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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n catholic_n church_n visible_a 4,689 5 9.3932 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59809 A defence and continuation of the discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and our union and communion with Him with a particular respect to the doctrine of the Church of England, and the charge of socinianism and pelagianism / by the same author. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1675 (1675) Wing S3281; ESTC R4375 236,106 546

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&_o sanctitas_fw-la &_o cetera_fw-la nam_fw-la quae_fw-la foris_fw-la exercentur_fw-la nullum_fw-la habent_fw-la salutis_fw-la effectum_fw-la now_o whether_o they_o carthag_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n or_o not_o the_o premise_n be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n own_v by_o those_o very_a father_n who_o oppose_v the_o rebaptisation_n of_o schismatic_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a or_o invisible_a church_n which_o necessary_o include_v our_o visible_a fellowship_n and_o society_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o we_o may_v hold_v communion_n with_o it_o without_o renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n or_o violate_v any_o express_a law_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o as_o i_o discourse_v more_o full_o in_o my_o other_o book_n and_o when_o &c_n we_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n without_o renounce_v our_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v then_o secure_v in_o our_o spiritual_a union_n to_o his_o invisible_a church_n and_o body_n now_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a solution_n to_o all_o mr._n ferguson_n argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_n of_o a_o christian_n union_n to_o christ._n though_o i_o never_o assert_v this_o any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n with_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v first_o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v then_o if_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n right_o but_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v not_o a_o christian_n till_o he_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o though_o god_n may_v dispense_v with_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o ordinary_o faith_n alone_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o proposition_n we_o must_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v for_o baptism_n ordinary_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o alone_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v and_o whereas_o a_o late_a author_n think_v to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n 9_o add_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16._o 16_o so_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v mere_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o unbelief_n and_o not_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o baptism_n provide_v they_o have_v faith_n it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a very_o evident_a that_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n word_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n faith_n and_o baptism_n and_o methinks_v those_o man_n make_v very_o bold_a with_o our_o saviour_n who_o affirm_v that_o we_o may_v be_v ordinary_o save_v for_o our_o saviour_n speak_v here_o of_o ordinary_a case_n without_o baptism_n but_o then_o he_o add_v who_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n of_o two_o sort_n such_o infidel_n as_o refuse_v baptism_n and_o such_o unbeliever_n as_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v signify_v that_o though_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o unbelief_n alone_o whether_o man_n be_v baptize_v or_o not_o shall_v damn_v they_o for_o i_o will_v ask_v this_o author_n whether_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v design_v in_o those_o word_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v to_o signify_v that_o faith_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o have_v add_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o be_v not_o baptize_v shall_v be_v damn_v which_o will_v have_v damn_v only_o unbaptise_v infidel_n and_o have_v give_v too_o great_a reason_n to_o baptize_v hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n his_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o christian_n may_v be_v oblige_v upon_o their_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n to_o renounce_v communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n with_o which_o they_o have_v walk_v but_o to_o suspend_v fellowship_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o circle_n and_o compass_v of_o their_o knowledge_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o this_o it_o will_v be_v their_o vindication_n and_o this_o will_v not_o prejudice_v their_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n but_o i_o hope_v all_o good_a christian_n will_v be_v more_o wary_a of_o this_o than_o our_o author_n and_o his_o friend_n be_v for_o humour_n and_o frowardness_n and_o interest_n will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n his_o three_o argument_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o needs_o no_o other_o answer_n that_o christian_n may_v be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o one_o but_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o remain_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o they_o for_o christ_n will_v reverse_v all_o unjust_a sentence_n such_o man_n be_v still_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o body_n the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o what_o he_o add_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v just_o seclude_v for_o a_o time_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o 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the_o church_n may_v just_o separate_v man_n from_o christ_n &_o christ_n just_o keep_v they_o unite_v to_o himself_o all_o divine_v indeed_o grant_v that_o whatever_o be_v do_v errante_fw-la cleave_v through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n or_o for_o some_o worse_a reason_n be_v rectify_v by_o christ_n but_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n make_v void_a the_o just_a and_o regular_a censure_n of_o his_o church_n be_v express_o contrary_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o repeal_v and_o countermand_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n be_v just_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n he_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n too_o and_o can_v regular_o be_v restore_v again_o but_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n but_o i_o suppose_v mr._n ferguson_n and_o he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mr._n watson_n mind_n that_o neither_o sin_n nor_o satan_n can_v dissolve_v our_o union_n