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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n detect_v falsehood_n great_a 27 3 2.0640 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38031 Sermons on special occasions and subjects ... by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1698 (1698) Wing E211; ESTC R39657 221,769 511

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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 ●_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
of_o wealth_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n and_o just_a penalty_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o proclaim_v and_o open_v of_o a_o great_a fair._n ezek_n xxvii_o 27._o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o fair_n and_o thy_o merchandise_n thy_o mariner_n and_o thy_o pilot_n thy_o calker_n and_o the_o occupier_n of_o thy_o merchandise_n and_o all_o thy_o man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o company_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o ruin_n p._n 133_o serm._n vi_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o go_v to_o war_n on_o just_a occasion_n a_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o proclaim_v of_o the_o war_n against_o france_n gen._n xviii_o 14._o and_o when_o abram_n hear_v that_o his_o brother_n be_v take_v captive_a be_v arm_v his_o train_a servant_n bear_v in_o his_o own_o house_n three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o and_o pursue_v they_o unto_o dan_n pag._n 160_o serm._n vii_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o war._n a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_a day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o the_o implore_v god_n blessing_n on_o their_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n josh._n vii_o 12._o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n but_o turn_v their_o back_n before_o their_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v accurse_v neither_o will_v i_o be_v with_o you_o any_o more_o except_o you_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o you_o pag._n 192_o serm._n viii_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o sir_n john_n ho●blon_n late_a lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n mark_n iii_o 24._o and_o if_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o that_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v p._n 225_o serm._n ix_o x._o the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n in_o two_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o present_a excess_n in_o that_o kind_n 1_o tim_n ii_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shamefacedness_n and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n pag._n 257_o serm._n xi_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n and_o why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a socinian_n write_n which_o explode_v all_o christian_a mystery_n 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n pag._n 328_o serm._n xii_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n p._n 365_o errata_fw-la pag._n 11._o l._n 14._o r_o monstrous_a p._n 19_o l._n 27._o r._n of_o truth_n p._n 92._o l._n ult_n deal_n be_v p_o 142._o l._n 4._o r._n thence_o p._n 171._o l._n 20._o r._n one_o p._n 176._o l._n 12._o after_o blood_n inse●t_v a_o 〈◊〉_d point_n p._n 178._o l._n 1._o for_o on_o r._n to_o p._n 262._o l._n 2._o r._n there_o for_o their_o and_o their_o for_o the._n p._n 268._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 269._o l._n ult_n r._n muliebri_fw-la p._n 271._o l._n 12._o r._n restrain_v p._n 278._o l._n 5._o r._n gorgeous_a p._n 279._o l._n 2._o r._n exotic_a p._n 289._o l._n 18._o r._n supercilious_a p._n 304._o l._n 7._o r._n altum_fw-la p._n 322._o l._n 8._o r._n viand_n p._n 345._o l._n 22._o before_o which_o insert_v v_o 9_o p._n 351._o l._n 5._o r._n thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n cleanse_v and._n p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n give_v it_o p._n 389._o l._n 7._o r._n rarity_n with_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a which_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n ii_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n one_o signal_n circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n meritorious_a passion_n be_v that_o which_o we_o daily_o rehearse_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o he_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o true_o from_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v this_o person_n not_o only_o by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o other_o writer_n he_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o fit_a man_n for_o that_o execrable_a work_n of_o condemn_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n for_o who_o be_v more_o so_o than_o the_o covetous_a and_o greedy_a pilate_n who_o attempt_v to_o rob_v the_o temple_n and_o sacrilegious_o to_o rifle_n the_o 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be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n ●●e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d ●●ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o wh●●_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n sti●●y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o ●ollowers_n imagine_v ●hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o huma●e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o 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there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a idea_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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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 thu●_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 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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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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 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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 the●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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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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and_o capacious_a a_o sphere_n be_v some_o mean_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a dominion_n the_o