divine_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o he_o be_v then_o to_o set_v down_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o this_o place_n and_o 4._o he_o must_v prove_v that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n have_v confess_v that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a say_n that_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o authority_n nor_o the_o bare_a affirm_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o church_n that_o will_v prove_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o explain_v and_o full_a prove_v the_o particular_n already_o name_v will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o consideration_n and_o when_o they_o be_v full_o clear_v and_o substantial_o confirm_v there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o need_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o how_o the_o church_n be_v impose_v on_o in_o 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to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n may_v be_v better_o discern_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n than_o in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v assign_v 4._o the_o new_a testament_n comprehend_v the_o entire_a revelation_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sacred_a write_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v what_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n and_o subject_n or_o christian_n and_o in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n he_o have_v also_o deliver_v or_o declare_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o which_o those_o he_o admit_v for_o his_o subject_n must_v be_v govern_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v or_o receive_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o 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several_a doctrine_n which_o i_o know_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o influence_n on_o i_o at_o present_a in_o proportion_n to_o their_o nature_n that_o other_o doctrine_n have_v which_o i_o know_v be_v teach_v there_o but_o this_o difference_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o unalterable_a nor_o from_o my_o not_o receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n for_o i_o do_v receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o other_o but_o this_o difference_n speak_v of_o now_o arise_v from_o something_o else_o viz._n my_o present_a state_n and_o circumstance_n or_o the_o like_a now_o say_v this_o author_n if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n viz._n the_o epistle_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o 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 these_o thing_n which_o be_v five_o in_o number_n answ._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n repute_v thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n that_o make_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o the_o very_a early_a time_n of_o christianity_n even_o long_o before_o the_o apostle_n decease_n there_o be_v people_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o who_o set_v up_o for_o teacher_n in_o the_o the_o church_n who_o affirm_v certain_a thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o act._n 15._o 1._o 2._o when_o this_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o set_v down_o plain_o the_o doctrine_n his_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o secret_a relation_n to_o a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o they_o be_v just_o repute_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o not_o by_o consider_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n repute_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o not_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n do_v original_o repute_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o warrant_n the_o successive_a continuance_n of_o that_o reputation_n can_v make_v those_o doctrine_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a length_n of_o time_n and_o reiterated_a applause_n can_v advance_v a_o original_a mistake_n into_o truth_n the_o second_o concoction_n will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o 4._o a_o person_n who_o do_v suppose_v yea_o acknowledge_v that_o several_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o any_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n have_v be_v just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n may_v regular_o and_o with_o good_a warrant_n deny_v that_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o i_o suppose_v this_o author_n mean_v for_o otherwise_o the_o consequence_n he_o draw_v be_v not_o to_o his_o purpose_n though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v either_o one_o or_o five_o negative_n for_o many_o doctrine_n may_v be_v very_o just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v all_o along_o be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o consequence_n may_v be_v regular_o deny_v and_o no_o necessity_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o person_n deny_v it_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o this_o author_n apply_v himself_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o animadversion_n to_o prove_v these_o five_o point_n 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v some_o thing_n for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n 3._o that_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o a_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 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n 5._o that_o some_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v explicit_o know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n with_o
ghost_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o empower_v they_o to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o people_n by_o make_v more_o article_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o christ_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o though_o they_o be_v to_o produce_v more_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o have_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o be_v give_v before_o and_o be_v to_o furnish_v christian_n with_o a_o more_o complete_a body_n of_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n they_o be_v member_n of_o than_o be_v before_o publish_v see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n p._n 89_o 90_o 325_o 330._o it_o may_v therefore_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o i_o think_v for_o that_o reason_n without_o any_o absurdity_n be_v affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v full_o and_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 73._o in_o p._n 30._o