with_o 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he_o add_v that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o true_a but_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_n as_o i_o show_v above_o his_o five_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o that_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o govern_v we_o now_o as_o a_o visible_a head_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v invest_v with_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n but_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o our_o actual_a subjection_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v above_o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n as_o for_o his_o proof_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o which_o he_o thus_o expound_v that_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o coalesce_v into_o church_n society_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o our_o author_n skill_n or_o honesty_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o church_n society_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o they_o which_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o those_o day_n when_o independency_n be_v not_o yet_o hatch_v but_o he_o commend_v the_o bounty_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o macedonian_n in_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n and_o their_o great_a forwardness_n to_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o need_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o commit_v their_o liberal_a contribution_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o the_o propgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o importunate_a solicitation_n but_o of_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o but_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o we_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o then_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n his_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n but_o pray_v how_o so_o because_o i_o assert_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o head_n only_o to_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o none_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n without_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n i_o must_v now_o do_v as_o m._n ferguson_n do_v deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o it_o he_o imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a union_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n on_o earth_n to_o who_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v whereas_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o no_o head_n but_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o 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be_v not_o the_o immediate_a political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o vicarious_a head_n he_o represent_v this_o as_o my_o opinion_n though_o i_o never_o say_v so_o nor_o think_v so_o i_o have_v say_v indeed_o that_o particular_a christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o union_n to_o his_o church_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o every_o christian_a much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n except_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o because_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n be_v not_o immediate_o join_v to_o it_o these_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o 469._o be_v unite_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n most_o of_o which_o he_o allege_n also_o upon_o another_o occasion_n to_o prove_v that_o one_o live_v in_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o no_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o avow_a doctrine_n of_o socinus_n by_o this_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o weight_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o repeat_v my_o answer_n as_o often_o as_o he_o repeat_v his_o argument_n but_o dare_v venture_v they_o at_o one_o proposal_n against_o his_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v among_o other_o argument_n whereby_o i_o confirm_v that_o notion_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o solemn_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_n of_o 615._o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o whereby_o we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o here_o too_o challenge_v i_o with_o contradict_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o so_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o
discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v we_o to_o and_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o perpetual_a institution_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o require_v seal_v on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o ceremony_n be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n have_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n whereby_o he_o have_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o till_o we_o seal_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n no_o previous_a faith_n and_o consent_n can_v give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o his_o four_o proposition_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n consist_v in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n there_o do_v therefore_o upon_o a_o person_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n emerge_n as_o that_o he_o be_v render_v a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a and_o add_v so_o far_o be_v our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n from_o be_v the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v our_o dedicate_a ourselves_o to_o christ_n by_o this_o august_n ceremony_n which_o constitute_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o say_v i_o but_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o dedicate_a we_o to_o christ_n so_o say_v i_o too_o and_o therefore_o our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o how_o do_v this_o follow_n when_o baptism_n dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o be_v his_o church_n for_o that_o which_o dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o unite_n we_o to_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n whereby_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o we_o be_v member_n before_o though_o incomplete_a but_o this_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v which_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o and_o never_o can_v do_v and_o indeed_o a_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a member_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o relation_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n one_o child_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o child_n be_v as_o complete_o the_o father_n child_n as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o child_n be_v and_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n we_o