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this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n but_o first_o of_o all_o the_o full_a proof_n imaginable_a of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o point_n will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n or_o argument_n they_o be_v immediate_o design_v to_o confirm_v viz._n that_o all_o those_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o any_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n which_o the_o church_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n have_v confess_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o connection_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o five_o point_n and_o the_o church_n authority_n by_o her_o continual_a confession_n to_o make_v any_o doctrine_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o 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the_o latter_a moreover_o there_o be_v something_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n which_o no_o man_n nor_o church_n can_v particular_o determine_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n can_v rational_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n but_o he_o must_v first_o have_v or_o understand_v some_o evidence_n and_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o man_n can_v determine_v upon_o what_o proof_n a_o man_n must_v necessary_o believe_v it_o because_o god_n have_v provide_v man_n with_o great_a store_n of_o eminent_a proof_n proper_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o have_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v forth_o his_o effectual_a influence_n and_o blessing_n with_o any_o but_o one_o instance_n among_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n with_o which_o he_o have_v furnish_v man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n now_o salvation_n be_v not_o direct_o promise_v to_o the_o belief_n 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religion_n our_o fear_n must_v not_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o right_n but_o i_o be_o certain_a by_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n declaration_n no_o just_a exception_n can_v be_v raise_v against_o any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n what_o this_o author_n say_v after_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o practice_n i_o think_v be_v full_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o vindication_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 83_o 84._o and_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o satisfaction_n if_o he_o need_v any_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o salvation_n be_v not_o promise_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o article_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n let_v any_o man_n produce_v a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n to_o a_o unbeliever_n if_o he_o can_v upon_o his_o believe_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o perform_v any_o matter_n of_o practice_n consider_v separately_z from_o his_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n salvatition_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o when_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o such_o with_o relation_n to_o other_o matter_n the_o promise_n than_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o article_n to_o which_o it_o be_v primary_o promise_v and_o respect_v those_o other_o matter_n as_o fruit_n effect_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincere_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n except_o where_o the_o promise_n respect_v not_o salvation_n in_o general_n but_o degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o glory_n if_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n say_v this_o author_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v require_v for_o a_o fundamental_a but_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v and_o to_o which_o salvation_n be_v express_o annex_v and_o promise_v it_o will_v very_o probable_o make_v way_n for_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a faith_n in_o which_o christian_n can_v
not_o possible_o agree_v answ._n here_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o question_n but_o that_o people_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n declaration_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o as_o to_o doctrine_n they_o be_v to_o believe_v afterward_o have_v a_o probable_a tendency_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a faith_n be_v very_o strange_a to_o i_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o have_v the_o most_o intelligible_a faith_n for_o people_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v from_o god_n express_a declaration_n there_o will_v be_v some_o difference_n indeed_o among_o christian_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n they_o believe_v some_o believe_v more_o article_n some_o few_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v till_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o their_o knowledge_n yet_o in_o the_o way_n except_v against_o they_o will_v every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o agree_v in_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v in_o knowledge_n and_o let_v people_n advance_v what_o notion_n they_o please_v concern_v what_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n they_o can_v rational_o agree_v any_o further_a than_o they_o will_v this_o way_n unless_o they_o must_v all_o be_v stake_v down_o to_o believe_v just_a one_o set_v of_o doctrine_n without_o extend_v their_o endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n any_o further_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o prevent_v peoples_n raise_v exception_n against_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n i_o can_v excuse_v it_o from_o do_v unsufferable_a wrong_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n we_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v whatsoever_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v teach_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v coop_v up_o and_o confine_v to_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o doctrine_n and_o law_n but_o must_v every_o one_o employ_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o be_v continual_o increase_v and_o