he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n our_o king_n prophet_n and_o priest_n and_o what_o more_o the_o scripture_n have_v comprehend_v under_o each_o of_o those_o distinct_a office_n for_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o scripture_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a be_v a_o fundamental_a that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v either_o more_o or_o less_o of_o he_o than_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n but_o it_o will_v probable_o be_v object_v to_o all_o this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v several_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_a christian_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n to_o make_v a_o 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there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_o man._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o assert_v so_o large_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o wrong_a opinion_n that_o some_o man_n have_v concern_v he_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o entertain_v true_a notion_n concern_v his_o divinity_n and_o this_o necessity_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n even_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n will_v also_o appear_v from_o st._n paul_n reason_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n where_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n chap._n 1._o ver._n 16_o 17._o but_o chief_o in_o his_o second_o chapter_n he_o admonish_v they_o to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a the_o design_n of_o which_o word_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o to_o caution_n they_o lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v from_o their_o faith_n concern_v christ_n be_v god_n through_o the_o deceitful_a argument_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o may_v persuade_v they_o that_o it_o be_v irreconcilable_a to_o reason_n for_o he_o do_v assure_v they_o with_o all_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o faithful_a apostle_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o godhead_n be_v real_o and_o substantial_o in_o he_o and_o thereupon_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o if_o they_o will_v retain_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o this_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n
full_o satisfy_v be_v a_o error_n whether_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v he_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n i_o can_v promise_v for_o i_o may_v fancy_v that_o a_o demonstration_n to_o i_o which_o may_v be_v no_o proof_n to_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v his_o sense_n with_o the_o utmost_a justice_n and_o sincerity_n and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o mistake_v it_o i_o can_v only_o say_v it_o be_v both_o against_o my_o intention_n and_o knowledge_n and_o now_o i_o have_v only_o thus_o much_o to_o assure_v my_o adversary_n of_o that_o i_o have_v not_o make_v any_o observation_n upon_o his_o book_n out_o of_o bigotry_n to_o a_o party_n or_o prejudice_n to_o any_o set_n of_o opinion_n for_o i_o have_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o serve_v than_o that_o of_o truth_n nor_o have_v i_o any_o bias_n to_o incline_v i_o beside_o my_o own_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o if_o they_o have_v misguide_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o better_a information_n the_o content_n i._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n page_n 1._o ii_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n pag._n 53_o iii_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n pag._n 64._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o epistle_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o design_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n may_v propose_v in_o publish_v that_o treatise_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o and_o firm_o christian_n or_o to_o be_v a_o general_n rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n as_o may_v prevent_v all_o exception_n against_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o either_o of_o those_o ends._n not_o only_o because_o it_o introduce_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o belief_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o ancient_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o full_a sense_n and_o intent_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o socinian_n or_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n or_o inquire_v to_o what_o sect_n or_o party_n the_o author_n seem_v most_o incline_v but_o shall_v only_o so_o far_o consider_v his_o opinion_n as_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o truth_n for_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o fix_v any_o man_n to_o a_o party_n which_o he_o will_v not_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o though_o some_o of_o his_o opinion_n shall_v chance_v to_o have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o for_o that_o be_v so_o unfair_a as_o well_o as_o a_o undecent_a method_n of_o manage_v a_o dispute_n that_o instead_o of_o stifle_v the_o old_a it_o may_v serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v fresh_a opposition_n and_o inflame_v where_o perhaps_o mild_a reason_n may_v convince_v and_o beside_o since_o every_o one_o that_o publish_v his_o thought_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o or_o to_o the_o end_v he_o may_v be_v better_o inform_v if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v treat_v with_o equal_a charity_n or_o humanity_n at_o least_o by_o other_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o prejudice_n even_o to_o the_o right_a side_n to_o allow_v he_o a_o civility_n which_o he_o have_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n to_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n with_o such_o a_o impartial_a temper_n as_o it_o may_v just_o challenge_v and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o distinct_a and_o methodical_a in_o my_o examination_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v these_o first_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o the_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o that_o state_n etc._n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o as_o he_o make_v adam_n punishment_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o temporal_a death_n or_o a_o total_a cease_n to_o be_v 10._o p._n 10._o so_o do_v he_o confine_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o the_o free_v we_o from_o such_o a_o death_n only_o and_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o immortality_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n lose_v which_o overthrow_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n redeem_n we_o from_o a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n and_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o