he_o be_v presuppose_v our_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o we_o secret_o embrace_v it_o but_o we_o be_v public_o to_o own_o it_o and_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v of_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o baptism_n presuppose_v repentance_n which_o respect_v our_o turn_n to_o god_n as_o our_o end_n and_o faith_n which_o implye'_v our_o own_n christ_n as_o our_o way_n so_o our_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o solemn_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n our_o come_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o sanctification_n influence_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v our_o naked_a promise_n so_o authentic_a as_o when_o we_o public_o seal_v to_o the_o article_n require_v of_o we_o it_o be_v both_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o bond_n &_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v we_o to_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o answer_n towards_o god_n which_o as_o it_o suppose_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o it_o proclaym_v our_o undertake_n to_o perform_v they_o 4._o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n consist_v in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n there_o do_v therefore_o upon_o a_o person_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n emerge_n as_o that_o he_o be_v render_v a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n visible_a by_o this_o as_o by_o a_o solemn_a rite_n we_o become_v visible_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o enroll_v among_o those_o who_o have_v consign_v over_o and_o consecrate_v themselves_o unto_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o far_o be_v our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n from_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v our_o dedicate_a ourselves_o to_o christ_n by_o this_o august_n ceremony_n which_o constitute_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a second_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n levy_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o reply_v these_o thing_n 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n see_v none_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o church-member_n man_n be_v first_o to_o approve_v themselves_o sincere_a christian_n before_o they_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n only_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v a_o title_n of_o participate_v at_o this_o christian_a eucharistical_a feast_n much_o less_o be_v it_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o political_a union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o through_o a_o previous_a subjection_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o his_o authority_n that_o we_o celebrate_v this_o ordinance_n 2._o as_o by_o baptism_n we_o public_o avow_v our_o take_n upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ratify_v our_o perseverance_n and_o renew_v our_o engagement_n of_o be_v the_o lord_n by_o come_v to_o his_o table_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o of_o his_o famimy_n and_o declare_v our_o resolution_n of_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n and_o retainer_n it_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o our_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o will_v remain_v constant_a and_o faithful_a in_o it_o 3._o though_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n nor_o with_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o a_o symbol_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a badge_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v among_o christian_n our_o eat_n at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o family_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o all_o eat_v of_o one_o loaf_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 10.17_o we_o do_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o we_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o christ._n yet_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n do_v this_o lie_n from_o evince_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n that_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o antecedent_n union_n with_o christ_n can_v give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o partake_v of_o this_o sacred_a supper_n or_o of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v that_o even_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v mere_o a_o political_a union_n or_o such_o a_o relation_n only_o as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v immediate_a and_o not_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v then_o dispatch_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n hypothesis_n that_o wherein_o my_o concernment_n next_o lie_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v not_o mere_o political_a and_o if_o i_o be_v but_o able_a to_o acquit_v myself_o in_o this_o undertake_n the_o whole_a of_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n to_o christian_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v and_o it_o be_v here_o that_o we_o have_v our_o author_n most_o heroic_a adventure_n and_o where_o especial_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v as_o stand_v on_o his_o tiptoe_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o peculiar_o attend_v to_o in_o opposition_n therefore_o to_o his_o assertion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n be_v only_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 56._o i_o advance_v this_o antithesis_fw-la that_o a_o political_a relation_n do_v not_o adequate_o express_v that_o oneness_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o august_o celebrate_v as_o intercede_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n this_o direct_o contradict_v mr._n sherlock_n three_o and_o four_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v coincident_a for_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v 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 156._o which_o be_v his_o three_o proposition_n and_o to_o say_v that_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture-notion_n 186._o signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o potical_a union_n which_o be_v his_o four_o be_v according_a to_o the_o best_a understanding_n of_o enunciation_n i_o have_v coincident_a and_o equipollent_a proposition_n