this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o â—_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
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 fit_a to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o four_o another_o way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o excel_v in_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v or_o as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o prophesy_v he_o give_v this_o the_o precedence_n to_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n which_o he_o mention_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n covet_v earnest_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v this_o be_v that_o endowment_n which_o according_a to_o he_o make_v most_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v this_o gift_n which_o i'm_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o complicate_v office_n and_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o first_o the_o inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o set_v they_o into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n â—_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
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
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
as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o 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the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o advantageous_a knowledge_n of_o all_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o feel_v they_o as_o well_o as_o know_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n found_v on_o the_o word_n christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n show_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o some_o more_o especial_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v such_o even_o in_o a_o general_a way_n unto_o every_o one_o there_o be_v several_a great_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v no_o more_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v with_o relation_n and_o respect_n even_o to_o all_o person_n whosoever_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o influence_n that_o if_o it_o be_v due_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o important_a point_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o far_o contest_v about_o these_o if_o the_o abovesaid_a proposition_n do_v but_o take_v place_n in_o man_n mind_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a secret_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v so_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o this_o can_v but_o supersede_n all_o controversy_n about_o 〈◊〉_d this_o with_o ingenuous_a and_o rational_a spirit_n solve_v all_o difficulty_n this_o with_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n answer_v all_o doubt_n and_o full_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v evince_v that_o â—here_o be_v such_o secret_n as_o these_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o other_o and_o these_o be_v proper_o style_v mystery_n that_o one_o text_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v this_o we_o know_v in_o part_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o knowledge_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o evangelical_n matter_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v by_o way_n of_o natural_a consequence_n we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n for_o our_o instruct_n of_o other_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o own_o knowledge_n which_o be_v but_o in_o part_n he_o superadd_v now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n that_o be_v either_o as_o man_n look_v through_o a_o perspective_n on_o a_o object_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o therefore_o make_v obscure_a by_o its_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o eye_n or_o as_o person_n behold_v themselves_o in_o a_o glass_n or_o mirror_n which_o manner_n of_o expression_n st._n james_n use_v to_o signify_v a_o slight_a view_n 1_o jam._n 23._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o apostle_n think_v not_o this_o sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o meanness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a matter_n but_o he_o add_v another_o emphatic_a expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n i.e._n in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dark_a and_o intricate_a manner_n and_o therefore_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o dark_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o partial_a discovery_n of_o some_o divine_a truth_n our_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v very_o imperfect_a there_o be_v certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o capacity_n but_o be_v in_o themselves_o enigmatical_a and_o abstruse_a and_o these_o passage_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o apostle_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o knowledge_n he_o who_o among_o all_o 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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 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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 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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
culpable_a those_o that_o blame_v my_o intemperance_n in_o write_v if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o public_a station_n of_o the_o ministry_n will_v find_v fault_n with_o my_o preach_v too_o much_o and_o last_o i_o desire_v to_o regulate_v myself_o and_o my_o undertake_n by_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n eccles._n 9_o 10._o what_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o may_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v this_o present_a world_n be_v the_o place_n of_o action_n and_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o particular_a capacity_n and_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o great_a benefactor_n the_o proper_a concern_v and_o business_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o design_v to_o discharge_v we_o must_v dispatch_v now_o and_o that_o with_o our_o might_n and_o vigour_n according_o i_o have_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n by_o the_o divine_a aid_n to_o do_v what_o good_a i_o can_v with_o my_o pen_n whilst_o i_o can_v hold_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o this_o will_v not_o this_o can_v be_v offensive_a to_o any_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o to_o such_o i_o desire_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o action_n and_o not_o to_o other_o wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o the_o little_a suggestion_n and_o seem_o prudential_a exception_n of_o the_o foresay_a objection_n from_o a_o sedulous_a and_o continue_a apply_v myself_o to_o the_o forementioned_a way_n of_o communicate_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o hope_v will_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o high_a prove_v someways_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o apprehensive_a how_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a my_o labour_n be_v and_o how_o much_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o other_o excellent_a writer_n of_o this_o age._n and_o because_o i_o will_v be_v free_a and_o open_a with_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v give_v he_o his_o bill_n of_o fare_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o design_n god_n willing_a to_o entertain_v he_o next_o with_o a_o large_a discourse_n concern_v the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o i_o have_v be_v design_v for_o the_o public_a a_o considerable_a time_n but_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o