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that_o in_o as_o clear_a term_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o express_v his_o mind_n by_o to_o another_o if_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o very_a thing_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o the_o preposterous_a tenet_n of_o socinus_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o deny_v the_o natural_a deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o after_o he_o have_v write_v a_o book_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o and_o his_o sect_n deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o say_v for_o christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a from_o which_o i_o shall_v argue_v that_o that_o write_n or_o doctrine_n which_o affirm_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a can_v be_v true_a and_o much_o less_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o 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this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n use_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o if_o so_o he_o who_o will_v make_v sense_n of_o they_o must_v grant_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v clear_o assert_v in_o they_o and_o irrefragable_o infer_v from_o they_o in_o short_a if_o the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n divinity_n can_v prove_v christ_n not_o to_o be_v god_n they_o must_v by_o consequence_n prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n natural_o and_o grammatical_o interpret_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o interpret_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v consequent_o assure_v also_o that_o christ_n be_v and_o must_v be_v god_n nevertheless_o if_o according_a to_o the_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o sect_n this_o and_o all_o other_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v wherein_o consist_v the_o paradox_n of_o assert_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n for_o no_o man_n say_v that_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v his_o divine_a or_o that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v man._n but_o we_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o be_v god_n be_v also_o man_n by_o have_v two_o nature_n unite_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subsistence_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o immaterial_a substance_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n which_o be_v a_o material_a though_o the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o very_o near_o that_o we_o may_v well_o ask_v what_o repugnancy_n there_o be_v but_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v as_o well_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o humane_a i_o believe_v if_o we_o reduce_v thing_n to_o our_o way_n of_o conception_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o as_o hard_o to_o conceive_v the_o 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that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o his_o creator_n shall_v never_o have_v he_o for_o his_o redeemer_n have_v thus_o show_v how_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n and_o original_a of_o david_n pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v second_o that_o he_o be_v his_o offspring_n too_o and_o so_o have_v assert_v his_o divinity_n to_o clear_v also_o his_o humanity_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a be_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o depend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a promise_a messiah_n the_o grand_a and_o chief_a thing_n assert_v by_o he_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n depend_v upon_o
for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v still_o make_v christ_n a_o deceiver_n they_o must_v introduce_v upon_o mankind_n new_a principle_n of_o act_v cancel_v and_o overturn_v the_o old_a acknowledge_v method_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o word_n either_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o man_n or_o that_o he_o be_v influence_v by_o end_n and_o inclination_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n one_o of_o which_o must_v unavoidable_o follow_v but_o neither_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v where_o sense_n or_o reason_n be_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o first_o propose_v to_o be_v discourse_v of_o from_o these_o word_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o in_o which_o that_o man_n may_v not_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o think_v the_o jew_n the_o only_a person_n concern_v in_o these_o word_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o gild_n here_o charge_v 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though_o never_o so_o note_v and_o profess_v a_o christian_a conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o have_v he_o live_v when_o and_o where_o our_o saviour_n do_v nothing_o can_v have_v induce_v he_o to_o use_v he_o as_o those_o miscreant_n have_v do_v for_o though_o i_o know_v that_o such_o man_n as_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v do_v with_o great_a confidence_n aver_v all_o this_o and_o think_v themselves_o in_o very_o good_a earnest_n while_o they_o do_v so_o yet_o as_o in_o general_a he_o who_o think_v he_o can_v deceive_v himself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o know_v himself_o so_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n every_o hypocrite_n or_o wicked_a liver_n profess_v christianity_n while_o he_o think_v and_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v real_o impose_v upon_o himself_o by_o a_o false_a persuasion_n and_o will_v though_o he_o may_v not_o know_v so_o much_o have_v bear_v the_o very_a same_o malignity_n towards_o our_o saviour_n which_o those_o jew_n be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v and_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n will_v have_v infallible_o treat_v he_o with_o the_o same_o barbarity_n for_o why_o do_v the_o jew_n themselves_o use_v he_o so_o why_o because_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o defeat_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o worldly_a messiah_n who_o shall_v have_v answer_v their_o sensual_a desire_n with_o the_o plenty_n and_o glory_n of_o such_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n as_o they_o have_v whole_o set_v their_o gross_a heart_n and_o soul_n upon_o according_o let_v we_o now_o but_o shift_n the_o scene_n and_o suppose_v christ_n in_o person_n preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n among_o we_o and_o withal_o as_o much_o hate_a and_o run_v down_o for_o a_o impostor_n by_o the_o whole_a national_a power_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o it_o then_o fare_v with_o he_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v see_v all_o such_o vicious_a person_n find_v themselves_o 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the_o utter_a inconsistency_n of_o both_o with_o the_o mosaic_a constitution_n be_v much_o more_o excusable_a before_o god_n than_o any_o christian_n can_v be_v who_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n both_o of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o gospel_n do_v yet_o reverse_v and_o contradict_v that_o in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n which_o they_o avow_v in_o their_o creed_n and_o solemn_a declaration_n for_o he_o who_o prefer_v a_o base_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n before_o christ_n spit_v in_o his_o face_n as_o much_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o he_o who_o debauch_n his_o immortal_a soul_n and_o prostitute_n it_o to_o the_o vile_a and_o low_a service_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n crucify_v his_o saviour_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o as_o open_v a_o shame_n as_o ever_o pontius_n pilate_n the_o high_a priest_n or_o those_o mercenary_a tool_n the_o very_a soldier_n themselves_o do_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o pierce_v his_o side_n but_o what_o be_v worse_o they_o strike_v a_o dagger_n into_o his_o heart_n and_o now_o if_o the_o pass_n of_o all_o these_o indignity_n upon_o one_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o save_v it_o and_o to_o redeem_v those_o very_a person_n who_o use_v he_o so_o be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v upon_o our_o ingenuity_n shall_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o at_o least_o work_n upon_o our_o fear_n and_o make_v we_o consider_v whether_o as_o we_o affect_v to_o sin_n like_o the_o jew_n it_o may_v not_o be_v our_o doom_n to_o suffer_v like_o the_o jew_n too_o to_o which_o purpose_n let_v we_o but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o the_o woeful_a estate_n of_o jerusalem_n bleed_v under_o the_o rage_n and_o rapine_n of_o the_o roman_a army_n together_o with_o that_o face_n of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n which_o then_o sit_v upon_o that_o wretched_a people_n when_o the_o cast_n off_o their_o messiah_n have_v turn_v their_o advocate_n into_o their_o judge_n their_o saviour_n into_o their_o enemy_n and_o by_o a_o long_a refusal_n 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suffering_n for_o sin_n but_o his_o be_v punish_v for_o sin_n and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v speak_v so_o plain_a and_o loud_o by_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n that_o scripture_n must_v be_v crucify_a as_o well_o as_o christ_n to_o give_v any_o other_o tolerable_a sense_n of_o it_o but_o since_o heresy_n have_v make_v such_o bold_a invasion_n upon_o those_o sacred_a write_n we_o will_v consider_v both_o those_o sense_n which_o these_o word_n be_v assert_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o 1._o first_o of_o all_o then_o some_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v strike_v for_o transgression_n import_v not_o here_o a_o punishment_n for_o sin_n past_a but_o a_o prevention_n or_o take_v away_o of_o sin_n for_o the_o future_a so_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strike_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o