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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n great_a holy_a see_v 3,964 5 3.2444 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38031 Sermons on special occasions and subjects ... by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1698 (1698) Wing E211; ESTC R39657 221,769 511

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a_o curious_a and_o close_a enquiry_n but_o this_o be_v most_o true_a that_o modesty_n be_v the_o most_o commendable_a virtue_n here_o the●doret_n say_v well_o genes_n i_o think_v it_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v peremptory_o concern_v those_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n deliver_v nothing_o plain_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o deliver_v all_o thing_n with_o equal_a evidence_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o undertake_v to_o make_v every_o thing_n plain_a and_o demonstrable_a or_o why_o be_v we_o angry_a if_o other_o think_v some_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o those_o word_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o one_o of_o st._n ierom_n epistle_n be_v admirable_a and_o be_v worth_a the_o observation_n of_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v student_n of_o divinity_n perscrutamur_fw-la when_o we_o search_v say_v he_o with_o too_o much_o nicety_n and_o curiosity_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o know_v but_o have_v purposely_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o 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and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v 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such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o 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mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
and_o not_o to_o answer_v or_o account_v for_o all_o his_o matter_n as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o though_o we_o demand_v a_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v because_o as_o it_o be_v right_o suggest_v by_o the_o same_o pious_a observer_n god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n v_o 12._o he_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o nature_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unsufferable_a boldness_n to_o search_v into_o his_o divine_a secret_n and_o to_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o infinite_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n we_o hence_o be_v effectual_o teach_v that_o god_n be_v not_o like_o one_o of_o we_o that_o his_o essence_n and_o property_n be_v of_o a_o immense_a and_o unsearchable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o even_o concern_v visible_a and_o natural_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o 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industrious_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n into_o the_o holy_a oracle_n where_o these_o infallible_a dictate_v be_v for_o as_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v abstruse_a and_o perplex_v to_o check_v our_o negligence_n and_o oscitancy_n our_o carelessness_n end_n unconcernedness_n and_o to_o rouse_v our_o industry_n and_o encourage_v our_o pain_n and_o study_n for_o those_o portion_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v contain_v will_v abundant_o employ_v these_o and_o recompense_v our_o labour_n even_o on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v fit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o mystery_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n 4._o the_o chief_a and_o grand_a reason_n to_o be_v assign_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o which_o i_o will_v more_o ample_o insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o render_v they_o mysterious_a and_o difficult_a 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the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v above_o be_v describe_v which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o for_o if_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v not_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a it_o will_v not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v therefore_o he_o that_o expect_v this_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v clear_a fancy_n a_o impossibility_n both_o as_o to_o the_o trinity_n itself_o and_o as_o to_o we_o for_o this_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a trin-vnity_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n unsearchable_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o finite_a and_o imperfect_a understanding_n be_v much_o more_o so_o wherefore_o those_o proposition_n which_o belong_v to_o this_o infinite_a subject_n must_v needs_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o grasp_v these_o thing_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v of_o so_o elevate_v a_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v with_o reason_n imagine_v or_o expect_v this_o and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o from_o this_o one_o consideration_n which_o i_o will_v somewhat_o enlarge_v upon_o viz._n that_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a degree_n such_o as_o the_o common_a work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a world_n have_v raise_v great_a dispute_n and_o after_o all_o the_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o they_o remain_z still_o hide_v and_o obscure_a how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o obscurity_n a_o acute_a naturalist_n speak_v of_o thing_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n tell_v we_o 7._o that_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o science_n but_o content_v himself_o with_o bare_a guess_v for_o god_n say_v he_o have_v not_o lay_v open_v all_o thing_n to_o humane_a sight_n and_o perception_n there_o be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o this_o great_a work_n which_o the_o wise_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v think_v good_a to_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n thus_o this_o great_a philosopher_n ingenuous_o own_v his_o ignorance_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o wise_a disposal_n of_o heaven_n that_o note_a and_o trite_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n or_o quality_n have_v pose_v all_o the_o learned_a head_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o upon_o this_o one_o property_n of_o matter_n depend_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o geometry_n and_o all_o the_o mathematic_a art_n and_o science_n which_o above_o all_o other_o boast_v of_o their_o certainty_n and_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o to_o this_o very_a day_n unanimous_o agree_v what_o the_o true_a scheme_n of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o universe_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o well_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v tell_v whereabout_o
