saviour_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o example_n that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a and_o compassionate_a and_o inherit_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o show_v that_o all_o those_o consideration_n 2_o which_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v make_v man_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n do_v necessary_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n but_o give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n this_o i_o observe_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o save_v sinner_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n no_o man_n will_v return_v to_o his_o duty_n without_o some_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o conquer_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n thus_o the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n person_n give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o inviolable_a sanction_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n heb._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n and_o lay_v forcible_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o god_n incarnate_a and_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel-covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o but_o then_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n christ_n will_v in_o his_o own_o person_n accomplish_v all_o those_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v whether_o they_o concern_v the_o present_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o christ_n will_v do_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n not_o from_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o person_n who_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o live_v and_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o saviour_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n now_o to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o some_o man_n who_o upbraid_v those_o preacher_n who_o spend_v their_o great_a zeal_n in_o expound_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o press_v man_n by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a hereafter_o and_o the_o many_o great_a advantage_n of_o holiness_n here_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n i_o say_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o those_o who_o upbraid_v such_o preacher_n with_o not_o preach_v christ_n i_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o place_n what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o good_a man_n now_o in_o these_o last_o day_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a useful_a knowledge_n be_v to_o understand_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o expound_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n preach_v christ_n as_o philip_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act._n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o ver_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o then_o we_o understand_v all_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o understand_v what_o obligation_n they_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o feel_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n in_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n of_o which_o some_o man_n discourse_v in_o such_o uncouth_a and_o cabbalistical_a term_n as_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o state_n 4._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_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 not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o church_n his_o flock_n a_o rock_n whereon_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o church_n a_o holy_a temple_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a christian_n their_o union_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 that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o
whole_a body_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n and_o we_o be_v all_o member_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o contend_v for_o but_o mr._n ferguson_n ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o every_o member_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o any_o one_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o any_o christian_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v his_o spouse_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n that_o these_o expression_n may_v be_v use_v of_o particular_a christian_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o primary_n use_v of_o these_o metaphor_n be_v to_o describe_v the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v secondary_o apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n and_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n mr._n ferguson_n great_a spite_n be_v at_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o methinks_v our_o author_n in_o common_a prudence_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v express_v too_o great_a a_o zeal_n against_o this_o notion_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o some_o better_a way_n of_o state_v it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a question_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o answer_v without_o own_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o first_o whether_o christ_n have_v more_o than_o one_o body_n i_o suppose_v he_o dare_v not_o say_v he_o have_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o second_o whether_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v neither_o and_o therefore_o three_o i_o inquire_v far_o whether_o any_o christian_a can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o unless_o our_o author_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o non_fw-fr sense_n and_o think_v every_o thing_n true_a which_o be_v unintelligible_a he_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v as_o unite_z to_o christ_n without_o be_v consider_v as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n mr._n hooker_n in_o that_o very_a paragraph_n which_o dr._n owen_n allege_n as_o he_o think_v 15._o against_o i_o assert_n this_o in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o ever_o i_o do_v in_o god_n we_o actual_o be_v no_o long_o than_o from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o actual_a adoption_n into_o the_o body_n of_o his_o true_a church_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o child_n for_o his_o church_n he_o know_v and_o love_v so_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o know_v to_o be_v in_o he_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n save_v we_o not_o without_o our_o actual_a and_o real_a adoption_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o he_o we_o actual_o be_v by_o actual_a incorporation_n into_o that_o society_n which_o have_v he_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v make_v together_o with_o he_o one_o body_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o i_o can_v answer_v this_o though_o the_o comfort_n be_v that_o i_o have_v no_o need_n to_o do_v it_o if_o dr._n owen_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n as_o methinks_v he_o shall_v be_v by_o this_o quotation_n i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o answer_v mr._n ferguson_n if_o he_o be_v not_o let_v he_o