send_v it_o abroad_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o treatise_n which_o be_v call_v for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a understanding_n the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o apprehend_v the_o true_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n various_a administration_n to_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o full_o evince_v of_o his_o peculiar_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n i_o have_v also_o venture_v to_o make_v a_o modest_a enquiry_n into_o the_o future_a state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o i_o have_v all_o along_o build_v my_o assertion_n on_o the_o discovery_n which_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v furnish_v i_o with_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o ever_o yet_o appear_v on_o the_o stage_n be_v predict_v in_o the_o inspire_a volume_n though_o the_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v through_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n be_v unhappy_o misinterpret_v this_o and_o some_o other_o treatise_n as_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o the_o right_a method_n of_o find_v it_o etc._n etc._n i_o intend_v as_o preliminary_n to_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n for_o that_o be_v the_o undertake_n i_o have_v be_v accomplish_v some_o year_n and_o i_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o i_o purpose_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v shall_v contain_v particular_a and_o distinct_a discourse_n on_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n on_o the_o seveâ—eral_a petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o on_o all_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o office_n of_o christianity_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o i_o intend_v a_o large_a supplement_n concern_v the_o five_o point_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v controvert_v between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o calvinist_n as_o likewise_o concern_v all_o those_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v debate_v between_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o be_v the_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v be_v make_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o finish_v unless_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o alwise_a disposer_n in_o who_o hand_n my_o time_n be_v otherwise_o to_o determine_v concern_v it_o and_o i_o however_o i_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o health_n and_o the_o prolong_v of_o my_o day_n till_o i_o have_v entire_o publish_v what_o i_o have_v thus_o prepare_v but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o be_o willing_a to_o make_v my_o own_o hand_n my_o executor_n in_o part_n and_o not_o to_o imitate_v those_o close-fisted_n person_n who_o whilst_o they_o be_v live_v distribute_v nothing_o of_o what_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o thrust_v all_o their_o good_a deed_n to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o their_o grave_n or_o if_o the_o benign_a deity_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o great_a number_n of_o day_n to_o my_o life_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o what_o evil_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o true_o when_o i_o place_n before_o i_o that_o atheism_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a and_o the_o strange_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o reign_n in_o the_o best_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o period_n at_o present_a to_o the_o late_a hostility_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a condition_n which_o be_v one_o principal_a reason_n of_o my_o make_v that_o haste_n which_o some_o i_o perceive_v censure_v i_o for_o it_o may_v be_v partly_o out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o pity_n towards_o i_o fear_v lest_o i_o shall_v exhaust_v myself_o and_o turn_v bankrupt_a in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o i_o believe_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o ease_v their_o fear_n as_o to_o that_o matter_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o censure_n proceed_v from_o a_o worse_a principle_n i_o let_v they_o know_v once_o for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v devote_v the_o residue_n of_o my_o life_n to_o the_o public_a defence_n and_o advancement_n of_o christianity_n with_o all_o its_o weighty_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a duty_n and_o practice_n that_o appertain_v to_o it_o and_o i_o revere_a and_o adore_v the_o divine_a bounty_n that_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o entrust_v i_o with_o a_o small_a stock_n such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o poor_a ability_n to_o carry_v on_o so_o laudable_a a_o design_n i_o intend_v it_o shall_v not_o lie_v dead_a but_o be_v employ_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a eternal_a donour_n the_o content_n serm._n i._n 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 the_o second_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 pag._n 1._o serm._n ii_o 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 psal._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 pag._n 29â—_n serm._n iii_o the_o reason_n why_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o election_n of_o a_o chief_a magistrate_n in_o a_o corporation_n exod._n xviii_o 25._o and_o moses_n choose_v able_a man_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n and_o make_v they_o head_n over_o the_o people_n p._n 62._o serm._n iu._n how_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o excel_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o clergy_n at_o the_o archdeacon_n of_o ely_n visitation_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 12._o forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v zealous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n p._n 92._o serm._n v._o that_o decay_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o consequent_o
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 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that_o all_o party_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v that_o they_o be_v master_n and_o possessor_n of_o it_o before_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o now_o all_o be_v truth_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o it_o truth_n you_o shall_v not_o want_v whole_a herd_n of_o man_n who_o will_v come_v and_o offer_v their_o service_n to_o you_o and_o with_o all_o officiousness_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v you_o in_o such_o a_o easy_a question_n as_o that_o be_v truth_n take_v up_o its_o residence_n with_o we_o say_v the_o pagan_a worshipper_n our_o numerous_a deity_n and_o their_o idol_n have_v be_v vouch_v by_o oracle_n and_o divination_n and_o all_o the_o way_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o religion_n authentic_a we_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o orthodox_n faith_n say_v the_o jew_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bewilder_v and_o lose_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o pillar_n of_o light_a to_o lead_v they_o alas_o they_o be_v envelop_v in_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o must_v continue_v to_o be_v so_o till_o they_o take_v moses_n for_o their_o only_a guide_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o it_o but_o then_o again_o neither_o gentile_n nor_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o right_n say_v the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o pagan_a father_n and_o a_o jewish_a mother_n the_o alcoran_n be_v the_o true_a charter_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o