this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o 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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 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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 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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
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
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
we_o this_o excellent_a memorandum_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o memory_n as_o a_o principal_a rule_n that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a of_o all_o and_o though_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n notwithstanding_o this_o we_o be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n thus_o these_o mighty_a genius_n of_o philosophy_n give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o our_o great_a apostle_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o reason_v as_o well_o as_o the_o elective_a part_n in_o subjection_n and_o indeed_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n that_o affect_v will_n and_o understand_v and_o these_o faculty_n be_v not_o real_o different_a from_o the_o soul_n itself_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o one_o capacity_n may_v be_v check_v and_o regulate_v than_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o chastise_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o the_o will_n and_o appetite_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o socinian_o grant_v the_o former_a but_o deny_v the_o latter_a though_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o that_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o which_o show_v that_o they_o despise_v the_o parity_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o proposition_n that_o they_o argue_v not_o alike_o in_o thinâ—â—_n that_o be_v alike_o that_o they_o vary_v in_o case_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o and_o ingenious_o that_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o perverse_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o 〈…〉_z and_o partiality_n have_v the_o 〈…〉_z three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o blemish_n lie_v upon_o this_o sentiment_n and_o this_o behaviour_n for_o as_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o partiality_n and_o perverseness_n so_o they_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o indifferency_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n whilst_o person_n acquiesce_v in_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v upon_o safe_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o when_o they_o quit_v this_o and_o undertake_v to_o measure_n christianity_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n they_o have_v no_o sure_a foot_n but_o they_o waver_v and_o fluctuate_v they_o start_v query_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o certainty_n in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o when_o overcurious_a and_o wrangle_a head_n come_v to_o argue_v about_o those_o high_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v and_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o formal_a dispute_n and_o encounter_v they_o with_o mere_a dint_n of_o reason_n they_o soon_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v victor_n in_o such_o a_o engagement_n and_o then_o they_o carry_v their_o conquest_n further_o and_o range_v and_o fly_v about_o and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o unsettle_v religion_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o into_o question_n they_o teach_v man_n to_o doubt_v of_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o they_o before_o receive_v and_o especial_o to_o dispute_v about_o every_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o infuse_v this_o notion_n into_o man_n head_n that_o they_o must_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o receive_a article_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o be_v their_o own_o prejudice_n and_o dislike_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o use_v a_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n against_o these_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v able_a to_o use_v the_o like_a reason_n against_o all_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v to_o begin_v with_o those_o â—â—ore_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n and_o to_o bring_v people_n off_o from_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o can_v easy_o maintain_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o shake_v the_o plain_a one_o afterward_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v more_o charity_n than_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o form_a design_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o socinian_n way_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o well_o dispose_v person_n among_o they_o but_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o project_n carry_v on_o by_o some_o ill-minded_n and_o perverse_a man_n who_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o render_v religion_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n by_o this_o course_n which_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n take_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a truth_n will_v be_v slight_v nay_o they_o be_v already_o slight_v and_o actual_o disregard_v by_o this_o race_n of_o man_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o artribute_n of_o god_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o rise_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o subsistence_n and_o perception_n of_o separate_a soul_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o sundry_a other_o substantial_a verity_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o many_o more_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v by_o deist_n or_o atheist_n and_o that_o on_o the_o socinian_n principle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n observable_a at_o present_a i_o say_v upon_o the_o socinian_n principle_n viz._n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o on_o all_o account_n adjust_v to_o the_o model_n of_o man_n ordinary_a reason_n therefore_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o