faith_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n of_o testimony_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n for_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o those_o person_n who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o understand_v the_o phrase_n and_o dialect_n of_o that_o age_n and_o those_o particular_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v then_o on_o foot_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o better_a account_n of_o the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o after-age_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o century_n have_v always_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o still_o the_o more_o ancient_n they_o be_v the_o great_a be_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o tradition_n so_o their_o authority_n lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o discipline_n and_o order_n be_v that_o authority_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v over_o she_o own_o member_n or_o which_o the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o general_a council_n have_v over_o particular_a church_n for_o while_o we_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o at_o least_o so_o far_o to_o receive_v those_o doctrine_n which_o she_o own_v as_o not_o to_o disturb_v public_a peace_n and_o order_n by_o our_o private_a dispute_n but_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n who_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v a_o childish_a thing_n to_o urge_v the_o bare_a authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n when_o it_o have_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o support_v it_o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v the_o consent_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o inherent_a authority_n but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o vain_o mr._n ferguson_n brag_v when_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o oppose_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a church_n for_o indeed_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o oppose_v be_v mere_a novelty_n and_o be_v never_o public_o own_v by_o any_o reform_a church_n and_o never_o have_v any_o great_a authority_n than_o what_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n can_v give_v they_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o notion_n the_o first_o reformer_n have_v of_o justify_v faith_n that_o it_o be_v fiducia_fw-la misericordia_fw-la propter_fw-la christum_fw-la a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n and_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o they_o once_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v they_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o mercy_n or_o of_o such_o a_o justification_n as_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v one_o transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n in_o opposition_n to_o pardon_n and_o remission_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o one_o exercise_v favour_n which_o be_v mr._n 417._o ferguson_n account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n but_o three_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o imputation_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n as_o i_o abundant_o prove_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 195._o of_o which_o our_o author_n take_v no_o notice_n and_o it_o be_v very_o wise_o do_v of_o he_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v answer_v it_o so_o it_o overthrow_v the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o contradict_v its_o main_a design_n i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o few_o first_o justification_n by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n mr._n ferguson_n acknowledge_v that_o to_o justify_v and_o to_o pardon_v be_v whole_o distinct_a 416._o in_o their_o nature_n and_o idea_n and_o always_o separate_v in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o be_v arraign_v at_o humane_a tribunal_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o god_n too_o now_o i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o same_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o both_o he_o who_o be_v universal_o justify_v in_o our_o author_n notion_n that_o be_v who_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o a_o juridical_a way_n i._n e._n as_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a needs_o no_o pardon_n nor_o be_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v pardon_v and_o he_o who_o be_v pardon_v can_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o sense_n because_o pardon_n suppose_v he_o a_o sinner_n and_o justification_n suppose_v he_o innocent_a which_o have_v some_o little_a appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o the_o gospel-way_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v quite_o discard_a and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v for_o though_o this_o perfect_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n still_o which_o be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o i_o wonder_v what_o our_o author_n think_v of_o all_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o place_n for_o they_o in_o his_o new-gospel_n second_o this_o notion_n of_o justification_n overthrow_v the_o necessity_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n consist_v in_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o if_o justification_n exclude_v pardon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n if_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n or_o at_o best_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o not_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o law_n by_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n for_o no_o law_n can_v oblige_v we_o both_o to_o obey_v it_o perfect_o and_o to_o endure_v the_o penalty_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o though_o we_o do_v perfect_o obey_v it_o so_o that_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o if_o remission_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n than_o we_o be_v not_o perfect_o righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n but_o must_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n three_o this_o notion_n of_o justification_n destroy_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o mr._n ferguson_n express_o own_v that_o pardon_v indeed_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n but_o justification_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v god_n transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o assertion_n which_o more_o express_o destroy_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o st._n paul_n attribute_n our_o justification_n as_o well_o as_o pardon_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n nor_o will_v it_o relieve_v he_o to_o say_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n because_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o a_o proper_a law-notion_n by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o this_o righteousness_n be_v not_o inherent_a but_o impute_v which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o a_o proper_a law-sense_n by_o a_o impute_a that_o be_v a_o improper_a righteousness_n and_o that_o god_n proceed_v in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n and_o yet_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o righteousness_n as_o not_o the_o law_n but_o only_a grace_n can_v accept_v i_o say_v beside_o this_o we_o may_v for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n say_v that_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n because_o it_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n
