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
communion_n and_o not_o to_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o perfect_a catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o taste_n of_o this_o in_o some_o few_o particular_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o fierce_a dispute_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v account_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v think_v so_o as_o any_o other_o since_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o this_o belief_n for_o to_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n signify_v to_o baptize_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n as_o i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o show_v at_o large_a be_v it_o proper_a upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o how_o essential_a this_o belief_n be_v to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o comprehensive_a fundamental_a of_o christian_a religion_n will_v easy_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o any_o man_n who_o careful_o consider_v how_o each_o person_n in_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n the_o father_n in_o infinite_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o fall_v man_n gives_z his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n he_o give_v he_o to_o become_v man_n and_o to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o seal_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o his_o blood_n the_o son_n move_v by_o the_o same_o love_n and_o pity_n give_v himself_o become_v man_n die_v for_o the_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_z takes_z possession_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o judge_n both_o of_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o apostle_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o bestow_v the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o sincere_a member_n of_o it_o as_o a_o abide_a principle_n of_o sanctification_n and_o a_o new_a life_n the_o holy_a spirit_n according_o come_v and_o dwell_v in_o his_o church_n and_o in_o good_a man_n as_o in_o his_o temple_n sanctify_v they_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o will_v hereafter_o raise_v their_o dead_a body_n into_o immortal_a life_n so_o that_o each_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o can_v true_o believe_v the_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n the_o godhead_n of_o the_o father_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o but_o whoever_o deny_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overthrow_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o make_v it_o quite_o another_o thing_n and_o a_o very_a little_a thing_n too_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o he_o who_o make_v christ_n to_o be_v either_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n as_o the_o arian_n do_v or_o a_o mere_a man_n as_o the_o socinian_o do_v mighty_o lessen_v the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n which_o be_v represent_v as_o such_o a_o stupendous_a act_n of_o love_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n now_o if_o this_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v only_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a creature_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n the_o love_n and_o the_o design_n be_v not_o so_o stupendous_a and_o astonish_a for_o god_n have_v a_o equal_a propriety_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v no_o such_o prize_v mystery_n that_o a_o good_a god_n shall_v give_v one_o of_o his_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o excellent_a especial_o if_o he_o be_v but_o one_o excellent_a man_n for_o the_o redmption_n of_o so_o many_o million_o especial_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o reward_v this_o undertake_n with_o such_o a_o superexcellent_a degree_n of_o glory_n and_o power_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o redeem_v we_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o be_v very_o great_a but_o his_o love_n in_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n for_o our_o redemption_n where_o christ_n himself_o lay_v the_o emphasis_n if_o this_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n or_o a_o man_n be_v not_o so_o wonderful_a thus_o it_o sound_v very_o odd_o for_o a_o creature_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o religious_a faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o dependence_n the_o worship_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v divine_a worship_n if_o he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o a_o make_v god_n be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n unless_o we_o mean_v only_o a_o titular_a god_n and_o a_o titular_a god_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v unintelligible_a how_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o creature_n can_v make_v a_o proper_a atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o in_o deny_v his_o satisfaction_n a_o creature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o infinite_a and_o omnipotent_a power_n no_o more_o than_o a_o finite_a nature_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a create_v nature_n be_v can_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o can_v have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o can_v have_v it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n because_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o and_o can_v exercise_v it_o he_o can_v at_o most_o only_o bear_v the_o name_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v in_o another_o hand_n which_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v it_o let_v we_o then_o now_o consider_v what_o a_o fundamental_a difference_n the_o denial_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o i_o shall_v represent_v by_o draw_v two_o scheme_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n one_o proceed_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o other_o upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o be_v only_o a_o excellent_a creature_n or_o mere_a man_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n 1._o god_n out_o of_o infinite_a love_n to_o fall_v man_n give_v his_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n 2._o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o humane_a nature_n preach_v the_o gospel_n confirm_v his_o authority_n by_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v by_o his_o own_o divine_a power_n purchase_v and_o redeem_v his_o church_n by_o his_o own_o blood_n by_o which_o he_o make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n 3._o this_o incarnate_a god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n on_o the_o three_o day_n raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o his_o own_o divine_a power_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n as_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o purchase_n of_o his_o death_n 4._o which_o consist_v in_o his_o power_n to_o forgive_v sin_n as_o a_o priest_n in_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n offer_v on_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n to_o send_v the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o world_n to_o protect_v his_o church_n from_o all_o enemy_n and_o final_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a topunish_v the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o to_o reward_v his_o true_a and_o faithful_a disciple_n and_o all_o this_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n inherent_a in_o himself_o though_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n christ_n a_o excellent_a creature_n or_o mere_a man_n 1._o god_n send_v his_o most_o excellent_a creature_n or_o create_v a_o most_o excellent_a man_n to_o redeem_v sinner_n 2._o this_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a creature_n or_o this_o excellent_a man_n be_v at_o the_o prefix_a time_n bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o god_n confirm_v his_o authority_n as_o he_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o other_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
sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o demonstrative_a way_n that_o can_v be_v for_o though_o i_o do_v not_o like_o the_o way_n of_o make_v fundamental_a article_n by_o deduction_n and_o consequence_n from_o such_o a_o fundamental_a because_o as_o mr._n mede_n observe_v all_o man_n may_v not_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o consequence_n though_o it_o appear_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o other_o yet_o if_o for_o instance_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v then_o though_o every_o true_a consequence_n from_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o fundamental_a yet_o whatever_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o this_o doctrine_n without_o which_o we_o can_v right_o understand_v and_o believe_v salvation_n by_o christ_n must_v be_v as_o fundamental_a as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v unless_o the_o letter_n or_o word_n of_o the_o article_n be_v fundamental_a but_o not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o within_o these_o bound_n i_o have_v keep_v myself_o i_o have_v assert_v no_o doctrine_n to_o be_v fundamental_a but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o belief_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o draw_v fundamental_a consequence_n mr._n mede_n indeed_o assign_v another_o ratio_fw-la of_o fundamental_a article_n 83._o ib._n ep_v 83._o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v necessarii_fw-la cognitu_fw-la &_o creditu_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n simple_o and_o absolute_o and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a which_o shall_v be_v save_v uncapable_a to_o understand_v they_o which_o exact_o agree_v with_o i_o who_o make_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n in_o its_o true_a and_o proper_a signification_n a_o fundamental_a article_n but_o then_o more_o particular_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o contain_v only_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o practice_n and_o not_o all_o those_o neither_o but_o such_o as_o have_v necessary_a influence_n upon_o the_o act_n and_o function_n of_o christian_a life_n or_o whereon_o the_o act_n without_o which_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o depend_v such_o namely_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n whereof_o we_o can_v neither_o invocate_v the_o father_n aright_o nor_o have_v that_o faith_n and_o reliance_n upon_o he_o and_o his_o son_n our_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v where_o he_o seem_v evident_o to_o confine_v fundamental_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n for_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o what_o he_o call_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o function_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n but_o he_o proceed_v how_o far_o this_o ratio_fw-la of_o a_o fundamental_a article_n will_v stretch_v i_o know_v not_o but_o believe_v it_o will_v fetch_v in_o most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o by_o it_o also_o those_o two_o main_a error_n of_o the_o socinian_o the_o one_o deny_v the_o divine_a nature_n the_o other_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v discern_v to_o be_v fundamental_a for_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o first_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v be_v right_o that_o be_v incommunicable_o worship_v so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o christ_n to_o be_v consubstantial_a to_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o same_o worship_n worship_v not_o the_o father_n incommunicable_o which_o be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o who_o we_o look_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o second_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v i_o suppose_v no_o save_a faith_n nor_o reliance_n on_o christ_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n how_o well_o this_o agree_v with_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v about_o fundamental_o every_o one_o will_v easy_o perceive_v some_o other_o learned_a man_n go_v the_o same_o way_n with_o mr._n mede_n in_o assign_v the_o general_n ratio_fw-la or_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o that_o they_o be_v such_o doctrine_n as_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o a_o christian_a life_n though_o they_o do_v not_o confine_v it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o some_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o he_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o have_v he_o not_o some_o other_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o in_o his_o mind_n than_o what_o he_o express_v for_o all_o the_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v equal_o require_v of_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a in_o this_o way_n to_o extend_v the_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o to_o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o universal_a influence_n upon_o a_o good_a life_n but_o i_o have_v something_o to_o offer_v with_o all_o modesty_n and_o just_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o such_o great_a name_n against_o this_o notion_n of_o fundamental_o 1._o that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v not_o the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v of_o fundamental_a doctrine_n by_o the_o end_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o serve_v we_o must_v take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o we_o can_v not_o see_v what_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v account_v a_o fundamental_a article_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o three_o divine_a person_n consider_v only_o as_o three_o person_n have_v no_o great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o make_v man_n good_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a god_n it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o consider_v all_o these_o divine_a person_n as_o concern_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n so_o the_o belief_n of_o each_o person_n have_v a_o distinct_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n but_o this_o be_v not_o owe_v immediate_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o christ_n who_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n by_o his_o father_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o abide_v with_o we_o 3._o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n christian_a doctrine_n much_o less_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v no_o good_a criterion_n of_o a_o fundamental_a such_o be_v all_o the_o natural_a argument_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n which_o though_o they_o be_v adopt_v into_o christianity_n yet_o will_v hardly_o pass_v for_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n with_o any_o man_n who_o can_v distinguish_v between_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o revelation_n 4._o man_n may_v live_v very_o holy_a life_n without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o belief_n of_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v excellent_o fit_v to_o promote_v holiness_n and_o therefore_o every_o doctrine_n which_o will_v advance_v holiness_n be_v not_o fundamental_a and_o yet_o this_o general_a rule_n do_v not_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o 5._o nay_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v fundamental_a that_o they_o be_v false_a may_v yet_o prevail_v with_o and_o incline_v some_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o real_a holiness_n 6._o some_o doctrine_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o debauch_v man_n life_n be_v not_o yet_o fundamental_a error_n for_o man_n may_v believe_v they_o and_o yet_o live_v well_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v still_o want_v a_o rule_n to_o judge_n of_o fundamental_a heresy_n by_o unless_o no_o heresy_n be_v fundamental_a but_o when_o it_o debauch_n man_n life_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n no_o doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a but_o when_o it_o actual_o govern_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n 7._o this_o leaf_n man_n at_o great_a liberty_n to_o believe_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v to_o be_v fundamental_a and_o to_o change_v even_o christianity_n itself_o into_o a_o new_a religion_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o can_v