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love_n according_a act_n add_v 36 3 6.1803 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59809 A defence and continuation of the discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and our union and communion with Him with a particular respect to the doctrine of the Church of England, and the charge of socinianism and pelagianism / by the same author. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1675 (1675) Wing S3281; ESTC R4375 236,106 546

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he_o that_o be_v justify_v yet_o they_o justify_v not_o all_o together_o where_o by_o these_o good_a work_n be_v join_v with_o faith_n and_o be_v present_a in_o he_o that_o be_v justify_v be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n and_o must_v be_v present_a as_o antecedent_n qualification_n or_o condition_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o justify_v we_o as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v above_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o include_v repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n as_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o first_o but_o the_o last_o and_o complete_n act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o these_o good_a work_n be_v not_o one_o way_n or_o other_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a in_o he_o that_o be_v justify_v for_o faith_n may_v then_o justify_v alone_o without_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o without_o the_o merit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o our_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o shut_v out_o these_o good_a work_n from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o present_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o justify_v all_o together_o the_o design_n be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o assign_v why_o these_o good_a work_n can_v justify_v because_o all_o the_o good_a work_n we_o can_v do_v be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o deserve_v our_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o homily_n for_o our_o church_n by_o justification_n perpetual_o understand_v a_o meritorious_a and_o not_o a_o conditional_a justification_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o justify_v in_o this_o sense_n must_v by_o its_o own_o virtue_n or_o merit_n expiate_v our_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n allege_v why_o no_o man_n can_v make_v himself_o righteous_a that_o be_v justify_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o work_n neither_o in_o part_n nor_o in_o the_o whole_a for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a presumption_n in_o man_n that_o antichrist_n can_v set_v up_o against_o god_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v by_o his_o own_o work_n take_v away_o and_o purge_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o so_o justify_v himself_o so_o that_o be_v by_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o faith_n itself_o consider_v as_o our_o own_o act_n have_v no_o great_a privilege_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_v we_o forsake_v altogether_o again_o faith_n work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n faith_n do_v not_o justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o merit_v our_o justification_n as_o it_o must_v do_v if_o it_o justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n signify_v that_o we_o do_v something_o so_o meritorious_a as_o to_o deserve_v justification_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o now_o justification_n 2._o be_v the_o office_n of_o god_n only_o and_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o render_v to_o he_o that_o be_v we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o of_o our_o own_o to_o merit_v our_o justification_n but_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o not_o which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o but_o which_o we_o take_v of_o he_o by_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n our_o only_a redeemer_n justifier_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n but_o for_o this_o reason_n faith_n only_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o to_o shut_v out_o our_o own_o work_n and_o itself_o also_o consider_v as_o our_o own_o act_n from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v because_o though_o it_o strong_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o exclude_v all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o desert_n for_o faith_n have_v a_o necessary_a respect_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o whoever_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o owe_v his_o justification_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n pardon_v his_o sin_n and_o reward_v his_o imperfect_a service_n as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o church_n do_v plain_o confess_v that_o his_o work_n be_v imperfect_a and_o can_v deserve_v his_o justification_n which_o take_v away_o all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n from_o ourselves_o and_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v three_o thing_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o that_o distinction_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v fide_fw-la solâ_fw-la but_o not_o solitariâ_fw-la by_o faith_n alone_o but_o not_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v alone_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o according_a to_o some_o modern_a divine_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o that_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o rely_v and_o roll_v itself_o on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n that_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n god_n infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n into_o a_o justify_v person_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n of_o justify_v he_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o these_o be_v infuse_v into_o we_o and_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o they_o and_o some_o man_n will_v willing_o affix_v this_o notion_n as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v to_o our_o church_n because_o she_o only_o require_v the_o presence_n of_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o justify_v person_n but_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v