full_o satisfy_v be_v a_o error_n whether_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v he_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n i_o can_v promise_v for_o i_o may_v fancy_v that_o a_o demonstration_n to_o i_o which_o may_v be_v no_o proof_n to_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v his_o sense_n with_o the_o utmost_a justice_n and_o sincerity_n and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o mistake_v it_o i_o can_v only_o say_v it_o be_v both_o against_o my_o intention_n and_o knowledge_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o assure_v my_o adversary_n of_o that_o i_o have_v not_o make_v any_o observation_n upon_o his_o book_n out_o of_o bigotry_n to_o a_o party_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o set_n of_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v than_o that_o of_o truth_n nor_o have_v i_o any_o bias_n to_o incline_v i_o beside_o my_o own_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o if_o they_o have_v misguide_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o better_a information_n the_o content_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n page_n 1._o ii_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n pag._n 53_o iii_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n pag._n 64._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o design_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n may_v propose_v in_o publish_v that_o treatise_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o and_o firm_o christian_n or_o to_o be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n as_o may_v prevent_v all_o exception_n against_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o either_o of_o those_o ends._n not_o only_o because_o it_o introduce_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o belief_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o socinian_n or_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n or_o inquire_v to_o what_o sect_n or_o party_n the_o author_n seem_v most_o incline_v but_o shall_v only_o so_o far_o consider_v his_o opinion_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o truth_n for_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o fix_v any_o man_n to_o a_o party_n which_o he_o will_v not_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o though_o some_o of_o his_o opinion_n shall_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o for_o that_o be_v so_o unfair_a as_o well_o as_o a_o undecent_a method_n of_o manage_v a_o dispute_n that_o instead_o of_o stifle_v the_o old_a it_o may_v serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v fresh_a opposition_n and_o inflame_v where_o perhaps_o mild_a reason_n may_v convince_v and_o beside_o since_o every_o one_o that_o publish_v his_o thought_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o or_o to_o the_o end_v he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v treat_v with_o equal_a charity_n or_o humanity_n at_o least_o by_o other_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o prejudice_n even_o to_o the_o right_a side_n to_o allow_v he_o a_o civility_n which_o he_o have_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n with_o such_o a_o impartial_a temper_n as_o it_o may_v just_o challenge_v and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o distinct_a and_o methodical_a in_o my_o examination_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v these_o first_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o that_o state_n etc._n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o as_o he_o make_v adam_n punishment_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o temporal_a death_n or_o a_o total_a cease_n to_o be_v 10._o p._n 10._o so_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o the_o free_v we_o from_o such_o a_o death_n only_o and_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o immortality_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n lose_v which_o overthrow_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n redeem_n we_o from_o a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n and_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a gild_n no_o more_o than_o become_a subject_n to_o death_n and_o so_o destroy_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v inquire_v more_o hereafter_o the_o second_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o faith_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o assert_n to_o be_v only_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o proposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messah_n etc._n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o etc._n etc._n or_o which_o he_o think_v signify_v the_o same_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v other_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a but_o maintain_v that_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v this_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o christian_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o here_o the_o difference_n lie_v between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o redeem_v we_o from_o eternal_a misery_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o we_o can_v only_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n p._n 291_o 292_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a write_n and_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v such_o fundamental_a article_n as_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v explicit_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o a_o actual_a belief_n of_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o mention_v be_v not_o absolute_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o believer_n 31._o vindis_fw-la p._n 31._o without_o actual_o believe_v they_o because_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o discourse_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v make_v christian_n and_o believer_n bare_o upon_o the_o receive_n what_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o other_o two_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o deliver_v in_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v make_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n it_o may_v indeed_o seem_v a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o vindicate_v those_o sacred_a write_n which_o have_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n with_o as_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o set_v down_o confess_v to_o be_v altogether_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o for_o what_o shall_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v the_o church_n then_o impose_v upon_o or_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o it_o have_v no_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n for_o it_o for_o one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v grant_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v fundamental_o to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n now_o if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o