now_o in_o discourse_v this_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o our_o measure_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o regulate_v our_o conception_n by_o it_o alone_o for_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n which_o no_o idea_n congenite_fw-la with_o we_o nor_o objective_a discovery_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v have_v conduct_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o their_o immediate_a exercise_n can_v never_o have_v discern_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o connexion_n with_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o natural_o know_v to_o be_v collect_v and_o deduce_v from_o they_o though_o by_o attend_v to_o revelation_n we_o may_v come_v to_o frame_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n on_o which_o it_o depend_v we_o can_v never_o have_v form_v any_o apprehension_n of_o it_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o previous_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o first_o argument_n in_o proof_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v more_o than_o political_n shall_v be_v levy_v from_o those_o symbolic_a metaphor_n and_o terrene_a figure_n and_o image_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o i_o have_v in_o the_o before_o go_v chapter_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o infinite_a wisdom_n declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n under_o earthly_a parable_n and_o symbol_n namely_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o lie_v remote_a from_o our_o understanding_n may_v
allegory_n and_o metaphor_n as_o the_o modern_a conformable_a clergy_n 8.9.10_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o some_o discourse_n late_o publish_v on_o this_o subject_n 1._o what_o seem_v most_o especial_o to_o have_v influence_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n not_o frame_v to_o befriend_v man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o ungodliness_n mr._n sherlock_n be_v 3.4_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n in_o general_n state_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o common_a union_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o 6._o the_o union_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o specifical_a oneness_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o through_o his_o have_v assume_v humane_a nature_n 7._o nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o any_o mixture_n of_o his_o bodily_a substance_n with_o we_o through_o a_o carnal_a feed_n on_o he_o 8._o a_o personal_a union_n disclaim_v 9_o not_o mere_o a_o legal_a union_n and_o yet_o a_o legal_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o those_o give_v to_o he_o of_o god_n justify_v 10._o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o love-vnion_n 11._o christian_n not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o previous_a union_n with_o the_o church_n 12._o what_o ever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n 13._o a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o assign_v and_o the_o whole_a shut_v up_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o interest_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o religion_n sect._n i._n the_o interest_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v sufficient_o authorize_v a_o concernedness_n in_o every_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o direct_o invade_v nor_o secret_o supplant_v and_o the_o more_o important_a the_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v christianity_n the_o less_o chargeable_a as_o importune_a be_v he_o who_o engage_v either_o in_o the_o explication_n or_o defence_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o name_n of_o william_n sherlock_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o rector_n of_o st._n george_n buttolphâ—lane_n london_n which_o the_o author_n character_n himself_o by_o i_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o write_n i_o be_o now_o to_o encounter_n and_o i_o wish_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v no_o further_a occasion_n of_o know_v he_o than_o as_o his_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o have_v vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o further_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o state_v opposition_n of_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o their_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o concernment_n and_o expectation_n consist_v he_o must_v not_o resent_v it_o amiss_o if_o while_o we_o be_v examine_v what_o he_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o in_o these_o and_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o what_o he_o intimate_v to_o we_o of_o his_o principle_n in_o those_o matter_n the_o prefix_v imprimatur_fw-la of_o doctor_n parker_n will_v tempt_v one_o to_o suspect_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o only_o under_o the_o connivance_n but_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o more_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o i_o confess_v man_n be_v fill_v with_o surprisal_n and_o amazement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o consider_v the_o manifest_a repugnance_n of_o our_o author_n principle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o the_o declare_v article_n of_o the_o â—aid_a church_n though_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o ascribe_v the_o sentiment_n of_o every_o private_a writer_n to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o when_o error_n be_v vent_v under_o allowance_n other_o beside_o the_o author_n become_v accountable_a for_o they_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o licenser_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o a_o great_a person_n in_o who_o behalf_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v repute_a to_o act_n will_v seem_v to_o plead_v that_o the_o fame_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n bespeak_v some_o vindication_n from_o her_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n or_o dignify_v member_n in_o these_o matter_n or_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v who_o will_v suffer_v under_o the_o imputation_n and_o dishonour_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o and_o disquisition_n of_o these_o point_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v pursue_v without_o