he_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n hence_o to_o distinguish_v all_o true_a christian_n from_o such_o hypocritical_a professor_n he_o add_v and_o i_o in_o you_o that_o be_v my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o ver._n 7._o if_o my_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n they_o will_v make_v you_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n interpret_v all_o those_o metaphor_n which_o decipher_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n to_o signify_v the_o entire_a love_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o thus_o st._n chrysost._n expound_v eph._n 2._o 19_o 20_o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o spiritual_a building_n which_o be_v erect_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n to_o signify_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n that_o both_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n be_v unite_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o building_n be_v keep_v together_o by_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o st._n ambrose_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o duos_fw-la populos_fw-la in_o se_fw-la suscepit_fw-la salvator_fw-la &_o secit_fw-la unum_fw-la in_o domino_fw-la sicut_fw-la &_o lapis_fw-la angularis_fw-la duos_fw-la parietes_fw-la continet_fw-la in_o unitate_fw-la domûs_fw-la sirmatos_fw-la i_o e._n that_o christ_n unite_a two_o people_n in_o himself_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_v two_o wall_n in_o a_o building_n and_o make_v it_o but_o one_o house_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a design_n of_o the_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o have_v reconcile_v they_o both_o to_o god_n in_o one_o body_n by_o the_o cross_n ver._n 16._o thus_o st._n chrysost._n observe_v on_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o that_o the_o apostle_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o schism_n and_o faction_n tell_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v god_n building_n and_o if_o they_o be_v god_n building_n they_o must_v not_o be_v tear_v asunder_o for_o than_o they_o be_v no_o long_o a_o build_n and_o if_o they_o be_v god_n husbandry_n they_o must_v not_o be_v divide_v from_o each_o other_o but_o they_o must_v be_v one_o enclosure_n hedge_v and_o wall_v in_o by_o unity_n and_o agreement_n and_o add_v let_v we_o therefore_o be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o foundation_n and_o as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o distance_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o to_o interrupt_v this_o union_n for_o if_o there_o be_v we_o immediate_o perish_v for_o the_o branch_n draw_v nourishment_n and_o fatness_n from_o the_o vine_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o and_o the_o building_n stand_v firm_a by_o the_o strong_a adhesion_n of_o its_o part_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o when_o we_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n we_o be_v break_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o a_o branch_n be_v from_o the_o vine_n we_o be_v then_o like_o a_o building_n who_o stone_n fall_v asunder_o and_o destroy_v the_o whole_a fabric_n thus_o the_o same_o father_n argue_v on_o john_n 14._o 21._o to_o persuade_v christian_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o he_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o each_o other_o by_o many_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o close_a union_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o we_o the_o body_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o union_n of_o its_o several_a part_n must_v be_v firm_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n we_o the_o building_n he_o the_o vine_n we_o the_o branch_n he_o the_o husband_n we_o his_o spouse_n he_o the_o shepherd_n we_o his_o sheep_n he_o the_o way_n we_o those_o who_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o way_n we_o be_v a_o spiritual_a temple_n and_o he_o it_o be_v who_o dwell_v in_o we_o he_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v we_o his_o brethren_n he_o the_o heir_n we_o fellow_n heir_n with_o he_o he_o the_o life_n we_o those_o who_o live_v by_o he_o he_o the_o resurrection_n we_o those_o who_o rise_v with_o he_o he_o the_o light_n and_o we_o be_v all_o enlighten_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o these_o metaphor_n describe_v the_o near_a and_o close_a union_n of_o christian_n to_o each_o other_o and_o of_o all_o to_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o distance_n and_o separation_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n otherwise_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o his_o church_n which_o i_o wish_v those_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o rend_v his_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o little_a faction_n tear_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n make_v new_a enclosure_n in_o the_o husbandry_n and_o vineyard_n of_o god_n and_o when_o christ_n have_v break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n and_o make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o one_o church_n do_v now_o erect_v more_o partition_n wall_n in_o the_o christian_a than_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o we_o need_v not_o depend_v on_o authority_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o those_o sacrament_n our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o it_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v deny_v this_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o baptism_n which_o confer_v the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n on_o we_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v we_o all_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n but_o more_o express_o in_o eph._n 4._o 4_o 5._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v but_o one_o and_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n make_v we_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v call_v be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n i._n e._n admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ._n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n and_o signify_v that_o near_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o hence_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o cup_n of_o bless_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bread_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n one_o body_n represent_v by_o this_o one_o bread_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 17._o for_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o single_a person_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o combine_v all_o his_o disciple_n into_o a_o public_a society_n to_o unite_v they_o by_o holy_a mystery_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n may_v edify_v itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o own_o any_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o
