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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violence_n to_o they_o be_v to_o assault_v the_o deity_n to_o combat_n against_o heaven_n and_o fight_v against_o god_n himself_o here_o then_o be_v a_o solid_a basis_n for_o obedience_n god_n have_v depute_a magistrate_n and_o make_v they_o his_o representative_n and_o communicate_v his_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o they_o and_o by_o be_v good_a they_o do_v more_o signal_o resemble_v he_o whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o human_a authority_n be_v affront_v of_o god_n and_o despise_v even_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n then_o to_o study_n and_o practise_v obedience_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o thank_v god_n for_o good_a magistrate_n who_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n magistracy_n deserve_v a_o double_a veneration_n when_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o holiness_n second_o the_o magistrate_n no_o less_o than_o the_o people_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o text_n and_o in_o this_o discourse_n he_o may_v see_v here_o at_o once_o his_o eminency_n and_o his_o duty_n what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o and_o what_o he_o expect_v of_o he_o let_v the_o master_n of_o heraldry_n range_v all_o their_o title_n of_o honour_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o honourable_a one_o than_o this_o of_o go_n but_o as_o it_o carry_v honour_n with_o it_o so_o it_o bespeak_v a_o behaviour_n become_v that_o honour_n if_o any_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o title_n of_o god_n and_o vaunt_v of_o that_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n neglect_v his_o duty_n he_o may_v remember_v that_o heathen_a idol_n be_v call_v god_n psal._n xcvi_o 5._o and_o satan_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o cor._n four_o 4._o ruler_n must_v deport_v themselves_o like_o god_n else_o they_o fond_o lay_v claim_n to_o that_o name_n they_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o name_n they_o bear_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n who_o deputy_n they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o high_a compliment_n which_o pliny_n pass_v upon_o trajan_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o panegyric_n viz._n that_o nothing_o great_a or_o better_o can_v be_v wish_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o that_o the_o god_n will_v imitate_v the_o emperor_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n without_o any_o strain_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o no_o great_a felicity_n can_v be_v wish_v to_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o that_o the_o god_n so_o style_v in_o my_o text_n will_v endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o king_n of_o king_n it_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n and_o a_o great_a solecism_n if_o those_o who_o be_v in_o god_n stead_n discover_v nothing_o of_o god_n or_o divinity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n if_o those_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n partake_v not_o of_o the_o godlike_a nature_n but_o rather_o of_o that_o which_o be_v diabolick_a remember_v that_o as_o you_o be_v depute_a by_o god_n so_o you_o must_v resemble_v he_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a you_o be_v his_o offspring_n more_o signal_o be_v mindful_a of_o your_o heavenly_a extraction_n and_o commit_v nothing_o unworthy_a of_o it_o you_o that_o be_v governor_n must_v use_v your_o power_n for_o god_n for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_a of_o your_o power_n shall_v also_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o think_v not_o that_o the_o title_n give_v you_o here_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o empty_a thing_n the_o god_n which_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o must_v not_o be_v like_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o idol_n who_o as_o he_o say_v have_v eye_n but_o see_v not_o ear_n but_o hear_v not_o hand_n but_o handle_v not_o we_o have_v too_o many_o of_o such_o god_n as_o these_o in_o this_o nation_n how_o many_o magistrate_n sit_v with_o their_o arm_n across_o and_o study_v to_o do_v nothing_o how_o many_o gallio_n be_v there_o of_o this_o age_n which_o care_n for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o place_n the_o hebrew_n netzib_n word_n which_o signify_v a_o statue_n and_o a_o tomb_n signify_v also_o a_o precedent_n a_o governor_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o bear_v this_o latter_a chacter_n who_o be_v too_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o former_a though_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v public_a dispensers_n of_o justice_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v that_o office_n but_o rather_o give_v the_o neighbourhood_n to_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v mere_a senseless_a statue_n and_o empty_a sepulcher_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a a_o christain_n magistrate_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o unactive_a in_o his_o place_n to_o be_v careless_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o sleep_v away_o his_o time_n as_o if_o the_o people_n of_o his_o province_n be_v as_o inconsiderable_a as_o the_o frog_n over_o who_o
and_o partiality_n 1._o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o universe_n though_o many_o difficulty_n and_o those_o very_a great_a and_o insuperable_a accompany_v it_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o action_n but_o most_o willing_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o wise_a and_o good_a notwithstanding_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o incomprehensible_a none_o of_o they_o have_v ever_o venture_v to_o question_n god_n wisdom_n because_o there_o be_v some_o event_n and_o occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n which_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o say_v that_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o they_o be_v contradictory_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o yield_v that_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o they_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o they_o can_v render_v no_o particular_a account_n of_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o hear_v they_o cry_v out_o to_o have_v these_o intricate_a event_n make_v out_o by_o reason_n they_o do_v peremtory_o demand_v to_o have_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o lay_v open_a or_o else_o they_o will_v throw_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n no_o they_o very_o patient_o and_o content_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o into_o