now_o to_o grapple_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o one_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n ii_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o do_v more_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v what_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o to_o be_v true_a though_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v about_o it_o for_o in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n i_o take_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o be_v very_o commendable_a that_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v though_o we_o do_v not_o full_o understand_v his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o thus_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o true_o divine_a revelation_n do_v implicit_o believe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o several_a obscure_a expression_n in_o those_o book_n though_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o the_o prediction_n and_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a many_o very_a good_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n nice_o enough_o to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o a_o scholastical_a and_o magisterial_a judge_n of_o controversy_n who_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o well_o approve_v by_o the_o great_a and_o just_a and_o by_o the_o infallible_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o let_v it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o though_o neither_o the_o word_n trinity_n nor_o perhaps_o person_n in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v use_v by_o divine_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o this_o mystery_n be_v any_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o three_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n in_o who_o name_n every_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o to_o each_o of_o who_o the_o high_a title_n and_o property_n of_o god_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v and_o these_o three_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o as_o much_o distinction_n from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o three_o several_a person_n so_o that_o though_o the_o word_n trinity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o these_o three_o be_v there_o express_o and_o frequent_o mention_v and_o a_o trinity_n be_v nothing_o but_o three_o of_o any_o thing_n and_o so_o likewise_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o there_o express_o apply_v to_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o more_o convenient_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v the_o distinction_n of_o these_o three_o for_o which_o reason_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o quarrel_v at_o this_o term_n for_o since_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a in_o speak_v of_o these_o three_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o as_o we_o use_v in_o common_a speech_n to_o distinguish_v three_o several_a person_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o mystery_n which_o pure_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v and_o though_o the_o word_n person_n be_v now_o become_v a_o â—erm_n of_o art_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o we_o shall_v decline_v it_o so_o long_o as_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o other_o word_n iv._o it_o deserve_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n concern_v three_o real_a difference_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o these_o as_o i_o say_v before_o very_o near_o resemble_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n whence_o this_o tradition_n have_v its_o original_n be_v not_o easy_a upon_o good_a and_o certain_a ground_n to_o say_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o jew_n ancient_o have_v this_o notion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o h._n spirit_n of_o god_n from_o he_o who_o be_v absolute_o call_v god_n and_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o philo_n judaeus_n and_o moses_n nachmanides_n 5._o and_o other_o cite_v by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o incomparable_a book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_a plato_n who_o probable_o enough_o may_v have_v this_o notion_n from_o the_o jew_n do_v make_v three_o distinction_n in_o the_o deity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o essential_a goodness_n and_o mind_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o whatever_o objection_n this_o matter_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o many_o have_v imagine_v though_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o it_o with_o much_o more_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o plato_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o object_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n especial_o since_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o either_o their_o own_o reason_n or_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n from_o their_o father_n whereas_o we_o christian_n do_v appeal_v to_o express_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o single_o upon_o that_o account_n v._o it_o be_v beside_o very_o considerable_a that_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n or_o question_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o do_v most_o steadfast_o and_o constant_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o in_o those_o very_a text_n in_o which_o these_o three_o difference_n be_v mention_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v express_o assert_v as_o where_o st._n john_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o unity_n of_o these_o three_o be_v likewise_o affirm_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one._n vi_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o from_o this_o mystery_n as_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n a_o plurality_n of_o god_n can_v be_v infer_v without_o make_v the_o scripture_n gross_o to_o contradict_v itself_o which_o i_o charitable_o suppose_v the_o socinian_o will_v be_v as_o loath_a to_o admit_v as_o we_o ourselves_o be_v and_o if_o either_o council_n or_o father_n or_o schoolman_n have_v so_o explain_v this_o mystery_n as_o to_o give_v any_o just_a ground_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o such_o a_o inference_n let_v the_o blame_v fall_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n viithly_fw-mi and_o last_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o reason_n provide_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v concern_v god_n who_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n incomprehensible_a and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o offend_v we_o that_o these_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v as_o the_o continuity_n of_o matter_n that_o be_v how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v hang_v so_o fast_o together_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v part_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o we_o see_v it_o every_o day_n so_o likewise_o how_o the_o small_a seed_n of_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o proceed_v and_o into_o which_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v and_o yet_o we_o
sermon_n concern_v the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n by_o john_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_z the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o br._n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcv_o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o follow_a sermon_n be_v preach_v several_a year_n ago_o in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n in_o london_n and_o be_v now_o revise_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o author_n be_v here_o make_v public_a the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v common_o allege_v for_o print_v book_n the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o importunate_a clamour_n and_o malicious_a calumny_n of_o other_o who_o the_o author_n hearty_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v and_o to_o give_v they_o better_a mind_n and_o to_o grant_v that_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n the_o publication_n whereof_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n necessary_a may_v by_o his_o blessing_n prove_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n decemb._n 30_o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n these_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o a_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o his_o incarnation_n as_o most_o proper_a for_o this_o solemn_a time_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o nativity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n st._n john_n have_v so_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n 2._o unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v that_o be_v to_o thou_o shall_v all_o man_n address_v their_o supplication_n 6._o again_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o together_o that_o be_v all_o man_n shall_v behold_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n speak_v of_o the_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o man_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o b._n saviour_n foretell_v the_o misery_n that_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n 22._o say_v except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v escape_v and_o survive_v that_o great_a calamity_n and_o destruction_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o 16._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n shall_v no_o flesh_n that_o be_v no_o man_n be_v justify_v so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v or_o become_a flesh_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o he_o assume_v only_o a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n and_o be_v unite_v only_o to_o a_o human_a body_n which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o apollinaris_n and_o his_o follower_n but_o that_o he_o become_v man_n that_o be_v assume_v the_o whole_a human_a