nor_o other_o may_v think_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o i_o shall_v represent_v his_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 142._o those_o metaphor_n say_v he_o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 143._o and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ._n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 144._o and_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 149._o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o this_o union_n say_v he_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_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 156._o 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 fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n 186._o signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o concern_v the_o union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v this_o a_o true_a report_n and_o description_n of_o it_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v mysterious_a nor_o needs_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o next_o world_n 147._o or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n that_o i_o may_v again_o usurp_v our_o author_n phrase_n he_o seem_v very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o leave_v mysteririous_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v the_o term_n mystical_a please_v he_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o 197._o a_o hard_a word_n only_o i_o wish_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v of_o arduous_a conception_n he_o do_v not_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o go_v sober_o to_o destroy_v christianity_n now_o in_o the_o examine_n mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o believer_n i_o reckon_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o address_v to_o the_o disproof_n of_o what_o i_o dislike_v in_o his_o opinion_n to_o declare_v what_o i_o own_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n first_o then_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v nor_o be_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n the_o very_a espouse_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n include_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n being_n our_o supreme_a legislatour_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedient_a to_o his_o command_n a_o right_n of_o erect_v govern_v and_o protect_v the_o church_n be_v delegated_a to_o and_o vest_v in_o he_o and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o regal_a office_n wherewithal_o he_o be_v entrust_v have_v enact_v law_n appoint_a ordinance_n and_o ordain_v officer_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n so_o we_o by_o our_o submission_n to_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o therereupon_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o our_o political_a head_n all_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v thus_o far_o agree_v for_o though_o the_o papist_n interpose_v another_o immediate_a roll_a head_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o vital_a influence_n to_o the_o church_n regenerate_v so_o they_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a govern_v head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o as_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o vicarious_a political_a head_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v both_o destitute_a of_o all_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o repugnant_a to_o it_o so_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o universal_a church_n nor_o of_o see_v they_o execute_v nor_o have_v the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o constitutive_a imperant_fw-la head_n what_o ever_o some_o part_n of_o it_o may_v have_v do_v upon_o this_o account_n especial_o we_o judge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o opposer_n who_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o he_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n because_o he_o usurp_v the_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o legislation_n judgement_n and_o execution_n dispense_n with_o christ_n law_n and_o enact_v his_o own_o he_o challenge_v a_o peerage_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o legislative_a power_n and_o headship_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o storm_v his_o throne_n and_o usurp_v his_o sceptre_n the_o claym_v of_o the_o roman_a see_v be_v great_a but_o their_o allegation_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v whole_o precatious_a and_o when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o vindicate_v his_o supreme_a authority_n from_o the_o invasion_n which_o usurper_n have_v make_v upon_o his_o dignity_n the_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o suborn_n scripture_n to_o supplant_v christ_n throne_n will_v prove_v a_o crime_n unanswerable_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v that_o no_o verbal_a profession_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o a_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v the_o jure_v entitle_v we_o among_o his_o subject_n second_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n testify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o we_o do_v hereby_o become_v political_o unite_v one_o to_o another_o and_o be_v denominate_v member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n visible_a church_n for_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n &_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o its_o law_n be_v the_o constituent_a form_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o obtain_v that_o appellation_n so_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o 1_o cor._n 7.2_o do_v hereby_o belong_v to_o christ_n catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o become_v political_o unite_v as_o subject_n of_o the_o same_o legislator_n and_o king_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n do_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n and_o visible_a consist_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temporal_a prince_n become_v political_o unite_v together_o by_o their_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a ruler_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n so_o may_v all_o christian_n be_v say_v upon_o a_o parallel_a account_n to_o be_v political_o unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o here_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v our_o right_n to_o a_o room_n and_o membership_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o depend_v upon_o a_o formal_a belief_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o every_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v reveal_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n a_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o
to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o â—hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v we_o so_o long_o as_o she_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n because_o 166._o as_o our_o author_n say_v this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n mr._n sherlock_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o conjecture_v be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o think_v what_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v espouse_v or_o what_o be_v most_o disserviceable_a to_o it_o all_o immediate_a union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n save_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deny_v but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o communion_n with_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v copulate_v with_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v not_o determine_v at_o one_o time_n it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n at_o another_o it_o be_v by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n 165._o who_o member_n be_v in_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n 163.165_o and_o live_v in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n but_o that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o christian_n union_n with_o christ_n i_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n and_o command_n of_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v 1._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 nor_o may_v this_o only_o be_v suppose_v but_o there_o be_v divers_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a
