to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o â—hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v we_o so_o long_o as_o she_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n because_o 166._o as_o our_o author_n say_v this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n mr._n sherlock_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o conjecture_v be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o think_v what_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v espouse_v or_o what_o be_v most_o disserviceable_a to_o it_o all_o immediate_a union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n save_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deny_v but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o communion_n with_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v copulate_v with_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v not_o determine_v at_o one_o time_n it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n at_o another_o it_o be_v by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n 165._o who_o member_n be_v in_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n 163.165_o and_o live_v in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n but_o that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o christian_n union_n with_o christ_n i_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n and_o command_n of_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v nor_o may_v this_o only_o be_v suppose_v but_o there_o be_v divers_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a
virtue_n and_o upon_o the_o alone_a motive_n of_o their_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v oblige_v and_o that_o upon_o no_o mean_a inducement_n than_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 any_o church_n shall_v so_o degenerate_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a christian_n to_o forsake_v that_o church_n and_o renounce_v all_o external_a communion_n with_o she_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v say_v that_o the_o person_n so_o act_v cease_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o his_o disclaim_v fellowship_n with_o those_o who_o have_v revolt_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._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 and_o consequent_o their_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o cohesion_n to_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v predict_v it_o to_o be_v the_o fate_n sometime_o of_o believer_n to_o be_v so_o entertain_v and_o have_v according_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o expect_v it_o as_o their_o lot_n and_o to_o resent_v it_o as_o their_o honour_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o separate_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n sake_n luk._n 6.22_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d render_v they_o shall_v separate_v you_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 16.2_o yea_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v just_o seclude_v for_o a_o time_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n not_o be_v dissolve_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n in_o a_o professor_n provide_v the_o party_n offend_v give_v not_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n be_v foundation_n enough_o for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v to_o such_o a_o censure_n yea_o the_o maintain_v she_o own_o dignity_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o make_v christianity_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o exact_a purity_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o celsus_n and_o julian_n reproach_v it_o do_v not_o allow_v impunity_n to_o criminal_n oblige_v she_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v unsafe_a to_o pronounce_v of_o every_o person_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o those_o censure_n that_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o that_o all_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v interrupt_v and_o dissolve_v 4._o our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o assertion_n so_o remote_a from_o all_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a 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 first_o receive_v they_o without_o previous_a ground_n of_o judge_a man_n to_o be_v believer_n we_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o all_o warranty_n to_o admit_v they_o but_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n not_o to_o do_v it_o a_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n wherein_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v upon_o term_n antecedent_o require_v and_o these_o term_n be_v at_o least_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n authority_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o political_a union_n with_o he_o to_o suppose_v our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o christ_n involve_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n 5._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 be_v that_o wherein_o mr._n sherlock_n himself_o state_v the_o political_a union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n to_o consist_v that_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v himself_o 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 &_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v that_o we_o mean_v by_o union_n with_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n be_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_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-society_n 6._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o number_n but_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o 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_n head_n nor_o be_v this_o my_o apprehension_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n also_o of_o episcopius_n a_o person_n who_o judgement_n &_o testimony_n mr._n sherlock_n will_v not_o undervalue_v and_o to_o speak_v my_o inward_a thought_n 4._o it_o be_v all_o he_o say_v to_o purpose_n upon_o this_o theme_n though_o he_o undertake_v to_o treat_v it_o with_o some_o industry_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n rather_o florid_n than_o nervous_a beside_o a_o brisk_a air_n that_o display_v itself_o in_o his_o manner_n of_o handle_v thing_n there_o be_v little_a solid_a or_o beyond_o what_o be_v vulgar_a and_o common_a in_o he_o but_o to_o return_v into_o this_o supposition_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immedidiate_n political_n head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o substitution_n of_o a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n resolve_v and_o to_o do_v the_o papist_n right_a if_o believer_n even_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v more_o congruous_a to_o reason_n to_o establish_v one_o vicarious_a catholic_n visible_a head_n than_o five_o thousand_o and_o though_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o head_n the_o pope_n may_v fail_v in_o his_o claym_v to_o it_o yet_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o if_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_v of_o it_o be_v refuse_v he_o some_o one_o or_o other_o must_v have_v the_o credit_n of_o it_o thus_o admit_v that_o be_v all_o the_o union_n which_o intercede_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n mere_o such_o a_o political_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v nevertheless_o immediate_a i_o be_o sure_a the_o king_n of_o england_n through_o his_o govern_v his_o subject_n by_o subordinate_a officer_n delegated_a to_o rule_n by_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a head_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n among_o they_o there_o remain_v only_o before_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o second_o conclusion_n some_o exception_n of_o our_o author_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o upon_o a_o survey_n of_o what_o he_o have_v muster_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n i_o can_v but_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o faculty_n of_o press_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o only_o rescue_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o receive_a doctrine_n from_o the_o rape_n which_o our_o author_n have_v commit_v upon_o they_o and_o from_o that_o involuntary_a service_n into_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o defeat_v his_o cause_n by_o they_o 143._o the_o one_a be_v draw_v from_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 which_o say_v he_o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o head_n but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n as_o the_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n eph._n 5.23_o 24._o
