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church_n bishop_n particular_a unite_v 2,692 5 10.4857 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59809 A defence and continuation of the discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and our union and communion with Him with a particular respect to the doctrine of the Church of England, and the charge of socinianism and pelagianism / by the same author. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1675 (1675) Wing S3281; ESTC R4375 236,106 546

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he_o add_v that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o true_a but_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_n as_o i_o show_v above_o his_o five_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o that_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o govern_v we_o now_o as_o a_o visible_a head_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v invest_v with_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n but_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o our_o actual_a subjection_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v above_o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n as_o for_o his_o proof_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o which_o he_o thus_o expound_v that_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v 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service_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o commit_v their_o liberal_a contribution_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o the_o propgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o importunate_a solicitation_n but_o of_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o but_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o we_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o then_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n his_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n 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be_v not_o the_o immediate_a political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o vicarious_a head_n he_o represent_v this_o as_o my_o opinion_n though_o i_o never_o say_v so_o nor_o think_v so_o i_o have_v say_v indeed_o that_o particular_a christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o union_n to_o his_o church_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o every_o christian_a much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n except_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o because_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n be_v not_o immediate_o join_v to_o it_o these_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o 469._o be_v 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be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o solemn_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_n of_o 615._o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o whereby_o we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o here_o too_o challenge_v i_o with_o contradict_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o so_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o
the_o church_n his_o spouse_n a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o church_n his_o flock_n a_o rock_n whereon_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o church_n a_o holy_a temple_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a christian_n their_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n account_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o he_o die_v and_o to_o which_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v a_o secret_a and_o private_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o ordinary_o enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o christian_a but_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v both_o necessary_a rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o public_a sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n and_o our_o church_n teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n which_o be_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o notion_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o it_o may_v have_v recourse_n thither_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o political_a not_o a_o natural_a union_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o now_o those_o relation_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o union_n signify_v power_n and_o authority_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n which_o signify_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o other_o relation_n whereby_o this_o union_n be_v describe_v only_o when_o i_o call_v it_o a_o political_a union_n you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v no_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n a_o subject_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o external_a action_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n entitle_v man_n to_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o man_n who_o can_v discern_v heart_n and_o thought_n yet_o whoever_o do_v not_o hearty_o obey_v christ_n be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o denominate_v we_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spiritual-political_n union_n which_o principal_o respect_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o and_o a_o mutual_a &_o reciprocal_a love_n it_o be_v a_o political_a union_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o in_o the_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v spiritual_a because_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v our_o outward_a action_n as_o the_o government_n of_o earthly_a prince_n do_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v put_v it_o into_o other_o word_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n this_o make_v we_o the_o church_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o signify_v be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n this_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n now_o beside_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o very_o apt_o agree_v with_o all_o those_o metaphor_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o it_o first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n a_o sin_n which_o very_o few_o man_n have_v any_o 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unite_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o their_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v by_o a_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o whoever_o causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v infallible_o divide_v himself_o from_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v through_o such_o invincible_a mistake_n as_o may_v mitigate_v the_o crime_n and_o plead_v his_o excuse_n for_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o effect_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n or_o interest_n or_o some_o other_o carnal_a lust_n and_o it_o concern_v those_o man_n who_o make_v so_o light_a of_o schism_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v only_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n when_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o his_o body_n and_o be_v no_o long_o any_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o this_o notion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o and_o to_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o body_n and_o member_n whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o sake_n alone_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o justify_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o since_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v
of_o time_n as_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o then_o we_o may_v if_o christ_n please_v as_o well_o continue_v unite_v as_o at_o first_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o without_o holiness_n for_o if_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n hinder_v such_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o bad_a man_n while_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o bad_a than_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o continue_a bad_a after_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n but_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n or_o a_o irresistible_a power_n christ_n may_v make_v they_o good_a if_o he_o please_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o may_v not_o as_o well_o own_o they_o while_o they_o continue_v wicked_a as_o receive_v they_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o such_o christ_n may_v undertake_v the_o cure_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o physician_n do_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o sick_a this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n but_o to_o unite_v they_o to_o himself_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o interest_n they_o in_o his_o righteousness_n to_o make_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o bad_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o perfect_o alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o give_v we_o a_o little_a taste_n what_o candour_n and_o honesty_n we_o may_v expect_v from_o our_o author_n in_o his_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o his_o method_n but_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o discourse_n of_o 1_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o that_o order_n and_o method_n wherein_o it_o lie_v which_o will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o consider_v whatever_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o answer_v in_o mr._n ferguson_n chapter_n of_o union_n and_o then_o his_o scurrilous_a reflection_n and_o childish_a impertinency_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n the_o two_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o explain_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v these_o first_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n and_o second_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o be_v 597._o in_o his_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a if_o by_o coincident_a he_o mean_v that_o one_o follow_v from_o the_o other_o i_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o proposition_n be_v the_o same_o which_o have_v neither_o the_o same_o subject_n nor_o predicate_v he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o reflection_n either_o upon_o my_o logic_n or_o accuracy_n of_o write_v as_o be_v a_o very_a incompetent_a judge_n of_o either_o but_o the_o proposition_n be_v distinct_a and_o prove_v by_o different_a medium_n that_o which_o prove_v the_o first_o proposition_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v the_o second_o though_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v argue_v at_o 611._o that_o inconsequent_a rate_n and_o charge_v my_o logic_n with_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o failure_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n he_o can_v take_v to_o make_v it_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o after_o he_o have_v charge_v they_o with_o be_v coincident_a proposition_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o very_a next_o turn_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v they_o coincident_a that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v one_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o just_a consequent_a from_o the_o other_o for_o have_v recite_v that_o paragraph_n whereby_o i_o prove_v that_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a he_o add_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v this_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n frame_v into_o a_o syllogism_n the_o incongruity_n between_o the_o conclusion_n and_o premise_n will_v easy_o appear_v for_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la no_o particular_a believer_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o how_o he_o disprove_v it_o i_o deny_v say_v he_o the_o consequent_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v say_v consequence_n have_v he_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o those_o logical_a term_n his_o