die_v for_o sin_n because_o by_o all_o this_o he_o confirm_v to_o we_o a_o excellent_a and_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o natural_a 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say_v once_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n but_o in_o the_o very_o forego_v word_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o death_n for_o our_o offence_n which_o show_v that_o those_o word_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o for_o our_o justification_n have_v there_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n and_o bear_v a_o different_a relation_n to_o the_o word_n with_o which_o they_o be_v join_v in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o scripture_n but_o this_o whole_a invention_n be_v so_o force_a and_o far_o fetch_v and_o so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o common_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v gain_v but_o by_o the_o strength_n and_o prepossession_n of_o prejudice_n and_o where_o prejudice_n stand_v for_o judgement_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a to_o urge_v argument_n as_o to_o quote_v scripture_n 2._o the_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n and_o which_o alone_o the_o catholic_n church_n receive_v for_o true_a be_v that_o christ_n be_v strike_v for_o sin_n signify_v his_o be_v punish_v for_o sin_n the_o word_n for_o in_o this_o case_n denote_v the_o antecedent_n meritorious_a cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o not_o the_o final_a as_o the_o school_n of_o socinus_n do_v assert_v and_o consequent_o must_v direct_o relate_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o not_o the_o power_n as_o be_v also_o affirm_v by_o the_o same_o person_n now_o that_o christ_n suffering_n and_o be_v strike_v for_o transgression_n import_v that_o suffering_n to_o have_v be_v penal_a and_o expiatory_a as_o it_o may_v with_o the_o high_a evidence_n be_v demonstrate_v from_o several_a scripture_n so_o at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o chapter_n from_o whence_o i_o take_v my_o text_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v found_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o upon_o these_o two_o expression_n first_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v bear_v our_o sin_n in_o the_o 12._o v._n now_o to_o bear_v sin_n be_v a_o hebrew_n phrase_n for_o that_o which_o in_o latin_a be_v luere_fw-la peccatum_fw-la and_o in_o english_a to_o be_v punish_v for_o sin_n and_o if_o to_o bear_v another_o man_n sin_n or_o iniquity_n by_o suffering_n do_v not_o imply_v the_o undergo_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o that_o man_n sin_n we_o must_v invent_v a_o new_a way_n of_o expound_v profane_a writer_n as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o of_o interpret_n the_o common_a speech_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o the_o other_o argument_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o that_o expression_n which_o declare_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o offer_n for_o sin_n in_o the_o 10._o v._n when_o thou_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o sin_n the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o here_o affirm_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o use_n and_o design_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o it_o have_v be_v use_v by_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o 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to_o say_v something_o pay_v down_o to_o divine_a justice_n for_o something_o do_v against_o it_o and_o since_o all_o compensation_n imply_v a_o retribution_n equivalent_a to_o the_o injury_n do_v therefore_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v qualify_v to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n fit_a to_o undergo_v the_o full_a punishment_n due_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o a_o infinite_a dignity_n in_o his_o person_n for_o since_o the_o evil_a and_o demerit_n of_o sin_n be_v infinite_a and_o since_o christ_n be_v so_o to_o suffer_v for_o it_o as_o not_o to_o remain_v under_o those_o suffering_n for_o a_o infinite_a duration_n that_o infinity_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v make_v up_o some_o other_o way_n which_o can_v not_o be_v but_o by_o the_o infinite_a worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n grasp_a in_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o by_o consequence_n derive_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o his_o suffering_n 2._o the_o other_o qualification_n require_v be_v a_o perfect_a innocence_n in_o the_o person_n to_o suffer_v for_o so_o much_o be_v specify_v by_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n of_o which_o we_o still_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o have_v christ_n have_v any_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o he_o have_v be_v very_o unable_a to_o satisfy_v for_o other_o man_n he_o who_o be_v go_v to_o gaol_n for_o his_o own_o debt_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o security_n for_o another_o but_o now_o this_o perfect_a innocence_n which_o i_o affirm_v necessary_a to_o render_v christ_n a_o fit_a and_o proper_a sacrifice_n be_v urge_v by_o our_o adversary_n to_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n
fail_v of_o the_o prize_n he_o run_v for_o by_o mistake_v the_o way_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o st._n paul_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v express_v a_o thing_n tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o only_o as_o such_o nay_o he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o gift_n in_o the_o very_a same_o verse_n in_o which_o he_o affirm_v death_n to_o be_v as_o due_a to_o a_o sinner_n as_o wage_n be_v to_o a_o work_n man_n roman_n 6.23_o than_o which_o word_n nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o full_a and_o conclusive_a that_o salvation_n proceed_v whole_o upon_o free-gift_n though_o damnation_n upon_o strict_a desert_n nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n or_o rather_o sottishness_n of_o manâ—_n corrupt_a nature_n that_o this_o do_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mean_n satisfy_v he_o for_o though_o indeed_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v happy_a yet_o fain_o will_v he_o also_o thank_v none_o for_o it_o but_o himself_o and_o though_o he_o find_v that_o not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o necessity_n bring_v he_o every_o day_n upon_o his_o knee_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o very_a bread_n he_o eat_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_n thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n he_o appear_v and_o act_n not_o as_o a_o suppliant_a but_o as_o a_o merchant_n not_o as_o one_o who_o come_v to_o be_v relieve_v but_o to_o traffic_n for_o something_o he_o will_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o something_o he_o will_v give_v he_o and_o nothing_o will_v content_v this_o insolent_a yet_o impotent_a creature_n unless_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o buy_v the_o very_a thing_n he_o beg_v such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o baseness_n of_o some_o spirit_n that_o where_o they_o receive_v a_o benefit_n too_o big_a for_o they_o to_o requite_v they_o will_v even_o deny_v the_o kindness_n and_o disow_v the_o obligation_n now_o this_o great_a self-delusion_n so_o prevalent_a upon_o most_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o encounter_v in_o the_o text._n the_o word_n of_o which_o by_o a_o usual_a way_n of_o speech_n under_o a_o interrogation_n couch_v a_o positive_a assertion_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o true_a proper_a and_o strict_a sense_n of_o merit_n noâ—_n do_v this_o interrogative_n way_n of_o expression_n import_v only_o a_o bare_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o itself_o impossible_a but_o also_o a_o manifest_a undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o say_a impossibility_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o impossible_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v profitable_a to_o god_n for_o god_n to_o receive_v any_o advantage_n by_o man_n righteousness_n or_o to_o gain_v any_o thing_n by_o his_o make_v his_o way_n perfect_a and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n â—â—an_z for_o a_o man_n to_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v so_o irrational_a a_o conceit_n or_o to_o affirm_v so_o gross_a a_o paradox_n and_o that_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v here_o mean_v by_o a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n but_o his_o merit_v of_o god_n will_v appear_v from_o a_o true_a state_n and_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n which_o we_o may_v not_o improper_o define_v a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o good_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o some_o good_a do_v together_o with_o a_o equivalence_n or_o parity_n of_o worth_n between_o the_o good_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a do_v so_o that_o although_o according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n of_o justice_n into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a that_o which_o be_v call_v commutative_a be_v employ_v only_o about_o the_o strict_a value_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o a_o arithmetical_a proportion_n as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n and_o the_o other_o species_n of_o justice_n call_v distributive_a as_o consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n admit_v of_o some_o latitude_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o truth_n even_o this_o distribution_n itself_o must_v so_o far_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o commutation_n that_o the_o good_a to_o be_v dispense_v by_o way_n of_o reward_n aught_o in_o justice_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o work_n or_o action_n which_o it_o be_v design_v as_o a_o compensation_n of_o so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o