the_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v those_o secret_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o yea_o they_o submissive_o admire_v revere_a and_o adore_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o they_o vote_v to_o be_v mysterious_a and_o unaccountble_a and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o act_v thus_o with_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o mysterious_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a but_o abstruse_a verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n see_v they_o deny_v not_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n because_o of_o some_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o why_o shall_v they_o reject_v those_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v see_v they_o quarrel_v not_o with_o the_o divine_a government_n though_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o far_o above_o their_o understanding_n why_o do_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o same_o alwise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v certain_a mystery_n in_o they_o if_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v render_v his_o action_n unaccountable_a why_o shall_v not_o these_o make_v his_o word_n his_o say_n he_o dictate_v about_o divine_a thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n if_o the_o method_n of_o god_n rule_v the_o world_n be_v inscrutable_a why_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n and_o secret_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n if_o god_n 10._o do_v great_a thing_n past_o find_v out_o why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v such_o if_o the_o 33._o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o be_v there_o not_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n nature_n and_o essence_n be_v so_o too_o if_o the_o socinian_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o answer_v the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o former_a what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o startle_v at_o the_o latter_a if_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n act_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o own_v he_o to_o be_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v if_o they_o can_v know_v what_o he_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o expect_v to_o know_v what_o he_o be_v be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n providence_n unsearchable_a and_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o so_o be_v there_o several_a thing_n do_v above_o their_o apprehension_n and_o shall_v they_o deny_v the_o author_n of_o they_o to_o be_v above_o they_o be_v god_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o beyond_o their_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o be_v he_o not_o bare_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o he_o deliver_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n though_o in_o sundry_a thing_n unaccountable_a embrace_v and_o profess_v by_o they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n to_o be_v entertain_v though_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o such_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n be_v it_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a management_n of_o all_o mundane_a affair_n though_o the_o particular_a administration_n of_o it_o be_v inexplicable_a and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o reasonable_a to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n though_o we_o can_v explain_v and_o unfold_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o i_o challenge_v those_o that_o make_v the_o bold_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o all_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a mind_n must_v grant_v the_o case_n to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o sure_o god_n essence_n be_v as_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n against_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v god_n be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o secret_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o satisfactory_a a_o answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o say_v they_o firm_o assent_v to_o that_o doctrine_n though_o they_o can_v understand_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o demonstrate_v how_o partial_a they_o be_v when_o they_o quarrel_v with_o the_o foresay_a article_n and_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v mysterious_a and_o vnaccountable_a they_o be_v raise_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n i_o appeal_v now_o to_o the_o severe_a judge_n of_o reason_n whether_o these_o man_n can_v just_o lay_v claim_n to_o any_o such_o thing_n whilst_o they_o thus_o behave_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o declare_v that_o even_o in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o such_o certain_o be_v that_o of_o providence_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v more_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v and_o comprehend_v and_o yet_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o some_o other_o substantial_a point_n of_o christianity_n for_o their_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n incomprehensible_a what_o can_v this_o be_v but_o perverseness_n and_o crossness_n what_o be_v it_o but_o act_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o than_o who_o will_v give_v heed_n to_o man_n of_o this_o cross-grained_a temper_n who_o will_v regard_v such_o vain_a people_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o clash_n with_o their_o own_o concession_n they_o frank_o subscribe_v to_o divine_a providence_n though_o it_o have_v many_o mystery_n obscurity_n difficulty_n intrigue_n in_o it_o which_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v unfold_v and_o yet_o they_o discard_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a evangelical_n truth_n because_o they_o can_v explain_v they_o by_o reason_n thus_o they_o run_v counter_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v self-condemned_n person_n and_o proclaim_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n 2._o they_o give_v open_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o this_o by_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a yea_o necessary_a to_o regulate_v and_o limit_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o pronounce_v it_o unfitting_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o use_v any_o restraint_n or_o set_v any_o bound_n or_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n to_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n they_o own_o it_o to_o be_v the_o indispensable_a character_n of_o a_o good_a and_o religious_a man_n to_o exercise_v a_o discipline_n on_o his_o imagination_n and_o his_o passion_n they_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n to_o be_v severe_a and_o rigorous_a here_o for_o some_o thing_n which_o seem_v reasonable_a and_o plausible_a be_v forbid_v we_o by_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o many_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a thing_n be_v
