of_o all_o the_o creature_n act._n 17._o 28_o 29._o yet_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o for_o urge_v whereof_o this_o consideration_n of_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v use_v as_o a_o argument_n therefore_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v call_v god_n and_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o and_o chief_o to_o real_a believer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o be_v god_n and_o father_n in_o a_o peculiar_a way_n he_o be_v their_o god_n by_o enter_v a_o gracious_a covenant_n with_o they_o whereof_o this_o be_v one_o article_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o god_n jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o be_v all_o in_o he_o shall_v be_v forthcoming_a for_o their_o good_a he_o be_v their_o father_n also_o by_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o number_n and_o by_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1._o 12._o now_o though_o this_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o also_o the_o second_o and_o the_o three_o be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o believer_n joh._n 20._o 28._o act._n 5._o 3_o 4._o yea_o all_o of_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 7._o yet_o see_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v speak_v of_o before_o ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o the_o first_o person_n be_v main_o to_o be_v understand_v here_o who_o be_v call_v one_o god_n not_o seclude_v the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n in_o essence_n with_o the_o father_n but_o in_o opposition_n to_o idol_n who_o be_v no_o god_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o this_o argument_n or_o bond_n of_o unity_n be_v next_o enlarge_v in_o a_o description_n of_o this_o one_o god_n 1._o from_o his_o eminency_n and_o dominion_n above_o all_o his_o creature_n 2._o from_o his_o presence_n and_o powerful_a providence_n whereby_o he_o run_v through_o all_o the_o creature_n uphold_v they_o in_o their_o be_v heb._n 1._o 3._o direct_v dispose_v and_o govern_v all_o of_o they_o dan._n 4._o 34._o and_o all_o their_o action_n psal._n 135._o 6._o three_o from_o his_o special_a presence_n by_o the_o gracious_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n with_o the_o true_o regenerate_v whereby_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o all_o to_o point-out_a the_o intimacy_n and_o nearness_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o this_o respect_n above_o the_o former_a and_o not_o simple_o in_o all_o as_o former_o but_o in_o you_o all_o mean_v the_o believe_a ephesian_n and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v doct._n 1._o as_o our_o strong_a union_n be_v to_o be_v one_o in_o god_n and_o our_o great_a happiness_n to_o have_v interest_n in_o this_o one_o god_n so_o by_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o seal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o may_v come_v up_o to_o plead_v interest_n in_o god_n for_o as_o he_o place_v this_o unity_n of_o have_v one_o god_n in_o the_o last_o place_n because_o it_o be_v most_o considerable_a so_o he_o do_v subjoin_v it_o immediate_o to_o what_o he_o speak_v of_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n say_v he_o 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o person_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o we_o can_v resemble_v god_n more_o joh._n 17._o 21_o 22_o 23._o for_o the_o apostle_n enforce_v the_o study_n of_o unity_n from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n 3._o this_o motive_n for_o keep_v unity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a and_o more_o move_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o god_n have_v gracious_o become_v the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o believer_n through_o jesus_n christ_n whereby_o they_o be_v all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o one_o father_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 18._o and_o so_o a_o matter_n full_a of_o shame_n for_o they_o to_o strive_v and_o contend_v among_o themselves_o gen._n 13._o 8._o for_o he_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n for_o unity_n from_o this_o that_o this_o one_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o to_o wit_n of_o all_o believer_n 4._o whatever_o be_v the_o other_o difference_n among_o believer_n and_o their_o discouragement_n arise_v hence_o as_o that_o some_o be_v strong_a some_o be_v weak_a some_o rich_a some_o poor_a etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n common_a to_o all_o which_o may_v counterbalance_v all_o their_o other_o inequality_n even_o that_o they_o have_v all_o equal_a interest_n in_o one_o god_n and_o that_o this_o one_o god_n be_v their_o common_a father_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v a_o fatherly_a affection_n matth._n 7._o 11._o pity_n psal._n 103._o 13._o and_o care_v of_o all_o matth._n 6._o 25_o etc._n etc._n for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o 5._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v press_v duty_n to_o god_n upon_o people_n and_o of_o people_n when_o they_o will_v charge_v sense_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n upon_o themselves_o to_o set_v forth_o