will_v relate_v thing_n not_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v act_v but_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o write_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n at_o what_o time_n the_o gospel_n be_v write_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o age_n if_o we_o suppose_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o true_a history_n not_o of_o those_o present_a time_n but_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v he_o argue_v much_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o 40._o sermon_n &_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o his_o argument_n be_v extraordinary_a subtle_a because_o our_o saviour_n do_v no_o more_o write_v the_o four_o gospel_n than_o he_o do_v the_o epistle_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o inspire_v matthew_n mark_n luke_n john_n to_o write_v the_o gospel_n inspire_v paul_n peter_n james_n john_n jude_n to_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o writer_n not_o on_o the_o speaker_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o relation_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o sermon_n and_o parable_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o first_o depend_v upon_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o historian_n the_o second_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o that_o though_o matthew_n or_o mark_v etc._n etc._n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v their_o authority_n and_o veneration_n from_o christ_n himself_n and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n between_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n do_v not_o lie_v between_o st._n matthew_n and_o mark_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n but_o between_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o though_o the_o evangelist_n be_v inspire_v man_n yet_o the_o only_a inspiration_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o work_n be_v only_o to_o help_v their_o memory_n to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a relation_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v and_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v man_n too_o yet_o their_o very_a inspiration_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n but_o to_o return_v in_o pag._n 4._o i_o find_v our_o author_n in_o a_o great_a amazement_n and_o i_o always_o suspect_v something_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o he_o that_o he_o write_v so_o much_o like_o a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o wit_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v that_o i_o say_v that_o all_o these_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v not_o proper_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o several_a part_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n here_o he_o first_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a presumption_n for_o a_o young_a divine_a to_o say_v that_o these_o office_n be_v not_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n and_o never_o in_o the_o least_o suggest_v wherein_o the_o impropriety_n of_o so_o call_v they_o do_v lie_v but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o distinct_a office_n but_o not_o so_o proper_o distinct_a office_n and_o have_v he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o great_a amazement_n he_o may_v have_v see_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o say_v so_o because_o christ_n do_v exercise_v a_o regal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o each_o of_o these_o office_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o choose_v to_o state_n it_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o better_a to_o show_v how_o all_o these_o office_n do_v conspire_v to_o the_o same_o end_n christ_n be_v a_o mediatory_a king_n who_o office_n be_v to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n and_o in_o order_n to_o attain_v this_o end_n he_o give_v we_o his_o law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o powerful_o bestow_v all_o those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n all_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o lose_a man_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n nor_o think_v that_o his_o kingly_a power_n will_v save_v those_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o those_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o do_v who_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o all_o these_o office_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o mediatory_a king_n but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o distinct_a thing_n which_o have_v distinct_a effect_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o or_o dependence_n on_o each_o other_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n a_o late_a reverend_a author_n quarrel_n at_o mr._n baxter_n definition_n of_o justify_v faith_n that_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n he_o dare_v not_o deny_v that_o justify_n faith_n must_v receive_v a_o whole_a christ_n but_o then_o 112._o he_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o justify_v faith_n not_o consider_v as_o prophet_n or_o king_n but_z as_o priest_n etsi_fw-la idem_fw-la christus_fw-la sit_fw-la dominus_fw-la &_o sacerdos_n totusque_fw-la in_o justificatione_n recipiatur_fw-la totus_fw-la tamen_fw-la omni_fw-la sensu_fw-la i._n e._n omnium_fw-la promiscue_n munerum_fw-la intuitu_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la formaliter_fw-la minime_fw-la requiritur_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la qua_fw-la sacerdos_n &_o legi_fw-la satisfaciens_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v both_o lord_n and_o priest_n and_o whole_a christ_n be_v receive_v in_o justification_n yet_o not_o under_o that_o formal_a consideration_n as_o a_o whole_a christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n but_o only_o as_o a_o priest_n who_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o justification_n consist_v in_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o curse_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n make_v this_o satisfaction_n for_o we_o only_o as_o our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n indeed_o for_o justify_v faith_n to_o eye_n christ_n only_o as_o our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n if_o his_o satisfaction_n alone_o can_v give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o justification_n if_o expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n require_v to_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o satisfaction_n itself_o entitle_v no_o particular_a man_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o that_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n to_o confer_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n priesthood_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o receive_v christ_n as_o our_o prophet_n and_o our_o king_n that_o be_v must_v believe_v his_o revelation_n obey_v his_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n before_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o look_v on_o he_o as_o our_o priest_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n be_v but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o regal_a power_n as_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o their_o king_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n without_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o and_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o he_o redeem_v and_o purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o then_o he_o wonder_v why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v distinct_a office_n and_o yet_o part_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a ibid._n kingdom_n but_o then_o i_o wonder_v too_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o distinct_a office_n and_o part_n when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o distinct_a office_n by_o distinct_a office_n i_o mean_v such_o office_n as_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o can_v attain_v their_o end_n single_a and_o apart_o and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v several_a part_n of_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n i_o mean_v as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o guess_v that_o though_o there_o be_v several_a act_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o and_o proper_a to_o each_o of_o these_o office_n yet_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o one_o common_a end_n they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n and_o necessary_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o