offence_n to_o any_o especial_o be_v manage_v without_o passionate_a heat_n or_o invidious_a reflection_n invective_n and_o satyr_n do_v not_o only_o disparage_v religion_n in_o general_n but_o betray_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v use_v nor_o be_v they_o adapt_v to_o proselyte_n any_o but_o such_o who_o have_v forfeit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o impudence_n noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o myself_o i_o profess_v such_o a_o aversation_n to_o the_o method_n some_o of_o our_o modern_a writer_n take_v in_o treat_v their_o adversary_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o insinuate_v suspicion_n or_o raise_v misprision_n of_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o notion_n here_o contend_v against_o further_a than_o the_o unfolding_n and_o pursue_v they_o to_o their_o spring_n necessitate_v i_o and_o if_o thereby_o any_o who_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o cracovia_n i_o can_v help_v it_o unless_o i_o shall_v betray_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o plead_v for_o yet_o i_o do_v hereby_o no_o way_n intend_v to_o list_n even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o principle_n they_o have_v imbibe_v remember_v what_o one_o say_v of_o the_o milesian_n that_o may_v be_v they_o be_v no_o fool_n though_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o fool_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v however_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v declare_v upon_o who_o foundation_n they_o build_v and_o with_o who_o buttress_n they_o support_v their_o fabric_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o fall_v too_o evident_o under_o the_o prospect_n of_o every_o discern_a person_n who_o be_v like_a to_o reap_v the_o harvest_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o sowing_n now_o though_o i_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_o to_o acquit_v myself_o by_o continue_v on_o the_o defensive_a and_o only_o examine_v the_o reason_n which_o have_v sway_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n and_o though_o this_o will_v be_v the_o easy_a undertake_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a person_n enough_o both_o to_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v already_o mislead_v and_o to_o pre-arm_n other_o against_o the_o danger_n yet_o design_v the_o same_o universal_a usefulness_n to_o the_o reader_n as_o if_o i_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o reply_v to_o another_o book_n i_o shall_v together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o adversary_n exception_n endeavour_v to_o state_n and_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o defence_n i_o appear_v and_o withal_o attaque_fw-la he_o in_o the_o opinion_n he_o erect_v against_o they_o nor_o be_o i_o without_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v style_v conformist_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v term_v nonconformist_n notwithstanding_o their_o disciplinary_a controversy_n candid_a and_o favourable_a the_o thing_n here_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o joynt-concernment_n of_o both_o and_o the_o opinion_n oppose_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o hitherto_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o that_o party_n as_o well_o as_o this_o if_o i_o receive_v no_o other_o fruit_n of_o this_o interposure_n but_o the_o awaken_n other_o to_o more_o matured_a production_n i_o shall_v not_o repent_v my_o labour_n the_o put_v a_o common_a adversary_n to_o a_o stand_n till_o great_a force_n rally_v be_v of_o some_o account_n though_o the_o victory_n be_v reap_v by_o other_o hand_n sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o method_n here_o observe_v it_o be_v such_o as_o i_o judge_v rational_a be_v not_o only_o adapt_v to_o the_o discovery_n and_o vindication_n of_o truth_n the_o unmask_n and_o conviction_n of_o error_n but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o instruction_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o reader_n which_o will_v be_v great_o obstruct_v by_o follow_v our_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o
yet_o there_o in_o effect_n and_o be_v according_o intend_v may_v brief_o be_v thus_o justify_v 1._o in_o that_o to_o preclude_v this_o be_v to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o no_o significancy_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n see_v be_v by_o this_o method_n alone_o that_o general_a precept_n promise_n and_o commination_n be_v applicable_a to_o single_a individual_n nor_o can_v any_o one_o universal_a direction_n be_v otherwise_o bring_v down_o to_o a_o particular_a case_n 2._o god_n in_o instruct_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o his_o word_n do_v it_o in_o term_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o such_o as_o discourse_v ratiocinate_v and_o deduce_v conclusion_n from_o acknowledge_a principle_n see_v rom._n 3.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o we_o conclude_v rom._n 6.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d likewise_o reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 2.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a act._n 17.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o search_v the_o scripture_n namely_o whether_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n deduce_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v foundation_n in_o they_o yea_o or_o not_o 1_o thes._n 5.21_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prove_v all_o thing_n hence_o we_o be_v enjoin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o to_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o convince_v by_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n gainsayer_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.2_o and_o of_o apollo_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o mighty_o in_o the_o way_n of_o ratiocination_n convince_v the_o jew_n demonstrate_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n act_v 18.28_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o any_o text_n of_o the_o old-testament_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o prove_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o by_o argumentation_n &_o train_n of_o deduction_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n or_o method_n by_o which_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o