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of_o divide_a church_n about_o they_o it_o may_v have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v keep_v his_o church_n from_o those_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n can_v all_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o sad_a division_n of_o christendom_n and_o those_o of_o many_o age_n stand_v but_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o they_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o mistrust_v a_o conspiracy_n where_o the_o several_a body_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v 5._o from_o the_o great_a internal_a satisfaction_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v concern_v they_o and_o which_o no_o other_o write_v can_v pretend_v to_o give_v for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a
at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o more_o passable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v introduce_v into_o it_o some_o rite_n of_o the_o jew_n some_o austerity_n of_o the_o gentile_n some_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o their_o adversary_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n alone_o be_v far_o beyond_o any_o mixture_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v give_v they_o no_o better_a advice_n than_o as_o they_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n yet_o those_o occasion_n be_v so_o great_a and_o considerable_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v so_o direct_a the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o write_v they_o that_o what_o they_o have_v therein_o deliver_v contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n but_o against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o charge_v the_o thessalonian_n 15._o to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o his_o epistle_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v other_o tradition_n to_o be_v hold_v that_o be_v not_o write_v the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o consider_v when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n one_o of_o the_o first_o which_o st._n paul_n write_v and_o soon_o after_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o be_v some_o time_n before_o st._n luke_n gospel_n which_o be_v first_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n plant_v by_o st._n paul_n therefore_o all_o the_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o that_o relate_v to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v then_o but_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a reason_n then_o to_o require_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v i._n e._n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o he_o mention_n before_o something_o he_o have_v say_v about_o antichrist_n 5._o come_n when_o he_o be_v with_o they_o v_o 5._o if_o this_o be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v more_o against_o than_o for_o tradition_n for_o what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v lose_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a way_n of_o conveyance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o adhere_v to_o a_o write_a word_n 2._o which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n from_o which_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o write_a rule_n for_o discern_v true_a primitive_a christianity_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o notorious_a uncertainty_n of_o mere_a tradition_n i_o say_v notorious_a because_o there_o never_o be_v any_o trial_n make_v of_o it_o but_o it_o fail_v even_o when_o it_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o man_n life_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n so_o few_o and_o yet_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n mankind_n be_v strange_o degenerate_v from_o they_o i_o may_v insist_v on_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o many_o that_o scarce_o one_o can_v be_v produce_v wherein_o they_o plead_v mere_a tradition_n but_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o as_o about_o the_o millennium_n the_o age_n of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o easter_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o communicate_v infant_n for_o st._n augustin_n quote_v apostolical_a tradition_n for_o it_o 4._o but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o these_o and_o only_o mention_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n trust_v to_o tradition_n and_o yet_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o as_o evident_o prove_v that_o mere_a tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a mean_n of_o conveyance_n and_o that_o be_v about_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v to_o be_v repeat_v by_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v we_o have_v many_o plain_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v write_v but_o to_o be_v convey_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n hierosol_n st._n hierom_n 75._o st._n augustin_n symbol_n ruffinus_n all_o affirm_v it_o and_o the_o creed_n be_v common_o then_o call_v prooem_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v that_o they_o look_v on_o all_o the_o article_n therein_o contain_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o necessary_a point_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n some_o article_n be_v in_o some_o which_o be_v not_o in_o other_o although_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o necessary_a point_n be_v at_o first_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o else_o the_o several_a church_n must_v have_v different_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v 9_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n by_o the_o general_n council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o creed_n there_o deliver_v to_o the_o catechuman_n 11._o st._n cyril_n mention_n the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n before_o all_o world_n and_o so_o do_v 12._o eusebius_n at_o coesarea_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v at_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v long_o before_o the_o nicene_n creed_n 4._o cassian_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o that_o creed_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v particular_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o western_a creed_n as_o far_o as_o now_o appear_v by_o what_o st._n augustin_n russinus_n and_o other_o say_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o it_o st._n jerom_n write_v against_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n urge_v he_o with_o the_o creed_n pammach_n no_o doubt_n that_o which_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o