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nature_n assume_v divine_a union_n 2,494 5 9.4017 5 false
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A59809 A defence and continuation of the discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and our union and communion with Him with a particular respect to the doctrine of the Church of England, and the charge of socinianism and pelagianism / by the same author. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1675 (1675) Wing S3281; ESTC R4375 236,106 546

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this_o that_o i_o deny_v &c_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o alone_o i_o make_v necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o true_a gospel-holiness_n as_o not_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o infuse_a principle_n derive_v from_o jesus_n by_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n though_o complete_o and_o perfect_o unite_v to_o christ_n to_o attain_v true_a holiness_n for_o the_o future_a because_o christ_n be_v not_o consider_v as_o a_o quicken_a head_n and_o a_o vital_a root_n of_o influence_n to_o we_o now_o though_o i_o suppose_v mr._n ferguson_n and_o i_o shall_v hardly_o agree_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v by_o a_o real_a and_o physical_a operation_n yet_o i_o never_o deny_v but_o have_v express_o own_v the_o divine_a influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n as_o will_v appear_v plain_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n but_o suppose_v for_o once_o that_o i_o have_v deny_v this_o and_o have_v affirm_v that_o man_n may_v be_v holy_a without_o it_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o i_o reject_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n or_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o mankind_n because_o though_o false_o i_o shall_v assert_v that_o man_n be_v and_o may_v be_v holy_a without_o such_o supernatural_a strength_n and_o power_n yes_o for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o gospel-holiness_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a grace_n but_o do_v the_o efficient_a cause_n then_o constitute_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n suppose_v two_o man_n one_o immediate_o create_v by_o god_n another_o beget_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o both_o perfect_o alike_o as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o humane_a nature_n do_v this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o one_o must_v not_o be_v call_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o because_o one_o be_v create_v and_o the_o other_o beget_v thus_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppose_v one_o man_n immediate_o create_v by_o god_n perfect_o righteous_a and_o holy_a as_o adam_n be_v another_o who_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o infuse_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o three_o who_o by_o diligence_n and_o industry_n by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o the_o wise_a improvement_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n have_v arrive_v to_o the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o habit_n of_o action_n which_o be_v immediate_o create_v in_o the_o first_o and_o physical_o infuse_v into_o the_o second_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o i_o will_v willing_o understand_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o holy_a as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v as_o true_a a_o man_n who_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n as_o adam_n be_v who_o be_v immediate_o create_v or_o as_o christ_n be_v who_o be_v form_v in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n by_o the_o overshadow_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o original_a holiness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o creature_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a image_n not_o in_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v not_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n can_v that_o which_o we_o call_v holiness_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o our_o natural_a faculty_n it_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o holiness_n for_o that_o and_o therefore_o unless_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o that_o holiness_n which_o i_o make_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v defective_a in_o something_o which_o constitute_v the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n though_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o attribute_v holiness_n to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v only_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o charge_v my_o notion_n with_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o gospel-holiness_n but_o this_o whole_a charge_n be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o a_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a revenge_n because_o i_o have_v charge_v they_o and_o make_v good_a my_o charge_n with_o place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n what_o defence_n can_v mr._n ferguson_n make_v against_o this_o true_o none_o at_o all_o but_o according_a to_o his_o old_a way_n he_o deny_v it_o without_o attempt_v to_o answer_v any_o thing_n which_o i_o allege_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o which_o argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o 4._o great_a courage_n than_o wit_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n he_o deny_v and_o own_v it_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v 441._o for_o be_v this_o that_o as_o previous_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o unholy_a so_o by_o that_o very_a act_n whereby_o he_o unite_v we_o to_o himself_o he_o infuse_v those_o principle_n into_o we_o whereby_o our_o nature_n be_v cleanse_v and_o we_o come_v to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a and_o pure_a here_o he_o express_o acknowledge_v that_o before_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o unholy_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o while_o we_o be_v unholy_a for_o every_o minute_n before_o our_o union_n be_v previous_a to_o it_o well_o but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o act_n that_o he_o assume_v we_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o he_o transform_v our_o nature_n suppose_v that_o yet_o we_o be_v unholy_a till_o we_o be_v unite_v for_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a by_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n and_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n whether_o our_o renovation_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n precede_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o whether_o our_o union_n go_v before_o our_o renovation_n see_v in_o order_n of_o time_n they_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o our_o cohaesion_n say_v you_o so_o sir_n be_v this_o a_o needless_a enquiry_n then_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o be_v consider_v as_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o or_o after_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v unholy_a and_o yet_o how_o this_o agree_v with_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o bond_n of_o cohaesion_n i_o can_v understand_v since_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n of_o any_o union_n before_o or_o without_o its_o bond_n but_o to_o consider_v this_o a_o little_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a to_o place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o or_o after_o our_o renovation_n for_o i_o never_o charge_v they_o with_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n may_v continue_v unholy_a because_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o antinomian_o do_v affirm_v that_o holiness_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o physical_a effect_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n though_o their_o principle_n overthrow_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o it_o whoever_o be_v consider_v as_o unite_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o pardon_v through_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o a_o actual_a heir_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n now_o if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o pardon_v and_o justify_v and_o a_o heir_n of_o glory_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o he_o be_v holy_a before_o he_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o love_v god_n or_o so_o much_o as_o resolve_n and_o purpose_n to_o obey_v he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a overthrow_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n which_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o every_o man_n who_o be_v wicked_a to_o the_o very_a last_o minute_n wherein_o he_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o wicked_a and_o promise_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a life_n only_o to_o those_o who_o actual_o repent_v and_o love_n god_n if_o we_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o sin_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o order_n