sink_v below_o it_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o full_a value_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o upon_o a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o true_a philosophy_n merit_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o instance_n or_o exemplification_n of_o that_o note_a saying_n or_o maxim_n that_o one_o benefaction_n or_o good_a turn_n require_v another_o and_o import_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o a_o man_n claim_n or_o title_n to_o receive_v as_o much_o good_a from_o another_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o thus_o much_o therefore_o be_v premise_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o drift_n or_o design_n of_o the_o word_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o need_v any_o further_a exposition_n we_o shall_v observe_v and_o draw_v from_o they_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o something_o suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o they_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o second_o something_o express_v namely_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o absurd_a and_o that_o it_o iâ—_n impossible_a for_o man_n to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o three_o something_o infer_v from_o both_o the_o former_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n be_v the_o very_a source_n or_o foundation_n of_o two_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o four_o and_o last_o something_o object_v against_o the_o particular_n discourse_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v â—o_o answer_v and_o remove_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o the_o thing_n suppose_v or_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o very_o prone_a to_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o merit_v of_o god_n or_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o place_n too_o high_a a_o value_n both_o upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o performance_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o universal_a experience_n which_o prove_v it_o no_o less_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o bear_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o love_n we_o know_v be_v found_v in_o and_o result_v from_o a_o proportionable_a esteem_n of_o the_o object_n love_v so_o that_o look_v in_o what_o degree_n any_o man_n love_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o must_v esteem_v himself_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o set_v his_o own_o price_n upon_o what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o do_v whether_o the_o world_n will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o or_o no_o as_o it_o seldom_o do_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n peter_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o mat._n nineteeen_o 27_o master_n say_v he_o we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v therefore_o in_o which_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o lord_n and_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o of_o he_o as_o he_o think_v but_o strict_o a_o pennyworth_n for_o his_o penny_n and_o all_o this_o from_o a_o conceit_n that_o he_o have_v do_v a_o aâ—_n so_o exceed_o meritorious_a that_o it_o must_v even_o nonplus_n his_o master_n bouâ—â—y_n to_o quit_v score_n with_o he_o by_o a_o just_a requital_n nay_o so_o far_o have_v the_o same_o proud_a ferment_n get_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n that_o neither_o can_v their_o own_o low_a condition_n nor_o the_o constant_a sâ—rmons_n of_o that_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n who_o they_o daily_o converse_v with_o nor_o last_o the_o corrective_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n total_o clear_a and_o cure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o principle_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o nature_n work_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o consider_v also_o â—he_v
they_o may_v indeed_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o must_v not_o think_v to_o â—â—and_v upon_o their_o teâ—ms_n but_o second_o not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o show_v exclude_v a_o man_n from_o all_o plea_n of_o merit_n but_o also_o that_o further_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o and_o all_o his_o service_n from_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o command_v of_o god_n equal_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o same_o the_o know_a voice_n of_o that_o law_n be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o and_o thâ—n_o for_o the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o service_n it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n mark_n 12.30_o which_o one_o comprehensive_a injunction_n grasp_a in_o it_o all_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n bring_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o man_n within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o duty_n have_v leave_v no_o vacancy_n or_o possibility_n for_o merit_n to_o take_v place_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v actual_o do_v more_o than_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a even_o for_o common_a sense_n to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n more_o senseless_a and_o contradictious_a and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v real_o add_v to_o and_o better_a the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o it_o be_v to_o merit_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o all_o merit_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o consist_v proper_o in_o a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o benefit_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o benefit_n first_o do_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n require_v that_o where_o a_o considerable_a advantage_n have_v be_v receive_v something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v return_v for_o that_o otherwise_o if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o receive_v hand_n and_o never_o upon_o the_o restore_a that_o part_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o monstrous_a dead_a weight_n upon_o the_o other_o and_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n will_v by_o a_o enormous_a disparity_n lean_v whole_o on_o one_o side_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o forementioned_a condition_n of_o merit_n home_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o thereby_o to_o show_v how_o far_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v from_o man_n aâ—â—_n man_n of_o give_v to_o god_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o man_n be_v and_o by_o consequence_n how_o the_o case_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v must_v stand_v on_o god_n part_n and_o how_o on_o man_n and_o here_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z place_n god_n offer_v himself_o to_o our_o consideration_n as_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a infinite_o happy_a and_o self-sufficient_a depend_v upon_o no_o supply_n or_o revenue_n from_o abroad_o but_o as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o retreat_v whole_o into_o himself_o and_o there_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o the_o inexhaustible_a stock_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a fullness_n and_o as_o a_o fountain_n owe_v not_o its_o stream_n to_o any_o poor_a adventitious_a infusion_n from_o without_o but_o to_o the_o internal_a unfailing_a plenty_n of_o its_o own_o spring_n so_o this_o mighty_a all-comprehending_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n needs_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o to_o contemplate_v upon_o that_o which_o he_o actual_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o beatitude_n can_v no_o more_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n to_o it_o than_o we_o can_v add_v degree_n to_o infinity_o new_a measure_n to_o immensity_n and_o further_a improvement_n to_o a_o boundless_a absolute_a vnimproveable_a perfection_n for_o such_o a_o be_v be_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o party_n who_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o nevertheless_o to_o carry_v the_o case_n a_o little_a further_o suppose_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o felicity_n be_v capable_a of_o some_o further_a addition_n and_o increase_n let_v we_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o other_o party_n concern_v and_o consider_v whether_o man_n be_v a_o be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o make_v this_o addition_n man_n i_o say_v that_o poor_a slight_a inconsiderable_a nothing_o or_o at_o best_a a_o pitiful_a something_o behold_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o element_n as_o well_o as_o compound_v of_o they_o and_o live_v as_o a_o eleemosinary_a upon_o a_o perpetual_a contribution_n from_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n this_o creature_n clothe_v he_o another_o feed_v he_o a_o three_o cure_v he_o when_o sick_a and_o a_o four_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v he_o when_o well_o in_o a_o word_n he_o subsist_v by_o the_o joint_a alm_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v able_a either_o to_o help_v or_o hurt_v he_o and_o be_v this_o now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o oblige_v hiâ—_n maker_n to_o indent_v and_o drive_v bargain_n with_o the_o almighty_a those_o i_o be_o sure_a who_o in_o their_o several_a age_n have_v be_v repute_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o too_o use_v to_o speak_v at_o much_o another_o rate_n concern_v both_o my_o goodness_n say_v david_n extend_v not_o to_o theeâ—_n ps._n 16.2_o and_o again_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a say_v elihu_n to_o job_n what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o do_v he_o receive_v at_o thy_o hand_n job_n 35.7_o so_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o make_v that_o challenge_n without_o expect_v ever_o to_o see_v it_o answer_v in_o rom._n 