admit_v of_o they_o on_o that_o very_a account_n but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v doubt_v of_o the_o weight_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v but_o arbitrary_a hypothesis_n and_o christianity_n itself_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v no_o other_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o write_n both_o of_o our_o foreign_a and_o domestic_a adversary_n christianity_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o same_o scale_n with_o judaism_n and_o turcism_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o weighty_a be_v determine_v to_o be_v light_a than_o any_o in_o the_o other_o two_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o their_o arrogant_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n from_o their_o peremptory_a resolve_v to_o entertain_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v commensurate_a to_o natural_a principle_n from_o their_o oppose_a and_o deny_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o scripture_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v define_v the_o exact_a manner_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v assert_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o sound_v all_o religion_n upon_o natural_a reason_n and_o argument_n we_o must_v throw_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v mere_o to_o gratify_v the_o deist_n and_o racovian_o nay_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v that_o those_o who_o strike_v at_o reveal_v religion_n bear_v no_o kindness_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o natural_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o those_o who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o former_a will_v do_v the_o same_o in_o time_n to_o the_o latter_a for_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o those_o bold_a man_n who_o disregard_n the_o immediate_a discovery_n of_o heaven_n to_o mankind_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o altogether_o incredible_a by_o intelligent_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n will_v also_o vilify_v the_o more_o mediate_v and_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n those_o that_o slight_a the_o extraordinary_a voice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o ordinary_a one_o those_o that_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n will_v not_o be_v obsequious_a to_o he_o dictate_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a a_o opinion_n our_o adversary_n maintain_v and_o promote_v we_o see_v how_o they_o feed_v the_o humour_n of_o this_o sceptical_a age_n and_o work_v upon_o unstable_a and_o waver_a mind_n and_o wheadle_n they_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n by_o plausible_a insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o this_o mean_v they_o direct_o lead_v they_o
sermon_n on_o special_a occasion_n and_o subject_n viz_o a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n that_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n how_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o excel_v that_o decay_n of_o trade_n be_v the_o product_n of_o vice_n war_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a on_o just_a occasion_n the_o danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a edward_n earl_n of_o orford_n viscount_n barfleur_n baron_n of_o shingey_n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n my_o lord_n all_z true_a english_a man_n have_v their_o eye_n upon_o your_o lordship_n as_o their_o faithful_a patriot_n and_o protector_n as_o a_o firm_a lover_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o country_n and_o they_o all_o pay_v a_o profound_a respect_n to_o that_o illustrious_a name_n in_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o involve_v we_o be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o sensible_a of_o those_o large_a and_o manifest_a demonstration_n which_o you_o have_v give_v we_o of_o your_o concern_v for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o the_o late_a happy_a revolution_n your_o heroic_a erterprise_n your_o constant_a fatigue_n difficulty_n and_o peril_n undergo_v for_o the_o service_n of_o your_o country_n be_v the_o continual_a matter_n of_o our_o admiration_n we_o celebrate_v and_o applaud_v your_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v engage_v the_o french_a navy_n when_o their_o admiral_n feel_v the_o destructive_a force_n of_o your_o martial_a thunder_n which_o you_o pour_v out_o so_o fast_o upon_o he_o and_o which_o produce_v a_o a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o insult_a but_o fly_v foe_n the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o great_a and_o noble_a achievement_n your_o lordship_n bear_v in_o your_o honourable_a title_n which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o look_v whether_o at_o sea_n or_o land_n we_o find_v your_o lordship_n merit_v in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o your_o near_a relation_n to_o â—his_fw-la grace_n the_o duke_n of_o bedford_n who_o family_n have_v be_v the_o nursery_n of_o patriot_n and_o worthy_n yea_o and_o of_o sufferer_n for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o welfare_n render_v you_o a_o person_n yet_o more_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n which_o your_o prince_n have_v advance_v you_o to_o and_o that_o eminent_a and_o honourable_a post_n your_o lordship_n be_v now_o in_o make_v you_o capable_a of_o be_v what_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v by_o you_o beneficial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o county_n you_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a concern_v in_o but_o to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o i_o know_v your_o transcendent_a modesty_n will_v scarce_o suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v add_v no_o more_o the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a address_n to_o your_o lordship_n be_v to_o express_v my_o thankful_a and_o dutiful_a resentment_n of_o the_o undeserved_a favour_n cast_v upon_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n and_o to_o offer_v my_o sincere_a wish_n and_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n for_o your_o health_n and_o long_a life_n that_o you_o may_v live_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o