and_o the_o peculiar_a mood_n of_o speak_v in_o every_o language_n and_o in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o urge_v metaphor_n no_o further_o than_o their_o first_o intention_n without_o which_o we_o may_v deal_v by_o all_o author_n as_o these_o man_n deal_v by_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o speak_v nonsense_n or_o as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o venerable_a mystery_n and_o overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o way_n of_o expound_v otherwise_o call_v adulterate_v and_o debauch_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v than_o they_o argue_v and_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceive_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o scheme_n and_o fancy_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o truth_n prove_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o its_o agreement_n with_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o 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our_o own_o act_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o grace_n not_o of_o free_a mercy_n though_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o dream_v of_o merit_v by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v will_v have_v think_v that_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v though_o faith_n have_v justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n since_o the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n do_v so_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whatever_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o this_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o metaphor_n or_o two_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n some_o more_o apt_a than_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o christ_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o a_o ring_n which_o have_v 64._o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o which_o will_v staunch_v blood_n we_o say_v the_o ring_n staunch_v blood_n but_o the_o virtue_n do_v not_o bare_o lie_v in_o the_o ring_n but_o in_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o ring_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o ring_n christ_n the_o precious_a stone_n all_o that_o faith_n do_v be_v to_o bring_v home_n christ_n merit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o it_o justify_v so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v out_o a_o improper_a and_o absurd_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o invent_v one_o as_o this_o gentleman_n do_v for_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o this_o before_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o improper_o as_o unlearned_a man_n talk_v or_o think_v or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o fancy_v faith_n a_o ring_n and_o christ_n a_o precious_a stone_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o that_o legal_a and_o meritorious_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o receptive_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o receive_v the_o gold_n that_o enrich_v so_o faith_n receive_v of_o christ_n merit_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enrich_a grace_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v 65._o vein_n that_o suck_v the_o nourishment_n that_o come_v into_o the_o stomach_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o suck_a vein_n that_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v not_o this_o very_a plain_n now_o to_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n just_a as_o the_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o stomach_n and_o now_o to_o make_v all_o clear_a we_o may_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n why_o god_n choose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a ibidem_fw-la grace_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n if_o repentance_n shall_v fetch_v justification_n from_o christ_n a_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v this_o be_v for_o my_o tear_n strange_a deserve_a creature_n these_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o merit_a heaven_n with_o a_o few_o tear_n but_o faith_n be_v humble_a it_o be_v a_o empty_a hand_n and_o what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n reach_v out_o his_o hand_n merit_v a_o alm_n yes_o just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o few_o tear_n merit_v heaven_n faith_n be_v only_o a_o golden_a bucket_n that_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n but_o why_o may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o merit_n grow_v as_o proud_a that_o they_o have_v a_o golden_a bucket_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a well_o be_v their_o own_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o man_n deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o poor_a humble_a faith_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o they_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n that_o faith_n be_v sometime_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n sometime_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o a_o mouth_n to_o feed_v on_o he_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o a_o ring_n to_o hold_v this_o precious_a stone_n a_o vein_n to_o suck_v justification_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a stomach_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a new_a conceit_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n i_o never_o before_o read_v that_o he_o be_v the_o stomach_n a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o this_o well_o christ_n though_o in_o this_o they_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o faith_n in_o make_v it_o a_o
gospel_n prescribe_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o christ_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o righteousness_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o faith_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v often_o use_v objective_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o contain_v those_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v thus_o in_o act_n 24._o 24._o felix_n send_v for_o paul_n and_o hear_v he_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v concern_v righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v ver._n 25._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 5._o in_o this_o sense_n faith_n and_o work_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o other_o the_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v whether_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o external_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n or_o that_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o transform_v our_o mind_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o alone_a can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n the_o apostle_n prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o 4._o chapter_n who_o be_v account_v righteous_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o god_n promise_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver._n 3._o and_o this_o while_o he_o be_v uncricumcise_v which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o jew_n that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justification_n because_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v justify_v without_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o this_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v now_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v whereby_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o what_o agreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n for_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a