to_o defame_v libel_n and_o blaspheme_v christianity_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o reason_n to_o make_v void_a their_o faith_n but_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o hinder_v by_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n submission_n to_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n by_o a_o free_a resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o article_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o attest_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o infallible_a write_n which_o even_a reason_n itself_o dictate_v to_o be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v they_o never_o so_o perplex_v and_o mysterious_a nor_o do_v this_o introduce_v a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n defend_v for_o when_o we_o resign_v up_o our_o judgement_n to_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o only_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o they_o which_o make_v it_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a proselyte_n who_o be_v bid_v to_o swallow_v down_o whatever_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o warrant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o crude_a method_n prescribe_v we_o be_v to_o 11._o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o see_v since_o the_o revolt_n and_o original_a depravation_n of_o man_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o revelation_n to_o direct_v we_o right_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o bare_a suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n in_o those_o point_n yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o because_o they_o be_v found_v on_o scripture_n which_o be_v divine_o inspire_v this_o principle_n in_o we_o assure_v we_o that_o though_o we_o can_v full_o explain_v these_o thing_n by_o reason_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n yea_o notwithstanding_o those_o point_n seem_v to_o thwart_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o be_v whole_o and_o entire_o we_o those_o grand_a article_n which_o our_o antagonist_n renounce_v be_v find_v there_o particular_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a and_o celebrate_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mention_v one_o will_v think_v it_o may_v suffice_v that_o this_o be_v so_o direct_o so_o plain_o so_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v three_o express_o name_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o divinity_n be_v ascribe_v and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o to_o be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o these_o three_o distinct_a hypostasis_n be_v one_o entire_a indivisible_a essence_n be_v a_o ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n yet_o though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o yet_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o socinian_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o brag_v that_o they_o be_v a_o 9_o accountable_a and_o reasonable_a faith_n when_o it_o absolute_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v by_o that_o learned_a writer_n who_o i_o before_o quote_v who_o have_v the_o repute_n even_o among_o these_o man_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a reason_n and_o sense_n speak_v of_o they_o he_o 6._o thus_o express_v himself_o their_o opinion_n i_o look_v upon_o as_o fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o christianity_n itself_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o express_a than_o that_o viz._n the_o trinity_n in_o those_o write_n and_o therefore_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o deny_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o if_o they_o will_v pretend_v they_o can_v interpret_v thing_n there_o so_o as_o to_o evade_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o think_v they_o may_v evade_v any_o and_o so_o still_o the_o sacred_a writ_n shall_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n and_o signify_v nothing_o which_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o enervate_n of_o our_o faith_n these_o be_v very_o weighty_a word_n and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o our_o adversary_n because_o they_o come_v from_o one_o of_o a_o large_a compass_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o great_a asserter_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o these_o gentleman_n pretend_v much_o to_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v so_o too_o if_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o also_o must_v be_v embrace_v and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o all_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n that_o have_v have_v a_o reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o steady_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n of_o jesus_n and_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o have_v with_o invincible_a force_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o question_v not_o but_o those_o violent_a effort_n and_o insult_v which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v make_v against_o it_o in_o this_o present_a age_n will_v prove_v vain_a and_o successless_a though_o we_o have_v see_v the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o yet_o it_o shall_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o same_o rock_n