God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and receive up into glory.
God was manifest in the Flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and receive up into glory.
But on the other hand, some have such thoughts of themselves, and of the force and compass of their own Reasons, that they think it an unreasonable imposing on them to expect that they should believe any thing which they cannot quite comprehend.
But on the other hand, Some have such thoughts of themselves, and of the force and compass of their own Reasons, that they think it an unreasonable imposing on them to expect that they should believe any thing which they cannot quite comprehend.
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The Mean between these, is to fix such sure measures in this matter as may preserve us both from a tameness, that may expose us to be an easie Prey to every one that will force perswasions on us, with this bugbear, that they are Mysteries, and that therefore they ought to be believed, even before they are examined:
The Mean between these, is to fix such sure measures in this matter as may preserve us both from a tameness, that may expose us to be an easy Prey to every one that will force persuasions on us, with this bugbear, that they Are Mysteres, and that Therefore they ought to be believed, even before they Are examined:
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and also on the other hand, from such a swelling of pride, as to reject every thing how solemnly soever attested, only because it does not agree with our Notions.
and also on the other hand, from such a swelling of pride, as to reject every thing how solemnly soever attested, only Because it does not agree with our Notions.
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We have St. Paul here in my Text concluding a charge that he had given to Timothy, and in him to all that should minister in holy things, that he should from the Rules here set him, learn how he ought to behave himself in the Church of God: for since the World that is ever apt to be implicit in its thoughts of Religion, will judge of that which they do not know,
We have Saint Paul Here in my Text concluding a charge that he had given to Timothy, and in him to all that should minister in holy things, that he should from the Rules Here Set him, Learn how he ought to behave himself in the Church of God: for since the World that is ever apt to be implicit in its thoughts of Religion, will judge of that which they do not know,
therefore the obligation that lies on Churchmen to a great exactness of deportment, appears particularly from this, That the Mystery of their Religion is without controversie great; and that it is likewise a Mystery of godliness that leads to Right thoughts of God,
Therefore the obligation that lies on Churchmen to a great exactness of deportment, appears particularly from this, That the Mystery of their Religion is without controversy great; and that it is likewise a Mystery of godliness that leads to Right thoughts of God,
What is the true and strict Notion of a Mystery in general. II. What reason there may be for us to believe such Mysteries as may be revealed to us by God. III.
What is the true and strict Notion of a Mystery in general. II What reason there may be for us to believe such Mysteres as may be revealed to us by God. III.
How credible the Mysteries mentioned in my Text are in themselves. IV. What reason we have offered to us that obliges us to believe them. V. In what sense this is a Mystery of godliness.
How credible the Mysteres mentioned in my Text Are in themselves. IV. What reason we have offered to us that obliges us to believe them. V. In what sense this is a Mystery of godliness.
I. Mystery in its common and general Notion, is a Sacred Secret: and it was chiefly applied by the Heathens who first used the word, to those Rites and Ceremonies by which Men were either initiated into Religion, or reconciled to the Deity:
I. Mystery in its Common and general Notion, is a Sacred Secret: and it was chiefly applied by the heathens who First used the word, to those Rites and Ceremonies by which Men were either initiated into Religion, or reconciled to the Deity:
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Among the Romans it was one of the Methods by which the People were managed to make them believe that publick misfortunes rise from some error in the performance of the service that they paid their Gods. A Deputation of fifteen Men who were of the most intire confidence was appointed on great occasions;
Among the Roman it was one of the Methods by which the People were managed to make them believe that public misfortunes rise from Some error in the performance of the service that they paid their God's A Deputation of fifteen Men who were of the most entire confidence was appointed on great occasions;
and upon that he says, That in this lay a Mystery relating to Christ and the Church; that is, a mystical Argument to prove that the Gentiles were to be brought to equal priviledges in the Dispensation of the Messias with the Iews: for the Prophecies having expressed the Union of God with Mankind, in the Messias, under the figure of a Marriage,
and upon that he Says, That in this lay a Mystery relating to christ and the Church; that is, a mystical Argument to prove that the Gentiles were to be brought to equal privileges in the Dispensation of the Messias with the Iews: for the Prophecies having expressed the union of God with Mankind, in the Messias, under the figure of a Marriage,
and not as the Iews imagined, that they were to have many Priviledges under the Messias above the Gentiles, who were only to have a second share after them.
and not as the Iews imagined, that they were to have many Privileges under the Messias above the Gentiles, who were only to have a second share After them.
