in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o abstract_v from_o his_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n of_o it_o as_o these_o man_n do_v as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v second_o i_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o very_a same_o act_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o first_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o subsequent_a choice_n and_o consent_n by_o explicit_a contract_n as_o some_o imagine_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n but_o that_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o church_n make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n wherein_o our_o union_n consist_v and_o that_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o will_v own_v our_o christianity_n to_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v three_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n in_o this_o question_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o church-officer_n authorize_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o christ_n design_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o particular_a man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o himself_o in_o one_o body_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o be_v not_o man_n act_v by_o faction_n and_o interest_n it_o can_v admit_v no_o serious_a dispute_n all_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v typical_a of_o the_o christian_a and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o family_n the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v all_o unite_a by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o religious_a ceremony_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o alien_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o holy_a people_n but_o by_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n now_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christian_n be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 29._o i._n e._n we_o be_v admit_v into_o abraham_n family_n and_o make_v heir_n according_a to_o promise_n when_o god_n cast_v off_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o of_o those_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o so_o the_o christian_n who_o before_o their_o conversion_n be_v many_o of_o they_o pagan_a idolater_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n rom._n 11._o 27._o so_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v to_o dissolve_v but_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n he_o own_v no_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o scatter_a individual_n but_o as_o incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n now_o the_o internal_a union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n the_o external_n ligament_n of_o it_o be_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v regular_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n perform_v in_o baptism_n and_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n and_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v ordinary_o annex_v the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o now_o though_o internal_a union_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a faith_n and_o a_o subjection_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v unite_v we_o to_o his_o invisible_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o where_o there_o be_v we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n body_n without_o a_o visible_a incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o our_o internal_a union_n that_o be_v without_o be_v force_v to_o renounce_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o ordinary_a method_n of_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n but_o those_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n and_o though_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o ordinary_a way_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v ordinary_o do_v so_o which_o will_v be_v to_o dissolve_v his_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o make_v external_n communion_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o secret_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o ordinary_o unite_v we_o to_o his_o body_n but_o be_v only_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o such_o a_o union_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n there_o be_v require_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n perform_v with_o such_o initial_a rite_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o do_v actual_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o more_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o admission_n into_o any_o relation_n or_o society_n there_o be_v require_v a_o antecedaneous_a consent_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o unite_v to_o such_o a_o society_n without_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n or_o public_a oath_n and_o engagement_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o society_n be_v require_v to_o our_o actual_a admission_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o clinici_fw-la who_o delay_v their_o baptism_n till_o they_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n though_o all_o their_o life_n they_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o refuse_v by_o this_o holy_a rite_n to_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v look_v on_o at_o best_a as_o a_o very_a imperfect_a sort_n of_o christian_n of_o who_o state_n there_o be_v just_a reason_n for_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n in_o its_o idea_n and_o embryo_n before_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o case_n though_o the_o first_o believer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n signify_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o such_o a_o platform_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n
form_v according_a to_o such_o a_o model_n of_o law_n and_o government_n privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o any_o society_n upon_o a_o public_a charter_n or_o commission_n he_o who_o be_v first_o admit_v into_o any_o college_n or_o corporation_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n though_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o for_o there_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o society_n lay_v where_o there_o be_v a_o head_n and_o governor_n and_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n do_v converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a head_n than_o the_o way_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o government_n to_o go_v direct_o to_o he_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n faith_n be_v call_v come_v to_o christ_n which_o phrase_n be_v never_o use_v to_o signify_v believe_v but_o only_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o time_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o earth_n but_o since_o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o leave_v a_o visible_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n