he_o say_v it_o consist_v of_o three_o main_a point_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh._n and_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o aquileia_n go_v no_o far_o say_v 9_o ruffinus_n nor_o some_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n but_o marcellus_n of_o ancyra_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o his_o 72._o creed_n and_o so_o have_v 18._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o have_v the_o african_a church_n in_o st._n etc._n augustin_n time_n so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o ravenna_n but_o not_o the_o church_n of_o turin_n nor_o the_o gallican_n church_n if_o maximus_n taurinensis_n and_o venantius_n fortunatus_n explain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n ruffinus_n confess_v the_o article_n of_o descent_n into_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o the_o roman_a nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a creed_n the_o creed_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o aquileia_n have_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n nor_o those_o of_o marcellus_n and_o ancorat_n epiphanius_n the_o title_n of_o catholic_n be_v not_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o st._n 243._o augustin_n time_n for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o periphrasis_n utique_fw-la catholicam_fw-la from_o whence_o probable_o it_o come_v to_o be_v add_v afterward_o ruffinus_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n nor_o in_o that_o of_o marcellus_n ancyranus_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o 1._o st._n augustin_n say_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o but_o to_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_o remember_v so_o constant_o use_v of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o consequence_n fall_v into_o such_o variety_n in_o the_o great_a church_n while_o they_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o write_n of_o it_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o to_o provide_v we_o a_o infallible_a write_v rule_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n be_v which_o be_v
understand_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o mere_a man_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o shall_v assume_v this_o to_o himself_o and_o yet_o god_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o he_o not_o only_o by_o miracle_n but_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v can_v god_n 17._o be_v please_v with_o a_o mortal_a finite_a despicable_a creature_n as_o the_o jew_n think_v he_o that_o assume_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o among_o his_o own_o people_n in_o a_o solemn_a conference_n at_o a_o very_a public_a place_n in_o one_o of_o the_o portico_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o he_o persist_v in_o to_o the_o last_o for_o when_o the_o high_a priest_n adjure_v he_o by_o the_o live_a 63._o god_n to_o tell_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o no_o doubt_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o result_n of_o this_o conference_n in_o solomon_n porch_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o 64._o thou_o have_v say_v st._n mark_v more_o express_o 62._o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o this_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n for_o which_o they_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o evangelist_n 64._o so_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o dispute_n only_o between_o jew_n and_o christian_n since_o 66._o it_o be_v the_o very_a point_n for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n and_o in_o his_o last_n most_o divine_a prayer_n just_a before_o his_o suffer_v he_o own_v the_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n 7â—_n have_v a_o be_v and_o now_o o_o father_n glorisie_n thou_o i_o with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v 5._o with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v be_v this_o nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v design_v to_o give_v he_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o who_o god_n design_n to_o glorify_v and_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o decree_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o reason_n we_o believe_v their_o testimony_n be_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a sincerity_n and_o plainness_n and_o of_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o this_o character_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v concern_v christ_n jesus_n he_o that_o be_v most_o conversant_a with_o he_o and_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o live_v to_o see_v his_o divinity_n contest_v by_o some_o and_o deny_v by_o other_o be_v most_o ample_a in_o set_v it_o forth_o in_o his_o admirable_a sublime_a and_o divine_a introduction_n to_o his_o gospel_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o mankind_n can_v never_o make_v tolerable_a sense_n of_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n etc._n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v preserve_v those_o conference_n with_o the_o jew_n wherein_o he_o assert_v his_o own_o divinity_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o he_o while_o he_o live_v but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o creature_n he_o call_v he_o god_n over_o all_o bless_a for_o evermore_o and_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 5._o be_v know_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o 20._o world_n he_o attribute_n the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o christ_n apply_v to_o he_o those_o 16._o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o lord_n in_o the_o 10._o begin_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o metaphorical_a creation_n and_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n of_o copy_n those_o will_v be_v find_v the_o best_a which_o have_v that_o read_n on_o which_o our_o translation_n be_v ground_v and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 16._o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh._n so_o that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n be_v make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o here_o arise_v a_o difficulty_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v i._n e._n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o the_o way_n of_o save_v sinner_n by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v little_a objection_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o since_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a thing_n can_v be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v impose_v on_o