improve_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o holiness_n this_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v not_o imply_v our_o explicit_a believe_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o doctrine_n he_o have_v teach_v but_o it_o be_v a_o submit_v our_o faith_n implicit_o to_o he_o believe_v that_o all_o he_o have_v teach_v be_v true_a with_o a_o disposition_n and_o purpose_n to_o search_v after_o and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n he_o have_v particular_o teach_v and_o to_o believe_v on_o his_o authority_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v understand_v he_o have_v teach_v for_o say_v this_o author_n if_o nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a proposition_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o that_o great_a importance_n be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o suppose_v in_o that_o proposition_n he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n have_v eternal_a life_n if_o what_o be_v there_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v there_o propose_v without_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o like_a promise_n answ._n this_o author_n by_o assent_v to_o a_o bare_a proposition_n seem_v to_o mean_v a_o person_n be_v assent_v to_o or_o believe_v that_o certain_a word_n he_o never_o hear_v before_o nor_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o mean_v of_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v a_o insignificant_a sound_n comprehend_v and_o express_v a_o real_a truth_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o though_o the_o word_n may_v be_v a_o proposition_n to_o he_o who_o utter_v they_o and_o to_o those_o who_o understand_v they_o they_o be_v no_o proposition_n to_o he_o who_o never_o hear_v nor_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o by_o he_o by_o explication_n of_o it_o this_o author_n here_o seem_v to_o mean_v proper_a interpretation_n viz._n declare_v in_o another_o language_n what_o the_o term_n in_o the_o say_a proposition_n do_v ordinary_o signify_v among_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o proposition_n be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v or_o declare_v by_o other_o word_n in_o the_o same_o language_n the_o several_a simple_a idea_n of_o which_o those_o complex_fw-la ideas_n be_v make_v up_o for_o the_o express_v of_o which_o those_o term_n be_v use_v yet_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o seem_v to_o understand_v by_o explication_n all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o either_o relate_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o speak_v of_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o if_o this_o author_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n why_o or_o upon_o which_o people_n ought_v to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n and_o every_o branch_n of_o his_o office_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n as_o the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v i_o think_v it_o will_v require_v a_o considerable_a time_n to_o prove_v clear_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o opinion_n and_o if_o we_o may_v introduce_v a_o account_n of_o our_o fear_n in_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o may_v take_v liberty_n to_o declare_v i_o be_o afraid_a this_o notion_n if_o it_o prevail_v will_v unavoidable_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o endless_a wrangling_n and_o distraction_n for_o i_o suspect_v all_o people_n will_v not_o present_o agree_v how_o many_o the_o text_n be_v and_o which_o they_o be_v which_o relate_v all_o the_o thing_n before_o speak_v of_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o improbability_n of_o their_o sudden_a consent_n to_o understand_v every_o one_o of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v immediate_o into_o a_o accord_n about_o all_o these_o matter_n i_o suspect_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o consent_n will_v not_o be_v very_o intelligible_a it_o be_v never_o pretend_v that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v that_o this_o proposition_n jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v true_a without_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o do_v consist_v to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n be_v not_o for_o a_o person_n to_o believe_v he_o hear_v a_o sound_n but_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v affirm_v or_o deny_v in_o the_o proposition_n which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v unless_o he_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n for_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o affirmation_n or_o negation_n unless_o be_v understand_v the_o term_n as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o that_o proposition_n and_o have_v a_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n affirm_v or_o deny_v as_o they_o be_v there_o put_v together_o but_o let_v the_o proposition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v than_o be_v express_v in_o the_o term_n of_o that_o proposition_n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 99_o this_o proposition_n jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o consist_v of_o term_n which_o be_v very_o common_a and_o familiar_a among_o they_o which_o have_v a_o determine_a settle_a signification_n among_o they_o the_o one_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o a_o person_n the_o other_o ordinary_o stand_v for_o the_o description_n of_o a_o person_n they_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o according_a to_o the_o account_n moses_n have_v give_v they_o of_o he_o a_o long_a time_n before_o see_v deut._n 18._o 15_o to_o the_o 20._o and_o act._n 3_o 22_o etc._n etc._n they_o do_v not_o need_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o people_n of_o another_o language_n need_v no_o other_o interpretation_n of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a