invest_v with_o his_o authority_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o 162._o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n to_o answer_v all_o mr._n ferguson_n little_a cavil_n as_o 1._o he_o argue_v if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o 59â—_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o previous_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n i_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v of_o mr._n sherlock_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o this_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n it_o be_v quick_o answer_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n just_a as_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v unite_v as_o a_o body_n particular_a christian_n as_o member_n of_o that_o body_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o author_n imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o two_o different_a act_n and_o then_o indeed_o his_o argument_n will_v have_v entangle_v i_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o i_o have_v already_o break_v this_o circle_n in_o my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v yet_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o unite_v they_o all_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o form_v and_o cement_v into_o a_o regular_a and_o well-proportioned_a body_n his_o second_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o can_v imagine_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o their_o union_n to_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n will_v still_o be_v the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n before_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o every_o individual_a christian_a may_v be_v so_o too_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o fellowship_n and_o society_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o four_o proposition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n to_o join_v with_o if_o christ_n may_v then_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o instruction_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v visible_o present_a with_o they_o yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n assign_v why_o other_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o immediate_o unite_v to_o he_o now_o he_o be_v not_o present_a as_o a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n thus_o far_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v my_o notion_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o a_o more_o favourable_a acceptation_n than_o this_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o touch_v on_o the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v but_o one_o every_o christian_a be_v as_o true_o unite_v to_o the_o invisible_a as_o to_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v secure_v by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v mr._n ferguson_n think_v on_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v that_o argument_n from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n to_o christ_n without_o any_o pre-existent_a church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n and_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o be_v save_v whoever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n our_o relation_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o it_o our_o christianity_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n but_o our_o obligation_n to_o external_a fellowship_n with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherever_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n cast_v we_o be_v our_o antecedent_n relation_n at_o least_o in_o priority_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o office_n of_o baptism_n declare_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o baptize_v person_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n which_o word_n be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n than_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n this_o be_v one_o argument_n whereby_o the_o father_n in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n prove_v the_o invalidity_n of_o that_o baptism_n which_o be_v administer_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o admit_v any_o one_o into_o the_o catholic_n church_n frustra_fw-la ille_fw-la putat_fw-la se_fw-la esse_fw-la baptizatum_fw-la cum_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la baptisma_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la unum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quia_fw-la deus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o fides_fw-la una_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la stat_fw-la unum_fw-la baptisma_fw-la
god_n etc._n etc._n i_o observe_v before_o that_o baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o admit_v we_o into_o particular_a church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o visible_a communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v if_o there_o be_v no_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n to_o hinder_v it_o let_v we_o hear_v now_o how_o mr._n ferguson_n disprove_v this_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o shall_v say_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o admission_n and_o incorporation_n into_o the_o church_n for_o asmuch_o as_o a_o person_n may_v be_v of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v baptize_v how_o do_v he_o prove_v this_o because_o there_o have_v be_v many_o who_o partly_o through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n partly_o through_o other_o motive_n though_o they_o be_v not_o justifiable_a have_v deny_v themselves_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o baptismal_a laver_n and_o yet_o to_o suppose_v that_o thereupon_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o renounce_v all_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o involve_v ourselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o condemn_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v in_o which_o argument_n there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o absurdity_n as_o word_n he_o attempt_v to_o disprove_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o be_v very_o charitable_a his_o argument_n be_v worth_a nothing_o and_o indeed_o his_o argument_n do_v as_o often_o need_v the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n as_o most_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o breath_n he_o charge_v those_o with_o guilt_n who_o condemn_v they_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v but_o if_o god_n receive_v they_o be_v only_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n how_o come_v he_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v they_o and_o to_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o without_o offer_v the_o least_o word_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n may_v receive_v they_o yet_o how_o do_v this_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o visible_a member_n of_o any_o church_n for_o if_o they_o be_v they_o will_v