full_o satisfy_v be_v a_o error_n whether_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v he_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n i_o can_v promise_v for_o i_o may_v fancy_v that_o a_o demonstration_n to_o i_o which_o may_v be_v no_o proof_n to_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v his_o sense_n with_o the_o utmost_a justice_n and_o sincerity_n and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o mistake_v it_o i_o can_v only_o say_v it_o be_v both_o against_o my_o intention_n and_o knowledge_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o assure_v my_o adversary_n of_o that_o i_o have_v not_o make_v any_o observation_n upon_o his_o book_n out_o of_o bigotry_n to_o a_o party_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o set_n of_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v than_o that_o of_o truth_n nor_o have_v i_o any_o bias_n to_o incline_v i_o beside_o my_o own_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o if_o they_o have_v misguide_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o 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answer_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o socinian_n or_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n or_o inquire_v to_o what_o sect_n or_o party_n the_o author_n seem_v most_o incline_v but_o shall_v only_o so_o far_o consider_v his_o opinion_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o truth_n for_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o fix_v any_o man_n to_o a_o party_n which_o he_o will_v not_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o though_o some_o of_o his_o opinion_n shall_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o for_o that_o be_v so_o unfair_a as_o well_o as_o a_o undecent_a method_n of_o manage_v a_o dispute_n that_o instead_o of_o stifle_v the_o old_a it_o may_v serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v fresh_a opposition_n and_o inflame_v where_o perhaps_o mild_a reason_n may_v convince_v and_o beside_o since_o 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5._o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o as_o he_o make_v adam_n punishment_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o temporal_a death_n or_o a_o total_a cease_n to_o be_v 10._o p._n 10._o so_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o the_o free_v we_o from_o such_o a_o death_n only_o and_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o immortality_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n lose_v which_o overthrow_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n redeem_n we_o from_o a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n and_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a gild_n no_o more_o than_o become_a subject_n to_o death_n and_o so_o destroy_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v inquire_v more_o hereafter_o the_o second_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o faith_n be_v require_v to_o 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we_o can_v only_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n p._n 291_o 292_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a write_n and_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v such_o fundamental_a article_n as_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v explicit_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o a_o actual_a belief_n of_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o mention_v be_v not_o absolute_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o believer_n 31._o vindis_fw-la p._n 31._o without_o actual_o believe_v they_o because_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o discourse_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v make_v christian_n and_o believer_n bare_o upon_o the_o receive_n what_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o other_o two_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o deliver_v in_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v make_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n it_o may_v indeed_o seem_v a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o vindicate_v those_o sacred_a write_n which_o have_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n with_o as_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o set_v down_o confess_v to_o be_v altogether_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o for_o what_o shall_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v the_o church_n then_o impose_v upon_o or_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o it_o have_v no_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n for_o it_o for_o one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v grant_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v fundamental_o to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n now_o if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o
in_o its_o proper_a place_n these_o place_n of_o scripture_n now_o mention_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v require_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v and_o the_o apostle_n do_v certain_o design_n this_o end_n in_o write_v their_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 1.13_o for_o we_o write_v none_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v or_o acknowledge_v and_o i_o trust_v you_o shall_v acknowledge_v even_o to_o the_o end_n and_o in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o chap._n 2._o ver._n 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v whether_o by_o word_n or_o our_o epistle_n all_o which_o place_n with_o innumerable_a other_o which_o may_v be_v cite_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n undeniable_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o what_o they_o write_v in_o their_o epistle_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v fill_v their_o write_n with_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n of_o believe_v they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o christian_n and_o whether_o design_v to_o teach_v they_o any_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o can_v not_o continue_v true_a christian_n or_o believer_n without_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n there_o deliver_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o however_o the_o word_n christian_n be_v often_o use_v ambiguous_o and_o be_v promiscuous_o give_v to_o all_o who_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o though_o most_o of_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o be_v thorough_o so_o i._n e._n they_o may_v not_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v particular_o plain_a in_o the_o thessalonian_o by_o st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o they_o chap._n 3._o ver._n 10._o night_n and_o day_n pray_v exceed_o that_o we_o may_v see_v your_o face_n and_o may_v perfect_v that_o which_o be_v lack_v in_o your_o faith_n so_o that_o our_o author_n argument_n from_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o christian_n be_v also_o upon_o this_o account_n very_o insufficient_a to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n