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 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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
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
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 particular_a doctrine_n but_o to_o testify_v in_o general_a that_o those_o who_o wrought_v they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n as_o they_o profess_v and_o in_o my_o judgement_n this_o be_v no_o contemptible_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o due_a believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v christ_n do_v make_v man_n christian_n his_o miracle_n do_v not_o immediate_o and_o direct_o but_o only_o consequential_o prove_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o teach_v but_o they_o do_v most_o eminent_o prove_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o this_o purpose_n to_o induce_v people_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n or_o christian_n or_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n if_o those_o person_n who_o faith_n do_v answer_v the_o intendment_n of_o the_o miracle_n be_v christian_n i_o think_v it_o can_v handsome_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n be_v a_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n yet_o if_o 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 desire_v of_o they_o who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v more_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n that_o they_o will_v draw_v out_o a_o just_a scheme_n of_o they_o no_o say_v this_o author_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o we_o can_v produce_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v absolute_o enjoin_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n etc._n etc._n p._n 16._o answ._n this_o be_v quite_o from_o the_o present_a purpose_n for_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o what_o doctrine_n be_v enjoy_v absolute_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o what_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o easy_a task_n to_o prove_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o article_n absolute_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
resurrection_n all_o the_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o which_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n be_v appoint_v by_o his_o father_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o for_o most_o good_a and_o wise_a reason_n that_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n have_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sinner_n provide_v they_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o term_n he_o shall_v propose_v to_o they_o be_v from_o the_o father_n appoint_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o well_o as_o for_o several_a other_o purpose_v they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o appointment_n a_o relation_n to_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n himself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o redound_v therefrom_o to_o all_o men._n observation_n on_o the_o three_o part._n the_o title_n give_v to_o this_o part_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v 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the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n be_v inquire_v after_o viz._n what_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o one_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n to_o make_v he_o a_o christian._n a_o few_o day_n ago_o i_o accidental_o meet_v with_o a_o book_n entitle_v hobs_n tripos_n and_o perceive_v that_o one_o part_n of_o it_o be_v entitle_v de_fw-fr corpore_fw-la politico_fw-la i_o be_v so_o curious_a as_o to_o read_v that_o part_n to_o see_v whether_o he_o do_v there_o treat_v of_o religion_n and_o what_o he_o do_v say_v concern_v it_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o discourse_v very_o agreeable_o to_o what_o this_o author_n quote_v out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr cive_z mr._n hobbs_n do_v proceed_v in_o this_o book_n i_o speak_v of_o further_o than_o the_o act_n cite_v several_a text_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o if_o i_o reach_v his_o sense_n and_o design_n mr._n hobs_n notion_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o that_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n mr._n hobs_n notion_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o believe_v any_o more_o article_n than_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o many_o article_n as_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o know_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o think_v mr._n hobs_n discourse_n be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o itself_o nor_o with_o that_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v support_v his_o expression_n be_v many_o time_n so_o general_a they_o comprehend_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v all_o he_o aim_v at_o he_o seem_v willing_a that_o several_a distinct_a article_n shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n though_o how_o his_o bring_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n among_o they_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o what_o he_o principal_o design_v be_v above_o my_o reach_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o prove_v his_o fundamental_o as_o he_o call_v they_o he_o produce_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o particular_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o therefore_o at_o last_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o only_a fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v exact_o and_o true_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o only_a point_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a true_a and_o living_n god_n though_o other_o point_n say_v he_o may_v be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v save_v though_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o as_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o only_o say_v they_o may_v be_v true_a but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o be_v divine_a truth_n and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v with_o steadfast_a faith_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o mr._n hobs_n assertion_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o point_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v save_v though_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o but_o 1._o whether_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o he_o who_o do_v know_v they_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o whether_o a_o christian_a subject_n may_v without_o hazard_n of_o his_o salvation_n do_v action_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n which_o imply_v a_o denial_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o he_o know_v they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n mr._n hobbs_n declare_v for_o the_o affirmative_a p._n 214._o mr._n hobbs_n say_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o point_n viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v p._n 208._o that_o be_v let_v a_o man_n know_v ever_o so_o many_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o be_v teach_v there_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o nothing_o say_v he_o be_v true_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n p._n 110._o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n deliver_v the_o direct_a contrary_a truth_n and_o these_o be_v notion_n which_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o a_o person_n be_v believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o hearty_o for_o his_o lord_n and_o king_n yet_o mr._n hobbs_n say_v christian_a faith_n consist_v in_o acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v king_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n p._n 211._o but_o it_o seem_v believe_v what_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v be_v not_o with_o mr._n hobbs_n any_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o the_o contradictory_n of_o this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n have_v deliver_v most_o just_o for_o the_o truth_n mr._n hobbs_n seem_v to_o lay_v much_o stress_n on_o this_o that_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n be_v about_o point_v unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o which_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v unnecessary_a for_o christian_n to_o believe_v but_o a_o point_n be_v