on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n stiâ—â—y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o adequate_a conception_n of_o his_o immutability_n his_o justice_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o none_o of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n be_v thorough_o understand_v by_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o some_o man_n use_v viz._n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o plain_a reason_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o deity_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n the_o manner_n how_o three_o real_a subsistency_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o comprehensible_a but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o principle_n and_o proposition_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a idea_n of_o it_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v christ_n satisfaction_n but_o upon_o incontestable_a ground_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o dead_a body_n crumble_v into_o dust_n and_o perhaps_o dissipate_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o several_a quarter_n or_o how_o a_o body_n convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o other_o creature_n after_o innumerable_a introduction_n of_o new_a shape_n preserve_v its_o proper_a identity_n â—nd_v individuation_n if_o we_o be_v ask_v i_o say_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n in_o brief_a can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o other_o than_o this_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a answer_n for_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o reply_v this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a but_o to_o pretend_v to_o give_v reason_n and_o account_n when_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a and_o absurd_a and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v inscrutable_a secret_n our_o religion_n have_v many_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v extricate_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v a_o mystery_n it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v there_o may_v be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o 1._o that_o which_o solomon_n suggest_v to_o we_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v he_o to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n prov._n 25._o 2._o the_o supreme_a be_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v the_o knowledge_n of_o several_a thing_n from_o man_n because_o this_o redound_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n hereby_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v display_v to_o mankind_n hereby_o his_o transcendent_a nature_n which_o infinite_o surpass_v that_o of_o all_o create_a being_n be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o almighty_a say_v he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n job_n 33._o 13._o though_o sometime_o yea_o frequent_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o well_o as_o of_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o in_o many_o case_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o we_o otherwise_o
and_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o search_n and_o inquiry_n about_o divine_a truth_n this_o discourse_n lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o those_o which_o follow_v for_o even_o the_o sacred_a verity_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o practise_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o judge_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavonr_v to_o establish_v the_o right_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o civil_a governor_n upon_o the_o sure_a basis_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o thereon_o have_v ground_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o indispensable_a law_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v magistrate_n so_o they_o be_v to_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o this_o reverence_n and_o submission_n by_o their_o religious_a and_o holy_a demeanour_n wherefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o have_v show_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o their_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n and_o of_o their_o surpass_v other_o in_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n next_o i_o undertake_v to_o display_v thâ—_n office_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o public_a instructor_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o show_v what_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v master_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n then_o i_o descend_v to_o the_o more_o particular_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n and_o show_v how_o necessary_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o man_n of_o traffic_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o decay_n of_o riches_n and_o plenty_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n afterward_o i_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n that_o extravagant_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n which_o be_v so_o conspicuous_a in_o this_o age_n and_o with_o that_o freedom_n which_o become_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n i_o set_v before_o the_o offender_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o excess_n again_o i_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o commence_v of_o the_o late_a war_n to_o satisfy_v the_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n yea_o and_o necessity_n in_o some_o case_n of_o go_v to_o war._n and_o soon_o after_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o another_o discourse_n viz._n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o ill_a success_n in_o martial_a affair_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o whilst_o we_o be_v engage_v the_o enemy_n abroad_o there_o shall_v be_v peace_n at_o home_n i_o impartial_o represent_v the_o mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o intestine_a broil_n and_o division_n in_o a_o kingdom_n and_o warm_o exhort_v to_o unity_n and_o concord_n this_o