answer_v mr._n hooker_n or_o at_o least_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o world_n for_o what_o purpose_n he_o allege_v his_o authority_n for_o grant_v but_o this_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o that_o long_a paragraph_n which_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n or_o i_o any_o injury_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o his_o little_a cavil_n than_o to_o state_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v that_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o this_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n but_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 as_o at_o other_o time_n i_o express_v it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o consider_v any_o priority_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o of_o time_n between_o these_o two_o for_o though_o we_o may_v distinct_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o relation_n which_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v to_o the_o head_n and_o for_o a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n of_o they_o may_v represent_v one_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o particular_a member_n we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o their_o union_n to_o that_o body_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o &c_n when_o i_o explain_v that_o metaphor_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o vine_n sometime_o by_o vine_n i_o understand_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n sometime_o i_o express_v it_o more_o distinct_o that_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n in_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n fancy_v great_a contradiction_n that_o the_o vine_n shall_v sometime_o signify_v the_o church_n sometime_o christ_n together_o 459._o with_o his_o church_n but_o this_o savour_v only_o of_o his_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n to_o use_v his_o own_o phrase_n or_o which_o be_v as_o likely_a of_o a_o prevaricate_a conscience_n for_o when_o i_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o vine_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v that_o i_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n especial_o when_o i_o immediate_o explain_v it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n that_o be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o church_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n or_o to_o the_o body_n since_o our_o union_n to_o both_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o explain_v this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o vine_n by_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n or_o by_o christ_n consider_v as_o head_n which_o imply_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o his_o body_n to_o which_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v we_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o member_n be_v in_o the_o body_n which_o unite_v they_o to_o the_o head_n which_o be_v our_o be_v engraft_v into_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o as_o the_o head_n be_v in_o the_o member_n by_o his_o influence_n and_o government_n by_o his_o word_n dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o we_o joh._n 15._o 7._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v believe_v i_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o union_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n i_o do_v when_o i_o acknowledge_v 499._o our_o union_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o ruler_n prince_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n which_o he_o be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o person_n and_o therefore_o when_o i_o affirm_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v
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
&_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 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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 ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_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
christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n account_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o he_o die_v and_o to_o which_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v a_o secret_a and_o private_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o ordinary_o enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o christian_a but_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v both_o necessary_a rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o public_a sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n and_o our_o church_n teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n which_o be_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o notion_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o it_o may_v have_v recourse_n thither_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o political_a not_o a_o natural_a union_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o now_o those_o relation_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o union_n signify_v power_n and_o authority_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n which_o signify_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o other_o relation_n whereby_o this_o union_n be_v describe_v only_o when_o i_o call_v it_o a_o political_a union_n you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v no_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n a_o subject_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o external_a action_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n entitle_v man_n to_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o man_n who_o can_v discern_v heart_n and_o thought_n yet_o whoever_o do_v not_o hearty_o obey_v christ_n be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o denominate_v we_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spiritual-political_n union_n which_o principal_o respect_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o and_o a_o mutual_a &_o reciprocal_a love_n it_o be_v a_o political_a union_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o in_o the_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v spiritual_a because_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v our_o outward_a action_n as_o the_o government_n of_o earthly_a prince_n do_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v put_v it_o into_o other_o word_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n this_o make_v we_o the_o church_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o signify_v 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 that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n this_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n now_o beside_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o very_o apt_o agree_v with_o all_o those_o metaphor_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o it_o first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n a_o sin_n which_o very_o few_o man_n have_v any_o sense_n of_o in_o these_o day_n for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n necessary_o require_v our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n then_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n but_o divide_v we_o from_o christ_n