be_v complete_a member_n for_o what_o ever_o make_v we_o member_n make_v we_o member_n and_o we_o can_v be_v more_o or_o less_o member_n a_o member_n may_v be_v sound_a or_o rot_a weak_a or_o strong_a and_o upon_o that_o score_n may_v be_v a_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a member_n but_o consider_v only_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n every_o member_n be_v as_o much_o a_o member_n as_o any_o other_o but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v now_o when_o in_o his_o first_o proposition_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o baptism_n unite_v we_o to_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a how_o will_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v baptize_v before_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a visible_a church_n form_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a visible_a church_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n neither_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o subordinate_a society_n and_o corporation_n and_o family_n before_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o family_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a or_o invisible_a unless_o we_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o baptism_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o blame_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o make_v visibility_n one_o mark_v of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o argue_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o after_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n and_o signify_v and_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o christ_n own_v we_o not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n answer_v 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o 619._o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n see_v none_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o church_n member_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o say_v it_o be_v the_o first_o medium_n but_o that_o it_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o use_v our_o author_n own_o word_n in_o another_o place_n see_v its_o one_o 626._o loaf_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o we_o partake_v we_o be_v therefore_o one_o body_n viz._n in_o christ_n who_o participate_v of_o that_o one_o loaf_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o pichorellus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o say_v we_o be_v one_o loaf_n or_o bread_n though_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o so_o but_o that_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o coalition_n of_o the_o cluster_n of_o the_o small_a corpuscle_n of_o meal_n sure_o our_o author_n be_v teach_v this_o bombast_n by_o the_o school_n master_n in_o sir_n philip_n sidney_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v knead_v and_o contex_v to_o the_o identity_n and_o oneness_n that_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n intervening_a identity_n and_o oneness_n be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n but_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o have_v abuse_v pichorellus_fw-la not_o only_o in_o a_o fantastical_a translation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o in_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o who_o word_n as_o he_o have_v set_v they_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v these_o non_fw-la dicit_fw-la paulus_n fideles_fw-la unum_fw-la esse_fw-la panem_fw-la sed_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la panc_fw-la ducit_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la paul_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o believer_n be_v one_o bread_n but_o take_v a_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n from_o one_o bread_n what_o to_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o oneness_n and_o identity_n which_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o single_a believer_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v represent_v it_o no_o but_o to_o prove_v that_o near_a alliance_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v as_o close_o compact_v into_o one_o body_n as_o the_o several_a particle_n of_o flour_n be_v when_o they_o be_v knead_v into_o one_o loaf_n and_o so_o as_o one_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o entertain_v at_o his_o table_n agreeable_o to_o st._n chrysostoms_n account_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v translate_v also_o by_o our_o author_n what_o be_v that_o loaf_n it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n what_o be_v those_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o many_o body_n but_o one_o for_o as_o the_o many_o grain_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v form_v be_v so_o convene_v into_o one_o mass_n mighty_a elegant_a still_o that_o the_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n one_o from_o another_o do_v not_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v we_o conjoin_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o or_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o st._n chrysostoms_n word_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o
perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n so_o that_o he_o only_o confident_o affirm_v what_o be_v in_o dispute_n and_o this_o go_v for_o a_o argument_n this_o argument_n he_o silent_o pass_v over_o only_o he_o transcribe_v the_o last_o clause_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o huff_v it_o off_o with_o a_o appeal_n to_o his_o reader_n any_o man_n may_v easy_o guess_v by_o the_o management_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o mind_n his_o reader_n shall_v know_v what_o be_v in_o dispute_n or_o what_o argument_n be_v allege_v on_o either_o side_n and_o i_o do_v ready_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v weary_a of_o every_o word_n he_o be_v force_v to_o add_v for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o tire_v any_o man_n heart_n out_o to_o be_v force_v to_o say_v something_o and_o not_o to_o have_v one_o wise_a word_n to_o say_v but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o long_a digression_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o give_v several_a other_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o metaphor_n as_o when_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o our_o first_o conversion_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v contribute_v no_o more_o to_o our_o own_o conversion_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v to_o the_o quicken_a of_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o the_o like_a but_o to_o discourse_v this_o full_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n and_o possible_o may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o a_o proper_a place_n what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquaint_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o i_o be_o no_o