who_o can_v suspect_v it_o since_o our_o prophet_n receive_v it_o from_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n we_o be_v the_o true_a musselman_n i.e._n believer_n and_o all_o other_o be_v downright_a infidel_n and_o miscreant_n nay_o even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n for_o out_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n will_v arise_v the_o worst_a of_o corruption_n and_o heresy_n the_o party_n and_o division_n the_o dispute_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o a_o few_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o think_v they_o monopolise_v it_o every_o sect_n 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and_o capacious_a a_o sphere_n be_v some_o mean_a resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a dominion_n the_o vast_a influence_n which_o ruler_n have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o the_o great_a circumference_n they_o describe_v may_v entitle_v they_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o deity_n second_o more_o particular_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o rule_v on_o earth_n resemble_v one_o another_o in_o their_o action_n and_o employment_n viz._n in_o ruling_n and_o govern_v all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n in_o make_v and_o appoint_v law_n to_o that_o end_n in_o distribute_v of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n and_o in_o execute_v of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o say_v exoâ—_n theodoret_n judge_n be_v call_v god_n because_o they_o imitate_v god_n as_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o office_n of_o judge_v and_o orthodox_n justin_n martyr_n before_o he_o have_v word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o pagan_a jove_n be_v 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goodness_n he_o can_v make_v himself_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o so_o much_o worth_a and_o excellency_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o he_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o illustrate_v may_v be_v apply_v both_o to_o magistrate_n and_o people_n first_o to_o the_o people_n who_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v well_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o according_o i.e._n willing_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o authority_n and_o superiority_n to_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o to_o pay_v they_o that_o civil_a worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o and_o cheerful_o to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a command_n governor_n be_v god_n therefore_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n they_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o so_o he_o that_o disrespect_n and_o despises_n they_o abuse_v god_n in_o effigy_n to_o do_v violence_n to_o they_o be_v to_o assault_v the_o deity_n to_o combat_n against_o heaven_n and_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o here_o then_o be_v a_o solid_a basis_n for_o obedience_n god_n have_v depute_a magistrate_n and_o make_v they_o his_o representative_n and_o communicate_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o they_o and_o by_o be_v good_a they_o do_v more_o signal_o resemble_v he_o whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o human_a authority_n be_v affront_v of_o god_n and_o despise_v even_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n then_o to_o study_n and_o practise_v obedience_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o thank_v god_n for_o good_a magistrate_n who_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n magistracy_n deserve_v a_o double_a veneration_n when_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o holiness_n second_o the_o magistrate_n no_o less_o than_o the_o people_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o 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their_o place_n the_o hebrew_n netzib_n word_n which_o signify_v a_o statue_n and_o a_o tomb_n signify_v also_o a_o precedent_n a_o governor_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o bear_v this_o latter_a chacter_n who_o be_v too_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o former_a though_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v public_a dispensers_n of_o justice_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v that_o office_n but_o rather_o give_v the_o neighbourhood_n to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v mere_a senseless_a statue_n and_o empty_a sepulcher_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a a_o christain_n magistrate_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o unactive_a in_o his_o place_n to_o be_v careless_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o sleep_v away_o his_o time_n as_o if_o the_o people_n of_o his_o province_n be_v as_o inconsiderable_a as_o the_o frog_n over_o who_o
king_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o vicegerent_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o injury_n as_o they_o be_v approve_v of_o and_o countenance_v by_o he_o so_o their_o opposer_n shall_v be_v baffle_v and_o punish_v and_o thus_o when_o nature_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o holy_a writ_n and_o providence_n all_o join_v in_o one_o sound_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n thus_o establish_v concern_v both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o people_n first_o the_o people_n for_o as_o before_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o obedience_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o eminency_n of_o their_o superior_n so_o here_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o duty_n by_o this_o thought_n that_o magistracy_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n ruler_n be_v constitute_v by_o god_n god_n himself_o have_v say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v go_n both_o their_o name_n and_o office_n be_v reverend_a and_o honourable_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v they_o 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must_v do_v obeisance_n and_o homage_n to_o he_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n psal._n xcvi_o 4._o the_o contrary_a temper_n and_o practice_n have_v prevail_v too_o much_o in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o we_o have_v abundant_a instance_n the_o first_o god_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v king_n and_o prince_n and_o great_a men._n nimrod_n the_o first_o monarch_n and_o sovereign_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v deify_v among_o they_o idolatry_n commence_v in_o monarchy_n the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o their_o king_n extort_a worship_n from_o their_o subject_n who_o admire_v and_o fear_v they_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n entail_v divinity_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o most_o of_o the_o pagan_a king_n of_o old_a to_o make_v themselves_o more_o venerable_a to_o their_o subject_n use_v to_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n from_o some_o god_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o will_v needs_o be_v take_v for_o real_a go_n thus_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o some_o of_o the_o romanâ—mperors_n â—mperors_z will_v have_v altar_n and_o image_n consecrate_a to_o they_o julius_n cesar_n begin_v it_o and_o after_o he_o the_o worst_a and_o vile_a emperor_n affect_v divine_a honour_n as_o nero_n caligula_n domitian_n and_o other_o and_o will_v public_o be_v style_v eâ—lix_fw-la go_n the_o jewish_a rabble_n applaud_v king_n herod_n cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n so_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o of_o nero_n and_o suetonius_n