nature_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o man_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o word_n thus_o explain_v contain_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o or_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o st._n paul_n express_v by_o the_o appearance_n or_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v he_o appear_v in_o human_a nature_n he_o become_v man_n or_o as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n but_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a explication_n of_o these_o word_n we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n second_o the_o mystery_n itself_o or_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o i._o i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o who_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o this_o chapter_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o so_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v such_o as_o become_v so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o person_n as_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n give_v by_o st._n john_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n we_o will_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n and_o what_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n why_o this_o evangelist_n insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o second_o the_o description_n itself_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o under_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o our_o b._n saviour_n by_o this_o evangelist_n and_o what_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n why_o he_o insist_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o and_o make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n distinct_o and_o several_o first_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n here_o give_v by_o the_o evangelist_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v it_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o common_a way_n of_o speak_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o frequent_o call_v the_o messiah_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o i_o may_v give_v many_o instance_n but_o there_o be_v one_o very_o remarkable_a in_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o jonathan_n which_o render_v those_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n viz._n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o render_v they_o thus_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o his_o word_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o likewise_o philo_n the_o jew_n call_v he_o by_o who_o god_n make_v the_o world_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o plato_n probable_o
be_v entangle_v and_o that_o which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v a_o explain_n of_o it_o do_v in_o my_o apprehension_n often_o make_v it_o more_o obscure_a that_o be_v less_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v before_o which_o do_v not_o so_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o explication_n here_o than_o i_o fix_v my_o foot_n that_o there_o be_v three_o difference_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n and_o every_o where_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o use_v to_o do_v of_o three_o distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o in_o this_o argument_n we_o shall_v nice_o abstain_v from_o use_v the_o word_n person_n though_o i_o remember_v that_o st._n jerome_n do_v somewhere_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o now_o concern_v these_o three_o i_o may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n urge_v that_o plain_a and_o express_a text_n 7._o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o h._n ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o upon_o this_o i_o will_v not_o now_o insist_v because_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o in_o some_o copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n this_o verse_n be_v omit_v the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v i_o think_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v out_o very_o clear_o but_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o be_v debate_v at_o present_a however_o that_o be_v thus_o much_o be_v certain_a and_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n do_v in_o their_o most_o usual_a form_n of_o benediction_n join_v these_o three_o together_o and_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o certain_a that_o not_o only_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o god_n but_o the_o most_o incommunicable_a property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o son_n and_o the_o h._n ghost_n one_o property_n only_o except_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o no_o other_o which_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o son_n and_o h._n ghost_n now_o let_v any_o man_n show_v any_o plain_a and_o downright_a contradiction_n in_o all_o this_o or_o any_o other_o difficulty_n beside_o this_o that_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o three_o difference_n or_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n express_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o h._n ghost_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n and_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o in_o which_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o absurdity_n there_o be_v since_o our_o adversary_n can_v deny_v that_o many_o thing_n certain_o be_v the_o particular_a manner_n of_o who_o existence_n we_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v nor_o explain_v let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n have_v not_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o more_o palpable_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o it_o they_o say_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a creature_n not_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o yet_o true_o and_o real_o god_n by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o constitution_n to_o who_o the_o very_a same_o honour_n and_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n and_o can_v they_o discern_v no_o difficulty_n no_o absurdity_n in_o this_o what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o bring_v idolatry_n by_o a_o backdoor_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n one_o main_a design_n whereof_o be_v to_o banish_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n contest_v this_o matter_n with_o we_o that_o the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v not_o idolatry_n and_o can_v they_o vindicate_v themselves_o in_o this_o point_n any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n acquit_v both_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o papist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n what_o no_o absurdity_n in_o a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o in_o a_o creature_n god_n in_o a_o god_n mere_o by_o positive_a institution_n and_o this_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o plain_a moral_a precept_n of_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o to_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o plurality_n of_o deity_n they_o run_v real_o into_o it_o and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v into_o downright_a idolatry_n 25._o by_o worship_v a_o creature_n beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v two_o god_n by_o nature_n no_o more_o can_v we_o but_o they_o can_v willing_o admit_v of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o by_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o by_o office_n to_o who_o they_o be_v content_a to_o pay_v the_o same_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n provide_v christ_n will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n they_o will_v deal_v more_o liberal_o with_o he_o in_o another_o way_n than_o in_o reason_n be_v fit_a and_o do_v they_o see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o all_o this_o nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n nothing_o that_o feel_v like_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n do_v they_o consider_v how_o often_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n describe_v idolatry_n to_o be_v the_o giving_z service_n 8._o or_o worship_n to_o thing_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n sure_o if_o reason_n guide_v by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o choose_v a_o god_n it_o will_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o who_o be_v declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o much_o rather_o than_o a_o mere_a creature_n who_o do_v not_o begin_v to_o be_v till_o about_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o only_o propose_v these_o thing_n without_o any_o artificial_a aggravation_n to_o their_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n after_o which_o i_o can_v think_v that_o these_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n can_v think_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o these_o difficulty_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n and_o give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o sensible_a be_v mere_a controversy_n a_o thing_n which_o i_o seldom_o meddle_v with_o and_o do_v not_o delight_v to_o dwell_v upon_o but_o my_o text_n which_o be_v so_o very_o proper_a for_o this_o season_n have_v almost_o necessary_o engage_v i_o in_o it_o beside_o that_o i_o think_v it_o a_o point_n of_o that_o concernment_n that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o it_o and_o i_o have_v choose_v rather_o once_o for_o all_o to_o handle_v it_o full_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o than_o in_o every_o sermon_n to_o be_v flirt_a at_o it_o without_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n against_o it_o a_o way_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v neither_o proper_a to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o truth_n nor_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a make_v this_o short_a reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o treat_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n with_o all_o reverence_n and_o submission_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o reveal_v and_o to_o interpret_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o sincere_a declaration_n of_o god_n intend_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o not_o for_o the_o deception_n and_o delusion_n of_o man_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v treat_v they_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o not_o like_o the_o doubtful_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v contrive_v and_o calculate_v on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v contain_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n intend_v a_o sense_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o appear_v and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o equivocation_n though_o the_o jesuit_n