reason_n be_v this_o sure_o though_o the_o king_n be_v immediate_a head_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v immediate_a head_n to_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o it_o as_o for_o that_o word_n immediate_n i_o shall_v let_v it_o alone_o till_o anon_o but_o our_o author_n say_v very_o right_a the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o subject_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o king_n who_o be_v head_n only_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o any_o single_a person_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o whether_o such_o a_o person_n must_v not_o first_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o kingdom_n before_o he_o can_v be_v relate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o his_o head_n thus_o christ_n be_v primary_o style_v a_o head_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o body_n can_v be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o head_n the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n be_v to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o no_o head_n have_v relation_n to_o any_o member_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o its_o own_o body_n but_o our_o author_n proceed_v 2._o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogenous_a nature_n what_o soever_o be_v praedicat_v essential_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_o praedicat_v of_o every_o part_n if_o by_o this_o he_o only_a mean_n that_o christ_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o particular_a christian_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o the_o proposition_n be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a that_o ever_o be_v frame_v a_o river_n be_v a_o homogeneous_a body_n and_o yet_o every_o drop_n of_o water_n can_v be_v call_v a_o river_n the_o union_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n give_v they_o a_o new_a denomination_n which_o can_v belong_v to_o every_o particular_a a_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o man_n who_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o same_o homogeneous_a nature_n as_o man_n as_o christian_n be_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o every_o particular_a man_n can_v be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o particular_a christian_n and_o yet_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v fulsom_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o organise_v body_n which_o consist_v of_o several_a christian_n who_o consider_v as_o member_n be_v of_o as_o different_a a_o nature_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o foot_n which_o be_v of_o different_a use_n necessity_n and_o honour_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ._n and_o he_o particular_o mention_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o eye_n which_o no_o man_n yet_o think_v to_o be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n till_o mr._n ferguson_n bless_v the_o world_n with_o this_o discovery_n his_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o terminis_fw-la that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o
whole_a body_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n and_o we_o be_v all_o member_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o contend_v for_o but_o mr._n ferguson_n ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o every_o member_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o any_o one_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o any_o christian_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v his_o spouse_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n that_o these_o expression_n may_v be_v use_v of_o particular_a christian_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o primary_n use_v of_o these_o metaphor_n be_v to_o describe_v the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v secondary_o apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n and_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n mr._n ferguson_n great_a spite_n be_v at_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o methinks_v our_o author_n in_o common_a prudence_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v express_v too_o great_a a_o zeal_n against_o this_o notion_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o some_o better_a way_n of_o state_v it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a question_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o answer_v without_o own_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o first_o whether_o christ_n have_v more_o than_o one_o body_n i_o suppose_v he_o dare_v not_o say_v he_o have_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o second_o whether_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v neither_o and_o therefore_o three_o i_o inquire_v far_o whether_o any_o christian_a can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o unless_o our_o author_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o non_fw-fr sense_n and_o think_v every_o thing_n true_a which_o be_v unintelligible_a he_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v as_o unite_z to_o christ_n without_o be_v consider_v as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n mr._n hooker_n in_o that_o very_a paragraph_n which_o dr._n owen_n allege_n as_o he_o think_v 15._o against_o i_o assert_n this_o in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o ever_o i_o do_v in_o god_n we_o actual_o be_v no_o long_o than_o from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o actual_a adoption_n into_o the_o body_n of_o his_o true_a church_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o child_n for_o his_o church_n he_o know_v and_o love_v so_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o know_v to_o be_v in_o he_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n save_v we_o not_o without_o our_o actual_a and_o real_a adoption_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o he_o we_o actual_o be_v by_o actual_a incorporation_n into_o that_o society_n which_o have_v he_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v make_v together_o with_o he_o one_o body_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o i_o can_v answer_v this_o though_o the_o comfort_n be_v that_o i_o have_v no_o need_n to_o do_v it_o if_o dr._n owen_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n as_o methinks_v he_o shall_v be_v by_o this_o quotation_n i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o answer_v mr._n ferguson_n if_o he_o be_v not_o let_v he_o answer_v mr._n hooker_n or_o at_o least_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o world_n for_o what_o purpose_n he_o allege_v his_o authority_n for_o grant_v but_o this_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o that_o long_a paragraph_n which_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n or_o i_o any_o injury_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o his_o little_a cavil_n than_o to_o state_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v that_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o this_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o at_o other_o time_n i_o express_v it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o consider_v any_o priority_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o of_o time_n between_o these_o two_o for_o though_o we_o may_v distinct_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o relation_n which_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v to_o the_o head_n and_o for_o a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n of_o they_o may_v represent_v one_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o particular_a member_n we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o their_o union_n to_o that_o body_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o &c_n when_o i_o explain_v that_o metaphor_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o vine_n sometime_o by_o vine_n i_o understand_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n sometime_o i_o express_v it_o more_o distinct_o that_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n in_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n fancy_v great_a contradiction_n that_o the_o vine_n shall_v sometime_o signify_v the_o church_n sometime_o christ_n together_o 459._o with_o his_o church_n but_o this_o savour_v only_o of_o his_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n to_o use_v his_o own_o phrase_n or_o which_o be_v as_o likely_a of_o a_o prevaricate_a conscience_n for_o when_o i_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o vine_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v that_o i_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n especial_o when_o i_o immediate_o explain_v it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n that_o be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o church_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n or_o to_o the_o body_n since_o our_o union_n to_o both_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o explain_v this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o vine_n by_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n or_o by_o christ_n consider_v as_o head_n which_o imply_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o his_o body_n to_o which_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v we_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o member_n be_v in_o the_o body_n which_o unite_v they_o to_o the_o head_n which_o be_v our_o be_v engraft_v into_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o as_o the_o head_n be_v in_o the_o member_n by_o his_o influence_n and_o government_n by_o his_o word_n dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o we_o joh._n 15._o 7._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v believe_v i_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o union_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n i_o do_v when_o i_o acknowledge_v 499._o our_o union_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o ruler_n prince_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n which_o he_o be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o person_n and_o therefore_o when_o i_o affirm_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v
in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o abstract_v from_o his_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n of_o it_o as_o these_o man_n do_v as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v second_o i_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o very_a same_o act_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o first_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o subsequent_a choice_n and_o consent_n by_o explicit_a contract_n as_o some_o imagine_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n but_o that_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o church_n make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n wherein_o our_o union_n consist_v and_o that_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o will_v own_v our_o christianity_n to_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v three_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n in_o this_o question_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o church-officer_n authorize_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o christ_n design_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o particular_a man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o himself_o in_o one_o body_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o be_v not_o man_n act_v by_o faction_n and_o interest_n it_o can_v admit_v no_o serious_a dispute_n all_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v typical_a of_o the_o christian_a and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o family_n the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v all_o unite_a by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o religious_a ceremony_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o alien_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o holy_a people_n but_o by_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n now_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christian_n