as_o a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o head_n too_o this_o make_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o dreadful_a because_o it_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o sentence_n every_o schismatic_a execute_v upon_o himself_o and_o that_o more_o infallible_o too_o than_o church-governor_n can_v for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o may_v separate_v those_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o their_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v by_o a_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o whoever_o causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v infallible_o divide_v himself_o from_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v through_o such_o invincible_a mistake_n as_o may_v mitigate_v the_o crime_n and_o plead_v his_o excuse_n for_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o effect_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n or_o interest_n or_o some_o other_o carnal_a lust_n and_o it_o concern_v those_o man_n who_o make_v so_o light_a of_o schism_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v only_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n when_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o his_o body_n and_o be_v no_o long_o any_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o this_o notion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o and_o to_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o body_n and_o member_n whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o sake_n alone_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o justify_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o since_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v
of_o time_n as_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o then_o we_o may_v if_o christ_n please_v as_o well_o continue_v unite_v as_o at_o first_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o without_o holiness_n for_o if_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n hinder_v such_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o bad_a man_n while_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o bad_a than_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o continue_a bad_a after_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n but_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n or_o a_o irresistible_a power_n christ_n may_v make_v they_o good_a if_o he_o please_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o may_v not_o as_o well_o own_o they_o while_o they_o continue_v wicked_a as_o receive_v they_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o such_o christ_n may_v undertake_v the_o cure_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o physician_n do_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o sick_a this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n but_o to_o unite_v they_o to_o himself_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o interest_n they_o in_o his_o righteousness_n to_o make_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o bad_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o perfect_o alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o give_v we_o a_o little_a taste_n what_o candour_n and_o honesty_n we_o may_v expect_v from_o our_o author_n in_o his_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o his_o method_n but_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o discourse_n of_o 1_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o that_o order_n and_o method_n wherein_o it_o lie_v which_o will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o consider_v whatever_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o answer_v in_o mr._n ferguson_n chapter_n of_o union_n and_o then_o his_o scurrilous_a reflection_n and_o childish_a impertinency_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n the_o two_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o explain_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v these_o first_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_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._n and_o second_o that_o 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 which_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o be_v 597._o in_o his_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a if_o by_o coincident_a he_o mean_v that_o one_o follow_v from_o the_o other_o i_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o proposition_n be_v the_o same_o which_o have_v neither_o the_o same_o subject_n nor_o predicate_v he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o reflection_n either_o upon_o my_o logic_n or_o accuracy_n of_o write_v as_o be_v a_o very_a incompetent_a judge_n of_o either_o but_o the_o proposition_n be_v distinct_a and_o prove_v by_o different_a medium_n that_o which_o prove_v the_o first_o proposition_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v the_o second_o though_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v argue_v at_o 611._o that_o inconsequent_a rate_n and_o charge_v my_o logic_n with_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o failure_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n he_o can_v take_v to_o make_v it_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o after_o he_o have_v charge_v they_o with_o be_v coincident_a proposition_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o very_a next_o turn_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v they_o coincident_a that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v one_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o just_a consequent_a from_o the_o other_o for_o have_v recite_v that_o paragraph_n whereby_o i_o prove_v that_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_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 he_o add_v 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 premise_n will_v easy_o appear_v for_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_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 union_n with_o the_o church_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o how_o he_o disprove_v it_o i_o deny_v say_v he_o the_o consequent_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v say_v consequence_n have_v he_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o those_o logical_a term_n his_o reason_n be_v this_o 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 immediate_a head_n to_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o it_o as_o for_o that_o word_n immediate_n i_o shall_v let_v it_o alone_o till_o anon_o but_o our_o author_n say_v very_o right_a the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o subject_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o king_n who_o be_v head_n only_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o any_o single_a person_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o whether_o such_o a_o person_n must_v not_o first_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o kingdom_n before_o he_o can_v be_v relate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o his_o head_n thus_o christ_n be_v primary_o style_v a_o head_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o body_n can_v be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o head_n the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n