and_o be_v much_o take_v up_o with_o god_n excellency_n and_o greatness_n this_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n to_o engage_v the_o heart_n unto_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o and_o from_o esteem_n to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o mal._n 1._o 6._o for_o the_o apostle_n press_v upon_o these_o ephesian_n the_o duty_n of_o unity_n do_v hold_v he_o forth_o in_o his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o 6._o god_n sovereignty_n and_o greatness_n do_v not_o mar_v his_o low_a condiscendency_n to_o supply_v the_o emptiness_n and_o necessity_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o though_o he_o be_v above_o all_o in_o dignity_n yet_o he_o be_v through_o all_o uphold_v and_o overrule_a all_o by_o his_o powerful_a providence_n 7._o whatever_o god_n be_v by_o his_o common_a providence_n unto_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v all_o that_o and_o much_o more_o to_o his_o own_o call_v people_n and_o real_a believer_n for_o he_o be_v through_o all_o by_o his_o common_a providence_n but_o beside_o that_o say_v he_o he_o be_v in_o you_o all_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o special_a grace_n 8._o from_o all_o those_o seven_o unity_n joint_o consider_v and_o the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o all_o learn_v 1._o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v break_v the_o church_n remain_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o many_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v of_o necessity_n a_o agreement_n that_o way_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o study_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o less_o concernment_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o press_v unity_n by_o reckon_v seven_o unity_n wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o you_o who_o be_v so_o many_o way_n one_o to_o rend_v in_o piece_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o comparative_o be_v just_a nought_o 2._o so_o near_o and_o intimate_v be_v that_o conjunction_n of_o true_a believer_n so_o many_o strong_a and_o indissoluble_a be_v these_o spiritual_a bond_n by_o which_o they_o be_v knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o that_o if_o they_o be_v due_o ponder_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v mutual_o enlarge_v and_o their_o affection_n inflame_v one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o their_o dear_a friend_n yea_o the_o most_o strict_a of_o civil_a carnal_a and_o natural_a bond_n shall_v not_o bind_v so_o firm_o as_o those_o matth._n 12._o 48_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n have_v one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n and_o what_o conjunction_n or_o union_n can_v be_v so_o firm_a as_o what_o be_v ground_v upon_o all_o those_o vers._n 7._o but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ._n hitherto_o the_o apostle_n have_v enforce_v the_o study_n of_o unity_n by_o a_o argument_n take_v from_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o true_a member_n thereof_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o one_o in_o all_o but_o diverse_a almost_o in_o every_o one_o to_o wit_n the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o diversity_n also_o he_o show_v do_v tend_v to_o union_n because_o first_o all_o those_o several_a gift_n and_o their_o diverse_a measure_n do_v
come_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n to_o ver_fw-la 12._o second_o they_o be_v all_o give_v for_o promote_a one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n to_o ver_fw-la 17._o and_o 1._o in_o this_o verse_n by_o way_n of_o correction_n and_o pre-occupation_n of_o a_o objection_n he_o hold_v forth_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o different_a measure_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o notwithstanding_o of_o what_o he_o say_v of_o those_o many_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v one_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v differ_v which_o nevertheless_o be_v so_o far_o from_o dissolve_v in_o reason_n the_o bond_n of_o union_n that_o upon_o the_o contrary_n they_o do_v contribute_v much_o for_o keep_v of_o it_o firm_a in_o so_o far_o as_o though_o every_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v his_o own_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n either_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n or_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n differ_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o yet_o all_o those_o different_a grace_n of_o the_o several_a member_n be_v bestow_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o christ_n and_o receive_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n which_o seem_v good_a unto_o christ_n the_o giver_n to_o prescribe_v and_o measure_v out_o unto_o every_o one_o where_o by_o grace_n be_v not_o mean_v god_n favour_n or_o grace_v free_o bestow_v as_o in_o other_o place_n see_v upon_o ephes._n 2._o 8_o but_o the_o fruit_n flow_v from_o this_o grace_n to_o wit_n grace_v free_o give_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o instance_n give_v ver_fw-la 11._o of_o this_o grace_n in_o the_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o