word_n and_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n be_v change_v into_o a_o man_n which_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o be_v but_o impious_a to_o imagine_v or_o else_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n by_o his_o divinity_n be_v unite_v to_o human_a nature_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n without_o either_o be_v change_v into_o it_o or_o confound_v with_o it_o or_o swallow_v up_o by_o it_o as_o the_o eutychian_a heretic_n fancy_v the_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o his_o divinity_n which_o have_v it_o be_v so_o st._n john_n have_v express_v himself_o very_o untoward_o when_o he_o say_v the_o word_n become_v flesh_n for_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o contrary_a and_o flesh_n have_v become_v the_o word_n be_v change_v into_o it_o and_o swallow_v up_o by_o it_o and_o lose_v in_o it_o the_o only_a thing_n then_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n and_o unite_a himself_o with_o it_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v with_o our_o body_n and_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v make_v one_o person_n and_o yet_o retain_v their_o distinct_a nature_n and_o property_n so_o may_v we_o conceive_v the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n and_o this_o without_o any_o change_n or_o confusion_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n i_o say_v the_o divinity_n unite_v itself_o with_o human_a nature_n for_o though_o flesh_n be_v only_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n which_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o apollinaris_n and_o his_o follower_n upon_o a_o mistake_n of_o this_o and_o some_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o he_o assume_v the_o whole_a human_a nature_n that_o be_v a_o human_a soul_n unite_v to_o a_o real_a and_o natural_a body_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n not_o only_o for_o the_o body_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a man_n by_o a_o usual_a figure_n of_o speech_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n soul_n be_v frequent_o use_v for_o the_o whole_a man_n or_o person_n so_o many_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o have_v go_v down_o with_o jacob_n into_o egypt_n that_o be_v so_o many_o person_n but_o this_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o upon_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n and_o so_o express_o say_v to_o be_v a_o man_n which_o can_v with_o no_o propriety_n of_o speech_n have_v be_v say_v have_v he_o only_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n nor_o can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v have_v he_o only_o have_v a_o human_a body_n but_o not_o a_o soul_n for_o then_o the_o meaning_n must_v have_v be_v that_o he_o have_v be_v make_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o that_o be_v like_v to_o a_o man_n that_o only_o except_v which_o chief_o make_v the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n sin_n only_o except_v have_v be_v no_o less_o strange_a because_o a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o be_v say_v to_o have_v sin_n or_o to_o be_v without_o it_o and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o general_a concern_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a as_o they_o that_o love_v hard_a word_n love_v to_o call_v it_o or_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n in_o the_o more_o particular_a explication_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n to_o wade_v further_o than_o the_o scripture_n go_v before_o we_o for_o fear_v we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n and_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o profound_a inquiry_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o darkness_n and_o imperfection_n to_o reveal_v more_o plain_o and_o full_o to_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o person_n jesus_n christ_n our_o b._n saviour_n do_v frequent_o and_o express_o call_v he_o both_o god_n and_o man_n which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v so_o easy_o conceive_v upon_o any_o other_o supposition_n than_o that_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v five_o and_o last_o all_o this_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n do_v signify_v to_o we_o the_o wonderful_a and_o amaze_a condescension_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o submit_v he_o to_o this_o way_n and_o method_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o recovery_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n what_o a_o step_n be_v here_o make_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o man_n to_o god_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n from_o the_o top_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o the_o low_a gulf_n of_o meanness_n and_o misery_n the_o evangelist_n seem_v here_o to_o use_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o mean_a and_o vile_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o express_v to_o we_o how_o low_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v content_v to_o stoop_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n two_o term_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o be_v here_o bring_v together_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o express_v to_o we_o by_o one_o of_o his_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a title_n the_o word_n which_o import_v both_o power_n and_o wisdom_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o and_o human_a nature_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o its_o vile_a part_n flesh_n which_o import_v frailty_n and_o infirmity_n the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v submit_v to_o that_o from_o which_o it_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n he_o who_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 24._o submit_v not_o only_o to_o be_v call_v but_o real_o to_o become_v a_o frail_a and_o miserable_a man_n not_o only_o to_o assume_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o put_v on_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o mortality_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o become_v man_n with_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n to_o bring_v man_n back_o again_o to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v become_v a_o miserable_a and_o a_o mortal_a man_n to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a death_n and_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o everlasting_a life_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o inhabit_v our_o vile_a nature_n to_o wear_v rag_n and_o to_o become_v a_o beggar_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o all_o this_o not_o only_o to_o repair_v those_o dismal_a ruin_n which_o sin_n have_v make_v in_o it_o and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o our_o former_a estate_n but_o to_o better_a and_o advance_v our_o condition_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o much_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n than_o that_o from_o which_o we_o fall_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v become_v man_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v with_o we_o and_o thorough_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o that_o way_n by_o the_o perfect_a and_o familiar_a example_n of_o a_o most_o blameless_a and_o holy_a life_n show_v we_o how_o god_n himself_o think_v fit_a to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n that_o by_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o the_o likeness_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o may_v become_v a_o human_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o equal_a and_o familiar_a a_o imitable_a and_o encourage_v example_n of_o innocency_n and_o goodness_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o the_o forest_n affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v for_o our_o great_a encouragement_n in_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n see_v all_o that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n