be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 29._o i._n e._n we_o be_v admit_v into_o abraham_n family_n and_o make_v heir_n according_a to_o promise_n when_o god_n cast_v off_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o of_o those_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o so_o the_o christian_n who_o before_o their_o conversion_n be_v many_o of_o they_o pagan_a idolater_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n rom._n 11._o 27._o so_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v to_o dissolve_v but_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n he_o own_v no_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o scatter_a individual_n but_o as_o incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n now_o the_o internal_a union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n the_o external_n ligament_n of_o it_o be_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v regular_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n perform_v in_o baptism_n and_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n and_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v ordinary_o annex_v the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o now_o though_o internal_a union_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a faith_n and_o a_o subjection_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v unite_v we_o to_o his_o invisible_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o where_o there_o be_v we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n body_n without_o a_o visible_a incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o our_o internal_a union_n that_o be_v without_o be_v force_v to_o renounce_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o ordinary_a method_n of_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n but_o those_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n and_o though_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o ordinary_a way_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v ordinary_o do_v so_o which_o will_v be_v to_o dissolve_v his_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o make_v external_n communion_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o secret_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o ordinary_o unite_v we_o to_o his_o body_n but_o be_v only_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o such_o a_o union_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n there_o be_v require_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n perform_v with_o such_o initial_a rite_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o do_v actual_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o more_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o admission_n into_o any_o relation_n or_o society_n there_o be_v require_v a_o antecedaneous_a consent_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o unite_v to_o such_o a_o society_n without_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n or_o public_a oath_n and_o engagement_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o society_n be_v require_v to_o our_o actual_a admission_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o clinici_fw-la who_o delay_v their_o baptism_n till_o they_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n though_o all_o their_o life_n they_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o refuse_v by_o this_o holy_a rite_n to_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v look_v on_o at_o best_a as_o a_o very_a imperfect_a sort_n of_o christian_n of_o who_o state_n there_o be_v just_a reason_n for_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n in_o its_o idea_n and_o embryo_n before_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o case_n though_o the_o first_o believer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n signify_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o such_o a_o platform_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n
form_v according_a to_o such_o a_o model_n of_o law_n and_o government_n privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o any_o society_n upon_o a_o public_a charter_n or_o commission_n he_o who_o be_v first_o admit_v into_o any_o college_n or_o corporation_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n though_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o for_o there_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o society_n lay_v where_o there_o be_v a_o head_n and_o governor_n and_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n do_v converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a head_n than_o the_o way_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o government_n to_o go_v direct_o to_o he_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n faith_n be_v call_v come_v to_o christ_n which_o phrase_n be_v never_o use_v to_o signify_v believe_v but_o only_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o time_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o earth_n but_o since_o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o leave_v a_o visible_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n invest_v with_o his_o authority_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o 162._o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n to_o answer_v all_o mr._n ferguson_n little_a cavil_n as_o 1._o he_o argue_v if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o 59●_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o previous_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n i_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v of_o mr._n sherlock_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o this_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n it_o be_v quick_o answer_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n just_a as_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v unite_v as_o a_o body_n particular_a christian_n as_o member_n of_o that_o body_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o author_n imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o two_o different_a act_n and_o then_o indeed_o his_o argument_n will_v have_v entangle_v i_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o i_o have_v already_o break_v this_o circle_n in_o my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v yet_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o unite_v they_o all_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o form_v and_o cement_v into_o a_o regular_a and_o well-proportioned_a body_n his_o second_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o can_v imagine_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o their_o union_n to_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n will_v still_o be_v the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n before_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o every_o individual_a christian_a may_v be_v so_o too_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o fellowship_n and_o society_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o four_o proposition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n to_o join_v with_o if_o christ_n may_v then_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o instruction_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v visible_o present_a with_o they_o yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n assign_v why_o other_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o immediate_o unite_v to_o he_o now_o he_o be_v not_o present_a as_o a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n thus_o far_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v my_o notion_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o a_o more_o favourable_a acceptation_n than_o this_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o touch_v on_o the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v but_o one_o every_o christian_a be_v as_o true_o unite_v to_o the_o invisible_a as_o to_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v secure_v by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v mr._n ferguson_n think_v on_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v that_o argument_n from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n to_o christ_n without_o any_o pre-existent_a church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n and_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o be_v save_v whoever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a 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word_n be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n than_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n this_o be_v one_o argument_n whereby_o the_o father_n in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n prove_v the_o invalidity_n of_o that_o baptism_n which_o be_v administer_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o admit_v any_o one_o into_o the_o catholic_n church_n frustra_fw-la ille_fw-la putat_fw-la se_fw-la esse_fw-la baptizatum_fw-la cum_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la baptisma_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la unum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quia_fw-la deus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o fides_fw-la una_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la stat_fw-la unum_fw-la baptisma_fw-la
&_o sanctitas_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la nam_fw-la quae_fw-la foris_fw-la exercentur_fw-la nullum_fw-la habent_fw-la salutis_fw-la effectum_fw-la now_o whether_o they_o carthag_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n or_o not_o the_o premise_n be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n own_v by_o those_o very_a father_n who_o oppose_v the_o rebaptisation_n of_o schismatic_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a or_o invisible_a church_n which_o necessary_o include_v our_o visible_a fellowship_n and_o society_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o we_o may_v hold_v communion_n with_o it_o without_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n or_o violate_v any_o express_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o as_o i_o discourse_v more_o full_o in_o my_o other_o book_n and_o when_o &c_n we_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n without_o renounce_v 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baptism_n provide_v they_o have_v faith_n it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a very_o evident_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n faith_n and_o baptism_n and_o methinks_v those_o man_n make_v very_o bold_a with_o our_o saviour_n who_o affirm_v that_o we_o may_v be_v ordinary_o save_v for_o our_o saviour_n speak_v here_o of_o ordinary_a case_n without_o baptism_n but_o then_o he_o add_v who_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n of_o two_o sort_n such_o infidel_n as_o refuse_v baptism_n and_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v signify_v that_o though_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o unbelief_n alone_o whether_o man_n be_v baptize_v or_o not_o shall_v damn_v they_o for_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v design_v in_o those_o word_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v to_o signify_v that_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o have_v add_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o be_v not_o baptize_v shall_v be_v damn_v which_o will_v have_v damn_v only_o unbaptise_v infidel_n and_o have_v give_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o baptize_v hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n his_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o christian_n may_v be_v oblige_v upon_o their_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n to_o renounce_v communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n with_o which_o they_o have_v walk_v but_o to_o suspend_v fellowship_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o circle_n and_o compass_v of_o their_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o this_o it_o will_v be_v their_o vindication_n and_o this_o will_v not_o prejudice_v their_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n but_o i_o hope_v all_o good_a christian_n will_v be_v more_o wary_a