nor_o other_o may_v think_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o i_o shall_v represent_v his_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 142._o those_o metaphor_n say_v he_o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_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 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 the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 143._o and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ._n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 144._o and_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 149._o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o this_o union_n say_v he_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n 156._o 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 fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n 186._o signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o concern_v the_o union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v this_o a_o true_a report_n and_o description_n of_o it_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v mysterious_a nor_o needs_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o next_o world_n 147._o or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n that_o i_o may_v again_o usurp_v our_o author_n phrase_n he_o seem_v very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o leave_v mysteririous_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v the_o term_n mystical_a please_v he_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o 197._o a_o hard_a word_n only_o i_o wish_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v of_o arduous_a conception_n he_o do_v not_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o go_v sober_o to_o destroy_v christianity_n now_o in_o the_o examine_n mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o believer_n i_o reckon_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o address_v to_o the_o disproof_n of_o what_o i_o dislike_v in_o his_o opinion_n to_o declare_v what_o i_o own_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n first_o then_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v nor_o be_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n the_o very_a espouse_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n include_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n being_n our_o supreme_a legislatour_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedient_a to_o his_o command_n a_o right_n of_o erect_v govern_v and_o protect_v the_o church_n be_v delegated_a to_o and_o vest_v in_o he_o and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o regal_a office_n wherewithal_o he_o be_v entrust_v have_v enact_v law_n appoint_a ordinance_n and_o ordain_v officer_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n so_o we_o by_o our_o submission_n to_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o therereupon_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o our_o political_a head_n all_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v thus_o far_o agree_v for_o though_o the_o papist_n interpose_v another_o immediate_a roll_a head_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o vital_a influence_n to_o the_o church_n regenerate_v so_o they_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a govern_v head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o as_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o vicarious_a political_a head_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v both_o destitute_a of_o all_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o repugnant_a to_o it_o so_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o universal_a church_n nor_o of_o see_v they_o execute_v nor_o have_v the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o constitutive_a imperant_fw-la head_n what_o ever_o some_o part_n of_o it_o may_v have_v do_v upon_o this_o account_n especial_o we_o judge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o opposer_n who_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o he_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n because_o he_o usurp_v the_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o legislation_n judgement_n and_o execution_n dispense_n with_o christ_n law_n and_o enact_v his_o own_o he_o challenge_v a_o peerage_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o legislative_a power_n and_o headship_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o storm_v his_o throne_n and_o usurp_v his_o sceptre_n the_o claym_v of_o the_o roman_a see_v be_v great_a but_o their_o allegation_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v whole_o precatious_a and_o when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o vindicate_v his_o supreme_a authority_n from_o the_o invasion_n which_o usurper_n have_v make_v upon_o his_o dignity_n the_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o suborn_n scripture_n to_o supplant_v christ_n throne_n will_v prove_v a_o crime_n unanswerable_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v that_o no_o verbal_a profession_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o a_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v the_o jure_v entitle_v we_o among_o his_o subject_n second_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n testify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o we_o do_v hereby_o become_v political_o unite_v one_o to_o another_o and_o be_v denominate_v member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n visible_a church_n for_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n &_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o its_o law_n be_v the_o constituent_a form_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o obtain_v that_o appellation_n so_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o 1_o cor._n 7.2_o do_v hereby_o belong_v to_o christ_n catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o become_v political_o unite_v as_o subject_n of_o the_o same_o legislator_n and_o king_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n do_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n and_o visible_a consist_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temporal_a prince_n become_v political_o unite_v together_o by_o their_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a ruler_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n so_o may_v all_o christian_n be_v say_v upon_o a_o parallel_a account_n to_o be_v political_o unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o here_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v our_o right_n to_o a_o room_n and_o membership_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o depend_v upon_o a_o formal_a belief_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o every_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v reveal_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n a_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o
virtue_n and_o upon_o the_o alone_a motive_n of_o their_o be_v believer_n may_v be_v oblige_v and_o that_o upon_o no_o mean_a inducement_n than_o their_o loyalty_n to_o christ_n to_o renounce_v communion_n not_o only_o with_o the_o particular_a church_n with_o which_o they_o have_v walk_v but_o to_o suspend_v fellowship_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o circle_n and_o compass_v of_o their_o knowledge_n if_o any_o church_n shall_v so_o degenerate_a as_o to_o forsake_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o honest_a christian_n to_o forsake_v that_o church_n and_o renounce_v all_o external_a communion_n with_o she_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v say_v that_o the_o person_n so_o act_v cease_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n than_o his_o disclaim_v fellowship_n with_o those_o who_o have_v revolt_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o christian_n may_v be_v injurious_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o one_o but_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o remain_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o their_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o cohesion_n to_o he_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v predict_v it_o to_o be_v the_o fate_n sometime_o of_o believer_n to_o be_v so_o entertain_v and_o have_v according_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o expect_v it_o as_o their_o lot_n and_o to_o resent_v it_o as_o their_o honour_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o separate_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n sake_n luk._n 6.22_o the_o term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d render_v they_o shall_v separate_v you_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 16.2_o yea_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v just_o seclude_v for_o a_o time_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n not_o be_v dissolve_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n in_o a_o professor_n provide_v the_o party_n offend_v give_v not_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n be_v foundation_n enough_o for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v to_o such_o a_o censure_n yea_o the_o maintain_v she_o own_o dignity_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o make_v christianity_n appear_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o exact_a purity_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o celsus_n and_o julian_n reproach_v it_o do_v not_o allow_v impunity_n to_o criminal_n oblige_v she_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v unsafe_a to_o pronounce_v of_o every_o person_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o those_o censure_n that_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o that_o all_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v interrupt_v and_o dissolve_v 4._o our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o assertion_n so_o remote_a from_o all_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o member_n into_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o christ_n have_v first_o receive_v they_o without_o previous_a ground_n of_o judge_a man_n to_o be_v believer_n we_o be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o all_o warranty_n to_o admit_v they_o but_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n not_o to_o do_v it_o a_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n wherein_o privilege_n be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v upon_o term_n antecedent_o require_v and_o these_o term_n be_v at_o least_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n authority_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o political_a union_n with_o he_o to_o suppose_v our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o christ_n involve_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n 5._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 be_v that_o wherein_o mr._n sherlock_n himself_o state_v the_o political_a union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n to_o consist_v that_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v himself_o 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 &_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v that_o we_o mean_v by_o union_n with_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n be_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_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-society_n 6._o i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o number_n but_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o 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_n head_n nor_o be_v this_o my_o apprehension_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n also_o of_o episcopius_n a_o person_n who_o judgement_n &_o testimony_n mr._n sherlock_n will_v not_o undervalue_v and_o to_o speak_v my_o inward_a thought_n 4._o it_o be_v all_o he_o say_v to_o purpose_n upon_o this_o theme_n though_o he_o undertake_v to_o treat_v it_o with_o some_o industry_n be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o most_o other_o particular_n rather_o florid_n than_o nervous_a beside_o a_o brisk_a air_n that_o display_v itself_o in_o his_o manner_n of_o handle_v thing_n there_o be_v little_a solid_a or_o beyond_o what_o be_v vulgar_a and_o common_a in_o he_o but_o to_o return_v into_o this_o supposition_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immedidiate_n political_n head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o substitution_n of_o a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n resolve_v and_o to_o do_v the_o papist_n right_a if_o believer_n even_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v more_o congruous_a to_o reason_n to_o establish_v one_o vicarious_a catholic_n visible_a head_n than_o five_o thousand_o and_o though_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o head_n the_o pope_n may_v fail_v in_o his_o claym_v to_o it_o yet_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o if_o the_o honour_n and_o privilege_v of_o it_o be_v refuse_v he_o some_o one_o or_o other_o must_v have_v the_o credit_n of_o it_o thus_o admit_v that_o be_v all_o the_o union_n which_o intercede_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n mere_o such_o a_o political_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v nevertheless_o immediate_a i_o be_o sure_a the_o king_n of_o england_n through_o his_o govern_v his_o subject_n by_o subordinate_a officer_n delegated_a to_o rule_n by_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o immediate_a head_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o every_o individual_a person_n among_o they_o there_o remain_v only_o before_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o second_o conclusion_n some_o exception_n of_o our_o author_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o upon_o a_o survey_n of_o what_o he_o have_v muster_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n i_o can_v but_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o faculty_n of_o press_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o his_o way_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o only_o rescue_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o receive_a doctrine_n from_o the_o rape_n which_o our_o author_n have_v commit_v upon_o they_o and_o from_o that_o involuntary_a service_n into_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o defeat_v his_o cause_n by_o they_o 143._o the_o one_a be_v draw_v from_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 which_o say_v he_o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o head_n but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n as_o the_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n eph._n 5.23_o 24._o