john_n 8_o 5_o 6._o but_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceive_a opinion_n than_o to_o observe_v what_o work_n they_o make_v with_o abraham_n faith_n as_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n upon_o which_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o suppose_v this_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o abraham_n shall_v learn_v this_o great_a mystery_n from_o that_o general_a and_o obscure_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n this_o be_v such_o a_o train_n of_o thought_n from_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n himself_o can_v never_o have_v hit_v on_o for_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a way_n for_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n or_o be_v there_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o this_o blessing_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o pray_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n abraham_n must_v distinct_o know_v according_a to_o these_o man_n own_o principle_n before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a man_n indeed_o who_o can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n without_o some_o more_o particular_a revelation_n as_o first_o he_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o blessing_n here_o mean_v be_v spiritual_a blessing_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o saviour_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o least_o difficulty_n of_o all_o yet_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v it_o and_o so_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n for_o many_o age_n do_v who_o have_v more_o particular_a promise_n concern_v christ_n than_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o expect_v only_o a_o temporal_a prince_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o subdue_v their_o enemy_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o so_o much_o deceive_v their_o expectation_n by_o his_o mean_a appearance_n and_o second_o abraham_n must_v know_v too_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o which_o according_a to_o the_o doctor_n it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n consider_v the_o naturalness_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n themselves_o understand_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n though_o christ_n have_v express_o tell_v they_o of_o it_o and_o three_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o nay_o four_o he_o must_v understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n since_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v never_o expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o righteousness_n serve_v any_o more_o than_o himself_o and_o five_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o that_o intimate_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o union_n believer_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n as_o these_o man_n explain_v it_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v to_o this_o day_n and_o sixthly_a he_o must_v understand_v too_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o and_o then_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n understand_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o abraham_n can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v may_v believe_v what_o he_o will_v and_o
i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v trouble_v himself_o to_o confute_v he_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n be_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o hebr._n 11._o that_o he_o discourse_v there_o of_o a_o justify_v faith_n that_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o render_v man_n approve_v of_o god_n &_o which_o he_o will_v count_v for_o righteousness_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o the_o 2._o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n i._n e._n the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v approve_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o faith_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o abel_n obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a v_o 4._o that_o enoch_n have_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n v_o 5._o that_o noah_n become_v the_o heir_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n v_o 7._o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o justify_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o firm_a and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thâ—se_a thing_n we_o hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v faith_n be_v such_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n as_o make_v we_o confident_o hope_v for_o they_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v unseen_a thing_n as_o the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n something_o pass_v or_o to_o come_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o final_a dissolution_n of_o it_o or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o promise_n and_o prediction_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o these_o unseen_a thing_n as_o produce_v some_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o faith_n result_v from_o the_o different_a object_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n make_v a_o three_o which_o be_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o first_o we_o may_v call_v a_o natural_a faith_n i._n e._n a_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o natural_a demonstration_n or_o moral_a argument_n as_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n whereby_o they_o please_v god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n because_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sincere_o religious_a or_o to_o do_v any_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n second_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o many_o example_n in_o this_o chapter_n thus_o noah_n believe_v god_n when_o he_o forewarn_v he_o of_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o provide_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n he_o become_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o father_n house_n and_o go_v into_o a_o strange_a land_n thus_o sarah_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n which_o be_v as_o heroical_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o man_n for_o beside_o that_o great_a and_o passionate_a kindness_n he_o have_v for_o his_o only_a son_n which_o make_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n this_o command_n of_o offer_v his_o son_n seem_v to_o thwart_v that_o former_a promise_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v i._n e._n that_o from_o isaac_n shall_v proceed_v that_o numerous_a offspring_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o abraham_n which_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a when_o this_o very_a isaac_n must_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o die_v without_o leave_v any_o child_n to_o succeed_v he_o but_o yet_o abraham_n be_v so_o well_o assure_v both_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o whatever_o impossibility_n humane_a reason_n suggest_v he_o will_v neither_o disobey_v god_n command_n nor_o distrust_v his_o promise_n but_o do_v believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n and_o moses_n etc._n etc._n who_o firm_o believe_v all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o confident_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o those_o day_n be_v justify_v viz._n such_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o as_o make_v they_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v three_o