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 other_o as_o the_o gold_n which_o have_v pass_v the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o have_v the_o royal_a stamp_n upon_o it_o outbid_v the_o common_a ore_n and_o shame_v its_o dross_n and_o mean_a alloy_n you_o see_v then_o which_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o truth_n viz._n reason_n and_o revelation_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o scripture_n and_o i_o dare_v confident_o aver_v that_o if_o our_o inquiry_n and_o determination_n in_o religion_n be_v faithful_o manage_v by_o these_o two_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fail_v of_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v but_o act_v thus_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o purchase_n of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o rational_a power_n and_o also_o help_v and_o direct_v those_o power_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o these_o two_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o 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 be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o â—_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o â—_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
to_o defame_v libel_n and_o blaspheme_v christianity_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o make_v void_a their_o faith_n but_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n submission_n to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n by_o a_o free_a resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o article_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o attest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o infallible_a write_n which_o even_a reason_n itself_o dictate_v to_o be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o perplex_v and_o mysterious_a nor_o do_v this_o introduce_v a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n defend_v for_o when_o we_o resign_v up_o our_o judgement_n to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o they_o which_o make_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a proselyte_n who_o be_v bid_v to_o swallow_v down_o whatever_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o crude_a method_n prescribe_v we_o be_v to_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o see_v since_o the_o revolt_n and_o original_a depravation_n of_o man_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o revelation_n to_o direct_v we_o right_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n in_o those_o point_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n which_o be_v divine_o inspire_v this_o principle_n in_o we_o assure_v we_o that_o though_o we_o can_v full_o explain_v these_o thing_n by_o reason_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o notwithstanding_o those_o point_n seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o be_v whole_o and_o entire_o we_o those_o grand_a article_n which_o our_o antagonist_n renounce_v be_v find_v there_o particular_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a and_o celebrate_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v one_o will_v think_v it_o may_v suffice_v that_o this_o be_v so_o direct_o so_o plain_o so_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v three_o express_o name_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divinity_n be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o to_o be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o these_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n be_v one_o entire_a indivisible_a essence_n be_v a_o ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n yet_o though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o socinian_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o brag_v that_o they_o be_v a_o 9_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n when_o it_o absolute_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o that_o learned_a writer_n who_o i_o before_o quote_v who_o have_v the_o repute_n even_o among_o these_o man_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o sense_n speak_v of_o they_o he_o 6._o thus_o express_v himself_o their_o opinion_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o christianity_n itself_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o express_a than_o that_o viz._n the_o trinity_n in_o those_o write_n and_o therefore_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o deny_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o they_o will_v pretend_v they_o can_v interpret_v thing_n there_o so_o as_o to_o evade_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o think_v they_o may_v evade_v any_o and_o so_o still_o the_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n and_o signify_v nothing_o which_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v very_o weighty_a word_n and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o our_o adversary_n because_o they_o come_v from_o one_o of_o a_o large_a compass_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o these_o gentleman_n pretend_v much_o to_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o too_o if_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o also_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o all_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n that_o have_v have_v a_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o steady_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o jesus_n and_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n
head_n whilst_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v in_o their_o ear_n that_o here_o be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v truth_n they_o have_v grow_v perplex_v and_o distract_v and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o and_o what_o part_n to_o take_v they_o hear_v that_o the_o claim_n to_o truth_n be_v universal_a but_o then_o they_o know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o it_o can_v be_v true_a and_o how_o say_v they_o if_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o hereupon_o they_o renounce_v religion_n as_o a_o faction_n and_o in_o plain_a term_n a_o cheat_n and_o consequent_o they_o live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o world_n as_o they_o please_v if_o truth_n be_v claim_v by_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o professor_n contradict_v one_o another_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o interrogatory_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o way_n of_o reply_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v at_o present_a for_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o cavil_n afterward_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o these_o several_a division_n and_o party_n evident_o prove_v a_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o rational_a man_n will_v not_o contend_v for_o nothing_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o reality_n at_o the_o bottom_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o person_n of_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o sincere_a intention_n as_o we_o must_v allow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v will_v thus_o serious_o busy_a themselves_o and_o be_v so_o mighty_o concern_v 2._o some_o man_n fond_a and_o groundless_a pretence_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v equal_v with_o the_o just_a claim_n of_o other_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n continue_v in_o this_o degenerate_a posture_n where_o it_o be_v there_o will_v ever_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v pretend_v to_o truth_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o concern_v ourselves_o for_o these_o pretender_n only_o so_o far_o as_o to_o slight_v they_o as_o person_n govern_v by_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o to_o pity_v they_o as_o those_o who_o be_v mislead_v by_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o dispute_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n on_o foot_n religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o essential_o and_o vital_n of_o it_o which_o give_v it_o its_o denomination_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o quarrel_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v anon_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o here_o but_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v object_v i_o will_v go_v on_o with_o my_o present_a design_n which_o be_v a_o inquest_n after_o truth_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o attempt_n will_v not_o prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v it_o out_o those_o two_o know_v but_o too_o much_o neglect_v rule_n or_o standard_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o we_o viz._n reason_n and_o scripture_n by_o reason_n i_o mean_v the_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v natural_o endue_v we_o with_o and_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o our_o bodily_a sense_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o by_o serious_a and_o steady_a observation_n and_o well-grounded_n experience_n for_o these_o must_v be_v assist_v to_o humane_a reason_n to_o render_v it_o perfect_a and_o complete_a if_o thuâ—_n we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a search_n after_o truth_n we_o shall_v soon_o make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o it_o for_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n very_o significant_o call_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v set_v up_o in_o our_o breast_n by_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o discover_v truth_n to_o we_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o light_n have_v be_v much_o impair_v by_o man_n degeneracy_n so_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v out_o i.e._n perfect_o to_o display_v itself_o it_o have_v be_v cloud_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o apostasy_n and_o obscure_v daily_o by_o the_o actual_a prevalency_n of_o vice_n a_o undeniable_a evidence_n whereof_o be_v those_o swarm_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n those_o prodigious_a shape_v and_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o they_o oftentimes_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o creature_n make_v and_o frame_v his_o creator_n they_o shape_v out_o deity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o a_o god_n be_v even_o what_o they_o think_v good_a to_o make_v he_o or_o suppose_v nature_n light_n do_v shine_v out_o to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v clear_a and_o bright_a enough_o to_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v dictate_v those_o thing_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n the_o method_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n dispensation_n how_o be_v nicodemus_n a_o note_a master_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o mean_a possessor_n of_o reason_n baffle_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n who_o make_v his_o visit_n only_o by_o the_o dusky_a and_o obscure_a light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o though_o reason_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n use_v its_o reason_a faculty_n be_v a_o laudable_a guide_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v another_o guide_n beside_o this_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o heavenly_a verity_n and_o proposition_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v divine_a illumination_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o find_v out_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a truth_n the_o second_o standard_n then_o of_o truth_n be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n divine_a truth_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n not_o from_o human_a write_n but_o a_o unerring_a word_n not_o from_o those_o who_o be_v finite_a and_o ignorant_a but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n not_o from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only-begotten_a son_n of_o god_n the_o revealer_n of_o his_o father_n will_n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only-begotten_a son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o as_o the_o belove_a disciple_n bear_v witness_v john_n 1._o 18._o none_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n which_o our_o religion_n be_v fraught_v with_o but_o the_o founder_n of_o they_o 24._o we_o can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o those_o transcendent_a notion_n unless_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v not_o skill_v to_o appoint_v the_o manner_n of_o appease_v the_o incense_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n suitable_a to_o that_o oeconomy_n this_o will_v have_v be_v as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o some_o silly_a country_n peasant_n to_o assign_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o treat_v a_o mighty_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o will_v not_o expect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a a_o rude_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_n and_o courtship_n and_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o particular_a divine_a discovery_n a_o clear_a light_n a_o sure_a guide_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o past_a generation_n of_o man_n yet_o to_o make_v that_o revelation_n complete_a he_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n christ_n therefore_o say_v and_o that_o emphatical_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n john_n 14._o 6._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o must_v never_o look_v for_o any_o other_o to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v truth_n more_o eminent_o so_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o truth_n which_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o bless_a evangelist_n speak_v