of_o this_o than_o our_o author_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v for_o humour_n and_o frowardness_n and_o interest_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n his_o three_o argument_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o needs_o no_o other_o answer_n that_o christian_n may_v be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o one_o but_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o remain_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o they_o for_o christ_n will_v reverse_v all_o unjust_a sentence_n such_o man_n be_v still_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o body_n the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o what_o he_o add_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v just_o seclude_v for_o a_o time_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n not_o be_v dissolve_v though_o it_o make_v nothing_o against_o i_o for_o if_o he_o be_v still_o unite_v to_o christ_n he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o seclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o antiquity_n and_o make_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n vain_a and_o useless_a thing_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o authority_n our_o saviour_n have_v grant_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n if_o they_o may_v bind_v and_o christ_n loose_v if_o they_o may_v just_o separate_v man_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o christ_n keep_v they_o unite_v to_o himself_o which_o i_o fear_v must_v be_v unjust_o do_v if_o the_o other_o be_v just_o unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o church_n may_v just_o separate_v man_n from_o christ_n &_o christ_n just_o keep_v they_o unite_v to_o himself_o all_o divine_v indeed_o grant_v that_o whatever_o be_v do_v errante_fw-la cleave_v through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n or_o for_o some_o worse_a reason_n be_v rectify_v by_o christ_n but_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v void_a the_o just_a and_o regular_a censure_n of_o his_o church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o repeal_v and_o countermand_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v just_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n he_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n too_o and_o can_v regular_o be_v restore_v again_o but_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n but_o i_o suppose_v mr._n ferguson_n and_o he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mr._n watson_n mind_n that_o neither_o sin_n nor_o satan_n can_v dissolve_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o then_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v dissolve_v our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n neither_o his_o four_o argument_n be_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o christ_n have_v receive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o christ_n will_v receive_v and_o own_v when_o they_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n and_o indeed_o mr._n ferguson_n way_n be_v downright_a nonsense_n for_o christ_n receive_v man_n be_v his_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o his_o church_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o if_o christ_n must_v receive_v they_o first_o he_o must_v own_v they_o for_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o what_o
thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o particular_a election_n yet_o i_o disow_v our_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n christ_n be_v the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o have_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n make_v a_o general_a atonement_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n purchase_v and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n such_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n alone_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o though_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v general_a and_o universal_a yet_o none_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o it_o but_o his_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o universal_a grace_n and_o mercy_n particular_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o surety_n only_o for_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o act_v in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n necessary_o precipitate_v man_n into_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o antinomianism_n which_o in_o this_o loose_a fantastical_a and_o degenerate_a age_n be_v the_o only_a popular_a and_o take_a frenzy_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o my_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n in_o my_o chapter_n of_o union_n from_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o mr._n ferguson_n for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o skill_n he_o have_v show_v here_o to_o pervert_v my_o sense_n and_o to_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o i_o as_o i_o never_o dream_v of_o the_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n the_o four_o be_v this_o that_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n 1_o 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 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 that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n these_o two_o proposition_n our_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o best_a understanding_n of_o enunciation_n he_o have_v coincident_a and_o equipollent_a 623._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n how_o little_a his_o understanding_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n when_o the_o three_o proposition_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n and_o the_o four_o the_o explication_n of_o a_o scripture_n term_n which_o have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o very_a different_a if_o not_o contrary_a sense_n but_o to_o let_v pass_v this_o and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o any_o man_n must_v do_v who_o will_v not_o undertake_v such_o a_o trifle_a task_n as_o to_o prove_v that_o our_o author_n neither_o understand_v logic_n nor_o philosophy_n nor_o any_o other_o part_n of_o good_a learning_n of_o which_o there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n in_o this_o very_a treatise_n where_o he_o make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o flourish_v with_o that_o little_a undigested_a knowledge_n he_o have_v his_o great_a artifice_n in_o what_o follow_v be_v to_o conceal_v and_o misrepresent_v my_o notion_n of_o political_a union_n and_o then_o to_o scuffle_v learned_o and_o valiant_o with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o dream_n sometime_o he_o represent_v this_o political_a union_n to_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_n relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o ever_o deny_v that_o i_o own_o any_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n as_o a_o influential_a head_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o and_o therefore_o all_o his_o reason_n proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o ignorant_a or_o wilful_a mistake_n all_o i_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o clear_v my_o own_o notion_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o by_o a_o political_a union_n i_o understand_v such_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n which_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 and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o i_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v my_o reader_n but_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a and_o so_o hypocritical_a professor_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o ligament_n of_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o true_a and_o real_a which_o import_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v and_o herein_o consist_v a_o material_a difference_n between_o that_o external_n union_n which_o be_v between_o a_o temporal_a prince_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a head_n and_o king_n and_o the_o true_a church_n or_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v spiritual_a subject_n for_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o earthly_a prince_n can_v reach_v only_o the_o external_n man_n because_o they_o 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a_o defence_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o with_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o charge_n of_o socinianism_n and_o pelagianism_n by_o the_o same_o author_n london_n print_v by_o a._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxv_o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n gilbert_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_z primate_n of_o all_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n etc._n etc._n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o your_o grace_n that_o in_o a_o late_a discourse_n according_a to_o my_o mean_a ability_n i_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v christian_a religion_n from_o those_o uncouth_a and_o absurd_a representation_n 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in_o such_o dangerous_a and_o critical_a time_n render_v you_o as_o sure_o a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o our_o church_n as_o they_o make_v you_o formidable_a to_o her_o enemy_n in_o this_o assurance_n it_o be_v that_o i_o humble_o lay_v this_o my_o defence_n at_o your_o grace_n foot_n and_o entire_o submit_v it_o and_o its_o author_n to_o your_o judgement_n and_o censure_n if_o i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o out_o of_o invincible_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_v which_o i_o hope_v will_v plead_v my_o excuse_n and_o if_o i_o have_v as_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v i_o have_v make_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o such_o fanatical_a innovation_n as_o give_v the_o great_a and_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o scandal_n to_o all_o wise_a and_o consider_a man_n i_o humble_o beg_v your_o grace_n patronage_n which_o be_v the_o only_a security_n and_o protection_n i_o desire_v from_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o vehement_a reproach_n of_o my_o adversary_n i_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n to_o preserve_v your_o grace_n long_o among_o we_o in_o health_n and_o vigour_n to_o protect_v his_o church_n by_o your_o wise_a counsel_n and_o conduct_v and_o to_o adorn_v your_o see_n with_o your_o exemplary_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o grace_n most_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a servant_n william_n sherlock_n imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aed_n lambethanis_n april_n 2._o 1675._o tho._n tomkyns_n a_o introduction_n to_o the_o defence_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n contain_v the_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o to_o write_v that_o discourse_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o lamentable_a sight_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v assault_v by_o so_o many_o subtle_a and_o malicious_a adversary_n crumble_v 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prejudices_fw-la and_o what_o little_a hope_n there_o be_v of_o do_v much_o good_a when_o a_o man_n must_v contend_v not_o against_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o which_o way_n any_o ingenuous_a person_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v overcome_v but_o against_o passion_n &_o interest_n and_o popular_a clamour_n and_o the_o rude_a assault_n of_o a_o spiteful_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v that_o my_o labour_n be_v lose_v for_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o my_o discourse_n have_v already_o serve_v to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_n of_o some_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n and_o i_o hope_v may_v do_v so_o still_o for_o those_o little_a and_o unmanly_a art_n which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o disparage_v it_o and_o its_o author_n can_v long_o abuse_v any_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o when_o the_o cheat_n be_v discover_v it_o will_v but_o give_v the_o great_a reputation_n to_o abuse_a truth_n and_o honesty_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o be_o resolve_v not_o to_o betray_v a_o good_a cause_n but_o to_o venture_v once_o more_o and_o to_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v more_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v see_v no_o other_o good_a effect_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o can_v abundant_o satisfy_v myself_o in_o honest_a intention_n and_o worthy_a and_o generous_a design_n for_o if_o i_o know_v my_o own_o thought_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n know_v they_o better_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dispute_a humour_n nor_o a_o affectation_n of_o fame_n and_o glory_n which_o give_v birth_n to_o that_o discourse_n popular_a error_n be_v a_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o procure_v a_o popular_a esteem_n than_o despise_v and_o persecute_v truth_n and_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v more_o valuable_a yet_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n give_v a_o name_n as_o dr._n owen_n very_o 5._o well_o observe_v from_o his_o own_o
perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n so_o that_o he_o only_o confident_o affirm_v what_o be_v in_o dispute_n and_o this_o go_v for_o a_o argument_n this_o argument_n he_o silent_o pass_v over_o only_o he_o transcribe_v the_o last_o clause_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o huff_v it_o off_o with_o a_o appeal_n to_o his_o reader_n any_o man_n may_v easy_o guess_v by_o the_o management_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o mind_n his_o reader_n shall_v know_v what_o be_v in_o dispute_n or_o what_o argument_n be_v allege_v on_o either_o side_n and_o i_o do_v ready_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v weary_a of_o every_o word_n he_o be_v force_v to_o add_v for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o tire_v any_o man_n heart_n out_o to_o be_v force_v to_o say_v something_o and_o not_o to_o have_v one_o wise_a word_n to_o say_v but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o long_a digression_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o give_v several_a other_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o metaphor_n as_o when_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o our_o first_o conversion_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v contribute_v no_o more_o to_o our_o own_o conversion_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v to_o the_o quicken_a of_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o the_o like_a but_o to_o discourse_v this_o full_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n and_o possible_o may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o a_o proper_a place_n what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquaint_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o i_o be_o no_o enemy_n to_o a_o sober_a use_n of_o metaphor_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n do_v very_o much_o corrupt_a religion_n and_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o abuse_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n those_o objection_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v of_o which_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v but_o some_o slight_a skirmish_n but_o the_o main_a battle_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o great_a outcry_n be_v that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n and_o homily_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a calumny_n and_o yet_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a every_o one_o may_v believe_v as_o he_o please_v for_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n this_o he_o leave_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v very_o wise_o do_v of_o he_o but_o all_o that_o he_o take_v leave_v to_o ●_o say_v be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n here_o publish_v and_o license_v so_o to_o be_v either_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o then_o why_o then_o the_o doctor_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o will_v have_v any_o communion_n therein_o but_o i_o think_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o declare_v this_o now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o hurt_n my_o book_n have_v do_v to_o force_v the_o doctor_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n after_o so_o many_o year_n actual_a separation_n from_o it_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a but_o why_o so_o much_o haste_n of_o declare_v why_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n at_o which_o you_o may_v guess_v so_o in_o particular_a because_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v or_o depart_v from_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_n doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n what_o a_o mighty_a reverence_n have_v the_o doctor_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n than_o renounce_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o former_a church_n of_o england_n that_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n but_o do_v he_o indeed_o speak_v as_o he_o mean_v do_v he_o account_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o sacred_a as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o renounce_v any_o doctrine_n which_o she_o condemn_v and_o to_o own_o what_o she_o own_v if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o explain_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o if_o he_o do_v i_o will_v beg_v of_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o renounce_v his_o schism_n though_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o fear_v this_o 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and_o reputation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n and_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disadvantagious_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n who_o can_v ever_o have_v hope_v for_o this_o who_o have_v know_v the_o doctor_n in_o the_o bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o i_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o after_o all_o his_o courtship_n to_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n the_o doctor_z design_n a_o little_a kindness_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n not_o to_o suffer_v any_o book_n to_o be_v print_v against_o they_o which_o they_o can_v answer_v which_o may_v represent_v they_o to_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o many_o the_o looking-glass-maker_n transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o homily_n to_o what_o end_n he_o himself_o know_v best_a for_o i_o shall_v not_o ready_o have_v guess_v myself_o concern_v in_o they_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o ingenious_a reflection_n how_o ill_o mr._n sherlock_n 30._o have_v fit_v his_o cloth_n to_o this_o pattern_n he_o that_o be_v not_o very_o blind_a may_v see_v so_o that_o now_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o eyesight_n that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o homily_n by_o which_o artifice_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o waggish_a fellow_n have_v persuade_v silly_a people_n to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v see_v some_o strange_a prodigy_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v but_o to_o gratify_v the_o ill_a nature_n of_o these_o man_n let_v we_o for_o once_o suppose_v that_o which_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o then_o why_o then_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n to_o which_o i_o have_v subscribe_v if_o i_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o ill_o do_v of_o i_o but_o what_o then_o why_o then_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n but_o i_o pray_v why_o so_o do_v they_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v infallible_a do_v they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o then_o do_v they_o reject_v any_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n why_o do_v they_o renounce_v communion_n with_o we_o if_o they_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n be_v it_o not_o as_o good_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o another_o every_o one_o i_o suppose_v know_v what_o obedient_a son_n they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o they_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o mother_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o hard_o they_o be_v
put_v to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o so_o much_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v when_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v to_o any_o other_o weapon_n to_o defend_v their_o cause_n but_o the_o despise_a name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n those_o i_o be_o sure_a must_v be_v very_o blind_a who_o can_v see_v through_o so_o transparent_a a_o cheat._n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o all_o this_o noise_n about_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o defend_v by_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v fain_o persuade_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o defend_v they_o since_o they_o can_v defend_v themselves_o and_o have_v little_a else_o to_o say_v they_o make_v long_a harangue_n about_o article_n and_o homily_n and_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o true_a ancient_n and_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o methinks_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n be_v very_o much_o behold_v to_o i_o for_o they_o have_v not_o have_v so_o many_o good_a word_n from_o these_o man_n in_o many_o year_n before_o and_o must_v never_o expect_v the_o like_a again_o but_o upon_o such_o another_o occasion_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o people_n will_v begin_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o church_n they_o have_v forsake_v who_o authority_n be_v much_o great_a than_o all_o other_o argument_n with_o their_o own_o teacher_n but_o i_o see_v it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o be_v too_o much_o in_o love_n with_o any_o thing_n for_o this_o great_a zeal_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v betray_v the_o doctor_n and_o his_o good_a friend_n the_o author_n of_o the_o speculum_fw-la to_o some_o hasty_a say_n of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v see_v cause_n to_o repent_v when_o they_o be_v better_o advise_v they_o be_v great_a friend_n you_o must_v know_v to_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n and_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a if_o they_o may_v not_o only_o think_v and_o act_v as_o they_o please_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o make_v party_n and_o faction_n too_o and_o control_v the_o command_n of_o secular_a power_n and_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n who_o so_o much_o extol_v and_o magnify_v a_o indulgence_n and_o so_o much_o need_v it_o give_v plain_a intimation_n how_o far_o they_o will_v be_v from_o grant_v that_o liberty_n to_o other_o which_o they_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o doctor_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n 82._o to_o pity_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n what_o regard_n soever_o aught_o to_o be_v have_v unto_o myself_o i_o e._n though_o i_o shall_v starve_v for_o want_v of_o my_o rectorship_n as_o he_o express_v himself_o elsewhere_o have_v this_o man_n in_o their_o day_n treat_v this_o doctrine_n with_o his_o present_a scoff_a petulancy_n he_o have_v 117._o scarce_o be_v rector_n of_o st._n george_n buttolph-lane_n etc._n etc._n nor_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o now_o can_v he_o hinder_v it_o but_o what_o become_v of_o liberty_n and_o indulgence_n then_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v the_o conscience_n be_v set_v free_a in_o matter_n of_o external_n order_n and_o government_n but_o tie_v up_o in_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o doctor_n avow_a principle_n as_o great_a a_o friend_n as_o he_o be_v to_o liberty_n he_o will_v be_v excuse_v himself_o from_o