a_o divine_a revelation_n divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o doctrine_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o author_n consider_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n entrust_v in_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o their_o commission_n mat._n 28._o 19_o 20_o 21._o which_o commission_n as_o it_o invest_v they_o with_o as_o full_a a_o power_n of_o teach_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o it_o lay_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n upon_o other_o of_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v in_o his_o own_o person_n p._n 19_o 20._o answ._n very_o true_a but_o all_o that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o do_v teach_v be_v not_o nor_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n only_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v as_o to_o the_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n entrust_v his_o apostle_n with_o authority_n to_o disciple_n people_n to_o he_o and_o upon_o their_o avouch_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n to_o baptise_v and_o external_o admit_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o other_o doctrine_n he_o have_v authorize_v they_o to_o divulge_v as_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o matter_n they_o be_v to_o learn_v and_o have_v learn_v must_v necessary_o believe_v but_o he_o do_v not_o intrust_v they_o with_o a_o authority_n to_o make_v a_o new-covenant_n with_o people_n and_o to_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o more_o article_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o epistle_n be_v part_n of_o that_o revelation_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o christian_n faith_n but_o no_o other_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n than_o those_o on_o the_o believe_a and_o own_v of_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v admit_v those_o unbeliever_n to_o who_o they_o preach_v into_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n if_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o people_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o or_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v understand_v their_o commission_n for_o they_o neither_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o those_o distinct_a doctrine_n they_o have_v deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n in_o their_o preach_v to_o unbeliever_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v the_o relation_n give_v of_o the_o method_n and_o tenor_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v they_o in_o their_o epistle_n any_o where_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n they_o have_v in_o their_o epistle_n deliver_v many_o doctrine_n which_o believer_n or_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v press_v to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o explicit_o believe_v on_o hazard_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o i_o conceive_v they_o have_v press_v on_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v before_o they_o write_v their_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v then_o and_o afterward_o but_o they_o do_v not_o any_o where_o in_o their_o epistle_n teach_v that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 76_o 83_o etc._n etc._n in_o p._n 23._o this_o author_n say_v something_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o give_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a account_n in_o my_o judgement_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o condition_n thereby_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o obtain_n happiness_n though_o he_o true_o say_v this_o be_v full_o do_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o short_a i_o think_v be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n who_o do_v so_o hearty_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n as_o to_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n with_o invincible_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v absolute_o govern_v by_o he_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o pleasure_n let_v what_o inconvenience_n difficulty_n or_o hardship_n soever_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o know_v his_o pleasure_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o benefit_n or_o blessing_n here_o promise_v by_o christ._n the_o condition_n he_o appoint_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o or_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v entitle_v to_o receive_v that_o benefit_n from_o he_o be_v not_o a_o explicit_a believe_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o or_o his_o apostle_n shall_v teach_v but_o only_o a_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o absolute_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v say_v this_o author_n before_o we_o can_v perform_v they_o which_o be_v very_o true_a and_o undeniable_o certain_a so_o god_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o give_v we_o a_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o first_o in_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n p._n 23._o answ._n 1._o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n christ_n take_v by_o his_o order_n to_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n that_o be_v to_o purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o right_a to_o publish_v the_o aforesaid_a covenant_n and_o to_o perform_v what_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v comply_v with_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n there_o express_v but_o neither_o the_o method_n nor_o the_o explicit_a believe_v of_o it_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o actual_a observe_v of_o that_o method_n be_v christ_n part_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n or_o purchase_v to_o himself_o the_o right_o before_o mention_v and_o see_v he_o have_v reveal_v that_o he_o do_v take_v this_o method_n for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v a_o article_n a_o fundamental_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o every_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v he_o for_o his_o lord_n and_o be_v thereby_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o with_o god_n through_o he_o when_o he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o 2._o the_o history_n of_o the_o miracle_n christ_n wrought_v be_v a_o mighty_a proper_a and_o powerful_a inducement_n to_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o a_o very_a good_a introduction_n to_o our_o take_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o second_o in_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v answ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v send_v or_o pour_v forth_o on_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o