in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o abstract_v from_o his_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n of_o it_o as_o these_o man_n do_v as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v second_o i_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o very_a same_o act_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o first_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o subsequent_a choice_n and_o consent_n by_o explicit_a contract_n as_o some_o imagine_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n but_o that_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o church_n make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n wherein_o our_o union_n consist_v and_o that_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o will_v own_v our_o christianity_n to_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v three_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n in_o this_o question_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o church-officer_n authorize_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o christ_n design_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o particular_a man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o himself_o in_o one_o body_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o be_v not_o man_n act_v by_o faction_n and_o interest_n it_o can_v admit_v no_o serious_a dispute_n all_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v typical_a of_o the_o christian_a and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o family_n the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v all_o unite_a by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o religious_a ceremony_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o alien_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o holy_a people_n but_o by_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n now_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christian_n be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 29._o i._n e._n we_o be_v admit_v into_o abraham_n family_n and_o make_v heir_n according_a to_o promise_n when_o god_n cast_v off_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o of_o those_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o so_o the_o christian_n who_o before_o their_o conversion_n be_v many_o of_o they_o pagan_a idolater_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n rom._n 11._o 27._o so_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v to_o dissolve_v but_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n he_o own_v no_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o scatter_a individual_n but_o as_o incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n now_o the_o internal_a union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n the_o external_n ligament_n of_o it_o be_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v regular_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n perform_v in_o baptism_n and_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n and_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v ordinary_o annex_v the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o now_o though_o internal_a union_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a faith_n and_o a_o subjection_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v unite_v we_o to_o his_o invisible_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o where_o there_o be_v we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n body_n without_o a_o visible_a incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o our_o internal_a union_n that_o be_v without_o be_v force_v to_o renounce_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o ordinary_a method_n of_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n but_o those_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n and_o though_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o ordinary_a way_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v ordinary_o do_v so_o which_o will_v be_v to_o dissolve_v his_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o make_v external_n communion_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o secret_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o ordinary_o unite_v we_o to_o his_o body_n but_o be_v only_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o such_o a_o union_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n there_o be_v require_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n perform_v with_o such_o initial_a rite_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o do_v actual_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o more_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o admission_n into_o any_o relation_n or_o society_n there_o be_v require_v a_o antecedaneous_a consent_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o unite_v to_o such_o a_o society_n without_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n or_o public_a oath_n and_o engagement_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o society_n be_v require_v to_o our_o actual_a admission_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o clinici_fw-la who_o delay_v their_o baptism_n till_o they_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n though_o all_o their_o life_n they_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o refuse_v by_o this_o holy_a rite_n to_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v look_v on_o at_o best_a as_o a_o very_a imperfect_a sort_n of_o christian_n of_o who_o state_n there_o be_v just_a reason_n for_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n in_o its_o idea_n and_o embryo_n before_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o case_n though_o the_o first_o believer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n signify_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o such_o a_o platform_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n
