effect_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o this_o trouble_v he_o too_o that_o i_o say_v they_o be_v the_o different_a administration_n of_o this_o mediatory_a kingdom_n for_o say_v our_o author_n be_v a_o office_n a_o administration_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n therefore_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o different_a office_n but_o as_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a office_n which_o comprehend_v they_o all_o but_o then_o he_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o totum_fw-la a_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v to_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n why_o sir_n just_o such_o a_o totum_fw-la as_o consist_v of_o three_o part_n his_o mistake_n which_o occasion_n this_o wonder_a humour_n be_v that_o he_o think_v a_o mediatory_a kingdom_n and_o the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a extent_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o king_n can_v not_o be_v contain_v under_o a_o mediatory_a kingdom_n as_o a_o part_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o whole_a whereas_o every_o puny_a in_o divinity_n know_v that_o a_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o the_o mere_a office_n of_o a_o king_n and_o contain_v the_o prophetical_a and_o priestly_a office_n under_o it_o which_o be_v like_o another_o of_o his_o mistake_n that_o because_o as_o he_o observe_v from_o doctor_n jackson_n and_o doctor_n hammond_n christ_n be_v consecrate_v to_o his_o priestly_a office_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o death_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o consecrate_v to_o his_o mediatory_a office_n as_o i_o assert_v by_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n as_o if_o christ_n may_v not_o have_v a_o general_a consecration_n to_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o a_o particular_a consecration_n to_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o though_o doctor_n hammond_n only_o say_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o consecration_n to_o his_o melchisedechi_n a_o priesthood_n but_o be_v itself_o a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n but_o i_o see_v the_o most_o innocent_a expression_n shall_v not_o escape_v the_o severe_a censure_n 388._o when_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o can_v understand_v nothing_o which_o be_v out_o of_o their_o common_a road_n of_o phrase_n mr._n ferguson_n draw_v up_o a_o very_a severe_a charge_n against_o i_o upon_o this_o score_n as_o if_o i_o confound_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o deny_v his_o priesthood_n and_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a humour_n he_o can_v have_v handle_v i_o after_o another_o rate_n true_o what_o his_o humour_n be_v i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o either_o his_o understanding_n or_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o very_o good_a he_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o laudable_a pain_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n though_o they_o be_v not_o separate_v in_o their_o subject_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n object_n act_n and_o effect_n distinguish_v one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o do_v i_o any_o where_o deny_v this_o because_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v several_a part_n and_o different_a administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o several_a part_n and_o different_a administration_n that_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o their_o nature_n act_n and_o effect_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o paternal_a government_n consist_v of_o very_o different_a part_n as_o the_o education_n of_o child_n provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n for_o they_o correct_v they_o when_o they_o do_v amiss_o and_o encourage_v their_o virtue_n place_v they_o with_o prudent_a master_n and_o governor_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o future_a subsistence_n and_o the_o like_a now_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o feed_v child_n and_o correct_v they_o and_o send_v they_o to_o school_n and_o put_v they_o out_o to_o serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n to_o a_o trade_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v their_o live_n because_o all_o these_o do_v equal_o belong_v to_o a_o father_n care_n and_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o paternal_a government_n thus_o when_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n a_o mediatory_a king_n and_o that_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v but_o the_o several_a part_n and_o different_a administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o same_o end_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n can_v any_o man_n hence_o reasonable_o infer_v that_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v in_o their_o particular_a nature_n act_n 392._o object_n and_o effect_n but_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v that_o i_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n because_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n offering_n himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o kingship_n but_o i_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n my_o word_n be_v these_o when_o he_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n he_o act_v like_o a_o king_n now_o can_v our_o author_n perceive_v no_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o expression_n that_o christ_n offering_n himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o kingship_n and_o when_o he_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n he_o act_v like_o a_o king_n the_o first_o signify_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o regal_a power_n which_o indeed_o confound_v his_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n the_o other_o only_o signify_v that_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n and_o in_o that_o very_a act_n when_o he_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n he_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n too_o that_o be_v as_o i_o explain_v it_o that_o his_o life_n be_v not_o take_v from_o he_o by_o external_a force_n and_o power_n but_o his_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n he_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o and_o i_o wonder_v mr._n ferguson_n shall_v think_v it_o any_o derogation_n from_o our_o saviour_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o he_o add_v this_o command_n have_v i_o receive_v from_o my_o father_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o he_o what_o authority_n and_o power_n that_o be_v which_o christ_n as_o mediator_n have_v not_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n and_o do_v not_o exercise_n by_o his_o command_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o a_o mediatory_a kingdom_n be_v a_o receive_v and_o subordinate_a power_n it_o be_v obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n to_o men._n and_o have_v this_o author_n be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v consider_v what_o i_o immediate_o subjoin_v he_o can_v not_o have_v suspect_v i_o of_o socinianize_a