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 where_o as_o you_o will_v find_v by_o the_o context_n this_o judge_n be_v full_a of_o his_o interrogatory_n and_o propound_v several_a and_o those_o not_o inconsiderable_a question_n but_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o certain_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o substantial_a and_o useful_a than_o this_o what_o be_v truth_n and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v weighty_a for_o it_o be_v just_o occasion_v by_o our_o lord_n plea_n and_o protestation_n in_o court_n viz._n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o malicious_a jew_n have_v accuse_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o â—his_fw-la cause_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d â—itness_v to_o the_o truth_n v_o 37._o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v whereas_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v 〈◊〉_d a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d have_v miserable_o pervert_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o have_v be_v 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 menâ—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
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standard_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o we_o viz._n reason_n and_o scripture_n by_o reason_n i_o mean_v the_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v natural_o endue_v we_o with_o and_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o our_o bodily_a sense_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o by_o serious_a and_o steady_a observation_n and_o well-grounded_n experience_n for_o these_o must_v be_v assist_v to_o humane_a reason_n to_o render_v it_o perfect_a and_o complete_a if_o 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 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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
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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truth_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o test._n by_o these_o standard_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o seducer_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o adulterate_a if_o we_o will_v sincere_o follow_v these_o rule_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n among_o we_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o will_v faithful_o take_v these_o measure_n i.e._n always_o be_v rule_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o agree_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o assert_v in_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n will_v vanish_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o pilate_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o another_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v 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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 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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 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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 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and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
not_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o now_o i_o have_v produce_v every_o individual_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n occur_v and_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o set_v they_o before_o the_o considerate_a in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a light_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o not_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v the_o word_n as_o some_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o more_o especial_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o christianity_n have_v this_o title_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o real_a mystery_n in_o itself_o wherefore_o after_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n this_o in_o general_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o the_o occludere_fw-la word_n whether_o we_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_a thing_n some_o thing_n shut_v up_o for_o such_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o we_o many_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v cover_v with_o great_a darkness_n a_o veil_n be_v cast_v over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o thus_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n but_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n 1_o christianity_n be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o some_o 2._o in_o a_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o to_o all_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o special_a and_o singular_a way_n a_o mystery_n to_o some_o person_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v those_o who_o i_o here_o mean_v be_v all_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n emphatic_a stile_n 15._o lie_v in_o their_o wickedness_n continue_v in_o their_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v feel_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a birth_n and_o renovation_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o wretched_a state_n be_v 9_o in_o darkness_n as_o the_o same_o inspire_a writer_n speak_v that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o effectual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o these_o can_v be_v thus_o know_v but_o by_o divine_a illumination_n by_o a_o supernatural_a discovery_n from_o above_o which_o they_o wilful_o debar_v themselves_o of_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 11._o 33._o therefore_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o much_o more_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n self-denial_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o mystery_n yea_o insignificant_a jargon_n to_o they_o we_o hear_v the_o same_o infallible_a master_n speak_v at_o another_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o particular_a donation_n a_o special_a grant_n unto_o you_o my_o disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o i.e._n the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o there_o be_v such_o representation_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o which_o be_v according_a to_o those_o other_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o i.e._n in_o a_o save_v way_n but_o you_o