be_v excellent_o say_v by_o another_o brave_a man_n of_o a_o true_a primitive_a temper_n 2._o this_o question_n how_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o only_a will_n be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v to_o be_v great_o admire_v of_o all_o and_o with_o these_o ancient_a writer_n agree_v the_o great_a modern_a reformer_n 2._o this_o word_n why_o say_v he_o have_v mislead_v and_o destroy_v many_o soul_n it_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o to_o search_v into_o when_o we_o come_v to_o insist_v too_o busy_o on_o these_o demand_n why_o or_o how_o god_n say_v or_o do_v this_o or_o that_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n and_o to_o give_v assent_n to_o god_n word_n though_o we_o can_v clear_o conceive_v it_o which_o argue_v a_o very_a unchristian_a temper_n for_o the_o gospel_n have_v propound_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o be_v mystical_a which_o neither_o our_o thought_n can_v full_o apprehend_v nor_o our_o word_n express_v 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be_v so_o bright_a and_o their_o intellect_n be_v so_o shine_v what_o be_v this_o but_o pride_n what_o be_v this_o but_o be_v over-conceited_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o have_v too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o rational_a capacity_n what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o immodest_a and_o extravagant_a magnify_v of_o these_o power_n yea_o what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o aspire_v to_o divinity_n and_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o a_o infinite_a and_o immense_a nature_n a_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a wisdom_n zophar_n give_v we_o the_o true_a character_n and_o pedigree_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n job_n 11._o 12._o vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a this_o empty_a hollow_a creature_n will_v fain_o be_v think_v to_o be_v full_a of_o knowledge_n though_o he_o be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n though_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n ignorant_a and_o rude_a he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o his_o part_n and_o acquirement_n he_o be_v of_o such_o arrogancy_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o think_v it_o below_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o abstrusity_n in_o religion_n he_o take_v part_n with_o the_o conceit_a sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n among_o who_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n zenone_n that_o it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o wonder_v at_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o to_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v paradox_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o much_o of_o this_o vaunt_v humour_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n wonderful_a and_o amaze_a even_o in_o religion_n itself_o st._n paul_n style_v christianity_n a_o mystery_n but_o he_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n direct_o contradict_v he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o mysterious_a but_o those_o who_o attend_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n 3._o not_o
this_o be_v the_o christian_a truth_n our_o singular_a glory_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o those_o who_o profess_v any_o other_o religion_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n or_o the_o delude_v saracen_n and_o turk_n or_o downright_a atheist_n and_o other_o of_o a_o like_a perverse_a persuasion_n these_o all_o err_v especial_o the_o three_o first_o rank_n of_o man_n by_o not_o know_v or_o not_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deserve_o style_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o then_o who_o embrace_v this_o christian_a rule_n be_v bless_v with_o that_o institution_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o be_v back_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o have_v a_o divine_a impress_n stamp_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o our_o religion_n as_o far_o surmount_v all_o 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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 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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 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thing_n show_v their_o mistake_n and_o that_o they_o be_v on_o this_o side_n of_o that_o place_n for_o they_o betray_v the_o weakness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o knowledge_n these_o person_n indiscreet_o antedate_v the_o last_o day_n anticipate_v the_o future_a world_n and_o confront_v the_o reveal_v purpose_n of_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v not_o design_v by_o the_o supreme_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v here_o below_o have_v a_o full_a insight_n into_o those_o divine_a recess_n this_o be_v reserve_v for_o another_o state_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v why_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v why_o some_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o momentous_a doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n hide_v from_o all_o man_n understanding_n what_o i_o have_v say_v administer_v to_o we_o this_o double_a reflection_n 1._o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsity_n of_o the_o socinian_n notion_n that_o 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to_o think_v of_o themselves_o more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o have_v other_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o divine_a truth_n we_o have_v instance_n on_o record_n of_o those_o humble_a soul_n who_o though_o of_o singular_a sagacity_n and_o improvement_n proclaim_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o the_o exalt_v truth_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o the_o ancient_a inspire_a arabian_a express_v it_o thus_o etc._n man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n of_o it_o i._n e._n as_o i_o apprehend_v he_o can_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o purchase_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o for_o we_o purchase_v thing_n by_o price_n neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o whence_o 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as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o apprehend_v the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o he_o see_v and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o yet_o i_o hearty_o own_o this_o universal_a sight_n and_o prescience_n of_o he_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n it_o be_v humility_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n with_o such_o persuasion_n and_o language_n