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 scripture_n where_o they_o be_v most_o full_o state_v and_o most_o clear_o deliver_v for_o since_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v how_o we_o be_v redeem_a why_o christ_n redeem_v we_o and_o from_o what_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o as_o in_o the_o epistle_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o for_o our_o right_a understanding_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o there_o both_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o also_o be_v for_o our_o firm_a belief_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v establish_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o but_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v confess_v that_o all_o that_o have_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v contradictory_n to_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o i_o do_v it_o find_v in_o the_o least_o pretend_a for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o show_v contradiction_n in_o they_o after_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o for_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n above_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o epistle_n the_o same_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o either_o of_o they_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n both_o teach_v the_o same_o christianity_n and_o though_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o some_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o disagree_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a but_o both_o tend_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n the_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o five_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o epistle_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n they_o contain_v for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v because_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o no_o concern_v to_o we_o that_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o that_o account_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n for_o here_o the_o great_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v of_o such_o importance_n as_o will_v make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o be_v a_o indispensible_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o write_v they_o and_o from_o those_o text_n i_o have_v before_o produce_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v any_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n but_o our_o author_n object_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fundamental_a article_n in_o the_o epistle_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o promiscuous_o deliver_v with_o other_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o and_o this_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o go_v through_o the_o write_n in_o the_o epistle_n 14._o vindic._n p._n 14._o to_o collect_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v through_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o those_o fundamental_a article_n be_v in_o those_o epistle_n promiscuous_o and_o without_o distinction_n mix_v with_o other_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v and_o discern_v those_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n best_a in_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o faith_n and_o unconvert_v but_o how_o be_v these_o fundamental_a point_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n better_a than_o in_o the_o epistle_n be_v there_o in_o they_o nothing_o but_o fundamental_o or_o be_v not_o these_o fundamental_o mix_v with_o other_o truth_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o if_o so_o as_o be_v very_o apparent_a what_o mighty_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n beyond_o the_o epistle_n upon_o this_o account_n matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o practice_n fundamental_o and_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v promiscuous_o mix_v together_o in_o both_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o discern_v one_o from_o another_o in_o they_o for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v easy_o apprehend_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o those_o to_o our_o practice_n what_o be_v those_o which_o have_v a_o near_a respect_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o those_o which_o be_v more_o foreign_a to_o that_o end_n and_o this_o difference_n be_v as_o easy_o perceive_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v as_o plain_o and_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v different_o interpret_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n because_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v in_o their_o opinion_n concern_v they_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o man_n be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o several_a place_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o epistle_n but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n in_o both_o have_v be_v always_o understand_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n by_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o those_o who_o have_v dissent_v from_o the_o universal_o receive_v interpretation_n have_v be_v account_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a christian_n faith_n for_o in_o these_o case_n mistake_v be_v general_o wilful_a and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o interpret_v any_o doctrine_n in_o scripture_n different_o from_o what_o the_o church_n have_v already_o do_v if_o we_o take_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a mean_v of_o it_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o fundamental_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a but_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v it_o but_o last_o we_o may_v add_v to_o all_o this_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o epistle_n and_o several_a article_n deliver_v in_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o esteem_v by_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n as_o part_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n or_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n and_o receive_v and_o believe_v according_o and_o if_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n part_n with_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n for_o this_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o argument_n by_o our_o church_n in_o the_o six_o article_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o receive_v part_n of_o scripture_n that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o universal_a consent_n will_v be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v also_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a
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 in_o their_o preach_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n why_o shall_v not_o their_o write_n be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n especial_o since_o they_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o then_o the_o want_n of_o sufficient_a commission_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n before_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v that_o none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o any_o design_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v prove_v be_v there_o any_o such_o hint_n in_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o have_v we_o any_o footstep_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o a_o indifference_n for_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v show_v or_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o man_n choice_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o without_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o from_o many_o place_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o mention_v that_o they_o do_v enjoin_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o which_o man_n can_v not_o be_v save_v than_o we_o have_v still_o the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v confirm_v in_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n four_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v prevent_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o any_o other_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o revelation_n but_o as_o this_o can_v never_o be_v make_v appear_v so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a 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 have_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n but_o this_o objection_n seem_v too_o precarious_a for_o i_o question_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v as_o much_o distinguish_v by_o the_o great_a importance_n which_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o by_o the_o necessity_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n of_o actual_o believe_v they_o by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n as_o any_o other_o universal_o acknowledge_v article_n of_o our_o faith_n indeed_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o immediate_a concern_n to_o we_o but_o so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o one_o it_o must_v be_v so_o equal_o to_o the_o other_o indeed_o this_o seem_v object_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v in_o their_o epistolary_a write_n and_o although_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o their_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o make_v any_o other_o article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o much_o a_o fundamental_a distinct_a from_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o lay_v such_o stress_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o of_o what_o use_n soever_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v to_o we_o otherwise_o for_o the_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o reform_v mistake_v which_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n 295.297_o p._n 295.297_o as_o also_o for_o the_o expound_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o establish_v those_o in_o it_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o distinct_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o of_o so_o great_a consequence_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n and_o eternal_a life_n propose_v upon_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n denounce_v upon_o a_o disbelief_n which_o be_v not_o annex_v to_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o unwary_a christian_n to_o lay_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v or_o make_v any_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o church-communion_n absolute_o necessary_a which_o be_v never_o by_o the_o apostle_n so_o declare_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v material_a to_o examine_v first_o whether_o nothing_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o or_o whether_o any_o doctrine_n upon_o which_o salvation_n be_v propose_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o query_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n for_o if_o this_o be_v make_v the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o fundamental_o viz._n a_o doctrine_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v to_o salvation_n we_o shall_v i_o fear_v by_o this_o mean_n raise_v several_a exception_n against_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o must_v universal_o hold_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v also_o in_o those_o of_o practice_n most_o of_o which_o will_v unavoidable_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o obligation_n if_o the_o observance_n of_o no_o other_o duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o such_o alone_a as_o the_o scripture_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v require_v for_o a_o fundamental_a but_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v and_o to_o which_o salvation_n be_v express_o annex_v and_o promise_v it_o will_v very_o probable_o make_v way_n for_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a faith_n in_o which_o christian_n can_v not_o possible_o agree_v for_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a proposition_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o that_o great_a importance_n be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o suppose_v in_o that_o proposition_n which_o i_o shall_v
explanation_n of_o something_o before_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o since_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o since_o a_o infallible_a divine_a explanation_n of_o a_o doctrine_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o set_v those_o thing_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n which_o be_v before_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v their_o authority_n or_o render_v they_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o thus_o far_o ibid._n far_o verum_fw-la tanta_fw-la est_fw-la erga_fw-la genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la benignitas_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o evangeliis_fw-la plene_fw-la ac_fw-la perfect_v tradita_fw-la sunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o apostolorum_fw-la epistolis_fw-la saepius_fw-la repeti_fw-la &_o à _fw-la variis_fw-la objectionibus_fw-la vindicari_fw-la ad_fw-la majorem_fw-la fidelium_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la confirmationem_fw-la ac_fw-la constantiam_fw-la singulari_fw-la providentia_fw-la voluerit_fw-la ibid._n limborch_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v that_o though_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o and_o perfect_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o god_n have_v so_o much_o express_v his_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n as_o to_o take_v care_n by_o a_o particular_a providence_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v very_o evident_a for_o many_o reason_n that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a scheme_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o these_o also_o be_v chief_o historical_a and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o convert_v they_o make_v to_o christianity_n and_o where_o they_o preach_v but_o we_o have_v not_o there_o any_o full_a and_o large_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o be_v indeed_o tell_v that_o they_o preach_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 20.21_o act._n 20.21_o and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n but_o few_o or_o no_o particular_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o how_o far_o they_o extend_v which_o seem_v on_o purpose_n reserve_v for_o the_o epistle_n where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o all_o the_o article_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o be_v in_o they_o alone_o that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o fundamental_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v