of_o claudiâ—s_n that_o their_o voice_n be_v say_v to_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a julian_n join_v the_o effigy_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n with_o his_o own_o statue_n that_o they_o may_v pay_v reverence_n to_o the_o god_n and_o he_o together_o our_o lord_n god_n the_o pope_n have_v be_v a_o compliment_n sometime_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o lateran_n that_o he_o be_v style_v another_o god_n on_o earth_n but_o this_o language_n be_v unsufferable_a though_o the_o high_a power_n be_v god_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o they_o must_v not_o profane_o usurp_v that_o title_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n above_o they_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a god_n who_o regard_v not_o person_n deut._n x._o 17._o he_o be_v independent_a and_o uncontrollable_a and_o none_o else_o be_v they_o abuse_v their_o reason_n and_o mistake_v their_o office_n if_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v god_n in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a say_v of_o king_n henry_n viii_o who_o at_o sir_n thomas_n more_o be_v first_o come_n to_o his_o service_n at_o court_n give_v he_o this_o godly_a lesson_n first_o look_v unto_o god_n and_o then_o after_o that_o unto_o i_o a_o advice_n well_o become_v a_o prince_n and_o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n which_o i_o be_o now_o press_v that_o trag._n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o the_o god_n and_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o laâ—â—_n there_o be_v a_o great_a king_n who_o all_o king_n be_v under_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o and_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_a he_o and_o rebel_a against_o he_o for_o there_o be_v rebellious_a ruler_n as_o well_o as_o subject_n isai._n i_o 23._o thy_o prince_n be_v rebellious_a viz._n against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n second_o they_o may_v be_v reminded_a from_o the_o premise_n not_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n but_o to_o expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n if_o by_o devout_a prayer_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o he_o will_v assure_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o employment_n he_o will_v vouchsafe_v they_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o will_v be_v their_o guardian_n and_o defender_n and_o those_o that_o rude_o touch_v they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o with_o impunity_n be_v encourage_v hence_o against_o all_o hardship_n and_o opposition_n but_o rather_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o difficulty_n excite_v and_o inflame_v you_o and_o let_v your_o magnanimity_n be_v as_o great_a as_o your_o danger_n if_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n you_o suffer_v from_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o princely_a thing_n to_o do_v well_o and_o hear_v ill_a and_o resolve_v to_o bear_v reproach_n with_o as_o much_o content_a as_o some_o man_n their_o praise_n and_o applause_n move_a in_o so_o great_a a_o sphere_n and_o with_o such_o a_o lustre_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o you_o raise_v many_o envious_a exhalation_n which_o cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o you_o and_o labour_n to_o obscure_a your_o name_n david_n have_v his_o shimei_n governor_n have_v their_o railer_n and_o detractor_n some_o observe_v fail_n and_o declension_n in_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o fix_a star_n twinkle_v and_o nod_v sometime_o or_o the_o silly_a people_n think_v they_o do_v so_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_n 26._o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o say_v st._n paul_n and_o woe_n unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o â—oe_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o do_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o will_v mistake_v we_o and_o censure_v we_o you_o may_v as_o easy_o and_o as_o true_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n discharge_v of_o their_o office_n that_o they_o govern_v well_o be_v necessary_a and_o indispensable_a but_o whilst_o they_o do_v so_o they_o must_v look_v for_o reproach_n and_o affront_v they_o must_v provide_v to_o suffer_v for_o they_o know_v not_o how_o unkind_a the_o world_n may_v be_v to_o they_o and_o what_o outrage_n they_o will_v commit_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v that_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n prove_v ungrateful_a to_o the_o friend_n and_o patriot_n of_o their_o country_n the_o very_a restorer_n and_o preserver_n of_o their_o welfare_n as_o camillus_n publius_n cornelius_n scipio_n and_o other_o we_o be_v tell_v how_o unhandsome_o the_o athenian_a republic_n deal_v with_o themistocles_n and_o aristides_n pericles_n and_o photion_n and_o other_o merit_n be_v a_o way_n to_o ruin_n and_o banishment_n and_o the_o ostracism_n let_v they_o understand_v that_o a_o public_a person_n must_v not_o deserve_v too_o well_o but_o this_o may_v encourage_v and_o animate_v all_o great_a ruler_n and_o governor_n who_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o heaven_n have_v a_o special_a regard_n and_o eye_n to_o they_o and_o will_v certain_o recompense_n they_o for_o the_o hard_a usage_n and_o ill_n return_v they_o meet_v with_o three_o since_o they_o be_v god_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o almighty_a they_o ought_v to_o think_v themselves_o charge_v with_o a_o great_a necessity_n of_o live_v and_o act_v well_o they_o be_v set_v in_o a_o eminent_a
confusion_n of_o egypt_n be_v the_o attendant_n of_o the_o foolishness_n i.e._n the_o sinfulness_n of_o their_o prince_n isa._n nineteeen_o 11._o and_o you_o may_v hear_v god_n speak_v thus_o in_o zech._n x._o 3._o my_o anger_n be_v kindle_v against_o the_o shepherd_n and_o i_o punish_v the_o goat_n i.e._n god_n punish_v both_o ruler_n and_o people_n but_o these_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o yea_o a_o nation_n be_v sometime_o punish_v because_o of_o a_o wicked_a king_n even_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a as_o appear_v from_o jer._n xv_o 4._o israel_n be_v plague_v for_o manasses_n sin_n after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n so_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a be_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o superior_n the_o community_n be_v endamage_v by_o their_o disorder_n their_o folly_n bring_v down_o judgement_n on_o a_o whole_a nation_n all_o the_o member_n suffer_v for_o what_o the_o head_n do_v and_o this_o happen_v so_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n by_o sardanapalus_n luxury_n the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n be_v remove_v to_o the_o mede_n by_o xerxes_n riot_n and_o prodigality_n the_o persian_a empire_n be_v ruin_v and_o many_o other_o instance_n there_o be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n from_o whence_o you_o may_v gather_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o a_o ruler_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v free_a from_o vice_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o very_a religious_a and_o pious_a life_n for_o if_o he_o do_v otherwise_o the_o people_n stand_v ready_a to_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o universal_a corruption_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v overtake_v both_o ruler_n and_o people_n but_o second_o those_o in_o high_a place_n be_v engage_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n and_o to_o show_v forth_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n because_o when_o man_n behold_v these_o in_o they_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v