prove_v their_o mission_n by_o or_o from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o gracious_a declaration_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v before_o and_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o shall_v receive_v jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n into_o his_o kingdom_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o same_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o and_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n a_o particular_a complete_a account_n and_o body_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o must_v be_v study_v believe_v and_o observe_v by_o his_o subject_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v these_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v or_o consent_v to_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o they_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o those_o who_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o as_o they_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o explicit_o believe_v and_o observe_v which_o be_v a_o good_a and_o full_a employment_n for_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v after_o they_o be_v christian_n let_v their_o life_n be_v lengthen_v to_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o extent_n but_o the_o holy_a
ghost_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o empower_v they_o to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o people_n by_o make_v more_o article_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o christ_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o though_o they_o be_v to_o produce_v more_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o have_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o be_v give_v before_o and_o be_v to_o furnish_v christian_n with_o a_o more_o complete_a body_n of_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n they_o be_v member_n of_o than_o be_v before_o publish_v see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n p._n 89_o 90_o 325_o 330._o it_o may_v therefore_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o i_o think_v for_o that_o reason_n without_o any_o absurdity_n be_v affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v full_o and_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 73._o in_o p._n 30._o this_o author_n discourse_v concern_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o say_v that_o the_o article_n of_o that_o creed_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a fundamental_o unless_o we_o also_o firm_o believe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o frequent_a explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n that_o be_v those_o explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n answ._n i_o will_v wave_v take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v here_o from_o the_o generality_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o expression_n here_o use_v and_o shall_v only_o put_v this_o author_n in_o mind_n that_o the_o question_v he_o shall_v peremptory_o answer_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n appointment_n to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o creed_n if_o those_o who_o answer_v this_o question_n negative_o be_v in_o the_o right_n let_v they_o talk_v what_o they_o please_v of_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o this_o creed_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v under_o a_o very_a ugly_a reflection_n for_o the_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o which_o and_o answer_v to_o what_o this_o author_n have_v further_a write_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v refer_v to_o the_o second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n p._n 74_o etc._n etc._n 77_o 163_o 169_o etc._n etc._n in_o p._n 31_o and_o 32._o this_o author_n offer_v consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o passage_n he_o quote_v out_o of_o p._n 297._o of_o the_o reasonab_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v here_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o these_o consideration_n be_v ground_v upon_o two_o great_a mistake_v 1._o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n he_o oppose_v depend_v upon_o the_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n and_o when_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n which_o be_v write_v first_o whereas_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v till_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o many_o who_o be_v christian_n by_o the_o epistle_n we_o understand_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n be_v entrust_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o but_o suppose_v the_o act_n and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v write_v after_o all_o the_o epistle_n they_o acquaint_v we_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propose_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o unbeliever_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n 2._o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n reject_v the_o epistle_n from_o be_v part_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o christian_n for_o which_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o least_o ground_n second_o that_o this_o passage_n this_o author_n pretend_v to_o answer_v have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o demonstration_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n immediate_o before_o it_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o and_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o in_o most_o place_n very_o weighty_a truth_n to_o we_o etc._n etc._n he_o add_v but_o yet_o every_o sentence_n of_o they_o must_v not_o be_v take_v up_o and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n whereof_o no_o body_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n here_o nor_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o eternal_a kingdom_n hereafter_o where_o we_o see_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o fundamental_a article_n in_o the_o very_a next_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o passage_n reflect_v on_o by_o this_o author_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n if_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n declare_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v as_o fundamental_a article_n what_o