certainty_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o but_o still_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sundry_a evangelical_n truth_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o some_o person_n for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o that_o quality_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o surmount_v and_o baffle_v the_o utmost_a efforr_v of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n in_o another_o place_n col._n 2._o 2._o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n or_o rather_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o the_o like_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o because_o of_o these_o sublime_a truth_n christianity_n itself_o have_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n give_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v find_v it_o can_v not_o create_v wonder_n that_o the_o socinian_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o alone_a contend_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o call_v a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n for_o here_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v assert_v for_o the_o word_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o person_n god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n who_o be_v both_o father_n and_o christ_n and_o consequent_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v very_a god_n as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v deny_v the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o too_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o text_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n col._n 4._o 3._o whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o stile_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o apostle_n express_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o place_n before_o mention_v and_o he_o request_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o colossian_n for_o he_o that_o god_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o a_o door_n of_o utterance_n to_o speak_v this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n i.e._n free_o and_o open_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v further_a from_o what_o follow_v next_o for_o which_o i_o be_o in_o bond_n that_o be_v a_o sufferer_n a_o prisoner_n for_o my_o preach_v the_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a whatever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o understand_v the_o word_n here_o any_o otherwise_o than_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v then_o preach_v by_o this_o apostle_n this_o be_v mysterious_a and_o hide_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n inexplicable_a so_o again_o in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 9_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v to_o hold_v i.e._n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n the_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o here_o with_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o that_o be_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o in_o that_o text_n on_o which_o i_o find_v the_o present_a discourse_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o on_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o assign_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o fair_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o acquaint_v we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n before_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o the_o present_a mysteriousness_n of_o this_o sacred_a institution_n for_o by_o consult_v the_o context_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v absolute_o and_o entire_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o past_a time_n of_o the_o world_n under_o judaism_n or_o gentilism_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o so_o this_o and_o all_o the_o other_o text_n that_o i_o last_o mention_v be_v a_o baffle_n to_o what_o some_o late_a advocate_n of_o socinianism_n pretend_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v to_o signify_v something_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o clear_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o cloud_v with_o figurative_a and_o mystical_a word_n but_o never_o to_o denote_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v dark_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o itself_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a from_o the_o forecited_n text_n and_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n that_o due_o scan_v they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o christianity_n be_v there_o call_v a_o mystery_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v but_o it_o have_v there_o no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n viz._n the_o gospel_n or_o christianity_n in_o itself_o consider_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11._o 25._o the_o general_n and_o final_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o general_a word_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o dark_a and_o it_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n for_o to_o know_v all_o mystery_n seem_v to_o be_v explicatory_a of_o the_o forego_n phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v a_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v foretell_v and_o declare_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n v_o 10._o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 2._o mystery_n be_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a term_n and_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v those_o divine_a doctrine_n which_o be_v mysterious_a and_o difficult_a but_o it_o be_v not_o particular_o apply_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a truth_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o corinthian_n at_o that_o time_n but_o st._n paul_n reveal_v it_o to_o they_o behold_v say_v he_o i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n viz._n this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o all_o sleep_n those_o that_o be_v alive_a at_o at_o christ_n come_v shall_v not_o die_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v they_o shall_v undergo_v such_o a_o alteration_n that_o their_o corruptible_a state_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o that_o which_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a the_o conjugal_a state_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n â—ph_n 5._o 32._o because_o it_o shadow_n forth_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v style_v mystery_n by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o christ_n body_n mystery_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 1._o v._n 20._o and_o chap._n 17._o v._n 7._o to_o particular_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o have_v a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n in_o they_o in_o rev._n 10._o 7._o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v finish_v or_o fulfil_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o glorious_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v as_o a_o mystery_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n than_o as_o we_o be_v there_o assure_v that_o mystery_n shall_v actual_o be_v accomplish_v and_o fulfil_v but_o none_o of_o these_o text_n refer_v to_o our_o present_a matter_n as_o any_o understanding_n reader_n may_v perceive_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o produce_v they_o that_o they_o may_v
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
sermon_n on_o special_a occasion_n and_o subject_n viz_o a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n that_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n how_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o excel_v that_o decay_n of_o trade_n be_v the_o product_n of_o vice_n war_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a on_o just_a occasion_n the_o danger_n of_o intestine_a division_n the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o apparel_n that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n sometime_o fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a edward_n earl_n of_o orford_n viscount_n barfleur_n baron_n of_o shingey_n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n my_o lord_n all_z true_a english_a man_n have_v their_o eye_n upon_o your_o lordship_n as_o their_o faithful_a patriot_n and_o protector_n as_o a_o firm_a lover_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o country_n and_o they_o all_o pay_v a_o profound_a respect_n to_o that_o illustrious_a name_n in_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o involve_v we_o be_v every_o one_o of_o we_o sensible_a of_o those_o large_a and_o manifest_a demonstration_n which_o you_o have_v give_v we_o of_o your_o concern_v for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o the_o late_a happy_a revolution_n your_o heroic_a erterprise_n your_o constant_a fatigue_n difficulty_n and_o peril_n undergo_v for_o the_o service_n of_o your_o country_n be_v the_o continual_a matter_n of_o our_o admiration_n we_o celebrate_v and_o applaud_v your_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v engage_v the_o french_a navy_n when_o their_o admiral_n feel_v the_o destructive_a force_n of_o your_o martial_a thunder_n which_o you_o pour_v out_o so_o fast_o upon_o he_o and_o which_o produce_v a_o a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o insult_a but_o fly_v foe_n the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o great_a and_o noble_a achievement_n your_o lordship_n bear_v in_o your_o honourable_a title_n which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o look_v whether_o at_o sea_n or_o land_n we_o find_v your_o lordship_n merit_v in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o your_o near_a relation_n to_o â—his_fw-la grace_n the_o duke_n of_o bedford_n who_o family_n have_v be_v the_o nursery_n of_o patriot_n and_o worthy_n yea_o and_o of_o sufferer_n for_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o welfare_n render_v you_o a_o person_n yet_o more_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o world_n and_o last_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o honour_n which_o your_o prince_n have_v advance_v you_o to_o and_o that_o eminent_a and_o honourable_a post_n your_o lordship_n be_v now_o in_o make_v you_o capable_a of_o be_v what_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v by_o you_o beneficial_a not_o only_o to_o the_o county_n you_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a concern_v in_o but_o to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o i_o know_v your_o transcendent_a modesty_n will_v scarce_o suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v add_v no_o more_o the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a address_n to_o your_o lordship_n be_v to_o express_v my_o thankful_a and_o dutiful_a resentment_n of_o the_o undeserved_a favour_n cast_v upon_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n and_o to_o offer_v my_o sincere_a wish_n and_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n for_o your_o health_n and_o long_a life_n that_o you_o may_v live_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o divine_a assistance_n that_o success_n may_v crown_v all_o your_o worthy_a undertake_n that_o you_o may_v continue_v to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o embrace_n of_o so_o excellent_a and_o accomplish_v a_o lady_n as_o heaven_n have_v bless_v you_o with_o that_o you_o may_v be_v as_o instrumental_a in_o preserve_v the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o you_o be_v in_o restore_a they_o that_o you_o may_v long_o enjoy_v the_o honour_n which_o your_o merit_n have_v advance_v you_o to_o and_o the_o happiness_n you_o have_v of_o possess_v his_o majesty_n favour_n and_o in_o â—_o word_n that_o you_o may_v still_o be_v admire_v honour_a and_o love_v by_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o religious_a and_o now_o my_o lord_n permit_v i_o to_o beg_v a_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o you_o but_o such_o as_o i_o know_v your_o generosity_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o grant_v viz._n that_o i_o may_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o dedicate_v the_o follow_a paper_n to_o your_o lordship_n name_n which_o as_o it_o will_v give_v a_o glory_n to_o they_o so_o it_o will_v remain_v a_o testimony_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o design_v of_o that_o entire_a service_n and_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v and_o shall_v ever_o be_v owe_v to_o your_o lordship_n i_o have_v have_v your_o lordship_n in_o my_o eye_n ever_o since_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v