mere_a critical_a skill_n in_o word_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o true_a occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n and_o insight_n into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o ii_o the_o description_n here_o give_v of_o the_o word_n by_o this_o evangelist_n in_o his_o entrance_n into_o his_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n say_v he_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v in_o which_o passage_n of_o the_o evangelist_n four_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n which_o will_v require_v a_o more_o particular_a explication_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n second_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n three_o that_o he_o be_v god_n four_o that_o all_o be_v make_v by_o he_o one_a that_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o beginning_n where_o speak_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o name_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o say_v he_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n nonnus_n the_o ancient_a paraphra_v of_o st._n john_n gospel_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n add_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o time_n that_o be_v before_o all_o time_n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v make_v he_o be_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o be_v but_o then_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o consequent_o be_v without_o beginning_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o make_v can_v have_v no_o beginning_n of_o its_o be_v and_o so_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o describe_v eternity_n before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o likewise_o solomon_n describe_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n etc._n the_o lord_n say_v he_o possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a from_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n i_o be_v there_o then_o i_o be_v with_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n explain_v this_o very_a expression_n of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o be_v or_o have_v a_o be_v before_o all_o age_n so_o likewise_o athenagoras_n a_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n god_n say_v he_o who_o be_v a_o invisible_a mind_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n in_o himself_o 2_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o solomon_n when_o he_o will_v express_v the_o eternity_n of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n say_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o god_n and_o so_o the_o ancient_a jew_n often_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n which_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o he_o or_o in_o his_o presence_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n say_v here_o that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v always_o together_o with_o he_o partake_v of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v in_o his_o prayer_n 5._o glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v and_o this_o be_v with_o god_n the_o evangelist_n oppose_v to_o his_o appear_v and_o be_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n v_o 10._o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o who_o from_o all_o eternity_n be_v with_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o though_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v not_o own_v he_o and_o this_o opposition_n between_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o his_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o st._n john_n mention_n elsewhere_o 2._o i_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o 3_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o justin_n martyr_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v god_n before_o the_o world_n that_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n but_o then_o the_o evangelist_n add_v by_o way_n of_o explication_n the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n that_o be_v though_o the_o word_n be_v true_o and_o real_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o a_o emanation_n from_o he_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n with_o he_o to_o denote_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v by_o divine_n and_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v ever_o see_v proper_o enough_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n at_o least_o we_o know_v not_o a_o fit_a word_n whereby_o to_o express_v that_o great_a mystery_n four_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o description_n which_o moses_n make_v of_o the_o creation_n 1._o where_o god_n be_v represent_v create_v thing_n by_o his_o word_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a and_o so_o likewise_o the_o psalmist_n 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o so_o st._n peter_n also_o express_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a 5._o and_o the_o earth_n make_v out_o of_o water_n and_o in_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o verse_n ascribe_v to_o orpheus_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o word_n and_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o so_o tertullian_n tell_v the_o pagan_n that_o by_o their_o philosopher_n the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n or_o reason_n and_o philo_n the_o jew_n follow_v plato_n who_o himself_o most_o probable_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o the_o word_n who_o he_o call_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n two_o of_o which_o glorious_a title_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o together_o with_o that_o of_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o these_o last_o day_n say_v he_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n 17._o speak_v of_o christ_n call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v bear_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v as_o do_v evident_o follow_v from_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n for_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n subsist_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o his_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n thus_o much_o at_o least_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n and_o therefore_o he_o himself_o can_v be_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o can_v be_v before_o himself_o nay_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o express_o in_o this_o very_a text_n in_o which_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o create_v be_v he_o be_v before_o all_o creature_n both_o in_o duration_n and_o in_o dignity_n for_o so_o must_v he_o of_o necessity_n be_v if_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o for_o as_o
the_o maker_n be_v always_o before_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v so_o be_v he_o also_o better_o and_o of_o great_a dignity_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o expression_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n the_o first-born_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o must_v be_v a_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o respect_n of_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a this_o be_v the_o objection_n in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o i_o do_v own_o it_o to_o have_v a_o very_a plausible_a appearance_n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v before_o i_o have_v do_v to_o satisfy_v any_o one_o that_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n and_o will_v due_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v in_o this_o text_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o parallel_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o affirm_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n for_o how_o can_v this_o possible_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n namely_o because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v these_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v but_o now_o according_a to_o the_o socinian_n interpretation_n this_o will_v be_v a_o reason_n just_o the_o contrary_a way_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o than_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o this_o expression_n must_v either_o be_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o b._n saviour_n be_v before_o all_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v say_v present_o after_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v add_v will_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n elsewhere_o call_v himself_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n 14._o mean_v by_o it_o as_o the_o philosopher_n most_o frequent_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o principle_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o same_o word_n which_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o beginning_n use_v together_o with_o the_o word_n first-born_a as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n the_o beginning_n and_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a 18._o that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o indeed_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n by_o this_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o the_o first-born_a be_v natural_a heir_n and_o justinian_n tell_v we_o that_o heir_n do_v ancient_o signify_v lord_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n use_v these_o term_n promiscuous_o and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v equivalent_a 36._o for_o whereas_o st._n peter_n faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o st._n paul_n call_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 14._o and_o then_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o he_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n will_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o proper_a because_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o for_o well_o may_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lord_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o creation_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o without_o who_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v and_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v much_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o by_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_n be_v think_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n where_o he_o give_v to_o christ_n some_o of_o the_o very_a same_o title_n which_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n have_v do_v call_v he_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n do_v instead_o of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o add_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o title_n that_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n god_n say_v he_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v exact_o parallel_v with_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o where_o it_o be_v likewise_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o that_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n do_v subsist_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o different_a word_n but_o to_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n