the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o what_o that_o mean_n theodoret_n tell_v we_o more_o express_o that_o they_o meet_v together_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o celebrate_v all_o religious_a office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 23._o theodor._n hist_o eccl._n l._n 1._o cap._n 23._o which_o in_o the_o ancient_a language_n peculiar_o signify_v the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n our_o author_n acknowledge_v that_o when_o all_o diligence_n be_v use_v in_o secure_v succession_n there_o may_v yet_o be_v real_a failure_n in_o it_o but_o as_o god_n only_o can_v know_v they_o so_o i_o can_v but_o think_v he_o oblige_v 417._o separation_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n p._n 417._o both_o by_o his_o covenant_n for_o the_o grace_n convey_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o by_o his_o design_n of_o establish_v government_n through_o all_o age_n of_o succession_n to_o supply_v those_o failure_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n in_o some_o case_n that_o god_n shall_v supply_v the_o failure_n of_o a_o valid_a authority_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v and_o account_v those_o sacrament_n valid_a which_o have_v not_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o just_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v do_v in_o any_o case_n certain_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v as_o considerable_a as_o any_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o i_o as_o considerable_a as_o the_o preservation_n of_o government_n which_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a moment_n that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o over_o without_o a_o more_o particular_a examination_n of_o some_o principle_n on_o which_o that_o learned_a man_n ground_n that_o severe_a conclusion_n of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o all_o sacrament_n which_o be_v not_o administer_v by_o bishop_n or_o by_o presbyter_n episcopal_o ordain_v which_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v do_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n as_o this_o wherein_o so_o many_o foreign_a church_n be_v concern_v without_o the_o least_o infringement_n of_o that_o real_a honour_n and_o friendship_n i_o have_v for_o he_o and_o to_o proceed_v with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o to_o a_o narrow_a point_n and_o brief_o show_v wherein_o we_o agree_v and_o wherein_o we_o differ_v 1._o then_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o external_a participation_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v ordinary_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o i_o grant_v also_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n regular_o ordain_v have_v the_o only_a ordinary_a power_n of_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o that_o all_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o receive_v in_o opposition_n to_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v invalid_a or_o inefficacious_a 3._o but_o i_o absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n administer_a this_n be_v the_o part_a point_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o i_o find_v but_o two_o general_a argument_n this_o learned_a man_n use_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o from_o the_o end_n of_o government_n consider_v god_n as_o a_o covenanter_n and_o as_o a_o governor_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o covenanter_n and_o so_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v celebrate_v or_o make_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n of_o it_o which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v unless_o god_n signify_v it_o to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o empower_v he_o to_o do_v so_o as_o in_o law_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v by_o another_o act_n who_o have_v not_o be_v empower_v to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o letter_n of_o proxy_n and_o he_o that_o presume_v of_o himself_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n be_v by_o he_o engage_v as_o a_o party_n without_o be_v so_o empower_v by_o god_n as_o what_o he_o do_v can_v in_o any_o legal_a exposition_n be_v repute_v as_o god_n act_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o infer_v any_o legal_a obligation_n of_o he_o to_o performance_n this_o argument_n be_v draw_v out_o to_o a_o great_a length_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n if_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o false_a but_o i_o must_v deny_v that_o which_o this_o author_n have_v all_o along_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o any_o proof_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o suppose_v of_o baptism_n be_v the_o minister_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o person_n baptize_v in_o god_n name_n i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o seal_v and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o sacrament_n can_v be_v such_o seal_n as_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n and_o give_v validity_n to_o it_o or_o pass_v a_o obligation_n on_o god_n to_o stand_v to_o his_o covenant_n the_o christian_a sacrament_n be_v necessary_a part_n duty_n or_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n either_o for_o our_o admission_n to_o the_o privilege_n or_o conveyance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n be_v seal_n of_o or_o make_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n all_o mankind_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v receive_v into_o this_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n be_v actual_o make_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o baptism_n be_v our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o consequent_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o such_o admission_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o so_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n but_o all_o this_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o make_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n which_o shall_v valid_o oblige_v god_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o man_n can_v do_v without_o the_o most_o express_a authority_n but_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o be_v ratify_v confirm_v command_v by_o god_n need_v not_o in_o all_o case_n such_o express_a