pitch_n can_v not_o but_o render_v he_o a_o very_o accomplish_v person_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o to_o know_v and_o comprehend_v whatever_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o comprehend_v of_o they_o but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o further_a that_o his_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n be_v as_o eminent_a for_o even_o as_o to_o these_o he_o have_v those_o help_n which_o other_o christian_n have_v not_o yea_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o honour_v with_o for_o he_o tell_v gal._n 1._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o he_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o he_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v he_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o unparalleled_a manner_n call_v to_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o then_o in_o heaven_n he_o have_v immediate_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n by_o vision_n and_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 1._o yea_o by_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n v_o 7._o for_o he_o have_v the_o matchless_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n as_o he_o otherwise_o express_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o there_o he_o hear_v those_o unspeakable_a word_n those_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v i._n e._n full_o v_o 4._o then_o be_v display_v before_o he_o those_o mystery_n and_o profound_a doctrine_n which_o his_o write_n every_o where_o abound_v with_o several_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o of_o the_o main_a head_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o behold_v this_o apostle_n who_o be_v thus_o bless_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n and_o be_v possessor_n of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o nature_n or_o art_n and_o his_o own_o happy_a genius_n can_v furnish_v he_o with_o and_o which_o be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o all_o that_o knowledge_n that_o god_n himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o infuse_v into_o he_o and_o inspire_v he_o with_o behold_v this_o very_a apostle_n be_v the_o man_n who_o use_v here_o this_o humble_a and_o mean_a language_n we_o know_v in_o part_n we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o when_o he_o say_v we_o he_o mean_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_n nay_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o chief_o and_o principal_o intend_v himself_o for_o he_o change_v the_o plural_a into_o the_o singular_a v_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o my_o advantage_n of_o know_v much_o more_o than_o other_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o smatterer_n a_o novice_n i_o own_v myself_o to_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a insight_n into_o the_o high_a and_o mystical_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o short_a and_o partial_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n such_o divine_a truth_n which_o no_o quickness_n of_o thought_n no_o sharpness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o mind_n can_v whole_o reach_v and_o therefore_o if_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o the_o right_n we_o know_v who_o have_v take_v the_o wrong_a part_n if_o plato_n can_v say_v of_o the_o rite_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o divine_a worship_n epinom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o mortal_a nature_n to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n sure_o than_o our_o conception_n concern_v the_o sublime_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o high_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v weak_a and_o shallow_a fideâ—_n divine_a matter_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o manifest_a of_o themselves_o to_o man_n say_v one_o of_o the_o greek_a sage_n quote_v by_o justin_n martyr_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n cite_v that_o eminent_a passage_n of_o plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a way_n to_o learn_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n himself_o or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n those_o be_v notable_a word_n of_o jamblicus_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n pythag._n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v with_o unless_o we_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v they_o from_o god_n or_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o or_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n by_o some_o divine_a art_n these_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o improve_v heathen_n concern_v religious_a matter_n and_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o clear_a notion_n believe_v the_o same_o with_o a_o more_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o first_o find_v out_o by_o man_n so_o they_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o humane_a skill_n and_o art_n so_o they_o can_v never_o be_v full_o know_v and_o explain_v by_o they_o thus_o they_o be_v universal_o a_o mystery_n it_o be_v true_a and_o i_o be_o very_o forward_o to_o grant_v it_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v stock_v even_o with_o natural_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o manifest_a even_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v make_v up_o whole_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v natural_a religion_n be_v here_o entire_o receive_v all_o rational_a and_o moral_a dictate_v be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o institution_n here_o be_v admirable_a notion_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o intrinsic_a evidence_n as_o a_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o excellency_n here_o be_v reason_n and_o morality_n at_o their_o height_n it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n 222._o far_o â—e_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v hate_v in_o we_o that_o very_a thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v create_v we_o more_o excellent_a than_o other_o creature_n so_o we_o may_v say_v far_o be_v it_o that_o christianity_n shall_v disallow_v that_o very_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o distinguish_v our_o nature_n from_o that_o of_o brute_n and_o give_v we_o a_o preference_n to_o they_o some_o of_o the_o mahometan_n have_v a_o conceit_n that_o idiot_n and_o madman_n be_v inspire_a person_n that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_a of_o man_n have_v the_o more_o of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a fancy_n and_o unworthy_a of_o our_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v itself_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o best_a brain_n be_v fit_a for_o religion_n and_o even_o for_o the_o best_a religion_n christianity_n it_o be_v admirable_o show_v by_o a_o 〈…〉_z worthy_a person_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n suit_v even_o with_o a_o philosophic_a genius_n i_o question_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a from_o strict_a reason_n that_o the_o main_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v uniform_a and_o harmonious_a in_o itself_o and_o conformable_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a man_n that_o his_o undertataking_n be_v the_o most_o rational_a expedient_a for_o the_o restore_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a method_n to_o reduce_v lapse_v creature_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o after_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o christ_n divinity_n be_v no_o more_o impair_v by_o be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n these_o and_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o can_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o thereby_o show_v that_o christianity_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a reflection_n we_o can_v make_v on_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o natural_a reason_n we_o can_v form_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v as_o some_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n do_v that_o divine_a revelation_n contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o any_o revelation_n i._n e._n any_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n unless_o we_o be_v first_o reasonable_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o beside_o reason_n be_v from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o latter_a we_o must_v
be_v excellent_o say_v by_o another_o brave_a man_n of_o a_o true_a primitive_a temper_n 2._o this_o question_n how_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o only_a will_n be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v to_o be_v great_o admire_v of_o all_o and_o with_o these_o ancient_a writer_n agree_v the_o great_a modern_a reformer_n 2._o this_o word_n why_o say_v he_o have_v mislead_v and_o destroy_v many_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o to_o search_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o insist_v too_o busy_o on_o these_o demand_n why_o or_o how_o god_n say_v or_o do_v this_o or_o that_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v assent_n to_o god_n word_n though_o we_o can_v clear_o conceive_v it_o which_o argue_v a_o very_a unchristian_a temper_n for_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o be_v mystical_a which_o neither_o our_o thought_n can_v full_o apprehend_v nor_o our_o word_n express_v but_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v mysterious_a yet_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n it_o be_v prudent_o and_o christianly_o advise_v and_o determine_v by_o st._n augustine_n in_o such_o point_n as_o these_o which_o i_o have_v be_v of_o speak_v and_o especial_o the_o trinity_n which_o that_o pious_a father_n particular_o mention_n 39_o let_v we_o say_v he_o by_o that_o previous_a faith_n which_o help_v the_o eyesight_n of_o the_o mind_n clear_o embrace_v what_o we_o understand_v and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o advice_n and_o resolution_n be_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o belief_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o a_o much_o large_a extent_n than_o that_o of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v give_v assent_n to_o some_o proposition_n which_o we_o can_v explain_v and_o clear_v up_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o beside_o every_o think_v man_n ought_v to_o revolve_v this_o in_o his_o mind_n that_o faith_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o reason_n and_o according_o be_v design_v to_o bear_v sway_n over_o it_o and_o to_o control_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v these_o three_o faculty_n or_o operation_n in_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n and_o faith_n and_o they_o gradual_o rise_v one_o high_a than_o the_o other_o sense_n be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o brute_n and_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o corporeal_a and_o external_n object_n but_o reason_n be_v proper_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v man_n and_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o correct_v the_o mistake_n of_o sense_n thus_o by_o sense_n we_o can_v perceive_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n they_o so_o cozen_v our_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v when_o they_o move_v yea_o they_o seem_v to_o stand_v immovable_a wherefore_o we_o must_v consult_v with_o something_o else_o than_o sense_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o either_o those_o heavenly_a body_n or_o the_o ground_n we_o stand_v upon_o move_v very_o swift_o our_o reason_n not_o our_o eye_n must_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o this_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o reason_n control_v sense_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o high_a and_o superior_a faculty_n but_o than_o come_v faith_n and_o claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o both_o for_o as_o reason_n be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o correct_v sense_n so_o this_o function_n be_v add_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o reason_n as_o be_v high_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o this_o be_v the_o order_n of_o these_o operation_n in_o man_n and_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n of_o sober_a thought_n can_v find_v fault_n with_o it_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o curb_n to_o sense_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o own_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o one_o to_o check_v and_o bridle_v the_o other_o when_o sacred_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n be_v under_o our_o consideration_n here_o then_o as_o be_v fit_v let_v we_o strenuous_o exert_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o according_a to_o humane_a measure_n according_a to_o what_o we_o find_v and_o perceive_v in_o one_o another_o still_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n as_o for_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n there_o be_v these_o three_o great_a thing_n that_o disparage_v it_o 1._o it_o argue_v pride_n and_o arrogant_a stiffness_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o gross_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n 3._o it_o unavoidable_o introduce_v indifferency_n in_o religion_n i_o will_v distinct_o insist_v upon_o this_o triple_a charge_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o judicious_a to_o judge_v of_o my_o performance_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o proud_a and_o haughty_a spirit_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o man_n of_o that_o persuasion_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n acknowledge_v their_o short-sightedness_n and_o the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o intellectual_n they_o can_v brook_v such_o condescension_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o own_o any_o mystery_n if_o any_o difficult_a truth_n be_v propound_v to_o they_o they_o have_v learn_v of_o a_o great_a conqueror_n to_o cut_v the_o knot_n instead_o of_o untie_v it_o they_o violent_o null_a the_o proposition_n and_o so_o make_v it_o no_o mystery_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a for_o they_o pretend_v to_o manage_v all_o by_o mere_a force_n of_o reason_n and_o reject_v all_o proposition_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o think_v come_v not_o up_o to_o this_o height_n they_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a if_o you_o allow_v they_o not_o a_o catholic_n and_o unbounded_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n whether_o finite_a or_o infinite_a and_o of_o the_o particular_a manner_n and_o minute_a circumstance_n that_o appertain_v to_o they_o they_o disdain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o deem_v it_o a_o unsufferable_a disgrace_n to_o their_o understanding_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o point_n of_o speculation_n so_o deep_a and_o abstruse_a that_o they_o can_v penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o it_o they_o scorn_v to_o have_v it_o say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mystery_n and_o darkness_n in_o religion_n when_o their_o mind_n 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 be_v of_o such_o arrogancy_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o abstrusity_n in_o religion_n he_o take_v part_n with_o the_o conceit_a sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n among_o who_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n zenone_n that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o wonder_v at_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o to_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v paradox_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o much_o of_o this_o vaunt_v humour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n wonderful_a and_o amaze_a even_o in_o religion_n itself_o st._n paul_n style_v christianity_n a_o mystery_n but_o he_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n direct_o contradict_v he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o mysterious_a but_o those_o who_o attend_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n 3._o not_o