vast_a influence_n which_o ruler_n have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o the_o great_a circumference_n they_o describe_v may_v entitle_v they_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o deity_n second_o more_o particular_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o rule_v on_o earth_n resemble_v one_o another_o in_o their_o action_n and_o employment_n viz._n in_o ruling_n and_o govern_v all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n in_o make_v and_o appoint_v law_n to_o that_o end_n in_o distribute_v of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n and_o in_o execute_v of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o say_v exo●_n theodoret_n judge_n be_v call_v god_n because_o they_o imitate_v god_n as_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o office_n of_o judge_v and_o orthodox_n justin_n martyr_n before_o he_o have_v word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o pagan_a jove_n be_v 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violence_n to_o they_o be_v to_o assault_v the_o deity_n to_o combat_n against_o heaven_n and_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o here_o then_o be_v a_o solid_a basis_n for_o obedience_n god_n have_v depute_a magistrate_n and_o make_v they_o his_o representative_n and_o communicate_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o they_o and_o by_o be_v good_a they_o do_v more_o signal_o resemble_v he_o whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o human_a authority_n be_v affront_v of_o god_n and_o despise_v even_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n then_o to_o study_n and_o practise_v obedience_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o thank_v god_n for_o good_a magistrate_n who_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n magistracy_n deserve_v a_o double_a veneration_n when_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o holiness_n second_o the_o magistrate_n no_o less_o than_o the_o people_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o text_n and_o in_o this_o discourse_n he_o may_v see_v here_o at_o once_o his_o eminency_n and_o his_o duty_n what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o and_o what_o he_o expect_v of_o he_o let_v the_o master_n of_o heraldry_n range_v all_o their_o title_n of_o honour_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o honourable_a one_o than_o this_o of_o go_n but_o as_o it_o carry_v honour_n with_o it_o so_o it_o bespeak_v a_o behaviour_n become_v that_o honour_n if_o any_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o title_n of_o god_n and_o vaunt_v of_o that_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v his_o duty_n he_o may_v remember_v that_o heathen_a idol_n be_v call_v god_n psal._n xcvi_o 5._o and_o satan_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o cor._n four_o 4._o ruler_n must_v deport_v themselves_o like_o god_n else_o they_o fond_o lay_v claim_n to_o that_o name_n they_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o name_n they_o bear_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n who_o deputy_n they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o high_a compliment_n which_o pliny_n pass_v upon_o trajan_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o panegyric_n viz._n that_o nothing_o great_a or_o better_o can_v be_v wish_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o that_o the_o god_n will_v imitate_v the_o emperor_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n without_o any_o strain_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o no_o great_a felicity_n can_v be_v wish_v to_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o that_o the_o god_n so_o style_v in_o my_o text_n will_v endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o king_n of_o king_n it_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n and_o a_o great_a solecism_n if_o those_o who_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n discover_v nothing_o of_o god_n or_o divinity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n if_o those_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n partake_v not_o of_o the_o godlike_a nature_n but_o rather_o of_o that_o which_o be_v diabolick_a remember_v that_o as_o you_o be_v depute_a by_o god_n so_o you_o must_v resemble_v he_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a you_o be_v his_o offspring_n more_o signal_o be_v mindful_a of_o your_o heavenly_a extraction_n and_o commit_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o it_o you_o that_o be_v governor_n must_v use_v your_o power_n for_o god_n for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_a of_o your_o power_n shall_v also_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o think_v not_o that_o the_o title_n give_v you_o here_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o empty_a thing_n the_o god_n which_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o must_v not_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o idol_n who_o as_o he_o say_v have_v eye_n but_o see_v not_o ear_n but_o hear_v not_o hand_n but_o handle_v not_o we_o have_v too_o many_o of_o such_o god_n as_o these_o in_o this_o nation_n how_o many_o magistrate_n sit_v with_o their_o arm_n across_o and_o study_v to_o do_v nothing_o how_o many_o gallio_n be_v there_o of_o this_o age_n which_o care_n for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o place_n the_o hebrew_n netzib_n word_n which_o signify_v a_o statue_n and_o a_o tomb_n signify_v also_o a_o precedent_n a_o governor_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o bear_v this_o latter_a chacter_n who_o be_v too_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o former_a though_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v public_a dispensers_n of_o justice_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v that_o office_n but_o rather_o give_v the_o neighbourhood_n to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v mere_a senseless_a statue_n and_o empty_a sepulcher_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a a_o christain_n magistrate_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o unactive_a in_o his_o place_n to_o be_v careless_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o sleep_v away_o his_o time_n as_o if_o the_o people_n of_o his_o province_n be_v as_o inconsiderable_a as_o the_o frog_n over_o who_o
