of the Churches fins unto Chris 1. 2 5 I. pared unto the Union of the Head and Members of the fain natural Body, i Cor. 12. 12. and unto a political Union alto between a Ruling or political Head, and its political Mem- bers; but never exclufively unto the Union of a natural Head, and its Members comprized in the fame Exprefon, Ephef. 4. 15. Col. 2. 19. And fo alto unto fundry things in nature, as a Vine and its Branches , Joh. 15. I, 2, 3. And it is declared by the Relation that was between Adam and his poflerity, by Gods Inffitution and the Law of Creation ; Rom. 5. 12. &c. And the Holy Ghoft by reprefenting the Union that is between Chrift and Believers, by fuch a variety of Refemblances, in things agreeing only in the common or general notion of Union on various Grounds, doth füfftci- ently manifeft that it is not of, nor can be reduced unto any one kind of them. And this will yet be made more evident by the confideration of the Caufes of it, and the Grounds whereinto it is refolved. But whereas it would require much time and diligence to handle them at large, which the mention of them here being occafional, will not ad- mit, I (hall only briefly refer unto the Heads of them. i. The firft fpring or caufe of this Union, and of all the other caufes of it, lieth in that eternal compac``t that was be- tween the Father and the Son, concerning the Recovery and Salvation of fallen mankind. Herein among other things as the effe &s thereof, the Affumption of our nature, ( the foun- dation of this Union) was defigned. The nature and terms of this Compa &, Counfel, and Agreement, I have de- clared elfewhere, and therefore mutt not here again infiff upon it. But the Relation between Chrift and the Church, proceeding from hence, and fo being an efie& of infinite Wifdom, in the Counfel of the Father and Son, to be made effe&ual by the Holy Spirit, mutt be diffinguithed from all other Unions or Relations whatever. K k 2 2. The
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