11.35_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o for_o let_v man_n but_o first_o prove_v the_o debt_n and_o the_o almighty_a will_v be_v sure_a to_o pay_v it_o but_o most_o full_o of_o all_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o determine_v this_o point_n in_o that_o remarkable_a conclusion_n of_o the_o forecited_a parable_n in_o luk._n 17.10_o where_o he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n after_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o god_n upon_o no_o account_n whatsoever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o and_o a_o clear_a text_n certain_o and_o more_o direct_a and_o home_n against_o all_o pretence_n of_o merit_n neither_o law_n nor_o gospel_n can_v afford_v nevertheless_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o some_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o if_o admit_v render_v it_o â—f_o no_o force_n at_o all_o against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o first_o they_o absolute_o cashier_v and_o literal_a express_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o introduce_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o to_o diminish_v or_o degrade_v a_o thing_n express_v it_o in_o term_n represent_v it_o much_o less_o than_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v small_a than_o a_o atom_n less_o than_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a such_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o import_v only_o that_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a according_o when_o christ_n bid_v his_o disciple_n after_o their_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a performance_n acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n we_o be_v not_o say_v these_o expositor_n to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o real_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o christ_n only_o read_v theâ—_n 〈◊〉_d lecture_n of_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n towards_o god_n in_o speak_v but_o mean_o and_o low_o of_o their_o own_o piety_n how_o different_o soever_o it_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o strâ—â—â—_n estimate_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o by_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v our_o saviour_n be_v only_o teach_v those_o about_o he_o how_o to_o paâ—â—_n compliment_n upon_o almighty_a god_n their_o profess_v of_o themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v tell_v he_o they_o be_v his_o humble_a servant_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o word_n if_o they_o have_v any_o meaning_n at_o all_o the_o fashionable_a custom_n of_o gentile_n lie_v will_n much_o better_a account_n for_o than_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v
able_a to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o a_o insufferable_a perversion_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v it_o to_o affix_v such_o a_o sense_n to_o any_o text_n of_o it_o as_o this_o force_a exposition_n here_o do_v which_o manifest_o turn_v a_o most_o devout_a confession_n to_o almighty_a god_n into_o a_o piece_n of_o courtship_n a_o principal_a truth_n into_o a_o mere_a trope_n or_o figure_n and_o in_o a_o word_n one_o of_o the_o high_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a into_o a_o false_a fulsome_a and_o at_o best_o a_o empty_a expression_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o iii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o value_n between_o the_o action_n and_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o foundation_n already_o lay_v by_o we_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n consist_v proper_o in_o exchange_n and_o that_o we_o know_v must_v proceed_v according_a to_o a_o parity_n of_o worth_n on_o both_o side_n commutation_n be_v most_o proper_o between_o thing_n equivalent_a but_o now_o the_o prize_n we_o run_v for_o in_o all_o our_o religious_a performance_n be_v no_o less_o a_o thing_n than_o life_n eternal_a and_o a_o beatific_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o ever_o and_o can_v any_o man_n not_o quite_o abandon_v by_o his_o reason_n imagine_v a_o few_o weak_a break_a action_n a_o competent_a price_n for_o heaven_n and_o immortality_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o a_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o can_v deserve_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o angel_n oâ—_n can_v we_o who_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o sense_n do_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o those_o joy_n which_o not_o only_o exceed_v our_o sense_n but_o also_o transcend_v our_o intellectual_n can_v wâ—_n do_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v think_v and_o deserve_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v do_v for_o let_v we_o rate_v our_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a service_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v so_o steady_a a_o hand_n in_o any_o religious_a performance_n as_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o condition_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o answer_v the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o law_n no_o this_o be_v such_o a_o pitch_n of_o act_v as_o the_o present_a strength_n of_o nature_n must_v not_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o not_o how_o can_v a_o action_n short_a of_o complete_a morality_n set_v up_o for_o meritorious_a the_o papist_n we_o know_v in_o their_o dispute_n upon_o this_o subject_n distinguish_v of_o merit_n into_o that_o which_o be_v de_fw-fr condigno_fw-la which_o merit_v a_o reward_n upon_o term_n of_o justice_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o inherent_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o the_o work_v do_v and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la which_o though_o it_o can_v claim_v a_o reward_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o and_o from_o the_o precise_a worth_n and_o value_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o yet_o be_v such_o that_o god_n will_v not_o act_v suitable_o and_o congruous_o to_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o reward_v it_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o merit_n i_o say_v they_o hold_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v which_o of_o the_o two_o they_o shall_v state_n the_o merit_n of_o their_o good_a work_n upon_o for_o some_o bold_o assert_v that_o they_o merit_v the_o former_a way_n to_o wit_n by_o their_o own_o inherent_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o some_o that_o they_o merit_v only_o the_o latter_a way_n that_o be_v by_o be_v such_o as_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v but_o reward_n and_o last_o other_o as_o particular_o bellarmine_n hold_v that_o they_o merit_v both_o way_n to_o wit_n partly_o by_o condignity_n and_o partly_o by_o congruity_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o without_o dispute_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o merit_n of_o condignity_n since_o it_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v itself_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o whole_a foundation_n of_o their_o merit_n de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la as_o to_o any_o obligation_n on_o god_n part_n to_o reward_v our_o religious_a service_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o equity_n since_o upon_o that_o account_n god_n can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o as_o much_o as_o therâ—_n be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o equity_n in_o god_n distinct_a from_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n must_v on_o all_o hand_n needs_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v free_a how_o much_o soever_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v otherwise_o among_o man_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o obligation_n as_o that_o of_o equity_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n stand_v oblige_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n to_o exercise_v mercy_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n which_o god_n do_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o meritum_fw-la de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o between_o god_n and_o man_n since_o god_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o show_v mercy_n where_o his_o own_o word_n have_v not_o first_o oblige_v he_o no_o such_o merit_n can_v take_v place_n but_o beside_o this_o be_v not_o the_o point_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o reward_v such_o or_o such_o action_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thousand_o of_o thing_n and_o action_n very_o congruous_a for_o god_n to_o do_v which_o yet_o by_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v do_v so_o â—hat_n the_o bare_a congruity_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o god_n to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o point_n lie_v here_o to_o wit_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o congruous_a to_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n and_o good_a action_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o his_o nature_n not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v for_o if_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o his_o nature_n not_o to_o reward_v they_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o reward_v they_o and_o then_o indeed_o merit_n must_v upon_o equal_a necessity_n take_v place_n but_o if_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reward_v every_o act_n which_o it_o may_v be_v suitable_a or_o congruous_a for_o he_o to_o reward_v as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o then_o meritum_fw-la de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la be_v but_o merit_n equivocal_o so_o call_v and_o the_o forementioned_a division_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o a_o division_n of_o a_o genus_fw-la into_o two_o several_a species_n but_o only_o a_o distribution_n of_o a_o equivocal_a term_n into_o its_o several_a signification_n and_o consequent_o