and_o be_v immediate_o baptize_v in_o great_a number_n can_v be_v suppose_v at_o that_o time_n to_o know_v more_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v accept_v from_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v be_v accept_v from_o those_o who_o want_v the_o opportunity_n of_o better_a instruction_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o baptize_v and_o nominal_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o know_v thus_o much_o it_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o their_o salvation_n than_o for_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a article_n they_o be_v get_v above_o this_o state_n of_o a_o general_a and_o implicit_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o err_v not_o for_o want_v of_o instruction_n but_o from_o a_o certain_a wantonness_n and_o pride_n of_o understanding_n they_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o understand_v what_o have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o general_a faith_n of_o christian_n in_o such_o matter_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o deny_v such_o catholic_n doctrine_n it_o appear_v they_o have_v a_o great_a conceit_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o dare_v oppose_v their_o private_a opinion_n and_o reason_n against_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v such_o unpardonable_a immodesty_n as_o admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n if_o they_o lose_v themselves_o in_o the_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o mistake_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o though_o such_o person_n may_v be_v otherwise_o very_o pious_a and_o useful_a man_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o shall_v deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n any_o more_o for_o their_o sake_n than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o devout_a and_o virtuous_a jew_n and_o heathen_n 2._o have_v thus_o as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v state_v and_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o the_o next_o inquiry_n be_v concern_v those_o church_n which_o profess_o own_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o together_o with_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o fundamental_o entertain_v such_o corrupt_a doctrine_n as_o in_o their_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n overthrow_v foundation_n and_o whether_o such_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o err_v fundamental_o i_o will_v but_o brief_o touch_v on_o this_o head_n and_o though_o i_o may_v give_v too_o many_o instance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a confine_v myself_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v no_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v express_o deny_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n she_o receive_v all_o the_o ancient_a creed_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n death_n his_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o then_o she_o teach_v such_o other_o corrupt_a doctrine_n as_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v reconcile_v with_o this_o faith_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n seem_v many_o way_n to_o be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o by_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o quick_a and_o for_o the_o dead_a for_o if_o christ_n make_v a_o perfect_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n what_o need_v of_o repeat_v this_o sacrifice_n every_o day_n which_o represent_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v as_o imperfect_a as_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o take_v away_o sin_n nor_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o be_v repeat_v again_o every_o year_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o humane_a penance_n and_o satisfaction_n especial_o the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o superabundant_a merit_n of_o some_o eminent_a saint_n which_o compose_v the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v be_v apply_v by_o the_o pope_n to_o other_o sinner_n to_o purchase_v their_o pardon_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o indulgence_n seem_v mighty_o to_o disparage_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o he_o have_v make_v a_o perfect_a atonement_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n we_o need_v not_o invent_v so_o many_o other_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o whoever_o consider_v what_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n teach_v about_o the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n can_v hardly_o think_v that_o she_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n but_o i_o need_v not_o enumerate_v many_o particular_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v too_o evident_a and_o notorious_a the_o great_a question_n then_o be_v this_o whether_o such_o a_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o fundamental_a error_n for_o this_o sound_n like_o a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o church_n which_o believe_v all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o that_o christian_a faith_n shall_v yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o fundamental_a error_n and_o indeed_o if_o by_o fundamental_a error_n we_o mean_v such_o error_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a article_n so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o church_n which_o own_v and_o profess_v all_o fundamental_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o fundamental_a error_n but_o if_o by_o fundamental_a error_n we_o mean_v such_o error_n as_o contradict_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n so_o she_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o fundamental_a error_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o church_n to_o believe_v two_o doctrine_n which_o contradict_v each_o other_o when_o the_o contradiction_n be_v not_o in_o express_a term_n but_o consequential_a for_o all_o man_n or_o church_n do_v not_o see_v or_o will_v not_o own_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v observe_v among_o a_o great_a many_o other_o man_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o use_n of_o this_o observation_n be_v very_o considerable_a upon_o many_o account_n but_o especial_o in_o our_o present_a dispute_n about_o catholic_n communion_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n we_o may_v communicate_v with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o believe_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o yet_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o in_o their_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n overthrow_v foundation_n this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a difference_n between_o a_o church_n which_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o church_n which_o believe_v all_o fundamental_o but_o superadd_v some_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o in_o their_o consequence_n destroy_v foundation_n that_o the_o first_o be_v never_o capable_a of_o catholic_n communion_n because_o she_o deny_v catholic_n doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o catholic_n communion_n but_o the_o second_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v because_o she_o retain_v all_o save_a knowledge_n i._n e._n all_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n