human_a nature_n be_v fit_v for_o glory_n may_v have_v exempt_v he_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o any_o outward_a law_n whatever_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o outward_a law_n i_o can_v tell_v for_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n be_v intrinsic_a and_o essential_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o if_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o human_a nature_n it_o can_v exempt_v it_o from_o those_o natural_a and_o necessary_a obligation_n he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n exempt_v the_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o law_n of_o reason_v as_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n both_o which_o be_v equal_o the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o very_a first_o instant_n of_o its_o union_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v fit_v for_o glory_n yet_o i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o exempt_v the_o human_a nature_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o law_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o human_a nature_n unless_o he_o think_v that_o human_a nature_n in_o glory_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n have_v christ_n be_v immediate_o translate_v to_o heaven_n he_o have_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o those_o particular_a instance_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o earthly_a state_n for_o glorify_a saint_n themselves_o be_v not_o but_o while_o christ_n be_v a_o perfect_a man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n it_o will_v always_o become_v he_o in_o whatever_o state_n he_o be_v to_o live_v agreeable_o to_o human_a nature_n for_o though_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o be_v still_o as_o man_n inferior_a to_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o as_o man_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o doctor_n prove_v that_o christ_n as_o a_o innocent_a man_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n can_v not_o be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n which_o come_v upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n especial_o not_o to_o such_o institution_n as_o signify_v the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n from_o sin_n as_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n do_v and_o therefore_o he_o fulfil_v this_o righteousness_n for_o we_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o my_o former_a 217._o discourse_n that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o law_n at_o first_o be_v command_v upon_o occasion_n of_o sin_n yet_o a_o innocent_a man_n may_v observe_v they_o to_o good_a and_o wise_a purpose_n as_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n or_o external_a and_o visible_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n to_o which_o purpose_n among_o other_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n serve_v etc._n etc._n to_o which_o the_o doctor_n return_v no_o answer_n but_o make_v i_o say_v what_o i_o never_o think_v and_o abuse_v his_o credulous_a reader_n with_o a_o apprehension_n that_o i_o have_v talk_v like_o himself_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n of_o nonsense_n as_o any_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n must_v needs_o despise_v to_o borrow_v some_o of_o his_o own_o elegancy_n for_o thus_o he_o report_v my_o sense_n or_o word_n or_o both_o as_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o i_o say_v that_o a_o 223._o innocent_a person_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v absolute_o may_v be_v oblige_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o law_n and_o institution_n as_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o respect_v all_o of_o they_o the_o personal_a sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v oblige_v by_o they_o and_o now_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o liberty_n nay_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o mind_n not_o to_o believe_v contradiction_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v under_o this_o necessity_n a_o little_a soon_o or_o be_v yet_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o make_v contradiction_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v i_o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o innocent_a person_n can_v not_o observe_v any_o of_o these_o judaical_a ceremony_n with_o respect_n to_o personal_a sin_n but_o i_o say_v as_o they_o have_v other_o signification_n so_o he_o may_v observe_v they_o to_o other_o purpose_n circumcision_n in_o its_o first_o institution_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o do_v very_o well_o become_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o of_o the_o seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n but_o that_o very_a seed_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n whereof_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o become_v the_o most_o innocent_a man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o signify_v the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n only_o when_o the_o baptize_v person_n have_v be_v a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v design_v for_o a_o noble_a purpose_n as_o a_o public_a inauguration_n of_o he_o to_o his_o prophetical_a office_n the_o passover_n be_v a_o eucharistical_a sacrifice_n in_o commemoration_n of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o their_o forefather_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o the_o most_o innocent_a man_n but_o i_o challenge_v the_o doctor_n or_o any_o of_o his_o friend_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n offer_v any_o sin_n or_o trespass-offering_a which_o respect_v only_o personal_a offence_n or_o that_o he_o observe_v any_o ceremony_n which_o can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o personal_a guilt_n and_o till_o he_o can_v prove_v this_o his_o argument_n be_v worth_a nothing_o his_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o what_o christ_n do_v as_o mediator_n that_o be_v the_o actual_a obedience_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n i_o represent_v thus_o 218._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n assign_v of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n but_o only_o this_o that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o our_o stead_n here_o the_o doctor_n according_a to_o his_o usual_a way_n charge_v i_o with_o misrepresenting_a his_o argument_n for_o his_o word_n be_v that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o active_a obedience_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v assign_v to_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o his_o death_n and_o oblation_n these_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v his_o word_n but_o not_o his_o argument_n for_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n consist_v in_o the_o dis-junction_a as_o i_o express_o observe_v that_o either_o christ_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n to_o fit_v he_o for_o his_o death_n and_o oblation_n or_o he_o do_v it_o for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n because_o otherwise_o as_o he_o himself_o express_v it_o if_o the_o obedience_n christ_n perform_v be_v not_o reckon_v to_o we_o and_o do_v upon_o our_o account_n there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o be_v assign_v why_o he_o shall_v live_v here_o in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v in_o perfect_a 182._o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v suppose_v not_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v he_o for_o his_o death_n which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v yet_o there_o be_v other_o great_a and_o necessary_a reason_n why_o he_o 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 divine_a will._n his_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n perform_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v this_o and_o live_v so_o that_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o yield_v that_o complete_a &_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o the_o law_n require_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o christ_n our_o mediator_n and_o surety_n shall_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o argument_n 220._o as_o i_o tell_v he_o before_o be_v this_o that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n still_o exact_v the_o rigorous_a perfection_n of_o the_o law_n from_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o appear_v before_o he_o without_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o or_o of_o another_o now_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n whether_o we_o must_v be_v make_v righteous_a with_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o or_o whether_o god_n will_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n dispense_v with_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o accept_v a_o sincere_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n instead_o of_o a_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