on_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v viz._n the_o confession_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v the_o very_a same_o stable_a foundation_n and_o therefore_o be_v impregnable_a let_v this_o then_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v i_o say_v they_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v because_o the_o book_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o but_o they_o be_v not_o full_o know_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v found_v we_o discern_v not_o the_o foot_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v this_o from_o we_o but_o then_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a because_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o something_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o intricate_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a caution_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n 14._o nunquid_fw-la ideo_fw-la negandum_fw-la quod_fw-la apertum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la comprehendi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la occultum_fw-la est_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o perspicuous_a and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o command_v our_o assent_n though_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n appertain_v to_o divine_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o at_o least_o if_o we_o can_v clear_v they_o up_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v the_o grand_a truth_n themselves_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abandon_v because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a level_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o render_v a_o punctual_a account_n of_o they_o because_o we_o can_v perfect_o gauge_v they_o and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n in_o a_o word_n because_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a volume_n
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 other_o as_o the_o gold_n which_o have_v pass_v the_o refiner_n fire_n and_o have_v the_o royal_a stamp_n upon_o it_o outbid_v the_o common_a ore_n and_o shame_v its_o dross_n and_o mean_a alloy_n you_o see_v then_o which_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o truth_n viz._n reason_n and_o revelation_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o scripture_n and_o i_o dare_v confident_o aver_v that_o if_o our_o inquiry_n and_o determination_n in_o religion_n be_v faithful_o manage_v by_o these_o two_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fail_v of_o truth_n if_o we_o will_v but_o act_v thus_o as_o man_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o can_v miss_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o purchase_n of_o all_o those_o who_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o their_o rational_a power_n and_o also_o help_v and_o direct_v those_o power_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o these_o two_o we_o may_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v abide_v the_o test._n by_o these_o standard_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o seducer_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o adulterate_a if_o we_o will_v sincere_o follow_v these_o rule_n the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n among_o we_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v if_o we_o will_v faithful_o take_v these_o measure_n i.e._n always_o be_v rule_v and_o conduct_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v easy_o agree_v upon_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o assert_v in_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n will_v vanish_v now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o pilate_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o another_o near_o a_o kin_n to_o it_o viz._n what_o be_v error_n and_o falsehood_n all_o proposition_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notice_n and_o first_o principle_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o affront_n right_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a deduction_n make_v from_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o on_o the_o same_o account_n those_o assertion_n which_o overthrow_v the_o verdict_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o much_o more_o those_o that_o imply_v contradiction_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o impossibility_n can_v be_v true_a and_o on_o these_o ground_n i_o may_v show_v that_o the_o divinity_n of_o some_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n concern_v transubstantiation_n be_v just_o to_o be_v impeach_v of_o falsehood_n again_o whatsoever_o assertion_n in_o any_o religion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o divine_a revelation_n to_o god_n will_n declare_v by_o some_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o discovery_n as_o be_v know_v to_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n these_o must_v necessary_o be_v false_a and_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometan_n must_v be_v vote_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o oppose_v a_o infallible_a revelation_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n and_o semblable_o in_o christianity_n all_o those_o tenant_n of_o several_a sect_n which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o roman_a opinion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o pelagian_n socinian_o anabaptist_n antinomian_o libertine_n quaker_n hobbians_n etc._n etc._n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a thus_o far_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_n we_o have_v advance_v that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a claim_n and_o pretence_n to_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o judge_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o inspire_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n they_o be_v the_o fix_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o then_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o question_n and_o debate_n of_o religion_n scripture_n be_v quote_v with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o confidence_n on_o