not_o now_o controvert_v whether_o by_o the_o name_n christ_n the_o church_n may_v not_o sometime_o be_v signify_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n with_o christ_n and_o brethren_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o understand_v than_o mere_o to_o imply_v our_o belong_v to_o that_o society_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n which_o be_v the_o paraphrase_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o put_v upon_o they_o 11.12_o 454.455_o but_o shall_v be_v afterward_o disprove_v and_o overthrow_v so_o gal._n 3.16_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o where_o of_o all_o other_o place_n the_o church_n seem_v with_o the_o great_a probability_n to_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n christ_n aught_o in_o my_o mind_n to_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v and_o be_v that_o my_o present_a business_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o matter_n encumber_a with_o small_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n &_o not_o his_o church_n that_o be_v immediate_o &_o primary_o intend_v by_o that_o name_n in_o both_o place_n and_o true_o even_o admit_v the_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n but_o mere_o a_o political_a i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o mr._n sherlock_n may_v have_v allow_v christ_n himself_o to_o be_v intend_v wheresoever_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v declare_v &_o speak_v of_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o his_o hypothesis_n have_v thereby_o remain_v as_o consistent_a every_o way_n with_o itself_o so_o more_o reverence_n have_v be_v maintain_v towards_o the_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v by_o justle_a out_n christ_n and_o substitute_v the_o church_n in_o his_o room_n for_o example_n when_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n etc._n etc._n our_o author_n even_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o own_o notion_n may_v have_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o christ_n speak_v the_o truth_n though_o in_o way_n of_o paraphrase_n he_o have_v subjoin_v that_o he_o be_v so_o no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o authority_n over_o and_o influence_n upon_o the_o church_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o law_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o socinian_o though_o through_o their_o deny_v the_o divine_a person_n of_o christ_n they_o renounce_v all_o vital_a influence_n from_o he_o to_o believer_n and_o disclaim_v his_o be_v other_o than_o a_o political_a head_n unanimous_o allow_v that_o where_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n he_o mean_n himself_n though_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o first-framers_a and_o erecter_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o christ_n being_n mere_o a_o political_a head_n to_o his_o body_n be_v due_a to_o they_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v injurious_a to_o mr._n sherlock_n do_v i_o deny_v he_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o this_o new_a dress_n and_o trim_a with_o which_o he_o have_v adorn_v it_o only_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o this_o inconvenience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o shape_v very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o place_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o and_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v his_o measure_n with_o what_o handsomeness_n soever_o otherwise_o it_o be_v deck_v and_o set_v out_o whereas_o christ_n say_v joh._n 15.5_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n this_o must_v be_v expound_v say_v our_o author_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o what_o go_v before_o 145._o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n ay_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n concern_v which_o paraphrase_n i_o shall_v only_o recommend_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o in_o one_o line_n he_o affirm_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a vine_n and_o in_o the_o next_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o i_o of_o which_o true_a vine_n be_v predicate_v signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n &_o yet_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o contend_v that_o by_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n we_o can_v rational_o understand_v nothing_o but_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n 146._o and_o her_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n which_o god_n now_o own_v and_o according_o all_o the_o four_o reason_n bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o exposition_n be_v whole_o calculate_v to_o shut_v christ_n out_o from_o any_o share_n or_o claim_v in_o that_o proposition_n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o church_n for_o the_o alone_a subject_n of_o that_o enunciation_n now_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o these_o thing_n be_v reconcileable_a viz._n when_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n 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 147._o and_o yet_o that_o i_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n pag._n 145._o 2_o it_o be_v altogether_o novel_a for_o beside_o that_o no_o one_o commentator_n who_o own_o be_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n have_v precede_v he_o in_o it_o even_o the_o socinian_o out_o of_o who_o mine_n he_o have_v too_o frequent_o dig_v his_o treasure_n do_v in_o this_o particular_a stand_n in_o opposition_n to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o be_v in_o this_o vine_n viz._n through_o a_o belief_n of_o and_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n 15.2_o our_o author_n have_v the_o exposition_n of_o schlichtingius_n to_o befriend_v he_o but_o i_o know_v none_o of_o the_o socinian_o that_o have_v be_v so_o front-less_a or_o who_o have_v so_o far_o steel_v their_o brow_n as_o to_o preclude_v christ_n from_o be_v understand_v here_o by_o the_o true_a vine_n 3._o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o universal_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v contrast_n about_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o enunciation_n when_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o 2_o d._n or_o 3_o d._n person_n yet_o it_o be_v never_o till_o mr._n sherlock_n write_v so_o much_o as_o question_v but_o that_o when_o the_o person_n speak_v affirm_v any_o thing_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z person_n he_o himself_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o proposition_n christ_n therefore_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v &_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n it_o be_v both_o to_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n and_o to_o contradict_v the_o reason_n that_o mankind_n be_v determine_v by_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o proposition_n to_o say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o true_a vine_n but_o the_o church_n be_v so_o 4._o it_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o context_n for_o 1_o though_o we_o can_v easy_o conceive_v how_o a_o particular_a believer_n may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o a_o apprehend_v how_o the_o church_n can_v be_v in_o a_o particular_a believer_n and_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o same_o identical_a i_o of_o who_o the_o true_a vine_n be_v predicate_v five_o 1._o that_o in_o you_o and_o in_o they_o be_v affirm_v of_o v_o 4_o 5._o either_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v in_o every_o individual_a christian_a which_o be_v impossible_a or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o signify_v by_o the_o â—â—n_fw-la either_o of_o the_o place_n which_o overthrow'_v mr._n sherlock_n paraphrase_n 2_o because_o no_o christian_a sever_v from_o the_o vine_n and_o its_o influence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o intend_a either_o do_v or_o can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o god_n but_o this_o a_o person_n sever_v or_o separate_v from_o any_o visible_a church_n may_v do_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n which_o by_o this_o metaphorical_a term_n vine_n be_v here_o mean_v and_o understand_v now_o 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 yet_o be_v a_o christian_n these_o follow_a reason_n do_v demonstrate_v first_o because_o when_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v believer_n 2_o lie_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n for_o he_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o number_n to_o be_v convert_v together_o we_o must_v grant_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n of_o such_o as_o first_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o heathen_a
a_o company_n of_o man_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o have_v make_v salvation_n dependent_a upon_o as_o we_o do_v not_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o declare_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o ruler_n but_o by_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o we_o have_v no_o right_n of_o matriculation_n into_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a nor_o have_v we_o any_o union_n with_o the_o member_n of_o it_o but_o through_o a_o belief_n of_o these_o common_a radical_a principle_n these_o be_v what_o we_o common_o call_v fundamental_a article_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o enumerate_v be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o may_v be_v convenient_a so_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o both_o few_o and_o plain_a only_o as_o the_o romanist_n be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n and_o uncharitable_a to_o man_n in_o confine_a christianity_n within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o make_v the_o roman_a and_o catholic_n church_n term_n equipollent_a so_o they_o be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o determine_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o beside_o many_o other_o thing_n pleadable_a against_o this_o romish_a foundation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o the_o relative_n politic_a union_n of_o one_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o render_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o first_o impossible_a &_o second_o absurd_a impossible_a in_o that_o most_o man_n can_v neither_o allow_v time_n nor_o have_v they_o sufficient_a acquire_v intellectual_a ability_n either_o to_o know_v what_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v define_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v nor_o in_o what_o sense_n she_o have_v propose_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o absurd_a 1_o because_o a_o man_n must_v believe_v contradiction_n before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o have_v any_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o christian_n that_o be_v he_o must_v renounce_v reason_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v faith_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o man_n before_o he_o can_v espouse_v christian._n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v define_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v repugnant_a one_o to_o another_o 2._o because_o what_o serve_v to_o matriculate_v a_o person_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o oneness_n with_o all_o christian_n this_o year_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v and_o continue_v his_o union_n and_o relation_n the_o next_o but_o that_o without_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o his_o belief_n he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o the_o church_n may_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n determine_v something_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v which_o before_o she_o have_v not_o pronounce_v but_o to_o resume_v what_o i_o be_v upon_o as_o there_o be_v through_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n a_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n so_o i_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o all_o christian_n may_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v account_v unite_v among_o themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o discourse_v the_o reciprocal_a and_o mutual_a duty_n which_o we_o come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o by_o this_o relation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a so_o be_v they_o attend_v to_o a_o check_n will_v be_v give_v to_o that_o wrath_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n &_o a_o stop_v put_v to_o that_o war_n and_o persecution_n which_o one_o wage_v against_o another_o neither_o shall_v i_o here_o discourse_v the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o foundation_n and_o media_fw-la which_o ground_n the_o relation_n of_o one_o to_o another_o in_o it_o but_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o though_o admission_n into_o a_o institute_v particular_a church_n presuppose_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o church-catholick_n yet_o there_o be_v both_o diverse_a thing_n require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a