divine_a grace_n and_o life_n can_v a_o finite_a creature_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o universal_a soul_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o every_o sincere_a member_n of_o it_o can_v a_o creature_n make_v such_o close_a application_n to_o our_o mind_n know_v our_o thought_n set_v bound_n to_o our_o passion_n inspire_v we_o with_o new_a affection_n and_o desire_n and_o be_v more_o intimate_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o if_o a_o creature_n be_v the_o only_a instrument_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v tempt_v either_o to_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o to_o make_v it_o only_o a_o external_a thing_n and_o entertain_v very_o mean_a conceit_n of_o it_o all_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o immortality_n in_o we_o which_o first_o give_v life_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n raise_v our_o dead_a body_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n work_v which_o sufficient_o proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o which_o we_o can_v hearty_o believe_v in_o the_o gospel-notion_n of_o they_o if_o he_o be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o fundamental_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o we_o can_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n nor_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o this_o belief_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o this_o be_v reserve_v for_o gospel-time_n and_o only_o obscure_o hint_v under_o the_o law_n because_o the_o peculiar_a use_n of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n each_o sacred_a person_n have_v a_o peculiar_a interest_n and_o concernment_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o who_o express_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o many_o ancient_a heretic_n do_v of_o old_a and_o as_o the_o socinian_o do_v at_o this_o day_n do_v err_v fundamental_o however_o god_n may_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o meddle_v with_o but_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o acknowledge_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v one_o eternal_a god_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o little_a subtlety_n start_v by_o overcurious_a and_o busy_a head_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v so_o god_n forbid_v that_o all_o the_o nice_a distinction_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o school_n about_o essence_n subsistence_n personalty_n about_o eternal_a generation_n and_o procession_n the_o difference_n between_o filiation_n and_o spiration_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o understand_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n as_o indeed_o we_o do_v and_o it_o have_v be_v happy_a the_o church_n have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o each_o person_n we_o believe_v enough_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o though_o that_o fatal_a dispute_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n about_o the_o filioque_fw-la be_v of_o more_o importance_n than_o such_o scholastic_a subtlety_n yet_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o concern_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a god_n though_o they_o will_v not_o own_v that_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o from_o the_o father_n only_o and_o though_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fundamental_a mistake_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v secure_v by_o believe_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v true_a god_n without_o define_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o procession_n 2._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n also_o and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a assenstion_n into_o heaven_n intercession_n for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n to_o reward_v his_o faithful_a disciple_n with_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a with_o eternal_a death_n must_v be_v reckon_v also_o among_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n because_o we_o can_v right_o understand_v nor_o right_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n without_o a_o belief_n of_o these_o matter_n this_o be_v so_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o proposal_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a man_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n err_v fundamental_o for_o he_o can_v not_o die_v for_o we_o nor_o expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n if_o he_o be_v not_o man_n as_o for_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o this_o hypostatical_a union_n how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o unconceivable_a by_o we_o and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o we_o do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v any_o one_o sort_n of_o natural_a union_n not_o so_o much_o as_o how_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n hang_v together_o much_o less_o how_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o make_v one_o man_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o christ_n that_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v both_o perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n or_o we_o must_v err_v fundamental_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n distinct_o and_z separately_z consider_v can_v be_v our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o gospel-notion_n of_o salvation_n god_n can_v suffer_v and_o die_v and_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n can_v expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o power_n save_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n and_o man_n be_v so_o unite_a in_o christ_n that_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n of_o each_o nature_n do_v as_o proper_o belong_v to_o one_o christ_n as_o the_o distinct_a operation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o same_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o catholic_n church_n condemn_v the_o heresy_n of_o nestorius_n and_o eutyches_n for_o nestorius_n divide_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o person_n in_o christ_n only_o unite_v they_o in_o authority_n and_o dignity_n and_o thus_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o incarnate_a god_n in_o one_o person_n but_o the_o man_n christ_n be_v take_v into_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n than_o any_o other_o man_n or_o creature_n be_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o become_v one_o with_o he_o which_o destroy_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n for_o whatever_o dignity_n and_o honour_n be_v confer_v upon_o the_o man_n christ_n by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a word_n yet_o his_o blood_n be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n because_o notwithstanding_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o son_n he_o remain_v as_o much_o a_o distinct_a person_n and_o subsistence_n as_o any_o other_o man_n be_v the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n be_v certain_o equal_o dangerous_a for_o he_o run_v so_o far_o from_o the_o nestorian_a heresy_n of_o two_o person_n that_o he_o deny_v two_o nature_n in_o christ_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n before_o their_o union_n but_o he_o assert_v such_o a_o union_n of_o nature_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v a_o mixture_n and_o confusion_n of_o nature_n that_o christ_n do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n after_o this_o union_n but_o the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o blend_v together_o as_o to_o become_v one_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d niceph._n calist_n l._n 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id._n l._n 15._o cap._n 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o deny_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o our_o body_n or_o subject_n
