the_o king_n messiah_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o heretic_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o christian_n it_o will_v be_v more_o convenient_a to_o interpret_v it_o of_o david_n himself_o which_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n why_o they_o dissent_v from_o the_o opinion_n and_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancestor_n because_o they_o may_v more_o strong_o oppose_v the_o christian_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v those_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancient_a doctor_n to_o speak_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o shall_v give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o dr._n pococke_n ib._n pococke_n ib._n have_v observe_v will_v be_v supply_v with_o argument_n to_o prove_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o if_o this_o one_o psalm_n be_v grant_v to_o relate_v to_o christ_n alone_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o wrest_v it_o to_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n there_o be_v also_o several_a other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o apply_v by_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n to_o our_o 21._o our_o vid._n not._n in_o grot._n de_fw-la veritat_fw-la relig._n christ_n l._n 5._o sect._n 21._o saviour_n which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n as_o psal_n 45._o thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o isa_n 25.9_o and_o in_o that_o day_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v lo_o this_o be_v our_o god_n with_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v constant_o interpret_v of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o all_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n but_o last_o of_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a from_o their_o object_v blasphemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o highpriest_n adjure_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o that_o expression_n than_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man._n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n according_a to_o 12._o to_o jure_fw-la naturali_fw-la &_o gentium_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 12._o mr._n selden_n that_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o they_o so_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o that_o expression_n that_o for_o any_o one_o to_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o that_o notion_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o profess_v himself_o true_o god_n which_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a blasphemy_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o cite_v the_o hebrew_n commentary_n and_o philo_n judeus_fw-la who_o have_v common_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v god_n himself_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n before_o and_o at_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v god._n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v object_n idolatry_n to_o the_o christian_n afterward_o upon_o supposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o that_o they_o differ_v very_o wide_o from_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n being_n god_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o his_o disciple_n have_v concern_v he_o for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o true_a design_n of_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n he_o thereby_o obtain_v till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o they_o before_o that_o time_n certain_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o then_o pay_v he_o and_o from_o that_o exstatical_a exclamation_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n as_o though_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v on_o purpose_n then_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n that_o may_v hereafter_o possible_o arise_v concern_v his_o divinity_n since_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o they_o real_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v true_o and_o essential_o god_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v have_v undeceive_v and_o prevent_v their_o fall_n into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v as_o must_v necessary_o produce_v endless_a distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v gross_a idolatry_n into_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v always_o forbid_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o we_o never_o find_v that_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o man_n or_o angel_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a title_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v particular_o direct_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o other_o which_o he_o never_o rebuke_v they_o for_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o divinity_n so_o also_o his_o own_o commission_n which_o he_o invest_v his_o disciple_n with_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n that_o he_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n to_o worship_n he_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god._n but_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o late_a atheism_n late_a objection_n against_o mr._n edward_n be_v cause_n of_o atheism_n socinian_n author_n have_v object_v against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o always_o observe_v this_o command_n in_o their_o baptise_v christian_n but_o only_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n without_o mention_v either_o father_n or_o holy_a ghost_n which_o however_o be_v always_o suppose_v if_o not_o mention_v in_o the_o form_n though_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o because_o his_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o trace_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o propagation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v christian_n or_o capable_a of_o salvation_n but_o who_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o invalidate_v the_o argument_n but_o much_o rather_o confirm_v it_o since_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o condition_n of_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o adoration_n to_o he_o which_o sufficient_o establish_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o if_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v without_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n assign_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v a_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o worship_v such_o a_o one_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o can_v hardly_o i_o think_v be_v justify_v by_o a_o absolute_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o beside_o creature-worship_n be_v full_o opposite_a and_o contradictory_n to_o natural_a reason_n for_o adoration_n necessary_o suppose_v omnipresence_n which_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o petition_n offer_v up_o at_o once_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o unless_o he_o be_v both_o omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a the_o one_o to_o be_v present_a to_o all_o petition_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o fearch_v
reason_v as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v it_o must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o again_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v require_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o we_o must_v also_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v his_o divinity_n be_v understand_v by_o that_o expression_n the_o ancient_a jew_n both_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n and_o also_o mean_v a_o divine_a person_n by_o it_o all_o which_o seem_v as_o full_o to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v christian_n as_o we_o be_v in_o other_o passage_n enjoin_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o last_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n from_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n at_o our_o admission_n into_o christianity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n where_o a_o equal_a belief_n in_o all_o be_v require_v as_o be_v equal_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o father_n divinity_n as_o the_o son_n be_v be_v not_o here_o imply_v but_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o already_o and_o here_o we_o may_v add_v for_o a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n that_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o most_o primitive_a write_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n have_v always_o assert_v his_o divinity_n as_o be_v most_o undoubted_o express_v in_o scripture_n how_o come_v it_o therefore_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o christ_n divinity_n be_v not_o think_v clear_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o those_o that_o oppose_v it_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o present_a time_n have_v be_v condemn_v and_o censure_v for_o heretic_n relig._n heretic_n vid._n bishop_n stillingfleet_n rational_a ac._n of_o the_o prot._n relig._n not_o as_o though_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prescription_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o if_o it_o appear_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o the_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o also_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o his_o divinity_n must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o that_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o