express_v by_o his_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n that_o be_v by_o the_o same_o powerful_a word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n at_o first_o be_v make_v but_o then_o instead_o of_o call_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o he_o call_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o god_n also_o make_v the_o world_n and_o indeed_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n can_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o sense_n which_o will_v agree_v so_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n that_o follow_v as_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n because_o all_o creature_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o exact_o answer_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o he_o have_v constitute_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o apppeal_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n whether_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n be_v not_o much_o more_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o text._n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a text_n upon_o which_o the_o arian_n lay_v the_o main_a strength_n and_o stress_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n because_o he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n by_o which_o expression_n if_o no_o more_o be_v mean_v than_o that_o he_o be_v heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n first_o bear_v among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o parallel_n text_n which_o i_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n than_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n either_o of_o the_o arian_n or_o the_o socinian_o to_o prove_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o creature_n beside_o that_o the_o interpretation_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o it_o make_v the_o apostle_n sense_n much_o more_o current_a and_o easy_a for_o then_o the_o text_n will_v run_v thus_o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n heir_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v so_o that_o in_o these_o four_o expression_n of_o the_o evangelist_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v there_o be_v these_o four_o thing_n distinct_o affirm_v of_o the_o word_n first_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v that_o he_o already_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v when_o thing_n begin_v to_o be_v create_v he_o be_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v
this_o whole_a passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n never_o mention_v nor_o i_o believe_v think_v of_o by_o any_o christian_a writer_n whatsoever_o before_o socinus_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o opinion_n can_v be_v load_v with_o a_o great_a and_o heavy_a prejudice_n than_o this_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n and_o show_v beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o this_o interpretation_n and_o the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o new_a testament_n but_o this_o be_v whole_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o i_o shall_v therefore_o wave_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o apply_v myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o season_n so_o that_o at_o 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it_o shall_v be_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v deign_v to_o have_v such_o a_o regard_n to_o we_o in_o our_o low_a condition_n and_o to_o take_v our_o case_n so_o much_o to_o heart_n as_o to_o think_v of_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n from_o that_o depth_n of_o misery_n into_o which_o we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o so_o wonderful_a and_o astonish_a a_o manner_n that_o god_n shall_v employ_v his_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o have_v be_v with_o he_o from_o all_o eternity_n partaker_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n and_o be_v god_n of_o god_n to_o save_v the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o so_o infinite_a and_o amaze_a a_o condescension_n that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o become_v man_n to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v assume_v our_o vile_a and_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v clothe_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o purchase_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o for_o certain_o the_o great_a the_o person_n be_v that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o merciful_a design_n so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v the_o condescension_n and_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n express_v in_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admirable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v stoop_v from_o the_o height_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o abasement_n and_o to_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o misery_n for_o our_o sake_n who_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a so_o guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n so_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o so_o very_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v so_o free_o offer_v to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o evangelist_n here_o tell_v we_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o to_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o they_o do_v not_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o maker_n to_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o they_o despise_v he_o and_o esteem_v he_o not_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o visit_v he_o in_o so_o much_o humility_n and_o condescension_n and_o with_o so_o much_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n bless_a god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n what_o shall_v we_o render_v to_o thou_o for_o such_o mighty_a love_n for_o such_o inestimable_a benefit_n as_o thou_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v upon_o we_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n so_o often_o as_o we_o approach_v thy_o h._n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v this_o mighty_a love_n of_o thou_o to_o we_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o those_o invaluable_a blessing_n which_o by_o thy_o precious_a bloodshedding_n thou_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o so_o often_o as_o we_o there_o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o mortal_a nature_n on_o purpose_n to_o live_v among_o we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o for_o our_o example_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o thy_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o thou_o may_v shed_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n what_o affection_n shall_v these_o thought_n raise_v in_o we_o what_o vow_n and_o resolution_n shall_v they_o engage_v we_o in_o of_o perpetual_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o obedience_n to_o thou_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o most_o glorious_a redeemer_n of_o mankind_n and_o with_o what_o religious_a solemnity_n shall_v we_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n celebrate_v the_o incarnation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o give_v praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o by_o all_o possible_a demonstration_n of_o charity_n and_o goodwill_n to_o man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o especial_o at_o this_o season_n put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o practise_v his_o religion_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v upon_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o demean_v ourselves_o decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_n and_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o abuse_v ourselves_o by_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o the_o son_n have_v put_v such_o a_o honour_n and_o dignity_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v reverence_v that_o nature_n which_o god_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o assume_v and_o to_o inhabit_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o which_o he_o now_o glorious_o reign_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n january_n 6._o 1679._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o prosecute_v the_o three_o corollary_n or_o conclusion_n which_o do_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o description_n which_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v of_o the_o word_n and_o which_o i_o have_v so_o large_o explain_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o 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that_o which_o be_v constant_o receive_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o for_o to_o establish_v this_o their_o opinion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o his_o birth_n they_o have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o expound_v this_o whole_a passage_n quite_o to_o another_o sense_n and_o such_o as_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v never_o mention_v nor_o i_o believe_v think_v of_o by_o any_o christian_a writer_n whatsoever_o before_o socinus_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o shall_v very_o particular_o consider_v the_o interpretation_n which_o socinus_n give_v of_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o beside_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v i_o make_v no_o doubt_n very_o plain_o to_o manifest_v the_o great_a violence_n and_o unreasonableness_n and_o likewise_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o it_o with_o 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supposition_n as_o a_o man_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o socinus_n can_v not_o i_o think_v have_v ever_o be_v drive_v to_o but_o necessity_n have_v no_o law_n either_o of_o reason_n or_o modesty_n and_o he_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v a_o opinion_n which_o he_o