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 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christian_a as_o such_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v in_o a_o creed_n though_o when_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v such_o or_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v place_v in_o a_o creed_n he_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o faction_n first_o occasion_v man_n compose_v of_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o abuse_v of_o creed_n have_v contribute_v no_o small_a assistance_n to_o the_o maintain_n and_o keep_v up_o of_o faction_n will_v not_o be_v whole_o disbelieved_a creed_n be_v of_o great_a use_n if_o they_o be_v use_v aright_o we_o may_v say_v of_o a_o creed_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o the_o law_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 8._o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v good_a if_o a_o man_n use_v it_o lawful_o i_o hear_v that_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o talk_v of_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v apply_v themselves_o to_o rail_v against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o phrase_n with_o which_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n make_v such_o a_o noise_n under_o the_o late_a reign_n affirm_v confident_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o these_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o think_v will_v they_o exercise_v that_o faculty_n to_o any_o good_a purpose_n they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o when_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v determine_v a_o point_n it_o be_v the_o most_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a aspersion_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v to_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o have_v these_o people_n that_o respect_n for_o and_o will_v they_o pay_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o deference_n which_o be_v due_a to_o she_o they_o will_v not_o prostitute_v her_o venerable_a name_n at_o every_o turn_n in_o imitation_n of_o those_o bad_a person_n who_o neither_o believe_a in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n nor_o in_o 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divine_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o he_o be_v then_o to_o set_v down_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o this_o place_n and_o 4._o he_o must_v prove_v that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n have_v confess_v that_o every_o one_o of_o those_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 it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a say_n that_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o authority_n nor_o the_o bare_a affirm_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o church_n that_o will_v prove_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o explain_v and_o full_a prove_v the_o particular_n already_o name_v will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o consideration_n and_o when_o they_o be_v full_o clear_v and_o substantial_o confirm_v there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o need_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o how_o the_o church_n be_v impose_v on_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o a_o few_o consideration_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v true_a and_o consonant_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n 1._o that_o which_o make_v a_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v not_o its_o be_v place_v in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o another_o but_o the_o divine_a determination_n that_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_o believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n 2._o that_o our_o know_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n depend_v upon_o god_n declare_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n let_v this_o declaration_n lie_v in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n soever_o 3._o that_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n may_v be_v better_o discern_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n than_o in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v assign_v 4._o the_o new_a testament_n comprehend_v the_o entire_a revelation_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sacred_a write_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v what_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n and_o subject_n or_o christian_n and_o in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n he_o have_v also_o deliver_v or_o declare_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o which_o those_o he_o admit_v for_o his_o subject_n must_v be_v govern_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v or_o receive_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o christian_a but_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v in_o some_o part_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n 5._o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o how_o many_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o how_o many_o article_n he_o have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v which_o those_o who_o be_v his_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v believe_v and_o observe_v but_o what_o be_v those_o article_n he_o do_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n his_o subject_n or_o christian_n 6._o all_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v equal_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n by_o all_o those_o christian_n who_o do_v understand_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v or_o deliver_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n but_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n indeed_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n which_o i_o know_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o influence_n on_o i_o at_o present_a in_o proportion_n to_o their_o nature_n that_o other_o doctrine_n have_v which_o i_o know_v be_v teach_v there_o but_o this_o difference_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o unalterable_a nor_o from_o my_o not_o receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n for_o i_o do_v receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o other_o but_o this_o difference_n speak_v of_o now_o arise_v from_o something_o else_o viz._n my_o present_a state_n and_o circumstance_n or_o the_o like_a now_o say_v this_o author_n if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n viz._n the_o epistle_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 these_o thing_n which_o be_v five_o in_o number_n answ._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n repute_v thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n that_o make_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o the_o very_a early_a time_n of_o christianity_n