divine_a assistance_n that_o success_n may_v crown_v all_o your_o worthy_a undertake_n that_o you_o may_v continue_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o embrace_n of_o so_o excellent_a and_o accomplish_v a_o lady_n as_o heaven_n have_v bless_v you_o with_o that_o you_o may_v be_v as_o instrumental_a in_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o you_o be_v in_o restore_a they_o that_o you_o may_v long_o enjoy_v the_o honour_n which_o your_o merit_n have_v advance_v you_o to_o and_o the_o happiness_n you_o have_v of_o possess_v his_o majesty_n favour_n and_o in_o â—_o word_n that_o you_o may_v still_o be_v admire_v honour_a and_o love_v by_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o religious_a and_o now_o my_o lord_n permit_v i_o to_o beg_v a_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o you_o but_o such_o as_o i_o know_v your_o generosity_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o grant_v viz._n that_o i_o may_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o dedicate_v the_o follow_a paper_n to_o your_o lordship_n name_n which_o as_o it_o will_v give_v a_o glory_n to_o they_o so_o it_o will_v remain_v a_o testimony_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o design_v of_o that_o entire_a service_n and_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v and_o shall_v ever_o be_v owe_v to_o your_o lordship_n i_o have_v have_v your_o lordship_n in_o my_o eye_n ever_o since_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v a_o writer_n but_o i_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o make_v my_o approach_n of_o a_o sudden_a to_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n nor_o be_v i_o furnish_v with_o a_o subject_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o your_o lordship_n genius_n i_o forbear_v to_o trouble_v you_o with_o criticism_n and_o controversy_n though_o of_o a_o important_a nature_n but_o now_o when_o the_o matter_n i_o treat_v of_o be_v agreeable_a to_o so_o noble_a and_o exalt_v a_o mind_n i_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v a_o oblation_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o your_o lordship_n and_o though_o you_o have_v sometime_o intimate_v your_o averseness_n to_o see_v your_o name_n in_o print_n yet_o i_o presume_v to_o prefix_v it_o to_o these_o paper_n which_o have_v the_o sacred_a write_n for_o which_o your_o lordship_n have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o their_o groundwork_n on_o this_o account_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a notwithstanding_o their_o meanness_n and_o faultiness_n otherwise_o final_o beg_v your_o lordship_n pardon_n for_o this_o prolix_a trouble_n i_o lay_v this_o offer_n with_o myself_o at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n and_o crave_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a entire_a and_o devote_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n several_a year_n ago_o i_o be_v solicit_v by_o some_o of_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o other_o worthy_a friend_n who_o be_v please_v to_o entertain_v no_o ill_a opinion_n of_o some_o of_o my_o discourse_n which_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pulpit_n to_o make_v they_o more_o public_a and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o general_n view_n but_o i_o be_v at_o that_o time_n furnish_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o give_v way_n to_o their_o importunity_n but_o about_o half_a a_o year_n ago_o be_v solicit_v afresh_o i_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o such_o a_o motion_n for_o a_o friend_n extort_a these_o paper_n from_o i_o by_o a_o argument_n which_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v he_o assure_v i_o that_o print_v sermon_n or_o practical_a discourse_n be_v call_v for_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o reader_n and_o be_v in_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a sign_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v a_o infallible_a one_o that_o they_o be_v intent_n upon_o practice_n i_o be_v hearty_o glad_a to_o hear_v that_o the_o world_n be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o temper_n and_o thereupon_o i_o lay_v aside_o my_o former_a resolution_n for_o i_o have_v prepare_v discourse_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o press_n and_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o accommodate_v they_o with_o a_o volume_n of_o sermon_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o vein_n and_o relish_v matter_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o practical_a nature_n and_o i_o do_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o have_v late_o be_v employ_v in_o assert_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o animadvert_v on_o the_o error_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o i_o be_v force_v on_o that_o account_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o controversy_n and_o debate_n and_o therefore_o i_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o i_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o contest_v that_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o insult_v and_o philippic_n and_o that_o i_o prefer_v the_o practical_a part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o the_o dispute_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o assign_v the_o occasion_n of_o my_o publish_v these_o follow_a discourse_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v especial_o how_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a standard_n