nor_o other_o may_v think_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o i_o shall_v represent_v his_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 142._o those_o metaphor_n say_v he_o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 143._o and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ._n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 144._o and_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 149._o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o this_o union_n say_v he_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n 156._o consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n 186._o signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o concern_v the_o union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v this_o a_o true_a report_n and_o description_n of_o it_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v mysterious_a nor_o needs_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o next_o world_n 147._o or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n that_o i_o may_v again_o usurp_v our_o author_n phrase_n he_o seem_v very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o leave_v mysteririous_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v the_o term_n mystical_a please_v he_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o 197._o a_o hard_a word_n only_o i_o wish_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v of_o arduous_a conception_n he_o do_v not_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o go_v sober_o to_o destroy_v christianity_n now_o in_o the_o examine_n mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o believer_n i_o reckon_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o address_v to_o the_o disproof_n of_o what_o i_o dislike_v in_o his_o opinion_n to_o declare_v what_o i_o own_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n first_o then_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v nor_o be_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n the_o very_a espouse_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n include_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n being_n our_o supreme_a legislatour_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedient_a to_o his_o command_n a_o right_n of_o erect_v govern_v and_o protect_v the_o church_n be_v delegated_a to_o and_o vest_v in_o he_o and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o regal_a office_n wherewithal_o he_o be_v entrust_v have_v enact_v law_n appoint_a ordinance_n and_o ordain_v officer_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n so_o we_o by_o our_o submission_n to_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o therereupon_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o our_o political_a head_n all_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v thus_o far_o agree_v for_o though_o the_o papist_n interpose_v another_o immediate_a roll_a head_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o vital_a influence_n to_o the_o church_n regenerate_v so_o they_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a govern_v head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o as_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o vicarious_a political_a head_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v both_o destitute_a of_o all_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o repugnant_a to_o it_o so_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o universal_a church_n nor_o of_o see_v they_o execute_v nor_o have_v the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o constitutive_a imperant_fw-la head_n what_o ever_o some_o part_n of_o it_o may_v have_v do_v upon_o this_o account_n especial_o we_o judge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o opposer_n who_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o he_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n because_o he_o usurp_v the_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o legislation_n judgement_n and_o execution_n dispense_n with_o christ_n law_n and_o enact_v his_o own_o he_o challenge_v a_o peerage_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o legislative_a power_n and_o headship_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o storm_v his_o throne_n and_o usurp_v his_o sceptre_n the_o claym_v of_o the_o roman_a see_v be_v great_a but_o their_o allegation_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v whole_o precatious_a and_o when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o vindicate_v his_o supreme_a authority_n from_o the_o invasion_n which_o usurper_n have_v make_v upon_o his_o dignity_n the_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o suborn_n scripture_n to_o supplant_v christ_n throne_n will_v prove_v a_o crime_n unanswerable_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v that_o no_o verbal_a profession_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o a_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v the_o jure_v entitle_v we_o among_o his_o subject_n second_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n testify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o we_o do_v hereby_o become_v political_o unite_v one_o to_o another_o and_o be_v denominate_v member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n visible_a church_n for_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n &_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o its_o law_n be_v the_o constituent_a form_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o obtain_v that_o appellation_n so_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o 1_o cor._n 7.2_o do_v hereby_o belong_v to_o christ_n catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o become_v political_o unite_v as_o subject_n of_o the_o same_o legislator_n and_o king_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n do_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n and_o visible_a consist_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temporal_a prince_n become_v political_o unite_v together_o by_o their_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a ruler_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n so_o may_v all_o christian_n be_v say_v upon_o a_o parallel_a account_n to_o be_v political_o unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o here_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v our_o right_n to_o a_o room_n and_o membership_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o depend_v upon_o a_o formal_a belief_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o every_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v reveal_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n a_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o
a_o company_n of_o man_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o have_v make_v salvation_n dependent_a upon_o as_o we_o do_v not_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o declare_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o ruler_n but_o by_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o we_o have_v no_o right_n of_o matriculation_n into_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a nor_o have_v we_o any_o union_n with_o the_o member_n of_o it_o but_o through_o a_o belief_n of_o these_o common_a radical_a principle_n these_o be_v what_o we_o common_o call_v fundamental_a article_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o enumerate_v be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o may_v be_v convenient_a so_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o both_o few_o and_o plain_a only_o as_o the_o romanist_n be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n and_o uncharitable_a to_o man_n in_o confine_a christianity_n within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o make_v the_o roman_a and_o catholic_n church_n term_n equipollent_a so_o they_o be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o determine_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o beside_o many_o other_o thing_n pleadable_a against_o this_o romish_a foundation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o the_o relative_n politic_a union_n of_o one_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o render_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o first_o impossible_a &_o second_o absurd_a impossible_a in_o that_o most_o man_n can_v neither_o allow_v time_n nor_o have_v they_o sufficient_a acquire_v intellectual_a ability_n either_o to_o know_v what_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v define_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v nor_o in_o what_o sense_n she_o have_v propose_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o absurd_a 1_o because_o a_o man_n must_v believe_v contradiction_n before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o have_v any_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o christian_n that_o be_v he_o must_v renounce_v reason_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v faith_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o man_n before_o he_o can_v espouse_v christian._n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v define_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v repugnant_a one_o to_o another_o 2._o because_o what_o serve_v to_o matriculate_v a_o person_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o oneness_n with_o all_o christian_n this_o year_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v and_o continue_v his_o union_n and_o relation_n the_o next_o but_o that_o without_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o his_o belief_n he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o the_o church_n