the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n of_o christianity_n will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o earthly_a state_n be_v we_o to_o live_v always_o happy_o in_o this_o world_n be_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a state_n we_o can_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n but_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o folly_n to_o despise_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v above_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n will_v be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o whatever_o be_v so_o can_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v it_o always_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o govern_v all_o his_o appetite_n and_o desire_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o that_o signify_v to_o correct_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o in_o a_o earthly_a state_n he_o may_v indulge_v himself_o to_o the_o full_a in_o all_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o himself_o nor_o to_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v his_o sensual_a inclination_n nor_o to_o deny_v they_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a satisfaction_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v no_o big_a or_o divine_a happiness_n to_o expect_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o die_v to_o this_o world_n while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o evangelical_n duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n can_v be_v no_o virtue_n nor_o duty_n in_o any_o earthly_a state_n much_o less_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v of_o unseen_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v no_o unseen_a thing_n promise_v to_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n but_o have_v our_o portion_n at_o present_a and_o expect_v only_o a_o circular_a and_o endless_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o enjoyment_n the_o law_n of_o virtue_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v alter_v and_o vary_v with_o it_o that_o which_o become_v a_o earthly_a creature_n who_o be_v to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o this_o body_n which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o become_v one_o who_o must_v put_v off_o this_o body_n and_o life_n in_o this_o world_n not_o as_o his_o home_n and_o place_n of_o rest_n but_o as_o a_o probation-state_n for_o a_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a life_n that_o virtue_n which_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o must_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o must_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o earth_n and_o heaven_n as_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n the_o first_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n inhabit_v a_o earthly_a body_n without_o any_o expectation_n of_o a_o more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a life_n the_o second_o include_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o angelical_a happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n the_o religion_n then_o of_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o much_o above_o nature_n as_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v which_o be_v reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v some_o more_o divine_a principle_n to_o raise_v we_o into_o this_o divine_a life_n than_o mere_a nature_n be_v for_o nature_n can_v never_o act_v above_o itself_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v renew_a and_o sanctify_a and_o have_v the_o divine_a nature_n form_v in_o we_o and_o this_o be_v above_o nature_n no_o consider_v man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n be_v under_o any_o natural_a obligation_n as_o our_o maker_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o we_o the_o result_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o a_o divine_a and_o immortal_a state_n of_o life_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o whole_o owe_v to_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n god_n may_v dispense_v it_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v and_o we_o must_v expect_v it_o only_o in_o that_o way_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v now_o on_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o all_o mankind_n own_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o can_v upon_o no_o account_n challenge_v without_o a_o promise_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o condition_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o be_v promise_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n which_o we_o can_v challenge_v from_o the_o natural_a goodness_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o his_o natural_a relation_n to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o must_v thankful_o accept_v of_o it_o in_o what_o way_n god_n please_v to_o give_v it_o and_o not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v it_o to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o in_o his_o way_n 4._o and_o therefore_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o a_o church-state_n this_o be_v so_o full_o 399._o discourse_v of_o our_o union_n etc._n etc._n to_o christ_n chap._n 4._o sect_n 1._o 142_o defence_n &_o continuat_fw-la c._n 5._o p._n 399._o and_o hitherto_o so_o unanswerable_o prove_v by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o defence_n and_o continuation_n of_o that_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n ferguson_n that_o will_v man_n be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v to_o those_o book_n there_o need_v be_v nothing_o say_v to_o it_o here_o however_o that_o this_o treatise_n may_v not_o be_v whole_o defective_a in_o so_o material_a a_o point_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o brief_o to_o it_o and_o refer_v those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o debate_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a discourse_n 1_o then_o that_o christ_n do_v intend_v to_o erect_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n into_o one_o religious_a society_n be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a trouble_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o body_n deny_v no_o man_n deny_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o church_n and_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v one_o only_o the_o seeker_n know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o now_o methinks_v if_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n wherein_o he_o require_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o communicate_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o prove_v that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v only_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o