though_o intermix_v with_o dangerous_a error_n now_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n how_o far_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o profess_v all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o superadd_v other_o very_a corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n we_o may_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n that_o we_o must_v not_o purchase_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n by_o profess_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o corrupt_a doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a error_n no_o one_o church_n ought_v thus_o to_o impose_v upon_o another_o nor_o do_v any_o church_n pretend_v to_o it_o but_o only_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v she_o own_o faith_n as_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o she_o can_v but_o she_o have_v not_o that_o authority_n over_o any_o other_o church_n as_o to_o impose_v upon_o their_o faith_n a_o orthodox_n church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o admonish_v neighbour_n church_n of_o any_o doctrinal_a corruption_n but_o must_v not_o reject_v their_o communion_n for_o every_o error_n though_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o it_o be_v not_o fundamental_a the_o belief_n of_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n do_v mighty_o qualify_v the_o evil_a and_o malignant_a influence_n of_o many_o very_a corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o many_o man_n be_v observe_v to_o live_v much_o better_a than_o they_o believe_v because_o though_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o great_a many_o corrupt_a doctrine_n which_o
that_o there_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v certain_o no_o very_a good_a argument_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o if_o catholic_n communion_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o must_v reduce_v the_o catholic_n church_n into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o un-church_n most_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o not_o maintain_v this_o catholic_n communion_n if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o as_o every_o good_a man_n will_v be_v for_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o will_v mr._n baxter_n have_v i_o frame_v some_o new_a notion_n of_o catholick-unity_n and_o schism_n to_o justify_v the_o many_o schism_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n must_v we_o fit_v our_o notion_n of_o church-unity_n to_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v a_o break_a and_o divide_a church_n to_o a_o true_a primitive_a state_n of_o unity_n suppose_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o catholic_n doctrine_n instead_o of_o catholic_n communion_n have_v be_v only_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o such_o another_o objector_n as_o mr._n b._n shall_v urge_v i_o with_o this_o inconvenience_n that_o then_o there_o be_v very_o few_o church_n that_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n because_o in_o most_o age_n and_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v such_o great_a breach_n between_o several_a famous_a church_n about_o what_o they_o think_v the_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v i_o therefore_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o catholic_n doctrine_n to_o a_o catholic_n church_n for_o fear_v of_o that_o inference_n that_o then_o there_o be_v many_o large_a and_o famous_a church_n which_o be_v not_o true_a catholic_n apostolic_a church_n this_o be_v the_o way_n i_o confess_v never_o to_o be_v without_o a_o catholic_n church_n to_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v what_o the_o present_a church_n be_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o way_n also_o to_o make_v a_o new_a christianity_n in_o every_o age._n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a because_o many_o of_o the_o schism_n which_o now_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o many_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v owe_v to_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v catholic_n doctrine_n such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o lutheran_n and_o zuinglian_a church_n so_o that_o mr._n b._n must_v either_o find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o catholic_n doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o without_o catholic_n communion_n or_o must_v reduce_v the_o catholic_n church_n almost_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n for_o want_v of_o catholic_n doctrine_n as_o for_o want_v of_o catholic_n communion_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o these_o doctrinal_a dispute_n be_v not_o of_o that_o moment_n as_o to_o cause_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o he_o will_v mighty_o enlarge_v catholic_n communion_n and_o answer_v this_o formidable_a objection_n himself_o ii_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v that_o catholic_n communion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n impracticable_a because_o it_o be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la religious_o observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o several_a age_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n who_o make_v catholic_n communion_n essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v a_o impracticable_a notion_n which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o which_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o all_o age_n iii_o for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v all_o good_a christian_n from_o maintain_v communion_n with_o all_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v such_o church_n to_o be_v find_v in_o france_n in_o germany_n in_o holland_n etc._n etc._n what_o shall_v hinder_v any_o sober_a christian_a who_o travel_v into_o those_o country_n and_o understand_v their_o language_n from_o join_v with_o they_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o catholic_n communion_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o nothing_o can_v reasonable_o hinder_v our_o communion_n with_o those_o that_o be_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n impose_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o opportunity_n serve_v so_o that_o those_o who_o think_v it_o such_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o maintain_v catholic_n communion_n among_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o this_o age_n must_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o time_n which_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n christian_n can_v communicate_v with_o for_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v catholic_n communion_n impossible_a and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a consideration_n and_o deep_o to_o be_v lament_v of_o all_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v help_v catholic_n communion_n be_v very_o feasible_a when_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d catholic_n church_n to_o communicate_v with_o but_o when_o there_o be_v none_o it_o can_v be_v have_v or_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o such_o it_o must_v be_v maintain_v among_o those_o few_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v true_a catholic_n communion_n which_o include_v all_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v they_o more_o or_o less_o but_o the_o thing_n at_o present_a