and_o diverse_a fresh_a duty_n emerge_n from_o this_o posterior_n relation_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o precedent_n have_v brief_o treat_v these_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o show_v myself_o as_o liberal_a to_o our_o author_n as_o without_o trespass_v upon_o my_o light_n i_o can_v i_o come_v now_o to_o discourse_v those_o thing_n wherein_o our_o author_n differ_v from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o first_o conclusion_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v erect_v be_v this_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o particular_a believer_n with_o christ_n only_o a_o political_a relation_n yet_o it_o be_v immediate_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n let_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o union_n be_v whatsoever_o our_o author_n please_v to_o make_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v primary_o unite_v to_o nor_o do_v our_o union_n terminate_v there_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_o by_o mean_n thereof_o that_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o cohesion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o if_o justify_v overthrow_v mr._n sherlock_n two_o first_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o one_o in_o import_n though_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o two_o for_o to_o say_v that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n 143._o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a which_o be_v mr._n sherlock_n first_o conclusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n 144._o be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o second_o conclusion_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a the_o same_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o christian_n do_v also_o display_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n &_o if_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n can_v result_v from_o no_o other_o medium_fw-la nor_o bear_v upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o bestow_v remark_n upon_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a battology_n of_o our_o author_n nor_o sally_v out_o into_o reflection_n upon_o what_o mere_o favour_v of_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o undeserved_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o accurate_a writer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v check_n to_o his_o briskness_n in_o descant_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o other_o for_o he_o may_v remember_v what_o a_o reflection_n he_o have_v cast_v upon_o dr._n jacomb_n mere_o for_o convert_v a_o proposition_n and_o say_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o say_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o different_a conclusion_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n 198._o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o i_o have_v advance_v in_o contradiction_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o by_o our_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 1._o if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o 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 for_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n of_o oneness_n between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o perverse_a and_o of_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o humour_n as_o to_o question_v it_o there_o be_v media_n enough_o
allegory_n and_o metaphor_n as_o the_o modern_a conformable_a clergy_n 8.9.10_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o some_o discourse_n late_o publish_v on_o this_o subject_n 1._o what_o seem_v most_o especial_o to_o have_v influence_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n not_o frame_v to_o befriend_v man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o ungodliness_n mr._n sherlock_n be_v 3.4_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n in_o general_n state_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o common_a union_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o 6._o the_o union_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o specifical_a oneness_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o through_o his_o have_v assume_v humane_a nature_n 7._o nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o any_o mixture_n of_o his_o bodily_a substance_n with_o we_o through_o a_o carnal_a feed_n on_o he_o 8._o a_o personal_a union_n disclaim_v 9_o not_o mere_o a_o legal_a union_n and_o yet_o a_o legal_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o those_o give_v to_o he_o of_o god_n justify_v 10._o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o love-vnion_n 11._o christian_n not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o previous_a union_n with_o the_o church_n 12._o what_o ever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n 13._o a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o assign_v and_o the_o whole_a shut_v up_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o interest_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o religion_n sect._n i._n the_o interest_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v sufficient_o authorize_v a_o concernedness_n in_o every_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o direct_o invade_v nor_o secret_o supplant_v and_o the_o more_o important_a the_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v christianity_n the_o less_o chargeable_a as_o importune_a be_v he_o who_o engage_v either_o in_o the_o explication_n or_o defence_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o name_n of_o william_n sherlock_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o rector_n of_o st._n george_n buttolphâ—lane_n london_n which_o the_o author_n character_n himself_o by_o i_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o write_n i_o be_o now_o to_o encounter_n and_o i_o wish_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v no_o further_a occasion_n of_o know_v he_o than_o as_o his_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o have_v vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o further_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o state_v opposition_n of_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o their_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o concernment_n and_o expectation_n consist_v he_o must_v not_o resent_v it_o amiss_o if_o while_o we_o be_v examine_v what_o he_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o in_o these_o and_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o what_o he_o intimate_v to_o we_o of_o his_o principle_n in_o those_o matter_n the_o prefix_v imprimatur_fw-la of_o doctor_n parker_n will_v tempt_v one_o to_o suspect_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o only_o under_o the_o connivance_n but_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o more_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o i_o confess_v man_n be_v fill_v with_o surprisal_n and_o amazement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o consider_v the_o manifest_a repugnance_n of_o our_o author_n principle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o the_o declare_v article_n of_o the_o â—aid_a church_n though_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o ascribe_v the_o sentiment_n of_o every_o private_a writer_n to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o when_o error_n be_v vent_v under_o allowance_n other_o beside_o the_o author_n become_v accountable_a for_o they_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o licenser_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o a_o great_a person_n in_o who_o behalf_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v repute_a to_o act_n will_v seem_v to_o plead_v that_o the_o fame_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n bespeak_v some_o vindication_n from_o her_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n or_o dignify_v member_n in_o these_o matter_n or_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v who_o will_v suffer_v under_o the_o imputation_n and_o dishonour_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o and_o disquisition_n of_o these_o point_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v pursue_v without_o offence_n to_o any_o especial_o be_v manage_v without_o passionate_a heat_n or_o invidious_a reflection_n invective_n and_o satyr_n do_v not_o only_o disparage_v religion_n in_o general_n but_o betray_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v use_v nor_o be_v they_o adapt_v to_o proselyte_n any_o but_o such_o who_o have_v forfeit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o impudence_n noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o myself_o i_o profess_v such_o a_o aversation_n to_o the_o method_n some_o of_o our_o modern_a writer_n take_v in_o treat_v their_o adversary_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o insinuate_v suspicion_n or_o raise_v misprision_n of_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o notion_n here_o contend_v against_o further_a than_o the_o unfolding_n and_o pursue_v they_o to_o their_o spring_n necessitate_v i_o and_o if_o thereby_o any_o who_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o cracovia_n i_o can_v help_v it_o unless_o i_o shall_v betray_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o plead_v for_o yet_o i_o do_v hereby_o no_o way_n intend_v to_o list_n even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o principle_n they_o have_v imbibe_v remember_v what_o one_o say_v of_o the_o milesian_n that_o may_v be_v they_o be_v no_o fool_n though_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o fool_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v however_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v declare_v upon_o who_o foundation_n they_o build_v and_o with_o who_o buttress_n they_o support_v their_o fabric_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o fall_v too_o evident_o under_o the_o prospect_n of_o every_o discern_a person_n who_o be_v like_a to_o reap_v the_o harvest_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o sowing_n now_o though_o i_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_o to_o acquit_v myself_o by_o continue_v on_o the_o defensive_a and_o only_o examine_v the_o reason_n which_o have_v sway_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n and_o though_o this_o will_v be_v the_o easy_a undertake_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a person_n enough_o both_o to_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v already_o mislead_v and_o to_o pre-arm_n other_o against_o the_o danger_n yet_o design_v the_o same_o universal_a usefulness_n to_o the_o reader_n as_o if_o i_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o reply_v to_o another_o book_n i_o shall_v together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o adversary_n exception_n endeavour_v to_o state_n and_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o defence_n i_o appear_v and_o withal_o attaque_fw-la he_o in_o the_o opinion_n he_o erect_v against_o they_o nor_o be_o i_o without_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v style_v conformist_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v term_v nonconformist_n notwithstanding_o their_o disciplinary_a controversy_n candid_a and_o favourable_a the_o thing_n here_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o joynt-concernment_n of_o both_o and_o the_o opinion_n oppose_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o hitherto_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o that_o party_n as_o well_o as_o this_o if_o i_o receive_v no_o other_o fruit_n of_o this_o interposure_n but_o the_o awaken_n other_o to_o more_o matured_a production_n i_o shall_v not_o repent_v my_o labour_n the_o put_v a_o common_a adversary_n to_o a_o stand_n till_o great_a force_n rally_v be_v of_o some_o account_n though_o the_o victory_n be_v reap_v by_o other_o hand_n sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o method_n here_o observe_v it_o be_v such_o as_o i_o judge_v rational_a be_v not_o only_o adapt_v to_o the_o discovery_n and_o vindication_n of_o truth_n the_o unmask_n and_o conviction_n of_o error_n but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o instruction_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o reader_n which_o will_v be_v great_o obstruct_v by_o follow_v our_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o
