primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o head_n but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n as_o a_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n eph._n 5._o 23_o 24._o no_o particular_a christian_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o member_n in_o this_o body_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v his_o spouse_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o for_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ._n christ_n be_v a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o flock_n john_n 10._o for_o the_o relation_n between_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o whole_a flock_n christ_n be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o holy_a temple_n so_o that_o all_o these_o metaphor_n in_o their_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a use_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n second_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o ii_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o church_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o lively_a stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n the_o church_n be_v christ_n flock_n and_o every_o christian_a who_o be_v of_o this_o fold_n be_v one_o of_o christ_n sheep_n the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n which_o christ_n own_v for_o his_o spouse_n but_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o christ_n spouse_n he_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o polygamy_n and_o have_v but_o one_o spouse_n as_o he_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n which_o quite_o spoil_v the_o prettiness_n and_o fantastical_a wit_n of_o a_o late_a exhortation_n to_o young_a woman_n to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n because_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o beautiful_a vincent_n and_o kind_a and_o have_v all_o the_o property_n of_o a_o excellent_a husband_n which_o will_v have_v sound_v much_o better_o in_o a_o popish_a nunnery_n than_o among_o such_o pretender_n to_o reformation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a art_n whereby_o those_o cunning_a priest_n wheadle_n silly_a girl_n into_o a_o profession_n of_o perpetual_a virginity_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o their_o due_a the_o papist_n be_v the_o most_o generous_a sort_n of_o suitor_n for_o christ_n for_o they_o persuade_v they_o to_o forsake_v all_o other_o husband_n for_o christ_n which_o be_v more_o honourable_a and_o meritorious_a thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v call_v the_o vine_n and_o christian_n the_o branch_n in_o that_o vine_n john_n 15._o which_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o what_o go_v before_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n ay_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o church_n be_v elsewhere_o call_v christ_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o and_o my_o reason_n for_o this_o exposition_n be_v these_o first_o because_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n compare_v to_o a_o vine_n isaiah_n 5._o jer._n 2._o 21._o hosea_n 10._o 1._o now_o a_o vine_n be_v the_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o church_n use_v to_o be_v describe_v we_o can_v reasonable_o understand_v it_o otherwise_o here_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n which_o god_n now_o own_v he_o have_v reject_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o prove_v a_o degenerate_a vine_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o christ_n himself_o apply_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n math._n 21._o 33._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v a_o olive_n tree_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o express_o call_v branch_n rom._n 11._o 17_o 18._o which_o metaphor_n have_v the_o very_a same_o nature_n and_o signification_n with_o the_o vine_n and_o branch_n second_o because_o god_n be_v call_v the_o husbandman_n who_o take_v care_n to_o dress_v this_o vine_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v god_n husbandry_n three_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o branch_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o very_a union_n to_o his_o person_n as_o those_o man_n acknowledge_v who_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o union_n of_o person_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a and_o therefore_o be_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n but_o four_a to_o confirm_v all_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v objection_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o very_a chapter_n that_o when_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v thus_o in_o the_o 5._o ver._n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o i_o will_v willing_o learn_v what_o sense_n can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v not_o very_o intelligible_a how_o we_o can_v be_v or_o abide_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v more_o unintelligible_a still_o how_o we_o can_v be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o new_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n call_v penetration_n of_o dimension_n and_o that_o our_o fruitfulness_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o hard_a to_o my_o understanding_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o by_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o we_o understand_v the_o christian_a church_n he_o who_o make_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o continues_z in_o society_n with_o those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o by_o i_o in_o he_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n both_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o sense_n be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o own_v my_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n and_o all_o you_o who_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o of_o a_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o branch_n in_o this_o vine_n and_o whoever_o of_o you_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o profession_n and_o communion_n and_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o but_o suffer_v my_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o you_o to_o govern_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o direct_v your_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n all_o such_o of_o you_o will_v be_v very_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n for_o without_o such_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a so_o that_o to_o abide_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n but_o because_o many_o be_v so_o who_o do_v not_o much_o credit_n their_o profession_n be_v branch_n in_o he_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n hence_o to_o distinguish_v all_o true_a christian_n from_o such_o hypocritical_a professor_n he_o add_v and_o i_o in_o you_o that_o be_v my_o word_n abide_v
after_o christ._n that_o be_v lest_o their_o mind_n be_v corrupt_v through_o philosophical_a speculation_n or_o traditionary_a superstition_n in_o worship_v daemon_n and_o angel_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o owe_v their_o original_n only_o to_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n and_o then_o he_o add_v for_o in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a so_o that_o this_o must_v refer_v to_o that_o complete_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o need_v not_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o philosophy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o phrase_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n which_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n for_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n be_v god_n house_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o the_o mercy_n seat_n and_o cherubim_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o god_n presence_n there_o and_o this_o symbolical_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o that_o symbolical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o he_o then_o institute_v and_o command_v he_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o fore_o institute_v a_o typical_a and_o figurative_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a declaration_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n but_o now_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o john_n 1._o 14._o the_o deity_n itself_o now_o dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n as_o former_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o a_o real_a and_o immediate_a presence_n and_o union_n and_o therefore_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o he_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o