to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o only_a de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la be_v a_o mere_a trifle_a about_o word_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o here_o object_n the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o term_n mereri_fw-la and_o meâ—â—ritum_fw-la by_o the_o father_n and_o other_o ancient_a church-writer_n for_o they_o use_v they_o not_o in_o a_o sense_n import_v claim_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o strict_a justice_n but_o only_o as_o they_o signify_v the_o actual_a obtainment_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o free-promise_a by_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o by_o no_o mean_n reach_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o dispute_v against_o in_o short_a therefore_o the_o question_n stand_v thus_o do_v this_o meritum_fw-la do_v congruo_fw-la from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o oblige_v god_n to_o reward_v it_o or_o do_v it_o not_o if_o it_o do_v than_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o merit_n of_o condignity_n do_v the_o same_o and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o so_o the_o distinction_n between_o they_o be_v but_o verbal_a and_o superfluous_a but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v god_n then_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o merit_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o one_o side_n there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n on_o the_o other_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v this_o further_a consideration_n that_o the_o assert_v of_o such_o a_o merit_n of_o congruity_n be_v altogether_o as_o arrogant_a as_o to_o assert_v that_o of_o condignity_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o equal_o bind_v god_n and_o bring_v he_o under_o as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o reward_v as_o the_o other_o can_v and_o that_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o
and_o much_o less_o his_o conscience_n together_o for_o neither_o grace_n nor_o nature_n will_v have_v it_o so_o it_o be_v a_o utter_a contradiction_n to_o the_o method_n of_o both_o who_o have_v woe_n who_o have_v sorrow_n who_o have_v contention_n who_o have_v babble_v who_o have_v wound_n without_o cause_n who_o have_v redness_n of_o eye_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 23.29_o which_o question_n he_o himself_o present_o answer_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o who_o tarry_v long_o at_o the_o wine_n they_o who_o seek_v after_o mix_v wine_n so_o say_v i_o who_o have_v a_o stupid_a intellect_n a_o break_a memory_n and_o a_o blast_a wit_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o all_o a_o blind_a and_o a_o benight_a conscience_n but_o the_o intemperate_a and_o luxurious_a the_o epicure_n and_o the_o smell-feast_n so_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o turn_v sot_n without_o make_v himself_o a_o blockhead_n too_o i_o know_v this_o be_v not_o always_o the_o present_a effect_n of_o these_o course_n but_o at_o long_o run_v it_o will_v infallible_o be_v so_o and_o time_n and_o luxury_n together_o will_v as_o certain_o change_v the_o inside_n as_o it_o do_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o best_a head_n whatsoever_o and_o much_o more_o of_o such_o head_n as_o be_v strong_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o bear_v drink_n concern_v which_o it_o ever_o be_v and_o be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o sure_a observation_n that_o such_o as_o be_v able_a at_o the_o barrel_n be_v general_o weak_a at_o the_o book_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o great_a darkner_n of_o man_n mind_n sensuality_n and_o that_o in_o both_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n second_o another_o vicious_a affection_n which_o cloud_n and_o darken_v the_o conscience_n be_v covetousness_n concern_v which_o it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o of_o all_o the_o vice_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n none_o so_o powerful_o and_o peculiar_o carry_v the_o soul_n downward_o as_o covetousness_n do_v it_o make_v it_o all_o earth_n and_o dirt_n bury_v that_o noble_a thing_n which_o can_v never_o diego_n so_o that_o while_o the_o body_n be_v above_o ground_n the_o soul_n be_v under_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n while_o it_o converse_v in_o the_o region_n of_o it_o how_o mighty_o this_o vice_n darken_v and_o debases_n the_o mind_n scripture-instanc_a do_v abundant_o show_v when_o moses_n will_v assign_v the_o proper_a qualification_n of_o a_o judge_n which_o office_n certain_o call_v for_o the_o quick_a apprehension_n and_o the_o solid_a judgement_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v well_o capable_a of_o deut._n 16.19_o thou_o shall_v not_o say_v he_o take_v a_o gift_n but_o why_o he_o present_o add_v the_o reason_n because_o a_o gift_n say_v he_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o no_o wonder_n for_o it_o pervert_v their_o will_n and_o then_o who_o so_o blind_a as_o the_o man_n who_o resolve_v not_o to_o see_v gold_n it_o seem_v be_v but_o a_o very_a bad_a help_n and_o cure_n of_o the_o eye_n in_o such_o case_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o samuel_n will_v set_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o integrity_n clear_a above_o all_o the_o aspersion_n of_o envy_n and_o calumny_n itself_o 1_o sam._n 12.3_o of_o who_o hand_n say_v he_o have_v i_o receive_v a_o bribe_n to_o blind_v my_o eye_n therewith_o imply_v thereby_o that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v gripe-handed_n and_o clearsighted_n too_o be_v impossible_a and_o again_o eccl._n 7.7_o a_o gift_n say_v the_o wiseman_n destroy_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v already_o the_o judge_a and_o discern_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v such_o as_o moses_n samuel_n solomon_n himself_o covetousness_n baffle_v and_o befool_v the_o mind_n blind_v and_o confound_v the_o reason_v faculty_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a person_n but_o even_o in_o the_o able_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o sagacious_a and_o to_o give_v you_o one_o proof_n above_o all_o of_o the_o peculiar_a blind_a power_n of_o this_o vice_n there_o be_v not_o the_o most_o covetous_a wretch_n breathe_v who_o do_v so_o much_o as_o see_v or_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v covetous_a for_o the_o truth_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o covetous_a person_n if_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o tell_v he_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n of_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o liberal_n to_o his_o poor_a brother_n and_o it_o be_v all_o but_o flat_a insipid_a and_o ridiculous_a stuff_n to_o he_o who_o neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v nor_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o pass_v into_o his_o heart_n but_o through_o his_o hand_n you_o must_v preach_v to_o such_o a_o one_o of_o bargain_n and_o sale_n profit_n and_o perquisit_n principal_n and_o interest_n use_v upon_o use_n and_o if_o you_o can_v persuade_v he_o that_o godliness_n be_v gain_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n perhaps_o you_o may_v do_v something_o with_o he_o otherwise_o though_o you_o edge_n every_o word_n you_o speak_v with_o reason_n and_o religion_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n you_o shall_v never_o affect_v nor_o touch_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o reach_v his_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v keep_v seal_v up_o in_o a_o bag_n under_o lock_n and_o key_n and_o you_o can_v come_v at_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o base_a affection_n that_o blind_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v covetousness_n a_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o free_a a_o large_a and_o a_o open_a spirit_n a_o spirit_n open_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o always_o carry_v charity_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o generosity_n in_o the_o other_o three_o the_o three_o and_o last_o vile_a affection_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v as_o have_v the_o same_o darken_v effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n be_v ambition_n for_o as_o covetousness_n dull_v the_o mind_n by_o press_v it_o down_o too_o much_o below_o itself_o so_o ambition_n dazzle_v it_o by_o lift_v it_o up_o as_o much_o above_o itself_o but_o both_o of_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o it_o for_o if_o you_o either_o look_v too_o intent_o down_o a_o deep_a precipice_n upon_o a_o thing_n at_o a_o extreme_a distance_n below_o you_o or_o with_o the_o same_o earnestness_n fix_v your_o eye_n upon_o something_o at_o too_o great_a a_o height_n above_o you_o in_o both_o case_n you_o will_v find_v a_o vertigo_n or_o giddiness_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o giddiness_n in_o the_o head_n there_o will_v be_v always_o a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n and_o thus_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v only_o a_o ambitious_a aspire_n after_o high_a thing_n which_o not_o long_o since_o cause_v such_o a_o woeful_a scandalous_a giddiness_n 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guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o front_n and_o boldness_n to_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n of_o such_o a_o name_n nay_o of_o such_o a_o sneak_a look_n be_v to_o some_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n see_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o build_v upon_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christ_n act_v 26.5_o i_o be_v say_v he_o after_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o sect_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n then_o embark_v his_o salvation_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o fraternity_n or_o sect_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o name_n pharisee_n it_o be_v derive_v from_o parasch_n separavit_fw-la