they_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o they_o 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20._o bishop_n treat_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o clergyman_n concern_v basil_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o 9_o rufinus_n that_o for_o thirteen_o year_n together_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o secular_a matter_n and_o apply_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n this_o most_o true_o may_v be_v say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v other_o write_n yet_o these_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o other_o book_n rather_o than_o not_o find_v time_n to_o read_v these_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o theological_a study_n who_o have_v not_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o sacred_a text._n for_o see_v how_o it_o be_v in_o other_o art_n and_o faculty_n there_o be_v book_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o without_o which_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a despair_n of_o attain_v any_o skill_n 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in_o his_o poem_n what_o be_v excellent_a in_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o but_o upon_o better_a ground_n i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o write_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o deserve_v that_o character_n and_o testimony_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o clear_a reason_n but_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v more_o undoubted_a antiquity_n more_o excellent_a history_n more_o profound_a reason_n more_o delightful_a eloquence_n more_o choice_a learning_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o bible_n than_o in_o any_o other_o write_n extant_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o need_v then_o no_o elaborate_v persuasive_n to_o read_v this_o sacred_a volume_n which_o be_v the_o best_a under_o heaven_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o divine_a but_o humane_a literature_n and_o that_o of_o all_o kind_n contain_v in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o this_o latter_a there_o be_v none_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o accomplish_v scholar_n if_o he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o this_o book_n next_o to_o the_o infallible_a record_n of_o both_o testament_n the_o first_o and_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n call_v for_o our_o esteem_n and_o enquiry_n antiquity_n in_o monument_n be_v venerable_a in_o religion_n it_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o so_o prescription_n corroborate_v the_o civil_a right_n and_o tenor_n i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o fortify_v the_o ecclesiastical_a luther_n and_o calvin_n be_v great_a name_n and_o will_v ever_o be_v so_o in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o ought_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o veil_n to_o those_o great_a and_o early_o light_n of_o the_o church_n ignatius_n justin_n martyr_n irenâ—â—us_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n from_o who_o we_o learn_v what_o defection_n there_o be_v from_o the_o truth_n what_o be_v the_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o the_o virgin_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v almost_o deface_v by_o they_o especial_o from_o those_o that_o be_v the_o learned_a apologist_n in_o those_o time_n and_o afterward_o who_o assert_v christianity_n against_o the_o jew_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pagan_n on_o the_o other_o we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n discover_v what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o authentic_a and_o what_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v hence_o that_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n shall_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v defend_v and_o vindicated_n by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o first_o defender_n they_o be_v so_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n three_o to_o read_v i_o must_v necessary_o adjoin_v meditation_n both_o which_o perform_v by_o due_a turn_v be_v
visible_a face_n of_o it_o be_v never_o without_o the_o vital_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o let_v religion_n outward_o appear_v as_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a edification_n will_v allow_v but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o exceed_v in_o ornament_n and_o bravery_n for_o she_o will_v soon_o vanish_v when_o she_o grow_v pompous_a and_o run_v into_o external_n show_v and_o pageantry_n with_o decency_n and_o comeliness_n be_v general_o couple_v unity_n and_o concord_n and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o harmony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o building_n that_o make_v it_o both_o beautiful_a and_o useful_a without_o this_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o well-ordered_a edifice_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o our_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o shall_v successful_o contribute_v towards_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v history_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n betray_v the_o faith_n when_o they_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o her_o wall_n they_o undermine_v her_o foundation_n it_o behoove_v we_o of_o the_o clergy_n then_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a amity_n and_o agreement_n both_o among_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o banish_v all_o dissension_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o our_o animosity_n and_o vain_a jangle_n to_o dote_v no_o long_o on_o fruitless_a dispute_n but_o to_o pursue_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n with_o a_o entire_a affection_n and_o to_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o practise_v of_o it_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o name_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o visitation_n sermon_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n enjoin_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n act_v xxviii_o 28._o and_o he_o command_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o and_o more_o brief_o ver_fw-la 16._o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n i.e._n to_o thy_o life_n as_o well_o as_o to_o thy_o preach_v and_o he_o charge_v titus_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o show_v himself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n tit._n two_o 7._o as_o there_o be_v a_o special_a designation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o special_a holiness_n accompany_v it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o consecration_n of_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o person_n as_o their_o function_n exalt_v they_o above_o other_o in_o dignity_n so_o they_o shall_v surpass_v they_o in_o all_o laudable_a action_n according_a to_o those_o word_n use_v by_o our_o church_n in_o her_o canon_n 75._o they_o must_v have_v always_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v example_n to_o the_o people_n to_o live_v well_o and_o christianly_o let_v not_o that_o which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o pharisee_n character_n be_v fasten_v on_o they_o 3._o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o they_o preach_v well_o but_o live_v not_o according_o let_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o 6._o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o latter_a they_o pull_v all_o down_o that_o they_o have_v build_v they_o render_v all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o exhortation_n ineffectual_a they_o obstruct_v the_o truth_n