show_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o to_o whosoever_o such_o property_n character_n etc._n etc._n agree_v such_o a_o one_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o then_o evince_v from_o history_n and_o experience_n that_o all_o these_o characterism_n centre_v in_o and_o agree_v to_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o jew_n by_o produce_v place_n out_o of_o their_o own_o scripture_n where_o the_o property_n signature_n characteristical_a note_n of_o the_o person_n nature_n office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v and_o by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v guide_v to_o he_o and_o on_o which_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o then_o in_o show_v that_o all_o these_o agree_v to_o be_v verify_v of_o and_o meet_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o their_o centre_n they_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v infallible_o the_o person_n concern_v who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o that_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o justify_v namely_o the_o method_n which_o the_o inspire_a writer_n observe_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n there_o can_v be_v no_o fallacy_n where_o we_o act_v conformable_o to_o such_o a_o pattern_n nor_o can_v that_o be_v disclaim_v as_o sophistical_a in_o other_o which_o we_o find_v practise_v by_o the_o sacred_a penman_n without_o impeach_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o argue_v by_o consequence_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o deny_v it_o to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v perverse_a partial_a and_o humoursome_a and_o to_o lodge_v it_o as_o a_o accusation_n on_o they_o that_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o course_n they_o steer_v be_v not_o only_o to_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o unbelief_n and_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o idolatry_n but_o to_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o who_o they_o be_v act_v and_o conduct_v in_o what_o they_o do_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o their_o demonstrate_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o instance_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o new-testament_n see_v act_n 9.22_o act_n 18.28_o act_n 15.8_o 9_o act_n 17.16.17_o act_n 2.16_o 17_o 18._o act_n 3.22_o 23._o rom._n 1.20_o rom._n 3.9_o to_o 21._o gal._n 3.10_o 1_o cor._n 15.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o joh._n 1.33_o 34._o in_o all_o these_o place_n not_o to_o name_v more_o nor_o to_o urge_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o who_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_n manifest_v itself_o in_o every_o chapter_n and_o paragraph_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o not_o only_o argue_v by_o consequence_n but_o that_o if_o their_o argument_n be_v digest_v into_o syllogism_n there_o will_v be_v only_o one_o proposition_n find_v that_o be_v of_o revelation_n the_o other_o be_v assume_v either_o from_o reason_n or_o sense_n beside_o the_o attestation_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v also_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o convince_v we_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n but_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o of_o account_v all_o that_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o can_v by_o any_o train_n of_o natural_a deduction_n be_v conclude_v from_o it_o if_o man_n be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v obstinate_a this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o issue_v the_o debate_n and_o to_o advance_v what_o we_o be_v plead_v for_o beyond_o all_o jurisdiction_n of_o be_v gainsay_v it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n mat._n 22.44_o 45._o the_o quality_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o office_n john_n 5.39_o 45_o 46._o john_n 10.25_o 37_o 38._o luke_n 7.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n luke_n 24_o 26.27_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a in_o general_n mat._n 22.31_o 32._o all_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n shall_v they_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o logical_a form_n will_v be_v find_v to_o bear_v upon_o one_o only_a scripture_n premiss_a the_o other_o be_v constant_o either_o a_o proposition_n draw_v from_o natural_a light_n or_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o ratiocination_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o join_v one_o premise_v from_o reason_n or_o experience_n to_o another_o from_o scripture_n be_v nevertheless_o conclusive_a because_o the_o proposition_n from_o reason_n by_o their_o very_a use_v of_o it_o become_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o infallible_a authority_n they_o be_v clothe_v with_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a for_o have_v they_o intend_v to_o have_v immediate_o concern_v their_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o say_v argumentation_n from_o a_o acknowledge_a scripture_n truth_n have_v be_v both_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a where_o the_o whole_a evidence_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o immediate_a speaker_n a_o naked_a assertion_n be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o most_o become_v let_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o person_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o so_o far_o as_o in_o transact_v with_o other_o he_o recurr_v to_o argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o other_o so_o far_o in_o that_o instance_n he_o plain_o decline_v his_o authority_n nor_o do_v all_o these_o with_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n deal_v in_o way_n of_o argumentation_n acknowledge_v any_o such_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o whatsoever_o they_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n become_v immediate_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n confess_v christ_n in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n to_o have_v say_v well_o marc._n 12.28_o luke_n 20.39_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o intend_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n or_o that_o any_o authority_n upon_o that_o account_n reside_v in_o he_o for_o that_o they_o disclaim_v but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n exod._n