be_v to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o no_o head_n have_v relation_n to_o any_o member_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o its_o own_o body_n but_o our_o author_n proceed_v 2._o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogenous_a nature_n what_o soever_o be_v praedicat_v essential_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_o praedicat_v of_o every_o part_n if_o by_o this_o he_o only_a mean_n that_o christ_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o particular_a christian_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o the_o proposition_n be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a that_o ever_o be_v frame_v a_o river_n be_v a_o homogeneous_a body_n and_o yet_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n can_v be_v call_v a_o river_n the_o union_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n give_v they_o a_o new_a denomination_n which_o can_v belong_v to_o every_o particular_a a_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o same_o homogeneous_a nature_n as_o man_n as_o christian_n be_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o every_o particular_a man_n can_v be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o particular_a christian_n and_o yet_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v fulsom_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o organise_v body_n which_o consist_v of_o several_a christian_n who_o consider_v as_o member_n be_v of_o as_o different_a a_o nature_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o foot_n which_o be_v of_o different_a use_n necessity_n and_o honour_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ._n and_o he_o particular_o mention_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o eye_n which_o no_o man_n yet_o think_v to_o be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n till_o mr._n ferguson_n bless_v the_o world_n with_o this_o discovery_n his_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o terminis_fw-la that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o
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
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
discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v we_o to_o and_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o perpetual_a institution_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o require_v seal_v on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o ceremony_n be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n have_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n whereby_o he_o have_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o till_o we_o seal_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n no_o previous_a faith_n and_o consent_n can_v give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o his_o four_o proposition_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n consist_v in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n there_o do_v therefore_o upon_o a_o person_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n emerge_n as_o that_o he_o be_v render_v a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a and_o add_v so_o far_o be_v our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n from_o be_v the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v our_o dedicate_a ourselves_o to_o christ_n by_o this_o august_n ceremony_n which_o constitute_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o say_v i_o but_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o dedicate_a we_o to_o christ_n so_o say_v i_o too_o and_o therefore_o our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o how_o do_v this_o follow_n when_o baptism_n dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o be_v his_o church_n for_o that_o which_o dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o unite_n we_o to_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n whereby_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o we_o be_v member_n before_o though_o incomplete_a but_o this_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v which_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o and_o never_o can_v do_v and_o indeed_o a_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a member_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o relation_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n one_o child_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o child_n be_v as_o complete_o the_o father_n child_n as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o child_n be_v and_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n we_o be_v complete_a member_n for_o what_o ever_o make_v we_o member_n make_v we_o member_n and_o we_o can_v be_v more_o or_o less_o member_n a_o member_n may_v be_v sound_a or_o rot_a weak_a or_o strong_a and_o upon_o that_o score_n may_v be_v a_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a member_n but_o consider_v only_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n every_o member_n be_v as_o much_o a_o member_n as_o any_o other_o but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v now_o when_o in_o his_o first_o proposition_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o baptism_n unite_v we_o to_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a how_o will_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v baptize_v before_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a visible_a church_n form_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a visible_a church_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n neither_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o subordinate_a society_n and_o corporation_n and_o family_n before_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o family_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a or_o invisible_a unless_o we_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o baptism_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o blame_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o make_v visibility_n one_o mark_v of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o argue_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o after_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n and_o signify_v and_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_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 as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o christ_n own_v we_o not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n answer_v 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o 619._o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n see_v none_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o church_n member_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o say_v it_o be_v the_o first_o medium_n but_o that_o it_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o use_v our_o author_n own_o word_n in_o another_o place_n see_v its_o one_o 626._o loaf_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d of_o which_o we_o partake_v we_o be_v therefore_o one_o body_n viz._n in_o christ_n who_o participate_v of_o that_o one_o loaf_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o pichorellus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o say_v we_o be_v one_o loaf_n or_o bread_n though_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o so_o but_o