and_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o search_n and_o inquiry_n about_o divine_a truth_n this_o discourse_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o even_o the_o sacred_a verity_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o practise_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o judge_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavonr_v to_o establish_v the_o right_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o civil_a governor_n upon_o the_o sure_a basis_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o thereon_o have_v ground_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o indispensable_a law_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v magistrate_n so_o they_o be_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o this_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o their_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n wherefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o have_v show_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n and_o of_o their_o surpass_v other_o in_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n next_o i_o undertake_v to_o display_v thâ—_n office_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o public_a instructor_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o show_v what_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v master_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n then_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n and_o show_v how_o necessary_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o man_n of_o traffic_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o decay_n of_o riches_n and_o plenty_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n afterward_o i_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o extravagant_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n which_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a in_o this_o age_n and_o with_o that_o freedom_n which_o become_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n i_o set_v before_o the_o offender_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o excess_n again_o i_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o late_a war_n to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n yea_o and_o necessity_n in_o some_o case_n of_o go_v to_o war._n and_o soon_o after_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o another_o discourse_n viz._n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o ill_a success_n in_o martial_a affair_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o whilst_o we_o be_v engage_v the_o enemy_n abroad_o there_o shall_v be_v peace_n at_o home_n i_o impartial_o represent_v the_o mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o intestine_a broil_n and_o division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n and_o warm_o exhort_v to_o unity_n and_o concord_n this_o be_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o ten_o of_o the_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n which_o be_v so_o mix_v that_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o quality_n of_o person_n but_o will_v find_v themselves_o concern_v in_o the_o subject_n here_o treat_v of_o prince_n and_o monarch_n inferior_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o all_o other_o whether_o public_a or_o private_a civil_a or_o military_a wealthy_a or_o indigent_a of_o the_o manly_a or_o of_o the_o soft_a sex_n have_v their_o share_n in_o these_o paper_n as_o for_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n they_o have_v their_o birth_n from_o the_o two_o much_o prevail_a opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o strike_v only_o at_o that_o general_n doctrine_n and_o wave_v all_o set_a reflection_n on_o particular_a person_n or_o their_o attempt_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o undertake_n here_o be_v this_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n as_o it_o be_v mention_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n more_o especial_o i_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o term_n as_o it_o peculiar_o respect_v the_o present_a case_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o christianity_n i_o show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n this_o doctrine_n of_o mystery_n be_v found_v i_o represent_v the_o notorious_a blemish_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o last_o i_o intersperse_v such_o proper_a inference_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o respective_a particular_n thus_o though_o other_o have_v handle_v this_o subject_a i_o make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a province_n by_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o manage_v it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v aright_o and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o this_o only_o i_o be_o able_a to_o say_v and_o that_o most_o sincere_o that_o i_o design_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o its_o divine_a author_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o my_o write_n of_o what_o subject_n soever_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o treat_v some_o perhaps_o may_v think_v i_o pour_v they_o in_o too_o fast_o upon_o the_o reader_n and_o do_v it_o keep_v a_o due_a distance_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v between_o one_o book_n and_o another_o i_o be_o so_o vncivil_a a_o writer_n that_o i_o will_v scarce_o give_v the_o reader_n time_n to_o breath_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o my_o reputation_n that_o i_o hereby_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o censure_v i_o for_o be_v too_o forward_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o affect_v to_o appear_v often_o in_o public_a view_n and_o therefore_o they_o prudent_o advise_v to_o observe_v a_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o husbandry_n to_o lie_v fallow_a some_o time_n i_o thank_v these_o gentleman_n for_o the_o care_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v of_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o this_o good_a advice_n of_o they_o belong_v to_o those_o novice_n who_o want_v material_n for_o a_o scribble_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o four-penny_n cut_v or_o those_o poor_a starve_a soul_n that_o write_v for_o bread_n and_o clap_v all_o their_o book_n and_o sometime_o more_o than_o be_v in_o it_o into_o the_o title_n page_n here_o the_o counsel_n will_v be_v seasonable_a especial_o for_o the_o reader_n good_a to_o be_v temperate_a writer_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o not_o to_o rank_v i_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o forementioned_a person_n i_o think_v i_o have_v enough_o to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o frequency_n of_o my_o write_n i_o can_v support_v myself_o herein_o by_o very_o good_a and_o vnexceptionable_a example_n half_o a_o dozen_o of_o the_o best_a penman_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o two_o of_o the_o learnede_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n who_o fail_v not_o every_o year_n to_o present_v the_o learned_a with_o a_o offer_n and_o their_o teem_v thought_n be_v still_o design_v to_o oblige_v the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o wave_a precedent_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o i_o will_v justify_v my_o practice_n from_o the_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o hold_v it_o proper_a to_o offer_v sâ—meâ—_n truth_n to_o the_o world_n now_o whilst_o i_o be_o able_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o objection_n which_o some_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v against_o they_o as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v already_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v as_o sharp_a as_o error_n beside_o some_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o this_o peculiar_a age_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v defer_v will_v prove_v unseasonable_a i_o conceive_v our_o sceptical_a time_n require_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o write_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o publish_v more_o than_o any_o that_o be_v before_o or_o perhaps_o ever_o will_v be_v again_o what_o i_o do_v be_v pursuant_n to_o my_o character_n and_o function_n which_o exact_a a_o public_a appearance_n and_o a_o open_v do_v of_o good_a to_o mankind_n for_o a_o clergyman_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o time_n to_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n wherefore_o being_n not_o engage_v at_o present_a in_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o pulpit_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o â—â—eak_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o press_n and_o to_o let_v my_o pen_n do_v the_o office_n of_o my_o tongue_n and_o true_o why_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v unaccountable_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o those_o man_n who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a look_v upon_o both_o equal_o
hear_v person_n of_o different_a judgement_n cite_v the_o same_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n shall_v not_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o because_o that_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o party_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o battle_n and_o dispute_v with_o so_o much_o fierceness_n and_o rage_n as_o general_o they_o do_v i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v and_o commend_v the_o excellent_a candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o first_o pious_a reformer_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o such_o article_n as_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a have_v not_o show_v themselves_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a rigid_a and_o magisterial_a have_v not_o wound_v up_o the_o string_n too_o high_a lest_o they_o shall_v mar_v the_o harmony_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o where_o the_o argument_n be_v deem_v to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n they_o have_v allow_v we_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n and_o permit_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n severe_o and_o indispensable_o urge_v upon_o we_o all_o article_n that_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o which_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o rank_n of_o principle_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a and_o of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o reparation_n make_v by_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o justification_n by_o his_o blood_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o those_o substantial_a article_n of_o faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o christian_a verity_n and_o these_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a in_o god_n word_n and_o have_v plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o have_v not_o renounce_v the_o christian_a profession_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a use_n and_o guidance_n of_o scripture_n and_o for_o that_o plain_a direction_n which_o it_o give_v we_o in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o prize_n and_o value_v it_o as_o the_o rich_a treasure_n nay_o as_o the_o only_a treasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o from_o this_o inspire_a book_n alone_o we_o have_v these_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o be_v original_o in_o no_o other_o write_n in_o the_o world_n but_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o grand_a truth_n as_o the_o main_a and_o necessary_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o concern_v in_o as_o for_o those_o text_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a or_o which_o relate_v not_o to_o faith_n or_o manner_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v let_v we_o not_o be_v displease_v that_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o interpreter_n vary_v here_o and_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n say_v thus_o st._n augustin_n otherwise_o and_o st._n chrisostom_n vary_v from_o both_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o four_o differ_v from_o these_o and_o a_o five_o come_v and_o diffent_n from_o they_o all_o this_o do_v not_o offend_v i_o in_o the_o least_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v abstruse_a or_o speak_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a manner_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o plain_a discovery_n of_o those_o passage_n and_o consequent_o that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v treat_v of_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n let_v not_o this_o trouble_v we_o for_o it_o be_v god_n will_n there_o shall_v be_v these_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n and_o he_o have_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o certain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o place_n but_o this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_o reveal_v declare_v and_o write_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v that_o if_o christian_a man_n will_v read_v the_o bible_n to_o learn_v thence_o these_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o not_o to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o dispute_n they_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a people_n under_o heaven_n and_o be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a to_o the_o great_a which_o be_v the_o unbelieve_a part_v of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o dissension_n and_o disagreement_n o_o when_o will_v that_o bless_a day_n come_v when_o rectify_v and_o unbiased_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a arbitrement_n of_o scripture_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n in_o christendom_n if_o these_o be_v once_o admit_v as_o impartial_a umpire_n they_o will_v make_v short_a work_n of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n about_o religion_n namely_o by_o pronounce_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v vain_a jangle_n and_o most_o of_o they_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a by_o assure_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o if_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n and_o vile-affection_n nothing_o will_v appear_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o undisputable_a as_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n abovenamed_a and_o that_o all_o who_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v these_o necessary_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v wary_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o determination_n concern_v other_o proposition_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o circumstantial_a it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o or_o mutual_o agree_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o where_o then_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o uncharitable_a dispute_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n no_o where_o certain_o but_o where_o mere_a wilfulness_n and_o perverseness_n reign_v for_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n easie_n and_o intelligible_a have_v we_o not_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o reason_n the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o moreover_o have_v we_o not_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o inspire_a write_n to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v have_v we_o not_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o exalt_v our_o natural_a notion_n have_v not_o the_o divine_a goodness_n bless_v we_o with_o abundant_a discovery_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o the_o latter_a that_o complete_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n that_o authentic_a volume_n of_o religion_n that_o inestimable_a treasury_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v sincere_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o renew_v this_o demand_n what_o be_v truth_n now_o to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o father_n of_o light_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n be_v ascribe_v everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n amen_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o judge_n at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n psalm_n lxxxii_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o you_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n this_o psalm_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v style_v the_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n psalm_n for_o of_o they_o it_o speak_v and_o for_o they_o it_o be_v pen_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o dignity_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o discharge_v their_o office_n which_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o verse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v likewise_o that_o heaven_n itself_o have_v vouch_v their_o function_n and_o authorize_v their_o profession_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ascertain_v that_o those_o of_o their_o eminent_a rank_n and_o quality_n be_v under_o the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v god_n charge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o go_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o follow_a one_o which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o general_a part_n viz._n a_o concession_n and_o a_o correction_n one_a a_o honourable_a concession_n of_o