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Now in the Mystical way of arguing which was in use among the Iews at that time, it was no ill way to convince them, to shew that the whole Church was to come as one Wife under the same Priviledges:
Now in the Mystical Way of arguing which was in use among the Iews At that time, it was no ill Way to convince them, to show that the Whole Church was to come as one Wife under the same Privileges:
This great Doctrine of the Christian Religion, mentioned in my Text, of God's dwelling among us in flesh, is likewise called a Mystery, as containing in it, not any secret which was too sacred to be trusted to Lay-hands, that Priests only might know;
This great Doctrine of the Christian Religion, mentioned in my Text, of God's Dwelling among us in Flesh, is likewise called a Mystery, as containing in it, not any secret which was too sacred to be trusted to Lay hands, that Priests only might know;
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II. And this leads me to the second point, which is to shew, That if any such extraordinary discovery is made, we ought not thereupon to be prejudiced against it,
II And this leads me to the second point, which is to show, That if any such extraordinary discovery is made, we ought not thereupon to be prejudiced against it,
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But all this, how much soever it may be enlarged, and how specious soever it may appear, will have less force when it is considered, That really our Faculties are so defective, that we do not penetrate into the Essence of any one thing what soever;
But all this, how much soever it may be enlarged, and how specious soever it may appear, will have less force when it is considered, That really our Faculties Are so defective, that we do not penetrate into the Essence of any one thing what soever;
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That which is more sensible to every one, is, That there are in us thinking Beings, which we call Souls, that are united to Beings of a quite different nature, which are Bodies, in so strange a manner, that the acts of the Mind give the Body a great variety of motions:
That which is more sensible to every one, is, That there Are in us thinking Beings, which we call Souls, that Are united to Beings of a quite different nature, which Are Bodies, in so strange a manner, that the acts of the Mind give the Body a great variety of motions:
We will, we reason, we remember, speak, or move, and immediately our animal Spirits go into the Chanels into which they are directed, without mistaking their Way or their Errand.
We will, we reason, we Remember, speak, or move, and immediately our animal Spirits go into the Channels into which they Are directed, without mistaking their Way or their Errand.
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and acting upon them, we plainly perceive, that a thing may be true, though at the same time all the notions that we can form of it do present to us difficulties concerning it, which we cannot overcome.
and acting upon them, we plainly perceive, that a thing may be true, though At the same time all the notions that we can from of it do present to us difficulties Concerning it, which we cannot overcome.
how the same Man should consist both of Body and Soul, so united in one, that the Properties of both should belong to the same man, who from the characters of his Mind, may be said to be just, wise, and good; and from the characters of his Body, may be said to be tall, fair, or sickly. So that though these, strictly speaking, belong only to one part of a Man; yet the denomination from each of them, goes to the whole.
how the same Man should consist both of Body and Soul, so united in one, that the Properties of both should belong to the same man, who from the characters of his Mind, may be said to be just, wise, and good; and from the characters of his Body, may be said to be tall, fair, or sickly. So that though these, strictly speaking, belong only to one part of a Man; yet the denomination from each of them, Goes to the Whole.