know_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o joh._n 17._o 25._o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o all_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n be_v riddle_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o discern_v not_o entertain_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n here_o mean_v say_v a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v loc_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o add_v this_o to_o the_o character_n that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v only_o that_o inbred_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o the_o creator_n furnish_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o and_o so_o other_o ancient_a writer_n interpret_v the_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la grotius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o one_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o fleshly_a part_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o learned_a writer_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o person_n i_o be_o concern_v with_o at_o present_a have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o that_o not_o unjust_o for_o he_o and_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v they_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v mistake_v for_o now_o he_o be_v we_o whilst_o he_o direct_o and_o express_o avow_v the_o apostle_n natural_a or_o animal_n man_n to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v whole_o conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o supernatural_a guidance_n and_o direction_n can_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v such_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o subjoin_v nay_o he_o add_v further_a he_o can_v know_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n shall_v right_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imply_v as_o evident_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n visible_a so_o a_o 4._o judicious_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n express_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n follow_v which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o thing_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n only_o these_o person_n have_v a_o inward_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o they_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n of_o they_o they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o proper_a concern_v they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o feel_v a_o influence_n from_o they_o on_o their_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o religious_a person_n know_v and_o discover_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o manner_n than_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o some_o sort_n of_o discovery_n relate_v to_o holy_a thing_n thus_o not_o only_o the_o grammatical_a critical_a rhetorical_a historical_a and_o philosophical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o these_o as_o the_o best_a but_o even_o the_o theological_a part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n so_o far_o as_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o mere_a speculative_a and_o notional_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v equal_o know_v by_o both_o but_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n so_o as_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o be_v from_o supernatural_a light_n alone_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a from_o the_o natural_a man_n this_o latter_a fall_v
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 for_o the_o best_a religion_n christianity_n it_o be_v admirable_o show_v by_o a_o 〈…〉_z worthy_a person_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n suit_v even_o with_o a_o philosophic_a genius_n i_o question_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a from_o strict_a reason_n that_o the_o main_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v uniform_a and_o harmonious_a in_o itself_o and_o conformable_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n that_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a man_n that_o his_o undertataking_n be_v the_o most_o rational_a expedient_a for_o the_o restore_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o suitable_a method_n to_o reduce_v lapse_v creature_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o after_o their_o fall_n and_o that_o christ_n divinity_n be_v no_o more_o impair_v by_o be_v join_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n these_o and_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o can_v make_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o thereby_o show_v that_o christianity_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o most_o sober_a reflection_n we_o can_v make_v on_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o natural_a reason_n we_o can_v form_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v as_o some_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n do_v that_o divine_a revelation_n contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o any_o revelation_n i._n e._n any_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n unless_o we_o be_v first_o reasonable_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o beside_o reason_n be_v from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o latter_a we_o must_v
thing_n show_v their_o mistake_n and_o that_o they_o be_v on_o this_o side_n of_o that_o place_n for_o they_o betray_v the_o weakness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o knowledge_n these_o person_n indiscreet_o antedate_v the_o last_o day_n anticipate_v the_o future_a world_n and_o confront_v the_o reveal_v purpose_n of_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v not_o design_v by_o the_o supreme_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v here_o below_o have_v a_o full_a insight_n into_o those_o divine_a recess_n this_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o state_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v why_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v why_o some_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o momentous_a doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n hide_v from_o all_o man_n understanding_n what_o i_o have_v say_v administer_v to_o we_o this_o double_a reflection_n 1._o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsity_n of_o the_o socinian_n notion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o we_o may_v gather_v what_o be_v our_o proper_a duty_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o first_o i_o say_v this_o discover_v and_o detect_v and_o at_o the_o same_o baffle_v the_o false_a apprehension_n of_o those_o man_n who_o cry_v down_o all_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o