subscribe_v three_o of_o the_o thirty-nine_o article_n but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o xxxvi_o he_o will_v have_v no_o man_n suffer_v to_o live_v in_o england_n who_o will_v not_o subscribe_v they_o and_o the_o doctor_n can_v remember_v when_o he_o propose_v this_o very_o unreasonable_o the_o author_n of_o the_o speculum_fw-la desire_v his_o 68_o friend_n to_o bid_v i_o consider_v whether_o if_o the_o parliament_n shall_v meet_v they_o may_v not_o find_v leisure_n enough_o to_o censure_v my_o discourse_n as_o they_o do_v mr._n montague_n '_o s_z who_o in_o vain_a plead_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v write_v against_o the_o puritan_n and_o be_v leave_v alone_o to_o suffer_v though_o other_o have_v instigate_v he_o to_o write_v the_o commons_o of_o england_n will_v scarce_o endure_v to_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n strike_v at_o though_o it_o be_v through_o the_o side_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o dr._n jacomb_n but_o now_o suppose_v the_o commons_o of_o england_n shall_v think_v it_o as_o reasonable_a to_o secure_v the_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o indulgence_n will_v not_o our_o author_n then_o change_v his_o note_n and_o repent_v of_o such_o intimation_n as_o these_o or_o if_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n shall_v happen_v to_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o that_o discourse_n than_o our_o author_n have_v and_o shall_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v the_o debauch_n of_o man_n mind_n by_o such_o corrupt_a doctrine_n as_o be_v there_o oppose_v what_o will_v become_v of_o most_o of_o the_o conventicle_n in_o england_n can_v he_o with_o any_o confidence_n then_o cry_v out_o of_o persecution_n when_o he_o himself_o have_v sound_v the_o alarm_n to_o it_o this_o it_o be_v to_o fence_v with_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n which_o cut_v both_o way_n and_o may_v wound_v a_o friend_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o enemy_n this_o be_v sufficient_a in_o answer_n to_o my_o adversary_n who_o be_v well_o skilled_a at_o draw_v up_o a_o charge_n but_o have_v no_o faculty_n at_o prove_v it_o but_o i_o think_v myself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o these_o man_n as_o if_o it_o favour_v such_o uncouth_a and_o absurd_a notion_n as_o beside_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o they_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n which_o i_o doubt_v may_v represent_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o many_o i_o mean_v with_o all_o wife_n and_o consider_v man_n the_o principal_a thing_n which_o these_o man_n object_n against_o i_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n and_o i_o be_o content_v the_o controversy_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n whether_o they_o or_o i_o speak_v most_o consonant_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n be_v contain_v in_o article_n xi_o which_o be_v this_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a before_o god_n only_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o for_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o deserve_n wherefore_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o be_v a_o most_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o very_o full_a of_o comfort_n as_o more_o large_o be_v express_v in_o the_o homily_n of_o justification_n the_o article_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v in_o a_o few_o word_n without_o any_o scholastical_a subtlety_n we_o be_v not_o clog_v here_o with_o the_o several_a modes_n of_o causality_n with_o the_o efficient_a formal_a material_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o justification_n which_o fill_v up_o every_o page_n in_o the_o book_n of_o modern_a divine_n all_o that_o our_o church_n require_v we_o to_o profess_v be_v only_o this_o that_o we_o be_v account_v righteous_a before_o god_n only_o by_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o neither_o faith_n nor_o work_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n but_o that_o all_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n so_o that_o whoever_o acknowledge_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o deny_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o this_o article_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a controversy_n of_o those_o day_n between_o the_o papist_n and_o protestant_n whether_o we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o this_o article_n be_v to_o oppose_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n but_o we_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o homily_n of_o justification_n for_o a_o large_a account_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o thither_o i_o willing_o appeal_v and_o to_o proceed_v with_o all_o possible_a ingenuity_n i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v several_a expression_n in_o
st._n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v any_o which_o be_v not_o very_o honourable_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v no_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v one_o which_o argue_v either_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n or_o mere_a sophistry_n but_o pray_v why_o do_v they_o think_v so_o why_o because_o st._n paul_n always_o oppose_v our_o justification_n by_o work_n whatever_o they_o be_v to_o justification_n by_o grace_n and_o therefore_o by_o work_n he_o must_v understand_v the_o merit_n of_o work_n because_o only_a merit_n be_v oppose_v to_o grace_n so_o we_o say_v too_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n reject_v all_o work_n though_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o merit_n this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o apostle_n argue_v very_o absurd_o that_o because_o he_o reject_v work_n when_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o grace_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reject_v work_n when_o they_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o grace_n as_o by_o this_o argument_n they_o be_v not_o when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o what_o they_o add_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v all_o sort_n of_o work_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o from_o our_o justification_n be_v very_o true_a but_o then_o they_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o meritorious_a work_n that_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a legal_a unsinning_a righteousness_n as_o need_v not_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o such_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o owe_v its_o acceptance_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n the_o only_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o work_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n be_v because_o wherever_o they_o reject_v justification_n by_o work_n they_o express_o mention_v their_o merit_n and_o deserve_a which_o be_v the_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o difference_n otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o explication_n especial_o when_o they_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n upon_o all_o other_o account_n as_o our_o church_n express_o do_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o salvation_n we_o find_v these_o word_n truth_n it_o be_v that_o our_o own_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v we_o to_o speak_v proper_o of_o our_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o of_o unjust_a just_a before_o god_n what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o this_o explication_n to_o speak_v proper_o of_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o merit_v and_o deserve_v if_o our_o church_n have_v apprehend_v no_o difference_n between_o work_n and_o merit_n between_o a_o proper_a and_o improper_a justification_n by_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o necessity_n of_o work_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n 31._o for_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n utrum_fw-la bona_fw-la opera_fw-la dici_fw-la possint_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la vel_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessaria_fw-la whether_o good_a work_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n or_o salvation_n in_o his_o first_o conclusion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o dispute_n with_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o say_v so_o because_o they_o always_o by_o necessary_a understand_v necessary_a as_o cause_n vera_fw-la &_o propria_fw-la sua_fw-la dignitate_fw-la meritorias_fw-la humanae_fw-la salutis_fw-la which_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a worth_n and_o dignity_n merit_v salvation_n what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n if_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n to_o justification_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o four_o conclusion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n if_o by_o necessary_a we_o understand_v sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la causae_fw-la meritoriae_fw-la necessariae_fw-la as_o necessary_a meritorious_a cause_n and_o in_o the_o five_o conclusion_n he_o express_o tell_v we_o bona_fw-la quaedam_fw-la opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la necessaria_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la ut_fw-la conditione_n concurrentes_fw-la vel_fw-la praecursoriae_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la necessaria_fw-la ut_fw-la causae_fw-la efficientes_fw-la aut_fw-la meritoriae_fw-la that_o some_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n as_o previous_a or_o concur_v cause_n though_o not_o as_o efficient_a or_o meritorious_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o this_o distinction_n between_o the_o necessity_n and_o merit_n of_o work_n be_v know_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o our_o church_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o when_o our_o church_n do_v so_o express_o reject_v work_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o merit_n she_o understand_v no_o difference_n between_o necessity_n and_o merit_n and_o i_o find_v in_o a_o ancient_a book_n entitle_v reformatio_fw-la legum_fw-la ecclesiasticarum_fw-la which_o be_v compose_v by_o archbishop_n cranmer_n and_o peter_n martyr_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o this_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o that_o where_o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v all_o they_o say_v about_o justification_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o deinde_fw-la nec_fw-la illi_fw-la sunt_fw-la audiendi_fw-la quorum_fw-la impietas_fw-la salutarem_fw-la &_o in_fw-la sacris_fw-la scripture_n fundatam_fw-la justificationis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la oppugnant_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la tenendum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la operum_fw-la momentis_fw-la justitiam_fw-la hominum_fw-la collocari_fw-la i._n e._n neither_o must_v we_o hearken_v to_o they_o who_o impious_o oppose_v that_o save_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o man_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n so_o that_o they_o only_o reject_v the_o merit_n of_o work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n the_o confession_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o augustan-confession_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o pretium_fw-la nec_fw-la propitiatio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la detur_fw-la legis_fw-la remissio_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la they_o be_v not_o the_o price_n nor_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o assign_v why_o they_o oppose_v justification_n by_o work_n be_v because_o it_o detract_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v up_o our_o work_n in_o competition_n with_o christ_n utrum_fw-la fiducia_fw-la collocanda_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la a_o in_o opera_fw-la nostra_fw-la whether_o we_o shall_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o our_o own_o work_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v only_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n and_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o work_n when_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o merit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ._n but_o not_o to_o trouble_v my_o reader_n with_o many_o adversar_n quotation_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o more_o which_o be_v their_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n from_o st._n james_n who_o express_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o si_fw-mi non_fw-la assuant_fw-la adversarii_fw-la svas_fw-la opiniones_fw-la de_fw-la meritis_fw-la operum_fw-la jacobi_fw-la verba_fw-la nihil_fw-la habent_fw-la incommodi_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o annex_v their_o own_o opinion_n concern_v merit_n of_o work_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o st._n james_n his_o word_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o shy_a of_o this_o expression_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n so_o man_n will_v not_o imagine_v that_o their_o justification_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o work_v and_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n but_o there_o be_v one_o very_o surprise_v argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o work_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n without_o respect_n to_o their_o merit_n than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o goodness_n in_o they_o as_o by_o the_o most_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n for_o take_v away_o merit_n and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n be_v now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n of_o frame_v a_o answer_n
