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cause_n authority_n church_n great_a 2,167 5 3.1621 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41173 The interest of reason in religion with the import & use of scripture-metaphors, and the nature of the union betwixt Christ & believers : (with reflections on several late writings, especially Mr. Sherlocks Discourse concerning the knowledg of Jesus Christ, &c.) modestly enquired into and stated / by Robert Ferguson. Ferguson, Robert, d. 1714. 1675 (1675) Wing F740; ESTC R20488 279,521 698

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3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o 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both_o frame_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o and_o borrow_v as_o well_o the_o argument_n as_o the_o colour_n and_o ornament_n by_o which_o we_o will_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n especial_o a_o regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o this_o in_o popular_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n as_o humane_a authority_n ought_v to_o have_v very_o little_a place_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o the_o pulpit_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o too_o much_o from_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o god_n have_v impress_v more_o of_o his_o authority_n upon_o the_o scripture_n than_o upon_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n know_v by_o so_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o attend_v the_o naked_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n beyond_o what_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o accompany_v our_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o faith_n prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o 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the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v n●t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o ●hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o 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instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a
may_v immediate_o work_v miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o follow_v error_n what_o assurance_n we_o have_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o in_o reference_n to_o such_o as_o precede_v i_o know_v no_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o latter_a case_n but_o what_o will_v equal_o conclude_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o in_o the_o last_o circumstance_n the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n in_o god_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o judge_n so_o of_o he_o in_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o have_v the_o like_a thought_n of_o he_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v three_o it_o be_v express_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture-testimony_n that_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v either_o the_o mission_n or_o the_o error_n of_o a_o false_a pretender_n see_v joh._n 9.16.29_o 30_o 31._o christ_n have_v restore_v sight_n to_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n do_v notwithstanding_o question_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o ambassador_n from_o god_n yea_o express_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v now_o let_v we_o observe_v after_o what_o manner_n that_o miraculous_a work_n be_v urge_v in_o justification_n that_o christ_n can_v be_v no_o deceiver_n p._n 16._o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n one_o that_o false_o avouch_v himself_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n do_v such_o miracle_n and_o 30_o 31_o the_o man_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o e._n do_v not_o by_o miraculous_a work_n bear_v witness_n to_o they_o that_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n i_o know_v that_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o say_v and_o what_o be_v only_o ●aid_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v true_a though_o there_o be_v many_o false_a say_n historical_o recite_v in_o it_o because_o though_o the_o expression_n themselves_o be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o these_o untruth_n which_o it_o report_v be_v speak_v but_o he_o that_o look_v into_o the_o chapter_n will_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o only_a register_n these_o say_n but_o adopt_v they_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o affirm_v that_o such_o plea_n be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o plea_n themselves_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a the_o exception_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o a_o incontestable_a evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o and_o of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o may_v easy_o i_o think_v be_v take_v off_o the_o 1_o st_z be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o heretic_n pagan_n and_o other_o who_o person_n be_v neither_o authorize_v by_o god_n nor_o their_o doctrine_n true_a and_o here_o the_o wonder_v report_v in_o history_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o aesculapius_n vespasian_n and_o especial_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o hierocles_n dare_v in_o point_n of_o miraculous_a work_n compare_v with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v allege_v to_o which_o i_o return_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o we_o may_v just_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v the_o reporter_n such_o as_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v they_o a_o implicit_a faith_n piaefraude_n have_v find_v entertainment_n not_o only_o among_o heathen_n