but_o he_o far_o urge_v that_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n 295._o p._n 295._o and_o without_o those_o occasion_n have_v not_o be_v write_v and_o so_o can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n for_o the_o contrary_n seem_v plain_a in_o several_a of_o the_o epistle_n for_o though_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o particular_a church_n yet_o be_v they_o design_v for_o whole_a province_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o province_n of_o achaia_n that_o to_o the_o galatian_n for_o a_o whole_a country_n and_o those_o direct_v to_o the_o thessalonian_o and_o philippian_n be_v design_v for_o the_o two_o province_n of_o macedonia_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o apostle_n to_o give_v such_o pre-eminence_n to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o any_o province_n as_o to_o direct_v to_o that_o what_o he_o intend_v for_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o those_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v upon_o any_o particular_a occasion_n to_o those_o church_n they_o be_v send_v to_o since_o they_o oblige_v a_o great_a number_n equal_o with_o they_o nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v design_v for_o those_o particular_a province_n only_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o other_o for_o if_o they_o only_o be_v oblige_v by_o they_o than_o no_o one_o can_v be_v require_v to_o observe_v they_o any_o long_a than_o he_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o province_n for_o if_o they_o affect_v none_o out_o of_o the_o province_n than_o those_o who_o go_v from_o that_o to_o another_o must_v also_o be_v free_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o they_o which_o be_v too_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v the_o like_a observation_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o other_o epistle_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n his_o second_o epistle_n be_v likewise_o general_n and_o so_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n and_o st._n judas_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v more_o general_n than_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n which_o though_o occasion_v by_o some_o new_a raise_a heresy_n yet_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o christian_n to_o give_v they_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o eternal_a existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o that_o epistle_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o heresy_n that_o then_o be_v or_o that_o possible_o may_v arise_v concern_v they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v design_v for_o all_o christian_n in_o general_n those_o indeed_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o particular_o relate_v to_o those_o church_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o truth_n in_o they_o of_o general_a use_n and_o importance_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v on_o purpose_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o general_n but_o to_o look_v a_o little_a back_n upon_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v can_v be_v deny_v to_o contain_v some_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o christian_n if_o this_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v require_v after_o conversion_n both_o from_o jew_n and_o gentile_n for_o the_o design_n of_o that_o epistle_n be_v not_o only_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v cease_v and_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o discontinue_v their_o observance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o aaronical_a priesthood_n be_v abolish_v by_o our_o saviour_n enter_v upon_o his_o priestly_a office_n but_o also_o to_o obviate_v which_o the_o author_n have_v do_v with_o very_o great_a care_n two_o conception_n which_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o have_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o one_o be_v to_o think_v he_o some_o angelical_a be_v the_o other_o some_o great_a prophet_n like_o moses_n or_o superior_a to_o he_o now_o the_o author_n of_o that_o epistle_n do_v plain_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n and_o order_n of_o being_n that_o either_o angel_n or_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o only_o set_v he_o above_o they_o all_o in_o a_o style_n that_o import_v superiority_n and_o pre-eminence_n but_o do_v it_o in_o a_o set_n of_o phrase_n that_o show_v he_o to_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o they_o and_o to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v design_v for_o there_o be_v a_o sect_n among_o the_o jewish_a convert_v to_o christianity_n that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o continue_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n but_o who_o also_o oppose_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o against_o these_o the_o apostle_n seem_v profess_o to_o argue_n in_o this_o epistle_n which_o if_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v write_v with_o this_o design_n be_v as_o full_a a_o proof_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o to_o salvation_n or_o without_o which_o church-communion_n can_v be_v maintain_v as_o need_v be_v desire_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o beside_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o very_a first_o christian_n think_v almost_o all_o the_o doctrine_n in_o every_o epistle_n of_o general_a concern_v by_o their_o constant_a read_v they_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o all_o their_o public_a assembly_n which_o be_v do_v not_o only_o among_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v but_o also_o among_o all_o those_o who_o have_v copy_n of_o they_o and_o that_o a_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v to_o one_o church_n shall_v also_o be_v read_v among_o other_o which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v command_v if_o they_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n to_o any_o church_n be_v enjoin_v express_o by_o st._n paul_n himself_o in_o his_o epistle_n
