not_o sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n as_o they_o give_v of_o the_o mistake_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o present_a point_n this_o author_n certify_v he_o will_v endeavour_v hereafter_o to_o show_v there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o act_n which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o though_o we_o may_v grant_v man_n may_v be_v save_v before_o they_o be_v know_v yet_o when_o they_o be_v divulge_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v style_v true_a christian_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v p._n 17._o answ._n when_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v pure_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o believe_v it_o only_o as_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o do_v employ_v our_o reason_n about_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o consider_v its_o nature_n and_o not_o as_o christian_n for_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o belief_n as_o christian_n be_v divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n and_o let_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v what_o it_o will_v revelation_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o will_v therefore_o produce_v doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o you_o must_v fetch_v they_o from_o natural_a religion_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v they_o by_o natural_a reason_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o revelation_n which_o be_v a_o notion_n that_o will_v do_v christianity_n i_o doubt_v but_o little_a service_n hitherto_o it_o have_v do_v no_o inconsiderable_a hurt_n the_o divulge_v of_o more_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n as_o they_o shall_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v more_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o be_v asolute_o necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n before_o they_o be_v divulge_v for_o if_o it_o do_v every_o new_a doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v divulge_v become_v a_o new_a condition_n to_o be_v explicit_o consent_v to_o in_o order_n to_o any_o man_n admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v so_o many_o new_a covenant_n yet_o these_o other_o doctrine_n when_o they_o be_v divulge_v be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o those_o particular_a christian_n who_o do_v understand_v and_o know_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v now_o not_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n but_o by_o virtue_n or_o reason_n of_o that_o obligation_n they_o be_v under_o by_o be_v christian_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v know_v their_o lord_n have_v reveal_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n before_o these_o doctrine_n be_v divulge_v and_o those_o who_o become_v christian_n since_o be_v this_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o be_v christian_n or_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v messiah_n to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v or_o shall_v reveal_v when_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o same_o now_o his_o revelation_n be_v complete_v those_o who_o believe_v he_o hearty_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v reveal_v as_o they_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o for_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n see_v second_o vindicat._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n p._n 82_o 83_o 252_o etc._n etc._n 337_o etc._n etc._n 343_o 344._o whereas_o this_o author_n say_v p._n 17._o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v a_o objection_n or_o rather_o a_o evasion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n since_o it_o intimate_v that_o he_o believe_v as_o much_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o in_o as_o true_a a_o sense_n as_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o then_o relate_v some_o passage_n in_o p._n 299._o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n afterward_o say_v they_o do_v not_o seem_v altogether_o unexceptionable_a p._n 18._o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v in_o p._n 298._o begin_v his_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n concern_v the_o epistle_n or_o to_o this_o question_n whether_o the_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v believe_v or_o disbelieved_a by_o a_o christian_a without_o any_o danger_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o free_a grace_n god_n alone_o can_v appoint_v what_o shall_v be_v necessary_o believe_v by_o every_o one_o who_o he_o will_v justify_v what_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o account_v for_o righteousness_n depend_v whole_o on_o his_o good_a pleasure_n for_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o right_o that_o this_o faith_n be_v accept_v and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o can_v set_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o where_o we_o have_v the_o most_o rational_a evidence_n for_o that_o point_n that_o i_o think_v word_n can_v express_v afterward_o in_o p._n 299._o he_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n affirm_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v object_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v truth_n whereof_o none_o that_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v such_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v disbelieved_a etc._n etc._n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o affirm_v the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v divine_a truth_n very_o weighty_a to_o we_o now_o and_o which_o no_o christian_n who_o know_v they_o may_v disbelieve_v this_o author_n say_v these_o passage_n be_v not_o altogether_o unexceptionable_a for_o though_o these_o allow_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o be_v object_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v more_o so_o than_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o which_o we_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v they_o p._n 18._o answ._n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n teach_v that_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v object_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o divine_a truth_n and_o this_o author_n p._n 11._o teach_v that_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o assert_n that_o as_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o divine_a revelation_n so_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o know_v and_o have_v all_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o how_o this_o author_n will_v reconcile_v his_o teach_n that_o the_o only_a end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n with_o his_o say_n that_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v tell_v without_o a_o very_a singular_a account_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doctrine_n have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n some_o doctrine_n acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o with_o the_o way_n and_o method_n how_o jesus_n christ_n obtain_v salvation_n for_o