office_n which_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o save_v which_o be_v only_o in_o the_o regenerate_a call_v grace_n because_o they_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v evidence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 19_o second_o common_a gift_n call_v grace_n eph._n 3._o 8._o because_o they_o be_v free_o give_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o the_o latter_a whereof_o be_v here_o chief_o mean_v as_o appear_v also_o from_o the_o instance_n give_v ver_fw-la 11._o because_o it_o be_v only_o in_o those_o common_a gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o real_a believer_n do_v differ_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o some_o be_v give_v to_o one_o and_o some_o to_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 8._o whereas_o all_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o save_a grace_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o although_o they_o differ_v also_o in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n receive_v of_o those_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 13._o in_o which_o respect_n even_o save_v grace_n may_v be_v also_o here_o mean_v doct._n 1._o though_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o equal_a measure_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o he_o give_v to_o every_o one_o some_o gift_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o those_o either_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a come_v to_o age_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o common_a reason_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 11._o or_o save_v grace_n also_o as_o to_o all_o the_o true_o regenerate_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 4._o for_o he_o say_v unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v grace_n give_v 2._o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o gift_n to_o every_o one_o not_o in_o the_o same_o but_o in_o a_o different_a measure_n so_o that_o though_o the_o same_o save_a grace_n for_o substance_n be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o true_o regenerate_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o in_o any_o measure_n who_o be_v visible_a professor_n only_o and_o though_o all_o have_v some_o common_a gift_n whereby_o in_o some_o measure_n they_o may_v be_v make_v profitable_a in_o their_o station_n to_o the_o body_n yet_o none_o have_v all_o gift_n nor_o all_o the_o same_o office_n wherein_o they_o may_v exercise_v their_o gift_n ver_fw-la 11._o nor_o yet_o do_v all_o receive_v the_o same_o measure_n of_o those_o common_a gift_n for_o so_o much_o be_v employ_v while_o he_o say_v grace_n be_v give_v according_a to_o a_o measure_n 3._o the_o great_a degree_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o any_o be_v far_o below_o that_o fullness_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o give_v unto_o none_o so_o much_o but_o there_o be_v always_o somewhat_o want_v and_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v most_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v more_o for_o their_o receive_a grace_n according_a to_o a_o measure_n imply_v their_o receipt_n be_v capable_a of_o increase_n and_o a_o difference_n as_o to_o this_o between_o their_o receipt_n and_o christ_n joh._n 3._o 34._o to_o every_o one_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o that_o measure_n 4._o the_o want_n of_o some_o excellent_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o other_o or_o of_o that_o excellent_a measure_n of_o save_a grace_n which_o other_o have_v do_v not_o argue_v a_o man_n unregenerate_a or_o whole_o destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n for_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o even_o those_o who_o have_v one_o hope_n lord_n faith_n god_n and_o father_n and_o consequent_o have_v save_v grace_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6._o be_v not_o all_o gift_a with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o diverse_a measure_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n while_o he_o say_v but_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v grace_n give_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n 5._o diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n and_o diverse_a measure_n of_o save_a grace_n be_v a_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o division_n and_o strife_n in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o divide_v lust_n of_o pride_n contempt_n envy_n discouragement_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v occasion_n to_o stir_v and_o vent_v themselves_o from_o those_o different_a measure_n for_o the_o apostle_n his_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n for_o union_n from_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n by_o the_o adversitive_a particle_n but_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o be_v prone_a to_o take_v occasion_n to_o rend_v upon_o that_o diversity_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v joint_o preoccupy_v a_o objection_n against_o union_n and_o bring_v a_o argument_n for_o it_o but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v grace_n give_v 6._o whatever_o be_v man_n proneness_n and_o inclination_n