the_o apostle_n time_n be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n then_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v absolute_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o author_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v but_o this_o be_v already_o grant_v we_o by_o our_o author_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a writer_n inspire_v from_o above_o 297._o p._n 297._o who_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o truth_n he_o here_o mean_v shall_v hereafter_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o assertion_n since_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o author_n that_o their_o doctrine_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o act_n do_v require_v our_o actual_a belief_n since_o than_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o their_o preach_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n why_o shall_v not_o their_o write_n be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n especial_o since_o they_o be_v allow_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o then_o the_o want_n of_o sufficient_a commission_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n before_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v that_o none_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o any_o design_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v prove_v be_v there_o any_o such_o hint_n in_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o or_o have_v we_o any_o footstep_n of_o a_o tradition_n that_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o such_o a_o indifference_n for_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v show_v or_o if_o the_o 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to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n shall_v contain_v contradiction_n if_o we_o allow_v what_o our_o author_n have_v grant_v 297._o p._n 297._o that_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v then_o five_o and_o last_o the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n or_o that_o particular_a article_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v because_o they_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v be_v there_o no_o great_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n insert_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n 16._o vindic._n p._n 16._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o they_o be_v promiscuous_o set_v down_o and_o have_v no_o such_o mark_n of_o distinction_n as_o his_o article_n be_v find_v to_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n but_o this_o objection_n seem_v too_o precarious_a for_o i_o question_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n that_o be_v as_o much_o distinguish_v by_o the_o great_a importance_n which_o they_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o by_o the_o necessity_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o all_o christian_n of_o actual_o believe_v they_o by_o the_o inspire_a writer_n as_o any_o other_o universal_o acknowledge_v article_n of_o our_o faith_n indeed_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o immediate_a concern_n to_o we_o but_o so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o one_o it_o must_v be_v so_o equal_o to_o the_o other_o indeed_o this_o seem_v object_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v in_o their_o epistolary_a write_n and_o although_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a commission_n to_o teach_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o their_o commission_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o make_v any_o other_o article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o epistle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o much_o a_o fundamental_a distinct_a from_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o it_o since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o lay_v such_o stress_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o of_o what_o use_n soever_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v to_o we_o otherwise_o for_o the_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o reform_v mistake_v which_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n 295.297_o p._n 295.297_o as_o also_o for_o the_o expound_v clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o establish_v those_o in_o it_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o distinct_a truth_n contain_v in_o they_o of_o so_o great_a consequence_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o end_n and_o eternal_a life_n propose_v upon_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n denounce_v upon_o a_o disbelief_n which_o be_v not_o annex_v to_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v very_o unwary_a christian_n to_o lay_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v or_o make_v any_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o church-communion_n absolute_o 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hereafter_o have_v more_o occasion_n to_o consider_v he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n have_v eternal_a life_n if_o what_o be_v there_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v there_o propose_v without_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o like_a promise_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o bare_a proposition_n be_v alone_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v without_o any_o other_o interpretation_n if_o any_o at_o all_o may_v be_v admit_v than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o particular_a humour_n of_o man_n the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v endless_a wrangling_n and_o distraction_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o seem_v evident_a that_o all_o the_o fundamental_a part_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o text_n alone_o which_o be_v declare_v 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explanation_n of_o something_o before_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o since_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o since_o a_o infallible_a divine_a explanation_n of_o a_o doctrine_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n to_o set_v those_o thing_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n which_o be_v before_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v their_o authority_n or_o render_v they_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o thus_o far_o ibid._n far_o verum_fw-la tanta_fw-la est_fw-la erga_fw-la genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la benignitas_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o evangeliis_fw-la plene_fw-la ac_fw-la perfect_v tradita_fw-la sunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o apostolorum_fw-la epistolis_fw-la saepius_fw-la repeti_fw-la &_o à _fw-la variis_fw-la objectionibus_fw-la vindicari_fw-la ad_fw-la majorem_fw-la fidelium_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la confirmationem_fw-la ac_fw-la constantiam_fw-la singulari_fw-la providentia_fw-la voluerit_fw-la ibid._n limborch_n seem_v to_o have_v grant_v that_o though_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v full_o and_o perfect_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o god_n have_v so_o much_o express_v his_o goodness_n towards_o mankind_n as_o to_o take_v care_n by_o a_o particular_a providence_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o epistle_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v very_o evident_a for_o many_o reason_n that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a scheme_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o