mankind_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o historical_a relation_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n some_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v and_o constitute_v man_n christian_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o that_o salvation_n which_o doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o conditional_a relation_n to_o our_o salvation_n there_o be_v doctrine_n which_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o explicit_o believe_v as_o they_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o such_o be_v those_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o first_o head_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n these_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a relation_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o consequential_a and_o obediential_a relation_n to_o our_o salvation_n the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o be_v those_o which_o pertain_v to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o those_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v
divine_o reveal_v and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o he_o be_v then_o to_o set_v down_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o in_o this_o place_n and_o 4._o he_o must_v prove_v that_o from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n have_v confess_v that_o every_o one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a say_n that_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o authority_n nor_o the_o bare_a affirm_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o church_n that_o will_v prove_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n the_o explain_v and_o full_a prove_v the_o particular_n already_o name_v will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o consideration_n and_o when_o they_o be_v full_o clear_v and_o substantial_o confirm_v there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o need_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o how_o the_o church_n be_v impose_v on_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o a_o few_o consideration_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v true_a and_o consonant_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n 1._o that_o which_o make_v a_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n be_v not_o its_o be_v place_v in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o another_o but_o the_o divine_a determination_n that_o it_o must_v be_v necessary_o believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n 2._o that_o our_o know_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n depend_v upon_o god_n declare_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n let_v this_o declaration_n lie_v in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n soever_o 3._o that_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n may_v be_v better_o discern_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n than_o in_o the_o epistle_n though_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o this_o for_o the_o reason_n the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v assign_v 4._o the_o new_a testament_n comprehend_v the_o entire_a revelation_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o which_o sacred_a write_n our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v what_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n and_o subject_n or_o christian_n and_o in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n he_o have_v also_o deliver_v or_o declare_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o which_o those_o he_o admit_v for_o his_o subject_n must_v be_v govern_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o admit_v or_o receive_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o christian_a but_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v in_o some_o part_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n 5._o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o how_o many_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n or_o how_o many_o article_n he_o have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v which_o those_o who_o be_v his_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v believe_v and_o observe_v but_o what_o be_v those_o article_n he_o do_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n his_o subject_n or_o christian_n 6._o all_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v equal_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n by_o all_o those_o christian_n who_o do_v understand_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v or_o deliver_v in_o those_o sacred_a write_n but_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n indeed_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n which_o i_o know_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n and_o influence_n on_o i_o at_o present_a in_o proportion_n to_o their_o nature_n that_o other_o doctrine_n have_v which_o i_o know_v be_v teach_v there_o but_o this_o difference_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o unalterable_a nor_o from_o my_o not_o receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n for_o i_o do_v receive_v they_o with_o equal_a degree_n of_o assent_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v they_o be_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o other_o but_o this_o difference_n speak_v of_o now_o arise_v from_o something_o else_o viz._n my_o present_a state_n and_o circumstance_n or_o the_o like_a now_o say_v this_o author_n if_o several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o those_o part_n of_o revelation_n viz._n the_o epistle_n have_v all_o along_o down_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n then_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v absolute_o subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n without_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o or_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v five_o in_o number_n answ._n 1._o it_o be_v not_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n repute_v thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n that_o make_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n in_o the_o very_a early_a time_n of_o christianity_n even_o long_o before_o the_o apostle_n decease_n there_o be_v people_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o who_o set_v up_o for_o teacher_n in_o the_o the_o church_n who_o affirm_v certain_a thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o act._n 15._o 1._o 2._o when_o this_o author_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o set_v down_o plain_o the_o doctrine_n his_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o secret_a relation_n to_o a_o judgement_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o they_o be_v just_o repute_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o not_o by_o consider_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n repute_v they_o absolute_o necessary_a or_o not_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n do_v original_o repute_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o warrant_n the_o successive_a continuance_n of_o that_o reputation_n