indeed_o hardly_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a fundamental_o unless_o we_o also_o firm_o believe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o frequent_a explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o first_o article_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confine_v by_o this_o to_o the_o believe_v just_a so_o much_o of_o he_o and_o no_o more_o for_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o like_a rule_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o other_o article_n and_o beside_o this_o be_v just_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o creed_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v believe_v as_o such_o and_o upon_o this_o it_o be_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v build_v so_o that_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o summary_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v take_v from_o revelation_n so_o also_o that_o the_o only_a true_a explanation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o for_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o such_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o fundamental_o as_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v so_o that_o we_o can_v in_o a_o true_a since_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n unless_o we_o also_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o express_a explanation_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o our_o author_n urge_v that_o if_o all_o 297._o p._n 297._o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n declare_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v as_o fundamental_a article_n what_o then_o become_v of_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n many_o be_v before_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o most_o of_o the_o epistle_n not_o be_v write_v till_o above_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o some_o after_o thirty_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v before_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n particular_o that_o of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o almost_o threescore_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o this_o argument_n will_v exclude_v that_o gospel_n from_o contain_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o epistle_n as_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o which_o be_v write_v soon_o than_o twenty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o also_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o roman_n be_v all_o write_v before_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v first_o at_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o till_o near_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o therefore_o that_o history_n which_o take_v in_o all_o that_o time_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v much_o soon_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n must_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n at_o least_o before_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o three_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o many_o christian_n be_v fall_v asleep_o before_o the_o writing_n any_o of_o the_o gospel_n since_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v not_o write_v till_o about_o eleven_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o neither_o can_v this_o argument_n be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o four_o it_o remain_v that_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o believe_a christian_n that_o be_v convert_v for_o some_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n must_v be_v take_v from_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n which_o without_o doubt_n contain_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v now_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o the_o contrary_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n wherever_o they_o preach_v which_o they_o afterward_o deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o write_v no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v fundamental_o than_o what_o they_o write_v must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o 294._o p._n 294._o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o those_o
who_o be_v believer_n and_o christian_n the_o occasion_n and_o end_n of_o write_v they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n yet_o this_o seem_v rather_o to_o strengthen_v than_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v those_o same_o doctrine_n for_o fundamental_o before_o which_o they_o afterward_o communicate_v as_o sacred_a depositum_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a to_o those_o who_o have_v know_v it_o before_o for_o though_o the_o epistle_n may_v not_o be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o profession_n to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n that_o possible_o may_v arise_v and_o to_o remain_v as_o exact_v rule_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o may_v convert_v and_o instruct_v other_o but_o say_v our_o author_n 294._o p._n 294._o if_o those_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v want_v not_o such_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o a_o belief_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o send_n of_o such_o fundamental_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o any_o of_o they_o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n may_v there_o not_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v some_o less_o know_v among_o they_o and_o some_o who_o will_v not_o thorough_o believe_v several_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n without_o such_o a_o authority_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o however_o if_o this_o argument_n of_o man_n know_v the_o fundamental_o contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n before_o they_o be_v send_v to_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v their_o authority_n the_o gospel_n also_o i_o be_o afraid_a will_v not_o escape_v much_o better_a for_o we_o can_v suppose_v but_o almost_o all_o christian_n be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n before_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v think_v less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v even_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n for_o certain_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o contain_v less_o fundamental_a truth_n because_o they_o have_v deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v receive_v before_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n luke_n which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o theophilus_n who_o be_v already_o a_o believer_n and_o a_o christian_a shall_v contain_v less_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o those_o which_o perhaps_o be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o general_a design_n the_o act_n be_v also_o write_v to_o the_o same_o theophilus_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o author_n argument_n will_v prove_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v exclude_v both_o that_o and_o the_o forementioned_a gospel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v more_o certain_o write_v to_o a_o believer_n and_o a_o christian_a and_o one_o who_o want_v not_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n without_o a_o belief_n of_o which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v than_o can_v be_v prove_v of_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o our_o author_n have_v urge_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o act_n all_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o set_v down_o that_o no_o body_n can_v mistake_v they_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yet_o very_o unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n in_o clog_a man_n faith_n with_o unnecessary_a point_n of_o belief_n since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o what_o they_o write_v will_v be_v as_o much_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o write_v such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v may_v yet_o give_v occasion_n to_o a_o great_a many_o unwary_a christian_n to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o and_o embrace_v they_o as_o firm_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o writing_n their_o epistle_n be_v to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n that_o shall_v be_v necessary_o believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o and_o this_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o very_a many_o place_n of_o they_o st._n paul_n thus_o express_v himself_o 14.37_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o that_o if_o any_o man_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n moreover_o brethren_n i_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o by_o which_o also_o you_o be_v save_v &c_n &c_n for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o word_n he_o remind_n they_o of_o a_o primary_n article_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o he_o show_v they_o have_v believe_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v to_o acquaint_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o keep_v in_o memory_n what_o he_o have_v before_o preach_v unto_o they_o v._o 2._o which_o be_v among_o other_o thing_n the_o forementioned_a article_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o his_o argument_n he_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n after_o this_o he_o mention_n to_o they_o some_o other_o article_n which_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o these_o be_v the_o belief_n not_o only_o of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a we_o also_o shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o also_o that_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n for_o since_o by_o man_n come_v death_n by_o man_n come_v also_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n even_o so_o in_o christ_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a and_o these_o be_v article_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o upon_o these_o the_o apostle_n lay_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o the_o two_o last_o of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o acts._n there_o be_v also_o other_o place_n in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v express_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n as_o rom._n 10.9_o for_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o in_o timothy_n without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o st._n joh._n epist_n 1._o c._n 4._o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n which_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v christ_n incarnation_n and_o again_o we_o have_v see_v and_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o father_n send_v the_o son_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o distinct_a act_n of_o faith_n from_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v
reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o epistle_n too_o for_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o very_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o and_o so_o down_o to_o the_o present_a time_n as_o to_o receive_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v never_o design_v either_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o inspire_a they_o or_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o be_v make_v such_o so_o that_o to_o assert_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o affirm_v that_o either_o all_o christian_n hitherto_o have_v wander_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n in_o make_v those_o part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n have_v indeed_o be_v reject_v but_o so_o have_v some_o of_o the_o gospel_n too_o but_o as_o this_o be_v do_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o so_o be_v they_o man_n of_o heretical_a opinion_n the_o 26._o the_o iraen_n advers._fw-la heres_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 26._o ebionite_n allow_v of_o no_o more_o of_o the_o gospel_n than_o st._n matthew_n and_o reject_v all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n call_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o the_o law_n the_o 29._o the_o l._n 1._o c._n 29._o marcionite_n own_v but_o some_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v canonical_a but_o they_o also_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n except_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n and_o then_o will_v admit_v no_o more_o part_n of_o it_o than_o will_v agree_v with_o their_o own_o model_n of_o divinity_n sed_fw-la huic_fw-la quidem_fw-la say_v iraeneus_n speak_v of_o martion_n quoniam_fw-la &_o solus_fw-la manifest_a ausus_fw-la est_fw-la circumcidere_fw-la scripturas_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o show_v what_o a_o unpardonable_a crime_n he_o think_v it_o to_o be_v for_o any_o man_n without_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o which_o can_v be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a commission_n to_o pretend_v to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o rest_n which_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v receive_v for_o canonical_a and_o thus_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v all_o the_o part_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o be_v also_o the_o valentinian_o and_o manichee_n with_o some_o few_o other_o be_v always_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o heretic_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o canonical_a but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o after_o a_o little_a time_n they_o be_v all_o admit_v and_o universal_o believe_v as_o necessary_a part_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o by_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o epistle_n as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v mean_v that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v save_v but_o who_o have_v believe_v they_o for_o what_o then_o as_o our_o author_n well_o observe_v will_v become_v of_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v fall_v asleep_o before_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v for_o no_o question_n but_o those_o who_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o and_o live_v up_o to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o their_o most_o diligent_a inquiry_n can_v carry_v they_o to_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o have_v afterward_o attain_v to_o large_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n since_o no_o one_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o for_o shall_v we_o suppose_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v spread_v in_o some_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o christ_n no_o man_n certain_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o deny_v they_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v