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
in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o abstract_v from_o his_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n of_o it_o as_o these_o man_n do_v as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v second_o i_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o very_a same_o act_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v if_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v our_o union_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o first_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o subsequent_a choice_n and_o consent_n by_o explicit_a contract_n as_o some_o imagine_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostolic_a age_n but_o that_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n incorporate_v we_o into_o his_o church_n make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n wherein_o our_o union_n consist_v and_o that_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o will_v own_v our_o christianity_n to_o a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v three_o to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n in_o this_o question_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o religious_a society_n found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o church-officer_n authorize_v by_o he_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o christ_n design_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o particular_a man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o himself_o in_o one_o body_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o be_v not_o man_n act_v by_o faction_n and_o interest_n it_o can_v admit_v no_o serious_a dispute_n all_o the_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v typical_a of_o the_o christian_a and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o one_o family_n the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v all_o unite_a by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o religious_a ceremony_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o alien_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o holy_a people_n but_o by_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o baptism_n and_o circumcision_n now_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christian_n be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 29._o i._n e._n we_o be_v admit_v into_o abraham_n family_n and_o make_v heir_n according_a to_o promise_n when_o god_n cast_v off_o the_o jewish_a church_n he_o do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o some_o of_o those_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o so_o the_o christian_n who_o before_o their_o conversion_n be_v many_o of_o they_o pagan_a idolater_n a_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n rom._n 11._o 27._o so_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v to_o dissolve_v but_o to_o reform_v the_o church_n he_o own_v no_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o scatter_a individual_n but_o as_o incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n now_o the_o internal_a union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n the_o external_n ligament_n of_o it_o be_v a_o external_n and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v regular_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n perform_v in_o baptism_n and_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n and_o the_o external_a ministry_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v ordinary_o annex_v the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o now_o though_o internal_a union_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a faith_n and_o a_o subjection_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n will_v unite_v we_o to_o his_o invisible_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o where_o there_o be_v we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n body_n without_o a_o visible_a incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n for_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o our_o internal_a union_n that_o be_v without_o be_v force_v to_o renounce_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n for_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o ordinary_a method_n of_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n but_o those_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n and_o though_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o ordinary_a way_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v ordinary_o do_v so_o which_o will_v be_v to_o dissolve_v his_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o make_v external_n communion_n the_o most_o arbitrary_a and_o precarious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o secret_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n do_v not_o ordinary_o unite_v we_o to_o his_o body_n but_o be_v only_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o such_o a_o union_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n there_o be_v require_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o solemn_a vow_n of_o obedience_n perform_v with_o such_o initial_a rite_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o do_v actual_o incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a or_o invisible_a and_o more_o immediate_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o admission_n into_o any_o relation_n or_o society_n there_o be_v require_v a_o antecedaneous_a consent_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o but_o this_o alone_a do_v not_o unite_v to_o such_o a_o society_n without_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n or_o public_a oath_n and_o engagement_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o society_n be_v require_v to_o our_o actual_a admission_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o clinici_fw-la who_o delay_v their_o baptism_n till_o they_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n though_o all_o their_o life_n they_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o refuse_v by_o this_o holy_a rite_n to_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v look_v on_o at_o best_a as_o a_o very_a imperfect_a sort_n of_o christian_n of_o who_o state_n there_o be_v just_a reason_n for_o doubt_n and_o jealousy_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o church_n in_o its_o idea_n and_o embryo_n before_o there_o be_v any_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o case_n though_o the_o first_o believer_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o church_n signify_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o such_o a_o platform_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n
thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o particular_a election_n yet_o i_o disow_v our_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n christ_n be_v the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o have_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n make_v a_o general_a atonement_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n purchase_v and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n such_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n alone_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o though_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v general_a and_o universal_a yet_o none_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o it_o but_o his_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o universal_a grace_n and_o mercy_n particular_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o surety_n only_o for_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o act_v in_o their_o name_n and_o stead_n necessary_o precipitate_v man_n into_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o antinomianism_n which_o in_o this_o loose_a fantastical_a and_o degenerate_a age_n be_v the_o only_a popular_a and_o take_a frenzy_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o vindication_n of_o my_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n in_o my_o chapter_n of_o union_n from_o the_o misrepresentation_n of_o mr._n ferguson_n for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o skill_n he_o have_v show_v here_o to_o pervert_v my_o sense_n and_o to_o affix_v such_o doctrine_n to_o i_o as_o i_o never_o dream_v of_o the_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n the_o four_o be_v this_o that_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n 1_o signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n 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 these_o two_o proposition_n our_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v according_a to_o the_o best_a understanding_n of_o enunciation_n he_o have_v coincident_a and_o equipollent_a 623._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n how_o little_a his_o understanding_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n when_o the_o three_o proposition_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n and_o the_o four_o the_o explication_n of_o a_o scripture_n term_n which_o have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o very_a different_a if_o not_o contrary_a sense_n but_o to_o let_v pass_v this_o and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o any_o man_n must_v do_v who_o will_v not_o undertake_v such_o a_o trifle_a task_n as_o to_o prove_v that_o our_o author_n neither_o understand_v logic_n nor_o philosophy_n nor_o any_o other_o part_n of_o good_a learning_n of_o which_o there_o be_v abundant_a evidence_n in_o this_o very_a treatise_n where_o he_o make_v a_o great_a show_n and_o flourish_v with_o that_o little_a undigested_a knowledge_n he_o have_v his_o great_a artifice_n in_o what_o follow_v be_v to_o conceal_v and_o misrepresent_v my_o notion_n of_o political_a union_n and_o then_o to_o scuffle_v learned_o and_o valiant_o with_o his_o own_o shadow_n and_o dream_n sometime_o he_o represent_v this_o political_a union_n to_o be_v only_o such_o a_o external_n relation_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o ever_o deny_v that_o i_o own_o any_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n as_o a_o influential_a head_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o and_o therefore_o all_o his_o reason_n proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o ignorant_a or_o wilful_a mistake_n all_o i_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o clear_v my_o own_o notion_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o by_o a_o political_a union_n i_o understand_v such_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n which_o consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o