even_o long_o before_o the_o apostle_n decease_n there_o be_v people_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o who_o set_v up_o for_o teacher_n in_o the_o the_o church_n who_o affirm_v certain_a thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o act._n 15._o 1._o 2._o when_o this_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o set_v down_o plain_o the_o doctrine_n his_o word_n 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gospel_n and_o act_n have_v be_v just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n may_v regular_o and_o with_o good_a warrant_n deny_v that_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o i_o suppose_v this_o author_n mean_v for_o otherwise_o the_o consequence_n he_o draw_v be_v not_o to_o his_o purpose_n though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v either_o one_o or_o five_o negative_n for_o many_o doctrine_n may_v be_v very_o just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v all_o along_o be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o consequence_n may_v be_v regular_o deny_v and_o no_o necessity_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o person_n deny_v it_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o this_o author_n apply_v himself_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o animadversion_n to_o prove_v these_o five_o point_n 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v some_o thing_n for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n 3._o that_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o a_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 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n 5._o that_o some_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v explicit_o know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n with_o
of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n i_o must_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o ask_v whether_o they_o have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n so_o far_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v their_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v then_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v christian_n can_v be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v their_o be_v denominate_v christian_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v person_n be_v denominate_v christian_n now_o unless_o together_o with_o the_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v more_o article_n reveal_v now_o than_o be_v then_o there_o be_v also_o as_o clear_a proof_n that_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o latter_a article_n be_v now_o require_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o say_v this_o author_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o infer_v from_o act._n 1._o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o p._n 74._o answ._n they_o have_v not_o all_o that_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o design_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o to_o their_o give_v the_o world_n that_o entire_a and_o complete_a revelation_n christ_n will_v make_v of_o his_o will_n by_o they_o but_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o they_o have_v not_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n be_v there_o no_o christian_n upon_o earth_n after_o christ_n ascension_n till_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n christian_n till_o they_o be_v endeve_v with_o a_o clear_a knowlededge_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n christ_n will_v make_v know_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o which_o they_o be_v gradual_o to_o instruct_v people_n in_o and_o commit_v to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n can_v no_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o have_v a_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o full_a import_n of_o it_o which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o jesus_n as_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n god_n have_v send_v to_o be_v our_o king_n and_o saviour_n who_o doctrine_n and_o law_n we_o be_v conscientious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o believe_v and_o observe_v as_o we_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o o_o that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n send_v from_o god_n etc._n etc._n who_o have_v teach_v these_o and_o these_o particular_a doctrine_n neither_o more_o nor_o few_o and_o so_o as_o touch_v his_o precept_n every_o one_o of_o which_o we_o do_v actual_o believe_v and_o practise_v can_v no_o person_n be_v a_o christian_a now_o till_o he_o have_v as_o explicit_a and_o full_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o reveal_v as_o that_o apostle_n ever_o have_v who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o large_a measure_n of_o revelation_n whatever_o he_o do_v know_v this_o way_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o jesus_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o very_a last_o information_n he_o have_v this_o way_n acquaint_v he_o with_o something_o concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o he_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o know_v before_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o form_v a_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n concern_v he_o till_o he_o know_v that_o it_o will_v not_o say_v this_o author_n alter_v the_o case_n by_o say_v that_o those_o who_o die_v then_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v undoubted_o save_v for_o that_o will_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o prove_v that_o because_o a_o jew_n be_v save_v before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n mediation_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n he_o may_v be_v equal_o capable_a of_o salvation_n now_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n p._n 74._o answ._n what_o this_o author_n have_v deliver_v in_o these_o word_n will_v afford_v room_n for_o many_o remark_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n than_o god_n have_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n under_o it_o but_o at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o new_a covenant_n be_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n it_o be_v under_o a_o new_a condition_n viz._n the_o believe_v and_o take_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n our_o king_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n if_o that_o dispensation_n be_v not_o abrogate_a but_o do_v still_o continue_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n nothing_o more_o will_v now_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v make_v so_o by_o that_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v abrogate_a and_o another_o to_o come_v into_o its_o room_n whereby_o something_o distinct_a from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a dispensation_n shall_v be_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o