there_o and_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o precept_n there_o deliver_v though_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n or_o no_o more_o than_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o the_o case_n shall_v be_v thus_o that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new-testament_n than_o bare_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n if_o they_o live_v up_o to_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n there_o can_v no_o doubt_n be_v make_v but_o they_o will_v be_v save_v so_o that_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o argument_n hold_v as_o much_o for_o the_o epistle_n as_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o from_o hence_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o either_o but_o where_o we_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o both_o and_o be_v assure_v that_o both_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n as_o be_v equal_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o draw_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o they_o both_o as_o be_v a_o most_o exact_a body_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o but_o then_o some_o may_v urge_v that_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o but_o one_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o shall_v as_o well_o be_v save_v as_o those_o who_o have_v all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v more_o then_o certain_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o other_o will_v be_v much_o more_o desirable_a to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o little_a force_n since_o those_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o safe_a condition_n who_o have_v the_o most_o light_a to_o guide_v they_o for_o though_o a_o wary_a traveller_n may_v possible_o find_v his_o way_n through_o a_o very_a narrow_a obscure_a passage_n yet_o those_o who_o take_v the_o broad_a road_n be_v most_o certain_a of_o find_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o their_o journey_n end_v but_o beside_o the_o more_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o great_a the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o abundant_a repetition_n of_o inspiration_n and_o miracle_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o more_o full_a clear_a and_o express_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o often_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o a_o explanation_n of_o they_o so_o much_o the_o more_o likely_a be_v we_o to_o avoid_v mistake_v to_o give_v our_o unfeigned_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o make_v more_o last_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o vindicated_n the_o divine_a 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 vindicate_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o much_o as_o of_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o examine_v the_o reason_n our_o author_n assign_v for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o this_o we_o must_v allow_v can_v be_v understand_v no_o way_n so_o well_o as_o by_o consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n show_v we_o lose_v by_o adam_n 1._o p._n 1._o for_o it_o be_v on_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a decision_n of_o the_o case_n depend_v since_o which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a bend_v of_o scripture_n incline_v there_o we_o ought_v to_o fix_v our_o faith_n and_o here_o also_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v dissent_v from_o the_o
proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o say_v there_o be_v contradiction_n in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a but_o second_o why_o all_o this_o concern_v for_o the_o illiterate_a and_o man_n of_o weak_a capacity_n as_o though_o it_o will_v be_v so_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o they_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v for_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o receive_v any_o disadvantage_n by_o it_o more_o than_o other_o for_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v know_v what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o may_v as_o easy_o believe_v as_o man_n of_o great_a reach_v and_o strong_a reason_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a be_v equal_o so_o to_o all_o indeed_o have_v god_n make_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o necessary_a part_n of_o faith_n between_o the_o learned_a and_o illiterate_a and_o require_v such_o particular_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o only_o the_o wise_a can_v understand_v than_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o complain_v but_o since_o he_o have_v place_v all_o man_n on_o the_o same_o level_n and_o have_v require_v no_o hard_a term_n of_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admire_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o as_o much_o to_o the_o unlearned_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a for_o he_o that_o read_v may_v understand_v may_v know_v what_o god_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o he_o can_v understand_v what_o he_o believe_v but_o in_o part_n be_v we_o to_o draw_v our_o belief_n from_o a_o long_a train_n of_o deduction_n and_o infer_v every_o article_n of_o faith_n from_o some_o one_o principle_n though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mathematical_a certainty_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n yet_o the_o man_n of_o great_a strength_n of_o judgement_n and_o intenseness_n of_o thought_n can_v only_o reach_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o poor_a labour_v and_o illiterate_a man_n must_v then_o most_o unhappy_o perish_v through_o his_o ignorance_n but_o as_o now_o it_o be_v all_o part_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v equal_o intelligible_a by_o all_o and_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o can_v believe_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o so_o that_o how_o mysterious_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v which_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o more_o difficult_a to_o the_o weak_a than_o those_o of_o strong_a capacity_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o three_o place_n more_o to_o be_v say_v in_o defence_n of_o our_o common_a faith_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o extent_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o mystery_n yet_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o go_v into_o the_o mysterious_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v we_o have_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o as_o a_o mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v one_o god_n but_o how_o they_o be_v one_o or_o how_o three_o what_o be_v the_o adequate_a mean_v of_o their_o personal_a distinction_n or_o how_o consistent_a with_o their_o unity_n revelation_n have_v not_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hypostatick_a union_n of_o god-man_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v but_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o by_o what_o distinct_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n god_n make_v the_o one_o or_o how_o he_o unite_v the_o other_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o determine_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v far_o than_o our_o reason_n can_v carry_v we_o that_o must_v determine_v we_o how_o far_o and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v it_o must_v decide_v what_o be_v require_v by_o revelation_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o that_o belief_n for_o we_o be_v only_o enjoin_v to_o believe_v article_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n without_o any_o particular_a explanation_n of_o the_o modes_n how_o they_o may_v be_v conceive_v for_o though_o the_o article_n themselves_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n yet_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o they_o be_v not_o because_o as_o we_o can_v have_v no_o just_a idea_n of_o they_o ourselves_o so_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o any_o body_n else_o can_v have_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a scandal_n cast_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o for_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o what_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v as_o cogent_a as_o any_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v certain_o reveal_v as_o what_o we_o can_v apprehend_v by_o our_o sense_n we_o may_v without_o any_o great_a difficulty_n understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v but_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n or_o particular_a modes_n of_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o they_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n so_o be_v they_o not_o make_v any_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o last_o since_o our_o author_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o very_o advantageous_a to_o mankind_n in_o general_n to_o have_v only_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o very_a intelligble_a his_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o our_o church_n and_o how_o agreeable_a his_o one_o article_n be_v to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o vulgar_a capacity_n for_o he_o that_o advance_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o faith_n shall_v take_v great_a care_n that_o it_o may_v not_o labour_v under_o any_o of_o those_o imperfection_n for_o which_o the_o other_o be_v condemn_v now_o let_v we_o suppose_v with_o our_o author_n that_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o saviour_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v alone_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o let_v this_o be_v propose_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a labour_a man_n that_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v a_o reason_n for_o his_o faith_n now_o indeed_o he_o may_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o proposition_n jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v remember_v but_o not_o so_o easy_o understand_v it_o be_v then_o very_a probable_a he_o will_v inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n if_o we_o shall_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n promise_v the_o question_n will_v again_o recur_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o be_v our_o saviour_n or_o how_o or_o from_o what_o do_v he_o save_v we_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n which_o he_o teach_v to_o reform_v mankind_n this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v because_o we_o have_v most_o of_o those_o precept_n before_o though_o not_o so_o full_o explain_v and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n by_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n if_o we_o shall_v reply_v that_o he_o be_v indeed_o put_v to_o death_n because_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o death_n of_o so_o innocent_a a_o person_n learn_v to_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o follow_v his_o doctrine_n this_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o unintelligible_a for_o why_o shall_v god_n suffer_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n because_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v sinner_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o impiety_n since_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n in_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o this_o reason_n will_v also_o prevent_v the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o if_o all_o his_o design_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o mankind_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o for_o his_o advantage_n to_o have_v save_v himself_o by_o a_o miraculous_a come_n down_o from_o the_o cross_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o all_o man_n will_v have_v believe_v what_o he_o teach_v be_v from_o god_n since_o this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a
animadversion_n on_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n oxford_z print_v by_o leon._n lichfield_n for_o george_n west_n and_o anthony_n piesley_n mdcxcvii_o the_o preface_n i_o need_v make_v no_o apology_n for_o the_o follow_a paper_n the_o liberty_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v take_v in_o deliver_v his_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n give_v every_o man_n a_o right_a to_o examine_v they_o that_o propose_v no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o as_o sincere_a a_o design_n as_o i_o hope_v he_o publish_v they_o i_o have_v follow_v a_o method_n which_o his_o treatise_n natural_o lead_v i_o into_o and_o have_v choose_v to_o build_v my_o observation_n upon_o the_o same_o authority_n on_o which_o he_o have_v found_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o of_o the_o scripture_n rather_o than_o upon_o any_o system_n draw_v from_o they_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o to_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o and_o this_o i_o can_v but_o agree_v with_o he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o rational_a mean_n of_o silence_v all_o religious_a controversy_n for_o if_o all_o party_n will_v join_v issue_n in_o this_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o express_v declaration_n of_o scripture_n nor_o any_o article_n reject_v that_o be_v there_o plain_o deliver_v there_o may_v be_v some_o probable_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o happy_a conclusion_n of_o all_o dispute_v of_o that_o nature_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n for_o certain_o god_n have_v not_o make_v it_o very_o difficult_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v how_o inconceivable_a soever_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o thing_n may_v appear_v to_o we_o the_o main_a design_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o have_v have_v be_v to_o lay_v down_o such_o a_o scheme_n of_o faith_n only_o as_o he_o find_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o those_o collection_n of_o article_n which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o common_a system_n without_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v run_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n to_o discover_v upon_o what_o term_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o first_o found_v and_o his_o apostle_n who_o afterward_o build_v up_o christianity_n admit_v man_n into_o that_o religion_n and_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a all_o that_o he_o can_v find_v require_v by_o they_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v only_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o then_o nor_o any_o article_n impose_v upon_o we_o which_o be_v not_o enjoin_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n in_o those_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v consider_v which_o alone_o according_a to_o he_o