to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o whether_o he_o who_o deny_v any_o church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a catholic_n church_n which_o do_v not_o maintain_v catholic_n communion_n make_v the_o catholic_n church_n any_o narrow_a than_o he_o do_v who_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o catholic_n communion_n because_o there_o be_v very_o few_o church_n which_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v safe_o communicate_v with_o for_o i_o suppose_v those_o be_v no_o true_a catholic_n church_n which_o a_o catholic_n christian_n must_v not_o communicate_v with_o and_z catholic_n communion_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o all_o other_o church_n who_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a as_o for_o instance_n 189._o answer_v to_o dr._n sherlack_n p._n 189._o mr._n baxter_n reckon_v up_o twelve_o sect_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n his_o only_a doubt_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o ask_v mr._n b._n then_o whether_o these_o church_n be_v so_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n that_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v communicate_v with_o they_o if_o they_o be_v than_o here_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o maintain_v catholic_n communion_n with_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o least_o except_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o they_o be_v not_o how_o be_v they_o catholic_n church_n be_v those_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a that_o a_o catholic_n christian_n must_v not_o own_v their_o communion_n catholic_n communion_n may_v certain_o be_v maintain_v with_o those_o church_n who_o communion_n be_v lawful_a and_o i_o think_v it_o as_o certain_a that_o those_o church_n can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a four_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o many_o positive_a act_n of_o communion_n necessary_a to_o preserve_v catholic_n communion_n between_o foreign_a church_n and_o therefore_o catholic_n communion_n be_v not_o so_o impracticable_a as_o some_o may_v imagine_v the_o church_n of_o distant_a nation_n can_v worship_v god_n together_o nor_o easy_o meet_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n but_o they_o may_v own_v and_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v which_o signify_v their_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o nay_o where_o there_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n no_o declare_v disow_v of_o each_o other_o nor_o express_v denial_n of_o any_o act_n of_o communion_n between_o distant_a church_n those_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o there_o be_v some_o christian_a church_n which_o we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o nor_o they_o of_o we_o but_o while_o we_o break_v not_o communion_n with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o profess_v communion_n with_o all_o that_o be_v so_o we_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o live_v in_o catholic_n
to_o the_o same_o passion_n nay_o he_o assert_v the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o to_o be_v passable_a and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o show_v how_o this_o overthrow_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a heresy_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o leo_n bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o flavian_n who_o be_v then_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o be_v afterward_o murder_v by_o the_o eutychian_a faction_n in_o the_o pack_v council_n of_o ephesus_n confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n from_o the_o very_a principle_n flavian_n et_fw-la ad_fw-la resolvendum_fw-la conditionis_fw-la noslrae_fw-la debitum_fw-la natura_fw-la inviolabilis_fw-la naturae_fw-la est_fw-la unita_fw-la passibili_fw-la ut_fw-la quod_fw-la nostris_fw-la remediis_fw-la congruebat_fw-la medlator_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o bominum_fw-la homo_fw-la jesus_n christus_fw-la &_o mori_fw-la posset_n ex_fw-la uno_fw-la &_o non_fw-la mori_fw-la posset_n ex_fw-la altero_fw-la leo_fw-la ep_n ad_fw-la flavian_n on_o which_o i_o have_v all_o along_o proceed_v because_o it_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o say_v he_o to_o discharge_v the_o debt_n and_o obligation_n of_o our_o lapse_v state_n a_o nature_n which_o can_v suffer_v be_v unite_v to_o a_o nature_n which_o can_v that_o so_o as_o our_o redemption_n require_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v and_o die_v as_o man_n and_o exempt_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o die_v as_o god_n this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o fundamental_a the_o belief_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n or_o nothing_o be_v fundamental_a in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v necessary_o found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n each_o sacred_a person_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o i_o confess_v it_o do_v mighty_o confirm_v i_o in_o this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o that_o it_o do_v so_o plain_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o have_v always_o be_v account_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a by_o the_o catholic_n church_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n command_n to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a creed_n the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v little_a else_o than_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v of_o god_n the_o father_n what_o of_o god_n the_o son_n and_o what_o of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o heretic_n arise_v who_o corrupt_v this_o faith_n the_o catholic_n church_n express_v great_a zeal_n in_o nothing_o than_o in_o preserve_v this_o faith_n pure_a and_o sincere_a this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o first_o general_a council_n wherein_o arius_n nestorius_n eutyches_n macedonius_n and_o such_o other_o heretic_n be_v condemn_v this_o occasion_v the_o nicene_n constantinopolitan_n and_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n which_o contain_v only_o the_o catholic_n exposition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o ancient_a heresy_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a nay_o almost_o the_o only_a subject_n of_o all_o our_o creed_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v a_o fundamental_a of_o our_o religion_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o strange_a that_o be_v shall_v be_v a_o fundamental_a if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a speculation_n which_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n nor_o valuable_a upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o pure_a orthodoxy_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v why_o any_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v not_o express_v a_o great_a and_o warm_a zeal_n for_o it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v how_o the_o whole_a gospel-doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n depend_v on_o it_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o if_o man_n may_v lead_v a_o very_a holy_a life_n without_o the_o velief_n of_o the_o trinity_n some_o think_v this_o faith_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o now_o this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o man_n may_v live_v