or_o of_o confound_v the_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n viz._n herein_o christ_n differ_v from_o other_o king_n that_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o he_o purchase_v and_o redeem_v his_o subject_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o such_o another_o mistake_v one_o may_v observe_v in_o our_o author_n when_o he_o make_v i_o to_o say_v 395._o that_o the_o sacerdotal_a office_n be_v only_o a_o part_n and_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o regal_a whereas_o i_o never_o think_v that_o the_o sacerdotal_a office_n be_v part_n of_o the_o regal_a office_n but_o that_o the_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n be_v several_a part_n and_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n and_o when_o i_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v several_a part_n of_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n i_o have_v not_o so_o little_a wit_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v part_n of_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n but_o i_o see_v our_o author_n with_o all_o his_o learning_n can_v distinguish_v between_o a_o kingly_a office_n and_o a_o mediatory_a kingdom_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n he_o arraigns_n i_o for_o a_o 393._o socinian_n for_o assert_v that_o intercession_n signify_v the_o administration_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a kingdom_n the_o power_n of_o a_o regal_a priest_n to_o expiate_v and_o forgive_v sin_n though_o either_o our_o author_n be_v very_o ignorant_a or_o can_v but_o know_v that_o what_o i_o there_o assert_v have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o socinian_n notion_n for_o i_o express_o attribute_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o the_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o
his_o death_n and_o cite_v heb._n ix_o 12._o to_o that_o purpose_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_n socinian_n can_v own_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n be_v one_o who_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o petition_n and_o procure_v a_o answer_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n offer_v incense_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n which_o signify_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o while_n the_o priest_n offer_v incense_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o people_n use_v to_o pray_v without_o that_o their_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v together_o with_o the_o incense_n luke_n i_o 10._o so_o that_o christ_n intercession_n be_v found_v on_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o meritorius_fw-la sacrifice_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n imagine_v but_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o person_n to_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o be_v able_a to_o save_v all_o those_o to_o the_o uttermost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n seven_o 25._o and_o since_o we_o have_v such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v present_v his_o blood_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n he_o be_v no_o long_o than_o a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o aaron_n but_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n his_o work_n be_v not_o to_o offer_v himself_o any_o more_o in_o sacrifice_n for_o he_o have_v by_o one_o offering_n for_o ever_o perfect_v they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v but_o his_o office_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o god_n name_n as_o melchisedeck_v bless_v abraham_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o bless_v we_o in_o turn_v of_o we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v exalt_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o now_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n christ_n do_v not_o intercede_v like_o some_o mean_a advocate_n by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n have_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o but_o do_v by_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n as_o the_o purchase_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n bestow_v all_o those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o his_o name_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o assert_v that_o christ_n intercession_n be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o regal_a priest_n to_o expiate_v and_o forgive_v sin_n not_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o they_o which_o he_o do_v by_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v pervert_v my_o word_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o expiation_n and_o atonement_n to_o we_o in_o the_o actual_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o though_o he_o quarrel_n with_o i_o for_o assert_v it_o be_v willing_a it_o seem_v to_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o know_v how_o his_o word_n be_v these_o indeed_o his_o intercession_n as_o upon_o the_o one_o 391._o hand_n it_o be_v found_v on_o his_o oblation_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o meritorious_a passion_n and_o a_o continuation_n of_o his_o sacerdotal_a function_n which_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o christ_n intercession_n as_o confound_v his_o sacrifice_n with_o his_o intercession_n which_o be_v indeed_o found_v on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o receive_v all_o its_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n from_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v of_o a_o distinct_a nature_n and_o consideration_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o have_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o act_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n for_o these_o office_n be_v all_o vest_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o have_v all_o the_o same_o general_a end_n and_o belong_v all_o to_o the_o work_n of_o mediation_n it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o their_o act_n must_v have_v a_o mutual_a respect_n to_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o priestly_a office_n to_o which_o intercession_n appertain_v be_v formal_o distinct_a from_o his_o kingly_a in_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n intercession_n as_o it_o respect_v we_o and_o consist_v in_o bestow_v those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v be_v a_o act_n of_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o assert_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o assert_v and_o as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v that_o still_o his_o priestly_a office_n be_v formal_o distinguish_v from_o his_o kingly_a i_o ready_o grant_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o respect_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n but_o as_o it_o respect_v his_o intercession_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o melchisedechian_a priesthood_n his_o kingly_a and_o priestly_a office_n be_v so_o close_o unite_v that_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o regal_a priest_n than_o as_o either_o priest_n or_o king_n because_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v found_v