declare_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o man_n be_v denominate_v believer_n or_o christian_n this_o way_n of_o examine_v our_o faith_n by_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v a_o unexceptionable_a method_n for_o fix_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v omit_v no_o article_n which_o be_v there_o make_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n as_o what_o be_v observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n for_o that_o there_o be_v other_o require_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a in_o these_o part_n of_o sacred_a writ_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v extract_v his_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v what_o i_o propose_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a observation_n as_o also_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v some_o distinct_a article_n from_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o assertion_n of_o our_o author_n 295._o p._n 295._o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o epistle_n that_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n with_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o i_o give_v the_o title_n of_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o these_o paper_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o reason_n our_o author_n have_v assign_v for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o examine_v both_o these_o in_o order_n to_o a_o more_o exact_a consideration_n of_o that_o one_o article_n this_o author_n have_v so_o much_o insist_v on_o the_o reader_n will_v easy_o apprehend_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o vindication_n 6._o p._n 6._o that_o he_o design_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n chief_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o thorough_o and_o firm_o christian_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n though_o i_o find_v no_o such_o intimation_n in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o yet_o a_o well-meaning_a author_n who_o have_v appear_v very_o warm_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o bold_a mr._n bold_a believe_v that_o to_o be_v his_o only_a design_n though_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v consider_v it_o with_o very_o great_a care_n and_o application_n this_o author_n also_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n than_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o have_v he_o give_v himself_o a_o little_a more_o leisure_n to_o consider_v into_o what_o faith_n he_o himself_o be_v baptize_v or_o into_o what_o he_o baptise_n other_o he_o must_v have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o explicit_o believe_v in_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o much_o require_v of_o every_o one_o initiate_v into_o christianity_n as_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v always_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o baptism_n indeed_o at_o the_o first_o man_n may_v be_v denominate_v christian_n upon_o the_o bare_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o when_o there_o be_v more_o reveal_v concern_v he_o and_o consequent_o a_o large_a faith_n require_v they_o can_v no_o more_o have_v continue_a christian_n if_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v this_o also_o than_o if_o they_o have_v still_o be_v altogether_o unbeliever_n i_o shall_v make_v no_o other_o observation_n upon_o what_o this_o author_n have_v urge_v but_o this_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_a in_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n merit_v no_o worse_o a_o character_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o it_o do_v just_o deserve_v for_o advance_v this_o point_n 52._o p._n 52._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o propound_v any_o article_n as_o necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n i_o think_v it_o may_v with_o great_a justice_n be_v repute_v one_o of_o the_o best_a book_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v for_o at_o least_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n since_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o mr_n hobbs_n write_v within_o that_o space_n who_o maintain_v the_o very_a same_o assertion_n as_o i_o have_v far_o observe_v in_o the_o follow_a remark_n though_o i_o be_o afraid_a with_o a_o far_o worse_a intention_n than_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o have_v have_v in_o that_o treatise_n i_o need_v reflect_v no_o far_o upon_o any_o thing_n propound_v by_o this_o author_n not_o only_o because_o his_o paper_n come_v abroad_o after_o the_o follow_a remark_n be_v draw_v up_o but_o because_o there_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n very_o material_a which_o be_v not_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o follow_a paper_n that_o will_v be_v mistake_v for_o a_o reflection_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o design_v for_o i_o think_v a_o adversary_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o respect_n how_o wide_a soever_o his_o notion_n may_v be_v from_o truth_n if_o his_o design_n be_v sincere_a which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o believe_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o can_v join_v in_o his_o opinion_n yet_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o will_v not_o maintain_v what_o he_o be_v
full_o satisfy_v be_v a_o error_n whether_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v he_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n i_o can_v promise_v for_o i_o may_v fancy_v that_o a_o demonstration_n to_o i_o which_o may_v be_v no_o proof_n to_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v his_o sense_n with_o the_o utmost_a justice_n and_o sincerity_n and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o mistake_v it_o i_o can_v only_o say_v it_o be_v both_o against_o my_o intention_n and_o knowledge_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o assure_v my_o adversary_n of_o that_o i_o have_v not_o make_v any_o observation_n upon_o his_o book_n out_o of_o bigotry_n to_o a_o party_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o set_n of_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v than_o that_o of_o truth_n nor_o have_v i_o any_o bias_n to_o incline_v i_o beside_o my_o own_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o if_o they_o have_v misguide_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o better_a information_n the_o content_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n page_n 1._o ii_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n pag._n 53_o iii_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n pag._n 64._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o design_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n may_v propose_v in_o publish_v that_o treatise_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o and_o firm_o christian_n or_o to_o be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n as_o may_v prevent_v all_o exception_n against_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o either_o of_o those_o ends._n not_o only_o because_o it_o introduce_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o belief_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o socinian_n or_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n or_o inquire_v to_o what_o sect_n or_o party_n the_o author_n seem_v most_o incline_v but_o shall_v only_o so_o far_o consider_v his_o opinion_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o truth_n for_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o fix_v any_o man_n to_o a_o party_n which_o he_o will_v not_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o though_o some_o of_o his_o opinion_n shall_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o for_o that_o be_v so_o unfair_a as_o well_o as_o a_o undecent_a method_n of_o manage_v a_o dispute_n that_o instead_o of_o stifle_v the_o old_a it_o may_v serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v fresh_a opposition_n and_o inflame_v where_o perhaps_o mild_a reason_n may_v convince_v and_o beside_o since_o every_o one_o that_o publish_v his_o thought_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o or_o to_o the_o end_v he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v treat_v with_o equal_a charity_n or_o humanity_n at_o least_o by_o other_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o prejudice_n even_o to_o the_o right_a side_n to_o allow_v he_o a_o civility_n which_o he_o have_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n with_o such_o a_o impartial_a temper_n as_o it_o may_v just_o challenge_v and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o distinct_a and_o methodical_a in_o my_o examination_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v these_o first_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o that_o state_n etc._n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o as_o he_o make_v adam_n punishment_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o temporal_a death_n or_o a_o total_a cease_n to_o be_v 10._o p._n 10._o so_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o the_o free_v we_o from_o such_o a_o death_n only_o and_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o immortality_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n lose_v which_o overthrow_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n redeem_n we_o from_o a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n and_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a gild_n no_o more_o than_o become_a subject_n to_o death_n and_o so_o destroy_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v inquire_v more_o hereafter_o the_o second_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o faith_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o assert_n to_o be_v only_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o proposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messah_n etc._n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o etc._n etc._n or_o which_o he_o think_v signify_v the_o same_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v other_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a but_o maintain_v that_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v this_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o christian_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o here_o the_o difference_n lie_v between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o redeem_v we_o from_o eternal_a misery_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o we_o can_v only_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n p._n 291_o 292_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a write_n and_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v such_o fundamental_a article_n as_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v explicit_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o a_o actual_a belief_n of_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o mention_v be_v not_o absolute_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o believer_n 31._o vindis_fw-la p._n 31._o without_o actual_o believe_v they_o because_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o discourse_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v make_v christian_n and_o believer_n bare_o upon_o the_o receive_n what_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o other_o two_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o deliver_v in_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v make_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n it_o may_v indeed_o seem_v a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o vindicate_v those_o sacred_a write_n which_o have_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n with_o as_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o set_v down_o confess_v to_o be_v altogether_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o for_o what_o shall_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v the_o church_n then_o impose_v upon_o or_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o it_o have_v no_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n for_o it_o for_o one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v grant_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v fundamental_o to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n now_o if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o
hereafter_o have_v more_o occasion_n to_o consider_v he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n have_v eternal_a life_n if_o what_o be_v there_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v there_o propose_v without_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o like_a promise_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o bare_a proposition_n be_v alone_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v without_o any_o other_o interpretation_n if_o any_o at_o all_o may_v be_v admit_v than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o particular_a humour_n of_o man_n the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v endless_a wrangling_n and_o distraction_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o seem_v evident_a that_o all_o the_o fundamental_a part_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o text_n alone_o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o that_o important_a nature_n unless_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o mean_v be_v there_o set_v down_o and_o deliver_v which_o i_o can_v find_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o relate_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o equal_o obligatory_a whether_o express_v in_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n for_o beside_o if_o every_o text_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v even_o the_o very_a scripture_n will_v hardly_o be_v find_v reconcilable_a to_o itself_o for_o though_o in_o some_o place_n salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o in_o other_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n as_o well_o as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v both_o of_o which_o place_n if_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o their_o limit_a sense_n will_v be_v almost_o find_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o one_o propose_v a_o large_a faith_n to_o salvation_n than_o be_v require_v by_o the_o other_o wherefore_o it_o seem_v more_o reasonable_a to_o understand_v these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o faith_n fear_v of_o god_n love_n hope_v and_o the_o like_a when_o single_o make_v use_v of_o to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a viz._n that_o one_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o faith_n or_o such_o virtue_n can_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o other_o article_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n for_o as_o any_o of_o these_o virtue_n when_o mention_v alone_o as_o sufficient_a to_o save_v we_o can_v be_v understand_v exclusive_o of_o all_o other_o so_o