Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n lead_v spirit_n true_a 4,122 5 5.5406 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38031 Sermons on special occasions and subjects ... by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1698 (1698) Wing E211; ESTC R39657 221,769 511

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o accompany_v salvation_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o other_o for_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o find_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n 2._o this_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o scarcity_n of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v secret_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o equivocal_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o bold_o assume_v the_o name_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o boast_v of_o that_o honourable_a title_n but_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o they_o think_v they_o know_v something_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o these_o be_v very_o numerous_a and_o every_o place_n swarm_n with_o they_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o gospel-truths_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o derive_v their_o denomination_n from_o christ_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o this_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o default_n hide_v from_o they_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a supernatural_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n let_v we_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a and_o heavenly_a mystagogue_n the_o effectual_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a secret_n and_o who_o alone_o can_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o enlighten_v and_o irradiate_a our_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v real_o beneficial_a to_o we_o let_v we_o beg_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o advantageous_a knowledge_n of_o all_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o feel_v they_o as_o well_o as_o know_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n found_v on_o the_o word_n christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n show_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o some_o more_o especial_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v such_o even_o in_o a_o general_a way_n unto_o every_o one_o there_o be_v several_a great_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v no_o more_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v with_o relation_n and_o respect_n even_o to_o all_o person_n whosoever_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o influence_n that_o if_o it_o be_v due_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o important_a point_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o far_o contest_v about_o these_o if_o the_o abovesaid_a proposition_n do_v but_o take_v place_n in_o man_n mind_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a secret_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v so_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o this_o can_v but_o supersede_n all_o controversy_n about_o 〈◊〉_d this_o with_o ingenuous_a and_o rational_a spirit_n solve_v all_o difficulty_n this_o with_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n answer_v all_o doubt_n and_o full_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v evince_v that_o ●here_o be_v such_o secret_n as_o these_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o other_o and_o these_o be_v proper_o style_v mystery_n that_o one_o text_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v this_o we_o know_v in_o part_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o knowledge_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o evangelical_n matter_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v by_o way_n of_o natural_a consequence_n we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n for_o our_o instruct_n of_o other_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o own_o knowledge_n which_o be_v but_o in_o part_n he_o superadd_v now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n that_o be_v either_o as_o man_n look_v through_o a_o perspective_n on_o a_o object_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o therefore_o make_v obscure_a by_o its_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o eye_n or_o as_o person_n behold_v themselves_o in_o a_o glass_n or_o mirror_n which_o manner_n of_o expression_n st._n james_n use_v to_o signify_v a_o slight_a view_n 1_o jam._n 23._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o apostle_n think_v not_o this_o sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o meanness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a matter_n but_o he_o add_v another_o emphatic_a expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n i.e._n in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dark_a and_o intricate_a manner_n and_o therefore_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o dark_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o partial_a discovery_n of_o some_o divine_a truth_n our_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v very_o imperfect_a there_o be_v certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o capacity_n but_o be_v in_o themselves_o enigmatical_a and_o abstruse_a and_o these_o passage_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o apostle_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o knowledge_n he_o who_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o a_o scholar_n for_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o gamaliel_n a_o celebrate_a hebrew_n doctor_n and_o professor_n and_o thence_o be_v stock_v with_o all_o the_o jewish_a literature_n and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o the_o heathen_a poet_n as_o his_o quotation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o know_v be_v questionless_a not_o defective_a in_o other_o part_n of_o humane_a learning_n which_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o furnish_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o native_a city_n that_o of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o famous_a university_n and_o these_o excellency_n join_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n and_o endowment_n which_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o acute_a reason_n and_o arguing_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v of_o the_o high_a
