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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a church_n world_n 5,052 5 4.5521 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61538 A discourse concerning the doctrine of Christ's satisfaction; or The true reasons of His sufferings with an answer to the Socinian objections. To which is added a sermon concerning the mysteries of the Christian faith; preached April 7. 1691. With a preface concerning the true state of the controversie about Christ's satisfaction. By the right reverend Father in God, Edward Lord Bishop of Worcester. Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1697 (1697) Wing S5575; ESTC R221684 192,218 448

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upon_o those_o term_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n and_o therefore_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o original_a word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n the_o strange_a idiom_n of_o it_o the_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o same_o word_n in_o several_a conjugation_n the_o want_n of_o several_a mode_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v use_v in_o other_o language_n and_o above_o all_o the_o lofty_a and_o metaphorical_a way_n of_o speak_v use_v in_o all_o eastern_a country_n and_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o hebrew_n idiom_n in_o the_o greek_a translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o original_a of_o the_o new_a you_o can_v hardly_o affix_v a_o sense_n upon_o any_o word_n use_v therein_o but_o a_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v all_o possible_a signification_n and_o use_n of_o those_o word_n will_v put_v you_o hard_o to_o it_o to_o make_v good_a that_o which_o you_o take_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o they_o wherefore_o although_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o our_o adversary_n the_o praise_n of_o subtlety_n and_o diligence_n i_o can_v give_v they_o that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o praiseworthy_a of_o discretion_n and_o sound_a judgement_n for_o while_o they_o use_v their_o utmost_a industry_n to_o search_v all_o the_o most_o remote_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n of_o word_n with_o a_o design_n to_o take_v off_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o to_o the_o overthrow_v those_o thing_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o themselves_o make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o by_o this_o way_n the_o whole_a gospel_n may_v be_v make_v a_o allegory_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v think_v as_o metaphorical_a as_o the_o redemption_n by_o his_o death_n and_o the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n avoid_v by_o some_o unusual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v 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itself_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o say_v why_o they_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n true_a be_v not_o bare_o because_o god_n have_v say_v it_o but_o they_o believe_v certain_o that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o because_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a by_o know_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o be_v impossible_a the_o controversy_n then_o concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n in_o dispute_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o for_o if_o socinus_n his_o reason_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o confidence_n if_o the_o account_n we_o give_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o the_o justice_n goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o appear_v impossible_a that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v redeem_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n or_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v propitiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n if_o it_o enervate_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n and_o tend_v rather_o to_o justify_v sin_n than_o those_o who_o do_v repent_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v then_o agree_v that_o no_o industry_n can_v be_v too_o great_a in_o search_a author_n compare_v place_n examine_v version_n to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o assert_v those_o thing_n from_o whence_o our_o doctrine_n follow_v and_o without_o which_o no_o reasonable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v either_o of_o the_o expression_n use_v therein_o or_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n death_n do_v immediate_o respect_n god_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v pay_v as_o a_o price_n for_o our_o redemption_n if_o such_o a_o design_n of_o his_o death_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o high_o manifest_v his_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n if_o it_o assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o reconcileable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n if_o be_v true_o understand_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o enervate_v that_o it_o advance_v high_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o betray_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n not_o to_o believe_v we_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n in_o controversy_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o maintain_v ii_o for_o our_o clear_a proceed_v herein_o nothing_o will_v be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n general_n which_o have_v be_v render_v more_o obscure_a by_o the_o mistake_v 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impossibility_n of_o christ_n pay_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v pay_v because_o our_o penalty_n be_v eternal_a death_n and_o that_o as_o the_o consequent_a of_o inherent_a guilt_n which_o christ_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v undergo_v neither_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v undergo_v eternul_v death_n unless_o