by_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o he_o till_o we_o obey_v he_o this_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o christ_n because_o we_o be_v justify_v for_o his_o sake_n by_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o vindicate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o whatever_o i_o assert_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n to_o our_o justification_n not_o that_o they_o can_v merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o thereby_o to_o give_v we_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o church_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o not_o to_o merit_v justification_n or_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o who_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n we_o be_v justify_v to_o say_v that_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o new_a nature_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v different_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n because_o christ_n justify_v none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o none_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o e_fw-la conuerso_fw-la those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o so_o do_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o none_o else_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o he_o which_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n how_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o all_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n because_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o phrase_n of_o receive_v christ_n and_o come_v to_o he_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o signify_v our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n that_o no_o man_n may_v mistake_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o a_o fond_a and_o easy_a passion_n nor_o think_v to_o please_v he_o with_o some_o heat_n and_o rapture_n of_o fancy_n instead_o of_o the_o substantial_a return_v of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o christ_n express_v a_o wonderful_a and_o stupendous_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o especial_o in_o die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n but_o he_o manifest_v the_o same_o good_a will_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n he_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o gentle_a governor_n who_o rule_v with_o the_o natural_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o a_o shepherd_n a_o husband_n a_o head_n a_o friend_n he_o pity_v our_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v and_o succour_v we_o he_o be_v now_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o he_o personal_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n dispense_v all_o those_o blessing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o his_o name_n and_o he_o who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o die_v for_o they_o must_v needs_o take_v pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n and_o dwell_v with_o they_o as_o one_o friend_n dwell_v with_o another_o john_n fourteen_o 21_o 23._o christ_n will_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v present_a with_o such_o good_a man_n who_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o will_v give_v very_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o will_v manifest_v himself_o unto_o they_o and_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o and_o now_o in_o return_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n must_v not_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n be_v call_v honour_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_n love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n and_o must_v bear_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n since_o he_o become_v man_n and_o die_v for_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o praise_v his_o goodness_n he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n we_o must_v trust_v and_o confide_v in_o he_o and_o expect_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o blessing_n from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o christ_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o design_n and_o doctrine_n of_o my_o book_n which_o have_v raise_v so_o much_o noise_n and_o clamour_n and_o have_v sharpen_v the_o pen_n and_o tongue_n of_o so_o many_o against_o i_o but_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n to_o think_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n these_o be_v such_o bright_a and_o glorious_a truth_n as_o will_v outshine_v all_o the_o new_a light_n of_o present_a or_o former_a age_n and_o command_v belief_n from_o all_o honest_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n by_o their_o own_o natural_a evidence_n the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o design_o oppose_v in_o that_o discourse_n be_v such_o as_o contradict_v these_o great_a truth_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o i_o apprehend_v to_o do_v so_o either_o express_o or_o in_o their_o immediate_a consequence_n and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o have_v anger_v so_o many_o man_n who_o cause_n and_o reputation_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o quarrel_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o brief_a account_n what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v and_o in_o what_o sense_n i_o reject_v they_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v silence_v those_o scandalous_a report_n as_o if_o i_o have_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o first_o whereas_o i_o observe_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n signify_v the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n
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 18●_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 18●_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
wisdom_n as_o he_o have_v revel_v those_o hide_a treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v conceled_a from_o former_a age_n but_o we_o must_v not_o go_v immediate_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o wisdom_n but_o we_o must_v search_v for_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v revel_v and_o beg_v those_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o study_n and_o inquiry_n thus_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o supernatural_a aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o christ_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a as_o god_n be_v christ_n have_v by_o his_o death_n purchase_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o those_o who_o believe_v but_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o receive_v these_o vital_a influence_n from_o christ_n by_o such_o a_o natural_a conveyance_n as_o water_n flow_v out_o of_o a_o fountain_n or_o as_o the_o animal_n spirit_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v and_o meditate_v and_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o derive_v strength_n and_o power_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o to_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v read_v and_o pray_v and_o watch_v and_o fast_o and_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v put_v ourselves_o under_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o do_v his_o part_n when_o we_o be_v so_o diligent_a in_o do_v we_o but_o a_o bare_a trust_n and_o reliance_n on_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o divine_a aid_n no_o more_o than_o a_o presumptuous_a dependence_n on_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v secure_v a_o slothful_a man_n from_o want_n and_o beggary_n christ_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a life_n but_o we_o must_v not_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o his_o person_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o be_v therefore_o dispense_v in_o such_o regular_a way_n that_o every_o one_o that_o please_v may_v certain_o know_v how_o to_o obtain_v it_o and_o that_o no_o man_n must_v expect_v it_o any_o other_o way_n but_o now_o those_o person_n who_o i_o oppose_v if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o their_o meaning_n by_o their_o word_n send_v sinner_n immediate_o to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o righteousness_n for_o wisdom_n and_o power_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v all_o these_o personal_a grace_n which_o must_v be_v derive_v immediate_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o prophetical_a priestly_a or_o regal_a office_n in_o publish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o or_o in_o expiate_v our_o sin_n or_o in_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o dispense_n his_o grace_n in_o such_o way_n and_o method_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n they_o have_v either_o find_v out_o a_o new_a person_n for_o christ_n distinct_a from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o 140._o thing_n have_v dress_v up_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o such_o personal_a grace_n as_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o his_o person_n as_o god-man_n but_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o