when_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o any_o other_o proposition_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v alone_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n we_o ought_v either_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o speak_v conditional_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o else_o as_o design_v to_o denote_v that_o as_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o christianity_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o firm_o and_o thorough_o convince_v of_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a profession_n that_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o he_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o infer_v that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n as_o those_o to_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v express_o promise_v and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o epistle_n so_o express_o enjoin_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n as_o some_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v of_o as_o important_a a_o nature_n and_o as_o much_o to_o be_v think_v fundamental_o but_o however_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v second_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v express_o so_o declare_v by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v produce_v some_o article_n from_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v as_o much_o require_v to_o be_v actual_o believe_v to_o salvation_n as_o any_o of_o those_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n so_o that_o for_o both_o these_o reason_n some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o earnest_o press_v and_o enjoin_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v upon_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n as_o any_o find_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o truth_n both_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o those_o of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o method_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v obtain_v it_o for_o we_o be_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o all_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o in_o both_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a faith_n require_v the_o one_o depend_v upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o our_o belief_n which_o rely_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n that_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v be_v true_a the_o other_o respect_v the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v only_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o in_o scripture_n relate_v to_o this_o end_n be_v of_o more_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o general_n direction_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v fundamental_a truth_n either_o in_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n must_v be_v include_v under_o this_o save_a faith_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o the_o epistle_n have_v as_o much_o right_a and_o title_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o this_o last_o sense_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n since_o they_o equal_o treat_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v actual_o believe_v as_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o our_o happiness_n depend_v must_v be_v make_v a_o fundamental_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o epistle_n contain_v in_o they_o any_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o can_v be_v disbelieved_a without_o great_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o first_o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v make_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o epistle_n be_v as_o much_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a task_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o to_o be_v receive_v especial_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o revelation_n be_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o hereafter_o now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o second_o that_o it_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o such_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o no_o other_o power_n but_o divine_a for_o without_o this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a assurance_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v thus_o
reveal_v to_o we_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o and_o here_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o divide_v our_o belief_n as_o to_o confine_v it_o to_o one_o part_n of_o revelation_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o another_o unless_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o have_v different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o this_o will_v destroy_v the_o force_n of_o revelation_n and_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o men._n there_o be_v indeed_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v different_a act_n of_o faith_n require_v of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o different_a matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n in_o one_o place_n as_o in_o another_o there_o also_o must_v our_o assent_n be_v equal_a unless_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o certainty_n for_o the_o revelation_n i_o e._n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n work_v miracle_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o their_o miracle_n attest_v their_o divine_a mission_n and_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrative_a that_o their_o doctrine_n have_v a_o divine_a authority_n and_o original_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o design_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a doctrine_n only_o but_o to_o testify_v in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v to_o salvation_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n such_o as_o be_v before_o do_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o act_n where_o they_o be_v say_v to_o heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o other_o supernatural_a gift_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o receive_v their_o mission_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n but_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o apostle_n work_v miracle_n if_o after_o all_o their_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v for_o fundamental_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o miracle_n be_v never_o wrought_v but_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o some_o great_a truth_n which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o they_o and_o which_o perhaps_o they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v if_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o be_v under_o as_o great_a obligation_n to_o make_v they_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v for_o such_o as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n now_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o holy_a gospel_n but_o only_o the_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o miracle_n but_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o epistle_n too_o that_o be_v be_v not_o the_o author_n divine_o inspire_v and_o do_v they_o not_o work_v miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o supernatural_a power_n give_v they_o to_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o inspiration_n this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v our_o actual_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o inspire_v when_o they_o write_v they_o or_o that_o their_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v so_o be_v then_o cease_v or_o else_o that_o they_o do_v not_o design_n any_o doctrine_n in_o they_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a reason_n be_v pretend_v there_o can_v be_v little_a excuse_n for_o our_o not_o admit_v they_o as_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o moreover_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o very_o cautious_a how_o we_o reject_v they_o because_o if_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o authority_n to_o the_o epistle_n as_o require_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o therein_o contain_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o very_o strong_a argument_n remain_v whereby_o to_o defend_v those_o of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o inspiration_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n so_o that_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o stand_v or_o fall_v together_o for_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o both_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o belief_n must_v be_v equal_o take_v from_o they_o both_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o this_o will_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v firm_o assure_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o upon_o his_o veracity_n since_o he_o neither_o can_v or_o will_v reveal_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v undeniable_o true_a second_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v by_o this_o revelation_n a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o without_o great_a hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n three_o and_o last_o for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o it_o from_o some_o particular_a place_n but_o from_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o revelation_n and_o now_o since_o the_o epistle_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o particular_a revelation_n i_o will_v ask_v to_o what_o end_v there_o shall_v be_v this_o revelation_n and_o several_a doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v which_o concern_v both_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n if_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o they_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n 14.37_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o why_o shall_v the_o inspire_a writer_n give_v any_o instruction_n to_o a_o church_n for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n if_o yet_o without_o the_o least_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v consistent_a with_o the_o end_n or_o nature_n of_o revelation_n which_o under_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v design_v only_o for_o the_o eternal_a advantage_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o end_n and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o name_n and_o benefit_n of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o form_v their_o faith_n or_o govern_v their_o practice_n according_a to_o its_o direction_n certain_o any_o one_o that_o read_v and_o consider_v the_o epistle_n impartial_o must_v judge_v that_o the_o author_n do_v design_n some_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o for_o rule_n to_o guide_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n without_o the_o observance_n of_o which_o those_o to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v can_v not_o be_v save_v for_o if_o all_o the_o instruction_n in_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v safe_o disregard_v than_o their_o inspiration_n be_v in_o vain_a since_o if_o man_n may_v be_v as_o easy_o save_v without_o they_o the_o revelation_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v superfluous_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v only_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v which_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o will_v prove_v nothing_o unless_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o general_a direction_n design_v which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n to_o all_o christian_n now_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n then_o for_o certain_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n must_v be_v so_o now_o and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o fundamental_o in_o the_o epistle_n as_o we_o contend_v for_o we_o shall_v draw_v out_o a_o scheme_n of_o they_o just_o so_o many_o and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o which_o will_v equal_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v this_o demand_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o
present_a purpose_n if_o we_o can_v produce_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v absolute_o enjoin_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o be_v either_o distinct_a from_o or_o more_o full_o express_v than_o any_o of_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o endeavour_v to_o show_v there_o be_v some_o of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o though_o we_o may_v grant_v man_n may_v be_v save_v before_o they_o be_v know_v yet_o when_o they_o be_v divulge_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v style_v true_a christian_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v to_o instance_n in_o a_o like_a case_n none_o can_v any_o long_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o admit_v into_o that_o communion_n after_o that_o form_n of_o baptism_n be_v require_v in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o they_o may_v have_v that_o denomination_n before_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n since_o as_o none_o can_v be_v baptise_a christian_n without_o the_o confession_n of_o that_o faith_n so_o none_o can_v continue_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n that_o deny_v it_o but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o revelation_n that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o equal_a authority_n and_o that_o where_o the_o end_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o write_v their_o epistle_n there_o the_o same_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v a_o objection_n or_o rather_o a_o evasion_n of_o our_o author_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n 19_o vindic._n p._n 19_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o render_v what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o urge_v superfluous_a since_o it_o intimate_v that_o he_o believe_v as_o much_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o in_o as_o true_a a_o sense_n as_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o he_o cite_v what_o he_o have_v before_o declare_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n itself_o p._n 299._o these_o holy_a writer_n viz._n the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n inspire_v from_o above_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o in_o most_o place_n very_o weighty_a truth_n to_o we_o now_o for_o the_o expound_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o establish_v those_o in_o it_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o again_o p._n 299._o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v truth_n of_o which_o none_o that_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v such_o i._n e._n reveal_v