no_o particular_a christian_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o member_n in_o his_o body_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v his_o spouse_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o christ_n be_v a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o flock_n joh._n 10._o for_o the_o relation_n between_o a_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o whole_a flock_n christ_n be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o holy_a temple_n so_o that_o all_o those_o metaphor_n in_o their_o first_o and_o proper_a use_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v this_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n frame_v into_o a_o syllogism_n the_o incongruity_n between_o the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o premise_n will_v easy_o appear_v for_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n ergo_fw-la no_o particular_a believer_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o uinion_n with_o the_o church_n i_o deny_v the_o consequent_a sure_o though_o the_o king_n be_v immediate_a head_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v also_o immediate_a head_n to_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o it_o mr._n sherlock_n logic_n be_v like_a that_o of_o chrysippus_n which_o man_n be_v too_o dull_a to_o understand_v though_o they_o say_v the_o god_n will_v have_v use_v it_o 2._o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n whatsoever_o be_v predicate_v essential_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_o predicable_a of_o every_o part_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n plain_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o natural_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a body_n have_v influence_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o its_o function_n from_o the_o head_n but_o also_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v influence_n of_o life_n and_o strength_n from_o thence_o so_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o immediate_a head_n of_o direction_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o to_o every_o individual_a believer_n in_o it_o whatever_o the_o habitude_n of_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n be_v to_o their_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o which_o these_o church_n be_v constitute_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n by_o which_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o political_a head_n govern_v his_o church_n that_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o attend_v 4._o though_o our_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o he_o have_v almost_o pore_v out_o his_o eye_n in_o search_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v enlighten_v about_o this_o and_o some_o other_o notion_n 40._o yet_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n either_o to_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o to_o suspect_v that_o his_o sight_n be_v not_o good_a before_o or_o that_o his_o visible_a faculty_n be_v strange_o tincture_v for_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n and_o testimony_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v allow_v to_o rival_n mr._n sherlock_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v christ_n body_n so_o we_o be_v all_o member_n in_o particular_a of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o conjunction_n which_o every_o member_n have_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o to_o every_o christian_a appear_v by_o this_o see_v not_o only_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o but_o every_o individual_a believer_n among_o the_o roman_n be_v also_o represent_v as_o marry_v to_o he_o rom._n 7.4_o neither_o do_v they_o only_o report_v he_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n rock_n and_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n take_v collective_o but_o likewise_o in_o its_o distributive_a acceptation_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o thus_o have_v not_o only_o defeat_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o his_o first_o objection_n but_o improve_v the_o medium_fw-la from_o which_o he_o muster_v it_o to_o subvert_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o defence_n it_o be_v bring_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o sacrament_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v say_v he_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n 154._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 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 etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n and_o signify_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o etc._n etc._n for_o answer_v whether_o the_o sacrament_n import_v any_o more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n i_o shall_v wave_v till_o anon_o and_o only_o consider_v they_o at_o present_a as_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o true_o if_o these_o be_v the_o weapon_n with_o which_o mr._n sherlock_n think_v to_o captivate_v and_o subdue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o espouse_v his_o notion_n he_o must_v either_o only_o encounter_v those_o that_o court_v their_o own_o bondage_n or_o there_o will_v be_v few_o find_v follow_v the_o chariot_n wheel_v of_o our_o hero_n instead_o of_o any_o slaughter_n he_o be_v like_a to_o make_v among_o the_o nonconformist_n by_o these_o force_n he_o only_o wound_v himself_o and_o overthrow_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o they_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o baptism_n i_o reply_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o by_o which_o we_o formal_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n not_o the_o latter_a see_v it_o be_v not_o only_o 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 a_o institute_v particular_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o find_v necessary_a to_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o membership_n in_o a_o institute_v even_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a yea_o before_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v erect_v there_o be_v baptise_a christian_n it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o the_o first_o christian_n church_n be_v constitute_v not_o the_o former_a forasmuch_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 nor_o be_v this_o a_o chimaerical_a imagination_n for_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 upon_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 2._o be_v baptism_n as_o well_o the_o medium_fw-la as_o the_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v only_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a see_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n but_o such_o who_o be_v antecedent_o judge_v to_o be_v christian_n act._n 8.37_o now_o to_o reckon_v any_o one_o a_o christian_a who_o do_v not_o beforehand_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o political_a union_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n 3._o our_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o vinculum_fw-la of_o our_o political_a union_n with_o