can_v make_v those_o doctrine_n to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a length_n of_o time_n and_o reiterated_a applause_n can_v advance_v a_o original_a mistake_n into_o truth_n the_o second_o concoction_n will_v not_o in_o this_o case_n rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o first_o 4._o a_o person_n who_o do_v suppose_v yea_o acknowledge_v that_o several_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o any_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n have_v be_v just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n may_v regular_o and_o with_o good_a warrant_n deny_v that_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o that_o i_o suppose_v this_o author_n mean_v for_o otherwise_o the_o consequence_n he_o draw_v be_v not_o to_o his_o purpose_n though_o he_o use_v the_o word_n subservient_fw-fr to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v either_o one_o or_o five_o negative_n for_o many_o doctrine_n may_v be_v very_o just_o repute_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v all_o along_o be_v repute_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o consequence_n may_v be_v regular_o deny_v and_o no_o necessity_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o person_n deny_v it_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o this_o author_n apply_v himself_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o animadversion_n to_o prove_v these_o five_o point_n 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n or_o commission_n to_o deliver_v some_o thing_n for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n 3._o that_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v write_v with_o a_o design_n that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v necessary_o require_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o salvation_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n 5._o that_o some_o of_o those_o doctrine_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n to_o be_v explicit_o know_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n with_o
not_o possible_o agree_v answ._n here_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o speak_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n must_v endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o question_n but_o that_o people_n keep_v close_o to_o god_n declaration_n either_o as_o to_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o as_o to_o doctrine_n they_o be_v to_o believe_v afterward_o have_v a_o probable_a tendency_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o very_a unintelligible_a faith_n be_v very_o strange_a to_o i_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o have_v the_o most_o intelligible_a faith_n for_o people_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v from_o god_n express_a declaration_n there_o will_v be_v some_o difference_n indeed_o among_o christian_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n they_o believe_v some_o believe_v more_o article_n some_o few_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v till_o they_o be_v all_o 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for_o say_v this_o author_n if_o nothing_o more_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a proposition_n which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o that_o great_a importance_n be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o as_o suppose_v in_o that_o proposition_n he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n have_v eternal_a life_n if_o what_o be_v there_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v single_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n than_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v there_o propose_v without_o any_o far_a explication_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o like_a promise_n answ._n this_o author_n by_o assent_v to_o a_o bare_a proposition_n seem_v to_o mean_v a_o person_n be_v assent_v to_o or_o believe_v that_o certain_a word_n he_o never_o hear_v before_o nor_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o sense_n or_o mean_v of_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v a_o insignificant_a sound_n comprehend_v and_o express_v a_o real_a truth_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o though_o the_o word_n may_v be_v a_o proposition_n to_o he_o who_o utter_v they_o and_o to_o those_o who_o understand_v they_o they_o be_v no_o proposition_n to_o he_o who_o never_o hear_v nor_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o by_o he_o by_o explication_n of_o it_o this_o author_n here_o seem_v to_o mean_v proper_a interpretation_n viz._n declare_v in_o another_o language_n what_o the_o term_n in_o the_o say_a proposition_n do_v ordinary_o signify_v among_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o proposition_n be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v or_o declare_v by_o other_o word_n in_o the_o same_o language_n the_o several_a simple_a idea_n of_o which_o those_o complex_fw-la ideas_n be_v make_v up_o for_o the_o express_v of_o which_o those_o term_n be_v use_v yet_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o seem_v to_o understand_v by_o explication_n all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o either_o relate_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o speak_v of_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v to_o salvation_n and_o that_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o if_o this_o author_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n why_o or_o upon_o which_o people_n ought_v to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a that_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n and_o every_o branch_n of_o his_o office_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n as_o the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v i_o think_v it_o will_v require_v a_o considerable_a time_n to_o prove_v clear_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o opinion_n and_o if_o we_o may_v introduce_v a_o account_n of_o our_o fear_n in_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o may_v take_v liberty_n to_o declare_v i_o be_o afraid_a this_o notion_n if_o it_o prevail_v will_v unavoidable_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o endless_a wrangling_n and_o distraction_n for_o i_o suspect_v all_o people_n will_v not_o present_o agree_v how_o many_o the_o text_n be_v and_o which_o they_o be_v which_o relate_v all_o the_o thing_n before_o speak_v of_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o improbability_n of_o their_o sudden_a consent_n to_o understand_v every_o one_o of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v immediate_o into_o a_o accord_n about_o all_o these_o matter_n i_o suspect_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o consent_n will_v not_o be_v very_o intelligible_a it_o be_v never_o pretend_v that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v that_o this_o proposition_n jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v true_a without_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o do_v consist_v to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n be_v not_o for_o a_o person_n to_o believe_v he_o hear_v