of_o wealth_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n and_o just_a penalty_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o proclaim_v and_o open_v of_o a_o great_a fair._n ezek_n xxvii_o 27._o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o fair_n and_o thy_o merchandise_n thy_o mariner_n and_o thy_o pilot_n thy_o calker_n and_o the_o occupier_n of_o thy_o merchandise_n and_o all_o thy_o man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o company_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o ruin_n p._n 133_o serm._n vi_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o go_v to_o war_n on_o just_a occasion_n a_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o proclaim_v of_o the_o war_n against_o france_n gen._n xviii_o 14._o and_o when_o abram_n hear_v that_o his_o brother_n be_v take_v captive_a be_v arm_v his_o train_a servant_n bear_v in_o his_o own_o house_n three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o and_o pursue_v they_o unto_o dan_n pag._n 160_o serm._n vii_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o war._n a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_a day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o the_o implore_v god_n blessing_n on_o their_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n josh._n vii_o 12._o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n but_o turn_v their_o back_n before_o their_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v accurse_v neither_o will_v i_o be_v with_o you_o any_o more_o except_o you_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o you_o pag._n 192_o serm._n viii_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o sir_n john_n hoâ—blon_n late_a lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n mark_n iii_o 24._o and_o if_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o that_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v p._n 225_o serm._n ix_o x._o the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n in_o two_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o present_a excess_n in_o that_o kind_n 1_o tim_n ii_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shamefacedness_n and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n pag._n 257_o serm._n xi_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n and_o why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a socinian_n write_n which_o explode_v all_o christian_a mystery_n 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n pag._n 328_o serm._n xii_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n p._n 365_o errata_fw-la pag._n 11._o l._n 14._o r_o monstrous_a p._n 19_o l._n 27._o r._n of_o truth_n p._n 92._o l._n ult_n deal_n be_v p_o 142._o l._n 4._o r._n thence_o p._n 171._o l._n 20._o r._n one_o p._n 176._o l._n 12._o after_o blood_n inseâ—t_v a_o 〈◊〉_d point_n p._n 178._o l._n 1._o for_o on_o r._n to_o p._n 262._o l._n 2._o r._n there_o for_o their_o and_o their_o for_o the._n p._n 268._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 269._o l._n ult_n r._n muliebri_fw-la p._n 271._o l._n 12._o r._n restrain_v p._n 278._o l._n 5._o r._n gorgeous_a p._n 279._o l._n 2._o r._n exotic_a p._n 289._o l._n 18._o r._n supercilious_a p._n 304._o l._n 7._o r._n altum_fw-la p._n 322._o l._n 8._o r._n viand_n p._n 345._o l._n 22._o before_o which_o insert_v v_o 9_o p._n 351._o l._n 5._o r._n thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n cleanse_v and._n p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n give_v it_o p._n 389._o l._n 7._o r._n rarity_n with_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a which_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n ii_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n one_o signal_n circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n meritorious_a passion_n be_v that_o which_o we_o daily_o rehearse_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o he_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o true_o from_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v this_o person_n not_o only_o by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o other_o writer_n he_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o fit_a man_n for_o that_o execrable_a work_n of_o condemn_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n for_o who_o be_v more_o so_o than_o the_o covetous_a and_o greedy_a pilate_n who_o attempt_v to_o rob_v the_o temple_n and_o sacrilegious_o to_o rifle_n the_o corban_n as_o josephus_n relate_v who_o can_v be_v fit_a than_o he_o to_o receive_v a_o bribe_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o deliver_v up_o the_o messiah_n a_o victim_n to_o their_o fury_n and_o malice_n who_o than_o he_o who_o have_v inhuman_o mingle_v the_o galilean_n blood_n with_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v when_o the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v and_o when_o jesus_n of_o galilee_n from_o who_o his_o follower_n be_v call_v galilean_n be_v to_o give_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o this_o man_n be_v thus_o fit_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v for_o his_o work_n yet_o the_o bloody_a sentence_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o without_o the_o preamble_n of_o a_o formal_a arraignment_n and_o trial._n and_o according_o the_o innocent_a jesus_n be_v set_v to_o the_o bar_n and_o this_o roman_a governor_n take_v the_o bench_n where_o as_o you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o context_n this_o judge_n be_v full_a of_o his_o interrogatory_n and_o propound_v several_a and_o those_o not_o inconsiderable_a question_n but_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o certain_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o substantial_a and_o useful_a than_o this_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v weighty_a for_o it_o be_v just_o occasion_v by_o our_o lord_n plea_n and_o protestation_n in_o court_n viz._n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o malicious_a jew_n have_v accuse_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o â—his_fw-la cause_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d â—itness_v to_o the_o truth_n v_o 37._o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v whereas_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v 〈◊〉_d a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v miserable_o pervert_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o have_v be_v 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hear_v person_n of_o different_a judgement_n cite_v the_o same_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n shall_v not_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o because_o that_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o party_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o battle_n and_o dispute_v with_o so_o much_o fierceness_n and_o rage_n as_o general_o they_o do_v i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v and_o commend_v the_o excellent_a candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o first_o pious_a reformer_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o such_o article_n