imperfect_a rudiment_n and_o obscure_a type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bodily_a be_v oppose_v to_o figurative_a and_o typical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v substantial_o in_o christ_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o so_o excellent_a a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o who_o the_o deity_n itself_o inhabit_v have_v perfect_o reveal_v god_n will_v to_o we_o all_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v accomplish_v in_o christ_n person_n he_o be_v that_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n which_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o god_n dwell_v among_o we_o and_o his_o religion_n answer_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a not_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o all_o truth_n and_o substance_n the_o law_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o the_o body_n be_v of_o christ_n ver._n 17._o his_o religion_n be_v body_n truth_n and_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o place_n be_v exact_o parallel_n with_o john_n 1._o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tabernacle_v among_o we_o herein_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v fulfil_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o our_o flesh_n and_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n not_o a_o typical_a and_o figurative_a but_o a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v that_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o our_o apostle_n add_v here_o and_o you_o be_v complete_a in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v in_o he_o you_o need_v no_o other_o instructor_n but_o christ_n who_o have_v reveal_v as_o much_o of_o god_n will_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v so_o that_o this_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o christ_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n for_o since_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n do_v inhabit_v in_o christ_n person_n we_o need_v not_o question_n but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v notice_n of_o john_n 3._o 34_o 35._o for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v declare_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o we_o for_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o mean_a prophet_n who_o have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n but_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a the_o father_n love_v the_o son_n and_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n you_o see_v signify_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o other_o place_n this_o fullness_n signify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o where_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v he_o as_o it_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a for_o he_o can_v be_v a_o perfect_a head_n without_o a_o body_n hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ._n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o beza_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o phrase_n which_o so_o frequent_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o extent_n and_o universality_n that_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o take_v in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o col._n 1._o 19_o for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v which_o word_n be_v common_o expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o col._n 2._o 9_o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o context_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n for_o a_o different_a sense_n and_o beza_n observe_v that_o some_o expositor_n by_o his_o fullness_n in_o this_o place_n understand_v the_o church_n for_o vers._n 18._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v where_o fullness_n must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o unite_v his_o church_n into_o christ_n for_o the_o apostle_n assign_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v why_o the_o church_n be_v call_v fullness_n and_o all_o fullness_n say_v to_o dwell_v in_o christ_n the_o reason_n follow_v in_o 20_o 21._o and_o have_v make_v peace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n by_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o they_o be_v thing_n in_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o you_o who_o be_v sometime_o alienate_v and_o enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n yet_o now_o have_v he_o reconcile_v this_o be_v that_o fullness_n that_o dwell_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o unite_v in_o one_o
such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o redeem_a his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n hence_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o first_o ep._n ch._n 1._o ver._n 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n first_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v you_o have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n and_o therefore_o those_o public_a censure_n whereby_o rot_a or_o dead_a member_n be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o cast_v such_o person_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o religious_a office_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o union_n to_o his_o person_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o but_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n otherwise_o this_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n can_v be_v no_o visible_a signification_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n nor_o can_v our_o excision_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n signify_v our_o separation_n from_o he_o but_o three_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a now_o iii_o to_o explain_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n hence_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o john_n 8._o 31._o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o &_o 14._o 21._o and_o to_o have_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o close_a and_o firm_a union_n to_o he_o john_n 15._o 7._o as_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o a_o political_a union_n which_o be_v dissolve_v and_o break_v by_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v himself_o a_o shepherd_n and_o christian_n his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o to_o signify_v that_o authority_n he_o have_v over_o his_o church_n which_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o the_o government_n of_o a_o shepherd_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o use_v as_o a_o name_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o god_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n psalm_n 80._o 1._o and_o king_n be_v frequent_o call_v shepherd_n both_o by_o profane_a and_o sacred_a writer_n though_o this_o name_n be_v most_o common_o give_v to_o prophet_n who_o feed_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o do_v very_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o saviour_n who_o erect_v this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o law_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n thus_o he_o be_v call_v a_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n which_o two_o metaphor_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v both_o of_o they_o name_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o appear_v from_o eph._n 5._o 23._o etc._n etc._n for_o husband_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o their_o wife_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n as_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n so_o that_o a_o husband_n as_o a_o husband_n represent_v the_o head_n and_o the_o wife_n the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n because_o he_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o exhort_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a head_n v_o 24._o for_o because_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v the_o command_n and_o government_n of_o all_o the_o member_n hence_o head_n be_v a_o common_a name_n for_o prince_n and_o governor_n deutr._fw-la 28._o 13._o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v thou_o the_o head_n and_o not_o the_o tail_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v above_o only_o and_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v beneath_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v rule_v and_o govern_v psalm_n 18._o 43._o thou_o have_v make_v i_o the_o head_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o a_o people_n who_o i_o have_v not_o know_v shall_v serve_v i_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n always_o expound_v this_o metaphor_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n