a_o sound_n but_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v affirm_v or_o deny_v in_o the_o proposition_n which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v unless_o he_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n for_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o affirmation_n or_o negation_n unless_o be_v understand_v the_o term_n as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o that_o proposition_n and_o have_v a_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n affirm_v or_o deny_v as_o they_o be_v there_o put_v together_o but_o let_v the_o proposition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v than_o be_v express_v in_o the_o term_n of_o that_o proposition_n second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 99_o this_o proposition_n jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v first_o of_o all_o deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o consist_v of_o term_n which_o be_v very_o common_a and_o familiar_a among_o they_o which_o have_v a_o determine_a settle_a signification_n among_o they_o the_o one_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o a_o person_n the_o other_o ordinary_o stand_v for_o the_o description_n of_o a_o person_n they_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o according_a to_o the_o account_n moses_n have_v give_v they_o of_o he_o a_o long_a time_n before_o see_v deut._n 18._o 15_o to_o the_o 20._o and_o act._n 3_o 22_o etc._n etc._n they_o do_v not_o need_v any_o interpretation_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o people_n of_o another_o language_n need_v no_o other_o interpretation_n of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a
a_o divine_a revelation_n divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o doctrine_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o author_n consider_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n entrust_v in_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o their_o commission_n mat._n 28._o 19_o 20_o 21._o which_o commission_n as_o it_o invest_v they_o with_o as_o full_a a_o power_n of_o teach_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o it_o lay_v as_o great_a a_o necessity_n upon_o other_o of_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v in_o his_o own_o person_n p._n 19_o 20._o answ._n very_o true_a but_o all_o that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o do_v teach_v be_v not_o nor_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n only_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v as_o to_o the_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n entrust_v his_o apostle_n with_o authority_n to_o disciple_n people_n to_o he_o and_o upon_o their_o avouch_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n to_o baptise_v and_o external_o admit_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o other_o doctrine_n he_o have_v authorize_v they_o to_o divulge_v as_o the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o matter_n they_o be_v to_o learn_v and_o have_v learn_v must_v necessary_o believe_v but_o he_o do_v not_o intrust_v they_o with_o a_o authority_n to_o make_v a_o new-covenant_n with_o people_n and_o to_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o more_o article_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o epistle_n be_v part_n of_o that_o revelation_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o christian_n faith_n but_o no_o other_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n than_o those_o on_o the_o believe_a and_o own_v of_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v admit_v those_o unbeliever_n to_o who_o they_o preach_v into_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n if_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o term_n on_o which_o people_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o or_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v understand_v their_o commission_n for_o they_o neither_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o those_o distinct_a doctrine_n they_o have_v deliver_v in_o their_o epistle_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n in_o their_o preach_v to_o unbeliever_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v the_o relation_n give_v of_o the_o method_n and_o tenor_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v they_o in_o their_o epistle_n any_o where_o require_v the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o these_o doctrine_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n they_o have_v in_o their_o epistle_n deliver_v many_o doctrine_n which_o believer_n or_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v press_v to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o explicit_o believe_v on_o hazard_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o i_o conceive_v they_o have_v press_v on_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v before_o they_o write_v their_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v then_o and_o afterward_o but_o they_o do_v not_o any_o where_o in_o their_o epistle_n teach_v that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o to_o salvation_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 76_o 83_o etc._n etc._n in_o p._n 23._o this_o author_n say_v something_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o give_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a account_n in_o my_o judgement_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o the_o condition_n thereby_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o obtain_n happiness_n though_o he_o true_o say_v this_o be_v full_o do_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o short_a i_o think_v be_v this_o that_o all_o those_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n who_o do_v so_o hearty_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n as_o to_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n with_o invincible_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v absolute_o govern_v by_o he_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o pleasure_n let_v what_o inconvenience_n difficulty_n or_o hardship_n soever_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o know_v his_o pleasure_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o benefit_n or_o blessing_n here_o promise_v by_o christ._n the_o condition_n he_o appoint_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o or_o perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v entitle_v to_o receive_v that_o benefit_n from_o he_o be_v not_o a_o explicit_a believe_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o particular_a doctrine_n he_o or_o his_o apostle_n shall_v teach_v but_o only_o a_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o absolute_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o the_o condition_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v say_v this_o author_n before_o we_o can_v perform_v they_o which_o be_v very_o true_a and_o undeniable_o certain_a so_o god_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o give_v we_o a_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o first_o in_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o doctrine_n p._n 23._o answ._n 