not_o need_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a member_n they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n those_o who_o want_v the_o opportunity_n of_o baptism_n can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o it_o be_v suppose_v they_o do_v not_o live_v where_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a church_n otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o baptism_n and_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v baptize_v upon_o unjustifiable_a reason_n certain_o be_v never_o receive_v into_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o never_o own_v any_o member_n but_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v though_o they_o may_v be_v entertain_v in_o private_a clan_n and_o conventicle_n but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o pretty_a argument_n against_o baptism_n be_v the_o regular_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o our_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n because_o there_o be_v some_o few_o favourable_a case_n which_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o hope_v that_o god_n may_v be_v merciful_a to_o they_o who_o be_v not_o baptize_v whereas_o this_o very_a supposition_n that_o it_o require_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o baptism_n be_v the_o regular_a way_n of_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n of_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n will_v own_v they_o member_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v not_o baptize_v all_o divine_v of_o any_o note_n tell_v we_o that_o where_o man_n want_v the_o opportunity_n of_o baptism_n baptism_n in_o voto_fw-la in_o our_o wish_n and_o desire_v and_o purpose_n will_v be_v accept_v as_o for_o those_o who_o deny_v themselves_o the_o mercy_n of_o baptism_n upon_o unjustifiable_a ground_n we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o secret_a judgement_n of_o god_n they_o have_v not_o the_o ordinary_a title_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o what_o extraordinary_a mercy_n god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o they_o who_o reject_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v his_o argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o baptism_n do_v not_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v first_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v baptize_v where_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o form_v any_o particular_a institute_v church_n what_o of_o that_o may_v it_o not_o confer_v a_o right_n and_o lay_v a_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o come_v where_o it_o be_v which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o admission_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o baptism_n well_o but_o it_o may_v sometime_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o membership_n in_o a_o institute_v church_n even_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v that_o be_v if_o they_o be_v find_v forge_v of_o bond_n or_o guilty_a of_o any_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n they_o may_v be_v censure_v and_o excommunicate_v and_o who_o ever_o deny_v this_o nay_o be_v not_o this_o a_o argument_n that_o baptism_n admit_v they_o into_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n only_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o it_o and_o how_o they_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v not_o except_o they_o be_v in_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o baptism_n do_v not_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o church_n because_o baptize_v person_n live_v disorderly_a may_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v baptize_v christian_n before_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v erect_v be_v it_o so_o then_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o thereby_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o second_o he_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n because_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n but_o those_o who_o be_v antecedent_o judge_v to_o be_v christian_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v act_n 8._o 37._o where_o philip_n tell_v the_o eunuch_n that_o if_o he_o believe_v he_o may_v be_v baptize_v it_o seem_v he_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o believer_n and_o a_o christian_a but_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o already_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o baptism_n and_o to_o qualify_v we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o beside_o this_o a_o actual_a incorporation_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o christian_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o his_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n he_o design_n to_o say_v something_o against_o i_o but_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o it_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n so_o say_v i_o too_o it_o be_v such_o a_o profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o our_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n but_o we_o must_v own_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v make_v this_o profession_n of_o own_v it_o right_o we_o must_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o saviour_n but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o make_v we_o christian_n unless_o we_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o such_o public_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n the_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o marriage_n but_o this_o alone_a will_v not_o make_v the_o marriage_n without_o such_o a_o public_a solemnisation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o country_n for_o when_o there_o be_v a_o legal_a way_n appoint_v for_o declare_v our_o consent_n no_o government_n take_v notice_n of_o any_o consent_n till_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o form_n of_o law_n our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n be_v both_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o bond_n and_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o