original_a gild_n no_o more_o than_o become_a subject_n to_o death_n and_o so_o destroy_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o how_o agreeable_a this_o will_v prove_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v inquire_v more_o hereafter_o the_o second_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o faith_n be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o assert_n to_o be_v only_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o one_o proposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messah_n etc._n p._n 30_o 31_o 32._o etc._n etc._n or_o which_o he_o think_v signify_v the_o same_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v other_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a but_o maintain_v that_o this_o alone_a be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v this_o as_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o christian_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o here_o the_o difference_n lie_v between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o this_o messiah_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n he_o redeem_v we_o from_o eternal_a misery_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o we_o can_v only_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n p._n 291_o 292_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v only_o occasional_a write_n and_o direction_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v such_o fundamental_a article_n as_o must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v explicit_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o a_o actual_a belief_n of_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o mention_v be_v not_o absolute_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o believer_n 31._o vindis_fw-la p._n 31._o without_o actual_o believe_v they_o because_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o discourse_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v make_v christian_n and_o believer_n bare_o upon_o the_o receive_n what_o they_o preach_v unto_o they_o long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o other_o two_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o deliver_v in_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v make_v fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n it_o may_v indeed_o seem_v a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o vindicate_v those_o sacred_a write_n which_o have_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n with_o as_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o set_v down_o confess_v to_o be_v altogether_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v unto_o salvation_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o for_o what_o shall_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o real_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n be_v the_o church_n then_o impose_v upon_o or_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n when_o it_o have_v no_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n for_o it_o for_o one_o of_o these_o we_o must_v grant_v if_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o design_v to_o deliver_v fundamental_o to_o be_v actual_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n now_o if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o
the_o apostle_n time_n be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n then_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v absolute_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o author_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v but_o this_o be_v already_o grant_v we_o by_o our_o author_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a writer_n inspire_v from_o above_o 297._o p._n 297._o who_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o truth_n he_o here_o mean_v shall_v hereafter_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o assertion_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o author_n that_o their_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o act_n do_v require_v our_o actual_a belief_n since_o than_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o preach_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n why_o shall_v not_o their_o write_n be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n especial_o since_o they_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o then_o the_o want_n of_o sufficient_a commission_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n before_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v that_o none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o any_o design_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v prove_v be_v there_o any_o such_o hint_n in_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o have_v we_o any_o footstep_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o a_o indifference_n for_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v show_v or_o if_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o man_n choice_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v they_o or_o not_o without_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o from_o many_o place_n of_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o mention_v that_o they_o do_v enjoin_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n without_o which_o man_n can_v not_o be_v save_v than_o we_o have_v still_o the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v confirm_v in_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n four_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v prevent_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o any_o other_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o revelation_n but_o as_o this_o can_v never_o be_v make_v appear_v so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n shall_v contain_v contradiction_n if_o we_o allow_v what_o our_o author_n have_v grant_v 297._o p._n 297._o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v then_o five_o and_o last_o the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n or_o that_o particular_a article_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v because_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v be_v there_o no_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n insert_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o vindic._n p._n 16._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o they_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o and_o have_v no_o such_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o his_o article_n be_v find_v to_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n but_o this_o objection_n seem_v too_o precarious_a for_o i_o question_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v as_o much_o distinguish_v by_o the_o great_a importance_n which_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o by_o the_o necessity_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n of_o