Selected quad for the lemma: knowledge_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n believe_v faith_n ignorance_n 1,362 5 9.1101 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A25439 Animadversions on a late book entituled, The reasonableness of Christianity as delivered in the Scriptures 1697 (1697) Wing A3191; ESTC R11192 66,692 112

There are 11 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
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
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
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
revelation_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n for_o he_o be_v neither_o instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o while_o on_o earth_n as_o not_o be_v his_o disciple_n nor_o have_v he_o any_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o those_o apostle_n who_o have_v constant_o hear_v he_o but_o he_o receive_v all_o his_o instruction_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o gal._n 11_o and_o 12._o ver._n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v it_o of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v as_o himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.37_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n be_v of_o as_o great_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v doubt_v if_o we_o also_o consider_v that_o man_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n teach_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o he_o assure_v we_o in_o rom._n 2.16_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o my_o gospel_n which_o gospel_n he_o must_v mean_v that_o epistle_n to_o be_v part_n of_o for_o he_o have_v teach_v those_o at_o rome_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o this_o epistle_n for_o he_o never_o have_v be_v there_o when_o this_o be_v write_v nor_o do_v we_o know_v that_o he_o have_v send_v they_o any_o epistle_n before_o it_o but_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v deliver_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o have_v before_o teach_v to_o other_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o own_o word_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.27_o that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o other_o which_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o through_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o as_o both_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v the_o same_o doctrine_n so_o be_v they_o both_o equal_o obligatory_a but_o last_o there_o be_v this_o more_o remarkable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o first_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o he_o teach_v can_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o especial_o till_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v which_o none_o of_o they_o be_v till_o some_o time_n after_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o what_o he_o teach_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o before_o they_o can_v have_v the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o will_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o publish_n the_o gospel_n be_v less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o their_o authority_n will_v be_v much_o rather_o increase_v than_o lessen_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o foundation_n as_o the_o gospel_n to_o support_v they_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v of_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o with_o a_o design_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o other_o epistle_n for_o they_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v therefore_o equal_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o only_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o transmit_v to_o we_o than_o of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n so_o i_o think_v it_o most_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v possible_o be_v produce_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o full_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o sufficient_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o make_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o epistle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o do_v declare_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v come_v now_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o prove_v and_o three_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v will_v make_v this_o more_o full_o appear_v for_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n more_o firm_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o there_o be_v not_o only_o require_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v but_o also_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v reveal_v now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o man_n than_o the_o reveal_n the_o condition_n which_o he_o have_v make_v necessary_a for_o our_o obtain_n happiness_n and_o this_o be_v full_o do_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v perform_v they_o so_o god_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o give_v we_o a_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o first_o in_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n and_o second_o in_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o this_o he_o entrust_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o that_o end_n both_o divine_o inspire_v and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o very_o great_a absurdity_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o 189._o indeed_o tota_n religio_fw-la christiana_n omne_fw-la illius_fw-la dogmata_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o praecepta_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessaria_fw-la quatuor_fw-la evangeliis_fw-la imo_fw-la unico_fw-la mathaei_n evangelio_n continentur_fw-la neque_fw-la ex_fw-la epistolis_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la imo_fw-la nec_fw-la apostoli_fw-la pauli_n ullum_fw-la dogma_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la creditu_fw-la necessarium_fw-la proferetur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la antea_fw-la in_o evangelio_n clare_v expressum_fw-la exstat_fw-la ausim_fw-la itaeque_fw-la dicere_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la sola_fw-la quatuor_fw-la exstarent_fw-la evangelian_a os_fw-la perfectum_fw-la habituros_fw-la canonem_fw-la seu_fw-la regulam_fw-la fidei_fw-la ac_fw-la morum_fw-la p._n 189._o limborch_n in_o his_o conference_n with_o a_o learned_a jew_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v more_o than_o he_o have_v authority_n for_o in_o assert_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n or_o even_o in_o st._n matthew_n only_o and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v any_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o clear_o and_o express_o set_v down_o before_o in_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n whether_o all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v before_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v indeed_o make_v by_o some_o a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o there_o so_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o in_o the_o epistle_n be_v none_o for_o it_o may_v be_v very_o just_o question_v if_o the_o epistle_n have_v not_o be_v write_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v remain_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o i_o much_o doubt_n whether_o we_o shall_v so_o unanimous_o have_v believe_v that_o christ_n death_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n or_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n alone_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v raise_v again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o the_o alone_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v so_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o gospel_n as_o from_o the_o epistle_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v i_o think_v no_o where_o mention_v in_o