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 thu●_n we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a search_n after_o truth_n we_o shall_v soon_o make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o it_o for_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n very_o significant_o call_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v set_v up_o in_o our_o breast_n by_o god_n on_o purpose_n to_o discover_v truth_n to_o we_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o light_n have_v be_v much_o impair_v by_o man_n degeneracy_n so_o that_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v say_v to_o shine_v out_o i.e._n perfect_o to_o display_v itself_o it_o have_v be_v cloud_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o apostasy_n and_o obscure_v daily_o by_o the_o actual_a prevalency_n of_o vice_n a_o undeniable_a evidence_n whereof_o be_v those_o swarm_n of_o monstrous_a opinion_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n those_o prodigious_a shape_v and_o model_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o they_o oftentimes_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o creature_n make_v and_o frame_v his_o creator_n they_o shape_v out_o deity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o a_o god_n be_v even_o what_o they_o think_v good_a to_o make_v he_o or_o suppose_v nature_n light_n do_v shine_v out_o to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v clear_a and_o bright_a enough_o to_o give_v we_o a_o prospect_n of_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v dictate_v those_o thing_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n the_o method_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n dispensation_n how_o be_v nicodemus_n a_o note_a master_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o mean_a possessor_n of_o reason_n baffle_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n who_o make_v his_o visit_n only_o by_o the_o dusky_a and_o obscure_a light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o though_o reason_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n use_v its_o reason_a faculty_n be_v a_o laudable_a guide_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o there_o must_v 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
of_o wealth_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n and_o just_a penalty_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o nation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o proclaim_v and_o open_v of_o a_o great_a fair._n ezek_n xxvii_o 27._o thy_o riches_n and_o thy_o fair_n and_o thy_o merchandise_n thy_o mariner_n and_o thy_o pilot_n thy_o calker_n and_o the_o occupier_n of_o thy_o merchandise_n and_o all_o thy_o man_n of_o war_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o in_o all_o thy_o company_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o ruin_n p._n 133_o serm._n vi_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o go_v to_o war_n on_o just_a occasion_n a_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o proclaim_v of_o the_o war_n against_o france_n gen._n xviii_o 14._o and_o when_o abram_n hear_v that_o his_o brother_n be_v take_v captive_a be_v arm_v his_o train_a servant_n bear_v in_o his_o own_o house_n three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o and_o pursue_v they_o unto_o dan_n pag._n 160_o serm._n vii_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n of_o war._n a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o a_o fast_a day_n appoint_v by_o their_o majesty_n for_o the_o implore_v god_n blessing_n on_o their_o force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n josh._n vii_o 12._o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n but_o turn_v their_o back_n before_o their_o enemy_n because_o they_o be_v accurse_v neither_o will_v i_o be_v with_o you_o any_o more_o except_o you_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a thing_n from_o among_o you_o pag._n 192_o serm._n viii_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o sir_n john_n ho●blon_n late_a lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n mark_n iii_o 24._o and_o if_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o that_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v p._n 225_o serm._n ix_o x._o the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n in_o two_o sermon_n occasion_v by_o the_o present_a excess_n in_o that_o kind_n 1_o tim_n ii_o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shamefacedness_n and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n pag._n 257_o serm._n xi_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n and_o why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n occasion_v by_o some_o late_a socinian_n write_n which_o explode_v all_o christian_a mystery_n 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n pag._n 328_o serm._n xii_o christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n p._n 365_o errata_fw-la pag._n 11._o l._n 14._o r_o monstrous_a p._n 19_o l._n 27._o r._n of_o truth_n p._n 92._o l._n ult_n deal_n be_v p_o 142._o l._n 4._o r._n thence_o p._n 171._o l._n 20._o r._n one_o p._n 176._o l._n 12._o after_o blood_n inse●t_v a_o 〈◊〉_d point_n p._n 178._o l._n 1._o for_o on_o r._n to_o p._n 262._o l._n 2._o r._n there_o for_o their_o and_o their_o for_o the._n p._n 268._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 269._o l._n ult_n r._n muliebri_fw-la p._n 271._o l._n 12._o r._n restrain_v p._n 278._o l._n 5._o r._n gorgeous_a p._n 279._o l._n 2._o r._n exotic_a p._n 289._o l._n 18._o r._n supercilious_a p._n 304._o l._n 7._o r._n altum_fw-la p._n 322._o l._n 8._o r._n viand_n p._n 345._o l._n 22._o before_o which_o insert_v v_o 9_o p._n 351._o l._n 5._o r._n thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n cleanse_v and._n p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n give_v it_o p._n 389._o l._n 7._o r._n rarity_n with_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a which_o the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n ii_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n one_o signal_n circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n meritorious_a passion_n be_v that_o which_o we_o daily_o rehearse_v in_o the_o creed_n that_o he_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o true_o from_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v this_o person_n not_o only_o by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o other_o writer_n he_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o fit_a man_n for_o that_o execrable_a work_n of_o condemn_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n for_o who_o be_v more_o so_o than_o the_o covetous_a and_o greedy_a pilate_n who_o attempt_v to_o rob_v the_o temple_n and_o sacrilegious_o to_o rifle_n the_o corban_n as_o josephus_n relate_v who_o can_v be_v fit_a than_o he_o to_o receive_v a_o bribe_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o against_o his_o conscience_n to_o deliver_v up_o the_o messiah_n a_o victim_n to_o their_o fury_n and_o malice_n who_o than_o he_o who_o have_v inhuman_o mingle_v the_o galilean_n blood_n with_o their_o sacrifice_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v when_o the_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v and_o when_o jesus_n of_o galilee_n from_o who_o his_o follower_n be_v call_v galilean_n be_v to_o give_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o this_o man_n be_v thus_o fit_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v for_o his_o work_n yet_o the_o bloody_a sentence_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o without_o the_o preamble_n of_o a_o formal_a arraignment_n and_o trial._n and_o according_o the_o innocent_a jesus_n be_v set_v to_o the_o bar_n and_o this_o roman_a governor_n take_v the_o bench_n where_o as_o you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o