very_o holy_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n unless_o we_o suppose_v also_o that_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v carry_v man_n to_o heaven_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n or_o salvation_n by_o he_o for_o we_o can_v right_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n without_o this_o faith_n and_o thus_o i_o may_v shut_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o fundamental_o for_o indeed_o i_o know_v nothing_o strict_o fundamental_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o several_a act_n and_o office_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o each_o sacred_a person_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n which_o i_o have_v already_o brief_o hint_v but_o have_v enter_v upon_o a_o discourse_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n to_o give_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o inquisitive_a man_n i_o shall_v venture_v one_o step_n further_o and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n need_v go_v any_o further_o 3._o the_o next_o inquiry_n therefore_o shall_v be_v what_o be_v fundamental_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n itself_o now_o this_o our_o saviour_n brief_o comprehend_v in_o that_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n 24.47_o luke_n 24.47_o i._n e._n to_o preach_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o true_a penitent_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n 25._o rom._n 3.24_o 25._o or_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n as_o st._n paul_n expound_v it_o now_o not_o to_o dispute_v this_o point_n at_o present_a with_o the_o socinian_o all_o who_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v to_o make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n of_o christ_n death_n to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v build_v for_o therefore_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n because_o he_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o this_o be_v we_o be_v often_o tell_v viz._n by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v for_o grant_v than_o it_o must_v be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o belief_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o atonement_n of_o christ_n death_n make_v a_o specifical_a change_n in_o religion_n a_o religion_n with_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o religion_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n differ_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o atonement_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o our_o daily_a infirmity_n it_o respect_v god_n as_o the_o judge_n and_o avenger_n of_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o who_o diligent_o seek_v he_o the_o other_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o philosophical_a institution_n to_o train_n man_n up_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v a_o religion_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v at_o most_o but_o half_a as_o much_o as_o a_o religion_n with_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o half_a wherein_o they_o agree_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o each_o other_o that_o religion_n which_o require_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o it_o do_v also_o strict_o enjoin_v the_o practiee_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o a_o religion_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o this_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v vast_o alter_v by_o the_o belief_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o christ_n death_n those_o who_o deny_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n may_v pay_v all_o that_o homage_n and_o worship_n to_o god_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o benefactor_n of_o mankind_n and_o may_v observe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n but_o there_o be_v some_o new_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o some_o new_a instance_n of_o duty_n or_o new_a degree_n and_o respect_n of_o vertuâ—â—…_n which_o necessary_o result_v from_o the_o expiation_n of_o christ_n death_n which_o either_o can_v be_v
in_o their_o natural_a consequence_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o it_o yet_o when_o withal_o they_o hearty_o believe_v all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o true_a faith_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o error_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o such_o doctrine_n or_o be_v sufficient_o antidote_v against_o the_o poison_n of_o they_o nay_o many_o time_n it_o so_o happen_v that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o see_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o they_o draw_v only_o good_a consequence_n from_o they_o which_o may_v make_v they_o as_o good_a or_o better_a man_n than_o many_o be_v who_o have_v a_o better_a faith_n thus_o to_o instance_n at_o present_a in_o some_o very_a popular_a and_o prevail_a doctrine_n not_o dispute_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a election_n and_o reprobation_n the_o inconditionality_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o no-necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o our_o justification_n the_o absolute_a impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o do_v the_o least_o good_a the_o irresistibility_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o such_o like_a antinomian_a doctrine_n be_v charge_v by_o their_o adversary_n with_o as_o dismal_a consequence_n as_o any_o doctrine_n be_v capable_a of_o even_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o have_v very_o ill_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n who_o be_v not_o thorough_o possess_v with_o some_o other_o principle_n to_o qualify_v and_o allay_v they_o but_o yet_o if_o after_o all_o this_o these_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o inflexible_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n without_o holiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v make_v any_o ill_a use_n of_o these_o doctrine_n to_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o they_o believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n that_o these_o doctrine_n do_v mighty_o advance_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n it_o may_v increase_v their_o love_n to_o god_n inflame_v their_o devotion_n and_o make_v they_o very_o active_a in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n for_o when_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o prevail_a sense_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n they_o may_v spare_v a_o great_a many_o other_o argument_n to_o obedience_n now_o we_o must_v not_o hence_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o man_n believe_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o every_o practical_a error_n be_v a_o state_n of_o temptation_n and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n do_v often_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o orthodox_n faith_n than_o a_o orthodox_n faith_n prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n as_o be_v lamentable_o see_v in_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o man_n but_o the_o only_a inference_n i_o draw_v from_o hence_o be_v this_o that_o every_o error_n though_o in_o itself_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o notwithstanding_o such_o error_n profess_v