may_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n determine_v something_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v which_o before_o she_o have_v not_o pronounce_v but_o to_o resume_v what_o i_o be_v upon_o as_o there_o be_v through_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n a_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n so_o i_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o all_o christian_n may_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v account_v unite_v among_o themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o discourse_v the_o reciprocal_a and_o mutual_a duty_n which_o we_o come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o by_o this_o relation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a so_o be_v they_o attend_v to_o a_o check_n will_v be_v give_v to_o that_o wrath_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n &_o a_o stop_v put_v to_o that_o war_n and_o persecution_n which_o one_o wage_v against_o another_o neither_o shall_v i_o here_o discourse_v the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o foundation_n and_o media_fw-la which_o ground_n the_o relation_n of_o one_o to_o another_o in_o it_o but_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o though_o admission_n into_o a_o institute_v particular_a church_n presuppose_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o church-catholick_n yet_o there_o be_v both_o diverse_a thing_n require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a and_o diverse_a fresh_a duty_n emerge_n from_o this_o posterior_n relation_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o precedent_n have_v brief_o treat_v these_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o show_v myself_o as_o liberal_a to_o our_o author_n as_o without_o trespass_v upon_o my_o light_n i_o can_v i_o come_v now_o to_o discourse_v those_o thing_n wherein_o our_o author_n differ_v from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o first_o conclusion_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v erect_v be_v this_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o particular_a believer_n with_o christ_n only_o a_o political_a relation_n yet_o it_o be_v immediate_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n let_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o union_n be_v whatsoever_o our_o author_n please_v to_o make_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v primary_o unite_v to_o nor_o do_v our_o union_n terminate_v there_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_o by_o mean_n thereof_o that_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o cohesion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o if_o justify_v overthrow_v mr._n sherlock_n two_o first_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o one_o in_o import_n though_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o two_o for_o to_o say_v that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n 143._o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a which_o be_v mr._n sherlock_n first_o conclusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n 144._o be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o second_o conclusion_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a the_o same_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o christian_n do_v also_o display_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n &_o if_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n can_v result_v from_o no_o other_o medium_fw-la nor_o bear_v upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o bestow_v remark_n upon_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a battology_n of_o our_o author_n nor_o sally_v out_o into_o reflection_n upon_o what_o mere_o favour_v of_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o undeserved_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o accurate_a writer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v check_n to_o his_o briskness_n in_o descant_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o other_o for_o he_o may_v remember_v what_o a_o reflection_n he_o have_v cast_v upon_o dr._n jacomb_n mere_o for_o convert_v a_o proposition_n and_o say_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o say_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o different_a conclusion_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n 198._o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o i_o have_v advance_v in_o contradiction_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o by_o our_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 1._o if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o previous_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n i_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v of_o mr._n sherlock_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n of_o oneness_n between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o perverse_a and_o of_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o humour_n as_o to_o question_v it_o there_o be_v media_n enough_o
no_o particular_a christian_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o member_n in_o his_o body_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v his_o spouse_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o christ_n be_v a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o flock_n joh._n 10._o for_o the_o relation_n between_o a_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o whole_a flock_n christ_n be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o holy_a temple_n so_o that_o all_o those_o metaphor_n in_o their_o first_o and_o proper_a use_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v this_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n frame_v into_o a_o syllogism_n the_o incongruity_n between_o the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o premise_n will_v easy_o appear_v for_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n ergo_fw-la no_o particular_a believer_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o uinion_n with_o the_o church_n i_o deny_v the_o consequent_a sure_o though_o the_o king_n be_v immediate_a head_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v also_o immediate_a head_n to_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o it_o mr._n sherlock_n logic_n be_v like_a that_o of_o chrysippus_n which_o man_n be_v too_o dull_a to_o understand_v though_o they_o say_v the_o god_n will_v have_v use_v it_o 2._o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n whatsoever_o be_v predicate_v essential_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_o predicable_a of_o every_o part_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n plain_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o natural_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a body_n have_v influence_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o its_o function_n from_o the_o head_n but_o also_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v influence_n of_o life_n and_o strength_n from_o thence_o so_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o immediate_a head_n of_o direction_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o to_o every_o individual_a believer_n in_o it_o whatever_o the_o habitude_n of_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n be_v to_o their_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o which_o these_o church_n be_v constitute_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n by_o which_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o political_a head_n govern_v his_o church_n that_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o attend_v 4._o though_o our_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o he_o have_v almost_o pore_v out_o his_o eye_n in_o search_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v enlighten_v about_o this_o and_o some_o other_o notion_n 40._o yet_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n either_o to_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o to_o suspect_v that_o his_o sight_n be_v not_o good_a before_o or_o that_o his_o visible_a faculty_n be_v strange_o tincture_v for_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n and_o testimony_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v allow_v to_o rival_n mr._n sherlock_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v christ_n body_n so_o we_o be_v all_o member_n in_o particular_a of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o conjunction_n which_o every_o member_n have_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o to_o every_o christian_a appear_v by_o this_o see_v not_o only_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o but_o every_o individual_a believer_n among_o the_o roman_n be_v also_o represent_v as_o marry_v to_o he_o rom._n 7.4_o neither_o do_v they_o only_o report_v he_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n rock_n and_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n take_v collective_o but_o likewise_o in_o its_o distributive_a acceptation_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o thus_o have_v not_o only_o defeat_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o his_o first_o objection_n but_o improve_v the_o medium_fw-la from_o