be_v essential_a to_o justify_v faith_n and_o it_o be_v not_o justify_v faith_n without_o they_o such_o as_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n without_o which_o no_o faith_n be_v a_o true_a justify_v faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o our_o homily_n that_o sometime_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o repentance_n sometime_o repentance_n be_v make_v essential_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o justify_v faith_n faith_n in_o general_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n be_v necessary_a to_o produce_v any_o good_a action_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o this_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o justify_v faith_n till_o it_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o great_a trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o repentance_n and_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v at_o least_o essential_a to_o justify_v faith_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o promise_n and_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o a_o holy_a and_o blameless_a life_n may_v be_v call_v the_o effect_n of_o justify_v faith_n not_o that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o necessary_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n as_o repentance_n be_v but_o because_o our_o justification_n be_v begin_v without_o they_o god_n in_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n receive_v we_o into_o favour_n upon_o our_o first_o return_n to_o he_o though_o these_o good_a work_n must_v necessary_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v express_o observe_v from_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o the_o homily_n of_o good_a work_n concern_v the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o if_o he_o have_v live_v and_o not_o regard_v faith_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o he_o shall_v have_v lose_v his_o salvation_n again_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o homily_n of_o salvation_n that_o faith_n do_v not_o shut_v out_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o good_a work_n necessary_o to_o be_v do_v afterward_o that_o be_v after_o our_o justification_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n our_o church_n in_o her_o xii_o article_n teach_v we_o that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o follow_v those_o who_o be_v justify_v and_o this_o give_v a_o easy_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o xiii_o article_n of_o our_o church_n which_o reject_v those_o work_n which_o be_v do_v before_o justification_n that_o be_v before_o a_o justify_v faith_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o article_n work_v do_v before_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v not_o pleasant_a to_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o spring_v not_o of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v they_o make_v man_n meet_v to_o receive_v grace_n or_o as_o the_o school-author_n say_v deserve_v grace_n of_o congruity_n yea_o rather_o for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o do_v as_o god_n have_v will_v and_o command_v they_o to_o be_v do_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o work_v do_v before_o justify_v faith_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n that_o be_v whatever_o work_v we_o do_v before_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o purpose_n to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n can_v please_v god_n because_o such_o be_v not_o good_a work_n for_o when_o we_o reject_v work_v do_v before_o justification_n we_o must_v not_o reject_v justify_v faith_n itself_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o it_o for_o than_o we_o run_v ourselves_o into_o such_o a_o labyrinth_n out_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v a_o way_n and_o indeed_o i_o find_v that_o some_o man_n be_v very_o sensible_a what_o weight_n our_o church_n lay_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n and_o use_v some_o little_a art_n to_o avoid_v it_o for_o that_o description_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o faith_n conclude_v thus_o we_o do_v trust_v that_o our_o offence_n be_v continual_o wash_v and_o purge_v whensoever_o we_o repent_v true_o do_v return_v to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n steadfast_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o through_o his_o grace_n to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o never_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o sin_n which_o make_v repentance_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n antecedent_o necessary_a to_o the_o justfy_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o use_v this_o evasion_n that_o the_o homily_n add_v whensoever_o we_o repent_v return_n to_o he_o either_o with_o respect_n to_o future_a sin_n to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v repentance_n to_o be_v necessary_a or_o else_o to_o distinguish_v a_o save_n from_o a_o counterfeit_n and_o sudden_a faith_n not_o as_o if_o true_a evangelical_n repentance_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o very_a act_n of_o justification_n as_o faith_n have_v the_o first_o account_n be_v the_o strange_a that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imaginable_a reason_n assign_v why_o repentance_n shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v after_o justification_n and_o not_o necessary_a to_o our_o first_o justification_n i_o be_o sure_a neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o article_n and_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n nor_o the_o confession_n of_o any_o reform_a church_n which_o i_o ever_o yet_o see_v ever_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n the_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n to_o the_o unconvert_v and_o unjustified_a jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o both_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o augustan-confession_n do_v in_o express_a xx._n word_n find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n upon_o that_o first_o commission_n give_v to_o the_o repentance_n apostle_n and_o do_v thence_o conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o forgiveness_n for_o since_o justification_n consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n a_o repeat_v forgiveness_n be_v but_o a_o repeat_v justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o why_o that_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o after-act_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o first_o be_v beyond_o my_o understanding_n the_o second_o account_n be_v much_o better_o that_o it_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o save_n and_o a_o counterfeit_a faith_n but_o then_o this_o very_a distinction_n confirm_v the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n to_o justification_n for_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o save_n and_o counterfeit_a faith_n according_a to_o this_o account_n be_v that_o a_o save_a faith_n suppose_v repentance_n or_o include_v it_o in_o its_o