belief_n of_o every_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v not_o when_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o add_v of_o more_o revelation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v study_v and_o explicit_o believe_v when_o know_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o dispensation_n or_o make_v more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n or_o to_o interest_n a_o person_n in_o that_o dispensation_n than_o be_v at_o first_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n any_o more_o than_o every_o new_a law_n make_v in_o a_o nation_n do_v alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o government_n and_o make_v something_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o explicit_o assent_v to_o to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o subject_a of_o that_o government_n than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n before_o will_v any_o serious_a consider_v christian_a affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v reject_v any_o person_n who_o by_o the_o gracious_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v effectual_o bring_v to_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v that_o engagement_n people_n be_v general_o very_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n have_v die_v for_o they_o and_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o can_v be_v content_v to_o own_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o notion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o give_v substantial_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v hearty_o take_v he_o for_o their_o king_n be_v they_o general_o bring_v to_o a_o sound_a belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v their_o king_n they_o will_v make_v a_o much_o better_a improvement_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v his_o priesthood_n and_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n than_o they_o common_o do_v notwithstanding_o the_o great_a zeal_n they_o pretend_v to_o discover_v for_o those_o office_n the_o course_n they_o ordinary_o allow_v themselves_o in_o be_v evident_o and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o receive_n jesus_n unfeigned_o for_o their_o king_n and_o their_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o that_o relation_n upon_o their_o spirit_n whatever_o way_n they_o have_v get_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o notion_n they_o entertain_v concern_v his_o other_o office_n for_o say_v this_o author_n we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o appear_v from_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o revelation_n to_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o it_o p._n 74._o answ._n those_o who_o be_v christian_n be_v to_o direct_v their_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n they_o can_v attain_v of_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v that_o be_v they_o must_v believe_v explicit_o and_o actual_o perform_v whatsoever_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o know_v christ_n have_v teach_v and_o make_v their_o
to_o salvation_n 5._o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v what_o be_v the_o article_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o god_n have_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o he_o have_v give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o what_o he_o find_v there_o concern_v this_o matter_n 6._o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a demonstration_n of_o the_o condescension_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n that_o whereas_o he_o may_v have_v make_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o incomprehensible_a article_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n he_o have_v not_o make_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o any_o but_o that_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a proposition_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n have_v set_v down_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a condescension_n and_o goodness_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o those_o who_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o 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a_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o declare_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o to_o a_o person_n be_v be_v entitle_v to_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o obtain_v but_o it_o be_v say_v these_o respect_n the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v only_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n answ._n if_o this_o be_v only_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n this_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o the_o other_o truth_n to_o be_v 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to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 87_o 88_o and_o 172_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v obtain_v by_o christ_n observe_v such_o and_o such_o method_n we_o know_v only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o our_o salvation_n be_v obtain_v in_o such_o way_n and_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o same_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o declare_v these_o truth_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n without_o christ_n warrant_n the_o way_n and_o method_n relate_v in_o these_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o may_v several_a other_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v which_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o necessary_o pertain_v to_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n or_o of_o every_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o receive_n from_o he_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v there_o be_v no_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o man_n partake_v of_o that_o salvation_n than_o what_o christ_n absolute_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o his_o dispense_n it_o unto_o men._n our_o believe_v explicit_o the_o several_a step_v jesus_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n for_o mankind_n have_v not_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o our_o receive_v that_o salvation_n from_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v those_o thing_n have_v to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n he_o have_v by_o certain_a method_n obtain_v to_o himself_o a_o right_a to_o dispense_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v unfeigned_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n but_o his_o right_n to_o bestow_v salvation_n on_o person_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o nor_o be_v limit_v to_o their_o explicit_a believe_v every_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v any_o of_o the_o step_n he_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o take_v and_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n