man_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v christ_n jesus_n as_o to_o his_o divinity_n incarnation_n and_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o both_o nature_n which_o perplex_a and_o confound_v our_o understanding_n and_o yet_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o deliver_v as_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v require_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n whereas_o if_o they_o be_v reveal_v they_o be_v no_o long_a mystery_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o reveal_v how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n know_v of_o no_o other_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v hide_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o but_o since_o they_o be_v reveal_v they_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a to_o all_o man_n capacity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o impose_v such_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n to_o make_v such_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o those_o who_o have_v ever_o love_v to_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v always_o fond_a of_o the_o name_n of_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v which_o come_v under_o that_o name_n for_o all_o such_o point_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v examination_n must_v be_v wrap_v up_o and_o reverence_v under_o the_o name_n of_o mystery_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n to_o be_v swallow_v without_o be_v understand_v but_o the_o scripture_n never_o call_v that_o a_o mystery_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a 5._o in_o itself_o though_o never_o so_o much_o reveal_v this_o be_v the_o main_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v by_o show_v 1._o that_o god_n may_v just_o require_v from_o we_o in_o general_a the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v 2._o that_o which_o way_n soever_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v explain_v there_o will_v be_v something_o of_o that_o nature_n find_v in_o it_o and_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n run_v into_o great_a difficulty_n than_o those_o who_o assert_v they_o 3._o that_o no_o more_o be_v require_v as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v 1._o that_o god_n may_v just_o require_v from_o we_o in_o general_a the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o such_o particular_a doctrine_n who_o substance_n be_v reveal_v but_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o for_o why_o may_v not_o we_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o word_n whereby_o to_o express_v thing_n true_o reveal_v but_o above_o our_o comprehension_n we_o be_v certain_a the_o word_n mystery_n be_v use_v for_o thing_n far_o less_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o then_o be_v fit_o apply_v to_o such_o matter_n which_o be_v found_v on_o divine_a revelation_n but_o yet_o be_v too_o deep_a for_o we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o be_v there_o not_o mystery_n in_o art_n mystery_n in_o nature_n mystery_n in_o providence_n and_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o to_o call_v those_o mystery_n which_o in_o some_o measure_n be_v know_v out_o in_o much_o great_a unknown_a to_o we_o although_o therefore_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v most_o frequent_o apply_v to_o thing_n before_o hide_a but_o now_o reveal_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o incongruity_n in_o call_v that_o a_o mystery_n which_o be_v reveal_v have_v yet_o something_o in_o it_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v reach_v to_o but_o it_o be_v mere_a cavil_v to_o insist_v on_o a_o
that_o 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 yet_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o as_o i_o remember_v faustus_n socinus_n glory_v in_o that_o his_o uncle_n loelius_n obtain_v by_o revelation_n 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 take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v rapt_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o thence_o for_o in_o the_o former_a supposition_n we_o have_v many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o support_v it_o which_o speak_v of_o his_o be_v with_o god_n and_o have_v glory_n with_o he_o before_o the_o world_n be_v whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o for_o the_o other_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o tolerable_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n 4._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n by_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o man_n shall_v become_v god_n for_o in_o the_o former_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n which_o we_o all_o grant_v to_o be_v so_o between_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o very_a conception_n of_o a_o create_a god_n of_o a_o eternal_a son_n of_o adam_n of_o omnipotent_a infirmity_n of_o a_o infinite_a finite_a be_v in_o the_o former_a case_n a_o infinite_a be_v unite_v to_o a_o finite_a but_o in_o the_o other_o a_o finite_a become_v infinite_a 5._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v as_o he_o do_v for_o our_o sake_n than_o for_o his_o own_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n he_o deserve_v at_o god_n hand_n but_o what_o account_v then_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o they_o we_o say_v that_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n for_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n design_v and_o no_o injury_n do_v to_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o the_o scripture_n as_o plain_o express_v this_o as_o it_o can_v do_v in_o word_n but_o other_o deny_v this_o and_o make_v he_o to_o suffer_v as_o one_o whole_o innocent_a for_o what_o cause_n to_o make_v the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o apprehensive_a of_o suffer_v as_o the_o most_o guilty_a and_o the_o most_o righteous_a god_n to_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o suffer_v 6._o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o condescension_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n for_o our_o advantage_n than_o that_o a_o mere_a man_n shall_v be_v exalt_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n and_o pity_n to_o mankind_n on_o the_o other_o there_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o self-exaltation_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n viz._n for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o have_v the_o most_o essential_a attribute_n and_o incommunicable_a honour_n which_o 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reform_a idolatry_n then_o in_o be_v