which_o he_o muster_v it_o to_o subvert_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o defence_n it_o be_v bring_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o sacrament_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v say_v he_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n 154._o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n and_o signify_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o etc._n etc._n for_o answer_v whether_o the_o sacrament_n import_v any_o more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n i_o shall_v wave_v till_o anon_o and_o only_o consider_v they_o at_o present_a as_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o true_o if_o these_o be_v the_o weapon_n with_o which_o mr._n sherlock_n think_v to_o captivate_v and_o subdue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o espouse_v his_o notion_n he_o must_v either_o only_o encounter_v those_o that_o court_v their_o own_o bondage_n or_o there_o will_v be_v few_o find_v follow_v the_o chariot_n wheel_v of_o our_o hero_n instead_o of_o any_o slaughter_n he_o be_v like_a to_o make_v among_o the_o nonconformist_n by_o these_o force_n he_o only_o wound_v himself_o and_o overthrow_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o they_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o baptism_n i_o reply_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o by_o which_o we_o formal_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n not_o the_o latter_a see_v it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v baptize_v where_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o form_v a_o institute_v particular_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o find_v necessary_a to_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o membership_n in_o a_o institute_v even_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a yea_o before_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v erect_v there_o be_v baptise_a christian_n it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o the_o first_o christian_n church_n be_v constitute_v not_o the_o former_a forasmuch_o as_o a_o person_n may_v be_v of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v baptize_v nor_o be_v this_o a_o chimaerical_a imagination_n for_o there_o have_v be_v many_o who_o partly_o through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n partly_o upon_o other_o motive_n though_o they_o be_v not_o justifiable_a have_v deny_v themselves_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o baptismal_a laver_n and_o yet_o to_o suppose_v that_o thereupon_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o renounce_v all_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o involve_v ourselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o condemn_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v 2._o be_v baptism_n as_o well_o the_o medium_fw-la as_o the_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v only_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a see_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n but_o such_o who_o be_v antecedent_o judge_v to_o be_v christian_n act._n 8.37_o now_o to_o reckon_v any_o one_o a_o christian_a who_o do_v not_o beforehand_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o political_a union_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n 3._o our_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o vinculum_fw-la of_o our_o political_a union_n with_o
allegory_n and_o metaphor_n as_o the_o modern_a conformable_a clergy_n 8.9.10_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o some_o discourse_n late_o publish_v on_o this_o subject_n 1._o what_o seem_v most_o especial_o to_o have_v influence_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n not_o frame_v to_o befriend_v man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o ungodliness_n mr._n sherlock_n be_v 3.4_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n in_o general_n state_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o common_a union_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o 6._o the_o union_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o specifical_a oneness_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o through_o his_o have_v assume_v humane_a nature_n 7._o nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o any_o mixture_n of_o his_o bodily_a substance_n with_o we_o through_o a_o carnal_a feed_n on_o he_o 8._o a_o personal_a union_n disclaim_v 9_o not_o mere_o a_o legal_a union_n and_o yet_o a_o legal_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o those_o give_v to_o he_o of_o god_n justify_v 10._o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o love-vnion_n 11._o christian_n not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o previous_a union_n with_o the_o church_n 12._o what_o ever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n 13._o a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o assign_v and_o the_o whole_a shut_v up_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o interest_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o religion_n sect._n i._n the_o interest_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v sufficient_o authorize_v a_o concernedness_n in_o every_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o direct_o invade_v nor_o secret_o supplant_v and_o the_o more_o important_a the_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v christianity_n the_o less_o chargeable_a as_o importune_a be_v he_o who_o engage_v either_o in_o the_o explication_n or_o defence_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o name_n of_o william_n sherlock_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o rector_n of_o st._n george_n buttolphâ—lane_n london_n which_o the_o author_n character_n himself_o by_o i_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o write_n i_o be_o now_o to_o encounter_n and_o i_o wish_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v no_o further_a occasion_n of_o know_v he_o than_o as_o his_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o have_v vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o further_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o state_v opposition_n of_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o their_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o concernment_n and_o expectation_n consist_v he_o must_v not_o resent_v it_o amiss_o if_o while_o we_o be_v examine_v what_o he_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o in_o these_o and_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o what_o he_o intimate_v to_o we_o of_o his_o principle_n in_o those_o matter_n the_o prefix_v imprimatur_fw-la of_o doctor_n parker_n will_v tempt_v one_o to_o suspect_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o only_o under_o the_o connivance_n but_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o more_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o i_o confess_v man_n be_v fill_v with_o surprisal_n and_o amazement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o consider_v the_o manifest_a repugnance_n of_o our_o author_n principle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o the_o declare_v article_n of_o the_o â—aid_a church_n though_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o ascribe_v the_o sentiment_n of_o every_o private_a writer_n to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o when_o error_n be_v vent_v under_o allowance_n other_o beside_o the_o author_n become_v accountable_a for_o they_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o licenser_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o a_o great_a person_n in_o who_o behalf_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v repute_a to_o act_n will_v seem_v to_o plead_v that_o the_o fame_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n bespeak_v some_o vindication_n from_o her_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n or_o dignify_v member_n in_o these_o matter_n or_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v who_o will_v suffer_v under_o the_o imputation_n and_o dishonour_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o and_o disquisition_n of_o these_o point_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v pursue_v without_o offence_n to_o any_o especial_o be_v manage_v without_o passionate_a heat_n or_o invidious_a reflection_n invective_n and_o satyr_n do_v not_o only_o disparage_v religion_n in_o general_n but_o betray_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v use_v nor_o be_v they_o adapt_v to_o proselyte_n any_o but_o such_o who_o have_v forfeit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o impudence_n noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o myself_o i_o profess_v such_o a_o aversation_n to_o the_o method_n some_o of_o our_o modern_a writer_n take_v in_o treat_v their_o adversary_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o insinuate_v suspicion_n or_o raise_v misprision_n of_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o notion_n here_o contend_v against_o further_a than_o the_o unfolding_n and_o pursue_v they_o to_o their_o spring_n necessitate_v i_o and_o if_o thereby_o any_o who_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o