precede_v our_o be_v crown_v with_o blessedness_n be_v traduce_v by_o not_o a_o few_o of_o our_o modern_a divine_n as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o when_o they_o shall_v demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o misrepresenting_a their_o adversary_n some_o of_o they_o allege_v we_o affirm_v god_n to_o make_v heaven_n our_o fate_n not_o our_o recompense_n and_o bliss_n our_o destiny_n not_o our_o reward_n other_o report_v we_o assert_v a_o predestination_n to_o the_o end_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o that_o be_v elect_v we_o may_v indulge_v ourselves_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n for_o nothing_o shall_v obstruct_v our_o felicity_n there_o be_v no_o opinion_n so_o innocent_a which_o these_o man_n will_v not_o substitute_v a_o perverse_a gloss_n upon_o nor_o any_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v either_o absurd_a or_o blasphemous_a but_o they_o will_v improve_v they_o till_o they_o become_v so_o i_o reckon_v that_o ignorance_n of_o book_n together_o with_o a_o unhappy_a education_n have_v lead_v many_o to_o undue_a thought_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o some_o be_v influence_v to_o these_o sinistrous_a representation_n by_o worse_a cause_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o ground_n to_o suspect_v however_o shall_v any_o of_o our_o opinion_n either_o concern_v the_o subject_n before_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o be_v find_v to_o involve_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o reflexive_a on_o the_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n or_o to_o draw_v along_o with_o they_o consequence_n repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n i_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o our_o design_n and_o the_o evince_a of_o this_o be_v one_o main_a thing_n which_o influence_v i_o to_o the_o write_n of_o this_o exercitation_n whatever_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n which_o only_o cross_v some_o false_a and_o lubricous_a principle_n that_o dogmatist_n have_v baptize_v with_o that_o name_n fall_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o disagreement_n with_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n fasten_v upon_o some_o tenet_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o ignorance_n prepossession_n and_o sometime_o lust_n than_o their_o contrariety_n to_o universal_a reason_n or_o any_o genuine_a maxim_n of_o it_o and_o as_o diverse_a doctrine_n which_o man_n of_o late_a be_v come_v to_o be_v in_o a_o dislike_n of_o for_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o english_a reformation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v discredit_v upon_o a_o pretend_a inconsistency_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o reason_n so_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v run_v down_o because_o suppose_v unintelligible_a and_o a_o loud_a cry_n be_v raise_v against_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n as_o if_o they_o never_o imagine_v themselves_o christian_n till_o they_o have_v transubstantiate_v the_o common_a creed_n into_o unaccountable_a and_o inexplicable_a problem_n and_o never_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v good_a man_n 38._o till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o body_n and_o mind_n into_o that_o fame_n that_o they_o can_v with_o ease_n be_v ecstatical_a in_o all_o their_o devotion_n &_o expression_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v therefore_o disbelieve_v proposition_n because_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v or_o as_o another_o charge_v they_o with_o hold_v thing_n then_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v 222._o when_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v or_o understand_v it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o judge_v that_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o a_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sublimity_n and_o extension_n of_o its_o object_n be_v no_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o but_o wonder_v that_o any_o who_o have_v study_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a capacity_n the_o feebleness_n of_o intellectual_a light_n how_o soon_o it_o be_v dazzle_v with_o too_o bright_a a_o splendour_n the_o confinement_n and_o boundary_n our_o understanding_n be_v subject_a to_o together_o with_o the_o majesty_n of_o gospel_n truth_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v think_v the_o arduousness_n of_o frame_v distinct_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o they_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o be_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v and_o yet_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n that_o some_o man_n regulate_v their_o belief_n by_o and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o have_v no_o small_a influence_n on_o m._n sherlock_n in_o the_o carry_v he_o off_o from_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o beleiver_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o himself_o inform_v we_o any_o other_o union_n save_o a_o political_a be_v a_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n which_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n p._n 194._o and_o that_o whosoever_o assert_v any_o other_o union_n do_v make_v it_o more_o than_o a_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v a_o unintelligible_a union_n p._n 197._o that_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n unintelligible_a p._n 147._o and_o to_o do_v he_o right_o as_o he_o describe_v it_o it_o be_v so_o but_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v ere_o we_o have_v do_v that_o he_o both_o injure'_v the_o truth_n and_o those_o who_o he_o there_o personate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v main_o because_o of_o the_o unintelligibleness_n of_o a_o immediate_a union_n that_o it_o be_v disclaim_v for_o as_o the_o same_o person_n tell_v we_o he_o can_v understand_v how_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v immediate_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o his_o church_n p._n 152._o we_o shall_v inquire_v hereafter_o whether_o our_o author_n have_v in_o this_o point_n just_o enter_v his_o charge_n or_o not_o but_o because_o we_o can_v neither_o distinct_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v above_o the_o grasp_n and_o fathom_n of_o reason_n nor_o due_o judge_v of_o object_n that_o be_v so_o nor_o arrive_v at_o any_o solid_a resolution_n how_o we_o be_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o doctrine_n of_o such_o a_o genius_n and_o complexion_n without_o inquire_v into_o the_o whole_a use_n and_o concernment_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a undertake_v this_o disquisition_n §_o 3._o in_o the_o pursue_v this_o great_a enquiry_n we_o be_v first_o to_o fix_v and_o settle_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o confusion_n and_o impertinent_a wrangle_n in_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o say_v reason_n then_o be_v first_o take_v proper_o for_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o acceptation_n it_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o original_o be_v or_o as_o it_o exist_v subjective_o in_o we_o weaken_a darken_a and_o taint_v by_o the_o fall_n the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o it_o exist_v in_o we_o since_o the_o ingress_n of_o sin_n differ_v much_o from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o primitive_a creation_n it_o be_v then_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o meridian_n exaltation_n when_o without_o the_o interposure_n of_o a_o cloud_n to_o envelope_v and_o obscure_v it_o knowledge_n then_o inhabit_v our_o mind_n in_o no_o less_o plenty_n than_o light_n do_v the_o universal_a luminary_n beside_o what_o the_o soul_n consider_v in_o itself_o as_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n under_o the_o stamp_n and_o impress_n of_o his_o image_n lay_n claim_n to_o it_o be_v wonderful_o advantage_v by_o a_o delicate_a and_o apt_a disposure_n of_o bodily_a organ_n and_o due_a proportion_n and_o temperament_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o by_o a_o excellent_a harmony_n that_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n there_o be_v no_o jar_v in_o our_o humour_n no_o blemish_n in_o our_o material_a organ_n no_o defect_n in_o our_o vehicular_a spirit_n no_o obstruction_n in_o their_o meatus_fw-la or_o passage_n no_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o fallacious_a medium_n in_o the_o universe_n till_o the_o fall_v cause_v they_o but_o alas_o now_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o only_o weaken_v and_o render_v grovel_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o its_o primitive_a sanctity_n and_o rectitude_n but_o be_v infect_v with_o lust_n bias_v by_o passion_n bribe_v by_o the_o
in_o the_o bible_n nor_o can_v we_o impeach_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n without_o reflection_n upon_o god_n who_o have_v endow_v we_o with_o a_o faculty_n necessary_o sway_v we_o to_o those_o determination_n the_o connexion_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a dependency_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o arbitrarious_fw-la appointment_n and_o designation_n of_o man_n but_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o being_n and_o result_v from_o the_o habitude_n which_o the_o sovereign_a author_n have_v link_v they_o in_o one_o to_o another_o ipsa_fw-la veritas_fw-la connexionum_fw-la non_fw-la instituta_fw-la sed_fw-la animadversa_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la &_o notata_fw-la ut_fw-la eam_fw-la possint_fw-la vel_fw-la discere_fw-la vel_fw-la docere_fw-la nam_fw-la est_fw-la in_o rerum_fw-la ratione_fw-la perpetua_fw-la &_o divinitus_fw-la instituta_fw-la august_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr doctr._n christ._n cap._n 31._o may_v we_o not_o upon_o proleptical_a principle_n which_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o term_n be_v understand_v superstruct_v innumerable_a other_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o meditation_n study_n ratiocination_n and_o dispute_n all_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v either_o intelligence_n instead_o of_o science_n or_o else_o we_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n save_o a_o few_o self-evidents_a introduce_v and_o establish_v scepticism_n be_v there_o no_o secondary_a principle_n which_o when_o once_o deduce_v from_o self-evident_a maxim_n we_o may_v with_o safety_n rely_v on_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o habitude_n relation_n dependency_n or_o opposition_n betwixt_o one_o thing_n and_o a_o other_o or_o we_o must_v affirm_v the_o rational_a faculty_n to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v natural_a exercise_n universal_o fallacious_a the_o indissoluble_a connexion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o transfer_v the_o denomination_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n style_v judgement_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o these_o act_n to_o other_o call_v enunciation_n whensoever_o we_o judge_v and_o pronounce_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v for_o as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o ready_o grant_v that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bâ—as_v of_o lust_n and_o passion_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o partly_o through_o supineness_n sloth_n and_o inadvertency_n we_o do_v often_o prevaricate_v in_o make_v deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o self-evident_a and_o universal_a maxim_n and_o thereupon_o establish_v mistake_v and_o erroneous_a consequence_n as_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o philosopher_n not_o of_o philosophy_n or_o of_o philosophy_n in_o the_o concrete_a as_o exist_v in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n not_o in_o the_o abstract_n as_o involve_v such_o a_o mischief_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o idea_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v vitiate_a &_o tincture_v with_o lust_n enthrall_v by_o predices_n darken_v by_o passion_n engage_v by_o vain_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n distort_v by_o pride_n and_o self-love_n and_o fasten_v to_o earthly_a image_n do_v often_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o other_o absurd_a axom_n for_o undoubted_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d adulterate_a reason_n which_o we_o charge_v for_o be_v unfriendly_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o ground_n shall_v be_v afterward_o evince_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o most_o malignant_a heresy_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o church_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o vulgar_a and_o receive_v axiom_n of_o philosophy_n whoever_o will_v trace_v the_o error_n which_o have_v invade_v divinity_n to_o their_o source_n must_v resolve_v they_o into_o absurd_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n as_o their_o chief_a seminary_n herein_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o offer_v any_o disparagement_n to_o reason_n but_o rather_o to_o pay_v it_o our_o utmost_a respect_n by_o rescue_v it_o from_o be_v accountable_a for_o every_o vain_a imagination_n and_o false_a consequence_n which_o be_v super-scribed_n with_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o principle_n of_o reason_n §_o 4._o have_v settle_v the_o notion_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v next_o to_o fix_v the_o meaning_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o needful_a in_o that_o man_n have_v always_o have_v the_o art_n of_o baptise_v their_o weakness_n foolery_n yea_o blasphemy_n with_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o afterward_o defend_v they_o from_o the_o assault_n of_o reason_n by_o say_v they_o be_v mystery_n against_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o by_o matter_n of_o religion_n then_o we_o mean_v in_o general_a as_o well_o the_o agenda_fw-la as_o the_o credenda_fw-la of_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v as_o well_o as_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v what_o relate_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o what_o relate_v to_o faith_n now_o the_o rule_n measure_n and_o standard_n of_o both_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o bible_n be_v now_o the_o only_a perfect_a code_n and_o register_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o only_a systeme_n of_o supernatural_a those_o very_a article_n of_o belief_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v former_o natural_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o manner_n of_o promulgation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o also_o supernatural_a the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a canon_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n so_o the_o apostle_n style_n be_v it_o in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n phil._n 3.16_o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o ever_o dissension_n there_o be_v among_o we_o in_o lesser_a thing_n let_v we_o orderly_o regulate_v our_o life_n and_o course_n for_o that_o be_v the_o import_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o introduce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o other_o gospel_n gal._n 1.6_o 7._o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o