his_o death_n and_o cite_v heb._n ix_o 12._o to_o that_o purpose_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_n socinian_n can_v own_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n be_v one_o who_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o petition_n and_o procure_v a_o answer_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n offer_v incense_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n which_o signify_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o while_n the_o priest_n offer_v incense_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o people_n use_v to_o pray_v without_o that_o their_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v together_o with_o the_o incense_n luke_n i_o 10._o so_o that_o christ_n intercession_n be_v found_v on_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o meritorius_fw-la sacrifice_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n imagine_v but_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o person_n to_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o be_v able_a to_o save_v all_o those_o to_o the_o uttermost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n seven_o 25._o and_o since_o we_o have_v such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v present_v his_o blood_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n he_o be_v no_o long_o than_o a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o aaron_n but_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n his_o work_n be_v not_o to_o offer_v himself_o any_o more_o in_o sacrifice_n for_o he_o have_v by_o one_o offering_n for_o ever_o perfect_v they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v but_o his_o office_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o god_n name_n as_o melchisedeck_v bless_v abraham_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o bless_v we_o in_o turn_v of_o we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v exalt_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o now_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n christ_n do_v not_o intercede_v like_o some_o mean_a advocate_n by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n have_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o but_o do_v by_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n as_o the_o purchase_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n bestow_v all_o those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o his_o name_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o assert_v that_o christ_n intercession_n be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o regal_a priest_n to_o expiate_v and_o forgive_v sin_n not_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o they_o which_o he_o do_v by_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v pervert_v my_o word_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o expiation_n and_o atonement_n to_o we_o in_o the_o actual_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o though_o he_o quarrel_n with_o i_o for_o assert_v it_o be_v willing_a it_o seem_v to_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o know_v how_o his_o word_n be_v these_o indeed_o his_o intercession_n as_o upon_o the_o one_o 391._o hand_n it_o be_v found_v on_o his_o oblation_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o meritorious_a passion_n and_o a_o continuation_n of_o his_o sacerdotal_a function_n which_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o christ_n intercession_n as_o confound_v his_o sacrifice_n with_o his_o intercession_n which_o be_v indeed_o found_v on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o receive_v all_o its_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n from_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v of_o a_o distinct_a nature_n and_o consideration_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o have_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o act_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n for_o these_o office_n be_v all_o vest_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o have_v all_o the_o same_o general_a end_n and_o belong_v all_o to_o the_o work_n of_o mediation_n it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o their_o act_n must_v have_v a_o mutual_a respect_n to_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o priestly_a office_n to_o which_o intercession_n appertain_v be_v formal_o distinct_a from_o his_o kingly_a in_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n intercession_n as_o it_o respect_v we_o and_o consist_v in_o bestow_v those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v be_v a_o act_n of_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o assert_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o assert_v and_o as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v that_o still_o his_o priestly_a office_n be_v formal_o distinguish_v from_o his_o kingly_a i_o ready_o grant_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o respect_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n but_o as_o it_o respect_v his_o intercession_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o melchisedechian_a priesthood_n his_o kingly_a and_o priestly_a office_n be_v so_o close_o unite_v that_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o regal_a priest_n than_o as_o either_o priest_n or_o king_n because_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v found_v on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v see_v what_o a_o vain_a and_o malicious_a attempt_n it_o be_v for_o this_o author_n to_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v i_o as_o a_o socinian_n of_o which_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n i_o shall_v give_v several_a other_o instance_n hereafter_o and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o prove_v that_o the_o kingly_a and_o priestly_a office_n in_o christ_n be_v distinct_a and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o a_o proper_a priest_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o looking-glass-maker_n he_o quarrel_v still_o that_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n in_o publish_v his_o law_n our_o author_n can_v understand_v that_o to_o enact_v law_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o a_o regal_a power_n but_o not_o to_o publish_v they_o which_o will_v make_v every_o inferior_a herald_n a_o king_n this_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a objection_n which_o show_v his_o skill_n in_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o necessary_a for_o a_o king_n to_o publish_v his_o law_n in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a condescension_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o come_v in_o person_n to_o we_o to_o publish_v his_o law_n but_o yet_o the_o publication_n of_o law_n must_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o enact_v they_o