and_o be_v invest_v with_o that_o right_n in_o matter_n of_o reveal_v religion_n revelation_n be_v the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v the_o matter_n reveal_v be_v what_o it_o will_v of_o great_a or_o less_o importance_n and_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n be_v the_o same_o the_o act_n must_v be_v the_o same_o i_o agree_v with_o this_o author_n p._n 13._o that_o the_o design_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o immediate_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o 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it_o shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v that_o the_o explicite_fw-la belief_n of_o any_o one_o article_n distinct_a from_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v require_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god_n a_o christian_a i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o something_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o have_v reason_n from_o that_o author_n book_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o same_o but_o as_o that_o doctrine_n must_v be_v know_v before_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a so_o i_o must_v know_v what_o it_o be_v before_o i_o can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v desire_v of_o they_o who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v more_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n that_o they_o will_v draw_v out_o a_o just_a scheme_n of_o they_o no_o say_v this_o author_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o 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 etc._n etc._n p._n 16._o answ._n this_o be_v quite_o from_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o what_o doctrine_n be_v enjoy_v absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o what_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o easy_a task_n to_o prove_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n absolute_o
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 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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 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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
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
this_o author_n have_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v better_a discern_v by_o consult_v the_o gospel_n and_o act_n what_o be_v the_o article_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propound_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o the_o epistle_n and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o his_o discourse_n nothing_o follow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n nor_o will_v it_o follow_v the_o apostle_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n or_o that_o they_o clog_n man_n faith_n with_o unnecessary_a point_n of_o belief_n because_o they_o have_v teach_v several_a doctrine_n which_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 but_o which_o christian_n must_v labour_v to_o understand_v and_o which_o will_v then_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o they_o the_o apostle_n fidelity_n to_o their_o trust_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o man_n prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o therefore_o person_n have_v need_n take_v heed_n of_o determine_v that_o the_o apostle_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o write_v such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n as_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 it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o a_o unwary_a christian_a but_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n when_o he_o know_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v there_o as_o firm_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o but_o say_v this_o author_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o write_n of_o their_o epistle_n be_v to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n that_o shall_v be_v necessary_o believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o such_o p._n 35._o answ._n very_o true_a but_o then_o 1._o if_o what_o you_o suggest_v here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o write_v their_o epistle_n the_o cause_n be_v clear_o give_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n for_o then_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o write_n of_o their_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n 2._o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o all_o that_o be_v christian_n must_v necessary_o explicit_o believe_v every_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o do_v understand_v they_o this_o author_n than_o proceed_v to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n be_v real_o so_o by_o produce_v many_o place_n out_o of_o they_o all_o which_o i_o may_v pass_v over_o without_o any_o observation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o that_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v necessary_o believe_v they_o but_o because_o this_o author_n sometime_o infer_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o will_v brief_o intimate_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a import_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o quote_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o speak_v not_o bare_o of_o christian_n but_o person_n who_o pretend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v inspire_v but_o take_v it_o of_o christian_n all_o who_o do_v know_v what_o he_o have_v write_v or_o that_o he_o have_v write_v thing_n be_v to_o believe_v explicit_o or_o implicit_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v he_o have_v give_v full_a proof_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v christian_n now_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n how_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o they_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o proof_n he_o have_v propound_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v this_o gospel_n â—s_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o be_v save_v and_o make_v christian_n without_o the_o believe_a of_o which_o whatever_o else_o they_o believe_v will_v not_o avail_v they_o to_o salvation_n vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 269._o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n without_o borrow_v other_o article_n to_o underprop_v it_o some_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o here_o mind_v they_o of_o and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v superstructure_n erect_v on_o that_o foundation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o have_v be_v former_o consider_v vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n etc._n etc._n p._n 303_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o be_v a_o motive_n to_o timothy_n to_o take_v care_n to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v 