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n ●45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o
discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v we_o to_o and_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o perpetual_a institution_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o require_v seal_v on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o ceremony_n be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n have_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n whereby_o he_o have_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o till_o we_o seal_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n no_o previous_a faith_n and_o consent_n can_v give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o his_o four_o proposition_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n consist_v in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n there_o do_v therefore_o upon_o a_o person_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n emerge_n as_o that_o he_o be_v render_v a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a and_o add_v so_o far_o be_v our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n from_o be_v the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v our_o dedicate_a ourselves_o to_o christ_n by_o this_o august_n ceremony_n which_o constitute_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o say_v i_o but_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o dedicate_a we_o to_o christ_n so_o say_v i_o too_o and_o therefore_o our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o how_o do_v this_o follow_n when_o baptism_n dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o be_v his_o church_n for_o that_o which_o dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o unite_n we_o to_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n whereby_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o we_o be_v member_n before_o though_o incomplete_a but_o this_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v which_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o and_o never_o can_v do_v and_o indeed_o a_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a member_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o relation_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n one_o child_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o child_n be_v as_o complete_o the_o father_n child_n as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o child_n be_v and_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n we_o be_v complete_a member_n for_o what_o ever_o make_v we_o member_n make_v we_o member_n and_o we_o can_v be_v more_o or_o less_o member_n a_o member_n may_v be_v sound_a or_o rot_a weak_a or_o strong_a and_o upon_o that_o score_n may_v be_v a_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a member_n but_o consider_v only_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n every_o member_n be_v as_o much_o a_o member_n as_o any_o other_o but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v now_o when_o in_o his_o first_o proposition_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o baptism_n unite_v we_o to_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a how_o will_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v baptize_v before_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a visible_a church_n form_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a visible_a church_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n neither_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o subordinate_a society_n and_o corporation_n and_o family_n before_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o family_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a or_o invisible_a unless_o we_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o baptism_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o blame_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o make_v visibility_n one_o mark_v of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o argue_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o after_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n and_o signify_v and_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o christ_n own_v we_o not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n answer_v 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o 619._o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n see_v none_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o church_n member_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o say_v it_o be_v the_o first_o medium_n but_o that_o it_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o use_v our_o author_n own_o word_n in_o another_o place_n see_v its_o one_o 626._o loaf_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o we_o partake_v we_o be_v therefore_o one_o body_n viz._n in_o christ_n who_o participate_v of_o that_o one_o loaf_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o pichorellus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o say_v we_o be_v one_o loaf_n or_o bread_n though_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o so_o but_o that_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o coalition_n of_o the_o cluster_n of_o the_o small_a corpuscle_n of_o meal_n sure_o our_o author_n be_v teach_v this_o bombast_n by_o the_o school_n master_n in_o sir_n philip_n sidney_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v knead_v and_o contex_v to_o the_o identity_n and_o oneness_n that_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n intervening_a identity_n and_o oneness_n be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n but_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o have_v abuse_v pichorellus_fw-la not_o only_o in_o a_o fantastical_a translation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o in_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o who_o word_n as_o he_o have_v set_v they_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v these_o non_fw-la dicit_fw-la paulus_n fideles_fw-la unum_fw-la esse_fw-la panem_fw-la sed_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la panc_fw-la ducit_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la paul_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o believer_n be_v one_o bread_n but_o take_v a_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n from_o one_o bread_n what_o to_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o oneness_n and_o identity_n which_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o single_a believer_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v represent_v it_o no_o but_o to_o prove_v that_o near_a alliance_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v as_o close_o compact_v into_o one_o body_n as_o the_o several_a particle_n of_o flour_n be_v when_o they_o be_v knead_v into_o one_o loaf_n and_o so_o as_o one_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o entertain_v at_o his_o table_n agreeable_o to_o st._n chrysostoms_n account_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v translate_v also_o by_o our_o author_n what_o be_v that_o loaf_n it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n what_o be_v those_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o many_o body_n but_o one_o for_o as_o the_o many_o grain_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v form_v be_v so_o convene_v into_o one_o mass_n mighty_a elegant_a still_o that_o the_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n one_o from_o another_o do_v not_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v we_o conjoin_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o or_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o st._n chrysostoms_n word_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o
four_a that_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o god_n now_o dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v thus_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o i_o explain_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o our_o author_n honesty_n in_o charge_v i_o with_o reject_v the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a external-political_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o notion_n from_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o this_o author_n and_o i_o may_v honourable_o enough_o retreat_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o skirmish_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o right_a that_o may_v be_v to_o my_o cause_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a &_o teachable_a mind_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o more_o particular_o discourse_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o be_v content_v to_o give_v some_o plain_a and_o short_a intimation_n of_o it_o be_v because_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n as_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o it_o be_v that_o my_o adversary_n have_v confound_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o intricate_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o effect_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o clear_o and_o perfect_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o but_o unless_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o perfect_a chance_n and_o accident_n these_o new_a divine_n can_v to_o this_o day_n direct_a man_n how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o mystical_a union_n but_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o be_v thus_o legal_o and_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o we_o must_v expect_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o till_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o or_o rather_o till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o when_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v on_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n nay_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o very_a good_a man_n who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o preachment_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o eternal_a scruple_n about_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o a_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o can_v work_v his_o imagination_n into_o all_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o perpetual_a embrace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o assurance_n and_o despise_v the_o low_a attainment_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o