to_o rend_v and_o divide_v because_o of_o different_a receipt_n and_o measure_n yet_o that_o same_o diversity_n if_o well_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a tie_n and_o bond_n of_o union_n in_o so_o far_o as_o hereby_o none_o no_o not_o the_o most_o eminent_o gift_v can_v say_v he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o other_o but_o every_o one_o be_v make_v mutual_o indigent_a of_o one_o another_o help_n and_o even_o the_o mean_a in_o some_o measure_n furnish_v to_o be_v helpful_a unto_o other_o see_v paul_n prove_v this_o excellent_o from_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o different_a member_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n be_v to_o enforce_v unity_n from_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v grace_n give_v 7._o this_o do_v also_o enforce_v the_o study_n of_o unity_n from_o this_o ground_n of_o diversity_n of_o gift_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o we_o have_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v free_o give_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o it_o nor_o to_o abuse_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o that_o both_o our_o gift_n and_o measure_n however_o diverse_a do_v yet_o come_v from_o one_o rise_v fountain_n and_o author_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o in_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o that_o this_o one_o author_n be_v the_o lord_n christ_n god_n man_n mediator_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v all_o thing_n give_v of_o the_o father_n mat._n 11._o 27._o that_o he_o may_v dispense_v to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o to_o quarrel_v for_o our_o own_o measure_n it_o be_v his_o allowance_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n well_o and_o wise_o mark_v 7._o 37._o but_o also_o aught_o to_o employ_v our_o gift_n and_o several_a measure_n for_o the_o edification_n and_o not_o the_o rent_v of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n enforce_v unity_n from_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n upon_o those_o consideration_n that_o they_o be_v give_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o christ_n but_o to_o every_o one_o be_v grace_v give_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ._n vers._n 8._o wherefore_o he_o say_v when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o lead_v
thing_n and_o prefer_v christ_n unto_o all_o far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n 5._o as_o there_o be_v a_o world_n to_o come_v when_o this_o be_v go_v wherein_o shall_v dwell_v righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 13._o so_o though_o christ_n kingdom_n shall_v cease_v at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o be_v deliver_v up_o by_o he_o to_o the_o father_n as_o to_o the_o way_n wherein_o he_o do_v now_o administer_v it_o by_o rule_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal._n 110._o 2._o who_o he_o subdue_v and_o destroy_v psal._n 2._o 9_o and_o gathering-in_a his_o elect_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o word_n and_o sacrament_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o yet_o this_o kingdom_n of_o his_o shall_v never_o cease_v but_o be_v continue_v in_o that_o world_n which_o be_v to_o come_v without_o end_n as_o to_o the_o glory_n majesty_n absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o jesus_n christ_n mediator_n and_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n shall_v enjoy_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o these_o word_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v do_v show_v the_o duration_n of_o christ_n kingly_a glory_n and_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v not_o to_o the_o word_n name_v immediate_o precede_v but_o to_o god_n action_n of_o set_v christ_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n from_o vers._n 22_o learn_v 1._o the_o lord_n have_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o disposal_n to_o do_v with_o they_o what_o he_o please_v for_o say_v paul_n he_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o they_o have_v be_v at_o his_o disposal_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n mediator_n be_v not_o only_o exalt_v unto_o high_a glory_n and_o dignity_n above_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o also_o have_v receive_v absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o they_o all_o so_o that_o all_o the_o creature_n even_o the_o great_a be_v subject_v to_o he_o and_o that_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o subjection_n to_o wit_n some_o willing_o as_o the_o effectual_o call_v and_o choose_v psal._n 110._o 3_o other_o by_o constraint_n and_o without_o or_o contrary_a to_o any_o purpose_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o own_o be_v liable_a unto_o and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n for_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o church_n good_a rom._n 8._o 28._o thus_o devil_n reprobate_n cross_n tentation_n and_o all_o creature_n be_v subject_v to_o he_o for_o it_o seem_v those_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o christ_n foot_n must_v be_v take_v universal_o of_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a