enemy_n to_o a_o sober_a use_n of_o metaphor_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n do_v very_o much_o corrupt_a religion_n and_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o abuse_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n those_o objection_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v of_o which_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v but_o some_o slight_a skirmish_n but_o the_o main_a battle_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o great_a outcry_n be_v that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n and_o homily_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a calumny_n and_o yet_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a every_o one_o may_v believe_v as_o he_o please_v for_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n this_o he_o leave_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v very_o wise_o do_v of_o he_o but_o all_o that_o he_o take_v leave_v to_o ●_o say_v be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n here_o publish_v and_o license_v so_o to_o be_v either_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o then_o why_o then_o the_o doctor_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o will_v have_v any_o communion_n therein_o but_o i_o think_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o declare_v this_o now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o hurt_n my_o book_n have_v do_v to_o force_v the_o doctor_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n after_o so_o many_o year_n actual_a separation_n from_o it_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a but_o why_o so_o much_o haste_n of_o declare_v why_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n at_o which_o you_o may_v guess_v so_o in_o particular_a because_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v or_o depart_v from_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_n doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n what_o a_o mighty_a reverence_n have_v the_o doctor_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n than_o renounce_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o former_a church_n of_o england_n that_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n but_o do_v he_o indeed_o speak_v as_o he_o mean_v do_v he_o account_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o sacred_a as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o renounce_v any_o doctrine_n which_o she_o condemn_v and_o to_o own_o what_o she_o own_v if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o explain_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o if_o he_o do_v i_o will_v beg_v of_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o renounce_v his_o schism_n though_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o fear_v this_o be_v no_o good_a argument_n with_o the_o doctor_n well_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n here_o publish_v be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n as_o he_o be_v assure_v with_o respect_n unto_o many_o bishop_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o then_o what_o account_n will_v he_o now_o give_v of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n nay_o not_o a_o word_n of_o that_o but_o he_o have_v a_o little_a advice_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o concernment_n of_o they_o who_o preside_v therein_o to_o take_v care_n that_o such_o discourse_n be_v not_o countenance_v with_o the_o stamp_n of_o their_o public_a authority_n lest_o they_o and_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v unto_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o many_o what_o a_o bless_a change_n have_v my_o book_n wrought_v in_o the_o doctor_n he_o be_v now_o mighty_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n and_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disadvantagious_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n who_o can_v ever_o have_v hope_v for_o this_o who_o have_v know_v the_o doctor_n in_o the_o bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o i_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o after_o all_o his_o courtship_n to_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n the_o doctor_z design_n a_o little_a kindness_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n not_o to_o suffer_v any_o book_n to_o be_v print_v against_o they_o which_o they_o can_v answer_v which_o may_v represent_v they_o to_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o many_o the_o looking-glass-maker_n transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o homily_n to_o what_o end_n he_o himself_o know_v best_a for_o i_o shall_v not_o ready_o have_v guess_v myself_o concern_v in_o they_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o ingenious_a reflection_n how_o ill_o mr._n sherlock_n 30._o have_v fit_v his_o cloth_n to_o this_o pattern_n he_o that_o be_v not_o very_o blind_a may_v see_v so_o that_o now_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o eyesight_n that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o homily_n by_o which_o artifice_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o waggish_a fellow_n have_v persuade_v silly_a people_n to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v see_v some_o strange_a prodigy_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v but_o to_o gratify_v the_o ill_a nature_n of_o these_o man_n let_v we_o for_o once_o suppose_v that_o which_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o then_o why_o then_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n to_o which_o i_o have_v subscribe_v if_o i_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o ill_o do_v of_o i_o but_o what_o then_o why_o then_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n but_o i_o pray_v why_o so_o do_v they_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v infallible_a do_v they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o then_o do_v they_o reject_v any_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n why_o do_v they_o renounce_v communion_n with_o we_o if_o they_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n be_v it_o not_o as_o good_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o another_o every_o one_o i_o suppose_v know_v what_o obedient_a son_n they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o they_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o mother_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o hard_o they_o be_v