be_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o ten_o of_o the_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n which_o be_v so_o mix_v that_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n or_o quality_n of_o person_n but_o will_v find_v themselves_o concern_v in_o the_o subject_n here_o treat_v of_o prince_n and_o monarch_n inferior_a ruler_n and_o magistrate_n ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o all_o other_o whether_o public_a or_o private_a civil_a or_o military_a wealthy_a or_o indigent_a of_o the_o manly_a or_o of_o the_o soft_a sex_n have_v their_o share_n in_o these_o paper_n as_o for_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n they_o have_v their_o birth_n from_o the_o two_o much_o prevail_a opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o strike_v only_o at_o that_o general_n doctrine_n and_o wave_v all_o set_a reflection_n on_o particular_a person_n or_o their_o attempt_n the_o sum_n of_o my_o undertake_n here_o be_v this_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n as_o it_o be_v mention_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n more_o especial_o i_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o term_n as_o it_o peculiar_o respect_v the_o present_a case_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o christianity_n i_o show_v upon_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n this_o doctrine_n of_o mystery_n be_v found_v i_o represent_v the_o notorious_a blemish_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o last_o i_o intersperse_v such_o proper_a inference_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o respective_a particular_n thus_o though_o other_o have_v handle_v this_o subject_a i_o make_v it_o a_o peculiar_a province_n by_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o manage_v it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v aright_o and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o pious_a i_o leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v but_o this_o only_o i_o be_o able_a to_o say_v and_o that_o most_o sincere_o that_o i_o design_v what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o its_o divine_a author_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o my_o write_n of_o what_o subject_n soever_o i_o have_v already_o treat_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o treat_v some_o perhaps_o may_v think_v i_o pour_v they_o in_o too_o fast_o upon_o the_o reader_n and_o do_v it_o keep_v a_o due_a distance_n such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v between_o one_o book_n and_o another_o i_o be_o so_o vncivil_a a_o writer_n that_o i_o will_v scarce_o give_v the_o reader_n time_n to_o breath_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o my_o reputation_n that_o i_o hereby_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o to_o censure_v i_o for_o be_v too_o forward_a a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o affect_v to_o appear_v often_o in_o public_a view_n and_o therefore_o they_o prudent_o advise_v to_o observe_v a_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o husbandry_n to_o lie_v fallow_a some_o time_n i_o thank_v these_o gentleman_n for_o the_o care_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v of_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o but_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o this_o good_a advice_n of_o they_o belong_v to_o those_o novice_n who_o want_v material_n for_o a_o scribble_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o four-penny_n cut_v or_o those_o poor_a starve_a soul_n that_o write_v for_o bread_n and_o clap_v all_o their_o book_n and_o sometime_o more_o than_o be_v in_o it_o into_o the_o title_n page_n here_o the_o counsel_n will_v be_v seasonable_a especial_o for_o the_o reader_n good_a to_o be_v temperate_a writer_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o not_o to_o rank_v i_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o forementioned_a person_n i_o think_v i_o have_v enough_o to_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o frequency_n of_o my_o write_n i_o can_v support_v myself_o herein_o by_o very_o good_a and_o vnexceptionable_a example_n half_o a_o dozen_o of_o the_o best_a penman_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o two_o of_o the_o learnede_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n who_o fail_v not_o every_o year_n to_o present_v the_o learned_a with_o a_o offer_n and_o their_o teem_v thought_n be_v still_o design_v to_o oblige_v the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n but_o wave_a precedent_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o i_o i_o will_v justify_v my_o practice_n from_o the_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o hold_v it_o proper_a to_o offer_v sâ—meâ—_n truth_n to_o the_o world_n now_o whilst_o i_o be_o able_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o objection_n which_o some_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v against_o they_o as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v already_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v as_o sharp_a as_o error_n beside_o some_o thing_n be_v proper_a for_o this_o peculiar_a age_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v defer_v will_v prove_v unseasonable_a i_o conceive_v our_o sceptical_a time_n require_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o write_n as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o publish_v more_o than_o any_o that_o be_v before_o or_o perhaps_o ever_o will_v be_v again_o what_o i_o do_v be_v pursuant_n to_o my_o character_n and_o function_n which_o exact_a a_o public_a appearance_n and_o a_o open_v do_v of_o good_a to_o mankind_n for_o a_o clergyman_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o time_n to_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n wherefore_o being_n not_o engage_v at_o present_a in_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o pulpit_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o â—â—eak_v to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o press_n and_o to_o let_v my_o pen_n do_v the_o office_n of_o my_o tongue_n and_o true_o why_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o crime_n and_o not_o the_o other_o be_v unaccountable_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o those_o man_n who_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a look_v upon_o both_o equal_o