in_o or_o by_o their_o vnrighteousness_n for_o so_o rom._n i._n 18._o may_v be_v read_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o to_o other_o by_o a_o impious_a life_n yea_o they_o take_v a_o course_n to_o ruin_n religion_n itself_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a speech_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n hammond_n the_o exemplary_a virtue_n of_o the_o clergy_n must_v restore_v this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o must_v commend_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v that_o must_v powerful_o influence_n upon_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n a_o minister_n can_v choose_v a_o more_o efficacious_a way_n of_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o be_v god_n than_o by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v so_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o sheep_n wander_v if_o the_o shepherd_n stray_v every_o one_o eye_n be_v upon_o their_o guide_n all_o man_n be_v look_v up_o to_o these_o star_n these_o torch_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o burn_v dim_a it_o will_v be_v observe_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v be_v imitate_v it_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o traveller_n of_o good_a repute_n that_o atheism_n thrive_v in_o italy_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o cheat_n and_o juggle_v of_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o interest_n be_v all_o their_o religion_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o exemplary_a life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o gratify_v atheist_n and_o to_o promote_v irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o we_o act_n not_o out_o of_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o make_v not_o the_o ministry_n a_o secular_a call_v but_o that_o our_o principle_n be_v sincere_a and_o that_o we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a master_n in_o brief_a one_o of_o our_o character_n shall_v like_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v 35._o a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_v light_n burn_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n with_o entire_a flame_n of_o goodness_n and_o devotion_n with_o pure_a intention_n of_o honour_v god_n and_o promote_a religion_n and_o shine_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n by_o a_o uniform_a practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o holiness_n that_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o resplendent_a indeed_o some_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v this_o false_a apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n beforementioned_a viz._n right_a opinion_n preach_v of_o true_a doctrine_n conformity_n to_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n be_v sufficient_a though_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o holiness_n thence_o some_o labour_n to_o be_v account_v orthodox_n and_o yet_o mind_v not_o their_o life_n they_o teach_v other_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v but_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v hot_a for_o ceremony_n but_o cool_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o thing_n beforenamed_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o obedience_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v original_o design_v to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o therefore_o correct_v our_o conception_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o erroneous_a doctrine_n that_o to_o break_v one_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o drunkenness_n swear_v uncleanness_n be_v as_o black_a crime_n as_o schism_n yea_o let_v we_o be_v convince_v that_o by_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n the_o comeliness_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v render_v deform_v our_o most_o decent_a rite_n become_v sordid_a our_o white_a garment_n be_v stain_v and_o pollute_v let_v we_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o devout_a abbot_n of_o claraval_n what_o will_v our_o canonical_a ordination_n profit_v we_o if_o we_o live_v vncanonical_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o other_o to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a and_o to_o observe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o law_n be_v of_o no_o worth_a and_o value_n if_o our_o life_n be_v impure_a and_o irregular_a wherefore_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v he_o that_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v himself_o oblige_v also_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o primitive_a saint_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n you_o see_v what_o be_v your_o office_n your_o work_n your_o
not_o be_v betray_v at_o sea_n and_o at_o land_n in_o some_o of_o our_o engagement_n it_o be_v probable_a our_o fleet_n and_o our_o army_n will_v have_v give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o ambition_n or_o avarice_n be_v always_o the_o sin_n that_o soment_n this_o treachery_n the_o love_n of_o honour_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o gain_n have_v prompt_v these_o arm_a man_n to_o listen_v to_o the_o proffer_v of_o their_o enemy_n and_o false_o deliver_v up_o the_o whole_a force_n to_o they_o for_o their_o own_o private_a advantage_n or_o else_o they_o protract_v and_o husband_n the_o war_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v only_a to_o make_v themselves_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a yea_o and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o battle_n or_o immediate_o after_o it_o covetousness_n rapine_n and_o a_o greedy_a desire_n of_o booty_n have_v prove_v destructive_a to_o arm_a force_n when_o with_o achan_n their_o mind_n be_v intent_n upon_o steal_v and_o hoard_v when_o the_o gold_n and_o the_o silver_n and_o the_o goodly_a garment_n be_v chief_o think_v of_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o battle_n be_v forget_v and_o even_o when_o victory_n be_v incline_v towards_o they_o it_o on_o a_o sudden_a leave_v they_o and_o go_v to_o the_o other_o side_n last_o when_o we_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o enemy_n with_o prejudice_n grudge_n animosites_n yea_o downright_a hatred_n among_o ourselves_o german_n we_o can_v expect_v that_o our_o military_a expedition_n will_v be_v bless_v with_o success_n when_o israel_n be_v to_o go_v forth_o against_o jabin_n and_o sisera_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a reflection_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o 16._o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v great_a thought_n there_o be_v great_a search_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o these_o do_v not_o prove_v their_o overthrow_n at_o that_o time_n thus_o you_o see_v some_o sin_n direct_o obstruct_v the_o good_a 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represent_v and_o portray_v he_o that_o we_o have_v so_o chain_v up_o war_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o at_o our_o disposal_n and_o that_o it_o can_v hurt_v we_o let_v such_o vain_a confidence_n disappear_v and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o war_n victory_n and_o overthrow_n and_o all_o the_o comfortable_a or_o dismal_a issue_n of_o either_o be_v whole_o from_o he_o presume_v not_o of_o victory_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o valiant_a because_o the_o force_n and_o the_o courage_n of_o england_n have_v be_v try_v and_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n let_v not_o this_o make_v you_o confident_a that_o you_o shall_v prevail_v against_o your_o enemy_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o if_o england_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n