make_v man_n bad_a must_v man_n be_v suffer_v to_o play_v and_o toy_n with_o sacred_a thing_n and_o prostitute_v the_o most_o venerable_a religion_n to_o mean_v and_o low_a conceit_n and_o confound_v man_n notion_n with_o mystical_a and_o allegorical_a description_n and_o turn_v the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o work_n of_o imagination_n and_o fancy_n this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n for_o in_o this_o charge_n he_o refer_v to_o that_o short_a reflection_n i_o make_v upon_o mr._n tho._n vincents_n invitation_n of_o young_a woman_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o exhortation_n be_v direct_v to_o his_o hearer_n to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n it_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v to_o his_o she-hearer_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v a_o very_a spiritual_a conceit_n because_o he_o know_v that_o woman_n not_o man_n want_v husband_n he_o have_v in_o the_o same_o pamphlet_n a_o distinct_a exhortation_n to_o young_a man_n but_o do_v he_o invite_v they_o to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n by_o no_o mean_n the_o conceit_n will_v not_o do_v there_o for_o young_a man_n be_v more_o for_o wife_n than_o husband_n and_o therefore_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o be_v only_o to_o give_v god_n their_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n of_o guilt_n that_o he_o have_v so_o debase_v and_o carnalize_v the_o notion_n of_o that_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o applicable_a to_o man_n as_o to_o woman_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o difference_n of_o sex_n in_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n nay_o which_o be_v still_o more_o fulsome_a the_o exhortation_n be_v not_o only_o to_o woman_n but_o to_o young_a woman_n because_o they_o general_o have_v most_o mind_n to_o husband_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o exhortation_n that_o this_o sermon_n be_v design_v to_o gratify_v his_o young_a she-hearer_n i_o shall_v direct_v my_o speech_n unto_o you_o and_o that_o to_o all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n but_o particular_o to_o you_o that_o be_v young_a woman_n who_o especial_o i_o be_o now_o call_v to_o preach_v unto_o what_o the_o call_n be_v be_v not_o say_v some_o extraordinary_a one_o no_o doubt_n but_o whether_o this_o exhortation_n have_v be_v direct_v to_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o young_a or_o old_a yet_o i_o wonder_v what_o mr._n vincent_n think_v of_o his_o hearer_n whether_o they_o be_v turk_n or_o jew_n or_o pagan_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o christian_n because_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n if_o they_o be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v already_o marry_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proper_a exhortation_n to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n but_o to_o live_v worthy_a of_o that_o relation_n neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v such_o a_o exhortation_n as_o this_o the_o proper_a exhortation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o that_o profession_n and_o relation_n but_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o persuade_v people_n that_o to_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n signify_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o with_o so_o much_o patience_n hear_v their_o preacher_n exhort_v they_o to_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o turn_v christian_n nor_o reprove_v they_o for_o slight_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v for_o reject_v christianity_n and_o whether_o this_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o those_o who_o best_a understand_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o a_o good_a life_n i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o my_o late_a discourse_n to_o consider_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n at_o this_o rate_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o fanciful_a application_n of_o christ_n to_o themselves_o to_o consummate_v the_o marriage_n with_o he_o and_o then_o whatever_o they_o be_v before_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o lovely_a and_o beautiful_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o marriage_n with_o a_o rich_a and_o lovely_a and_o beautiful_a husband_n when_o once_o they_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n they_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o the_o arrest_n of_o god_n justice_n as_o a_o woman_n under_o covert_n the_o bond_n be_v indissoluble_a and_o christ_n must_v now_o bear_v with_o all_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o spouse_n and_o answer_v for_o all_o too_o his_o righteousness_n must_v conceal_v their_o deformity_n and_o make_v they_o righteous_a before_o god_n which_o i_o think_v do_v not_o much_o encourage_v a_o personal_a and_o inherent_a righteousness_n though_o to_o give_v mr._n vincent_n his_o due_a he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o such_o consequence_n as_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v he_o think_v honest_o that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o marriage_n with_o christ_n we_o must_v put_v off_o our_o filthy_a garment_n all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o white_a raiment_n and_o clean_a garment_n and_o rich_a robe_n which_o christ_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o i_o mean_v the_o attire_n of_o grace_n the_o robe_n of_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n i_o can_v but_o think_v how_o severe_o mr._n shephard_n will_v have_v correct_v this_o mistake_n and_o have_v tell_v he_o how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o suitor_n for_o christ._n what_o must_v we_o make_v ourselves_o beautiful_a before_o we_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n or_o receive_v all_o our_o beauty_n from_o he_o have_v you_o a_o mind_n to_o teach_v people_n such_o antichristian_a pride_n as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o make_v themselves_o fit_a for_o christ_n before_o they_o will_v close_v with_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v they_o despise_v christ_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o beautiful_a without_o he_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v get_v the_o robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n till_o they_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v only_a marriage_n that_o give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o the_o righteousness_n and_o fullness_n and_o all_o of_o christ_n as_o it_o give_v a_o woman_n right_n to_o her_o husband_n estate_n and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n be_v aggrieve_v at_o this_o he_o must_v thank_v our_o author_n for_o it_o who_o have_v force_v i_o in_o my_o own_o vindication_n to_o say_v more_o of_o mr._n vincent_n than_o ever_o i_o intend_v who_o great_a fault_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v be_v that_o he_o affect_v to_o speak_v in_o such_o phrase_n as_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o may_v instruct_v people_n to_o good_a purpose_n will_v he_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o plainness_n and_o unaffected_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v thus_o vindicate_v the_o honesty_n of_o my_o intention_n the_o next_o objection_n be_v that_o i_o have_v write_v with_o great_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n which_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a objection_n to_o be_v make_v by_o so_o candid_a a_o man_n as_o doctor_n owen_n who_o write_n savour_v of_o such_o a_o humble_a and_o mortify_a spirit_n indeed_o have_v this_o objection_n any_o truth_n in_o it_o i_o can_v not_o have_v wish_v for_o a_o better_a justification_n than_o the_o doctor_n answer_v which_o have_v so_o much_o outdo_v all_o that_o ever_o i_o see_v in_o satyr_n and_o fury_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o hereafter_o