this_o author_n discourse_v concern_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o say_v that_o the_o article_n of_o that_o creed_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_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 that_o be_v those_o explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n answ._n i_o will_v wave_v take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v here_o from_o the_o generality_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o expression_n here_o use_v and_o shall_v only_o put_v this_o author_n in_o mind_n that_o the_o question_v he_o shall_v peremptory_o answer_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n appointment_n to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o creed_n if_o those_o who_o answer_v this_o question_n negative_o be_v in_o the_o right_n let_v they_o talk_v what_o they_o please_v of_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o this_o creed_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v under_o a_o very_a ugly_a reflection_n for_o the_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o which_o and_o answer_v to_o what_o this_o author_n have_v further_a write_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v refer_v to_o the_o second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n p._n 74_o etc._n etc._n 77_o 163_o 169_o etc._n etc._n in_o p._n 31_o and_o 32._o this_o author_n offer_v consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o passage_n he_o quote_v out_o of_o p._n 297._o of_o the_o reasonab_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v here_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o these_o consideration_n be_v ground_v upon_o two_o great_a mistake_v 1._o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n he_o oppose_v depend_v upon_o the_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n and_o when_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n which_o be_v write_v first_o whereas_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v till_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o many_o who_o be_v christian_n by_o the_o epistle_n we_o understand_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n be_v entrust_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o but_o suppose_v the_o act_n and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v write_v after_o all_o the_o epistle_n they_o acquaint_v we_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propose_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o unbeliever_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n 2._o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n reject_v the_o epistle_n from_o be_v part_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o christian_n for_o which_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o least_o ground_n second_o that_o this_o passage_n this_o author_n pretend_v to_o answer_v have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o demonstration_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n immediate_o before_o it_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o and_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o in_o most_o place_n very_o weighty_a truth_n to_o we_o etc._n etc._n he_o add_v but_o yet_o every_o sentence_n of_o they_o must_v not_o be_v take_v up_o and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n whereof_o no_o body_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n here_o nor_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o eternal_a kingdom_n hereafter_o where_o we_o see_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o fundamental_a article_n in_o the_o very_a next_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o passage_n reflect_v on_o by_o this_o author_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n if_o all_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 who_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_n in_o his_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n many_o be_v before_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o to_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 294._o the_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v believer_n and_o christian_n the_o occasion_n and_o end_n of_o write_v they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n this_o author_n reply_v in_o these_o word_n this_o seem_v rather_o to_o strengthen_v than_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v those_o same_o doctrine_n for_o fundamental_o before_o which_o they_o afterward_o communicate_v as_o sacred_a depositum_n of_o their_o faith_n p._n 33._o answ._n suppose_v they_o have_v teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n before_o to_o the_o christian_n or_o church_n they_o afterward_o write_v to_o and_o so_o they_o be_v fundamental_o to_o those_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o be_v so_o to_o they_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v propound_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n in_o answer_n to_o another_o passage_n quote_v out_o of_o the_o same_o page_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n this_o author_n propound_v this_o question_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n answ._n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v christian_n though_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o those_o doctrine_n you_o call_v fundamental_o here_o if_o they_o be_v christian_n than_o those_o you_o call_v fundamental_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v excuse_v my_o want_n of_o complaisance_n in_o declare_v i_o shall_v choose_v to_o believe_v the_o apostle_n rather_o than_o they_o again_o say_v this_o author_n may_v there_o not_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v some_o less_o know_v among_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o ask_v be_v those_o less_o know_v person_n christian_n if_o not_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o epistle_n or_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o some_o who_o will_v not_o thorough_o believe_v several_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n without_o such_o a_o authority_n the_o apostle_n have_v etc._n etc._n seem_v not_o to_o bear_v a_o propitious_a aspect_n to_o what_o this_o author_n former_o advance_v as_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v fundamental_a truth_n from_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n what_o this_o author_n further_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o my_o animadversion_n p._n 26_o 27._o but_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v how_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o