strong_a and_o valiant_a than_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n the_o cry_v sin_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o weaken_v and_o dispirit_v it_o it_o can_v never_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o adversary_n and_o enemy_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v lam._n four_o 12._o that_o city_n be_v of_o almost_o incredible_a strength_n it_o be_v so_o admirable_o fence_v and_o fortify_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n several_a elegant_a allusion_n to_o this_o very_a thing_n yet_o this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o in_o the_o opinion_n not_o only_o of_o themselves_o but_o of_o stranger_n invincible_a and_o impregnable_a be_v take_v and_o fack_v and_o burn_v with_o fire_n yea_o even_o a_o second_o time_n it_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o fate_n may_v we_o learn_v then_o not_o to_o vaunt_v of_o our_o strength_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o weakness_n viz._n of_o our_o sin_n which_o enfeeble_v and_o disable_v we_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o be_v woman_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o nineve_n nahum_n iii._o 13._o and_o then_o 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their_o erterprise_n of_o war._n or_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a and_o indulgent_a as_o to_o pass_v by_o their_o enormity_n and_o to_o bless_v their_o martial_a endeavour_n yet_o if_o afterward_o they_o be_v not_o exceed_v sensible_a of_o god_n extraordinary_a goodness_n to_o they_o but_o persist_v in_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n their_o success_n will_v prove_v a_o curse_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n their_o laurel_n will_v be_v blast_v their_o victory_n and_o triumphal_a rejoice_n will_v soon_o be_v turn_v into_o mourn_v and_o lamentation_n and_o those_o enemy_n who_o they_o at_o present_a seem_v to_o prevail_v against_o shall_v increase_v in_o number_n and_o strength_n and_o overrun_v they_o and_o destroy_v they_o with_o a_o great_a destruction_n you_o may_v take_v this_o for_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o god_n way_n can_v but_o make_v false_a step_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v thrive_v any_o considerable_a time_n nothing_o will_v long_o prosper_v under_o their_o conduct_n let_v this_o check_n your_o fond_a presumption_n and_o teach_v you_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o not_o to_o sin_v against_o god_n with_o that_o high_a hand_n you_o former_o do_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o inference_n from_o the_o premise_n 2._o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o your_o fear_n and_o danger_n that_o be_v renounce_v your_o sin_n which_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o through_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o procure_v war_n but_o make_v they_o unsuccessful_a and_o fatal_a to_o we_o that_o you_o may_v fight_v your_o foe_n victorious_o see_v that_o you_o combat_v your_o sin_n that_o you_o grapple_v with_o your_o vice_n this_o be_v a_o war_n that_o be_v fight_v without_o noise_n a_o war_n that_o make_v no_o widow_n nor_o orphan_n a_o war_n that_o be_v always_o crown_v with_o victory_n and_o peace_n that_o you_o may_v not_o like_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o text_n turn_v your_o back_n before_o your_o enemy_n you_o must_v take_v care_n to_o put_v away_o the_o accurse_a thing_n the_o curse_a uncleanness_n the_o curse_a oath_n the_o curse_a intemperance_n and_o drunkenness_n the_o curse_a uncharitableness_n enmity_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v among_o we_o these_o be_v all_o execrable_a thing_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o blunt_v our_o sword_n to_o damp_n our_o powder_n to_o stifle_v our_o cannon_n and_o to_o render_v all_o our_o martial_a provision_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a think_v you_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o you_o as_o he_o do_v to_o joshua_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n o_o israel_n o_o england_n thou_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o thy_o enemy_n until_o you_o take_v away_o the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o you_o verse_n 13_o of_o this_o chapter_n all_o sin_n be_v accurse_v lay_v this_o aside_o and_o then_o go_v forth_o against_o your_o enemy_n and_o prosper_n you_o may_v read_v in_o judge_n x._o 16_o 17._o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n from_o among_o they_o as_o a_o necessary_a introduction_n and_o preparative_a for_o undertake_v a_o successful_a war_n against_o their_o enemy_n who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n gather_v together_o and_o encamp_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o excellent_a rule_n which_o be_v give_v they_o in_o deut._n xxiii_o 9_o when_o the_o host_n go_v forth_o against_o thy_o enmemy_n then_o keep_v thou_o from_o every_o wicked_a thing_n then_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v watchful_a over_o yourselves_o that_o you_o indulge_v not_o any_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n for_o vice_n at_o home_o will_v spoil_v your_o force_n abroad_o here_o i_o may_v pertinent_o remind_v you_o to_o remove_v more_o particular_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n and_o procurer_n of_o war_n those_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n jame_v four_o 1._o those_o insatiable_a desire_n and_o 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cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o â—_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
pitch_n can_v not_o but_o render_v he_o a_o very_o accomplish_v person_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o to_o know_v and_o comprehend_v whatever_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o comprehend_v of_o they_o but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o further_a that_o his_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n be_v as_o eminent_a for_o even_o as_o to_o these_o he_o have_v those_o help_n which_o other_o christian_n have_v not_o yea_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o honour_v with_o for_o he_o tell_v gal._n 1._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o he_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o he_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v he_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o unparalleled_a manner_n call_v to_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o then_o in_o heaven_n he_o have_v immediate_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n by_o vision_n and_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 1._o yea_o by_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n v_o 7._o for_o he_o have_v the_o matchless_a dignity_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n as_o he_o otherwise_o express_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o there_o he_o hear_v those_o unspeakable_a word_n those_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v i._n e._n full_o v_o 4._o then_o be_v display_v before_o he_o those_o mystery_n and_o profound_a doctrine_n which_o his_o write_n every_o where_o abound_v with_o several_a of_o which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o of_o the_o main_a head_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o behold_v this_o apostle_n who_o be_v thus_o bless_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n and_o be_v possessor_n of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o nature_n or_o art_n and_o his_o own_o happy_a genius_n can_v furnish_v he_o with_o and_o which_o be_v unspeakable_o much_o more_o all_o that_o knowledge_n that_o god_n himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o