to_o the_o colossian_n in_o these_o word_n 4.16_o col._n 4.16_o and_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n which_o very_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o be_v now_o inscribe_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o it_o seem_v most_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v send_v to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n where_o st._n paul_n have_v never_o be_v at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v a_o wrong_a inscription_n put_v to_o it_o by_o the_o collector_n of_o the_o epistle_n into_o one_o body_n which_o be_v a_o easy_a mistake_n consider_v that_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v very_o probable_o at_o ephesus_n as_o well_o as_o coloss_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o c●ose_n of_o that_o epistle_n and_o other_o place_n some_o indeed_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o write_v any_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o the_o passage_n in_o the_o colossian_n that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n must_v mean_v a_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o laodicean_n to_o st._n paul_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v 60._o be_v baronius_n annal._n tom._n 1._o ad_fw-la ann._n d._n 60._o baronius_n and_o cite_v both_o chrysostom_n and_o theodoret_n for_o it_o who_o think_v that_o st._n paul_n never_o write_v any_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n but_o there_o be_v little_a ground_n for_o this_o opinion_n especial_o from_o the_o word_n in_o the_o colossian_n that_o from_o laodicea_n for_o the_o natural_a mean_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o of_o coloss_n shall_v receive_v that_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v to_o laodicea_n from_o thence_o and_o read_v it_o in_o their_o assembly_n and_o this_o meaning_n dr._n hammond_n apply_v to_o it_o in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o place_n and_o he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o be_v send_v from_o ephesus_n to_o laodicea_n since_o tertullian_n affirm_v that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o ephesian_n be_v send_v to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n but_o he_o think_v this_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n that_o ephesus_n be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o asia_n and_o laodicea_n be_v a_o church_n within_o that_o circuit_n it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v design_v thither_o as_o well_o as_o ephesus_n but_o that_o it_o be_v also_o copy_v out_o and_o communicate_v to_o they_o and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n or_o which_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n have_v receive_v but_o though_o indeed_o it_o may_v have_v be_v so_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v write_v only_o to_o those_o of_o laodicea_n and_o not_o to_o ephesus_n for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o st._n paul_n do_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n which_o we_o have_v not_o under_o that_o title_n so_o be_v there_o great_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v not_o write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o st._n paul_n have_v live_v three_o year_n at_o ephesus_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v write_v to_o they_o there_o as_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v i_o to_o you-ward_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o if_o this_o be_v write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n among_o who_o st._n paul_n have_v so_o long_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o salutation_n in_o it_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v so_o very_o usual_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o epistle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v write_v to_o they_o of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o remark_n be_v the_o more_o material_a because_o if_o this_o epistle_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o it_o seem_v design_v to_o contain_v several_a doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o a_o church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o may_v carry_v a_o great_a weight_n with_o they_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o will_v admit_v no_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o have_v such_o a_o reason_n to_o confirm_v they_o but_o however_o it_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o one_o divine_o inspire_a so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n to_o instruct_v or_o to_o confirm_v a_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o return_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n contain_v matter_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v may_v not_o the_o same_o objection_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n and_o very_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v soon_o after_o accomplish_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v think_v at_o first_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o respect_v the_o jew_n only_o nay_o and_o for_o some_o time_n after_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n peter_n particular_o among_o the_o apostle_n have_v such_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o to_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o acts._n but_o though_o in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n be_v more_o full_o understand_v yet_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o particular_a and_o all_o his_o discourse_n be_v interpret_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o ought_v to_o caution_n we_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o epistle_n which_o notwithstanding_o their_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v design_v for_o general_a instruction_n and_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o case_n set_v down_o but_o what_o may_v on_o some_o occasion_n be_v of_o use_n to_o all_o christian_n but_o what_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n will_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o will_v than_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n must_v suffer_v too_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n luke_n seem_v to_o be_v write_v particular_o to_o give_v theophilus_n a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v before_o instruct_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o evangelist_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n john_n be_v write_v upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n to_o confute_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o cerinthian_o and_o ebionite_n who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n and_o have_v late_o be_v very_o 80._o very_o vid._n dr._n williams_n be_v vindicat._n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n