then_o become_v of_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_n in_o his_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n many_o be_v before_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o to_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 294._o the_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v believer_n and_o christian_n the_o occasion_n and_o end_n of_o write_v they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n this_o author_n reply_v in_o these_o word_n this_o seem_v rather_o to_o strengthen_v than_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v those_o same_o doctrine_n for_o fundamental_o before_o which_o they_o afterward_o communicate_v as_o sacred_a depositum_n of_o their_o faith_n p._n 33._o answ._n suppose_v they_o have_v teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n before_o to_o the_o christian_n or_o church_n they_o afterward_o write_v to_o and_o so_o they_o be_v fundamental_o to_o those_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o be_v so_o to_o they_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v propound_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n in_o answer_n to_o another_o passage_n quote_v out_o of_o the_o same_o page_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n this_o author_n propound_v this_o question_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n answ._n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v christian_n though_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o those_o doctrine_n you_o call_v fundamental_o here_o if_o they_o be_v christian_n than_o those_o you_o call_v fundamental_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v excuse_v my_o want_n of_o complaisance_n in_o declare_v i_o shall_v choose_v to_o believe_v the_o apostle_n rather_o than_o they_o again_o say_v this_o author_n may_v there_o not_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v some_o less_o know_v among_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o ask_v be_v those_o less_o know_v person_n christian_n if_o not_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o epistle_n or_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o some_o who_o will_v not_o thorough_o believe_v several_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n without_o such_o a_o authority_n the_o apostle_n have_v etc._n etc._n seem_v not_o to_o bear_v a_o propitious_a aspect_n to_o what_o this_o author_n former_o advance_v as_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v fundamental_a truth_n from_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n what_o this_o author_n further_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o my_o animadversion_n p._n 26_o 27._o but_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v how_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o
that_o writer_n by_o your_o faithful_a servant_n s._n bold_n observation_n on_o the_o animadversion_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n observation_n on_o the_o preface_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o wrong_a construction_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o a_o very_a good_a and_o useful_a book_n and_o that_o what_o it_o discourse_v of_o may_v be_v represent_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o author_n design_v and_o have_v deliver_v in_o most_o intelligible_a apposite_a and_o plain_a expression_n now_o if_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o write_v against_o a_o book_n he_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v or_o misrepresents_a do_v propose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v pertenent_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o book_n it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v his_o do_v so_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o chance_n than_o to_o the_o exactness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o his_o certain_a intention_n for_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o a_o rational_a person_n will_v deliberate_o and_o advise_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o conceive_v have_v a_o clear_a connection_n with_o what_o he_o direct_o and_o immediate_o propose_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o discourse_n and_o though_o at_o some_o distance_n he_o aim_v at_o the_o book_n he_o talk_v of_o yet_o he_o main_o design_n to_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n he_o lay_v down_o as_o he_o conceive_v direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o deliver_v in_o that_o book_n but_o if_o the_o proposition_n on_o both_o side_n be_v in_o truth_n very_o well_o consistent_a though_o he_o do_v not_o apprehend_v so_o he_o can_v hardly_o offer_v any_o consideration_n to_o weaken_v the_o force_n or_o expose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n advance_v by_o the_o author_n he_o profess_v to_o oppose_v but_o those_o very_a consideration_n will_v as_o certain_o wound_v his_o own_o proposition_n and_o reflect_v as_o unlucky_o on_o they_o as_o they_o can_v on_o the_o other_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a writer_n can_v design_n whilst_o he_o mistake_v the_o author_n he_o in_o word_n oppose_v let_v he_o confirm_v and_o establish_v his_o own_o assertion_n ever_o so_o strong_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o distress_n what_o that_o author_n have_v indeed_o publish_v one_o man_n affirm_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n another_o profess_v to_o oppose_v this_o and_o therefore_o lay_v down_o and_o elaborate_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v this_o proposition_n that_o the_o epistle_n be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n now_o both_o these_o proposition_n be_v very_o true_a and_o consistent_a and_o whatever_o argument_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o latter_a comport_v very_o well_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a and_o can_v at_o all_o invalidate_n but_o may_v very_o much_o confirm_v it_o but_o if_o he_o who_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o latter_a do_v let_v fall_v passage_n which_o reflect_v on_o the_o former_a proposition_n those_o passage_n have_v real_o the_o same_o ill_a aspect_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o proposition_n they_o have_v to_o the_o other_o the_o whole_a amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v declare_v that_o