this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o 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barbarian_n be_v the_o disagreeing_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n socrates_n particular_o observe_v this_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o clergy_n persecute_v other_o dissent_v christian_n the_o goth_n and_o longobard_n invade_v italy_n the_o four_o century_n have_v abound_v with_o schism_n and_o faction_n as_o well_o as_o heresy_n and_o behold_v as_o the_o effect_n as_o well_o as_o recompense_n of_o these_o the_o five_o century_n labour_v under_o a_o other_o sort_n of_o plague_n viz._n the_o irruption_n of_o those_o savage_n partly_o pagan_n and_o partly_o arian_n who_o miserable_o persecute_v the_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o italy_n spain_n france_n and_o other_o country_n the_o church_n may_v just_o ascribe_v this_o to_o their_o own_o home-division_n those_o dreadful_a thing_n it_o be_v probable_a have_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o be_v shatter_v and_o distract_v among_o themselves_o if_o 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that_o very_a arabia_n but_o no_o long_o to_o be_v call_v the_o happy_a appear_v the_o grand_a impostor_n mahomet_n he_o and_o his_o successor_n get_v up_o and_o gain_v ground_n not_o only_o there_o but_o in_o other_o place_n by_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o party_n which_o be_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o whilst_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n and_o constantinople_n unchristian_o contend_v about_o priority_n and_o such_o like_a point_n the_o turk_n come_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n this_o be_v now_o know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o the_o mahometan_a empire_n arise_v from_o the_o contention_n in_o the_o east_n when_o the_o church_n be_v tear_v asunder_o with_o the_o arian_n and_o manichean_a doctrine_n for_o this_o dissension_n breed_v in_o many_o man_n a_o hatred_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o and_o then_o any_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n especial_o if_o grateful_a to_o 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period_n to_o this_o long_a tranquillity_n be_v sinarum_fw-la the_o discord_n of_o this_o kingdom_n among_o themselves_o the_o division_n and_o inflammation_n within_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o the_o civil_a war_n occasion_v by_o usurper_n of_o the_o throne_n which_o be_v follow_v with_o the_o irruption_n of_o the_o scythian_n and_o asiatick_n tartar_n upon_o they_o who_o in_o those_o unhappy_a circumstance_n get_v the_o better_a of_o they_o and_o after_o a_o long_a and_o bloody_a war_n possess_v that_o kingdom_n the_o wealthy_a and_o most_o populous_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o know_v of_o and_o to_o this_o day_n be_v master_n of_o it_o and_o now_o when_o we_o be_v travel_v we_o may_v visit_v the_o famous_a country_n of_o the_o abyssine_n or_o ethiopia_n a_o large_a kingdom_n in_o africa_n but_o late_o shrink_v into_o a_o lesser_a compass_n and_o almost_o abyss_n lay_v waist_n by_o the_o native_n of_o the_o place_n some_o of_o they_o have_v turn_v state-rebel_n and_o other_o set_v on_o by_o the_o jesuit_n fight_v on_o a_o religious_a account_n but_o i_o will_v not_o wander_v so_o far_o but_o come_v home_o to_o ourselves_o and_o prosecute_v the_o argument_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o land_n of_o our_o nativity_n they_o be_v the_o civil_a war_n of_o the_o ancient_a britain_n which_o tempt_v julius_n caesar_n to_o invade_v this_o island_n at_o first_o this_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o roman_n come_v hither_o and_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o britain_n be_v conquer_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o most_o credible_a historian_n that_o our_o ancestor_n a_o very_a warlike_a and_o valiant_a people_n be_v vanquish_v rather_o by_o the_o perfidiousness_n of_o their_o own_o androgeus_n and_o the_o quarrel_n of_o other_o among_o themselves_o than_o by_o the_o valour_n and_o force_n of_o the_o invader_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o julius_n caesar_n be_v invite_v over_o by_o that_o androgeus_n who_o at_o that_o time_n quarrel_v with_o
not_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o now_o i_o have_v produce_v every_o individual_a place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o word_n mystery_n occur_v and_o i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o set_v they_o before_o the_o considerate_a in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a light_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o right_n and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o they_o and_o not_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v the_o word_n as_o some_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o more_o especial_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o that_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n express_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o christianity_n have_v this_o title_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o real_a mystery_n in_o itself_o wherefore_o after_o i_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o way_n i_o will_v offer_v this_o proposition_n and_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n this_o in_o general_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o original_a denotation_n of_o the_o occludere_fw-la word_n whether_o we_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o hebrew_n or_o greek_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v some_o hide_a secret_a thing_n some_o thing_n shut_v up_o for_o such_o be_v the_o chief_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n hide_v and_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o we_o many_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v cover_v with_o great_a darkness_n a_o veil_n be_v cast_v