a_o writer_n but_o i_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o make_v my_o approach_n of_o a_o sudden_a to_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n nor_o be_v i_o furnish_v with_o a_o subject_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o your_o lordship_n genius_n i_o forbear_v to_o trouble_v you_o with_o criticism_n and_o controversy_n though_o of_o a_o important_a nature_n but_o now_o when_o the_o matter_n i_o treat_v of_o be_v agreeable_a to_o so_o noble_a and_o exalt_v a_o mind_n i_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v a_o oblation_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o your_o lordship_n and_o though_o you_o have_v sometime_o intimate_v your_o averseness_n to_o see_v your_o name_n in_o print_n yet_o i_o presume_v to_o prefix_v it_o to_o these_o paper_n which_o have_v the_o sacred_a write_n for_o which_o your_o lordship_n have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o their_o groundwork_n on_o this_o account_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a notwithstanding_o their_o meanness_n and_o faultiness_n otherwise_o final_o beg_v your_o lordship_n pardon_n for_o this_o prolix_a trouble_n i_o lay_v this_o offer_n with_o myself_o at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n and_o crave_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v esteem_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a entire_a and_o devote_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n several_a year_n ago_o i_o be_v solicit_v by_o some_o of_o my_o brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o other_o worthy_a friend_n who_o be_v please_v to_o entertain_v no_o ill_a opinion_n of_o some_o of_o my_o discourse_n which_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pulpit_n to_o make_v they_o more_o public_a and_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o general_n view_n but_o i_o be_v at_o that_o time_n furnish_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o give_v way_n to_o their_o importunity_n but_o about_o half_a a_o year_n ago_o be_v solicit_v afresh_o i_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o to_o comply_v with_o such_o a_o motion_n for_o a_o friend_n extort_a these_o paper_n from_o i_o by_o a_o argument_n which_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v he_o assure_v i_o that_o print_v sermon_n or_o practical_a discourse_n be_v call_v for_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o reader_n and_o be_v in_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a sign_n i_o wish_v it_o be_v a_o infallible_a one_o that_o they_o be_v intent_n upon_o practice_n i_o be_v hearty_o glad_a to_o hear_v that_o the_o world_n be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o temper_n and_o thereupon_o i_o lay_v aside_o my_o former_a resolution_n for_o i_o have_v prepare_v discourse_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o the_o press_n and_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o accommodate_v they_o with_o a_o volume_n of_o sermon_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o vein_n and_o relish_v matter_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o practical_a nature_n and_o i_o do_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o have_v late_o be_v employ_v in_o assert_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o animadvert_v on_o the_o error_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o i_o be_v force_v on_o that_o account_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o controversy_n and_o debate_n and_o therefore_o i_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o i_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o contest_v that_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o insult_v and_o philippic_n and_o that_o i_o prefer_v the_o practical_a part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o the_o dispute_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o assign_v the_o occasion_n of_o my_o publish_v these_o follow_a discourse_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v especial_o how_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a standard_n
such_o premise_n as_o these_o he_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v gross_a folly_n for_o any_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o gift_n and_o to_o insult_v over_o their_o brethren_n on_o the_o account_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o envy_n those_o that_o be_v possessor_n of_o the_o choice_a gift_n as_o it_o be_v to_o despise_v those_o that_o be_v owner_n of_o the_o mean_a this_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o 12_o chapter_n and_o now_o because_o ambition_n and_o desire_v of_o excel_v and_o outstrip_v one_o another_o have_v possess_v their_o mind_n he_o persuade_v they_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n to_o a_o virtuous_a zeal_n and_o holy_a emulation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d covet_n earnest_o the_o better_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n a_o superlative_a method_n of_o outvy_v other_o and_o even_o of_o outdo_v yourselves_o and_o that_o be_v no_o other_o than_o charity_n that_o great_a and_o noble_a grace_n which_o will_v render_v you_o eminent_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o world_n which_o will_v set_v off_o all_o your_o other_o gift_n and_o endowment_n and_o direct_v you_o how_o to_o manage_v they_o for_o the_o best_a advantage_n this_o sovereign_n and_o superintend_a grace_n will_v most_o successful_o guide_v all_o the_o inferior_a one_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o their_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n and_o conduct_v they_o most_o prosperous_o to_o their_o right_a end_n this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n admirable_o decipher_v in_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o fourteen_o he_o shut_v up_o that_o part_n of_o his_o discourse_n with_o a_o persuasive_a to_o so_o incomparable_a a_o virtue_n follow_v after_o charity_n pursue_v it_o with_o the_o great_a eagerness_n and_o vigour_n and_o give_v not_o over_o till_o you_o have_v perfect_o attain_v it_o be_v careful_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o excel_v in_o this_o which_o make_v all_o your_o other_o attainment_n beneficial_a both_o to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o strive_v then_o to_o surpass_v one_o another_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o evangelical_n grace_n for_o this_o be_v a_o harmless_a contention_n this_o be_v a_o innocent_a and_o holy_a emulation_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o christian_a spirit_n and_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o gospel_n follow_v after_o charity_n and_o desire_v spiritual_a gift_n join_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o you_o be_v safe_a and_o then_o immediate_o our_o apostle_n have_v thus_o caution_v all_o with_o charity_n take_v occasion_n again_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v insist_v on_o before_o there_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o think_v good_a to_o rectify_v their_o judgement_n thorough_o in_o the_o point_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v in_o great_a request_n among_o they_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v likely_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v most_o eminent_o endue_v with_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o they_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n yet_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v i.e._n of_o understanding_n and_o interpret_n god_n will_n be_v clear_o the_o more_o valuable_a and_o desirable_a accomplishment_n and_o among_o all_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n confer_v on_o the_o christian_a church_n deserve_v to_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o though_o variety_n of_o tongue_n may_v seem_v more_o admirable_a and_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o create_v more_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n yet_o certain_o if_o they_o seek_v not_o rather_o to_o be_v admire_v for_o their_o gift_n than_o to_o be_v beneficial_a by_o they_o they_o can_v not_o but_o give_v the_o precedency_n to_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o more_o useful_a gift_n and_o that_o which_o conduce_v most_o to_o our_o great_a concern_v and_o our_o high_a interest_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v better_a to_o do_v good_a than_o to_o appear_v great_a tongue_n have_v their_o use_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o prophesy_v that_o be_v most_o excellent_a which_o be_v most_o advantageous_a and_o edify_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n whereof_o my_o text_n be_v a_o part_n and_o indeed_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v useful_a to_o many_o and_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o set_v down_o for_o a_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o say_v st._n chrysostom_n on_o the_o place_n whatsoever_o gift_n you_o seek_v to_o excel_v in_o do_v it_o you_o corinthian_n with_o this_o main_a design_n which_o be_v the_o worthy_a and_o noble_a in_o the_o world_n to_o advance_v the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v desirous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n see_v you_o be_v such_o great_a zealot_n for_o spirit_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d original_a since_o your_o ambition_n hurry_v you_o to_o thing_n of_o that_o exalt_v quality_n study_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o improve_v they_o for_o the_o real_a benefit_n of_o the_o christian_a community_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v a_o church_n to_o erect_v and_o call_v for_o our_o service_n therein_o who_o will_v not_o bring_v the_o best_a thing_n to_o the_o best_a work_n who_o will_v not_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o great_a skill_n for_o so_o difficult_a a_o employment_n they_o that_o hearty_o love_v the_o church_n and_o sincere_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o its_o member_n never_o think_v they_o can_v prepare_v themselves_o enough_o for_o its_o service_n and_o be_v ever_o study_v to_o do_v more_o make_v the_o apostle_n word_n their_o motto_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n here_o it_o be_v that_o they_o spend_v their_o best_a affection_n and_o their_o high_a aim_n and_o erterprise_n centre_n in_o this._n they_o be_v impatient_a till_o they_o can_v bring_v with_o they_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n for_o so_o glorious_a and_o edifice_n they_o be_v ambitious_a to_o excel_v not_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o derive_v a_o glory_n and_o applause_n upon_o themselves_o but_o for_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o their_o christian_a brethren_n so_o that_o the_o text_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dictate_v of_o christian_a charity_n prescribe_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o use_v those_o gift_n well_o which_o be_v so_o subject_a to_o be_v abuse_v charity_n esteem_v it_o better_a to_o be_v profitable_a to_o man_n soul_n than_o to_o purchase_v their_o acclamation_n and_o applause_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o prize_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n more_o than_o our_o own_o glory_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o lead_v you_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o two_o thing_n here_o mention_v 1._o the_o operation_n or_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o a_o noble_a end_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v 2._o the_o end_n itself_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a first_o for_o in_o practical_a discourse_n the_o end_n do_v not_o unjust_o challenge_v the_o first_o place_n and_o indeed_o true_a wisdom_n instruct_v its_o follower_n to_o propound_v a_o right_a end_n to_o themselves_o and_o then_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o miscarry_v in_o both_o of_o these_o for_o sometime_o we_o aim_v right_a but_o shoot_v awry_o our_o action_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o intention_n at_o other_o time_n we_o be_v in_o a_o right_a course_n but_o propound_v a_o wrong_a end_n so_o that_o good_a performance_n be_v mar_v by_o ill_a purpose_n now_o the_o apostle_n here_o meet_v with_o both_o these_o defect_n and_o labour_v their_o amendment_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o end_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n the_o best_a end_n the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edify_v thereof_o the_o best_a mean_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v every_o action_n be_v design_v to_o some_o purpose_n and_o according_a to_o this_o we_o aim_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n we_o either_o deport_n ourselves_o laudable_o or_o huge_o miscarry_v in_o our_o life_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o fix_v ourselves_o aright_o at_o first_o and_o to_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o such_o a_o end_n as_o we_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o action_n and_o such_o certain_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v most_o deserve_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o erterprise_n prayer_n and_o wish_n this_o baffle_v all_o sneak_a design_n and_o project_n this_o brave_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o carry_v we_o direct_o to_o the_o supreme_a