but_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n admit_v a_o better_a sense_n and_o that_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o in_o the_o modern_a notion_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o internal_a grace_n or_o virtue_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o require_v the_o presence_n of_o these_o grace_n as_o antecedent_n condition_n or_o qualification_n though_o it_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o justification_n and_o to_o confirm_v this_o i_o observe_v second_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o attribute_v our_o justification_n to_o any_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n she_o frequent_o indeed_o inculcate_n the_o embrace_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v not_o because_o that_o particular_a act_n justify_v we_o but_o to_o attribute_v our_o justification_n not_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o work_n but_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o she_o express_o affirm_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n much_o less_o can_v any_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o our_o own_o act_n justify_v which_o overthrow_v that_o instrumentality_n of_o faith_n in_o justification_n which_o these_o man_n talk_v of_o but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o reward_v we_o with_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n trust_v whole_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v express_v at_o large_a in_o the_o homily_n that_o the_o true_a understanding_n 2._o and_o mean_v of_o our_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n or_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o be_v this_o that_o although_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v it_o although_o we_o have_v faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o do_v never_o so_o many_o good_a work_n thereunto_o yet_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o all_o the_o say_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o good_a deed_n which_o
homily_n by_o many_o scripture-promises_a and_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o our_o church_n mean_v by_o repentance_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o be_v reduce_v to_o four_o principal_a point_n from_o what_o we_o must_v return_v to_o who_o we_o must_v return_v by_o who_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convert_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n first_o from_o whence_o or_o from_o what_o thing_n we_o must_v return_v and_o that_o be_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n not_o only_o grosser_n vice_n but_o the_o filthy_a lust_n and_o inward_a concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh._n all_o these_o thing_n must_v they_o forsake_v that_o will_v true_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v aright_o for_o since_o for_o such_o thing_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n no_o end_n of_o punishment_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v for_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o faith_n for_o since_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n he_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v apprehend_v and_o take_v hold_v upon_o that_o be_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o can_v see_v he_o with_o bodily_a eye_n nor_o go_v to_o he_o on_o our_o leg_n nor_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o with_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o this_o metaphor_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o go_v to_o he_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o discover_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a and_o unite_v our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o he_o and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o to_o bring_v and_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o he_o who_o for_o our_o sin_n be_v angry_a with_o we_o the_o same_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v true_a and_o natural_a god_n etc._n etc._n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o pacify_v his_o wrath_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o homily_n we_o have_v this_o general_a description_n of_o repentance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a return_v unto_o god_n whereby_o man_n forsake_v utter_o their_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n do_v with_o a_o lively_a faith_n embrace_v love_n and_o worship_v the_o true_a live_a god_n only_o and_o give_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n which_o by_o god_n word_n they_o know_v to_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o we_o be_v there_o inform_v that_o there_o be_v four_o part_n of_o repentance_n the_o first_o be_v contrition_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o we_o must_v be_v earnest_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n and_o unfeigned_o lament_v and_o bewail_v that_o we_o have_v by_o they_o so_o grievous_o offend_v our_o most_o bounteous_a and_o merciful_a god_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v a_o unfeigned_a confession_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n the_o three_o be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v and_o take_v hold_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o promise_n be_v seal_v up_o unto_o we_o with_o the_o death_n and_o bloodshedding_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o contrition_n and_o confession_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o unless_o we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n for_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o earnest_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v they_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v but_o mean_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o utter_v desperation_n except_o we_o do_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n pardon_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o offence_n and_o trespass_n and_o utter_o put_v they_o out_o of_o remembrance_n in_o his_o sight_n therefore_o they_o that_o teach_v repentance_n without_o christ_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v only_o teach_v cain_n or_o judas_n repentance_n that_o be_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v obtain_v through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o four_o part_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o