here_o the_o doctor_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o opponent_n raise_v a_o great_a cry_n and_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o what_o i_o charge_v they_o with_o as_o a_o 475._o fault_n that_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o person_n for_o christ_n distinct_a from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n they_o think_v not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o will_v have_v be_v as_o far_o from_o wit_n as_o truth_n because_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n and_o here_o they_o philosophize_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o notion_n of_o suppositum_fw-la and_o persona_fw-la and_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o be_v glad_a with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o find_v a_o occasion_n to_o avoid_v the_o true_a question_n now_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v not_o wary_o express_v to_o prevent_v the_o cavil_v humour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o escape_v but_o by_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o such_o retreat_n though_o what_o i_o immediate_o add_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v they_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o have_v they_o any_o mind_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o they_o distinguish_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n from_o his_o person_n as_o god-man_n and_o clothe_v this_o person_n with_o such_o personal_a grace_n as_o belong_v neither_o to_o his_o divine_a nor_o human_a nature_n nor_o to_o the_o union_n of_o both_o thus_o they_o talk_v of_o the_o fullness_n and_o riches_n and_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n as_o personal_a grace_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o derive_v immediate_o from_o his_o person_n to_o we_o whereas_o i_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o those_o scripture-phrase_n that_o all_o this_o be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n or_o sacrifice_n or_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o several_a office_n not_o proper_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n unless_o they_o will_v make_v his_o mediatory_a office_n a_o distinct_a person_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o his_o fullness_n or_o riches_n or_o righteousness_n or_o grace_n or_o wisdom_n not_o from_o a_o bare_a union_n to_o his_o person_n but_o by_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o conscientious_a use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n to_o we_o this_o i_o call_v dress_v up_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n with_o all_o those_o personal_a grace_n and_o 143._o excellency_n which_o may_v make_v he_o a_o fit_a saviour_n that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o his_o person_n need_v not_o fear_v miss_v of_o salvation_n this_o the_o doctor_n think_v profane_a because_o the_o 153._o preparation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o meet_a saviour_n for_o sinner_n which_o i_o profane_o compare_v to_o the_o dress_n up_o of_o of_o what_o good_a sir_n speak_v out_o and_o let_v we_o know_v the_o worst_a be_v the_o great_a most_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a effect_n that_o ever_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n power_n and_o love_n wrought_v and_o produce_v or_o will_v do_v so_o to_o eternity_n very_o right_a god_n fit_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o meet_a saviour_n for_o sinner_n be_v a_o admirable_a effect_n of_o wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o this_o new_a dress_n they_o have_v put_v our_o saviour_n into_o contain_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o antinomianism_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o profaneness_n to_o reprove_v such_o a_o uncouth_a metamorphosis_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o here_o once_o for_o all_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o great_a artifice_n in_o pervert_v my_o word_n either_o into_o profaneness_n or_o nonsense_n that_o whatever_o i_o speak_v against_o that_o odd_a and_o fantastical_a representation_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o interpret_v as_o speak_v against_o christ_n himself_o god-man_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n who_o argue_v against_o a_o false_a and_o absurd_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o atheism_n or_o with_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v any_o long_o think_v that_o this_o religion_n of_o christ_n person_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v a_o peculiar_a conceit_n and_o invention_n of_o my_o own_o as_o the_o doctor_n will_v fain_o persuade_v his_o reader_n it_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o distinction_n between_o the_o person_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v imaginary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o antinomianism_n thus_o the_o antinomian_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o win_v and_o woo_v 89_o people_n unto_o
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n ●45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o
of_o time_n as_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o then_o we_o may_v if_o christ_n please_v as_o well_o continue_v unite_v as_o at_o first_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o without_o holiness_n for_o if_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n nor_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n hinder_v such_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o bad_a man_n while_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o bad_a than_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v their_o continue_a bad_a after_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n but_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n or_o a_o irresistible_a power_n christ_n may_v make_v they_o good_a if_o he_o please_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o may_v not_o as_o well_o own_o they_o while_o they_o continue_v wicked_a as_o receive_v they_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o such_o christ_n may_v undertake_v the_o cure_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o physician_n do_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o sick_a this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n but_o to_o unite_v they_o to_o himself_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o interest_n they_o in_o his_o righteousness_n to_o make_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n while_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o bad_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o perfect_o alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o give_v we_o a_o little_a taste_n what_o candour_n and_o honesty_n we_o may_v expect_v from_o our_o author_n in_o his_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o confine_v myself_o to_o his_o method_n but_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o discourse_n of_o 1_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o that_o order_n and_o method_n wherein_o it_o lie_v which_o will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o consider_v whatever_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o answer_v in_o mr._n ferguson_n chapter_n of_o union_n and_o then_o his_o scurrilous_a reflection_n and_o childish_a impertinency_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n the_o two_o first_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o explain_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v these_o first_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n and_o second_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_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 which_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o be_v 597._o in_o his_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a if_o by_o coincident_a he_o mean_v that_o one_o follow_v from_o the_o other_o i_o ready_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o proposition_n be_v the_o same_o which_o have_v neither_o the_o same_o subject_n nor_o predicate_v he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o reflection_n either_o upon_o my_o logic_n or_o accuracy_n of_o write_v as_o be_v a_o very_a incompetent_a judge_n of_o either_o but_o the_o proposition_n be_v distinct_a and_o prove_v by_o different_a medium_n that_o which_o prove_v the_o first_o proposition_n do_v not_o immediate_o prove_v the_o second_o though_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v argue_v at_o 611._o that_o inconsequent_a rate_n and_o charge_v my_o logic_n with_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o failure_n of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n he_o can_v take_v to_o make_v it_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o after_o he_o have_v charge_v they_o with_o be_v coincident_a proposition_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o very_a next_o turn_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v they_o coincident_a that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v