that_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o coalition_n of_o the_o cluster_n of_o the_o small_a corpuscle_n of_o meal_n sure_o our_o author_n be_v teach_v this_o bombast_n by_o the_o school_n master_n in_o sir_n philip_n sidney_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v knead_v and_o contex_v to_o the_o identity_n and_o oneness_n that_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n intervening_a identity_n and_o 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they_o be_v knead_v into_o one_o loaf_n and_o so_o as_o one_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o entertain_v at_o his_o table_n agreeable_o to_o st._n chrysostoms_n account_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v translate_v also_o by_o our_o author_n what_o be_v that_o loaf_n it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n what_o be_v those_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o many_o body_n but_o one_o for_o as_o the_o many_o grain_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v form_v be_v so_o convene_v into_o one_o mass_n mighty_a elegant_a still_o that_o the_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n one_o from_o another_o do_v not_o appear_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v we_o conjoin_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o or_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o st._n chrysostoms_n word_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o
though_o this_o holy_a supper_n be_v not_o the_o first_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o represent_v the_o union_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a christian_n in_o it_o in_o one_o body_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v all_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v by_o it_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ratify_v our_o perseverance_n and_o renew_v our_o engagement_n of_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o so_o we_o be_v very_o well_o agree_v and_o it_o be_v time_n to_o give_v over_o this_o dispute_n thus_o i_o have_v bring_v off_o my_o two_o first_o proposition_n safe_a and_o sound_a but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n i_o must_v remove_v a_o rub_n or_o two_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n have_v throw_v in_o my_o way_n for_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o deny_v our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o immediate_a union_n to_o his_o person_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n and_o if_o he_o have_v be_v either_o a_o honest_a man_n or_o a_o fair_a disputant_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v declare_v in_o what_o sense_n i_o disown_v it_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o fill_v several_a page_n with_o long_a and_o senseless_a harangue_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v as_o consistent_a with_o my_o design_n to_o own_o as_o to_o deny_v it_o when_o indeed_o i_o never_o deny_v it_o but_o express_o own_v it_o in_o that_o sense_n which_o he_o will_v now_o contend_v for_o and_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o honesty_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o this_o author_n i_o shall_v transcribe_v one_o page_n out_o of_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o design_n of_o all_o 200._o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o union_n of_o person_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o because_o i_o find_v this_o author_n have_v bewilder_v himself_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o help_v he_o out_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a case_n if_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v their_o person_n must_v be_v unite_v too_o for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v believer_n themselves_o and_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v unite_v without_o their_o person_n that_o be_v without_o themselves_o but_o then_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o mutual_a relation_n as_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o of_o his_o subject_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v unite_v or_o by_o mutual_a affection_n or_o common_a interest_n not_o by_o a_o natural_a adhesion_n of_o person_n but_o because_o i_o find_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v these_o man_n that_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v unless_o their_o person_n be_v unite_v too_o it_o make_v i_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o this_o union_n of_o person_n than_o every_o one_o apprehend_v upon_o this_o i_o consider_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o he_o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o impeach_v they_o for_o not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v 499._o unite_v unless_o their_o person_n be_v unite_v too_o as_o mr._n ferguson_n represent_v it_o but_o from_o their_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o his_o person_n i_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o they_o mean_v something_o more_o by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o every_o one_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o so_o indeed_o i_o find_v it_o as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o discourse_v in_o that_o place_n and_o to_o give_v as_o short_a and_o perspicuous_a a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v here_o i_o observe_v that_o by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v unite_v they_o mean_v such_o a_o person_n as_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o and_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o by_o a_o immediate_a union_n to_o this_o person_n they_o mean_v at_o most_o a_o immediate_a application_n of_o themselves_o to_o his_o person_n by_o reliance_n and_o recumbency_n which_o give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o union_n to_o his_o person_n first_o by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v unite_v they_o mean_v such_o a_o person_n as_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o and_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o i_o shall_v reserve_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o head_n of_o political_a union_n and_o shall_v at_o present_a confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o his_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o this_o be_v their_o notion_n of_o christ_n being_n our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n that_o in_o our_o stead_n he_o have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o that_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o his_o personal_a righteousness_n which_o he_o perform_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o as_o represent_v we_o and_o i_o shall_v wonder_v that_o mr._n ferguson_n deny_v this_o but_o that_o i_o now_o know_v he_o too_o well_o to_o wonder_v at_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v for_o doctor_n jacomb_n have_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v this_o notion_n of_o christ_n being_n our_o surety_n to_o do_v all_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o dr._n owen_n have_v with_o as_o great_a endeavour_n and_o with_o like_a success_n attempt_v to_o prove_v this_o from_o christ_n being_n our_o mediator_n but_o how_o far_o