context_n this_o judge_n be_v full_a of_o his_o interrogatory_n and_o propound_v several_a and_o those_o not_o inconsiderable_a question_n but_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o certain_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o substantial_a and_o useful_a than_o this_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v weighty_a for_o it_o be_v just_o occasion_v by_o our_o lord_n plea_n and_o protestation_n in_o court_n viz._n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o malicious_a jew_n have_v accuse_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o ●his_fw-la cause_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d ●itness_v to_o the_o truth_n v_o 37._o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v whereas_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v 〈◊〉_d a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v miserable_o pervert_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o have_v be_v spoil_v through_o their_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n and_o likewise_o among_o you_o jew_n the_o mean_v of_o god_n write_a law_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o the_o superstitious_a pharisee_n and_o profane_a sadducee_n the_o former_a a_o sort_n of_o hebrew_a stoic_n the_o late_a a_o kind_n of_o jewish_a epicure_n and_o atheist_n and_o you_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a other_o disagree_a sect_n and_o school_n and_o go_v on_o daily_o to_o corrupt_v and_o stifle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n and_o even_o utter_o to_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n whereas_o thing_n be_v thus_o the_o great_a design_n of_o my_o visit_v mankind_n be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n namely_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n to_o baffle_v all_o error_n and_o delusion_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o most_o effectual_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n v_o 37._o that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v competent_a judge_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n will_v soon_o descry_v my_o doctrine_n to_o be_v fraught_v with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a verity_n and_o will_v embrace_v it_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o be_v ever_o vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n pilate_n hear_v our_o saviour_n discourse_n of_o truth_n put_v this_o question_n to_o he_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v luther_n conjecture_n that_o he_o do_v it_o out_o of_o kindness_n to_o our_o lord_n for_o pilate_n say_v he_o men●al_a be_v a_o worldly-wise_a man_n and_o willing_a to_o release_v christ_n do_v as_o much_o as_o say_v to_o he_o what_o will_v thou_o dispute_v concern_v truth_n in_o these_o wicked_a time_n of_o the_o world_n truth_n be_v
here_o of_o no_o value_n it_o be_v general_o despise_v and_o reject_v you_o must_v think_v of_o some_o other_o way_n for_o this_o will_v not_o do_v alas_o what_o be_v truth_n worth_a and_o what_o be_v you_o like_v to_o get_v by_o abet_v it_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o pilate_n ask_v this_o question_n in_o contempt_n and_o derision_n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o be_v the_o right_a definition_n of_o truth_n do_v you_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o exact_a notion_n of_o it_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o this_o friend_n man_n be_v as_o much_o mistake_v about_o this_o as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v one_o of_o that_o number_n you_o talk_v of_o truth_n but_o do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v start_v this_o query_n he_o go_v off_o the_o bench._n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o enquiry_n be_v not_o serious_a and_o that_o he_o care_v not_o for_o a_o reply_n to_o it_o otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n without_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n for_o he_o be_v a_o person_n extreme_o communicative_a and_o use_v to_o satisfy_v all_o material_a question_n to_o the_o full_a yea_o above_o what_o be_v demand_v as_o when_o a_o lawyer_n ask_v he_o what_o be_v the_o first_o commandment_n he_o tell_v he_o moreover_o what_o be_v the_o second_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o so_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v he_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o give_v tribute_n to_o cesar_n or_o no_o his_o answer_n be_v more_o than_o satisfactory_a for_o he_o not_o only_o acquaint_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v cesar_n his_o tribute_n but_o he_o add_v also_o that_o god_n as_o well_o as_o cesar_n due_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o satisfy_v man_n demand_n will_v have_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o of_o pilate_n if_o this_o great_a man_n will_v have_v stay_v for_o it_o but_o though_o pilate_n go_v away_o in_o haste_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o time_n to_o stay_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o this_o question_n of_o so_o unspeakable_a use_n and_o value_v a_o question_n which_o be_v every_o way_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o conscientious_a and_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a a_o question_n whereon_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o religion_n depend_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n next_o to_o that_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o it_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v join_v they_o together_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o a_o other_o question_n than_o will_v arise_v how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o not_o on_o every_o side_n beset_v with_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n be_v not_o error_n very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v it_o not_o bear_v date_n from_o adam_n i_o have_v not_o examine_v whether_o that_o be_v true_a which_o one_o say_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o speech_n deliver_v before_o the_o flood_n by_o man_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o erroneous_a conception_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o mistake_v and_o falsehood_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n betimes_o and_o that_o ever_o since_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n have_v overspread_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o obscurity_n and_o imperfection_n in_o cebes_n table_n which_o represent_v man_n life_n imposture_n give_v her_o cup_n to_o all_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o potion_n and_o every_o one_o drink_n of_o it_o but_o some_o more_o and_o some_o less_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o pretence_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n cozen_v we_o imperfect_a argumentation_n and_o superficial_a discourse_n easy_o determine_v we_o a_o petty_a inducement_n a_o weak_a likelihood_n a_o plausible_a harangue_n be_v enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n with_o we_o and_o weigh_v heavy_a sometime_o than_o