1._o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o method_n christ_n take_v by_o his_o order_n to_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n that_o be_v to_o purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o right_a to_o publish_v the_o aforesaid_a covenant_n and_o to_o perform_v what_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v comply_v with_o and_o perform_v the_o condition_n there_o express_v but_o neither_o the_o method_n nor_o the_o explicit_a believe_v of_o it_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o actual_a observe_v of_o that_o method_n be_v christ_n part_n in_o order_n to_o his_o obtain_n or_o purchase_v to_o himself_o the_o right_o before_o mention_v and_o see_v he_o have_v reveal_v that_o he_o do_v take_v this_o method_n for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v a_o article_n a_o fundamental_a article_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o every_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v he_o for_o his_o lord_n and_o be_v thereby_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o or_o with_o god_n through_o he_o when_o he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o 2._o the_o history_n of_o the_o miracle_n christ_n wrought_v be_v a_o mighty_a proper_a and_o powerful_a inducement_n to_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o a_o very_a good_a introduction_n to_o our_o take_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o second_o in_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a manifestation_n by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v answ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v send_v or_o pour_v forth_o on_o the_o apostle_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o prove_v their_o mission_n by_o or_o from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o same_o gracious_a declaration_n jesus_n christ_n have_v make_v before_o and_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o shall_v receive_v jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n into_o his_o kingdom_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o same_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o his_o subject_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v they_o and_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n a_o particular_a complete_a account_n and_o body_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o must_v be_v study_v believe_v and_o observe_v by_o his_o subject_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v these_o be_v not_o the_o condition_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v or_o consent_v to_o to_o make_v man_n christian_n but_o they_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o those_o who_o receive_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o as_o they_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o explicit_o believe_v and_o observe_v which_o be_v a_o good_a and_o full_a employment_n for_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v after_o they_o be_v christian_n let_v their_o life_n be_v lengthen_v to_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o extent_n but_o the_o holy_a
ghost_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o empower_v they_o to_o make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o people_n by_o make_v more_o article_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n than_o christ_n himself_o have_v make_v so_o though_o they_o be_v to_o produce_v more_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o he_o have_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o be_v give_v before_o and_o be_v to_o furnish_v christian_n with_o a_o more_o complete_a body_n of_o the_o law_n of_o that_o kingdom_n they_o be_v member_n of_o than_o be_v before_o publish_v see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n p._n 89_o 90_o 325_o 330._o it_o may_v therefore_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o i_o think_v for_o that_o reason_n without_o any_o absurdity_n be_v affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n be_v full_o and_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 73._o in_o p._n 30._o this_o author_n discourse_v concern_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o say_v that_o the_o article_n of_o that_o creed_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a fundamental_o unless_o we_o also_o firm_o believe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o the_o frequent_a explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o revelation_n that_o be_v those_o explanation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v set_v in_o the_o epistle_n distinct_a from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n answ._n i_o will_v wave_v take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v here_o from_o the_o generality_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o expression_n here_o use_v and_o shall_v only_o put_v this_o author_n in_o mind_n that_o the_o question_v he_o shall_v peremptory_o answer_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o all_o that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n appointment_n to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o creed_n if_o those_o who_o answer_v this_o question_n negative_o be_v in_o the_o right_n let_v they_o talk_v what_o they_o please_v of_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o have_v for_o this_o creed_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v under_o a_o very_a ugly_a reflection_n for_o the_o more_o full_a clear_n of_o which_o and_o answer_v to_o what_o this_o author_n have_v further_a write_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v refer_v to_o the_o second_o vindic._n of_o the_o reasonab_n p._n 74_o etc._n etc._n 77_o 163_o 169_o etc._n etc._n in_o p._n 31_o and_o 32._o this_o author_n offer_v consideration_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o passage_n he_o quote_v out_o of_o p._n 297._o of_o the_o reasonab_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v here_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o these_o consideration_n be_v ground_v upon_o two_o great_a mistake_v 1._o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n he_o oppose_v depend_v upon_o the_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n and_o when_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n which_o be_v write_v first_o whereas_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v till_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o many_o who_o be_v christian_n by_o the_o epistle_n we_o understand_v what_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n be_v entrust_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o but_o suppose_v the_o act_n and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v write_v after_o all_o the_o epistle_n they_o acquaint_v we_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n propose_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o unbeliever_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n 2._o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n reject_v the_o epistle_n from_o be_v part_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o christian_n for_o which_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o