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
four_a that_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o god_n now_o dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v thus_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o i_o explain_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o our_o author_n honesty_n in_o charge_v i_o with_o reject_v the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a external-political_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o notion_n from_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o this_o author_n and_o i_o may_v honourable_o enough_o retreat_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o skirmish_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o right_a that_o may_v be_v to_o my_o cause_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a &_o teachable_a mind_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o more_o particular_o discourse_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o be_v content_v to_o give_v some_o plain_a and_o short_a intimation_n of_o it_o be_v because_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n as_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o it_o be_v that_o my_o adversary_n have_v confound_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o intricate_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o effect_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o clear_o and_o perfect_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o but_o unless_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o perfect_a chance_n and_o accident_n these_o new_a divine_n can_v to_o this_o day_n direct_a man_n how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o mystical_a union_n but_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o be_v thus_o legal_o and_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o we_o must_v expect_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o till_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o or_o rather_o till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o when_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v on_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n nay_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o very_a good_a man_n who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o preachment_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o eternal_a scruple_n about_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o a_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o can_v work_v his_o imagination_n into_o all_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o perpetual_a embrace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o assurance_n and_o despise_v the_o low_a attainment_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o good_a life_n now_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o rectify_v these_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v this_o union_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o bad_a man_n though_o never_o such_o seraphical_a hypocrite_n may_v see_v all_o their_o hope_n confute_v and_o be_v force_v either_o to_o let_v go_v all_o their_o pretence_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n or_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n and_o i_o can_v not_o better_o do_v this_o than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v all_o along_o to_o expound_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a so_o as_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o signify_v on_o our_o part_n viz._n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v than_o to_o dispute_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inhabitation_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o which_o possible_o will_v never_o be_v determine_v as_o very_o few_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o much_o material_a whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o hearty_o believe_v and_o importunate_o beg_v and_o constant_o rely_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n second_o there_o be_v a_o further_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o because_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v consequent_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o constitute_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o antecedaneous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o list_v ourselves_o into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n from_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o member_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v receive_v any_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o christ_n kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o concern_v only_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o just_o as_o temporal_a prince_n can_v exercise_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o over_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o government_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gosspel_n be_v preach_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n do_v actual_o believe_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o constant_a principle_n in_o they_o upon_o covenant_n and_o promise_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v annex_v to_o our_o baptism_n with_o water_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o upon_o that_o account_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v then_o bestow_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o dr._n owen_n and_o all_o my_o adversary_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n yet_o do_v and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n prove_v that_o christ_n be_v first_o reckon_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n be_v reckon_v
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
whole_a body_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n that_o the_o church_n be_v christ_n body_n and_o we_o be_v all_o member_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o contend_v for_o but_o mr._n ferguson_n ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o every_o member_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o any_o one_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n that_o any_o christian_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v his_o spouse_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n than_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n that_o these_o expression_n may_v be_v use_v of_o particular_a christian_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o primary_n use_v of_o these_o metaphor_n be_v to_o describe_v the_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o be_v secondary_o apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n and_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n mr._n ferguson_n great_a spite_n be_v at_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o methinks_v our_o author_n in_o common_a prudence_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v express_v too_o great_a a_o zeal_n against_o this_o notion_n till_o he_o have_v find_v out_o some_o better_a way_n of_o state_v it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a question_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o answer_v without_o own_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o first_o whether_o christ_n have_v more_o than_o one_o body_n i_o suppose_v he_o dare_v not_o say_v he_o have_v because_o the_o apostle_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o second_o whether_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o presume_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v neither_o and_o therefore_o three_o i_o inquire_v far_o whether_o any_o christian_a can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o unless_o our_o author_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o non_fw-fr sense_n and_o think_v every_o thing_n true_a which_o be_v unintelligible_a he_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v as_o unite_z to_o christ_n without_o be_v consider_v as_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n mr._n hooker_n in_o that_o very_a paragraph_n which_o dr._n owen_n allege_n as_o he_o think_v 15._o against_o i_o assert_n this_o in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o ever_o i_o do_v in_o god_n we_o actual_o be_v no_o long_o than_o from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o actual_a adoption_n into_o the_o body_n of_o his_o true_a church_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o child_n for_o his_o church_n he_o know_v and_o love_v so_o that_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o know_v to_o be_v in_o he_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n save_v we_o not_o without_o our_o actual_a and_o real_a adoption_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o saint_n in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o he_o we_o actual_o be_v by_o actual_a incorporation_n into_o that_o society_n which_o have_v he_o for_o their_o head_n and_o do_v make_v together_o with_o he_o one_o body_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o i_o can_v answer_v this_o though_o the_o comfort_n be_v that_o i_o have_v no_o need_n to_o do_v it_o if_o dr._n owen_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n as_o methinks_v he_o shall_v be_v by_o this_o quotation_n i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o answer_v mr._n ferguson_n if_o he_o be_v not_o let_v he_o answer_v mr._n hooker_n or_o at_o least_o give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o world_n for_o what_o purpose_n he_o allege_v his_o authority_n for_o grant_v but_o this_o and_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o that_o long_a paragraph_n which_o will_v do_v he_o any_o kindness_n or_o i_o any_o injury_n but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o his_o little_a cavil_n than_o to_o state_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v that_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o this_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n but_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o at_o other_o time_n i_o express_v it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o consider_v any_o priority_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o of_o time_n between_o these_o two_o for_o though_o we_o may_v distinct_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o relation_n which_o every_o particular_a member_n have_v to_o the_o head_n and_o for_o a_o more_o distinct_a conception_n of_o they_o may_v represent_v one_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o particular_a member_n we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o their_o union_n to_o that_o body_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o &c_n when_o i_o explain_v that_o metaphor_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o vine_n sometime_o by_o vine_n i_o understand_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n sometime_o i_o express_v it_o more_o distinct_o that_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n in_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n fancy_v great_a contradiction_n that_o the_o vine_n shall_v sometime_o signify_v the_o church_n sometime_o christ_n together_o 459._o with_o his_o church_n but_o this_o savour_v only_o of_o his_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n to_o use_v his_o own_o phrase_n or_o which_o be_v as_o likely_a of_o a_o prevaricate_a conscience_n for_o when_o i_o say_v the_o church_n be_v the_o vine_n no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v that_o i_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n especial_o when_o i_o immediate_o explain_v it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n that_o be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o body_n for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o church_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n or_o to_o the_o body_n since_o our_o union_n to_o both_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o explain_v this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o vine_n by_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o inseparable_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n or_o by_o christ_n consider_v as_o head_n which_o imply_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o his_o body_n to_o which_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v we_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o member_n be_v in_o the_o body_n which_o unite_v they_o to_o the_o head_n which_o be_v our_o be_v engraft_v into_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o as_o the_o head_n be_v in_o the_o member_n by_o his_o influence_n and_o government_n by_o his_o word_n dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o we_o joh._n 15._o 7._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v believe_v i_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o union_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v persuade_v the_o world_n i_o do_v when_o i_o acknowledge_v 499._o our_o union_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o ruler_n prince_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n which_o he_o be_v as_o he_o be_v a_o person_n and_o therefore_o when_o i_o affirm_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v