controvert_v do_v not_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o unnecessary_a man_n may_v raise_v and_o maintain_v controversy_n about_o what_o point_n they_o please_v but_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o do_v know_v jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o many_o more_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o believe_v explicit_o as_o many_o as_o i_o shall_v attain_v a_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o let_v other_o people_n dispute_v and_o make_v as_o many_o controversy_n about_o they_o as_o they_o please_v controversy_n may_v occasion_v and_o engage_v christian_n to_o inquire_v more_o accurate_o whether_o christ_n have_v say_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o point_n and_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v concern_v it_o and_o what_o a_o christian_a understand_v christ_n have_v teach_v concern_v it_o he_o be_v necessary_o to_o believe_v let_v those_o who_o controvert_v it_o say_v what_o they_o will_n i_o find_v mr._n hobbs_n be_v for_o a_o public_a conscience_n and_o for_o people_n transfer_v their_o right_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o another_o which_o notion_n agree_v well_o enough_o with_o that_o of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n he_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v for_o have_v the_o right_o transfer_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n
the_o messiah_n since_o if_o they_o once_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n p._n 78_o 79._o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n messiah_n be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o what_o this_o author_n have_v before_o declare_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o it_o 2._o that_o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n that_o the_o people_n do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v it_o either_o interpret_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o but_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v use_v the_o term_n according_a to_o the_o familiar_a and_o common_o know_v meaning_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o suppose_v the_o jew_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n yet_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o messiah_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v this_o only_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v a_o right_n believe_v of_o this_o that_o do_v make_v they_o christian_n how_o near_o a_o connection_n soever_o their_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o which_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v concern_v he_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n may_v have_v with_o their_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n suppose_v they_o do_v general_o believe_v that_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v be_v god_n yet_o those_o who_o believe_v other_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v god_n too_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o believe_v a_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n nor_o a_o believe_v that_o person_n to_o be_v god_n that_o make_v people_n christian_n but_o a_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o real_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v so_o also_o must_v it_o be_v equal_o a_o crime_n not_o to_o know_v clear_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v that_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n p._n 87._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v this_o hold_v true_a as_o to_o all_o man_n and_o so_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o be_v wilful_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n say_v this_o author_n for_o the_o defend_v his_o divinity_n viz._n our_o saviour_n with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o concern_v as_o st._n john_n do_v defend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_a man_n p._n 87._o answ._n 1._o the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o defend_v divine_a truth_n when_o oppose_v and_o deny_v by_o person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v bare_o from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o also_o from_o their_o nature_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o truth_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o which_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v 2._o he_o that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v not_o therein_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v only_a man_n he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v man_n but_o not_o only_a man_n for_o that_o be_v not_o propose_v to_o his_o belief_n when_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v attain_v to_o know_v be_v reveal_v concern_v he_o believe_v in_o christ_n say_v this_o author_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v interpret_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o scripture_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o this_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a be_v a_o fundamental_a that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v either_o more_o or_o less_o of_o he_o than_o we_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n p._n 92._o answ._n revelation_n be_v the_o just_a measure_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ._n so_o that_o a_o christian_n let_v his_o advances_n in_o knowledge_n be_v ever_o so_o great_a must_v no_o believe_v any_o thing_n concern_v he_o but_o what_o he_o be_v warrant_v or_o at_o least_o apprehend_v upon_o mature_a consideration_n he_o be_v warrant_v by_o scripture_n but_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o do_v explicit_o believe_v every_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v people_n to_o believe_v concern_v christ_n be_v a_o notion_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o any_o where_o warrant_n be_v this_o notion_n true_a no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o christian_n who_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o christ_n be_v not_o every_o way_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a sagacious_a and_o understand_a person_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n or_o that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a since_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o there_o may_v be_v ground_n to_o question_n whether_o any_o uninspired_a man_n do_v or_o will_v attain_v to_o a_o just_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v reveal_v concern_v christ._n but_o it_o will_v probable_o be_v object_v say_v this_o author_n to_o all_o this_o that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v several_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_a christian_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o in_o order_n to_o his_o admission_n into_o christianity_n than_o the_o believe_a jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n contend_v for_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o propose_v in_o its_o full_a weight_n but_o that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o for_o if_o the_o answer_v reach_v it_o as_o it_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o say_v this_o author_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o forementioned_a article_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o may_v be_v name_v be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o one_o article_n of_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o be_v a_o repetition_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o branch_n p._n 92_o 93._o answ._n this_o answer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o satisfactory_a because_o it_o be_v whole_o concern_v another_o matter_n than_o that_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o objection_n the_o objection_n be_v concern_v what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n the_o answer_n be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o article_n moreover_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o several_a distinct_a article_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n this_o author_n have_v former_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o nature_n of_o several_a doctrine_n and_o their_o be_v divine_a revelation_n now_o consider_v several_a particular_a doctrine_n single_o in_o themselves_o and_o abstract_o from_o their_o be_v divine_a revelation_n they_o be_v 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