but_o christian_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o most_o of_o the_o ethnic_a and_o popish_a miracle_n be_v mere_o romantic_a and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o discharge_v ourselves_o from_o they_o by_o put_v the_o patron_n of_o they_o on_o the_o proof_n that_o ever_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v wrought_v 2._o many_o of_o these_o seem_a miracle_n may_v be_v salve_v by_o natural_a cause_n we_o use_v to_o baptise_v the_o extraordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o name_n of_o wonder_n because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o natural_a agent_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o pagan_a world_n as_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n that_o we_o can_v now_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o 3._o many_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o tell_v one_o next_o to_o oracle_n satan_n have_v serve_v his_o end_n on_o the_o world_n by_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o in_o both_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o ape_n god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v so_o ready_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o detect_v the_o imposture_n yet_o in_o most_o of_o they_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o 4._o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o such_o as_o descend_v to_o we_o with_o the_o great_a certainty_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v to_o prepare_v the_o world_n for_o some_o strange_a and_o new_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n or_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o some_o person_n that_o god_n design_v for_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o confirm_v any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o false_a religion_n and_o as_o to_o such_o miraculous_a work_n i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n thus_o will_v i_o resolve_v the_o cure_n wrought_v by_o vespasian_n on_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a man_n to_o have_v be_v do_v for_o the_o better_a introduce_v and_o establish_v he_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n god_n have_v intend_v he_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o that_o from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enemy_n not_o easy_o discover_v or_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a for_o i_o find_v the_o infirm_a person_n allege_v their_o be_v advise_v by_o serapis_n to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o vespasian_n for_o relief_n against_o their_o malady_n now_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n shall_v employ_v the_o daemon_n for_o the_o herald_n of_o what_o himself_o will_v accomplish_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v encourage_v idolatry_n by_o communion_n with_o votary_n at_o the_o devil_n temple_n 2_o dly_a the_o method_n of_o restore_v the_o blind_a man_n to_o his_o sight_n by_o spit_v upon_o his_o eye_n seem_v plain_o to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o satan_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o the_o whole_a locum_fw-la intend_v hereby_o either_o to_o disparage_v some_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o have_v erect_v he_o 5._o some_o of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n urge_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o we_o be_v contend_v against_o might_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o justify_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o such_o work_n i_o know_v no_o danger_n in_o entitle_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v mark_v 9.38_o where_o the_o person_n cast_v out_o devil_n be_v neither_o commissioned_n by_o christ_n nor_o do_v so_o much_o as_o direct_o own_o and_o embrace_v he_o and_o yet_o god_n lend_v he_o his_o power_n to_o accomplish_v these_o effect_n and_o suppose_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o report_v of_o the_o romish_a missionary_n in_o the_o indies_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o key_n sufficient_a to_o unlock_v they_o the_o second_o and_o great_a exception_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v wrought_v be_v fetch_v it_o from_o scripture_n and_o true_o if_o the_o text_n press_v in_o this_o service_n be_v not_o find_v either_o mistake_v or_o urge_v beyond_o their_o true_a intendment_n we_o will_v ready_o resign_v both_o ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n we_o have_v be_v plead_v nor_o shall_v any_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o weigh_v with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o great_a as_o
to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v the_o first_o argument_n levy_v from_o scripture_n for_o this_o warfare_n be_v draw_v from_o what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o their_o contest_v with_o moses_n in_o egypt_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o account_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o 8_o the_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o most_o yea_o all_o save_v one_o or_o two_o interpreter_n deny_v any_o thing_n do_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v true_o miracle_n 2._o the_o way_n manner_n and_o rite_n they_o use_v in_o effect_v what_o they_o attempt_v do_v plain_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o agency_n about_o their_o work_n further_o than_o the_o permit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o by_o their_o enchantment_n exod._n 7.11_o and_o 8.7_o i_o dare_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v at_o the_o magician_n beck_n or_o that_o he_o will_v conciliate_v credit_n to_o their_o hellish_a art_n by_o