all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o we_o can_v maintain_v communion_n with_o she_o without_o profess_v her_o error_n 2._o while_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_a no_o corrupt_a doctrine_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o break_v communion_n which_o do_v not_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a worship_n the_o principal_a act_n of_o christian_a communion_n consist_v in_o christian_a worship_n and_o if_o any_o church_n have_v so_o corrupt_v divine_a worship_n that_o a_o good_a christian_a must_v not_o join_v in_o it_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n abstain_v from_o their_o communion_n though_o we_o be_v not_o equal_o bind_v to_o deny_v they_o we_o for_o there_o be_v some_o fundamental_o of_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n through_o one_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o when_o any_o church_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o its_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o image_n and_o the_o consecrate_a host_n it_o be_v necessary_a then_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o such_o a_o corrupt_a communion_n but_o then_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o though_o they_o may_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v neither_o fundamental_a error_n nor_o introduce_v any_o such_o fundamental_a corruption_n into_o religious_a worship_n i_o can_v see_v no_o imaginable_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v break_v communion_n between_o neighbour_n church_n if_o no_o church_n must_v communicate_v with_o each_o other_o which_o do_v not_o exact_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o two_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v maintain_v this_o christian_a communion_n certain_o catholic_n communion_n require_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o all_o those_o church_n with_o who_o we_o can_v communicate_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o church_n deny_v no_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n nor_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a worship_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o nor_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v when_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a nothing_o can_v justify_v our_o breach_n of_o communion_n as_o for_o instance_n i_o take_v the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n of_o consubstantiation_n to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a error_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v deny_v communion_n to_o i_o unless_o i_o will_v profess_v my_o belief_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v judge_v it_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o yet_o if_o no_o such_o condition_n be_v impose_v on_o i_o i_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o communicate_v with_o they_o because_o though_o consubstantiation_n be_v a_o error_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o corrupt_v their_o worship_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n do_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o lutheran_n church_n observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n without_o any_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o host_n their_o doctrine_n make_v no_o change_n in_o their_o worship_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v our_o communion_n the_o error_n of_o any_o church_n can_v make_v its_o communion_n sinful_a unless_o they_o make_v its_o worship_n so_o be_v transubstantiation_n itself_o as_o absurd_a a_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a speculation_n without_o any_o influence_n upon_o worship_n do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n strict_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o either_o take_n from_o it_o or_o add_v a_o new_a idolatrous_a worship_n to_o it_o they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o opinion_n if_o they_o please_v so_o they_o will_v let_v i_o enjoy_v i_o and_o i_o will_v not_o break_v with_o they_o mere_o upon_o this_o score_n nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o to_o dream_v of_o reconcile_a all_o the_o dispute_n of_o christendom_n and_o of_o make_v all_o man_n or_o all_o church_n of_o a_o mind_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o catholic_n communion_n can_v be_v maintain_v among_o church_n of_o a_o different_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n in_o some_o controvert_v point_n we_o must_v never_o hope_v for_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v our_o only_a inquiry_n be_v what_o difference_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n and_o i_o know_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o this_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n how_o different_a soever_o our_o opinion_n in_o other_o matter_n may_v be_v while_o we_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n those_o animosity_n indeed_o which_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n occasion_n too_o often_o not_o only_o between_o private_a man_n but_o christian_a church_n set_v they_o at_o a_o much_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o than_o the_o most_o distant_a opinion_n but_o yet_o that_o this_o be_v practicable_a to_o maintain_v christian_a communion_n notwithstanding_o this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o intrinsic_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o from_o manifest_a experience_n we_o know_v how_o many_o sect_n there_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n especial_o those_o two_o famous_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o
divine_a grace_n and_o life_n can_v a_o finite_a creature_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o universal_a soul_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o every_o sincere_a member_n of_o it_o can_v a_o creature_n make_v such_o close_a application_n to_o our_o mind_n know_v our_o thought_n set_v bound_n to_o our_o passion_n inspire_v we_o with_o new_a affection_n and_o desire_n and_o be_v more_o intimate_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o if_o a_o creature_n be_v the_o only_a instrument_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v tempt_v either_o to_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o to_o make_v it_o only_o a_o external_a thing_n and_o entertain_v very_o mean_a conceit_n of_o it_o all_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o immortality_n in_o we_o which_o first_o give_v life_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n raise_v our_o dead_a body_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n work_v which_o sufficient_o proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o which_o we_o can_v hearty_o believe_v in_o the_o gospel-notion_n of_o they_o if_o he_o be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o fundamental_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o we_o can_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n nor_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o this_o belief_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o this_o be_v reserve_v for_o gospel-time_n and_o only_o obscure_o hint_v under_o the_o law_n because_o the_o peculiar_a use_n of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n each_o sacred_a person_n have_v a_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o concernment_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o