very_a nature_n but_o a_o counterfeit_a faith_n do_v not_o as_o for_o what_o they_o add_v that_o evangelical_n repentance_n have_v not_o such_o a_o influence_n upon_o our_o justification_n as_o faith_n have_v be_v none_o of_o our_o present_a dispute_n if_o it_o be_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a we_o will_v consider_v the_o rest_n hereafter_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o faith_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n plain_o i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n our_o church_n reject_v work_n from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v and_o attribute_n it_o to_o faith_n alone_o and_o second_o what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n first_o in_o what_o sense_n our_o church_n reject_v work_n from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v and_o attribute_n it_o to_o faith_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v easy_o observe_v that_o our_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o some_o work_n to_o our_o justification_n as_o we_o be_v express_o teach_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o shut_v out_o repentance_n hope_n love_n dread_a
we_o consider_v the_o object_n of_o this_o consideration_n which_o be_v to_o free_a man_n from_o all_o error_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o office_n and_o ibid._n his_o work_n this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o charge_v he_o with_o that_o he_o affirm_v we_o must_v attain_v to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o so_o that_o i_o hope_v every_o one_o will_v now_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v no_o calumny_n from_o christ_n authority_n as_o king_n he_o observe_v p._n 22._o man_n not_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o institute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o as_o judge_v upon_o their_o neglect_n or_o abuse_v be_v careless_a about_o they_o or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o pleasure_n in_o they_o this_o have_v prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o church_n who_o neglect_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n have_v substitute_v their_o own_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o this_o kingly_a legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a duty_n and_o future_a account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o backslide_n from_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n as_o prophet_n he_o observe_v the_o same_o thing_n he_o be_v then_o ultimate_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v absolute_o faithful_a in_o his_o so_o do_v be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o man_n may_v thence_o learn_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n even_o to_o observe_v and_o to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o nothing_o else_o this_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o phanaticism_n which_o undermine_v the_o most_o prudent_a order_n and_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o any_o church_n and_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o discover_v those_o important_a truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o express_o teach_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v express_o command_v but_o this_o we_o must_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o authority_n as_o king_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o prophet_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o doctor_n have_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humane_a authority_n nor_o for_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o church-affair_n but_o all_o this_o the_o doctor_n speak_v without_o a_o adversary_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o he_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n which_o you_o may_v find_v in_o pag._n 33_o 34._o where_o he_o first_o deny_v that_o he_o ever_o teach_v any_o other_o knowledge_n of_o 34_o christ_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o i_o never_o charge_v he_o with_o and_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v yet_o i_o will_v mind_v this_o author_n of_o that_o whereof_o if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o which_o if_o he_o deny_v he_o be_v unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a dilemma_n for_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a dispose_v either_o to_o part_v with_o my_o rectorship_n or_o my_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o many_o other_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v all_o centre_v in_o his_o person_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a nor_o sound_a understanding_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v it_o yet_o again_o that_o this_o author_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v understand_v it_o this_o be_v kind_o do_v since_o so_o much_o lie_v at_o stake_n on_o it_o or_o however_o that_o he_o and_o his_o copartner_n in_o design_n may_v know_v that_o i_o neither_o be_o nor_o ever_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o as_o we_o be_v command_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o true_a useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o mystery_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v attain_v i_o wish_v i_o get_v well_o off_o but_o i_o will_v do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a understane_n of_o many_o other_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v centre_v in_o his_o person_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a nor_o sound_a understanding_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o he_o mean_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v those_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o know_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o contain_v no_o great_a mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o can_v understand_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o it_o we_o can_v understand_v our_o adoption_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o union_n and_o reâ—â—â—â—on_n to_o he_o as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n nor_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o we_o nor_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o to_o bestow_v life_n and_o immortality_n upon_o his_o obedient_a disciple_n not_o that_o the_o spring_n of_o these_o truth_n lie_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o must_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o contemplation_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o understand_v those_o other_o gospel_n mystery_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n before_o you_o can_v know_v what_o he_o do_v where_o he_o be_v king_n what_o battle_n he_o fight_v what_o victory_n he_o win_v or_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o you_o must_v