actual_o believe_v they_o by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n as_o any_o other_o universal_o acknowledge_v article_n of_o our_o faith_n indeed_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o immediate_a concern_n to_o we_o but_o so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o one_o it_o must_v be_v so_o equal_o to_o the_o other_o indeed_o this_o seem_v object_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v in_o their_o epistolary_a write_n and_o although_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o their_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o make_v any_o other_o article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o much_o a_o fundamental_a distinct_a from_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o lay_v such_o stress_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o of_o what_o use_n soever_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v to_o we_o otherwise_o for_o the_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o reform_v mistake_v which_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n 295.297_o p._n 295.297_o as_o also_o for_o the_o expound_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o establish_v those_o in_o it_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o distinct_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o of_o so_o great_a consequence_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n and_o eternal_a life_n propose_v upon_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n denounce_v upon_o a_o disbelief_n which_o be_v not_o annex_v to_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o unwary_a christian_n to_o lay_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v or_o make_v any_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o church-communion_n absolute_o necessary_a which_o be_v never_o by_o the_o apostle_n so_o declare_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v material_a to_o examine_v first_o whether_o nothing_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o or_o whether_o any_o doctrine_n upon_o which_o salvation_n be_v propose_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o query_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n for_o if_o this_o be_v make_v the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o fundamental_o viz._n a_o doctrine_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v actual_o believe_v to_o salvation_n we_o shall_v i_o fear_v by_o this_o mean_n raise_v several_a exception_n against_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o this_o must_v universal_o hold_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v also_o in_o those_o of_o practice_n most_o of_o which_o will_v unavoidable_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o obligation_n if_o the_o observance_n of_o no_o other_o duty_n be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o such_o alone_a as_o the_o scripture_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v require_v for_o a_o fundamental_a but_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v and_o to_o which_o salvation_n be_v express_o annex_v and_o promise_v it_o will_v very_o probable_o make_v way_n for_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a faith_n in_o which_o christian_n can_v not_o possible_o agree_v for_o if_o nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a proposition_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o that_o great_a importance_n be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o suppose_v in_o that_o proposition_n which_o i_o shall_v
behind_o they_o some_o certain_a measure_n of_o belief_n since_o their_o authority_n and_o the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o inspiration_n will_v have_v very_o great_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o also_o may_v be_v of_o vast_a importance_n for_o the_o prevent_v all_o difference_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o will_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n for_o the_o teach_n all_o sort_n of_o christian_n more_o easy_o to_o comprehend_v the_o method_n reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o be_v more_o full_o lay_v down_o and_o explain_v in_o the_o epistle_n than_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o believe_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v most_o full_o state_v and_o most_o clear_o deliver_v for_o since_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v how_o we_o be_v redeem_a why_o christ_n redeem_v we_o and_o from_o what_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o as_o in_o the_o epistle_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o for_o our_o right_a understanding_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o there_o both_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o also_o be_v for_o our_o firm_a belief_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v establish_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o but_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v confess_v that_o all_o that_o have_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v contradictory_n to_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o i_o do_v it_o find_v in_o the_o least_o pretend_a for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o show_v contradiction_n in_o they_o after_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o for_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n above_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o epistle_n the_o same_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o either_o of_o they_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n both_o teach_v the_o same_o christianity_n and_o though_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o some_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o disagree_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a but_o both_o tend_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n the_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o five_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o epistle_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n they_o contain_v for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v because_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o no_o concern_v to_o we_o that_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o that_o account_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n for_o here_o the_o great_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v of_o such_o importance_n as_o will_v make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o be_v a_o indispensible_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o write_v they_o and_o from_o those_o text_n i_o have_v before_o produce_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v any_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n but_o our_o author_n object_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fundamental_a article_n in_o the_o