behind_o they_o some_o certain_a measure_n of_o belief_n since_o their_o authority_n and_o the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o inspiration_n will_v have_v very_o great_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o also_o may_v be_v of_o vast_a importance_n for_o the_o prevent_v all_o difference_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o will_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n for_o the_o teach_n all_o sort_n of_o christian_n more_o easy_o to_o comprehend_v the_o method_n reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o be_v more_o full_o lay_v down_o and_o explain_v in_o the_o epistle_n than_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o believe_v those_o place_n of_o 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authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o make_v they_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v require_v to_o salvation_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o defense_n of_o they_o because_o several_a doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v always_o maintain_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v maintain_v without_o a_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o if_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v esteem_v as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v real_o design_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o our_o understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o for_o the_o more_o clear_o state_v and_o explain_v of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v for_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v under_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o preserve_v they_o inviolable_o and_o to_o 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he_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o our_o author_n instance_n in_o st._n peter_n sermon_n to_o cornelius_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n 10.43_o act._n 10.43_o but_o will_v our_o author_n assert_v that_o this_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n do_v it_o not_o also_o in_o the_o same_o place_n intimate_v that_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o dignity_n and_o office_n have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o god_n alone_o and_o thus_o in_o the_o 36_o ver_fw-la that_o this_o messiah_n be_v lord_n of_o all_o i.e._n be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o sermon_n of_o st._n peter_n so_o they_o there_o seem_v necessary_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o to_o salvation_n and_o we_o can_v beside_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o word_n without_o mean_v which_o we_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o do_v if_o they_o make_v the_o bare_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a without_o explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o messiah_n how_o he_o be_v our_o messiah_n or_o what_o he_o must_v be_v either_o god_n man_n or_o both_o that_o he_o may_v be_v capacitate_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o this_o and_o almost_o all_o other_o place_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o mean_v of_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v explain_v by_o this_o and_o other_o apostle_n in_o all_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v all_o have_v the_o same_o mean_v unless_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dictate_v different_a or_o contradictory_n kind_n of_o doctrine_n which_o will_v be_v too_o impious_a to_o assert_v and_o therefore_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o it_o be_v now_o require_v for_o a_o fundamental_a of_o our_o faith_n must_v comprehend_v the_o full_a sense_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o inspiration_n and_o consequent_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o our_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n appear_v to_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n from_o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n where_o the_o eunuch_n be_v mention_v to_o have_v be_v baptise_a upon_o that_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o philip_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8.37_o for_o though_o here_o be_v no_o more_o set_v down_o yet_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o imply_v for_o we_o have_v none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n record_v that_o philip_n preach_v to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o that_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n which_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o doctrine_n as_o they_o must_v be_v part_n of_o what_o philip_n teach_v so_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o beside_o since_o philip_n baptise_a he_o no_o question_n but_o he_o do_v it_o in_o that_o form_n which_o christ_n himself_o enjoin_v in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o belief_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o three_o person_n be_v require_v for_o where_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o mention_v we_o ought_v to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o author_n scheme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o do_v require_v much_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v concern_v our_o saviour_n than_o bare_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o first_o it_o be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o those_o holy_a write_n that_o he_o be_v god_n nay_o his_o divinity_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o gospel_n that_o it_o seem_v almost_o impossible_a for_o word_n to_o express_v it_o more_o clear_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o in_o jewish_n and_o heathen_a writer_n be_v mean_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o be_v much_o use_v by_o the_o platonist_n that_o live_v in_o this_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a a_o among_o the_o jew_n do_v appropriate_v that_o title_n to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n as_o well_o as_o they_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n so_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n require_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o their_o preach_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n since_o if_o they_o once_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o believe_v he_o also_o to_o be_v god_n and_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a from_o the_o jew_n never_o object_v idolatry_n at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o christians_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o they_o worship_v which_o certain_o they_o will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n manage_v with_o such_o strength_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o late_a discourse_n by_o a_o learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o silence_v all_o opposition_n except_o that_o of_o malice_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o or_o against_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n indeed_o trypho_n the_o jew_n in_o his_o dispute_n with_o paris_n with_o justin_n martur_fw-la dialog_n cum_fw-la tryphon_n judaeo_n p._n 2668._o ed._n paris_n justin_n martyr_n assert_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v god_n but_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o express_v it_o but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v before_o he_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o 1._o what_o dem._n evang._n l._n 4._o c._n 1._o eusebius_n declare_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o same_o opinion_n with_o the_o christian_n concern_v christ_n divinity_n till_o they_o change_v it_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n which_o give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o trypho_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n fall_v from_o their_o notion_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o expect_a messiah_n the_o christian_n have_v gain_v