all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n and_o another_o out_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n shall_v profess_o oppose_v that_o proposition_n and_o publish_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v this_o see_v the_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v lay_v down_o both_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v it_o be_v best_a discern_v which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n then_o certain_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v why_o they_o may_v be_v better_o discern_v by_o consult_v the_o gospel_n and_o act_n than_o the_o epistle_n people_n misrepresent_v a_o good_a book_n may_v be_v derive_v from_o various_a original_n as_o wilfulness_n inadvertence_n weakness_n prepossession_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o suspect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n late_o print_v at_o oxford_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scriputer_n have_v misrepresent_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n through_o a_o indulgence_n to_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o may_v be_v just_o blame_v because_o he_o write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o so_o much_o temper_v and_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o preface_n so_o every_o way_n become_v a_o worthy_a and_o good_a christian._n but_o if_o i_o understand_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o express_v in_o that_o treatise_n it_o be_v mighty_o misrepresent_v in_o those_o animadversion_n how_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a soever_o the_o author_n may_v be_v in_o what_o he_o have_v do_v that_o i_o may_v do_v both_o these_o author_n all_o the_o right_o i_o be_o able_a i_o will_v observe_v all_o along_o wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v and_o give_v as_o true_a impartial_a and_o distinct_a a_o account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o can_v in_o those_o point_n treat_v of_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o three_o part_n of_o these_o animadversion_n and_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o what_o this_o author_n have_v offer_v against_o what_o he_o have_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o orderly_o i_o will_v begin_v my_o observation_n where_o the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n begin_v he_o viz._n p._n 1._o of_o his_o preface_n where_o he_o declare_v his_o agreement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o most_o rational_a mean_n of_o silence_v all_o religious_a controversy_n be_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o apprehend_v be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o conceive_v he_o agree_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n in_o the_o main_a of_o that_o reason_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v to_o that_o proposition_n though_o to_o express_v what_o i_o apprehend_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o 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as_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o believe_v they_o do_v but_o repeat_v or_o re-act_n his_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n with_o a_o precise_a determination_n of_o that_o belief_n to_o those_o doctrine_n as_o know_v and_o consider_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o christ._n now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o of_o these_o doctrine_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o for_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v till_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n with_o what_o consistency_n can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o of_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a upon_o what_o evidence_n upon_o what_o authority_n must_v a_o man_n believe_v any_o of_o these_o doctrine_n to_o make_v he_o a_o christian_a they_o be_v not_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n will_v a_o man_n believe_v they_o in_o submission_n to_o humane_a authority_n make_v he_o a_o christian_a if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o must_v 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necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v do_v it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o doctrine_n which_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v explicit_o and_o then_o believe_v and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o also_o that_o some_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v more_o full_o express_v and_o explain_v in_o the_o epistle_n but_o the_o proof_n be_v yet_o want_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o the_o full_a explanation_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o before_o they_o can_v all_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v doctrine_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o this_o purpose_n their_o 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to_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o salvation_n when_o he_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o list_n of_o they_o and_o produce_v his_o proof_n that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n etc._n etc._n a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o but_o till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o distinction_n of_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o god_n veracity_n and_o truth_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n unto_o i_o i_o shall_v here_o further_o observe_v that_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v have_v not_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o doctrine_n which_o instruct_v we_o what_o be_v pay_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v not_o the_o price_n itself_o with_o which_o that_o salvation_n be_v purchase_v 2._o the_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v only_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o make_v know_v 3._o the_o relation_n the_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n have_v to_o his_o salvation_n who_o do_v know_v and_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v to_o his_o salvation_n who_o do_v know_v and_o believe_v they_o which_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v take_v to_o be_v his_o lord_n whatever_o those_o matter_n be_v