we_o either_o have_v do_v shall_v do_v or_o can_v do_v as_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o too_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a and_o imperfect_a to_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v trust_v only_o in_o god_n mercy_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o our_o high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n to_o obtain_v thereby_o god_n grace_n and_o remission_n as_o well_o of_o our_o original_a sin_n in_o baptism_n as_o of_o all_o actual_a sin_n commit_v by_o we_o after_o baptism_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v and_o unfeigned_o turn_v to_o he_o all_o this_o be_v call_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o which_o include_v a_o renounce_v the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o work_n but_o first_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v good_a work_n before_o we_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o they_o and_o a_o affiance_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n this_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o which_o be_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n against_o those_o modern_a notion_n of_o reliance_n and_o recumbency_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o any_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o shall_v any_o man_n affirm_v in_o express_a word_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n as_o well_o as_o by_o faith_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n not_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n though_o he_o will_v differ_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n yet_o he_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o church_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o justification_n whereas_o those_o who_o use_v the_o same_o phrase_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n thereby_o exclude_v the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n to_o our_o justification_n though_o they_o retain_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o renounce_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v the_o only_a apostate_n and_o innovator_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n how_o unjust_o i_o be_o charge_v with_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n when_o i_o have_v only_o express_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o how_o vain_o my_o adversary_n pretend_v to_o be_v such_o obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o under_o a_o orthodox_n form_n of_o word_n they_o have_v introduce_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o this_o church_n after_o this_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n it_o be_v time_n in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v alter_v at_o this_o day_n and_o how_o those_o man_n who_o i_o oppose_v have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o this_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n more_o particular_o to_o show_v how_o direct_o opposite_a these_o new_a and_o fantastic_a notion_n be_v to_o the_o establish_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o our_o article_n and_o homily_n which_o though_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o may_v be_v and_o first_o whereas_o our_o church_n express_o assert_n that_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n on_o god_n part_n be_v require_v mercy_n and_o grace_n justification_n consist_v in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n mr._n ferguson_n very_o agreeable_o indeed_o to_o his_o own_o principle_n express_o assert_n that_o justification_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o result_n of_o mercy_n but_o the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n remission_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v etc._n be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o one_o exercise_v favour_n but_o justification_n be_v the_o off_o spring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v one_o transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n this_o notion_n i_o have_v examine_v already_o and_o shall_v add_v nothing_o further_a for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o homily_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o be_v argument_n enough_o with_o these_o man_n who_o pretend_v such_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o the_o ancient_n and_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n but_o then_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v wonder_v as_o well_o he_o may_v how_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o law-notion_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v not_o by_o be_v pardon_v but_o by_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v as_o a_o innocent_a man_n who_o have_v never_o offend_v the_o account_n of_o this_o will_v far_o discover_v what_o friend_n they_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o second_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v no_o more_o on_o christ_n part_n but_o justice_n or_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n justice_n or_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o make_v he_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n these_o man_n place_v our_o justification_n in_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n personal_a righteousness_n to_o we_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n as_o our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o that_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n we_o be_v account_v perfect_o righteous_a and_o so_o be_v justify_v not_o as_o malefactor_n when_o they_o be_v pardon_v but_o as_o righteous_a and_o innocent_a man_n who_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v and_o i_o have_v already_o inform_v mr._n ferguson_n how_o effectual_o this_o notion_n undermine_v 156_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o inherent_a righteousness_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v with_o his_o meritorious_a blood_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o justify_v any_o man_n but_o whereas_o strict_a justice_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o repentance_n nor_o accept_v of_o a_o imperfect_a though_o sincere_a obedience_n god_n have_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n to_o true_a penitent_n and_o this_o necessary_o require_v a_o inherent_a holiness_n not_o to_o merit_v but_o to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o if_o this_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o demand_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o make_v we_o righteous_a as_o christ_n be_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o any_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o which_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o proverb_n to_o burn_v day_n and_o to_o light_v up_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n dr._n owen_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o which_o must_v be_v a_o little_a consider_v for_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o this_o righteousness_n 187._o be_v inherent_a in_o christ_n and_o proper_o his_o own_o it_o be_v only_o reckon_v and_o impute_v to_o we_o or_o free_o bestow_v on_o we_o but_o do_v not_o this_o imputation_n make_v it_o we_o how_o then_o can_v we_o answer_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n with_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n the_o less_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o original_o we_o but_o so_o by_o gift_n and_o the_o doctor_n be_v sensible_a that_o this_o answer_n will_v not_o do_v and_o therefore_o second_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o righteous_a with_o that_o righteousness_n for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o how_o plain_o be_v thing_n when_o man_n will_v speak_v out_o so_o that_o now_o