who_o express_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o many_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v of_o old_a and_o as_o the_o socinian_o do_v at_o this_o day_n do_v err_v fundamental_o however_o god_n may_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o meddle_v with_o but_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o acknowledge_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o eternal_a god_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o little_a subtlety_n start_v by_o overcurious_a and_o busy_a head_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v so_o god_n forbid_v that_o all_o the_o nice_a distinction_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o school_n about_o essence_n subsistence_n personalty_n about_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n the_o difference_n between_o filiation_n and_o spiration_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o understand_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n as_o indeed_o we_o do_v and_o it_o have_v be_v happy_a the_o church_n have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o each_o person_n we_o believe_v enough_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o though_o that_o fatal_a dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la be_v of_o more_o importance_n than_o such_o scholastic_a subtlety_n yet_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o concern_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a god_n though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v that_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o father_n only_o and_o though_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a mistake_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v secure_v by_o believe_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a god_n without_o define_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o procession_n 2._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n also_o and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a assenstion_n into_o heaven_n intercession_n for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n to_o reward_v his_o faithful_a disciple_n with_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a with_o eternal_a death_n must_v be_v reckon_v also_o among_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n because_o we_o can_v right_o understand_v nor_o right_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n without_o a_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n this_o be_v so_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o proposal_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a man_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n err_v fundamental_o for_o he_o can_v not_o die_v for_o we_o nor_o expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n if_o he_o be_v not_o man_n as_o for_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o this_o hypostatical_a union_n how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o unconceivable_a by_o we_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v any_o one_o sort_n of_o natural_a union_n not_o so_o much_o as_o how_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n hang_v together_o much_o less_o how_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o make_v one_o man_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o christ_n that_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v both_o perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n or_o we_o must_v err_v fundamental_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n distinct_o and_z separately_z consider_v can_v be_v our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-notion_n of_o salvation_n god_n can_v suffer_v and_o die_v and_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n can_v expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o power_n save_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n and_o man_n be_v so_o unite_a in_o christ_n that_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n of_o each_o nature_n do_v as_o proper_o belong_v to_o one_o christ_n as_o the_o distinct_a operation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o same_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v the_o heresy_n of_o nestorius_n and_o eutyches_n for_o nestorius_n divide_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o person_n in_o christ_n only_o unite_v they_o in_o authority_n and_o dignity_n and_o thus_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o incarnate_a god_n in_o one_o person_n but_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v take_v into_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n than_o any_o other_o man_n or_o creature_n be_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o which_o destroy_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n for_o whatever_o dignity_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o man_n christ_n by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a word_n yet_o his_o blood_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n because_o notwithstanding_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o son_n he_o remain_v as_o much_o a_o distinct_a person_n and_o subsistence_n as_o any_o other_o man_n be_v the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n be_v certain_o equal_o dangerous_a for_o he_o run_v so_o far_o from_o the_o nestorian_a heresy_n of_o two_o person_n that_o he_o deny_v two_o nature_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n before_o their_o union_n but_o he_o assert_v such_o a_o union_n of_o nature_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v a_o mixture_n and_o confusion_n of_o nature_n that_o christ_n do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n after_o this_o union_n but_o the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o blend_v together_o as_o to_o become_v one_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d niceph._n calist_n l._n 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id._n l._n 15._o cap._n 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o deny_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o our_o body_n or_o subject_n
sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o demonstrative_a way_n that_o can_v be_v for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o like_o the_o way_n of_o make_v fundamental_a article_n by_o deduction_n and_o consequence_n from_o such_o a_o fundamental_a because_o as_o mr._n mede_n observe_v all_o man_n may_v not_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o consequence_n though_o it_o appear_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o other_o yet_o if_o for_o instance_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v then_o though_o every_o true_a consequence_n from_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o fundamental_a yet_o whatever_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o this_o doctrine_n without_o which_o we_o can_v right_o understand_v and_o believe_v salvation_n by_o christ_n must_v be_v as_o fundamental_a as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v unless_o the_o letter_n or_o word_n of_o the_o article_n be_v fundamental_a but_o not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o within_o these_o bound_n i_o have_v keep_v myself_o i_o have_v assert_v no_o doctrine_n to_o be_v fundamental_a but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o belief_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o