to_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o when_o we_o can_v hate_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n also_o for_o he_o rather_o than_o abjure_v his_o gospel_n or_o violate_v his_o law_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a one_o who_o diligent_o obey_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o large_a explication_n our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o subtle_a airy_a and_o metaphysical_a notion_n as_o some_o man_n represent_v it_o to_o be_v but_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o mistake_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n because_o this_o be_v a_o practical_a error_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o one_o mistake_v in_o the_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o a_o great_a many_o false_a opinion_n which_o end_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o mistake_v some_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n and_o first_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o person_n without_o consider_v any_o qualification_n in_o we_o which_o may_v make_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o love_n so_o in_o requital_n to_o he_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o i_o confess_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n that_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o the_o dispute_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n now_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o advantage_n we_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v from_o christ_n what_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n pure_o for_o himself_o without_o any_o other_o consideration_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o grave_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o *_o w._n b._n who_o tell_v we_o 15._o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n to_o love_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n that_o gratitude_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n be_v now_o own_a to_o be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n 2._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v christ_n person_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n draw_v out_o with_o love_n to_o the_o very_a person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o certain_o true_a that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o love_n christ_n for_o his_o benefit_n love_v his_o person_n but_o 3._o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o christ_n crucify_v 4._o though_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n yet_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n yet_o to_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o benefit_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v he_o for_o no_o reason_n the_o proper_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o love_n be_v goodness_n to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_a and_o impossible_a a_o task_n to_o love_v a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v good_a to_o we_o not_o because_o he_o have_v be_v good_a but_o for_o no_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o if_o you_o separate_v the_o person_n and_o personal_n excellency_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o benefit_n his_o personal_a goodness_n from_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o can_v be_v no_o object_n nor_o reason_n of_o our_o love_n for_o a_o goodness_n which_o do_v no_o good_a or_o never_o do_v any_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v consider_v as_o do_v none_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o that_o goodness_n mean_v which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a god_n challenge_v our_o love_n not_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o imaginary_a goodness_n of_o nature_n which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a but_o for_o the_o real_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n himself_o challenge_v our_o love_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n because_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o now_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n on_o we_o but_o never_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v require_v such_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a love_n to_o his_o person_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o benefit_n indeed_o these_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o understand_v themselves_o when_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n for_o when_o you_o inquire_v what_o this_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n than_o they_o describe_v his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o disposition_n his_o great_a riches_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v whatever_o we_o need_v if_o you_o be_v poor_a he_o be_v rich_a if_o you_o be_v foolish_a he_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v he_o if_o you_o want_v a_o director_n in_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a i_o be_o light_a if_o you_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a he_o be_v righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n now_o either_o all_o this_o signify_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o christ_n or_o it_o signify_v nothing_o and_o how_o then_o do_v these_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o his_o benefit_n nay_o when_o they_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o ibid._n bid_v we_o behold_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o our_o person_n how_o many_o impediment_n his_o love_n have_v break_v through_o how_o free_a it_o be_v so_o free_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o neither_o likeness_n benefit_n nor_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v christ_n much_o if_o we_o will_v love_v his_o person_n in_o any_o good_a thing_n you_o have_v
the_o more_o you_o use_v it_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v it_o and_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v it_o the_o more_o you_o love_v it_o if_o you_o have_v a_o good_a friend_n the_o more_o you_o use_v he_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v he_o and_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v he_o the_o more_o you_o love_v he_o if_o you_o have_v a_o good_a horse_n the_o more_o you_o use_v he_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v he_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o have_v a_o good_a knife_n the_o more_o you_o use_v it_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o will_v love_v christ_n use_v he_o much_o and_o then_o the_o more_o you_o will_v prize_v he_o and_o the_o more_o you_o will_v love_v he_o now_o to_o let_v pass_v the_o rudeness_n of_o the_o comparison_n this_o use_v christ_n must_v signify_v his_o benefit_n and_o to_o prize_n and_o love_n christ_n much_o because_o we_o use_v he_o much_o be_v to_o love_v he_o because_o we_o make_v great_a advantage_n of_o he_o and_o receive_v many_o benefit_n from_o he_o which_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o benefit_n the_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o contradiction_n and_o confusion_n in_o these_o man_n discourse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v between_o love_v the_o benefit_n and_o love_v the_o person_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a to_o delight_v in_o the_o gift_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o giver_n to_o solace_v