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for we must consider, that all that which is imported by this Union, is, that our Bodies being put and kept in such a mechanical texture and disposition, our Souls act upon and govern them, both in their vital and their free or rational Operations:
for we must Consider, that all that which is imported by this union, is, that our Bodies being put and kept in such a mechanical texture and disposition, our Souls act upon and govern them, both in their vital and their free or rational Operations:
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which is no other than the Bodies being put and kept in such a Mechanical State, that the motion of the Animal Spirits runs regularly through it, which way soever the Acts of the Mind do determine and direct it;
which is no other than the Bodies being put and kept in such a Mechanical State, that the motion of the Animal Spirits runs regularly through it, which Way soever the Acts of the Mind do determine and Direct it;
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For, if a Body, which is a different sort of Beings from the Soul, is capable of being brought under such an immediate and constant direction from the Mind,
For, if a Body, which is a different sort of Beings from the Soul, is capable of being brought under such an immediate and constant direction from the Mind,
then it is not at all absurd to think, that the Soul of a man should be brought under an immediate and constant actuation from the Divine Nature, which may as well denominate God and Man to be one,
then it is not At all absurd to think, that the Soul of a man should be brought under an immediate and constant actuation from the Divine Nature, which may as well denominate God and Man to be one,
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only whereas the Body gives sensations of Pain and Pleasure to the Mind, by vertue of the Union between them, the perfection of the Divine Nature is such, that it can receive no reciprocal Returns from the Humane Nature;
only whereas the Body gives sensations of Pain and Pleasure to the Mind, by virtue of the union between them, the perfection of the Divine Nature is such, that it can receive no reciprocal Returns from the Humane Nature;
and it continued among them till their Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. Now this Cloud was called God's Face, his Glory, and the Light of his Countenance, and even God himself.
and it continued among them till their Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. Now this Cloud was called God's Face, his Glory, and the Light of his Countenance, and even God himself.
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as well as the thicker Cloud that was folded about it, must have been quickly dissipated, according to the Laws of Motion, all Flame being quickly gone,
as well as the thicker Cloud that was folded about it, must have been quickly dissipated, according to the Laws of Motion, all Flame being quickly gone,
Now it was prophesied, that the Glory of the second Temple should be greater than the Glory of the first; and this Cloud, in which God was present, being the proper Glory of the first,
Now it was prophesied, that the Glory of the second Temple should be greater than the Glory of the First; and this Cloud, in which God was present, being the proper Glory of the First,
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And thus this Mystery that God was manifest in the flesh, has nothing in it that can render it any way Incredible, either from the Principles of Reason or Philosophy,
And thus this Mystery that God was manifest in the Flesh, has nothing in it that can render it any Way Incredible, either from the Principles of Reason or Philosophy,
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As for another part of this Mystery, that our Saviour was born of a Virgin, that carries not any thing in it, which reason shews to be absurd or impossible.
As for Another part of this Mystery, that our Saviour was born of a Virgae, that carries not any thing in it, which reason shows to be absurd or impossible.
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as God did upon the first creation of matter, put it into what Form he pleased, he can still put any part of it, into what shape or motion he intends to Impress upon it:
as God did upon the First creation of matter, put it into what From he pleased, he can still put any part of it, into what shape or motion he intends to impress upon it:
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and so recommend his Doctrine with the more advantage, it was suitable to this, that he should have none of those frailties in his Nature and Constitution, which might have exposed him to the failings, into which the best Men that have their Natures vitiated with those ill Inclinations, are apt to fall.
and so recommend his Doctrine with the more advantage, it was suitable to this, that he should have none of those frailties in his Nature and Constitution, which might have exposed him to the failings, into which the best Men that have their Nature's vitiated with those ill Inclinations, Are apt to fallen.
It was then sutable both to this Holy Religion, and to the Union unto which the Divine Nature assumed the Author of it, that he should be free from all that disorder;
It was then suitable both to this Holy Religion, and to the union unto which the Divine Nature assumed the Author of it, that he should be free from all that disorder;
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and therefore the matter from which he was to take his beginning, was to be so exactly rectified and purified, that there should be no Principle of ill Inclination in it:
and Therefore the matter from which he was to take his beginning, was to be so exactly rectified and purified, that there should be no Principle of ill Inclination in it:
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so it was highly suitable to the design on which he was sent into the World, that his Body should be freed from all that disorder which follows the ordinary course of Nature. III.
so it was highly suitable to the Design on which he was sent into the World, that his Body should be freed from all that disorder which follows the ordinary course of Nature. III.