cracovia_n i_o can_v help_v it_o unless_o i_o shall_v betray_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o plead_v for_o yet_o i_o do_v hereby_o no_o way_n intend_v to_o list_n even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o principle_n they_o have_v imbibe_v remember_v what_o one_o say_v of_o the_o milesian_n that_o may_v be_v they_o be_v no_o fool_n though_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o fool_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v however_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v declare_v upon_o who_o foundation_n they_o build_v and_o with_o who_o buttress_n they_o support_v their_o fabric_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o fall_v too_o evident_o under_o the_o prospect_n of_o every_o discern_a person_n who_o be_v like_a to_o reap_v the_o harvest_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o sowing_n now_o though_o i_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_o to_o acquit_v myself_o by_o continue_v on_o the_o defensive_a and_o only_o examine_v the_o reason_n which_o have_v sway_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n and_o though_o this_o will_v be_v the_o easy_a undertake_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a person_n enough_o both_o to_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v already_o mislead_v and_o to_o pre-arm_n other_o against_o the_o danger_n yet_o design_v the_o same_o universal_a usefulness_n to_o the_o reader_n as_o if_o i_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o reply_v to_o another_o book_n i_o shall_v together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o adversary_n exception_n endeavour_v to_o state_n and_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o defence_n i_o appear_v and_o withal_o attaque_fw-la he_o in_o the_o opinion_n he_o erect_v against_o they_o nor_o be_o i_o without_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v style_v conformist_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v term_v nonconformist_n notwithstanding_o their_o disciplinary_a controversy_n candid_a and_o favourable_a the_o thing_n here_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o joynt-concernment_n of_o both_o and_o the_o opinion_n oppose_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o hitherto_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o that_o party_n as_o well_o as_o this_o if_o i_o receive_v no_o other_o fruit_n of_o this_o interposure_n but_o the_o awaken_n other_o to_o more_o matured_a production_n i_o shall_v not_o repent_v my_o labour_n the_o put_v a_o common_a adversary_n to_o a_o stand_n till_o great_a force_n rally_v be_v of_o some_o account_n though_o the_o victory_n be_v reap_v by_o other_o hand_n sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o method_n here_o observe_v it_o be_v such_o as_o i_o judge_v rational_a be_v not_o only_o adapt_v to_o the_o discovery_n and_o vindication_n of_o truth_n the_o unmask_n and_o conviction_n of_o error_n but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o instruction_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o reader_n which_o will_v be_v great_o obstruct_v by_o follow_v our_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o
affirm_v withal_o that_o till_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n effectual_o infallible_o and_o by_o a_o unresisted_a operation_n transform_v we_o into_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o a_o vital_a seed_n we_o remain_v pollute_v unholy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o that_o dueness_n of_o circumstance_n as_o may_v commend_v we_o or_o our_o performance_n to_o god_n acceptance_n not_o but_o that_o antecedent_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v we_o by_o a_o communication_n of_o grace_n to_o we_o we_o may_v both_o dogmatical_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v in_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o material_a part_n not_o only_o of_o natural_a duty_n but_o of_o the_o act_n of_o institute_v religion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v thereupon_o to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o thousand_o place_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o while_o we_o remain_v thus_o un-ho_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o justification_n and_o forgiveness_n that_o till_o we_o be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o union_n with_o he_o or_o have_v a_o right_n to_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o ensue_v or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o he_o i_o know_v not_o one_o among_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o affirm_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o pardon_n and_o righteousness_n 353_o and_o eternal_a life_n yea_o that_o they_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v unite_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n as_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v without_o respect_n either_o to_o modesty_n or_o truth_n to_o brand_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o opinion_n maintain_v by_o they_o that_o draw_v such_o a_o pernicious_a consequence_n after_o it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n with_o some_o if_o the_o deduction_n be_v odious_a and_o reproachful_a whether_o it_o be_v rational_a and_o coherent_a or_o not_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v this_o that_o as_o previous_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o un-ho_o so_o by_o that_o very_a act_n whereby_o he_o unite_v we_o to_o himself_o he_o infuse_v those_o principle_n into_o we_o by_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v cleanse_v and_o we_o come_v to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a and_o pure_a the_o foundation_n of_o our_o union_n and_o that_o by_o w_z ch_z we_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 6.17_o ligue_v and_o cement_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o inward_a purity_n and_o the_o vital_a seed_n and_o live_a principle_n of_o our_o follow_a obedience_n by_o the_o same_o act_n that_o he_o assume_v we_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o he_o transform_v our_o nature_n and_o by_o have_v make_v a_o change_n in_o the_o heart_n there_o infallible_o follow_v a_o change_n in_o the_o conversation_n those_o very_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o be_v regenerate_v be_v both_o the_o ligament_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o and_o the_o spring_n &_o source_n of_o all_o our_o gospel_n obedience_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n whether_o our_o renovation_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n precede_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o whether_o our_o union_n go_v before_o our_o renovation_n see_v in_o order_n of_o time_n they_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o our_o cohesion_n and_o as_o none_o continue_v un-ho_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o neither_o do_v our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o destroy_v our_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a 352_o of_o which_o mr._n sherlock_n foolish_o as_o well_o invidious_o impeach_v it_o for_o beside_o that_o both_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n distinguish_v mercy_n in_o the_o renew_n our_o nature_n will_v be_v a_o forcible_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o principle_n already_o inlay_v into_o our_o heart_n like_o a_o vital_a form_n in_o the_o soul_n turn_v it_o into_o a_o universal_a consent_n with_o god_n own_o will_n adapt_v connaturalise_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o it_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o regeneration_n continue_v both_o to_o watch_v over_o cherish_v foster_v excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o those_o principle_n and_o habit_n which_o he_o have_v already_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o communicate_v such_o far_a supply_n as_o upon_o our_o serve_v his_o promise_n god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a infinite_a wisdom_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n think_v meet_v these_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o i_o hope_v neither_o derive_v a_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n 350._o nor_o offer_v any_o contradiction_n to_o his_o gospel_n we_o disclaim_v be_v the_o patron_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o union_n of_o any_o unholy_a person_n while_o he_o continue_v such_o to_o christ_n nor_o be_v our_o adversary_n able_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o argumentation_n to_o infer_v it_o from_o any_o of_o our_o opinion_n how_o far_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o prejudice_v those_o against_o we_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o noise_n clamour_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o calm_a and_o sedate_v reason_n i_o know_v not_o but_o among_o person_n of_o a_o better_a figure_n who_o will_v not_o mere_o be_v talk_v into_o a_o contempt_n of_o we_o who_o hate_v we_o not_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o so_o regulate_v their_o faith_n concern_v we_o by_o their_o indignation_n