ourselves_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n this_o be_v to_o love_v the_o benefit_n but_o not_o the_o person_n who_o bestow_v this_o benefit_n but_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v they_o and_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n for_o no_o reason_n or_o as_o these_o man_n phrase_v it_o pure_o for_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o those_o many_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v because_o this_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a love_n but_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o foolish_a passion_n the_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v no_o other_o than_o gratitude_n because_o god_n love_v we_o first_o and_o our_o love_n be_v only_o a_o return_n of_o he_o now_o thankfulness_n and_o gratitude_n include_v a_o necessary_a respect_n to_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n who_o want_v nothing_o and_o can_v receive_v nothing_o from_o his_o creature_n to_o love_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o benefit_n but_o the_o love_n of_o indigent_a and_o dependent_a creature_n be_v a_o love_n of_o thankfulness_n be_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o many_o blessing_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n second_o these_o man_n oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o the_o first_o destroy_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o this_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v make_v the_o character_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n 1672._o who_o want_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o though_o he_o seek_v to_o honour_n god_n never_o so_o much_o yet_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o god_n abhor_v all_o that_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n such_o a_o wicked_a man_n do_v be_v for_o himself_o either_o for_o self_n credit_n or_o self-ease_n or_o self_n content_a or_o self-safety_n he_o sleep_v pray_v hear_v speak_v profess_v for_o himself_o alone_o hence_o act_v always_o for_o himself_o he_o commit_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o idolatry_n make_v himself_o a_o god_n etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o same_o author_n thus_o exhort_v sinner_n away_o then_o out_o of_o yourselves_o to_o 84_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v to_o he_o and_o take_v hold_v on_o he_o not_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o presumption_n and_o love_n to_o thyself_o to_o save_v thyself_o but_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o he_o to_o honour_v he_o and_o a_o little_a after_o describe_v the_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n 109._o all_o which_o lead_v to_o hell_n he_o reckon_v among_o the_o rest_n the_o way_n of_o self-love_n whereby_o a_o man_n fear_v terrible_o he_o shall_v be_v damn_v use_v diligent_o all_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o strong_a difficulty_n of_o all_o to_o row_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o hate_v a_o man_n self_n our_o own_o soul_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o then_o to_o follow_v christ_n full_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o hard_a case_n that_o before_o we_o can_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o must_v root_v out_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o all_o love_n that_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o hate_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n before_o we_o can_v close_v with_o christ_n for_o salvation_n he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o strong_a difficulty_n of_o all_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a love_v to_o ourselves_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o love_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v himself_o will_v love_v nothing_o else_o he_o that_o hate_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o despise_v eternal_a salvation_n will_v not_o care_v for_o christ_n nor_o salvation_n by_o he_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o obey_v god_n be_v found_v on_o self-love_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v excite_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o great_a reward_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n if_o we_o do_v not_o love_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o care_n what_o become_v of_o we_o whether_o we_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o persuade_v a_o man_n not_o to_o love_v himself_o for_o this_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o fire_n to_o burn_v or_o sun_n to_o shine_v it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o all_o that_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o can_v do_v be_v either_o to_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n to_o pretend_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v or_o to_o make_v honest_a man_n who_o can_v thus_o cheat_v and_o delude_v themselves_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o they_o can_v find_v themselves_o content_v without_o salvation_n that_o christ_n without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n can_v satisfy_v they_o it_o be_v true_a when_o man_n set_v up_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n when_o self-love_n tempt_v they_o to_o disobey_v god_n to_o despise_v his_o counsel_n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o mistake_a self-love_n such_o man_n neither_o love_n themselves_o nor_o god_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n such_o man_n be_v idolater_n as_o our_o author_n speak_v because_o they_o set_v up_o self_n above_o god_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o but_o when_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o teach_v we_o to_o love_n god_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n we_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o they_o who_o separate_v our_o love_n to_o god_n from_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o from_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n do_v plain_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n three_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o our_o own_o duty_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o herein_o dr._n owen_n place_v the_o chastity_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o christ_n 165._o which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o great_a marriage_n duty_n in_o not_o take_v any_o thing_n as_o our_o own_o righteousness_n into_o our_o affection_n and_o esteem_n for_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o have_v receive_v christ_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v for_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n can_v be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n can_v expiate_v for_o our_o past_a sin_n nor_o merit_v heaven_n for_o we_o which_o christ_n have_v