over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o they_o thus_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n but_o particular_o and_o distinct_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n 1_o christianity_n be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o some_o 2._o in_o a_o more_o extensive_a way_n of_o speak_v it_o be_v so_o to_o all_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o christianity_n be_v in_o a_o special_a and_o singular_a way_n a_o mystery_n to_o some_o person_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v those_o who_o i_o here_o mean_v be_v all_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n emphatic_a stile_n 15._o lie_v in_o their_o wickedness_n continue_v in_o their_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o have_v feel_v nothing_o of_o the_o divine_a birth_n and_o renovation_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o wretched_a state_n be_v 9_o in_o darkness_n as_o the_o same_o inspire_a writer_n speak_v that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o effectual_a and_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o these_o can_v be_v thus_o know_v but_o by_o divine_a illumination_n by_o a_o supernatural_a discovery_n from_o above_o which_o they_o wilful_o debar_v themselves_o of_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v our_o bless_a lord_n mat._n 11._o 33._o therefore_o to_o the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o much_o more_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n self-denial_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n be_v no_o other_o than_o mystery_n yea_o insignificant_a jargon_n to_o they_o we_o hear_v the_o same_o infallible_a master_n speak_v at_o another_o time_n thus_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o particular_a donation_n a_o special_a grant_n unto_o you_o my_o disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o i.e._n the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o 11._o there_o be_v such_o representation_n of_o those_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n make_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o which_o be_v according_a to_o those_o other_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o i.e._n in_o a_o save_v way_n but_o you_o know_v he_o joh._n 14._o 17._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o joh._n 17._o 25._o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o all_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n be_v riddle_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o discern_v not_o entertain_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n here_o mean_v say_v a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n be_v loc_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o he_o add_v this_o to_o the_o character_n that_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v only_o that_o inbred_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o the_o creator_n furnish_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o and_o so_o other_o ancient_a writer_n interpret_v the_o word_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o according_a to_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la grotius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o one_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o fleshly_a part_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n he_o that_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o learned_a writer_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o the_o person_n i_o be_o concern_v with_o at_o present_a have_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o that_o not_o unjust_o for_o he_o and_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v they_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v mistake_v for_o now_o he_o be_v we_o whilst_o he_o direct_o and_o express_o avow_v the_o apostle_n natural_a or_o animal_n man_n to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v whole_o conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o supernatural_a guidance_n and_o direction_n can_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v such_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o subjoin_v nay_o he_o add_v further_a he_o can_v know_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n shall_v right_o perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n imply_v as_o evident_a a_o contradiction_n as_o to_o say_v a_o blind_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v thing_n visible_a so_o a_o 4._o judicious_a divine_a of_o our_o church_n express_v himself_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n follow_v which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a these_o thing_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v discover_v and_o know_v in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n only_o these_o person_n have_v a_o inward_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o they_o know_v the_o true_a value_n and_o worth_n of_o they_o they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o proper_a concern_v they_o know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o feel_v a_o influence_n from_o they_o on_o their_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n thus_o a_o religious_a person_n know_v and_o discover_v these_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o manner_n than_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v it_o be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o as_o to_o some_o sort_n of_o discovery_n relate_v to_o holy_a thing_n thus_o not_o only_o the_o grammatical_a critical_a rhetorical_a historical_a and_o philosophical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v as_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o these_o as_o the_o best_a but_o even_o the_o theological_a part_n of_o this_o inspire_a book_n so_o far_o as_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o mere_a speculative_a and_o notional_a discovery_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v be_v equal_o know_v by_o both_o but_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o this_o sacred_a volume_n so_o as_o to_o be_v better_v by_o they_o be_v from_o supernatural_a light_n alone_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a from_o the_o natural_a man_n this_o latter_a fall_v