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n ●45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o
in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o abstract_v from_o his_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n of_o it_o as_o these_o man_n do_v as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v second_o i_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o very_a same_o act_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o first_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o subsequent_a choice_n and_o consent_n by_o explicit_a contract_n as_o some_o imagine_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n but_o that_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o church_n make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n wherein_o our_o union_n consist_v and_o that_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o will_v own_v our_o christianity_n to_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v three_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n in_o this_o question_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o church-officer_n authorize_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o christ_n design_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o particular_a man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o himself_o in_o one_o body_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o be_v not_o man_n act_v by_o faction_n and_o interest_n it_o can_v admit_v no_o serious_a dispute_n all_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v typical_a of_o the_o christian_a and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o family_n the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v all_o unite_a by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o religious_a ceremony_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o alien_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o holy_a people_n but_o by_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n now_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christian_n be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 29._o i._n e._n we_o be_v admit_v into_o abraham_n family_n and_o make_v heir_n according_a to_o promise_n when_o god_n cast_v off_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o of_o those_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o so_o the_o christian_n who_o before_o their_o conversion_n be_v many_o of_o they_o pagan_a idolater_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n rom._n 11._o 27._o so_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v to_o dissolve_v but_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n he_o own_v no_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o scatter_a individual_n but_o as_o incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n now_o the_o internal_a union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n the_o external_n ligament_n of_o it_o be_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v regular_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n perform_v in_o baptism_n and_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n and_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v ordinary_o annex_v the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o now_o though_o internal_a union_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a faith_n and_o a_o subjection_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v unite_v we_o to_o his_o invisible_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o where_o there_o be_v we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n body_n without_o a_o visible_a incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o our_o internal_a union_n that_o be_v without_o be_v force_v to_o renounce_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o ordinary_a method_n of_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n but_o those_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n and_o though_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o ordinary_a way_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v ordinary_o do_v so_o which_o will_v be_v to_o dissolve_v his_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o make_v external_n communion_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o secret_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o ordinary_o unite_v we_o to_o his_o body_n but_o be_v only_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o such_o a_o union_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n there_o be_v require_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n perform_v with_o such_o initial_a rite_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o do_v actual_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o more_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o admission_n into_o any_o relation_n or_o society_n there_o be_v require_v a_o antecedaneous_a consent_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o unite_v to_o such_o a_o society_n without_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n or_o public_a oath_n and_o engagement_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o society_n be_v require_v to_o our_o actual_a admission_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o clinici_fw-la who_o delay_v their_o baptism_n till_o they_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n though_o all_o their_o life_n they_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o refuse_v by_o this_o holy_a rite_n to_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v look_v on_o at_o best_a as_o a_o very_a imperfect_a sort_n of_o christian_n of_o who_o state_n there_o be_v just_a reason_n for_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n in_o its_o idea_n and_o embryo_n before_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o case_n though_o the_o first_o believer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n signify_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o such_o a_o platform_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n