church_n institute_v if_o not_o for_o a_o common_a body_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n no_o society_n can_v be_v found_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o such_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o make_v it_o desirable_a to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o this_o all_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n city_n and_o family_n will_v disband_v for_o nothing_o can_v tie_v man_n together_o who_o be_v natural_o giddy_a and_o fond_a of_o innovation_n but_o some_o sensible_a advantage_n which_o they_o can_v otherwise_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a society_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v institute_v a_o church_n without_o oblige_v christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o do_v not_o 2._o and_o therefore_o i_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o particular_a man_n consider_v as_o single_a and_o scatter_a individual_n or_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n now_o in_o general_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o christ_n be_v
great_a prophet_n by_o miracle_n and_o when_o he_o be_v persecute_v for_o it_o he_o own_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o set_v a_o great_a example_n of_o constancy_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n in_o his_o suffering_n as_o other_o great_a prophet_n have_v do_v before_o he_o though_o not_o in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n 3._o this_o crucify_a jesus_n be_v raise_v by_o god_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n though_o be_v but_o a_o creature_n or_o a_o man_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o raise_v himself_o and_o be_v advance_v by_o god_n to_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n 4._o which_o power_n consist_v in_o all_o those_o act_n which_o be_v specify_v in_o the_o opposite_a scheme_n with_o this_o difference_n that_o his_o power_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o his_o priesthood_n or_o sacrifice_n nor_o have_v any_o dependence_n on_o it_o but_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n forgive_v sin_n etc._n etc._n by_o a_o sovereign_a power_n give_v he_o by_o god_n not_o by_o merit_n or_o purchase_n or_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o there_o be_v this_o contradiction_n in_o it_o that_o a_o creature_n be_v invest_v with_o almighty_a power_n and_o this_o riddle_n in_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o creature_n the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o blasphemy_n that_o god_n shall_v advance_v a_o creature_n to_o be_v his_o own_o rival_n or_o partner_n in_o divine_a honour_n this_o short_a account_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a what_o a_o fundamental_a difference_n the_o belief_n or_o denial_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n the_o first_o make_v it_o a_o act_n of_o stupendous_a love_n in_o god_n in_o give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o love_n in_o save_v sinner_n but_o the_o manner_n be_v not_o so_o full_a of_o wonder_n and_o mysterious_a goodness_n the_o first_o make_v it_o a_o act_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n in_o christ_n to_o become_v man_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o servant_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o a_o accurse_a death_n for_o our_o sake_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a but_o the_o second_o infer_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o i_o can_v see_v if_o he_o be_v nothing_o great_a than_o a_o man_n it_o be_v no_o condescension_n in_o he_o to_o be_v make_v a_o man_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v no_o be_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n it_o be_v no_o more_o matter_n of_o his_o choice_n to_o become_v man_n than_o it_o be_v of_o any_o other_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o love_n or_o condescension_n nay_o suppose_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a creature_n yet_o be_v a_o creature_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n and_o a_o perfect_a man_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o god_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n it_o be_v no_o such_o mighty_a debasement_n for_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n to_o appear_v in_o pure_a and_o untainted_a flesh_n and_o blood_n especial_o upon_o such_o a_o glorious_a design_n as_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n though_o the_o disguise_n and_o appearance_n may_v be_v think_v below_o a_o angelical_a nature_n yet_o the_o character_n with_o which_o he_o appear_v as_o the_o great_a prophet_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o much_o above_o it_o the_o mean_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n a_o poor_a despise_a and_o laborious_a life_n the_o most_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n which_o make_v the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o advance_v he_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o condescend_v love_n in_o the_o most_o glorious_a creature_n that_o it_o be_v above_o his_o ambition_n and_o will_v be_v like_o the_o pride_n of_o lucifer_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o god_n to_o become_v man_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v make_v the_o lord_n and_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o of_o the_o dead_a can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o condescend_v love_n and_o goodness_n only_o in_o god_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n alter_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o powerful_a argument_n of_o the_o love_n humility_n and_o condescension_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n make_v god_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o reliance_n the_o denial_n of_o it_o make_v a_o creature_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o object_n of_o a_o religious_a faith_n and_o worship_n which_o i_o think_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n the_o first_o contain_v a_o visible_a union_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n and_o tender_a regard_n to_o mankind_n the_o second_o deprive_v we_o of_o this_o sensible_a consolation_n the_o first_o exhibit_n to_o we_o a_o saviour_n by_o purchase_n and_o by_o redemption_n which_o be_v both_o more_o endear_n and_o a_o great_a security_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n the_o second_o make_v christ_n a_o saviour_n only_o as_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o king_n may_v be_v a_o saviour_n who_o save_v by_o wise_a instruction_n by_o preach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o by_o power_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o just_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o guilty_a fear_n it_o offer_v a_o saviour_n to_o we_o who_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o our_o pardon_n in_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n the_o second_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a security_n to_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n but_o only_o contain_v proposal_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n a_o thing_n which_o mankind_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v when_o they_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o