the_o apostle_n time_n be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n then_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v absolute_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o author_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v but_o this_o be_v already_o grant_v we_o by_o our_o author_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a writer_n inspire_v from_o above_o 297._o p._n 297._o who_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o truth_n he_o here_o mean_v shall_v hereafter_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o assertion_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o author_n that_o their_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o act_n do_v require_v our_o actual_a belief_n since_o than_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o preach_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n why_o shall_v not_o their_o write_n be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n especial_o since_o they_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o then_o the_o want_n of_o sufficient_a commission_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n before_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v that_o none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o any_o design_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v prove_v be_v there_o any_o such_o hint_n in_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o have_v we_o any_o footstep_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o a_o indifference_n for_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v show_v or_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o man_n choice_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o without_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o from_o many_o place_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o mention_v that_o they_o do_v enjoin_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o which_o man_n can_v not_o be_v save_v than_o we_o have_v still_o the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v confirm_v in_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n four_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v prevent_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o any_o other_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o revelation_n but_o as_o this_o can_v never_o be_v make_v appear_v so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n shall_v contain_v contradiction_n if_o we_o allow_v what_o our_o author_n have_v grant_v 297._o p._n 297._o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v then_o five_o and_o last_o the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n or_o that_o particular_a article_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v because_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v be_v there_o no_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n insert_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o vindic._n p._n 16._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o they_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o and_o have_v no_o such_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o his_o article_n be_v find_v to_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n but_o this_o objection_n seem_v too_o precarious_a for_o i_o question_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v as_o much_o distinguish_v by_o the_o great_a importance_n which_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o by_o the_o necessity_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n of_o actual_o believe_v they_o by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n as_o any_o other_o universal_o acknowledge_v article_n of_o our_o faith_n indeed_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o immediate_a concern_n to_o we_o but_o so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o one_o it_o must_v be_v so_o equal_o to_o the_o other_o indeed_o this_o seem_v object_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v in_o their_o epistolary_a write_n and_o although_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o their_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o make_v any_o other_o article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o much_o a_o fundamental_a distinct_a from_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o lay_v such_o stress_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o of_o what_o use_n soever_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v to_o we_o otherwise_o for_o the_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o reform_v mistake_v which_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n 295.297_o p._n 295.297_o as_o also_o for_o the_o expound_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o establish_v those_o in_o it_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o distinct_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o of_o so_o great_a consequence_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n and_o eternal_a life_n propose_v upon_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n denounce_v upon_o a_o disbelief_n which_o be_v not_o annex_v to_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o unwary_a christian_n to_o lay_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v or_o make_v any_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o church-communion_n absolute_o necessary_a which_o be_v never_o by_o the_o apostle_n so_o declare_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v material_a to_o examine_v first_o whether_o nothing_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o or_o whether_o any_o doctrine_n upon_o which_o salvation_n be_v propose_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o query_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n for_o if_o this_o be_v make_v the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o fundamental_o viz._n a_o doctrine_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v to_o salvation_n we_o shall_v i_o fear_v by_o this_o mean_n raise_v several_a exception_n against_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o must_v universal_o hold_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v also_o in_o those_o of_o practice_n most_o of_o which_o will_v unavoidable_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o 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present_a purpose_n if_o we_o can_v produce_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v absolute_o enjoin_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o be_v either_o distinct_a from_o or_o more_o full_o express_v than_o any_o of_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o endeavour_v to_o show_v there_o be_v some_o of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o though_o we_o may_v grant_v man_n may_v be_v save_v before_o they_o be_v know_v yet_o when_o they_o be_v divulge_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v style_v true_a christian_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v to_o instance_n in_o a_o like_a case_n none_o can_v any_o long_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o admit_v into_o that_o communion_n after_o that_o form_n of_o baptism_n be_v require_v in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o they_o may_v have_v that_o denomination_n before_o who_o do_v not_o 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this_o point_n 52._o p._n 52._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o propound_v any_o article_n as_o necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n i_o think_v it_o may_v with_o great_a justice_n be_v repute_v one_o of_o the_o best_a book_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v for_o at_o least_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n since_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o mr_n hobbs_n write_v within_o that_o space_n who_o maintain_v the_o very_a same_o assertion_n as_o i_o have_v far_o observe_v in_o the_o follow_a remark_n though_o i_o be_o afraid_a with_o a_o far_o worse_a intention_n than_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o have_v have_v in_o that_o treatise_n i_o need_v reflect_v no_o far_o upon_o any_o thing_n propound_v by_o this_o author_n not_o only_o because_o his_o paper_n come_v abroad_o after_o the_o follow_a remark_n be_v draw_v up_o but_o because_o there_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n very_o material_a which_o be_v not_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o follow_a paper_n that_o will_v be_v mistake_v for_o a_o reflection_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o design_v for_o i_o think_v a_o adversary_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o respect_n how_o wide_a soever_o his_o notion_n may_v be_v from_o truth_n if_o his_o design_n be_v sincere_a which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o believe_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o can_v join_v in_o his_o opinion_n yet_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o will_v not_o maintain_v what_o he_o be_v