subserve_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v exert_v his_o sacred_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o honour_n of_o satan_n institution_n and_o ceremony_n 3._o the_o magician_n find_v themselves_o outdo_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v there_o exod._n 8.19_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v do_v before_o they_o have_v do_v it_o by_o magic_n and_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o influence_n and_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o their_o rod_n have_v be_v turn_v into_o serpent_n and_o that_o frog_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o land_n 4_o lie_n though_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o two_o first_o instance_n wherein_o they_o confront_v moses_n seem_v to_o bear_v such_o a_o resemblance_n to_o true_a miracle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o effect_v be_v not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o daemon_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o power_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v be_v different_a from_o that_o by_o which_o they_o act_v god_n therefore_o wise_o order_v it_o that_o his_o rod_n shall_v devour_v they_o thereby_o leave_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d singular_a peculiarity_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n to_o witness_v their_o divine_a original_a the_o second_o argument_n muster_v from_o scripture_n to_o fight_v in_o this_o cause_n be_v bring_v from_o mat._n 24.24_o 2_o thes._n 2.9_o apoc._n 13.13_o to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o grant_v that_o the_o expression_n be_v lofty_a wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n predict_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o work_v yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o work_v themselves_o be_v real_a miracle_n but_o that_o god_n will_v intimate_v to_o we_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v so_o huge_o resemble_v true_a miracle_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o detect_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v thereby_o awaken_v we_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v then_o give_v out_o and_o establish_v rather_o than_o implicit_o to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o wonder-monger_n 2._o the_o best_a key_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n there_o foretell_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o not_o be_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o pretend_a jewish_a messiah_n and_o the_o apostatical_a roman_a church_n one_o or_o both_o of_o who_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o object_v place_n and_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o method_n of_o trial_n i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sign_n or_o wonder_v true_o record_v concern_v they_o which_o may_v not_o be_v solve_v either_o by_o a_o co-incidence_a of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o the_o hide_a power_n of_o daemon_n 3._o they_o be_v express_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o respectu_fw-la finis_fw-la because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n as_o respectu_fw-la materiae_fw-la because_o they_o only_o ape_v true_a miracle_n but_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o such_o yea_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d agency_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o three_o and_o last_o argument_n bring_v in_o relief_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v that_o god_n may_v exert_v a_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n be_v take_v from_o deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o place_n do_v more_o especial_o relate_v to_o the_o foretell_v of_o event_n than_o to_o the_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n never_o lend_v his_o omniscience_n to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o impostor_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotency_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o and_o if_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o indeed_o they_o may_v i_o suppose_v their_o wonder_n may_v be_v also_o salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o god_n infinite_a power_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o prophet_n after_o the_o promulgation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v give_v out_o as_o the_o test_n of_o after-revelation_n at_o least_o during_o that_o oeconomy_n god_n tell_v his_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o try_v the_o mission_n of_o prophet_n only_o by_o miracle_n but_o especial_o by_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o other_o penman_n of_o old-testament_n scripture_n be_v honour_v with_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o some_o prophet_n be_v entrust_v with_o miraculous_a power_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v there_o be_v not_o one_o beside_o moses_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o give_v forth_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o old-testament-church_n that_o have_v this_o privilege_n confer_v on_o he_o have_v thus_o make_v appear_v that_o all_o miracle_n be_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o wheresoever_o god_n exert_v his_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o and_o from_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v justify_v by_o innumerable_a great_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o be_v large_o and_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o reply_n do_v by_o other_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o even_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v