reason_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o be_v say_v by_o right_a reason_n be_v say_v by_o god_n for_o that_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n second_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n say_v it_o whereof_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o inditer_n the_o law_n strict_o charge_v man_n not_o to_o revile_v the_o god_n nor_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n exod._n xxii_o 28._o beside_o that_o the_o judge_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o sanedrim_n be_v call_v god_n by_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a approbation_n be_v far_o evidence_v from_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n stand_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o god_n the_o great_a god_n preside_v over_o they_o and_o authorise_v their_o office_n and_o employment_n so_o far_o as_o they_o discharge_v it_o lawful_o this_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v for_o ever_o establish_v by_o that_o royal_a patent_n prov._n viij_o 15_o 16._o by_o i_o i.e._n by_o the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a wisdom_n king_n reign_v and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o earth_n this_o unexceptionable_o make_v they_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n abet_n and_o confirm_v the_o old_a for_o in_o john_n x._o 34._o our_o saviour_n refer_v to_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v it_o not_o write_v in_o your_o law_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n the_o know_a practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o exemplary_a subjection_n to_o the_o power_n then_o in_o be_v may_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v authentic_a in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a commission_n both_o of_o superior_a and_o subordinate_a magistrate_n but_o to_o wave_v that_o at_o present_a if_o you_o peruse_v the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n you_o will_v find_v the_o regal_a and_o magistratical_a office_n full_o assert_v and_o set_v up_o to_o its_o utmost_a height_n let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n rom._n xiii_o 1._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o 1_o pet._n two_o 13._o thus_o whether_o they_o be_v dii_fw-la majorum_fw-la or_o minorum_fw-la gentium_fw-la the_o god_n of_o a_o high_a or_o a_o inferior_a rank_n whether_o they_o be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v depute_a officer_n and_o ruler_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v reverence_v honour_a and_o obey_v and_o there_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o but_o a_o severe_a enquirer_n into_o these_o forementioned_a text_n will_v arrest_v i_o it_o may_v be_v with_o with_o this_o objection_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o clash_n and_o to_o contradict_v one_o another_o for_o the_o former_a assert_n that_o the_o power_n which_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n but_o the_o latter_a tell_v we_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man._n these_o be_v two_o different_a thing_n yea_o repugnant_a to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man._n i_o have_v no_o time_n now_o to_o offer_v to_o you_o the_o several_a gloss_n of_o the_o learned_a on_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n peter_n nor_o be_o i_o at_o leisure_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o sundry_a criticism_n upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o various_o it_o be_v render_v but_o adhere_v at_o present_a to_o our_o own_o translation_n i_o will_v in_o few_o word_n dispatch_v the_o difficulty_n and_o show_v you_o that_o magistracy_n may_v be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o unfit_o style_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n and_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a viz._n humane_a society_n the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n the_o high_a power_n be_v set_v over_o man_n and_o transact_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v civil_a and_o humane_a 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v seat_v it_o may_v have_v this_o denomination_n these_o god_n be_v real_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o make_v with_o ourselves_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o humane_a ordinance_n for_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o all_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v viz._n that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o particular_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v not_o fix_v by_o god_n or_o nature_n by_o a_o divine_a or_o natural_a law_n but_o by_o a_o positive_a one_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o lawful_a form_n of_o government_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o government_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o direct_a and_o express_a appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o power_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o they_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n they_o be_v constitute_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o and_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o his_o write_a and_o reveal_v will._n thence_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o divinity_n be_v encircle_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o that_o ruler_n be_v invest_v with_o their_o authority_n from_o the_o supreme_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n among_o pythagoras_n scholar_n if_o their_o master_n say_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o it_o be_v authentic_a and_o unquestionable_a much_o more_o sure_o with_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n jesus_n must_v that_o be_v hold_v indisputable_a which_o god_n have_v say_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o suffrage_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o but_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o heavenly_a oracle_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n concur_v here_o and_o what_o proof_n more_o convince_v can_v be_v desire_v and_o expect_v than_o divine_a testimony_n superad_v to_o natural_a light_n but_o three_o as_o these_o so_o likewise_o the_o strange_a event_n and_o occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o procurer_n proclaim_v aloud_o this_o truth_n that_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n be_v god_n ordinance_n there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v wonderful_a sign_n to_o confirm_v this_o government_n and_o order_n have_v have_v a_o blessing_n entail_v upon_o they_o by_o providence_n when_o magistrate_n have_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n some_o signal_n and_o open_a manifestation_n of_o god_n favour_n have_v acquint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o when_o phineas_n who_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o justice_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o that_o pair_n of_o infamous_a sinner_n who_o contagion_n else_o may_v have_v spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a land_n the_o plague_n present_o cease_v and_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v appease_v but_o when_o bold_a and_o harden_v sinner_n have_v open_o affront_v magistracy_n and_o mutinied_a against_o their_o governor_n they_o have_v but_o ill_o succeed_v in_o such_o expedition_n thus_o when_o those_o three_o notorious_a conspirator_n open_v their_o mouth_n against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o earth_n in_o a_o resemble_v sort_n open_v its_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v they_o up_o and_o all_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o num._n xuj_o 30_o 32._o these_o rebel_n find_v their_o punishment_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o destruction_n in_o their_o disobedience_n oppose_v of_o government_n as_o it_o be_v a_o curse_n in_o itself_o so_o judicial_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o one_o from_o heaven_n not_o only_o reason_n and_o nature_n detest_v it_o but_o the_o divine_a nemesis_n it_o be_v the_o inscription_n on_o the_o scottish_a coin_n as_o the_o emblem_n i_o suppose_v of_o their_o thistle_n nemo_n i_o impune_fw-la lacesset_fw-la none_o shall_v provoke_v i_o and_o be_v unpunished_a it_o may_v just_o indeed_o be_v the_o magistrate_n motto_n for_o none_o ever_o affront_v they_o but_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o folly_n for_o the_o king_n of_o
good_a and_o there_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o desire_n we_o at_o once_o become_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n the_o one_o absolute_o influence_v upon_o the_o other_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a to_o divide_v they_o for_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n wherein_o god_n be_v more_o peculiar_o acknowledge_v and_o glorify_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o whilst_o we_o tender_v the_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n we_o likewise_o more_o signal_o advance_v god_n glory_n our_o love_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a will_v reflect_v from_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o through_o the_o church_n it_o will_v ascend_v to_o god_n again_o the_o edify_v or_o building_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o design_v principal_o belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o it_o look_v like_o a_o paradox_n but_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o the_o 11._o foundation_n and_o 20._o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o the_o building_n be_v the_o chief_a architect_n also_o on_o this_o rock_n say_v he_o to_o st._n peter_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n this_o glorious_a fabric_n be_v raise_v by_o christ_n own_o hand_n yet_o this_o work_n in_o some_o measure_n belong_v to_o all_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a christian_n they_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o structure_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dispenser_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o work_n they_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v artificer_n and_o builder_n in_o the_o erect_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i.e._n his_o church_n eph._n four_o 12._o first_o our_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o what_o that_o be_v our_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1._o cor._n iii._o 11._o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n i.e._n the_o meritorious_a undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n the_o bless_a there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o effectual_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o lamb_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n eph._n two_o 20._o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n they_o be_v build_v upon_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n deliver_v by_o these_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o main_a truth_n on_o which_o all_o christianity_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o faithful_a in_o the_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v of_o this_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o our_o religion_n sink_v and_o that_o irrecoverable_o without_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a basis._n and_o all_o the_o other_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v also_o just_o style_v the_o foundation_n heb._n vi_fw-la 1._o be_v our_o proper_a concern_v we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o instruct_v our_o charge_n in_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n with_o singular_a care_n and_o skill_n as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o support_v the_o fabric_n we_o must_v proceed_v to_o erect_v our_o superstructure_n to_o build_v upward_o as_o well_o as_o downward_o and_o according_o all_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n conduce_v to_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v and_o make_v use_v of_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n nothing_o but_o gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n 1_o cor._n three_o 12._o such_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n conclusion_n as_o be_v of_o real_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o not_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n i.e._n unnecessary_a and_o useless_a doctrine_n or_o inference_n muchless_a such_o as_o apparent_o confront_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o foster_v lewd_a and_o wicked_a practice_n mensal_n the_o pope_n as_o luther_n express_v it_o be_v for_o building_n up_o the_o church_n ex_fw-la accidentibus_fw-la of_o outward_a thing_n of_o little_a value_n but_o we_o say_v he_o build_v it_o ex_fw-la substantia_fw-la we_o urge_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v substantial_a we_o press_v those_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o moment_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o have_v real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o thus_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o remember_v that_o the_o superstructure_n ought_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o foundation_n this_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o must_v be_v so_o too_o brief_o this_o excellent_a metaphor_n of_o edify_v or_o building_n which_o our_o apostle_n seem_v much_o to_o delight_v in_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o 7._o frequent_a use_v of_o it_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o impartial_a deliver_n and_o teach_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o fundamental_o or_o in_o such_o important_a and_o necessary_a matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o