king_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o vicegerent_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o injury_n as_o they_o be_v approve_v of_o and_o countenance_v by_o he_o so_o their_o opposer_n shall_v be_v baffle_v and_o punish_v and_o thus_o when_o nature_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o providence_n all_o join_v in_o one_o sound_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n thus_o establish_v concern_v both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o people_n first_o the_o people_n for_o as_o before_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o obedience_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o eminency_n of_o their_o superior_n so_o here_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n by_o this_o thought_n that_o magistracy_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n ruler_n be_v constitute_v by_o god_n god_n himself_o have_v say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v go_n both_o their_o name_n and_o office_n be_v reverend_a and_o honourable_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v they_o your_o utmost_a regard_v and_o respect_n you_o be_v lead_v to_o this_o duty_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o despise_v authority_n at_o the_o same_o time_n act_n against_o reason_n and_o abandon_v his_o understanding_n and_o you_o be_v conduct_v to_o it_o also_o by_o a_o divine_a warrant_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o therefore_o you_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o doctrine_n do_v more_o near_o concern_v the_o person_n who_o be_v in_o place_n and_o dignity_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v from_o what_o i_o have_v tender_v first_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o original_a and_o founder_n the_o god_n of_o god_n the_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_a controller_n of_o the_o world_n let_v not_o their_o title_n though_o it_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a make_v they_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o earthly_a god_n must_v do_v obeisance_n and_o homage_n to_o he_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n psal._n xcvi_o 4._o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o practice_n have_v prevail_v too_o much_o in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o we_o have_v abundant_a instance_n the_o first_o god_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v king_n and_o prince_n and_o great_a men._n nimrod_n the_o first_o monarch_n and_o sovereign_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v deify_v among_o they_o idolatry_n commence_v in_o monarchy_n the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o their_o king_n extort_a worship_n from_o their_o subject_n who_o admire_v and_o fear_v they_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n entail_v divinity_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o most_o of_o the_o pagan_a king_n of_o old_a to_o make_v themselves_o more_o venerable_a to_o their_o subject_n use_v to_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n from_o some_o god_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v take_v for_o real_a go_n thus_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o some_o of_o the_o roman●mperors_n ●mperors_z will_v have_v altar_n and_o image_n consecrate_a to_o they_o julius_n cesar_n begin_v it_o and_o after_o he_o the_o worst_a and_o vile_a emperor_n affect_v divine_a honour_n as_o nero_n caligula_n domitian_n and_o other_o and_o will_v public_o be_v style_v e●lix_fw-la go_n the_o jewish_a rabble_n applaud_v king_n herod_n cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n so_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o nero_n and_o suetonius_n of_o claudi●s_n that_o their_o voice_n be_v say_v to_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a julian_n join_v the_o effigy_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n with_o his_o own_o statue_n that_o they_o may_v pay_v reverence_n to_o the_o god_n and_o he_o together_o our_o lord_n god_n the_o pope_n have_v be_v a_o compliment_n sometime_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o lateran_n that_o he_o be_v style_v another_o god_n on_o earth_n but_o this_o language_n be_v unsufferable_a though_o the_o high_a power_n be_v god_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o they_o must_v not_o profane_o usurp_v that_o title_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n above_o they_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a god_n who_o regard_v not_o person_n deut._n x._o 17._o he_o be_v independent_a and_o uncontrollable_a and_o none_o else_o be_v they_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mistake_v their_o office_n if_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a say_v of_o king_n henry_n viii_o who_o at_o sir_n thomas_n more_o be_v first_o come_n to_o his_o service_n at_o court_n give_v he_o this_o godly_a lesson_n first_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o then_o after_o that_o unto_o i_o a_o advice_n well_o become_v a_o prince_n and_o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n which_o i_o be_o now_o press_v that_o trag._n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o the_o god_n and_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o la●●_n there_o be_v a_o great_a king_n who_o all_o king_n be_v under_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o and_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_a he_o and_o rebel_a against_o he_o for_o there_o be_v rebellious_a ruler_n as_o well_o as_o subject_n isai._n i_o 23._o thy_o prince_n be_v rebellious_a viz._n against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o they_o may_v be_v reminded_a from_o the_o premise_n not_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n but_o to_o expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n if_o by_o devout_a prayer_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o he_o will_v assure_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o employment_n he_o will_v vouchsafe_v they_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o will_v be_v their_o guardian_n and_o defender_n and_o those_o that_o rude_o touch_v they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o with_o impunity_n be_v encourage_v 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principle_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o