amendment_n of_o life_n in_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n for_o they_o that_o do_v true_o repent_v must_v be_v clean_o alter_v and_o change_v they_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v before_o as_o appear_v from_o john_n the_o baptist_n exhortation_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n whereby_o we_o do_v learn_v that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pacify_v we_o must_v in_o no_o wise_n dissemble_v but_o turn_v unto_o he_o again_o with_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a repentance_n which_o may_v be_v know_v and_o declare_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o by_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a sign_n thereof_o this_o i_o think_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o humble_a confession_n of_o they_o to_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n together_o with_o a_o actual_a amendment_n of_o our_o life_n be_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v justification_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n this_o have_v often_o make_v i_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v affix_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o repentance_n itself_o be_v not_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n in_o this_o point_n for_o he_o express_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v some_o work_n sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la justificatio_fw-la nunquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la ab_fw-la ullo_fw-la mortalium_fw-la obtenta_fw-la nunquam_fw-la obtinebitur_fw-la 29._o without_o which_o justification_n never_o be_v and_o never_o shall_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o mortal_a man_n among_o which_o he_o reckon_v true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n haec_fw-la &_o hujusmodi_fw-la opera_fw-la cordis_fw-la interna_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnibus_fw-la justificatis_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la quod_fw-la contineant_fw-la in_o se_fw-la efficaciam_fw-la seu_fw-la meritum_fw-la justificationis_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la juxta_fw-la ordinationem_fw-la divinam_fw-la vel_fw-la requiruntur_fw-la ut_fw-la conditione_n praeviae_fw-la seu_fw-la concurrentes_fw-la sicuti_fw-la poenitere_fw-la &_o credere_fw-la vel_fw-la ut_fw-la effecta_fw-la à_fw-la fide_fw-la justificante_fw-la necessario_fw-la manantia_fw-la ut_fw-la amare_fw-la deum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n these_o and_o suchlike_a internal_a work_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o be_v justify_v not_o that_o they_o be_v meritorious_a cause_n of_o justification_n but_o because_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a appointment_n they_o be_v require_v either_o as_o previous_a or_o concur_v condition_n such_o as_o repentance_n and_o faith_n or_o as_o effect_n which_o necessary_o flow_v from_o a_o justify_v faith_n such_o as_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n where_o this_o learned_a prelate_n do_v express_o assert_v that_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v a_o previous_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o i_o fear_v will_v hereafter_o be_v account_v one_o of_o our_o innovator_n and_o that_o distinction_n which_o the_o bishop_n make_v between_o those_o work_n which_o be_v require_v as_o previous_a condition_n of_o justification_n as_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o those_o work_n which_o be_v necessary_a effect_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o must_v always_o be_v present_a in_o the_o justify_v person_n as_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n give_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a answer_n to_o the_o grand_a exception_n against_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n to_o our_o justification_n viz._n because_o then_o it_o must_v precede_v faith_n itself_o i_o suppose_v because_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v actual_o justify_v in_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n whereas_o all_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n which_o be_v certain_o good_a work_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o consequent_o must_v follow_v our_o justification_n by_o faith_n unless_o we_o will_v place_v the_o effect_n before_o their_o cause_n but_o this_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o all_o good_a work_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o justify_v faith_n for_o there_o be_v some_o good_a work_n which_o
will_v be_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o our_o justification_n can_v be_v to_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v explain_v in_o what_o sense_n our_o church_n reject_v good_a work_v from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v viz._n that_o nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o merit_v and_o deserve_v justification_n it_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o faith_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n she_o affirm_v that_o faith_n only_o justify_v and_o i_o can_v better_o explain_v this_o than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o homily_n itself_o which_o be_v these_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o our_o 3_o own_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v we_o to_o speak_v proper_o of_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o of_o unjust_a 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have_v it_o these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o need_v no_o comment_n and_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o do_v evident_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o attribute_v our_o justification_n to_o faith_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n in_o faith_n above_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_a we_o be_v teach_v to_o forsake_v again_o faith_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n as_o our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n no_o more_o do_v faith_n second_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o faith_n only_o be_v to_o declare_v that_o we_o owe_v our_o justification_n whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n through_o the_o only_a merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n do_v justify_v we_o and_o