dare_v affirm_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a that_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n its_o charge_v we_o with_o gild_n and_o its_o pass_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o thereupon_o do_v not_o admit_v a_o proper_a sense_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o must_v every_o where_o be_v construe_v metaphorical_o and_o that_o the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v proper_o and_o in_o a_o law-sense_n justify_v but_o that_o such_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o we_o by_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o according_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o author_n we_o be_v only_o pardon_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o allusion_n betwixt_o the_o advantage_n redound_v to_o we_o by_o forgiveness_n and_o the_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o benefit_n which_o ensue_v upon_o a_o proper_a justification_n we_o be_v therefore_o metaphorical_o say_v to_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o hundred_o place_n to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o justify_v &_o yet_o in_o effect_n their_o principle_n imply_v no_o less_o for_o by_o state_v the_o whole_a of_o our_o assoilment_n from_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o remission_n they_o indeed_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v only_o we_o be_v improper_o say_v to_o be_v so_o because_o of_o some_o correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o excellent_a benefit_n which_o by_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n redound_v to_o we_o justify_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n we_o be_v not_o only_o the_o name_n of_o justification_n be_v transfer_v to_o remission_n of_o sin_n because_o of_o some_o analogy_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o our_o author_n be_v so_o ingenuous_a sometime_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o that_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n 108._o and_o his_o active_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o righteousness_n be_v we_o for_o our_o justification_n consist_v in_o the_o wrest_n of_o metaphorical_a expression_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n 109._o let_v the_o candid_a reader_n now_o judge_v who_o they_o be_v that_o exercise_n their_o wit_n in_o find_v out_o metaphorical_a sense_n in_o the_o plain_a scripture_n and_o in_o pervert_v the_o clear_a text_n into_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o who_o not_o dare_v open_o to_o decry_v and_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n take_v a_o course_n to_o undermine_v it_o they_o proclaim_v we_o guilty_a when_o indeed_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o chief_a criminal_n and_o accuse_v their_o brethren_n at_o adventure_n without_o ever_o consider_v that_o the_o charge_n return_v upon_o themselves_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ._n sect_n i._o i_o be_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o ventilation_n of_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o design_v and_o which_o in_o my_o undertake_n to_o accost_v mr._n sherlock_n i_o have_v chief_o in_o prospect_n and_o as_o i_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o what_o have_v be_v tender_v upon_o the_o former_a theme_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o displease_v so_o i_o reckon_v that_o what_o be_v now_o to_o be_v discourse_v will_n both_o receive_v light_a and_o be_v sustain_v as_o well_o by_o treat_v as_o the_o arrange_v they_o in_o the_o order_n i_o have_v do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_a matter_n of_o complaint_n to_o find_v the_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o protestant_a church_n public_o impeach_v and_o arraign_v but_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n how_o by_o person_n nor_o only_a live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o orthodox_n church_n but_o enjoy_v great_a emolument_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o station_n and_o interest_n therein_o it_o come_v both_o to_o be_v so_o and_o to_o be_v connive_v at_o by_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v upon_o many_o account_n to_o express_v their_o resentment_n to_o suffer_v those_o principle_n which_o we_o not_o only_o believe_v but_o superstruct_v our_o hope_n and_o comfort_n upon_o to_o be_v public_o invade_v because_o in_o the_o opposition_n give_v to_o they_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v abate_v who_o for_o other_o cause_n we_o think_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o dislike_v be_v not_o a_o allowable_a apology_n before_o man_n much_o less_o will_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o just_a plea_n before_o god_n to_o permit_v the_o article_n of_o our_o belief_n not_o only_o to_o be_v question_v but_o contradict_v and_o run_v down_o with_o all_o the_o satyr_n and_o contempt_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v mere_o because_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v the_o triumph_n of_o their_o derision_n and_o drollery_n who_o do_v so_o be_v not_o wise_o do_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o publication_n of_o such_o discourse_n under_o the_o stamp_n of_o their_o authority_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o the_o universal_a connivance_n of_o the_o father_n and_o dignitary_n of_o the_o church_n since_o their_o public_a vent_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o general_n will_v come_v to_o be_v repute_v guilty_a of_o the_o principle_n assert_v and_o even_o such_o as_o be_v innocent_a will_v be_v make_v to_o suffer_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o nocent_a especial_o foreigner_n who_o can_v take_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o what_o they_o draw_v from_o the_o approve_a write_n of_o particular_a and_o individual_a member_n no_o whole_a have_v any_o existence_n but_o what_o it_o have_v in_o its_o part_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o judge_n otherwise_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o be_v either_o for_o her_o interest_n or_o honour_n that_o they_o shall_v and_o beside_o whilst_o these_o new_a doctrine_n stand_v propagate_v under_o the_o countenance_n and_o security_n of_o a_o