on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v see_v what_o a_o vain_a and_o malicious_a attempt_n it_o be_v for_o this_o author_n to_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v i_o as_o a_o socinian_n of_o which_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n i_o shall_v give_v several_a other_o instance_n hereafter_o and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o prove_v that_o the_o kingly_a and_o priestly_a office_n in_o christ_n be_v distinct_a and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o a_o proper_a priest_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o looking-glass-maker_n he_o quarrel_v still_o that_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n in_o publish_v his_o law_n our_o author_n can_v understand_v that_o to_o enact_v law_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o a_o regal_a power_n but_o not_o to_o publish_v they_o which_o will_v make_v every_o inferior_a herald_n a_o king_n this_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a objection_n which_o show_v his_o skill_n in_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o necessary_a for_o a_o king_n to_o publish_v his_o law_n in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a condescension_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o come_v in_o person_n to_o we_o to_o publish_v his_o law_n but_o yet_o the_o publication_n of_o law_n must_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o enact_v they_o for_o publication_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o law_n and_o by_o wise_a man_n than_o our_o author_n put_v into_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o regal_a power_n i_o doubt_v my_o reader_n will_v be_v quite_o tire_v with_o my_o take_a notice_n of_o such_o impertinent_a cavil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o or_o two_o more_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o dismiss_v our_o author_n for_o the_o present_a i_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n for_o teach_v her_o child_n a_o religion_n without_o art_n or_o subtilty_n our_o author_n disprove_v this_o by_o show_v that_o no_o child_n can_v 31._o understand_v the_o church-catechism_n without_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n he_o can_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o understand_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n and_o whether_o he_o must_v be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o he_o must_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v which_o require_v great_a subtlety_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o child_n can_v understand_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o nature_n without_o unridle_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o philosophy_n as_o for_o instance_n at_o this_o rate_n a_o child_n can_v understand_v what_o bread_n be_v unless_o he_o first_o understand_v what_o matter_n be_v and_o then_o he_o
saviour_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o example_n that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a and_o compassionate_a and_o inherit_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o show_v that_o all_o those_o consideration_n 2_o which_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v make_v man_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n do_v necessary_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n but_o give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n this_o i_o observe_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o save_v sinner_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n no_o man_n will_v return_v to_o his_o duty_n without_o some_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o conquer_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n thus_o the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n person_n give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o inviolable_a sanction_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n heb._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n and_o lay_v forcible_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o god_n incarnate_a and_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel-covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o but_o then_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n christ_n will_v in_o his_o own_o person_n accomplish_v all_o those_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v whether_o they_o concern_v the_o present_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o christ_n will_v do_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n not_o from_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o person_n who_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o live_v and_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o saviour_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n now_o to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o some_o man_n who_o upbraid_v those_o preacher_n who_o spend_v their_o great_a zeal_n in_o expound_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o press_v man_n by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a hereafter_o and_o the_o many_o great_a advantage_n of_o holiness_n here_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n i_o say_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o those_o who_o upbraid_v such_o preacher_n with_o not_o preach_v christ_n i_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o place_n what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o good_a man_n now_o in_o these_o last_o day_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a useful_a knowledge_n be_v to_o understand_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o expound_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n preach_v christ_n as_o philip_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act._n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o ver_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o then_o we_o understand_v all_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o understand_v what_o obligation_n they_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o feel_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n in_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n of_o which_o some_o man_n discourse_v in_o such_o uncouth_a and_o cabbalistical_a term_n as_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o state_n 4._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o