i_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v my_o reader_n but_o then_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a and_o so_o hypocritical_a professor_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o ligament_n of_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o true_a and_o real_a which_o import_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v and_o herein_o consist_v a_o material_a difference_n between_o that_o external_n union_n which_o be_v between_o a_o temporal_a prince_n and_o his_o subject_n and_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a head_n and_o king_n and_o the_o true_a church_n or_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v spiritual_a subject_n for_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o earthly_a prince_n can_v reach_v only_o the_o external_n man_n because_o they_o can_v know_v our_o thought_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o they_o be_v express_v in_o our_o outward_a action_n so_o the_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o external_a government_n and_o a_o external_a subjection_n but_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a prince_n govern_v heart_n and_o thought_n too_o and_o therefore_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n and_o consequent_o our_o union_n to_o he_o must_v not_o be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a but_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n to_o his_o government_n and_o this_o real_a and_o spiritual_a union_n i_o explain_v in_o four_o particular_n first_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o spiritual_a king_n and_o second_o this_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o observe_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n rom._n 89._o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o which_o as_o it_o respect_v the_o cause_n whereby_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o divine_a nature_n so_o it_o signify_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o effect_n or_o that_o divine_a nature_n new_a creature_n which_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o very_a 441._o bond_n of_o our_o cohesion_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v that_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v which_o as_o i_o express_o observe_v be_v call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n for_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o page_n before_o that_o it_o be_v call_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n because_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v trust_v any_o man_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n to_o judge_v whether_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n a_o mere_a external_a thing_n or_o leave_v out_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o i_o assert_v that_o that_o new_a nature_n all_o those_o christian_a grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n and_o internal_a union_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o indwel_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whereas_o mr._n ferguson_n be_v so_o critical_a that_o it_o will_v not_o satisfy_v he_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v present_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n in_o
four_a that_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o god_n now_o dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o former_o do_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v thus_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a christian_a as_o i_o explain_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o our_o author_n honesty_n in_o charge_v i_o with_o reject_v the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o make_v a_o mere_a external-political_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v my_o own_o notion_n from_o the_o false_a representation_n of_o this_o author_n and_o i_o may_v honourable_o enough_o retreat_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o skirmish_v with_o his_o own_o shadow_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o right_a that_o may_v be_v to_o my_o cause_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o unprejudiced_a &_o teachable_a mind_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o far_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o state_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o first_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o do_v not_o more_o particular_o discourse_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o be_v content_v to_o give_v some_o plain_a and_o short_a intimation_n of_o it_o be_v because_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n as_o matter_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n here_o it_o be_v that_o my_o adversary_n have_v confound_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o intricate_a labyrinth_n and_o meander_n what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o effect_v whether_o we_o do_v so_o clear_o and_o perfect_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o but_o unless_o we_o understand_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v do_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o perfect_a chance_n and_o accident_n these_o new_a divine_n can_v to_o this_o day_n direct_a man_n how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o they_o talk_v of_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o mystical_a union_n but_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o be_v thus_o legal_o and_o mystical_o unite_v to_o christ_n they_o know_v not_o we_o must_v expect_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o we_o or_o till_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o or_o rather_o till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v unite_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o when_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v on_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o perfect_o ignorant_a how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n nay_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o a_o very_a good_a man_n who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v it_o if_o he_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o preachment_n may_v be_v perplex_v with_o eternal_a scruple_n about_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o a_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o can_v work_v his_o imagination_n into_o all_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o perpetual_a embrace_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o assurance_n and_o despise_v the_o low_a attainment_n of_o morality_n and_o a_o good_a life_n now_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o rectify_v these_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o give_v man_n such_o a_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v certain_o know_v by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v attain_v this_o union_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o bad_a man_n though_o never_o such_o seraphical_a hypocrite_n may_v see_v all_o their_o hope_n confute_v and_o be_v force_v either_o to_o let_v go_v all_o their_o pretence_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n or_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n and_o i_o can_v not_o better_o do_v this_o than_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o his_o church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o conform_v our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o choose_v all_o along_o to_o expound_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v one_o spirit_n with_o christ_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o and_o the_o like_a so_o as_o to_o explain_v what_o they_o signify_v on_o our_o part_n viz._n to_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v than_o to_o dispute_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n inhabitation_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o which_o possible_o will_v never_o be_v determine_v as_o very_o few_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o much_o material_a whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o hearty_o believe_v and_o importunate_o beg_v and_o constant_o rely_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n second_o there_o be_v a_o further_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o because_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v consequent_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o do_v not_o constitute_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o antecedaneous_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o list_v ourselves_o into_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n disciple_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n from_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o indeed_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o member_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v receive_v any_o influence_n from_o the_o head_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o christ_n kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o concern_v only_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o just_o as_o temporal_a prince_n can_v exercise_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o over_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n before_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o which_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o government_n god_n vouchsafe_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gosspel_n be_v preach_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n do_v actual_o believe_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o constant_a principle_n in_o they_o upon_o covenant_n and_o promise_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o because_o he_o be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v annex_v to_o our_o baptism_n with_o water_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o upon_o that_o account_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v then_o bestow_v on_o they_o and_o indeed_o dr._n owen_n and_o all_o my_o adversary_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o i_o in_o their_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n yet_o do_v and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v bestow_v on_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n prove_v that_o christ_n be_v first_o reckon_v unto_o we_o before_o we_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o difference_n between_o christ_n be_v reckon_v