not_o only_o to_o the_o verse_n precede_v where_o the_o comparison_n be_v make_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o all_o creature_n but_o also_o to_o philip._n 2._o 10_o 11._o which_o place_n be_v a_o commentary_n unto_o this_o he_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n vers._n 22._o and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n 23._o which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o christ_n glory_n and_o sovereignty_n in_o general_n over_o all_o the_o creature_n do_v next_o hold_v forth_o his_o special_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o church_n by_o show_v that_o christ_n over_o or_o above_o all_o that_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o be_v the_o church_n head_n which_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o natural_a body_n to_o which_o he_o compare_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o first_o he_o show_v that_o christ_n do_v answer_v to_o the_o head_n which_o imply_v a_o eminency_n in_o he_o above_o the_o church_n his_o body_n cant._n 5._o 10._o together_o with_o authority_n and_o power_n over_o his_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v she_o both_o visible_o by_o his_o own_o officer_n dispense_n the_o word_n and_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o and_o inward_o by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n joh._n 16._o 13._o 14._o it_o imply_v also_o oneness_n of_o nature_n betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o church_n heb._n 2._o 14._o and_o fullness_n of_o perfection_n enable_v he_o to_o do_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o head_n to_o such_o a_o great_a necessirous_a and_o infirm_a body_n as_o his_o church_n be_v col._n 2._o 3._o and_o it_o imply_v a_o strict_a union_n betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o church_n as_o be_v betwixt_o the_o head_n and_o member_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n the_o tie_n of_o which_o union_n as_o to_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v his_o visible_a political_a and_o ministerial_a body_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 17._o be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o they_o be_v external_o psal._n 50._o 5._o together_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 8._o 37._o but_o as_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o real_a believer_n they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o inward_a man_n animate_v and_o enliven_v with_o that_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v poured-forth_a on_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 9_o they_o have_v also_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o wrought_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o col._n 1._o 4._o eph._n 6._o 24._o and_o hereby_o they_o be_v unite_v most_o strict_o to_o he_o and_o last_o the_o metaphor_n imply_v communication_n of_o influence_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o influence_n of_o common_a gift_n from_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n eph._n 4._o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o a_o influence_n of_o spiritual_a life_n motion_n and_o of_o save_a grace_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o believer_n col._n 2._o 19_o even_o as_o the_o head_n be_v above_o and_o rule_v the_o body_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o body_n have_v all_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n with_o memory_n and_o understanding_n seat_v in_o it_o for_o guide_v the_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o convey_v influence_n for_o motion_n and_o sense_n unto_o the_o body_n and_o second_o ver_fw-la 23._o he_o show_v that_o the_o church_n answer_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n under_o the_o head_n and_o be_v call_v christ_n body_n to_o wit_n not_o his_o natural_a but_o mystical_a body_n which_o imply_v not_o only_o the_o church_n union_n with_o christ_n but_o union_n and_o order_n also_o among_o the_o member_n themselves_o together_o with_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o function_n as_o there_o be_v several_a member_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o it_o imply_v also_o their_o receive_a influence_n for_o life_n and_o motion_n from_o christ_n eph._n 4._o 16._o and_o the_o duty_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n due_a unto_o he_o as_o head_n eph._n 5._o 24._o he_o show_v also_o the_o high_a honour_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o church_n by_o be_v christ_n body_n even_o that_o hereby_o they_o become_v christ_n fullness_n not_o as_o if_o believer_n do_v add_v any_o personal_a perfection_n to_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o perfection_n unto_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v only_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o mystical_a body_n unto_o which_o he_o of_o grace_n have_v undertake_v the_o relation_n of_o head_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o fullness_n not_o of_o personal_a but_o of_o mystical_a christ_n as_o both_o head_n and_o member_n of_o that_o mystical_a body_n be_v comprehend_v under_o that_o name_n christ._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o