a_o demonstration_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v just_o complain_v as_o he_o of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v out_o true_a reason_n or_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o hermias_n the_o old_a christian_a philosopher_n do_v 〈◊〉_d truth_n have_v abandon_v and_o take_v its_o farewell_n of_o the_o world_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o hope_v to_o have_v this_o question_v assoil_v and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n nay_o we_o be_v in_o as_o bad_a circumstance_n as_o before_o and_o pilat_n demand_n be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v answer_v as_o it_o be_v for_o as_o the_o sceptic_a doubt_v of_o all_o truth_n yea_o indeed_o deny_v it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o see_v 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 be_v eager_a and_o violent_a and_o some_o of_o they_o confine_v all_o religion_n and_o salvation_n to_o their_o own_o way_n nay_o they_o be_v for_o persecute_v all_o party_n but_o their_o own_o like_o the_o ottoman_a prince_n they_o must_v strangle_v all_o their_o brethren_n otherwise_o they_o think_v they_o can_v reign_v safe_o ask_v the_o different_a party_n even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a from_o the_o old_a gentleman_n that_o sit_v in_o the_o porphyry_n chair_n to_o the_o mean_a quaker_n or_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o will_v all_o tell_v you_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n every_o persuasion_n have_v this_o of_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o think_v themselves_o infallible_a and_o say_v they_o have_v a_o unerring_a guide_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o chair_n and_o determine_v peremptory_o on_o their_o own_o side_n even_o whilst_o some_o cry_n this_o be_v false_a and_o other_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o single_o they_o all_o say_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o every_o one_o confident_o vouch_v that_o he_o be_v proprietor_n of_o truth_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o that_o truth_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o all_o man_n or_o rather_o indeed_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o it_o be_v so_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o scepticism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v their_o rise_n for_o too_o lavish_a pretence_n to_o truth_n have_v make_v some_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o the_o divers_a claim_n and_o quarrel_n in_o christianity_n have_v wonderful_o foster_v atheism_n for_o whilst_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o divinity_n have_v every_o where_o become_v polemical_a and_o that_o man_n have_v throw_v bibles_n at_o one_o another_o
a_o curious_a and_o close_a enquiry_n but_o this_o be_v most_o true_a that_o modesty_n be_v the_o most_o commendable_a virtue_n here_o the●doret_n say_v well_o genes_n i_o think_v it_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v peremptory_o concern_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n deliver_v nothing_o plain_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o deliver_v all_o thing_n with_o equal_a evidence_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n plain_a and_o demonstrable_a or_o why_o be_v we_o angry_a if_o other_o think_v some_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o those_o word_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o one_o of_o st._n ierom_n epistle_n be_v admirable_a and_o be_v worth_a the_o observation_n of_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v student_n of_o divinity_n perscrutamur_fw-la when_o we_o search_v say_v he_o with_o too_o much_o nicety_n and_o curiosity_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o know_v but_o have_v purposely_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o catch_v only_o at_o shadow_n we_o entertain_v and_o busy_v ourselves_o with_o trifle_n we_o quit_v the_o fountain_n truth_n and_o run_v after_o the_o fruitless_a stream_n of_o mere_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n let_v we_o fix_v this_o on_o our_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v some_o unsearchable_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v design_v by_o the_o alwise_a god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o may_v say_v here_o as_o qu._n seneca_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o comet_n god_n only_o who_o sole_a prerogative_n be_v to_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o truth_n know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o when_o we_o peremptory_o say_v this_o or_o that_o concern_v these_o obscure_a matter_n we_o may_v err_v and_o we_o can_v tell_v when_o we_o do_v but_o when_o we_o determine_v nothing_o precise_o above_o what_o be_v determine_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v not_o err_v and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o too_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o distort_v and_o misinterpret_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o fault_n very_o frequent_a in_o these_o case_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a let_v not_o weak_a christian_n be_v trouble_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o bible_n which_o they_o can_v clear_o understand_v i_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o full_a meaning_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o endanger_v thereby_o and_o as_o to_o our_o deportment_n towards_o other_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o point_n see_v we_o can_v perfect_o explain_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a at_o those_o who_o embrace_v a_o different_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o these_o thing_n ii_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v make_v difficult_a mere_o by_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_n and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_a than_o they_o be_v yea_o never_o so_o plain_a yet_o wrangle_a head_n will_v fall_v a_o dispute_v and_o make_v way_n for_o error_n by_o that_o mean_n and_o here_o it_o be_v their_o way_n common_o to_o make_v use_n of_o one_o or_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o oppose_v they_o against_o a_o whole_a heap_n of_o other_o text_n the_o old_a heretic_n those_o interfectores_fw-la v●ritatis_fw-la as_o tertullian_n call_v they_o those_o murderer_n and_o assasine_n of_o truth_n frequent_o use_v this_o way_n praxeam_n a_o few_o text_n yea_o sometime_o a_o single_a one_o shall_v serve_v to_o baffle_v a_o great_a number_n it_o may_v be_v show_v in_o particular_a instance_n how_o erroneous_a doctrine_n be_v ground_v on_o some_o man_n attend_v to_o one_o or_o a_o very_a few_o place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o several_a and_o divers_a text_n which_o look_v another_o way_n nay_o not_o only_o a_o few_o text_n but_o those_o also_o which_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a difficult_a and_o knotty_a be_v oftentimes_o wield_v and_o manage_v against_o very_o plain_a and_o direct_a place_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v