epistle_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o promiscuous_o deliver_v with_o other_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o and_o this_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o go_v through_o the_o write_n in_o the_o epistle_n 14._o vindic._n p._n 14._o to_o collect_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v through_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o those_o fundamental_a article_n be_v in_o those_o epistle_n promiscuous_o and_o without_o distinction_n mix_v with_o other_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v and_o discern_v those_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n best_a in_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o faith_n and_o unconvert_v but_o how_o be_v these_o fundamental_a point_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n better_a than_o in_o the_o epistle_n be_v there_o in_o they_o nothing_o but_o fundamental_o or_o be_v not_o these_o fundamental_o mix_v with_o other_o truth_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o if_o so_o as_o be_v very_o apparent_a what_o mighty_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n beyond_o the_o epistle_n upon_o this_o account_n matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o practice_n fundamental_o and_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v promiscuous_o mix_v together_o in_o both_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o discern_v one_o from_o another_o in_o they_o for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v easy_o apprehend_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o those_o to_o our_o practice_n what_o be_v those_o which_o have_v a_o near_a respect_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o those_o which_o be_v more_o foreign_a to_o that_o end_n and_o this_o difference_n be_v as_o easy_o perceive_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v as_o plain_o and_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v different_o interpret_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n because_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v in_o their_o opinion_n concern_v they_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o man_n be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o several_a place_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o epistle_n but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n in_o both_o have_v be_v always_o understand_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n by_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o those_o who_o have_v dissent_v from_o the_o universal_o receive_v interpretation_n have_v be_v account_v enemy_n to_o the_o true_a christian_n faith_n for_o in_o these_o case_n mistake_v be_v general_o wilful_a and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o interpret_v any_o doctrine_n in_o scripture_n different_o from_o what_o the_o church_n have_v already_o do_v if_o we_o take_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a mean_v of_o it_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o fundamental_o be_v not_o so_o obscure_a but_o a_o willing_a mind_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v it_o but_o last_o we_o may_v add_v to_o all_o this_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o epistle_n and_o several_a article_n deliver_v in_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o esteem_v by_o all_o orthodox_n christian_n as_o part_v of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n or_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n and_o receive_v and_o believe_v according_o and_o if_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n part_n with_o one_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n for_o this_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o argument_n by_o our_o church_n in_o the_o six_o article_n for_o our_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o receive_v part_n of_o scripture_n that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o universal_a consent_n will_v be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v also_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a
illum_fw-la articulum_fw-la non_fw-la requirebatur_fw-la sect._n 10._o and_o that_o ubicunque_fw-la legimus_fw-la servatorem_fw-la nostrum_fw-la cujuspiam_fw-la fidem_fw-la laudasse_fw-la vel_fw-la dixisse_fw-la fides_fw-la tua_fw-la te_fw-la salvum_fw-la fecit_fw-la vel_fw-la sanasse_n quempiam_fw-la propter_fw-la fidem_fw-la ibi_fw-la propositio_fw-la credita_fw-la alia_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la quam_fw-la haec_fw-la jesus_n est_fw-la christus_fw-la vel_fw-la directe_v vel_fw-la per_fw-la consequens_fw-la i_o need_v not_o produce_v more_o instance_n from_o mr._n hobbs_n to_o show_v that_o our_o author_n and_o he_o agree_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v this_o one_o article_n only_o and_o have_v take_v the_o same_o method_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o cite_v several_a text_n from_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o act_n and_o no_o far_o for_o if_o any_o one_o will_v be_v so_o curious_a as_o to_o read_v they_o both_o over_o he_o will_v find_v that_o they_o only_o differ_v so_o much_o as_o a_o copy_n do_v from_o a_o original_a but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n by_o this_o to_o possess_v any_o one_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o our_o author_n doctrine_n be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o mr._n hobbs_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n which_o it_o shall_v now_o be_v my_o business_n to_o inquire_v but_o in_o order_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v whether_o son_n of_o god_n and_o messiah_n or_o christ_n always_o signify_v the_o same_o in_o scripture_n which_o our_o author_n as_o well_o as_o mr._n hobbs_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o and_o indeed_o it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v of_o different_a signification_n from_o some_o of_o those_o text_n which_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v it_o as_o where_o son_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o same_o proposition_n particular_o in_o act._n 8.37_o i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o there_o christ_n be_v part_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o proper_a name_n only_o to_o denote_v the_o person_n may_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o in_o all_o other_o place_n it_o import_v a_o different_a sense_n from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v the_o confession_n of_o martha_n and_o st._n peter_n as_o consider_v in_o themselves_o seem_v necessary_o to_o infer_v a_o difference_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_n god_n for_o they_o may_v possible_o express_v no_o more_o than_o different_a denomination_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o only_o mean_a that_o