all_o side_n as_o if_o what_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n say_v of_o scripture_n that_o it_o have_v seventy-two_a face_n be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o christian_n nay_o some_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o strange_a way_n of_o interpret_n it_o that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a aspect_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v dispute_n about_o scripture-interpretation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v how_o can_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v truth_n by_o consult_v of_o scripture_n when_o as_o that_o be_v dubious_a and_o uncertain_a if_o contrary_a sect_n and_o party_n quote_v it_o and_o plead_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unerring_a guide_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o all_o opinionist_n even_o the_o wild_a of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n yea_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o turk_n alcoran_n be_v express_a word_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n i_o say_v since_o scripture_n be_v quote_v by_o satan_n himself_o who_o when_o he_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n misapply_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n but_o particular_o to_o satisfy_v this_o great_a and_o affright_v difficulty_n we_o may_v inform_v ourselves_o that_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v five_o sort_n of_o inquiry_n and_o doctrine_n now_o i_o will_v brief_o show_v how_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n i._o some_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o mystical_a and_o profound_a and_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v not_o explain_v they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v it_o such_o difficult_a and_o sublime_a doctrine_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n i.e._n a_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o know_v by_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sojourn_v on_o earth_n these_o be_v like_o the_o book_n in_o the_o revelation_n 6._o which_o none_o be_v able_a to_o open_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o the_o lamb._n and_o see_v he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o unfold_v they_o to_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o adore_v they_o but_o not_o be_v solicitous_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v this_o that_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v believe_v on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o it_o argue_v infidelity_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o god_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v not_o discover_v therefore_o i_o be_o oblige_v not_o to_o pry_v into_o they_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o origen_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o believe_v some_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v object_v to_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n their_o complaint_n against_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o ●_o examine_v not_o but_o believe_v here_o likewise_o i_o may_v rank_v some_o insuperable_a problem_n concern_v the_o divine_a decree_n and_o predestination_n the_o abstruseness_n of_o which_o forbid_v
hear_v person_n of_o different_a judgement_n cite_v the_o same_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n shall_v not_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o because_o that_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o party_n shall_v prepare_v themselves_o for_o battle_n and_o dispute_v with_o so_o much_o fierceness_n and_o rage_n as_o general_o they_o do_v i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v and_o commend_v the_o excellent_a candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o first_o pious_a reformer_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o such_o article_n as_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a have_v not_o show_v themselves_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a rigid_a and_o magisterial_a have_v not_o wound_v up_o the_o string_n too_o high_a lest_o they_o shall_v mar_v the_o harmony_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o where_o the_o argument_n be_v deem_v to_o be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n they_o have_v allow_v we_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n and_o permit_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n severe_o and_o indispensable_o urge_v upon_o we_o all_o article_n that_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n and_o which_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o rank_n of_o principle_n in_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a and_o of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o reparation_n make_v by_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o justification_n by_o his_o blood_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o those_o substantial_a article_n of_o faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o christian_a verity_n and_o these_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a in_o god_n word_n and_o have_v plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o have_v not_o renounce_v the_o christian_a profession_n here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a use_n and_o guidance_n of_o scripture_n and_o for_o that_o plain_a direction_n which_o it_o give_v we_o in_o these_o we_o be_v to_o prize_n and_o value_v it_o as_o the_o rich_a treasure_n nay_o as_o the_o only_a treasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o from_o this_o inspire_a book_n alone_o we_o have_v these_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a doctrine_n they_o be_v original_o in_o no_o other_o write_n in_o the_o world_n but_o these_o wherefore_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o grand_a truth_n as_o the_o main_a and_o necessary_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o as_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o be_v indispensable_o concern_v in_o as_o for_o those_o text_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a or_o which_o