as_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a have_v not_o show_v themselves_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a rigid_a and_o magisterial_a have_v not_o wound_v up_o the_o string_n too_o high_a lest_o they_o shall_v mar_v the_o harmony_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o where_o the_o argument_n be_v deem_v to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n they_o have_v allow_v we_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n and_o permit_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o 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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 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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 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ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v verse_n these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mystery_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o preach_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o though_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o his_o saint_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n yet_o this_o be_v speak_v comparative_o and_o not_o absolute_o for_o these_o riches_n be_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o that_o be_v they_o still_o remain_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o unknown_a to_o we_o thus_o in_o these_o three_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o former_a age_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o one_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o mystical_a rite_n it_o be_v keep_v secret_a from_o the_o 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former_a but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v the_o same_o be_v thus_o denominate_v be_v because_o of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v they_o again_o not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o great_a apostle_n use_v this_o language_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n v_o 8._o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a ruler_n but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o in_o v_o 9_o by_o apply_v that_o passage_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o great_a thing_n viz._n the_o method_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n undertake_v for_o we_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o attend_v these_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v and_o provide_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o be_v not_o full_o know_v and_o perceive_v because_o they_o be_v mystery_n they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a understanding_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a and_o shallow_a intellect_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conducible_a to_o salvation_n be_v impart_v to_o all_o true_a believer_n as_o it_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n v_o 10._o and_o these_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o and_o see_v thorough_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v and_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v more_o but_o more_o be_v unknown_a than_o be_v know_v hence_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o paradox_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3._o 19_o the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o show_v his_o transcendent_a love_n to_o we_o may_v be_v know_v and_o yet_o they_o pass_v knowledge_n they_o far_o exceed_v the_o utmost_a conception_n we_o can_v form_v of_o they_o next_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o where_o all_o commentator_n of_o note_n understand_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n indeed_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o christianity_n be_v mean_v here_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n yea_o even_o now_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o apostle_n actual_o apply_v this_o appellation_n of_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n christianity_n then_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o of_o that_o exalt_a and_o elevate_a nature_n that_o humane_a understanding_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o some_o doctrine_n lie_v under_o perpetual_a obscurity_n they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n undergo_v a_o scrupulous_a examination_n they_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a scrutiny_n manage_v by_o mere_a reason_n again_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o i._n e._n god_n will_v eph._n 1._o which_o as_o the_o context_n plain_o show_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o wise_a but_o mysterious_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v now_o preach_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o forego_n or_o follow_v verse_n that_o seem_v to_o restrain_v it_o to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o viz._n before_o christ_n come_v and_o again_o in_o chap._n 6._o of_o this_o epistle_n v_o 19_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o irrespective_o speak_v that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o former_a time_n and_o age_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v not_o to_o what_o be_v past_a but_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o preach_v it_o be_v plain_a from_o this_o that_o he_o immediate_o add_v that_o for_o this_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v then_o a_o ambassador_n in_o bond_n v_o 20._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a in_o itself_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o place_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o know_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o we_o observe_v before_o upon_o eph._n 3._o 19_o though_o it_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o surpass_v knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o be_v know_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v make_v know_v i.e._n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o the_o truth_n and_o
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
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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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