it_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o introduce_v it_o into_o the_o world_n again_o for_o since_o the_o distance_n between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o worship_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n which_o do_v not_o exclude_v more_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o mediation_n of_o redemption_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o of_o intercession_n and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o understand_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o duty_n and_o a_o sin_n to_o worship_v any_o but_o the_o true_a god_n with_o proper_a divine_a worship_n for_o if_o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o give_v it_o to_o a_o creature_n than_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n still_o account_v it_o but_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v it_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n then_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v a_o sin_n be_v now_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n which_o overthrow_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o make_v idolatry_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a thing_n and_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n moral_a difficulty_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o intellectual_a because_o religion_n be_v far_o more_o design_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n than_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n and_o upon_o due_a examination_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o frightful_a appearance_n of_o difficulty_n in_o the_o mâ—stery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o those_o very_a place_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o exclude_v christ_n from_o be_v the_o true_a god_n must_v if_o they_o have_v any_o force_n exclude_v 3._o he_o from_o divine_a worship_n for_o they_o be_v 6_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o divine_a worship_n than_o neither_o be_v he_o from_o be_v the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o grant_v 65._o he_o be_v by_o office_n but_o not_o by_o nature_n but_o a_o god_n by_o office_n who_o be_v not_o so_o by_o nature_n be_v a_o new_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o not_o make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n this_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o mystery_n as_o the_o heathen_a priest_n have_v who_o have_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v i._n e._n many_o by_o office_n although_o but_o one_o by_o â—â—_o nature_n but_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v own_v one_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o only_a one_o by_o office_n the_o heathen_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v chief_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n by_o office_n and_o not_o in_o the_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o give_v to_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n blame_v the_o heathen_n for_o do_v service_n to_o they_o which_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o 8._o god_n not_o for_o do_v it_o without_o divine_a authority_n nor_o for_o mistake_v the_o person_n who_o be_v god_n by_o office_n but_o in_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o they_o who_o by_o nature_n be_v no_o god_n which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o by_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n divine_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o one_o who_o be_v not_o god_n by_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v indeed_o
and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o knock_v off_o their_o fetter_n and_o bid_v they_o be_v free_a but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o gentle_a and_o effectual_a method_n of_o persuasion_n not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o by_o his_o own_o example_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v by_o he_o to_o despise_v this_o world_n who_o have_v so_o little_a in_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o from_o whence_o he_o come_v where_o their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v unconceivable_a and_o without_o end_n iii_o the_o three_o principle_n be_v that_o no_o such_o particular_a favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o long_o as_o his_o displeasure_n be_v so_o just_a against_o mankind_n for_o sin_n and_o no_o effectual_a mean_n use_v to_o remove_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o the_o gospel_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n whether_o god_n be_v real_o displease_v with_o mankind_n for_o their_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o need_v a_o reconciliation_n for_o if_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o express_v concern_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o mankind_n for_o sin_n be_v only_o figurative_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n than_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v give_v up_o as_o a_o mere_a scheme_n for_o if_o god_n be_v not_o real_o displease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o reconciliation_n if_o no_o need_n of_o that_o than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v for_o that_o end_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o affirm_v it_o over_o and_o over_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o strong_a argument_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o most_o emphatical_a expression_n be_v so_o often_o apply_v to_o that_o purpose_n by_o such_o person_n who_o use_v all_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n so_o that_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v so_o and_o if_o nothing_o can_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v a_o write_a rule_n of_o faith_n since_o all_o write_n be_v capable_a by_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n by_o the_o different_a use_n of_o particle_n and_o transposition_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o very_o different_a interpretation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n which_o be_v rather_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v in_o reason_n suppose_v any_o such_o passion_n in_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v as_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wrath_n and_o anger_n in_o men._n for_o that_o be_v a_o violent_a perturbation_n arise_v from_o surprise_n and_o indignation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disorder_n or_o surprise_n in_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n therefore_o wrath_n in_o god_n must_v