relate_v not_o to_o faith_n or_o manner_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v let_v we_o not_o be_v displease_v that_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v strange_a that_o interpreter_n vary_v here_o and_o can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o place_n say_v thus_o st._n augustin_n otherwise_o and_o st._n chrisostom_n vary_v from_o both_o and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o four_o differ_v from_o these_o and_o a_o five_o come_v and_o diffent_n from_o they_o all_o this_o do_v not_o offend_v i_o in_o the_o least_o for_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v abstruse_a or_o speak_v in_o a_o obscure_a and_o dark_a manner_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o plain_a discovery_n of_o those_o passage_n and_o consequent_o that_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v treat_v of_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o exposition_n let_v not_o this_o trouble_v we_o for_o it_o be_v god_n will_n there_o shall_v be_v these_o difficulty_n in_o scripture_n and_o he_o have_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o certain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o place_n but_o this_o shall_v satisfy_v we_o that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v plain_o reveal_v declare_v and_o write_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v that_o if_o christian_a man_n will_v read_v the_o bible_n to_o learn_v thence_o these_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o not_o to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o dispute_n they_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a people_n under_o heaven_n and_o be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a to_o the_o great_a which_o be_v the_o unbelieve_a part_v of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o dissension_n and_o disagreement_n o_o when_o will_v that_o bless_a day_n come_v when_o rectify_v and_o unbiased_a reason_n and_o the_o plain_a arbitrement_n of_o scripture_n shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n in_o christendom_n if_o these_o be_v once_o admit_v as_o impartial_a umpire_n they_o will_v make_v short_a work_n of_o all_o the_o quarrel_n about_o religion_n namely_o by_o pronounce_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v vain_a jangle_n and_o most_o of_o they_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a by_o assure_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o if_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n and_o vile-affection_n nothing_o will_v appear_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o undisputable_a as_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n abovenamed_a and_o that_o all_o who_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o profess_v these_o necessary_a and_o unquestionable_a maxim_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v wary_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o determination_n concern_v other_o proposition_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o circumstantial_a it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o or_o mutual_o agree_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o where_o then_o be_v there_o any_o place_n leave_v for_o uncharitable_a dispute_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n no_o where_o certain_o but_o where_o mere_a wilfulness_n and_o perverseness_n reign_v for_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n easie_n and_o intelligible_a have_v we_o not_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o reason_n the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o moreover_o have_v we_o not_o the_o infallible_a oracle_n and_o inspire_a write_n to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_v have_v we_o not_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o exalt_v our_o natural_a notion_n have_v not_o the_o divine_a goodness_n bless_v we_o with_o abundant_a discovery_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o more_o especial_o from_o the_o latter_a that_o complete_a body_n of_o divine_a law_n that_o authentic_a volume_n of_o religion_n that_o inestimable_a treasury_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v sincere_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o renew_v this_o demand_n what_o be_v truth_n now_o to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o father_n of_o light_n and_o to_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o grace_n be_v ascribe_v everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n amen_n why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o judge_n at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n psalm_n lxxxii_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o you_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n this_o psalm_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v style_v the_o judge_n or_o magistrate_n psalm_n for_o of_o they_o it_o speak_v and_o for_o they_o it_o be_v pen_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o dignity_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o discharge_v their_o office_n which_o be_v brief_o sum_v up_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o verse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v likewise_o that_o heaven_n itself_o have_v vouch_v their_o function_n and_o authorize_v their_o profession_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ascertain_v that_o those_o of_o their_o eminent_a rank_n and_o quality_n be_v under_o the_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v god_n charge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o go_n i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v go_n in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o follow_a one_o which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o general_a part_n viz._n a_o concession_n and_o a_o correction_n one_a a_o honourable_a concession_n of_o