the_o church_n his_o spouse_n a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o church_n his_o flock_n a_o rock_n whereon_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o church_n a_o holy_a temple_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a christian_n their_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n account_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o he_o die_v and_o to_o which_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v a_o secret_a and_o private_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o ordinary_o enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o christian_a but_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v both_o necessary_a rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o public_a sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n and_o our_o church_n teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n which_o be_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o notion_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o it_o may_v have_v recourse_n thither_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o political_a not_o a_o natural_a union_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o now_o those_o relation_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o union_n signify_v power_n and_o authority_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n which_o signify_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o other_o relation_n whereby_o this_o union_n be_v describe_v only_o when_o i_o call_v it_o a_o political_a union_n you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v no_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n a_o subject_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o external_a action_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n entitle_v man_n to_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o man_n who_o can_v discern_v heart_n and_o thought_n yet_o whoever_o do_v not_o hearty_o obey_v christ_n be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o denominate_v we_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spiritual-political_n union_n which_o principal_o respect_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o and_o a_o mutual_a &_o reciprocal_a love_n it_o be_v a_o political_a union_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o in_o the_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v spiritual_a because_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v our_o outward_a action_n as_o the_o government_n of_o earthly_a prince_n do_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v put_v it_o into_o other_o word_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n this_o make_v we_o the_o church_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o signify_v be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n this_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n now_o beside_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o very_o apt_o agree_v with_o all_o those_o metaphor_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o it_o first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n a_o sin_n which_o very_o few_o man_n have_v any_o sense_n of_o in_o these_o day_n for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n necessary_o require_v our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n then_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n but_o divide_v we_o from_o christ_n as_o a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o head_n too_o this_o make_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o dreadful_a because_o it_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o sentence_n every_o schismatic_a execute_v upon_o himself_o and_o that_o more_o infallible_o too_o than_o church-governor_n can_v for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o may_v separate_v those_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o their_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v by_o a_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o whoever_o causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v infallible_o divide_v himself_o from_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v through_o such_o invincible_a mistake_n as_o may_v mitigate_v the_o crime_n and_o plead_v his_o excuse_n for_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o effect_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n or_o interest_n or_o some_o other_o carnal_a lust_n and_o it_o concern_v those_o man_n who_o make_v so_o light_a of_o schism_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v only_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n when_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o his_o body_n and_o be_v no_o long_o any_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o this_o notion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o and_o to_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o body_n and_o member_n whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o sake_n alone_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o justify_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o since_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v
whatever_o become_v of_o this_o exposition_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n before_o mr._n ferguson_n imagine_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n without_o the_o least_o trope_n or_o figure_n fullness_n proper_o belong_v only_o to_o space_n as_o fill_v with_o matter_n and_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n when_o apply_v to_o spirit_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o instead_o of_o turn_v a_o proper_a expression_n into_o trope_n and_o figure_n i_o have_v expound_v a_o figurative_a expression_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n when_o by_o the_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n i_o understand_v the_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o by_o this_o fullness_n communicate_v to_o we_o the_o most_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o proper_a work_n mr._n ferguson_n make_v of_o it_o by_o that_o fullness_n in_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n he_o understand_v a_o participation_n of_o renew_v sanctify_a grace_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n full_a of_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n that_o be_v according_a to_o mr._n ferguson_n notion_n of_o it_o of_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o receive_v this_o renew_n grace_n out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n as_o water_n flow_v out_o of_o a_o fountain_n and_o thus_o either_o grace_n pass_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o which_o the_o philosopher_n will_v have_v tell_v he_o no_o habit_n or_o quality_n can_v do_v or_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o christian_n together_o with_o these_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o more_o ridiculous_a conceit_n than_o the_o popish_a transubstantiation_n or_o the_o lutheran_n consubstantiation_n the_o inherent_a grace_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o identical_a nature_n with_o the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_n and_o the_o essential_a holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v separable_a from_o his_o person_n and_o may_v be_v transmit_v into_o another_o subject_n and_o may_v there_o be_v capable_a of_o increase_n and_o diminution_n mr._n ferguson_n must_v necessary_o allow_v all_o this_o if_o he_o take_v these_o word_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v endow_v with_o power_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o deliver_v this_o expression_n from_o trope_n and_o figure_n but_o the_o very_a same_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n must_v be_v infuse_v into_o believer_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o nonsense_n but_o these_o be_v but_o some_o slight_a skirmish_n in_o pag._n 387._o he_o draw_v forth_o his_o whole_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n against_o i_o that_o