good_a and_o there_o stint_v and_o determine_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o desire_n we_o at_o once_o become_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n the_o one_o absolute_o influence_v upon_o the_o other_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v so_o twist_v together_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a to_o divide_v they_o for_o the_o church_n be_v that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n wherein_o god_n be_v more_o peculiar_o acknowledge_v and_o glorify_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o whilst_o we_o tender_v the_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n we_o likewise_o more_o signal_o advance_v god_n glory_n our_o love_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o real_a will_v reflect_v from_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o through_o the_o church_n it_o will_v ascend_v to_o god_n again_o the_o edify_v or_o building_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o design_v principal_o belong_v to_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o it_o look_v like_o a_o paradox_n but_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o the_o 11._o foundation_n and_o 20._o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o the_o building_n be_v the_o chief_a architect_n also_o on_o this_o rock_n say_v he_o to_o st._n peter_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n this_o glorious_a fabric_n be_v raise_v by_o christ_n own_o hand_n yet_o this_o work_n in_o some_o measure_n belong_v to_o all_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a christian_n they_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o promote_a of_o this_o structure_n but_o more_o especial_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dispenser_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o work_n they_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v artificer_n and_o builder_n in_o the_o erect_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v particular_o design_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i.e._n his_o church_n eph._n four_o 12._o first_o our_o great_a care_n must_v be_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o what_o that_o be_v our_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1._o cor._n iii._o 11._o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n i.e._n the_o meritorious_a undertake_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n the_o bless_a there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o effectual_a faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o this_o lamb_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n eph._n two_o 20._o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n they_o be_v build_v upon_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n deliver_v by_o these_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n himself_o who_o in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v call_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n this_o be_v the_o main_a truth_n on_o which_o all_o christianity_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o faithful_a in_o the_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v of_o this_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o our_o religion_n sink_v and_o that_o irrecoverable_o without_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a basis._n and_o all_o the_o other_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v also_o just_o style_v the_o foundation_n heb._n vi_fw-la 1._o be_v our_o proper_a concern_v we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o instruct_v our_o charge_n in_o all_o those_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n with_o singular_a care_n and_o skill_n as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o support_v the_o fabric_n we_o must_v proceed_v to_o erect_v our_o superstructure_n to_o build_v upward_o as_o well_o as_o downward_o and_o according_o all_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n conduce_v to_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v and_o make_v use_v of_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o apostle_n advice_n to_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n nothing_o but_o gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n 1_o cor._n three_o 12._o such_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n conclusion_n as_o be_v of_o real_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o not_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n i.e._n unnecessary_a and_o useless_a doctrine_n or_o inference_n muchless_a such_o as_o apparent_o confront_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o foster_v lewd_a and_o wicked_a practice_n mensal_n the_o pope_n as_o luther_n express_v it_o be_v for_o building_n up_o the_o church_n ex_fw-la accidentibus_fw-la of_o outward_a thing_n of_o little_a value_n but_o we_o say_v he_o build_v it_o ex_fw-la substantia_fw-la we_o urge_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v substantial_a we_o press_v those_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o moment_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o have_v real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o thus_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o remember_v that_o the_o superstructure_n ought_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o foundation_n this_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o must_v be_v so_o too_o brief_o this_o excellent_a metaphor_n of_o edify_v or_o building_n which_o our_o apostle_n seem_v much_o to_o delight_v in_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o 7._o frequent_a use_v of_o it_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o impartial_a deliver_n and_o teach_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o fundamental_o or_o in_o such_o important_a and_o necessary_a matter_n as_o be_v to_o be_v ground_v on_o they_o all_o that_o our_o hearer_n be_v to_o know_v and_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n in_o a_o word_n to_o enlighten_v man_n mind_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n to_o convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v convert_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n by_o any_o holy_a art_n and_o method_n to_o further_o the_o real_a good_a of_o christ_n flock_n by_o any_o good_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o church_n welfare_n be_v to_o build_v it_o up_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a architecture_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o spiritual_a building_n so_o that_o if_o we_o harken_v to_o this_o proposal_n we_o shall_v assure_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n promote_v our_o own_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n in_o seek_v the_o church_n good_a we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o blessing_n and_o that_o charity_n which_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a will_n at_o last_o exalt_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a when_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propound_v viz._n the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o this_o noble_a end_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v take_v care_n to_o fit_v yourselves_o for_o this_o grand_a employment_n of_o build_v up_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n three_o 15._o 1_o pet._n four_o 17._o passionate_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v eminent_o and_o abundant_o capacitate_v for_o this_o mighty_a work_n this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v which_o signify_v both_o to_o excel_v and_o to_o abound_v be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o choice_a gift_n and_o strive_v to_o possess_v they_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n we_o of_o the_o sacred_a function_n be_v not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o mean_a and_o low_a attainment_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o aspire_v to_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a improvement_n chryson_fw-la to_o a_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o a_o learned_a and_o pious_a father_n paraphrase_n on_o this_o place_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o be_v master_n of_o all_o those_o excellent_a qualification_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o what_o perfection_n we_o can_v in_o they_o in_o short_a see_v the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o evangelical_n minister_n he_o must_v make_v it_o his_o great_a business_n to_o pursue_v this_o effectual_o and_o to_o excel_v in_o it_o by_o such_o mean_n and_o method_n as_o these_o first_o prayer_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v here_o suggest_v in_o the_o word_n seek_v this_o excel_v and_o this_o edify_v
must_v be_v seek_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o earnest_a address_n if_o bezaleel_n and_o aholiab_n be_v etc._n fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o excel_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o cunning_a workmanship_n for_o the_o adorn_v of_o the_o mosaic_a tabernacle_n sure_o than_o it_o be_v from_o that_o holy_a spirit_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v endue_v with_o eminent_a ability_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a tabernacle_n and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o can_v but_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o sacred_a author_n and_o donor_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v make_v capable_a of_o serve_v the_o church_n of_o god_n you_o know_v who_o word_n those_o be_v 10._o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v to_o i_o as_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o bounty_n than_o we_o know_v who_o work_n it_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v god_n building_n it_o be_v from_o he_o that_o they_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o goodness_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o this_o great_a operator_n and_o architect_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o repair_v and_o to_o implore_v his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a undertake_n without_o his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n at_o least_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o successful_o without_o his_o special_a concurrence_n and_o guidance_n wherefore_o according_a to_o justin_n martyr_n pious_a advice_n we_o must_v tryph._n above_o all_o thing_n pray_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o light_n may_v be_v open_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v to_o teach_v other_o building_n up_o of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n must_v be_v join_v with_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n jude_n ver_fw-la 20_o 22_o 23._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v be_v assist_v in_o his_o ministerial_a employment_n and_o he_o be_v often_o request_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v prove_v real_o advantageous_a and_o successful_a this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o also_o be_v concern_v in_o if_o we_o expect_v any_o blessing_n on_o our_o erterprise_n we_o must_v remind_v those_o who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a charge_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o solicit_v heaven_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o we_o must_v with_o singular_a importunity_n and_o earnestness_n beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n ourselves_o if_o thus_o with_o the_o devout_a supplication_n of_o other_o we_o join_v our_o own_o fervent_a petition_n we_o shall_v certain_o prosper_v we_o shall_v derive_v the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o we_o in_o the_o performance_n and_o office_n belong_v to_o our_o call_v second_o to_o this_o first_o method_n of_o edify_v and_o excel_v we_o must_v add_v