inflexible_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n now_o how_o irreconcilable_a this_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a type_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v perfect_a god_n as_o well_o as_o perfect_a man_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v of_o his_o power_n to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o when_o god_n become_v our_o saviour_n he_o can_v exercise_v all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n but_o he_o who_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v but_o a_o exalt_a creature_n can_v never_o understand_v how_o he_o can_v exercise_v omnipotent_a power_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n for_o i_o think_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_o to_o understand_v how_o a_o creature_n can_v be_v make_v a_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o divine_a perfection_n such_o as_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v than_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v take_v a_o creature_n into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o this_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n what_o a_o fundamental_a change_n the_o denial_n of_o christ_n divinity_n make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n it_o make_v a_o new_a gospel_n and_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n because_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o subvert_v foundation_n thus_o to_o proceed_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o proposal_n of_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o a_o reward_n but_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o power_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o and_o this_o be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o his_o peculiar_a office_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o it_o must_v make_v a_o fundamental_a change_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o can_v a_o creature_n be_v the_o universal_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o
st._n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n 25._o rom._n 3.24_o 25._o through_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o though_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v very_o often_o use_v in_o a_o very_a large_a sense_n for_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o comprehend_v all_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o no_o other_o be_v true_a justify_v faith_n but_o that_o which_o include_v obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n yet_o sometime_o faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o so_o have_v christ_n and_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n his_o blood_n for_o its_o object_n thus_o the_o sum_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v be_v repentance_n towards_o god_n 20.21_o act._n 20.21_o and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n be_v 24.47_o luke_n 24.47_o to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n that_o be_v through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n so_o that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v distinguish_v from_o repentance_n in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n and_o so_o denote_v a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o expiation_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o pardon_n under_o the_o law_n a_o sacrifice_n be_v available_a only_o for_o those_o for_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v in_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v already_o offer_v which_o do_v particular_o apply_v the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n do_v under_o the_o law_n for_o if_o we_o will_v have_v christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n or_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n we_o must_v choose_v he_o for_o our_o saviour_n by_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o i_o can_v see_v but_o why_o repentance_n may_v be_v as_o well_o accept_v from_o we_o without_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o without_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v entitle_v our_o repentance_n in_o particular_a to_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n be_v faith_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o atonement_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n because_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o opinion_n relate_v to_o the_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n death_n which_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o not_o fundamental_a for_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v the_o foundation_n be_v christ_n but_o yet_o man_n may_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n either_o gold_n and_o silver_n or_o hay_n and_o stubble_n that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n or_o of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n but_o yet_o while_o they_o retain_v the_o foundation_n though_o their_o work_n perish_v i._n e._n the_o superstructure_n of_o their_o private_a opinion_n be_v condemn_v and_o reject_v yet_o they_o themselves_o may_v escape_v though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n so_o as_o by_o fire_n thus_o while_o man_n hearty_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o have_v make_v expiation_n for_o they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o expect_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n only_o in_o christ_n name_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o great_a mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n extent_n and_o application_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o not_o err_v fundamental_o though_o their_o error_n may_v be_v dangerous_a and_o always_o be_v so_o when_o they_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o reckon_v some_o of_o those_o unhappy_a dispute_n which_o have_v tear_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n in_o these_o late_a day_n of_o liberty_n and_o confusion_n whether_o christ_n bear_v our_o sin_n or_o only_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n or_o only_o the_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n whether_o he_o suffer_v the_o same_o punishment_n which_o all_o sinner_n shall_v have_v suffer_v have_v they_o be_v damn_v for_o their_o sin_n or_o suffer_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o and_o which_o god_n accept_v for_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a satisfaction_n whether_o the_o expiation_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o god_n can_v not_o forgive_v sin_n without_o it_o or_o whether_o god_n choose_v this_o way_n as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o government_n and_o the_o most_o glorious_a illustration_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n whether_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n make_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o natural_a vindictive_a justice_n and_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n as_o the_o offend_a party_n or_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o christ_n make_v a_o general_a atonement_n for_o sin_n or_o satisfy_v only_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect_n whether_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v actual_o lay_v upon_o christ_n from_o eternity_n