plain_a refutation_n he_o give_v we_o a_o brief_a epitome_n and_o summary_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o at_o last_o shut_v up_o the_o whole_a debate_n with_o this_o that_o whoever_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o canon_n or_o rule_n peace_n shall_v be_v on_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v original_o either_o a_o reed_n make_v into_o a_o instrument_n wherewith_o they_o measure_v building_n or_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o land_n or_o a_o small_a line_n which_o architect_n square_v out_o their_o work_n by_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o may_v bear_v a_o just_a symmetry_n &_o proportion_n one_o to_o another_o and_o from_o this_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v metaphorical_o transfer_v to_o signify_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n thus_o aristotle_n use_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o that_o which_o be_v right_a we_o know_v both_o its_o self_n and_o that_o which_o be_v crooked_a for_o the_o canon_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o both_o and_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d canon_n be_v a_o law_n that_o can_v err_v and_o a_o infallible_a measure_n phavorin_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v that_o which_o be_v over_o scale_n common_o call_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o balance_n which_o be_v the_o director_n whereby_o whatsoever_o be_v put_v into_o the_o scale_n be_v try_v and_o have_v its_o just_a weight_n adjudge_v so_o the_o scholiast_n upon_o aristophanes_n tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o scale_n &_o which_o bring_v they_o to_o equality_n ran._n this_o original_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n also_o have_v give_v rise_n to_o its_o metaphorical_a use_n of_o denote_v any_o rule_n or_o measure_n by_o which_o either_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v try_v and_o adjust_v and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o exact_a balance_n and_o rule_n or_o canon_n of_o all_o truth_n 69._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rule_n of_o immutable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n austin_n improve_v this_o notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
be_v the_o same_o pleasure_n to_o i_o to_o have_v my_o notion_n confute_v when_o unsound_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o health_n when_o i_o have_v be_v sick_a §_o 8._o have_v brief_o view_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v ere_o we_o make_v any_o further_o proceed_v infer_v and_o conclude_v from_o hence_o its_o authority_n for_o upon_o its_o divine_a original_a do_v its_o authority_n bear_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n speak_v in_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v his_o right_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v found_v not_o only_o in_o the_o supereminence_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o his_o relation_n to_o we_o as_o our_o maker_n have_v make_v we_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o moral_a government_n he_o may_v according_o rule_v we_o by_o law_n back_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o may_v deny_v he_o obedience_n but_o that_o militate_v nothing_o against_o the_o right_n that_o be_v vest_v in_o he_o of_o rule_v they_o nor_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n arise_v from_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o his_o speak_n in_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o most_o momentous_a reason_n of_o that_o significancy_n to_o determine_v our_o assent_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v to_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n than_o that_o the_o affirmer_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o infinite_o good_a and_o can_v deceive_v other_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o se_fw-la in_o its_o self_n from_o its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o talk_v without_o either_o reason_n or_o sense_n for_o 1_o authority_n be_v a_o relative_n term_n nothing_o can_v have_v authority_n in_o itself_o which_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o nothing_o be_v a_o law_n proper_o but_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o some_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v a_o actual_a right_n in_o any_o to_o command_n without_o suppose_v a_o obligation_n in_o some_o to_o obey_v if_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n 3._o at_o all_o 2_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o but_o what_o it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n how_o come_v the_o church_n itself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o antecedent_n authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n oblige_v the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o her_o reject_v it_o 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n and_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o credible_a which_o be_v altogether_o false_a it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o both_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o her_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v to_o 4._o every_o testimony_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o be_v according_o true_a or_o false_a as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o bear_v witness_v to_o if_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimonial_a of_o the_o church_n it_o behove_v to_o have_v it_o antecedent_o in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o right_n of_o command_v we_o independent_o on_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o church_n then_o no_o private_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v or_o can_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o any_o be_v of_o the_o least_o force_n or_o significancy_n nor_o can_v they_o to_o who_o god_n by_o vision_n dream_n inspiration_n or_o otherwise_o make_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o and_o publish_v to_o other_o what_o be_v thus_o reveal_v to_o they_o till_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v authentic_a have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n namely_o on_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o speak_v in_o it_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_n of_o that_o notion_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o some_o other_o 24._o viz._n deum_fw-la posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la that_o god_n can_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v no_o one_o deny_v but_o there_o both_o may_v be_v and_o be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o man_n may_v turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o be_v deceive_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a cause_n of_o error_n to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n if_o he_o will_v god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la abstract_v from_o his_o decree_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o may_v will_n to_o do_v if_o we_o prove_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v his_o creature_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o power_n to_o do_v so_o first_o then_o if_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v what_o assurance_n have_v we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v and_o may_v choose_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o if_o he_o may_v deceive_v at_o all_o i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v even_o then_o deceive_v we_o when_o he_o inform_v we_o he_o will_v not_o second_o no_o one_o can_v deceive_v a_o other_o but_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n error_n or_o malice_n but_o all_o these_o interfere_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la lie_v cross_v to_o his_o nature_n also_o to_o deceive_v argue_v either_o want_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n or_o veracity_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o sense_n can_v god_n deceive_v see_v he_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v wise_a nor_o give_v over_o to_o be_v good_a nor_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a three_o though_o a_o finite_a ignorant_a and_o mistake_v creature_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o without_o say_v one_o thing_n when_o he_o think_v another_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wise_a and_o omniscient_a be_v shall_v deceive_v any_o but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v we_o have_v both_o the_o testimony_n of_o scrpture_n tit._n 1.2_o and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o hence_o no_o one_o ever_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o he_o withal_o include_v in_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n §_o 9_o have_v unfold_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n be_v raise_v on_o we_o may_v hence_o infer_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o as_o doctor_n hammond_n say_v in_o another_o case_n 3_o if_o the_o person_n affirm_v be_v infallible_a then_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o person_n infallible_a also_o so_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v infallible_a our_o assent_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o ground_n be_v infallible_a likewise_o assent_n be_v not_o specificate_v and_o denominate_v from_o their_o object_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o faculty_n that_o elicit_v they_o but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v whilst_o then_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a our_o assurance_n of_o its_o divinity_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a also_o for_o as_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o consequent_a and_o the_o
which_o they_o form_n in_o their_o mind_n nor_o the_o arrayment_n of_o they_o in_o word_n be_v adapt_v and_o proporpotion_v to_o thing_n they_o be_v like_o boy_n walk_v upon_o stilt_n who_o seem_v high_a than_o they_o be_v and_o their_o discourse_n be_v like_o a_o load_n of_o flesh_n in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n that_o serve_v only_o to_o embarass_n it_o with_o a_o unprofitable_a weight_n but_o to_o imaigine_fw-la so_o of_o god_n or_o to_o ascribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n to_o he_o 2_o pet._n 218._o jud._n 16._o or_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o endite_v the_o bible_n he_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o feed_v we_o with_o gaudy_a phantasm_n poetical_a scheme_n &_o luxariunt_fw-la phrase_n be_v to_o impeach_v more_o than_o one_o of_o his_o perfection_n in_o a_o word_n god_n design_v be_v to_o instruct_v we_o and_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n either_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o deceive_v other_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v actua_o dedenote_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o denote_v nor_o be_v we_o in_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o word_n to_o restrain_v and_o confine_v its_o sense_n 17._o but_o to_o take_v it_o in_o the_o great_a latude_n of_o signification_n it_o can_v bear_v i_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o wâ—th_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.6_o 11._o so_o likewise_o you_o except_o you_o utter_v by_o the_o tongue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v what_o be_v speak_v for_o you_o shall_v speak_v into_o the_o air_n therefore_o if_o i_o know_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o meaning_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d posse_fw-la vocis_fw-la the_o whole_a force_n virtue_n power_n and_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v be_v unto_o he_o that_o speak_v a_o barbarian_a §_o 11._o the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n be_v its_o use_n and_o serviceableness_n in_o draw_v consequence_n from_o reveal_v and_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o this_o follow_v from_o what_o we_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture-proposition_n it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n that_o divine_n have_v always_o labour_v to_o clear_a mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o make_v appear_v the_o connexion_n of_o thing_n obscure_a with_o these_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o those_o that_o be_v contest_v with_o these_o that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v by_o this_o method_n also_o that_o the_o father_n have_v refute_v heresy_n by_o show_v that_o those_o evil_a doctrine_n which_o they_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n either_o have_v not_o any_o agreement_n with_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o they_o be_v altogether_o opposite_a to_o they_o to_o disclaim_v all_o scripture_n consequence_n &_o the_o ministration_n of_o reason_n in_o deduce_v they_o be_v plain_o to_o deny_v all_o the_o connexion_n relation_n dependency_n and_o opposition_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o and_o upon_o a_o other_o and_o to_o betray_v religion_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o so_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o shameful_a refuge_n of_o the_o romanist_n find_v themselves_o in_o their_o disputation_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o the_o protestant_n some_o of_o they_o have_v think_v it_o their_o safe_a course_n to_o renounce_v all_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o concernment_n of_o faith_n &_o to_o reject_v all_o conclusion_n as_o well_o infer_v from_o premise_n where_o both_o be_v of_o revelation_n as_o where_o one_o only_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o other_o of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o desperate_a cause_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v