great_a advantage_n over_o they_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a rabbin_n about_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o those_o who_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n since_o the_o latter_a jew_n have_v differ_v very_o much_o from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o their_o different_a interpretation_n of_o the_o second_o psalm_n for_o 314._o for_o r._n david_n sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la interpretantur_fw-la psalmum_fw-la istum_fw-la de_fw-la gog_n &_o magog_n estque_fw-la messiah_n rex_fw-la messiah_n atque_fw-la ita_fw-la exposuerunt_fw-la doctores_fw-la nostri_fw-la estque_fw-la psalmus_fw-la hoc_fw-la modo_fw-la explicatus_fw-la perspicuus_fw-la at_o vero_fw-la proprius_fw-la est_fw-la dixisse_fw-la ipsum_fw-la davidem_fw-la de_fw-la seipso_fw-la uti_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la expositum_fw-la not._n miscel_n in_o maimon_n c._n 8._o p._n 314._o one_o of_o they_o ingenious_o confess_v that_o all_o their_o doctor_n have_v expound_v it_o it_o of_o the_o messiah_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a explication_n of_o it_o but_o however_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o they_o now_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o speak_v by_o david_n of_o himself_o and_o 315._o and_o doctores_fw-la nostri_fw-la exposuerunt_fw-la huius_fw-la psalmi_n significatum_fw-la de_fw-fr rege_fw-la messiah_n at_o prout_fw-la sonat_fw-la &_o ut_fw-la respondeatur_fw-la menaeis_n seu_fw-la hereticis_fw-la expedit_fw-la intepretari_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la ipso_fw-la davide_n r._n salamo_fw-la jarchi_n p._n 315._o another_o of_o they_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o psalm_n be_v constant_o interpret_v by_o their_o doctor_n to_o signify_v
reveal_v to_o we_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o and_o here_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o divide_v our_o belief_n as_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o one_o part_n of_o revelation_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o another_o unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o have_v different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o this_o will_v destroy_v the_o force_n of_o revelation_n and_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o men._n there_o be_v indeed_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v different_a act_n of_o faith_n require_v of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o different_a matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n in_o one_o place_n as_o in_o another_o there_o also_o must_v our_o assent_n be_v equal_a unless_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o certainty_n for_o the_o revelation_n i_o e._n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n work_v miracle_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o their_o miracle_n attest_v their_o divine_a mission_n and_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrative_a that_o their_o doctrine_n have_v a_o divine_a authority_n and_o original_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o design_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a doctrine_n only_o but_o to_o testify_v in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v to_o salvation_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n such_o as_o be_v before_o do_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o the_o 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especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v for_o such_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a gospel_n but_o only_o the_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o miracle_n but_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o epistle_n too_o that_o be_v be_v not_o the_o author_n divine_o inspire_v and_o do_v they_o not_o work_v miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o supernatural_a power_n give_v they_o to_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o inspiration_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v our_o actual_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o inspire_v when_o they_o write_v they_o or_o that_o their_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v then_o cease_v or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v not_o design_n any_o doctrine_n in_o they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a reason_n be_v pretend_v there_o can_v be_v little_a excuse_n for_o our_o not_o admit_v they_o as_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o moreover_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o cautious_a how_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o if_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o the_o epistle_n as_o require_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o therein_o contain_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o very_o strong_a argument_n remain_v whereby_o to_o defend_v those_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o inspiration_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n so_o that_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o stand_v or_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o both_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o belief_n must_v be_v equal_o take_v from_o they_o both_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v firm_o assure_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o upon_o his_o veracity_n since_o he_o neither_o can_v or_o will_v reveal_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v undeniable_o true_a second_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o this_o revelation_n a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o great_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o and_o last_o for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o it_o from_o some_o particular_a place_n but_o from_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o revelation_n and_o now_o since_o 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the_o apostle_n time_n be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n then_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v absolute_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o author_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v but_o this_o be_v already_o grant_v we_o by_o our_o author_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a writer_n inspire_v from_o above_o 297._o p._n 297._o who_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o truth_n he_o here_o mean_v shall_v hereafter_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o assertion_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o author_n that_o their_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o act_n do_v require_v our_o actual_a belief_n since_o than_o what_o they_o teach_v 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to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n shall_v contain_v contradiction_n if_o we_o allow_v what_o our_o author_n have_v grant_v 297._o p._n 297._o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v