i_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n by_o turn_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n into_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n of_o this_o he_o give_v two_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o say_v i_o confound_v with_o his_o regal_a office_n and_o consequent_o make_v christ_n only_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o priest_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v 399._o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o they_o must_v all_o of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v in_o a_o metaphorick_n as_o the_o socinian_o expound_v they_o now_o though_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v puzzle_v mr._n ferguson_n to_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o proper_a and_o a_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n yet_o at_o least_o one_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o in_o order_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o shall_v produce_v some_o express_a place_n where_o i_o make_v christ_n a_o metaphorical_a priest_n or_o some_o express_a text_n which_o i_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n but_o he_o can_v do_v neither_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o he_o first_o pervert_v my_o word_n as_o well_o as_o sense_n and_o then_o argue_v by_o consequence_n that_o i_o make_v christ_n only_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n and_o then_o by_o as_o good_a consequence_n i_o must_v expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o metaphorick_n sense_n and_o thus_o by_o consequence_n our_o author_n lose_v his_o labour_n for_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o childish_o he_o have_v mistake_v or_o malicious_o pervert_v my_o word_n and_o sense_n whereon_o this_o charge_n be_v ground_v only_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a to_o find_v upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o alter_v his_o judgement_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n and_o his_o discourse_n concern_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o time_n be_v when_o he_o charge_v that_o learned_a person_n with_o betray_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o i_o be_o now_o charge_v with_o socinianism_n but_o our_o author_n never_o commend_v any_o one_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v some_o commendation_n of_o himself_o or_o to_o reflect_v some_o disparagement_n and_o odium_fw-la upon_o his_o adversary_n his_o next_o instance_n concern_v that_o account_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o justification_n 403._o and_o here_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o few_o cavil_v exception_n against_o it_o &_o then_o admirable_o prove_v that_o i_o pervert_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o own_o my_o word_n but_o dislike_v that_o blunder_a method_n into_o which_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o represent_v my_o own_o conception_n in_o such_o order_n and_o method_n as_o may_v more_o easy_o and_o natural_o express_v my_o sense_n i_o assert_v that_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o a_o perfect_a and_o sinless_a obedience_n but_o promise_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n that_o this_o gospel-covenant_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n have_v give_v a_o noble_a demonstration_n of_o his_o entire_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o with_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n believe_v his_o revelation_n obey_v his_o law_n trust_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o righteousness_n or_o justification_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a account_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n â—45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o
he_o add_v that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o true_a but_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_n as_o i_o show_v above_o his_o five_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o that_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o govern_v we_o now_o as_o a_o visible_a head_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v invest_v with_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n but_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o our_o actual_a subjection_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v above_o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n as_o for_o his_o proof_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o which_o he_o thus_o expound_v that_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o coalesce_v into_o church_n society_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o our_o author_n skill_n or_o honesty_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o church_n society_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o they_o which_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o those_o day_n when_o independency_n be_v not_o yet_o hatch_v but_o he_o commend_v the_o bounty_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o macedonian_n in_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n and_o their_o great_a forwardness_n to_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o need_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o commit_v their_o liberal_a contribution_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o the_o propgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o importunate_a solicitation_n but_o of_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o but_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o we_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o then_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n his_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n but_o pray_v how_o so_o because_o i_o assert_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o head_n only_o to_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o none_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n without_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n i_o must_v now_o do_v as_o m._n ferguson_n do_v deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o it_o he_o imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a union_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n on_o earth_n to_o who_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v whereas_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o no_o head_n but_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o head_n as_o all_o member_n be_v by_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o vicarious_a head_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n to_o the_o real_a head_n if_o it_o be_v not_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o analogy_n or_o resemblance_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o no_o member_n be_v any_o other_o way_n unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o bishop_n be_v but_o member_n of_o this_o body_n though_o of_o great_a use_n dignity_n and_o authority_n than_o mean_a christian_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n be_v more_o honourable_a and_o useful_a than_o the_o rest_n but_o who_o tell_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o