that_o apostolical_a direction_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o the_o spiritual_a instructor_n in_o the_o church_n give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim_n four_o 13._o diligent_o peruse_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o sacred_a volume_n though_o timothy_n be_v a_o inspire_a person_n yet_o he_o be_v command_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n where_o 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o greek_a word_n be_v use_v and_o therefore_o may_v have_v be_v render_v as_o it_o be_v here_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o viz._n the_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o pet._n i_o 19_o the_o word_n denote_v great_a attention_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o consult_v these_o sacred_a oracle_n nor_o be_v other_o book_n exclude_v here_o nay_o they_o be_v partly_o mean_v as_o historian_n moralist_n poet_n orator_n and_o other_o humane_a author_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o apostle_n advice_n here_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n who_o reckon_v his_o book_n and_o parchment_n which_o some_o think_v to_o be_v the_o same_o because_o the_o ancient_a book_n be_v make_v of_o skin_n or_o parchment_n and_o roll_v upon_o a_o cilind_a as_o our_o map_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o he_o as_o his_o cloak_n in_o winter_n 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o what_o these_o book_n be_v i_o have_v no_o catalogue_n to_o tell_v i_o but_o i_o know_v of_o some_o other_o that_o he_o deal_v in_o as_o those_o three_o poet_n epimenides_n aratus_n and_o menander_n the_o quote_v of_o which_o he_o think_v not_o unworthy_a of_o a_o inspire_a apostle_n and_o he_o be_v not_o only_o skill_v in_o the_o greek_a poet_n and_o other_o good_a greek_a author_n that_o write_v in_o prose_n for_o if_o he_o be_v curious_a to_o read_v the_o former_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o latter_a but_o he_o have_v knowledge_n in_o hebrew_n writer_n for_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o rabbi_n gamaliel_n who_o be_v a_o famous_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n nephew_n of_o the_o celebrate_a hillel_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n by_o who_o this_o his_o scholar_n be_v create_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a of_o that_o renown_a council_n as_o the_o learned_a mr._n selden_n affirm_v who_o be_v antiquary_n sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o good_a this_o great_a apostle_n tell_v we_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v 14._o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n he_o have_v a_o mighty_a desire_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o according_o he_o search_v into_o the_o talmudick_n write_n and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o find_v the_o express_a name_n of_o two_o of_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n viz._n jannes_n and_o jambres_n and_o have_v leave_v they_o upon_o record_n in_o 2_o tim._n three_o 8._o from_o these_o hint_n we_o may_v guess_v what_o other_o author_n he_o be_v verse_v in_o and_o how_o he_o come_v by_o his_o polite_a learning_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v severe_a and_o how_o exact_o he_o be_v fit_v to_o be_v a_o doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o jew_n both_o which_o be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v from_o his_o profound_a epistle_n which_o speak_v he_o a_o master_n of_o logic_n and_o oratory_n of_o reason_n and_o eloquence_n nor_o be_v it_o think_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o this_o sort_n of_o accomplishment_n be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o evangelical_n minister_n nay_o it_o be_v reckon_v to_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n by_o a_o decree_n forbid_v christian_n the_o read_n of_o heathen_a author_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o by_o the_o study_v of_o these_o writer_n will_v know_v how_o to_o wound_v the_o pagan_n with_o their_o own_o weapon_n and_o on_o other_o account_v it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o profane_a writer_n be_v serviceable_a among_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o sober_a man_n will_v give_v heed_n to_o that_o strange_a illusion_n of_o st._n jerom_n who_o dream_v that_o a_o angel_n scourge_v he_o for_o read_v tully_n oration_n and_o other_o good_a latin_a author_n as_o if_o to_o be_v a_o ciceronian_a and_o a_o christian_a be_v inconsistent_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dream_n and_o that_o his_o compose_a thought_n when_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o thorough_o sensible_a correct_v such_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o represent_v to_o he_o how_o useful_a some_o of_o the_o gentile_a write_n be_v and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n without_o some_o skill_n and_o insight_n into_o they_o how_o requisite_a the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n write_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a divine_a be_v show_v by_o 15._o st._n augustin_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n who_o particular_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o learning_n in_o sacred_a study_n but_o our_o chief_a converse_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o bible_n this_o we_o shall_v constant_o look_v into_o and_o be_v always_o peruse_v why_o do_v you_o not_o spend_v all_o your_o time_n in_o which_o you_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o read_v this_o book_n especial_o say_v a_o very_a pious_a
proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n experiment_n concern_v himself_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n say_v he_o than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n psal._n cxix_o 99_o i_o find_v a_o mighty_a increase_n and_o advance_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n because_o i_o use_v myself_o to_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n on_o those_o heavenly_a and_o sublime_a truth_n and_o thereby_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o penetrate_v into_o the_o profound_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o to_o discern_v those_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o after_o many_o seasonable_a instruction_n and_o precept_n give_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n his_o faithful_a assistant_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o adjoin_v this_o which_o be_v of_o as_o great_a use_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n 1_o tim._n four_o 15._o and_o so_o again_o after_o several_a pious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n he_o add_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v 2_o tim._n two_o 7._o which_o advice_n reach_v all_o of_o timothy_n character_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v revolve_v these_o thing_n often_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o let_v this_o charge_n which_o i_o leave_v with_o you_o be_v continual_o in_o your_o thought_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o think_v and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o man_n but_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a qualification_n in_o a_o public_a instructor_n in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o amend_v and_o rectify_v the_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o improvement_n and_o excellency_n in_o our_o ministry_n we_o must_v not_o herd_n with_o the_o crowd_n but_o retire_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v converse_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thereby_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ourselves_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o same_o to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o four_o another_o way_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o excel_v in_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o preach_v or_o as_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o prophesy_v he_o give_v this_o the_o precedence_n to_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n which_o he_o mention_n either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n covet_v earnest_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v this_o be_v that_o endowment_n which_o according_a to_o he_o make_v most_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v this_o gift_n which_o i'm_n now_o to_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v a_o complicate_v office_n and_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n in_o it_o as_o first_o the_o inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o set_v they_o into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n â—_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
principle_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o preacher_n to_o beat_v down_o all_o immorality_n wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o to_o set_v up_o and_o promote_v whatever_o be_v virtuous_a and_o laudable_a and_o especial_o to_o advance_v the_o evangelical_n virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v more_o especial_o command_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n show_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o office_n when_o it_o be_v right_o discharge_v for_o the_o worthiness_n and_o esteem_n of_o employment_n be_v according_a to_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o thus_o to_o instance_n in_o other_o faculty_n he_o be_v the_o best_a laâ—yer_n that_o most_o successful_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o property_n and_o he_o be_v the_o best_a physician_n that_o save_v man_n life_n so_o it_o be_v here_o he_o be_v the_o best_a divine_a he_o be_v the_o best_a preacher_n that_o reform_v meâ—s_a manner_n and_o effectual_o show_v they_o how_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n the_o true_a preach_v be_v to_o answer_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n more_o particular_o design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o excel_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o you_o find_v be_v esteem_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o valuable_a gift_n because_o it_o be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n he_o that_o propehsy_v say_v he_o speak_v to_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o proper_a task_n of_o the_o evangelical_n preacher_n viz._n not_o only_o to_o build_v man_n up_o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o holy_a faith_n but_o by_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o make_v they_o better_o and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o feel_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n in_o order_n to_o this_o his_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v we_o read_v of_o some_o hist._n heretic_n of_o old_a that_o be_v wont_a to_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hebrew_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o in_o their_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n thereby_o to_o astonish_v and_o amaze_v the_o vulgar_a but_o he_o that_o will_v preach_v so_o as_o to_o edify_v must_v not_o use_v any_o such_o art_n he_o must_v not_o soar_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o or_o if_o any_o one_o will_v needs_o call_v this_o building_n it_o be_v like_a that_o of_o babel_n where_o they_o understand_v not_o one_o another_o we_o just_o condemn_v the_o papist_n for_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o let_v i_o be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o say_v that_o to_o preach_v in_o a_o style_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o the_o people_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o unlawful_a and_o as_o absurd_a therefore_o thou_o o_o man_n of_o god_n flee_v these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o great_a apostle_n be_v thy_o example_n who_o 19_o will_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o edify_v other_o than_o utter_v ten_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o they_o the_o 34._o prophet_n shrink_v himself_o into_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o child_n he_o mean_v to_o revive_v and_o so_o must_v spiritual_a instructer_n and_o public_a exhorter_n to_o virtue_n deal_v with_o those_o they_o intend_v to_o recover_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n wherein_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o must_v adapt_v themselves_o to_o their_o measure_n they_o must_v suit_v themselves_o to_o their_o mean_a understanding_n and_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o often_o