such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o redeem_a his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n hence_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o first_o ep._n ch._n 1._o ver._n 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n first_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v you_o have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n and_o therefore_o those_o public_a censure_n whereby_o rot_a or_o dead_a member_n be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o cast_v such_o person_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o religious_a office_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o union_n to_o his_o person_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o but_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n otherwise_o this_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n can_v be_v no_o visible_a signification_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n nor_o can_v our_o excision_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n signify_v our_o separation_n from_o he_o but_o three_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a now_o iii_o to_o explain_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_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 hence_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o john_n 8._o 31._o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o &_o 14._o 21._o and_o to_o have_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o close_a and_o firm_a union_n to_o he_o john_n 15._o 7._o as_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o a_o political_a union_n which_o be_v dissolve_v and_o break_v by_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v himself_o a_o shepherd_n and_o christian_n his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o to_o signify_v that_o authority_n he_o have_v over_o his_o church_n which_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o the_o government_n of_o a_o shepherd_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o use_v as_o a_o name_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o god_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n psalm_n 80._o 1._o and_o king_n be_v frequent_o call_v shepherd_n both_o by_o profane_a and_o sacred_a writer_n though_o this_o name_n be_v most_o common_o give_v to_o prophet_n who_o feed_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o do_v very_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o saviour_n who_o erect_v this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o law_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n thus_o he_o be_v call_v a_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n which_o two_o metaphor_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v both_o of_o they_o name_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o appear_v from_o eph._n 5._o 23._o etc._n etc._n for_o husband_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o their_o wife_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n as_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n so_o that_o a_o husband_n as_o a_o husband_n represent_v the_o head_n and_o the_o wife_n the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n because_o he_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o exhort_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a head_n v_o 24._o for_o because_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v the_o command_n and_o government_n of_o all_o the_o member_n hence_o head_n be_v a_o common_a name_n for_o prince_n and_o governor_n deutr._fw-la 28._o 13._o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v thou_o the_o head_n and_o not_o the_o tail_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v above_o only_o and_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v beneath_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v rule_v and_o govern_v psalm_n 18._o 43._o thou_o have_v make_v i_o the_o head_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o a_o people_n who_o i_o have_v not_o know_v shall_v serve_v i_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n always_o expound_v this_o metaphor_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n by_o power_n and_o authority_n eph._n 1._o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n col._n 1._o 18._o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o excel_v other_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v and_o govern_v they_o for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v he_o who_o have_v the_o first_o place_n of_o authority_n because_o government_n be_v natural_o entail_v on_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n thus_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n that_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o governor_n col._n 2._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o true_a explication_n of_o this_o relation_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n because_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n because_o it_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o his_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o his_o government_n as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v very_o familiar_a to_o call_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v under_o the_o same_o law_n and_o civil_a government_n a_o body_n politic_n which_o signify_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o a_o body_n have_v but_o one_o head_n and_o that_o regard_v they_o must_v have_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o their_o mutual_a care_n of_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n now_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o shepherd_n over_o his_o sheep_n and_o of_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n over_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n be_v to_o signify_v the_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o his_o government_n and_o that_o great_a and_o near_o concern_v he_o have_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o govern_v his_o church_n with_o the_o care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o defend_v and_o ransom_n his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o a_o good_a shepherd_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o that_o he_o love_v his_o church_n with_o the_o natural_a kindness_n of_o a_o head_n or_o husband_n that_o his_o government_n be_v only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n not_o for_o his_o own_o private_a advantage_n as_o a_o kind_a husband_n exercise_v no_o other_o authority_n over_o his_o wife_n but_o what_o be_v for_o her_o good_a as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o or_o as_o the_o head_n have_v no_o other_o concern_v but_o that_o all_o his_o member_n be_v preserve_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o vigour_n and_o perform_v their_o proper_a and_o natural_a office_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o he_o will_v be_v gentle_a in_o his_o discipline_n and_o favourable_a in_o his_o censure_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o dear_o he_o have_v purchase_v this_o relation_n to_o his_o church_n
the_o virtue_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o still_o remain_v they_o be_v a_o last_a demonstration_n of_o god_n peculiar_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o still_o inherit_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o former_a age_n in_o allusion_n to_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n building_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o and_o eph._n 2._o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v also_o build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a temple_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o material_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o s._n peter_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a house_n or_o temple_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o all_o which_o refer_v to_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v now_o though_o all_o this_o do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n that_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n yet_o it_o be_v accommodate_v in_o scripture_n to_o particular_a christian_n and_o philo_n also_o allude_v to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n the_o palace_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n every_o devout_a soul_n be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v a_o enlighten_v mind_n which_o be_v store_v with_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v his_o debir_n or_o oracle_n a_o pure_a heart_n be_v his_o altar_n and_o devout_a prayer_n be_v spiritual_a incense_n and_o sweet_a perfume_n the_o body_n itself_o be_v a_o consecrate_a place_n and_o be_v also_o call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v preserve_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o nay_o our_o body_n be_v sacrifice_n too_o which_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o devote_v they_o to_o his_o service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o for_o the_o scripture_n love_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o aliar_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n which_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n may_v very_o well_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o service_n