which_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n some_o be_v please_v to_o term_n indifferent_a matter_n a_o sincere_a christian_a be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o when_o he_o know_v they_o be_v reveal_v there_o as_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o other_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v there_o for_o 4._o the_o reason_n of_o my_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n teach_v and_o therefore_o my_o believe_a one_o doctrine_n have_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o my_o salvation_n that_o my_o believe_v another_o doctrine_n christ_n have_v teach_v have_v to_o my_o salvation_n they_o be_v equal_o act_v of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o each_o belief_n be_v the_o very_a same_o yet_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o our_o belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n this_o author_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o have_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o our_o partake_n of_o salvation_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o real_a price_n and_o a_o proper_a purchase_n of_o salvation_n for_o mankind_n have_v to_o the_o purchase_n of_o salvation_n for_o mankind_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o then_o i_o must_v add_v we_o shall_v hereby_o as_o proper_o purchase_v our_o own_o salvation_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v to_o 5._o if_o a_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n what_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n than_o this_o necessity_n of_o believe_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n must_v be_v obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o himself_o by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o doctrine_n which_o and_o how_o many_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n that_o as_o it_o lay_v aside_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authority_n to_o determine_v the_o matter_n so_o it_o will_v not_o do_v the_o church_n any_o great_a service_n without_o pretend_v that_o one_o certain_a man_n or_o a_o number_n of_o man_n be_v to_o make_v this_o judgement_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o all_o other_o must_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o and_o depend_v whole_o on_o his_o or_o their_o determination_n this_o indeed_o may_v have_v a_o tendency_n to_o raise_v humane_a authority_n to_o a_o great_a height_n in_o the_o most_o important_a business_n of_o religion_n but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n for_o hereby_o people_n will_v be_v determine_v to_o take_v they_o for_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o from_o their_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o necessity_n arise_v from_o their_o nature_n but_o from_o bare_a humane_a authority_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o or_o those_o who_o have_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n have_v be_v determine_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o not_o by_o their_o own_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n till_o they_o have_v resolve_v the_o matter_n themselves_o by_o exercise_v their_o own_o reason_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o shall_v be_v recommend_v to_o rather_o impose_v on_o they_o it_o plain_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v write_v that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o think_v the_o epistle_n the_o most_o proper_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v consult_v in_o order_n to_o our_o discern_a which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n yet_o that_o he_o think_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v fundamental_a article_n to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o christian_n now_o as_o they_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v such_o use_n of_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v understand_v they_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o either_o by_o consider_v their_o nature_n or_o what_o they_o find_v the_o scripture_n do_v instruct_v concern_v the_o same_o see_v reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 300._o second_o vindic._n of_o it_o p._n 201._o and_o 319._o but_o say_v this_o author_n these_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o another_o ground_n beside_o that_o of_o mere_a revelation_n p._n 19_o answ._n upon_o what_o ground_n be_v they_o to_o be_v believe_v beside_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v they_o be_v that_o ground_n better_o or_o worse_o do_v it_o lay_v a_o great_a or_o less_o obligation_n on_o people_n to_o believe_v they_o than_o divine_a revelation_n do_v i_o expect_v not_o to_o meet_v with_o a_o better_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v any_o of_o christ_n doctrine_n than_o this_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o those_o who_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v here_o may_v wander_v where_o they_o please_v for_o satisfaction_n provide_v they_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v other_o to_o rove_v with_o they_o moreover_o be_v not_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o these_o doctrine_n lie_v historical_n declare_v the_o way_n and_o method_n how_o jesus_n obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n and_o be_v there_o any_o way_n for_o people_n to_o know_v that_o what_o be_v declare_v in_o those_o doctrine_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o revelation_n it_o have_v no_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o to_o know_v from_o its_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v gracious_o appoint_v to_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o that_o end_n we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_v to_o discover_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n but_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o i_o answer_v we_o can_v learn_v no_o more_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n than_o the_o doctrine_n do_v deliver_v therefore_o if_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o declare_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o can_v learn_v any_o such_o thing_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o deliver_v any_o such_o thing_n beside_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v