inculcate_v the_o same_o divine_a lesson_n therein_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o forgetfulness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ignorance_n and_o shallowness_n of_o their_o common_a hearer_n and_o as_o for_o the_o mode_n of_o deliver_v our_o doctrine_n whether_o by_o book_n or_o without_o that_o be_v of_o the_o mean_a consideration_n and_o no_o intelligent_a person_n will_v be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o it_o so_o it_o be_v grave_a and_o proper_a certain_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v commit_v every_o sermon_n to_o our_o memory_n such_o perpetual_a cunning_a be_v too_o like_o a_o school-boy's_a task_n methinks_v as_o if_o our_o auditor_n be_v pedagogue_n and_o we_o stand_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o the_o ferula_fw-la if_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v all_o our_o lesson_n by_o heart_n much_o less_o be_v preach_v a_o needless_a muster_v up_o of_o author_n a_o unmerciful_a hale_v of_o the_o father_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o rude_a claim_v acquaintance_n with_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o sentence_n or_o two_o out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o please_v the_o people_n with_o little_a and_o trifle_a thing_n or_o astonish_v they_o with_o too_o great_a and_o high_a one_o nor_o be_v it_o yet_o any_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o a_o affect_a tone_n or_o gesture_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n but_o as_o i_o represent_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sober_a inform_v of_o man_n judgement_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o bold_a rebuke_v of_o vice_n and_o a_o warm_a exhortation_n to_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o affectionate_a application_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o the_o hearer_n this_o be_v preach_v and_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v up_o thus_o this_o great_a pile_n be_v raise_v and_o reach_n with_o its_o utmost_a top_n even_o to_o heaven_n where_o it_o be_v triumphant_a five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o add_v that_o we_o be_v to_o mind_v those_o thing_n also_o which_o respect_n the_o discipline_n and_o order_n the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n its_o solemn_a censure_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o if_o there_o shall_v happen_v any_o dilapidation_n in_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v by_o these_o be_v speedy_o repair_v that_o person_n of_o unholy_a and_o disorder_v life_n may_v be_v debar_v communion_n with_o so_o holy_a a_o society_n and_o the_o law_n of_o decency_n be_v prudent_o design_v to_o extirpate_v all_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n and_o to_o render_v the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o service_n beautiful_a and_o venerable_a the_o apostle_n concern_v his_o convert_v of_o colosse_n profess_v that_o he_o rejoice_v in_o behold_v their_o order_n col._n two_o 5._o a_o military_a word_n and_o signify_v the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o army_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o regular_a marshal_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a it_o be_v requisite_a for_o its_o security_n and_o welfare_n that_o all_o keep_v their_o proper_a rank_n and_o station_n and_o that_o a_o decorum_n be_v every_o where_o observe_v we_o find_v that_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o substantial_o be_v to_o be_v look_v after_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n control_v the_o solecism_n of_o their_o external_n behaviour_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n he_o check_v their_o rudeness_n and_o irreverence_n and_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o outward_a deportment_n and_o carriage_n in_o pray_v and_o prophesy_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o some_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v of_o religion_n outside_o that_o she_o have_v a_o comely_a equipage_n decent_a and_o fit_v circumstance_n be_v the_o wall_n about_o the_o spiritual_a building_n they_o be_v the_o hedge_n about_o the_o field_n of_o the_o church_n which_o contribute_v much_o to_o her_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n it_o be_v such_o a_o fence_n to_o she_o as_o the_o bark_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n which_o when_o it_o be_v utter_o neglect_v the_o fruit_n and_o sometime_o the_o tree_n itself_o be_v endanger_v even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o accessary_a and_o accidental_a to_o devotion_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o the_o devotion_n and_o worship_n themselves_o will_v not_o be_v long_o keep_v up_o without_o these_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o circumstance_n and_o appendage_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o in_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v employ_v here_o the_o main_a care_n in_o god_n worship_n must_v be_v that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o sincere_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v for_o this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o chief_o require_v and_o regard_v all_o must_v be_v so_o do_v in_o his_o service_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o abate_v that_o real_a and_o internal_a religion_n be_v not_o diminish_v and_o that_o the_o
visible_a face_n of_o it_o be_v never_o without_o the_o vital_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o let_v religion_n outward_o appear_v as_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a as_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a edification_n will_v allow_v but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o exceed_v in_o ornament_n and_o bravery_n for_o she_o will_v soon_o vanish_v when_o she_o grow_v pompous_a and_o run_v into_o external_n show_v and_o pageantry_n with_o decency_n and_o comeliness_n be_v general_o couple_v unity_n and_o concord_n and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o be_v concern_v for_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o harmony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o the_o part_n of_o a_o building_n that_o make_v it_o both_o beautiful_a and_o useful_a without_o this_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o well-ordered_a edifice_n but_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o our_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o shall_v successful_o contribute_v towards_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v history_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n betray_v the_o faith_n when_o they_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o her_o wall_n they_o undermine_v her_o foundation_n it_o behoove_v we_o of_o the_o clergy_n then_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a amity_n and_o agreement_n both_o among_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o banish_v all_o dissension_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o our_o animosity_n and_o vain_a jangle_n to_o dote_v no_o long_o on_o fruitless_a dispute_n but_o to_o pursue_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n with_o a_o entire_a affection_n and_o to_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o practise_v of_o it_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o name_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o visitation_n sermon_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n enjoin_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n act_v xxviii_o 28._o and_o he_o command_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o and_o more_o brief_o ver_fw-la 16._o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n i.e._n to_o thy_o life_n as_o well_o as_o to_o thy_o preach_v and_o he_o charge_v titus_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o show_v himself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n tit._n two_o 7._o as_o there_o be_v a_o special_a designation_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o special_a holiness_n accompany_v it_o there_o must_v be_v a_o consecration_n of_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o person_n as_o their_o function_n exalt_v they_o above_o other_o in_o dignity_n so_o they_o shall_v surpass_v they_o in_o all_o laudable_a action_n according_a to_o those_o word_n use_v by_o our_o church_n in_o her_o canon_n 75._o they_o must_v have_v always_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v example_n to_o the_o people_n to_o live_v well_o and_o christianly_o let_v not_o that_o which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o pharisee_n character_n be_v fasten_v on_o they_o 3._o they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o they_o preach_v well_o but_o live_v not_o according_o let_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o 6._o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o latter_a they_o pull_v all_o down_o that_o they_o have_v build_v they_o render_v all_o their_o instruction_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o exhortation_n ineffectual_a they_o obstruct_v the_o truth_n in_o or_o by_o their_o vnrighteousness_n for_o so_o rom._n i._n 18._o may_v be_v read_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o hinder_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o to_o other_o by_o a_o impious_a life_n yea_o they_o take_v a_o course_n to_o ruin_n religion_n itself_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a speech_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a dr._n hammond_n the_o exemplary_a virtue_n of_o the_o clergy_n must_v restore_v this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o must_v commend_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v that_o must_v powerful_o influence_n upon_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n a_o minister_n can_v choose_v a_o more_o efficacious_a way_n of_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o be_v god_n than_o by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v so_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o the_o sheep_n wander_v if_o the_o shepherd_n stray_v every_o one_o eye_n be_v upon_o their_o guide_n all_o man_n be_v look_v up_o to_o these_o star_n these_o torch_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o burn_v dim_a it_o will_v be_v observe_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o will_v be_v imitate_v it_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o traveller_n of_o good_a repute_n that_o atheism_n thrive_v in_o italy_n because_o they_o see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o cheat_n and_o juggle_v of_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o that_o interest_n be_v all_o their_o religion_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v know_v by_o our_o exemplary_a life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o gratify_v atheist_n and_o to_o promote_v irreligion_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o let_v it_o be_v see_v that_o we_o act_n not_o out_o of_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o make_v not_o the_o ministry_n a_o secular_a call_v but_o that_o our_o principle_n be_v sincere_a and_o that_o we_o do_v all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a master_n in_o brief_a one_o of_o our_o character_n shall_v like_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v 35._o a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_v light_n burn_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n with_o entire_a flame_n of_o goodness_n and_o devotion_n with_o pure_a intention_n of_o honour_v god_n and_o promote_a religion_n and_o shine_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n by_o a_o uniform_a practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o holiness_n that_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o resplendent_a indeed_o some_o of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v this_o false_a apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n beforementioned_a viz._n right_a opinion_n preach_v of_o true_a doctrine_n conformity_n to_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n be_v sufficient_a though_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o holiness_n thence_o some_o labour_n to_o be_v account_v orthodox_n and_o yet_o mind_v not_o their_o life_n they_o teach_v other_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v but_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o action_n they_o be_v hot_a for_o ceremony_n but_o cool_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o the_o thing_n beforenamed_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o obedience_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o decency_n and_o order_n be_v original_o design_v to_o beget_v and_o nourish_v religion_n and_o virtue_n let_v we_o therefore_o correct_v our_o conception_n concern_v these_o matter_n and_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o a_o vicious_a life_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o erroneous_a doctrine_n that_o to_o break_v one_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o to_o deny_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n that_o drunkenness_n swear_v uncleanness_n be_v as_o black_a crime_n as_o schism_n yea_o let_v we_o be_v convince_v that_o by_o profaneness_n and_o wickedness_n the_o comeliness_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v render_v deform_v our_o most_o decent_a rite_n become_v sordid_a our_o white_a garment_n be_v stain_v and_o pollute_v let_v we_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n that_o of_o the_o devout_a abbot_n of_o claraval_n what_o will_v our_o canonical_a ordination_n profit_v we_o if_o we_o live_v vncanonical_o to_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o other_o to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a and_o to_o observe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o law_n be_v of_o no_o worth_a and_o value_n if_o our_o life_n be_v impure_a and_o irregular_a wherefore_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v he_o that_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n think_v himself_o oblige_v also_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o primitive_a saint_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n you_o see_v what_o be_v your_o office_n your_o work_n your_o