authority_n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n or_o to_o oblige_v he_o by_o our_o act_n but_o only_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v require_v and_o command_v to_o be_v do_v though_o not_o express_o command_v we_o in_o particular_a to_o do_v it_o we_o neither_o make_v any_o new_a term_n for_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o already_o make_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o nor_o admit_v any_o person_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o covenant_n who_o god_n have_v exclude_v for_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o all_o mankind_n who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o we_o only_o do_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o church_n governor_n without_o the_o regular_a authority_n of_o governor_n upon_o a_o reasonable_a presumption_n that_o god_n will_v allow_v of_o this_o where_o there_o be_v not_o ordinary_a governor_n to_o do_v it_o which_o be_v a_o reasonable_a presumption_n in_o all_o humane_a government_n where_o a_o regular_a authority_n fail_v and_o can_v be_v supply_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n a_o topick_n which_o this_o learned_a author_n make_v great_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o and_o methinks_v it_o may_v satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o make_v a_o covenant_n in_o god_n name_n and_o perform_v some_o external_a solemnity_n of_o it_o if_o he_o only_o consider_v that_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n whatever_o this_o learned_a man_n urge_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o valid_a authority_n in_o the_o administrator_n to_o make_v baptism_n valid_a will_v prove_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o a_o valid_a authoirty_a to_o make_v circumcision_n valid_a for_o what_o baptism_n be_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o circumcision_n be_v in_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n both_o equal_o alike_o sign_n or_o seal_n or_o external_a solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v 4._o buxtorfii_fw-la synagoga_fw-la judaica_n cap._n 4._o that_o any_o israelite_n may_v circumcise_v that_o
the_o high_a and_o noble_a attainment_n of_o christianity_n will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o earthly_a state_n be_v we_o to_o live_v always_o happy_o in_o this_o world_n be_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a state_n we_o can_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n but_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o folly_n to_o despise_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v above_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n will_v be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o whatever_o be_v so_o can_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v it_o always_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o govern_v all_o his_o appetite_n and_o desire_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v his_o inordinate_a affection_n as_o that_o signify_v to_o correct_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o in_o a_o earthly_a state_n he_o may_v indulge_v himself_o to_o the_o full_a in_o all_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o himself_o nor_o to_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v his_o sensual_a inclination_n nor_o to_o deny_v they_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a satisfaction_n that_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v no_o big_a or_o divine_a happiness_n to_o expect_v be_v not_o bind_v to_o die_v to_o this_o world_n while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o evangelical_n duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n and_o heavenly_a mindedness_n can_v be_v no_o virtue_n nor_o duty_n in_o any_o earthly_a state_n much_o less_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v of_o unseen_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v no_o unseen_a thing_n promise_v to_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n but_o have_v our_o portion_n at_o present_a and_o expect_v only_o a_o circular_a and_o endless_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o enjoyment_n the_o law_n of_o virtue_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v alter_v and_o vary_v with_o it_o that_o which_o become_v a_o earthly_a creature_n who_o be_v to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o this_o body_n which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o become_v one_o who_o must_v put_v off_o this_o body_n and_o life_n in_o this_o world_n not_o as_o his_o home_n and_o place_n of_o rest_n but_o as_o a_o probation-state_n for_o a_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a life_n that_o virtue_n which_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o must_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o must_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o earth_n and_o heaven_n as_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n the_o first_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n inhabit_v a_o earthly_a body_n without_o any_o expectation_n of_o a_o more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a life_n the_o second_o include_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o angelical_a happiness_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n the_o religion_n then_o of_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o much_o above_o nature_n as_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v which_o be_v reveal_v and_o promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v some_o more_o divine_a principle_n to_o raise_v we_o into_o this_o divine_a life_n than_o mere_a nature_n be_v for_o nature_n can_v never_o act_v above_o itself_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v renew_a and_o sanctify_a and_o have_v the_o divine_a nature_n form_v in_o we_o and_o this_o be_v above_o nature_n no_o consider_v man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n be_v under_o any_o natural_a obligation_n as_o our_o maker_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o we_o the_o result_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o a_o divine_a and_o immortal_a state_n of_o life_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o whole_o owe_v to_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n god_n may_v dispense_v it_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v and_o we_o must_v expect_v it_o only_o in_o that_o