form_v according_a to_o such_o a_o model_n of_o law_n and_o government_n privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o any_o society_n upon_o a_o public_a charter_n or_o commission_n he_o who_o be_v first_o admit_v into_o any_o college_n or_o corporation_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n though_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o for_o there_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o society_n lay_v where_o there_o be_v a_o head_n and_o governor_n and_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n do_v converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a head_n than_o the_o way_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o government_n to_o go_v direct_o to_o he_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n faith_n be_v call_v come_v to_o christ_n which_o phrase_n be_v never_o use_v to_o signify_v believe_v but_o only_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o time_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o earth_n but_o since_o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o leave_v a_o visible_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n invest_v with_o his_o authority_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o 162._o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n to_o answer_v all_o mr._n ferguson_n little_a cavil_n as_o 1._o he_o argue_v if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o 59●_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o previous_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n i_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v of_o mr._n sherlock_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o this_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n it_o be_v quick_o answer_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n just_a as_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v unite_v as_o a_o body_n particular_a christian_n as_o member_n of_o that_o body_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o author_n imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o two_o different_a act_n and_o then_o indeed_o his_o argument_n will_v have_v entangle_v i_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o i_o have_v already_o break_v this_o circle_n in_o my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v yet_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o unite_v they_o all_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o form_v and_o cement_v into_o a_o regular_a and_o well-proportioned_a body_n his_o second_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o can_v imagine_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o their_o union_n to_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n will_v still_o be_v the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n before_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o every_o individual_a christian_a may_v be_v so_o too_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o fellowship_n and_o society_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o four_o proposition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n to_o join_v with_o if_o christ_n may_v then_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o instruction_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v visible_o present_a with_o they_o yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n assign_v why_o other_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o immediate_o unite_v to_o he_o now_o he_o be_v not_o present_a as_o a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n thus_o far_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v my_o notion_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o a_o more_o favourable_a acceptation_n than_o this_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o touch_v on_o the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v but_o one_o every_o christian_a be_v as_o true_o unite_v to_o the_o invisible_a as_o to_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v secure_v by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v mr._n ferguson_n think_v on_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v that_o argument_n from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n to_o christ_n without_o any_o pre-existent_a church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n and_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o be_v save_v whoever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n our_o relation_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o it_o our_o christianity_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n but_o our_o obligation_n to_o external_a fellowship_n with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherever_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n cast_v we_o be_v our_o antecedent_n relation_n at_o least_o in_o priority_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o office_n of_o baptism_n declare_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o baptize_v person_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n which_o word_n be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n than_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n this_o be_v one_o argument_n whereby_o the_o father_n in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n prove_v the_o invalidity_n of_o that_o baptism_n which_o be_v administer_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o admit_v any_o one_o into_o the_o catholic_n church_n frustra_fw-la ille_fw-la putat_fw-la se_fw-la esse_fw-la baptizatum_fw-la cum_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la baptisma_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la unum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quia_fw-la deus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o fides_fw-la una_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la stat_fw-la unum_fw-la baptisma_fw-la
scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o the_o foresay_a faith_n idle_a unfruitful_a and_o dead_a but_o work_v by_o charity_n as_o st._n paul_n declare_v gal._n v_o which_o as_o the_o other_o vain_a faith_n be_v call_v a_o dead_a faith_n so_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o quick_a or_o lively_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o true_a lively_a and_o unfeigned_a christian_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mouth_n and_o outward_a profession_n only_o but_o it_o live_v and_o stir_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o without_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n nor_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n nor_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o without_o the_o desire_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o same_o in_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v glad_o all_o good_a work_n this_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n describe_v 12._o it_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o and_o trust_v ●o_o receive_v of_o god_n a_o certificate_n and_o sure_a look_v for_o they_o although_o they_o yet_o sensible_o appear_v not_o unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o that_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o of_o our_o expectation_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v dispute_v with_o no_o man_n i_o never_o assert_v more_o myself_o nor_o desire_v any_o other_o man_n shall_v but_o to_o make_v it_o more_o evident_a what_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o homily_n three_o thing_n concern_v faith_n