observe_v by_o that_o learned_a father_n pudiciti●_n who_o i_o last_o mention_v one_o chapter_n say_v he_o in_o the_o bible_n where_o some_o ambiguous_a word_n be_v be_v bring_v by_o they_o to_o confront_v a_o numerous_a company_n and_o host_n of_o text_n but_o this_o be_v a_o indirect_a method_n for_o it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o a_o few_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v yield_v to_o many_o obscure_a one_o to_o the_o plain_a doubtful_a to_o the_o certain_a that_o those_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o decide_v by_o these_o not_o vice_n versa_fw-la that_o so_o amid_o this_o seem_a discord_n and_o discrepancy_n our_o belief_n may_v not_o be_v shake_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v endanger_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o self_n as_o that_o excellent_a person_n resurrectione_n say_v in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v a_o useful_a rule_n therefore_o of_o st._n austin_n 9_o to_o explain_v obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o use_v the_o assistance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o by_o the_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n of_o some_o let_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o other_o be_v take_v away_o this_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o we_o when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o when_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o some_o controversy_n which_o arise_v thence_o but_o alas_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v ruffle_v and_o entangle_v by_o wilful_a mistake_v and_o dispute_v wherein_o it_o be_v common_a to_o wrest_v the_o word_n and_o to_o oppose_v one_o part_n of_o they_o to_o another_o instead_o of_o adjust_v the_o whole_a matter_n by_o a_o fair_a reconcilement_n to_o instance_n nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n than_o this_o that_o he_o have_v full_o decree_v and_o predetermine_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o the_o say_v holy_a volume_n than_o this_o that_o man_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o be_v not_o constrain_v and_o compel_v but_o what_o he_o will_v he_o will_v free_o all_o sober_a person_n agree_v in_o these_o and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o mutual_a concord_n and_o reconciliation_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o some_o raise_v dispute_n still_o and_o whereas_o we_o be_v agree_v that_o both_o these_o be_v true_a and_o consistent_a viz._n god_n decree_n and_o man_n freedom_n they_o will_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o satisfy_v they_o as_o to_o this_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a perhaps_o to_o do_v they_o will_v show_v themselves_o very_o much_o displease_v which_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o quarrelsome_a temper_n and_o delight_n in_o wrangle_a and_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o weighty_a doctrine_n iii_o it_o happen_v by_o the_o luxuriancy_n of_o busy_a brain_n that_o many_o inquiry_n in_o religion_n be_v nice_a and_o subtle_n overcurious_a and_o trifle_a and_o as_o for_o these_o they_o be_v below_o the_o verdict_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wit_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o eras●us_n one_o observe_v about_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a so_o soon_o have_v they_o learn_v to_o be_v acquaint_v in_o their_o divinity_n and_o that_o about_o the_o high_a point_n of_o it_o and_o other_o subtle_a head_n since_o that_o time_n such_o be_v most_o of_o the_o schoolman_n have_v trouble_v the_o world_n with_o their_o fruitless_a speculation_n their_o foolish_a and_o unlearned_a question_n their_o fond_a and_o sapless_a notion_n and_o these_o and_o other_o add_v to_o they_o be_v call_v truth_n by_o some_o person_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o great_a name_n a_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o impair_v his_o knowledge_n to_o make_v use_n of_o holy_a scripture_n here_o be_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o trifle_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o profane_a that_o holy_a book_n the_o same_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o many_o not_o to_o say_v most_o of_o the_o question_n propound_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o roman_a casuist_n which_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n or_o use_n at_o all_o nay_o they_o be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a because_o they_o distract_v man_n mind_n instead_o of_o direct_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v very_o warm_o controvert_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o important_a truth_n iv._o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n in_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v disputable_a and_o probable_a on_o both_o side_n and_o in_o these_o doubtful_a case_n to_o
become_v a_o emperor_n to_o die_v stand_v as_o one_o of_o they_o say_v sure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o do_v so_o i_o m●an_v to_o expire_v in_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o actual_a do_v of_o his_o duty_n other_o of_o a_o mean_a quality_n steal_v into_o their_o coffin_n and_o silent_o descend_v into_o their_o grave_n and_o be_v not_o much_o observe_v but_o you_o will_v be_v watch_v when_o you_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n when_o you_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n what_o you_o do_v when_o you_o be_v in_o it_o and_o how_o you_o manage_v your_o stewardship_n live_v then_o so_o that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v you_o may_v with_o pericles_n a_o fame_a statesman_n of_o athens_n rejoice_v that_o no_o citizen_n ever_o wear_v a_o mourn_a habit_n on_o your_o account_n live_v so_o that_o when_o god_n shall_v remove_v you_o from_o your_o place_n by_o death_n you_o may_v in_o another_o sense_n than_o our_o psalmist_n intend_v die_v like_a man_n brave_o and_o honourable_o that_o you_o may_v fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n with_o credit_n and_o renown_n and_o that_o after_o your_o departure_n you_o may_v live_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o good_a man_n who_o will_v never_o suffer_v your_o good_a action_n to_o be_v bury_v with_o you_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 the_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 we_o find_v that_o supremacy_n and_o government_n have_v be_v make_v matter_n of_o chance_n with_o some_o people_n thus_o one_o regilianus_n be_v promote_v to_o kingship_n mere_o because_o of_o his_o name_n the_o sidonian_a servant_n agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o make_v he_o king_n who_o the_o next_o morning_n shall_v first_o see_v the_o sun_n darius_n horse_n make_v his_o master_n king_n of_o persia_n by_o his_o neigh_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o so_o great_a a_o concern_v shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o mere_a casualty_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v determine_v with_o the_o most_o serious_a deliberation_n imaginable_a and_o so_o as_o