may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v disbelieved_a and_o if_o this_o as_o he_o go_v on_o do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o that_o i_o have_v as_o high_a a_o veneration_n for_o the_o epistle_n as_o you_o or_o any_o one_o can_v have_v i_o require_v you_o to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n those_o passage_n which_o show_v my_o contempt_n of_o they_o indeed_o if_o he_o say_v no_o more_o concern_v the_o epistle_n than_o what_o be_v mention_v in_o these_o passage_n there_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o occasion_n for_o a_o defense_n of_o they_o but_o however_o even_o these_o do_v not_o seem_v altogether_o unexceptionable_a for_o though_o these_o allow_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v object_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v more_o so_o than_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o which_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v they_o for_o that_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o author_n mean_v be_v very_o plain_a from_o what_o he_o maintain_v a_o little_a after_o 31._o vindic._n p._n 31._o viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o if_o you_o please_v article_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n with_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o which_o he_o only_o mean_n what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n that_o i_o deny_v so_o that_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o respect_n which_o he_o profess_v for_o the_o epistle_n consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a but_o that_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v or_o to_o be_v make_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n than_o any_o indifferent_a or_o historical_a matter_n in_o the_o bible_n all_o which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o book_n which_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o they_o only_o as_o they_o be_v true_a be_v no_o high_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o believe_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o apostle_n as_o st._n paul_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o epistle_n but_o if_o our_o author_n do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o all_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n why_o shall_v he_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n therein_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v make_v fundamental_o for_o methinks_v it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a imposition_n to_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o he_o be_v already_o persuade_v be_v a_o real_a truth_n but_o beside_o this_o be_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v of_o as_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v also_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o another_o ground_n beside_o that_o of_o mere_a revelation_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o authority_n that_o our_o saviour_n entrust_v in_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o their_o commission_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n in_o these_o word_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o elsewhere_o 20.21_o mat._n 28_o 19_o joh._n 20.21_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o which_o commission_n as_o it_o invest_v they_o with_o as_o full_a a_o power_n of_o teach_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o it_o lay_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n upon_o other_o of_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o whosoever_o act_n by_o another_o commission_n act_n in_o his_o name_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o commission_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v his_o who_o give_v he_o such_o authority_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o exceed_v this_o authority_n or_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v very_o evident_a since_o it_o be_v grant_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o teach_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n so_o that_o all_o that_o can_v be_v here_o object_v seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o commission_n to_o write_v any_o fundamental_a doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n but_o only_o in_o their_o sermon_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o this_o indeed_o can_v be_v prove_v it_o will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o countenance_v such_o a_o groundless_a supposition_n without_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v exceed_v their_o commission_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o act_n be_v a_o indispensible_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o but_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o st._n paul_n which_o be_v much_o the_o great_a part_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v by_o a_o more_o particular_a
the_o gospel_n and_o can_v direct_o be_v prove_v from_o they_o so_o that_o all_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o far-fetched_a inference_n which_o very_o probable_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v think_v of_o have_v not_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v this_o forementioned_a concession_n of_o limborch_n seem_v occasion_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v assert_v that_o all_o their_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n or_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o part_v of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o thereupon_o he_o prefer_v their_o religion_n before_o the_o christian_a as_o be_v much_o more_o easy_o understand_v because_o contain_v in_o a_o much_o lesser_a compass_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o limborch_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a superior_a to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o brevity_n to_o confine_v all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n to_o one_o or_o all_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o may_v very_o fair_o have_v deny_v that_o assertion_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v only_o one_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o who_o give_v such_o preference_n to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o pharisee_n the_o more_o numerous_a sect_n pay_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o other_o inspire_a write_n and_o prophecy_n and_o place_v their_o religion_n as_o much_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o in_o those_o deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o indeed_o if_o no_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a or_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n they_o must_v have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a esteem_n for_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v their_o expect_a messiah_n in_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o wherein_o their_o faith_n be_v concern_v aught_o to_o consist_v for_o the_o believe_a that_o the_o messiah_n will_v come_v be_v declare_v by_o 176._o by_o porta_n mosis_fw-la p._n 176._o maimonides_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v limborch_n design_n in_o this_o place_n as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o contract_v all_o the_o article_n of_o it_o into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o know_v i_o think_v that_o this_o do_v not_o much_o advance_v that_o end_n for_o it_o seem_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n too_o that_o all_o the_o part_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o large_a and_o plain_a term_n imaginable_a to_o take_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v which_o man_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n be_v deliver_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o old_a in_o a_o short_a and_o consequent_o obscure_a form_n indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v by_o every_o capacity_n but_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a also_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n concern_v the_o mean_v of_o every_o particular_a article_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o large_a full_a and_o infallible_a explanation_n of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v seem_v plain_a upon_o many_o account_n 1._o for_o first_o if_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o particular_o in_o st._n matthew_n be_v contain_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o they_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o to_o any_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o they_o before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v plain_a from_o their_o misunderstanding_n the_o reason_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o reinstate_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o temporal_a grandeur_n and_o glory_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o question_n they_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n but_o beside_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v hear_v they_o now_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n yet_o to_o be_v know_v beside_o those_o he_o have_v already_o teach_v they_o 2._o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n historical_n and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a birth_n the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n his_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n etc._n etc._n be_v intersper_v with_o many_o excellent_a precept_n but_o contain_v but_o few_o however_o not_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n 3._o our_o saviour_n general_o deliver_v himself_o very_o mystical_o especial_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v himself_o and_o leave_v man_n rather_o to_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o his_o action_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o he_o than_o from_o any_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o so_o that_o no_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o he_o 4._o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o to_o draw_v up_o the_o history_n without_o their_o own_o remark_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o in_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o far_a than_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o do_v through_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o gospel_n only_a for_o though_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v we_o large_a proof_n of_o christ_n divinity_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o introduce_v our_o saviour_n with_o such_o name_n and_o title_n as_o be_v usual_o by_o the_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philo._n lib._n de_fw-fr som._n and_o in_o another_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n de_fw-fr agric._n '_o o_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n de_fw-fr som._n in_o some_o place_n he_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plotinus_n have_v also_o do_v en._n 5._o lib._n 5._o c._n 3._o jew_n appropriate_v to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n and_o by_o which_o both_o they_o and_o the_o platonist_n mean_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o which_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o know_v to_o signify_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o there_o deliver_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n five_o and_o last_o the_o promise_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o instruct_v they_o far_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v concern_v he_o and_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o can_v signify_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n but_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n joh._n 14.26_o plain_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o himself_o have_v not_o full_o declare_v to_o they_o and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o who_o be_v constant_o with_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o full_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n only_a can_v be_v make_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o however_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o the_o epistle_n also_o together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o explanation_n and_o illustration_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o doctrine_n more_o imperfect_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o equal_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o evangelical_n write_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v only_a
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
reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n 2._o p._n 2._o that_o since_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o illiterate_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o large_a capacity_n they_o ought_v general_o and_o in_o necessary_a point_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o plain_a direct_a mean_v of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n such_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o speaker_n who_o use_v they_o according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o that_o time_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o put_v any_o artificial_a and_o force_a sense_n upon_o they_o now_o what_o we_o lose_v by_o adam_n may_v indeed_o be_v see_v as_o our_o author_n urge_v from_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n and_o that_o be_v bliss_n and_o immortality_n and_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n or_o fear_v of_o death_n but_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o transgression_n be_v or_o more_o proper_o speak_v will_v have_v be_v have_v not_o the_o messiah_n be_v then_o promise_v to_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o lapse_v state_n and_o have_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o future_a satisfaction_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n from_o his_o fall_n be_v not_o so_o clear_o discover_v by_o any_o part_n of_o that_o history_n the_o sentence_n denounce_v against_o he_o if_o he_o sin_v be_v only_o this_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v 2.17_o gen._n 2.17_o now_o this_o indeed_o do_v threaten_v the_o punishment_n of_o death_n or_o mortality_n to_o the_o body_n and_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o future_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a misery_n for_o he_o be_v from_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o mortality_n and_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o devolve_v on_o all_o his_o posterity_n 1_o cor._n 15.22_o 4._o p._n 4._o in_o adam_n all_o die_n i._n e._n to_o use_v our_o author_n word_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o transgression_n all_o man_n be_v mortal_a and_o come_v to_o die_v but_o though_o this_o may_v be_v admit_v as_o the_o natural_a mean_v of_o those_o word_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o they_o that_o the_o soul_n also_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o death_n and_o mortality_n with_o the_o body_n as_o our_o author_n contend_v or_o that_o the_o whole_a man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v 15._o p._n 15._o or_o that_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o man_n soul_n in_o scripture_n can_v only_o be_v mean_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n for_o beside_o this_o opinion_n seem_v whole_o precarious_a and_o be_v no_o way_n countenance_v by_o this_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sentence_n curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n in_o sorrow_n shall_v thou_o eat_v of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n in_o the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n shall_v thou_o return_v which_o word_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n infer_v that_o conclusion_n which_o our_o author_n draw_v from_o they_o 7._o p._n 7._o viz._n that_o his_o life_n shall_v end_v in_o the_o dust_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v and_o to_o which_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o then_o have_v no_o more_o life_n or_o sense_n than_o the_o dust_n have_v out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v take_v for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o nay_o the_o direct_o contrary_a seem_v necessary_o imply_v for_o the_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o to_o dust_n shall_v thou_o return_v can_v relate_v only_o to_o that_o part_n of_o man_n which_o be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o different_a original_a and_o of_o a_o divine_a extract_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o gen._n 2.7_o and_o god_n form_v man_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o breathe_v into_o his_o nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o man_n become_v a_o live_a soul_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o be_v include_v in_o the_o sentence_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o sentence_n of_o death_n or_o that_o of_o to_o dust_n shall_v thou_o return_v can_v be_v understand_v a_o total_a cease_n to_o be_v or_o a_o lose_n of_o all_o action_n of_o life_n and_o sense_n 6._o p._n 6._o which_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o but_o moreover_o if_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o sentence_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n and_o may_v have_v no_o recourse_n to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n especial_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v by_o what_o authority_n our_o author_n include_v the_o posterity_n of_o adam_n in_o the_o punishment_n 6._o p._n 6._o and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o death_n for_o his_o disobedience_n since_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o the_o sentence_n for_o that_o seem_v direct_o level_v against_o he_o and_o not_o to_o include_v any_o other_o in_o it_o indeed_o our_o author_n prove_v it_o from_o rom._n 5.12_o 4._o p._n 4._o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o proof_n for_o it_o than_o from_o the_o epistle_n this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n since_o according_a to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o to_o fetch_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o epistle_n so_o that_o this_o be_v all_o will_v be_v leave_v for_o we_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o this_o that_o all_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o death_n but_o that_o god_n have_v not_o indispensible_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o punishment_n due_a to_o all_o man_n for_o adam_n transgression_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o full_a extent_n even_o of_o adam_n punishment_n can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o sentence_n denounce_v against_o he_o which_o in_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n can_v only_o threaten_v death_n or_o mortality_n to_o the_o body_n and_o not_o a_o death_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o the_o soul_n nor_o that_o even_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n as_o we_o find_v it_o record_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n that_o death_n be_v entail_v upon_o all_o adam_n posterity_n for_o his_o offence_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o have_v more_o light_n and_o large_a discovery_n to_o guide_v we_o that_o we_o must_v expect_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o adam_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o death_n it_o be_v that_o his_o posterity_n be_v free_v from_o by_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o way_n since_o his_o chief_a argument_n for_o his_o notion_n of_o adam_n punishment_n be_v that_o nothing_o more_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o sentence_n denounce_v against_o he_o i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v why_o by_o death_n in_o that_o place_n may_v not_o be_v mean_v a_o eternal_a loss_n of_o god_n favour_n in_o a_o state_n of_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o by_o never_o die_v in_o many_o other_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v a_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o happiness_n or_o a_o freedom_n from_o eternal_a misery_n for_o by_o not_o die_v in_o such_o like_a place_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o exemption_n from_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o all_o man_n but_o only_o not_o die_v after_o that_o manner_n which_o other_o do_v who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o if_o by_o this_o joh._n 11.26_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v or_o as_o in_o another_o place_n he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n joh._n 5.24_o can_v only_o be_v interpret_v of_o a_o immortal_a state_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n than_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n or_o condemnation_n may_v not_o imply_v a_o eternal_a loss_n of_o that_o happiness_n in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n especial_o since_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o be_v include_v in_o that_o sentence_n of_o death_n denounce_v against_o adam_n and_o
into_o the_o secret_a affection_n of_o men._n whether_o the_o present_a vnitarian_n writer_n will_v allow_v divine_a honour_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o our_o saviour_n or_o not_o be_v not_o very_o material_a this_o every_o one_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o that_o the_o adoration_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o much_o mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o much_o enjoin_v in_o those_o and_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatever_o so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o convenient_a for_o they_o to_o reject_v all_o revelation_n in_o general_n than_o to_o out_o off_o all_o those_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n for_o to_o own_o a_o revelation_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v therein_o clear_o deliver_v be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n as_o i_o be_o afraid_a their_o reason_n can_v hardly_o reconcile_v but_o since_o in_o some_o of_o their_o pamphlet_n they_o have_v deny_v omnipresence_n and_o omniscience_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o so_o have_v leave_v we_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o a_o god_n infinite_o perfect_a they_o may_v with_o the_o same_o assurance_n call_v in_o question_n either_o the_o truth_n or_o authority_n of_o his_o revelation_n but_o see_v the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n do_v believe_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o by_o one_o text_n more_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n divinity_n and_o consequent_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v more_o concern_v he_o than_o bare_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n from_o the_o example_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o first_o martyr_n st._n stephen_n who_o suffer_v some_o year_n before_o any_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n be_v write_v and_o therefore_o his_o authority_n ought_v to_o carry_v very_o great_a weight_n along_o with_o it_o since_o such_o a_o example_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n and_o obligation_n as_o a_o positive_a command_n for_o as_o he_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o heaven_n open_v whilst_o yet_o in_o the_o body_n so_o his_o die_a word_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o particular_o remarkable_a and_o they_o stone_v stephen_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n act._n 7.59_o 60._o in_o which_o word_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v very_o considerable_a first_o the_o divine_a honour_n here_o pay_v to_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n second_o the_o expression_n contain_v in_o his_o petition_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o very_a same_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v before_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o last_o petition_n to_o god_n the_o father_n at_o his_o passion_n upon_o the_o cross_n father_n into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n and_o as_o before_o in_o the_o 34_o ver_fw-la father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v both_o which_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o same_o with_o those_o st._n stephen_n offer_v up_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o attribute_v the_o same_o honour_n and_o in_o almost_o the_o very_a same_o word_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o humane_a nature_n give_v to_o god_n the_o father_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o either_o both_o or_o that_o neither_o be_v god_n i_o may_v bring_v innumerable_a instance_n from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v christ_n divinity_n as_o where_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o other_o thing_n that_o declare_v his_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o these_o few_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o be_v as_o sufficient_a as_o ten_o thousand_o where_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o christ_n divinity_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o reason_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o attest_v by_o revelation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v deny_v all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o humane_a reason_n will_v prove_v much_o too_o weak_a to_o overthrow_v it_o unless_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o man_n reason_n than_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v from_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n do_v admit_v of_o that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n than_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o those_o place_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v direct_a proof_n of_o christ_n divinity_n in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o they_o be_v design_v to_o have_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v what_o the_o mean_a capacity_n will_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christ_n divinity_n be_v assert_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n or_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v there_o so_o declare_v any_o more_o than_o several_a other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n which_o indeed_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o be_v of_o no_o concern_v to_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o the_o scripture_n assert_v he_o to_o be_v god_n do_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v explicit_o that_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v as_o a_o article_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o scripture_n but_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v so_o also_o must_v it_o be_v equal_o a_o crime_n not_o to_o know_v clear_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v that_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o second_o the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n mention_v he_o so_o often_o with_o the_o character_n and_o title_n of_o god_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v st._n john_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o his_o be_v god_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o deny_v his_o divinity_n if_o yet_o every_o man_n may_v be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o believe_v as_o he_o please_v concern_v he_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o defend_v his_o divinity_n with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o concern_v if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_o man._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o assert_v so_o large_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o wrong_a opinion_n that_o some_o man_n have_v concern_v he_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o entertain_v true_a notion_n concern_v his_o divinity_n and_o this_o necessity_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n will_v also_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n where_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n chap._n 1._o ver._n 16_o 17._o but_o chief_o in_o his_o second_o chapter_n he_o admonish_v they_o to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a the_o design_n of_o which_o word_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o to_o caution_n they_o lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v from_o their_o faith_n concern_v christ_n be_v god_n through_o the_o deceitful_a argument_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o may_v persuade_v they_o that_o it_o be_v irreconcilable_a to_o reason_n for_o he_o do_v assure_v they_o with_o all_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o faithful_a apostle_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o godhead_n be_v real_o and_o substantial_o in_o he_o and_o thereupon_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o if_o they_o will_v retain_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o this_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n