imprimatur_fw-la there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o heat_n and_o rupture_n between_o they_o and_o dissent_v brethren_n shall_v be_v extinguish_v or_o make_v up_o but_o that_o instead_o thereof_o they_o will_v grow_v to_o be_v further_o inflame_v and_o widen_v there_o be_v no_o man_n how_o modest_a or_o zealous_a of_o peace_n soever_o he_o be_v who_o will_v much_o care_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n that_o have_v both_o depart_v from_o she_o own_o establish_a doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n also_o it_o be_v a_o very_a incongruous_a method_n of_o promote_a unity_n and_o a_o odd_a way_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n to_o suffer_v person_n of_o know_a learning_n holiness_n gravity_n and_o moderation_n and_o such_o as_o dissent_v from_o she_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o all_o the_o scorn_n contempt_n and_o whatever_o else_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n have_v stain_v the_o world_n with_o and_o all_o this_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o yet_o appear_v mere_o for_o maintain_v she_o own_o ancient_o receive_v and_o yet_o legal_o establish_v doctrine_n be_v the_o matter_n controvert_v only_o scholastical_a nicety_n or_o inquiry_n of_o lesser_a moment_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n who_o manage_v they_o &_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n where_o their_o concernment_n lie_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v debate_v with_o candour_n and_o modesty_n and_o that_o mutual_a esteem_n and_o charity_n of_o affection_n may_v be_v preserve_v under_o different_a apprehension_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o though_o the_o opinion_n be_v not_o reconcileable_a yet_o there_o may_v no_o variance_n arise_v through_o invidious_a representation_n of_o one_o another_o betwixt_o the_o person_n different_o sense_v how_o much_o also_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o suffer_v her_o public_a article_n and_o establish_a doctrine_n to_o be_v assault_v by_o any_o of_o her_o member_n who_o have_v but_o the_o pride_n and_o boldness_n to_o do_v so_o expose_v herself_o to_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v conjecture_v for_o hereby_o she_o retain_v no_o common_a standard_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v what_o she_o hold_v and_o this_o if_o i_o be_v not_o misinform_v have_v be_v muster_v up_o by_o a_o romanist_n &_o urge_v in_o a_o private_a discourse_n to_o a_o person_n of_o learning_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o satisfy_a reply_n do_v the_o father_n and_o dignitary_n of_o the_o church_n only_o resolve_v on_o this_o neutrality_n till_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v word_v or_o
a_o company_n of_o man_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o he_o have_v make_v salvation_n dependent_a upon_o as_o we_o do_v not_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o declare_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o lawgiver_n and_o ruler_n but_o by_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o essential_o and_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o we_o have_v no_o right_n of_o matriculation_n into_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a nor_o have_v we_o any_o union_n with_o the_o member_n of_o it_o but_o through_o a_o belief_n of_o these_o common_a radical_a principle_n these_o be_v what_o we_o common_o call_v fundamental_a article_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o enumerate_v be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o may_v be_v convenient_a so_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o both_o few_o and_o plain_a only_o as_o the_o romanist_n be_v injurious_a to_o christ_n and_o uncharitable_a to_o man_n in_o confine_a christianity_n within_o the_o circle_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o make_v the_o roman_a and_o catholic_n church_n term_n equipollent_a so_o they_o be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o determine_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o beside_o many_o other_o thing_n pleadable_a against_o this_o romish_a foundation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o the_o relative_n politic_a union_n of_o one_o member_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o render_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o first_o impossible_a &_o second_o absurd_a impossible_a in_o that_o most_o man_n can_v neither_o allow_v time_n nor_o have_v they_o sufficient_a acquire_v intellectual_a ability_n either_o to_o know_v what_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v define_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v nor_o in_o what_o sense_n she_o have_v propose_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o be_v assent_v to_o absurd_a 1_o because_o a_o man_n must_v believe_v contradiction_n before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o have_v any_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o christian_n that_o be_v he_o must_v renounce_v reason_n before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v faith_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o man_n before_o he_o can_v espouse_v christian._n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v define_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v repugnant_a one_o to_o another_o 2._o because_o what_o serve_v to_o matriculate_v a_o person_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o oneness_n with_o all_o christian_n this_o year_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v and_o continue_v his_o union_n and_o relation_n the_o next_o but_o that_o without_o alteration_n or_o change_n in_o his_o belief_n he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o the_o church_n may_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n determine_v something_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v which_o before_o she_o have_v not_o pronounce_v but_o to_o resume_v what_o i_o be_v upon_o as_o there_o be_v through_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n a_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n so_o i_o see_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o all_o christian_n may_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v account_v unite_v among_o themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o discourse_v the_o reciprocal_a