one_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o a_o just_a consequent_a from_o the_o other_o for_o have_v recite_v that_o paragraph_n whereby_o i_o prove_v that_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a he_o add_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o be_v this_o discourse_n of_o our_o author_n frame_v into_o a_o syllogism_n the_o incongruity_n between_o the_o conclusion_n and_o premise_n will_v easy_o appear_v for_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la no_o particular_a believer_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o church_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o how_o he_o disprove_v it_o i_o deny_v say_v he_o the_o consequent_a i_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v say_v consequence_n have_v he_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o those_o logical_a term_n his_o reason_n be_v this_o sure_o though_o the_o king_n be_v immediate_a head_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yet_o he_o be_v immediate_a head_n to_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o it_o as_o for_o that_o word_n immediate_n i_o shall_v let_v it_o alone_o till_o anon_o but_o our_o author_n say_v very_o right_a the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o every_o subject_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o king_n who_o be_v head_n only_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o any_o single_a person_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o whether_o such_o a_o person_n must_v not_o first_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o kingdom_n before_o he_o can_v be_v relate_v to_o the_o king_n as_o his_o head_n thus_o christ_n be_v primary_o style_v a_o head_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o this_o church_n and_o body_n can_v be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o head_n the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n be_v to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n for_o no_o head_n have_v relation_n to_o any_o member_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o its_o own_o body_n but_o our_o author_n proceed_v 2._o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogenous_a nature_n what_o soever_o be_v praedicat_v essential_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_o praedicat_v of_o every_o part_n if_o by_o this_o he_o only_a mean_n that_o christ_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o particular_a christian_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o 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christian_n who_o consider_v as_o member_n be_v of_o as_o different_a a_o nature_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n and_o foot_n which_o be_v of_o different_a use_n necessity_n and_o honour_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13_o 14_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ._n and_o he_o particular_o mention_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o eye_n which_o no_o man_n yet_o think_v to_o be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n till_o mr._n ferguson_n bless_v the_o world_n with_o this_o discovery_n his_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o terminis_fw-la that_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o
form_v according_a to_o such_o a_o model_n of_o law_n and_o government_n privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o any_o society_n upon_o a_o public_a charter_n or_o commission_n he_o who_o be_v first_o admit_v into_o any_o college_n or_o corporation_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n though_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o for_o there_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o society_n lay_v where_o there_o be_v a_o head_n and_o governor_n and_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o privilege_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n do_v converse_v upon_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o visible_a head_n than_o the_o way_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o government_n to_o go_v direct_o to_o he_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n faith_n be_v call_v come_v to_o christ_n which_o phrase_n be_v never_o use_v to_o signify_v believe_v but_o only_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o time_n while_o he_o converse_v on_o earth_n but_o since_o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o leave_v a_o visible_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n invest_v with_o his_o authority_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o 162._o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n to_o answer_v all_o mr._n ferguson_n little_a cavil_n as_o 1._o he_o argue_v if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o 59●_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o previous_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n i_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v of_o mr._n sherlock_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o this_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n it_o be_v quick_o answer_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n just_a as_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v unite_v as_o a_o body_n particular_a christian_n as_o member_n of_o that_o body_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v that_o our_o author_n imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o two_o different_a act_n and_o then_o indeed_o his_o argument_n will_v have_v entangle_v i_o in_o a_o circle_n but_o i_o have_v already_o break_v this_o circle_n in_o my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v yet_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o unite_v they_o all_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o form_v and_o cement_v into_o a_o regular_a and_o well-proportioned_a body_n his_o second_o argument_n in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o can_v imagine_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o their_o union_n to_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n will_v still_o be_v the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n and_o indeed_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o any_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n before_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o every_o individual_a christian_a may_v be_v so_o too_o and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o fellowship_n and_o society_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v but_o this_o i_o have_v already_o answer_v in_o my_o four_o proposition_n that_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n to_o join_v with_o if_o christ_n may_v then_o be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o instruction_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v visible_o present_a with_o they_o yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n assign_v why_o other_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o immediate_o unite_v to_o he_o now_o he_o be_v not_o present_a as_o a_o visible_a head_n on_o earth_n thus_o far_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v my_o notion_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v he_o a_o more_o favourable_a acceptation_n than_o this_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o touch_v on_o the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v the_o same_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v but_o one_o every_o christian_a be_v as_o true_o unite_v to_o the_o invisible_a as_o to_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v secure_v by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n have_v mr._n ferguson_n think_v on_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v that_o argument_n from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n to_o christ_n without_o any_o pre-existent_a church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n who_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v not_o of_o his_o church_n and_o then_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o be_v save_v whoever_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n body_n our_o relation_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n be_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o it_o our_o christianity_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n but_o our_o obligation_n to_o external_a fellowship_n with_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherever_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n cast_v we_o be_v our_o antecedent_n relation_n at_o least_o in_o priority_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o office_n of_o baptism_n declare_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o baptize_v person_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n church_n not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n which_o word_n be_v of_o a_o large_a import_n than_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o baptism_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n this_o be_v one_o argument_n whereby_o the_o father_n in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n prove_v the_o invalidity_n of_o that_o baptism_n which_o be_v administer_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o admit_v any_o one_o into_o the_o catholic_n church_n frustra_fw-la ille_fw-la putat_fw-la se_fw-la esse_fw-la baptizatum_fw-la cum_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la baptisma_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la unum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quia_fw-la deus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o fides_fw-la una_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la stat_fw-la unum_fw-la baptisma_fw-la