sometime_o put_v forth_o his_o wonder-working_a power_n in_o attestation_n of_o a_o error_n do_v not_o hereby_o design_n to_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o script_n for_o as_o none_o have_v go_v beyond_o they_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o general_n so_o no_o one_o have_v improve_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o miracle_n to_o better_a purpose_n as_o they_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o miracle_n and_o those_o both_o more_o eminent_a more_o conspicuous_a long_o continue_v and_o often_o repeat_v than_o ever_o any_o error_n either_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v so_o they_o not_o only_o prove_v that_o god_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n for_o trial_n till_o he_o have_v first_o incontestable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n but_o they_o also_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o it_o be_v not_o then_o upon_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o have_v disserve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v assume_v the_o freedom_n of_o discourse_v these_o thing_n but_o that_o a_o opportunity_n of_o more_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v afford_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v suffer_v nothing_o in_o the_o main_a on_o what_o side_n soever_o this_o controversy_n issue_v and_o as_o i_o know_v myself_o in_o more_o need_n of_o be_v instruct_v than_o of_o capacity_n to_o offer_v information_n to_o any_o so_o it_o
agent_n that_o can_v deprive_v he_o of_o his_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o only_o have_v immortality_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o existence_n to_o he_o there_o be_v both_o a_o power_n and_o a_o right_n resident_a in_o he_o of_o deprive_v they_o shall_v he_o judge_v it_o fit_a of_o their_o being_n whatsoever_o be_v derive_v from_o his_o power_n and_o bounty_n he_o may_v take_v away_o at_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o i_o reckon_v it_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v annihilate_v our_o soul_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o method_n which_o he_o observe_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n no_o substance_n yet_o ever_o perish_v under_o all_o the_o mutation_n that_o matter_n undergo_v by_o which_o this_o and_o that_o individual_a body_n come_v to_o be_v destroy_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a atom_n lose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plotin_n no_o substantial_a entity_n be_v total_o destroy_v say_v the_o philosopher_n non_fw-la perit_fw-la in_o tanto_fw-la quicquid_fw-la mihi_fw-la credit_n mundo_fw-la ovid._n by_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n then_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o include_v no_o principle_n in_o its_o self_n by_o which_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o decay_v and_o this_o it_o derive_v from_o it_o be_v immaterial_a no_o spiritual_a substance_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o dissolution_n which_o a_o body_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o suffer_v for_o see_v material_a subject_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v only_o by_o a_o separation_n of_o their_o conjoin_v part_n the_o soul_n be_v immaterial_a and_o so_o void_a of_o part_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o no_o such_o dissolution_n now_o in_o discourse_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o think_v fit_a in_o the_o beginning_n to_o discharge_v my_o self_n from_o a_o exception_n or_o two_o which_o though_o huge_o insist_v on_o by_o those_o who_o will_v have_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v mere_o corporeal_a and_o consequent_o corruptible_a yet_o be_v in_o themselves_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o incorporeal_a be_v and_o that_o existence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v affirm_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v perceivable_a by_o sense_n and_o that_o we_o can_v have_v assurance_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v but_o what_o we_o have_v ocular_o behold_v to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1_o that_o they_o miserable_o beg_v the_o question_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o prove_v they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o contradiction_n that_o lie_v against_o a_o incorporeal_a be_v more_o than_o against_o a_o corporeal_a 2._o their_o objection_n do_v equal_o militate_v against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o against_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o if_o god_n be_v at_o all_o he_o be_v incorporeal_a a_o corporeal_a god_n be_v pregnant_a with_o contradiction_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o to_o require_v more_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o object_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o distinct_a faculty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o perception_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v different_a light_n in_o which_o they_o be_v see_v who_o question_n the_o be_v of_o sound_n odour_n etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v not_o discern_v by_o the_o same_o organical_a faculty_n that_o colour_n be_v to_o require_v that_o a_o immaterial_a shall_v fall_v under_o the_o perception_n of_o sight_n be_v to_o demand_v that_o a_o immaterial_a shall_v be_v a_o material_a there_o be_v innumerable_a thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o most_o convince_a certainty_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n no_o man_n ever_o see_v a_o thought_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v