least_o ground_n second_o that_o this_o passage_n this_o author_n pretend_v to_o answer_v have_v the_o full_a evidence_n of_o demonstration_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n immediate_o before_o it_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v inspire_v from_o above_o and_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o in_o most_o place_n very_o weighty_a truth_n to_o we_o etc._n etc._n he_o add_v but_o yet_o every_o sentence_n of_o they_o must_v not_o be_v take_v up_o and_o look_v on_o as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o a_o explicit_a belief_n whereof_o no_o body_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n here_o nor_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o eternal_a kingdom_n hereafter_o where_o we_o see_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o fundamental_a article_n in_o the_o very_a next_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o passage_n reflect_v on_o by_o this_o author_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n if_o all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o truth_n declare_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v as_o fundamental_a article_n what_o then_o become_v of_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v fall_v asleep_a as_o st._n paul_n witness_n in_o his_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n many_o be_v before_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o to_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n p._n 294._o the_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o those_o who_o be_v believer_n and_o christian_n the_o occasion_n and_o end_n of_o write_v they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n this_o author_n reply_v in_o these_o word_n this_o seem_v rather_o to_o strengthen_v than_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v those_o same_o doctrine_n for_o fundamental_o before_o which_o they_o afterward_o communicate_v as_o sacred_a depositum_n of_o their_o faith_n p._n 33._o answ._n suppose_v they_o have_v teach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n before_o to_o the_o christian_n or_o church_n they_o afterward_o write_v to_o and_o so_o they_o be_v fundamental_o to_o those_o christian_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v man_n christian_n or_o be_v so_o to_o they_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v propound_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n in_o answer_n to_o another_o passage_n quote_v out_o of_o the_o same_o page_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n this_o author_n propound_v this_o question_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n answ._n the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v christian_n though_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o those_o doctrine_n you_o call_v fundamental_o here_o if_o they_o be_v christian_n than_o those_o you_o call_v fundamental_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o make_v they_o christian_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v excuse_v my_o want_n of_o complaisance_n in_o declare_v i_o shall_v choose_v to_o believe_v the_o apostle_n rather_o than_o they_o again_o say_v this_o author_n may_v there_o not_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v some_o less_o know_v among_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o ask_v be_v those_o less_o know_v person_n christian_n if_o not_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o epistle_n or_o how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o some_o who_o will_v not_o thorough_o believe_v several_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n without_o such_o a_o authority_n the_o apostle_n have_v etc._n etc._n seem_v not_o to_o bear_v a_o propitious_a aspect_n to_o what_o this_o author_n former_o advance_v as_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v fundamental_a truth_n from_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n what_o this_o author_n further_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_o answer_v in_o my_o animadversion_n p._n 26_o 27._o but_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v how_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o what_o
resurrection_n all_o the_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o which_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n be_v appoint_v by_o his_o father_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o for_o most_o good_a and_o wise_a reason_n that_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n have_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sinner_n provide_v they_o shall_v comply_v with_o the_o term_n he_o shall_v propose_v to_o they_o be_v from_o the_o father_n appoint_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o well_o as_o for_o several_a other_o purpose_v they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o appointment_n a_o relation_n to_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o christ_n himself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o redound_v therefrom_o to_o all_o men._n observation_n on_o the_o three_o part._n the_o title_n give_v to_o this_o part_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v christ._n this_o author_n say_v p._n 65._o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n and_o mr._n hobbs_n agree_v so_o exact_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v this_o one_o article_n only_o viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o method_n they_o have_v take_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o by_o cite_v several_a text_n from_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o act_n and_o no_o further_o that_o they_o only_o differ_v so_o much_o as_o a_o copy_n do_v from_o a_o original_a yet_o this_o author_n be_v so_o ingenuous_a he_o grant_v this_o can_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o reject_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n have_v assert_v if_o his_o doctrine_n be_v otherwise_o find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n answ._n i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o these_o word_n may_v be_v add_v so_o far_o as_o it_o discourse_v concern_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n be_v inquire_v after_o viz._n what_o article_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o one_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n to_o make_v he_o a_o christian._n a_o few_o day_n ago_o i_o accidental_o meet_v with_o a_o book_n entitle_v hobs_n tripos_n and_o perceive_v that_o one_o part_n of_o it_o be_v entitle_v de_fw-fr corpore_fw-la politico_fw-la i_o be_v so_o curious_a as_o to_o read_v that_o part_n to_o see_v whether_o he_o do_v there_o treat_v of_o religion_n and_o what_o he_o do_v say_v concern_v it_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o i_o find_v he_o discourse_v very_o agreeable_o to_o what_o this_o author_n quote_v out_o of_o the_o eighteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr cive_z mr._n hobbs_n do_v proceed_v in_o this_o book_n i_o speak_v of_o further_o than_o the_o act_n cite_v several_a text_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o if_o i_o reach_v his_o sense_n and_o