fight_a to_o which_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a instance_n and_o therefore_o thence_o can_v be_v infer_v or_o prove_v the_o general_a duty_n of_o a_o christian._n christ_n will_v not_o let_v his_o disciple_n fight_v at_o that_o time_n they_o must_v lay_v down_o their_o weapon_n when_o he_o be_v a_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o his_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o resistance_n to_o be_v make_v this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v hence_o that_o at_o no_o time_n we_o may_v fight_v again_o it_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o forecited_a text_n that_o the_o apostle_n sometime_o be_v swordman_n put_v up_o thy_o sword_n suppose_v peter_n have_v a_o sword_n and_o wear_v it_o and_o indeed_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o joseph_n the_o jewish_a historian_n that_o some_o part_n of_o judea_n be_v infest_a with_o highwayman_n and_o robber_n so_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o traveller_n to_o go_v arm_v that_o they_o may_v defend_v themselves_o or_o if_o any_o shall_v insist_v on_o that_o former_a place_n we_o may_v urge_v a_o other_o luke_n xxii_o 36._o he_o that_o have_v no_o sword_n let_v he_o sell_v his_o garment_n and_o buy_v one_o where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v a_o sword_n to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o apparel_n and_o that_o even_o to_o the_o apostle_n though_o it_o be_v true_a these_o word_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o other_o sense_n he_o either_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o carnal_a fear_n and_o distrust_n and_o so_o speak_v ironical_o or_o he_o have_v a_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o bid_v they_o provide_v weapon_n of_o a_o other_o sort_n as_o faith_n and_o patience_n that_o the_o use_n of_o military_a force_n be_v lawful_a seem_v very_o clear_a from_o st._n paul_n practice_n act_v xxiii_o 17_o 23._o he_o have_v notice_n of_o the_o jew_n confederacy_n against_o he_o inform_v the_o chief_a captain_n of_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o help_n of_o his_o arm_a soldier_n both_o horse_n and_o foot_n to_o guard_v and_o defend_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n against_o those_o that_o lay_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o and_o if_o occasion_n shall_v be_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o this_o show_v what_o the_o apostle_n sentiment_n be_v in_o the_o case_n moreover_o he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o force_n reside_v chief_o in_o the_o magistrate_n he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a rom._n xiii_o 4._o where_o by_o the_o sword_n be_v mean_v undoubted_o the_o judicial_a and_o hostile_a sword_n the_o power_n to_o punish_v criminal_n and_o with_o arm_n to_o repulse_v the_o enemy_n in_o short_a by_o the_o sword_n be_v mean_v all_o coercive_a power_n this_o the_o magistrate_n be_v entrust_v with_o to_o animadvert_v upon_o offender_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o violence_n of_o unjust_a and_o cruel_a invader_n i_o can_v add_v that_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v it_o as_o a_o remarkable_a act_n and_o effort_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o holy_a warrior_n of_o old_a wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n heb._n xi_o 34._o thereby_o acquaint_v we_o that_o warlike_a erterprise_n be_v not_o unbecoming_a the_o best_a man_n and_o that_o the_o good_a success_n of_o they_o be_v even_o the_o result_n of_o a_o active_a faith_n we_o read_v that_o the_o christian_n fight_v in_o the_o roman_a emperor_n army_n witness_v more_o especial_o the_o thunder_a legion_n under_o antoninus_n it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o eminent_a and_o pious_a writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n orat._n that_o a_o just_a laudable_a war_n be_v more_o eligible_a than_o a_o peace_n which_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n and_o last_o i_o will_v adjoin_v the_o word_n of_o our_o own_o church_n in_o one_o of_o her_o article_n viz._n that_o 37._o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_a man_n at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o wear_v weapon_n and_o serve_v in_o the_o war_n but_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o late_a time_n let_v we_o add_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o war_n appear_v from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a sometime_o in_o order_n to_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o right_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o safety_n and_o peace_n it_o will_v be_v grant_v i_o suppose_v that_o religion_n and_o conscience_n allow_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o end_n suppose_v that_o end_n to_o be_v good_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a in_o some_o case_n to_o attain_v to_o what_o be_v our_o right_n and_o due_a and_o to_o secure_v our_o safety_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a end_n without_o military_a execution_n and_o take_v up_o of_o arm_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o these_o be_v such_o mean_n as_o religion_n and_o conscience_n will_v allow_v of_o when_o peace_n can_v be_v purchase_v without_o war_n then_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o best_a league_n and_o confederacy_n be_v make_v as_o the_o eastern_a covenant_n of_o old_a with_o blood_n sword_n draw_v on_o one_o side_n may_v keep_v those_o on_o the_o other_o in_o the_o scabbard_n hostile_a action_n prove_v often_o time_n the_o parent_n of_o a_o last_a tranquillity_n and_o true_o sometime_o it_o happen_v that_o this_o latter_a can_v be_v obtain_v without_o the_o former_a at_o certain_a time_n the_o public_a malady_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o preparation_n of_o steel_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a medicine_n and_o remedy_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o cure_v they_o without_o these_o chalybeat_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v here_o i_o be_o not_o design_v a_o laudatory_a oration_n upon_o war_n the_o very_a name_n andâ—_n sound_v of_o it_o be_v dreadful_a much_o more_o the_o thing_n itself_o every_o battle_n of_o the_o warrior_n be_v with_o confuse_a noise_n and_o garment_n roll_v in_o blood_n isa._n ix_o 5._o when_o hostility_n be_v come_v to_o the_o height_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o distraction_n the_o law_n cease_v and_o the_o judge_n have_v his_o quietus_n give_v he_o by_o the_o man_n of_o arm_n widow_n and_o orphan_n tear_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o slay_a cruelty_n ravage_n and_o rapine_n prevail_v every_o where_o slaughter_n be_v rampant_a and_o the_o earth_n itself_o the_o place_n of_o sepulture_n be_v bury_v with_o dead_a body_n war_n and_o harvest_n be_v express_v in_o the_o sacred_a idiom_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d same_o term_n to_o let_v we_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o cognation_n between_o they_o man_n be_v reap_v and_o mow_v down_o sword_n be_v turn_v into_o scythe_n and_o sickle_n and_o in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o war_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o direful_a and_o destructive_a judgement_n that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o inflict_v but_o that_o which_o i_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o not_o withstand_v war_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o sometime_o and_o on_o certain_a reason_n and_o ground_n it_o become_v necessary_a and_o on_o that_o consideration_n good_a and_o laudable_a war_n be_v not_o to_o be_v praise_v for_o itself_o but_o yet_o it_o have_v according_a as_o it_o be_v manage_v a_o appendent_a convenience_n and_o usefulness_n we_o see_v that_o some_o thing_n have_v a_o secondary_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n in_o they_o though_o they_o can_v boast_v of_o a_o original_a and_o primary_n one_o as_o physic_n and_o chirurgery_n and_o all_o harsh_a and_o troublesome_a application_n which_o be_v require_v in_o some_o disease_n these_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o bodily_a health_n or_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v good_a and_o desirable_a war_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o primary_o good_a or_o to_o be_v wish_v for_o but_o as_o it_o have_v a_o tendency_n on_o a_o great_a good_a it_o be_v on_o that_o account_n desirable_a and_o eligible_a and_o though_o it_o be_v difficult_a and_o hazardous_a yet_o so_o be_v cut_v cauterize_n and_o amputation_n which_o yet_o we_o know_v in_o some_o case_n be_v indispensable_a and_o there_o be_v other_o erterprise_n that_o be_v very_o perilous_a which_o man_n willing_o venture_v upon_o as_o navigation_n and_o sea-voyage_n and_o merchandize_v into_o foreign_a country_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o as_o great_a hardship_n and_o danger_n as_o war._n beside_o by_o god_n particular_a providence_n war_n be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o good_a purpose_n for_o when_o by_o peace_n and_o plenty_n nation_n be_v grow_v wanton_a and_o luxurious_a idle_a and_o careless_n the_o martial_a trumpet_n and_o drum_n rouse_v they_o and_o give_v they_o a_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o want_n