draw_v fundamental_a consequence_n mr._n mede_n indeed_o assign_v another_o ratio_fw-la of_o fundamental_a article_n 83._o ib._n ep_v 83._o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v necessarii_fw-la cognitu_fw-la &_o creditu_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n simple_o and_o absolute_o and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a which_o shall_v be_v save_v uncapable_a to_o understand_v they_o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o i_o who_o make_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n in_o its_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n a_o fundamental_a article_n but_o then_o more_o particular_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o contain_v only_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o practice_n and_o not_o all_o those_o neither_o but_o such_o as_o have_v necessary_a influence_n upon_o the_o act_n and_o function_n of_o christian_a life_n or_o whereon_o the_o act_n without_o which_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o depend_v such_o namely_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n whereof_o we_o can_v neither_o invocate_v the_o father_n aright_o nor_o have_v that_o faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o his_o son_n our_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v where_o he_o seem_v evident_o to_o confine_v fundamental_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o what_o he_o call_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o function_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n but_o he_o proceed_v how_o far_o this_o ratio_fw-la of_o a_o fundamental_a article_n will_v stretch_v i_o know_v not_o but_o believe_v it_o will_v fetch_v in_o most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o by_o it_o also_o those_o two_o main_a error_n of_o the_o socinian_o the_o one_o deny_v the_o divine_a nature_n the_o other_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v discern_v to_o be_v fundamental_a for_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o first_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v right_o that_o be_v incommunicable_o worship_v so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v consubstantial_a to_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o same_o worship_n worship_v not_o the_o father_n incommunicable_o which_o be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o who_o we_o look_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o second_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v i_o suppose_v no_o save_a faith_n nor_o reliance_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n how_o well_o this_o agree_v with_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v about_o fundamental_o every_o one_o will_v easy_o perceive_v some_o other_o learned_a man_n go_v the_o same_o way_n with_o mr._n mede_n in_o assign_v the_o general_n ratio_fw-la or_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o that_o they_o be_v such_o doctrine_n as_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o a_o christian_a life_n though_o they_o do_v not_o confine_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o some_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o he_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o have_v he_o not_o some_o other_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o in_o his_o mind_n than_o what_o he_o express_v for_o all_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v equal_o require_v of_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a in_o this_o way_n to_o extend_v the_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o to_o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o universal_a influence_n upon_o a_o good_a life_n but_o i_o have_v something_o to_o offer_v with_o all_o modesty_n and_o just_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o such_o great_a name_n against_o this_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o 1._o that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v of_o fundamental_a doctrine_n by_o the_o end_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o serve_v we_o must_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o we_o can_v not_o see_v what_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v account_v a_o fundamental_a article_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o divine_a person_n consider_v only_o as_o three_o person_n have_v no_o great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o make_v man_n good_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a god_n it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o divine_a person_n as_o concern_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n so_o the_o belief_n of_o each_o person_n have_v a_o distinct_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n but_o this_o be_v not_o owe_v immediate_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n who_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o father_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o abide_v with_o we_o 3._o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n christian_a doctrine_n much_o less_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o good_a criterion_n of_o a_o fundamental_a such_o be_v all_o the_o natural_a argument_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o though_o they_o be_v adopt_v into_o christianity_n yet_o will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n with_o any_o man_n who_o can_v distinguish_v between_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o revelation_n 4._o man_n may_v live_v very_o holy_a life_n without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o belief_n of_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o doctrine_n which_o will_v advance_v holiness_n be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o this_o general_a rule_n do_v not_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o 5._o nay_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v fundamental_a that_o they_o be_v false_a may_v yet_o prevail_v with_o and_o incline_v some_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o real_a holiness_n 6._o some_o doctrine_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n life_n be_v not_o yet_o fundamental_a error_n for_o man_n may_v believe_v they_o and_o yet_o live_v well_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v still_o want_v a_o rule_n to_o judge_n of_o fundamental_a heresy_n by_o unless_o no_o heresy_n be_v fundamental_a but_o when_o it_o debauch_n man_n life_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n no_o doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a but_o when_o it_o actual_o govern_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n 7._o this_o leaf_n man_n at_o great_a liberty_n to_o believe_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v to_o be_v fundamental_a and_o to_o change_v even_o christianity_n itself_o into_o a_o new_a religion_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o can_v