then_o five_o and_o last_o the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n or_o that_o particular_a article_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v because_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v be_v there_o no_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n insert_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o vindic._n p._n 16._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o they_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o and_o have_v no_o such_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o his_o article_n be_v find_v to_o 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revelation_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n for_o he_o be_v neither_o instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o while_o on_o earth_n as_o not_o be_v his_o disciple_n nor_o have_v he_o any_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o those_o apostle_n who_o have_v constant_o hear_v he_o but_o he_o receive_v all_o his_o instruction_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o gal._n 11_o and_o 12._o ver._n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v as_o himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o be_v the_o 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to_o other_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o own_o word_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.27_o that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o other_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o through_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o as_o both_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n so_o be_v they_o both_o equal_o obligatory_a but_o last_o there_o be_v this_o more_o remarkable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o first_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o he_o teach_v can_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o especial_o till_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v which_o none_o of_o they_o be_v till_o some_o time_n 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the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v possible_o be_v produce_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o full_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o sufficient_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o make_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o epistle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o do_v declare_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o prove_v and_o three_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v will_v make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v for_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n more_o firm_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o there_o be_v not_o only_o require_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v but_o also_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v reveal_v now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o man_n than_o the_o reveal_n the_o condition_n which_o he_o have_v make_v necessary_a for_o our_o obtain_n happiness_n and_o this_o be_v full_o do_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v perform_v they_o so_o god_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o give_v we_o a_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o first_o in_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n and_o second_o in_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o this_o he_o entrust_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o that_o end_n both_o divine_o inspire_v and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o very_o great_a absurdity_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o 189._o indeed_o tota_n religio_fw-la christiana_n omne_fw-la illius_fw-la dogmata_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o praecepta_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessaria_fw-la quatuor_fw-la evangeliis_fw-la imo_fw-la unico_fw-la mathaei_n evangelio_n continentur_fw-la neque_fw-la ex_fw-la epistolis_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la imo_fw-la nec_fw-la apostoli_fw-la pauli_n ullum_fw-la dogma_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la creditu_fw-la necessarium_fw-la proferetur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la antea_fw-la in_o evangelio_n clare_v expressum_fw-la exstat_fw-la ausim_fw-la itaeque_fw-la dicere_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la sola_fw-la quatuor_fw-la exstarent_fw-la evangelian_a os_fw-la perfectum_fw-la habituros_fw-la canonem_fw-la seu_fw-la regulam_fw-la fidei_fw-la ac_fw-la morum_fw-la p._n 189._o limborch_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o a_o learned_a jew_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v more_o than_o he_o have_v authority_n for_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n or_o even_o in_o st._n matthew_n only_o and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v any_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o and_o express_o set_v down_o before_o in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n whether_o all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v indeed_o make_v by_o some_o a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o in_o the_o epistle_n be_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v very_o just_o question_v if_o the_o epistle_n have_v not_o be_v write_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o i_o much_o doubt_n whether_o we_o shall_v so_o unanimous_o have_v believe_v that_o christ_n death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n or_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n alone_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o the_o alone_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o gospel_n as_o from_o the_o epistle_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v i_o think_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o
to_o the_o colossian_n in_o these_o word_n 4.16_o col._n 4.16_o and_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n which_o very_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o be_v now_o inscribe_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o it_o seem_v most_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v send_v to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n where_o st._n paul_n have_v never_o be_v at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v a_o wrong_a inscription_n put_v to_o it_o by_o the_o collector_n of_o the_o epistle_n into_o one_o body_n which_o be_v a_o easy_a mistake_n consider_v that_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v very_o probable_o at_o ephesus_n as_o well_o as_o coloss_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o câ—ose_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o other_o place_n some_o indeed_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o write_v any_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n in_o the_o colossian_n that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n must_v mean_v