be_v esteem_v a_o very_a cold_a and_o tame_a writer_n i_o be_o sure_a his_o answer_n have_v pride_n and_o insolence_n enough_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o scoptical_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o good_a will_n but_o for_o want_v of_o wit_n but_o pray_v who_o or_o what_o do_v i_o scorn_v do_v i_o make_v any_o spiteful_a reflection_n upon_o man_n person_n do_v i_o tell_v merry_a tale_n of_o they_o do_v i_o transprose_n they_o or_o dress_v they_o up_o in_o a_o fool_n coat_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o i_o shall_v leave_v these_o art_n to_o my_o adversary_n who_o be_v more_o verse_v and_o better_a skill_a in_o they_o the_o cause_n i_o undertake_v do_v not_o need_v such_o a_o defence_n my_o business_n indeed_o be_v to_o confute_v and_o to_o shame_v such_o doctrine_n as_o have_v a_o very_a bad_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n and_o yet_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o great_a gospel-mystery_n and_o soulsaving_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o doctor_n call_v write_v scornful_o that_o i_o have_v so_o plain_o discover_v the_o absurdity_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o to_o expose_v they_o to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n â—45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o
&_o sanctitas_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la nam_fw-la quae_fw-la foris_fw-la exercentur_fw-la nullum_fw-la habent_fw-la salutis_fw-la effectum_fw-la now_o whether_o they_o carthag_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n or_o not_o the_o premise_n be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n own_v by_o those_o very_a father_n who_o oppose_v the_o rebaptisation_n of_o schismatic_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a or_o invisible_a church_n which_o necessary_o include_v our_o visible_a fellowship_n and_o society_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o we_o may_v hold_v communion_n with_o it_o without_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n or_o violate_v any_o express_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o as_o i_o discourse_v more_o full_o in_o my_o other_o book_n and_o when_o &c_n we_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n without_o renounce_v our_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v then_o secure_v in_o our_o spiritual_a union_n to_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o body_n now_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a solution_n to_o all_o mr._n ferguson_n argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_n of_o a_o christian_n union_n to_o christ._n though_o i_o never_o assert_v this_o any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v first_o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v then_o if_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n right_o but_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v not_o a_o christian_n till_o he_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o though_o god_n may_v dispense_v with_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o ordinary_o faith_n alone_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o proposition_n we_o must_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v for_o baptism_n ordinary_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o alone_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v and_o whereas_o a_o late_a author_n think_v to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n 9_o add_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16._o 16_o so_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v mere_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o not_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o baptism_n provide_v they_o have_v faith_n it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a very_o evident_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n faith_n and_o baptism_n and_o methinks_v those_o man_n make_v very_o bold_a with_o our_o saviour_n who_o affirm_v that_o we_o may_v be_v ordinary_o save_v for_o our_o saviour_n speak_v here_o of_o ordinary_a case_n without_o baptism_n but_o then_o he_o add_v who_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n of_o two_o sort_n such_o infidel_n as_o refuse_v baptism_n and_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v signify_v that_o though_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o unbelief_n alone_o whether_o man_n be_v baptize_v or_o not_o shall_v damn_v they_o for_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v design_v in_o those_o word_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v to_o signify_v that_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o have_v add_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o be_v not_o baptize_v shall_v be_v damn_v which_o will_v have_v damn_v only_o unbaptise_v infidel_n and_o have_v give_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o baptize_v hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n his_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o christian_n may_v be_v oblige_v upon_o their_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n to_o renounce_v communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n with_o which_o they_o have_v walk_v but_o to_o suspend_v fellowship_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o circle_n and_o compass_v of_o their_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o this_o it_o will_v be_v their_o vindication_n and_o this_o will_v not_o prejudice_v their_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n but_o i_o hope_v all_o good_a christian_n will_v be_v more_o wary_a of_o this_o than_o our_o author_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v for_o humour_n and_o frowardness_n and_o interest_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n his_o three_o argument_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o needs_o no_o other_o answer_n that_o christian_n may_v be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o one_o but_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o remain_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o they_o for_o christ_n will_v reverse_v all_o unjust_a sentence_n such_o man_n be_v still_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o body_n the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o what_o he_o add_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v just_o seclude_v for_o a_o time_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n not_o be_v dissolve_v though_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o i_o for_o if_o he_o be_v still_o unite_v to_o christ_n he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o seclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o antiquity_n and_o make_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n vain_a and_o useless_a thing_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o authority_n our_o saviour_n have_v grant_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n if_o they_o may_v bind_v and_o christ_n loose_v if_o they_o may_v just_o separate_v