maintaitain_v and_o nothing_o but_o a_o failure_n in_o other_o defence_n will_v have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o method_n pregnant_a with_o so_o many_o absurdity_n but_o when_o man_n be_v pre-engaged_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o cause_n what_o will_v they_o not_o rather_o seek_v relief_n from_o than_o reject_v what_o their_o lust_n interest_n and_o education_n oblige_v they_o to_o the_o first_o forger_n of_o this_o new_a armature_n forward_v off_o the_o blow_n of_o protestant_n with_o the_o entertainment_n that_o the_o invention_n meet_v with_o at_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o sorbon_n he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o inform_v himself_o may_v learn_v from_o vedelius_fw-la in_o his_o rationale_n theologicum_fw-la and_o bochart_n contre_fw-fr veron_n and_o how_o far_o the_o socinian_o those_o idolater_n of_o reason_n when_o it_o serve_v their_o design_n do_v conspire_v with_o the_o papist_n to_o disparage_v it_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o inquire_v about_o when_o it_o do_v not_o befriend_v they_o such_o as_o be_v inquisitive_a may_v read_v in_o hoornbeck_n socinianismus_fw-la confutatus_fw-la tom._n 1._o lib._n 1._o cap._n 9_o p._n 211._o but_o that_o we_o may_v address_v to_o the_o matter_n itself_o by_o a_o consequence_n we_o mean_v either_o a_o proposition_n stand_v in_o that_o habitude_n relation_n and_o have_v that_o connexion_n with_o another_o that_o if_o that_o be_v true_a this_o be_v also_o true_a or_o a_o proposition_n lie_v in_o that_o repugnancy_n and_o opposition_n to_o another_o that_o if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a the_o latter_a must_v be_v false_a there_o be_v either_o that_o coherency_n betwixt_o they_o that_o the_o one_o infer_v and_o draw_v the_o other_o after_o it_o or_o that_o contrariety_n that_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o one_o falsehood_n must_v fall_v to_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o other_o now_o conclusion_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n first_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o antecedent_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o consequent_a and_o this_o be_v always_o between_o two_o term_n and_o no_o more_o and_o these_o term_n be_v either_o convertible_a as_o no_o innocent_a person_n be_v a_o sinner_n therefore_o no_o sinner_n be_v a_o innocent_a person_n or_o they_o be_v subalternate_a the_o one_o the_o other_o as_o every_o man_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n therefore_o this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v so_o or_o else_o they_o be_v term_n equivalent_a as_o believer_n have_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n remit_v to_o they_o therefore_o their_o liableness_n to_o legal_a wrath_n be_v remove_v 2_o dly_z when_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o antecedent_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o consequent_a and_o to_o conclusion_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v always_o require_v three_o term_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o deduce_v one_o proposition_n here_o from_o another_o be_v either_o the_o connexion_n or_o opposition_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o all_o conclusion_n be_v virtual_o include_v in_o their_o premise_n and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o these_o do_v in_o effect_n grant_v those_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o both_o the_o premise_n be_v in_o scripture_n or_o one_o only_o be_v there_o the_o other_o be_v either_o fetch_v it_o from_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o in_o all_o these_o case_n the_o conclusion_n be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n in_o the_o bible_n hence_o that_o common_a saying_n quaedam_fw-la in_o scripture_n sunt_fw-la et_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la quaedam_fw-la in_o iiâ—dem_fw-la sunt_fw-la etsi_fw-la non_fw-la dicantur_fw-la there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v according_o report_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v something_n in_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o so_o many_o word_n there_o relate_v etc._n etc._n man_n through_o ignorance_n ositancy_n or_o the_o like_a do_v not_o always_o discern_v what_o arise_v and_o follow_v from_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v often_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o from_o whence_o something_o do_v ensue_v which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v that_o they_o do_v detest_v it_o and_o according_o we_o frequent_o argue_v against_o they_o per_fw-la deductionem_fw-la ad_fw-la absurdum_fw-la seu_fw-la impossibile_fw-it but_o god_n always_o foresee_v whatsoever_o follow_v upon_o every_o declaration_n he_o make_v eccles._n he_o understand_v all_o the_o habâ—tudes_n connexion_n dependency_n and_o opposition_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o and_o to_o another_o and_o according_o we_o not_o only_o may_v with_o safety_n but_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v infer_v and_o deduce_v from_o what_o he_o have_v say_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o necessary_o bear_v upon_o and_o follow_v from_o it_o and_o though_o what_o be_v thus_o infer_v be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o so_o many_o letter_n yet_o while_o it_o be_v there_o either_o 〈◊〉_d
3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n regard_v those_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o §_o 5._o more_o be_v allowable_a to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o these_o than_o about_o those_o we_o be_v indebt_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o they_o be_v there_o express_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v further_a to_o see_v what_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v both_o discern_v and_o confirm_v yet_o i_o shall_v here_o crave_v liberty_n to_o premise_v that_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_v our_o chief_a topic_n in_o all_o theological_a debate_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a record_n thence_o we_o shall_v 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the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o 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by_o which_o the_o two_o former_a may_v be_v evince_v and_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v render_v the_o inculcation_n of_o this_o truth_n not_o only_o seasonable_a but_o necessary_a man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o thence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o allow_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pitifull_a brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n they_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o animal_n inclination_n to_o gratify_v and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n that_o some_o man_n propound_v to_o themselves_o next_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v nâ—t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
rational_o in_o surrender_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o it_o the_o article_n itself_o may_v be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o reason_n and_o mode_n of_o it_o lie_v altogether_o hide_v but_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v overpower_v our_o faculty_n and_o dazzle_v they_o with_o its_o majesty_n and_o splendour_n 1._o reason_n be_v often_o nonplus_v and_o puzzle_v about_o its_o own_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o object_n it_o be_v never_o adapt_v for_o it_o be_v below_o many_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o below_o mystery_n of_o revelation_n see_v this_o argument_n elegant_o and_o strenuous_o handle_v by_o bradwardine_n de_fw-fr causa_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 1._o here_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v but_o must_v never_o hope_v full_o to_o understand_v our_o work_n here_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o to_o inquire_v 2._o if_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o revelation_n until_o they_o see_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o proposition_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o obey_v at_o all_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v till_o they_o can_v choose_v faith_n bear_v not_o upon_o demonstration_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o do_v comprehend_v be_v not_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o argue_v and_o be_v science_n not_o faith_n 17._o you_o that_o will_v believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o you_o please_v and_o what_o you_o think_v fit_a you_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n say_v austin_n to_o the_o manichee_n for_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o not_o it_o 3._o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n at_o least_o to_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o a_o omniscience_n 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will_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o not_o only_o once_o but_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o establish_v it_o 4._o suppose_v christ_n to_o have_v say_v it_o and_o to_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o declare_v his_o own_o veracity_n unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o which_o agree_v a_o passage_n of_o smalcius_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n joan._n that_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o not_o only_o often_o but_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n i_o wish_v other_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n but_o while_o they_o renounce_v doctrine_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o their_o incomprehensibleness_n or_o because_o we_o can_v full_o fathom_v they_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v who_o principle_n they_o have_v drink_v in_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o plead_v thus_o have_v i_o discourse_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o as_o i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o have_v say_v any_o more_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o what_o be_v general_o maintain_v by_o all_o the_o sober_a nonconformist_n so_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o charge_n which_o some_o man_n have_v fasten_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o whole_o renounce_v reason_n in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o contradiction_n can_v astonish_v or_o stagger_v we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o support_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o party_n especial_o among_o vulgar_a hearer_n be_v a_o false_a aspersion_n groundless_a calumny_n and_o a_o impudent_a crimination_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o savour_n of_n overmuch_o modesty_n that_o a_o few_o young_a theologue_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o shall_v monopolise_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o rational_a divine_n yet_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o neither_o envy_v they_o the_o title_n nor_o have_v any_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o want_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o as_o it_o have_v general_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v too_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o rely_v upon_o reason_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o irrational_a sentiment_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o new_a rationalist_n as_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a make_v reason_n their_o only_a rule_n and_o yet_o most_o of_o their_o religious_a opinion_n whether_o in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n or_o moral_a obedience_n be_v perfect_o irrational_a and_o as_o the_o socinian_o pretend_v to_o pay_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a veneration_n to_o reason_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o tenet_n lie_v more_o cross_a to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o it_o than_o some_o of_o they_o do_v for_o to_o give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n for_o such_o they_o allow_v christ_n only_o to_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o fore_n knowledge_n of_o future_a contingent_n &_o to_o ascribe_v passion_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o be_v such_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n have_v need_n renounce_v that_o as_o well_o as_o revelation_n ere_o he_o can_v admit_v they_o so_o i_o account_v it_o of_o easy_a proof_n that_o many_o of_o the_o darling_n notion_n about_o original_a sin_n convert_v grace_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justification_n itself_o etc._n etc._n of_o our_o pretend_a late_o rational_a divine_n be_v as_o well_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v to_o scripture_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o import_n and_o use_v of_o scripture-metaphor_n sect_n i._o some_o man_n have_v espouse_v corrupt_a design_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o pursuance_n thereof_o lead_v to_o method_n which_o may_v subserve_v and_o countenance_v their_o undertake_n for_o the_o end_n be_v fix_v mean_n must_v be_v find_v out_o and_o adapt_v for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o now_o among_o other_o little_a art_n and_o contrivance_n suppose_v conducible_a to_o their_o undertake_n i_o find_v some_o late_a writer_n improve_n their_o skill_n and_o industry_n especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o under_o pretence_n of_o banish_v all_o wrangle_n brawl_a and_o vain_a talk_n they_o study_v to_o cashier_v and_o discharge_v all_o dispute_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n upon_o two_o account_n so_o to_o do_v 1._o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v