ruler_n require_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o be_v lawless_n himself_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o manlike_a spirit_n his_o conscience_n must_v needs_o buffet_v he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o ingenuity_n yet_o remain_v he_o can_v but_o labour_v under_o great_a uneasiness_n and_o reluctancy_n the_o next_o consideration_n be_v this_o that_o magistrate_n be_v to_o punish_v other_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o upright_a themselves_o it_o be_v say_v of_o cato_n the_o censor_n that_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o own_o life_n make_v he_o a_o bold_a severe_a and_o rigid_a animadverter_n on_o other_o and_o so_o every_o governor_n may_v with_o confidence_n and_o authority_n restrain_v and_o correct_v vice_n in_o other_o when_o he_o permit_v it_o not_o in_o himself_o but_o how_o can_v he_o punish_v offence_n that_o commit_v they_o with_o what_o face_n can_v he_o be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o that_o which_o he_o animadvert_v upon_o and_o severe_o chastise_n in_o other_o for_o this_o reason_n a_o ruler_n shall_v be_v exceed_o wary_a in_o his_o life_n and_o manner_n again_o by_o his_o effectual_a influence_n on_o other_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o action_n will_v be_v interpret_v he_o their_o good_a deed_n will_v be_v reckon_v so_o because_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o how_o joyful_a a_o reflection_n must_v this_o need_v be_v that_o the_o virtuous_a act_n of_o so_o many_o person_n be_v esteem_v as_o his_o own_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o evil_a action_n and_o enormity_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o he_o make_v they_o bad_a by_o his_o example_n this_o must_v needs_o lie_v very_o heavy_a on_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v hence_o that_o those_o who_o preside_v over_o other_o be_v huge_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o their_o life_n moreover_o this_o may_v be_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o devil_n the_o malicious_a spirit_n of_o darkness_n chief_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o corrupt_v of_o governor_n and_o those_o in_o high_a place_n fight_v neither_o against_o small_a nor_o great_a but_o against_o the_o king_n against_o ruler_n and_o potentate_n be_v the_o maxim_n of_o that_o infernal_a politician_n we_o read_v act_n xiii_o 8._o that_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n seek_v to_o turn_v away_o sergius_n paulus_n the_o deputy_n the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o country_n from_o the_o faith_n if_o he_o can_v pervert_v he_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v gain_v other_o fast_o enough_o that_o which_o be_v nero_n bloody_a wish_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n have_v but_o one_o neck_n that_o he_o may_v cut_v it_o off_o at_o one_o blow_n the_o same_o in_o some_o kind_n be_v satan_n constant_a endeavour_n viz._n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o head_n and_o governor_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o people_n whilst_o by_o his_o wicked_a example_n he_o debauch_n all_o that_o be_v under_o he_o a_o magistrate_n for_o this_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o observant_a of_o his_o action_n thereby_o to_o defeat_v and_o baffle_v the_o design_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o proposition_n which_o i_o found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n now_o i_o will_v offer_v some_o seasonable_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v first_o let_v those_o in_o authority_n check_v and_o reprove_v themselves_o if_o they_o find_v that_o their_o life_n be_v evil_a and_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v example_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n they_o have_v teach_v other_o by_o their_o practice_n to_o act_v wicked_o and_o profane_o when_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n heretofore_o to_o make_v god_n some_o great_a man_n will_v needs_o practise_v this_o upon_o themselves_o and_o then_o they_o think_v they_o have_v a_o licence_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o too_o many_o though_o not_o of_o pagan_a principle_n be_v see_v to_o imitate_v they_o too_o much_o whilst_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v god_n they_o take_v liberty_n to_o act_v that_o which_o be_v unworthy_a of_o man_n and_o whereas_o they_o shall_v punish_v vice_n they_o be_v themselves_o example_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a and_o abominable_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v magistrate_n ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v of_o it_o you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o your_o authority_n cancel_v your_o obligation_n to_o virtue_n and_o that_o your_o greatness_n compound_v for_o your_o wickedness_n reckon_v not_o that_o you_o have_v a_o advantage_n above_o other_o to_o do_v ill_o and_o go_v unpunished_a think_v of_o this_o that_o your_o quality_n do_v not_o annihilate_v or_o extenuate_v your_o fault_n but_o huge_o aggravate_v and_o inhanse_v they_o there_o be_v a_o evil_n that_o i_o have_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n say_v solomon_n a_o error_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o ruler_n and_o it_o be_v his_o fault_n as_o he_o add_v that_o folly_n be_v set_v in_o great_a dignity_n as_o you_o read_v eccl._n x._o 5_o 6._o thus_o this_o great_a monarch_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o reprove_v the_o evil_a behaviour_n of_o crown_v head_n and_o of_o subordinate_a governor_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o your_o place_n give_v you_o leave_v to_o do_v what_o you_o will_n but_o rather_o persuade_v yourselves_o of_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v exalt_v palace_n above_o cottage_n and_o magistrate_n above_o the_o common_a people_n be_v the_o transcendency_n of_o their_o virtue_n second_o then_o as_o you_o be_v desirous_a to_o do_v any_o good_a in_o your_o place_n be_v careful_a that_o your_o life_n be_v virtuous_a and_o exemplary_a the_o advice_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n to_o a_o person_n in_o authority_n shall_v be_v i_o to_o you_o orat._n set_v yourselves_o pattern_n to_o other_o in_o sobriety_n and_o all_o other_o commendable_a quality_n know_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o behaviour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n