must_v needs_o say_v i_o have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o you_o but_o that_o i_o see_v no_o other_o person_n will_v undertake_v this_o work_n or_o if_o any_o have_v attempt_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o their_o undertake_n have_v prove_v successless_a wherefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o urge_v this_o matter_n afresh_o and_o free_o to_o set_v before_o you_o your_o fault_n and_o your_o danger_n that_o you_o may_v serious_o reform_v the_o one_o and_o happy_o avoid_v the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o my_o present_a enterprise_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o success_n to_o which_o end_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o a_o exhortatory_n address_v to_o those_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n because_o they_o be_v general_o the_o most_o criminal_a let_v it_o be_v your_o chief_a study_n to_o deck_v yourselves_o with_o those_o ornament_n that_o embellish_v the_o soul_n and_o adorn_v the_o life_n and_o conversation_n put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o rom._n 13._o 14._o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-susering_a and_o above_o all_o these_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o rich_a griddle_n that_o tie_v all_o your_o spiritual_a attire_n together_o col._n 3._o 12._o more_o especial_o be_v exhort_v in_o the_o same_o apostle_n word_n to_o adorn_v yourselves_o with_o shamefacedness_n and_o sobriety_n and_o in_o the_o language_n of_o another_o apostle_n let_v your_o adorn_v be_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o corruptible_a even_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 3_o 4._o which_o word_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o do_v not_o exclude_v all_o ornament_n of_o the_o body_n if_o they_o exceed_v not_o christian_a modesty_n and_o gravity_n and_o offend_v not_o against_o the_o other_o rule_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o in_o a_o word_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unbecoming_a woman_n profess_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 2._o 10._o you_o may_v lawful_o use_v they_o but_o than_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o do_v not_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o or_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o forget_v and_o neglect_v the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a adorn_v nay_o you_o must_v be_v chief_o concern_v for_o this_o latter_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a ornament_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o his_o church_n that_o he_o may_v sanctiâ—ie_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5._o 25._o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o beauty_n and_o finery_n which_o you_o be_v to_o be_v soliciton_n about_o and_o let_v the_o care_n which_o other_o take_v in_o beautify_v and_o garnish_v the_o body_n remind_v you_o of_o a_o much_o great_a concernedness_n which_o you_o ought_v to_o show_v for_o your_o immortal_a spirit_n it_o be_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o a_o great_a devotion_n and_o religion_n in_o that_o good_a father_n who_o one_o time_n observe_v a_o harlot_n and_o mind_v how_o curious_o she_o have_v trick_v up_o herself_o and_o how_o elaborate_o she_o have_v make_v herself_o fine_a step_v aside_o and_o retire_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o there_o sharp_o chide_v himself_o because_o he_o have_v never_o take_v half_o so_o much_o care_n in_o adorn_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n as_o that_o vile_a courtesan_n have_v do_v in_o trim_v of_o her_o body_n for_o the_o please_a of_o her_o lewd_a guest_n thus_o we_o may_v make_v the_o vanity_n and_o and_o sinfulness_n of_o other_o administer_v to_o our_o pious_a thought_n and_o reflection_n let_v he_o who_o behold_v the_o utmost_a gallantry_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o most_o polish_a creature_n present_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o look_v upon_o his_o naked_a soul_n and_o blush_v at_o his_o neglect_n of_o it_o how_o nice_a and_o exact_a be_v vain_a person_n in_o accoutr_v and_o furbish_v themselves_o and_o that_o their_o body_n may_v not_o be_v disproportionable_a to_o their_o apparel_n what_o cost_n be_v they_o at_o to_o repair_v and_o beautify_v those_o house_n of_o clay_n what_o little_a art_n and_o method_n do_v they_o use_v to_o set_v off_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o borrow_v the_o beauty_n which_o they_o boast_v of_o from_o a_o drug_n or_o a_o dark_a spot_n some_o of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n every_o day_n of_o put_v on_o a_o new_a complexion_n but_o be_v not_o you_o of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o gaudy_a fool_n let_v your_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o beautify_v your_o mind_n in_o adorn_v of_o which_o you_o can_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n or_o take_v too_o much_o pain_n to_o this_o purpose_n think_v serious_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o your_o soul_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v your_o better_a part_n and_o therefore_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a above_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v this_o adorn_v with_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o consider_v likewise_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o valuable_a ornament_n these_o alone_o deserve_v that_o name_n because_o they_o have_v a_o intrinsic_a worth_n in_o themselves_o and_o convey_v a_o inward_a and_o substantial_a excellency_n to_o those_o that_o have_v they_o and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a commendation_n of_o they_o they_o 4._o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n as_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o these_o rich_a jewel_n and_o diamond_n carry_v a_o command_a lustre_n and_o splendour_n along_o with_o they_o and_o even_o sparkle_v in_o the_o â—yes_n of_o heaven_n these_o therefore_o must_v be_v esteem_v by_o you_o as_o the_o true_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o genuine_a bravery_n which_o outshine_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n darken_v and_o sully_n all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a embellishment_n of_o art_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v to_o be_v infinite_o prefer_v in_o your_o wish_n desire_n and_o affection_n before_o they_o last_o these_o will_v fit_v you_o for_o those_o shine_v robe_n of_o glory_n those_o garment_n of_o light_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n which_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n 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 that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a depth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o that_o there_o profound_a abysses_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o utter_o surpass_v our_o conception_n and_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o all_o humane_a reason_n be_v it_o never_o so_o exalt_v be_v a_o truth_n as_o bright_a and_o manifest_a as_o perspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v possible_o make_v it_o here_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o hide_a treasure_n mat._n 13._o 44._o here_o we_o read_v of_o hide_a wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n of_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n v_o 10._o of_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o of_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o final_o if_o a_o mystery_n be_v a_o religious_a secret_n as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o then_o there_o be_v many_o mystical_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o christianity_n itself_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o a_o great_a one_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o assure_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o denomination_n if_o we_o particular_o inquire_v into_o i_o conceive_v this_o account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v style_v so_o upon_o this_o double_a ground_n 1._o in_o way_n of_o comparison_n 2._o on_o a_o positive_a and_o absolute_a consideration_n as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o mystery_n as_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o or_o distinguish_v from_o other_o mystery_n viz._n jewish_a pagan_a heretical_a or_o antichristian_a first_o it_o be_v style_v a_o mystery_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o it_o be_v well_o know_v be_v mystical_a and_o obscure_a
the_o holy_a of_o holies_n itself_o be_v dark_a and_o receive_v no_o light_n at_o all_o into_o it_o the_o ark_n be_v viel_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n all_o the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n be_v mysterious_a in_o that_o they_o signify_v something_o else_o they_o point_v at_o some_o great_a and_o hidden_n thing_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o improbable_a and_o groundless_a thought_n that_o our_o apostle_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n so_o often_o compare_v christianity_n with_o and_o oppose_v it_o to_o the_o judaic_a rite_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o they_o here_o and_o denominate_v christianity_n from_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n not_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o mosaic_a pedagogy_n but_o a_o mystery_n of_o a_o peculiar_a and_o a_o high_a nature_n beside_o there_o be_v other_o sort_n of_o mystery_n among_o the_o jew_n thus_o though_o the_o cabala_n be_v afterward_o make_v up_o into_o a_o body_n which_o be_v now_o the_o talmudick_n system_n yet_o even_o in_o st._n paul_n day_n and_o long_o before_o the_o dark_a and_o intricate_a conceit_n the_o mysterious_a criticism_n about_o word_n and_o letter_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o constant_o transmit_v by_o tradition_n be_v much_o in_o vogue_n so_o the_o gematrian_a art_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o show_v the_o number_n and_o year_n include_v in_o certain_a word_n in_o scripture_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n betimes_o and_o further_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n begin_v before_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o turn_v the_o old_a testament_n into_o allegory_n and_o to_o offer_v mystical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o bible_n exclude_v the_o literal_a one_o or_o much_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o to_o all_o these_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n may_v allude_v when_o he_o pronounce_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n such_o a_o one_o as_o consist_v not_o of_o curiosity_n and_o nicety_n much_o less_o of_o misrepresentation_n of_o scripture_n but_o be_v in_o itself_o both_o weighty_a and_o true_a second_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o defiance_n of_o the_o healthen_a profane_a superstition_n which_o likewise_o be_v obscure_a abstruse_a and_o intricate_a the_o pagan_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o they_o ape_v they_o in_o many_o thing_n build_v their_o temple_n but_o especial_o one_o part_n of_o they_o dark_a they_o have_v sphinx_n and_o puzzle_v portraiture_n belong_v to_o they_o they_o hide_v many_o of_o their_o rite_n and_o usage_n from_o the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v profane_v as_o they_o think_v by_o be_v expose_v several_a of_o the_o roman_a observance_n which_o relate_v to_o religion_n be_v know_v to_o the_o priest_n only_o and_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v discover_v unless_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n to_o any_o other_o the_o gentile_a worshipper_n general_o delight_v in_o grove_n and_o dark_a recess_n and_o indeed_o some_o of_o their_o superstitious_a ceremony_n be_v so_o lewd_a and_o seandalous_a that_o they_o on_o that_o account_n forbear_v to_o make_v they_o common_a and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o light_n these_o therefore_o be_v just_o call_v 39_o meretricious_a mystery_n by_o one_o of_o the_o father_n and_o by_o another_o deut._n the_o mystery_n of_o daemon_n and_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o writer_n ibid._n the_o dark_a invention_n of_o daemon_n concern_v the_o druid_n caesar_n inform_v we_o that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o commit_v to_o 6._o writing_n or_o any_o way_n to_o divulge_v to_o the_o profane_a their_o mysterious_a doctrine_n those_o that_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o pagan_a secret_n be_v oblige_v by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o herodotus_n profess_v that_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o free_a to_o tell_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n relate_v to_o their_o god_n which_o have_v be_v communicate_v to_o he_o by_o some_o of_o their_o priest_n on_o condition_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o reveal_v they_o to_o the_o vulgar_a it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o our_o apostle_n who_o in_o so_o many_o place_n allude_v to_o heathen_a custom_n and_o usage_n as_o the_o race_n among_o the_o grecian_a youth_n their_o wrestle_a and_o fenâ—ing_v and_o other_o olympic_a exercise_n have_v reference_n here_o to_o the_o celebrate_a mystery_n among_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o some_o of_o these_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v signal_o style_v by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a mystery_n the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o syrian_a goddess_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o syriâ_fw-la lucian_n and_o so_o other_o feast_n among_o they_o be_v eminent_o call_v baeâ—tiâ—_n the_o great_a one_o and_o other_o the_o lesser_a which_o induce_v a_o very_a 〈…〉_z learned_a critic_n to_o think_v that_o here_o be_v in_o the_o text_n a_o allusion_n to_o those_o gentile_a mystery_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v there_o be_v solemn_a rite_n and_o observance_n among_o the_o pagan_n which_o as_o some_o of_o you_o know_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v call_v great_a but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n far_o surpass_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o deserve_o challenge_v that_o title_n