vicarious_a head_n he_o represent_v this_o as_o my_o opinion_n though_o i_o never_o say_v so_o nor_o think_v so_o i_o have_v say_v indeed_o that_o particular_a christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o union_n to_o his_o church_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o every_o christian_a much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n except_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o because_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n be_v not_o immediate_o join_v to_o it_o these_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o 469._o be_v unite_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n most_o of_o which_o he_o allege_n also_o upon_o another_o occasion_n to_o prove_v that_o one_o live_v in_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o no_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o avow_a doctrine_n of_o socinus_n by_o this_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o weight_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o repeat_v my_o answer_n as_o often_o as_o he_o repeat_v his_o argument_n but_o dare_v venture_v they_o at_o one_o proposal_n against_o his_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v among_o other_o argument_n whereby_o i_o confirm_v that_o notion_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o solemn_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_n of_o 615._o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o whereby_o we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o here_o too_o challenge_v i_o with_o contradict_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o so_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o
four_a that_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o god_n now_o dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v thus_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o i_o explain_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o our_o author_n honesty_n in_o charge_v i_o with_o reject_v the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a external-political_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o notion_n from_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o this_o author_n and_o i_o may_v honourable_o enough_o retreat_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o skirmish_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o right_a that_o may_v be_v to_o my_o cause_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a &_o teachable_a mind_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o more_o particular_o discourse_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o be_v content_v to_o give_v some_o plain_a and_o short_a intimation_n of_o it_o be_v because_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n as_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o it_o be_v that_o my_o adversary_n have_v confound_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o intricate_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o effect_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o clear_o and_o perfect_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o but_o unless_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o perfect_a chance_n and_o accident_n these_o new_a divine_n can_v to_o this_o day_n direct_a man_n how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o mystical_a union_n but_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o be_v thus_o legal_o and_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o we_o must_v expect_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o till_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o or_o rather_o till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o when_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v on_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n nay_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o very_a good_a man_n who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o preachment_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o eternal_a scruple_n about_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o a_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o can_v work_v his_o imagination_n into_o all_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o perpetual_a embrace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o assurance_n and_o despise_v the_o low_a attainment_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o good_a life_n now_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o rectify_v these_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v this_o union_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o bad_a man_n though_o never_o such_o seraphical_a hypocrite_n may_v see_v all_o their_o hope_n confute_v and_o be_v force_v either_o to_o let_v go_v all_o their_o pretence_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n or_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n and_o i_o can_v not_o better_o do_v this_o than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v all_o along_o to_o expound_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a so_o as_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o signify_v on_o our_o part_n viz._n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v than_o to_o dispute_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inhabitation_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o which_o possible_o will_v never_o be_v determine_v as_o very_o few_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o much_o material_a whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o hearty_o believe_v and_o importunate_o beg_v and_o constant_o rely_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n second_o there_o be_v a_o further_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o because_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v consequent_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o constitute_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o antecedaneous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o list_v ourselves_o into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n from_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o member_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v receive_v any_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o christ_n kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o concern_v only_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o just_o as_o temporal_a prince_n can_v exercise_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o over_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o government_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gosspel_n be_v preach_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n do_v actual_o believe_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o constant_a principle_n in_o they_o upon_o covenant_n and_o promise_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v annex_v to_o our_o baptism_n with_o water_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o upon_o that_o account_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v then_o bestow_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o dr._n owen_n and_o all_o my_o adversary_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n yet_o do_v and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n prove_v that_o christ_n be_v first_o reckon_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n be_v reckon_v
