this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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truth_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o test._n by_o these_o standard_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o seducer_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o adulterate_a if_o we_o will_v sincere_o follow_v these_o rule_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n among_o we_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o will_v faithful_o take_v these_o measure_n i.e._n always_o be_v rule_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o agree_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o assert_v in_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n will_v vanish_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o pilate_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o another_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n 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it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o â—_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
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 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
vaunt_v themselves_o to_o be_v master_n of_o true_a reason_n for_o than_o they_o will_v see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v that_o their_o thought_n and_o expression_n concern_v the_o infinite_a god_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a being_n they_o will_v see_v how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o measure_v the_o creator_n by_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o property_n of_o natural_a thing_n to_o what_o be_v supernatural_a as_o they_o deal_v in_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o holy_a trinity_n they_o will_v find_v that_o what_o be_v true_a of_o the_o former_a be_v not_o necessary_o so_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o â—rgue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o create_v be_v to_o that_o of_o god_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o 6._o man_n of_o free_a thought_n and_o of_o a_o very_a philosophical_a and_o rational_a genius_n who_o 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imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a secret_n this_o accounr_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o know_v now_o in_o part_n and_o see_v then_o i._n e._n hereafter_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor_n 13._o 12._o one_o he_o compare_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o child_n who_o be_v of_o weak_a understanding_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o other_o to_o that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v of_o ripe_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n the_o former_a be_v our_o allotment_n in_o this_o world_n evangelical_n and_o divine_a truth_n for_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n be_v know_v by_o we_o here_o only_o in_o part_n and_o no_o otherwise_o shall_v they_o or_o can_v they_o be_v know_v as_o long_o as_o we_o inhabit_v in_o these_o dark_a vehicles_n of_o earth_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o disparage_v the_o christian_a knowledge_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v many_o plain_a and_o clear_a proposition_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n furnish_v we_o with_o and_o all_o the_o practical_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o a_o very_a intelligible_a manner_n and_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o very_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o make_v they_o sufficient_o capable_a of_o understand_v their_o religion_n and_o of_o discharge_v their_o duty_n of_o know_v so_o much_o as_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o i_o assert_v and_o be_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o truth_n be_v mix_v in_o we_o whilst_o we_o take_v up_o our_o residence_n on_o this_o earthly_a stage_n with_o much_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n we_o comprehend_v not_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o because_o this_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n which_o we_o be_v now_o place_v in_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o our_o understanding_n tremble_v at_o and_o be_v afraid_a to_o approach_v unto_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n never_o so_o ambitious_a and_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n it_o can_v grasp_v they_o for_o they_o be_v too_o big_a it_o can_v reach_v they_o they_o be_v too_o high_a it_o can_v fathom_v they_o they_o be_v too_o deep_a it_o can_v discern_v they_o they_o be_v too_o remote_a in_o a_o word_n they_o surpass_v humane_a ability_n at_o their_o high_a pitch_n in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o afterward_o as_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v translate_v to_o heaven_n a_o state_n of_o perfection_n then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o v_o 10._o then_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a than_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n shall_v cease_v because_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v exalt_v then_o those_o amaze_a truth_n which_o pose_v we_o now_o shall_v be_v full_o resolve_v i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o for_o even_o in_o heaven_n our_o nature_n will_v still_o be_v but_o finite_a and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o too_o but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o our_o vile_a body_n for_o heavenly_a one_o though_o still_o they_o be_v the_o same_o but_o otherwise_o qualify_v which_o will_v no_o way_n impede_fw-la but_o promote_v the_o operation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o be_v take_v into_o the_o more_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o state_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o perfect_a glory_n we_o shall_v have_v our_o mind_n exalt_v and_o our_o understanding_n widen_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o we_o shall_v exact_o and_o full_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o though_o the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v now_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o that_o yet_o our_o faculty_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o perception_n when_o this_o gross_a veil_n of_o flesh_n shall_v be_v draw_v aside_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v rid_v of_o this_o terrestrial_a clog_n and_o be_v strip_v of_o these_o deficient_a organ_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o refine_a apprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o great_a object_n themselves_o we_o shall_v attain_v to_o a_o more_o distinct_a view_n of_o they_o and_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o they_o than_o now_o at_o this_o distance_n 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and_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o search_n and_o inquiry_n about_o divine_a truth_n this_o discourse_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o even_o the_o sacred_a verity_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o practise_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o judge_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavonr_v to_o establish_v the_o right_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o civil_a governor_n upon_o the_o sure_a basis_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o