way_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v now_o on_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o all_o mankind_n own_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o can_v upon_o no_o account_n challenge_v without_o a_o promise_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n and_o condition_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o be_v promise_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n which_o we_o can_v challenge_v from_o the_o natural_a goodness_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o his_o natural_a relation_n to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o must_v thankful_o accept_v of_o it_o in_o what_o way_n god_n please_v to_o give_v it_o and_o not_o quarrel_v with_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v it_o to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o have_v it_o in_o his_o way_n 4._o and_o therefore_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o a_o church-state_n this_o be_v so_o full_o 399._o discourse_v of_o our_o union_n etc._n etc._n to_o christ_n chap._n 4._o sect_n 1._o 142_o defence_n &_o continuat_fw-la c._n 5._o p._n 399._o and_o hitherto_o so_o unanswerable_o prove_v by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o defence_n and_o continuation_n of_o that_o discourse_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n ferguson_n that_o will_v man_n be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o turn_v to_o those_o book_n there_o need_v be_v nothing_o say_v to_o it_o here_o however_o that_o this_o treatise_n may_v not_o be_v whole_o defective_a in_o so_o material_a a_o point_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o brief_o to_o it_o and_o refer_v those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v this_o matter_n more_o full_o debate_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a discourse_n 1_o then_o that_o christ_n do_v intend_v to_o erect_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o unite_v all_o his_o disciple_n into_o one_o religious_a society_n be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a trouble_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o body_n deny_v no_o man_n deny_v that_o christ_n have_v a_o church_n and_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v one_o only_o the_o seeker_n know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v it_o now_o methinks_v if_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o church_n wherein_o he_o require_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o communicate_v as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o prove_v that_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v only_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o church_n institute_v if_o not_o for_o a_o common_a body_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n no_o society_n can_v be_v found_v or_o maintain_v but_o by_o such_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n as_o make_v it_o desirable_a to_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o this_o all_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n city_n and_o family_n will_v disband_v for_o nothing_o can_v tie_v man_n together_o who_o be_v natural_o giddy_a and_o fond_a of_o innovation_n but_o some_o sensible_a advantage_n which_o they_o can_v otherwise_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a society_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v institute_v a_o church_n without_o oblige_v christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o soul_n if_o they_o do_v not_o 2._o and_o therefore_o i_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o particular_a man_n consider_v as_o single_a and_o scatter_a individual_n or_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n now_o in_o general_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o christ_n be_v
that_o purpose_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v god_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n and_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v those_o with_o his_o spirit_n who_o thus_o solemn_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o therefore_o these_o two_o can_v never_o be_v separate_v unless_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whether_o we_o perform_v we_o or_o not_o thus_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v as_o plain_o represent_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o do_v their_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bread_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v many_o 10.17_o 1_o cor._n 10.17_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v receive_v in_o a_o schism_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n it_o be_v no_o long_o one_o bread_n and_o body_n nor_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n body_n when_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n that_o which_o be_v the_o common_a bread_n of_o all_o christian_n must_v be_v receive_v in_o unity_n and_o one_o communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o a_o schism_n thus_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v eat_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o israel_n so_o every_o particular_a lamb_n be_v to_o be_v eat_v in_o one_o house_n and_o nothing_o to_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o it_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o mean_v of_o grace_n which_o can_v avail_v any_o man_n who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n our_o prayer_n be_v effectual_a only_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n and_o if_o such_o man_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o can_v have_v if_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o christian_a feast_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o apply_v the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o we_o than_o their_o prayer_n can_v be_v prevalent_a neither_o and_o if_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o allow_v any_o man_n to_o offer_v any_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n who_o have_v a_o private_a quarrel_n with_o his_o brother_n till_o he_o have_v reconcile_v himself_o to_o he_o how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o as_o for_o hear_v and_o read_v paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o if_o god_n deny_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n to_o such_o external_a ministries_n they_o can_v avail_v nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v