we_o this_o excellent_a memorandum_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v on_o our_o memory_n as_o a_o principal_a rule_n that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o the_o most_o certain_a of_o all_o and_o though_o perhaps_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v seem_v to_o suggest_v to_o we_o some_o other_o thing_n notwithstanding_o this_o we_o be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o our_o own_o judgement_n thus_o these_o mighty_a genius_n of_o philosophy_n give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o our_o great_a apostle_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o rational_a it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o reason_v as_o well_o as_o the_o elective_a part_n in_o subjection_n and_o indeed_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n that_o affect_v will_n and_o understand_v and_o these_o faculty_n be_v not_o real_o different_a from_o the_o soul_n itself_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o one_o capacity_n may_v be_v check_v and_o regulate_v than_o it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o chastise_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o the_o will_n and_o appetite_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o socinian_o grant_v the_o former_a but_o deny_v the_o latter_a though_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o one_o that_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o which_o show_v that_o they_o despise_v the_o parity_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o proposition_n that_o they_o argue_v not_o alike_o in_o thinâ—â—_n that_o be_v alike_o that_o they_o vary_v in_o case_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o and_o ingenious_o that_o they_o contradict_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v froward_a and_o perverse_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o 〈…〉_z and_o partiality_n have_v the_o 〈…〉_z three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o great_a disparagement_n and_o blemish_n lie_v upon_o this_o sentiment_n and_o this_o behaviour_n for_o as_o they_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o partiality_n and_o perverseness_n so_o they_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o indifferency_n and_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n whilst_o person_n acquiesce_v in_o divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v upon_o safe_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o when_o they_o quit_v this_o and_o undertake_v to_o measure_n christianity_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a and_o common_a reason_n they_o have_v no_o sure_a foot_n but_o they_o waver_v and_o fluctuate_v they_o start_v query_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o certainty_n in_o religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n for_o when_o overcurious_a and_o wrangle_a head_n come_v to_o argue_v about_o those_o high_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v and_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o formal_a dispute_n and_o encounter_v they_o with_o mere_a dint_n of_o reason_n they_o soon_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v victor_n in_o such_o a_o engagement_n and_o then_o they_o carry_v their_o conquest_n further_o and_o range_v and_o fly_v about_o and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o unsettle_v religion_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o into_o question_n they_o teach_v man_n to_o doubt_v of_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o they_o before_o receive_v and_o especial_o to_o dispute_v about_o every_o part_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o infuse_v this_o notion_n into_o man_n head_n that_o they_o must_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o such_o receive_a article_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o be_v their_o own_o prejudice_n and_o dislike_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o use_v a_o sort_n of_o argumentation_n against_o these_o truth_n but_o they_o be_v able_a to_o use_v the_o like_a reason_n against_o all_o other_o article_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v to_o begin_v with_o those_o â—â—ore_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a point_n and_o to_o bring_v people_n off_o from_o they_o because_o they_o think_v they_o can_v easy_o maintain_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o shake_v the_o plain_a one_o afterward_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v more_o charity_n than_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o form_a design_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o socinian_n way_n for_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o well_o dispose_v person_n among_o they_o but_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o project_n carry_v on_o by_o some_o ill-minded_n and_o perverse_a man_n who_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o render_v religion_n doubtful_a and_o disputable_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n by_o this_o course_n which_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n take_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a truth_n will_v be_v slight_v nay_o they_o be_v already_o slight_v and_o actual_o disregard_v by_o this_o race_n of_o man_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o artribute_n of_o god_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o rise_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o subsistence_n and_o perception_n of_o separate_a soul_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o sundry_a other_o substantial_a verity_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o many_o more_o such_o doctrine_n be_v either_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v by_o deist_n or_o atheist_n and_o that_o on_o the_o socinian_n principle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n observable_a at_o present_a i_o say_v upon_o the_o socinian_n principle_n viz._n because_o there_o be_v some_o 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