_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n and_o be_v impossibility_n as_o their_o language_n be_v we_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_v they_o with_o this_o that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n talk_v after_o this_o rate_n because_o they_o can_v pronounce_v that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o can_v reach_v with_o their_o reason_n they_o can_v say_v be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o doom_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v contradictory_n when_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o so_o for_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v rash_a folly_n to_o determine_v it_o can_v be_v when_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o transcendent_a nature_n of_o it_o when_o the_o mode_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o like_a article_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v mystery_n therefore_o let_v not_o these_o man_n think_v to_o amuse_v and_o banter_n we_o as_o they_o will_v needs_o do_v with_o â—alking_v of_o contradiction_n impossibility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v term_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o request_n of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v under_o this_o head_n for_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o bright_a truth_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o entertain_v this_o one_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o to_o keep_v a_o discipline_n over_o their_o understanding_n as_o over_o their_o will_n that_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o be_v mention_v as_o part_v of_o man_n depravity_n and_o alienation_n from_o his_o first_o make_n that_o 29._o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n i._n e._n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v curious_a excogitation_n quaint_a arguing_n fanciful_a reason_n these_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v greedy_o seek_v out_o and_o pursue_v by_o vain_a man_n but_o where_o the_o true_a force_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n prevail_v there_o they_o 5._o cast_v down_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n every_o proud_a conceit_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n i._n e._n every_o corrupt_a notion_n and_o conception_n which_o usurp_v upon_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o false_a argumentation_n and_o debate_n about_o the_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v above_o or_o beyond_o what_o divine_a revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o but_o we_o must_v resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o appeal_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v the_o sagacious_a gentleman_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a will_v grant_v that_o some_o vulgar_a head_n among_o who_o perhaps_o they_o will_v reckon_v the_o foresay_a apostle_n have_v favour_v the_o restrain_v and_o limit_v of_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o will_v this_o pass_v current_n they_o may_v say_v with_o those_o that_o be_v vote_v for_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o wit_n will_v it_o be_v admit_v by_o man_n of_o keen_a apprehension_n man_n of_o judgement_n and_o philosophy_n yes_o most_o sure_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v the_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n and_o the_o great_a des_fw-mi cartes_n into_o that_o number_n the_o former_a of_o who_o have_v leave_v these_o remarkable_a word_n 9_o god_n sovereignty_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o latter_a express_v himself_o thus_o and_o though_o some_o may_v think_v it_o be_v speak_v in_o politic_a compliance_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n and_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n 7._o we_o must_v say_v he_o always_o and_o chief_o remember_v this_o that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o altogether_o finite_a so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n concern_v himself_o or_o other_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o natural_a strength_n of_o our_o wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n or_o trinity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v they_o and_o again_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o philosophical_a principle_n he_o have_v leave_v
to_o defame_v libel_n and_o blaspheme_v christianity_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o make_v void_a their_o faith_n but_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n submission_n to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n by_o a_o free_a resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o article_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o attest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o infallible_a write_n which_o even_a reason_n itself_o dictate_v to_o be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o perplex_v and_o mysterious_a nor_o do_v this_o introduce_v a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n defend_v for_o when_o we_o resign_v up_o our_o judgement_n to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o they_o which_o make_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a proselyte_n who_o be_v bid_v to_o swallow_v down_o whatever_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o crude_a method_n prescribe_v we_o be_v to_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o see_v since_o the_o revolt_n and_o original_a depravation_n of_o man_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o revelation_n to_o direct_v we_o right_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n in_o those_o point_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n which_o be_v divine_o inspire_v this_o principle_n in_o we_o assure_v we_o that_o though_o we_o can_v full_o explain_v these_o thing_n by_o reason_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o notwithstanding_o those_o point_n seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o be_v whole_o and_o entire_o we_o those_o grand_a article_n which_o our_o antagonist_n renounce_v be_v find_v there_o particular_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a and_o celebrate_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v one_o will_v think_v it_o may_v suffice_v that_o this_o be_v so_o direct_o so_o plain_o so_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v three_o express_o name_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divinity_n be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o to_o be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o these_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n be_v one_o entire_a indivisible_a essence_n be_v a_o ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n yet_o though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o socinian_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o brag_v that_o they_o be_v a_o 9_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n when_o it_o absolute_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o that_o learned_a writer_n who_o i_o before_o quote_v who_o have_v the_o repute_n even_o among_o these_o man_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o sense_n speak_v of_o they_o he_o 6._o thus_o express_v himself_o their_o opinion_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o christianity_n itself_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o express_a than_o that_o viz._n the_o trinity_n in_o those_o write_n and_o therefore_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o deny_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o they_o will_v pretend_v they_o can_v interpret_v thing_n there_o so_o as_o to_o evade_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o think_v they_o may_v evade_v any_o and_o so_o still_o the_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n and_o signify_v nothing_o which_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v very_o weighty_a word_n and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o our_o adversary_n because_o they_o come_v from_o one_o of_o a_o large_a compass_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o these_o gentleman_n pretend_v much_o to_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o too_o if_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o also_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o all_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n that_o have_v have_v a_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o steady_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o jesus_n and_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n