how_o little_a reason_n such_o man_n have_v to_o expect_v it_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 12._o 4_o ephes_n 11_o 12._o but_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o all_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o suppose_v that_o their_o efficacy_n and_o influence_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o conventicle_n of_o schismatic_n and_o he_o add_v but_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v 16._o v._o 15_o 16._o 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 so_o that_o the_o increase_n and_o edification_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o christian_a charity_n virtue_n which_o can_v be_v learn_v in_o a_o schism_n nor_o preserve_v in_o it_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o envenom_a passion_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o surmise_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o a_o insolent_a contempt_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n be_v the_o most_o usual_a fruit_n of_o a_o schismatical_a reformation_n all_o the_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n do_v plain_o signify_v that_o this_o be_v do_v in_o unity_n such_o as_o the_o influence_n which_o the_o body_n receive_v from_o the_o head_n or_o the_o branch_n from_o the_o vine_n which_o do_v not_o reach_v those_o member_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n nor_o those_o branch_n which_o be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o vine_n the_o result_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o if_o holiness_n be_v not_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o can_v save_v we_o separate_v from_o rhe_n merit_v of_o christ_n if_o catholic_n unity_n that_o be_v christian_a charity_n be_v one_o main_a essential_a part_n of_o evangelical_n holiness_n without_o which_o nothing_o else_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n if_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v a_o act_n of_o free_a grace_n which_o we_o can_v challenge_v from_o god_n as_o due_a to_o our_o nature_n nor_o as_o a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n consider_v as_o our_o maker_n and_o therefore_o be_v as_o entire_o at_o god_n choice_n in_o what_o way_n and_o upon_o what_o condition_n he_o will_v dispense_v it_o as_o it_o be_v whether_o he_o will_v do_v any_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o if_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o in_o such_o way_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o if_o christ_n have_v confine_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o church-state_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n how_o necessary_a catholick-unity_n and_o communion_n be_v without_o which_o we_o can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n hope_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o eternal_a life_n 4._o but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o unless_o they_o can_v see_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o way_n which_o of_o late_o have_v mighty_o prevail_v and_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n thrust_v all_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o can_v always_o give_v the_o natural_a reason_n of_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v none_o but_o because_o they_o lie_v too_o deep_a for_o we_o to_o discover_v they_o and_o if_o we_o can_v fathom_v nature_n which_o be_v more_o expose_v to_o our_o view_n and_o observation_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o whole_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_a will_n and_o have_v no_o apparent_a cause_n but_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n matter_n of_o revelation_n can_v be_v discover_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o in_o such_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o god_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o we_o and_o in_o what_o way_n he_o will_v do_v it_o without_o assign_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o but_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v these_o man_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v let_v they_o but_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o christ_n will_v have_v a_o church_n and_o why_o he_o will_v have_v but_o one_o church_n and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o a_o manifest_a and_o necessary_a reason_n why_o salvation_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n discipline_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o it_o the_o
the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n the_o christian_a religion_n consecrate_v we_o at_o our_o baptism_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o one_o god_n for_o since_o each_o sacred_a person_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n each_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o we_o but_o whoever_o deny_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o work_n of_o salvation_n destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o worship_n too_o consider_v as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o trinity_n 4._o to_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n mere_a external_a ceremony_n which_o be_v institute_v as_o the_o ministries_n and_o conveyance_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o make_v a_o fundamental_a change_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o christianity_n 5._o nay_o it_o make_v a_o fundamental_a change_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n the_o christian_a worship_n principal_o consist_v in_o praise_v god_n and_o our_o saviour_n for_o spiritual_a mercy_n in_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o continual_a succour_n in_o beg_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o constant_a supply_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v increase_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o goodness_n this_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n of_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o whoever_o deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n both_o defrauds_n god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o he_o can_v praise_v god_n for_o nor_o beg_v that_o of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v god_n do_v not_o give_v which_o make_v our_o worship_n very_o defective_a and_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v if_o we_o never_o ask_v