he_o add_v that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o true_a but_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_n as_o i_o show_v above_o his_o five_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o that_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o govern_v we_o now_o as_o a_o visible_a head_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v invest_v with_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n but_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o our_o actual_a subjection_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v above_o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n as_o for_o his_o proof_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o which_o he_o thus_o expound_v that_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o coalesce_v into_o church_n society_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o our_o author_n skill_n or_o honesty_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o church_n society_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o they_o which_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o those_o day_n when_o independency_n be_v not_o yet_o hatch_v but_o he_o commend_v the_o bounty_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o macedonian_n in_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n and_o their_o great_a forwardness_n to_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o need_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o commit_v their_o liberal_a contribution_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o the_o propgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o importunate_a solicitation_n but_o of_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o but_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o we_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o then_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n his_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n but_o pray_v how_o so_o because_o i_o assert_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o head_n only_o to_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o none_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n without_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n i_o must_v now_o do_v as_o m._n ferguson_n do_v deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o it_o he_o imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a union_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n on_o earth_n to_o who_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v whereas_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o no_o head_n but_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o head_n as_o all_o member_n be_v by_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o vicarious_a head_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n to_o the_o real_a head_n if_o it_o be_v not_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o analogy_n or_o resemblance_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o no_o member_n be_v any_o other_o way_n unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o bishop_n be_v but_o member_n of_o this_o body_n though_o of_o great_a use_n dignity_n and_o authority_n than_o mean_a christian_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n be_v more_o honourable_a and_o useful_a than_o the_o rest_n but_o who_o tell_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o vicarious_a head_n he_o represent_v this_o as_o my_o opinion_n though_o i_o never_o say_v so_o nor_o think_v so_o i_o have_v say_v indeed_o that_o particular_a christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o union_n to_o his_o church_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o every_o christian_a much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n except_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o because_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n be_v not_o immediate_o join_v to_o it_o these_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o 469._o be_v unite_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n most_o of_o which_o he_o allege_n also_o upon_o another_o occasion_n to_o prove_v that_o one_o live_v in_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o no_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o avow_a doctrine_n of_o socinus_n by_o this_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o weight_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o repeat_v my_o answer_n as_o often_o as_o he_o repeat_v his_o argument_n but_o dare_v venture_v they_o at_o one_o proposal_n against_o his_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v among_o other_o argument_n whereby_o i_o confirm_v that_o notion_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o solemn_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_n of_o 615._o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o whereby_o we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o here_o too_o challenge_v i_o with_o contradict_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o so_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o
discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v we_o to_o and_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o perpetual_a institution_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o require_v seal_v on_o both_o side_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o ceremony_n be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n god_n have_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n whereby_o he_o have_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o till_o we_o seal_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n no_o previous_a faith_n and_o consent_n can_v give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o his_o four_o proposition_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n consist_v in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n there_o do_v therefore_o upon_o a_o person_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n emerge_n as_o that_o he_o be_v render_v a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a and_o add_v so_o far_o be_v our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n from_o be_v the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v our_o dedicate_a ourselves_o to_o christ_n by_o this_o august_n ceremony_n which_o constitute_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o say_v i_o but_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o dedicate_a we_o to_o christ_n so_o say_v i_o too_o and_o therefore_o our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o the_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o how_o do_v this_o follow_n when_o baptism_n dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o be_v his_o church_n for_o that_o which_o dedicate_v we_o to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o unite_n we_o to_o the_o church_n but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n whereby_o he_o will_v insinuate_v that_o we_o be_v member_n before_o though_o incomplete_a but_o this_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v which_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o and_o never_o can_v do_v and_o indeed_o a_o complete_a and_o incomplete_a member_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o very_o good_a sense_n for_o the_o same_o relation_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n one_o child_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o child_n be_v as_o complete_o the_o father_n child_n as_o any_o other_o of_o his_o child_n be_v and_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n we_o be_v complete_a member_n for_o what_o ever_o make_v we_o member_n make_v we_o member_n and_o we_o can_v be_v more_o or_o less_o member_n a_o member_n may_v be_v sound_a or_o rot_a weak_a or_o strong_a and_o upon_o that_o score_n may_v be_v a_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a member_n but_o consider_v only_o the_o relation_n of_o membership_n which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n every_o member_n be_v as_o much_o a_o member_n as_o any_o other_o but_o baptism_n make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o catholic_n visible_a how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v now_o when_o in_o his_o first_o proposition_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o baptism_n unite_v we_o to_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o make_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a how_o will_v he_o answer_v his_o own_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v baptize_v before_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a