and_o actual_o pardon_v before_o they_o be_v commit_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v pardon_v in_o time_n when_o we_o repent_v and_o believe_v whether_o what_o christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o be_v so_o impute_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v do_v it_o which_o make_v the_o great_a sinner_n perfect_o innocent_a and_o look_v upon_o by_o god_n as_o never_o to_o have_v sin_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o only_o for_o our_o pardon_n and_o justification_n whether_o the_o active_a as_o well_o as_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o justification_n these_o and_o such_o like_a doctrine_n some_o of_o which_o be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a nature_n and_o a_o great_a state_n of_o temptation_n yet_o be_v not_o fundamental_a error_n because_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n the_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n though_o some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n do_v great_o obscure_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o stupendous_a wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v reckon_v as_o hay_n and_o stubble_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a loss_n and_o damage_n to_o such_o builder_n when_o every_o man_n work_n come_v to_o be_v try_v but_o to_o proceed_v among_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v reckon_v not_o only_o the_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o for_o this_o make_v he_o a_o complete_a saviour_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o now_o that_o it_o be_v fundamental_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o divine_a influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n in_o we_o appear_v from_o these_o consideration_n 1._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a effect_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o intercession_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o value_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o deny_v the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o daily_o dispense_v and_o apply_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n do_v as_o much_o alter_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o atonement_n of_o his_o death_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o deny_v his_o intercession_n of_o which_o the_o communication_n of_o divine_a life_n and_o power_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n 2._o to_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n turn_v the_o gospel_n into_o a_o mere_a external_a ministration_n which_o make_v as_o fundamental_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o this_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n take_v away_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n and_o consequent_o destroy_v his_o worship_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v we_o only_o to_o
the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n the_o christian_a religion_n consecrate_v we_o at_o our_o baptism_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o since_o each_o sacred_a person_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n each_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o we_o but_o whoever_o deny_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o work_n of_o salvation_n destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o worship_n too_o consider_v as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 4._o to_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n mere_a external_a ceremony_n which_o be_v institute_v as_o the_o ministries_n and_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o make_v a_o fundamental_a change_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o christianity_n 5._o nay_o it_o make_v a_o fundamental_a change_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n the_o christian_a worship_n principal_o consist_v in_o praise_v god_n and_o our_o saviour_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n in_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o continual_a succour_n in_o beg_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o constant_a supply_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o goodness_n this_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o whoever_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n both_o defrauds_n god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o he_o can_v praise_v god_n for_o nor_o beg_v that_o of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v god_n do_v not_o give_v which_o make_v our_o worship_n very_o defective_a and_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v if_o we_o never_o ask_v but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o can_v judge_v fundamental_a in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o those_o other_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a or_o efficacious_a grace_n resistable_a or_o irresistible_a how_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o humane_a action_n whether_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v immediate_o infuse_v or_o acquire_v by_o frequent_a act_n these_o i_o say_v and_o such_o like_a dispute_n be_v not_o fundamental_a for_o though_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o of_o these_o we_o believe_v yet_o the_o foundation_n which_o be_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v secure_v either_o way_n and_o all_o that_o man_n be_v to_o look_v to_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v such_o ill_a notion_n of_o god_n grace_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o secure_v and_o careless_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n all_o that_o i_o can_v think_v necessary_a to_o add_v more_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v what_o i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o hint_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o great_a many_o dangerous_a dispute_n about_o this_o matter_n what_o place_n repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o though_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o understand_v this_o matter_n right_o and_o as_o particular_o as_o we_o can_v for_o fear_n of_o that_o ill_a influence_n which_o such_o mistake_n may_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o too_o apparent_o have_v upon_o the_o life_n of_o many_o profess_a christian_n yet_o i_o can_v think_v that_o man_n err_v fundamental_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v justify_v and_o pardon_v none_o but_o true_a penitent_a and_o reform_a sinner_n and_o that_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n though_o he_o may_v differ_v about_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o what_o place_n it_o have_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n or_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a and_o qualification_n or_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a and_o effect_n of_o justification_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a only_o to_o our_o salvation_n but_o not_o to_o our_o justification_n whether_o faith_n justify_v as_o a_o instrument_n or_o as_o a_o condition_n etc._n etc._n for_o while_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v both_o secure_v without_o either_o derogate_a from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n other_o mistake_n though_o dangerous_a when_o