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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
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 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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
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 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sermon_n on_o special_a occasion_n and_o subject_n viz_o a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n that_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n how_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o excel_v that_o decay_n of_o trade_n be_v the_o product_n of_o vice_n war_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a on_o just_a occasion_n the_o danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a edward_n earl_n of_o orford_n viscount_n barfleur_n baron_n of_o shingey_n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n my_o lord_n all_z true_a english_a man_n 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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 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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 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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
this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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truth_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o test._n by_o these_o standard_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o seducer_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o adulterate_a if_o we_o will_v sincere_o follow_v these_o rule_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n among_o we_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o will_v faithful_o take_v these_o measure_n i.e._n always_o be_v rule_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o agree_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o assert_v in_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n will_v vanish_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o pilate_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o another_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o 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a_o curious_a and_o close_a enquiry_n but_o this_o be_v most_o true_a that_o modesty_n be_v the_o most_o commendable_a virtue_n here_o theâ—doret_n say_v well_o genes_n i_o think_v it_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v peremptory_o concern_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n deliver_v nothing_o plain_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o deliver_v all_o thing_n with_o equal_a evidence_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n plain_a and_o demonstrable_a or_o why_o be_v we_o angry_a if_o other_o think_v some_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o those_o word_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o one_o of_o st._n ierom_n epistle_n be_v admirable_a and_o be_v worth_a the_o observation_n of_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v student_n of_o divinity_n perscrutamur_fw-la when_o we_o search_v say_v he_o with_o too_o much_o nicety_n and_o curiosity_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o know_v but_o have_v purposely_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o 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plain_a yet_o wrangle_a head_n will_v fall_v a_o dispute_v and_o make_v way_n for_o error_n by_o that_o mean_n and_o here_o it_o be_v their_o way_n common_o to_o make_v use_n of_o one_o or_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o oppose_v they_o against_o a_o whole_a heap_n of_o other_o text_n the_o old_a heretic_n those_o interfectores_fw-la vâ—ritatis_fw-la as_o tertullian_n call_v they_o those_o murderer_n and_o assasine_n of_o truth_n frequent_o use_v this_o way_n praxeam_n a_o few_o text_n yea_o sometime_o a_o single_a one_o shall_v serve_v to_o baffle_v a_o great_a number_n it_o may_v be_v show_v in_o particular_a instance_n how_o erroneous_a doctrine_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o man_n attend_v to_o one_o or_o a_o very_a few_o place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o several_a and_o divers_a text_n which_o look_v another_o way_n nay_o not_o only_o a_o few_o text_n but_o those_o also_o which_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a 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its_o self_n as_o that_o excellent_a person_n resurrectione_n say_v in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v a_o useful_a rule_n therefore_o of_o st._n austin_n 9_o to_o explain_v obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o use_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o by_o the_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n of_o some_o let_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o other_o be_v take_v away_o this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o we_o when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o when_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o some_o controversy_n which_o arise_v thence_o but_o alas_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v ruffle_v and_o entangle_v by_o wilful_a mistake_v and_o dispute_v wherein_o it_o be_v common_a to_o wrest_v the_o word_n and_o to_o oppose_v one_o part_n of_o they_o to_o another_o instead_o of_o adjust_v the_o whole_a matter_n by_o a_o fair_a reconcilement_n to_o instance_n nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n than_o this_o that_o he_o have_v full_o decree_v and_o 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serious_a and_o weighty_a doctrine_n iii_o it_o happen_v by_o the_o luxuriancy_n of_o busy_a brain_n that_o many_o inquiry_n in_o religion_n be_v nice_a and_o subtle_n overcurious_a and_o trifle_a and_o as_o for_o these_o they_o be_v below_o the_o verdict_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o erasâ—us_n one_o observe_v about_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a so_o soon_o have_v they_o learn_v to_o be_v acquaint_v in_o their_o divinity_n and_o that_o about_o the_o high_a point_n of_o it_o and_o other_o subtle_a head_n since_o that_o time_n such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o schoolman_n have_v trouble_v the_o world_n with_o their_o fruitless_a speculation_n their_o foolish_a and_o unlearned_a question_n their_o fond_a and_o sapless_a notion_n and_o these_o and_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v truth_n by_o some_o person_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o great_a name_n a_o man_n may_v be_v 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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 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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 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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
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
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 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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 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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 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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
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 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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