rail_v into_o silence_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n to_o omit_v the_o zeal_n which_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o trust_v repose_v in_o they_o be_v not_o answer_v by_o their_o look_v on_o so_o long_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n come_v once_o to_o be_v tincture_v with_o these_o notion_n a_o interposure_n than_o will_v be_v like_o the_o apply_v a_o remedy_n when_o the_o disease_n be_v incurable_a unhappy_a principle_n when_o once_o thorough_o imbibe_v be_v not_o find_v so_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o though_o person_n esteem_v it_o no_o reflection_n upon_o their_o part_n nor_o disparagement_n to_o their_o understanding_n to_o change_v their_o opinion_n once_o especial_o if_o they_o obtain_v our_o belief_n before_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o examine_v they_o yet_o few_o be_v willing_a to_o proclaim_v their_o weakness_n so_o far_o as_o to_o change_v their_o judgement_n often_o particular_o when_o the_o thing_n again_o to_o be_v recede_v from_o do_v not_o solicit_v their_o faith_n till_o they_o be_v of_o age_n and_o think_v themselves_o of_o ability_n to_o inquire_v into_o they_o and_o if_o a_o implicit_a apprehension_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o chief_a doctor_n collect_v from_o their_o silence_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v influence_v any_o to_o submit_v to_o these_o notion_n beyond_o what_o the_o gloss_n with_o which_o their_o author_n varnish_v they_o can_v do_v their_o decline_v so_o long_o to_o declare_v themselves_o be_v yet_o worse_o to_o be_v account_v for_o §_o 2._o but_o wave_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o those_o truth_n which_o our_o author_n manage_v a_o opposition_n to_o and_o her_o concernment_n more_o than_o we_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o rude_a and_o bold_a though_o weak_a assault_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n i_o shall_v rather_o inquire_v into_o what_o seem_v more_o especial_o to_o have_v give_v birth_n to_o our_o adversary_n notion_n of_o the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n and_o to_o have_v influence_v he_o to_o denounce_v war_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o what_o our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o allege_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o whereof_o cha_z 1._o sect_n 2._o see_v i_o do_v rather_o judge_v that_o a_o pretext_n than_o the_o true_a motive_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o derive_v its_o spring_n high_o and_o to_o own_o its_o self_n to_o another_o opinion_n espouse_v by_o some_o of_o our_o late_a writer_n which_o however_o artificial_o gloss_v do_v indeed_o dam_v up_o all_o the_o source_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v no_o way_n defensible_a but_o by_o renounce_v all_o immediate_a union_n betwixt_o believer_n and_o christ_n and_o disclaim_v he_o from_o be_v a_o head_n of_o influence_n to_o any_o in_o brief_a then_o the_o root_n and_o stem_n from_o which_o our_o author_n opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v shoot_v forth_o and_o spring_v be_v this_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infuse_a principle_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o we_o from_o christ_n as_o our_o life_n and_o head_n by_o the_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o style_v in_o vulgar_a talk_n be_v only_o the_o result_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n assist_v and_o second_v by_o the_o moral_a influence_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v thorough_o baptize_v into_o thâ—s_a pelagian_a and_o socinian_n principle_n though_o he_o may_v sometime_o mask_v himself_o in_o declare_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v by_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o some_o passage_n which_o occur_v in_o his_o book_n when_o dr._n owen_n have_v upon_o a_o certain_a occasion_n say_v that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n if_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v as_o separate_v from_o the_o deity_n can_v afford_v no_o spiritual_a supply_n but_o only_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o reply_v in_o way_n of_o sarcasm_n and_o irony_n that_o that_o be_v a_o very_a pitiful_a way_n indeed_o intimate_v in_o effect_n 207._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o supply_v of_o grace_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o nor_o do_v he_o only_a railly_fw-fr upon_o the_o foresay_a learned_a person_n for_o style_v christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n p._n 213._o but_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o grace_n for_o grace_n which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o only_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o gospel_n 217._o because_o it_o proclaim_v so_o many_o excellent_a promise_n a_o gloss_n evident_o borrow_v from_o socinus_n ibid._n schlichtingius_n and_o other_o of_o that_o tribe_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o intimate_v not_o only_o to_o prevent_v his_o glory_v in_o another_o man_n line_n but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v know_v what_o copy_n he_o use_v sometime_o to_o write_v after_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o be_v style_v our_o life_n only_o because_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n 8.110_o and_o because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n 238._o of_o kin_n and_o affinity_n to_o these_o be_v his_o affirm_v god_n to_o have_v by_o various_a way_n attempt_v the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n but_o with_o little_a success_n till_o at_o last_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o by_o more_o plain_o publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n 89._o and_o by_o his_o more_o easy_a direction_n and_o noble_a promise_n reform_v the_o world_n after_o that_o long_a and_o sad_a experience_n have_v prove_v all_o those_o way_n ineffectual_a 10._o which_o the_o divine_a goodness_n out_o of_o a_o restless_a zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n have_v fall_v upon_o hence_o not_o only_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v deny_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o production_n of_o any_o new_a principle_n by_o a_o omnipotent_a &_o irresistible_a power_n but_o the_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o infuse_a principle_n to_o regenerate_v our_o nature_n relieve_v our_o weakness_n and_o adapt_v we_o to_o live_v to_o god_n be_v represent_v by_o our_o author_n a_o make_v we_o to_o be_v act_v like_o machine_n by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n 10._o and_o to_o declare_v we_o passive_a in_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n be_v say_v to_o render_v all_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n prescribe_v we_o by_o god_n vain_a and_o foolish_a p._n 354._o i_o purpose_v not_o here_o to_o discourse_v the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o the_o consistency_n of_o efficacious_a grace_n with_o humane_a liberty_n nor_o how_o the_o produce_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o a_o power_n infallible_a in_o its_o effect_n and_o which_o be_v never_o actual_o defeat_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v subversive_a of_o our_o rational_a freedom_n that_o it_o promote_v as_o well_o as_o preserve_v it_o nor_o shall_v i_o urge_v how_o if_o regeneration_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o exertion_n of_o our_o faculty_n through_o an-application_n of_o gospel-precept_n and_o promise_n to_o our_o mind_n for_o influence_n and_o conduct_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o suggest_v thing_n ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o we_o under_o a_o embarass_n of_o lofty_a hyperbolical_a and_o swell_a word_n but_o instead_o of_o enlighten_v we_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n beyond_o what_o the_o phlosopher_n have_v do_v he_o have_v only_o envelopt_v it_o in_o thick_a darkness_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o further_a obscurity_n the_o chief_a term_n declarative_a of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o that_o supposition_n be_v once_o admit_v be_v only_o rampant_a fulsome_a metaphorical_a expression_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n nor_o shall_v i_o debate_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o way_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o regeneration_n and_o how_o that_o whatsoever_o so_o be_v exact_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o lie_v within_o the_o sphere_n and_o circle_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n as_o nothing_o but_o charm_a lust_n false_a delusion_n carnal_a interest_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la indulge_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o attend_v to_o the_o titillation_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v hinder_v man_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n in_o subserviency_n to_o his_o communicate_v of_o grace_n at_o
nation_n 3_o dly_z because_o a_o person_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o remain_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o some_o of_o the_o best_a servant_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o diverse_a instance_n if_o it_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o lay_v now_o before_o i_o 4_o because_o no_o adult_n person_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v not_o spring_v of_o christian_a and_o covenant-parent_n either_o have_v or_o can_v plead_v a_o right_a of_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o do_v not_o live_v to_o god_n and_o of_o who_o so_o do_v there_o be_v not_o some_o previous_a moral_a certainty_n and_o evidence_n interest_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o interest_n which_o any_o man_n rightful_o have_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v through_o a_o relation_n and_o habitude_n to_o he_o as_o our_o vital_a head_n that_o we_o come_v to_o be_v knit_v together_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o far_o be_v our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n from_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o our_o holiness_n that_o as_o it_o be_v our_o be_v holy_a that_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o god_n so_o it_o be_v our_o seem_a to_o be_v so_o that_o entitle_v we_o to_o her_o communion_n before_o men._n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a our_o author_n gloss_n of_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o true_a vine_n prove_v contradictious_a to_o itself_o repugnant_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v concern_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o proposition_n as_o well_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o irreconcilable_a to_o the_o context_n and_o withal_o novel_a i_o hope_v he_o will_v find_v few_o proselyte_n to_o it_o and_o few_o advocate_n for_o it_o and_o as_o the_o argument_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v build_v it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o vain_a and_o trifle_a pretence_n so_o the_o most_o plausible_a of_o they_o have_v be_v already_o reply_v to_o and_o the_o futilousness_n of_o the_o rest_n shall_v hereafter_o if_o necessity_n do_v so_o require_v be_v make_v manifest_a i_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o with_o dr._n hammonds_n paraphrase_n of_o the_o text_n who_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o the_o conforming-clergy_n will_v either_o upbraid_v with_o ignorance_n or_o deny_v he_o to_o equal_v mr._n sherlock_n both_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o docttrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n and_o my_o father_n be_v the_o husband_n man_n be_v thus_o gloss_a by_o he_o i_o be_o the_o true_a generous_a fruit_n bear_v vine_n jer._n 22.1_o my_o blood_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o grape_n shall_v rejoice_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o man_n jud._n 9.12_o and_o my_o father_n who_o have_v thus_o plant_v i_o in_o this_o world_n here_o below_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o i_o and_o every_o branch_n every_o believer_n every_o member_n of_o my_o mystical_a body_n and_o according_o he_o understand_v our_o abide_n in_o the_o vine_n ver_fw-la 5._o to_o be_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o grace_n communicate_v from_o christ_n to_o we_o have_v discharge_v the_o church_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n christ_n as_o that_o word_n and_o name_n denote_v the_o term_n to_o which_o believer_n be_v unite_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o true_a import_n and_o just_a meaning_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o room_n it_o have_v in_o the_o present_a question_n and_o here_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o intend_v proper_o by_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n suppose_v that_o secondary_o and_o in_o way_n of_o trope_n it_o occur_v sometime_o use_v to_o imply_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v be_v sometime_o to_o signify_v the_o christian_a church_n yet_o that_o primary_o and_o proper_o it_o do_v not_o denote_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o blasphemous_a &_o wild_a imagination_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o person_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o any_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o quaker_n who_o neither_o know_v what_o the_o idea_n of_o person_n be_v which_o they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v nor_o what_o themselves_o intend_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n they_o make_v of_o he_o the_o arrian_n and_o socinian_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n the_o manichee_n of_o old_a disclaim_v the_o real_a