But yet after all this, it may still be said, why must things of this nature be required to be believed of us? why was this Doctrine of Christianity, which is hard enough in practice, made so much the harder, by containing in it so many things which render it so difficult to be believed? And why were such prejudices laid in the way, both of Iews and Gentiles, by making these Doctrines to be parts of our Faith, which seemed to savour of their most absurd Fables,
But yet After all this, it may still be said, why must things of this nature be required to be believed of us? why was this Doctrine of Christianity, which is hard enough in practice, made so much the harder, by containing in it so many things which render it so difficult to be believed? And why were such prejudices laid in the Way, both of Iews and Gentiles, by making these Doctrines to be parts of our Faith, which seemed to savour of their most absurd Fables,
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as if there were in the Godhead a descent from Father to Son ▪ To all which this is to be answered, that as there was no Doctrine more ancient and sacred among the Philosophers,
as if there were in the Godhead a descent from Father to Son ▪ To all which this is to be answered, that as there was no Doctrine more ancient and sacred among the Philosophers,
and to continue in it, by the great Assistances and the mighty Protection that they were to expect from One that was the Head of Angels: and was also the brightness of the Fathers Glory:
and to continue in it, by the great Assistances and the mighty Protection that they were to expect from One that was the Head of Angels: and was also the brightness of the Father's Glory:
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and since it was necessary to draw Men to think seriously of Religion, by offering them a full and free Pardon of all past sins, it being in vain to press Men to come into any Religion,
and since it was necessary to draw Men to think seriously of Religion, by offering them a full and free Pardon of all past Sins, it being in vain to press Men to come into any Religion,
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and therefore since the making mankind eternally happy, was a design of so high a Narure, it was suitable to so Glorious a Project, that the Person in and by whom all this should be wrought, should be raised up to the highest pitch of Glory possible.
and Therefore since the making mankind eternally happy, was a Design of so high a Nature, it was suitable to so Glorious a Project, that the Person in and by whom all this should be wrought, should be raised up to the highest pitch of Glory possible.
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Thus though it is always a bold Question to ask, why were things so ordered by God? Since if they are declared to us by him, we ought to conclude, without any further enquiry, that they were ordered according to the best and most infallible Reason,
Thus though it is always a bold Question to ask, why were things so ordered by God? Since if they Are declared to us by him, we ought to conclude, without any further enquiry, that they were ordered according to the best and most infallible Reason,
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and that therefore there ought to be a degree of certainty and clearness in the Revelation of any such thing, that is proportioned to the weight and the extraordinary nature of that which is proposed to us;
and that Therefore there ought to be a degree of certainty and clearness in the Revelation of any such thing, that is proportioned to the weight and the extraordinary nature of that which is proposed to us;
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but if Doctrines that are more above us are laid upon us, we ought to examine well the authority upon which they rest, that so we may not become too easie a prey, to every one that thinks to subdue us with the terrour of the word Mystery. Since then that the acknowledging that One who as to all his outward appearance was a Man,
but if Doctrines that Are more above us Are laid upon us, we ought to examine well the Authority upon which they rest, that so we may not become too easy a prey, to every one that thinks to subdue us with the terror of the word Mystery. Since then that the acknowledging that One who as to all his outward appearance was a Man,
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like unto us, was also the true and the great God, or the Son of the living God, carries such an uncouth sound in it, that it naturally affrights and startles us, it is necessary that though the possibility of this has been already considered,
like unto us, was also the true and the great God, or the Son of the living God, carries such an uncouth found in it, that it naturally affrights and startles us, it is necessary that though the possibility of this has been already considered,
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Idolatry is no other, than the Worshipping those that by nature are not Gods; and even the Old Testament for all the Compliances that were in it, to sensible nature,
Idolatry is no other, than the Worshipping those that by nature Are not God's; and even the Old Testament for all the Compliances that were in it, to sensible nature,
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therefore when these two things are laid together, the result of both is, that either the New Testament is the most Incoherent and the worst composed Legend that ever was Writ, in which one main and essential Point is contradict by another,
Therefore when these two things Are laid together, the result of both is, that either the New Testament is the most Incoherent and the worst composed Legend that ever was Writ, in which one main and essential Point is contradict by Another,
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It is certain, that he is either such, or we Christians that pay him Divine Adoration, in so ample a manner as we do, are the greatest Idolaters that ever were.