they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n who_o be_v also_o call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o title_n and_o character_n of_o their_o messiah_n but_o if_o these_o passage_n as_o single_o consider_v shall_v be_v grant_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o difference_n yet_o neither_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v infer_v from_o they_o and_o we_o can_v with_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o reason_n conclude_v that_o one_o of_o those_o term_n do_v imply_v a_o large_a signification_n than_o the_o other_o even_o in_o these_o text_n as_o it_o can_v be_v evince_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o they_o do_v not_o especial_o if_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o sense_n they_o most_o natural_o bear_v in_o other_o place_n for_o it_o seem_v evident_a from_o very_a many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o expression_n that_o denote_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n and_o be_v not_o a_o title_n only_o attribute_v to_o he_o either_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o office_n as_o messiah_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n or_o conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o appear_v from_o those_o text_n in_o heb._n 1_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o time_n pass_v by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n now_o if_o by_o son_n in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v his_o be_v so_o before_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n as_o messiah_n he_o be_v very_o improper_o call_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o shall_v otherwise_o have_v be_v heir_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v after_o he_o have_v a_o existence_n so_o also_o by_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n necessary_o show_v that_o he_o be_v son_n of_o god_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o when_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o first_o beget_v into_o the_o world_n he_o say_v and_o let_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_v he_o which_o adoration_n we_o can_v hardly_o suppose_v will_v be_v require_v of_o angel_n upon_o the_o alone_a account_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o 8_o ver_fw-la for_o unto_o the_o son_n he_o say_v thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o which_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v worship_v even_o by_o angel_n as_o son_n of_o god_n because_o himself_o be_v god_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v those_o word_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o form_n of_o baptism_n which_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v in_o initiate_a man_n into_o christianity_n to_o show_v that_o the_o term_n son_n must_v signify_v a_o god_n by_o nature_n go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o if_o son_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o his_o be_v so_o only_o by_o his_o birth_n and_o office_n it_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a faith_n where_o a_o equal_a belief_n be_v require_v and_o yet_o in_o very_o unequal_a person_n one_o a_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o another_o of_o no_o long_a existence_n than_o since_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n so_o that_o if_o son_n of_o god_n in_o that_o place_n do_v not_o mean_v our_o saviour_n divinity_n we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v very_o assume_v in_o our_o saviour_n to_o oblige_v his_o follower_n to_o the_o same_o faith_n in_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o who_o be_v not_o god_n as_o on_o he_o who_o be_v so_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o son_n of_o god_n do_v imply_v a_o equality_n with_o the_o father_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n be_v god_n by_o nature_n but_o beside_o if_o son_n of_o god_n do_v no_o where_o necessary_o import_v any_o more_o than_o his_o be_v so_o by_o his_o miraculous_a conception_n or_o from_o his_o office_n upon_o what_o ground_n be_v it_o think_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o signify_v a_o god_n by_o nature_n or_o by_o what_o authority_n be_v it_o insert_v in_o our_o creed_n that_o he_o be_v beget_v before_o all_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n or_o if_o the_o title_n of_o son_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_n imply_v that_o he_o be_v so_o before_o his_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n so_o that_o we_o must_v either_o renounce_v that_o article_n in_o our_o creed_n or_o believe_v that_o the_o signification_n which_o be_v there_o give_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v its_o foundation_n in_o holy_a writ_n indeed_o adam_n and_o other_o be_v call_v son_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o title_n when_o attribute_v to_o our_o saviour_n signify_v very_o different_o from_o it_o when_o speak_v of_o they_o because_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v in_o very_a many_o place_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v affirm_v of_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o upon_o a_o very_a different_a account_n from_o what_o adam_n or_o other_o be_v but_o beside_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o messiah_n and_o son_n of_o god_n be_v not_o synonimous_a term_n from_o what_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v write_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n i.e._n 20.31_o joh._n 20.31_o that_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o or_o that_o there_o be_v more_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o every_o christian_a than_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n for_o he_o must_v
he_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o our_o author_n instance_n in_o st._n peter_n sermon_n to_o cornelius_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n 10.43_o act._n 10.43_o but_o will_v our_o author_n assert_v that_o this_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n do_v it_o not_o also_o in_o the_o same_o place_n intimate_v that_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o dignity_n and_o office_n have_v power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o god_n alone_o and_o thus_o in_o the_o 36_o ver_fw-la that_o this_o messiah_n be_v lord_n of_o all_o i.e._n be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o sermon_n of_o st._n peter_n so_o they_o there_o seem_v necessary_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o to_o salvation_n and_o we_o can_v beside_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o word_n without_o mean_v which_o we_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o do_v if_o they_o make_v the_o bare_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a without_o explain_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o messiah_n how_o he_o be_v