pursue_v to_o their_o just_a consequence_n and_o when_o man_n own_o and_o live_v by_o such_o consequence_n yet_o i_o hope_v be_v very_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a when_o they_o do_v not_o corrupt_a man_n life_n nor_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o essay_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o essay_n towards_o the_o discovery_n what_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v strict_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n though_o there_o be_v some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o be_v more_o general_o know_v and_o agree_v in_o i_o have_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o preserve_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n cast_v most_o of_o our_o modern_a controversy_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o fundamental_o which_o if_o careful_o consider_v will_v assuage_v that_o intemperate_a heat_n with_o which_o they_o be_v manage_v and_o more_o easy_o reconcile_v our_o difference_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o fundamental_o which_o be_v ever_o define_v to_o be_v such_o by_o any_o receive_v general_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o i_o be_o come_v pretty_a near_o the_o mark_n but_o to_o give_v some_o new_a light_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v such_o objection_n as_o i_o can_v foresee_v there_o be_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v before_o i_o proceed_v 1._o the_o first_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o true_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n mr._n joseph_n mede_n hartlib_n mede_n work_n epist_n 84_o to_o mr._n hartlib_n he_o seem_v indeed_o to_o reject_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o ratio_fw-la of_o fundamental_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o one_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n as_o i_o have_v now_o do_v for_o in_o his_o censure_n of_o mr._n streso_n book_n of_o fundamental_o which_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v he_o observe_v that_o he_o make_v three_o sort_n of_o fundamental_o the_o first_o be_v the_o fundamentum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la or_o the_o foundation_n itself_o though_o what_o that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o how_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o mr._n streso_n in_o that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o other_o two_o he_o measure_v by_o their_o relation_n to_o it_o either_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la and_o such_o he_o term_v sub_fw-la fundamentales_fw-la which_o by_o mr._n mede_n censure_n i_o perceive_v do_v not_o strict_o belong_v to_o christianity_n but_o either_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la post_fw-la which_o may_v be_v call_v super_fw-la fundamentales_fw-la which_o he_o make_v such_o as_o be_v by_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n deducible_a from_o the_o fundamentum_fw-la salutis_fw-la where_o he_o observe_v that_o he_o have_v insert_v some_o doctrine_n of_o pure_a speculation_n among_o fundamental_o which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n but_o from_o this_o imperfect_a account_n of_o mr._n streso_n notion_n i_o can_v guess_v how_o far_o my_o way_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o censure_n as_o for_o those_o two_o fault_n he_o have_v observe_v in_o mr._n streso_n way_n viz._n reckon_v such_o doctrine_n among_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n as_o be_v not_o strict_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v they_o both_o and_o as_o for_o judge_v what_o particular_a doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a to_o christianity_n from_o some_o general_a comprehensive_a fundamental_a which_o contain_v the_o
st._n paul_n day_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o have_v wonder_v that_o he_o warn_v man_n against_o vain_a philosophy_n i_o shall_v avoid_v dispute_v with_o mr._n b._n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o for_o save_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v principium_fw-la motus_fw-la the_o beginning_n or_o first_o cause_n and_o principle_n of_o motion_n to_o the_o body_n though_o it_o may_v be_v some_o cartesian_o will_v not_o like_v it_o nor_o for_o affirm_v that_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v but_o like_o the_o copula_fw-la in_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v a_o speck_n and_o spang_v new_a notion_n but_o shall_v only_o consider_v how_o he_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o church_n christ_n it_o seem_v than_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o christian_n the_o body_n though_o in_o scripture_n he_o be_v represent_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o the_o soul_n which_o enlivens_fw-la and_o animate_v it_o and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n which_o i_o think_v the_o soul_n be_v never_o account_v yet_o the_o church_n must_v be_v without_o a_o head_n or_o have_v some_o other_o head_n than_o christ_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o a_o constitutive_a regent_n head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o organise_v body_n be_v the_o constitutive_a matter_n of_o the_o man_n though_o other_o philosopher_n use_v to_o call_v the_o body_n a_o constitutive_a part_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v thus_o a_o organical_a church_n be_v the_o constitutive_a matter_n of_o what_o of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o church_n or_o of_o some_o three_o thing_n compound_v of_o both_o that_o there_o be_v heart_n liver_n stomach_n be_v but_o the_o body_n organization_n this_o be_v easy_o apply_v thus_o apostle_n prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o people_n make_v a_o organical_a church_n but_o that_o these_o part_n be_v due_o place_v and_o unite_v be_v forma_fw-la corporis_fw-la non_fw-la hominis_fw-la be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n not_o of_o the_o man_n which_o what_o it_o mean_v i_o can_v tell_v unless_o that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v a_o man_n though_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o body_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o their_o right_a place_n nor_o be_v unite_v to_o one_o another_o so_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o thus_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o body_n by_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n though_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o and_o much_o such_o a_o body_n it_o be_v as_o the_o natural_a body_n will_v be_v do_v the_o leg_n and_o arm_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o head_n and_o every_o member_n change_v place_n without_o any_o order_n or_o divide_v from_o each_o other_o and_o hang_v together_o only_o by_o a_o magical_a kind_n of_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n well_o but_o this_o organization_n and_o due_a position_n of_o the_o part_n make_v the_o body_n materia_fw-la disposita_fw-la matter_n fit_o dispose_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v for_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n but_o be_v this_o disposition_n of_o the_o matter_n so_o necessary_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v unite_v with_o a_o body_n otherwise_o dispose_v without_o forfeit_v the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o