good_a life_n now_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o rectify_v these_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v this_o union_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o bad_a man_n though_o never_o such_o seraphical_a hypocrite_n may_v see_v all_o their_o hope_n confute_v and_o be_v force_v either_o to_o let_v go_v all_o their_o pretence_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n or_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n and_o i_o can_v not_o better_o do_v this_o than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v all_o along_o to_o expound_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a so_o as_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o signify_v on_o our_o part_n viz._n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v than_o to_o dispute_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inhabitation_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o which_o possible_o will_v never_o be_v determine_v as_o very_o few_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o much_o material_a whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o hearty_o believe_v and_o importunate_o beg_v and_o constant_o rely_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n second_o there_o be_v a_o further_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o because_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v consequent_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o constitute_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o antecedaneous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o list_v ourselves_o into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n from_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o member_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v receive_v any_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o christ_n kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o concern_v only_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o just_o as_o temporal_a prince_n can_v exercise_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o over_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o government_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gosspel_n be_v preach_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n do_v actual_o believe_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o constant_a principle_n in_o they_o upon_o covenant_n and_o promise_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v annex_v to_o our_o baptism_n with_o water_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o upon_o that_o account_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v then_o bestow_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o dr._n owen_n and_o all_o my_o adversary_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n yet_o do_v and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n prove_v that_o christ_n be_v first_o reckon_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n be_v reckon_v
and_o satisfaction_n he_o attribute_n to_o christ_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o attribute_v any_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o what_o christ_n do_v that_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o move_v thereby_o nor_o change_v 50._o into_o any_o other_o respect_n towards_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v than_o what_o it_o have_v before_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o who_o those_o be_v i_o presume_v the_o doctor_n know_v since_o he_o have_v so_o often_o tell_v i_o of_o they_o as_o for_o what_o he_o insinuate_v that_o i_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o divine_a justice_n i_o own_o the_o charge_n and_o have_v as_o good_a company_n in_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o modern_a writer_n who_o whatever_o the_o doctor_n may_v think_v of_o it_o have_v write_v at_o a_o better_a rate_n against_o the_o socinian_o than_o the_o necessity_n man_n vossius_fw-la give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n 336._o of_o the_o concur_v judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o this_o point_n the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n de_fw-fr cardinalibus_fw-la christi_fw-la operibus_fw-la athanasius_n st._n austin_n leo_n m._n gregorius_n m._n together_o with_o several_a eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o particular_o a_o great_a man_n of_o our_o own_o the_o bishop_n of_o coventry_n and_o lichfield_n who_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o grotius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o church_n in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfaction_n nos_fw-la in_o sententia_fw-la augustini_fw-la acquiescimus_fw-la non_fw-la defuisse_fw-la deo_fw-la pro_fw-la sua_fw-la omnipotentia_fw-la &_o sapientia_fw-la alios_fw-la modos_fw-la possibiles_fw-la sed_fw-la hunc_fw-la convenientissimum_fw-la esse_fw-la visum_fw-la we_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o st._n austin_n '_o s_o opinion_n that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a do_v not_o want_v other_o possible_a way_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n but_o judge_v this_o the_o most_o convenient_a of_o all_o and_o here_o i_o must_v once_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o account_n the_o doctor_n give_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfaction_n which_o he_o resolve_v into_o a_o natural_a vindictive_a justice_n which_o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o god_n anger_n shall_v be_v divert_v 33._o from_o sinner_n without_o the_o interpose_v of_o a_o propitiation_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o whatever_o discovery_n be_v make_v of_o the_o patience_n and_o lenity_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o withal_o reveal_v that_o the_o other_o property_n of_o god_n as_o his_o justice_n and_o revenge_n for_o sin_n have_v their_o act_n also_o assign_v they_o to_o the_o full_a there_o can_v be_v little_a consolation_n gather_v from_o the_o former_a this_o account_n as_o i_o then_o think_v and_o think_v so_o still_o make_v a_o very_a unworthy_a representation_n of_o almighty_a god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v so_o just_a that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o savage_a and_o irreconcilable_a till_o he_o have_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o revenge_n and_o represent_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o christ_n death_n to_o be_v only_o a_o satisfaction_n of_o revenge_n without_o which_o god_n can_v not_o be_v appease_v as_o if_o divine_a vengeance_n as_o i_o then_o express_v it_o out_o of_o a_o just_a indignation_n to_o such_o a_o horrid_a doctrine_n do_v glut_v and_o satiate_v itself_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n instead_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sinner_n this_o dr._n owen_n make_v very_o severe_a reflection_n on_o as_o blasphemous_a and_o profane_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v upon_o second_o thought_n but_o that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v more_o inoffensive_o express_v for_o there_o be_v a_o euphemia_n due_a from_o we_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o sacred_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a always_o to_o represent_v such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a colour_n but_o every_o one_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v it_o as_o any_o disparagement_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o which_o we_o owe_v all_o our_o present_a mercy_n and_o future_a hope_n but_o as_o the_o natural_a interpretation_n and_o language_n of_o the_o doctor_n argument_n i_o deny_v not_o that_o anger_n and_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n when_o it_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n to_o signify_v the_o severity_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o god_n will_v inflict_v upon_o obstinate_a sinner_n but_o to_o think_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v his_o only_a and_o his_o belove_a son_n be_v a_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o natural_a and_o unappeasable_a vengeance_n and_o fury_n be_v such_o a_o account_n as_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o give_v we_o of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v incredible_a in_o itself_o and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o doctor_n have_v to_o say_v for_o himself_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o he_o intend_v by_o that_o which_o he_o assert_v be_v no_o 43_o more_o but_o this_o that_o such_o be_v the_o essential_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n and_o ruler_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o rectitude_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o government_n to_o pass_v by_o sin_n absolute_o or_o to_o pardon_v it_o without_o satisfaction_n propitiation_n or_o atonement_n that_o god_n be_v infinite_o holy_a do_v perfect_o hate_v all_o wickedness_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o just_o may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n can_v consistent_o with_o his_o holiness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n do_v any_o other_o than_o punish_v sin_n be_v deny_v by_o no_o body_n that_o i_o know_v but_o the_o doctor_n proceed_v far_a that_o god_n as_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n to_o punish_v every_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v that_o though_o the_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o humble_o confess_v and_o bewail_v they_o and_o sincere_o reform_v yet_o justice_n must_v be_v satisfy_v either_o with_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o sinner_n or_o some_o other_o in_o his_o stead_n thus_o he_o state_v it_o in_o his_o diatriba_fw-la de_fw-la justitiâ_fw-la p._n 2._o justitiam_fw-la peccati_fw-la vindicatricem_fw-la deo_fw-la esse_fw-la naturalem_fw-la contendo_fw-la &_o in_o exercitio_fw-la necessariam_fw-la i._n e._n i_o contend_v and_o earnest_o assert_v that_o that_o justice_n which_o take_v vengeance_n on_o sin_n be_v natural_a to_o god_n and_o necessary_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n which_o allow_v the_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n to_o pardon_v offence_n when_o the_o end_n of_o government_n may_v as_o well_o be_v attain_v by_o indulgence_n as_o by_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o the_o doctor_n distinguish_v between_o ius_n regiminis_fw-la positivum_fw-la &_o naturale_fw-la 160._o between_o a_o positive_a and_o natural_a right_n of_o government_n the_o positive_a right_n be_v such_o as_o magistrate_n have_v over_o their_o subject_n and_o this_o he_o assert_v they_o may_v recede_v from_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o benefit_n not_o to_o punish_v because_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o public_a benefit_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n to_o such_o governor_n but_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o government_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v over_o his_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v immutable_a and_o therefore_o god_n can_v recede_v from_o it_o which_o as_o it_o be_v say_v without_o any_o reason_n for_o whether_o the_o right_n be_v positive_a or_o natural_a it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n nor_o the_o prudent_a rule_n and_o method_n of_o government_n so_o it_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n what_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o god_n right_o of_o punish_v as_o governor_n which_o answer_v to_o what_o we_o call_v revenge_n in_o private_a person_n which_o immediate_o respect_v himself_o and_o not_o the_o public_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o private_a revenge_n and_o public_a justice_n and_o though_o this_o be_v all_o the_o doctor_n intend_v yet_o that_o all_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o be_v the_o very_a all_o which_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o well_o but_o i_o say_v as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o when_o i_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o