as_o in_o their_o typical_a signification_n they_o prefigure_v christ_n who_o body_n be_v the_o true_a temple_n where_o the_o divine_a glory_n dwell_v who_o be_v both_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o by_o his_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o typical_a dispensation_n only_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n mention_n god_n or_o christ_n dwelling_n with_o particular_a christian_n it_o use_v a_o more_o familiar_a style_n and_o seem_v rather_o to_o allude_v to_o a_o private_a house_n than_o a_o public_a temple_n thus_o in_o joh_n 14._o 23._o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o rev._n 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o this_o be_v all_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v will_v evident_o appear_v from_o those_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o which_o we_o common_o call_v sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o represent_v and_o signify_v both_o our_o external_a and_o real_a union_n with_o he_o first_o our_o external_a union_n thus_o baptism_n be_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n own_o his_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o public_o own_v he_o for_o our_o instructor_n and_o governor_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o foederal_a rite_n which_o answer_v to_o the_o feast_n on_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n whereby_o we_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o vow_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o these_o institution_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n call_v sacrament_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o oath_n which_o soldier_n take_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v list_v into_o his_o army_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militiae_fw-la or_o the_o military_a oath_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n wherein_o our_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n consist_v second_o they_o signify_v also_o our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n thus_o baptism_n signify_v our_o profession_n of_o become_v new_a man_n our_o profession_n of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6._o 4._o that_o be_v baptism_n or_o our_o immersion_n under_o water_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a rite_n of_o administer_a it_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o our_o burial_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n and_o so_o signify_v our_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v not_o bare_o as_o a_o natural_a death_n a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n to_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o and_o so_o our_o die_a to_o sin_n that_o be_v cease_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o true_a conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v his_o resurrection_n not_o only_o as_o his_o return_v to_o life_n again_o but_o as_o his_o live_n to_o god_n his_o advancement_n into_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o so_o our_o walk_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o his_o resurrection_n make_v we_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o give_v we_o a_o abundant_a assurance_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n that_o we_o shall_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n rise_v with_o he_o because_o this_o new_a life_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a conformity_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n consist_v be_v a_o immortal_a principle_n of_o life_n which_o can_v no_o more_o die_v than_o christ_n can_v die_v again_o now_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a thus_o baptism_n be_v call_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27._o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n that_o be_v have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n to_o adorn_v his_o mind_n with_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o appear_v in_o our_o saviour_n life_n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o spiritual_a feed_n on_o christ_n eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n which_o signify_v the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o he_o that_o we_o be_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n eph._n 5._o 30._o that_o as_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o crucify_a body_n as_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n so_o by_o this_o spiritual_a feed_n on_o christ_n we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n this_o be_v a_o sacrament_n wherein_o we_o celebrate_v the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n and_o express_v our_o most_o passionate_a love_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o the_o memory_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v
and_o suffer_v for_o we_o excite_v a_o just_a hatred_n of_o our_o sin_n sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o a_o great_a hope_n in_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n such_o a_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n for_o we_o and_o a_o steadfast_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n this_o be_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o these_o visible_a figure_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n affect_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o excite_v in_o we_o such_o a_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n as_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o now_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sacrament_n which_o be_v design_v as_o the_o instrument_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v that_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o they_o all_o the_o union_n they_o signify_v be_v only_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o a_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ._n four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o iv._o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o 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 thus_o in_o john_n 1._o 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n where_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v first_o found_v on_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v on_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n subjection_n to_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o now_o visible_o exercise_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n and_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o society_n now_o as_o you_o hear_v before_o if_o this_o profession_n be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a without_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o give_v we_o only_o a_o external_a fellowship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o man_n only_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n maintain_v a_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o his_o church_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o he_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o ver._n 6._o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o abuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v own_v himself_o our_o father_n and_o bestow_v the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n on_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o when_o we_o join_v the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n with_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o god_n will_v own_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v put_v into_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n where_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v lord_n and_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n nor_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n where_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sometime_o by_o fellowship_n sometime_o by_o communion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o heathen_a idolater_n from_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v have_v no_o society_n with_o those_o man_n who_o religion_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v