scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o the_o foresay_a faith_n idle_a unfruitful_a and_o dead_a but_o work_v by_o charity_n as_o st._n paul_n declare_v gal._n v_o which_o as_o the_o other_o vain_a faith_n be_v call_v a_o dead_a faith_n so_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o quick_a or_o lively_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o true_a lively_a and_o unfeigned_a christian_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mouth_n and_o outward_a profession_n only_o but_o it_o live_v and_o stir_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o without_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n nor_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n nor_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o without_o the_o desire_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o same_o in_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v glad_o all_o good_a work_n this_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n describe_v 12._o it_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o and_o trust_v â—o_o receive_v of_o god_n a_o certificate_n and_o sure_a look_v for_o they_o although_o they_o yet_o sensible_o appear_v not_o unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o that_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o of_o our_o expectation_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v dispute_v with_o no_o man_n i_o never_o assert_v more_o myself_o nor_o desire_v any_o other_o man_n shall_v but_o to_o make_v it_o more_o evident_a what_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o homily_n three_o thing_n concern_v faith_n first_o that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a faith_n to_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n when_o it_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o action_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o the_o heart_n but_o be_v lively_a and_o ibid._n fruitful_a in_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n that_o as_o the_o light_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v show_v forth_o itself_o at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o so_o a_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v keep_v secret_a but_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v it_o will_v break_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o by_o good_a work_n and_o as_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n ever_o exercise_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o a_o natural_a and_o live_a body_n for_o nourishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o it_o have_v need_v opportunity_n and_o occasion_n even_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o it_o will_v be_v do_v always_o some_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v live_v and_o will_v not_o be_v unoccupied_a therefore_o when_o man_n hear_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o high_a commendation_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o make_v we_o to_o please_v god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o then_o they_o fantasy_n that_o they_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o do_v all_o good_a work_n and_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n they_o trifle_v with_o god_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o have_v the_o true_a lively_a faith_n &_o also_o far_o from_o knowledge_n what_o true_a faith_n mean_v and_o then_o follow_v that_o excellent_a description_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v above_o 76._o from_o this_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o our_o church_n account_v a_o holy_a life_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o action_n be_v to_o life_n and_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n just_a as_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n be_v discover_v by_o external_a and_o visible_a action_n this_o be_v far_o prove_v in_o the_o homily_n from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n who_o faith_n be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n such_o as_o abel_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o of_o the_o 1_o epist._n 2._o of_o s._n john_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o express_a testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n and_o by_o refute_v the_o several_a pretence_n of_o those_o man_n who_o fancy_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o love_v he_o though_o they_o either_o live_v in_o sin_n or_o neglect_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n &_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v in_o these_o word_n so_o they_o that_o be_v christian_n 3_o and_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n merit_n and_o yet_o of_o a_o set_a purpose_n do_v live_v idle_o without_o good_a work_n think_v the_o name_n of_o a_o naked_a faith_n to_o be_v either_o sufficient_a for_o they_o or_o else_o set_v their_o mind_n upon_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n do_v live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n not_o utter_v the_o fruit_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o such_o a_o high_a profession_n upon_o such_o presumptuous_a person_n and_o wilful_a sinner_n must_v needs_o remain_v the_o great_a vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o hell_n prepare_v for_o the_o unjust_a and_o wicked_a liver_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o faith_n be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o good_a work_n acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o without_o it_o can_v no_o good_a work_n be_v do_v accept_v and_o pleasant_a unto_o god_n 1._o for_o as_o a_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n so_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o whatever_a work_n be_v do_v without_o faith_n be_v sin_n faith_n give_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dead_a to_o god_n who_o lack_v faith_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n who_o body_n lack_v soul_n this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n why_o no_o work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v never_o so_o good_a can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o faith_n because_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o make_v we_o alive_a to_o god_n which_o give_v we_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n as_o make_v we_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o that_o homily_n from_o st._n chrysostom_n as_o man_n that_o be_v very_a man_n indeed_o first_o have_v life_n and_o after_o be_v nourish_v so_o must_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o and_o after_o be_v nourish_v with_o good_a work_n a_o life_n may_v be_v without_o nourishment_n that_o be_v for_o some_o short_a time_n but_o nourishment_n can_v be_v without_o life_n a_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v nourish_v by_o good_a work_n but_o first_o he_o must_v have_v faith_n he_o that_o do_v good_a deed_n yet_o without_o faith_n he_o have_v no_o life_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v observe_v from_o st._n augustine_n that_o the_o intent_n make_v the_o work_n good_a but_o faith_n must_v guide_v and_o order_v the_o intent_n of_o man._n so_o that_o he_o which_o do_v not_o his_o good_a work_n with_o a_o godly_a intent_n &_o a_o true_a faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n the_o whole_a body_n