therefore_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o expression_n do_v imply_v any_o want_n of_o perfection_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n show_v that_o christ_n as_o god-man_n mediator_n fill_v the_o all_o of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n for_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n require_v this_o all_o to_o be_v so_o astrict_v upon_o who_o he_o bestow_v a_o fullness_n partly_o of_o gift_n and_o partly_o of_o grace_n a_o fullness_n answerable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o childhood_n and_o imperfection_n wherein_o we_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n as_o the_o roman_n be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n and_o knowledge_n rom._n 15._o 14_o so_o that_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o borrow_v any_o perfection_n from_o his_o church_n that_o all_o her_o perfection_n be_v but_o drop_n fall_v from_o that_o ocean_n and_o fullness_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 1._o 16._o doct._n 1._o as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o father_n gift_n unto_o the_o church_n a_o gift_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o all_o within_o the_o church_n job_n 3._o 16._o though_o not_o receive_v by_o all_o joh._n 1._o 11._o but_o by_o real_a believer_n who_o by_o receive_v he_o obtain_v
union_n and_o communion_n to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o faith_n and_o love_n on_o we_o or_o of_o external_a union_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o those_o function_n and_o office_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n yea_o and_o also_o all_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n when_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o they_o be_v all_o call_v joint_n of_o subministration_n or_o supply_v for_o the_o word_n read_v better_a so_o than_o as_o they_o be_v render_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v to_o show_v that_o those_o do_v serve_v not_o only_o to_o conjoin_v we_o with_o christ_n and_o among_o ourselves_o but_o also_o for_o channel_n and_o instrument_n of_o communication_n by_o which_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o matter_n of_o growth_n be_v convey_v both_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o he_o show_v three_o that_o the_o whole_a member_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v thus_o conjoin_v do_v not_o only_a themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o furniture_n and_o spiritual_a nourishment_n communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o joint_n or_o bond_n make_v increase_n and_o grow_v but_o also_o make_v the_o whole_a body_n thus_o conjoin_v to_o grow_v and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o those_o joint_n or_o mean_n of_o convey_v spiritual_a nourishment_n be_v bless_v and_o make_v effectual_a to_o the_o effect_n mention_v which_o effectual_a work_n and_o bless_v of_o increase_n and_o nourishment_n follow_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o communicate_v unto_o the_o member_n or_o part_n without_o measure_n as_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n joh._n 3._o 34._o or_o unto_o all_o alike_o but_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n or_o member_n that_o be_v such_o a_o measure_n as_o christ_n judge_v sufficient_a and_o most_o convenient_a to_o every_o member_n according_a to_o the_o place_n and_o function_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o use_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n and_o last_o he_o show_v the_o end_n of_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o all_o its_o member_n to_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o particular_a member_n as_o the_o advancement_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o and_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o their_o edification_n and_o growth_n be_v carry_v along_v in_o and_o contribute_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o this_o flow_v from_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o member_n which_o do_v not_o look_v to_o itself_o only_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 5_o but_o make_v every_o part_n contribute_v all_o what_o it_o be_v and_o can_v do_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a hence_o learn_v 1._o as_o christ_n and_o believer_n make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o they_o member_n see_v upon_o chap._n 1._o 22_o 23._o so_o all_o thing_n requisite_a unto_o believer_n to_o make_v they_o a_o body_n do_v flow_v from_o christ_n their_o union_n order_n bond_n of_o union_n spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o instrument_n of_o communication_n whereby_o it_o be_v convey_v their_o growth_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o growth_n and_o all_o be_v from_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o full_o teach_v from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o there_o be_v a_o most_o orderly_a and_o firm_a union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n with_o their_o head_n and_o among_o themselves_o so_o this_o union_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_n spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o