i_o defy_v he_o a_o proselyte_n i_o wish_v mr._n sherlock_n be_v not_o in_o this_o very_a particular_a liable_a to_o have_v that_o retort_v upon_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v as_o unjust_o as_o invidious_o fasten_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a that_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o opinion_n shall_v lie_v in_o such_o a_o inconsistency_n to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o entitle_v unholy_a person_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n with_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v no_o pleasure_n at_o all_o to_o i_o to_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o adversary_n pregnant_a with_o consequence_n subversive_a of_o true_a holiness_n but_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n here_o as_o they_o be_v and_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v to_o have_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n modest_o expose_v have_v with_o so_o much_o satyr_n and_o contempt_n injurious_o represent_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o first_o he_o grant_v in_o so_o many_o word_n that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a 349._o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o first_o &_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n it_o must_v needs_o go_v before_o it_o while_n mr._n sherlock_n impeach_v we_o as_o disserve_v holiness_n and_o religion_n by_o our_o notion_n of_o union_n who_o yet_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n 5.17_o who_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o christ_n only_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 4.13_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unhappy_a and_o so_o little_a mindful_a of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o not_o only_o consequential_o but_o in_o terminis_fw-la to_o plead_v that_o man_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v holy_a i_o know_v he_o add_v that_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n 350_o 146.147_o but_o if_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n as_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o union_n be_v complete_v as_o well_o as_o begin_v without_o a_o man_n be_v holy_a see_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o in_o its_o full_a import_n than_o to_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o bare_o to_o assert_v that_o man_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o scripture_n must_v be_v suborn_v to_o countenance_v it_o 146.147_o christ_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n and_o therefore_o
be_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n but_o neither_o do_v this_o nor_o any_o other_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n militate_v in_o behalf_n of_o such_o a_o impious_a notion_n however_o it_o or_o they_o may_v be_v press_v wrest_a and_o distort_v to_o such_o a_o service_n shall_v we_o allow_v mr._n sherlock_n read_v of_o the_o word_n refer_v to_o joh._n 15.2_o which_o our_o present_a english_a translation_n have_v precede_v he_o in_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o towards_o the_o patronage_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o real_o in_o christ_n who_o bear_v not_o fruit_n but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v some_o void_a of_o all_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o be_v so_o who_o be_v therefore_o in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n style_v branch_n hoc_fw-la because_o they_o be_v number_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o speak_v of_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o be_v that_o which_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v but_o withal_o the_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o lection_n which_o if_o admit_v our_o author_n hypothesis_n be_v far_o from_o be_v befriend_v by_o it_o for_o the_o word_n may_v be_v as_o well_o read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o as_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit._n and_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o external_n member-ship_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n nothing_o have_v the_o true_a denomination_n of_o holiness_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o principle_n of_o grace_n by_o infusion_n communicate_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n matter_n and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o and_o under_o whatever_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n we_o or_o our_o work_n appear_v to_o the_o world_n yet_o without_o such_o a_o relation_n to_o christ_n we_o be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o obedience_n in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o suppose_v they_o the_o consistency_n of_o god_n right_o of_o command_v with_o our_o contract_a inability_n to_o the_o yield_n of_o due_a obedience_n the_o capacity_n that_o all_o man_n remain_v in_o notwithstanding_o any_o congenite_fw-la impotency_n for_o the_o perform_v many_o external_n duty_n good_a in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o with_o the_o subservience_n of_o these_o performance_n to_o conversion_n as_o they_o be_v mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n in_o order_n thereunto_o all_o these_o i_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v and_o can_v reconcile_v with_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o our_o life_n can_v be_v holy_a till_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o through_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o our_o work_n can_v be_v adequate_o good_a antecedent_o to_o our_o reception_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n i_o do_v no_o wise_n understand_v and_o i_o shall_v account_v myself_o oblige_v to_o mr._n sherlock_n will_v he_o unfold_v these_o thing_n to_o i_o without_o obtrude_a pelagianism_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o this_o conduct_n i_o to_o a_o second_o thing_n wherein_o our_o author_n notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n disserve_v and_o undermine_v gospel-holiness_n beyond_o what_o the_o high_a malice_n steel_v with_o a_o proportionate_a confidence_n can_v by_o any_o law_n of_o reason_n fasten_v upon_o his_o adversary_n of_o such_o a_o tendency_n for_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v say_v that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v holy_a 349._o even_o that_o very_a obedience_n in_o which_o he_o state_v the_o compleatness_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o which_o he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_v be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o infuse_v principle_n derive_v from_o jesus_n by_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o be_v only_o the_o result_n &_o effect_v of_o our_o natural_a ability_n awaken_v and_o excite_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o that_o i_o may_v not_o again_o repeat_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o he_o before_o sect._n 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n 349._o because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o first_o sincere_o obey_v he_o now_o i_o say_v that_o this_o obedience_n wherein_o our_o author_n place_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o formal_o distinct_a from_o true_a gospel-holiness_n but_o indeed_o lie_v in_o a_o contrariety_n to_o it_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v no_o act_n of_o true_a holiness_n perform_v by_o any_o where_o there_o be_v not_o antecedent_o at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o true_a holiness_n in_o the_o person_n perform_v they_o no_o act_n operation_n or_o duty_n of_o we_o be_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o gospel_n holy_a but_o what_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o virtue_n power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n previous_o derive_v from_o and_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v pre-required_n to_o all_o act_n of_o gospel-obedience_n a_o new_a real_a spiritual_a principle_n by_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v renew_v &_o our_o soul_n render_v habitual_o and_o subjective_o holy_a grace_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n and_o product_v of_o any_o previous_a good_a action_n of_o we_o what_o ever_o subserviency_n through_o the_o appointment_n and_o dispose_n of_o god_n they_o may_v lie_v in_o as_o to_o his_o bestow_n of_o it_o but_o all_o act_n &_o operation_n true_o good_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o efflorescency_n of_o grace_n to_o talk_v of_o sincere_a obedience_n preclude_v our_o antecedaneous_a adeption_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o divine_a vital_a seed_n to_o we_o be_v to_o impose_v pelagianism_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o fulsome_a way_n and_o in_o cruder_n term_n than_o many_o of_o the_o follower_n of_o pelagius_n use_v to_o declare_v themselves_o exclude_v our_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o active_a supernatural_a infuse_v subjective_a principle_n the_o utmost_a influence_n the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o