thereon_o have_v ground_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o indispensable_a law_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v magistrate_n so_o they_o be_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o this_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o their_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n wherefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o have_v show_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n and_o of_o their_o surpass_v other_o in_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n next_o i_o undertake_v to_o display_v thâ—_n office_n of_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 public_a instructor_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o show_v what_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v master_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n then_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n and_o show_v how_o necessary_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o man_n of_o traffic_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o decay_n of_o riches_n and_o plenty_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n afterward_o i_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o extravagant_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n which_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a in_o this_o age_n and_o with_o that_o freedom_n which_o become_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n i_o set_v before_o the_o offender_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o excess_n again_o i_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o late_a war_n to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n yea_o and_o necessity_n in_o some_o case_n of_o go_v to_o war._n and_o soon_o after_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o another_o discourse_n viz._n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o ill_a success_n in_o martial_a affair_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o whilst_o we_o be_v engage_v the_o enemy_n abroad_o there_o shall_v be_v peace_n at_o home_n i_o impartial_o represent_v the_o mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o intestine_a broil_n and_o division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n and_o warm_o exhort_v to_o unity_n and_o concord_n this_o be_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o ten_o of_o the_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n which_o be_v so_o mix_v that_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o quality_n of_o person_n but_o will_v find_v themselves_o concern_v in_o the_o subject_n here_o treat_v of_o prince_n and_o monarch_n inferior_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o all_o other_o whether_o public_a or_o private_a civil_a or_o military_a wealthy_a or_o indigent_a of_o the_o manly_a or_o of_o the_o soft_a sex_n have_v their_o share_n in_o these_o paper_n as_o for_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n they_o have_v their_o birth_n from_o the_o two_o much_o prevail_a opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o strike_v only_o at_o that_o general_n doctrine_n and_o wave_v all_o set_a reflection_n on_o particular_a person_n or_o their_o attempt_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o undertake_n here_o be_v this_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n as_o it_o be_v mention_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n more_o especial_o i_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o term_n as_o it_o peculiar_o respect_v the_o present_a case_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o christianity_n i_o show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n this_o doctrine_n of_o mystery_n be_v found_v i_o represent_v the_o notorious_a blemish_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o last_o i_o intersperse_v such_o proper_a inference_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o respective_a particular_n thus_o though_o other_o have_v handle_v this_o subject_a i_o make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a province_n by_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o manage_v it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v aright_o and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o this_o only_o i_o be_o able_a to_o say_v and_o that_o most_o sincere_o that_o i_o design_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o its_o divine_a author_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o my_o write_n of_o what_o subject_n soever_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o treat_v some_o perhaps_o may_v think_v i_o pour_v they_o in_o too_o fast_o upon_o the_o reader_n and_o do_v it_o keep_v a_o due_a distance_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v between_o one_o book_n and_o another_o i_o be_o so_o vncivil_a a_o writer_n that_o i_o will_v scarce_o give_v the_o reader_n time_n to_o breath_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o my_o reputation_n that_o i_o hereby_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o censure_v i_o for_o be_v too_o forward_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o affect_v to_o appear_v often_o in_o public_a view_n and_o therefore_o they_o prudent_o advise_v to_o observe_v a_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o husbandry_n to_o lie_v fallow_a some_o time_n i_o thank_v these_o gentleman_n for_o the_o care_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v of_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o this_o good_a advice_n of_o they_o belong_v to_o those_o novice_n who_o want_v material_n for_o a_o scribble_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o four-penny_n cut_v or_o those_o poor_a starve_a soul_n that_o write_v for_o bread_n and_o clap_v all_o their_o book_n and_o sometime_o more_o than_o be_v in_o it_o into_o the_o title_n page_n here_o the_o counsel_n will_v be_v seasonable_a especial_o for_o the_o reader_n good_a to_o be_v temperate_a writer_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o not_o to_o rank_v i_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o forementioned_a person_n i_o think_v i_o have_v enough_o to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o frequency_n of_o my_o write_n i_o can_v support_v myself_o herein_o by_o very_o good_a and_o vnexceptionable_a example_n half_o a_o dozen_o of_o the_o best_a penman_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o two_o of_o the_o learnede_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n who_o fail_v not_o every_o year_n to_o present_v the_o learned_a with_o a_o offer_n and_o their_o teem_v thought_n be_v still_o design_v to_o oblige_v the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o wave_a precedent_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o i_o will_v justify_v my_o practice_n from_o the_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o hold_v it_o proper_a to_o offer_v sâ—meâ—_n truth_n to_o the_o world_n now_o whilst_o i_o be_o able_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o objection_n which_o some_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v against_o they_o as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v already_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v as_o sharp_a as_o error_n beside_o some_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o this_o peculiar_a age_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v defer_v will_v prove_v unseasonable_a i_o conceive_v our_o sceptical_a time_n