have_v once_o take_v up_o must_v stick_v at_o nothing_o but_o must_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n that_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n and_o so_o the_o socinian_o have_v here_o do_v as_o will_v i_o hope_v manifest_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n they_o grant_v that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v here_o mean_v christ_n by_o who_o god_n speak_v and_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o that_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o give_v he_o and_o not_o because_o by_o he_o god_n make_v the_o world_n for_o the_o word_n by_o which_o god_n make_v the_o world_n they_o tell_v we_o be_v nothing_o 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which_o be_v most_o evident_o confute_v by_o that_o passage_n which_o i_o cite_v before_o out_o of_o the_o targum_fw-la of_o jonathan_n who_o render_v those_o word_n concern_v the_o messiah_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o his_o word_n sit_v thou_o on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v both_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o distinguish_v from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o two_o thing_n which_o schlictingius_n do_v so_o confident_o deny_v this_o then_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o by_o the_o word_n st._n john_n mean_v the_o messiah_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v by_o what_o strain_a and_o force_v art_n of_o interpretation_n the_o socinian_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n namely_o that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o existence_n before_o he_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n his_o mother_n this_o then_o in_o short_a be_v the_o interpretation_n which_o they_o give_v of_o this_o passage_n than_o which_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unnatural_a and_o violent_a in_o the_o beginning_n this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v when_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v publish_v then_o be_v christ_n and_o not_o before_o and_o he_o be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v say_v socinus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v afterward_o by_o he_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v first_o only_o know_v to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_o first_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o beginning_n not_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v with_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o gospel_n which_o before_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n they_o have_v upon_o second_o thought_n find_v out_o another_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n that_o be_v faith_n schlictingius_n christ_n be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n into_o heaven_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o send_v down_o into_o the_o world_n again_o to_o declare_v it_o to_o mankind_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n that_o be_v say_v they_o christ_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o title_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o he_o as_o magistrate_n also_o have_v who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v god_n he_o be_v god_n not_o by_o nature_n but_o by_o office_n and_o by_o divine_a constitution_n and_o appointment_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o this_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o renovation_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v three_o thing_n as_o so_o many_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o first_o that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v all_o interpreter_n whatsoever_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n namely_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o material_a and_o not_o of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v so_o understand_v this_o passage_n as_o to_o collect_v from_o it_o as_o a_o undoubted_a point_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o word_n have_v a_o real_a existence_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o b._n virgin_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o even_o the_o arian_n and_o amelius_n the_o platonist_n who_o be_v a_o more_o indifferent_a judge_n then_o either_o of_o they_o do_v understand_v this_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n without_o any_o thought_n of_o this_o invention_n that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o old_a but_o of_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o indifferent_a reader_n of_o st._n john_n that_o have_v not_o be_v prepossess_v and_o bias_v by_o some_o violent_a prejudice_n will_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o and_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n ignatius_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n
have_v since_o make_v it_o a_o lawful_a way_n of_o lie_v which_o their_o father_n of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o have_v not_o credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o it_o deserve_v likewise_o to_o be_v very_o well_o consider_v by_o we_o that_o nothing_o have_v give_v a_o great_a force_n to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o uncertainty_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v the_o plain_a text_n imaginable_a for_o the_o establish_n of_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o their_o remote_a and_o wrest_a interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v real_o more_o contumelious_a to_o those_o h._n oracle_n than_o the_o downright_a reject_v of_o their_o authority_n because_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o open_a way_n of_o attacking_z they_o whereas_o the_o other_o be_v a_o insiduous_a and_o therefore_o more_o dangerous_a way_n of_o undermine_v they_o but_o as_o for_o we_o who_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n let_v we_o take_v all_o our_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n from_o those_o clear_a fountain_n of_o truth_n not_o disturb_v and_o darken_v by_o search_v anxious_o into_o all_o the_o possible_a sense_n that_o the_o several_a word_n and_o expression_n of_o scripture_n can_v bear_v and_o by_o force_v that_o sense_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v most_o remote_a and_o unnatural_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n wilful_o overlook_v and_o pass_v by_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o any_o unbiased_a and_o impartial_a reader_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o h._n scripture_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v many_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n to_o torture_v they_o till_o they_o speak_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o tormentor_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o i_o will_v now_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o a_o say_v which_o i_o hear_v from_o a_o great_a and_o judicious_a man_n non_fw-la amo_fw-la nimis_fw-la argutam_fw-la theologiam_fw-la i_o love_v no_o doctrine_n in_o divinity_n which_o stand_v so_o very_a much_o upon_o quirk_n and_o subtlety_n and_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbear_v to_o say_v that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n have_v ever_o be_v to_o i_o the_o most_o suspect_v which_o need_v abundance_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o great_a many_o criticism_n to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v but_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o h._n scripture_n god_n sure_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o we_o which_o he_o have_v not_o make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o learned_a god_n forbid_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n to_o direct_v and_o carry_v he_o thither_o when_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o learning_n at_o all_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o erasmus_n that_o it_o be_v never_o well_o with_o the_o christian_a world_n since_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a sermon_n iii_o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 21._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n the_o last_o year_n about_o this_o time_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n of_o the_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o nativity_n of_o our_o b._n lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o begin_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v contain_v three_o great_a point_n concern_v our_o saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n first_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n second_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n here_o among_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o he_o live_v here_o below_o in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o some_o time_n make_v his_o residence_n and_o abode_n with_o we_o three_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n he_o give_v great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o divinity_n whilst_o he_o appear_v as_o a_o man_n and_o live_v among_o we_o there_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n as_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o his_o incarnation_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n for_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v incarnate_a or_o make_v flesh_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o this_o i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o my_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text._n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o incarnation_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o mystery_n to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v personal_o call_v the_o word_n and_o who_o the_o evangelist_n have_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n he_o become_v flesh_n that_o be_v assume_v our_o nature_n and_o become_v man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n flesh_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o