second_o we_o must_v also_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n for_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n 1_o ep._n joh._n 4.3_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o a_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n heb._n 2.17_o and_o that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n yet_o make_v he_o himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n phil._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o all_o which_o plain_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o take_v the_o manhood_n into_o god_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v text_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v man_n this_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o the_o unitarian_n will_v dispute_v but_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n but_o this_o also_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o full_o assert_v in_o scripture_n but_o three_o we_o must_v also_o believe_v that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v that_o his_o death_n be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o himself_o testify_v of_o it_o which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mat._n 26.28_o and_o that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o he_o and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o say_v he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o 1_o tim._n 2.6_o 7._o but_o this_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o so_o large_o already_o and_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o death_n from_o so_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o our_o salvation_n depend_v on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o short_a as_o the_o scripture_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o better_a covenant_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o so_o must_v our_o belief_n of_o he_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v reveal_v concern_v he_o for_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v i.e._n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o much_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v so_o also_o we_o must_v believe_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v he_o know_v to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o both_o must_v be_v take_v from_o scripture_n for_o if_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o no_o revelation_n we_o must_v believe_v all_o that_o of_o god_n which_o right_a reason_n can_v dictate_v to_o we_o then_o certain_o since_o we_o have_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n have_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n every_o thing_n concern_v he_o which_o be_v assert_v by_o that_o revelation_n and_o as_o in_o the_o general_a confession_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n as_o that_o he_o be_v just_a good_a merciful_a that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n or_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v conceive_v in_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a so_o when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n we_o must_v also_o mean_v by_o it_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o clear_a understanding_n that_o article_n as_o that_o
full_o satisfy_v be_v a_o error_n whether_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v he_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n i_o can_v promise_v for_o i_o may_v fancy_v that_o a_o demonstration_n to_o i_o which_o may_v be_v no_o proof_n to_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v his_o sense_n with_o the_o utmost_a justice_n and_o sincerity_n and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o mistake_v it_o i_o can_v only_o say_v it_o be_v both_o against_o my_o intention_n and_o knowledge_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o assure_v my_o adversary_n of_o that_o i_o have_v not_o make_v any_o observation_n upon_o his_o book_n out_o of_o bigotry_n to_o a_o party_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o set_n of_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v than_o that_o of_o truth_n nor_o have_v i_o any_o bias_n to_o incline_v i_o beside_o my_o own_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o if_o they_o have_v misguide_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o better_a information_n the_o content_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n page_n 1._o ii_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n pag._n 53_o iii_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n pag._n 64._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o design_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n may_v propose_v in_o publish_v that_o treatise_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o and_o firm_o christian_n or_o to_o be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n as_o may_v prevent_v all_o exception_n against_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o either_o of_o those_o ends._n not_o only_o because_o it_o introduce_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o belief_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o socinian_n or_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n or_o inquire_v to_o what_o sect_n or_o party_n the_o author_n seem_v most_o incline_v but_o shall_v only_o so_o far_o consider_v his_o opinion_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o truth_n for_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o fix_v any_o man_n to_o a_o party_n which_o he_o will_v not_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o though_o some_o of_o his_o opinion_n shall_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o for_o that_o be_v so_o unfair_a as_o well_o as_o a_o undecent_a method_n of_o manage_v a_o dispute_n that_o instead_o of_o stifle_v the_o old_a it_o may_v serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v fresh_a opposition_n and_o inflame_v where_o perhaps_o mild_a reason_n may_v convince_v and_o beside_o since_o every_o one_o that_o publish_v his_o thought_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o or_o to_o the_o end_v he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v treat_v with_o equal_a charity_n or_o humanity_n at_o least_o by_o other_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o prejudice_n even_o to_o the_o right_a side_n to_o allow_v he_o a_o civility_n which_o he_o have_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n with_o such_o a_o impartial_a temper_n as_o it_o may_v just_o challenge_v and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o distinct_a and_o methodical_a in_o my_o examination_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v these_o first_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o that_o state_n etc._n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o as_o he_o make_v adam_n punishment_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o temporal_a death_n or_o a_o total_a cease_n to_o be_v 10._o p._n 10._o so_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o the_o free_v we_o from_o such_o a_o death_n only_o and_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o immortality_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n lose_v which_o overthrow_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n redeem_n we_o from_o a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n and_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a gild_n no_o more_o than_o become_a subject_n to_o death_n and_o so_o destroy_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v inquire_v more_o hereafter_o the_o second_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o faith_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o assert_n to_o be_v only_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o proposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messah_n etc._n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o etc._n etc._n or_o which_o he_o think_v signify_v the_o same_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v other_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a but_o maintain_v that_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v this_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o christian_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o here_o the_o difference_n lie_v between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o redeem_v we_o from_o eternal_a misery_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o we_o can_v only_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n p._n 291_o 292_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a write_n and_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v such_o fundamental_a article_n as_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v explicit_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o a_o actual_a belief_n of_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o mention_v be_v not_o absolute_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o believer_n 31._o vindis_fw-la p._n 31._o without_o actual_o believe_v they_o because_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o discourse_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v make_v christian_n and_o believer_n bare_o upon_o the_o receive_n what_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o other_o two_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o deliver_v in_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v make_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n it_o may_v indeed_o seem_v a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o vindicate_v those_o sacred_a write_n which_o have_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n with_o as_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o set_v down_o confess_v to_o be_v altogether_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o for_o what_o shall_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v the_o church_n then_o impose_v upon_o or_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o it_o have_v no_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n for_o it_o for_o one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v grant_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v fundamental_o to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n now_o if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o