a_o company_n of_o man_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o have_v make_v salvation_n dependent_a upon_o as_o we_o do_v not_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o declare_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o ruler_n but_o by_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o we_o have_v no_o right_n of_o matriculation_n into_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a nor_o have_v we_o any_o union_n with_o the_o member_n of_o it_o but_o through_o a_o belief_n of_o these_o common_a radical_a principle_n these_o be_v what_o we_o common_o call_v fundamental_a article_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o enumerate_v be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o may_v be_v convenient_a so_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o both_o few_o and_o plain_a only_o as_o the_o romanist_n be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n and_o uncharitable_a to_o man_n in_o confine_a christianity_n within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o make_v the_o roman_a and_o catholic_n church_n term_n equipollent_a so_o they_o be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o determine_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o beside_o many_o other_o thing_n pleadable_a against_o this_o romish_a foundation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o the_o relative_n politic_a union_n of_o one_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o render_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o first_o impossible_a &_o second_o absurd_a impossible_a in_o that_o most_o man_n can_v neither_o allow_v time_n nor_o have_v they_o sufficient_a acquire_v intellectual_a ability_n either_o to_o know_v what_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v define_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v nor_o in_o what_o sense_n she_o have_v propose_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o absurd_a 1_o because_o a_o man_n must_v believe_v contradiction_n before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o have_v any_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o christian_n that_o be_v he_o must_v renounce_v reason_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v faith_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o man_n before_o he_o can_v espouse_v christian._n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v define_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v repugnant_a one_o to_o another_o 2._o because_o what_o serve_v to_o matriculate_v a_o person_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o oneness_n with_o all_o christian_n this_o year_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v and_o continue_v his_o union_n and_o relation_n the_o next_o but_o that_o without_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o his_o belief_n he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o the_o church_n may_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n determine_v something_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v which_o before_o she_o have_v not_o pronounce_v but_o to_o resume_v what_o i_o be_v upon_o as_o there_o be_v through_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n a_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n so_o i_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o all_o christian_n may_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v account_v unite_v among_o themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o discourse_v the_o reciprocal_a and_o mutual_a duty_n which_o we_o come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o by_o this_o relation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a so_o be_v they_o attend_v to_o a_o check_n will_v be_v give_v to_o that_o wrath_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n &_o a_o stop_v put_v to_o that_o war_n and_o persecution_n which_o one_o wage_v against_o another_o neither_o shall_v i_o here_o discourse_v the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o foundation_n and_o media_fw-la which_o ground_n the_o relation_n of_o one_o to_o another_o in_o it_o but_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o though_o admission_n into_o a_o institute_v particular_a church_n presuppose_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o church-catholick_n yet_o there_o be_v both_o diverse_a thing_n require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a and_o diverse_a fresh_a duty_n emerge_n from_o this_o posterior_n relation_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o precedent_n have_v brief_o treat_v these_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o show_v myself_o as_o liberal_a to_o our_o author_n as_o without_o trespass_v upon_o my_o light_n i_o can_v i_o come_v now_o to_o discourse_v those_o thing_n wherein_o our_o author_n differ_v from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o first_o conclusion_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v erect_v be_v this_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o particular_a believer_n with_o christ_n only_o a_o political_a relation_n yet_o it_o be_v immediate_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n let_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o union_n be_v whatsoever_o our_o author_n please_v to_o make_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v primary_o unite_v to_o nor_o do_v our_o union_n terminate_v there_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_o by_o mean_n thereof_o that_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o cohesion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o if_o justify_v overthrow_v mr._n sherlock_n two_o first_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o one_o in_o import_n though_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o two_o for_o to_o say_v that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n 143._o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a which_o be_v mr._n sherlock_n first_o conclusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n 144._o be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o second_o conclusion_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a the_o same_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o christian_n do_v also_o display_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n &_o if_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n can_v result_v from_o no_o other_o medium_fw-la nor_o bear_v upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o bestow_v remark_n upon_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a battology_n of_o our_o author_n nor_o sally_v out_o into_o reflection_n upon_o what_o mere_o favour_v of_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o undeserved_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o accurate_a writer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v check_n to_o his_o briskness_n in_o descant_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o other_o for_o he_o may_v remember_v what_o a_o reflection_n he_o have_v cast_v upon_o dr._n jacomb_n mere_o for_o convert_v a_o proposition_n and_o say_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o say_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o different_a conclusion_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n 198._o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o i_o have_v advance_v in_o contradiction_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o by_o our_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 1._o if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o 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 for_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n of_o oneness_n between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o perverse_a and_o of_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o humour_n as_o to_o question_v it_o there_o be_v media_n enough_o