be_v level_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n notwithstanding_o those_o remarkable_a attestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a truth_n from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o they_o perverse_o oppose_v and_o deny_v it_o and_o magnify_v reason_n as_o the_o only_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o their_o 11._o late_a pretence_n be_v and_o nothing_o will_v serve_v they_o in_o religion_n but_o logic_n and_o downright_a demonstration_n i_o have_v observe_v it_o in_o the_o modern_a write_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o of_o one_o also_o that_o be_v a_o late_a friend_n of_o they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o finish_v a_o discourse_n though_o it_o be_v about_o religion_n without_o bring_v in_o of_o geometrical_a term_n especial_o angle_n and_o triangle_n these_o gentleman_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o mathematics_n will_v subvert_v christianity_n and_o demonstrate_v we_o out_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o make_v a_o triangle_n baffle_v the_o trinity_n this_o be_v the_o grand_a source_n of_o their_o present_a delusion_n and_o of_o that_o disturbance_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n their_o labour_a to_o exclude_v all_o mystery_n from_o christianity_n it_o arise_v whole_o from_o this_o that_o they_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v entire_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o commensurate_a to_o exact_v reason_n this_o be_v perfect_o according_a to_o that_o description_n which_o one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n give_v of_o st._n paul_n natural_a man_n loc_n he_o be_v one_o say_v he_o that_o attribute_n all_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o think_v not_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o help_n from_o above_o neither_o will_v be_v receive_v any_o thing_n by_o faith_n but_o count_v all_o foolishness_n which_o can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o demonstration_n and_o a_o ancient_a critic_n define_v he_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o who_o turn_v all_o over_o to_o humane_a reason_n and_o admit_v not_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n any_o thing_n that_o be_v supernatural_a in_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o brief_a but_o full_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o socinus_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o he_o upon_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o certain_o it_o ill_o become_v a_o christian_a man_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o that_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o genius_n be_v against_o the_o plain_a determination_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n against_o the_o very_a 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 one_o bodily_a sense_n for_o another_o but_o in_o the_o other_o case_n there_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o one_o mental_a operation_n for_o another_o viz._n reason_n for_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o absurdity_n of_o those_o of_o the_o racovian_a way_n and_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v it_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n as_o the_o apostle_n deserve_o style_v it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o those_o man_n that_o they_o make_v christianity_n more_o reasonable_a than_o it_o be_v that_o be_v they_o make_v it_o submit_v whole_o to_o humane_a and_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o explode_v all_o mystery_n second_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o design_v to_o be_v such_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o according_o that_o be_v never_o to_o be_v so_o bold_a and_o rash_a as_o to_o demand_v a_o positive_a and_o punctual_a account_n of_o 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 pry_v and_o inquisitive_a but_o let_v they_o beware_v of_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o make_v truth_n uphold_v falsehood_n as_o that_o egyptian_a in_o curiositate_fw-la plutarch_n answer_v the_o man_n who_o ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o carry_v so_o close_o cover_v therefore_o it_o be_v cover_v say_v he_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o your_o ask_n be_v in_o vain_a so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o divine_a thing_n be_v purposely_o hide_v from_o we_o and_o wrap_v up_o in_o obscurity_n that_o we_o may_v not_o with_o too_o eager_a a_o curiosity_n search_v into_o they_o and_o busy_a our_o head_n about_o they_o let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o think_v that_o speak_v to_o we_o which_o the_o good_a christian_a say_v to_o the_o philosopher_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a cyzicen_n ask_v not_o how_o be_v not_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o manner_n of_o sacred_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a johan_n writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o in_o christ_n person_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o join_v by_o a_o ineffable_a kind_n of_o tie_n with_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o the_o same_o hypostasis_fw-la contain_v in_o it_o two_o distinct_a nature_n but_o how_o that_o union_n be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o know_v nor_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o search_v only_o let_v we_o believe_v and_o hold_v what_o be_v write_v and_o the_o same_o excellent_a person_n in_o another_o matth._n place_n and_o indeed_o in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o write_n exceed_o blame_v the_o rashness_n and_o curiosity_n of_o those_o that_o pray_v into_o divine_a mystery_n and_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_v and_o raise_v vain_a question_n about_o they_o and_o ask_v why_o and_o how_o such_o thing_n be_v it_o