these_o also_o be_v chief_o historical_a and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o convert_v they_o make_v to_o christianity_n and_o where_o they_o preach_v but_o we_o have_v not_o there_o any_o full_a and_o large_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o be_v indeed_o tell_v that_o they_o preach_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 20.21_o act._n 20.21_o and_o repentance_n towards_o god_n but_o few_o or_o no_o particular_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o how_o far_o they_o extend_v which_o seem_v on_o purpose_n reserve_v for_o the_o epistle_n where_o they_o be_v more_o full_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n creed_n be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o all_o the_o article_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o it_o be_v in_o they_o alone_o that_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o fundamental_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o can_v indeed_o hardly_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v most_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a fundamental_o unless_o we_o also_o firm_o believe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o frequent_a explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o first_o article_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n now_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confine_v by_o this_o to_o the_o believe_v just_a so_o much_o of_o he_o and_o no_o more_o for_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o like_a rule_n must_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o other_o article_n and_o beside_o this_o be_v just_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o our_o creed_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v believe_v as_o such_o and_o upon_o this_o it_o be_v that_o the_o creed_n be_v build_v so_o that_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o summary_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v take_v from_o revelation_n so_o also_o that_o the_o only_a true_a explanation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o for_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o such_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o fundamental_o as_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v so_o that_o we_o can_v in_o a_o true_a since_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n unless_o we_o also_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o express_a explanation_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a part_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o our_o author_n urge_v that_o if_o all_o 297._o p._n 297._o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n declare_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v as_o fundamental_a article_n what_o then_o become_v of_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n many_o be_v before_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o most_o of_o the_o epistle_n not_o be_v write_v till_o above_o twenty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o some_o after_o thirty_o to_o this_o we_o may_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v before_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n particular_o that_o of_o st._n john_n which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o almost_o threescore_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o this_o argument_n will_v exclude_v that_o gospel_n from_o contain_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o epistle_n as_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o which_o be_v write_v soon_o than_o twenty_o year_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o also_o the_o first_o and_o second_o to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o roman_n be_v all_o write_v before_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o time_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v first_o at_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o till_o near_o thirty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n and_o therefore_o that_o history_n which_o take_v in_o all_o that_o time_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v write_v much_o soon_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n must_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n at_o least_o before_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o three_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o many_o christian_n be_v fall_v asleep_o before_o the_o writing_n any_o of_o the_o gospel_n since_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v the_o first_o be_v not_o write_v till_o about_o eleven_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n so_o that_o neither_o can_v this_o argument_n be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o four_o it_o remain_v that_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o believe_a christian_n that_o be_v convert_v for_o some_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n must_v be_v take_v from_o what_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o epistle_n which_o without_o doubt_n contain_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o then_o teach_v be_v now_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o that_o the_o contrary_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n wherever_o they_o preach_v which_o they_o afterward_o deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o write_v no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v fundamental_o than_o what_o they_o write_v must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n so_o much_o contend_v for_o 294._o p._n 294._o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o those_o
behind_o they_o some_o certain_a measure_n of_o belief_n since_o their_o authority_n and_o the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o inspiration_n will_v have_v very_o great_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o also_o may_v be_v of_o vast_a importance_n for_o the_o prevent_v all_o difference_n that_o may_v arise_v about_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o will_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n for_o the_o teach_n all_o sort_n of_o christian_n more_o easy_o to_o comprehend_v the_o method_n reason_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o be_v more_o full_o lay_v down_o and_o explain_v in_o the_o epistle_n than_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o believe_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v most_o full_o state_v and_o most_o clear_o deliver_v for_o since_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v how_o we_o be_v redeem_a why_o christ_n redeem_v we_o and_o from_o what_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o as_o in_o the_o epistle_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o for_o our_o right_a understanding_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o there_o both_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o also_o be_v for_o our_o firm_a belief_n of_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v establish_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o they_o but_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v confess_v that_o all_o that_o have_v be_v prove_v will_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v contradictory_n to_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o i_o do_v it_o find_v in_o the_o least_o pretend_a for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o show_v contradiction_n in_o they_o after_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o for_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n