duty_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o attain_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o full_a knowledge_n of_o their_o lord_n will_n they_o must_v take_v care_n they_o do_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n collect_v but_o must_v diligent_o read_v and_o study_v the_o entire_a and_o complete_a revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o his_o father_n pleasure_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o transgress_v our_o bound_n and_o go_v further_o than_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o revelation_n reach_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n and_o consequent_o do_v that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o in_o divine_a revelation_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o 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to_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o those_o people_n to_o who_o the_o proposition_n be_v first_o deliver_v understand_v those_o term_n whosoever_o do_v due_o believe_v that_o proposition_n do_v oblige_v himself_o to_o hearken_v to_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o this_o jesus_n have_v deliver_v so_o far_o as_o he_o shall_v obtain_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o to_o endeavour_v serious_o to_o know_v what_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n be_v which_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n make_v to_o it_o the_o proposition_n do_v not_o comprehend_v in_o it_o a_o explicit_a account_n of_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v nor_o be_v the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o they_o necessary_a to_o a_o man_n believe_v that_o proposition_n but_o his_o believe_v of_o it_o bring_v he_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v they_o all_o and_o to_o believe_v explicit_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v attain_v to_o know_v jesus_n have_v teach_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o his_o life_n when_o he_o be_v a_o christian._n those_o jew_n and_o lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n at_o thessalonica_n who_o set_v themselves_o against_o paul_n and_o silas_n understand_v that_o their_o preach_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a point_n they_o open_v and_o allege_v in_o the_o synagogue_n there_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n they_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n for_o how_o malicious_a soever_o their_o intent_n be_v in_o accuse_v they_o before_o the_o ruler_n it_o be_v most_o plain_a from_o their_o accusation_n that_o they_o clear_o apprehend_v that_o paul_n by_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n do_v mean_a that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v he_o for_o their_o king_n say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n one_o jesus_n act._n 17._o 7._o vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 108_o 109._o for_o beside_o say_v this_o author_n if_o every_o text_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v even_o the_o very_a scripture_n will_v hardly_o be_v find_v reconcilable_a to_o itself_o for_o though_o in_o some_o place_n salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o in_o other_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n as_o well_o as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v both_o of_o which_o place_n if_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o their_o limit_a sense_n will_v be_v almost_o find_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o because_o the_o one_o propose_v a_o large_a faith_n to_o salvation_n than_o be_v require_v by_o the_o other_o p._n 9_o answ._n the_o proposition_n here_o speak_v of_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n without_o believe_v antecedent_o in_o the_o only_a true_a god_n the_o word_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v not_o send_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n act._n 13._o 26._o but_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v any_o where_o in_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v eternal_a life_n to_o know_v the_o only_a true_a god_n as_o well_o as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v that_o be_v either_o of_o they_o separately_z the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o come_v near_a to_o these_o word_n be_v joh._n 17._o 3._o where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n take_v apart_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v eternal_a life_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v eternal_a life_n i_o wave_v a_o particular_a consider_v what_o this_o author_n say_v p._n 9_o 10._o concern_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o alone_o require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n because_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v discourse_v of_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o doctrine_n christ_n have_v declare_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o exclude_v that_o it_o do_v include_v a_o necessity_n of_o believe_v other_o doctrine_n if_o the_o person_n be_v allow_v space_n to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o more_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v and_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v they_o yet_o if_o the_o person_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n shall_v die_v before_o he_o can_v obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n christ_n have_v teach_v he_o will_v receive_v the_o salvation_n promise_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n he_o do_v believe_v christ_n know_v his_o sincerity_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o perform_v the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v many_o even_o very_a many_o article_n christ_n have_v reveal_v which_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o then_o explicit_o believe_v and_o as_o many_o of_o these_o doctrine_n as_o they_o do_v attain_v to_o understand_v whether_o they_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n or_o epistle_n be_v fundamental_a to_o they_o but_o the_o explicite_fw-la belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o save_a when_o it_o be_v such_o as_o god_n by_o the_o new_a covenant_n require_v it_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o entire_a and_o consummate_a till_o we_o explicit_o believe_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o whole_a revelation_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o entire_a object_n of_o faith_n our_o faith_n can_v be_v entire_a and_o consummate_a till_o it_o be_v adequate_a to_o its_o proper_a object_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 310._o this_o author_n p._n 11._o distinguish_n