infuse_v into_o he_o and_o inspire_v he_o with_o behold_v this_o very_a apostle_n be_v the_o man_n who_o use_v here_o this_o humble_a and_o mean_a language_n we_o know_v in_o part_n we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o when_o he_o say_v we_o he_o mean_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o christian_n nay_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o chief_o and_o principal_o intend_v himself_o for_o he_o change_v the_o plural_a into_o the_o singular_a v_o 12._o now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o my_o advantage_n of_o know_v much_o more_o than_o other_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o smatterer_n a_o novice_n i_o own_v myself_o to_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a insight_n into_o the_o high_a and_o mystical_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o short_a and_o partial_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n such_o divine_a truth_n which_o no_o quickness_n of_o thought_n no_o sharpness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o mind_n can_v whole_o reach_v and_o therefore_o if_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o the_o right_n we_o know_v who_o have_v take_v the_o wrong_a part_n if_o plato_n can_v say_v of_o the_o rite_n of_o sacrifice_v and_o divine_a worship_n epinom_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o mortal_a nature_n to_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n sure_o than_o our_o conception_n concern_v the_o sublime_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o high_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v weak_a and_o shallow_a fideâ—_n divine_a matter_n be_v not_o clear_a and_o manifest_a of_o themselves_o to_o man_n say_v one_o of_o the_o greek_a sage_n quote_v by_o justin_n martyr_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n clement_n of_o alexandria_n cite_v that_o eminent_a passage_n of_o plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a way_n to_o learn_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v it_o of_o god_n himself_o or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v from_o god_n those_o be_v notable_a word_n of_o jamblicus_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n pythag._n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o thing_n god_n be_v please_v with_o unless_o we_o have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v they_o from_o god_n or_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o or_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o knowledge_n by_o some_o divine_a art_n these_o be_v the_o apprehension_n of_o improve_v heathen_n concern_v religious_a matter_n and_o shall_v not_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o clear_a notion_n believe_v the_o same_o with_o a_o more_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o first_o find_v out_o by_o man_n so_o they_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o he_o as_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v by_o humane_a skill_n and_o art_n so_o they_o can_v never_o be_v full_o know_v and_o explain_v by_o they_o thus_o they_o be_v universal_o a_o mystery_n it_o be_v true_a and_o i_o be_o very_o forward_o to_o grant_v it_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v stock_v even_o with_o natural_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o manifest_a even_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v make_v up_o whole_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v natural_a religion_n be_v here_o entire_o receive_v all_o rational_a and_o moral_a dictate_v be_v incorporate_v into_o this_o institution_n here_o be_v admirable_a notion_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o intrinsic_a evidence_n as_o a_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o excellency_n here_o be_v reason_n and_o morality_n at_o their_o height_n it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n 222._o far_o â—e_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v hate_v in_o we_o that_o very_a thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v create_v we_o more_o excellent_a than_o other_o creature_n so_o we_o may_v say_v far_o be_v it_o that_o christianity_n shall_v disallow_v that_o very_a thing_n in_o we_o which_o distinguish_v our_o nature_n from_o that_o of_o brute_n and_o give_v we_o a_o preference_n to_o they_o some_o of_o the_o mahometan_n have_v a_o conceit_n that_o idiot_n and_o madman_n be_v inspire_a person_n that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_a of_o man_n have_v the_o more_o of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a fancy_n and_o unworthy_a of_o our_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o supreme_a be_v itself_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o best_a brain_n be_v fit_a for_o religion_n and_o even_o 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nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o such_o a_o one_o forget_v to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophy_n and_o christianity_n the_o professor_n of_o the_o former_a act_n not_o amiss_o in_o square_n all_o their_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n by_o strict_a reason_n but_o the_o adherer_n to_o the_o latter_a who_o be_v eminent_o style_v believer_n must_v yield_v their_o assent_n to_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v by_o reason_n comprehend_v otherwise_o they_o confound_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a and_o unaccountable_a than_o what_o scenkius_fw-la in_o his_o medical_n observation_n fancy_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o visible_a species_n through_o his_o nostril_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o a_o man_n may_v see_v with_o his_o nose_n for_o here_o be_v only_o a_o substitute_n of_o 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thing_n of_o this_o high_a and_o abstruse_a nature_n varro_n it_o be_v require_v in_o a_o good_a grammarian_n say_v one_o who_o be_v as_o skilful_a in_o that_o art_n as_o any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o thing_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o good_a divine_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o mystery_n and_o not_o to_o search_v too_o earnest_o into_o they_o be_v a_o good_a qualification_n in_o one_o of_o that_o profession_n and_o indeed_o in_o all_o person_n that_o study_v christianity_n this_o be_v a_o learned_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o theological_a secret_n because_o the_o holy_a writ_n be_v silent_a about_o they_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o thing_n themselves_o because_o the_o same_o infallible_a word_n assert_n they_o those_o that_o go_v any_o further_a show_v indeed_o that_o they_o be_v very_o 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enjoin_v we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n will_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o these_o man_n allow_v of_o this_o as_o just_a and_o rational_a and_o advise_v that_o our_o natural_a desire_n and_o propension_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o our_o saviour_n command_n he_o be_v our_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o master_n and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o show_v themselves_o partial_a in_o deny_v it_o reasonable_a to_o submit_v the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o faculty_n to_o look_v to_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n as_o there_o be_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o the_o elective_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v content_a to_o surrender_v this_o to_o the_o divine_a 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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