they_o all_o that_o our_o hearer_n be_v to_o know_v and_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n in_o a_o word_n to_o enlighten_v man_n mind_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n to_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v convert_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n by_o any_o holy_a art_n and_o method_n to_o further_o the_o real_a good_a of_o christ_n flock_n by_o any_o good_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o church_n welfare_n be_v to_o build_v it_o up_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a architecture_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o spiritual_a building_n so_o that_o if_o we_o harken_v to_o this_o proposal_n we_o shall_v assure_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n promote_v our_o own_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n in_o seek_v the_o church_n good_a we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n and_o that_o charity_n which_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a will_n at_o last_o exalt_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a when_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propound_v viz._n the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o this_o noble_a end_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v take_v care_n to_o fit_v yourselves_o for_o this_o grand_a employment_n of_o build_v up_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n three_o 15._o 1_o pet._n four_o 17._o passionate_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v eminent_o and_o abundant_o capacitate_v for_o this_o mighty_a work_n this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v which_o signify_v both_o to_o excel_v and_o to_o abound_v be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o choice_a gift_n and_o strive_v to_o possess_v they_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n we_o of_o the_o sacred_a function_n be_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o mean_a and_o low_a attainment_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o aspire_v to_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a improvement_n chryson_fw-la to_o a_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a father_n paraphrase_n on_o this_o place_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o be_v master_n of_o all_o those_o excellent_a qualification_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o what_o perfection_n we_o can_v in_o they_o in_o short_a see_v the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o evangelical_n minister_n he_o must_v make_v it_o his_o great_a business_n to_o pursue_v this_o effectual_o and_o to_o excel_v in_o it_o by_o such_o mean_n and_o method_n as_o these_o first_o prayer_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v here_o suggest_v in_o the_o word_n seek_v this_o excel_v and_o this_o edify_v
proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n experiment_n concern_v himself_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n say_v he_o than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n psal._n cxix_o 99_o i_o find_v a_o mighty_a increase_n and_o advance_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n because_o i_o use_v myself_o to_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n on_o those_o heavenly_a and_o sublime_a truth_n and_o thereby_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o penetrate_v into_o the_o profound_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o to_o discern_v those_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o after_o many_o seasonable_a instruction_n and_o precept_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n his_o faithful_a assistant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o adjoin_v this_o which_o be_v of_o as_o great_a use_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n 1_o tim._n four_o 15._o and_o so_o again_o after_o several_a pious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n he_o add_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v 2_o tim._n two_o 7._o which_o advice_n reach_v all_o of_o timothy_n character_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v revolve_v these_o thing_n often_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o let_v this_o charge_n which_o i_o leave_v with_o you_o be_v continual_o in_o your_o thought_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o think_v and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o man_n but_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a qualification_n in_o a_o public_a instructor_n in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o amend_v and_o rectify_v the_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o improvement_n and_o excellency_n in_o our_o ministry_n we_o must_v not_o herd_n with_o the_o crowd_n but_o retire_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v converse_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thereby_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ourselves_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o four_o another_o way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o excel_v in_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v or_o as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o prophesy_v he_o give_v this_o the_o precedence_n to_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n which_o he_o mention_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n covet_v earnest_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v this_o be_v that_o endowment_n which_o according_a to_o he_o make_v most_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v this_o gift_n which_o i'm_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o complicate_v office_n and_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o first_o the_o inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o set_v they_o into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n â—_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
other_o just_a and_o honest_a act_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v but_o their_o expensive_a pride_n be_v much_o more_o a_o hindrance_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a for_o they_o can_v afford_v to_o be_v lavish_a on_o themselves_o and_o liberal_a to_o the_o necessitous_a and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o pay_v for_o their_o bravery_n how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n shall_v partake_v of_o their_o alm_n if_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v just_o what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o they_o will_v be_v charitable_a here_o we_o may_v lament_v how_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o some_o person_n finery_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o act_n of_o beneficence_n what_o they_o superfluous_o and_o vain_o lay_v out_o on_o their_o attire_n may_v serve_v to_o supply_v some_o necessitous_a people_n nakedness_n how_o many_o a_o poor_a orphan_n or_o widow_n may_v be_v clothe_v how_o many_o a_o poor_a creature_n in_o the_o hospital_n may_v be_v relieve_v if_o the_o superfluous_a bravery_n of_o some_o person_n do_v not_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o do_v such_o a_o generous_a act_n in_o a_o word_n how_o many_o good_a deed_n of_o charity_n and_o hospitality_n which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o for_o which_o some_o among_o you_o be_v so_o eminent_a and_o renown_a i_o say_v how_o many_o of_o these_o noble_a act_n be_v daily_o lose_v in_o this_o great_a city_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n viz._n because_o they_o expend_v that_o on_o their_o vain_a deck_v which_o will_v afford_v necessary_a cover_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o to_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d and_o last_o let_v i_o dissuade_v you_o from_o this_o vice_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n where_o the_o superfluous_a attire_n of_o the_o sex_n and_o those_o ornament_n that_o be_v abuse_v by_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n be_v particular_o enumerate_v there_o be_v also_o add_v the_o punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o those_o proud_a daughter_n of_o zion_n such_o a_o punishment_n as_o answer_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o instead_o of_o sweet_a smell_n there_o shall_v be_v stink_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o girdle_n a_o rent_n and_o instead_o of_o well-set_a hair_n baldness_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o stomacher_n a_o gird_v of_o sackcloth_n and_o burn_v instead_o of_o beauty_n v._o 24._o and_o because_o this_o pride_n of_o apparel_n be_v epidemical_a it_o be_v to_o be_v avenge_v by_o a_o general_n plague_n and_o desolation_n v_o 17._o and_o afterward_o v_o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o ierusalem_n approach_a misery_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o girdle_n hide_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o mar_v jer._n 13._o 6_o 7._o which_o foresignified_n the_o decay_n of_o their_o finery_n for_o the_o girdle_n be_v a_o signal_n part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o find_v it_o mention_v in_o the_o forenamed_a chapter_n of_o isaiah_n where_o the_o whole_a wardrobe_n of_o the_o sex_n be_v reckon_v up_o i_o say_v it_o foresignified_n the_o utter_a decay_n of_o their_o affect_a and_o vain_a bravery_n viz._n by_o the_o captivity_n which_o be_v draw_v near_o among_o the_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o judah_n in_o zeph._n 1._o this_o be_v one_o that_o god_n will_v punish_v all_o such_o as_o be_v clothe_v with_o strange_a apparel_n v_o 8._o he_o will_v severe_o animadvert_v on_o those_o vain_a person_n who_o out_o of_o their_o greedy_a desire_n of_o new_a mode_n of_o attire_n seek_v after_o those_o that_o be_v bring_v from_o foreign_a country_n and_o we_o find_v it_o not_o only_o thus_o in_o general_n but_o there_o be_v particular_a judgement_n inflict_v on_o individual_a person_n for_o this_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v be_v dissuade_v you_o from_o immediate_o before_o the_o mention_v of_o the_o singular_a vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o jezebel_n viz._n how_o iehu_n horse_n tread_v she_o under_o foot_n and_o how_o the_o dog_n devour_v her_o carcase_n it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o she_o paint_v her_o face_n and_o tire_v her_o head_n 2_o king_n 9_o 30._o i.e._n she_o be_v addict_v to_o that_o vain_a excess_n which_o i_o have_v be_v reprove_v and_o you_o hear_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o she_o you_o read_v what_o be_v the_o recompense_n of_o her_o pride_n as_o well_o as_o of_o her_o other_o notorious_a enormity_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v herod_n a_o remarkable_a example_n of_o god_n judgement_n in_o the_o like_a kind_n he_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o bright_a apparel_n and_o his_o gay_a oration_n both_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v adore_v by_o the_o vulgar_a who_o see_v and_o hear_v he_o and_o for_o this_o his_o profane_a insolence_n he_o be_v strike_v by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o die_v miserable_o though_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n in_o these_o our_o day_n we_o be_v under_o another_o oeconomy_n of_o divine_a providence_n yet_o still_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o visible_o and_o present_o execute_v on_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o pride_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o due_a to_o they_o and_o it_o now_o convey_v a_o real_a curse_n along_o with_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v consummate_v in_o eternal_a vengeance_n their_o immodest_a habit_n with_o all_o the_o vice_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o it_o of_o which_o i_o have_v particular_o speak_v will_v procure_v they_o a_o very_a severe_a punishment_n they_o like_o the_o beast_n of_o old_a crown_v with_o garland_n be_v gay_a and_o trim_a but_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v sacrifice_v they_o be_v array_v and_o bedeck_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v a_o splendid_a victim_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n i_o request_v you_o to_o ponder_v this_o in_o your_o thought_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o a_o experiment_n in_o yourselves_o whatever_o apprehension_n you_o have_v have_v of_o this_o matter_n heretofore_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v for_o the_o future_a conceive_v aright_o of_o it_o and_o this_o you_o can_v do_v unless_o you_o be_v real_o persuade_v of_o the_o intrinsic_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o judgement_n which_o will_v follow_v it_o it_o be_v a_o common_o receive_v notion_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o person_n that_o the_o variety_n of_o fashion_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o vain_a apparel_n which_o be_v now_o so_o usual_a in_o this_o nation_n contribute_v much_o towards_o the_o advantage_n and_o welfare_n of_o it_o for_o hereby_o say_v they_o the_o poor_a be_v set_v on_o work_n many_o family_n be_v maintain_v thousand_o daily_a get_v their_o livelihood_n and_o consequent_o this_o vanity_n of_o attire_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o this_o be_v good_a argue_n than_o it_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o be_v drink_v and_o to_o be_v arrant_a glutton_n and_o to_o indulge_v all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n for_o hereby_o the_o wine-merchant_n and_o vintner_n all_o that_o sell_v or_o dress_v the_o choice_a vineyard_n be_v enrich_v and_o under_o these_o a_o great_a many_o poor_a and_o indigent_a folk_n be_v maintain_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o intemperance_n and_o sottishness_n be_v public_a benefit_n to_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o inordinacy_n of_o apparel_n but_o how_o can_v we_o with_o any_o reason_n defend_v this_o latter_a when_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o all_o that_o have_v their_o eye_n open_v can_v but_o see_v it_o that_o this_o excess_n bring_v with_o it_o idleness_n luxury_n lewdness_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o two_o great_a prop_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v disadvantageous_a to_o the_o commonwealth_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v notwithstanding_o these_o man_n false_a reason_n that_o this_o pride_n of_o apparel_n be_v the_o nurse_n of_o poverty_n and_o there_o be_v abundant_a instance_n to_o prove_v this_o too_o rich_a and_o gorgeous_a a_o habit_n have_v bring_v many_o a_o one_o to_o a_o mourn_a dress_n their_o costly_a array_n have_v reduce_v they_o to_o rag_n to_o want_v and_o penury_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o this_o will_v be_v the_o public_a fate_n if_o you_o do_v not_o speedy_o prevent_v it_o our_o expensive_a vanity_n in_o attire_n with_o the_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n and_o other_o disorder_n which_o be_v its_o constant_a retinue_n will_v be_v our_o ruin_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o harsh_a way_n of_o treat_v you_o from_o the_o pulpit_n but_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v such_o as_o your_o condition_n call_v for_o and_o therefore_o think_v not_o these_o reproof_n and_o menace_n to_o be_v unseasonable_a though_o i_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 â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n here_o any_o otherwise_o than_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v then_o preach_v by_o this_o apostle_n this_o be_v mysterious_a and_o hide_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n inexplicable_a so_o again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v i.e._n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n the_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o here_o with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o that_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o in_o that_o text_n on_o which_o i_o find_v the_o present_a discourse_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o on_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