and_o not_o to_o answer_v or_o account_v for_o all_o his_o matter_n as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o though_o we_o demand_v a_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v because_o as_o it_o be_v right_o suggest_v by_o the_o same_o pious_a observer_n god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n v_o 12._o he_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o nature_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unsufferable_a boldness_n to_o search_v into_o his_o divine_a secret_n and_o to_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n we_o hence_o be_v effectual_o teach_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o one_o of_o we_o that_o his_o essence_n and_o property_n be_v of_o a_o immense_a and_o unsearchable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o even_o concern_v visible_a and_o natural_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o ancientsâ—peaks_v â—peaks_z thus_o antioch_n if_o any_o of_o they_o surpass_v your_o understanding_n and_o you_o can_v find_v out_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o then_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n glorify_v the_o creator_n because_o his_o transcendent_a wisdom_n show_v in_o these_o thing_n exceed_v your_o apprehension_n much_o more_o than_o may_v we_o nay_o ought_v we_o to_o pronounce_v the_o same_o concern_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n the_o transcendent_a nature_n of_o they_o discover_v a_o wisdom_n much_o more_o so_o this_o be_v a_o convictive_a proof_n to_o sober_a and_o thoughtful_a mind_n that_o god_n be_v great_a and_o wise_a above_o what_o humane_a intellect_n can_v conceive_v this_o then_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o of_o the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o immediate_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o render_v divine_a truth_n more_o venerable_a by_o their_o obscurity_n we_o may_v say_v and_o that_o true_o with_o a_o learned_a christian_a philosopher_n that_o the_o syne_n darkness_n of_o these_o sacred_a thing_n and_o our_o ignorance_n concern_v they_o be_v useful_a to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v the_o reverence_n and_o majesty_n of_o they_o if_o the_o sacred_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o capricious_a reason_n of_o vain_a man_n if_o we_o can_v exact_o fathom_v all_o the_o depth_n of_o divinity_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v that_o superlative_a admiration_n and_o regard_n for_o they_o which_o they_o deserve_v and_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o lay_v they_o open_a do_v in_o reality_n undervalue_v they_o and_o lower_v the_o excellency_n of_o they_o we_o have_v reason_n therefore_o 〈◊〉_d think_v that_o it_o be_v design_v by_o heaven_n that_o the_o abstruseness_n of_o divine_a matter_n shall_v inhanse_v our_o esteem_n of_o they_o and_o render_v they_o in_o our_o apprehension_n what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o august_n great_a and_o venerable_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v not_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n convey_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o be_v thus_o obscure_a and_o exalt_v above_o our_o natural_a light_n but_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o admire_v and_o reverence_v they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o i._n e._n because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o transcendent_a a_o nature_n 3._o this_o likewise_o may_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o not_o only_o our_o estimation_n and_o reverence_n but_o our_o diligence_n and_o sedulity_n shall_v be_v excite_v by_o this_o mean_n for_o though_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o these_o profound_a matter_n and_o though_o we_o be_v forbid_v a_o bold_a and_o saucy_a pry_n into_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v always_o something_o gain_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a search_v into_o they_o and_o by_o a_o industrious_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n into_o the_o holy_a oracle_n where_o these_o infallible_a dictate_v be_v for_o as_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o perplex_v to_o check_v our_o negligence_n and_o oscitancy_n our_o carelessness_n end_n unconcernedness_n and_o to_o rouse_v our_o industry_n and_o encourage_v our_o pain_n and_o study_n for_o those_o portion_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v contain_v will_v abundant_o employ_v these_o and_o recompense_v our_o labour_n even_o on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v fit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o mystery_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n 4._o the_o chief_a and_o grand_a reason_n to_o be_v assign_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o which_o i_o will_v more_o ample_o insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o render_v they_o mysterious_a and_o difficult_a for_o thing_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o finite_a understanding_n such_o be_v god_n such_o be_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o such_o be_v those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o which_o immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o godhead_n itself_o and_o its_o attribute_n or_o the_o divine_a person_n subsist_v in_o the_o godhead_n or_o more_o particular_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a undertake_n for_o we_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v have_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o discover_v they_o and_o now_o when_o they_o be_v discover_v they_o be_v of_o that_o high_a and_o soar_a nature_n that_o no_o humane_a creature_n can_v reach_v they_o they_o be_v of_o that_o tower_a pitch_n that_o they_o be_v above_o all_o finite_a intellect_n more_o especial_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v above_o be_v describe_v which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o for_o if_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v not_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v therefore_o he_o that_o expect_v this_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v clear_a fancy_n a_o impossibility_n both_o as_o to_o the_o trinity_n itself_o and_o as_o to_o we_o for_o this_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a trin-vnity_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n unsearchable_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a understanding_n be_v much_o more_o so_o wherefore_o those_o proposition_n which_o belong_v to_o this_o infinite_a subject_n must_v needs_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o grasp_v these_o thing_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v of_o so_o elevate_v a_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v with_o reason_n imagine_v or_o expect_v this_o and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o from_o this_o one_o consideration_n which_o i_o will_v somewhat_o enlarge_v upon_o viz._n that_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a degree_n such_o as_o the_o common_a work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a world_n have_v raise_v great_a dispute_n and_o after_o all_o the_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o they_o remain_z still_o hide_v and_o obscure_a how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o obscurity_n a_o acute_a naturalist_n speak_v of_o thing_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n tell_v we_o 7._o that_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o science_n but_o content_v himself_o with_o bare_a guess_v for_o god_n say_v he_o have_v not_o lay_v open_v all_o thing_n to_o humane_a sight_n and_o perception_n there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o this_o great_a work_n which_o the_o wise_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v think_v good_a to_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n thus_o this_o great_a philosopher_n ingenuous_o own_v his_o ignorance_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o heaven_n that_o note_a and_o trite_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n or_o quality_n have_v pose_v all_o the_o learned_a head_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o one_o property_n of_o matter_n depend_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o geometry_n and_o all_o the_o mathematic_a art_n and_o science_n which_o above_o all_o other_o boast_v of_o their_o certainty_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o to_o this_o very_a day_n unanimous_o agree_v what_o the_o true_a scheme_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o universe_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v tell_v whereabout_o