thus_o immediate_o before_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n or_o say_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o old_a ancient_a author_n be_v this_o we_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o he_o only_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n only_o and_o by_o no_o virtue_n or_o good_a work_v of_o our_o own_o that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v able_a to_o have_v or_o to_o do_v for_o to_o deserve_v the_o same_o christ_n himself_o only_o be_v the_o cause_n meritorious_a thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o attribute_n the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o other_o intervening_a merit_n or_o desert_n though_o he_o may_v differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n yet_o do_v acknowledge_v all_o that_o our_o church_n mean_v by_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o desert_v or_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o three_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o faith_n only_o and_o not_o to_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n be_v this_o because_o faith_n only_o connect_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o thereby_o both_o secure_v and_o enforce_v our_o duty_n and_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o church_n for_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n as_o abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v above_o include_v in_o its_o own_o 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of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n give_v we_o of_o god_n we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o thing_n none_o other_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o work_n proper_o do_v that_o be_v justice_z or_o charity_n or_o any_o other_o virtue_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o its_o acceptance_n and_o reward_n and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o these_o virtue_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o faith_n which_o alone_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o proper_a merit_n and_o desert_n not_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n but_o now_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n it_o send_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n not_o immediate_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o pardon_n and_o reward_n which_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n our_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o shut_v out_o repentance_n 1_o love_n dread_a and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v join_v with_o faith_n in_o every_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v but_o yet_o it_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o present_a in_o
man_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o comprehend_v all_o those_o revelation_n which_o immediate_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o nature_n office_n mediation_n and_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o without_o such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o this_o which_o contain_v all_o we_o can_v know_v and_o all_o that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v christ_n there_o be_v no_o true_a useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v attain_v this_o indeed_o be_v very_o wary_o say_v and_o like_o a_o right_a sophister_n set_v aside_o all_o the_o save_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n and_o 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the_o first_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n enough_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o i_o think_v the_o bare_a mention_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n from_o what_o principle_n such_o argument_n and_o conclusion_n be_v deduce_v but_o because_o i_o find_v that_o my_o adversary_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o chief_a design_n for_o which_o those_o passage_n be_v allege_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o some_o collateral_a dispute_n i_o must_v be_v force_v more_o express_o to_o state_n the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o reduce_v it_o to_o another_o form_n and_o method_n the_o question_n then_o between_o we_o be_v plain_o this_o whether_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o learn_v or_o prove_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o their_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n person_n office_n of_o christ_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o my_o 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where_o express_v in_o scripture_n i_o have_v already_o give_v two_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o naturalness_n of_o vindictive_a justice_n to_o god_n and_o the_o desert_n and_o demerit_n of_o sin_n and_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o more_o the_o doctor_n prove_v from_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 206._o the_o endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a grace_n and_o compassion_n that_o be_v in_o he_o mercy_n enough_o for_o the_o great_a the_o elder_a the_o slubborne_a transgressor_n the_o infiniteness_n of_o grace_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o spring_n or_o fountain_n the_o deity_n of_o christ_n will_v answer_v all_o our_o objection_n what_o be_v our_o finite_a guilt_n before_o it_o how_o come_v this_o guilt_n to_o be_v finite_a now_o when_o we_o be_v so_o often_o tell_v that_o the_o demerit_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v infinite_a as_o be_v commit_v against_o a_o infinite_a god_n and_o require_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n for_o its_o atonement_n show_v i_o the_o sinner_n that_o can_v spread_v his_o iniquity_n to_o the_o dimension_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o this_o grace_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v the_o doctor_n put_v so_o fair_a a_o sense_n on_o these_o word_n and_o to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o design_v no_o more_o in_o it_o than_o to_o invite_v all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n 170._o though_o under_o the_o most_o discourage_a qualification_n to_o come_v unto_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n though_o any_o man_n who_o read_v that_o long_a discourse_n about_o a_o endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a grace_n and_o