discrevit_fw-la whence_o in_o greek_a they_o be_v call_v puritan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d separati_fw-la so_o that_o the_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n before_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v a_o rigid_a separatist_n but_o singularity_n be_v not_o sincerity_n though_o too_o often_o and_o mischievous_o mistake_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v ruin_v by_o storm_n so_o a_o house_n build_v out_o of_o the_o road_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o invasion_n of_o robber_n and_o want_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o assistance_n of_o society_n christ_n be_v not_o therefore_o call_v the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o corner_n or_o be_v drive_v into_o they_o there_o be_v a_o by-path_n as_o well_o as_o a_o broad-way_n to_o destruction_n and_o it_o both_o argue_v the_o nature_n and_o portend_v the_o doom_n of_o chaff_n upon_o agitation_n to_o separate_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o wheat_n but_o to_o such_o as_o venture_v their_o eternal_a interest_n upon_o such_o a_o bottom_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v these_o two_o word_n first_o that_o admit_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o party_n which_o they_o adhere_v to_o may_v be_v true_o pious_a yet_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o party_n can_v sanctify_v its_o proselyte_n a_o church_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v holy_a when_o yet_o that_o holiness_n do_v not_o diffuse_v itself_o to_o each_o particular_a member_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o whole_a may_v receive_v denomination_n from_o a_o quality_n inherent_a only_o in_o some_o of_o its_o part_n company_n may_v occasion_v but_o it_o can_v transfuse_v holiness_n no_o man_n righteousness_n but_o christ_n alone_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o another_o to_o rate_v a_o man_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o companion_n be_v a_o rule_n frequent_a indeed_o but_o not_o infallible_a judas_n be_v as_o much_o a_o wretch_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o among_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a argument_n for_o a_o man_n to_o derive_v his_o saintship_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o society_n he_o belong_v to_o and_o to_o conclude_v himself_o no_o weed_n only_o because_o he_o grow_v among_o the_o corn._n second_o such_o a_o adhesion_n to_o a_o party_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n and_o tangle_n of_o the_o rank_a of_o all_o ill_a quality_n spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n natural_a almost_o to_o all_o men._n first_o a_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o any_o perfection_n but_o especial_o religious_a second_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n or_o contradiction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o way_n now_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o gratify_v by_o a_o man_n list_a himself_n of_o a_o party_n in_o religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o be_v more_o real_o proud_a of_o the_o affect_a sordidness_n of_o a_o pretend_a mortification_n than_o other_o be_v of_o the_o great_a affluence_n and_o splendour_n of_o life_n and_o that_o many_o who_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n persecution_n do_v yet_o suffer_v it_o with_o a_o high_a and_o more_o please_a relish_n of_o pride_n than_o other_o can_v inflict_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a zeal_n rise_v from_o a_o hearty_a concernment_n for_o religion_n but_o a_o ill_a restless_a cross_a humour_n which_o be_v imp_v with_o smart_n and_o quicken_v with_o opposition_n the_o godly_a party_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o adjunct_n for_o he_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o be_v of_o a_o party_n according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n let_v such_o pretender_n therefore_o suspect_v the_o sandiness_n and_o hollowness_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o know_v that_o such_o imitator_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o into_o which_o
be_v tell_v be_v who_o shall_v reckon_v his_o year_n for_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v very_o age_v though_o yet_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o his_o age_n but_o that_o he_o prophesy_v about_o forty_o year_n whereas_o some_o other_o have_v prophesy_v much_o long_o and_o particular_o hosea_n who_o prophesy_v about_o fourscore_o as_o for_o the_o other_o expression_n of_o his_o see_v his_o seed_n and_o prolong_v his_o day_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v must_v signify_v that_o he_o shall_v see_v many_o of_o he_o convert_v in_o egypt_n where_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o a_o long_a time_n though_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o convert_v nor_o of_o any_o such_o prolong_v his_o day_n there_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a tradition_n of_o antiquity_n that_o he_o die_v a_o untimely_a disastrous_a death_n be_v knock_v on_o the_o head_n in_o egypt_n by_o his_o wicked_a countryman_n with_o a_o fuller_n club._n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o his_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o mighty_a that_o we_o be_v inform_v be_v fullfil_v in_o this_o that_o nebuzaradan_n captain_n of_o the_o chaldean_a host_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o jeremy_n 40.5_o give_v he_o a_o reward_n and_o some_o victual_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o small_a supply_n or_o modicum_n of_o meat_n and_o money_n for_o his_o present_a support_n and_o so_o send_v he_o away_o a_o worthy_a glorious_a divide_v of_o the_o spoil_n indeed_o and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o the_o poor_a may_v be_v say_v to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n when_o they_o take_v their_o share_n of_o what_o be_v give_v they_o at_o rich-man_n door_n so_o then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o interpretation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v must_v shift_v for_o itself_o but_o whether_o thus_o to_o drag_v and_o hale_v word_n both_o from_o sense_n and_o context_n and_o then_o to_o squeeze_v whatsoever_o meaning_n we_o please_v out_o of_o they_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v 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veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n &_o the_o satisfactione_n christi_fw-la can_v be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o such_o interpretation_n as_o these_o no_o age_n certain_o ever_o produce_v a_o mighty_a man_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n than_o grotius_n nor_o more_o happy_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o arm_n both_o offensive_a and_o defensive_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v he_o not_o in_o his_o annotation_n too_o frequent_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o they_o the_o wrong_a way_n well_o therefore_o take_v it_o for_o manifest_v and_o that_o upon_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a and_o unforced_a interpretation_n that_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o this_o messiah_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n very_a god_n and_o very_a man_n in_o who_o every_o tittle_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v most_o exact_o verify_v and_o to_o who_o it_o do_v most_o peculiarly_a and_o incommunicable_o agree_v we_o shall_v proceed_v now_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n in_o which_o we_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n considerable_a first_o the_o suffer_v itself_o he_o be_v strike_v second_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o suffering_n which_o be_v penal_a and_o expiatory_a he_o be_v strike_v for_o transgression_n and_o three_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o suffering_n which_o be_v god_n propriety_n in_o and_o relation_n to_o the_o person_n for_o who_o christ_n be_v strike_v employ_v in_o this_o word_n my_o people_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o suffering_n itself_o he_o be_v strike_v the_o very_a word_n import_v violence_n and_o invasion_n from_o without_o it_o be_v not_o a_o suffering_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o mere_a internal_a weakness_n of_o nature_n which_o carry_v the_o seed_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o dissolution_n in_o its_o own_o bowel_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n wither_v and_o decay_n and_o at_o length_n die_v like_o a_o lamp_n that_o for_o want_v of_o oil_n can_v burn_v no_o long_o but_o like_o a_o torch_n in_o its_o full_a flame_n beat_v and_o ruffle_v and_o at_o length_n blow_v out_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o northwind_n so_o be_v christ_n deal_v with_o in_o the_o very_a prime_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o year_n be_v by_o main_a force_n tear_v and_o strike_v out_o of_o the_o world_n blow_v do_v the_o work_n of_o time_n and_o stripe_n and_o spear_n be_v instead_o of_o age_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o his_o afflict_a life_n now_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o suffer_v will_v be_v make_v out_o to_o we_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n first_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o intenseness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o it_o and_o three_o of_o the_o person_n inflict_v it_o first_o as_o for_o the_o latitude_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o blow_v reach_v every_o part_n of_o his_o humanity_n carry_v the_o grief_n all_o over_o till_o by_o a_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o itself_o it_o enter_v according_a to_o the_o psalmist_n expression_n like_o water_n into_o his_o bowel_n or_o like_o oil_n into_o his_o bone_n it_o spread_v itself_o into_o every_o part_n of_o his_o body_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v another_o soul_n nothing_o be_v free_a from_o