what_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v now_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n as_o abraham_n faith_n be_v to_o he_o for_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n answer_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n without_o which_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o force_n our_o faith_n in_o christ_n must_v signify_v such_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n as_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o we_o for_o if_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n you_o understand_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o you_o utter_o destroy_v the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n for_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a be_v not_o justify_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v account_v a_o righteous_a person_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v drown_v and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n at_o god_n command_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n because_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o follow_v god_n into_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o son_n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n when_o he_o and_o his_o wife_n be_v so_o old_a that_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o child_n and_o when_o sarah_n by_o faith_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o this_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o offer_v this_o son_n at_o god_n command_n without_o distrust_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o what_o have_v all_o this_o to_o do_v with_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o roll_a our_o soul_n on_o
christ_n for_o salvation_n these_o two_o faith_n be_v of_o as_o different_a kind_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reason_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o st._n paul_n certain_o understand_v himself_o better_a than_o to_o argue_v at_o this_o weak_a rate_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v this_o discourse_n to_o a_o head_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v count_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n abraham_n believe_v those_o revelation_n god_n make_v to_o he_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n we_o believe_v all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o son_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o so_o that_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n which_o necessary_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o john_n 20._o 31._o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v describe_v by_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 5._o 5._o who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n with_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o new_a covenant_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v found_v on_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o angel_n but_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n abraham_n have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a faith_n excel_v all_o other_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o much_o as_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n excel_v all_o other_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o other_o good_a man_n but_o still_o the_o end_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o abraham_n be_v without_o which_o no_o faith_n can_v justify_v and_o the_o same_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o general_a notion_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o those_o worthy_n of_o old_a and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3._o 22._o and_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n phil._n 3._o 9_o the_o first_o signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o use_v of_o these_o phrase_n and_o of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v unintelligible_a in_o any_o other_o way_n that_o can_v man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o plain_a sense_n it_o will_v need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n but_o not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v by_o these_o man_n to_o set_v up_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n i_o shall_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o that_o famous_a place_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o will_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o material_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v account_n they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n by_o my_o own_o righteousness_n these_o man_n understand_v inherent_a righteousness_n whatever_o good_a st._n paul_n have_v do_v either_o while_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o after_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n this_o he_o reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o this_o be_v fair_o offer_v but_o what_o proof_n have_v they_o for_o it_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v learn_v only_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o my_o righteousness_n signify_v inherent_a righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v they_o need_v not_o signify_v so_o my_o own_o righteousness_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o in_o which_o he_o place_v his_o righteousness_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o inherent_a holiness_n a_o external_a righteousness_n serve_v most_o man_n turn_n very_o well_o and_o this_o be_v the_o righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o pharisee_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi expect_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o what_o his_o righteousness_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 6_o 7._o circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o touch_v the_o law_n a_o pharisee_n who_o be_v mighty_a strict_a and_o punctual_a in_o observe_v all_o external_a ceremony_n and_o he_o express_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o persecute_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a which_o last_o phrase_n touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a signify_v only_o a_o external_a blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n as_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o acknowledge_v for_o this_o be_v the_o pharisee_n notion_n even_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o do_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o trypho_n the_o jew_n in_o justin_n martyr_n quarrel_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o it_o require_v the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o blamelessness_n here_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n do_v perfect_o observe_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v blameless_a before_o god_n as_o well_o as_o before_o man_n which_o i_o suppose_v those_o who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v god_n law_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o so_o that_o my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o signify_v a_o inherent_a righteousness_n a_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o some_o external_a rite_n as_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n or_o external_a privilege_n as_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o stock_n of_o israel_n or_o a_o external_a civility_n and_o blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n and_o this_o righteousness_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reject_v because_o god_n will_v reject_v it_o this_o
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