compassion_n in_o christ_n such_o a_o infinite_a grace_n as_o make_v nothing_o of_o our_o finite_a guilt_n as_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v its_o dimension_n without_o one_o word_n of_o faith_n or_o repentance_n or_o a_o new_a life_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o this_o mercy_n especial_o if_o withal_o he_o 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of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o child_n child_n to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o to_o those_o who_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o immutable_a love_n but_o we_o can_v hence_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v elect_v any_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o object_n of_o this_o unchangeable_a love_n whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o revelation_n which_o contain_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o free_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n it_o be_v impossible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v whether_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o time_n because_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v either_o decree_n or_o not_o decree_n as_o he_o please_v nor_o do_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o decree_n depend_v immediate_o upon_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o upon_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n for_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v temporary_a and_o conditional_a decree_n which_o shall_v last_v but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o be_v perform_v only_o upon_o certain_a condition_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n will_v prove_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o do_v not_o argue_v from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o god_n who_o can_v alter_v what_o he_o once_o decree_n but_o from_o his_o immutable_a counsel_n which_o he_o confirm_v to_o abraham_n by_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6._o 13_o 14_o 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o when_o god_n make_v promise_n to_o abraham_n because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o say_v sure_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thou_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_v set_v before_o we_o so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n rest_v upon_o the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o at_o most_o resolve_v itself_o not_o into_o a_o unchangeable_a love_n but_o into_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o god_n will_v never_o alter_v that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v never_o to_o alter_v this_o be_v plain_o 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10._o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v i_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n for_o this_o be_v as_o the_o water_n of_o noah_n to_o i_o for_o as_o i_o have_v swear_v that_o the_o water_n of_o noah_n shall_v no_o more_o go_v over_o the_o earth_n so_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v wroth_a with_o thou_o nor_o rebuke_v thou_o for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o repent_v it_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o of_o his_o counsel_n thus_o in_o 1_o sam._n 15._o 28_o 29._o samuel_n acquaint_v saul_n with_o his_o immutable_a decree_n to_o remove_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o and_o samuel_n say_v unto_o he_o the_o lord_n have_v rend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n from_o thou_o this_o day_n and_o have_v give_v it_o to_o a_o neighbour_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v better_a than_o thou_o and_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o immutability_n of_o this_o decree_n he_o add_v and_o also_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o jer._n 4._o 28._o where_o god_n denounce_v his_o severe_a judgement_n against_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o shall_v the_o earth_n mourn_v and_o the_o heaven_n above_o be_v black_a because_o i_o have_v speak_v it_o i_o have_v purpose_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o will_v i_o turn_v back_o from_o it_o whereas_o in_o other_o case_n notwithstanding_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o mention_n god_n 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son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v return_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v return_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o only_a natural_a notion_n of_o a_o immutable_a love_n which_o we_o can_v learn_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v that_o god_n always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o always_o love_v those_o who_o be_v good_a and_o hate_v those_o who_o be_v wicked_a not_o that_o he_o always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n let_v he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a and_o as_o for_o what_o the_o doctor_n object_n against_o this_o that_o then_o 187._o either_o god_n indeed_o never_o love_v any_o man_n be_v he_o who_o he_o will_v or_o that_o he_o be_v changeable_a in_o his_o love_n upon_o outward_a external_a reason_n as_o we_o be_v i_o think_v by_o his_o good_a leave_n i_o need_v choose_v neither_o of_o they_o the_o first_o i_o by_o no_o mean_n like_o that_o because_o god_n love_v none_o 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not_o argue_v any_o change_n in_o god_n but_o in_o the_o object_n and_o when_o the_o object_n be_v change_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o love_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v no_o long_o as_o for_o what_o the_o doctor_n add_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o believer_n as_o shall_v always_o effectual_o preserve_v they_o meet_v object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o approbation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baffle_v by_o such_o trifle_a impertinency_n whether_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v be_v a_o trifle_a impertinency_n let_v other_o judge_v but_o when_o he_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o immutable_a love_n effectual_o to_o preserve_v such_o person_n meet_v object_n of_o love_n and_o approbation_n he_o grant_v all_o that_o i_o have_v contend_v for_o that_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n unless_o