either_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o surety_n or_o of_o a_o mediator_n be_v from_o countenance_v any_o such_o doctrine_n i_o have_v make_v abundant_o evident_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n to_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n reply_v nothing_o but_o entertain_v and_o amuse_n his_o 3_o reader_n with_o some_o school_n pedantry_n in_o the_o derivation_n of_o the_o word_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d and_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d which_o he_o learned_o observe_v come_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d but_o to_o leave_v these_o little_a criticism_n to_o schoolboy_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o controversy_n into_o a_o short_a compass_n the_o fundamental_a mistake_n be_v this_o that_o they_o represent_v christ_n as_o a_o surety_n and_o mediator_n for_o some_o particular_a man_n not_o as_o the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o surety_n and_o mediator_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o undertake_n for_o some_o particular_a person_n yet_o they_o can_v reasonable_o argue_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o surety_n and_o mediator_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o those_o and_o in_o their_o stead_n who_o surety_n and_o mediator_n he_o be_v and_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v above_o my_o adversary_n have_v be_v force_v to_o quit_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o surety_n and_o mediator_n among_o man_n but_o indeed_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o notion_n be_v false_a that_o christ_n do_v undertake_v for_o particular_a person_n to_o do_v all_o for_o they_o which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n as_o dr._n owen_n represent_v it_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n make_v a_o general_a atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o with_o his_o blood_n procure_v purchase_v and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o god_n promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o he_o be_v the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o that_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v he_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o stead_n only_o of_o some_o particular_a person_n as_o their_o surety_n proxy_n surrogate_v or_o substitute_n have_v not_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o only_a support_n of_o the_o antinomian_a heresy_n mr._n ferguson_n find_v christ_n suretyship_n on_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n that_o be_v on_o that_o covenant_n which_o some_o modern_a divine_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o between_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o god_n the_o father_n give_v so_o many_o person_n by_o name_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o voluntary_a undertake_v that_o work_n he_o stand_v
four_a that_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o god_n now_o dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v thus_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o i_o explain_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o our_o author_n honesty_n in_o charge_v i_o with_o reject_v the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a external-political_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o notion_n from_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o this_o author_n and_o i_o may_v honourable_o enough_o retreat_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o skirmish_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o right_a that_o may_v be_v to_o my_o cause_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a &_o teachable_a mind_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o more_o particular_o discourse_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o be_v content_v to_o give_v some_o plain_a and_o short_a intimation_n of_o it_o be_v because_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n as_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o it_o be_v that_o my_o adversary_n have_v confound_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o intricate_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o effect_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o clear_o and_o perfect_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o but_o unless_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o perfect_a chance_n and_o accident_n these_o new_a divine_n can_v to_o this_o day_n direct_a man_n how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o mystical_a union_n but_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o be_v thus_o legal_o and_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o we_o must_v expect_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o till_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o or_o rather_o till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o when_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v on_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n nay_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o very_a good_a man_n who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o preachment_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o eternal_a scruple_n about_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o a_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o can_v work_v his_o imagination_n into_o all_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o perpetual_a embrace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o assurance_n and_o despise_v the_o low_a attainment_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o good_a life_n now_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o rectify_v these_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v this_o union_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o bad_a man_n though_o never_o such_o seraphical_a hypocrite_n may_v see_v all_o their_o hope_n confute_v and_o be_v force_v either_o to_o let_v go_v all_o their_o pretence_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n or_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n and_o i_o can_v not_o better_o do_v this_o than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v all_o along_o to_o expound_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a so_o as_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o signify_v on_o our_o part_n viz._n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v than_o to_o dispute_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inhabitation_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o which_o possible_o will_v never_o be_v determine_v as_o very_o few_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o much_o material_a whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o hearty_o believe_v and_o importunate_o beg_v and_o constant_o rely_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n second_o there_o be_v a_o further_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o because_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v consequent_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o constitute_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o antecedaneous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o list_v ourselves_o