and_o further_o the_o very_a morality_n of_o the_o pagan_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o mystery_n the_o ancient_a druid_n and_o gymnosophist_n use_v this_o way_n of_o teach_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o egyptian_n delight_v to_o express_v their_o conception_n in_o hieroglyphic_n the_o greek_n more_o especial_o affect_v to_o muffle_v up_o their_o ethic_n in_o fable_n allegory_n and_o emblem_n particular_o pythagoras_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v much_o please_v with_o number_n and_o symbol_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o moralize_v be_v by_o symbolical_a representation_n parable_n and_o mystery_n but_o the_o apostle_n let_v we_o know_v that_o these_o abstruse_a mode_n of_o instruction_n be_v seldom_o use_v under_o the_o gospel_n that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n of_o another_o kind_n and_o way_n three_o this_o be_v call_v so_o in_o opposition_n to_o some_o of_o the_o fond_a invention_n of_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o simon_n the_o sorcerer_n the_o ringleader_n of_o that_o order_n have_v his_o particular_a mystery_n which_o he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o call_v in_o a_o cant_v way_n 2._o the_o mystery_n of_o life_n and_o of_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n as_o epiphanius_n relate_v who_o also_o tell_v we_o ibid._n that_o he_o invent_v new_a name_n and_o title_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o yet_o none_o can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o learn_v these_o new-coyned_a mystery_n so_o the_o follower_n of_o basilides_n and_o carpocrates_n and_o other_o heretic_n of_o the_o first_o time_n pretend_v to_o a_o profound_a and_o abstruse_a sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o such_o as_o the_o vulgar_a be_v stranger_n to_o and_o they_o give_v themselves_o the_o title_n of_o gnostic_n from_o their_o insight_n into_o these_o high_a and_o mysterious_a matter_n they_o brag_v as_o the_o forename_a author_n say_v that_o they_o aspire_v to_o that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d more_o sublime_a and_o more_o worthy_a of_o be_v know_v than_o what_o other_o man_n aim_v at_o the_o aeones_n of_o the_o valentinian_o and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o express_v in_o strange_a and_o barbarous_a appellation_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o i._n great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o unutterable_a mystery_n and_o such_o 2._o sublimity_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perceive_v by_o sight_n or_o express_v by_o word_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o ophitae_n be_v particular_o mention_v and_o relate_v by_o 3._o epiphanius_n the_o 1._o sabellian_o pretend_v to_o some_o secret_a doctrine_n which_o their_o party_n have_v receive_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o person_n of_o christ._n lbid_v manes_n and_o his_o follower_n the_o manichaean_n boast_v of_o their_o peculiar_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a genius_n and_o humour_n of_o several_a other_o of_o the_o succeed_a heretic_n to_o amuse_v man_n with_o vain_a and_o strange_a term_n to_o darken_v the_o notion_n of_o thing_n to_o render_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n obscure_a to_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o man_n eye_n by_o make_v use_n of_o a_o wild_a uncouth_a and_o unintelligible_a jargon_n several_a of_o they_o affect_a mystery_n in_o letter_n name_n and_o number_n and_o thereby_o study_v to_o confound_v man_n mind_n with_o perplexed_n and_o abstruse_a notion_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o boast_v of_o particular_a choice_n secret_n which_o be_v appropriate_v to_o themselves_o and_o hide_v from_o all_o other_o for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v only_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o celestial_a as_o they_o call_v they_o but_o those_o that_o be_v
animal_n and_o carnal_a be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n who_o foresee_v these_o mysterious_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o church_n and_o who_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 4._o and_o in_o other_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n plain_o foretell_v they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n a_o mystery_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v such_o of_o a_o singular_a kind_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o last_o place_n christianity_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v most_o just_o style_v a_o mystery_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a penman_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 7._o conformable_o to_o which_o stile_n we_o read_v of_o mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a rev._n 17._o 5._o by_o which_o questionless_a be_v mean_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o corrupt_a and_o idolatrous_a part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o yea_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o this_o very_a word_n mystery_n be_v find_v inlay_v in_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n within_o the_o roman_a pontif_n triple_a crown_n indeed_o the_o main_a of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v mystery_n and_o disguise_n they_o pretend_v one_o thing_n and_o real_o be_v another_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o pagan_a idolatry_n but_o yet_o they_o too_o apparent_o symbolize_v with_o it_o in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n heretofore_o they_o pay_v adoration_n to_o venus_n and_o now_o to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n of_o old_a they_o pray_v to_o false_a god_n and_o now_o to_o saint_n and_o angel_n before_o they_o fall_v down_o to_o a_o idol_n and_o now_o to_o the_o cross._n thus_o they_o have_v give_v the_o idolatry_n of_o old_a heathen_a rome_n a_o little_o fine_a turn_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v they_o boast_v of_o their_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o other_o than_o 9_o lie_v wonder_n a_o sort_n of_o religious_a legerdemain_n or_o juggle_n they_o at_o some_o time_n pretend_v to_o great_a strictness_n mortification_n and_o austerity_n than_o other_o but_o none_o be_v general_o more_o loose_a and_o licentious_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o false_a and_o counterfeit_n show_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o papal_a constitution_n there_o be_v a_o horrid_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o of_o the_o beast_n rev._n 5._o 7._o in_o contra-distinction_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n foresee_v what_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v give_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n to_o the_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n this_o be_v indeed_o such_o but_o of_o quite_o another_o nature_n than_o the_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o i_o be_o to_o give_v a_o far_a and_o more_o positive_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n wherein_o i_o will_v clear_o and_o distinct_o assign_v the_o true_a acception_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v and_o gross_o pervert_v mere_o to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n which_o some_o person_n think_v serviceable_a to_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v espouse_v christianity_n be_v entitle_v a_o mystery_n not_o only_o comparative_o or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n to_o other_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v show_v already_o but_o absolute_o and_o positive_o because_o it_o be_v real_o so_o in_o itself_o take_v this_o in_o these_o two_o particular_n it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n by_o the_o apostle_n because_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v so_o now_o first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v just_o style_v a_o mystery_n in_o regard_n of_o what_o it_o be_v heretofore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v and_o shut_v up_o a_o long_a time_n and_o to_o this_o the_o follow_a text_n refer_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v apply_v christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v rom._n 16._o 25._o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o mystery_n here_o be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n as_o some_o imagine_v which_o indeed_o be_v mysterious_a and_o keep_v secret_a till_o christ_n come_v but_o the_o way_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o general_a by_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o this_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o precede_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n my_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v synonymous_a with_o the_o mystery_n and_o from_o the_o subsequent_a word_n make_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n where_o the_o great_a end_n or_o design_n of_o christianity_n be_v express_v viz._n that_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o in_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n the_o apostle_n have_v before_o in_o this_o epistle_n tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o of_o his_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v for_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n among_o all_o nation_n rom._n 1._o 5._o this_o faith_n and_o this_o preach_v of_o it_o say_v he_o be_v a_o mystery_n heretofore_o in_o all_o those_o past_a perpetual_a age_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v man_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o all_o those_o precede_a dispensation_n they_o be_v scarce_o think_v of_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v constant_o through_o all_o the_o several_a model_n and_o administration_n of_o religion_n some_o intimation_n of_o this_o and_o tendency_n as_o it_o be_v towards_o it_o yet_o the_o notice_n that_o can_v be_v gather_v thence_o be_v but_o mean_a and_o obscure_a and_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o faint_a glimmering_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n which_o be_v afterward_o to_o break_v forth_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v again_o eph._n 3._o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n for_o though_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o this_o place_n also_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a and_o special_a respect_n to_o that_o forenamed_a secret_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o 3_o 4_o 5_o and_o 6_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o restrain_v to_o this_o but_o comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o whole_a gospel-dispensation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o call_v preach_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n v_o 8._o and_o then_o immediate_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o a_o mystery_n a_o hide_a secret_a unsearchable_a mystery_n that_o be_v it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o former_a time_n it_o have_v be_v hide_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a and_o that_o in_o god_n namely_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n but_o because_o the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o wonderful_a convert_v and_o reclaim_v of_o the_o pagan_a world_n therefore_o some_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o they_o be_v mean_a arguer_n that_o talk_v thus_o and_o they_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o genuine_a son_n of_o reason_n for_o every_o one_o know_v that_o particular_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o general_n and_o that_o one_o exclude_v not_o the_o other_o and_o beside_o they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o comprehensive_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o study_v the_o sacred_a style_n which_o be_v of_o a_o wonderful_a latitude_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n contain_v in_o it_o both_o a_o singular_a and_o a_o common_a a_o special_a and_o a_o general_n a_o restrain_v and_o a_o large_a mean_v there_o be_v another_o text_n that_o confirm_v this_o col._n 1._o 26._o where_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n they_o palpable_o misinterpret_v these_o word_n who_o apply_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o admit_v of_o the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n for_o the_o word_n mystery_n refer_v to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o evangelical_n preach_v and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n viz._n by_o the_o