preacher_n to_o beat_v down_o all_o immorality_n wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o to_o set_v up_o and_o promote_v whatever_o be_v virtuous_a and_o laudable_a and_o especial_o to_o advance_v the_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v more_o especial_o command_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o office_n when_o it_o be_v right_o discharge_v for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o esteem_n of_o employment_n be_v according_a to_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o to_o instance_n in_o other_o faculty_n he_o be_v the_o best_a la●yer_n that_o most_o successful_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o property_n and_o he_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n that_o save_v man_n life_n so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o be_v the_o best_a divine_a he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n that_o 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of_o time_n and_o be_v know_v to_o be_v great_a waster_n of_o your_o precious_a hour_n be_v a_o unsufferable_a impediment_n to_o religion_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v none_o here_o of_o a_o sober_a and_o stay_a mind_n but_o will_v relish_v what_o i_o have_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o particular_a moreover_o there_o be_v nothing_o take_v the_o mind_n off_o from_o serious_a thought_n so_o much_o as_o the_o vanity_n of_o attire_n those_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o this_o trouble_v not_o their_o head_n with_o the_o concern_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n the_o great_a work_n of_o dress_n be_v their_o main_a employment_n to_o be_v gay_a modish_a and_o trim_a to_o be_v fine_a brave_a and_o splendid_a be_v that_o which_o engross_v all_o their_o care_n and_o solicitude_n and_o thereby_o they_o be_v render_v unfit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o all_o religious_a exercise_n they_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o their_o present_a duty_n and_o 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pet._n 3._o 3_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o pious_a father_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n afterward_o esteem_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o like_a disorder_n and_o to_o reprimand_v it_o with_o great_a severity_n 11._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n with_o much_o ardency_n inveigh_v against_o the_o gaiety_n and_o vain_a adorn_v use_v by_o the_o woman_n in_o his_o time_n tertullian_n in_o two_o of_o his_o treatise_n pursue_v the_o same_o subject_n in_o the_o muliebri_fw-la former_a dissuade_v the_o woman_n from_o rich_a and_o gorgeous_a apparel_n in_o the_o 13._o latter_a declaim_v against_o false_a hair_n and_o paint_v and_o such_o like_a wanton_a usage_n which_o show_n as_o he_o say_v that_o ●_o they_o be_v displease_v with_o god_n workmanship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o mend_v it_o but_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a way_n for_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o art_n and_o invention_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n from_o st._n 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to_o erect_v here_o a_o stately_a pile_n of_o ornament_n to_o which_o that_o of_o 6._o juvenal_n refer_v tot_o adhuc_fw-la compagibus_fw-la altem_fw-la aedificat_fw-la caput_fw-la for_o he_o speak_v it_o of_o the_o woman_n of_o those_o day_n these_o be_v call_v turrita_fw-la capita_fw-la by_o festus_n and_o varro_n this_o mount_v headgear_n be_v call_v by_o lucan_n turrita_fw-la corona_fw-la because_o of_o its_o soaring-altitude_n and_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o be_v style_v by_o he_o turrita_fw-la frons_fw-la this_o be_v the_o dare_a pride_n which_o reign_v among_o our_o very_a ordinary_a woman_n at_o this_o day_n all_o their_o rig_n be_v nothing_o worth_a without_o this_o wag_n topmast_n they_o think_v themselves_o high_o advance_v by_o this_o climb_v foretop_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n endeavour_v as_o it_o be_v to_o add_v a_o cubit_n to_o their_o stature_n with_o their_o exalt_v head_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v attempt_n a_o superiority_n over_o mankind_n nay_o these_o babel-builder_n seem_v with_o their_o lofty_a tower_n to_o threaten_v the_o sky_n and_o even_o to_o defy_v ●arcellam_fw-la heaven_n itself_o but_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v uncontrolled_a if_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o religious_a writer_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n age_n some_o of_o who_o be_v martyr_n and_o confessor_n yea_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o own_o pious_a reformer_n in_o this_o nation_n who_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o freedom_n rebuke_v this_o vice_n in_o their_o time_n as_o the_o apparel_n homily_n on_o this_o subject_n testify_v and_o particular_o that_o passage_n in_o one_o of_o they_o the_o proud_a and_o haughty_a stomach_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o england_n be_v so_o maintain_v with_o divers_a disguise_a sort_n of_o costly_a apparel_n that_o there_o be_v leave_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o honest_a matron_n and_o a_o common_a strumpet_n if_o this_o be_v true_o and_o honest_o speak_v and_o command_v to_o be_v publish_v in_o those_o time_n sure_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v proclaim_v in_o we_o nay_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o a_o preacher_n can_v be_v faithful_a unless_o he_o discharge_v this_o part_n he_o must_v open_o declare_v his_o dislike_n of_o this_o indecent_a garb_n he_o must_v give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o rant_a and_o gaudy_a attire_n and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o england_n if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v give_v it_o another_o check_n if_o the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o spiritual_a power_n will_v show_v their_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o and_o herein_o true_o they_o will_v imitate_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a lawgiver_n and_o wise_a governor_n we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d inform_v that_o there_o be_v officer_n