design_n mr._n hobs_n notion_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o that_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n mr._n hobs_n notion_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o believe_v any_o more_o article_n than_o this_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o many_o article_n as_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o know_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n i_o think_v mr._n hobs_n discourse_n be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o itself_o nor_o with_o that_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v support_v his_o expression_n be_v many_o time_n so_o general_a they_o comprehend_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v all_o he_o aim_v at_o he_o seem_v willing_a that_o several_a distinct_a article_n shall_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v to_o salvation_n though_o how_o his_o bring_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n among_o they_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o what_o he_o principal_o design_v be_v above_o my_o reach_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o prove_v his_o fundamental_o as_o he_o call_v they_o he_o produce_v no_o scripture_n but_o what_o particular_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o therefore_o at_o last_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o only_a fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v exact_o and_o true_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o only_a point_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a true_a and_o living_n god_n though_o other_o point_n say_v he_o may_v be_v true_a they_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v save_v though_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o as_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o only_o say_v they_o may_v be_v true_a but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o be_v divine_a truth_n and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v with_o steadfast_a faith_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o mr._n hobs_n assertion_n i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o point_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v save_v though_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o but_o 1._o whether_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o he_o who_o do_v know_v they_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o whether_o a_o christian_a subject_n may_v without_o hazard_n of_o his_o salvation_n do_v action_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n which_o imply_v a_o denial_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o he_o know_v they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n mr._n hobbs_n declare_v for_o the_o affirmative_a p._n 214._o mr._n hobbs_n say_v the_o belief_n of_o that_o point_n viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v p._n 208._o that_o be_v let_v a_o man_n know_v ever_o so_o many_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o be_v teach_v there_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o nothing_o say_v he_o be_v true_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n p._n 110._o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n deliver_v the_o direct_a contrary_a truth_n and_o these_o be_v notion_n which_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o a_o person_n be_v believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o take_v he_o hearty_o for_o his_o lord_n and_o king_n yet_o mr._n hobbs_n say_v christian_a faith_n consist_v in_o acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o be_v king_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n p._n 211._o but_o it_o seem_v believe_v what_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v be_v not_o with_o mr._n hobbs_n any_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o the_o contradictory_n of_o this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n etc._n etc._n have_v deliver_v most_o just_o for_o the_o truth_n mr._n hobbs_n seem_v to_o lay_v much_o stress_n on_o this_o that_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n be_v about_o point_v unnecessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o which_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v unnecessary_a for_o christian_n to_o believe_v but_o a_o point_n be_v controvert_v do_v not_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o unnecessary_a man_n may_v raise_v and_o maintain_v controversy_n about_o what_o point_n they_o please_v but_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o i_o do_v know_v jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o know_v as_o many_o more_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o believe_v explicit_o as_o many_o as_o i_o shall_v attain_v a_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o let_v other_o people_n dispute_v and_o make_v as_o many_o controversy_n about_o they_o as_o they_o please_v controversy_n may_v occasion_v and_o engage_v christian_n to_o inquire_v more_o accurate_o whether_o christ_n have_v say_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o point_n and_o what_o he_o have_v teach_v concern_v it_o and_o what_o a_o christian_a understand_v christ_n have_v teach_v concern_v it_o he_o be_v necessary_o to_o believe_v let_v those_o who_o controvert_v it_o say_v what_o they_o will_n i_o find_v mr._n hobbs_n be_v for_o a_o public_a conscience_n and_o for_o people_n transfer_v their_o right_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o another_o which_o notion_n agree_v well_o enough_o with_o that_o of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n he_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v for_o have_v the_o right_o transfer_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n
of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n i_o must_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o ask_v whether_o they_o have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n so_o far_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v their_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o be_v then_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v christian_n can_v be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v their_o be_v denominate_v christian_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v person_n be_v denominate_v christian_n now_o unless_o together_o with_o the_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v more_o article_n reveal_v now_o than_o be_v then_o there_o be_v also_o as_o clear_a proof_n that_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o latter_a article_n be_v now_o require_v to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o say_v this_o author_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o infer_v from_o act._n 1._o 6_o 7_o 8._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o p._n 74._o answ._n they_o have_v not_o all_o that_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o design_n which_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o to_o their_o give_v the_o world_n that_o entire_a and_o complete_a revelation_n christ_n will_v make_v of_o his_o will_n by_o they_o