above_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o epistle_n the_o same_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o either_o of_o they_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n both_o teach_v the_o same_o christianity_n and_o though_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o some_o thing_n require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o disagree_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a but_o both_o tend_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n the_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o five_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o epistle_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n they_o contain_v for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a plea_n remain_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v because_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o no_o concern_v to_o we_o that_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o that_o account_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n for_o here_o the_o great_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v of_o such_o importance_n as_o will_v make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o be_v a_o indispensible_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n design_n in_o write_v they_o and_o from_o those_o text_n i_o have_v before_o produce_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v any_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n but_o our_o author_n object_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fundamental_a article_n in_o the_o epistle_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o promiscuous_o deliver_v with_o other_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o and_o this_o he_o now_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o go_v through_o the_o write_n in_o the_o epistle_n 14._o vindic._n p._n 14._o to_o collect_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o have_v through_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o those_o fundamental_a article_n be_v in_o those_o epistle_n promiscuous_o and_o without_o distinction_n mix_v with_o other_o truth_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v and_o discern_v those_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n best_a in_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a of_o the_o faith_n and_o unconvert_v but_o how_o be_v these_o fundamental_a point_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n better_a than_o in_o the_o epistle_n be_v there_o in_o they_o nothing_o but_o fundamental_o or_o be_v not_o these_o fundamental_o mix_v with_o other_o truth_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o if_o so_o as_o be_v very_o apparent_a what_o mighty_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n beyond_o the_o epistle_n upon_o this_o account_n matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o practice_n fundamental_o and_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v promiscuous_o mix_v together_o in_o both_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o discern_v one_o from_o another_o in_o they_o for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v easy_o apprehend_v a_o difference_n between_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o those_o to_o our_o practice_n what_o be_v those_o which_o have_v a_o near_a respect_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o those_o which_o be_v more_o foreign_a to_o that_o end_n and_o this_o difference_n be_v as_o easy_o perceive_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v as_o plain_o and_o clear_o set_v down_o in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v object_v that_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v different_o interpret_v and_o consequent_o can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n because_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v in_o their_o opinion_n concern_v they_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v first_o that_o some_o man_n be_v of_o different_a opinion_n in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o several_a place_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o epistle_n but_o second_o 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reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n chief_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o thorough_o and_o firm_o christian_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o intention_n though_o i_o find_v no_o such_o intimation_n in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o yet_o a_o well-meaning_a author_n who_o have_v appear_v very_o warm_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o bold_a mr._n bold_a believe_v that_o to_o be_v his_o only_a design_n though_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v consider_v it_o with_o very_o great_a care_n and_o application_n this_o author_n also_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n than_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o have_v he_o give_v himself_o a_o little_a more_o leisure_n to_o consider_v into_o what_o faith_n he_o himself_o be_v baptize_v or_o into_o what_o he_o baptise_n other_o he_o must_v have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o explicit_o believe_v in_o father_n and_o holy_a 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this_o point_n 52._o p._n 52._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o propound_v any_o article_n as_o necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n but_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n i_o think_v it_o may_v with_o great_a justice_n be_v repute_v one_o of_o the_o best_a book_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v for_o at_o least_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n since_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o mr_n hobbs_n write_v within_o that_o space_n who_o maintain_v the_o very_a same_o assertion_n as_o i_o have_v far_o observe_v in_o the_o follow_a remark_n though_o i_o be_o afraid_a with_o a_o far_o worse_a intention_n than_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n seem_v to_o have_v have_v in_o that_o treatise_n i_o need_v reflect_v no_o far_o upon_o any_o thing_n propound_v by_o this_o author_n not_o only_o because_o his_o paper_n come_v abroad_o after_o the_o follow_a remark_n be_v draw_v up_o but_o because_o there_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n very_o material_a which_o be_v not_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o author_n vindication_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o follow_a paper_n that_o will_v be_v mistake_v for_o a_o reflection_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v none_o design_v for_o i_o think_v a_o adversary_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o respect_n how_o wide_a soever_o his_o notion_n may_v be_v from_o truth_n if_o his_o design_n be_v sincere_a which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o believe_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o can_v join_v in_o his_o opinion_n yet_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o will_v not_o maintain_v what_o he_o be_v