sermon_n p._n 16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n joan._n cleric_a in_o 18._o prima_fw-la commenta_fw-la evang_v joan._n p._n 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n 80._o learned_o prove_v and_o must_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v reject_v as_o not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o all_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o that_o be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n our_o faith_n will_v lie_v indeed_o in_o a_o much_o narrow_a compass_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v i_o be_o afraid_a the_o better_a christian_n for_o it_o for_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o design_n they_o for_o general_a direction_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o other_o as_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v but_o beside_o whatever_o particular_a occasion_n there_o may_v be_v for_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n yet_o the_o general_a design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o settle_v and_o strengthen_v man_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v perpetual_a guide_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o indeed_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o they_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v be_v write_v but_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v dictate_v and_o leave_v
declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o he_o have_v deliver_v p._n 31._o and_o repeat_v in_o his_o vindication_n p._n 28._o 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 their_o king_n and_o ruler_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n and_o whether_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v concern_v the_o messiah_n or_o where_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o this_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o this_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a explication_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o in_o scripture_n and_o that_o this_o alone_a neither_o more_o nor_o less_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n so_o that_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n though_o we_o shall_v take_v in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v design_v for_o such_o do_v not_o seem_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o for_o the_o clear_a examination_n of_o this_o assertion_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n a_o believer_n or_o a_o christian_a during_o the_o actual_a ministry_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o true_o entitle_v any_o one_o to_o that_o character_n now_o or_o during_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o we_o do_v not_o find_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o any_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v on_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o what_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n which_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v of_o his_o disciple_n from_o that_o question_n of_o they_o 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 to_o which_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n but_o show_v they_o their_o ignorance_n by_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o 1._o act_n 1._o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o infer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o come_v which_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o faith_n who_o have_v be_v with_o he_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o other_o who_o have_v believe_v on_o he_o can_v have_v entertain_v any_o clear_a or_o more_o distinct_a notion_n of_o he_o so_o that_o we_o can_v form_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n from_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n since_o the_o just_a mean_v of_o that_o proposition_n be_v not_o then_o understand_v nor_o will_v it_o alter_v the_o case_n by_o say_v that_o those_o who_o die_v then_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v undoubted_o save_v for_o that_o will_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o prove_v that_o because_o a_o jew_n be_v save_v before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n mediation_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n he_o may_v be_v equal_o capable_a of_o salvation_n now_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o appear_v from_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o revelation_n to_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o that_o rule_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v always_o hold_v that_o where_o much_o be_v give_v or_o much_o reveal_v there_o be_v also_o much_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v if_o therefore_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o then_o full_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a now_o to_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a they_o do_v not_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o bare_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v not_o sufficient_a or_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o believer_n or_o a_o christian_n for_o the_o disciple_n do_v already_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n as_o be_v grant_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n but_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o far_o his_o mediation_n extend_v or_o what_o he_o must_v do_v in_o order_n to_o become_v our_o mediator_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v prove_v from_o our_o author_n be_v own_o concession_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o no_o small_a force_n for_o if_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o to_o denominate_v man_n true_o christian_n be_v the_o bare_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o instruct_v they_o far_o in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v concern_v he_o as_o in_o joh._n 16.12_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v hear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o at_o the_o 25_o ver._n these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o in_o proverb_n the_o time_n come_v when_o i_o shall_v no_o more_o speak_v unto_o you_o in_o proverb_n or_o parable_n but_o shall_v show_v you_o plain_o of_o the_o father_n now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o this_o be_v it_o not_o to_o teach_v they_o more_o clear_o something_o that_o concern_v their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n but_o this_o according_a to_o our_o author_n can_v not_o be_v for_o they_o have_v already_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a why_o shall_v they_o need_v any_o other_o instruction_n since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v already_o give_v god_n thanks_o in_o one_o of_o his_o last_o prayer_n that_o they_o have_v already_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v send_v he_o 17.18_o joh._n 17.18_o i_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o they_o have_v believe_v that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o 183._o p._n 183._o i._n e._n by_o our_o author_n be_v own_o interpretation_n in_o effect_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n promise_v and_o send_v by_o god_n and_o in_o the_o 25_o ver_fw-la ibid._n ibid._n speak_v of_o his_o disciple_n he_o say_v they_o already_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v send_v i_o i.e._n be_v assure_v that_o i_o be_o the_o messiah_n now_o if_o they_o firm_o believe_v all_o this_o already_o according_a to_o our_o author_n and_o this_o be_v all_o require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v give_v they_o to_o instruct_v they_o more_o full_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o or_o to_o inform_v they_o more_o particular_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o office_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v not_o be_v only_o to_o endue_v they_o with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o convert_v of_o other_o nor_o will_v that_o come_v up_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n that_o he_o shall_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o that_o if_o they_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v any_o mean_v in_o they_o they_o must_v relate_v to_o those_o large_a degree_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o shall_v be_v infuse_v into_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o the_o apostle_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n than_o that_o