man_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o christ_n keep_v they_o unite_v to_o himself_o which_o i_o fear_v must_v be_v unjust_o do_v if_o the_o other_o be_v just_o unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o church_n may_v just_o separate_v man_n from_o christ_n &_o christ_n just_o keep_v they_o unite_v to_o himself_o all_o divine_v indeed_o grant_v that_o whatever_o be_v do_v errante_fw-la cleave_v through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n or_o for_o some_o worse_a reason_n be_v rectify_v by_o christ_n but_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v void_a the_o just_a and_o regular_a censure_n of_o his_o church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o repeal_v and_o countermand_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v just_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n he_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n too_o and_o can_v regular_o be_v restore_v again_o but_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n but_o i_o suppose_v mr._n ferguson_n and_o he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mr._n watson_n mind_n that_o neither_o sin_n nor_o satan_n can_v dissolve_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o then_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v dissolve_v our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n neither_o his_o four_o argument_n be_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o christ_n have_v receive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o christ_n will_v receive_v and_o own_v when_o they_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n and_o indeed_o mr._n ferguson_n way_n be_v downright_a nonsense_n for_o christ_n receive_v man_n be_v his_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o his_o church_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o if_o christ_n must_v receive_v they_o first_o he_o must_v own_v they_o for_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o what_o
he_o add_v that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o true_a but_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_n as_o i_o show_v above_o his_o five_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o that_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o govern_v we_o now_o as_o a_o visible_a head_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v invest_v with_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n but_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o our_o actual_a subjection_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v above_o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n as_o for_o his_o proof_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o which_o he_o thus_o expound_v that_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o coalesce_v into_o church_n society_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o our_o author_n skill_n or_o honesty_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o church_n society_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o they_o which_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o those_o day_n when_o independency_n be_v not_o yet_o hatch_v but_o he_o commend_v the_o bounty_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o macedonian_n in_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n and_o their_o great_a forwardness_n to_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o need_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o commit_v their_o liberal_a contribution_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o the_o propgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o importunate_a solicitation_n but_o of_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o but_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o we_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o then_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n his_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n but_o pray_v how_o so_o because_o i_o assert_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o head_n only_o to_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o none_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n without_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n i_o must_v now_o do_v as_o m._n ferguson_n do_v deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o it_o he_o imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a union_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n on_o earth_n to_o who_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v whereas_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o no_o head_n but_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o head_n as_o all_o member_n be_v by_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o vicarious_a head_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n to_o the_o real_a head_n if_o it_o be_v not_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o analogy_n or_o resemblance_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o no_o member_n be_v any_o other_o way_n unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o bishop_n be_v but_o member_n of_o this_o body_n though_o of_o great_a use_n dignity_n and_o authority_n than_o mean_a christian_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n be_v more_o honourable_a and_o useful_a than_o the_o rest_n but_o who_o tell_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o vicarious_a head_n he_o represent_v this_o as_o my_o opinion_n though_o i_o never_o say_v so_o nor_o think_v so_o i_o have_v say_v indeed_o that_o particular_a christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o union_n to_o his_o church_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o every_o christian_a much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n except_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o because_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n be_v not_o immediate_o join_v to_o it_o these_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o 469._o be_v unite_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n most_o of_o which_o he_o allege_n also_o upon_o another_o occasion_n to_o prove_v that_o one_o live_v in_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o no_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o avow_a doctrine_n of_o socinus_n by_o this_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o weight_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o repeat_v my_o answer_n as_o often_o as_o he_o repeat_v his_o argument_n but_o dare_v venture_v they_o at_o one_o proposal_n against_o his_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v among_o other_o argument_n whereby_o i_o confirm_v that_o notion_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o solemn_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_n of_o 615._o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o whereby_o we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o here_o too_o challenge_v i_o with_o contradict_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o so_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o