our_o messiah_n or_o what_o he_o must_v be_v either_o god_n man_n or_o both_o that_o he_o may_v be_v capacitate_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n in_o this_o and_o almost_o all_o other_o place_n the_o full_a extent_n and_o mean_v of_o those_o word_n as_o they_o be_v explain_v by_o this_o and_o other_o apostle_n in_o all_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o must_v all_o have_v the_o same_o mean_v unless_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dictate_v different_a or_o contradictory_n kind_n of_o doctrine_n which_o will_v be_v too_o impious_a to_o assert_v and_o therefore_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o it_o be_v now_o require_v for_o a_o fundamental_a of_o our_o faith_n must_v comprehend_v the_o full_a sense_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o inspiration_n and_o consequent_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o our_o faith_n nor_o do_v the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n appear_v to_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n from_o that_o place_n of_o the_o act_n where_o the_o eunuch_n be_v mention_v to_o have_v be_v baptise_a upon_o that_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o philip_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8.37_o for_o though_o here_o be_v no_o more_o set_v down_o yet_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o imply_v for_o we_o have_v none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n record_v that_o philip_n preach_v to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o instruct_v he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o that_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n which_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o doctrine_n as_o they_o must_v be_v part_n of_o what_o philip_n teach_v so_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o beside_o since_o philip_n baptise_a he_o no_o question_n but_o he_o do_v it_o in_o that_o form_n which_o christ_n himself_o enjoin_v in_o the_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o belief_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o three_o person_n be_v require_v for_o where_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o mention_v we_o ought_v to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v institute_v and_o command_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o author_n scheme_n of_o doctrine_n and_o do_v require_v much_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v concern_v our_o saviour_n than_o bare_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o first_o it_o be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o those_o holy_a write_n that_o he_o be_v god_n nay_o his_o divinity_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v by_o st._n john_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o gospel_n that_o it_o seem_v almost_o impossible_a for_o word_n to_o express_v it_o more_o clear_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o in_o jewish_n and_o heathen_a writer_n be_v mean_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o be_v much_o use_v by_o the_o platonist_n that_o live_v in_o this_o apostle_n time_n and_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a a_o among_o the_o jew_n do_v appropriate_v that_o title_n to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n as_o well_o as_o they_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n so_o that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n for_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n require_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o their_o preach_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n since_o if_o they_o once_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o believe_v he_o also_o to_o be_v god_n and_o this_o be_v also_o evident_a from_o the_o jew_n never_o object_v idolatry_n at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o christians_n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o they_o worship_v which_o certain_o they_o will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n manage_v with_o such_o strength_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o late_a discourse_n by_o a_o learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o silence_v all_o opposition_n except_o that_o of_o malice_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o or_o against_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n indeed_o trypho_n the_o jew_n in_o his_o dispute_n with_o paris_n with_o justin_n martur_fw-la dialog_n cum_fw-la tryphon_n judaeo_n p._n 2668._o ed._n paris_n justin_n martyr_n assert_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v god_n but_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o express_v it_o but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v before_o he_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o 1._o what_o dem._n evang._n l._n 4._o c._n 1._o eusebius_n declare_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o same_o opinion_n with_o the_o christian_n concern_v christ_n divinity_n till_o they_o change_v it_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n which_o give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o trypho_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n fall_v from_o their_o notion_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o expect_a messiah_n the_o christian_n have_v gain_v great_a advantage_n over_o they_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a rabbin_n about_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o those_o who_o live_v before_o our_o saviour_n since_o the_o latter_a jew_n have_v differ_v very_o much_o from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o their_o different_a interpretation_n of_o the_o second_o psalm_n for_o 314._o for_o r._n david_n sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la interpretantur_fw-la psalmum_fw-la istum_fw-la de_fw-la gog_n &_o magog_n estque_fw-la messiah_n rex_fw-la messiah_n atque_fw-la ita_fw-la exposuerunt_fw-la doctores_fw-la nostri_fw-la estque_fw-la psalmus_fw-la hoc_fw-la modo_fw-la explicatus_fw-la perspicuus_fw-la at_o vero_fw-la proprius_fw-la est_fw-la dixisse_fw-la ipsum_fw-la davidem_fw-la de_fw-la seipso_fw-la uti_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la expositum_fw-la not._n miscel_n in_o maimon_n c._n 8._o p._n 314._o one_o of_o they_o ingenious_o confess_v that_o all_o their_o doctor_n have_v expound_v it_o it_o of_o the_o messiah_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a explication_n of_o it_o but_o however_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o they_o now_o to_o understand_v it_o as_o speak_v by_o david_n of_o himself_o and_o 315._o and_o doctores_fw-la nostri_fw-la exposuerunt_fw-la huius_fw-la psalmi_n significatum_fw-la de_fw-fr rege_fw-la messiah_n at_o prout_fw-la sonat_fw-la &_o ut_fw-la respondeatur_fw-la menaeis_n seu_fw-la hereticis_fw-la expedit_fw-la intepretari_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la ipso_fw-la davide_n r._n salamo_fw-la jarchi_n p._n 315._o another_o of_o they_o also_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o psalm_n be_v constant_o interpret_v by_o their_o doctor_n to_o signify_v