of_o that_o belief_n as_o to_o particular_a branch_n or_o doctrine_n make_v man_n christian_n if_o the_o due_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v not_o constitute_v man_n christian_n beside_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v these_o particular_a article_n but_o second_o there_o be_v more_o require_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n for_o our_o saviour_n himself_o require_v the_o believe_v in_o the_o whole_a trinity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o commandment_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o e._n they_o shall_v first_o instruct_v they_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o baptize_v they_o into_o that_o faith_n p._n 93._o answ._n the_o command_n be_v to_o disciple_n all_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o first_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n those_o who_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n must_v believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n when_o they_o know_v he_o have_v teach_v they_o but_o by_o propound_v such_o consideration_n and_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v they_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n bring_v they_o to_o own_v he_o to_o be_v messiah_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o king_n and_o ruler_n by_o engage_v themselves_o without_o any_o reservation_n to_o learn_v of_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o baptize_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n after_o which_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o particular_n they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o have_v take_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n which_o particular_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o p._n 95._o this_o author_n say_v he_o will_v examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v insist_v on_o and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o large_a term_n p._n 301._o what_o this_o author_n mean_v by_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o article_n be_v not_o very_o plain_a i_o suppose_v he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o he_o will_v examine_v whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a a_o man_n shall_v believe_v that_o article_n if_o he_o mean_v the_o reason_n why_o that_o author_n have_v declare_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a article_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n that_o reason_n be_v clear_o this_o because_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v not_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o any_o other_o article_n but_o this_o for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o because_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n observe_v that_o the_o almerciful_a god_n seem_v herein_o to_o have_v consult_v the_o poor_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n this_o author_n for_o a_o clear_a examination_n of_o this_o propose_v certain_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o suppose_v god_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v not_o comprehend_v and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n will_v this_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o our_o reject_v it_o answ._n no_o but_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o a_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v when_o know_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o person_n be_v believe_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o difference_n be_v as_o great_a as_o betwixt_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o a_o conditional_a necessity_n there_o be_v article_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v comprehend_v the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o know_v christ_n have_v teach_v they_o yet_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o they_o be_v not_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o can_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o any_o number_n of_o particular_a doctrine_n teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o if_o it_o can_v he_o who_o shall_v explicit_o believe_v they_o all_o can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v one_o more_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n now_o be_v believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o hereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o many_o doctrine_n as_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o know_v he_o have_v teach_v so_o that_o a_o true_a christian_n never_o believe_v so_o many_o doctrine_n but_o he_o be_v still_o under_o the_o same_o obligation_n to_o believe_v more_o when_o he_o attain_v to_o know_v more_o and_o that_o christ_n have_v teach_v they_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n let_v a_o man_n do_v ever_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o christ_n command_v if_o he_o obstinate_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o wilful_a violation_n of_o any_o one_o command_n he_o know_v christ_n have_v enjoin_v he_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sincere_a christian._n so_o let_v a_o man_n believe_v ever_o so_o many_o article_n if_o he_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o one_o article_n he_o know_v christ_n have_v teach_v he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a christian._n his_o obstinate_a wilful_a refusal_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o article_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n he_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o the_o assent_n he_o give_v to_o those_o other_o doctrine_n have_v some_o other_o original_a a_o sincere_a christian_n be_v believe_v particular_a doctrine_n when_o know_v be_v the_o genuine_a and_o necessary_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n these_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o partial_a limit_v exert_v of_o that_o faith_n which_o make_v he_o a_o christian_n and_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n in_o such_o proportion_n as_o his_o explicit_a knowledge_n do_v reach_v attend_v with_o a_o promptness_n and_o readiness_n to_o extend_v it_o further_o as_o he_o shall_v attain_v to_o know_v more_o of_o his_o 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