It is certain, that he is either such, or we Christians that pay him Divine Adoration, in so ample a manner as we do, Are the greatest Idolaters that ever were.
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And as this is contained in the New Testament, in express words, so the whole Doctrine that is revealed in it, was attested in so eminent and so indisputable a manner,
And as this is contained in the New Testament, in express words, so the Whole Doctrine that is revealed in it, was attested in so eminent and so indisputable a manner,
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and who had both Interest and Malice enough to set them on to make the Discovery. One part of the Story was such, that it is not possible to believe that it could have past upon the World if it was not true.
and who had both Interest and Malice enough to Set them on to make the Discovery. One part of the Story was such, that it is not possible to believe that it could have passed upon the World if it was not true.
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and their Course of Life, and had put some of the Women, that were the Deaconesses in the Churches, to the Torture, to draw from them a discovery of such things whereof they were accused:
and their Course of Life, and had put Some of the Women, that were the Deaconesses in the Churches, to the Torture, to draw from them a discovery of such things whereof they were accused:
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for it being so easy a thing to have confuted them, if these things which the Evangelists relate had been false, since they cannot be said to be cunningly devised Fables; we cannot conceive how it is possible that their Enemies, who were then the Governing Party, did not discover, and so confound them.
for it being so easy a thing to have confuted them, if these things which the Evangelists relate had been false, since they cannot be said to be cunningly devised Fables; we cannot conceive how it is possible that their Enemies, who were then the Governing Party, did not discover, and so confound them.
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Upon the whole Matter then it appears, that God did by a profusion of Miracles, if I may so speak, give this Divine Doctrine its first Authority and Credit in the World;
Upon the Whole Matter then it appears, that God did by a profusion of Miracles, if I may so speak, give this Divine Doctrine its First authority and Credit in the World;
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or the Heathens in not joining issue with them in it, was the greatest. And thus without Controversy, Great is the Mystery of Godliness, or of the Christian Religion:
or the heathens in not joining issue with them in it, was the greatest. And thus without Controversy, Great is the Mystery of Godliness, or of the Christian Religion:
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He was also justified in the Spirit, that is, proved to be so, in the wonderful Evidences of the Divine Power, that were solemnly given in the confirmation of it:
He was also justified in the Spirit, that is, proved to be so, in the wondered Evidences of the Divine Power, that were solemnly given in the confirmation of it:
preached unto the Gentiles by a company of poor illiterate Fishermen, who went about with those mighty Credentials of the Gift of Tongues, and the Power of Miracles;
preached unto the Gentiles by a company of poor illiterate Fishermen, who went about with those mighty Credentials of the Gift of Tongues, and the Power of Miracles;
upon whose Evidence he was believed on in the World, by the Gentiles, tho rejected by the Iews; who being possessed with false Prejudices concerning the Messias, could not then receive an humble and a suffering One,
upon whose Evidence he was believed on in the World, by the Gentiles, though rejected by the Iews; who being possessed with false Prejudices Concerning the Messias, could not then receive an humble and a suffering One,
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and embrace a Religion that both obliged them to a great strictness of Life, and also exposed them to many present Sufferings, besides what the first Planters of it warned them of, concerning a Persecution that was quickly to overtake them.
and embrace a Religion that both obliged them to a great strictness of Life, and also exposed them to many present Sufferings, beside what the First Planters of it warned them of, Concerning a Persecution that was quickly to overtake them.
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so that they beheld him ascending up into Heaven; or this received in Glory, for so it may be rendred, may relate to the glorious Instances of God's Power, that appeared in the first planting of Christianity:
so that they beheld him ascending up into Heaven; or this received in Glory, for so it may be rendered, may relate to the glorious Instances of God's Power, that appeared in the First planting of Christianity:
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For, as a Cloud of Glory had appeared hovering over the Tabernacle, and leading the Israelites through the Wilderness, which gave the chief Authority to the Law of Moses; so in this first setling of our most Holy Faith, God seemed,
For, as a Cloud of Glory had appeared hovering over the Tabernacle, and leading the Israelites through the Wilderness, which gave the chief authority to the Law of Moses; so in this First settling of our most Holy Faith, God seemed,
V. In the last place it remains to be considered, how this is said to be a Mystery of Godliness: The word signifies true Piety, or the right way of worshipping God.