visible_a church_n form_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a visible_a church_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n neither_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a many_o subordinate_a society_n and_o corporation_n and_o family_n before_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o family_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a or_o invisible_a unless_o we_o think_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o be_v seal_v to_o we_o in_o baptism_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o blame_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o make_v visibility_n one_o mark_v of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o argue_v also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v a_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o after_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n and_o signify_v and_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o christ_n own_v we_o not_o as_o single_a individual_n but_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n answer_v 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o 619._o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n see_v none_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o church_n member_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o say_v it_o be_v the_o first_o medium_n but_o that_o it_o represent_v that_o near_a conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o use_v our_o author_n own_o word_n in_o another_o place_n see_v its_o one_o 626._o loaf_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o we_o partake_v we_o be_v therefore_o one_o body_n viz._n in_o christ_n who_o participate_v of_o that_o one_o loaf_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o pichorellus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o say_v we_o be_v one_o loaf_n or_o bread_n though_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o so_o but_o that_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o coalition_n of_o the_o cluster_n of_o the_o small_a corpuscle_n of_o meal_n sure_o our_o author_n be_v teach_v this_o bombast_n by_o the_o school_n master_n in_o sir_n philip_n sidney_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v knead_v and_o contex_v to_o the_o identity_n and_o oneness_n that_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n intervening_a identity_n and_o oneness_n be_v a_o great_a elegancy_n but_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o have_v abuse_v pichorellus_fw-la not_o only_o in_o a_o fantastical_a translation_n of_o his_o word_n but_o in_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o who_o word_n as_o he_o have_v set_v they_o in_o the_o margin_n be_v these_o non_fw-la dicit_fw-la paulus_n fideles_fw-la unum_fw-la esse_fw-la panem_fw-la sed_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la panc_fw-la ducit_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la paul_n do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o believer_n be_v one_o bread_n but_o take_v a_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n from_o one_o bread_n what_o to_o do_v to_o prove_v the_o oneness_n and_o identity_n which_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o single_a believer_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v represent_v it_o no_o but_o to_o prove_v that_o near_a alliance_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v between_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v as_o close_o compact_v into_o one_o body_n as_o the_o several_a particle_n of_o flour_n be_v when_o they_o be_v knead_v into_o one_o loaf_n and_o so_o as_o one_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o entertain_v at_o his_o table_n agreeable_o to_o st._n chrysostoms_n account_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v translate_v also_o by_o our_o author_n what_o be_v that_o loaf_n it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n what_o be_v those_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o many_o body_n but_o one_o for_o as_o the_o many_o grain_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v form_v be_v so_o convene_v into_o one_o mass_n mighty_a elegant_a still_o that_o the_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n one_o from_o another_o do_v not_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v we_o conjoin_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o or_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o st._n chrysostoms_n word_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o christ_n so_o that_o
and_o stead_n of_o particular_a person_n than_o those_o for_o who_o he_o act_v be_v absolve_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o undertake_n or_o actual_a performance_n of_o christ_n either_o from_o eternity_n or_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o be_v i_o may_v add_v several_a other_o consequence_n which_o necessary_o result_v from_o this_o doctrine_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a principle_n of_o antinomianism_n as_o that_o we_o must_v not_o pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v long_o since_o remove_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o forgiveness_n that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o people_n because_o their_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o christ_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v sin_n upon_o our_o own_o conscience_n neither_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v our_o conscience_n a_o christ_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o fruitful_a this_o principle_n be_v of_o absurdity_n and_o what_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o reject_v our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n consider_v as_o one_o who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o we_o in_o our_o name_n and_o stead_n and_o now_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v viz._n our_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v show_v above_o yet_o in_o the_o antinomian_a sense_n of_o a_o immediate_a union_n i_o do_v utter_o reject_v it_o whereby_o they_o understand_v a_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o intervening_a condition_n on_o our_o part_n and_o this_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n they_o explain_v this_o as_o i_o observe_v in_o my_o former_a 3_o discourse_n by_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n and_o a_o legal_a union_n as_o for_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n which_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o union_n of_o person_n as_o be_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n beauty_n comeliness_n riches_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o marriage_n entitle_v a_o woman_n to_o her_o husband_n estate_n and_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o woman_n under_o covert_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o action_n or_o arrest_n i_o perceive_v mr._n ferguson_n give_v it_o over_o as_o indefensible_a for_o among_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o union_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o this_o which_o be_v the_o most_o charm_a and_o invite_v union_n and_o most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o sisterhood_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o conventicle_n of_o any_o other_o but_o i_o suppose_v mr._n vincent_n will_v not_o give_v it_o over_o so_o and_o therefore_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o must_v be_v a_o immediate_a union_n which_o require_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o embrace_v and_o clasp_v faith_n which_o unite_v their_o person_n to_o each_o other_o this_o faith_n be_v no_o condition_n of_o union_n but_o only_o such_o a_o consent_n to_o have_v christ_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o match_n or_o rather_o like_o join_v hand_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o marriage_n though_o indeed_o the_o marriage_n be_v make_v before_o as_o they_o say_v all_o marriage_n be_v in_o heaven_n eternal_a election_n marry_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o consent_a faith_n give_v they_o only_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o their_o matrimonial_a union_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o legal_a union_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n who_o do_v all_o for_o we_o in_o our_o name_n and_o stead_n now_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n be_v immediate_a for_o it_o be_v entire_o god_n act_v in_o elect_v some_o particular_a person_n and_o give_v they_o to_o christ_n to_o do_v all_o for_o they_o in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n and_o therefore_o dr._n crisp_n true_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v god_n and_o only_a god_n that_o can_v lay_v &c_n our_o sin_n upon_o christ_n that_o our_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n can_v do_v it_o for_o this_o work_n of_o lay_v sin_n on_o christ_n in_o make_v he_o our_o surety_n to_o do_v all_o for_o we_o be_v do_v long_o since_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v now_o christ_n have_v already_o