first_o know_v the_o subject_n before_o you_o can_v know_v the_o property_n and_o qualification_n of_o it_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o doctor_n intend_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v very_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o time_n be_v when_o he_o mean_v otherwise_o and_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o express_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n will_v make_v any_o one_o suspect_n that_o he_o mean_v something_o more_o still_o and_o if_o he_o do_v then_o after_o all_o his_o soft_a and_o palliate_a expression_n it_o must_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o save_a knowledge_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o those_o mystery_n which_o be_v but_o obscure_o and_o imperfect_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n to_o expound_v and_o unriddle_v they_o and_o indeed_o his_o second_o explication_n of_o his_o sense_n in_o this_o matter_n plain_o look_v this_o way_n for_o under_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n he_o include_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o
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
four_a that_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o god_n now_o dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v thus_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o i_o explain_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o our_o author_n honesty_n in_o charge_v i_o with_o reject_v the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a external-political_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o notion_n from_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o this_o author_n and_o i_o may_v honourable_o enough_o retreat_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o skirmish_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o right_a that_o may_v be_v to_o my_o cause_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a &_o teachable_a mind_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o more_o particular_o discourse_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o be_v content_v to_o give_v some_o plain_a and_o short_a intimation_n of_o it_o be_v because_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n as_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o it_o be_v that_o my_o adversary_n have_v confound_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o intricate_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o effect_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o clear_o and_o perfect_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o but_o unless_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o perfect_a chance_n and_o accident_n these_o new_a divine_n can_v to_o this_o day_n direct_a man_n how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o mystical_a union_n but_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o be_v thus_o legal_o and_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o we_o must_v expect_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o till_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o or_o rather_o till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o when_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v on_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n nay_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o very_a good_a man_n who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o preachment_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o eternal_a scruple_n about_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o a_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o can_v work_v his_o imagination_n into_o all_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o perpetual_a embrace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o assurance_n and_o despise_v the_o low_a attainment_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o good_a life_n now_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o rectify_v these_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v this_o union_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o bad_a man_n though_o never_o such_o seraphical_a hypocrite_n may_v see_v all_o their_o hope_n confute_v and_o be_v force_v either_o to_o let_v go_v all_o their_o pretence_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n or_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n and_o i_o can_v not_o better_o do_v this_o than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v all_o along_o to_o expound_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a so_o as_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o signify_v on_o our_o part_n viz._n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v than_o to_o dispute_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inhabitation_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o which_o possible_o will_v never_o be_v determine_v as_o very_o few_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o much_o material_a whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o hearty_o believe_v and_o importunate_o beg_v and_o constant_o rely_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n second_o there_o be_v a_o further_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o because_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v consequent_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o constitute_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o antecedaneous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o list_v ourselves_o into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n from_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o member_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v receive_v any_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o christ_n kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o concern_v only_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o just_o as_o temporal_a prince_n can_v exercise_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o over_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o government_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gosspel_n be_v preach_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n do_v actual_o believe_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o constant_a principle_n in_o they_o upon_o covenant_n and_o promise_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v annex_v to_o our_o baptism_n with_o water_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o upon_o that_o account_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v then_o bestow_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o dr._n owen_n and_o all_o my_o adversary_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n yet_o do_v and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n prove_v that_o christ_n be_v first_o reckon_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n be_v reckon_v