he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o free_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o one_o to_o pay_v for_o another_o who_o can_v discharge_v the_o debt_n in_o much_o less_o time_n than_o the_o offender_n can_v be_v not_o the_o same_o which_o the_o law_n require_v for_o that_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o other_o than_o the_o person_n who_o have_v sin_v and_o if_o a_o mediator_n can_v have_v pay_v the_o same_o the_o original_a law_n must_v have_v be_v disjunctive_a viz._n that_o either_o the_o offender_n must_v suffer_v or_o another_o for_o he_o but_o then_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o be_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a covenant_n but_o a_o performance_n of_o the_o old_a but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o relaxation_n or_o dispensation_n of_o the_o first_o law_n than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o what_o christ_n pay_v be_v not_o the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o first_o law_n require_v for_o what_o need_n of_o that_o when_o the_o very_a same_o be_v pay_v that_o be_v in_o the_o obligation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n make_v up_o what_o want_v in_o the_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o punishment_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o something_o equivalent_a which_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o sanction_n as_o much_o as_o the_o same_o will_v have_v do_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o beside_o if_o the_o very_a same_o have_v be_v pay_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n
make_v atonement_n for_o he_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v ever_o say_v of_o any_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o where_o we_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o his_o own_o voluntary_a will_n it_o be_v by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v ad_fw-la placandum_fw-la sibi_fw-la dominum_fw-la by_o the_o syriack_n version_n ad_fw-la placationem_fw-la sibi_fw-la obtinendam_fw-la à_fw-la domino_fw-la and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n by_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v but_o no_o one_o version_n considerable_a that_o so_o render_v it_o as_o to_o make_v burnt-offering_n to_o be_v freewill_n offering_n here_o 6.7_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o distinct_o and_o by_o themselves_o afterward_o and_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v jonathan_n thus_o explain_v this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o burnt-offering_a i._n e._n quod_fw-la venit_fw-la ad_fw-la expiandum_fw-la pro_fw-la cogitationibus_fw-la cordis_fw-la but_o although_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o full_o agree_v what_o the_o burnt-offering_n be_v design_v to_o expiate_v yet_o they_o consent_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o expiatory_a nature_n which_o may_v make_v we_o the_o more_o wonder_n that_o crellius_n and_o other_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o it_o but_o the_o only_a reason_n give_v by_o he_o be_v 530._o because_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n as_o though_o no_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o a_o expiatory_a nature_n but_o they_o and_o then_o the_o trespass-offering_n must_v be_v exclude_v too_o for_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o sin-offering_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o custom_n have_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o great_a mistake_n among_o christian_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o when_o they_o judge_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o blind_a or_o uncertain_a conjecture_n which_o they_o make_v concern_v they_o so_o that_o the_o text_n be_v ofttimes_o far_o clear_a than_o their_o commentary_n be_v set_v aside_o then_o the_o intricate_a and_o unsatisfactory_a nicety_n of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n about_o the_o several_a reason_n of_o the_o burnt-offering_n and_o sin_n and_o trespass-offering_n and_o the_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o they_o which_o be_v so_o various_a and_o incoherent_a i_o shall_v propose_v this_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o different_a reason_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o some_o sacrifice_n be_v assume_v into_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v long_o in_o use_n in_o the_o world_n before_o and_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o patriarch_n and_o all_o those_o who_o in_o that_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v fear_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o such_o be_v the_o burnt-offering_n for_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o way_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n other_o sacrifice_n be_v institute_v among_o they_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o themselves_o as_o a_o people_n govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o these_o be_v of_o several_a sort_n 1._o symbolical_a of_o god_n presence_n among_o they_o such_o be_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n institute_v as_o a_o testimony_n of_o god_n presence_n exod._n 29._o from_o five_o 38._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o occasional_a for_o some_o great_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o as_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o solemn_a festival_n etc._n etc._n 3._o expiatory_a for_o the_o sin_n commit_v against_o their_o law_n and_o these_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v whole_o consume_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o burnt-offering_n 2._o such_o of_o which_o some_o part_n be_v consume_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o some_o part_n sell_v to_o the_o share_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o these_o be_v either_o sin_n particular_o enumerate_v by_o god_n himself_o