manhood_n of_o his_o person_n the_o nestorian_n assert_v two_o person_n in_o he_o as_o well_o as_o two_o nature_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n some_o one_o way_n or_o other_o have_v be_v always_o grant_v till_o a_o generation_n have_v of_o late_a arisen_a who_o neither_o understand_v whereof_o they_o speak_v nor_o what_o they_o renounce_v but_o the_o enquiry_n be_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o believer_n must_v be_v unite_v and_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v the_o rather_o to_o declare_v ourselves_o about_o see_v mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o character_n we_o as_o have_v here_o outdo_v all_o the_o metaphysical_a subtlety_n of_o suarez_n pag._n 200._o first_o then_o by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n we_o understand_v more_o than_o his_o be_v a_o mere_a man._n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o gentleman_n who_o though_o they_o own_o the_o personality_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o whole_o renounce_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o his_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n that_o they_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v only_o a_o political_a head_n to_o his_o member_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o just_a pursuance_n of_o their_o former_a principle_n for_o not_o admit_v he_o to_o be_v god_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o vital_a influence_n to_o any_o and_o i_o wish_v that_o among_o the_o many_o exposition_n of_o scripture-text_n which_o our_o author_n have_v transcribe_v from_o they_o he_o have_v not_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o perverse_o sense_v even_o such_o place_n wherein_o their_o design_n be_v to_o undermine_v the_o deity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o impeach_v mr._n sherlock_n of_o oppose_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o i_o affirm_v that_o if_o his_o gloss_n of_o col._n 1.19_o col._n 2.3_o and_o 2.8_o joh._n 14.20_o joh._n 1.14_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o the_o socinian_o impose_v upon_o those_o place_n be_v admit_v we_o have_v some_o of_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o it_o wrest_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n second_o though_o by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o we_o be_v unite_v we_o understand_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n yet_o we_o also_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o man._n as_o we_o do_v not_o un-god_n he_o with_o the_o arian_n and_o socinian_o so_o neither_o do_v we_o unman_n he_o with_o the_o marcionite_n and_o manichees_n as_o he_o be_v true_o and_o essential_o god_n and_o not_o mere_o style_v so_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o wonderful_a conception_n the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a his_o rule_n and_o care_n over_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a so_o he_o be_v as_o true_o and_o essential_o man_n have_v assume_v the_o whole_a and_o entire_a humane_a nature_n with_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a affection_n or_o adjunct_n he_o have_v both_o a_o true_a organical_a body_n and_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a spectrum_n or_o phantasm_n in_o the_o shape_n and_o form_n only_o of_o a_o man_n as_o martion_n and_o manes_n blasphemous_o imagine_v and_o have_v also_o a_o true_a humane_a rational_a soul_n nor_o be_v the_o deity_n mere_o instead_o thereof_o supply_v its_o office_n to_o the_o body_n as_o apollinaris_n with_o equal_a folly_n and_o perverseness_n assert_v three_o we_o do_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v unite_v intend_v and_o understand_v more_o than_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n abstract_o and_o separately_z consider_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o outdo_n all_o the_o metaphysical_a subtlety_n of_o suarez_n 201._o which_o our_o author_n charge_v we_o with_o that_o we_o have_v find_v out_o a_o person_n for_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n distinct_a from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n we_o think_v not_o to_o have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v as_o far_o from_o wit_n as_o truth_n a_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a doctrine_n
to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o 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 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v 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 now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_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 christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_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 the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o â—hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v we_o so_o long_o as_o she_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n because_o 166._o as_o our_o author_n say_v this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n mr._n sherlock_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o conjecture_v be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o think_v what_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v espouse_v or_o what_o be_v most_o disserviceable_a to_o it_o all_o immediate_a union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n save_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deny_v but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o communion_n with_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v copulate_v with_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v not_o determine_v at_o one_o time_n it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n at_o another_o it_o be_v by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n 165._o who_o member_n be_v in_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n 163.165_o and_o live_v in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n but_o that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o christian_n union_n with_o christ_n i_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n and_o command_n of_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v nor_o may_v this_o only_o be_v suppose_v but_o there_o be_v divers_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a
no_o particular_a christian_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o member_n in_o his_o body_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v his_o spouse_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o christ_n be_v a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o flock_n joh._n 10._o for_o the_o relation_n between_o a_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o whole_a flock_n christ_n be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o holy_a temple_n so_o that_o all_o those_o metaphor_n in_o their_o first_o and_o proper_a use_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n 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 the_o premise_n will_v easy_o appear_v for_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_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 uinion_n with_o the_o church_n i_o deny_v the_o consequent_a 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 also_o immediate_a head_n to_o every_o individual_a person_n in_o it_o mr._n sherlock_n logic_n be_v like_a that_o of_o chrysippus_n which_o man_n be_v too_o dull_a to_o understand_v though_o they_o say_v the_o god_n will_v have_v use_v it_o 2._o the_o church_n and_o its_o individual_a member_n be_v of_o a_o homogeneous_a nature_n whatsoever_o be_v predicate_v essential_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_o predicable_a of_o every_o part_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n plain_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o natural_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a body_n have_v influence_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o its_o function_n from_o the_o head_n but_o also_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v influence_n of_o life_n and_o strength_n from_o thence_o so_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o immediate_a head_n of_o direction_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o to_o every_o individual_a believer_n in_o it_o whatever_o the_o habitude_n of_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n be_v to_o their_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o to_o the_o member_n of_o which_o these_o church_n be_v constitute_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n by_o which_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o political_a head_n govern_v his_o church_n that_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o attend_v 4._o though_o our_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o he_o have_v almost_o pore_v out_o his_o eye_n in_o search_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v enlighten_v about_o this_o and_o some_o other_o notion_n 40._o yet_o i_o must_v take_v leave_n either_o to_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o to_o suspect_v that_o his_o sight_n be_v not_o good_a before_o or_o that_o his_o visible_a faculty_n be_v strange_o tincture_v for_o the_o apostle_n who_o authority_n and_o testimony_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v allow_v to_o rival_n mr._n sherlock_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v christ_n body_n so_o we_o be_v all_o member_n in_o particular_a of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v join_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o conjunction_n which_o every_o member_n have_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o to_o every_o christian_a appear_v by_o this_o see_v not_o only_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v espouse_v to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o but_o every_o individual_a believer_n among_o the_o roman_n be_v also_o represent_v as_o marry_v to_o he_o rom._n 7.4_o neither_o do_v they_o only_o report_v he_o to_o be_v the_o foundation_n rock_n and_o corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n take_v collective_o but_o likewise_o in_o its_o distributive_a acceptation_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o thus_o have_v not_o only_o defeat_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o his_o first_o objection_n but_o improve_v the_o medium_fw-la from_o which_o he_o muster_v it_o to_o subvert_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o defence_n it_o be_v bring_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o sacrament_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v say_v he_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n 154._o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n and_o signify_v the_o near_a conjunction_n that_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 etc._n etc._n for_o answer_v whether_o the_o sacrament_n import_v any_o more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n i_o shall_v wave_v till_o anon_o and_o only_o consider_v they_o at_o present_a as_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o true_o if_o these_o be_v the_o weapon_n with_o which_o mr._n sherlock_n think_v to_o captivate_v and_o subdue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o espouse_v his_o notion_n he_o must_v either_o only_o encounter_v those_o that_o court_v their_o own_o bondage_n or_o there_o will_v be_v few_o find_v follow_v the_o chariot_n wheel_v of_o our_o hero_n instead_o of_o any_o slaughter_n he_o be_v like_a to_o make_v among_o the_o nonconformist_n by_o these_o force_n he_o only_o wound_v himself_o and_o overthrow_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o they_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o baptism_n i_o reply_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o by_o which_o we_o formal_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n not_o the_o latter_a see_v it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a that_o a_o person_n may_v be_v baptize_v where_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o form_v a_o institute_v particular_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o find_v necessary_a to_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o membership_n in_o a_o institute_v even_o to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a yea_o before_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v erect_v there_o be_v baptise_a christian_n it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o the_o first_o christian_n church_n be_v constitute_v not_o the_o former_a forasmuch_o as_o a_o person_n may_v be_v of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v baptize_v nor_o be_v this_o a_o chimaerical_a imagination_n for_o there_o have_v be_v many_o who_o partly_o through_o want_n of_o opportunity_n to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n partly_o upon_o other_o motive_n though_o they_o be_v not_o justifiable_a have_v deny_v themselves_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o baptismal_a laver_n and_o yet_o to_o suppose_v that_o thereupon_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n be_v to_o renounce_v all_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o involve_v ourselves_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o condemn_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v 2._o be_v baptism_n as_o well_o the_o medium_fw-la as_o the_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v only_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a see_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n but_o such_o who_o be_v antecedent_o judge_v to_o be_v christian_n act._n 8.37_o now_o to_o reckon_v any_o one_o a_o christian_a who_o do_v not_o beforehand_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o political_a union_n be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n 3._o our_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o vinculum_fw-la of_o our_o political_a union_n with_o