appear_v from_o rom._n 9_o 30._o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n who_o pursue_v so_o earnest_o after_o righteousness_n be_v exclude_v from_o righteousness_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v under_o a_o curse_n because_o they_o do_v not_o look_v for_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n or_o by_o christianity_n but_o by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o the_o most_o obvious_a reason_n why_o this_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v call_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n god_n righteousness_n be_v because_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v a_o way_n of_o justification_n not_o of_o god_n appointment_n but_o their_o own_o choose_n god_n never_o design_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v justify_v to_o eternal_a life_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o they_o confident_o expect_v justification_n by_o that_o law_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n choose_v this_o he_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n by_o this_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o this_o he_o appoint_v and_o this_o he_o will_v own_v and_o reward_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o a_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o impute_v to_o we_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n person_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n that_o be_v that_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n call_v they_o and_o upon_o inquiry_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o appropriate_a to_o his_o person_n belong_v to_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o describe_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o which_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o metaphorical_a expression_n still_o behind_o which_o exercise_n man_n wit_n and_o fancy_n viz_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n too_o or_o personal_a estate_n or_o what_o you_o will_v call_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ._n where_o by_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o call_v it_o unsearchable_a riches_n because_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o narrow_a and_o stint_a thing_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o law_n be_v but_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o mankind_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n contain_v those_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 1._o 7._o for_o riches_n signify_v only_o a_o abundance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o scripture_n to_o sport_n and_o toy_n with_o word_n and_o metaphor_n as_o some_o man_n do_v with_o this_o riches_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v rich_a because_o he_o have_v a_o rich_a christ._n dowry_n have_v all_o the_o world_n give_v to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a inheritance_n that_o he_o keep_v open_a house_n and_o maintain_v all_o the_o creation_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v this_o above_o 6000_o year_n which_o will_v have_v break_v he_o long_o since_o have_v he_o not_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o enrich_v all_o the_o saint_n but_o all_o of_o the_o saint_n their_o understanding_n with_o glorious_a light_n their_o conscience_n with_o quickness_n pureness_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o after_o all_o this_o vast_a expense_n he_o be_v never_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o penny_n the_o poor_a for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o that_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v general_o rich_a rich_a in_o house_n and_o land_n though_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o gold_n in_o silver_n in_o cattle_n in_o all_o temporal_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a tribute_n and_o rent_n due_a to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o owner_n of_o all_o that_o angel_n and_o man_n possess_v above_o and_o below_o these_o be_v fine_a thing_n to_o persuade_v young_a woman_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o their_o husband_n since_o they_o can_v never_o expect_v so_o rich_a and_o advantageous_a a_o match_n any_o where_o else_o but_o i_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o to_o pursue_v such_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n as_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expose_v they_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o fullness_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n these_o man_n make_v of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v fit_v he_o to_o all_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v wherein_o this_o union_n they_o talk_v of_o between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n do_v consist_v now_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v at_o large_a but_o these_o man_n instead_o of_o explain_v these_o metaphor_n turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o allegory_n as_o for_o example_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n and_o now_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v christ_n woo_v and_o make_v love_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o what_o other_o man_n call_v believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n these_o man_n call_v that_o consent_n and_o contract_n which_o make_v up_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n take_v we_o for_o his_o spouse_n and_o we_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o husband_n and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n except_o the_o ring_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o as_o a_o antichristian_a ceremony_n christ_n say_v thus_o this_o be_v com._n that_o we_o will_v consent_v unto_o that_o i_o will_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o and_o not_o for_o another_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o eminency_n to_o be_v its_o saviour_n head_n and_o husband_n to_o dwell_v with_o it_o in_o this_o holy_a relation_n and_o the_o soul_n like_v christ_n for_o his_o excellency_n grace_n suitableness_n far_o above_o all_o other_o belove_n whatever_n and_o accept_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n for_o its_o husband_n lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o marriage_n be_v complete_v and_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n espousal_n of_o the_o gladness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o now_o follow_v all_o mutual_a conjugal_a affection_n which_o on_o christ_n part_n consist_v in_o delight_n valuation_n pity_n or_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n on_o the_o saint_n part_n in_o delight_n valuation_n chastity_n duty_n which_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o description_n of_o his_o artificial_a man_n the_o commonwealth_n but_o i_o have_v already_o correct_v this_o fool_n with_o scripture-metaphor_n and_o phrase_n and_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o they_o place_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n namely_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v all_o christ_n we_o