1_o th._n 4._o 1._o be_v a_o direction_n to_o christian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o false_a teacher_n will_v obtrude_v on_o they_o certify_v they_o may_v just_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v false_a teacher_n who_o do_v deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v real_a man._n the_o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n be_v express_v that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o messiah_n do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o christian._n whether_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o distinct_a act_n here_o from_o the_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n may_v be_v consider_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o do_v not_o consider_v strict_o declare_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o they_o do_v know_v and_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n concern_v his_o conversation_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 15._o show_n that_o believer_n or_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n to_o hold_v fast_o whatever_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o and_o full_o assure_v be_v christ_n doctrine_n not_o one_o of_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n consider_v by_o itself_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o consider_v together_o do_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o write_v in_o their_o epistle_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o and_o innumerable_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v they_o that_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o set_v a_o very_a great_a value_n on_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o endeavour_v to_o acquire_v as_o distinct_a a_o knowledge_n as_o they_o can_v of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o what_o doctrine_n they_o have_v learn_v from_o their_o write_n and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n for_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o say_v this_o author_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v fill_v their_o write_n with_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n of_o believe_v they_o p._n 37._o answ._n true_a if_o christian_n when_o they_o know_v they_o have_v write_v they_o shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o will_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v fill_v their_o epistle_n to_o believer_n or_o christian_n with_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n on_o unbeliever_n to_o believe_v they_o all_o explicit_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n be_v every_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o be_v to_o be_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v explicit_o know_v and_o believe_v by_o unbeliever_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n so_o that_o when_o once_o they_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o here_o add_v this_o author_n it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o christian_n and_o whether_o design_v to_o teach_v they_o any_o doctrine_n
to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o can_v not_o continue_v true_a christian_n or_o believer_n without_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n there_o deliver_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n answ._n i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o i_o comprehend_v what_o this_o author_n mean_v by_o material_a here_o and_o in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o i_o think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v think_v it_o very_o impertinent_a for_o they_o to_o attempt_v and_o utter_o impossible_a to_o teach_v those_o who_o be_v christian_n any_o doctrine_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n or_o believer_n and_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o put_v on_o the_o word_n material_a on_o such_o occasion_n as_o this_o i_o conceive_v it_o very_o material_a whether_o the_o person_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o be_v christian_n before_o they_o do_v explicit_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n the_o epistle_n be_v design_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o for_o if_o they_o be_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n how_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o believe_v they_o when_o they_o understand_v they_o have_v be_v former_o show_v but_o they_o may_v continue_v good_a christian_n without_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n when_o they_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o what_o this_o author_n have_v further_a write_v in_o this_o page_n i_o will_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v write_v to_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o if_o any_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o other_o people_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o take_v the_o epistle_n for_o a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o and_o other_o christian_n faith_n in_o p._n 38._o this_o author_n appear_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n galatian_n thessalonian_n and_o philippian_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n because_o they_o be_v design_v for_o whole_a province_n and_o oblige_v a_o great_a number_n equal_o with_o those_o church_n they_o be_v send_v to_o answ._n that_o which_o make_v the_o epistle_n oblige_v christian_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o province_n make_v they_o oblige_v all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o province_n therefore_o pass_v over_o metropolitical_a controversy_n i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o few_o thing_n 1._o all_o the_o epistle_n be_v design_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n in_o that_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v direct_v immediate_o to_o those_o particular_a church_n or_o person_n who_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v in_o those_o part_n of_o they_o which_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o their_o be_v write_v 2._o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o many_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n etc._n etc._n if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a occasion_n of_o write_v they_o to_o those_o church_n some_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v they_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o well_o advise_v which_o be_v a_o jealousy_n those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v inspire_v shall_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o suggest_v in_o write_v several_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o epistle_n if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a occasion_n of_o write_v they_o to_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v and_o particular_o address_v 3._o that_o which_o make_v