enjoin_v we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n will_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o these_o man_n allow_v of_o this_o as_o just_a and_o rational_a and_o advise_v that_o our_o natural_a desire_n and_o propension_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o our_o saviour_n command_n he_o be_v our_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o master_n and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o show_v themselves_o partial_a in_o deny_v it_o reasonable_a to_o submit_v the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o faculty_n to_o look_v to_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n as_o there_o be_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o the_o elective_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v content_a to_o surrender_v this_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n why_o be_v they_o against_o subject_v the_o other_o to_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o discovery_n if_o it_o be_v commendable_a to_o curb_v and_o moderate_v the_o concupiscible_a or_o irascible_a part_n why_o not_o also_o to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o perceptive_a if_o the_o will_n must_v be_v check_v why_o must_v the_o intellect_n be_v leave_v uncontrollable_a if_o they_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o former_a power_n in_o they_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o measure_v not_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o latter_a by_o the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v they_o deem_v it_o proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o humane_a mind_n to_o vail_v the_o first_o to_o the_o express_a injunction_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o as_o requisite_a to_o submit_v the_o second_o to_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n why_o do_v they_o not_o abandon_v their_o own_o weak_a sentiment_n about_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n why_o do_v they_o not_o renounce_v their_o private_a surmise_n their_o shallow_a arguing_n their_o sophistical_a ratiocination_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n why_o be_v they_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o deficiency_n and_o indigence_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o contractedness_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o why_o do_v they_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n adore_v the_o divine_a perfection_n why_o do_v they_o not_o inure_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o inspiration_n and_o believe_v what_o be_v unintelligible_a particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n why_o do_v they_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n why_o do_v they_o prescribe_v to_o heaven_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o weak_a conception_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v their_o mere_a natural_a notion_n and_o principle_n truckle_n to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o bring_v their_o reason_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o come_v here_o with_o their_o old_a cry_n and_o cavil_n that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o some_o other_o that_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n and_o be_v impossibility_n as_o their_o language_n be_v we_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_v they_o with_o this_o that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n talk_v after_o this_o rate_n because_o they_o can_v pronounce_v that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o can_v reach_v with_o their_o reason_n they_o can_v say_v be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o doom_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v contradictory_n when_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o so_o for_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v rash_a folly_n to_o determine_v it_o can_v be_v when_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o transcendent_a nature_n of_o it_o when_o the_o mode_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o like_a article_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v mystery_n therefore_o let_v not_o these_o man_n think_v to_o amuse_v and_o banter_n we_o as_o they_o will_v needs_o do_v with_o â—alking_v of_o contradiction_n impossibility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v term_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o request_n of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v under_o this_o head_n for_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o bright_a truth_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o entertain_v this_o one_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o to_o keep_v a_o discipline_n over_o their_o understanding_n as_o over_o their_o will_n that_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o be_v mention_v as_o part_v of_o man_n depravity_n and_o alienation_n from_o his_o first_o make_n that_o 29._o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n i._n e._n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v curious_a excogitation_n quaint_a arguing_n fanciful_a reason_n these_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v greedy_o seek_v out_o and_o pursue_v by_o vain_a man_n but_o where_o the_o true_a force_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n prevail_v there_o they_o 5._o cast_v down_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n every_o proud_a conceit_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n i._n e._n every_o corrupt_a notion_n and_o conception_n which_o usurp_v upon_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o false_a argumentation_n and_o debate_n about_o the_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v above_o or_o beyond_o what_o divine_a revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o but_o we_o must_v resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o appeal_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v the_o sagacious_a gentleman_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a will_v grant_v that_o some_o vulgar_a head_n among_o who_o perhaps_o they_o will_v reckon_v the_o foresay_a apostle_n have_v favour_v the_o restrain_v and_o limit_v of_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o will_v this_o pass_v current_n they_o may_v say_v with_o those_o that_o be_v vote_v for_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o wit_n will_v it_o be_v admit_v by_o man_n of_o keen_a apprehension_n man_n of_o judgement_n and_o philosophy_n yes_o most_o sure_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v the_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n and_o the_o great_a des_fw-mi cartes_n into_o that_o number_n the_o former_a of_o who_o have_v leave_v these_o remarkable_a word_n 9_o god_n sovereignty_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o latter_a express_v himself_o thus_o and_o though_o some_o may_v think_v it_o be_v speak_v in_o politic_a compliance_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n and_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n 7._o we_o must_v say_v he_o always_o and_o chief_o remember_v this_o that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o altogether_o finite_a so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n concern_v himself_o or_o other_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o natural_a strength_n of_o our_o wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n or_o trinity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v they_o and_o again_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o philosophical_a principle_n he_o have_v leave_v