obedience_n be_v only_o by_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o its_o law_n the_o nobleness_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o promise_n to_o solicit_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o awaken_v the_o strength_n we_o have_v but_o as_o to_o the_o confer_v any_o real_a strength_n or_o the_o beget_n a_o vital_a form_n in_o our_o heart_n thereby_o repair_v and_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o be_v altogether_o incompetent_a and_o ineffectual_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a that_o very_a obedience_n wherein_o mr._n sherlock_n state_n the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o consist_v be_v not_o only_o contra-distinct_a from_o but_o subversive_a of_o the_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v a_o obedience_n educe_v mere_o out_o of_o our_o natural_a ability_n and_o no_o way_n owe_v to_o any_o antecedent_n renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v that_o alone_a that_o the_o gospel_n honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n nor_o be_v this_o either_o all_o the_o invasion_n which_o our_o author_n by_o the_o idea_n he_o give_v of_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v make_v upon_o gospel-holiness_n but_o admit_v once_o his_o account_n of_o it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o which_o god_n alone_o do_v entitle_v by_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n be_v whole_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o three_o reason_n why_o i_o except_v against_o his_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o pernicious_a to_o holiness_n beyond_o what_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o other_o be_v who_o he_o so_o tragical_o declame'_v against_o be_v this_o that_o it_o render_v all_o true_a holiness_n even_o in_o person_n actual_o and_o complete_o unite_v to_o christ_n impossible_a for_o the_o future_a for_o as_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v perfect_v without_o any_o communication_n of_o new_a principle_n by_o a_o real_a physical_a and_o
not_o now_o controvert_v whether_o by_o the_o name_n christ_n the_o church_n may_v not_o sometime_o be_v signify_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n with_o christ_n and_o brethren_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o understand_v than_o mere_o to_o imply_v our_o belong_v to_o that_o society_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n which_o be_v the_o paraphrase_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o put_v upon_o they_o 11.12_o 454.455_o but_o shall_v be_v afterward_o disprove_v and_o overthrow_v so_o gal._n 3.16_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o where_o of_o all_o other_o place_n the_o church_n seem_v with_o the_o great_a probability_n to_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n christ_n aught_o in_o my_o mind_n to_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v and_o be_v that_o my_o present_a business_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o matter_n encumber_a with_o small_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n &_o not_o his_o church_n that_o be_v immediate_o &_o primary_o intend_v by_o that_o name_n in_o both_o place_n and_o true_o even_o admit_v the_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n but_o mere_o a_o political_a i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o mr._n sherlock_n may_v have_v allow_v christ_n himself_o to_o be_v intend_v wheresoever_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v declare_v &_o speak_v of_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o his_o hypothesis_n have_v thereby_o remain_v as_o consistent_a every_o way_n with_o itself_o so_o more_o reverence_n have_v be_v maintain_v towards_o the_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v by_o justle_a out_n christ_n and_o substitute_v the_o church_n in_o his_o room_n for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n etc._n etc._n our_o author_n even_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o own_o notion_n may_v have_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o christ_n speak_v the_o truth_n though_o in_o way_n of_o paraphrase_n he_o have_v subjoin_v that_o he_o be_v so_o no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o and_o influence_n upon_o the_o church_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o socinian_o though_o through_o their_o deny_v the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n they_o renounce_v all_o vital_a influence_n from_o he_o to_o believer_n and_o disclaim_v his_o be_v other_o than_o a_o political_a head_n unanimous_o allow_v that_o where_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n he_o mean_n himself_n though_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o first-framers_a and_o erecter_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o christ_n being_n mere_o a_o political_a head_n to_o his_o body_n be_v due_a to_o they_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v injurious_a to_o mr._n sherlock_n do_v i_o deny_v he_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o this_o new_a dress_n and_o trim_a with_o which_o he_o have_v adorn_v it_o only_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o this_o inconvenience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o shape_v very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o place_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o and_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v his_o measure_n with_o what_o handsomeness_n soever_o otherwise_o it_o be_v deck_v and_o set_v out_o whereas_o christ_n say_v joh._n 15.5_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n this_o must_v be_v expound_v say_v our_o author_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o what_o go_v before_o 145._o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n ay_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n concern_v which_o paraphrase_n i_o shall_v only_o recommend_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o in_o one_o line_n he_o affirm_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a vine_n and_o in_o the_o next_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o i_o of_o which_o true_a vine_n be_v predicate_v signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n &_o yet_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o contend_v that_o by_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o can_v rational_o understand_v nothing_o but_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n 146._o and_o her_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n which_o god_n now_o own_v and_o according_o all_o the_o four_o reason_n bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o exposition_n be_v whole_o calculate_v to_o shut_v christ_n out_o from_o any_o share_n or_o claim_v in_o that_o proposition_n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o church_n for_o the_o alone_a subject_n of_o that_o enunciation_n now_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o these_o thing_n be_v reconcileable_a viz._n when_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n 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 147._o and_o yet_o that_o i_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n pag._n 145._o 2_o it_o be_v altogether_o novel_a for_o beside_o that_o no_o one_o commentator_n who_o own_o be_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n have_v precede_v he_o in_o it_o even_o the_o socinian_o out_o of_o who_o mine_n he_o have_v too_o frequent_o dig_v his_o treasure_n do_v in_o this_o particular_a stand_n in_o opposition_n to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o be_v in_o this_o vine_n viz._n through_o a_o belief_n of_o and_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n 15.2_o our_o author_n have_v the_o exposition_n of_o schlichtingius_n to_o befriend_v he_o but_o i_o know_v none_o of_o the_o socinian_o that_o have_v be_v so_o front-less_a or_o who_o have_v so_o far_o steel_v their_o brow_n as_o to_o preclude_v christ_n from_o be_v understand_v here_o by_o the_o true_a vine_n 3._o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o universal_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v contrast_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o enunciation_n when_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n or_o 3_o d._n person_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o till_o mr._n sherlock_n write_v so_o much_o as_o question_v but_o that_o when_o the_o person_n speak_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z person_n he_o himself_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o proposition_n christ_n therefore_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v &_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n it_o be_v both_o to_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n and_o to_o contradict_v the_o reason_n that_o mankind_n be_v determine_v by_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o proposition_n to_o say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o true_a vine_n but_o the_o church_n be_v so_o 4._o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o context_n for_o 1_o though_o we_o can_v easy_o conceive_v how_o