thought_n how_o many_o thing_n do_v the_o gentleman_n that_o make_v this_o exception_n believe_v which_o yet_o they_o never_o see_v 4_o though_o incorporeal_a being_n be_v not_o immediate_o perceive_v by_o sense_n yet_o through_o diverse_a of_o their_o operation_n which_o affect_v our_o sensitive_a organ_n we_o have_v a_o mediate_a assurance_n of_o their_o existence_n by_o our_o very_a sense_n the_o second_o exception_n be_v take_v from_o the_o inexplicableness_n of_o union_n betwixt_o a_o material_a and_o a_o immaterial_a there_o be_v no_o cement_n say_v they_o by_o which_o the_o one_o can_v be_v knit_v to_o the_o other_o incorporeal_n be_v of_o a_o penetrate_a nature_n and_o consequent_o can_v take_v hold_n of_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o whole_a consist_v of_o two_o constituent_a part_n so_o vast_o different_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o whole_o to_o question_v the_o existence_n of_o thing_n because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o modes_n according_a to_o which_o they_o exist_v to_o discharge_v a_o cause_n out_o of_o the_o precinct_n of_o be_v because_o we_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o its_o particular_a effect_n aught_o to_o be_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o great_a of_o absurdity_n whatsoever_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n we_o be_v firm_o to_o believe_v it_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o theory_n of_o it_o that_o be_v whole_o inconceivable_a while_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a assurance_n of_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v corporeal_a our_o faith_n ought_v no_o way_n to_o be_v weaken_v though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o physical_a way_n of_o their_o coalition_n and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v unite_v 2._o there_o be_v as_o much_o difficulty_n in_o apprehend_v the_o connexion_n of_o one_o part_n of_o matter_n with_o another_o as_o in_o understanding_n the_o incorporation_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o there_o be_v body_n in_o which_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v unite_v i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v ch●pt_n 3d._n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o hypothesis_n of_o philosophy_n yet_o extant_a by_o which_o the_o union_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n in_o continuous_a body_n can_v be_v solve_v and_o yet_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v they_o be_v connect_v together_o a_o 3d._a exception_n be_v rai●ed_v from_o the_o sympathy_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n from_o which_o they_o will_v conclude_v a_o identity_n of_o nature_n between_o they_o to_o which_o i_o brief_o return_v to_o these_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v affect_v without_o the_o least_o impression_n either_o from_o bodily_a object_n without_o we_o or_o any_o previous_a excitation_n of_o the_o spirituous_a blood_n within_o we_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o impression_n which_o the_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a which_o do_v no_o way_n immediate_o affect_v the_o body_n all_o the_o influence_n imaginable_a which_o they_o have_v upon_o it_o proceed_v primary_o from_o the_o mind_n itself_o and_o its_o dominion_n over_o the_o animal_n spirit_n i_o shall_v only_o name_n trouble_v of_o conscience_n which_o arise_v only_o from_o moral_a cause_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o what_o we_o have_v do_v i_o may_v add_v that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o ecstasy_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o manner_n for_o a_o season_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n but_o even_o in_o other_o suid._n hence_o man_n upon_o the_o border_n of_o grave_a when_o without_o strength_n vigour_n or_o pulse_n yet_o even_o then_o they_o have_v their_o thought_n more_o refine_v and_o their_o understanding_n more_o sprightly_a than_o at_o other_o time_n and_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a be_v so_o little_o affright_v at_o death_n though_o they_o full_o understand_v it_o that_o they_o lie_v down_o the_o body_n with_o the_o same_o composedness_n and_o more_o delight_n than_o if_o they_o be_v only_o put_v off_o their_o clothes_n nor_o be_v they_o only_a person_n tire_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v so_o b●t_v such_o many_o time_n who_o have_v enjoy_v all_o the_o delight_n that_o this_o earthly_a state_n can_v afford_v 2._o we_o find_v our_o soul_n frequent_o determine_v themselves_o in_o way_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v contrary_a to_o the_o provocation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o crave_n of_o the_o bodily_a appetite_n though_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n have_v a_o perception_n of_o sensual_a delight_n yet_o they_o often_o choose_v both_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o which_o no_o corporeal_a faculty_n be_v able_a so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o apprehend_v