do_v what_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n why_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o dr._n place_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o our_o righteousness_n to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o make_v it_o a_o expression_n of_o our_o chaste_a affection_n to_o christ_n quite_o to_o thrust_v out_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o our_o religion_n he_o first_o make_v christ_n all_o to_o we_o more_o than_o ever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v himself_o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o then_o warn_v we_o upon_o our_o vow_n of_o chastity_n not_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n into_o christ_n place_n whereas_o as_o he_o have_v order_v the_o matter_n we_o must_v take_v our_o own_o righteousness_n into_o christ_n place_n or_o else_o cast_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o what_o he_o allege_v for_o this_o i_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v already_o and_o shall_v not_o now_o repeat_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v our_o obedience_n the_o great_a and_o principal_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o these_o man_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o competition_n between_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o obedience_n shall_v put_v such_o jealousy_n into_o people_n head_n what_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o righteousness_n lest_o they_o shall_v prove_v like_o foolish_a lover_n who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o 197._o woo_v for_o the_o lady_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o handmaid_n that_o be_v only_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o she_o so_o man_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o and_o dote_v upon_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o naked_a performance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v with_o do_v good_a which_o be_v only_a handmaid_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o this_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o persuade_v people_n that_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o something_o more_o refine_v and_o spiritual_a than_o obedience_n which_o will_v quick_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n christ_n without_o obey_v he_o and_o not_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o dote_v and_o rest_v on_o duty_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n can_v think_v that_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n can_v merit_v heaven_n when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n who_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o must_v ascribe_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o our_o present_a infirmity_n and_o bestow_v such_o great_a reward_n on_o we_o as_o we_o can_v never_o deserve_v and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o preserve_v we_o from_o dote_v and_o rest_v on_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o to_o let_v they_o quite_o alone_o since_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o meddle_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v mr._n shephard_n this_o will_v not_o secure_v we_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o duty_n another_o thing_n to_o rest_n in_o duty_n 170._o a_o man_n trust_v unto_o they_o when_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o only_o good_a duty_n can_v save_v he_o a_o man_n rest_v in_o duty_n when_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o only_a christ_n can_v save_v he_o but_o in_o his_o practice_n he_o go_v about_o to_o save_v himself_o that_o be_v do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v with_o as_o much_o vigour_n and_o earnestness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o it_o and_o then_o think_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o ungodly_a rest_v in_o duty_n by_o acknowledge_v when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n love_n be_v the_o very_a person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n in_o opposition_n to_o self-love_n in_o opposition_n to_o duty_n let_v we_o now_o inquire_v second_o how_o they_o express_v their_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o prefer_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o admire_v his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n the_o 63._o soul_n take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o see_v it_o all_o to_o be_v vanity_n it_o view_v also_o legal_a righteousness_n blamelessness_n before_o man_n uprightness_n of_o conversation_n duty_n upon_o conviction_n and_o count_v they_o all_o to_o be_v loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n beloved_n peace_n belove_v natural_a relation_n belove_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n belove_a righteousness_n duty_n all_o loss_n compare_v with_o christ._n *_o they_o value_n he_o 154._o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o person_n they_o value_v he_o above_o their_o life_n they_o value_v he_o above_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o 140._o all_o other_o righteousness_n whatever_o *_o he_o be_v their_o joy_n their_o crown_n their_o rejoice_n their_o life_n food_n health_n strength_n desire_n righteousness_n salvation_n blessedness_n now_o who_o can_v desire_v more_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o useless_a passion_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o approve_v nor_o accept_v i_o have_v *_o already_o 2._o show_v you_o what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o whatever_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n whether_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o revelation_n or_o his_o propitiation_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o these_o man_n convert_v into_o personal_a grace_n his_o personal_a fullness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o must_v immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o these_o man_n so_o much_o admire_v and_o prize_n and_o value_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v all_o fullness_n righteousness_n life_n power_n beauty_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o sinner_n want_v this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o legal_a righteousness_n spiritual_a excellency_n duty_n obedience_n before_o the_o love_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v by_o these_o man_n account_v no_o better_a than_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o they_o prefer_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v such_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n for_o they_o and_o will_v save_v they_o without_o require_v any_o legal_a condition_n of_o they_o infinite_o before_o the_o religion_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n before_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n before_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o he_o will_v save_v they_o by_o his_o righteousness_n without_o any_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o own_o this_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o crown_n their_o life_n food_n health_n strength_n righteousness_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a where_o the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n may_v shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o much_o prize_n and_o value_v such_o devoto_n as_o these_o nor_o their_o obsequious_a flattery_n or_o praise_n and_o yet_o herein_o the_o devotion_n of_o these_o man_n consist_v in_o admire_v prize_v value_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v that_o *_o evangelical_n righteousness_n we_o must_v 173_o gain_v by_o duty_n more_o prize_v of_o acquaintance_n with_o desire_v after_o love_v and_o delight_v in_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o moral_a man_n who_o rest_v in_o duty_n that_o be_v who_o do_v what_o god_n command_v he_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n may_v grow_v in_o legal_a righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o true_a holiness_n and_o piety_n but_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v unless_o we_o grow_v in_o this_o evangelical_n righteousness_n this_o be_v 178._o the_o great_a end_n of_o duty_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n hear_v a_o sermon_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o