under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o else_o general_o comprehend_v under_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v expiate_v because_o commit_v through_o inadvertency_n 3._o such_o whereof_o a_o less_o part_n be_v consume_v as_o in_o the_o peace-offering_n of_o the_o congregation_n mention_v levit._n 23.19_o whereof_o the_o blood_n be_v sprinkle_v only_o the_o inward_o burn_v and_o the_o flesh_n not_o eat_v by_o the_o person_n that_o offer_v they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o peace-offering_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o as_o be_v private_a sacrifice_n i_o have_v here_o no_o occasion_n to_o speak_v but_o only_o by_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o court_n and_o these_o have_v something_o of_o expiation_n in_o they_o for_o thence_o say_v vatablus_n the_o peace-offering_a be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n expiatorium_fw-la and_o the_o lxx_o common_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o several_a of_o the_o jew_n think_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v that_o it_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o but_o the_o great_a reason_n i_o insist_v on_o be_v because_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v use_v in_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v in_o this_o too_o the_o slay_v of_o the_o beast_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blo●d_n and_o the_o consumption_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o altar_n as_o a_o oblation_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o ingredient_n of_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n note_v the_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o it_o on_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o consume_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n or_o the_o whole_a there_o that_o it_o be_v design_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o phrase_n of_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n be_v apply_v under_o the_o law_n to_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v very_o proper_o use_v by_o st._n paul_n concern_v christ_n give_v up_o himself_o for_o we_o so_o that_o from_o this_o phrase_n nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v contrary_a to_o the_o expiatory_a nature_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v full_o agreeable_a to_o it_o viii_o expiation_n but_o crellius_n have_v yet_o a_o far_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n death_n can_v be_v here_o mean_v as_o the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n viz._n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o oblation_n whereby_o the_o thing_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 533._o to_o which_o the_o mactation_n be_v but_o a_o bare_a preparation_n which_o he_o prove_v because_o the_o slay_v the_o sacrifice_n may_v belong_v to_o other_o beside_o the_o priest_n ezek._n 44.10_o 11._o but_o the_o oblation_n only_o to_o the_o priest_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o mactation_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n either_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o bare_a instrument_n of_o take_v away_o the_o life_n or_o to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o offerer_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v as_o the_o mactation_n have_v a_o respect_n only_o to_o the_o instrument_n so_o it_o be_v no_o otherway_n to_o be_v consider_v than_o as_o a_o punishment_n but_o as_o it_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o he_o that_o design_v it_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n so_o the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n on_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o this_o clear_a argument_n the_o blood_n be_v say_v to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o soul_n 17.11_o and_o the_o reason_n give_v be_v because_o the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o the_o blood_n so_o that_o which_o be_v the_o life_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o make_v the_o atonement_n and_o when_o the_o blood_n be_v shed_v the_o life_n be_v then_o give_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n for_o atonement_n lie_v in_o the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n for_o that_o end_n thence_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n remission_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n 9.22_o and_o not_o to_o the_o bare_a oblation_n of_o it_o on_o the_o altar_n or_o the_o carry_v it_o into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o more_o solemn_a representation_n of_o that_o blood_n before_o god_n which_o be_v already_o shed_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v that_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o priest_n may_v be_v see_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n in_o order_n to_o expiation_n for_o if_o no_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a but_o the_o bare_a slay_v of_o the_o beast_n which_o be_v the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o service_n the_o people_n will_v never_o have_v think_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o priesthood_n necessary_a and_o least_o of_o all_o that_o of_o the_o highpriest_n unless_o some_o solemn_a action_n