die_v for_o all_o that_o he_o will_v die_v for_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o die_v for_o we_o nothing_o that_o we_o can_v do_v now_o can_v lay_v our_o sin_n upon_o he_o for_o as_o the_o doctor_n reason_n if_o we_o can_v a_o fresh_a by_o our_o repentance_n and_o faith_n lie_v our_o sin_n on_o christ_n as_o our_o surety_n how_o shall_v he_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o again_o for_o there_o be_v no_o get_v rid_v of_o sin_n but_o by_o 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not_o in_o christ_n already_o there_o be_v no_o get_n into_o christ_n now_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n election_n alone_a and_o god_n give_v we_o to_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o he_o not_o any_o act_n of_o our_o own_o neither_o faith_n repentance_n or_o new_a obedience_n these_o at_o best_a can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o comfortable_a sense_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o union_n itself_o and_o therefore_o dr._n owen_n do_v roundly_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v reckon_v to_o we_o in_o 77._o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o believe_v and_o by_o god_n reckon_v christ_n to_o we_o he_o mean_v the_o impute_v of_o christ_n unto_o ungodly_a unbelieve_a sinner_n for_o who_o he_o die_v so_o far_o as_o to_o account_v he_o they_o to_o bestow_v faith_n and_o grace_n upon_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o if_o god_n reckon_v christ_n to_o man_n before_o faith_n he_o must_v reckon_v he_o they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o give_v they_o to_o christ_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o his_o reckon_n christ_n to_o they_o at_o all_o and_o to_o show_v how_o free_a and_o absolute_a this_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n at_o all_o in_o this_o stipulation_n that_o 65._o god_n shall_v engage_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v out_o grace_n and_o glory_n liberty_n and_o beauty_n unto_o those_o for_o who_o he_o die_v upon_o condition_n they_o do_v so_o or_o so_o leave_v no_o proper_a place_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v very_o improper_o ascribe_v unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n seem_v to_o run_v conditional_o that_o if_o we_o repent_v and_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o the_o covenant_n be_v indeed_o absolute_a because_o these_o very_a condition_n be_v part_n of_o christ_n purchase_n and_o be_v promise_v without_o any_o condition_n and_o though_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o method_n as_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v to_o himself_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o trinity_n yet_o all_o this_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o full_o procure_v for_o we_o nor_o less_o free_o bestow_v on_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o on_o his_o account_n as_o part_v of_o his_o purchase_n and_o merit_n than_o if_o all_o of_o we_o immediate_o upon_o his_o death_n have_v be_v translate_v 206._o into_o heaven_n from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o a_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n and_o surety_n as_o be_v found_v only_o on_o elect_v grace_n without_o any_o
thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o particular_a election_n yet_o i_o disow_v our_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n christ_n be_v the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o have_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n make_v a_o general_a atonement_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n purchase_v and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n such_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n alone_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o though_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v general_a and_o universal_a yet_o none_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o it_o but_o his_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o universal_a grace_n and_o mercy_n particular_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o surety_n only_o for_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o act_v in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n necessary_o precipitate_v man_n into_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o antinomianism_n which_o in_o this_o loose_a fantastical_a and_o degenerate_a age_n be_v the_o only_a popular_a and_o take_a frenzy_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o my_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n in_o my_o chapter_n of_o union_n from_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o mr._n ferguson_n for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o skill_n he_o have_v show_v here_o to_o pervert_v my_o sense_n and_o to_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o i_o as_o i_o never_o dream_v of_o the_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o 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discourse_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v my_o reader_n but_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a and_o so_o hypocritical_a professor_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o ligament_n of_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o true_a and_o real_a which_o import_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v and_o herein_o consist_v a_o material_a difference_n between_o that_o external_n union_n which_o be_v between_o a_o temporal_a prince_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a head_n and_o king_n and_o the_o true_a church_n or_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v spiritual_a subject_n for_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o earthly_a prince_n can_v reach_v only_o the_o external_n man_n because_o they_o 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effect_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o observe_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n rom._n 89._o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o which_o as_o it_o respect_v the_o cause_n whereby_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o divine_a nature_n so_o it_o signify_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o effect_n or_o that_o divine_a nature_n new_a creature_n which_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o very_a 441._o bond_n of_o our_o cohesion_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v that_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v which_o as_o i_o express_o observe_v be_v call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n for_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o page_n before_o that_o it_o be_v call_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n because_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v trust_v any_o man_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n to_o judge_v whether_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n a_o mere_a external_a thing_n or_o leave_v out_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o i_o assert_v that_o that_o new_a nature_n all_o those_o christian_a grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n and_o internal_a union_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o indwel_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whereas_o mr._n ferguson_n be_v so_o critical_a that_o it_o will_v not_o satisfy_v he_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n in_o
respect_n 646._o of_o that_o new_a creature_n divine_a nature_n and_o spiritual_a be_v which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o but_o immediate_o also_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o he_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v present_a every_o where_o how_o can_v he_o be_v more_o immediate_o present_a in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o person_n than_o in_o another_o but_o only_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o effect_n and_o operation_n as_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n because_o there_o he_o manifest_v his_o glory_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o i_o can_v without_o some_o indignation_n 645._o observe_v how_o our_o author_n have_v profane_v this_o holy_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o impure_a mixture_n 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he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n christ_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o these_o scripture_n be_v allege_v by_o mr._n ferguson_n too_o but_o to_o prove_v he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oneness_n of_o essence_n betwixt_o 628._o christ_n and_o believer_n that_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o be_v it_o mere_o a_o oneness_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a unity_n here_o mean_v well_o be_v there_o a_o essential_a unity_n then_o here_o mean_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n no_o that_o he_o reject_v before_o what_o then_o why_o though_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o 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