man_n or_o human_a nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n be_v become_v flesh_n that_o be_v man_n the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o intend_v to_o express_v to_o we_o that_o he_o assume_v a_o human_a body_n without_o a_o soul_n but_o that_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a indeed_o that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v purposely_o choose_v the_o word_n flesh_n which_o signify_v the_o frail_a and_o mortal_a part_n of_o humanity_n to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o great_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o all_o its_o infirmity_n and_o become_a subject_n to_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n for_o our_o sake_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n i_o shall_v in_o a_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o bring_v against_o this_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n or_o incongruity_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o and_o because_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o those_o objection_n it_o may_v still_o appear_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o condescension_n even_o almost_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n at_o least_o as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v offer_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n shall_v yet_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a dispensation_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o great_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n and_o that_o when_o it_o be_v thorough_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v much_o
more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v either_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o it_o for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v i._o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o distinct_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n namely_o these_o five_o thing_n first_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o human_a flesh_n but_o do_v real_o assume_v it_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n as_o the_o evangelist_n express_o declare_v for_o if_o this_o have_v be_v only_o a_o phantasm_n and_o apparition_n as_o some_o heretic_n of_o old_a do_v fancy_n it_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v like_o the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n sudden_a and_o of_o short_a continuance_n and_o will_v after_o a_o little_a while_n have_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v but_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o we_o a_o long_a time_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o the_o scripture_n use_v all_o the_o expression_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o signify_v a_o real_a man_n and_o a_o real_a human_a body_n and_o there_o be_v all_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o reality_n that_o can_v be_v for_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o all_o this_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o real_a man_n and_o have_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a body_n for_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o do_v perform_v all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v natural_a and_o proper_a to_o man_n he_o continue_v a_o great_a while_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n he_o do_v not_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v like_o a_o phantasm_n or_o spirit_n but_o he_o die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o body_n be_v raise_v again_o out_o of_o the_o grave_n and_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v he_o converse_v forty_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o permit_v his_o body_n to_o be_v handle_v and_o last_o of_o all_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v grant_v he_o to_o have_v have_v a_o real_a body_n or_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o all_o mankind_n be_v not_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o apparition_n for_o great_a evidence_n no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o he_o be_v real_o clothe_v with_o and_o carry_v about_o he_o a_o true_a and_o substantial_a body_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n it_o be_v to_o i_o very_o wonderful_a upon_o what_o ground_n or_o indeed_o to_o what_o end_n the_o heretic_n of_o old_a martion_n and_o other_o do_v deny_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n flesh_n sure_o they_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o be_v heretic_n who_o take_v up_o so_o senseless_a a_o opinion_n for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n second_o another_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v peculiar_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n for_o so_o i_o have_v show_v the_o word_n flesh_n to_o be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n take_v very_o special_a notice_n of_o as_o a_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o his_o son_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o consequent_o for_o our_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n who_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a etc._n etc._n for_o very_o say_v the_o apostle_n 16._o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n so_o our_o translator_n understand_v the_o phrase_n but_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v fall_v as_o well_o as_o to_o assume_v or_o take_v on_o he_o he_o do_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o be_v fall_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o lapse_v irrecoverable_o into_o misery_n and_o ruin_n but_o he_o take_v hold_v of_o human_a nature_n when_o it_o be_v fall_v and_o particular_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v by_o himself_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v he_o bring_v salvation_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n choose_v to_o derive_v this_o blessing_n from_o abraham_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v it_o near_o to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o may_v thereby_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o that_o great_a salvation_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o peculiar_a a_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v some_o confirmation_n of_o the_o interpretation_n i_o have_v give_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o evangelist_n use_v the_o very_a same_o word_n for_o take_v hold_n of_o one_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v that_o christ_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o catch_v hold_n of_o he_o 31._o and_o save_v he_o from_o drown_v and_o thus_o the_o son_n of_o god_n catch_v hold_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v into_o eternal_a perdition_n he_o lay_v hold_v of_o our_o nature_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o take_v part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o in_o our_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o effect_v our_o redemption_n and_o deliverance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n ever_o show_v such_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o angel_n but_o the_o word_n become_v flesh_n that_o be_v become_v man_n he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o rag_n of_o humanity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n that_o be_v of_o sinful_a man._n three_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n may_v further_o imply_v his_o assume_v the_o infirmity_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a nature_n this_o i_o collect_v from_o the_o word_n flesh_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n often_o use_v to_o express_v our_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o condescend_v to_o be_v make_v man_n but_o also_o to_o become_v mortal_a and_o miseraable_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v most_o grievous_a and_o calamitous_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o hunger_n and_o want_n to_o shame_n and_o contempt_n to_o bitter_a pain_n and_o agony_n and_o to_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o disgraceful_a death_n so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o he_o become_v flesh_n not_o only_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o human_a nature_n but_o by_o become_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o great_a share_n than_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v for_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n nor_o suffer_v like_a to_o his_o suffering_n the_o weight_n and_o bitterness_n whereof_o be_v such_o as_o to_o wring_v from_o he_o the_o meek_a and_o most_o patient_a endurer_n of_o suffering_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o doleful_a complaint_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o four_o in_o this_o expression_n the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v likewise_o employ_v the_o union_n of_o the_o divinity_n with_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o the_o text_n express_v in_o such_o word_n as_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o intimate_v and_o vital_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o person_n the_o word_n be_v make_v or_o become_v flesh_n which_o what_o else_o can_v it_o signify_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o eternal_a