suppose_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o just_a cause_n of_o displeasure_n give_v by_o we_o 2._o such_o a_o just_a displeasure_n follow_v upon_o it_o as_o will_v end_v in_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o offender_n if_o it_o be_v not_o remove_v now_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o displeasure_n or_o not_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o natural_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o who_o exercise_v his_o reason_n can_v judge_v amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n not_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v equal_o clear_a for_o all_o proposition_n in_o mathematics_n be_v not_o so_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o the_o general_a principle_n be_v so_o and_o the_o great_a instance_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o he_o act_v as_o much_o according_a to_o reason_n in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o can_v any_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n imagine_v god_n to_o be_v as_o well_o please_v with_o he_o who_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n and_o despise_v his_o service_n and_o hate_v religion_n as_o with_o one_o that_o fear_v and_o honour_n he_o and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o can_v he_o be_v as_o well_o please_v with_o he_o that_o assassin_n his_o parent_n as_o with_o he_o that_o obey_v they_o with_o he_o that_o rob_v and_o defraud_n his_o neighbour_n as_o with_o he_o that_o relieve_v he_o in_o his_o necessity_n with_o he_o who_o subdue_v his_o disorderly_a passion_n as_o with_o he_o that_o give_v way_n to_o they_o with_o he_o who_o be_v cruel_a inhuman_a and_o perfidious_a as_o with_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a and_o compassionate_a these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o they_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o notorious_a that_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n who_o do_v not_o own_v they_o and_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n because_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o dispute_v about_o some_o thing_n account_v good_a and_o evil_a be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o day_n and_o night_n because_o in_o the_o twilight_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o god_n be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o justice_n can_v but_o be_v offend_v with_o mankind_n wilful_a omission_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v good_a and_o commission_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a but_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o god_n displeasure_n against_o the_o action_n and_o against_o the_o person_n who_o commit_v they_o the_o former_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a upon_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v for_o god_n be_v irreconcilable_a to_o sin_n but_o those_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n there_o be_v always_o a_o desert_n of_o punishment_n follow_v upon_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o inseparable_a connection_n between_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n act_v not_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o punish_v sinner_n but_o by_o the_o method_n of_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o if_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o repentance_n can_v be_v make_v agreeable_a to_o these_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o reconciliation_n for_o although_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o be_v not_o implacable_a although_o he_o be_v just_o provoke_v to_o punish_v sinner_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v nor_o any_o irreversible_a decree_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o displeasure_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o way_n still_o leave_v open_a for_o reconciliation_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o next_o iv._o the_o four_o principle_n be_v that_o if_o god_n be_v thus_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n on_o what_o term_n this_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v obtain_v for_o be_v both_o the_o offend_a party_n and_o the_o supreme_a governor_n he_o have_v the_o sole_a right_n on_o both_o account_n of_o fix_v those_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o receive_v the_o offender_n into_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o attribute_n of_o god_n against_o another_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v easy_o forgive_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v merciful_a but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v not_o forgive_v because_o he_o be_v just_a as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v because_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o consider_a man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o to_o god_n forgive_n his_o sin_n unless_o he_o be_v some_o way_n assure_v from_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o particular_a revelation_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v make_v if_o god_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o forgiveness_n but_o mere_a repentance_n can_v never_o make_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n suppose_v a_o sinner_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v offend_v god_n so_o many_o way_n and_o with_o
of_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v less_o of_o time_n and_o deliberation_n and_o contrivance_n in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o but_o when_o anger_n go_v inward_a instead_o of_o break_v forth_o when_o it_o get_v to_o the_o heart_n it_o than_o degenerate_v into_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o then_o it_o have_v the_o great_a aggravation_n go_v along_o with_o it_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o commit_v if_o it_o be_v commit_v presumptuous_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o aggravate_v and_o that_o consist_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o the_o low_a degree_n of_o presumption_n be_v when_o a_o sin_n be_v commit_v of_o set_a purpose_n not_o only_o with_o deliberation_n but_o with_o contrivance_n design_n and_o resolution_n thus_o by_o the_o law_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n presumptuous_o when_o he_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o do_v it_o 14._o thus_o the_o psalmist_n oppose_v presumptuous_a sin_n to_o those_o which_o be_v commit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o will_n bend_v and_o set_v 13._o to_o commit_v sin_n there_o must_v be_v a_o inward_a and_o