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 incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o some_o 2._o in_o a_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o to_o all_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o special_a and_o singular_a way_n a_o mystery_n to_o some_o person_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v those_o who_o i_o here_o mean_v be_v all_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n emphatic_a stile_n 15._o lie_v in_o their_o wickedness_n continue_v in_o their_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v feel_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a birth_n and_o renovation_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o wretched_a state_n be_v 9_o in_o darkness_n as_o the_o same_o inspire_a writer_n speak_v that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o effectual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o these_o can_v be_v 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
as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o accompany_v salvation_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o other_o for_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o find_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n 2._o this_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o scarcity_n of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v secret_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o equivocal_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o bold_o assume_v the_o name_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o boast_v of_o that_o honourable_a title_n but_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o they_o think_v they_o know_v something_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o these_o be_v very_o numerous_a and_o every_o place_n swarm_n with_o they_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o gospel-truths_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o derive_v their_o denomination_n from_o christ_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o this_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o default_n hide_v from_o they_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a supernatural_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n let_v we_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a and_o heavenly_a mystagogue_n the_o effectual_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a secret_n and_o who_o alone_o can_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o enlighten_v and_o irradiate_a our_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v real_o beneficial_a to_o we_o let_v we_o beg_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o advantageous_a knowledge_n of_o all_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o feel_v they_o as_o well_o as_o know_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n found_v on_o the_o word_n 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 have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n show_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o some_o more_o especial_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v such_o even_o in_o a_o general_a way_n unto_o every_o one_o there_o be_v several_a great_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v no_o more_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v with_o relation_n and_o respect_n even_o to_o all_o person_n whosoever_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 and_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o influence_n that_o if_o it_o be_v due_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o important_a point_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o far_o contest_v about_o these_o if_o the_o abovesaid_a proposition_n do_v but_o take_v place_n in_o man_n mind_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a secret_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v so_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o this_o can_v but_o supersede_n all_o controversy_n about_o 〈◊〉_d this_o with_o ingenuous_a and_o rational_a spirit_n solve_v all_o difficulty_n this_o with_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n answer_v all_o doubt_n and_o full_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v evince_v that_o â—here_o be_v such_o secret_n as_o these_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o other_o and_o these_o be_v proper_o style_v mystery_n that_o one_o text_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v this_o we_o know_v in_o part_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o knowledge_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o evangelical_n matter_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v by_o way_n of_o natural_a consequence_n we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n for_o our_o instruct_n of_o other_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o own_o knowledge_n which_o be_v but_o in_o part_n he_o superadd_v now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n that_o be_v either_o as_o man_n look_v through_o a_o perspective_n on_o a_o object_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o therefore_o make_v obscure_a by_o its_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o eye_n or_o as_o person_n behold_v themselves_o in_o a_o glass_n or_o mirror_n which_o manner_n of_o expression_n st._n james_n use_v to_o signify_v a_o slight_a view_n 1_o jam._n 23._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o apostle_n think_v not_o this_o sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o meanness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a matter_n but_o he_o add_v another_o emphatic_a expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n i.e._n in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dark_a and_o intricate_a manner_n and_o therefore_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o dark_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o partial_a discovery_n of_o some_o divine_a truth_n our_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v very_o imperfect_a there_o be_v certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o capacity_n but_o be_v in_o themselves_o enigmatical_a and_o abstruse_a and_o these_o passage_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o apostle_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o knowledge_n he_o who_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o a_o scholar_n for_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o gamaliel_n a_o celebrate_a hebrew_n doctor_n and_o professor_n and_o thence_o be_v stock_v with_o all_o the_o jewish_a literature_n and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o the_o heathen_a poet_n as_o his_o quotation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o know_v be_v questionless_a not_o defective_a in_o other_o part_n of_o humane_a learning_n which_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o furnish_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o native_a city_n that_o of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o famous_a university_n and_o these_o excellency_n join_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n and_o endowment_n which_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o acute_a reason_n and_o arguing_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v of_o the_o high_a
on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o 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 â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_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 stiâ—â—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 â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—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 omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o adequate_a conception_n of_o his_o immutability_n his_o justice_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o none_o of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n be_v thorough_o understand_v by_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o some_o man_n use_v viz._n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o plain_a reason_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o deity_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n the_o manner_n how_o three_o real_a subsistency_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o comprehensible_a but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o principle_n and_o proposition_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n 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 of_o it_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v christ_n satisfaction_n but_o upon_o incontestable_a ground_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o dead_a body_n crumble_v into_o dust_n and_o perhaps_o dissipate_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o several_a quarter_n or_o how_o a_o body_n convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o other_o creature_n after_o innumerable_a introduction_n of_o new_a shape_n preserve_v its_o proper_a identity_n â—nd_v individuation_n if_o we_o be_v ask_v i_o say_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n in_o brief_a can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o other_o than_o this_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a answer_n for_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o reply_v this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a but_o to_o pretend_v to_o give_v reason_n and_o account_n when_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a and_o absurd_a and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v inscrutable_a secret_n our_o religion_n have_v many_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v extricate_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v a_o mystery_n it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v there_o may_v be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o 1._o that_o which_o solomon_n suggest_v to_o we_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v he_o to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n prov._n 25._o 2._o the_o supreme_a be_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v the_o knowledge_n of_o several_a thing_n from_o man_n because_o this_o redound_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n hereby_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v display_v to_o mankind_n hereby_o his_o transcendent_a nature_n which_o infinite_o surpass_v that_o of_o all_o create_a being_n be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o almighty_a say_v he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n job_n 33._o 13._o though_o sometime_o yea_o frequent_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o well_o as_o of_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o in_o many_o case_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o we_o otherwise_o
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
thing_n in_o nature_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v long_o controvert_v where_o it_o be_v in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v place_v though_o it_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o this_o latter_a be_v uncapable_a of_o cogitation_n as_o be_v never_o more_o nervous_o prove_v than_o of_o late_a by_o a_o great_a and_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o church_n against_o one_o that_o show_v himself_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o matter_n can_v think_v though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a be_v as_o be_v the_o sovereign_a empress_n of_o all_o our_o function_n and_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v where_o her_o throne_n be_v for_o some_o give_v she_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o her_o seat_n other_o believe_v she_o circulate_v in_o the_o blood_n and_o other_o assign_v she_o the_o heart_n as_o her_o particular_a chair_n of_o state_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o pierce_v philosopher_n of_o late_a have_v confine_v she_o to_o the_o brain_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v in_o what_o part_n of_o it_o her_o residence_n be_v many_o other_o instance_n indeed_o almost_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v phaenomâ—na_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a speculation_n may_v be_v produce_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o pass_v for_o knowledge_n be_v ingenious_a guess_v and_o surmise_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v ready_o own_a and_o assent_v to_o so_o that_o these_o several_a particular_n which_o i_o have_v name_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o proposition_n may_v be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o surpass_v our_o reason_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a to_o explain_v it_o and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o second_o the_o foresay_a example_n plain_o show_v that_o some_o thing_n even_o in_o nature_n may_v be_v above_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v the_o latter_a no_o man_n will_v yield_v assent_n to_o they_o but_o whole_o reject_v they_o as_o inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a but_o even_o the_o very_a person_n with_o who_o our_o business_n be_v at_o present_a profess_v their_o ready_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o explain_v they_o and_o solve_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n mere_o because_o it_o surmount_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o infer_v from_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v above_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o after_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v discard_v all_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o believe_v nothing_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a occurrence_n in_o nature_n and_o what_o hinder_v now_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o like_a deduction_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o high_a matter_n which_o i_o before_o mention_v may_v we_o not_o on_o much_o better_a ground_n make_v these_o two_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n because_o they_o exceed_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o though_o they_o do_v so_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n such_o inference_n as_o these_o be_v very_o good_a and_o valid_a because_o of_o the_o difficult_a and_o recondite_v nature_n of_o these_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a matter_n which_o far_o outdo_v that_o of_o bodily_a and_o sensible_a thing_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n make_v use_v of_o against_o