appoint_v heretofore_o at_o athens_n to_o oversee_v the_o apparel_n of_o the_o people_n that_o it_o may_v be_v modest_a grave_a and_o comely_a and_o where_o they_o find_v a_o default_n to_o punish_v the_o offender_n and_o more_o especial_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o overseer_n who_o take_v care_n of_o the_o attire_n of_o woman_n there_o be_v a_o sumptuary_n law_n make_v by_o numa_n pompilius_n to_o reform_v the_o excess_n in_o garment_n which_o be_v among_o the_o old_a roman_n and_o among_o these_o people_n afterward_o it_o be_v order_v that_o all_o person_n and_o their_o quality_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o habit_n our_o ancestor_n likewise_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o retrench_v the_o vanity_n and_o disorder_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o clothing_n thus_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o three_o time_n a_o act_n be_v make_v to_o appoint_v every_o degree_n of_o person_n the_o vesture_n they_o shall_v wear_v and_o great_a and_o eminent_a person_n only_o be_v permit_v to_o wear_v gold_n silver_n silk_n fur_n etc._n etc._n king_n edward_n the_o four_o
ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v verse_n these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mystery_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o preach_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o though_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o his_o saint_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n yet_o this_o be_v speak_v comparative_o and_o not_o absolute_o for_o these_o riches_n be_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o that_o be_v they_o still_o remain_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o unknown_a to_o we_o thus_o in_o these_o three_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o former_a age_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o one_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o mystical_a rite_n it_o be_v keep_v secret_a from_o the_o other_o by_o their_o adhere_n only_o to_o natural_a and_o philosophical_a principle_n in_o short_a the_o first_o know_v little_a of_o it_o the_o second_o know_v nothing_o therefore_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o mystery_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n but_o these_o can_v be_v produce_v where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o christianity_n be_v heretofore_o it_o be_v true_a when_o our_o saviour_n arrive_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n lay_v open_a but_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v viz._n that_o christianity_n be_v still_o a_o mystery_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o it_o have_v this_o denomination_n in_o these_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o produce_v and_o brief_o glance_v upon_o first_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v the_o grand_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 13._o 11._o where_n not_o the_o parable_n as_o some_o fancy_n in_o which_o those_o evangelical_n truth_n be_v couch_v but_o the_o truth_n themselves_o be_v mean_v for_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o christ_n will_v have_v call_v they_o parable_n and_o not_o mystery_n but_o we_o find_v that_o he_o call_v they_o by_o this_o latter_a name_n and_o that_o in_o plain_a contradistinction_n to_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o this_o v_o 11._o but_o in_o 10_o and_o 13._o and_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o the_o parallel_n place_n in_o mark_n 4._o 11._o and_o luk._n 8._o 10._o those_o therefore_o that_o confound_v parable_n and_o mystery_n here_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v of_o thing_n aright_o they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o comparison_n or_o dark_a representation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v compare_v and_o represent_v parable_n be_v the_o former_a but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v the_o same_o be_v thus_o denominate_v be_v because_o of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v they_o again_o not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o great_a apostle_n use_v this_o language_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n v_o 8._o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a ruler_n but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o in_o v_o 9_o by_o apply_v that_o passage_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o great_a thing_n viz._n the_o method_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n undertake_v for_o we_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o attend_v these_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v and_o provide_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o be_v not_o full_o know_v and_o perceive_v because_o they_o be_v mystery_n they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a understanding_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a and_o shallow_a intellect_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conducible_a to_o salvation_n be_v impart_v to_o all_o true_a believer_n as_o it_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n v_o 10._o and_o these_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o and_o see_v thorough_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v and_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v more_o but_o more_o be_v unknown_a than_o be_v know_v hence_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o paradox_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3._o 19_o the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o show_v his_o transcendent_a love_n to_o we_o may_v be_v know_v and_o yet_o they_o pass_v knowledge_n they_o far_o exceed_v the_o utmost_a conception_n we_o can_v form_v of_o they_o next_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o where_o all_o commentator_n of_o note_n understand_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n indeed_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o christianity_n be_v mean_v here_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n yea_o even_o now_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o apostle_n actual_o apply_v this_o appellation_n of_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n christianity_n then_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o