for_o publication_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o law_n and_o by_o wise_a man_n than_o our_o author_n put_v into_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o regal_a power_n i_o doubt_v my_o reader_n will_v be_v quite_o tire_v with_o my_o take_a notice_n of_o such_o impertinent_a cavil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o or_o two_o more_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o dismiss_v our_o author_n for_o the_o present_a i_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n for_o teach_v her_o child_n a_o religion_n without_o art_n or_o subtilty_n our_o author_n disprove_v this_o by_o show_v that_o no_o child_n can_v 31._o understand_v the_o church-catechism_n without_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n he_o can_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o understand_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n and_o whether_o he_o must_v be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o he_o must_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v which_o require_v great_a subtlety_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o child_n can_v understand_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o nature_n without_o unridle_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o philosophy_n as_o for_o instance_n at_o this_o rate_n a_o child_n can_v understand_v what_o bread_n be_v unless_o he_o first_o understand_v what_o matter_n be_v and_o then_o he_o
the_o church_n his_o spouse_n a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o church_n his_o flock_n a_o rock_n whereon_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o church_n a_o holy_a temple_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a christian_n their_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n account_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o he_o die_v and_o to_o which_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v a_o secret_a and_o private_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o ordinary_o enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o christian_a but_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v both_o necessary_a rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o public_a sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n and_o our_o church_n teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n which_o be_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o notion_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o it_o may_v have_v recourse_n thither_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o political_a not_o a_o natural_a union_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o now_o those_o relation_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o union_n signify_v power_n and_o authority_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n which_o signify_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o other_o relation_n whereby_o this_o union_n be_v describe_v only_o when_o i_o call_v it_o a_o political_a union_n you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v no_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n a_o subject_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o external_a action_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n entitle_v man_n to_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o man_n who_o can_v discern_v heart_n and_o thought_n yet_o whoever_o do_v not_o hearty_o obey_v christ_n be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o denominate_v we_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spiritual-political_n union_n which_o principal_o respect_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o and_o a_o mutual_a &_o reciprocal_a love_n it_o be_v a_o political_a union_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o in_o the_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v spiritual_a because_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v our_o outward_a action_n as_o the_o government_n of_o earthly_a prince_n do_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v put_v it_o into_o other_o word_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n this_o make_v we_o the_o church_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o signify_v be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n this_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n now_o beside_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o very_o apt_o agree_v with_o all_o those_o metaphor_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o it_o first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n a_o sin_n which_o very_o few_o man_n have_v any_o sense_n of_o in_o these_o day_n for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n necessary_o require_v our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n then_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n but_o divide_v we_o from_o christ_n as_o a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o head_n too_o this_o make_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o dreadful_a because_o it_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o sentence_n every_o schismatic_a execute_v upon_o himself_o and_o that_o more_o infallible_o too_o than_o church-governor_n can_v for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o may_v separate_v those_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o their_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v by_o a_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o whoever_o causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v infallible_o divide_v himself_o from_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v through_o such_o invincible_a mistake_n as_o may_v mitigate_v the_o crime_n and_o plead_v his_o excuse_n for_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o effect_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n or_o interest_n or_o some_o other_o carnal_a lust_n and_o it_o concern_v those_o man_n who_o make_v so_o light_a of_o schism_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v only_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n when_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o his_o body_n and_o be_v no_o long_o any_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o this_o notion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o and_o to_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o body_n and_o member_n whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o sake_n alone_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o justify_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o since_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v