the_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n of_o he_o and_o the_o immediate_o forego_v time_n 47._o he_o argue_v from_o the_o obscurity_n in_o matter_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o a_o sublime_a nature_n thus_o then_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o great_a man_n we_o may_v solid_o argue_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o forego_n disquisition_n in_o philosophy_n if_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n there_o be_v such_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o assent_n how_o much_o more_o than_o in_o high_a thing_n may_v we_o expect_v there_o shall_v be_v great_a difficulty_n and_o amaze_a obscurity_n if_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v so_o cloudy_a be_v there_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a to_o be_v much_o more_o so_o if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a system_n of_o the_o material_a world_n how_o can_v we_o apprehend_v the_o unspeakable_a nature_n of_o the_o spiritual_a one_o if_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o philosophy_n sure_o there_o be_v great_a one_o in_o the_o gospel_n if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o grovel_v plant_n confound_v we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o difficult_a problem_n in_o christianity_n if_o a_o man_n can_v attain_v all_o his_o life_n time_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o single_a mineral_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o he_o can_v in_o a_o much_o less_o time_n know_v full_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o a_o sorry_a insect_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o unravel_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o can_v tell_v with_o all_o our_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o and_o act_n upon_o the_o body_n how_o be_v iâ—_n possible_a to_o tell_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n or_o of_o other_o the_o like_o surprise_v doctrine_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v so_o mean_v a_o discovery_n of_o what_o be_v within_o we_o and_o so_o near_o to_o we_o and_o be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o we_o yea_o be_v ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o and_o be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o limit_a nature_n with_o ourselves_o but_o be_v boundless_a and_o infinite_a if_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o great_a philosophic_a wit_n that_o the_o material_a world_n be_v indefinite_o extend_v that_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v beyond_o all_o that_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v a_o conception_n of_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o it_o then_o may_v we_o not_o with_o more_o reason_n hold_v the_o intellectual_a world_n to_o be_v a_o boundless_a expanse_n such_o as_o we_o can_v possible_o reach_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o a_o endless_a unlimited_a and_o as_o it_o be_v infinite_a system_n especial_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n belong_v to_o it_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o own_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o confess_v that_o what_o we_o know_v of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o what_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o knowledge_n and_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o with_o the_o great_a art_n and_o wit_n attain_v to_o a_o great_a insight_n for_o if_o there_o be_v apocrypha_fw-la in_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o divinity_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o some_o pretend_v to_o solve_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o profound_a and_o immense_a nature_n these_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o accurate_a inquisition_n and_o therefore_o all_o our_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o be_v defective_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o we_o be_v present_o beyond_o our_o depth_n we_o be_v soon_o plunge_v when_o we_o venture_v into_o this_o fathomless_a ocean_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v have_v no_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v of_o so_o transcendent_a a_o nature_n especial_o it_o can_v attain_v to_o a_o complete_a notion_n and_o perception_n of_o what_o be_v infinite_a this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o dispute_n between_o the_o antitrinitarians_a and_o we_o if_o they_o will_v put_v the_o whole_a controversy_n upon_o this_o issue_n it_o will_v soon_o have_v a_o period_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v well_o consider_v of_o it_o and_o show_v themselves_o what_o they_o so_o
vaunt_v themselves_o to_o be_v master_n of_o true_a reason_n for_o than_o they_o will_v see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o their_o thought_n and_o expression_n concern_v the_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n they_o will_v see_v how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o measure_v the_o creator_n by_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o property_n of_o natural_a thing_n to_o what_o be_v supernatural_a as_o they_o deal_v in_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o holy_a trinity_n they_o will_v find_v that_o what_o be_v true_a of_o the_o former_a be_v not_o necessary_o so_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o â—rgue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o create_v be_v to_o that_o of_o god_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o 6._o man_n of_o free_a thought_n and_o of_o a_o very_a philosophical_a and_o rational_a genius_n who_o profess_v that_o the_o scripture_n declare_v nothing_o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a trinity_n that_o be_v impossible_a contradictious_a or_o more_o unintelligible_a than_o thing_n that_o man_n ordinary_o assent_v to_o who_o be_v free_a philosopher_n and_o admit_v nothing_o upon_o force_n or_o superstition_n but_o upon_o reason_n they_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o penetration_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o dive_v into_o the_o exact_a nature_n of_o the_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o unmeasurable_a disproportion_n between_o their_o weak_a capacity_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_a and_o immense_a in_o sum_n they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o right_a conception_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sublime_a verity_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o whilst_o they_o contend_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a in_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v very_o wrong_a and_o perverse_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n be_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a and_o we_o can_v think_v to_o dissettle_v they_o but_o our_o business_n be_v to_o adjust_a our_o notion_n to_o the_o thing_n he_o that_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o for_o their_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n cavil_v at_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o most_o irrational_a act_n imaginable_a for_o the_o nature_n of_o being_n be_v stable_n and_o settle_a and_o we_o can_v alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v alter_v be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a last_o i_o argue_v not_o only_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o than_o a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a secret_n this_o accounr_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o know_v now_o in_o part_n and_o see_v then_o i._n e._n hereafter_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor_n 13._o 12._o one_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a understanding_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o other_o to_o that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v of_o ripe_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n the_o former_a be_v our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n evangelical_n and_o divine_a truth_n for_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n be_v know_v by_o we_o here_o only_o in_o part_n and_o no_o otherwise_o shall_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v know_v as_o long_o as_o we_o inhabit_v in_o these_o dark_a vehicles_n of_o earth_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o disparage_v the_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o plain_a and_o clear_a proposition_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o all_o the_o practical_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o a_o very_a intelligible_a manner_n and_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o very_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o make_v they_o sufficient_o capable_a of_o understand_v their_o religion_n and_o of_o discharge_v their_o duty_n of_o know_v so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v and_o be_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o truth_n be_v mix_v in_o we_o whilst_o we_o take_v up_o our_o residence_n on_o this_o earthly_a stage_n with_o much_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n we_o comprehend_v not_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n which_o we_o be_v now_o place_v in_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o our_o understanding_n tremble_v at_o and_o be_v afraid_a to_o approach_v unto_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n never_o so_o ambitious_a and_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v grasp_v they_o for_o they_o be_v too_o big_a it_o can_v reach_v they_o they_o be_v too_o high_a it_o can_v fathom_v they_o they_o be_v too_o deep_a it_o can_v discern_v they_o they_o be_v too_o remote_a in_o a_o word_n they_o surpass_v humane_a ability_n at_o their_o high_a pitch_n in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o afterward_o as_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n a_o state_n of_o perfection_n then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o v_o 10._o then_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a than_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v cease_v because_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v exalt_v then_o those_o amaze_a truth_n which_o pose_v we_o now_o shall_v be_v full_o resolve_v i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o for_o even_o in_o heaven_n our_o nature_n will_v still_o be_v but_o finite_a and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o our_o vile_a body_n for_o heavenly_a one_o though_o still_o they_o be_v the_o same_o but_o otherwise_o qualify_v which_o will_v no_o way_n impede_fw-la but_o promote_v the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o be_v take_v into_o the_o more_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o state_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o perfect_a glory_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o mind_n exalt_v and_o our_o understanding_n widen_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o we_o shall_v exact_o and_o full_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o though_o the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v now_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o that_o yet_o our_o faculty_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o perception_n when_o this_o gross_a veil_n of_o flesh_n shall_v be_v draw_v aside_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v rid_v of_o this_o terrestrial_a clog_n and_o be_v strip_v of_o these_o deficient_a organ_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o refine_a apprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o great_a object_n themselves_o we_o shall_v attain_v to_o a_o more_o distinct_a view_n of_o they_o and_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o they_o than_o now_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o they_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o that_o separate_a state_n we_o shall_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o intimate_a communion_n with_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o a_o close_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o he_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o hard_a point_n of_o religion_n to_o unravel_v all_o difficulty_n to_o untie_v all_o knot_n to_o assoil_v all_o controversy_n then_o and_o not_o before_o we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o this_o ability_n wherefore_o those_o man_n make_v not_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o this_o life_n and_o that_o to_o come_v who_o talk_v against_o mystery_n in_o our_o religion_n they_o be_v forgetful_a of_o the_o present_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o they_o discourse_v as_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o advance_v to_o the_o celestial_a region_n already_o but_o this_o very_a
to_o think_v of_o themselves_o more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o have_v other_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o have_v instance_n on_o record_n of_o those_o humble_a soul_n who_o though_o of_o singular_a sagacity_n and_o improvement_n proclaim_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o the_o exalt_v truth_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o the_o ancient_a inspire_a arabian_a express_v it_o thus_o etc._n man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o can_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o purchase_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o for_o we_o purchase_v thing_n by_o price_n neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o whence_o then_o come_v wisdom_n and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n see_v it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o live_n and_o keep_v close_o from_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v most_o quick-sighted_a for_o naturalist_n observe_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o bird_n general_o excel_v those_o of_o other_o animal_n but_o he_o conclude_v god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o that_o be_v he_o have_v reserve_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o humble_a sense_n of_o another_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o royal_a psalmist_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observe_n that_o after_o he_o have_v assert_v and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o all-seeing_a providence_n he_o add_v 6._o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o he_o see_v and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o hearty_o own_o this_o universal_a sight_n and_o prescience_n of_o he_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n it_o be_v humility_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n with_o such_o persuasion_n and_o language_n as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o believe_v and_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o his_o holy_a faith_n which_o far_o transcend_v his_o thought_n and_o conception_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o according_a to_o another_o divine_a and_o inspire_a sage_n 24._o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_o deep_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o to_o which_o irrefragable_a testimony_n permit_v i_o to_o adjoyn_v that_o of_o a_o apocryphal_a writer_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o