of_o that_o exalt_a and_o elevate_a nature_n that_o humane_a understanding_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o some_o doctrine_n lie_v under_o perpetual_a obscurity_n they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n undergo_v a_o scrupulous_a examination_n they_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a scrutiny_n manage_v by_o mere_a reason_n again_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o i._n e._n god_n will_v eph._n 1._o which_o as_o the_o context_n plain_o show_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o wise_a but_o mysterious_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v now_o preach_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o forego_n or_o follow_v verse_n that_o seem_v to_o restrain_v it_o to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o viz._n before_o christ_n come_v and_o again_o in_o chap._n 6._o of_o this_o epistle_n v_o 19_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o irrespective_o speak_v that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o former_a time_n and_o age_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v not_o to_o what_o be_v past_a but_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o preach_v it_o be_v plain_a from_o this_o that_o he_o immediate_o add_v that_o for_o this_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v then_o a_o ambassador_n in_o bond_n v_o 20._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a in_o itself_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o place_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o know_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o we_o observe_v before_o upon_o eph._n 3._o 19_o though_o it_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o surpass_v knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o be_v know_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v make_v know_v i.e._n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o the_o truth_n and_o
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 ●_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 ●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
not_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o now_o i_o have_v produce_v every_o individual_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n occur_v and_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o set_v they_o before_o the_o considerate_a in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a light_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o not_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v the_o word_n as_o some_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o more_o especial_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o christianity_n have_v this_o title_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o real_a mystery_n in_o itself_o wherefore_o after_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n this_o in_o general_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o the_o occludere_fw-la word_n whether_o we_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_a thing_n some_o thing_n shut_v up_o for_o such_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o we_o many_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v cover_v with_o great_a darkness_n a_o veil_n be_v cast_v over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o thus_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n but_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n 1_o christianity_n be_v a_o 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thus_o know_v but_o by_o divine_a illumination_n by_o a_o supernatural_a discovery_n from_o above_o which_o they_o wilful_o debar_v themselves_o of_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 11._o 33._o therefore_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o much_o more_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n self-denial_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o mystery_n yea_o insignificant_a jargon_n to_o they_o we_o hear_v the_o same_o infallible_a master_n speak_v at_o another_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o particular_a donation_n a_o special_a grant_n unto_o you_o my_o disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o i.e._n the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o there_o be_v such_o representation_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o which_o be_v according_a to_o those_o other_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o i.e._n in_o a_o save_v way_n but_o you_o know_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o joh._n 17._o 25._o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o all_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n be_v riddle_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o discern_v not_o entertain_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n here_o mean_v say_v a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v loc_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o add_v this_o to_o the_o character_n that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v only_o that_o inbred_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o the_o creator_n furnish_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o and_o so_o other_o ancient_a writer_n interpret_v the_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la grotius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o one_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o fleshly_a part_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o learned_a writer_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o person_n i_o be_o concern_v with_o at_o present_a have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o that_o not_o unjust_o for_o he_o and_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v they_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v mistake_v for_o now_o he_o be_v we_o whilst_o he_o direct_o and_o express_o avow_v the_o apostle_n natural_a or_o animal_n man_n to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v whole_o conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o supernatural_a guidance_n and_o direction_n can_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v such_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o subjoin_v nay_o he_o add_v further_a he_o can_v know_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n