but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o can_v judge_v fundamental_a in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o those_o other_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a or_o efficacious_a grace_n resistable_a or_o irresistible_a how_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o humane_a action_n whether_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v immediate_o infuse_v or_o acquire_v by_o frequent_a act_n these_o i_o say_v and_o such_o like_a dispute_n be_v not_o fundamental_a for_o though_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o of_o these_o we_o believe_v yet_o the_o foundation_n which_o be_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v secure_v either_o way_n and_o all_o that_o man_n be_v to_o look_v to_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o entertain_v such_o ill_a notion_n of_o god_n grace_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o secure_v and_o careless_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n all_o that_o i_o can_v think_v necessary_a to_o add_v more_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v what_o i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o hint_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o great_a many_o dangerous_a dispute_n about_o this_o matter_n what_o place_n repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o though_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o understand_v this_o matter_n right_o and_o as_o particular_o as_o we_o can_v for_o fear_n of_o that_o ill_a influence_n which_o such_o mistake_n may_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o too_o apparent_o have_v upon_o the_o life_n of_o many_o profess_a christian_n yet_o i_o can_v think_v that_o man_n err_v fundamental_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v justify_v and_o pardon_v none_o but_o true_a penitent_a and_o reform_a sinner_n and_o that_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n though_o he_o may_v differ_v about_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n and_o what_o place_n it_o have_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n or_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a and_o qualification_n or_o a_o necessary_a concomitant_a and_o effect_n of_o justification_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a only_o to_o our_o salvation_n but_o not_o to_o our_o justification_n whether_o faith_n justify_v as_o a_o instrument_n or_o as_o a_o condition_n etc._n etc._n for_o while_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v both_o secure_v without_o either_o derogate_a from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n other_o mistake_n though_o dangerous_a when_o pursue_v to_o their_o just_a consequence_n and_o when_o man_n own_o and_o live_v by_o such_o consequence_n yet_o i_o hope_v be_v very_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a when_o they_o do_v not_o corrupt_a man_n life_n nor_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o essay_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o essay_n towards_o the_o discovery_n what_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v strict_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n though_o there_o be_v some_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o they_o be_v more_o general_o know_v and_o agree_v in_o i_o have_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o preserve_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n cast_v most_o of_o our_o modern_a controversy_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o fundamental_o which_o if_o careful_o consider_v will_v assuage_v that_o intemperate_a heat_n with_o which_o they_o be_v manage_v and_o more_o easy_o reconcile_v our_o difference_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v not_o reject_v any_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o fundamental_o which_o be_v ever_o define_v to_o be_v such_o by_o any_o receive_v general_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o i_o be_o come_v pretty_a near_o the_o mark_n but_o to_o give_v some_o new_a light_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v such_o objection_n as_o i_o can_v foresee_v there_o be_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v before_o i_o proceed_v 1._o the_o first_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o true_o great_a and_o learned_a person_n mr._n joseph_n mede_n hartlib_n mede_n work_n epist_n 84_o to_o mr._n hartlib_n he_o seem_v indeed_o to_o reject_v this_o way_n of_o state_v the_o ratio_fw-la of_o fundamental_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o one_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n as_o i_o have_v now_o do_v for_o in_o his_o censure_n of_o mr._n streso_n book_n of_o fundamental_o which_o i_o have_v never_o yet_o see_v he_o observe_v that_o he_o make_v three_o sort_n of_o fundamental_o the_o first_o be_v the_o fundamentum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la or_o the_o foundation_n itself_o though_o what_o that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o how_o far_o i_o agree_v with_o mr._n streso_n in_o that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o other_o two_o he_o measure_v by_o their_o relation_n to_o it_o either_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la and_o such_o he_o term_v sub_fw-la fundamentales_fw-la which_o by_o mr._n mede_n censure_n i_o perceive_v do_v not_o strict_o belong_v to_o christianity_n but_o either_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la post_fw-la which_o may_v be_v call_v super_fw-la fundamentales_fw-la which_o he_o make_v such_o as_o be_v by_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n deducible_a from_o the_o fundamentum_fw-la salutis_fw-la where_o he_o observe_v that_o he_o have_v insert_v some_o doctrine_n of_o pure_a speculation_n among_o fundamental_o which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n but_o from_o this_o imperfect_a account_n of_o mr._n streso_n notion_n i_o can_v guess_v how_o far_o my_o way_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o censure_n as_o for_o those_o two_o fault_n he_o have_v observe_v in_o mr._n streso_n way_n viz._n reckon_v such_o doctrine_n among_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n as_o be_v not_o strict_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v they_o both_o and_o as_o for_o judge_v what_o particular_a doctrine_n be_v fundamental_a to_o christianity_n from_o some_o general_a comprehensive_a fundamental_a which_o contain_v the_o