as_o uneasy_a to_o each_o other_o as_o two_o heifer_n in_o the_o same_o yoke_n which_o draw_v different_a way_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o common_a between_o they_o which_o they_o both_o alike_o partake_v of_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o concord_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n what_o be_v there_o common_a to_o they_o both_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o mind_n to_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o fellowship_n what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o those_o portion_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o as_o a_o symbol_n of_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o god_n how_o can_v a_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o idolater_n have_v right_a to_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o reconcile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n all_o these_o expression_n decipher_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n which_o in_o rational_a being_n consist_v in_o mutual_a relation_n and_o common_a interest_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n explain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o our_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o vers._n 16._o 18._o now_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o the_o
scripture_n mention_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o he_o call_v it_o the_o communion_n appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n first_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o christian_n with_o each_o other_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o be_v entertain_v by_o he_o at_o the_o same_o table_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n also_o as_o it_o signify_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n vers._n 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o they_o which_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v reckon_v as_o god_n meat_n as_o the_o temple_n be_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v entertain_v at_o god_n table_n which_o be_v a_o signification_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o he_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n even_o that_o great_a and_o stupendous_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o to_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o sacrifice_n that_o spiritual_a food_n god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o thus_o god_n entertain_v we_o at_o his_o table_n as_o his_o own_o child_n who_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o all_o feast_n upon_o sacrifice_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o eat_v of_o god_n food_n and_o to_o be_v entertain_v at_o his_o table_n which_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n as_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o be_v among_o man_n always_o allow_v for_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o scripture_n signify_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o with_o each_o other_o but_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o like_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v no_o where_o call_v communion_n with_o god_n though_o a_o prevail_a custom_n have_v in_o our_o day_n almost_o whole_o appropriate_v that_o name_n to_o they_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o transient_a act_n but_o be_v a_o state_n of_o life_n that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v proper_o signify_v this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o only_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n for_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o poor_a man_n enjoy_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o his_o prince_n when_o he_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o he_o to_o beg_v his_o charity_n or_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o clemency_n and_o bounty_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o father_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o result_v from_o our_o relation_n to_o and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o act_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o expression_n i_o purposely_o avoid_v not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o have_v thrust_v out_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o not_o only_o the_o notion_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o too_o for_o certain_o do_v man_n understand_v what_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o communion_n be_v express_v but_o also_o because_o man_n have_v abuse_v it_o to_o great_a irreverence_n and_o familiarity_n with_o god_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o while_o they_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v now_o act_v the_o part_n of_o god_n fellow_n and_o therefore_o may_v talk_v to_o he_o with_o such_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v in_o common_a conversation_n i_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n at_o large_a because_o they_o be_v too_o common_o mistake_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n which_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o mistake_v about_o it_o have_v have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n but_o to_o debauch_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v this_o that_o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o we_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o common_a saviour_n than_o we_o be_v visible_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o member_n to_o their_o head_n and_o when_o this_o profession_n be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a when_o we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v than_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o spiritual_a too_o a_o visible_a and_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n differ_v as_o a_o visible_a professor_n and_o sincere_a christian_a the_o one_o be_v a_o christian_n only_o in_o show_n the_o other_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o 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 transform_v we_o into_o his_o nature_n and_o likeness_n and_o make_v we_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o delight_v to_o dwell_v all_o this_o may_v be_v understand_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o without_o send_v for_o elias_n to_o unriddle_v it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n sect_n ii_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n i_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n love_v to_o make_v plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o like_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n god_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o institute_v a_o great_a many_o ceremony_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o very_o obscure_a signification_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n to_o awe_v their_o childish_a mind_n into_o a_o great_a veneration_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o may_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o captivate_v our_o affection_n by_o its_o natural_a charm_n and_o beauty_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o to_o render_v it_o obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o yet_o too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o despise_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v and_o think_v nothing_o a_o sufficient_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o contradict_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n i_o may_v give_v you_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o but_o our_o present_a argument_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o many_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o continue_v so_o have_v not_o some_o man_n undertake_v to_o explain_v it_o who_o have_v now_o make_v it_o more_o than_o mystical_a that_o be_v a_o unintelligible_a union_n though_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o least_o fault_n that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o as_o they_o have_v