they_o continue_v meet_v object_n 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any_o change_n in_o the_o object_n god_n must_v either_o continue_v to_o love_v a_o unmeet_a object_n or_o else_o cease_v to_o love_v and_o let_v he_o choose_v which_o side_n he_o please_v if_o the_o first_o he_o attribute_n such_o a_o immutability_n to_o god_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o savour_v more_o of_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o impotency_n of_o humane_a passion_n than_o of_o a_o divine_a love_n if_o the_o latter_a than_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o change_n as_o i_o do_v and_o as_o for_o that_o love_n of_o god_n to_o believer_n which_o always_o preserve_v they_o meet_v object_n of_o his_o love_n the_o doctor_n mighty_o mistake_v i_o if_o he_o think_v i_o design_v to_o oppose_v it_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o perseverance_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o their_o believe_v at_o first_o but_o if_o he_o design_v this_o for_o a_o description_n of_o 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head_n and_o husband_n and_o the_o like_a and_o intend_v to_o have_v add_v many_o more_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o impartial_a reader_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o how_o far_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o brief_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o put_v a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o argument_n now_o i_o ready_o agree_v with_o mr._n ferguson_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a 164._o but_o necessary_a to_o reason_n from_o revelation_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a but_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v call_v deduction_n and_o consequence_n from_o revelation_n let_v other_o judge_v as_o the_o application_n of_o general_a precept_n promise_n and_o commination_n to_o single_a individual_n and_o universal_a direction_n to_o particular_a case_n the_o application_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o their_o event_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n prove_v christ_n to_o be_v that_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a instance_n mr._n ferguson_n give_v as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o allege_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a dispute_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o may_v deduce_v any_o new_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n which_o be_v neither_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n nor_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n from_o their_o suppose_a connexion_n with_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o i_o think_v thus_o much_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n than_o what_o be_v reveal_v whatever_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o revelation_n as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o man_n but_o those_o who_o learn_v they_o from_o himself_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n without_o a_o revelation_n we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o neither_o than_o what_o be_v reveal_v which_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n 3_o with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o argument_n i_o have_v manage_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o know_v not_o what_o i_o shall_v add_v to_o it_o here_o unless_o it_o be_v a_o more_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o to_o our_o present_a case_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o learn_v from_o revelation_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o they_o and_o to_o procure_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o all_o true_a penitent_n but_o because_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a vindictive_a justice_n in_o god_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o pardon_v sin_n without_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o christ_n death_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n free_a counsel_n we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o than_o he_o have_v reveal_v there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n assign_v on_o god_n part_n why_o he_o shall_v send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n beside_o a_o natural_a vindictive_a justice_n and_o the_o scripture_n have_v assign_v several_a other_o reason_n of_o christ_n death_n but_o have_v never_o assign_v this_o and_o indeed_o unless_o we_o will_v assert_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v necessary_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o counsel_n this_o reason_n must_v be_v false_a for_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_o good_a as_o he_o be_v just_a for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o goodness_n shall_v be_v think_v the_o free_a act_n of_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n and_o justice_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o if_o so_o then_o suppose_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o bring_v sin_n and_o misery_n into_o the_o world_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v good_a and_o just_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v make_v it_o necessary_a to_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o that_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v sin_n this_o punishment_n must_v fall_v either_o upon_o the_o