the_o epistle_n oblige_v all_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v write_v by_o inspire_a person_n and_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n must_v be_v oblige_v by_o they_o for_o their_o be_v write_v on_o particular_a occasion_n do_v not_o lessen_v or_o impair_v their_o authority_n 4._o what_o be_v precise_o limit_v in_o these_o epistle_n to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n on_o which_o they_o be_v write_v do_v not_o then_o oblige_v any_o direct_o and_o immediate_o who_o circumstance_n be_v not_o the_o same_o and_o they_o will_v oblige_v all_o who_o occasion_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o author_n further_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n be_v direct_v to_o all_o christian_n etc._n etc._n p._n 39_o answ._n from_o that_o i_o think_v we_o may_v rational_o argue_v that_o it_o can_v direct_o concern_v none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o its_o main_a design_n can_v not_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o become_a christian_n this_o author_n in_o p._n 44._o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o settle_v and_o strengthen_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o so_o must_v they_o not_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v be_v settle_v and_o strengthen_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o they_o the_o same_o still_o viz._n not_o to_o teach_v article_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o to_o settle_v and_o strengthen_v those_o who_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o faith_n but_o say_v this_o author_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v contain_v some_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o christian_n if_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v require_v after_o conversion_n both_o from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n p._n 39_o answ._n this_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o christian_n or_o person_n after_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o believe_v but_o what_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 yet_o because_o this_o author_n frequent_o speak_v of_o some_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o christian_n some_o of_o which_o doctrine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o epistle_n i_o will_v propose_v two_o or_o three_o short_a question_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o reader_n 1._o must_v every_o christian_n explicit_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n 2._o can_v any_o christian_a explicit_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o 3._o if_o he_o â—ust_z know_v the_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o must_v know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v they_o before_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o how_o can_v any_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n to_o salvation_n when_o there_o be_v condition_n necessary_a to_o his_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n because_o without_o believe_v they_o they_o can_v be_v christian_n but_o there_o can_v be_v any_o other_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n but_o upon_o certain_a condition_n he_o must_v explicit_o know_v the_o doctrine_n before_o he_o believe_v it_o and_o he_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n which_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v take_v for_o his_o lord_n have_v teach_v a_o christian_a be_v not_o to_o believe_v doctrine_n at_o all_o adventure_n nor_o upon_o every_o one_o word_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o thrust_v doctrine_n upon_o he_o his_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n must_v be_v a_o intelligent_a rational_a act_n of_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o lord_n all_o the_o doctrine_n any_o christian_n whether_o before_o
p._n 214_o 215._o perhaps_o he_o be_v then_o or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o put_v they_o forth_o to_o trust_n no_o doubt_n be_v desirous_a to_o place_v they_o where_o they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v most_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v a_o notion_n more_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n deliver_v than_o this_o be_v many_o more_o particular_n may_v be_v mention_v to_o discover_v that_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v no_o agreement_n with_o the_o notion_n mr._n hobbs_n advance_v but_o stand_v at_o the_o very_a same_o distance_n from_o they_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v but_o i_o think_v these_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o indifferent_a and_o impartial_a person_n in_o p._n 66._o this_o author_n propose_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o messiah_n or_o christ_n always_o signify_v the_o same_o in_o scripture_n answ._n this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n to_o be_v examine_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v assert_v but_o whether_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n do_v always_o signify_v the_o same_o when_o they_o be_v use_v either_o alone_a or_o together_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v the_o due_a believe_v whereof_o do_v constitute_v or_o make_v people_n christian_n or_o which_o relate_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v propose_v to_o people_n acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o upon_o their_o believe_v of_o which_o they_o do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o christian_n that_o these_o term_n when_o thus_o make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v the_o same_o i_o think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n have_v prove_v very_o clear_o and_o full_o in_o that_o book_n and_o in_o his_o second_o vindication_n of_o it_o they_o very_o plain_o appear_v to_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o st._n paul_n on_o such_o occasion_n for_o soon_o after_o his_o conversion_n it_o be_v say_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 9_o 20._o that_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n or_o that_o person_n who_o be_v eminent_o know_v by_o the_o name_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o in_o v_o 22._o it_o be_v say_v he_o confound_v the_o jew_n the_o person_n who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n how_o do_v he_o confound_v they_o by_o prove_v this_o be_v the_o very_a christ._n now_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n do_v not_o here_o signify_v the_o same_o his_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n he_o preach_v of_o be_v very_a christ_n can_v not_o be_v a_o proof_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o will_v confound_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o denote_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n in_o very_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n even_o in_o all_o