be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o take_v counsel_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n what_o will_v best_o become_v he_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o case_n 13._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a i_o will_v answer_v thou_o that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n why_o do_v thou_o dispute_v against_o he_o for_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n three_o if_o our_o reason_n can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n and_o admit_v that_o god_n may_v become_v man_n yet_o it_o seem_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o great_a design_n of_o instruct_v and_o reform_v mankind_n to_o appear_v in_o so_o low_a and_o suffer_v a_o condition_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n do_v not_o only_o seem_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a 21._o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o we_o say_v he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o so_o poor_a and_o mean_a a_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o awe_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o one_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n himself_o shall_v be_v believe_v by_o other_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o they_o life_n and_o immortality_n in_o another_o world_n can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o beside_o other_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n express_o assign_v of_o our_o b._n saviour_n humiliation_n in_o his_o assume_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o frailty_n and_o misery_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o a_o example_n to_o we_o that_o by_o his_o bitter_a passion_n he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o â—et_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o great_a meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o the_o great_a provocation_n and_o suffering_n that_o have_v suffer_v so_o grievous_o himself_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o commiserate_v and_o pity_v we_o in_o all_o our_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a a_o condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o beggar_n and_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o likewise_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v grievous_o afflict_v those_o who_o he_o dear_o love_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v innocent_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n have_v our_o b._n saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o person_n and_o pomp_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n the_o influence_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n will_v probable_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o to_o be_v inward_o holy_a and_o good_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v not_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o nothing_o puzzle_v cesar_n vaninus_n who_o be_v perhaps_o the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a martyr_n for_o atheism_n that_o ever_o be_v i_o say_v nothing_o puzzle_v he_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v not_o from_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o action_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n with_o so_o native_a a_o simplicity_n fasten_v upon_o he_o any_o probable_a imputation_n of_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v or_o do_v no_o doubt_n but_o vaninus_n before_o he_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n have_v search_v very_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o can_v he_o have_v find_v any_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o imputation_n he_o will_v have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v blast_v both_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a jew_n that_o the_o best_a man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o call_v god_n their_o father_n be_v many_o time_n expose_v to_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o reproach_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o malice_n and_o enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o one_o that_o be_v eminent_o righteous_a he_o bring_v they_o in_o say_v after_o this_o manner_n 20._o let_v we_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o the_o righteous_a because_o he_o be_v not_o for_o our_o turn_n he_o be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o our_o do_n he_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o offend_v the_o law_n and_o object_v to_o our_o infamy_n the_o transgression_n of_o our_o youth_n he_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v grievous_a unto_o we_o even_o to_o behold_v for_o his_o life_n be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n his_o way_n be_v of_o another_o fashion_n we_o be_v esteem_v of_o he_o as_o counterfeit_v he_o abstain_v from_o our_o way_n as_o from_o filthiness_n he_o pronounce_v the_o end_n of_o the_o just_a to_o be_v bless_v and_o make_v his_o boast_n that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n let_v we_o see_v if_o his_o word_n be_v true_a and_o what_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o end_n of_o he_o for_o if_o the_o just_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v help_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n let_v we_o examine_v he_o with_o despitefulness_n and_o torture_n that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meekness_n and_o prove_v his_o patience_n let_v we_o condemn_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v so_o exact_a a_o character_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o of_o the_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o wicked_a and_o malicious_a jew_n who_o persecute_v he_o all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o conspire_v his_o death_n that_o whoever_o read_v this_o passage_n can_v hardly_o forbear_v to_o think_v it_o a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o the_o innocency_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o b._n jesus_n for_o he_o certain_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o evangelist_n the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prediction_n concern_v our_o b._n saviour_n yet_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v so_o ill_o treat_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o further_o that_o in_o their_o judgement_n the_o innocency_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o eminent_o righteous_a man_n be_v then_o set_v off_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o do_v shine_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n from_o a_o evil_a world_n add_v to_o this_o likewise_o that_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v frequent_o inculcate_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a and_o dear_a to_o the_o god_n and_o yet_o liable_a to_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n that_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o thing_n of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o further_o that_o a_o good_a man_n cast_v into_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o poverty_n and_o misery_n of_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_o
preacher_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o arian_n a_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o epictetus_n now_o sure_o they_o who_o say_v such_o thing_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o object_n to_o our_o b._n saviour_n his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n as_o misbecome_v one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o who_o so_o free_o promise_v immortality_n to_o other_o can_v not_o or_o however_o do_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n this_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o rescue_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o rely_v upon_o his_o promise_n of_o raise_v we_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a that_o the_o objection_n itself_o be_v real_o so_o for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o hope_n of_o immortality_n who_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_n himself_o and_o by_o conquer_a the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o darkness_n and_o triumph_v open_o over_o they_o by_o his_o visible_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v so_o plain_a and_o sensible_a a_o demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o the_o glorious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n iv._o concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o st._n laurence_n jewry_n december_n 28._o 1680._o john_n i_o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v iii_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o dispensation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a thus_o to_o order_v thing_n in_o great_a condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o common_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n and_o that_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v much_o more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o advantuge_n than_o any_o other_o way_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n will_v have_v be_v most_o apt_a to_o devise_v and_o pitch_n upon_o and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n because_o after_o all_o that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o it_o may_v still_o seem_v very_o strange_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n that_o god_n who_o can_v without_o all_o this_o circumstance_n and_o condescension_n have_v do_v the_o business_n for_o which_o his_o son_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o appear_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o be_v can_v have_v give_v the_o same_o law_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v offer_v to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o our_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o shall_v yet_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o way_n for_o the_o redemption_n and_o recovery_n of_o fall_a man_n by_o send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o accomplish_v this_o design_n and_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v as_o i_o say_v before_o all_o along_o take_v the_o express_a declaration_n or_o at_o least_o the_o pregnant_a intimation_n of_o scripture_n for_o my_o ground_n and_o guide_v it_o be_v always_o safe_a to_o take_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n and_o action_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o make_v no_o manner_n of_o doubt_n to_o say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a presumption_n and_o boldness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o 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