remember_v that_o your_o action_n be_v all_o take_a notice_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v imitate_v take_v heed_n that_o you_o soil_v not_o your_o worthy_a endowment_n and_o good_a action_n with_o other_o that_o be_v unblamable_a as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o julius_n cesar_n stain_v his_o valour_n and_o great_a learning_n with_o prodigality_n and_o lasciviousness_n his_o successor_n augustus_n taint_v his_o liberality_n and_o clemency_n with_o impatience_n and_o envy_n vespasian_n cloud_v his_o good_a nature_n and_o prowess_n with_o avarice_n and_o trajan_n sully_v his_o justice_n and_o affability_n with_o his_o cruelty_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n at_o home_n our_o king_n henry_n vii_o eclipse_v his_o wisdom_n by_o his_o covetousness_n let_v 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unsuitable_a to_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n three_o garment_n be_v for_o defence_n and_o protection_n those_o primitive_a one_o of_o skin_n not_o dress_v but_o raw_a it_o be_v likely_a serve_v for_o this_o purpose_n also_o for_o they_o be_v so_o wear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o cool_v in_o summer_n but_o warm_a in_o winter_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o year_n have_v its_o vicissitude_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a these_o skin_n be_v a_o cool_a sort_n of_o garment_n viz._n when_o they_o wear_v the_o plain_a and_o smooth_a side_n next_o they_o and_o they_o be_v warm_a when_o the_o other_o side_n i.e._n the_o wool_n or_o hair_n be_v wear_v inward_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o one_o principal_a use_n of_o clothes_n have_v be_v to_o shelter_v person_n from_o the_o injury_n and_o inclemency_n of_o the_o wether_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o become_v a_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o clothe_v the_o poor_a and_o naked_a and_o therefore_o be_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o hence_o we_o read_v that_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o that_o religious_a woman_n dorcas_n her_o pious_a female_a friend_n display_v the_o ensign_n of_o her_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o good_a house-wifery_n viz._n the_o coat_n and_o garment_n which_o she_o make_v whilst_o she_o be_v with_o they_o 9_o act_n 29._o for_o this_o without_o doubt_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a work_n and_o alm_n deed_n which_o she_o do_v v_o 36._o such_o be_v general_o the_o frail_a constitution_n of_o our_o body_n that_o they_o want_v some_o defence_n and_o therefore_o apparel_n be_v useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n this_o not_o only_o keep_v out_o the_o cold_a but_o keep_v in_o the_o heat_n the_o inward_a warmth_n and_o vital_a heat_n and_o even_o in_o excessive_a hot_a climate_n some_o sort_n of_o raiment_n be_v requisite_a to_o be_v a_o guard_n from_o the_o scorch_a sun_n thus_o on_o the_o account_n of_o necessity_n as_o well_o as_o modesty_n and_o distinction_n 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unblamable_a as_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a way_n between_o these_o two_o and_o that_o be_v most_o eligible_a viz._n a_o graceful_a and_o comely_a attire_n that_o be_v neither_o lavish_a nor_o loathsome_a a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o apparel_n be_v certain_o very_o culpable_a especial_o to_o place_v religion_n in_o it_o and_o to_o think_v as_o some_o monk_n and_o retire_a devotionist_n do_v it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o put_v on_o a_o coarse_a habit_n or_o to_o go_v in_o rag_n and_o tatter_n to_o be_v patch_v and_o clout_a and_o to_o wear_v old_a and_o tear_v garment_n nay_o to_o be_v nasty_a and_o sordid_a to_o be_v unclean_a and_o filthy_a in_o their_o clothing_n be_v intolerable_o ridiculous_a reason_n and_o religion_n forbid_v this_o and_o more_o especial_o christianity_n which_o dictate_v purity_n not_o only_o of_o soul_n but_o body_n in_o this_o double_a sense_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n clean_a and_o 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with_o its_o sweet_a odour_n and_o the_o like_a bounty_n and_o indulgence_n he_o have_v show_v to_o mankind_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o raiment_n he_o have_v bestow_v several_a thing_n to_o administer_v to_o beauty_n and_o comeliness_n to_o the_o gracefulness_n of_o their_o clothing_n as_o gold_n silver_n pearl_n diamond_n and_o other_o precious_a stone_n fine_a linen_n silk_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o the_o world_n itself_o have_v its_o name_n among_o the_o greek_n from_o its_o ornate_a and_o comely_a make_n its_o beautiful_a and_o rich_a dress_n wherever_o we_o look_v it_o be_v gay_a and_o trim_a and_o show_v a_o bravery_n worthy_a of_o its_o maker_n the_o heaven_n be_v deck_v and_o garnish_v with_o the_o star_n as_o with_o so_o many_o glitter_a and_o sparkle_a gem_n beside_o that_o great_a flame_a ruby_n the_o sun_n which_o outshine_v they_o all_o the_o sea_n be_v embellish_v with_o the_o rich_a pearl_n the_o earth_n be_v furnish_v and_o enrich_v with_o its_o precious_a stone_n and_o mineral_n who_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v the_o gaiety_n of_o its_o herb_n and_o plant_n their_o very_a leave_n have_v a_o peculiar_a trim_n they_o be_v with_o great_a curiosity_n notch_v indent_v engrail_v scallop_v lace_a fringe_a adorn_v with_o most_o elegant_a figure_n but_o especial_o the_o bravery_n of_o flower_n invite_v and_o glut_v our_o sight_n the_o richness_n of_o their_o native_a clothing_n be_v wonderful_a and_o amaze_a in_o respect_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o among_o brute_n there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v remarkable_a for_o their_o gorgeous_a trappings_o wherewith_o nature_n have_v set_v they_o forth_o especial_o several_a of_o the_o feather_a animal_n be_v note_v for_o the_o variety_n of_o colour_n in_o which_o they_o be_v dress_v and_o if_o god_n thus_o deck_v the_o irrational_a and_o even_o inanimate_a creature_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v 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