the_o king_n messiah_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o heretic_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o christian_n it_o will_v be_v more_o convenient_a to_o interpret_v it_o of_o david_n himself_o which_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n why_o they_o dissent_v from_o the_o opinion_n and_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancestor_n because_o they_o may_v more_o strong_o oppose_v the_o christian_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v those_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancient_a doctor_n to_o speak_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o shall_v give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o dr._n pococke_n ib._n pococke_n ib._n have_v observe_v will_v be_v supply_v with_o argument_n to_o prove_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o if_o this_o one_o psalm_n be_v grant_v to_o relate_v to_o christ_n alone_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o wrest_v it_o to_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n there_o be_v also_o several_a other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o apply_v by_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n to_o our_o 21._o our_o vid._n not._n in_o grot._n de_fw-la veritat_fw-la relig._n christ_n l._n 5._o sect._n 21._o saviour_n which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n as_o psal_n 45._o thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o isa_n 25.9_o and_o in_o that_o day_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v lo_o this_o be_v our_o god_n with_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v constant_o interpret_v of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o all_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n but_o last_o of_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a from_o their_o object_v blasphemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o highpriest_n adjure_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o that_o expression_n than_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man._n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n according_a to_o 12._o to_o jure_fw-la naturali_fw-la &_o gentium_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 12._o mr._n selden_n that_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o they_o so_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o that_o expression_n that_o for_o any_o one_o to_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o that_o notion_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o profess_v himself_o true_o god_n which_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a blasphemy_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o cite_v the_o hebrew_n commentary_n and_o philo_n judeus_fw-la who_o have_v common_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v god_n himself_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n before_o and_o at_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v god._n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v object_n idolatry_n to_o the_o christian_n afterward_o upon_o supposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o that_o they_o differ_v very_o wide_o from_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n being_n god_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o his_o disciple_n have_v concern_v he_o for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o true_a design_n of_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n he_o thereby_o obtain_v till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o they_o before_o that_o time_n certain_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o then_o pay_v he_o and_o from_o that_o exstatical_a exclamation_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n as_o though_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v on_o purpose_n then_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n that_o may_v hereafter_o possible_o arise_v concern_v his_o divinity_n since_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o they_o real_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v true_o and_o essential_o god_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v have_v undeceive_v and_o prevent_v their_o fall_n into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v as_o must_v necessary_o produce_v endless_a distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v gross_a idolatry_n into_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v always_o forbid_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o we_o never_o find_v that_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o man_n or_o angel_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a title_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v particular_o direct_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o other_o which_o he_o never_o rebuke_v they_o for_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o divinity_n so_o also_o his_o own_o commission_n which_o he_o invest_v his_o disciple_n with_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o 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 be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n that_o he_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v all_o man_n duty_n to_o worship_n he_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v baptise_a and_o that_o he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god._n but_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o late_a atheism_n late_a objection_n against_o mr._n edward_n be_v cause_n of_o atheism_n socinian_n author_n have_v object_v against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o always_o observe_v this_o command_n in_o their_o baptise_v christian_n but_o only_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n without_o mention_v either_o father_n or_o holy_a ghost_n which_o however_o be_v always_o suppose_v if_o not_o mention_v in_o the_o form_n though_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o because_o his_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o trace_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o its_o first_o propagation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o none_o can_v be_v christian_n or_o capable_a of_o salvation_n but_o who_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o invalidate_v the_o argument_n but_o much_o rather_o confirm_v it_o