betwixt_o truth_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o method_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v obtain_v it_o for_o we_o and_o these_o latter_a sort_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o all_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o this_o be_v because_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v these_o truth_n be_v the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n answ._n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o distinction_n without_o a_o difference_n for_o see_v they_o be_v all_o divine_a revelation_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o every_o way_n equal_a viz._n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o if_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o that_o belief_n be_v divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o know_v etc._n etc._n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v any_o such_o thing_n concern_v they_o their_o faith_n in_o that_o case_n will_v want_v a_o just_a foundation_n or_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v say_v these_o truth_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n answ._n christ_n observe_v the_o method_n appoint_v he_o by_o the_o father_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n have_v undoubted_o their_o appoint_a tendency_n to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n but_o the_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v what_o those_o method_n be_v have_v not_o thesame_a tendency_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v a_o person_n be_v believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o declare_v that_o christ_n have_v observe_v these_o method_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o have_v
a_o immediate_a tendency_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v prove_v be_v this_o that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o declare_v what_o be_v necessary_a on_o christ_n part_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o to_o a_o person_n be_v be_v entitle_v to_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o obtain_v but_o it_o be_v say_v these_o respect_n the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v only_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n answ._n if_o this_o be_v only_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n this_o will_v bring_v in_o all_o the_o other_o truth_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n and_o so_o the_o general_a direction_n here_o lay_v down_o to_o distinguish_v fundamental_a truth_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n for_o those_o truth_n be_v thing_n god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o they_o must_v equal_o respect_v the_o same_o end_n and_o consequent_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n but_o i_o fancy_v the_o author_n mean_v be_v thus_o that_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o god_n reveal_v those_o truth_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n the_o only_a end_n why_o god_n reveal_v those_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v prove_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o i_o think_v the_o great_a reason_n and_o end_v why_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o doctrine_n which_o declare_v the_o way_n and_o method_n how_o our_o saviour_n do_v obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v that_o christian_n may_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o way_n how_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v procure_v and_o purchase_v salvation_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o they_o may_v make_v such_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o truth_n as_o he_o particular_o direct_v or_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v proper_a to_o suggest_v some_o doctrine_n may_v be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o be_v explicit_o know_v and_o believe_v by_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n than_o many_o other_o may_v which_o be_v reveal_v but_o the_o point_n in_o discourse_n be_v not_o concern_v weighty_a or_o important_a truth_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n but_o concern_v doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 87_o 88_o and_o 172_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v obtain_v by_o christ_n observe_v such_o and_o such_o method_n we_o know_v only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o our_o salvation_n be_v obtain_v in_o such_o way_n and_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o same_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o declare_v these_o truth_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n without_o christ_n warrant_n the_o way_n and_o method_n relate_v in_o these_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o may_v several_a other_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v which_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o necessary_o pertain_v to_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n or_o of_o every_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o receive_n from_o he_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v there_o be_v no_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o man_n partake_v of_o that_o salvation_n than_o what_o christ_n absolute_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o his_o dispense_n it_o unto_o men._n our_o believe_v explicit_o the_o several_a step_v jesus_n be_v to_o take_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n for_o mankind_n have_v not_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o our_o receive_v that_o salvation_n from_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v as_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v those_o thing_n have_v to_o his_o obtain_n salvation_n for_o mankind_n he_o have_v by_o certain_a method_n obtain_v to_o himself_o a_o right_a to_o dispense_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v unfeigned_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n but_o his_o right_n to_o bestow_v salvation_n on_o person_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o nor_o be_v limit_v to_o their_o explicit_a believe_v every_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v any_o of_o the_o step_n he_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o take_v and_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n and_o be_v invest_v with_o that_o right_n in_o matter_n of_o reveal_v religion_n revelation_n be_v the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v the_o matter_n reveal_v be_v what_o it_o will_v of_o great_a or_o less_o importance_n and_o