explanation_n of_o something_o before_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o since_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o since_o a_o infallible_a divine_a explanation_n of_o a_o doctrine_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o set_v those_o thing_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n which_o be_v before_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v their_o authority_n or_o render_v they_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o thus_o far_o ibid._n far_o verum_fw-la tanta_fw-la est_fw-la erga_fw-la genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la benignitas_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o evangeliis_fw-la plene_fw-la ac_fw-la perfect_v tradita_fw-la sunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o apostolorum_fw-la epistolis_fw-la saepius_fw-la repeti_fw-la &_o à _fw-la variis_fw-la objectionibus_fw-la vindicari_fw-la ad_fw-la majorem_fw-la fidelium_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la confirmationem_fw-la ac_fw-la constantiam_fw-la singulari_fw-la providentia_fw-la voluerit_fw-la ibid._n limborch_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v that_o though_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o and_o perfect_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o god_n have_v so_o much_o express_v his_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n as_o to_o take_v care_n by_o a_o particular_a providence_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v very_o evident_a for_o many_o reason_n that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a scheme_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o these_o also_o be_v chief_o historical_a and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o convert_v they_o make_v to_o christianity_n and_o where_o they_o preach_v but_o we_o have_v not_o there_o any_o full_a and_o large_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o be_v indeed_o tell_v that_o they_o preach_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 20.21_o act._n 20.21_o and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n but_o few_o or_o no_o particular_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o how_o far_o they_o extend_v which_o seem_v on_o purpose_n reserve_v for_o the_o epistle_n where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o all_o the_o article_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o be_v in_o they_o alone_o that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o fundamental_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v indeed_o hardly_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_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 to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o first_o article_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confine_v by_o this_o to_o the_o believe_v just_a so_o much_o of_o he_o and_o no_o more_o for_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o like_a rule_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o other_o article_n and_o beside_o this_o be_v just_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o creed_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v believe_v as_o such_o and_o upon_o this_o it_o be_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v build_v so_o that_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o summary_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v take_v from_o revelation_n so_o also_o that_o the_o only_a true_a explanation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o for_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o such_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o fundamental_o as_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v so_o that_o we_o can_v in_o a_o true_a since_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n unless_o we_o also_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o express_a explanation_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o our_o author_n urge_v that_o if_o all_o 297._o p._n 297._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 that_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n many_o be_v before_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o most_o of_o the_o epistle_n not_o be_v write_v till_o above_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o some_o after_o thirty_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v before_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n particular_o that_o of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o almost_o threescore_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o this_o argument_n will_v exclude_v that_o gospel_n from_o contain_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o epistle_n as_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o which_o be_v write_v soon_o than_o twenty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o also_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o roman_n be_v all_o write_v before_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v first_o at_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o till_o near_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o therefore_o that_o history_n which_o take_v in_o all_o that_o time_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v much_o soon_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n must_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n at_o least_o before_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o three_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o many_o christian_n be_v fall_v asleep_o before_o the_o writing_n any_o of_o the_o gospel_n since_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v not_o write_v till_o about_o eleven_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o neither_o can_v this_o argument_n be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o four_o it_o remain_v that_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o believe_a christian_n that_o be_v convert_v for_o some_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n must_v be_v take_v from_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n which_o without_o doubt_n contain_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v now_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o the_o contrary_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n wherever_o they_o preach_v which_o they_o afterward_o deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o write_v no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v fundamental_o than_o what_o they_o write_v must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o 294._o p._n 294._o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o those_o