as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o believe_v and_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o his_o holy_a faith_n which_o far_o transcend_v his_o thought_n and_o conception_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o according_a to_o another_o divine_a and_o inspire_a sage_n 24._o be_v far_o off_o and_o exceed_o deep_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v who_o can_v find_v it_o out_o to_o which_o irrefragable_a 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the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o verb_n saphah_n or_o tsaphah_n which_o signify_v to_o hide_v or_o cover_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v probable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v derive_v and_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v the_o name_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v because_o though_o the_o language_n in_o which_o this_o book_n be_v original_o draw_v up_o be_v hebrew_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o prologue_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v soon_o translate_v into_o greek_a because_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n speak_v greek_a general_o and_o have_v their_o bible_n and_o service_n in_o greek_a and_o according_o this_o place_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n in_o that_o tongue_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o word_n derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o denomination_n of_o wisdom_n import_v something_o hide_v and_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o she_o be_v according_a to_o her_o name_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v a_o sense_n of_o 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prospect_n of_o those_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o nature_n and_o reason_n can_v dictate_v those_o thing_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n the_o method_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n dispensation_n how_o be_v nicodemus_n a_o note_a master_n in_o israel_n and_o no_o mean_a possessor_n of_o reason_n baffle_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n who_o make_v his_o visit_n only_o by_o the_o dusky_a and_o obscure_a light_n of_o nature_n therefore_o though_o reason_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n use_v its_o reason_a faculty_n be_v a_o laudable_a guide_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v alone_o there_o must_v 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be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a mystery_n which_o our_o religion_n be_v fraught_v with_o but_o the_o founder_n of_o they_o 24._o we_o can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o those_o transcendent_a notion_n unless_o we_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v not_o skill_v to_o appoint_v the_o manner_n of_o appease_v the_o incense_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n suitable_a to_o that_o oeconomy_n this_o will_v have_v be_v as_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o some_o silly_a country_n peasant_n to_o assign_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o treat_v a_o mighty_a king_n and_o monarch_n who_o will_v not_o expect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a a_o rude_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_n and_o courtship_n and_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o particular_a divine_a discovery_n a_o clear_a light_n a_o sure_a guide_n than_o that_o of_o nature_n for_o though_o god_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o past_a generation_n of_o man_n yet_o to_o make_v that_o revelation_n complete_a he_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n christ_n therefore_o say_v and_o that_o emphatical_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n john_n 14._o 6._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o correct_a edition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o must_v never_o look_v for_o any_o other_o to_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v truth_n more_o eminent_o so_o call_v 〈…〉_z the_o truth_n which_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o bless_a evangelist_n speak_v
as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o accompany_v salvation_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o other_o for_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o find_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n 2._o this_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o scarcity_n of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v secret_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o equivocal_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o bold_o assume_v the_o name_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o boast_v of_o that_o honourable_a title_n but_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o they_o think_v they_o know_v something_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o these_o be_v very_o numerous_a and_o every_o place_n swarm_n with_o they_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o gospel-truths_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o derive_v their_o denomination_n from_o christ_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o this_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o default_n hide_v from_o they_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a supernatural_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n let_v we_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a and_o heavenly_a mystagogue_n the_o effectual_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a secret_n and_o who_o alone_o can_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o enlighten_v and_o irradiate_a our_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v real_o beneficial_a to_o we_o let_v we_o beg_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o advantageous_a knowledge_n of_o all_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o feel_v they_o as_o well_o as_o know_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n found_v on_o the_o word_n christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n show_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o some_o more_o especial_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v such_o even_o in_o a_o general_a way_n unto_o every_o one_o there_o be_v several_a great_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v no_o more_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v with_o relation_n and_o respect_n even_o to_o all_o person_n whosoever_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o influence_n that_o if_o it_o be_v due_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o important_a point_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o