where_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n be_v the_o same_o the_o act_n must_v be_v the_o same_o i_o agree_v with_o this_o author_n p._n 13._o that_o the_o design_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o immediate_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o 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it_o shall_v be_v clear_o prove_v that_o the_o explicite_fw-la belief_n of_o any_o one_o article_n distinct_a from_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v require_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a and_o living_n god_n a_o christian_a i_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o something_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v omit_v in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o have_v reason_n from_o that_o author_n book_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v do_v the_o same_o but_o as_o that_o doctrine_n must_v be_v know_v before_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a so_o i_o must_v know_v what_o it_o be_v before_o i_o can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v 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to_o make_v man_n christian_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o salvation_n when_o he_o shall_v set_v down_o a_o list_n of_o they_o and_o produce_v his_o proof_n that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n etc._n etc._n a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o but_o till_o this_o be_v do_v the_o distinction_n of_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v believe_v upon_o god_n veracity_n and_o truth_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n unto_o i_o i_o shall_v here_o further_o observe_v that_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o doctrine_n which_o relate_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v have_v not_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o doctrine_n which_o instruct_v we_o what_o be_v pay_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n be_v not_o the_o price_n itself_o with_o which_o that_o salvation_n be_v 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observation_n on_o the_o animadversion_n late_o print_v at_o oxford_n on_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o s._n bold_n rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n not_o for_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o london_n print_v for_o a._n and_o i._n churchill_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n 1698._o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v why_o other_o person_n have_v give_v such_o account_n as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o main_a proposition_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o design_n that_o author_n have_v in_o publish_v his_o treatise_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o observe_v the_o method_n he_o have_v take_v to_o clear_v and_o prove_v the_o great_a point_n treat_v of_o there_o it_o may_v 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that_o writer_n by_o your_o faithful_a servant_n s._n bold_n observation_n on_o the_o animadversion_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n observation_n on_o the_o preface_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o wrong_a construction_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o a_o very_a good_a and_o useful_a book_n and_o that_o what_o it_o discourse_v of_o may_v be_v represent_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o author_n design_v and_o have_v deliver_v in_o most_o intelligible_a apposite_a and_o plain_a expression_n now_o if_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o write_v against_o a_o book_n he_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v or_o misrepresents_a do_v propose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v pertenent_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o book_n it_o be_v very_o rational_a to_o suppose_v his_o do_v so_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o chance_n than_o to_o the_o exactness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o his_o certain_a intention_n for_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v conceive_v 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can_v at_o all_o invalidate_n but_o may_v very_o much_o confirm_v it_o but_o if_o he_o who_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o latter_a do_v let_v fall_v passage_n which_o reflect_v on_o the_o former_a proposition_n those_o passage_n have_v real_o the_o same_o ill_a aspect_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o proposition_n they_o have_v to_o the_o other_o the_o whole_a amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v declare_v that_o all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n and_o another_o out_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n shall_v profess_o oppose_v that_o proposition_n and_o publish_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o save_v faith_n but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v this_o see_v the_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v lay_v down_o both_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v it_o be_v best_a discern_v which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n then_o certain_a reason_n may_v be_v assign_v why_o they_o may_v be_v better_o discern_v by_o consult_v the_o gospel_n and_o act_n than_o the_o epistle_n people_n misrepresent_v a_o good_a book_n may_v be_v derive_v from_o various_a original_n as_o wilfulness_n inadvertence_n weakness_n prepossession_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o suspect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n late_o print_v at_o oxford_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scriputer_n have_v misrepresent_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n through_o a_o indulgence_n to_o any_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o may_v be_v just_o blame_v because_o he_o write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o so_o much_o temper_v and_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o preface_n so_o every_o way_n become_v a_o worthy_a and_o good_a christian._n but_o if_o i_o understand_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n as_o express_v in_o that_o treatise_n it_o be_v mighty_o misrepresent_v in_o those_o animadversion_n how_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a soever_o the_o author_n may_v be_v in_o what_o he_o have_v do_v that_o i_o may_v do_v both_o these_o author_n all_o the_o right_o i_o be_o able_a i_o will_v observe_v all_o along_o wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v and_o give_v as_o true_a impartial_a and_o distinct_a a_o