V. In the last place it remains to be considered, how this is said to be a Mystery of Godliness: The word signifies true Piety, or the right Way of worshipping God.
for all the use that we make of them besides, is only to boast, that we believe a Religion to which God has given a great deal of Credit, but to which we will give none at all.
for all the use that we make of them beside, is only to boast, that we believe a Religion to which God has given a great deal of Credit, but to which we will give none At all.
Besides, when this leads us to a right Notion of the Worship of God, as not consisting in outward Pomp nor Glory, much less in proposing to our selves visible Objects of Worship,
Beside, when this leads us to a right Notion of the Worship of God, as not consisting in outward Pomp nor Glory, much less in proposing to our selves visible Objects of Worship,
or in dressing it up, as if it were rather a sort of Opera, than the Worship of that God, who has in his Gospel revealed himself to be Spirit and Truth, and that he will be worshipped accordingly.
or in dressing it up, as if it were rather a sort of Opera, than the Worship of that God, who has in his Gospel revealed himself to be Spirit and Truth, and that he will be worshipped accordingly.
When our Worship consists in humble Acts of confessing our own Sins, that needed such an Expiation, in earnest Prayers for a Share in all the Benefits of it,
When our Worship consists in humble Acts of confessing our own Sins, that needed such an Expiation, in earnest Prayers for a Share in all the Benefits of it,
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and in solemn Acknowledgments of the Wonders of it, and of all those Blessings which we are always to own as the Effects of it, flowing to us through it:
and in solemn Acknowledgments of the Wonders of it, and of all those Blessings which we Are always to own as the Effects of it, flowing to us through it:
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In order to the examining the Truth of all this, it is necessary for us to consider, what Impressions have the various Scenes that we have seen, with relation to Religion, made upon us? How did our apprehensions of losing it affect us? Was it only with the sense of a Party,
In order to the examining the Truth of all this, it is necessary for us to Consider, what Impressions have the various Scenes that we have seen, with Relation to Religion, made upon us? How did our apprehensions of losing it affect us? Was it only with the sense of a Party,
and the anger of thinking that we were depressed, and like to be ill used? Or did that Scene make us reflect on our Sins, that had rendred us unworthy of so great a Blessing,
and the anger of thinking that we were depressed, and like to be ill used? Or did that Scene make us reflect on our Sins, that had rendered us unworthy of so great a Blessing,
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and enter into solemn Vows of living more suitably to our Religion, if God should be so gracious as to restore it to us? Such a Preparation as this, had made our Deliverance prove a double Blessing to us.
and enter into solemn Vows of living more suitably to our Religion, if God should be so gracious as to restore it to us? Such a Preparation as this, had made our Deliverance prove a double Blessing to us.
and to make us remember all Quarrels, and so gratify Passion and Revenge? Is our Ease and Abundance abused into Luxury and Vanity? Are our Hearts lifted up,
and to make us Remember all Quarrels, and so gratify Passion and Revenge? Is our Ease and Abundance abused into Luxury and Vanity? are our Hearts lifted up,
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We ought in that case to ask our selves, what have we done? and wherein have we troubled Israel? It is but a Melancholly Comfort when a man is full of so sad a speculation, to think that man is so made, that it ever was, and ever will be so.
We ought in that case to ask our selves, what have we done? and wherein have we troubled Israel? It is but a Melancholy Comfort when a man is full of so sad a speculation, to think that man is so made, that it ever was, and ever will be so.
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in which, for ten years together, the Sword had been made drunk with the blood of the Saints; and it was so firmly believed that the name of a Christian was extinguished, that Medals were struck to perpetuate the memory of that Performance;
in which, for ten Years together, the Sword had been made drunk with the blood of the Saints; and it was so firmly believed that the name of a Christian was extinguished, that Medals were struck to perpetuate the memory of that Performance;
and that the Christians from the remembrance of the former Persecution, and the reflections on their present Ease, should have been so full of a sense, both of what they had escaped then,
and that the Christians from the remembrance of the former Persecution, and the reflections on their present Ease, should have been so full of a sense, both of what they had escaped then,
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Generally Ignorant and Vicious Men were promoted to their best and greatest Sees, who fell into most Extravagant Disputes concerning the Dignity and Privileges of their Episcopal Sees.