first_o that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a faith_n to_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n when_o it_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o action_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o the_o heart_n but_o be_v lively_a and_o ibid._n fruitful_a in_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n that_o as_o the_o light_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v show_v forth_o itself_o at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o so_o a_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v keep_v secret_a but_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v it_o will_v break_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o by_o good_a work_n and_o as_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n ever_o exercise_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o a_o natural_a and_o live_a body_n for_o nourishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o it_o have_v need_v opportunity_n and_o occasion_n even_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o it_o will_v be_v do_v always_o some_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v live_v and_o will_v not_o be_v unoccupied_a therefore_o when_o man_n hear_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o high_a commendation_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o make_v we_o to_o please_v god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o then_o they_o fantasy_n that_o they_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o do_v all_o good_a work_n and_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n they_o trifle_v with_o god_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o have_v the_o true_a lively_a faith_n &_o also_o far_o from_o knowledge_n what_o true_a faith_n mean_v and_o then_o follow_v that_o excellent_a description_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v above_o 76._o from_o this_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o our_o church_n account_v a_o holy_a life_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o action_n be_v to_o life_n and_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n just_a as_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n be_v discover_v by_o external_a and_o visible_a action_n this_o be_v far_o prove_v in_o the_o homily_n from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n who_o faith_n be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n such_o as_o abel_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o of_o the_o 1_o epist._n 2._o of_o s._n john_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o express_a testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n and_o by_o refute_v the_o several_a pretence_n of_o those_o man_n who_o fancy_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o love_v he_o though_o they_o either_o live_v in_o sin_n or_o neglect_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n &_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v in_o these_o word_n so_o they_o that_o be_v christian_n 3_o and_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n merit_n and_o yet_o of_o a_o set_a purpose_n do_v live_v idle_o without_o good_a work_n think_v the_o name_n of_o a_o naked_a faith_n to_o be_v either_o sufficient_a for_o they_o or_o else_o set_v their_o mind_n upon_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n do_v live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n not_o utter_v the_o fruit_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o such_o a_o high_a profession_n upon_o such_o presumptuous_a person_n and_o wilful_a sinner_n must_v needs_o remain_v the_o great_a vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o hell_n prepare_v for_o the_o unjust_a and_o wicked_a liver_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o faith_n be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o good_a work_n acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o without_o it_o can_v no_o good_a work_n be_v do_v accept_v and_o pleasant_a unto_o god_n 1._o for_o as_o a_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n so_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o whatever_a work_n be_v do_v without_o faith_n be_v sin_n faith_n give_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dead_a to_o god_n who_o lack_v faith_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n who_o body_n lack_v soul_n this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n why_o no_o work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v never_o so_o good_a can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o faith_n because_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o make_v we_o alive_a to_o god_n which_o give_v we_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n as_o make_v we_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o that_o homily_n from_o st._n chrysostom_n as_o man_n that_o be_v very_a man_n indeed_o first_o have_v life_n and_o after_o be_v nourish_v so_o must_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o and_o after_o be_v nourish_v with_o good_a work_n a_o life_n may_v be_v without_o nourishment_n that_o be_v for_o some_o short_a time_n but_o nourishment_n can_v be_v without_o life_n a_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v nourish_v by_o good_a work_n but_o first_o he_o must_v have_v faith_n he_o that_o do_v good_a deed_n yet_o without_o faith_n he_o have_v no_o life_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v observe_v from_o st._n augustine_n that_o the_o intent_n make_v the_o work_n good_a but_o faith_n must_v guide_v and_o order_v the_o intent_n of_o man._n so_o that_o he_o which_o do_v not_o his_o good_a work_n with_o a_o godly_a intent_n &_o a_o true_a faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n the_o whole_a body_n beside_o that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o his_o work_n be_v dark_a and_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o for_o good_a deed_n be_v not_o measure_v by_o the_o fact_n themselves_o and_o so_o discern_v from_o vice_n but_o by_o the_o end_n and_o intent_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o meaning_n then_o of_o our_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o whereas_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v love_v and_o reverence_n god_n or_o design_n to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n whatever_o material_o good_a work_v such_o man_n may_v do_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o such_o nor_o avail_v any_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n so_o much_o prize_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sincere_a principle_n in_o we_o and_o want_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exert_v itself_o it_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n without_o work_n as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o same_o place_n from_o st._n chrysostom_n i_o can_v show_v a_o man_n that_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n