secret_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n as_o nehemiah_n express_v the_o presumptuous_a sin_v of_o their_o forefather_n 17._o they_o deal_v proud_o and_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o hearkend_v not_o to_o the_o commandment_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o sin_n there_o man_n be_v say_v to_o sin_n presumptuous_o if_o it_o be_v do_v with_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n this_o the_o scripture_n call_v sin_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o such_o who_o do_v be_v say_v 30._o to_o reproach_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o say_v maimonides_n 41._o be_v beyond_o sin_v out_o of_o inclination_n or_o from_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n or_o custom_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o bring_v the_o law_n of_o god_n into_o contempt_n and_o dishonour_n and_o this_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o sin_v wilful_o which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o 26._o hebrew_n speak_v of_o whereby_o they_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o imply_v a_o malicious_a design_n to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o as_o to_o infirmity_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a state_n the_o meaning_n be_v what_o those_o fail_n be_v which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o resolve_v this_o we_o have_v but_o one_o certain_a rule_n that_o be_v whatever_o fail_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v allow_v for_o infirmity_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o infirmity_n be_v oppose_v to_o such_o sin_n as_o put_v those_o who_o commit_v they_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n if_o god_n be_v so_o strict_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o require_v perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o allowance_n for_o infirmity_n because_o even_o those_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o deviation_n from_o a_o perfect_a rule_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v exact_a to_o mark_v all_o irregularity_n or_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o 3._o who_o can_v stand_v before_o his_o tribunal_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n to_o pray_v with_o the_o psalmist_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o 2._o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v for_o if_o god_n be_v so_o severe_a to_o make_v no_o abatement_n for_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v save_v but_o what_o then_o do_v the_o gospel_n mean_v with_o all_o its_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o hope_n it_o give_v of_o eternal_a life_n if_o christ_n own_o disciple_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o allowance_n make_v for_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o find_v they_o often_o charge_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o mean_v their_o vain_a and_o eager_a dispute_n about_o superiority_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o that_o at_o the_o most_o unseasonable_a time_n when_o they_o be_v at_o table_n with_o he_o just_a before_o his_o suffer_v lord_n what_o a_o time_n be_v this_o for_o they_o to_o contend_v who_o shall_v be_v account_v 2d_o the_o great_a what_o mean_v that_o passionate_a zeal_n in_o james_n and_o john_n to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o 4._o samaritan_n when_o they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a disrespect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o make_v they_o so_o rude_a but_o the_o common_a quarrel_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n how_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_v be_v they_o liable_a to_o even_o while_o our_o saviour_n teach_v they_o and_o those_o about_o very_o weighty_a point_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n what_o fear_n and_o dejection_n and_o disorder_n be_v they_o all_o under_o upon_o our_o saviour_n apprehension_n though_o but_o a_o little_a before_o they_o have_v all_o resolve_v to_o die_v with_o he_o rather_o than_o forsake_v he_o what_o be_v there_o now_o under_o all_o these_o infirmity_n which_o make_v these_o disciple_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n nothing_o certain_o but_o their_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n which_o they_o manifest_v before_o by_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o he_o and_o afterward_o by_o continue_v to_o serve_v he_o so_o that_o our_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o whatever_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o do_v his_o will_n will_v be_v allow_v for_o infirmity_n under_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n for_o such_o irregularity_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n to_o make_v this_o rule_n more_o useful_a we_o must_v consider_v 1._o what_o fail_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o it_o 2._o what_o sort_n of_o fail_n be_v consistent_a 1._o what_o fail_n be_v not_o consistent_a and_o those_o be_v of_o three_o kind_n 1._o such_o as_o come_v from_o a_o habitual_a carelessness_n or_o a_o general_n neglect_v of_o our_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n when_o person_n do_v not_o regard_v what_o duty_n they_o omit_v or_o what_o sin_n they_o practice_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o true_a love_n to_o god_n or_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o spring_v from_o thence_o be_v a_o care_n to_o please_v god_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o regard_v no_o more_o than_o how_o to_o live_v easy_o and_o pleasant_o in_o it_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o avoid_v great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n but_o never_o mind_n inward_a and_o secret_a sin_n such_o as_o evil_a habit_n the_o violence_n of_o passion_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o please_a temptation_n of_o a_o deceitful_a world_n without_o serious_a consider_v or_o look_v into_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o may_v be_v very_o vain_a and_o sensual_a and_o therefore_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v not_o remarkable_a for_o profaneness_n or_o any_o gross_a impiety_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o spiritual_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n to_o qualify_v person_n for_o heaven_n and_o where_o ever_o that_o be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a care_n to_o avoid_v be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o a_o allure_a and_o sinful_a world_n 2._o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v those_o who_o commit_v they_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o these_o st._n james_n his_o rule_n be_v whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o 10._o this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o severe_a doctrine_n now_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o by_o one_o point_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o one_o act_n of_o sin_n for_o he_o say_v afterward_o that_o in_o 2._o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o but_o he_o mean_v any_o one_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o know_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o common_a doctrine_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o a_o person_n be_v remarkable_a for_o keep_v
mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n although_o artificial_o couch_v by_o wayâ—_n of_o insinuation_n and_o address_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o suppose_v it_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o for_o no_o tradition_n of_o father_n no_o conjecture_n of_o philosopher_n no_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n to_o build_v such_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o nothing_o short_a of_o the_o promise_v make_v of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n start_v by_o he_o to_o disturb_v and_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o our_o father_n i._n e._n it_o be_v involve_v and_o imply_v in_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o happiness_n to_o come_v by_o he_o which_o be_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o full_a and_o complete_a enjoyment_n whereof_o must_v suppose_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 3._o it_o be_v not_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n which_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n put_v it_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a wherein_o the_o apostle_n have_v show_v we_o the_o true_a method_n of_o assert_v and_o defend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n not_o to_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v thing_n by_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o but_o first_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n from_o reason_n which_o can_v make_v that_o revelation_n incredible_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a here_o mention_v and_o that_o 1._o in_o general_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o more_o particular_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o 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way_n i_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o incredible_a as_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o employ_v his_o infinite_a power_n as_o often_o as_o a_o priest_n shall_v think_v fit_a by_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o consecration_n and_o we_o never_o find_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o scripture_n the_o infinite_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n tie_v to_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o word_n and_o that_o to_o no_o spiritual_a end_n viz._n either_o for_o the_o conviction_n conversion_n or_o sanctification_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o other_o mean_v more_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a be_v appoint_v but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o to_o be_v such_o that_o we_o may_v just_o suppose_v that_o if_o god_n will_v employ_v his_o infinite_a power_n it_o will_v be_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n the_o hour_n be_v come_v say_v christ_n in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v 29._o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n can_v we_o imagine_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o a_o more_o suitable_a end_n to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o act_v over_o again_o all_o that_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o vice_n which_o they_o live_v in_o now_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o power_n over_o all_o the_o scatter_a atom_n of_o our_o body_n and_o that_o he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v fetch_v they_o of_o their_o secret_a repository_n and_o dispose_v and_o unite_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o same_o body_n it_o be_v not_o to_o convince_v then_o the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n when_o they_o see_v that_o effect_v which_o they_o before_o think_v incredible_a for_o they_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v now_o upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o god_n have_v give_v so_o as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o great_a day_n shall_v then_o be_v force_v both_o to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v although_o then_o we_o do_v own_o that_o without_o god_n infinite_a power_n we_o look_v on_o the_o resurrection_n as_o impossible_a yet_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o doctrine_n since_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v so_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ancient_a father_n who_o discourse_v much_o to_o the_o heathen_n upon_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o they_o think_v one_o of_o the_o most_o incredible_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v make_v use_n of_o many_o comparison_n and_o similitude_n from_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o strict_a proof_n but_o as_o 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power_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v as_o spiritual_a as_o body_n 42._o can_v be_v i._n e._n without_o corruption_n and_o decay_n without_o weariness_n and_o pain_n without_o any_o of_o those_o infirmity_n which_o make_v life_n so_o uneasy_a here_o sometime_o here_o the_o mind_n have_v such_o a_o load_n upon_o it_o that_o make_v the_o body_n sink_v under_o its_o weight_n but_o there_o the_o perfect_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o body_n here_o the_o most_o refine_a pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v such_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o brisk_a and_o uniform_a motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n but_o then_o the_o spirit_n and_o joy_n of_o another_o world_n will_v afford_v such_o delight_n as_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o present_a imagination_n such_o delight_n which_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o constant_a without_o interruption_n and_o without_o end_n for_o in_o that_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o sermon_n xiii_o preach_v at_o worcester_z august_n the_o 17_o 1690._o eccles._n vii_o 16._o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o