obey_v god_n without_o such_o doctrine_n nay_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n itself_o i_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v believe_v christianity_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n to_o they_o 8._o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o no_o doctrine_n can_v be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v not_o one_o way_n or_o other_o a_o influence_n upon_o a_o christian_a life_n but_o then_o all_o the_o peculiar_a argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o principle_n of_o pure_a evangelical_a obedience_n as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n that_o itself_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o be_v big_a with_o argument_n and_o persuasive_n to_o virtue_n take_v away_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o no_o other_o consideration_n can_v have_v any_o force_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o a_o christian_a nay_o there_o be_v no_o other_o gospel-motive_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whatever_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n of_o christianity_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v either_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o certain_a way_n to_o discern_v fundamental_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o their_o tendency_n to_o promote_v real_a righteousness_n as_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o acknowledge_v fundamental_a and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 2._o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o when_o i_o discourse_n of_o fundamental_o i_o do_v not_o reject_v all_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o what_o be_v strict_o fundamental_a as_o useless_a in_o the_o christian_a life_n or_o unfit_a term_n of_o church_n communion_n god_n afford_v we_o more_o than_o what_o be_v bare_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o for_o our_o natural_a life_n and_o expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v make_v daily_a improvement_n in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n it_o be_v much_o more_o the_o duty_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o to_o instruct_v her_o child_n not_o only_o in_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o christianity_n but_o in_o all_o those_o great_a truth_n which_o advance_v our_o progress_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n but_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o require_v as_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o many_o great_a and_o useful_a truth_n and_o a_o abrenunciation_n of_o many_o dangerous_a error_n which_o be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n fundamental_a or_o else_o she_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o teach_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n of_o vast_a use_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o many_o very_a fatal_a and_o pernicious_a error_n which_o be_v not_o proper_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v have_v occasion_v the_o final_a damnation_n of_o many_o more_o than_o ever_o fundamental_a error_n have_v do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v care_n of_o man_n soul_n she_o be_v bind_v also_o to_o root_v out_o such_o pernicious_a doctrine_n but_o the_o use_n i_o design_v the_o doctrine_n of_o fundamental_o for_o in_o this_o place_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o catholic_n communion_n between_o distinct_a church_n which_o have_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o for_o though_o a_o church_n have_v entertain_v many_o corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n yet_o if_o she_o profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v no_o authority_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o doctrine_n to_o divide_v from_o her_o communion_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o communicate_v in_o her_o error_n though_o not_o fundamental_a and_o no_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v such_o hard_a term_n of_o communion_n upon_o other_o church_n but_o while_o she_o retain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a faith_n she_o be_v so_o far_o a_o true_a church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o catholic_n communion_n 3._o when_o i_o assert_v that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a by_o fundamental_o i_o understand_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a knowledge_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v and_o believe_v like_o a_o christian_a which_o plain_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v put_v hard_a case_n to_o i_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o final_a salvation_n of_o particular_a christian_n and_o inquire_v how_o far_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o fundamental_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o so_o many_o christian_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a ignorance_n for_o want_n of_o good_a instruction_n and_o scarce_o understand_v any_o thing_n distinct_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o those_o who_o through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n of_o education_n deny_v any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v otherwise_o very_o pious_a devout_a and_o useful_a man_n i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v these_o question_n nor_o to_o search_v into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v how_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n or_o what_o allowance_n he_o will_v make_v in_o some_o favourable_a case_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v some_o few_o thing_n to_o offer_v which_o possible_o may_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o modest_a inquirer_n 1._o we_o must_v not_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficult_a case_n for_o that_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o christianity_n itself_o or_o of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o thus_o our_o charity_n to_o other_o man_n will_v make_v we_o ourselves_o the_o great_a heretic_n of_o all_o and_o if_o any_o part_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n certain_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o fundamental_o be_v which_o be_v therefore_o common_o describe_v by_o this_o character_n the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o infidelity_n be_v a_o damn_v sin_n why_o shall_v not_o a_o fundamental_a heresy_n be_v so_o which_o be_v infidelity_n with_o respect_n to_o some_o essential_a and_o save_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o its_o consequence_n overthrow_v some_o material_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o for_o want_v of_o good_a instruction_n have_v not_o a_o explicit_a understanding_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a as_o for_o the_o first_o a_o very_a little_a indistinct_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n if_o it_o govern_v their_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o their_o saviour_n will_v carry_v they_o safe_o to_o heaven_n for_o god_n require_v little_a of_o those_o to_o who_o little_o be_v give_v now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o learn_v his_o creed_n who_o do_v not_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sin_n and_o to_o save_v sinner_n and_o that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n now_o such_o a_o general_a knowledge_n as_o this_o without_o any_o fundamental_a error_n to_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o produce_v all_o those_o act_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n such_o as_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o a_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v know_v so_o much_o and_o the_o jewish_a convert_v who_o embrace_v the_o faith_n upon_o st._n peter_n preach_v to_o they_o