into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n from_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o member_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v receive_v any_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o christ_n kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o concern_v only_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o just_o as_o temporal_a prince_n can_v exercise_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o over_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o government_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gosspel_n be_v preach_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n do_v actual_o believe_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o constant_a principle_n in_o they_o upon_o covenant_n and_o promise_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v annex_v to_o our_o baptism_n with_o water_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o upon_o that_o account_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d or_o illumination_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v then_o bestow_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o dr._n owen_n and_o all_o my_o adversary_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n yet_o do_v and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n prove_v that_o christ_n be_v first_o reckon_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n be_v reckon_v
to_o etc._n we_o and_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o that_o be_v our_o be_v reckon_v to_o he_o because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o then_o certain_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o primary_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o this_o i_o express_o assert_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o so_o large_o and_o particular_o discourse_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o influential_a head_n though_o i_o express_o own_o those_o influence_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v so_o only_o as_o he_o be_v a_o political_a head_n that_o be_v as_o temporal_a prince_n govern_v their_o subject_n by_o external_a art_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n so_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a prince_n govern_v his_o subject_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n be_v bestow_v only_o on_o his_o subject_n and_o be_v dispense_v in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o the_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v on_o we_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o daily_a supply_n of_o it_o be_v administer_v upon_o our_o constant_a and_o devout_a prayer_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o constant_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o these_o mean_v christ_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n convey_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o which_o require_v our_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o sacred_a institution_n and_o be_v the_o true_a basis_n and_o security_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 15_o 16._o and_o col._n 2._o 18._o and_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n with_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n represent_v the_o nourishment_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o by_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o every_o member_n do_v not_o receive_v its_o influence_n and_o nourishment_n immediate_o from_o the_o head_n but_o one_o member_n communicate_v to_o another_o in_o such_o just_a and_o equal_a proportion_n and_o regular_a way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o every_o christian_a who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v receive_v the_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n for_o his_o increase_n and_o nourishment_n but_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v these_o influence_n immediate_o but_o they_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o those_o holy_a institution_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o i_o will_v not_o call_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n nor_o send_v person_n immediate_o to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o power_n and_o all_o spiritual_a supply_n because_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o derive_v it_o immediate_o from_o his_o person_n but_o he_o dispense_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o such_o other_o regular_a method_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o spiritual_a body_n whereas_o dr._n owen_n and_o dr._n crisp_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o antinomian_o represent_v christ_n as_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v not_o only_o do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o that_o by_o such_o natural_a conveyance_n of_o grace_n from_o his_o person_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o spiritual_a motion_n so_o dr._n crisp_n very_o agreeable_o to_o what_o dr._n owen_n assert_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v &c_n the_o head_n now_o the_o head_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o animal_n spirit_n and_o of_o all_o motion_n without_o a_o head_n a_o man_n can_v hear_v see_v walk_z feel_v stir_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n see_v all_o these_o operation_n come_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o motion_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o conceive_v that_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o see_v whilst_o he_o have_v not_o a_o head_n as_o to_o think_v a_o man_n may_v have_v spiritual_a eye_n whether_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v christ_n or_o the_o eye_n of_o mourning_n to_o lament_v his_o wretchedness_n before_o there_o be_v actual_o the_o conjunction_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o such_o a_o body_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v life_n and_o can_v any_o one_o be_v a_o active_a creature_n before_o there_o be_v life_n breathe_v into_o he_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v dead_a so_o every_o person_n in_o spiritual_a action_n be_v whole_o dead_a till_o christ_n the_o soul_n of_o that_o soul_n be_v infuse_v into_o he_o to_o animate_v and_o enliven_v he_o for_o these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o all_o the_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o grace_n be_v force_v to_o resolve_v the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o a_o natural_a and_o physical_a and_o immediate_a operation_n of_o christ_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o make_v all_o his_o institution_n very_o insipid_a and_o useless_a thing_n and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_a society_n if_o all_o grace_n be_v so_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o a_o hasten_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v myself_o and_o my_o notion_n from_o that_o unjust_a and_o scandalous_a imputation_n of_o pelagianism_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v only_o either_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o my_o adversary_n or_o to_o their_o want_n of_o better_a argument_n or_o possible_o to_o both_o chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o