beside_o that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o his_o work_n be_v dark_a and_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o for_o good_a deed_n be_v not_o measure_v by_o the_o fact_n themselves_o and_o so_o discern_v from_o vice_n but_o by_o the_o end_n and_o intent_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o meaning_n then_o of_o our_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o whereas_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v love_v and_o reverence_n god_n or_o design_n to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n whatever_o material_o good_a work_v such_o man_n may_v do_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o such_o nor_o avail_v any_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n so_o much_o prize_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sincere_a principle_n in_o we_o and_o want_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exert_v itself_o it_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n without_o work_n as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o same_o place_n from_o st._n chrysostom_n i_o can_v show_v a_o man_n that_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n
respect_n 646._o of_o that_o new_a creature_n divine_a nature_n and_o spiritual_a be_v which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o but_o immediate_o also_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o he_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v present_a every_o where_o how_o can_v he_o be_v more_o immediate_o present_a in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o person_n than_o in_o another_o but_o only_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o effect_n and_o operation_n as_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n because_o there_o he_o manifest_v his_o glory_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o i_o can_v without_o some_o indignation_n 645._o observe_v how_o our_o author_n have_v profane_v this_o holy_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o impure_a mixture_n of_o a_o man_n with_o a_o harlot_n and_o represent_v the_o apostle_n to_o argue_v at_o this_o rate_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o which_o i_o thus_o explain_v that_o herein_o consist_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o animate_v both_o the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o as_o i_o acknowledge_v before_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o union_n between_o soul_n and_o spirit_n without_o this_o that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o love_n and_o choose_v the_o same_o thing_n etc._n etc._n mr._n ferguson_n disprove_v this_o from_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v make_v between_o the_o union_n of_o a_o man_n to_o a_o harlot_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n know_v you_o not_o that_o he_o which_o be_v join_v to_o a_o harlot_n be_v one_o body_n but_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n from_o whence_o he_o argue_v if_o the_o union_n betwixt_o a_o man_n and_o a_o harlot_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o be_v one_o body_n import_v more_o than_o mere_o a_o likeness_n of_o temper_n and_o moral_a disposition_n as_o sure_o it_o do_v for_o asmuch_o as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o similitude_n in_o sensual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n where_o the_o become_a one_o flesh_n through_o carnal_a conjunction_n interpose_v not_o much_o more_o do_v a_o believer_n be_v one_o spirit_n with_o the_o lord_n imply_v a_o high_a kind_n of_o union_n than_o a_o affinity_n of_o disposition_n what_o fine_a work_n may_v a_o profane_a wit_n make_v of_o this_o and_o indeed_o i_o will_v not_o have_v defile_v my_o paper_n with_o it_o but_o only_o to_o have_v vindicate_v our_o apostle_n and_o christianity_n together_o from_o such_o sordid_a and_o impure_a abuse_n and_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v the_o place_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o this_o profane_a comparison_n be_v owe_v whole_o to_o our_o author_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o in_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o fornication_n by_o this_o argument_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v i_o take_v then_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n god_n forbid_v the_o undecency_n of_o this_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n distinct_o prove_v these_o two_o proposition_n that_o our_o body_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o that_o body_n which_o be_v join_v to_o the_o harlot_n become_v one_o flesh_n and_o body_n with_o she_o this_o last_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o marriage_n two_o say_v he_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n for_o a_o harlot_n be_v a_o uxor_fw-la usuraria_fw-la who_o unlawful_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o wife_n and_o he_o prove_v the_o latter_a that_o our_o body_n also_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n from_o that_o intimate_a union_n of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o his_o body_n too_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o intimate_a union_n between_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o separation_n christ_n first_o take_v possession_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o then_o challenge_v a_o interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o our_o body_n which_o must_v be_v preserve_v holy_a and_o pure_a as_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o than_o three_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o close_a union_n still_o which_o result_v from_o this_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n when_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n he_o love_v we_o as_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o we_o love_v he_o too_o as_o partake_v of_o his_o nature_n he_o love_v we_o as_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o his_o own_o workmanship_n create_v unto_o good_a work_n and_o we_o love_v he_o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n for_o which_o i_o produce_v joh._n 14._o 20._o at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o where_o by_o day_n mr._n ferguson_n very_o wise_o understand_v the_o glorify_a state_n this_o union_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n 655._o as_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o world_n whereas_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n determine_v it_o to_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o he_o himself_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o union_n vers._n 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n christ_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o these_o scripture_n be_v allege_v by_o mr._n ferguson_n too_o but_o to_o prove_v he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oneness_n of_o essence_n betwixt_o 628._o christ_n and_o believer_n that_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o be_v it_o mere_o a_o oneness_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a unity_n here_o mean_v well_o be_v there_o a_o essential_a unity_n then_o here_o mean_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n no_o that_o he_o reject_v before_o what_o then_o why_o though_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o oneness_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n