a_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o laodicean_n to_o st._n paul_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v 60._o be_v baronius_n annal._n tom._n 1._o ad_fw-la ann._n d._n 60._o baronius_n and_o cite_v both_o chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n for_o it_o who_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n never_o write_v any_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n but_o there_o be_v little_a ground_n for_o this_o opinion_n especial_o from_o the_o word_n in_o the_o colossian_n that_o from_o laodicea_n for_o the_o natural_a mean_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o of_o coloss_n shall_v receive_v that_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v to_o laodicea_n from_o thence_o and_o read_v it_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o this_o meaning_n dr._n hammond_n apply_v to_o it_o in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o place_n and_o he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v send_v from_o ephesus_n to_o laodicea_n since_o tertullian_n affirm_v that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o ephesian_n be_v send_v to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n but_o he_o think_v this_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n that_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o laodicea_n be_v a_o church_n within_o that_o circuit_n it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v design_v thither_o as_o well_o as_o ephesus_n but_o that_o it_o be_v also_o copy_v out_o and_o communicate_v to_o they_o and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n or_o which_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n have_v receive_v but_o though_o indeed_o it_o may_v have_v be_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v write_v only_o to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n and_o not_o to_o ephesus_n for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o st._n paul_n do_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n which_o we_o have_v not_o under_o that_o title_n so_o be_v there_o great_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o st._n paul_n have_v live_v three_o year_n at_o ephesus_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v write_v to_o they_o there_o as_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v i_o to_o you-ward_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o if_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n among_o who_o st._n paul_n have_v so_o long_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o salutation_n in_o it_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v so_o very_o usual_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o epistle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v write_v to_o they_o of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o remark_n be_v the_o more_o material_a because_o if_o this_o epistle_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o it_o seem_v design_v to_o contain_v several_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o a_o church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o may_v carry_v a_o great_a weight_n with_o they_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o will_v admit_v no_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o have_v such_o a_o reason_n to_o confirm_v they_o but_o however_o it_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o one_o divine_o inspire_a so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n to_o instruct_v or_o to_o confirm_v a_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v matter_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v may_v not_o the_o same_o objection_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o very_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v soon_o after_o accomplish_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v think_v at_o first_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o respect_v the_o jew_n only_o nay_o and_o for_o some_o time_n after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n peter_n particular_o among_o the_o apostle_n have_v such_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o to_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o acts._n but_o though_o in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n be_v more_o full_o understand_v yet_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o particular_a and_o all_o his_o discourse_n be_v interpret_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o ought_v to_o caution_n we_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o epistle_n which_o notwithstanding_o their_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v design_v for_o general_a instruction_n and_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o case_n set_v down_o but_o what_o may_v on_o some_o occasion_n be_v of_o use_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o what_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n will_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o will_v than_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n must_v suffer_v too_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n luke_n seem_v to_o be_v write_v particular_o to_o give_v theophilus_n a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v before_o instruct_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o evangelist_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n be_v write_v upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n to_o confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o cerinthian_o and_o ebionite_n who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n and_o have_v late_o be_v very_o 80._o very_o vid._n dr._n williams_n be_v vindicat._n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n sermon_n p._n 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n joan._n cleric_a in_o 18._o prima_fw-la commenta_fw-la evang_v joan._n p._n 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n 80._o learned_o prove_v and_o must_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v reject_v as_o not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o all_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o that_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n our_o faith_n will_v lie_v indeed_o in_o a_o much_o narrow_a compass_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v i_o be_o afraid_a the_o better_a christian_n for_o it_o for_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o design_n they_o for_o general_a direction_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o other_o as_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v but_o beside_o whatever_o particular_a occasion_n there_o may_v be_v for_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n yet_o the_o general_a design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o settle_v and_o strengthen_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v perpetual_a guide_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o they_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v be_v write_v but_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v dictate_v and_o leave_v