by_o power_n and_o authority_n eph._n 1._o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n col._n 1._o 18._o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o excel_v other_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v and_o govern_v they_o for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v he_o who_o have_v the_o first_o place_n of_o authority_n because_o government_n be_v natural_o entail_v on_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n thus_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n that_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o governor_n col._n 2._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o true_a explication_n of_o this_o relation_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n because_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n because_o it_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o his_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o his_o government_n as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v very_o familiar_a to_o call_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v under_o the_o same_o law_n and_o civil_a government_n a_o body_n politic_n which_o signify_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o a_o body_n have_v but_o one_o head_n and_o that_o regard_v they_o must_v have_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o their_o mutual_a care_n of_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n now_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o shepherd_n over_o his_o sheep_n and_o of_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n over_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n be_v to_o signify_v the_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o his_o government_n and_o that_o great_a and_o near_o concern_v he_o have_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o govern_v his_o church_n with_o the_o care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o defend_v and_o ransom_n his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o a_o good_a shepherd_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o that_o he_o love_v his_o church_n with_o the_o natural_a kindness_n of_o a_o head_n or_o husband_n that_o his_o government_n be_v only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n not_o for_o his_o own_o private_a advantage_n as_o a_o kind_a husband_n exercise_v no_o other_o authority_n over_o his_o wife_n but_o what_o be_v for_o her_o good_a as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o or_o as_o the_o head_n have_v no_o other_o concern_v but_o that_o all_o his_o member_n be_v preserve_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o vigour_n and_o perform_v their_o proper_a and_o natural_a office_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o he_o will_v be_v gentle_a in_o his_o discipline_n and_o favourable_a in_o his_o censure_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o dear_o he_o have_v purchase_v this_o relation_n to_o his_o church_n
that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n eph._n 5._o 25_o 26._o upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n vers_fw-la 30._o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o crucify_a body_n as_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v reconcile_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n through_o death_n col._n 1._o 21_o 22._o because_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o receive_v gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o crucify_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n answer_v to_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n own_v himself_o our_o friend_n joh._n 15._o 14._o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o soever_o i_o command_v you_o which_o do_v not_o signify_v such_o a_o equality_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o friend_n nor_o encourage_v any_o rudeness_n and_o unbecoming_a familiarity_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o but_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n that_o he_o will_v rule_v his_o church_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o tenderness_n which_o one_o friend_n express_v to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v our_o shepherd_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o friend_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v and_o purchase_v we_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o most_o surprise_a and_o astonish_a goodness_n and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n also_o have_v now_o lay_v aside_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o severe_a name_n of_o a_o king_n and_o call_v himself_o our_o father_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n and_o government_n and_o to_o signify_v that_o liberty_n of_o son_n we_o now_o enjoy_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n and_o governor_n he_o do_v not_o govern_v we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o for_o he_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n where_o he_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o his_o church_n and_o by_o a_o vigilant_a providence_n superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o have_v leave_v the_o visible_a and_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n who_o preside_v in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n christ_n confer_v such_o extraordinary_a gift_n on_o man_n as_o qualify_v they_o for_o so_o great_a a_o office_n eph._n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_o publish_v and_o sufficient_o confirm_v yet_o the_o office_n still_o continue_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n though_o manage_v in_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n christ_n now_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o man_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o discourse_v above_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o consist_v in_o their_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o immediate_o exercise_v by_o christ_n himself_o but_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v can_v own_o his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o prince_n who_o deny_v subjection_n to_o those_o subordinate_a magistrate_n who_o act_n by_o his_o prince_n commission_n for_o the_o union_n of_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v consist_v in_o order_n and_o government_n when_o all_o the_o member_n keep_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o be_v knit_v to_o each_o other_o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o several_a office_n and_o trust_n schismatic_n be_v in_o the_o church_n just_a as_o rebel_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n not_o as_o part_v of_o it_o but_o as_o open_v and_o profess_v enemy_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o eph._n 4._o 16._o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v invest_v in_o christ_n as_o head_n to_o who_o the_o church_n be_v obedient_a and_o subject_a but_o to_o make_v this_o union_n firm_a and_o last_a there_o must_v be_v a_o regular_a subordination_n of_o the_o several_a member_n and_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o advance_v their_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o especial_o to_o increase_v that_o love_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o church_n this_o indeed_o suppose_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n alter_v the_o case_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n we_o be_v under_o the_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o a_o visible_a communion_n because_o herein_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o our_o union_n to_o he_o consist_v and_o this_o by_o the_o way_n give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o only_a cause_n that_o can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o because_o this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n when_o nothing_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o supreme_a lord_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n in_o our_o subjection_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o we_o disowne_v his_o authority_n in_o disow_v and_o affront_a they_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o luk._n 10._o 16._o but_o when_o any_o church_n prevaricate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n corrupt_v his_o religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a when_o we_o can_v obey_v our_o spiritual_a ruler_n without_o disobey_v the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v nay_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a society_n which_o be_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v own_v their_o authority_n but_o we_o must_v