far_o contest_v about_o these_o if_o the_o abovesaid_a proposition_n do_v but_o take_v place_n in_o man_n mind_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a secret_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v so_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o this_o can_v but_o supersede_n all_o controversy_n about_o 〈◊〉_d this_o with_o ingenuous_a and_o rational_a spirit_n solve_v all_o difficulty_n this_o with_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n answer_v all_o doubt_n and_o full_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v evince_v that_o â—here_o be_v such_o secret_n as_o these_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o other_o and_o these_o be_v proper_o style_v mystery_n that_o one_o text_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v this_o we_o know_v in_o part_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o knowledge_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o evangelical_n matter_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v by_o way_n of_o natural_a consequence_n we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n for_o our_o instruct_n of_o other_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o our_o own_o knowledge_n which_o be_v but_o in_o part_n he_o superadd_v now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n that_o be_v either_o as_o man_n look_v through_o a_o perspective_n on_o a_o object_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o therefore_o make_v obscure_a by_o its_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o eye_n or_o as_o person_n behold_v themselves_o in_o a_o glass_n or_o mirror_n which_o manner_n of_o expression_n st._n james_n use_v to_o signify_v a_o slight_a view_n 1_o jam._n 23._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o apostle_n think_v not_o this_o sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o meanness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a matter_n but_o he_o add_v another_o emphatic_a expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n i.e._n in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dark_a and_o intricate_a manner_n and_o therefore_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o dark_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o partial_a discovery_n of_o some_o divine_a truth_n our_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v very_o imperfect_a there_o be_v certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o capacity_n but_o be_v in_o themselves_o enigmatical_a and_o abstruse_a and_o these_o passage_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o apostle_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o knowledge_n he_o who_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o a_o scholar_n for_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o gamaliel_n a_o celebrate_a hebrew_n doctor_n and_o professor_n and_o thence_o be_v stock_v with_o all_o the_o jewish_a literature_n and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o the_o heathen_a poet_n as_o his_o quotation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o know_v be_v questionless_a not_o defective_a in_o other_o part_n of_o humane_a learning_n which_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o furnish_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o native_a city_n that_o of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o famous_a university_n and_o these_o excellency_n join_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n and_o endowment_n which_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o acute_a reason_n and_o arguing_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v of_o the_o high_a
on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n stiâ—â—y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o adequate_a conception_n of_o his_o immutability_n his_o justice_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o none_o of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n be_v thorough_o understand_v by_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o some_o man_n use_v viz._n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o plain_a reason_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o deity_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n the_o manner_n how_o three_o real_a subsistency_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o comprehensible_a but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o principle_n and_o proposition_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a idea_n of_o it_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v christ_n satisfaction_n but_o upon_o incontestable_a ground_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o dead_a body_n crumble_v into_o dust_n and_o perhaps_o dissipate_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o several_a quarter_n or_o how_o a_o body_n convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o other_o creature_n after_o innumerable_a introduction_n of_o new_a shape_n preserve_v its_o proper_a identity_n â—nd_v individuation_n if_o we_o be_v ask_v i_o say_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n in_o brief_a can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o other_o than_o this_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a answer_n for_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o reply_v this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a but_o to_o pretend_v to_o give_v reason_n and_o account_n when_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a and_o absurd_a and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v inscrutable_a secret_n our_o religion_n have_v many_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v extricate_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v a_o mystery_n it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v there_o may_v be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o 1._o that_o which_o solomon_n suggest_v to_o we_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v he_o to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n prov._n 25._o 2._o the_o supreme_a be_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v the_o knowledge_n of_o several_a thing_n from_o man_n because_o this_o redound_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n hereby_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v display_v to_o mankind_n hereby_o his_o transcendent_a nature_n which_o infinite_o surpass_v that_o of_o all_o create_a being_n be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o almighty_a say_v he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n job_n 33._o 13._o though_o sometime_o yea_o frequent_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o well_o as_o of_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o in_o many_o case_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o we_o otherwise_o