reveal_v to_o we_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o and_o here_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o divide_v our_o belief_n as_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o one_o part_n of_o revelation_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o another_o unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o have_v different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o this_o will_v destroy_v the_o force_n of_o revelation_n and_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o men._n there_o be_v indeed_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v different_a act_n of_o faith_n require_v of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o different_a matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n in_o one_o place_n as_o in_o another_o there_o also_o must_v our_o assent_n be_v equal_a unless_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o certainty_n for_o the_o revelation_n i_o e._n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n work_v miracle_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o their_o miracle_n attest_v their_o divine_a mission_n and_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrative_a that_o their_o doctrine_n have_v a_o divine_a authority_n and_o original_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o design_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a doctrine_n only_o but_o to_o testify_v in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v to_o salvation_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n such_o as_o be_v before_o do_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o the_o 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especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v for_o such_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a gospel_n but_o only_o the_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o miracle_n but_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o epistle_n too_o that_o be_v be_v not_o the_o author_n divine_o inspire_v and_o do_v they_o not_o work_v miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o supernatural_a power_n give_v they_o to_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o inspiration_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v our_o actual_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o inspire_v when_o they_o write_v they_o or_o that_o their_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v then_o cease_v or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v not_o design_n any_o doctrine_n in_o they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a reason_n be_v pretend_v there_o can_v be_v little_a excuse_n for_o our_o not_o admit_v they_o as_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o moreover_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o cautious_a how_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o if_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o the_o epistle_n as_o require_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o therein_o contain_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o very_o strong_a argument_n remain_v whereby_o to_o defend_v those_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o inspiration_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n so_o that_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o stand_v or_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o both_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o belief_n must_v be_v equal_o take_v from_o they_o both_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v firm_o assure_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o upon_o his_o veracity_n since_o he_o neither_o can_v or_o will_v reveal_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v undeniable_o true_a second_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o this_o revelation_n a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o great_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o and_o last_o for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o it_o from_o some_o particular_a place_n but_o from_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o revelation_n and_o now_o since_o the_o epistle_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o particular_a revelation_n i_o will_v ask_v to_o what_o end_v there_o shall_v be_v this_o revelation_n and_o several_a doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v which_o concern_v both_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o they_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 14.37_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o why_o shall_v the_o inspire_a writer_n give_v any_o instruction_n to_o a_o church_n for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o yet_o without_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v consistent_a with_o the_o end_n or_o nature_n of_o revelation_n which_o under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v design_v only_o for_o the_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o those_o who_o 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to_o the_o colossian_n in_o these_o word_n 4.16_o col._n 4.16_o and_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n which_o very_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o be_v now_o inscribe_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o it_o seem_v most_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v send_v to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n where_o st._n paul_n have_v never_o be_v at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v a_o wrong_a inscription_n put_v to_o it_o by_o the_o collector_n of_o the_o epistle_n into_o one_o body_n which_o be_v a_o easy_a mistake_n consider_v that_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v very_o probable_o at_o ephesus_n as_o well_o as_o coloss_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o câ—ose_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o other_o place_n some_o indeed_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o write_v any_o epistle_n 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unto_o what_o then_o be_v you_o baptise_a which_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o yet_o after_o this_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_a there_o be_v no_o more_o set_v down_o than_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o ver_fw-la 5._o though_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n question_n to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v true_o baptise_a or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o suppose_v that_o when_o man_n be_v only_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n enjoin_v by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o we_o must_v either_o grant_v or_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v and_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n than_o our_o author_n be_v one_a article_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o vindicate_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v more_o of_o our_o everblessed_n saviour_n than_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o author_n article_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o in_o the_o large_a term_n in_o p._n 301._o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o and_o repeat_v in_o his_o vindication_n p._n 28._o which_o he_o sum_n up_o in_o these_o word_n believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n promise_v and_o take_v he_o now_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o constitute_v the_o lord_n and_o judge_n of_o man_n to_o be_v our_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o that_o by_o the_o all-merciful_a god_n require_v no_o more_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v consult_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v article_n that_o the_o labour_a and_o illiterate_a man_n may_v comprehend_v so_o that_o this_o he_o think_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o his_o one_o article_n above_o all_o other_o scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o the_o comprehension_n of_o illiterate_a men._n but_o for_o the_o clear_a examination_n of_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o suppose_v god_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v not_o comprehend_v and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n will_v this_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o our_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o will_v it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n so_o reveal_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n since_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v direct_a contradiction_n in_o that_o revelation_n we_o ought_v to_o disbelieve_v they_o i._n e._n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v the_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o revelation_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o