man_n his_o sense_n or_o his_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o that_o no_o reasonable_a soul_n which_o be_v not_o under_o some_o force_n will_v unite_v with_o such_o a_o body_n if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n it_o sit_v our_o present_a case_n very_o well_o for_o then_o the_o church_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o one_o body_n without_o union_n with_o itself_o and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v consist_v mere_o in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o and_o to_o christ_n without_o any_o union_n among_o themselves_o but_o how_o to_o apply_v the_o copula_fw-la in_o a_o proposition_n either_o to_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n or_o body_n or_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n i_o can_v tell_v and_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o learn_v till_o i_o meet_v with_o some_o new_a baxterian_a logic_n as_o well_o as_o grammar_n and_o metaphysic_n but_o to_o proceed_v as_o a_o far_a explication_n of_o this_o matter_n he_o add_v 3._o in_o this_o union_n there_o be_v no_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la or_o universal_a governor_n monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a but_o christ_n in_o this_o we_o agree_v also_o as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o and_o now_o or_o never_o to_o the_o point_n 4._o the_o body_n be_v sufficient_o organise_v if_o it_o consist_v of_o local_a church_n call_v single_a or_o particular_a be_v pastor_n and_o christian_a people_n have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n but_o be_v our_o dispute_n then_o about_o the_o organization_n or_o about_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n the_o catholic_n church_n have_v no_o other_o organization_n but_o that_o of_o particular_a church_n but_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o one_o no_o say_v mr._n b._n that_o which_o make_v this_o body_n that_o be_v all_o the_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o become_v a_o church_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v one_o church_n be_v no_o union_n of_o the_o member_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v one_o body_n without_o the_o union_n of_o its_o member_n among_o themselves_o i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v one_o without_o unity_n but_o why_o shall_v not_o union_n of_o the_o member_n among_o themselves_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o church_n one_o because_o say_v mr._n b._n that_o make_v they_o only_o materia_fw-la disposita_fw-la i._n e._n matter_n dispose_v prepare_v fit_v but_o for_o what_o to_o be_v one_o church_n i_o shall_v rather_o think_v that_o the_o union_n of_o several_a church_n make_v they_o one_o church_n and_o do_v not_o only_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v one_o unless_o he_o can_v tell_v how_o they_o can_v be_v more_o one_o than_o by_o unity_n but_o however_o be_v any_o other_o church_n which_o have_v no_o union_n among_o themselves_o this_o materia_fw-la disposita_fw-la or_o matter_n dispose_v and_o fit_v to_o make_v one_o catholic_n church_n if_o they_o be_v than_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o union_n so_o much_o as_o to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v the_o matter_n if_o they_o be_v not_o than_o i_o still_o inquire_v what_o that_o union_n of_o church_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o fit_a matter_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o this_o mr._n b._n have_v not_o yet_o vouchsafe_v to_o tell_v i_o though_o possible_o this_o may_v be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o must_v learn_v from_o some_o grammarian_n or_o metaphysician_n before_o i_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o his_o instruction_n but_o mr._n b._n tell_v we_o how_o the_o church_n be_v one_o without_o any_o union_n of_o the_o member_n among_o themselves_o viz._n by_o their_o common_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o then_o all_o single_a person_n and_o church_n be_v one_o catholic_n church_n because_o unite_v in_o and_o to_o he_o as_o all_o line_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o centre_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o other_o union_n between_o several_a church_n to_o make_v they_o one_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o christ_n the_o common_a centre_n they_o be_v one_o church_n though_o as_o distant_a and_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o two_o pole_n because_o they_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o centre_n but_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o pretty_a easy_a way_n of_o determine_v controversy_n to_o outface_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n by_o a_o dogmatical_a assertion_n without_o offer_v the_o least_o reason_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o confirm_v it_o i_o have_v at_o large_a prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o one_o catholic_n communion_n to_o make_v one_o catholic_n church_n and_o instead_o of_o answer_v these_o proof_n he_o assert_v the_o contrary_a upon_o his_o own_o naked_a authority_n and_o that_o must_v pass_v for_o a_o confutation_n and_o 2._o he_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v which_o i_o can_v never_o grant_v he_o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v divide_v from_o each_o other_o by_z separate_z and_o opposite_a communion_n may_v yet_o be_v all_o unite_a to_o christ_n for_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spouse_n one_o flock_n one_o church_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n as_o no_o schismatic_n be_v we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o unite_n those_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v not_o unite_v among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o hundred_o several_a body_n but_o one_o body_n and_o we_o must_v continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o
which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v for_o each_o other_o so_o that_o christian-charity_n necessary_o preserve_v christian-unity_n and_o communion_n and_o whoever_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o church_n be_v void_a of_o this_o christian-charity_n this_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o my_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n etc._n defence_n p._n 183._o etc._n etc._n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o add_v numerous_a quotation_n more_o to_o this_o purpose_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n st._n augustine_n insist_o on_o he_o frequent_o apply_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v how_o unavailable_a all_o other_o attainment_n be_v without_o charity_n passim_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la l._n 1._o cap._n 9_o l._n 3._o cap._n 16._o &_o alibi_fw-la passim_fw-la to_o signify_v such_o a_o charity_n as_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v every_o where_n assert_v that_o that_o man_n be_v void_a of_o charity_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n if_o then_o christian_a charity_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o christian_a holiness_n and_o consist_v in_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o other_o good_a quality_n schismatic_n may_v have_v they_o want_v the_o chief_a branch_n