will_v take_v occasion_n thence_o to_o offer_v a_o conjecture_n on_o that_o dark_a place_n 22._o wisdom_n be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n and_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a unto_o many_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o according_a to_o her_o name_n what_o title_n have_v wisdom_n that_o import_v any_o such_o matter_n viz._n that_o she_o be_v not_o manifest_a some_o critic_n think_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o wisdom_n chocmah_n other_o to_o the_o arabic_a algnalam_n but_o what_o they_o propound_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o purpose_n and_o how_o can_v it_o see_v they_o forget_v that_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o greek_a and_o that_o the_o title_n of_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v therefore_o repair_v to_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o solution_n but_o we_o must_v first_o confer_v with_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o verb_n saphah_n or_o tsaphah_n which_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o cover_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v probable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o name_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v because_o though_o the_o language_n in_o which_o this_o book_n be_v original_o draw_v up_o be_v hebrew_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prologue_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v soon_o translate_v into_o greek_a because_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n speak_v greek_a general_o and_o have_v their_o bible_n and_o service_n in_o greek_a and_o according_o this_o place_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n in_o that_o tongue_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o word_n derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o denomination_n of_o wisdom_n import_v something_o hide_v and_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o she_o be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o this_o as_o appear_v from_o their_o proverbial_a say_v when_o elias_n come_v he_o will_v untie_v all_o knot_n i._n e._n solve_v all_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n hide_v from_o our_o understanding_n here_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_v till_o the_o last_o day_n now_o if_o the_o wise_a person_n speak_v thus_o concern_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n under_o those_o dispensation_n of_o old_a be_v there_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v the_o like_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o doctrine_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o far_o surpass_v all_o humane_a comprehension_n but_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n among_o we_o that_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o this_o they_o will_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n childhood_n and_o minority_n in_o this_o life_n though_o the_o great_a apostle_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v express_o do_v when_o he_o so_o far_o own_a the_o deficiency_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o to_o say_v he_o know_v in_o part_n and_o speak_v and_o understand_v and_o think_v as_o a_o child_n and_o all_o the_o great_a and_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v the_o same_o yea_o even_o with_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o a_o low_a nature_n the_o learned_a in_o the_o law_n confess_v they_o have_v their_o perplex_a and_o knotty_a case_n statesman_n their_o arcana_fw-la physician_n their_o opprobious_a malady_n anatomist_n their_o unknown_a ductus_n astronomer_n their_o eccentrical_a motion_n which_o they_o can_v reduce_v into_o regular_a and_o exact_a order_n mathematician_n their_o insoluble_a problem_n and_o in_o brief_a most_o profession_n and_o science_n labour_v under_o some_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o intricacy_n and_o this_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o skilful_a in_o those_o arts._n but_o here_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v not_o own_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o divinity_n although_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o object_n that_o be_v infinite_o high_a and_o great_a notwithstanding_o this_o they_o think_v it_o be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o part_n to_o own_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v inexplicable_a they_o profess_v that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o admit_v of_o this_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a affront_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o cashier_v a_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o obscurity_n in_o short_a they_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o yield_v assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o thus_o their_o pride_n make_v they_o infidel_n and_o they_o bid_v adieu_o to_o modesty_n and_o the_o faith_n together_o second_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o inexcusable_a blemish_n of_o these_o man_n persuasion_n be_v that_o it_o argue_v wilful_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n i_o will_v make_v this_o evident_a from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o though_o they_o deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o divine_a providence_n yet_o they_o altogether_o renounce_v they_o in_o the_o article_n before_o mention_v second_o though_o they_o grant_v there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o government_n and_o restraint_n on_o the_o imagination_n will_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o perverse_o disapprove_v of_o the_o like_a restraint_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_v faculty_n both_o these_o be_v instance_n of_o their_o egregrious_a prepossession_n
and_o partiality_n 1._o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o universe_n though_o many_o difficulty_n and_o those_o very_a great_a and_o insuperable_a accompany_v it_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o action_n but_o most_o willing_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a notwithstanding_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o incomprehensible_a none_o of_o they_o have_v ever_o venture_v to_o question_n god_n wisdom_n because_o there_o be_v some_o event_n and_o occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n which_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o say_v that_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o yield_v that_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o they_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o they_o can_v render_v no_o particular_a account_n of_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o hear_v they_o cry_v out_o to_o have_v these_o intricate_a event_n make_v out_o by_o reason_n they_o do_v peremtory_o demand_v to_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o lay_v open_a or_o else_o they_o will_v throw_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n no_o they_o very_o patient_o and_o content_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v those_o secret_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o yea_o they_o submissive_o admire_v revere_a and_o adore_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o they_o vote_v to_o be_v mysterious_a and_o unaccountble_a and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o act_v thus_o with_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o mysterious_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a but_o abstruse_a verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v they_o deny_v not_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n because_o of_o some_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o why_o shall_v they_o reject_v those_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v see_v they_o quarrel_v not_o with_o the_o divine_a government_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o far_o above_o their_o understanding_n why_o do_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o same_o alwise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v certain_a mystery_n in_o they_o if_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v render_v his_o action_n 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 what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v if_o they_o can_v know_v what_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o expect_v to_o know_v what_o he_o be_v be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n unsearchable_a and_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o so_o be_v there_o several_a thing_n do_v above_o their_o apprehension_n and_o shall_v they_o deny_v the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o be_v above_o they_o be_v god_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o beyond_o their_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v he_o not_o bare_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o he_o deliver_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n though_o in_o sundry_a thing_n unaccountable_a embrace_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n to_o be_v entertain_v though_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n be_v it_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a management_n of_o all_o mundane_a affair_n though_o the_o particular_a administration_n of_o it_o be_v inexplicable_a and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o reasonable_a to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n though_o we_o can_v explain_v and_o unfold_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o i_o challenge_v those_o that_o make_v the_o bold_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o all_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a mind_n must_v grant_v the_o case_n to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o sure_o god_n essence_n be_v as_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n against_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o secret_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o satisfactory_a a_o answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o say_v they_o firm_o assent_v to_o that_o doctrine_n though_o they_o can_v understand_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o demonstrate_v how_o partial_a they_o be_v when_o they_o quarrel_v with_o the_o foresay_a article_n and_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v mysterious_a and_o vnaccountable_a they_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n i_o appeal_v now_o to_o the_o severe_a judge_n of_o reason_n whether_o these_o man_n can_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o any_o such_o thing_n whilst_o they_o thus_o behave_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o even_o in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o such_o certain_o be_v that_o of_o providence_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v and_o comprehend_v and_o yet_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o some_o other_o substantial_a point_n of_o christianity_n for_o their_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n incomprehensible_a what_o can_v this_o be_v but_o perverseness_n and_o crossness_n what_o be_v it_o but_o act_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o than_o who_o will_v give_v heed_n to_o man_n of_o this_o cross-grained_a temper_n who_o will_v regard_v such_o vain_a people_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o clash_n with_o their_o own_o concession_n they_o frank_o subscribe_v to_o divine_a providence_n though_o it_o have_v many_o mystery_n obscurity_n difficulty_n intrigue_n in_o it_o which_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v unfold_v and_o yet_o they_o discard_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a evangelical_n truth_n because_o they_o can_v explain_v they_o by_o reason_n thus_o they_o run_v counter_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o 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 â—alking_v of_o contradiction_n impossibility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v term_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o request_n of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v under_o this_o head_n for_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o bright_a truth_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o entertain_v this_o one_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o to_o keep_v a_o discipline_n over_o their_o understanding_n as_o over_o their_o will_n that_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o be_v mention_v as_o part_v of_o man_n depravity_n and_o alienation_n from_o his_o first_o make_n that_o 29._o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n i._n e._n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v curious_a excogitation_n quaint_a arguing_n fanciful_a reason_n these_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v greedy_o seek_v out_o and_o pursue_v by_o vain_a man_n but_o where_o the_o true_a force_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n prevail_v there_o they_o 5._o cast_v down_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n every_o proud_a conceit_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n i._n e._n every_o corrupt_a notion_n and_o conception_n which_o usurp_v upon_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o false_a argumentation_n and_o debate_n about_o the_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v above_o or_o beyond_o what_o divine_a revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o but_o we_o must_v resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o appeal_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v the_o sagacious_a gentleman_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a will_v grant_v that_o some_o vulgar_a head_n among_o who_o perhaps_o they_o will_v reckon_v the_o foresay_a apostle_n have_v favour_v the_o restrain_v and_o limit_v of_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o will_v this_o pass_v current_n they_o may_v say_v with_o those_o that_o be_v vote_v for_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o wit_n will_v it_o be_v admit_v by_o man_n of_o keen_a apprehension_n man_n of_o judgement_n and_o philosophy_n yes_o most_o sure_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v the_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n and_o the_o great_a des_fw-mi cartes_n into_o that_o number_n the_o former_a of_o who_o have_v leave_v these_o remarkable_a word_n 9_o god_n sovereignty_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o latter_a express_v himself_o thus_o and_o though_o some_o may_v think_v it_o be_v speak_v in_o politic_a compliance_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n and_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n 7._o we_o must_v say_v he_o always_o and_o chief_o remember_v this_o that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o altogether_o finite_a so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n concern_v himself_o or_o other_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o natural_a strength_n of_o our_o wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n or_o trinity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v they_o and_o again_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o philosophical_a principle_n he_o have_v leave_v