the_o king_n messiah_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o able_a to_o deal_v with_o the_o heretic_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o christian_n it_o will_v be_v more_o convenient_a to_o interpret_v it_o of_o david_n himself_o which_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a confession_n why_o they_o dissent_v from_o the_o opinion_n and_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancestor_n because_o they_o may_v more_o strong_o oppose_v the_o christian_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v those_o interpretation_n of_o their_o ancient_a doctor_n to_o speak_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o scripture_n they_o shall_v give_v too_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o christian_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o dr._n pococke_n ib._n pococke_n ib._n have_v observe_v will_v be_v supply_v with_o argument_n to_o prove_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o if_o this_o one_o psalm_n be_v grant_v to_o relate_v to_o christ_n alone_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o wrest_v it_o to_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v god_n beget_v of_o his_o father_n before_o all_o world_n there_o be_v also_o several_a other_o place_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o apply_v by_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n to_o our_o 21._o our_o vid._n not._n in_o grot._n de_fw-la veritat_fw-la relig._n christ_n l._n 5._o sect._n 21._o saviour_n which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v he_o shall_v be_v god_n as_o psal_n 45._o thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o isa_n 25.9_o and_o in_o that_o day_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v lo_o this_o be_v our_o god_n with_o several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v constant_o interpret_v of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o chaldee_n paraphra_v and_o all_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n but_o last_o of_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a from_o their_o object_v blasphemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o highpriest_n adjure_v he_o to_o tell_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o they_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o that_o expression_n than_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a man._n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n according_a to_o 12._o to_o jure_fw-la naturali_fw-la &_o gentium_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 12._o mr._n selden_n that_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o they_o so_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o that_o expression_n that_o for_o any_o one_o to_o make_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o that_o notion_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o profess_v himself_o true_o god_n which_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a blasphemy_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o that_o expression_n he_o cite_v the_o hebrew_n commentary_n and_o philo_n judeus_fw-la who_o have_v common_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o signify_v god_n himself_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n before_o and_o at_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n do_v expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v god._n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v object_n idolatry_n to_o the_o christian_n afterward_o upon_o supposition_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o that_o they_o differ_v very_o wide_o from_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o our_o saviour_n being_n god_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o his_o disciple_n have_v concern_v he_o for_o they_o have_v no_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o true_a design_n of_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n he_o thereby_o obtain_v till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o they_o before_o that_o time_n certain_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o then_o pay_v he_o and_o from_o that_o exstatical_a exclamation_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n as_o though_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v on_o purpose_n then_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n that_o may_v hereafter_o possible_o arise_v concern_v his_o divinity_n since_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o they_o real_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v true_o and_o essential_o god_n but_o that_o he_o himself_o will_v have_v undeceive_v and_o prevent_v their_o fall_n into_o such_o dangerous_a mistake_v as_o must_v necessary_o produce_v endless_a distraction_n in_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v gross_a idolatry_n into_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v always_o forbid_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o we_o never_o find_v that_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o be_v pay_v either_o to_o man_n or_o angel_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a title_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v particular_o direct_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o other_o which_o he_o never_o rebuke_v they_o for_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o divinity_n so_o also_o his_o own_o commission_n which_o he_o invest_v his_o disciple_n with_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o 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of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v on_o purpose_n to_o heighten_v our_o desire_n after_o those_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v particular_o reserve_v for_o the_o next_o life_n it_o seem_v indeed_o very_o plain_a that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o make_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o what_o be_v clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o necessary_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o this_o also_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v such_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v clear_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v god_n word_n alone_o that_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o those_o case_n and_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a to_o detract_v from_o it_o as_o to_o add_v to_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v examine_v those_o part_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v erroneous_a as_o for_o those_o that_o treat_v of_o 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