yet_o we_o affirm_v that_o something_o more_o sublime_a than_o bare_o a_o political_a relation_n be_v adumbrate_v and_o shadow_v forth_o to_o we_o something_o more_o than_o external-political_n union_n i_o believe_v be_v intend_v by_o they_o but_o what_o sublime_a thing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v adumbrate_v and_o shadow_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n which_o expression_n argue_v that_o our_o author_n be_v not_o very_o clear_a in_o it_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o allude_v to_o that_o incomprehensible_a idendity_n which_o be_v between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n through_o a_o numericalness_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v instruct_v we_o that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n be_v intimate_v great_a and_o mysterious_a as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o real_a but_o mr._n ferguson_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o union_n be_v mysterious_a and_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o intimate_a and_o great_a and_o true_a and_o real_a union_n so_o that_o we_o be_v never_o the_o wise_a for_o this_o account_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n but_o our_o saviour_n plain_n and_o obvious_a meaning_n be_v this_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a harmony_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o design_n and_o a_o perfect_a agreement_n in_o doctrine_n between_o the_o father_n and_o himself_o found_v on_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n so_o he_o pray_v that_o his_o disciple_n may_v be_v one_o also_o among_o themselves_o and_o with_o god_n from_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o belief_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o a_o unity_n and_o harmony_n of_o affection_n but_o then_o i_o observe_v
to_o etc._n we_o and_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o that_o be_v our_o be_v reckon_v to_o he_o because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o then_o certain_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o primary_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o this_o i_o express_o assert_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o so_o large_o and_o particular_o discourse_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o influential_a head_n though_o i_o express_o own_o those_o influence_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v so_o only_o as_o he_o be_v a_o political_a head_n that_o be_v as_o temporal_a prince_n govern_v their_o subject_n by_o external_a art_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n so_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a prince_n govern_v his_o subject_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n be_v bestow_v only_o on_o his_o subject_n and_o be_v dispense_v in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o the_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v on_o we_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o daily_a supply_n of_o it_o be_v administer_v upon_o our_o constant_a and_o devout_a prayer_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o constant_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o these_o mean_v christ_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n convey_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o which_o require_v our_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o sacred_a institution_n and_o be_v the_o true_a basis_n and_o security_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 15_o 16._o and_o col._n 2._o 18._o and_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n with_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n represent_v the_o nourishment_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o by_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o every_o member_n do_v not_o receive_v its_o influence_n and_o nourishment_n immediate_o from_o the_o head_n but_o one_o member_n communicate_v to_o another_o in_o such_o just_a and_o equal_a proportion_n and_o regular_a way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o every_o christian_a who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v receive_v the_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n for_o his_o increase_n and_o nourishment_n but_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v these_o influence_n immediate_o but_o they_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o those_o holy_a institution_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o i_o will_v not_o call_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n nor_o send_v person_n immediate_o to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o power_n and_o all_o spiritual_a supply_n because_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o derive_v it_o immediate_o from_o his_o person_n but_o he_o dispense_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o such_o other_o regular_a method_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o spiritual_a body_n whereas_o dr._n owen_n and_o dr._n crisp_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o antinomian_o represent_v christ_n as_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v not_o only_o do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o that_o by_o such_o natural_a conveyance_n of_o grace_n from_o his_o person_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o spiritual_a motion_n so_o dr._n crisp_n very_o agreeable_o to_o what_o dr._n owen_n assert_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v &c_n the_o head_n now_o the_o head_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o animal_n spirit_n and_o of_o all_o motion_n without_o a_o head_n a_o man_n can_v hear_v see_v walk_z feel_v stir_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n see_v all_o these_o operation_n come_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o motion_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o conceive_v that_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o see_v whilst_o he_o have_v not_o a_o head_n as_o to_o think_v a_o man_n may_v have_v spiritual_a eye_n whether_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v christ_n or_o the_o eye_n of_o mourning_n to_o lament_v his_o wretchedness_n before_o there_o be_v actual_o the_o conjunction_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o such_o a_o body_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v life_n and_o can_v any_o one_o be_v a_o active_a creature_n before_o there_o be_v life_n breathe_v into_o he_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v dead_a so_o every_o person_n in_o spiritual_a action_n be_v whole_o dead_a till_o christ_n the_o soul_n of_o that_o soul_n be_v infuse_v into_o he_o to_o animate_v and_o enliven_v he_o for_o these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o all_o the_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o grace_n be_v force_v to_o resolve_v the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o a_o natural_a and_o physical_a and_o immediate_a operation_n of_o christ_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o make_v all_o his_o institution_n very_o insipid_a and_o useless_a thing_n and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_a society_n if_o all_o grace_n be_v so_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o a_o hasten_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v