suppose_v this_o be_v true_a the_o inference_n of_o his_o be_v only_o a_o metaphorick_n priest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o text_n where_o he_o be_v any_o way_n style_v a_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o metaphorical_o for_o if_o his_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n be_v not_o distinct_a either_o his_o regal_a office_n must_v be_v reduce_v to_o and_o include_v in_o his_o sacerdotal_a which_o our_o author_n will_v not_o affirm_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v he_o will_v only_o gain_v by_o it_o the_o make_v christ_n a_o metaphorick_n king_n instead_o of_o a_o metaphorick_n priest_n or_o else_o his_o sacerdotal_a office_n must_v belong_v to_o and_o be_v include_v in_o his_o regal_a be_v only_o a_o readiness_n to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o his_o church_n which_o as_o a_o king_n appertain_v to_o he_o and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o report_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n to_o have_v give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o we_o to_o have_v expiate_v sin_n to_o have_v make_v atonement_n and_o to_o have_v render_v god_n propitious_a be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o metaphorical_a i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o opinion_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n concern_v christ_n priestly_a office_n be_v only_o a_o different_a part_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n 1_o st_z to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o by_o charge_v socinianism_n upon_o some_o of_o our_o late_a pretend_a rational_a divine_n we_o do_v not_o transform_v they_o into_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o imputation_n rather_o than_o the_o foulness_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o angry_a as_o the_o historian_n tell_v we_o of_o tiberius_n that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o ready_a to_o believe_v &_o the_o more_o offend_v at_o something_o which_o be_v say_v of_o he_o because_o it_o be_v the_o true_a report_n of_o his_o guilt_n so_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o the_o justness_n as_o the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o character_n of_o socinian_n which_o render_v some_o man_n stingy_a but_o 2_o lie_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o my_o insist_v upon_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o whereas_o they_o arraign_v the_o nonconformist_n for_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n the_o crime_n lodge_v especial_o with_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v be_v not_o otherwise_o defensible_a but_o by_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n so_o that_o here_o clodius_n accusat_fw-la maechos_fw-fr and_o provide_v mr._n sherlock_n will_v abide_v by_o his_o notion_n that_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v not_o proper_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n i_o do_v here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o easy_a train_n of_o deduction_n that_o for_o one_o text_n capable_a of_o a_o proper_a sense_n which_o the_o fanatic_n pervert_v by_o impose_v a_o metaphorick_n one_o upon_o it_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n if_o he_o will_v preach_v or_o write_v consequential_o to_o his_o tenet_n of_o wrest_v twenty_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n §_o 10._o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a opinion_n imbibe_v by_o our_o author_n which_o i_o impeach_v as_o pregnant_a with_o this_o mischief_n his_o notion_n of_o justification_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n maintainable_a but_o by_o pervert_v innumerable_a text_n from_o their_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o a_o metaphorick_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o charge_n i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o thought_n about_o justification_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o beside_o what_o else_o lie_v against_o he_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o fatal_a unhappiness_n of_o turn_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o mere_a insignificant_a and_o empty_a metaphor_n his_o sentiment_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o justification_n be_v these_o 322._o that_o we_o be_v only_o justify_v by_o our_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n 320._o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o that_o to_o they_o we_o owe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_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 justification_n 324._o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n &_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 &_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v make_v pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n &_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n by_o its_o great_a argument_n &_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n form_n our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n judgement_n about_o justification_n and_o i_o have_v quote_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n that_o he_o may_v neither_o complain_v of_o his_o be_v impose_v upon_o nor_o the_o reader_n question_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o this_o representation_n and_o as_o whosoever_o consult_v the_o page_n i_o refer_v to_o will_v find_v that_o i_o treat_v my_o adversary_n with_o faithfulness_n so_o if_o they_o compare_v they_o with_o some_o other_o place_n where_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o with_o less_o modesty_n they_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v expose_v his_o opinion_n in_o the_o favourabl_a manner_n i_o can_v now_o i_o design_v not_o any_o accurate_a ventilation_n of_o this_o great_a theme_n nor_o any_o severe_a research_n into_o mr._n sherlock_n faileurs_fw-fr in_fw-la the_o manage_n of_o it_o nor_o a_o critical_a survey_n of_o his_o neglect_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o modesty_n in_o treat_v his_o adversary_n about_o it_o nor_o yet_o his_o partiality_n in_o arraign_v only_o the_o nonconformist_n when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o england_n breed_v as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v equal_o involve_v have_v appear_v in_o 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