it_o be_v some_o question_n whether_o the_o doctor_n smile_v at_o the_o argument_n or_o at_o his_o own_o answer_n however_o i_o have_v rather_o he_o will_v smile_v still_o than_o admire_v which_o will_v be_v the_o more_o effectual_a confutation_n of_o the_o two_o but_o his_o answer_n be_v worth_a consider_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o relation_n be_v the_o same_o the_o relation_n only_o administer_a a_o external_a occasion_n unto_o its_o peculiar_a exercise_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o righteousness_n in_o the_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n wherein_o he_o stand_v may_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o righteousness_n in_o all_o our_o relation_n every_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n in_o they_o respect_v the_o same_o law_n and_o principle_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o not_o because_o he_o do_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n but_o because_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o have_v he_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n as_o have_v require_v it_o and_o thus_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o way_n how_o christ_n may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o any_o particular_a duty_n and_o relation_n without_o do_v it_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o relation_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o that_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o external_a action_n for_o then_o it_o will_v equal_o oblige_v to_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o righteousness_n as_o to_o any_o but_o in_o a_o inward_a principle_n and_o thus_o the_o doctor_n must_v return_v to_o what_o he_o have_v before_o express_o reject_v that_o the_o habitual_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n in_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o we_o christ_n do_v not_o fulfil_v all_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o righteousness_n in_o his_o action_n because_o he_o be_v not_o in_o such_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n as_o require_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o at_o least_o who_o be_v in_o any_o condition_n or_o relation_n in_o which_o christ_n never_o be_v as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o be_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v justify_v not_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n actual_a but_o habitual_a righteousness_n and_o now_o let_v i_o reason_v a_o little_a with_o the_o doctor_n in_o his_o own_o way_n why_o shall_v christ_n live_v here_o in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v in_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v he_o die_v before_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v be_v bear_v there_o have_v be_v perfect_a innocency_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n by_o his_o habitual_a grace_n and_o thismade_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o will_v as_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n to_o cover_v they_o and_o shall_v he_o have_v live_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o can_v have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o several_a relation_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n he_o can_v never_o actual_o fulfil_v all_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a habitual_a righteousness_n of_o his_o nature_n may_v as_o well_o serve_v for_o the_o whole_a as_o for_o a_o part_n the_o doctor_n in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o i_o now_o allude_v can_v find_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o 18â—_n christ_n shall_v live_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o necessity_n of_o a_o actual_a fulfil_n all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o which_o suppose_v that_o a_o habitual_a grace_n be_v not_o enough_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o christ_n can_v not_o and_o do_v not_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o because_o he_o can_v not_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o several_a relation_n for_o we_o when_o he_o never_o be_v in_o most_o of_o these_o relation_n &_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v in_o all_o he_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o because_o the_o grace_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o now_o how_o the_o doctor_n can_v reconcile_v these_o two_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a actual_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a actual_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n let_v he_o consider_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n that_o there_o be_v of_o fulfil_v any_o and_o he_o himself_o describe_v that_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o fulfil_v for_o we_o as_o our_o mediator_n to_o be_v whatever_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n though_o i_o suppose_v when_o he_o thus_o state_v it_o he_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o this_o socinian_n objection_n which_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v otherwise_o than_o by_o smile_v or_o admire_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o consider_v those_o argument_n whereby_o the_o doctor_n prove_v that_o christ_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o as_o our_o mediator_n and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o obey_v those_o law_n himself_o and_o he_o instance_n both_o in_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n that_o be_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o necessary_o result_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o because_o the_o doctor_n in_o his_o vindication_n have_v represent_v 220._o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n in_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n i_o shall_v quit_v the_o advantage_n which_o his_o perplex_a and_o intricate_a arguing_n in_o his_o book_n of_o 18â—_n communion_n give_v a_o adversary_n which_o i_o dare_v venture_v any_o man_n to_o make_v sense_n of_o without_o a_o comment_n and_o deal_v with_o he_o at_o the_o fair_a weapon_n he_o prove_v then_o that_o christ_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n be_v design_o for_o we_o by_o two_o argument_n first_o because_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n become_v obnoxious_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n be_v by_o his_o own_o voluntary_a antecedent_n choice_n otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v with_o those_o who_o be_v inevitable_o subject_a unto_o it_o by_o natural_a generation_n under_o it_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o consider_v christ_n antecedent_o to_o his_o incarnation_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v become_v man_n or_o no_o and_o so_o consequent_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o i_o say_v still_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v like_o a_o man_n have_v he_o not_o voluntary_o choose_v to_o become_v man_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v this_o that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v live_v like_o a_o man_n have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o man_n it_o be_v in_o his_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v become_v man_n but_o when_o he_o have_v choose_v this_o it_o be_v not_o at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v whether_o he_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n of_o reason_v to_o argue_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v those_o law_n for_o himself_o because_o he_o voluntary_o choose_v such_o a_o state_n which_o necessary_o and_o without_o any_o further_a choice_n bring_v he_o under_o those_o obligation_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v upon_o his_o own_o account_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o husband_n because_o it_o be_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n whether_o he_o will_v have_v enter_v into_o that_o relation_n which_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o necessary_o exact_v such_o duty_n from_o he_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n necessary_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v become_v man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v our_o prophet_n and_o example_n and_o guide_n our_o priest_n and_o our_o sacrifice_n our_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o when_o he_o be_v man_n his_o nature_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o live_v like_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o the_o doctor_n add_v that_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n in_o the_o first_o instant_n whereof_o the_o
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n â—45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o