to_o etc._n we_o and_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o that_o be_v our_o be_v reckon_v to_o he_o because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o then_o certain_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o primary_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o this_o i_o express_o assert_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o so_o large_o and_o particular_o discourse_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o influential_a head_n though_o i_o express_o own_o those_o influence_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v so_o only_o as_o he_o be_v a_o political_a head_n that_o be_v as_o temporal_a prince_n govern_v their_o subject_n by_o external_a art_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n so_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a prince_n govern_v his_o subject_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n be_v bestow_v only_o on_o his_o subject_n and_o be_v dispense_v in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o the_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v on_o we_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o daily_a supply_n of_o it_o be_v administer_v upon_o our_o constant_a and_o devout_a prayer_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o constant_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o these_o mean_v christ_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n convey_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o which_o require_v our_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o sacred_a institution_n and_o be_v the_o true_a basis_n and_o security_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 15_o 16._o and_o col._n 2._o 18._o and_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n with_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n represent_v the_o nourishment_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o by_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o every_o member_n do_v not_o receive_v its_o influence_n and_o nourishment_n immediate_o from_o the_o head_n but_o one_o member_n communicate_v to_o another_o in_o such_o just_a and_o equal_a proportion_n and_o regular_a way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o every_o christian_a who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v receive_v the_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n for_o his_o increase_n and_o nourishment_n but_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v these_o influence_n immediate_o but_o they_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o those_o holy_a institution_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o i_o will_v not_o call_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n nor_o send_v person_n immediate_o to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o power_n and_o all_o spiritual_a supply_n because_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o derive_v it_o immediate_o from_o his_o person_n but_o he_o dispense_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o such_o other_o regular_a method_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o spiritual_a body_n whereas_o dr._n owen_n and_o dr._n crisp_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o antinomian_o represent_v christ_n as_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v not_o only_o do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o that_o by_o such_o natural_a conveyance_n of_o grace_n from_o his_o person_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o spiritual_a motion_n so_o dr._n crisp_n very_o agreeable_o to_o what_o dr._n owen_n assert_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v &c_n the_o head_n now_o the_o head_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o animal_n spirit_n and_o of_o all_o motion_n without_o a_o head_n a_o man_n can_v hear_v see_v walk_z feel_v stir_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n see_v all_o these_o operation_n come_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o motion_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o conceive_v that_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o see_v whilst_o he_o have_v not_o a_o head_n as_o to_o think_v a_o man_n may_v have_v spiritual_a eye_n whether_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v christ_n or_o the_o eye_n of_o mourning_n to_o lament_v his_o wretchedness_n before_o there_o be_v actual_o the_o conjunction_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o such_o a_o body_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v life_n and_o can_v any_o one_o be_v a_o active_a creature_n before_o there_o be_v life_n breathe_v into_o he_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v dead_a so_o every_o person_n in_o spiritual_a action_n be_v whole_o dead_a till_o christ_n the_o soul_n of_o that_o soul_n be_v infuse_v into_o he_o to_o animate_v and_o enliven_v he_o for_o these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o all_o the_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o grace_n be_v force_v to_o resolve_v the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o a_o natural_a and_o physical_a and_o immediate_a operation_n of_o christ_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o make_v all_o his_o institution_n very_o insipid_a and_o useless_a thing_n and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_a society_n if_o all_o grace_n be_v so_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o a_o hasten_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v myself_o and_o my_o notion_n from_o that_o unjust_a and_o scandalous_a imputation_n of_o pelagianism_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v only_o either_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o my_o adversary_n or_o to_o their_o want_n of_o better_a argument_n or_o possible_o to_o both_o chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o socinianism_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a iam_fw-la now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o few_o word_n dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o adversary_n do_v at_o every_o turn_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o answer_v charge_v i_o with_o socinianize_a a_o charge_n which_o be_v as_o much_o unexpected_a as_o undeserved_a but_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o very_a familiar_a art_n among_o these_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o those_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v christianity_n from_o those_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v broach_v under_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o to_o reduce_v people_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v seduce_v through_o the_o witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n of_o sublime_a and_o seraphical_a nonsense_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v just_a to_o express_v some_o indignation_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o the_o father_n observe_v in_o causa_fw-la haereseos_fw-la neminem_fw-la decet_fw-la esse_fw-la