the_o king_n messiah_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o heretic_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o christian_n it_o will_v be_v more_o convenient_a to_o interpret_v it_o of_o david_n himself_o which_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n why_o they_o dissent_v from_o the_o opinion_n and_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancestor_n because_o they_o may_v more_o strong_o oppose_v the_o christian_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v those_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancient_a doctor_n to_o speak_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o shall_v give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o dr._n pococke_n ib._n pococke_n ib._n have_v observe_v will_v be_v supply_v with_o argument_n to_o prove_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o if_o this_o one_o psalm_n be_v grant_v to_o relate_v to_o christ_n alone_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o wrest_v it_o to_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n there_o be_v also_o several_a other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o apply_v by_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n to_o our_o 21._o our_o vid._n not._n in_o grot._n de_fw-la veritat_fw-la relig._n christ_n l._n 5._o sect._n 21._o saviour_n which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n as_o psal_n 45._o thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o isa_n 25.9_o and_o in_o that_o day_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v lo_o this_o be_v our_o god_n with_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v constant_o interpret_v of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o all_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n but_o last_o of_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a from_o their_o object_v blasphemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o highpriest_n adjure_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o that_o expression_n than_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man._n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n according_a to_o 12._o to_o jure_fw-la naturali_fw-la &_o gentium_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 12._o mr._n selden_n that_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o they_o so_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o that_o expression_n that_o for_o any_o one_o to_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o that_o notion_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o profess_v himself_o true_o god_n which_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a blasphemy_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o cite_v the_o hebrew_n commentary_n and_o philo_n judeus_fw-la who_o have_v common_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v god_n himself_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n before_o and_o at_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v god._n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v object_n idolatry_n to_o the_o christian_n afterward_o upon_o supposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o that_o they_o differ_v very_o wide_o from_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n being_n god_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o his_o disciple_n have_v concern_v he_o for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o true_a design_n of_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n he_o thereby_o obtain_v till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o they_o before_o that_o time_n certain_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o then_o pay_v he_o and_o from_o that_o exstatical_a exclamation_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n as_o though_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v on_o purpose_n then_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n that_o may_v hereafter_o possible_o arise_v concern_v his_o divinity_n since_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o they_o real_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v true_o and_o essential_o god_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v have_v undeceive_v and_o prevent_v their_o fall_n into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v as_o must_v necessary_o produce_v endless_a distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v gross_a idolatry_n into_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v always_o forbid_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o we_o never_o find_v that_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o man_n or_o angel_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a title_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v particular_o direct_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o other_o which_o he_o never_o rebuke_v they_o for_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o divinity_n so_o also_o his_o own_o commission_n which_o he_o invest_v his_o disciple_n with_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o 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 be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n that_o he_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n to_o worship_n he_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god._n but_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o late_a atheism_n late_a objection_n against_o mr._n edward_n be_v cause_n of_o atheism_n socinian_n author_n have_v object_v against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o always_o observe_v this_o command_n in_o their_o baptise_v christian_n but_o only_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n without_o mention_v either_o father_n or_o holy_a ghost_n which_o however_o be_v always_o suppose_v if_o not_o mention_v in_o the_o form_n though_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o because_o his_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o trace_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o propagation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v christian_n or_o capable_a of_o salvation_n but_o who_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o invalidate_v the_o argument_n but_o much_o rather_o confirm_v it_o since_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o condition_n of_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o adoration_n to_o he_o which_o sufficient_o establish_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o if_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v without_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n assign_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v a_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o worship_v such_o a_o one_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o can_v hardly_o i_o think_v be_v justify_v by_o a_o absolute_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o beside_o creature-worship_n be_v full_o opposite_a and_o contradictory_n to_o natural_a reason_n for_o adoration_n necessary_o suppose_v omnipresence_n which_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o petition_n offer_v up_o at_o once_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o unless_o he_o be_v both_o omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a the_o one_o to_o be_v present_a to_o all_o petition_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o fearch_v