the_o gospel_n and_o can_v direct_o be_v prove_v from_o they_o so_o that_o all_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o far-fetched_a inference_n which_o very_o probable_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v think_v of_o have_v not_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v this_o forementioned_a concession_n of_o limborch_n seem_v occasion_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v assert_v that_o all_o their_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n or_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o part_v of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o thereupon_o he_o prefer_v their_o religion_n before_o the_o christian_a as_o be_v much_o more_o easy_o understand_v because_o contain_v in_o a_o much_o lesser_a compass_n but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o limborch_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a superior_a to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o brevity_n to_o confine_v all_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n to_o one_o or_o all_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o may_v very_o fair_o have_v deny_v that_o assertion_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v only_o one_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o who_o give_v such_o preference_n to_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o pharisee_n the_o more_o numerous_a sect_n pay_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o other_o inspire_a write_n and_o prophecy_n and_o place_v their_o religion_n as_o much_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o in_o those_o deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o indeed_o if_o no_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o canonical_a or_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n they_o must_v have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a esteem_n for_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v their_o expect_a messiah_n in_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o wherein_o their_o faith_n be_v concern_v aught_o to_o consist_v for_o the_o believe_a that_o the_o messiah_n will_v come_v be_v declare_v by_o 176._o by_o porta_n mosis_fw-la p._n 176._o maimonides_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v limborch_n design_n in_o this_o place_n as_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o contract_v all_o the_o article_n of_o it_o into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o know_v i_o think_v that_o this_o do_v not_o much_o advance_v that_o end_n for_o it_o seem_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n too_o that_o all_o the_o part_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o large_a and_o plain_a term_n imaginable_a to_o take_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v which_o man_n will_v almost_o unavoidable_o fall_v into_o if_o all_o matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practice_n be_v deliver_v like_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o old_a in_o a_o short_a and_o consequent_o obscure_a form_n indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o summary_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v by_o every_o capacity_n but_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a also_o to_o prevent_v all_o dispute_n concern_v the_o mean_v of_o every_o particular_a article_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o large_a full_a and_o infallible_a explanation_n of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v seem_v plain_a upon_o many_o account_n 1._o for_o first_o if_o in_o the_o gospel_n or_o particular_o in_o st._n matthew_n be_v contain_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o they_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o to_o any_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o they_o before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v plain_a from_o their_o misunderstanding_n the_o reason_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o reinstate_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o temporal_a grandeur_n and_o glory_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o question_n they_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n but_o beside_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v hear_v they_o now_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v other_o doctrine_n yet_o to_o be_v know_v beside_o those_o he_o have_v already_o teach_v they_o 2._o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n historical_n and_o contain_v a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a birth_n the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n his_o suffering_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n etc._n etc._n be_v intersper_v with_o many_o excellent_a precept_n but_o contain_v but_o few_o however_o not_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n 3._o our_o saviour_n general_o deliver_v himself_o very_o mystical_o especial_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v himself_o and_o leave_v man_n rather_o to_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o his_o action_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o he_o than_o from_o any_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o so_o that_o no_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o history_n of_o he_o 4._o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o to_o draw_v up_o the_o history_n without_o their_o own_o remark_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o in_o that_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v any_o far_a than_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o do_v through_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o gospel_n only_a for_o though_o st._n john_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n give_v we_o large_a proof_n of_o christ_n divinity_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o introduce_v our_o saviour_n with_o such_o name_n and_o title_n as_o be_v usual_o by_o the_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philo._n lib._n de_fw-fr som._n and_o in_o another_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n de_fw-fr agric._n '_o o_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n de_fw-fr som._n in_o some_o place_n he_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plotinus_n have_v also_o do_v en._n 5._o lib._n 5._o c._n 3._o jew_n appropriate_v to_o their_o expect_a messiah_n and_o by_o which_o both_o they_o and_o the_o platonist_n mean_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o which_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n common_o know_v to_o signify_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o there_o deliver_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n five_o and_o last_o the_o promise_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o instruct_v they_o far_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v concern_v he_o and_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o can_v signify_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n but_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n joh._n 14.26_o plain_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o himself_o have_v not_o full_o declare_v to_o they_o and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o who_o be_v constant_o with_o our_o saviour_n have_v any_o full_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n only_a can_v be_v make_v any_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o however_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o the_o epistle_n also_o together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o part_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whether_o the_o explanation_n and_o illustration_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o doctrine_n more_o imperfect_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o equal_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o evangelical_n write_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v admit_v that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v only_a