have_v something_o reveal_v and_o that_o plain_o enough_o viz._n that_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o here_o be_v a_o mystery_n remain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o have_v not_o god_n plain_o reveal_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o must_v we_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o till_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o change_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o general_n resurrection_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o but_o there_o be_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n it_o be_v strange_a boldness_n in_o man_n to_o talk_v thus_o of_o monstrous_a contradiction_n in_o thing_n above_o their_o reach_n 4._o the_o atheist_n may_v as_o well_o say_v infinite_a power_n be_v a_o monstrous_a contradiction_n and_o god●s_v immensity_n and_o his_o other_o unsearchable_a perfection_n be_v monstrous_a 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stand_v still_o when_o the_o wave_n run_v by_o it_o or_o the_o gnomon_n of_o a_o dial_n when_o the_o shadow_n pass_v from_o one_o figure_n to_o another_o because_o these_o be_v gross_a unactive_a thing_n but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v far_o great_a where_o the_o be_v be_v perfect_a and_o always_o active_a for_o where_o there_o be_v succession_n there_o be_v a_o pass_v out_o of_o not_o be_v in_o such_o a_o duration_n into_o be_v in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n must_v be_v all_o at_o once_o what_o he_o be_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v from_o whence_o eternity_n be_v define_v by_o boethius_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a possession_n all_o at_o once_o of_o everlasting_a life_n 3._o but_o how_o can_v we_o from_o any_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o that_o be_v all_o at_o once_o which_o have_v such_o different_a act_n as_o must_v be_v measure_v by_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o time_n as_o the_o create_a and_o dissolve_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n the_o promise_a and_o send_v the_o messiah_n the_o declare_v and_o execute_v a_o general_a judgement_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o permanent_a instant_a or_o a_o continuance_n of_o be_v without_o succession_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o god_n eternity_n to_o form_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n convince_v we_o must_v be_v the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o our_o conception_n of_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o beginning_n of_o be_v nor_o end_v of_o day_n but_o that_o he_o always_o be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v and_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o necessary_a conclusion_n from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n than_o any_o distinct_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o eternity_n in_o our_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v reveal_v something_o to_o we_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o yet_o after_o that_o revelation_n the_o manner_n of_o it_o may_v be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o consequent_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o have_v not_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n 4.24_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o that_o be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o spiritual_a worship_n shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o he_o now_o if_o we_o can_v have_v a_o clear_a distinct_a positive_a notion_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o god_n spiritual_a nature_n we_o may_v then_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a in_o this_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o let_v such_o man_n examine_v their_o own_o thought_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o try_v whether_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v attain_v to_o be_v not_o something_o negative_a viz._n because_o great_a absurdity_n will_v follow_v if_o we_o attribute_v any_o thing_n corporeal_a to_o god_n for_o than_o he_o must_v be_v compound_v of_o part_n and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v dissolve_v then_o he_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o not_o everywhere_o present_n he_o can_v have_v the_o power_n of_o act_v and_o self-determining_a which_o a_o mere_a body_n have_v not_o for_o the_o clear_a notion_n we_o can_v have_v of_o body_n be_v that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o some_o thing_n as_o part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o each_o other_o and_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o move_v or_o act_v from_o itself_o but_o some_o of_o these_o man_n who_o cry_v down_o mystery_n and_o magnify_v reason_n to_o show_v how_o slender_a
their_o pretence_n to_o reason_n be_v have_v assert_v a_o corporeal_a god_n with_o shape_n and_o figure_n it_o be_v indeed_o well_o think_v of_o by_o those_o who_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v god_n to_o bring_v god_n down_o as_o near_o to_o man_n as_o may_v be_v but_o how_o to_o reconcile_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o body_n with_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o far_o above_o my_o comprehension_n but_o if_o it_o be_v no_o mystery_n to_o such_o man_n they_o must_v either_o deny_v god_n infinite_a perfection_n or_o show_v how_o a_o bodily_a shape_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o they_o but_o some_o man_n can_v confound_v finite_a and_o infinite_a body_n and_o spirit_n god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o be_v for_o no_o mystery_n whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v far_o from_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n than_o any_o o●_n those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o find_v fault_n with_o but_o to_o proceed_v if_o we_o believe_v prophecy_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o future_a event_n for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v foretold_v if_o he_o do_v not_o foreknow_v they_o and_o if_o he_o do_v foreknow_v those_o which_o he_o do_v foretell_v than_o it_o be_v either_o because_o those_o only_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o that_o he_o do_v foreknow_v all_o other_o event_n and_o only_o think_v fit_v to_o reveal_v these_o but_o how_o can_v they_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n about_o divine_a prescience_n be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o this_o nothing_o above_o their_o comprehension_n what_o then_o make_v their_o great_a master_n deny_v it_o 11._o as_o a_o thing_n above_o his_o comprehension_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v fore-known_a