myself_o and_o my_o notion_n from_o that_o unjust_a and_o scandalous_a imputation_n of_o pelagianism_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v only_o either_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o my_o adversary_n or_o to_o their_o want_n of_o better_a argument_n or_o possible_o to_o both_o chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o socinianism_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a iam_fw-la now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o few_o word_n dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o adversary_n do_v at_o every_o turn_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o answer_v charge_v i_o with_o socinianize_a a_o charge_n which_o be_v as_o much_o unexpected_a as_o undeserved_a but_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o very_a familiar_a art_n among_o these_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o those_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v christianity_n from_o those_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v broach_v under_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o to_o reduce_v people_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v seduce_v through_o the_o witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n of_o sublime_a and_o seraphical_a nonsense_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v just_a to_o express_v some_o indignation_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o the_o father_n observe_v in_o causa_fw-la haereseos_fw-la neminem_fw-la decet_fw-la esse_fw-la
the_o church_n his_o spouse_n a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o church_n his_o flock_n a_o rock_n whereon_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o church_n a_o holy_a temple_n but_o as_o for_o particular_a christian_n their_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n account_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o he_o die_v and_o to_o which_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v a_o secret_a and_o private_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o ordinary_o enough_o to_o make_v any_o man_n a_o christian_a but_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v both_o necessary_a rom._n x._o 9_o 10._o christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o public_a sacrament_n of_o our_o initiation_n and_o our_o church_n teach_v her_o child_n that_o in_o their_o baptism_n which_o be_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v abundant_o confirm_v this_o notion_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o those_o who_o will_v be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o it_o may_v have_v recourse_n thither_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o political_a not_o a_o natural_a union_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o now_o those_o relation_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o union_n signify_v power_n and_o authority_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n which_o signify_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o other_o relation_n whereby_o this_o union_n be_v describe_v only_o when_o i_o call_v it_o a_o political_a union_n you_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_a relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o his_o authority_n reach_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n which_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v no_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n a_o subject_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n but_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o external_a action_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n entitle_v man_n to_o a_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o man_n who_o can_v discern_v heart_n and_o thought_n yet_o whoever_o do_v not_o hearty_o obey_v christ_n be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o denominate_v we_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o spiritual-political_n union_n which_o principal_o respect_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o do_v necessary_o include_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o and_o a_o mutual_a &_o reciprocal_a love_n it_o be_v a_o political_a union_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o authority_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o in_o the_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v spiritual_a because_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o reach_v our_o outward_a action_n as_o the_o government_n of_o earthly_a prince_n do_v but_o extend_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v put_v it_o into_o other_o word_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n this_o make_v we_o the_o church_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o signify_v be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n this_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o and_o promise_v to_o his_o church_n now_o beside_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o very_o apt_o agree_v with_o all_o those_o metaphor_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o it_o first_o that_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o schism_n a_o sin_n which_o very_o few_o man_n have_v any_o sense_n of_o in_o these_o day_n for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n necessary_o require_v our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n then_o to_o divide_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n but_o divide_v we_o from_o christ_n as_o a_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o head_n too_o this_o make_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n so_o dreadful_a because_o it_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o sentence_n every_o schismatic_a execute_v upon_o himself_o and_o that_o more_o infallible_o too_o than_o church-governor_n can_v for_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o may_v separate_v those_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o then_o their_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v by_o a_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o whoever_o causeless_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v infallible_o divide_v himself_o from_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v through_o such_o invincible_a mistake_n as_o may_v mitigate_v the_o crime_n and_o plead_v his_o excuse_n for_o schism_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o effect_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n or_o interest_n or_o some_o other_o carnal_a lust_n and_o it_o concern_v those_o man_n who_o make_v so_o light_a of_o schism_n to_o consider_v how_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v only_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n when_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o his_o body_n and_o be_v no_o long_o any_o part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o this_o notion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o and_o to_o all_o those_o promise_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o his_o body_n and_o member_n whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o sake_n alone_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o justify_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o since_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o he_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v