suffer_v that_o can_v suffer_v suffer_v seem_v to_o be_v his_o portion_n his_o inheritance_n nay_o his_o very_a property_n even_o the_o religion_n that_o he_o come_v to_o propagate_v and_o establish_v be_v a_o suffer_a religion_n and_o by_o the_o severe_a method_n of_o establishment_n he_o give_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o he_o who_o will_v recount_v every_o part_n of_o christ_n that_o suffer_v must_v read_v a_o lecture_n of_o anatomy_n from_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o trace_n of_o pain_n and_o suffering_n they_o make_v long_a furrow_n upon_o his_o back_n say_v the_o psalmist_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v tear_n and_o plough_v up_o his_o innocent_a body_n in_o his_o person_n we_o may_v have_v see_v grief_n in_o its_o height_n and_o supremacy_n grief_n triumphant_a crown_v and_o array_v in_o purple_a grief_n reign_v and_o do_v the_o utmost_a that_o it_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o well_o know_v and_o too_o frequent_o discourse_v of_o to_o make_v description_n of_o the_o thorn_n the_o spear_n and_o the_o nail_n that_o act_v their_o several_a part_n in_o this_o tragedy_n and_o that_o so_o that_o the_o very_a narrative_a of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n can_v but_o beget_v another_o in_o every_o pious_a hearer_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v say_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o bodily_a suffering_n we_o still_o know_v that_o nature_n have_v provide_v a_o support_n able_a to_o mate_n and_o stand_v up_o against_o all_o these_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o a_o resolve_a mind_n will_v bear_v a_o man_n above_o his_o infirmity_n as_o the_o breath_n bear_v up_o the_o body_n from_o sink_v but_o when_o the_o supporter_n itself_o fail_v when_o the_o primum_fw-la vivens_fw-la and_o the_o ultimum_fw-la moriens_fw-la have_v have_v a_o mortal_a blow_n and_o the_o iron_n enter_v into_o the_o very_a soul_n then_o baffle_v nature_n must_v surrender_v and_o quit_v the_o combat_n unless_o second_v and_o hold_v up_o by_o something_o great_a and_o mighty_a than_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n condition_n there_o be_v a_o sword_n which_o reach_v his_o very_a spirit_n and_o pierce_v his_o soul_n till_o it_o bleed_v through_o his_o body_n for_o they_o be_v the_o struggle_v and_o agony_n of_o the_o
be_v not_o enough_o to_o cover_v the_o cheat_n or_o to_o palliate_v the_o illusion_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o body_n will_v be_v very_o importunate_a for_o any_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o that_o if_o christ_n be_v raise_v it_o must_v be_v god_n who_o raise_v he_o the_o angel_n may_v indeed_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o sepulchre_n but_o not_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o son_n of_o abraham_n and_o a_o less_o power_n than_o that_o which_o can_v do_v so_o can_v not_o effect_v the_o resurrection_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o manner_n by_o which_o god_n wrought_v this_o resurrection_n set_v forth_o in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n a_o expression_n not_o altogether_o so_o clear_a but_o that_o it_o may_v well_o require_v a_o further_a explication_n for_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v with_o what_o propriety_n god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n by_o christ_n resurrection_n when_o those_o pain_n continue_v not_o till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o determine_v and_o expire_v in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o body_n upon_o which_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o some_o have_v affirm_v that_o christ_n descend_v into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a where_o during_o his_o body_n abode_n in_o the_o grave_a they_o say_v that_o in_o his_o soul_n he_o real_o suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o this_o not_o unsutable_o to_o some_o ancient_a copy_n which_o read_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pain_n of_o death_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o this_o also_o with_o much_o seem_a consonance_n to_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n suffer_v not_o any_o such_o pain_n in_o hell_n as_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n will_v pretend_v which_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v from_o this_o that_o if_o christ_n suffer_v any_o of_o those_o pain_n during_o his_o abode_n in_o the_o grave_a than_o it_o be_v either_o in_o his_o divine_a nature_n or_o in_o his_o soul_n or_o in_o his_o body_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v not_o suffer_v or_o be_v torment_v as_o be_v whole_o impassable_a nor_o yet_o can_v he_o suffer_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o very_a same_o day_n of_o his_o death_n that_o pass_v into_o paradise_n which_o sure_o be_v no_o place_n of_o pain_n nor_o last_o in_o his_o body_n for_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o consequent_o for_o the_o time_n bereave_v of_o all_o sense_n can_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o torment_n and_o then_o for_o answer_v to_o what_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o tender_a hell_n indifferent_o signify_v also_o the_o grave_a and_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o last_o for_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n there_o be_v various_a exposition_n of_o it_o but_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a be_v that_o it_o mean_v his_o abode_n in_o the_o grave_n and_o under_o the_o state_n of_o death_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n or_o rather_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n part_n of_o the_o first_o and_o third_z so_o call_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n of_o the_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o second_o entire_o whereby_o as_o his_o burial_n signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o the_o grave_n so_o his_o descend_v into_o hell_n signify_v his_o continuance_n there_o and_o subjection_n to_o that_o estate_n and_o thus_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n in_o the_o last_o and_o grand_a scene_n of_o it_o do_v most_o apposite_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o exaltation_n for_o first_o his_o death_n answer_v to_o his_o rise_n again_o second_o his_o burial_n answer_v to_o his_o ascend_n into_o heaven_n and_o three_o his_o descend_v into_o hell_n answer_v to_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o never_o die_a glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n but_o however_o that_o his_o descend_v into_o hell_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n can_v signify_v his_o local_a descent_n into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o former_a argument_n disprove_v his_o suffering_n the_o pain_n of_o hell_n will_v by_o a_o easy_a change_n of_o the_o term_n sufficient_o evince_v this_o also_o for_o first_o christ_n can_v not_o descend_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n since_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o fill_v all_o place_n can_v not_o acquire_v any_o new_a place_n and_o as_o for_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o paradise_n and_o his_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o be_v so_o what_o part_n of_o chirst_n can_v descend_v into_o hell_n the_o whole_a christ_n be_v thus_o dispose_v of_o need_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a apprehension_n to_o conceive_v we_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o expression_n upon_o some_o other_o and_o better_a ground_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o the_o greek_a text_n be_v render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o english_a by_o pain_n in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v not_o only_a pain_n but_o also_o a_o place_n cord_n or_o band_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o proper_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o resurrection_n discharge_v christ_n from_o the_o band_n of_o death_n beside_o that_o this_o rendition_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v also_o most_o natural_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o some_o other_o word_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n as_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v loose_v which_o be_v proper_o applicable_a to_o band_n and_o not_o to_o pain_n as_o also_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v proper_o to_o be_v bind_v with_o some_o cord_n or_o band_n so_o that_o undoubted_o this_o exposition_n will_v give_v the_o whole_a verse_n a_o much_o more_o natural_a and_o apposite_a construction_n and_o withal_o remove_v the_o diffiulty_a but_o second_o because_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n follow_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n who_o little_o mind_v the_o hebrew_n pointing_n render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cord_n or_o band_n but_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pain_n we_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o balk_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n but_o to_o see_v how_o the_o scheme_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v make_v clear_a and_o agreeable_a even_o to_o this_o exposition_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o hebraism_n viz._n the_o pain_n of_o death_n for_o a_o painful_a death_n as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 24.15_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n for_o a_o abominable_a desolation_n and_o so_o the_o resurrection_n loose_v christ_n from_o a_o painful_a death_n not_o indeed_o painful_a in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o release_n from_o it_o but_o in_o a_o divide_a sense_n as_o the_o logician_n speak_v it_o loose_v he_o from_o a_o continuance_n under_o that_o death_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n it_o be_v so_o painful_a 2._o but_o second_o i_o answer_v further_o that_o though_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n cease_v long_o before_o the_o resurrection_n so_o that_o this_o can_v not_o in_o strictness_n of_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o remove_v they_o yet_o take_v in_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n the_o pain_n of_o death_n may_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o have_v be_v loose_v in_o the_o resurrection_n because_o that_o estate_n of_o death_n into_o which_o christ_n be_v bring_v by_o those_o forego_v pain_n be_v then_o conquer_v and_o complete_o triumph_v over_o captivity_n under_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o those_o pain_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o deliverance_n which_o discharge_v christ_n from_o the_o one_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v say_v to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o christ_n be_v no_o soon_o bind_v but_o within_o a_o little_a time_n he_o be_v loose_v again_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o bury_v as_o for_o a_o while_n deposit_v in_o the_o grave_a for_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a space_n so_o that_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o may_v not_o inelegant_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o death_n for_o a_o taste_n be_v transient_a short_a and_o quick_o pass_v god_n rescue_v he_o from_o that_o estate_n as_o a_o