those_o where_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o declare_v and_o teach_v that_o particular_a doctrine_n but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o inquire_v in_o how_o many_o sense_n that_o phrase_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n but_o what_o its_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v in_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o i_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n neither_o treat_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n nor_o inquire_v how_o many_o thing_n christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o then_o believe_v concern_v christ._n but_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o article_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o believe_v of_o which_o aright_o they_o will_v be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o employ_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n and_o the_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o all_o those_o sacred_a write_n which_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n when_o they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v there_o this_o author_n urge_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o large_a signification_n than_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n in_o john_n 20._o 31._o but_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o design_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n be_v to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o those_o that_o oppose_v it_o now_o if_o those_o phrase_n mean_v only_o the_o same_o then_o st._n john_n himself_o do_v not_o assign_v the_o true_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v say_v the_o complete_a or_o full_a and_o adequate_a reason_n for_o his_o writing_n that_o gospel_n for_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v certain_o another_o end_n in_o it_o than_o bare_o to_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o if_o they_o mean_v different_o and_o son_n of_o god_n do_v there_o denote_v christ_n divinity_n than_o we_o have_v in_o that_o forementioned_a passage_n the_o whole_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n assign_v for_o his_o writing_n that_o gospel_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n p._n 68_o 69._o answ._n i_o acknowledge_v st._n john_n do_v design_n in_o his_o gospel_n to_o assert_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o have_v prove_v his_o divinity_n at_o large_a in_o his_o first_o chapter_n as_o this_o author_n most_o true_o declare_v and_o i_o think_v he_o have_v very_o clear_o teach_v it_o in_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n too_o i_o think_v likewise_o it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o st._n john_n in_o write_v his_o gospel_n do_v design_n to_o instruct_v people_n in_o several_a other_o doctrine_n beside_o christ_n divinity_n as_o he_o have_v actual_o do_v for_o i_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o those_o other_o doctrine_n be_v drop_v there_o by_o chance_n so_o that_o to_o show_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n can_v not_o be_v the_o whole_a intention_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o write_v that_o gospel_n further_o i_o think_v this_o author_n and_o i_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v be_v not_o immediate_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v but_o of_o his_o mission_n or_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ._n moreover_o the_o son_n of_o god_n denote_v something_o beside_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n or_o be_v god_n in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o point_n but_o st._n john_n be_v not_o give_v a_o account_n in_o this_o passage_n chap._n 20._o 31._o of_o his_o whole_a design_n in_o write_v that_o gospel_n but_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o large_o relate_v the_o sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v which_o sign_n and_o miracle_n do_v not_o prove_v any_o thing_n more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o than_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n thus_o the_o christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n seem_v here_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o in_o p._n 73._o this_o author_n say_v that_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n a_o believer_n or_o a_o christian_a during_o the_o actual_a ministry_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o true_o entitle_v any_o one_o to_o that_o character_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o do_v not_o find_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o any_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v on_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n answ._n the_o direct_a contrary_n appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o we_o constant_o find_v the_o apostle_n propound_v just_o the_o same_o article_n jesus_n himself_o do_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o people_n be_v christian_n or_o denominate_v believer_n and_o if_o christ_n admit_v person_n during_o his_o ministry_n into_o the_o same_o covenant_n people_n be_v admit_v into_o since_o his_o ascension_n what_o be_v sufficient_a before_o for_o that_o purpose_n must_v be_v so_o after_o his_o ascension_n but_o what_o this_o author_n mean_v by_o a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o true_a end_n
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faith_n that_o constitute_v man_n christian_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o to_o which_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o other_o truth_n have_v a_o antecedent_n or_o consequential_a relation_n how_o many_o doctrine_n the_o eunuch_n be_v instruct_v in_o or_o what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v in_o particular_a we_o can_v tell_v because_o they_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o what_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o believe_a of_o which_o he_o be_v own_v for_o a_o christian_a and_o baptise_a be_v express_o declare_v and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o if_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o more_o article_n have_v be_v require_v of_o he_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v he_o a_o christian_a they_o will_v have_v be_v set_v down_o and_o express_v in_o his_o confession_n i_o think_v also_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o that_o form_n be_v in_o those_o day_n confine_v or_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o confer_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whatever_o article_n the_o eunuch_n do_v explicit_o believe_v at_o present_a he_o be_v by_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v explicit_o and_o believe_v as_o many_o more_o as_o he_o can_v both_o concern_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v reveal_v concern_v they_o which_o i_o think_v