of_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o holy_a man_n shall_v never_o miscarry_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n yet_o a_o schismatic_a with_o all_o his_o other_o good_a quality_n may_v 3._o since_o the_o best_a man_n must_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n or_o merit_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n only_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v it_o be_v all_o free_a grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o receive_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v it_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o no_o man_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v his_o own_o term_n heaven_n be_v a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o the_o best_a man_n setting_z aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o many_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n can_v challenge_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o best_a service_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v under_o no_o other_o obligation_n to_o bestow_v heaven_n on_o any_o man_n but_o his_o own_o promise_v make_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v oblige_v no_o far_o than_o his_o own_o promise_n reach_v if_o any_o hard_a and_o pityable_a case_n happen_v he_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o can_v do_v as_o he_o himself_o please_v but_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o he_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o not_o consider_v this_o be_v apt_a to_o confound_v man_n notion_n concern_v the_o undertake_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o redemption_n by_o he_o it_o run_v some_o man_n into_o socinianism_n to_o deny_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o other_o who_o can_v be_v so_o subtle_a as_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o out_o of_o so_o plain_a and_o express_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o do_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o believe_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o die_v as_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o purchase_v eternal_a life_n for_o we_o yet_o have_v no_o clear_a conception_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o which_o will_v not_o well_o comply_v with_o those_o other_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o natural_a obligation_n not_o to_o call_v it_o natural_a necessity_n to_o love_v and_o reward_v good_a man_n i_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v god_n goodness_n to_o good_a man_n and_o his_o love_n to_o true_a holiness_n wherever_o he_o see_v it_o as_o i_o do_v any_o article_n of_o my_o creed_n but_o then_o i_o consider_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o supernatural_a happiness_n and_o not_o the_o natural_a reward_n of_o a_o earthly_a creature_n as_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o best_a man_n consider_v as_o a_o man_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o virtue_n shall_v translate_v he_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o wing_n to_o fly_v in_o the_o air_n and_o to_o visit_v the_o several_a planet_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o god_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v to_o bestow_v such_o a_o happiness_n on_o innocent_a or_o deserve_a creature_n as_o their_o nature_n be_v make_v for_o that_o be_v a_o earthly_a happiness_n on_o a_o earthly_a creature_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v promise_v adam_n in_o paradise_n a_o immortal_a happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o free_a grace_n that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v neither_o due_a to_o our_o nature_n nor_o what_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o our_o maker_n man_n in_o innocence_n be_v but_o a_o earthly_a creature_n 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o the_o first_o adam_n be_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o earthy_a and_o a_o earthly_a creature_n can_v challenge_v as_o his_o natural_a birthright_n a_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a state_n of_o life_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n though_o innocent_a and_o pure_a can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o gross_a earthly_a body_n can_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o dwell_v in_o those_o pure_a region_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o creature_n can_v no_o more_o challenge_v heaven_n as_o its_o natural_a portion_n and_o inheritance_n than_o it_o can_v that_o god_n shall_v change_v its_o nature_n and_o refine_v a_o earthy_a into_o a_o spiritual_a body_n if_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o his_o lapse_v state_n he_o have_v forfeit_v even_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n and_o can_v now_o challenge_v a_o immortal_a life_n in_o this_o world_n much_o less_o in_o the_o next_o for_o what_o natural_a reason_n can_v there_o be_v when_o we_o suffer_v death_n as_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n for_o god_n to_o raise_v our_o dead_a body_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n again_o into_o a_o immortal_a life_n so_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n a_o immortal_a life_n after_o death_n can_v be_v the_o natural_a reward_n of_o it_o for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n notion_n of_o it_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n or_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o as_o man_n be_v now_o design_v for_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n so_o much_o advance_v above_o the_o original_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o there_o be_v require_v a_o divine_a holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o fit_v and_o qualify_v he_o for_o this_o supernatural_a happiness_n upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n so_o earnest_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o we_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o heaven_n for_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n but_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o goodness_n as_o be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o original_a attainment_n of_o a_o earthly_a and_o fleshly_a nature_n as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n for_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n be_v true_a in_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n innocent_a flesh_n be_v flesh_n still_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v bear_v into_o a_o divine_a state_n than_o innocent_a flesh_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o must_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o mind_n as_o raise_v we_o above_o this_o world_n and_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o angelical_a state_n of_o life_n for_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o virtue_n fit_v to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o man_n and_o of_o a_o angel_n be_v the_o same_o that_o degree_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o use_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n innocent_o and_o happy_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v a_o man_n above_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v he_o contemn_v all_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o earthly_a satisfaction_n