since_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o condition_n of_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o by_o continual_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o adoration_n to_o he_o which_o sufficient_o establish_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o if_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o he_o may_v be_v justify_v without_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n assign_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o be_v a_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o worship_v such_o a_o one_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o can_v hardly_o i_o think_v be_v justify_v by_o a_o absolute_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o beside_o creature-worship_n be_v full_o opposite_a and_o contradictory_n to_o natural_a reason_n for_o adoration_n necessary_o suppose_v omnipresence_n which_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o petition_n offer_v up_o at_o once_o in_o so_o many_o different_a place_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o unless_o he_o be_v both_o omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a the_o one_o to_o be_v present_a to_o all_o petition_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o fearch_v
reason_v as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v it_o must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o again_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v require_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o we_o must_v also_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v god_n because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v his_o divinity_n be_v understand_v by_o that_o expression_n the_o ancient_a jew_n both_o apply_v it_o to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n and_o also_o mean_v a_o divine_a person_n by_o it_o all_o which_o seem_v as_o full_o to_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v christian_n as_o we_o be_v in_o other_o passage_n enjoin_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v christ_n and_o last_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n from_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n at_o our_o admission_n into_o christianity_n in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n where_o a_o equal_a belief_n in_o all_o be_v require_v as_o be_v equal_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o father_n divinity_n as_o the_o son_n be_v be_v not_o here_o imply_v but_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o already_o and_o here_o we_o may_v add_v for_o a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o christ_n be_v god_n that_o the_o universal_a church_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o most_o primitive_a write_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n have_v always_o assert_v his_o divinity_n as_o be_v most_o undoubted_o express_v in_o scripture_n how_o come_v it_o therefore_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o christ_n divinity_n be_v not_o think_v clear_o reveal_v and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o those_o that_o oppose_v it_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o present_a time_n have_v be_v condemn_v and_o censure_v for_o heretic_n relig._n heretic_n vid._n bishop_n stillingfleet_n rational_a ac._n of_o the_o prot._n relig._n not_o as_o though_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v any_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a prescription_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o if_o it_o appear_v contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o the_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o also_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o either_o his_o divinity_n must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o that_o the_o revelation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o second_o we_o must_v also_o believe_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n for_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n 1_o ep._n joh._n 4.3_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o a_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n heb._n 2.17_o and_o that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n yet_o make_v he_o himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n phil._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o all_o which_o plain_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o take_v the_o manhood_n into_o god_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v text_n to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v man_n this_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o the_o unitarian_n will_v dispute_v but_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n but_o this_o also_o be_v very_o frequent_o and_o full_o assert_v in_o scripture_n but_o three_o we_o must_v also_o believe_v that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v that_o his_o death_n be_v a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o himself_o testify_v of_o it_o which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mat._n 26.28_o and_o that_o this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n as_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o he_o and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o say_v he_o be_v ordain_v a_o preacher_n to_o testify_v that_o christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o 1_o tim._n 2.6_o 7._o but_o this_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o so_o large_o already_o and_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o death_n from_o so_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o upon_o it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o our_o salvation_n depend_v on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o short_a as_o the_o scripture_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o better_a covenant_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o he_o so_o must_v our_o belief_n of_o he_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v reveal_v concern_v he_o for_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v i.e._n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o much_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v so_o also_o we_o must_v believe_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v he_o know_v to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o both_o must_v be_v take_v from_o scripture_n for_o if_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o no_o revelation_n we_o must_v believe_v all_o that_o of_o god_n which_o right_a reason_n can_v dictate_v to_o we_o then_o certain_o since_o we_o have_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n have_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o hazard_n of_o our_o salvation_n every_o thing_n concern_v he_o which_o be_v assert_v by_o that_o revelation_n and_o as_o in_o the_o general_a confession_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n as_o that_o he_o be_v just_a good_a merciful_a that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n or_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v conceive_v in_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a so_o when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n we_o must_v also_o mean_v by_o it_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o clear_a understanding_n that_o article_n as_o that_o
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
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