require_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o write_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o publish_v more_o 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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 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certainty_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o but_o still_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sundry_a evangelical_n truth_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o some_o person_n for_o a_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o that_o quality_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o surmount_v and_o baffle_v the_o utmost_a efforr_v of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n in_o another_o place_n col._n 2._o 2._o the_o apostle_n mention_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n or_o rather_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v even_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o god_n the_o first_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o these_o and_o the_o like_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v dark_a and_o mysterious_a and_o because_o of_o these_o sublime_a truth_n christianity_n itself_o have_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n give_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o where_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v find_v it_o can_v not_o create_v wonder_n that_o the_o socinian_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o alone_a contend_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o call_v a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n for_o here_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o father_n be_v assert_v for_o the_o word_n god_n be_v attribute_v to_o both_o person_n god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n who_o be_v both_o father_n and_o christ_n and_o consequent_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v very_a god_n as_o they_o do_v they_o must_v deny_v the_o father_n to_o be_v so_o too_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o 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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
enjoin_v we_o but_o we_o be_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o god_n will_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n and_o these_o man_n allow_v of_o this_o as_o just_a and_o rational_a and_o advise_v that_o our_o natural_a desire_n and_o propension_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o our_o saviour_n command_n he_o be_v our_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o master_n and_o why_o then_o do_v they_o show_v themselves_o partial_a in_o deny_v it_o reasonable_a to_o submit_v the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o faculty_n to_o look_v to_o the_o management_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n as_o there_o be_v to_o deal_v thus_o with_o the_o elective_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v content_a to_o surrender_v this_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n why_o be_v they_o against_o subject_v the_o other_o to_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o discovery_n if_o it_o be_v commendable_a to_o curb_v and_o moderate_v the_o concupiscible_a or_o irascible_a part_n why_o not_o also_o to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o perceptive_a if_o the_o will_n must_v be_v check_v why_o must_v the_o intellect_n be_v leave_v uncontrollable_a if_o they_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o former_a power_n in_o they_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o measure_v not_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o latter_a by_o the_o discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n make_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v they_o deem_v it_o proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o humane_a mind_n to_o vail_v the_o first_o to_o the_o express_a injunction_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o as_o requisite_a to_o submit_v the_o second_o to_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o scripture_n why_o do_v they_o not_o abandon_v their_o own_o weak_a sentiment_n about_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o christianity_n why_o do_v they_o not_o renounce_v their_o private_a surmise_n their_o shallow_a arguing_n their_o sophistical_a ratiocination_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n why_o be_v they_o not_o sensible_a of_o the_o deficiency_n and_o indigence_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o contractedness_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o why_o do_v they_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n adore_v the_o divine_a perfection_n why_o do_v they_o not_o inure_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o inspiration_n and_o believe_v what_o be_v unintelligible_a particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n why_o do_v they_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n why_o do_v they_o prescribe_v to_o heaven_n and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o weak_a conception_n as_o the_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n why_o do_v they_o not_o make_v their_o mere_a natural_a notion_n and_o principle_n truckle_n to_o reveal_v truth_n and_o bring_v their_o reason_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o come_v here_o with_o their_o old_a cry_n and_o cavil_n that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o some_o other_o that_o appertain_v to_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n and_o be_v impossibility_n as_o their_o language_n be_v we_o may_v for_o ever_o silence_v they_o with_o this_o that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n talk_v after_o this_o rate_n because_o they_o can_v pronounce_v that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o can_v reach_v with_o their_o reason_n they_o can_v say_v be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o doom_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v contradictory_n when_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o so_o for_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v rash_a folly_n to_o determine_v it_o can_v be_v when_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o transcendent_a nature_n of_o it_o when_o the_o mode_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o this_o i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o it_o be_v as_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o like_a article_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v mystery_n therefore_o let_v not_o these_o man_n think_v to_o amuse_v and_o banter_n we_o as_o they_o will_v needs_o do_v with_o â—alking_v of_o contradiction_n impossibility_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v term_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o request_n of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v serious_a and_o vouchsafe_v to_o reflect_v on_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v under_o this_o head_n for_o the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n will_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o bright_a truth_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o entertain_v this_o one_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n that_o they_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o to_o keep_v a_o discipline_n over_o their_o understanding_n as_o over_o their_o will_n