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 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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 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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 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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
proper_o study_v and_o certain_o this_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n we_o can_v more_o effectual_o fit_v ourselves_o for_o our_o great_a and_o important_a work_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o than_o by_o serious_a and_o sober_a reflection_n on_o our_o mind_n by_o sift_v and_o examine_v our_o notion_n and_o observe_v what_o conformity_n they_o bear_v to_o our_o unprejudiced_a faculty_n by_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o our_o thought_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o rational_a and_o solid_a principle_n and_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o bring_v their_o utmost_a aid_n to_o support_n and_o maintain_v the_o article_n of_o christianity_n our_o read_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n without_o this_o for_o it_o be_v by_o ponder_v on_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v read_v and_o by_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v our_o notion_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o matter_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o 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pious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n he_o add_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v 2_o tim._n two_o 7._o which_o advice_n reach_v all_o of_o timothy_n character_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v revolve_v these_o thing_n often_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o let_v this_o charge_n which_o i_o leave_v with_o you_o be_v continual_o in_o your_o thought_n accustom_v yourselves_o to_o think_v and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o man_n but_o especial_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a qualification_n in_o a_o public_a instructor_n in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o amend_v and_o rectify_v the_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o improvement_n and_o excellency_n in_o our_o ministry_n we_o must_v not_o herd_n with_o the_o crowd_n but_o retire_v from_o it_o and_o hold_v converse_v with_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thereby_o teach_v and_o instruct_v ourselves_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v 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into_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v thing_n in_o religion_n the_o lead_v requisite_a as_o i_o conceive_v in_o a_o preacher_n be_v orthodoxy_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o own_v those_o principle_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v always_o profess_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v we_o not_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o protestant_n and_o yet_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o great_a head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a person_n of_o the_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o say_v we_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o yet_o deny_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n let_v we_o not_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o yet_o renounce_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v formal_o contain_v in_o it_o or_o be_v according_a to_o it_o for_o either_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n or_o natural_a and_o plain_a consequence_n from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o deliver_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o establish_v truth_n but_o to_o detect_v and_o confute_v falsehood_n and_o heresy_n therein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o those_o great_a man_n irenaeus_n epiphanius_n augustin_n theodoret._n and_o true_o this_o be_v become_v necessary_a in_o this_o extravagant_a age_n where_o so_o many_o wild_a notion_n be_v entertain_v and_o so_o many_o old_a error_n revive_v the_o christian_a structure_n can_v but_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n when_o its_o foundation_n be_v undermine_v by_o some_o and_o its_o superstructure_n have_v continual_a battery_n make_v against_o it_o by_o other_o in_o such_o circumstance_n how_o careful_a and_o watchful_a shall_v we_o be_v how_o vigorous_o and_o concerned_o shall_v we_o act_v like_o those_o builder_n at_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o a_o trowel_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o sword_n in_o the_o other_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o defensive_a and_o offensive_a posture_n at_o once_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o apostolical_a faith_n and_o grapple_v with_o the_o opposer_n of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v insert_v this_o caution_n that_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a dispute_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ministry_n according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o minister_v question_n be_v oppose_v to_o godly_a edify_n â—_o tim._n l._n 4._o we_o shall_v effect_v but_o little_a in_o our_o employment_n if_o we_o indulge_v controversy_n and_o delight_n in_o quarrel_n and_o promote_v intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n in_o religion_n our_o task_n be_v to_o avoid_v these_o with_o all_o care_n and_o to_o entertain_v our_o hearer_n with_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o fallible_a deduction_n of_o man_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o unmoveable_a found_v on_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o deliver_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n again_o a_o minister_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o to_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n but_o further_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n for_o though_o 4._o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n yet_o to_o make_v a_o man_n absolute_a and_o complete_a there_o must_v be_v uprightness_n of_o life_n nay_o indeed_o unless_o this_o latter_a be_v look_v after_o the_o former_a will_n soon_o decay_v by_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n we_o see_v oftentimes_o that_o man_n hazard_v their_o principle_n if_o the_o practice_n be_v debauch_v if_o the_o life_n be_v impure_a if_o the_o manner_n be_v deprave_v there_o will_v be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o we_o that_o be_v dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o concern_v for_o practical_a religion_n as_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o instruct_v our_o hearer_n in_o right_a principle_n but_o with_o all_o freedom_n to_o reprove_v their_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o pathetical_o to_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n remember_v always_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n be_v the_o true_a edify_v of_o the_o church_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o very_a top-stone_n of_o the_o building_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a speculation_n or_o bare_a discourse_n that_o will_v achieve_v this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o build_v a_o house_n by_o contrive_v it_o in_o his_o head_n or_o by_o talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o excellent_a
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
ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o immediate_o forego_v verse_n these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mystery_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o preach_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o though_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o his_o saint_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n yet_o this_o be_v speak_v comparative_o and_o not_o absolute_o for_o these_o riches_n be_v the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o that_o be_v they_o still_o remain_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o unknown_a to_o we_o thus_o in_o these_o three_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n be_v call_v a_o mystery_n chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o former_a age_n it_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o one_o under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o mystical_a rite_n it_o be_v keep_v secret_a from_o the_o other_o by_o their_o adhere_n only_o to_o natural_a and_o philosophical_a principle_n in_o short_a the_o first_o know_v little_a of_o it_o the_o second_o know_v nothing_o therefore_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o mystery_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o text_n but_o these_o can_v be_v produce_v where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v mention_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o christianity_n be_v heretofore_o it_o be_v true_a when_o our_o saviour_n arrive_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o in_o some_o manner_n lay_v open_a but_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o that_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v viz._n that_o christianity_n be_v still_o a_o mystery_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o it_o have_v this_o denomination_n in_o these_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o produce_v and_o brief_o glance_v upon_o first_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v the_o grand_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 13._o 11._o where_n not_o the_o parable_n as_o some_o fancy_n in_o which_o those_o evangelical_n truth_n be_v couch_v but_o the_o truth_n themselves_o be_v mean_v for_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o christ_n will_v have_v call_v they_o parable_n and_o not_o mystery_n but_o we_o find_v that_o he_o call_v they_o by_o this_o latter_a name_n and_o that_o in_o plain_a contradistinction_n to_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o this_o v_o 11._o but_o in_o 10_o and_o 13._o and_o this_o be_v more_o plain_a from_o the_o parallel_n place_n in_o mark_n 4._o 11._o and_o luk._n 8._o 10._o those_o therefore_o that_o confound_v parable_n and_o mystery_n here_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v of_o thing_n aright_o they_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o comparison_n or_o dark_a representation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v compare_v and_o represent_v parable_n be_v the_o former_a but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v the_o same_o be_v thus_o denominate_v be_v because_o of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v they_o again_o not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o great_a apostle_n use_v this_o language_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v say_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n v_o 8._o both_o jewish_a and_o pagan_a ruler_n but_o because_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o in_o v_o 9_o by_o apply_v that_o passage_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o great_a thing_n viz._n the_o method_n of_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n undertake_v for_o we_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n that_o attend_v these_o for_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v and_o provide_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o be_v not_o full_o know_v and_o perceive_v because_o they_o be_v mystery_n they_o surpass_v all_o humane_a understanding_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o weak_a and_o shallow_a intellect_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conducible_a to_o salvation_n be_v impart_v to_o all_o true_a believer_n as_o it_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n v_o 10._o and_o these_o thing_n be_v say_v in_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v reveal_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v that_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o and_o see_v thorough_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v so_o reveal_v and_o discover_v that_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v more_o but_o more_o be_v unknown_a than_o be_v know_v hence_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o paradox_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n eph._n 3._o 19_o the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o show_v his_o transcendent_a love_n to_o we_o may_v be_v know_v and_o yet_o they_o pass_v knowledge_n they_o far_o exceed_v the_o utmost_a conception_n we_o can_v form_v of_o they_o next_o i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o where_o all_o commentator_n of_o note_n understand_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n indeed_o the_o whole_a administration_n of_o christianity_n be_v mean_v here_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n yea_o even_o now_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o apostle_n actual_o apply_v this_o appellation_n of_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n christianity_n then_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o of_o that_o exalt_a and_o elevate_a nature_n that_o humane_a understanding_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o some_o doctrine_n lie_v under_o perpetual_a obscurity_n they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n undergo_v a_o scrupulous_a examination_n they_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a scrutiny_n manage_v by_o mere_a reason_n again_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o i._n e._n god_n will_v eph._n 1._o which_o as_o the_o context_n plain_o show_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o wise_a but_o mysterious_a method_n of_o man_n salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v now_o preach_v for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o forego_n or_o follow_v verse_n that_o seem_v to_o restrain_v it_o to_o what_o it_o be_v before_o viz._n before_o christ_n come_v and_o again_o in_o chap._n 6._o of_o this_o epistle_n v_o 19_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o irrespective_o speak_v that_o be_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o former_a time_n and_o age_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v not_o to_o what_o be_v past_a but_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o preach_v it_o be_v plain_a from_o this_o that_o he_o immediate_o add_v that_o for_o this_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v then_o a_o ambassador_n in_o bond_n v_o 20._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a in_o itself_o when_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o place_n will_v have_v the_o ephesian_n pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o know_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o we_o observe_v before_o upon_o eph._n 3._o 19_o though_o it_o be_v mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o surpass_v knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o be_v know_v and_o consequent_o may_v be_v make_v know_v i.e._n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o the_o truth_n and_o