prey_n from_o the_o mighty_a and_o a_o captive_n from_o the_o strong_a and_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o devour_v corruption_n the_o common_a lot_n of_o mortality_n seize_v not_o on_o he_o worm_n and_o putrefaction_n dare_v not_o approach_v he_o his_o body_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o sweet_a under_o ground_n as_o above_o it_o and_o in_o death_n itself_o retain_v one_o of_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o ground_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v its_o absolute_a necessity_n express_v in_o these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n possible_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a par_n &_o aequum_fw-la that_o christ_n shall_v not_o always_o be_v detain_v under_o death_n because_o of_o his_o innocence_n as_o grotius_n precarious_o and_o to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n will_v have_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v but_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o and_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v continue_v under_o the_o band_n of_o death_n from_o the_o peculiar_a condition_n of_o his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o several_a other_o account_n and_o according_o this_o impossibility_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o union_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n to_o the_o divine_a 2._o god_n immutability_n 3._o his_o justice_n 4._o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n be_v believe_v upon_o 5._o and_o last_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o priesthood_n first_o of_o all_o then_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n to_o his_o divine_a render_v a_o perpetual_a duration_n under_o death_n absolute_o impossible_a for_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n be_v final_o prevail_v over_o by_o death_n and_o pass_v into_o a_o estate_n of_o perpetual_a darkness_n and_o oblivion_n even_o while_o christ_n body_n be_v divide_v from_o his_o soul_n yet_o it_o cease_v not_o to_o maintain_v a_o intimate_a indissolvable_a relation_n to_o his_o divinity_n it_o be_v assume_v into_o the_o same_o person_n for_o according_a to_o the_o creed_n of_o athanasius_n as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o humane_a make_v one_o christ._n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v have_v one_o of_o his_o nature_n rent_n whole_o from_o his_o person_n his_o divinity_n as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a humanity_n and_o preserve_v it_o from_o a_o total_a dissolution_n for_o as_o while_o the_o soul_n continue_v join_v to_o the_o body_n still_o speak_v in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la death_n can_v pass_v upon_o it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o their_o separation_n so_o while_o christ_n manhood_n be_v retain_v in_o a_o personal_a conjunction_n with_o his_o godhead_n the_o band_n of_o death_n be_v but_o feeble_a and_o insignificant_a like_o the_o with_o 's_o and_o cord_n upon_o samson_n while_o he_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o mighty_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v for_o a_o while_n suspend_v its_o support_a influence_n and_o so_o deliver_v over_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o pain_n and_o death_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o let_v go_v the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o it_o a_o man_n may_v suffer_v his_o child_n to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o yet_o not_o whole_o quit_v his_o hold_n of_o he_o but_o still_o keep_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recover_v and_o lift_v he_o up_o at_o his_o pleasure_n thus_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n do_v for_o a_o while_n hide_v itself_o from_o his_o humanity_n but_o not_o desert_v it_o put_v it_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n but_o not_o lock_v the_o everlasting_a door_n upon_o it_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v cloud_v and_o yet_o not_o eclipse_v and_o eclipse_v but_o not_o stop_v in_o his_o course_n and_o much_o less_o force_v out_o of_o his_o orb._n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o be_v admire_v that_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v but_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n to_o be_v explode_v that_o it_o shall_v perish_v for_o sure_o that_o nature_n which_o diffuse_v itself_o throughout_o the_o universe_n communicate_v a_o enliven_a influence_n to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o quicken_v the_o least_o spire_n of_o grass_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o its_o capacity_n will_v not_o whole_o leave_v a_o nature_n assume_v into_o its_o bosom_n and_o what_o be_v more_o into_o the_o very_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n breathless_a and_o inanimate_a and_o dismantle_v of_o its_o prime_n and_o noble_a perfection_n for_o life_n be_v so_o high_a a_o perfection_n of_o be_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o least_o fly_n or_o mite_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a be_v than_o a_o star_n and_o god_n have_v express_o declare_v himself_o not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n and_o this_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a person_n of_o man_n but_o how_o much_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n for_o when_o nature_n come_v to_o unite_n so_o near_o as_o mutual_o to_o interchange_v name_n and_o attribute_n and_o to_o verify_v the_o appellation_n by_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v man_n and_o man_n to_o be_v god_n sure_o man_n so_o privilege_v and_o advance_v can_v for_o ever_o lie_v under_o death_n without_o a_o insufferable_a invasion_n upon_o the_o entireness_n of_o that_o glorious_a person_n who_o perfection_n be_v as_o inviolable_a as_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o christ_n continuance_n under_o death_n be_v that_o great_a and_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o immutability_n christ_n resurrection_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o the_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n express_v in_o that_o full_a declaration_n make_v by_o god_n of_o himself_o mala._n 3.6_o i_o the_o lord_n change_v not_o therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v now_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v twofold_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o decree_n or_o purpose_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o word_n or_o promise_n and_o first_o for_o his_o decree_n god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n design_v this_o and_o seal_v it_o by_o a_o irreversible_a purpose_n for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o decree_v as_o well_o as_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o these_o in_o the_o 23._o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n be_v express_o say_v to_o have_v be_v determine_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n that_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v from_o eternity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a purpose_n in_o god_n since_o he_o who_o take_v up_o a_o new_a purpose_n do_v so_o because_o he_o see_v some_o ground_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v before_o but_o this_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n which_o by_o one_o comprehensive_a intuition_n see_v all_o thing_n as_o present_v before_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a emergency_n that_o can_v alter_v the_o divine_a resolution_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o purpose_v to_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a his_o resurrection_n be_v as_o fix_v and_o necessary_a as_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v irrevocable_a a_o purpose_n which_o commence_v from_o eternity_n and_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o time_n a_o purpose_n not_o to_o be_v change_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o bend_v and_o much_o less_o break_v by_o all_o the_o create_v power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n beside_o for_o though_o indeed_o death_n be_v a_o great_a conqueror_n and_o his_o band_n much_o too_o strong_a for_o nature_n and_o mortality_n yet_o when_o over-matched_n by_o a_o decree_n this_o conqueror_n as_o old_a as_o he_o have_v grow_v in_o conquest_n must_v surrender_v back_o his_o spoil_n unbind_v his_o captive_n and_o in_o a_o word_n even_o death_n itself_o must_v receive_v its_o doom_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a decree_n there_o be_v always_o a_o omnipotence_n to_o second_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o by_o