but_o what_o have_v a_o certain_a cause_n and_o therefore_o if_o evil_a action_n be_v foretold_v god_n must_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o man_n will_v not_o be_v free_a agent_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o 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sure_o then_o here_o be_v something_o plain_o reveal_v and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v still_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o of_o the_o particular_a attribute_n of_o god_n but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v finite_a or_o infinite_a if_o to_o be_v finite_a than_o they_o must_v have_v certain_a bound_n and_o limit_n which_o they_o can_v exceed_v and_o that_o must_v either_o be_v from_o the_o imperfection_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o a_o superior_a cause_n both_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n if_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v infinite_a how_o can_v they_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v strange_o puzzle_v in_o plain_a ordinary_a finite_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v not_o infinite_a they_o can_v belong_v to_o he_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o consequence_n to_o this_o assertion_n that_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o may_v be_v comprehend_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n must_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o who_o talk_v so_o warm_o against_o any_o mystery_n in_o religion_n to_o consider_v who_o work_n it_o be_v they_o be_v do_v even_o they_o who_o under_o this_o pretence_n go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v all_o religion_n for_o say_v they_o religion_n be_v a_o mystery_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n not_o this_o or_o that_o or_o the_o other_o religion_n but_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o all_o be_v mystery_n and_o that_o be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n what_o be_v the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o trick_n of_o priest-craft_n and_o such_o be_v maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o religion_n if_o therefore_o these_o man_n who_o talk_v against_o mystery_n understand_v themselves_o they_o must_v in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o principle_n reject_v one_o god_n as_o well_o as_o three_o person_n for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o reject_v any_o other_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v to_o a_o infinite_a be_v because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n who_o seem_v to_o pursue_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o principle_n to_o the_o utmost_a must_v assert_v something_o more_o incomprehensible_a than_o the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o suppose_v work_n of_o skill_n beauty_n and_o order_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v than_o of_o blind_a chance_n and_o unaccountable_a necessity_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n to_o suppose_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v start_v out_o from_o itself_o without_o contrivance_n without_o order_n without_o cause_n certain_o such_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v incomprehensible_a since_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a and_o incomprehensible_a as_o their_o darling_n hypothesis_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o can_v make_v it_o prevail_v but_o to_o suppose_v mankind_n to_o be_v as_o dull_a and_o insensible_a as_o the_o first_o chaos_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a for_o god_n to_o require_v from_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o something_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v 2._o i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v whether_o those_o who_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o our_o faith_n have_v make_v it_o so_o much_o more_o easy_a in_o the_o way_n they_o have_v take_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hector_a talk_n against_o mystery_n and_o thing_n incomprehensible_a in_o religion_n i_o find_v more_o insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n in_o their_o way_n than_o in_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o suppose_v something_o mysterious_a in_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n be_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o as_o s._n john_n express_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n than_o in_o suppose_v that_o although_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v bear_v six_o month_n before_o jesus_n christ_n that_o yet_o christ_n be_v in_o dignity_n before_o he_o what_o a_o wonderful_a mystery_n be_v this_o can_v man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o cry_v down_o mystery_n in_o deep_a speculation_n and_o matter_n of_o a_o high_a and_o abstruse_a nature_n when_o they_o make_v such_o mystery_n of_o plain_a and_o easy_a thing_n and_o suppose_v the_o evangelist_n in_o profound_a language_n and_o lofty_a expression_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o dispute_v viz._n although_o christ_n jesus_n be_v bear_v six_o month_n after_o john_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o dignity_n before_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o divine_a person_n shall_v assume_v humane_a nature_n and_o so_o the_o word_n to_o be_v make_v flesh_n than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o attribute_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n or_o power_n be_v make_v flesh_n which_o be_v a_o mystery_n beyond_o all_o comprehension_n there_o may_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o the_o other_o but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n beyond_o all_o conception_n or_o imagination_n for_o a_o accident_n to_o be_v make_v a_o substance_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o imagine_v it_o to_o subsist_v without_o one_o 3._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o