he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n our_o king_n prophet_n and_o priest_n and_o what_o more_o the_o scripture_n have_v comprehend_v under_o each_o of_o those_o distinct_a office_n for_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o scripture_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a be_v a_o fundamental_a that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v either_o more_o or_o less_o of_o he_o than_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n but_o it_o will_v probable_o be_v object_v to_o all_o this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v several_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_a christian_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o in_o order_n to_o his_o admission_n into_o christianity_n than_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n contend_v for_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o forementioned_a article_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o may_v be_v name_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o one_o article_n of_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v a_o repetition_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o branch_n for_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o mean_v of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n will_v be_v altogether_o unintelligible_a for_o which_o reason_n they_o seem_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o that_o one_o article_n since_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o person_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o understand_v the_o mean_v and_o extent_n at_o least_o of_o that_o one_o article_n but_o second_o there_o be_v more_o require_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n for_o beside_o the_o obligation_n that_o all_o those_o be_v under_o who_o will_v be_v christian_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v to_o signify_v more_o than_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n there_o be_v also_o require_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o the_o believe_v in_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o in_o the_o whole_a trinity_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o those_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v baptise_a for_o this_o be_v the_o commandment_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n they_o shall_v first_o instruct_v they_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o baptise_v they_o into_o that_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o believe_a the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n that_o man_n be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o upon_o the_o denial_n of_o any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n church_n communion_n be_v refuse_v and_o have_v be_v so_o down_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n if_o therefore_o man_n can_v not_o be_v true_o christian_n without_o be_v baptise_a into_o that_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o christian_n if_o they_o deny_v it_o then_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n in_o whatsoever_o sense_n it_o be_v understand_v either_o for_o the_o first_o embrace_v that_o profession_n or_o for_o the_o continuance_n in_o it_o than_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n or_o even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o faith_n in_o the_o other_o two_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v also_o indispensable_o require_v in_o the_o very_a initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a profession_n but_o here_o the_o objection_n will_v recur_v that_o the_o forementioned_a form_n be_v never_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v only_o require_v his_o name_n alone_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o form_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o several_a instance_n in_o the_o acts._n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v use_v in_o baptism_n though_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o acts._n and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o st._n paul_n question_n to_o those_o who_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o act._n 19.2_o 3._o unto_o what_o then_o be_v you_o baptise_a which_o evident_o show_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o yet_o after_o this_o when_o they_o be_v baptise_a there_o be_v no_o more_o set_v down_o than_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o ver_fw-la 5._o though_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o st._n paul_n question_n to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v true_o baptise_a or_o make_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o suppose_v that_o when_o man_n be_v only_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o form_n enjoin_v by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o we_o must_v either_o grant_v or_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o faithful_o discharge_v the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v and_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n than_o our_o author_n be_v one_a article_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o vindicate_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v more_o of_o our_o everblessed_n saviour_n than_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o author_n article_n of_o faith_n set_v down_o in_o the_o large_a term_n in_o p._n 301._o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o and_o repeat_v in_o his_o vindication_n p._n 28._o which_o he_o sum_n up_o in_o these_o word_n believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n promise_v and_o take_v he_o now_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o constitute_v the_o lord_n and_o judge_n of_o man_n to_o be_v our_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o that_o by_o the_o all-merciful_a god_n require_v no_o more_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v consult_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v article_n that_o the_o labour_a and_o illiterate_a man_n may_v comprehend_v so_o that_o this_o he_o think_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o his_o one_o article_n above_o all_o other_o scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o the_o comprehension_n of_o illiterate_a men._n but_o for_o the_o clear_a examination_n of_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o suppose_v god_n either_o have_v or_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o mankind_n and_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v not_o comprehend_v and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n will_v this_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a plea_n for_o our_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o will_v it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a in_o god_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n so_o reveal_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n since_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n as_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v indeed_o if_o there_o be_v direct_a contradiction_n in_o that_o revelation_n we_o ought_v to_o disbelieve_v they_o i._n e._n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v the_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o revelation_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o
evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n than_o his_o death_n can_v possible_o be_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o die_v to_o gain_v we_o a_o immortality_n which_o we_o lose_v by_o adam_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o his_o enquiry_n for_o if_o this_o be_v all_o he_o die_v for_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o mean_v of_o those_o place_n in_o scripture_n where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v for_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o our_o sin_n necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o severe_a punishment_n due_a to_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o have_v suffer_v but_o if_o upon_o his_o far_a enquiry_n why_o this_o one_o article_n shall_v only_o be_v require_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v we_o shall_v inform_v he_o that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o this_o will_v never_o satisfy_v because_o as_o he_o will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o former_a so_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o other_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o epistle_n have_v as_o great_a a_o authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o by_o be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o same_o commission_n from_o god_n in_o the_o writing_n their_o epistle_n as_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o last_o if_o this_o illiterate_a man_n shall_v demand_v whether_o this_o messiah_n be_v man_n or_o god_n and_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n because_o scripture_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n assert_v his_o divinity_n and_o because_o in_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v christian_n he_o be_v represent_v as_o equal_a to_o god_n the_o father_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v answer_v that_o if_o those_o place_n mean_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v some_o other_o sense_n than_o we_o general_o understand_v by_o they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v not_o require_v a_o actual_a belief_n of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o salvation_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o material_a what_o we_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v so_o long_o as_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o this_o will_v run_v he_o still_o into_o great_a perplexity_n and_o make_v he_o throw_v aside_o all_o in_o general_n rather_o than_o take_v up_o with_o such_o a_o partial_a religion_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o all_o the_o part_n of_o revelation_n will_v never_o persuade_v any_o consider_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o equal_a authority_n from_o god_n for_o the_o whole_a such_o a_o scheme_n of_o faith_n which_o our_o author_n have_v draw_v up_o i_o be_o afraid_a will_v give_v no_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o those_o who_o be_v for_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o the_o holy_a bible_n especial_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o so_o very_o large_a but_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o particular_o where_o our_o salvation_n be_v concern_v may_v be_v easy_o attain_v by_o the_o mean_a capacity_n nor_o be_v there_o such_o intricacy_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v see_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o assent_v to_o they_o not_o because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o depth_n of_o they_o but_o because_o he_o perceive_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o since_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v assure_o reveal_v they_o and_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o why_o may_v not_o almighty_a god_n that_o have_v contrive_v such_o a_o salvation_n for_o we_o as_o our_o great_a wisdom_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v oblige_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o our_o deep_a reason_n can_v now_o comprehend_v indeed_o we_o may_v with_o very_o great_a reason_n complain_v if_o god_n have_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o we_o of_o clear_o understanding_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o to_o believe_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o be_v please_v to_o explain_v the_o manner_n but_o since_o all_o that_o he_o have_v enjoin_v we_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v reveal_v we_o ought_v in_o all_o humility_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o full_a intuition_n into_o those_o mystery_n in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o we_o must_v be_v ignorant_a of_o in_o this_o and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o present_a view_n and_o which_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v on_o purpose_n to_o heighten_v our_o desire_n after_o those_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v particular_o reserve_v for_o the_o next_o life_n it_o seem_v indeed_o very_o plain_a that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o make_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o what_o be_v clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o necessary_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o this_o also_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v such_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v clear_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v god_n word_n alone_o that_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o those_o case_n and_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o detract_v from_o it_o as_o to_o add_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v examine_v those_o part_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o for_o those_o that_o treat_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n good_a work_n etc._n etc._n they_o seem_v to_o carry_v a_o air_n of_o piety_n along_o with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v write_v with_o such_o strength_n of_o judgement_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o author_n have_v think_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o part_n of_o that_o treatise_n finis_fw-la postscript_n when_o these_o paper_n be_v just_a come_n abroad_o there_o appear_v a_o second_o vindication_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o be_v under_o apprehension_n that_o some_o argument_n may_v be_v there_o propound_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v but_o since_o i_o find_v they_o be_v chief_o direct_v against_o mr._n edward_n reflection_n which_o though_o i_o have_v not_o read_v i_o presume_v be_v different_a from_o these_o observation_n by_o the_o passage_n cite_v from_o they_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o examine_v they_o especial_o since_o they_o require_v more_o time_n than_o the_o press_n will_v allow_v if_o i_o have_v urge_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v manage_v already_o by_o other_o it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v what_o i_o have_v mention_v of_o mr._n hobbs_n be_v with_o no_o design_n to_o possess_v the_o reader_n with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n have_v be_v maintain_v before_o our_o author_n appear_v for_o it_o though_o i_o do_v believe_v he_o borrow_v it_o from_o thence_o since_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o contrary_n if_o in_o that_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o i_o have_v fall_v upon_o the_o same_o notion_n with_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o the_o occasional_a paper_n numb_a i._o it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o do_v or_o can_v design_n since_o these_o remark_n be_v draw_v up_o long_o before_o that_o come_v abroad_o errata_fw-la pag._n 4._o lin_v 7._o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n p._n 14._o l._n 28._o r._n reject_v they_o ibid._n l._n 33._o r._n inspiration_n p._n 20._o l._n 5._o del_o it_o p._n 35._o l._n 10._o del_o the_o p._n 44._o in_o not._n r._n commata_fw-la p._n 62._o l._n 1._o r._n crimina_fw-la p._n 63._o l._n 12._o for_o those_o be_v r._n that_o be_v p._n 69._o l._n 24._o r._n apostle_n