socinianism_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a iam_fw-la now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o few_o word_n dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o adversary_n do_v at_o every_o turn_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o answer_v charge_v i_o with_o socinianize_a a_o charge_n which_o be_v as_o much_o unexpected_a as_o undeserved_a but_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o very_a familiar_a art_n among_o these_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o those_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v christianity_n from_o those_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v broach_v under_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o to_o reduce_v people_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v seduce_v through_o the_o witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n of_o sublime_a and_o seraphical_a nonsense_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v just_a to_o express_v some_o indignation_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o the_o father_n observe_v in_o causa_fw-la haereseos_fw-la neminem_fw-la decet_fw-la esse_fw-la
and_o stead_n of_o particular_a person_n than_o those_o for_o who_o he_o act_v be_v absolve_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o undertake_n or_o actual_a performance_n of_o christ_n either_o from_o eternity_n or_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o be_v i_o may_v add_v several_a other_o consequence_n which_o necessary_o result_v from_o this_o doctrine_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a principle_n of_o antinomianism_n as_o that_o we_o must_v not_o pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v long_o since_o remove_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o forgiveness_n that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o people_n because_o their_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o christ_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v sin_n upon_o our_o own_o conscience_n neither_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v our_o conscience_n a_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o fruitful_a this_o principle_n be_v of_o absurdity_n and_o what_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o reject_v our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o one_o who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o in_o our_o name_n and_o stead_n and_o now_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v viz._n our_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v show_v above_o yet_o in_o the_o antinomian_a sense_n of_o a_o immediate_a union_n i_o do_v utter_o reject_v it_o whereby_o they_o understand_v a_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o intervening_a condition_n on_o our_o part_n and_o this_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n they_o explain_v this_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o my_o former_a 3_o discourse_n by_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n and_o a_o legal_a union_n as_o for_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o union_n of_o person_n as_o be_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n beauty_n comeliness_n riches_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o marriage_n entitle_v a_o woman_n to_o her_o husband_n estate_n and_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o woman_n under_o covert_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o action_n or_o arrest_n i_o perceive_v mr._n ferguson_n give_v it_o over_o as_o indefensible_a for_o among_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o union_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o this_o which_o be_v the_o most_o charm_a and_o invite_v union_n and_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o sisterhood_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o conventicle_n of_o any_o other_o but_o i_o suppose_v mr._n vincent_n will_v not_o give_v it_o over_o so_o and_o therefore_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o must_v be_v a_o immediate_a union_n which_o require_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o embrace_v and_o clasp_v faith_n which_o unite_v their_o person_n to_o each_o other_o this_o faith_n be_v no_o condition_n of_o union_n but_o only_o such_o a_o consent_n to_o have_v christ_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o match_n or_o rather_o like_o join_v hand_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o marriage_n though_o indeed_o the_o marriage_n be_v make_v before_o as_o they_o say_v all_o marriage_n be_v in_o heaven_n eternal_a election_n marry_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o consent_a faith_n give_v they_o only_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o their_o matrimonial_a union_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o legal_a union_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n who_o do_v all_o for_o we_o in_o our_o name_n and_o stead_n now_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n be_v immediate_a for_o it_o be_v entire_o god_n act_v in_o elect_v some_o particular_a person_n and_o give_v they_o to_o christ_n to_o do_v all_o for_o they_o in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n and_o therefore_o dr._n crisp_n true_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v god_n and_o only_a god_n that_o can_v lay_v &c_n our_o sin_n upon_o christ_n that_o our_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n can_v do_v it_o for_o this_o work_n of_o lay_v sin_n on_o christ_n in_o make_v he_o our_o surety_n to_o do_v all_o for_o we_o be_v do_v long_o since_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v now_o christ_n have_v already_o die_v for_o all_o that_o he_o will_v die_v for_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o die_v for_o we_o nothing_o that_o we_o can_v do_v now_o can_v lay_v our_o sin_n upon_o he_o for_o as_o the_o doctor_n reason_n if_o we_o can_v a_o fresh_a by_o our_o repentance_n and_o faith_n lie_v our_o sin_n on_o christ_n as_o our_o surety_n how_o shall_v he_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o again_o for_o there_o be_v no_o get_v rid_v of_o sin_n but_o by_o 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not_o in_o christ_n already_o there_o be_v no_o get_n into_o christ_n now_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n election_n alone_a and_o god_n give_v we_o to_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o he_o not_o any_o act_n of_o our_o own_o neither_o faith_n repentance_n or_o new_a obedience_n these_o at_o best_a can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o union_n itself_o and_o therefore_o dr._n owen_n do_v roundly_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v reckon_v to_o we_o in_o 77._o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o believe_v and_o by_o god_n reckon_v christ_n to_o we_o he_o mean_v the_o impute_v of_o christ_n unto_o ungodly_a unbelieve_a sinner_n for_o who_o he_o die_v so_o far_o as_o to_o account_v he_o they_o to_o bestow_v faith_n and_o grace_n upon_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o if_o god_n reckon_v christ_n to_o man_n before_o faith_n he_o must_v reckon_v he_o they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o 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