and_o mutual_a duty_n which_o we_o come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o by_o this_o relation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a so_o be_v they_o attend_v to_o a_o check_n will_v be_v give_v to_o that_o wrath_n and_o bitterness_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n &_o a_o stop_v put_v to_o that_o war_n and_o persecution_n which_o one_o wage_v against_o another_o neither_o shall_v i_o here_o discourse_v the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o foundation_n and_o media_fw-la which_o ground_n the_o relation_n of_o one_o to_o another_o in_o it_o but_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o though_o admission_n into_o a_o institute_v particular_a church_n presuppose_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o a_o membership_n in_o the_o church-catholick_n yet_o there_o be_v both_o diverse_a thing_n require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a and_o diverse_a fresh_a duty_n emerge_n from_o this_o posterior_n relation_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o precedent_n have_v brief_o treat_v these_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o show_v myself_o as_o liberal_a to_o our_o author_n as_o without_o trespass_v upon_o my_o light_n i_o can_v i_o come_v now_o to_o discourse_v those_o thing_n wherein_o our_o author_n differ_v from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o first_o conclusion_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v erect_v be_v this_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o particular_a believer_n with_o christ_n only_o a_o political_a relation_n yet_o it_o be_v immediate_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n let_v our_o relation_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o union_n be_v whatsoever_o our_o author_n please_v to_o make_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v primary_o unite_v to_o nor_o do_v our_o union_n terminate_v there_o nor_o be_v it_o mere_o by_o mean_n thereof_o that_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o cohesion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o if_o justify_v overthrow_v mr._n sherlock_n two_o first_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o one_o in_o import_n though_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o two_o for_o to_o say_v that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n 143._o do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a which_o be_v mr._n sherlock_n first_o conclusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n 144._o be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v his_o second_o conclusion_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n thing_n coincident_a the_o same_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o christian_n do_v also_o display_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n &_o if_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n can_v result_v from_o no_o other_o medium_fw-la nor_o bear_v upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o bestow_v remark_n upon_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a battology_n of_o our_o author_n nor_o sally_v out_o into_o reflection_n upon_o what_o mere_o favour_v of_o dulness_n and_o hebetude_n but_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o undeserved_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v obtain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o accurate_a writer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v check_n to_o his_o briskness_n in_o descant_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o other_o for_o he_o may_v remember_v what_o a_o reflection_n he_o have_v cast_v upon_o dr._n jacomb_n mere_o for_o convert_v a_o proposition_n and_o say_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o say_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o different_a conclusion_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n 198._o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o i_o have_v advance_v in_o contradiction_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o by_o our_o union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 1._o if_o particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o previous_a relation_n to_o the_o church_n i_o will_v then_o fain_o know_v of_o mr._n sherlock_n how_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n of_o oneness_n between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o perverse_a and_o of_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o humour_n as_o to_o question_v it_o there_o be_v media_n enough_o
to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o â—hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o 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 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 now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v 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 and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v we_o so_o long_o as_o she_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n because_o 166._o as_o our_o author_n say_v this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n mr._n sherlock_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o conjecture_v be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o think_v what_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v espouse_v or_o what_o be_v most_o disserviceable_a to_o it_o all_o immediate_a union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n save_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deny_v but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o communion_n with_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v copulate_v with_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v not_o determine_v at_o one_o time_n it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n at_o another_o it_o be_v by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n 165._o who_o member_n be_v in_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n 163.165_o and_o live_v in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n but_o that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o christian_n union_n with_o christ_n i_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n and_o command_n of_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v nor_o may_v this_o only_o be_v suppose_v but_o there_o be_v divers_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a