account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o can_v in_o those_o point_n treat_v of_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o and_o three_o part_n of_o these_o animadversion_n and_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o what_o this_o author_n have_v offer_v against_o what_o he_o have_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o orderly_o i_o will_v begin_v my_o observation_n where_o the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n begin_v he_o viz._n p._n 1._o of_o his_o preface_n where_o he_o declare_v his_o agreement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o most_o rational_a mean_n of_o silence_v all_o religious_a controversy_n be_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n this_o i_o apprehend_v be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o conceive_v he_o agree_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o animadversion_n in_o the_o main_a of_o that_o reason_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v to_o that_o proposition_n though_o to_o express_v what_o i_o apprehend_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o word_n it_o in_o some_o place_n otherwise_o than_o this_o author_n have_v do_v and_o to_o add_v one_o passage_n or_o clause_n he_o have_v not_o insert_v for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o probable_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o happy_a conclusion_n of_o all_o dispute_n in_o religion_n if_o all_o party_n will_v join_v issue_n in_o this_o that_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o express_v declaration_n of_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n so_o enjoin_v till_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v so_o enjoin_v and_o that_o no_o christian_n may_v reject_v or_o withhold_v his_o assent_n from_o any_o article_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o clause_n i_o shall_v add_v be_v this_o that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o what_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o express_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o i_o add_v this_o clause_n for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o because_o whoever_o impose_v on_o people_n certain_a doctrine_n though_o the_o doctrine_n be_v real_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n do_v as_o real_o advance_v a_o foreign_a authority_n and_o set_v it_o up_o equal_o with_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v who_o impose_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n never_o make_v a_o part_n of_o it_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o
not_o sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n as_o they_o give_v of_o the_o mistake_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o present_a point_n this_o author_n certify_v he_o will_v endeavour_v hereafter_o to_o show_v there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o though_o we_o may_v grant_v man_n may_v be_v save_v before_o they_o be_v know_v yet_o when_o they_o be_v divulge_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v style_v true_a christian_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v p._n 17._o answ._n when_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v pure_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o believe_v it_o only_o as_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o do_v employ_v our_o reason_n about_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o consider_v its_o nature_n and_o not_o as_o christian_n for_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o belief_n as_o christian_n be_v divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n and_o let_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v what_o it_o will_v revelation_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o will_v therefore_o produce_v doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o you_o must_v fetch_v they_o from_o natural_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v they_o by_o natural_a reason_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o revelation_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n that_o will_v do_v christianity_n i_o doubt_v but_o little_a service_n hitherto_o it_o have_v do_v no_o inconsiderable_a hurt_n the_o divulge_v of_o more_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n as_o they_o shall_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v more_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o be_v asolute_o necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n before_o they_o be_v divulge_v for_o if_o it_o do_v every_o new_a doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v divulge_v become_v a_o new_a condition_n to_o be_v explicit_o consent_v to_o in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v so_o many_o new_a covenant_n yet_o these_o other_o doctrine_n when_o they_o be_v divulge_v be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o particular_a christian_n who_o do_v understand_v and_o know_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v now_o not_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n but_o by_o virtue_n or_o reason_n of_o that_o obligation_n they_o be_v under_o by_o be_v christian_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o lord_n have_v reveal_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n before_o these_o doctrine_n be_v divulge_v and_o those_o who_o become_v christian_n since_o be_v this_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o be_v christian_n or_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v messiah_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v or_o shall_v reveal_v when_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o same_o now_o his_o revelation_n be_v complete_v those_o who_o believe_v he_o hearty_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v reveal_v as_o they_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o for_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n see_v second_o vindicat._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 82_o 83_o 252_o etc._n etc._n 337_o etc._n etc._n 343_o 344._o whereas_o this_o author_n say_v p._n 17._o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v a_o objection_n or_o rather_o a_o evasion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n since_o it_o intimate_v that_o he_o believe_v as_o much_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o in_o as_o true_a a_o sense_n as_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o then_o relate_v some_o passage_n in_o p._n 299._o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n afterward_o say_v they_o do_v not_o seem_v altogether_o unexceptionable_a p._n 18._o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v in_o