for_o subordinate_a ruler_n and_o governor_n the_o designation_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v accidental_a and_o fortuitous_a but_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v with_o consultation_n and_o choice_n for_o every_o one_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o place_n every_o one_o be_v not_o due_o capacitate_v and_o qualify_v for_o a_o public_a office_n and_o trust._n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o here_o that_o moses_n choose_v man_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n to_o be_v head_n and_o ruler_n and_o this_o choice_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o father-in-law_n iethro_n advice_n ver_fw-la 21._o thou_o shall_v provide_v out_o of_o all_o the_o people_n able_a man_n such_o as_o fear_v god_n man_n of_o truth_n hate_v covetousness_n and_o place_v such_o over_o they_o to_o be_v ruler_n the_o first_o and_o lead_v qualification_n of_o a_o able_a magistrate_n be_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v eminent_a for_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v see_v and_o observe_v not_o only_o in_o his_o profession_n but_o practice_n next_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o truth_n i.e._n void_a of_o all_o dissimulation_n and_o hypocrisy_n one_o that_o be_v faithful_a and_o upright_a in_o his_o deal_n and_o therefore_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o just_o or_o righteous_a for_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o ruler_n who_o life_n be_v stain_v with_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o dishonesty_n moreover_o none_o shall_v be_v prefer_v to_o magistracy_n and_o government_n but_o such_o as_o hate_v covetousness_n such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o free_a and_o generous_a spirit_n and_o detest_v all_o base_a and_o sordid_a action_n such_o as_o scorn_v to_o pervert_v justice_n by_o take_v of_o gift_n and_o bribe_n such_o as_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o great_a inclination_n to_o charity_n for_o their_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v the_o distress_a and_o for_o their_o condescend_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a thereby_o show_v that_o they_o hate_v pride_n and_o haughtiness_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o seventy_n 〈◊〉_d version_n or_o gloss_n rather_o these_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o magistrate_n but_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o govern_v the_o rest_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n will_v approve_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n faithfulness_n and_o uprightness_n religion_n and_o piety_n will_v make_v he_o just_a and_o honest_a towards_o man_n these_o will_v inspire_v he_o with_o charity_n generosity_n and_o condescension_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o pervert_v judgement_n and_o justice_n in_o short_a the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v make_v he_o eminent_a in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n singular_a for_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n worthy_o and_o as_o become_v a_o migistrate_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o ruler_n must_v bear_v according_a to_o iethro_n advice_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o text_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o latter_a make_v his_o choice_n agreeable_o to_o it_o for_o he_o 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 and_o ruler_n of_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o convenient_o place_v they_o in_o several_a quarter_n to_o decide_v controversy_n among_o the_o people_n to_o distribute_v justice_n to_o give_v every_o one_o their_o right_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a welfare_n and_o to_o discharge_v all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o good_a magistrate_n the_o general_a proposition_n then_o which_o i_o will_v entertain_v you_o with_o at_o present_a be_v this_o that_o a_o ruler_n must_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o exemplary_a life_n and_o conversation_n he_o be_v place_v above_o other_o must_v excel_v they_o in_o the_o eminency_n of_o his_o deportment_n and_o action_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o choice_n which_o be_v here_o make_v and_o from_o the_o character_n which_o be_v here_o give_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o require_v in_o a_o governor_n than_o in_o a_o inferior_a person_n he_o may_v be_v good_a in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a place_n who_o can_v scarce_o be_v reckon_v so_o in_o a_o high_a one_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o one_o after_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o government_n as_o tacitus_n say_v of_o galba_n imper●sset_fw-la he_o may_v have_v be_v think_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o rule_v if_o he_o have_v not_o actual_o be_v prefer_v to_o that_o station_n for_o this_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o that_o person_n may_v make_v a_o tolerable_o good_a subject_a or_o citizen_n who_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o chief_a governor_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o one_o must_v surpass_v other_o wherefore_o what_o be_v sufficient_a and_o fit_v in_o the_o former_a be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o twelve_o table_n among_o the_o roman_n that_o 3._o the_o order_n of_o the_o senator_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o vice_n and_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o the_o same_o may_v be_v pronounce_v in_o general_n concern_v the_o high_a degree_n and_o order_n of_o magistracy_n it_o must_v not_o be_v spot_v with_o the_o common_a defilement_n of_o the_o world_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v require_v of_o superior_n and_o ruler_n that_o they_o be_v as_o note_a for_o their_o moral_a and_o divine_a excellency_n as_o for_o their_o authority_n and_o dignity_n they_o must_v strive_v to_o outshine_v other_o in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v real_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o place_n they_o live_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o a_o magistrate_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o his_o life_n because_o so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n have_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o 1._o to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o 2._o to_o imitate_v he_o and_o do_v as_o he_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o man_n eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o you_o that_o be_v magistrate_n to_o see_v what_o fault_n they_o can_v find_v in_o you_o to_o discover_v your_o imperfection_n and_o miscarriage_n the_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n be_v never_o eclipse_v but_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o yea_o some_o of_o the_o lesser_a light_n and_o petty_a
proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n experiment_n concern_v himself_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n say_v he_o than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n psal._n cxix_o 99_o i_o find_v a_o mighty_a increase_n and_o advance_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n because_o i_o use_v myself_o to_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n on_o those_o heavenly_a and_o sublime_a truth_n and_o thereby_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o penetrate_v into_o the_o profound_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o to_o discern_v those_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o after_o many_o seasonable_a instruction_n and_o precept_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n his_o faithful_a assistant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o adjoin_v this_o which_o be_v of_o as_o great_a use_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n 1_o tim._n four_o 15._o and_o so_o again_o after_o several_a pious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n he_o add_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v 2_o tim._n two_o 7._o which_o advice_n reach_v all_o of_o timothy_n character_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v revolve_v these_o thing_n often_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o let_v this_o charge_n which_o i_o leave_v with_o you_o be_v continual_o in_o your_o thought_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o think_v and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o man_n but_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a qualification_n in_o a_o public_a instructor_n in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o amend_v and_o rectify_v the_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o improvement_n and_o excellency_n in_o our_o ministry_n we_o must_v not_o herd_n with_o the_o crowd_n but_o retire_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v converse_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thereby_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ourselves_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o four_o another_o way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o excel_v in_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v or_o as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o prophesy_v he_o give_v this_o the_o precedence_n to_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n which_o he_o mention_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n covet_v earnest_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v this_o be_v that_o endowment_n which_o according_a to_o he_o make_v most_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v this_o gift_n which_o i'm_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o complicate_v office_n and_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o first_o the_o inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o set_v they_o into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n ●_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
certainty_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o but_o still_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sundry_a evangelical_n truth_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o some_o person_n for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o that_o quality_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o surmount_v and_o baffle_v the_o utmost_a efforr_v of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n in_o another_o place_n col._n 2._o 2._o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n or_o rather_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o the_o like_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o because_o of_o these_o sublime_a truth_n christianity_n itself_o have_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n give_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v find_v it_o can_v not_o create_v wonder_n that_o the_o socinian_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o alone_a contend_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o call_v a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n for_o here_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v assert_v for_o the_o word_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o person_n god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n who_o be_v both_o father_n and_o christ_n and_o consequent_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v very_a god_n as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v deny_v the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o too_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o text_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n col._n 4._o 3._o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o stile_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o apostle_n express_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o he_o request_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o colossian_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n to_o speak_v this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n i.e._n free_o and_o open_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v further_a from_o what_o follow_v next_o for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n that_o be_v a_o sufferer_n a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o preach_v the_o ●_z of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n here_o any_o otherwise_o than_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v then_o preach_v by_o this_o apostle_n this_o be_v mysterious_a and_o hide_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n inexplicable_a so_o again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v i.e._n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n the_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o here_o with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o that_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o in_o that_o text_n on_o which_o i_o find_v the_o present_a discourse_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o on_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n ●ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
vaunt_v themselves_o to_o be_v master_n of_o true_a reason_n for_o than_o they_o will_v see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o their_o thought_n and_o expression_n concern_v the_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n they_o will_v see_v how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o measure_v the_o creator_n by_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o property_n of_o natural_a thing_n to_o what_o be_v supernatural_a as_o they_o deal_v in_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o holy_a trinity_n they_o will_v find_v that_o what_o be_v true_a of_o the_o former_a be_v not_o necessary_o so_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o ●rgue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o create_v be_v to_o that_o of_o god_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o 6._o man_n of_o free_a thought_n and_o of_o a_o very_a philosophical_a and_o rational_a genius_n who_o profess_v that_o the_o scripture_n declare_v nothing_o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a trinity_n that_o be_v