but_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o they_o have_v not_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o christian_n be_v there_o no_o christian_n upon_o earth_n after_o christ_n ascension_n till_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n christian_n till_o they_o be_v endeve_v with_o a_o clear_a knowlededge_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n christ_n will_v make_v know_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o which_o they_o be_v gradual_o to_o instruct_v people_n in_o and_o commit_v to_o write_v for_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n can_v no_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n till_o he_o have_v a_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o the_o full_a import_n of_o it_o which_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o jesus_n as_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n god_n have_v send_v to_o be_v our_o king_n and_o saviour_n who_o doctrine_n and_o law_n we_o be_v conscientious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o learn_v and_o believe_v and_o observe_v as_o we_o attain_v to_o know_v they_o o_o that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n send_v from_o god_n etc._n etc._n who_o have_v teach_v these_o and_o these_o particular_a doctrine_n neither_o more_o nor_o few_o and_o so_o as_o touch_v his_o precept_n every_o one_o of_o which_o we_o do_v actual_o believe_v and_o practise_v can_v no_o person_n be_v a_o christian_a now_o till_o he_o have_v as_o explicit_a and_o full_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n christ_n have_v teach_v and_o reveal_v as_o that_o apostle_n ever_o have_v who_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o large_a measure_n of_o revelation_n whatever_o he_o do_v know_v this_o way_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o jesus_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o very_a last_o information_n he_o have_v this_o way_n acquaint_v he_o with_o something_o concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o he_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o know_v before_o so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o form_v a_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n concern_v he_o till_o he_o know_v that_o it_o will_v not_o say_v this_o author_n alter_v the_o case_n by_o say_v that_o those_o who_o die_v then_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v undoubted_o save_v for_o that_o will_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n than_o the_o prove_v that_o because_o a_o jew_n be_v save_v before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n mediation_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n he_o may_v be_v equal_o capable_a of_o salvation_n now_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n p._n 74._o answ._n what_o this_o author_n have_v deliver_v in_o these_o word_n will_v afford_v room_n for_o many_o remark_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n than_o god_n have_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o that_o purpose_n under_o it_o but_o at_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o new_a covenant_n be_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n it_o be_v under_o a_o new_a condition_n viz._n the_o believe_v and_o take_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n our_o king_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n if_o that_o dispensation_n be_v not_o abrogate_a but_o do_v still_o continue_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n nothing_o more_o will_v now_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v make_v so_o by_o that_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v abrogate_a and_o another_o to_o come_v into_o its_o room_n whereby_o something_o distinct_a from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a dispensation_n shall_v be_v make_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n the_o belief_n of_o every_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v not_o when_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n but_o the_o add_v of_o more_o revelation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v study_v and_o explicit_o believe_v when_o know_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o dispensation_n or_o make_v more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o salvation_n or_o to_o interest_n a_o person_n in_o that_o dispensation_n than_o be_v at_o first_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n any_o more_o than_o every_o new_a law_n make_v in_o a_o nation_n do_v alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o that_o government_n and_o make_v something_o more_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o explicit_o assent_v to_o to_o make_v a_o person_n a_o subject_a of_o that_o government_n than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n before_o will_v any_o serious_a consider_v christian_a affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v reject_v any_o person_n who_o by_o the_o gracious_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v effectual_o bring_v to_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v his_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v that_o engagement_n people_n be_v general_o very_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n have_v die_v for_o they_o and_o satisfy_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o can_v be_v content_v to_o own_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o notion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o give_v substantial_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v hearty_o take_v he_o for_o their_o king_n be_v they_o general_o bring_v to_o a_o sound_a belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v their_o king_n they_o will_v make_v a_o much_o better_a improvement_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v his_o priesthood_n and_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n than_o they_o common_o do_v notwithstanding_o the_o great_a zeal_n they_o pretend_v to_o discover_v for_o those_o office_n the_o course_n they_o ordinary_o allow_v themselves_o in_o be_v evident_o and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o receive_n jesus_n unfeigned_o for_o their_o king_n and_o their_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o that_o relation_n upon_o their_o spirit_n whatever_o way_n they_o have_v get_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o notion_n they_o entertain_v concern_v his_o other_o office_n for_o say_v this_o author_n we_o be_v to_o direct_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o most_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o appear_v from_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o revelation_n to_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o it_o p._n 74._o answ._n those_o who_o be_v christian_n be_v to_o direct_v their_o faith_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n they_o can_v attain_v of_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v that_o be_v they_o must_v believe_v explicit_o and_o actual_o perform_v whatsoever_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o know_v christ_n have_v teach_v and_o make_v their_o