p._n 298._o begin_v his_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o epistle_n or_o to_o this_o question_n whether_o the_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v believe_v or_o disbelieved_a by_o a_o christian_a without_o any_o danger_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o free_a grace_n god_n alone_o can_v appoint_v what_o shall_v be_v necessary_o believe_v by_o every_o one_o who_o he_o will_v justify_v what_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o account_v for_o righteousness_n depend_v whole_o on_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o right_o that_o this_o faith_n be_v accept_v and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o can_v set_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o where_o we_o have_v the_o most_o rational_a evidence_n for_o that_o point_n that_o i_o think_v word_n can_v express_v afterward_o in_o p._n 299._o he_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n affirm_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v truth_n whereof_o none_o that_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v such_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v disbelieved_a etc._n etc._n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o affirm_v the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v divine_a truth_n very_o weighty_a to_o we_o now_o and_o which_o no_o christian_n who_o know_v they_o may_v disbelieve_v this_o author_n say_v these_o passage_n be_v not_o altogether_o unexceptionable_a for_o though_o these_o allow_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v object_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v more_o so_o than_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o which_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v they_o p._n 18._o answ._n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n teach_v that_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v object_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o this_o author_n p._n 11._o teach_v that_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o assert_n that_o as_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o divine_a revelation_n so_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o know_v and_o have_v all_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o how_o this_o author_n will_v reconcile_v his_o teach_n that_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n with_o his_o say_n that_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v tell_v without_o a_o very_a singular_a account_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doctrine_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n some_o doctrine_n acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o with_o the_o way_n and_o method_n how_o jesus_n christ_n obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o historical_a relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n some_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v and_o constitute_v man_n christian_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o that_o salvation_n which_o doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o conditional_a relation_n to_o our_o salvation_n there_o be_v doctrine_n which_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o explicit_o believe_v as_o they_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o such_o be_v those_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o first_o head_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o consequential_a and_o obediential_a relation_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o be_v those_o which_o pertain_v to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v
this_o author_n have_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v better_a discern_v by_o consult_v the_o gospel_n and_o act_n what_o be_v the_o article_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propound_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o the_o epistle_n and_o if_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o his_o discourse_n nothing_o follow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n against_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n nor_o will_v it_o follow_v the_o apostle_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n or_o that_o they_o clog_n man_n faith_n with_o unnecessary_a point_n of_o belief_n because_o they_o have_v teach_v several_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o which_o christian_n must_v labour_v to_o understand_v and_o which_o will_v then_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o they_o the_o apostle_n fidelity_n to_o their_o trust_n be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o man_n prejudicate_v fancy_n and_o therefore_o person_n have_v need_n take_v heed_n of_o determine_v that_o the_o apostle_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o write_v such_o doctrine_n in_o their_o epistle_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o a_o unwary_a christian_a but_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n when_o he_o know_v they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v there_o as_o firm_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o but_o say_v this_o author_n if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o write_n of_o their_o epistle_n be_v to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n that_o shall_v be_v necessary_o believe_v to_o salvation_n by_o all_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o such_o p._n 35._o answ._n very_o true_a but_o then_o 1._o if_o what_o you_o suggest_v here_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o write_v their_o epistle_n the_o cause_n be_v clear_o give_v up_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n for_o then_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o write_n of_o their_o epistle_n be_v not_o to_o deliver_v several_a doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n 2._o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o all_o that_o be_v christian_n must_v necessary_o explicit_o believe_v every_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n who_o do_v understand_v they_o this_o author_n than_o proceed_v to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o write_v the_o epistle_n be_v real_o so_o by_o produce_v many_o place_n out_o of_o they_o all_o which_o i_o may_v pass_v over_o without_o any_o observation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o prove_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o that_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v necessary_o believe_v they_o but_o because_o this_o author_n sometime_o infer_v that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o will_v brief_o