reach_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o p._n 78_o etc._n etc._n this_o author_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o author_n scheme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v by_o show_v they_o do_v require_v much_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v concern_v our_o saviour_n than_o bare_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n here_o this_o author_n prove_v very_o well_o and_o learned_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o on_o that_o account_n we_o can_v set_v too_o high_a a_o value_n on_o his_o book_n he_o also_o mention_n some_o other_o doctrine_n very_o clear_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o offer_v these_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o suppose_v be_v his_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o that_o treatise_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o propose_v to_o inquire_v how_o many_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n concern_v our_o saviour_n but_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n reckon_v up_o therefore_o as_o many_o article_n as_o you_o please_v which_o be_v clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n yea_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o will_v not_o affect_v or_o make_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n unless_o withal_o you_o prove_v that_o jesus_n or_o his_o apostle_n require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o which_o be_v distinct_a from_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o we_o be_v to_o take_v for_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n to_o make_v man_n christian_n whereas_o this_o author_n say_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n do_v appropriate_v the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n and_o also_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n so_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n require_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o their_o preach_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o jesus_n be_v
the_o messiah_n since_o if_o they_o once_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n p._n 78_o 79._o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n messiah_n be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o what_o this_o author_n have_v before_o declare_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o it_o 2._o that_o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v it_o either_o interpret_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v use_v the_o term_n according_a to_o the_o familiar_a and_o common_o know_v meaning_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o suppose_v the_o jew_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n yet_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o messiah_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o only_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v a_o right_n believe_v of_o this_o that_o do_v make_v they_o christian_n how_o near_o a_o connection_n soever_o their_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o which_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v concern_v he_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n may_v have_v with_o their_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n suppose_v they_o do_v general_o believe_v that_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n yet_o those_o who_o believe_v other_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v god_n too_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o believe_v a_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n nor_o a_o believe_v that_o person_n to_o be_v god_n that_o make_v people_n christian_n but_o a_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o real_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v so_o also_o must_v it_o be_v equal_o a_o crime_n not_o to_o know_v clear_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v that_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n p._n 87._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v this_o hold_v true_a as_o to_o all_o man_n and_o so_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o be_v wilful_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n say_v this_o author_n for_o the_o defend_v his_o divinity_n viz._n our_o saviour_n with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o concern_v as_o st._n john_n do_v defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_a man_n p._n 87._o answ._n 1._o the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o defend_v divine_a truth_n when_o oppose_v and_o deny_v by_o person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v bare_o from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o also_o from_o their_o nature_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o which_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v 2._o he_o that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v not_o therein_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_a man_n he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v man_n but_o not_o only_a man_n for_o that_o be_v not_o propose_v to_o his_o belief_n when_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v attain_v to_o know_v be_v reveal_v concern_v he_o believe_v in_o christ_n say_v this_o author_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o scripture_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a be_v a_o fundamental_a that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v either_o more_o or_o less_o of_o he_o than_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n p._n 92._o answ._n revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ._n so_o that_o a_o christian_n let_v his_o advances_n in_o knowledge_n be_v ever_o so_o great_a must_v no_o believe_v any_o thing_n concern_v he_o but_o what_o he_o be_v warrant_v or_o at_o least_o apprehend_v upon_o mature_a consideration_n he_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n but_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o do_v explicit_o believe_v every_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v people_n to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n be_v a_o notion_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o any_o where_o warrant_n be_v this_o notion_n true_a no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n who_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o christ_n be_v not_o every_o way_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a sagacious_a and_o understand_a person_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n or_o that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a since_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o there_o may_v be_v ground_n to_o question_n whether_o any_o uninspired_a man_n do_v or_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v concern_v christ._n but_o it_o will_v probable_o be_v object_v 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