to_o etc._n we_o and_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o that_o be_v our_o be_v reckon_v to_o he_o because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o then_o certain_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o primary_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o this_o i_o express_o assert_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o so_o large_o and_o particular_o discourse_v of_o christ_n be_v a_o influential_a head_n though_o i_o express_o own_o those_o influence_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v so_o only_o as_o he_o be_v a_o political_a head_n that_o be_v as_o temporal_a prince_n govern_v their_o subject_n by_o external_a art_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n so_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o spiritual_a prince_n govern_v his_o subject_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n be_v bestow_v only_o on_o his_o subject_n and_o be_v dispense_v in_o such_o regular_a way_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o the_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o the_o spirit_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v on_o we_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o daily_a supply_n of_o it_o be_v administer_v upon_o our_o constant_a and_o devout_a prayer_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o ask_v he_o and_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o constant_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o these_o mean_v christ_n as_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n convey_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o which_o require_v our_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o sacred_a institution_n and_o be_v the_o true_a basis_n and_o security_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 15_o 16._o and_o col._n 2._o 18._o and_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n with_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n in_o which_o place_n the_o apostle_n represent_v the_o nourishment_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o by_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o every_o member_n do_v not_o receive_v its_o influence_n and_o nourishment_n immediate_o from_o the_o head_n but_o one_o member_n communicate_v to_o another_o in_o such_o just_a and_o equal_a proportion_n and_o regular_a way_n as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o every_o christian_a who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v receive_v the_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n for_o his_o increase_n and_o nourishment_n but_o he_o do_v not_o receive_v these_o influence_n immediate_o but_o they_o be_v bestow_v on_o he_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o those_o holy_a institution_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v for_o the_o public_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o this_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o i_o will_v not_o call_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n nor_o send_v person_n immediate_o to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o power_n and_o all_o spiritual_a supply_n because_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o derive_v it_o immediate_o from_o his_o person_n but_o he_o dispense_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o such_o other_o regular_a method_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o spiritual_a body_n whereas_o dr._n owen_n and_o dr._n crisp_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o antinomian_o represent_v christ_n as_o such_o a_o person_n who_o have_v not_o only_o do_v all_o for_o we_o but_o have_v undertake_v to_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o that_o by_o such_o natural_a conveyance_n of_o grace_n from_o his_o person_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o spiritual_a motion_n so_o dr._n crisp_n very_o agreeable_o to_o what_o dr._n owen_n assert_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v &c_n the_o head_n now_o the_o head_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o animal_n spirit_n and_o of_o all_o motion_n without_o a_o head_n a_o man_n can_v hear_v see_v walk_z feel_v stir_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n see_v all_o these_o operation_n come_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o motion_n you_o may_v as_o soon_o conceive_v that_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o see_v whilst_o he_o have_v not_o a_o head_n as_o to_o think_v a_o man_n may_v have_v spiritual_a eye_n whether_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n to_o behold_v christ_n or_o the_o eye_n of_o mourning_n to_o lament_v his_o wretchedness_n before_o there_o be_v actual_o the_o conjunction_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o such_o a_o body_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v life_n and_o can_v any_o one_o be_v a_o active_a creature_n before_o there_o be_v life_n breathe_v into_o he_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n be_v dead_a so_o every_o person_n in_o spiritual_a action_n be_v whole_o dead_a till_o christ_n the_o soul_n of_o that_o soul_n be_v infuse_v into_o he_o to_o animate_v and_o enliven_v he_o for_o these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o all_o the_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o grace_n be_v force_v to_o resolve_v the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n into_o a_o natural_a and_o physical_a and_o immediate_a operation_n of_o christ_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o make_v all_o his_o institution_n very_o insipid_a and_o useless_a thing_n and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_a society_n if_o all_o grace_n be_v so_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o a_o hasten_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v myself_o and_o my_o notion_n from_o that_o unjust_a and_o scandalous_a imputation_n of_o pelagianism_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v only_o either_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o my_o adversary_n or_o to_o their_o want_n of_o better_a argument_n or_o possible_o to_o both_o chap._n vi_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o socinianism_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a iam_fw-la now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o a_o few_o word_n dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o adversary_n do_v at_o every_o turn_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o answer_v charge_v i_o with_o socinianize_a a_o charge_n which_o be_v as_o much_o unexpected_a as_o undeserved_a but_o be_v now_o grow_v a_o very_a familiar_a art_n among_o these_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o those_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v christianity_n from_o those_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v broach_v under_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o to_o reduce_v people_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v seduce_v through_o the_o witchcraft_n and_o enchantment_n of_o sublime_a and_o seraphical_a nonsense_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v just_a to_o express_v some_o indignation_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n for_o as_o the_o father_n observe_v in_o causa_fw-la haereseos_fw-la neminem_fw-la decet_fw-la esse_fw-la