shall_v right_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imply_v as_o evident_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n visible_a so_o a_o 4._o judicious_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n express_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n follow_v which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o thing_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n only_o these_o person_n have_v a_o inward_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o they_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n of_o they_o they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o proper_a concern_v they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o feel_v a_o influence_n from_o they_o on_o their_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o religious_a person_n know_v and_o discover_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o manner_n than_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o some_o sort_n of_o discovery_n relate_v to_o holy_a thing_n thus_o not_o only_o the_o grammatical_a critical_a rhetorical_a historical_a and_o philosophical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o these_o as_o the_o best_a but_o even_o the_o theological_a part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n so_o far_o as_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o mere_a speculative_a and_o notional_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v equal_o know_v by_o both_o but_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n so_o as_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o be_v from_o supernatural_a light_n alone_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a from_o the_o natural_a man_n this_o latter_a fall_v
we_o be_v and_o which_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v our_o situation_n it_o be_v another_o proof_n of_o our_o ignorance_n yea_o of_o the_o defectibility_n of_o our_o sense_n that_o we_o dispute_v whether_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o no._n a_o great_a many_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n of_o late_a and_o some_o profess_a mathematician_n not_o the_o worst_a judge_n in_o the_o case_n hold_v it_o do_v and_o yet_o ten_o thousand_o of_o considerate_a head_n before_o this_o never_o think_v of_o it_o and_o our_o sense_n tell_v we_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o the_o earth_n stand_v still_o and_o be_v immovable_a this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v mistake_v and_o about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o that_o continual_o which_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o digest_v or_o else_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o move_v be_v not_o a_o planet_n have_v no_o diurnal_a revolution_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o 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be_v so_o bright_a and_o their_o intellect_n be_v so_o shine_v what_o be_v this_o but_o pride_n what_o be_v this_o but_o be_v over-conceited_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o have_v too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o rational_a capacity_n what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o immodest_a and_o extravagant_a magnify_v of_o these_o power_n yea_o what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o aspire_v to_o divinity_n and_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o a_o infinite_a and_o immense_a nature_n a_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a wisdom_n zophar_n give_v we_o the_o true_a character_n and_o pedigree_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n job_n 11._o 12._o vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a this_o empty_a hollow_a creature_n will_v fain_o be_v think_v to_o be_v full_a of_o knowledge_n though_o he_o be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n though_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n ignorant_a and_o rude_a he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o his_o part_n and_o acquirement_n he_o 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unaccountable_a why_o shall_v not_o these_o make_v his_o word_n his_o say_n he_o dictate_v about_o divine_a thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n if_o the_o method_n of_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n be_v inscrutable_a why_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n and_o secret_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n if_o god_n 10._o do_v great_a thing_n past_o find_v out_o why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v such_o if_o the_o 33._o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o be_v there_o not_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n nature_n and_o essence_n be_v so_o too_o if_o the_o socinian_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o answer_v the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o former_a what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o startle_v at_o the_o latter_a if_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n act_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v 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be_v self-condemned_n person_n and_o proclaim_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n 2._o they_o give_v open_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o this_o by_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a yea_o necessary_a to_o regulate_v and_o limit_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o pronounce_v it_o unfitting_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o use_v any_o restraint_n or_o set_v any_o bound_n or_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n to_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n they_o own_o it_o to_o be_v the_o indispensable_a character_n of_o a_o good_a and_o religious_a man_n to_o exercise_v a_o discipline_n on_o his_o imagination_n and_o his_o passion_n they_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n to_o be_v severe_a and_o rigorous_a here_o for_o some_o thing_n which_o seem_v reasonable_a and_o plausible_a be_v forbid_v we_o by_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o many_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a thing_n be_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 ●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