intimate_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a import_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n he_o quote_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o speak_v not_o bare_o of_o christian_n but_o person_n who_o pretend_v at_o least_o to_o be_v inspire_v but_o take_v it_o of_o christian_n all_o who_o do_v know_v what_o he_o have_v write_v or_o that_o he_o have_v write_v thing_n be_v to_o believe_v explicit_o or_o implicit_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v he_o have_v give_v full_a proof_n of_o his_o apostleship_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v christian_n now_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 1._o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o very_a plain_a account_n how_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o they_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o proof_n he_o have_v propound_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o that_o they_o have_v believe_v this_o gospel_n â—s_v also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o be_v save_v and_o make_v christian_n without_o the_o believe_a of_o which_o whatever_o else_o they_o believe_v will_v not_o avail_v they_o to_o salvation_n vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 269._o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n without_o borrow_v other_o article_n to_o underprop_v it_o some_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o here_o mind_v they_o of_o and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v superstructure_n erect_v on_o that_o foundation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o have_v be_v former_o consider_v vid._n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n etc._n etc._n p._n 303_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o be_v a_o motive_n to_o timothy_n to_o take_v care_n to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v 1_o th._n 4._o 1._o be_v a_o direction_n to_o christian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o false_a teacher_n will_v obtrude_v on_o they_o certify_v they_o may_v just_o conclude_v those_o to_o be_v false_a teacher_n who_o do_v deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v real_a man._n the_o 14_o and_o 15_o verse_n be_v express_v that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o messiah_n do_v make_v a_o man_n a_o christian._n whether_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o distinct_a act_n here_o from_o the_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n may_v be_v consider_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o do_v not_o consider_v strict_o declare_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o they_o do_v know_v and_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n concern_v his_o conversation_n 2_o thes._n 2._o 15._o show_n that_o believer_n or_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n to_o hold_v fast_o whatever_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o and_o full_o assure_v be_v christ_n doctrine_n not_o one_o of_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n consider_v by_o itself_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o consider_v together_o do_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o write_v in_o their_o epistle_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o and_o innumerable_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n to_o show_v they_o that_o be_v christian_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o set_v a_o very_a great_a value_n on_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o endeavour_v to_o acquire_v as_o distinct_a a_o knowledge_n as_o they_o can_v of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o what_o doctrine_n they_o have_v learn_v from_o their_o write_n and_o that_o they_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o doctrine_n for_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o say_v this_o author_n it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v fill_v their_o write_n with_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n of_o believe_v they_o p._n 37._o answ._n true_a if_o christian_n when_o they_o know_v they_o have_v write_v they_o shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o but_o will_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v fill_v their_o epistle_n to_o believer_n or_o christian_n with_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n on_o unbeliever_n to_o believe_v they_o all_o explicit_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n be_v every_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o be_v to_o be_v be_v believe_v to_o be_v explicit_o know_v and_o believe_v by_o unbeliever_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n so_o that_o when_o once_o they_o be_v christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o here_o add_v this_o author_n it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o christian_n and_o whether_o design_v to_o teach_v they_o any_o doctrine_n
the_o collection_n those_o who_o shall_v believe_v every_o one_o of_o those_o article_n which_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o full_a sense_n give_v of_o that_o term_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n will_v not_o be_v christian_n it_o may_v further_o be_v inquire_v whether_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v explicit_o every_o one_o of_o these_o doctrine_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v any_o more_o doctrine_n if_o the_o answer_n be_v no_o then_o either_o these_o be_v all_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v though_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o understand_v they_o or_o to_o believe_v they_o though_o they_o do_v know_v they_o if_o the_o answer_v be_v yes_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o that_o come_v about_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v because_o among_o the_o doctrine_n before_o speak_v of_o this_o be_v one_o that_o jesus_n be_v our_o king_n and_o therefore_o to_o testify_v our_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v other_o doctrine_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v acquire_v some_o assurance_n to_o themselves_o and_o give_v evidence_n and_o proof_n to_o other_o that_o they_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v their_o king_n but_o not_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o that_o they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o see_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o other_o doctrine_n be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o only_o a_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n must_v oblige_v and_o govern_v 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