that_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o be_v mention_v as_o part_v of_o man_n depravity_n and_o alienation_n from_o his_o first_o make_n that_o 29._o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n i._n e._n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v curious_a excogitation_n quaint_a arguing_n fanciful_a reason_n these_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v greedy_o seek_v out_o and_o pursue_v by_o vain_a man_n but_o where_o the_o true_a force_n and_o virtue_n of_o religion_n prevail_v there_o they_o 5._o cast_v down_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n every_o proud_a conceit_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n i._n e._n every_o corrupt_a notion_n and_o conception_n which_o usurp_v upon_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o false_a argumentation_n and_o debate_n about_o the_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v above_o or_o beyond_o what_o divine_a revelation_n have_v teach_v we_o but_o we_o must_v resolve_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o appeal_n to_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v the_o sagacious_a gentleman_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a will_v grant_v that_o some_o vulgar_a head_n among_o who_o perhaps_o they_o will_v reckon_v the_o foresay_a apostle_n have_v favour_v the_o restrain_v and_o limit_v of_o the_o intellectual_a power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o will_v this_o pass_v current_n they_o may_v say_v with_o those_o that_o be_v vote_v for_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o wit_n will_v it_o be_v admit_v by_o man_n of_o keen_a apprehension_n man_n of_o judgement_n and_o philosophy_n yes_o most_o sure_o if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v the_o learned_a lord_n verulam_n and_o the_o great_a des_fw-mi cartes_n into_o that_o number_n the_o former_a of_o who_o have_v leave_v these_o remarkable_a word_n 9_o god_n sovereignty_n reach_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n extend_v itself_o no_o less_o to_o his_o reason_n than_o his_o will_n so_o that_o it_o well_o become_v man_n to_o deny_v himself_o universal_o and_o yield_v up_o all_o to_o god_n wherefore_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o will_n so_o be_v we_o also_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n though_o against_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o latter_a express_v himself_o thus_o and_o though_o some_o may_v think_v it_o be_v speak_v in_o politic_a compliance_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n and_o worthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n 7._o we_o must_v say_v he_o always_o and_o chief_o remember_v this_o that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o thing_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o altogether_o finite_a so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n concern_v himself_o or_o other_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o natural_a strength_n of_o our_o wit_n such_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n or_o trinity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v they_o and_o again_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o philosophical_a principle_n he_o have_v leave_v
to_o defame_v libel_n and_o blaspheme_v christianity_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o make_v void_a their_o faith_n but_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n submission_n to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n by_o a_o free_a resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o article_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o attest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o infallible_a write_n which_o even_a reason_n itself_o dictate_v to_o be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o perplex_v and_o mysterious_a nor_o do_v this_o introduce_v a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n defend_v for_o when_o we_o resign_v up_o our_o judgement_n to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o they_o which_o make_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a proselyte_n who_o be_v bid_v to_o swallow_v down_o whatever_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o crude_a method_n prescribe_v we_o be_v to_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o see_v since_o the_o revolt_n and_o original_a depravation_n of_o man_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o revelation_n to_o direct_v we_o right_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n in_o those_o point_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n which_o be_v divine_o inspire_v this_o principle_n in_o we_o assure_v we_o that_o though_o we_o can_v full_o explain_v these_o thing_n by_o reason_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o notwithstanding_o those_o point_n seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o be_v whole_o and_o entire_o we_o those_o grand_a article_n which_o our_o antagonist_n renounce_v be_v find_v there_o particular_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a and_o celebrate_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v one_o will_v think_v it_o may_v suffice_v that_o this_o be_v so_o direct_o so_o plain_o so_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v three_o express_o name_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divinity_n be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o to_o be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o these_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n be_v one_o entire_a indivisible_a essence_n be_v a_o ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n yet_o though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o socinian_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o brag_v that_o they_o be_v a_o 9_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n when_o it_o absolute_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o that_o learned_a writer_n who_o i_o before_o quote_v who_o have_v the_o repute_n even_o among_o these_o man_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o sense_n speak_v of_o they_o he_o 6._o thus_o express_v himself_o their_o opinion_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o christianity_n itself_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o express_a than_o that_o viz._n the_o trinity_n in_o those_o write_n and_o therefore_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o deny_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o they_o will_v pretend_v they_o can_v interpret_v thing_n there_o so_o as_o to_o evade_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o think_v they_o may_v evade_v any_o and_o so_o still_o the_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n and_o signify_v nothing_o which_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v very_o weighty_a word_n and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o our_o adversary_n because_o they_o come_v from_o one_o of_o a_o large_a compass_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o these_o gentleman_n pretend_v much_o to_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o too_o if_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o also_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o all_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n that_o have_v have_v a_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o steady_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o jesus_n and_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n