a_o particular_a believer_n may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o a_o apprehend_v how_o the_o church_n can_v be_v in_o a_o particular_a believer_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o identical_a i_o of_o who_o the_o true_a vine_n be_v predicate_v five_o 1._o that_o in_o you_o and_o in_o they_o be_v affirm_v of_o v_o 4_o 5._o either_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v in_o every_o individual_a christian_a which_o be_v impossible_a or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o signify_v by_o the_o â—â—n_fw-la either_o of_o the_o place_n which_o overthrow'_v mr._n sherlock_n paraphrase_n 2_o because_o no_o christian_a sever_v from_o the_o vine_n and_o its_o influence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o intend_a either_o do_v or_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o god_n but_o this_o a_o person_n sever_v or_o separate_v from_o any_o visible_a church_n may_v do_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n which_o by_o this_o metaphorical_a term_n vine_n be_v here_o mean_v and_o understand_v now_o 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 yet_o be_v a_o christian_n these_o follow_a reason_n do_v demonstrate_v first_o because_o when_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v believer_n 2_o lie_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n for_o he_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o number_n to_o be_v convert_v together_o we_o must_v grant_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n of_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o heathen_a
he_o be_v presuppose_v 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 it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o we_o secret_o embrace_v it_o but_o we_o be_v public_o to_o own_o it_o and_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v of_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o baptism_n presuppose_v repentance_n which_o respect_v our_o turn_n to_o god_n as_o our_o end_n and_o faith_n which_o implye'_v our_o own_n christ_n as_o our_o way_n so_o our_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o solemn_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n our_o come_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o sanctification_n influence_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v our_o naked_a promise_n so_o authentic_a as_o when_o we_o public_o seal_v to_o the_o article_n require_v of_o we_o it_o be_v both_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o bond_n &_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 hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o answer_n towards_o god_n which_o as_o it_o suppose_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o it_o proclaym_v our_o undertake_n to_o perform_v they_o 4._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 consideration_n of_o catholic_n visible_a by_o this_o as_o by_o a_o solemn_a rite_n we_o become_v visible_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o enroll_v among_o those_o who_o have_v consign_v over_o and_o consecrate_v themselves_o unto_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 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_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_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 second_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n levy_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o reply_v these_o thing_n 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_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-member_n man_n be_v first_o to_o approve_v themselves_o sincere_a christian_n before_o they_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n only_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v a_o title_n of_o participate_v at_o this_o christian_a eucharistical_a feast_n much_o less_o be_v it_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o political_a union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o through_o a_o previous_a subjection_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o his_o authority_n that_o we_o celebrate_v this_o ordinance_n 2._o as_o by_o baptism_n we_o public_o avow_v our_o take_n upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_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 by_o come_v to_o his_o table_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o of_o his_o famimy_n and_o declare_v our_o resolution_n of_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n and_o retainer_n it_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o our_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o will_v remain_v constant_a and_o faithful_a in_o it_o 3._o though_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n nor_o with_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o a_o symbol_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a badge_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v among_o christian_n our_o eat_n at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o family_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o all_o eat_v of_o one_o loaf_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 10.17_o we_o do_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o we_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o christ._n yet_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n do_v this_o lie_n from_o evince_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n that_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o antecedent_n union_n with_o christ_n can_v give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o partake_v of_o this_o sacred_a supper_n or_o of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v that_o even_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v mere_o a_o political_a union_n or_o such_o a_o relation_n only_o as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v immediate_a and_o not_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v then_o dispatch_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n hypothesis_n that_o wherein_o my_o concernment_n next_o lie_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v not_o mere_o political_a and_o if_o i_o be_v but_o able_a to_o acquit_v myself_o in_o this_o undertake_n the_o whole_a of_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n to_o christian_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v and_o it_o be_v here_o that_o we_o have_v our_o author_n most_o heroic_a adventure_n and_o where_o especial_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v as_o stand_v on_o his_o tiptoe_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o peculiar_o attend_v to_o in_o opposition_n therefore_o to_o his_o assertion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n be_v only_o a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n 56._o i_o advance_v this_o antithesis_fw-la that_o a_o political_a relation_n do_v not_o adequate_o express_v that_o oneness_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o august_o celebrate_v as_o intercede_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n this_o direct_o contradict_v mr._n sherlock_n three_o and_o four_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v coincident_a for_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n 156._o which_o be_v his_o three_o proposition_n and_o to_o say_v that_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture-notion_n 186._o signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o potical_a union_n which_o be_v his_o four_o be_v according_a to_o the_o best_a understanding_n of_o enunciation_n i_o have_v coincident_a and_o equipollent_a proposition_n now_o in_o discourse_v this_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o our_o measure_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o regulate_v our_o conception_n by_o it_o alone_o for_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n which_o no_o idea_n congenite_fw-la with_o we_o nor_o objective_a discovery_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v have_v conduct_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o their_o immediate_a exercise_n can_v never_o have_v discern_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o connexion_n with_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o natural_o know_v to_o be_v collect_v and_o deduce_v from_o they_o though_o by_o attend_v to_o revelation_n we_o may_v come_v to_o frame_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n on_o which_o it_o depend_v we_o can_v never_o have_v form_v any_o apprehension_n of_o it_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o previous_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o first_o argument_n in_o proof_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v more_o than_o political_n shall_v be_v levy_v from_o those_o symbolic_a metaphor_n and_o terrene_a figure_n and_o image_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o i_o have_v in_o the_o before_o go_v chapter_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o infinite_a wisdom_n declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n under_o earthly_a parable_n and_o symbol_n namely_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o lie_v remote_a from_o our_o understanding_n may_v