Generally Ignorant and Vicious Men were promoted to their best and greatest Sees, who fell into most Extravagant Disputes Concerning the Dignity and Privileges of their Episcopal Sees.
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In Africk a Breach arose upon no greater matter than this, Whether Cecilian, the Bishop of Carthage, was ordained by men that had, during the Persecution, denied the Faith,
In Africa a Breach arose upon no greater matter than this, Whither Cecilian, the Bishop of Carthage, was ordained by men that had, during the Persecution, denied the Faith,
and being a matter of fact that turned upon proof, the case was judged against Donatus, and his Party, who complained of Cecilian: but this did not stop the Breach, which made such a fatal progress, that almost in every Town in Africk there was a Church formed with a Bishop over it, that adhered to Donatus: and the Division continued above 120 years,
and being a matter of fact that turned upon proof, the case was judged against Donatus, and his Party, who complained of Cecilian: but this did not stop the Breach, which made such a fatal progress, that almost in every Town in Africa there was a Church formed with a Bishop over it, that adhered to Donatus: and the Division continued above 120 Years,
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At the same time that this Dispute began at Carthage, another was raised at Alexandria, occasioned at first by some indiscreet Words that passed between Alexander the Bishop,
At the same time that this Dispute began At Carthage, Another was raised At Alexandria, occasioned At First by Some indiscreet Words that passed between Alexander the Bishop,
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In Conclusion, after a whole Age of God's long-suffering Patience and Forbearance, there fell on the Church, both in the East, and in the West, a succession of the terriblest Plagues for two Ages together, that is in History:
In Conclusion, After a Whole Age of God's long-suffering Patience and Forbearance, there fell on the Church, both in the East, and in the West, a succession of the terriblest Plagues for two Ages together, that is in History:
And these brought on such Famines and Pestilences upon the whole Roman Empire, that all the History of those Ages is a continued Scene of Horror and Misery.
And these brought on such Famines and Pestilences upon the Whole Roman Empire, that all the History of those Ages is a continued Scene of Horror and Misery.
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to let us see what we ought to look for, it not warned by such Terrible Examples, we should still continue to despise all the Methods of God's Providence,
to let us see what we ought to look for, it not warned by such Terrible Examples, we should still continue to despise all the Methods of God's Providence,
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as to see us so broken among our selves, especially in Matters of Religion; and that we should have studied to have healed all differences among our selves;
as to see us so broken among our selves, especially in Matters of Religion; and that we should have studied to have healed all differences among our selves;
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when the Eyes of all the World are upon us, and that all Europe expects from hence, a Deliverance from a Tyranny, which has now lain so long and so heavy on it.
when the Eyes of all the World Are upon us, and that all Europe expects from hence, a Deliverance from a Tyranny, which has now lain so long and so heavy on it.
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All these things are sad Indications of our great Indifferency in the Matters of Religion; that after all the talk that has been about them, we either believe them not,
All these things Are sad Indications of our great Indifferency in the Matters of Religion; that After all the talk that has been about them, we either believe them not,
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and such as will only constrain a Man to follow his Interests, or at least his Pride, which in that Language, is called Honour; so Religion in general,
and such as will only constrain a Man to follow his Interests, or At least his Pride, which in that Language, is called Honour; so Religion in general,
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in doing which, he finds great inward joy in himself, since a mind reduced to a calm and quiet state, will feel as real a Complacency in all that is good,
in doing which, he finds great inward joy in himself, since a mind reduced to a Cam and quiet state, will feel as real a Complacency in all that is good,
when he shall be in a state where he shall perfectly comprehend that, which is now to him the great Mystery of Godliness; To which State, God of his infinite Mercy bring us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FINIS.
when he shall be in a state where he shall perfectly comprehend that, which is now to him the great Mystery of Godliness; To which State, God of his infinite Mercy bring us, through jesus christ our Lord. Amen. FINIS.