neither_o make_v thyself_o â—over_o wise_a why_o shall_v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o danger_n of_o that_o in_o such_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age_n as_o we_o live_v in_o and_o if_o our_o preach_v aught_o to_o be_v about_o the_o most_o seasonable_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sin_n one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o text_n in_o scripture_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o preach_v upon_o but_o such_o a_o imagination_n arise_v from_o not_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n for_o if_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o that_o which_o solomon_n call_v so_o viz._n the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o these_o expression_n with_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n for_o after_o all_o the_o representation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o this_o life_n he_o conclude_v thus_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n and_o he_o give_v a_o most_o weighty_a reason_n for_o it_o 14._o for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a but_o then_o how_o can_v any_o man_n fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n too_o much_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a be_v understanding_n but_o how_o 10._o can_v any_o be_v over_o wise_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v general_o take_v by_o solomon_n for_o a_o true_o good_a man_n so_o ver._n 15._o there_o be_v a_o just_a man_n that_o perish_v in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o prolong_v his_o life_n in_o his_o wickedness_n where_o the_o opposition_n be_v plain_a between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o wicked_a man._n how_o then_o can_v any_o one_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o and_o if_o not_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a who_o despise_v all_o religion_n and_o think_v it_o useful_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n life_n uncomfortable_a to_o they_o and_o so_o to_o shorten_v their_o day_n and_o that_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o by_o show_v that_o wickedness_n do_v much_o rather_o do_v it_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o that_o very_o considerable_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o wickedness_n do_v man_n more_o mischief_n as_o to_o this_o world_n than_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o severe_a piety_n which_o although_o it_o seem_v uneasy_a to_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o it_o as_o wickedness_n be_v and_o rather_o tend_v to_o support_v it_o by_o take_v off_o all_o such_o extravagancy_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o shorten_v and_o destroy_v man_n life_n by_o their_o procure_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o come_v in_o as_o speak_v by_o another_o person_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o it_o be_v the_o supposition_n that_o take_v they_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v several_a account_n give_v of_o they_o if_o we_o take_v they_o as_o speak_v by_o solomon_n in_o his_o own_o name_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o providence_n 2._o to_o religion_n 3._o to_o moral_a righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n 1._o they_o must_v seem_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v verse_n 15._o be_v not_o too_o strict_a and_o severe_a in_o pass_v judgement_n on_o god_n providence_n be_v not_o more_o righteous_a and_o wise_a than_o god_n be_v do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o he_o do_v pry_v not_o too_o far_o into_o those_o mystery_n which_o be_v too_o deep_a for_o you_o why_o shall_v thou_o confound_v thyself_o so_o some_o interpret_v the_o latter_a word_n 2._o they_o may_v refer_v to_o religion_n but_o then_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o what_o be_v true_o and_o real_o so_o but_o of_o what_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o and_o man_n may_v esteem_v themselves_o very_o much_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o for_o although_o man_n can_v exceed_v in_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o may_v and_o often_o do_v mistake_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n and_o bound_n of_o what_o they_o account_v duty_n of_o religion_n 3._o they_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n for_o that_o righteousness_n which_o man_n be_v to_o show_v towards_o each_o other_o both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o that_o wisdom_n which_o mankind_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o a_o moral_a virtue_n and_o in_o both_o these_o there_o be_v extreme_n to_o be_v avoid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o nor_o to_o make_v themselves_o over_o wise_a there_o be_v three_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o for_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n 1._o how_o we_o may_v exceed_v our_o bound_n concern_v the_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n 2._o how_o with_o respect_n to_o religion_n 3._o how_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o providence_n the_o great_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o what_o the_o 2._o wise_a man_n say_v afterward_o that_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o seem_v hard_a to_o reconcile_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n but_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o forbear_v censure_v and_o pry_v too_o far_o into_o these_o matter_n from_o these_o consideration_n 1._o god_n be_v not_o accountable_a to_o we_o for_o what_o he_o do_v the_o psalmist_n tell_v 6._o we_o god_n judgement_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o pretend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n above_o other_o cry_v out_o how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o we_o ought_v rather_o 33._o to_o admire_v than_o to_o search_v into_o what_o he_o declare_v unsearchable_a and_o to_o sit_v down_o patient_a under_o our_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v his_o way_n be_v pastâ—_n find_v out_o the_o wise_a and_o righteous_a god_n have_v reason_n and_o method_n of_o act_v far_o above_o our_o reach_n and_o we_o do_v but_o show_v our_o own_o folly_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o 2._o we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o providence_n be_v righteous_a and_o wise_a although_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o for_o as_o abraham_n say_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v 25._o right_a he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n can_v act_n