make_v increase_n thereby_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n a_o member_n cut_v off_o or_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n can_v be_v nourish_v for_o he_o say_v the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v do_v make_v increase_n the_o first_o word_n fit_o join_v do_v express_v the_o orderly_a frame_n and_o proportion_n of_o all_o the_o member_n in_o this_o union_n the_o second_o compact_a express_v the_o firmness_n of_o this_o union_n 3._o as_o there_o be_v joint_n and_o bond_n both_o of_o the_o internal_a and_o external_a union_n of_o this_o body_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o exposition_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o common_a gift_n so_o that_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o both_o as_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o instrument_n of_o communication_n whereby_o he_o convey_v spiritual_a nourishment_n unto_o the_o respective_a member_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o scare_v we_o from_o divide_v or_o rent_v upon_o these_o or_o because_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o those_o in_o the_o several_a member_n for_o he_o say_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v compact_v by_o every_o joint_n and_o he_o call_v they_o joint_n of_o supply_n whereby_o furniture_n be_v convey_v his_o general_a scope_n wherein_o be_v to_o enforce_v the_o study_n of_o unity_n notwithstanding_o of_o diversity_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o office_n compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v or_o every_o joint_n of_o supply_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o this_o body_n either_o dead_a or_o idle_a or_o live_v and_o work_v only_o to_o itself_o but_o what_o life_n or_o nourishment_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o head_n that_o it_o do_v endeavour_v to_o communicate_v unto_o other_o for_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o effectual_a work_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o every_o member_n according_a to_o which_o it_o make_v increase_v not_o only_o of_o itself_o but_o of_o the_o body_n 5._o as_o there_o be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o body_n which_o receive_v the_o essential_a operation_n and_o gift_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o as_o all_o receive_v some_o measure_n less_o or_o more_o so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o to_o contribute_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o especial_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o by_o extend_v themselves_o beyond_o their_o measure_n but_o according_a to_o it_o that_o be_v all_o which_o god_n require_v for_o he_o say_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o all_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n do_v make_v increase_n of_o the_o body_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n 6._o as_o it_o be_v not_o our_o improve_n of_o our_o measure_n of_o gift_n and_o grace_n receive_v which_o of_o itself_o and_o without_o the_o effectual_a operation_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n spirit_n will_v bring_v about_o the_o spiritual_a good_a and_o advantage_n either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o other_o so_o we_o ought_v not_o on_o this_o pretence_n to_o ly-by_a do_v nothing_o but_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o measure_n receive_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o our_o so_o do_v for_o he_o say_v increase_n be_v make_v of_o the_o body_n according_a to_o both_o those_o the_o spirit_n effectual_a operation_n and_o the_o activity_n of_o every_o part_n or_o member_n according_a to_o its_o measure_n even_o according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n 7._o as_o all_o the_o lively_a member_n of_o this_o body_n do_v make_v increase_n and_o grow_v in_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o that_o be_v only_o true_a growth_n and_o a_o growth_n whereof_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v fountain_n and_o author_n which_o add_v somewhat_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o bring_v advantage_n to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a but_o not_o that_o growth_n which_o seem_v to_o bring_v some_o benefit_n to_o a_o few_o with_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n make_v increase_v not_o only_o of_o itself_o but_o also_o of_o the_o body_n say_v he_o 8._o as_o there_o be_v no_o such_o degree_n of_o growth_n attain_v here_o neither_o by_o the_o church_n in_o general_a nor_o its_o lively_a member_n in_o particular_a but_o there_o be_v degree_n yet_o want_v of_o their_o full_a and_o just_a stature_n so_o the_o measure_n of_o growth_n and_o increase_v already_o receive_v shall_v be_v improve_v by_o we_o for_o attain_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o growth_n and_o advantage_n not_o only_o to_o ourselves_o but_o also_o to_o other_o chief_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o he_o say_v every_o member_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o so_o that_o the_o increase_v receive_v be_v to_o be_v improven_v for_o attain_v more_o even_o further_a edification_n 9_o the_o more_o a_o man_n