impossible_a contradictious_a or_o more_o unintelligible_a than_o thing_n that_o man_n ordinary_o assent_v to_o who_o be_v free_a philosopher_n and_o admit_v nothing_o upon_o force_n or_o superstition_n but_o upon_o reason_n they_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o penetration_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o dive_v into_o the_o exact_a nature_n of_o the_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o unmeasurable_a disproportion_n between_o their_o weak_a capacity_n and_o what_o be_v infinite_a and_o immense_a in_o sum_n they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o right_a conception_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sublime_a verity_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o whilst_o they_o contend_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a and_o hide_a in_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v very_o wrong_a and_o perverse_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o now_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n be_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a and_o we_o can_v think_v to_o dissettle_v they_o but_o our_o business_n be_v to_o adjust_a our_o notion_n to_o the_o thing_n he_o that_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o for_o their_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n cavil_v at_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o most_o irrational_a act_n imaginable_a for_o the_o nature_n of_o being_n be_v stable_n and_o settle_a and_o we_o can_v alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v alter_v be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a last_o i_o argue_v not_o only_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o than_o a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a secret_n this_o accounr_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o know_v now_o in_o part_n and_o see_v then_o i._n e._n hereafter_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor_n 13._o 12._o one_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a understanding_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o other_o to_o that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v of_o ripe_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n the_o former_a be_v our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n evangelical_n and_o divine_a truth_n for_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n be_v know_v by_o we_o here_o only_o in_o part_n and_o no_o otherwise_o shall_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v know_v as_o long_o as_o we_o inhabit_v in_o these_o dark_a vehicles_n of_o earth_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o disparage_v the_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o plain_a and_o clear_a proposition_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o all_o the_o practical_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o a_o very_a intelligible_a manner_n and_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o very_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o make_v they_o sufficient_o capable_a of_o understand_v their_o religion_n and_o of_o discharge_v their_o duty_n of_o know_v so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v and_o be_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o truth_n be_v mix_v in_o we_o whilst_o we_o take_v up_o our_o residence_n on_o this_o earthly_a stage_n with_o much_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n we_o comprehend_v not_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n which_o we_o be_v now_o place_v in_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o our_o understanding_n tremble_v at_o and_o be_v afraid_a to_o approach_v unto_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n never_o so_o ambitious_a and_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v grasp_v they_o for_o they_o be_v too_o big_a it_o can_v reach_v they_o they_o be_v too_o high_a it_o can_v fathom_v they_o they_o be_v too_o deep_a it_o can_v discern_v they_o they_o be_v too_o remote_a in_o a_o word_n they_o surpass_v humane_a ability_n at_o their_o high_a pitch_n in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o afterward_o as_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n a_o state_n of_o perfection_n then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o v_o 10._o then_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a than_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v cease_v because_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v exalt_v then_o those_o amaze_a truth_n which_o pose_v we_o now_o shall_v be_v full_o resolve_v i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o for_o even_o in_o heaven_n our_o nature_n will_v still_o be_v but_o finite_a and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o our_o vile_a body_n for_o heavenly_a one_o though_o still_o they_o be_v the_o same_o but_o otherwise_o qualify_v which_o will_v no_o way_n impede_fw-la but_o promote_v the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o be_v take_v into_o the_o more_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o state_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o perfect_a glory_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o mind_n exalt_v and_o our_o understanding_n widen_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o we_o shall_v exact_o and_o full_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o though_o the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v now_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o that_o yet_o our_o faculty_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o perception_n when_o this_o gross_a veil_n of_o flesh_n shall_v be_v draw_v aside_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v rid_v of_o this_o terrestrial_a clog_n and_o be_v strip_v of_o these_o deficient_a organ_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o refine_a apprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o great_a object_n themselves_o we_o shall_v attain_v to_o a_o more_o distinct_a view_n of_o they_o and_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o they_o than_o now_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o they_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o that_o separate_a state_n we_o shall_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o intimate_a communion_n with_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o a_o close_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o he_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o hard_a point_n of_o religion_n to_o unravel_v all_o difficulty_n to_o untie_v all_o knot_n to_o assoil_v all_o controversy_n then_o and_o not_o before_o we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o this_o ability_n wherefore_o those_o man_n make_v not_o a_o due_a distinction_n between_o this_o life_n and_o that_o to_o come_v who_o talk_v against_o mystery_n in_o our_o religion_n they_o be_v forgetful_a of_o the_o present_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o they_o discourse_v as_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o advance_v to_o the_o celestial_a region_n already_o but_o this_o very_a