this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n but_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o consist_v i_o can_v see_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o account_v that_o man_n a_o fool_n who_o love_v at_o this_o rate_n we_o who_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n think_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o govern_v all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n too_o by_o reason_n and_o we_o account_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o a_o man_n to_o act_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n and_o how_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o man_n be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n indeed_o be_v this_o true_a it_o will_v undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n love_n for_o no_o reason_n than_o 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providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a if_o he_o do_v not_o that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o put_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o thing_n and_o person_n as_o their_o nature_n require_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a notion_n of_o a_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o his_o own_o arbitrary_a will_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o destroy_v all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o these_o man_n tell_v we_o too_o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v immutable_a that_o have_v once_o fix_v his_o love_n upon_o we_o though_o without_o any_o reason_n he_o can_v never_o alter_v that_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o plant_n his_o love_n on_o we_o so_o 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they_o find_v this_o not_o on_o such_o a_o immutable_a love_n as_o sin_v itself_o can_v alter_v for_o this_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nor_o with_o those_o threaten_n in_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o backsliders_a when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o a_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v ezek._n 18._o 24._o and_o if_o any_o man_n turn_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a writer_n that_o if_o such_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o relapse_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n god_n also_o will_v cease_v to_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o find_v the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o on_o their_o perseverance_n in_o do_v good_a god_n love_v all_o good_a man_n but_o if_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a he_o also_o must_v cease_v to_o love_v and_o herein_o the_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n consist_v not_o that_o he_o always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n but_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v no_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o our_o kindness_n that_o where_o we_o love_v once_o we_o will_v always_o love_v whatever_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v our_o affection_n for_o
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
be_v possess_v with_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o appear_v so_o eminent_o in_o he_o which_o be_v much_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o expression_n of_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o gal._n 4._o 19_o my_o little_a child_n of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o that_o be_v till_o you_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v thereby_o mould_v into_o his_o likeness_n and_o image_n hence_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n that_o be_v herein_o consist_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o union_n betwixt_o soul_n and_o spirit_n without_o this_o that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o love_n and_o choose_v the_o same_o thing_n body_n be_v unite_v by_o a_o external_a adhesion_n of_o part_n but_o soul_n by_o a_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o will_n this_o make_v two_o one_o spirit_n when_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a likeness_n of_o disposition_n when_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o design_n as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o same_o soul_n animate_v they_o both_o when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o man_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o we_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o patient_a and_o content_v as_o he_o be_v we_o be_v as_o close_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o as_o if_o we_o have_v but_o one_o spirit_n in_o we_o both_o but_o three_o there_o be_v a_o close_a union_n still_o which_o result_v from_o this_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n when_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n he_o love_v we_o as_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o we_o love_v he_o too_o as_o partake_v of_o his_o nature_n he_o love_v we_o as_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o his_o own_o workmanship_n create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o we_o love_v he_o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n now_o love_n be_v the_o great_a cement_n of_o union_n which_o unite_v interest_n and_o thereby_o do_v more_o firm_o unite_v heart_n hence_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o joh._n 14._o 20._o he_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o v_o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v all_o unite_a by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n found_v on_o a_o likeness_n of_o disposition_n and_o action_n on_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v but_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o original_a holiness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ._n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n christ_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o which_o refer_v to_o their_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o love_n thus_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n love_n make_v we_o one_o with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o with_o each_o other_o four_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n while_o that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v in_o force_n god_n be_v please_v to_o dwell_v in_o a_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n there_o he_o place_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n from_o thence_o he_o give_v forth_o his_o oracle_n there_o he_o receive_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o since_o christ_n have_v introduce_v a_o more_o manly_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n god_n dwell_v no_o long_o in_o a_o temple_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n by_o such_o visible_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n as_o former_o he_o do_v but_o have_v choose_v the_o society_n of_o devout_a mind_n and_o pure_a soul_n for_o the_o place_n of_o his_o residence_n and_o abode_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o and_o chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 19_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o you_o which_o you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o or_o among_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o rev._n 21._o 3._o that_o after_o the_o description_n of_o the_o holy_a city_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n which_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v hear_v a_o great_a voice_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v behold_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n and_o he_o will_v dwell_v with_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n and_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v with_o they_o and_o be_v their_o god_n now_o all_o this_o must_v be_v expound_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o as_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o place_n of_o god_n peculiar_a presence_n with_o that_o people_n signify_v that_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n to_o defend_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n to_o hear_v all_o the_o pious_a prayer_n they_o put_v up_o to_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n expound_v it_o thus_o it_o be_v now_o with_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v the_o only_a society_n of_o man_n who_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n for_o with_o who_o he_o be_v always_o present_a who_o he_o protect_v and_o defend_v by_o a_o vigilant_a and_o more_o particular_a providence_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n god_n place_v the_o mercy-seat_n and_o the_o cherubim_n as_o emblem_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o presence_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v so_o often_o say_v to_o dwell_v betwixt_o the_o cherubim_n so_o he_o have_v now_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a pledge_n of_o his_o dwell_n among_o they_o than_o those_o type_n and_o shadow_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o or_o among_o you_o that_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o dwell_v with_o you_o which_o primary_o refer_v to_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n in_o that_o age_n bestow_v on_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a shecinah_n or_o divine_a glory_n rest_v on_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 14_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o that_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o that_o visible_a glory_n which_o sometime_o fill_v the_o jewish_a tabernacle_n be_v a_o emblem_n hence_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a covevant_fw-fr which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miraculous_a and_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n write_v and_o engrave_v in_o stone_n though_o that_o be_v so_o glorious_a that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o steadfast_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o moses_n because_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o countenance_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 7_o 8._o for_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n with_o the_o church_n that_o god_n do_v indeed_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o though_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o
by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v to_o love_v you_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n always_o act_n upon_o steady_a and_o constant_a principle_n that_o whatever_o change_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v occasion_v very_o different_a administration_n in_o his_o providence_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o never_o change_v whereas_o shall_v god_n always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n however_o he_o change_v and_o alter_v god_n must_v change_v and_o alter_v too_o because_o though_o he_o still_o love_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o he_o must_v love_v for_o different_a or_o contrary_a reason_n or_o for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o much_o great_a change_n of_o the_o two_o to_o alter_v the_o reason_n than_o the_o object_n of_o love_n if_o god_n love_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o continue_v to_o love_v he_o when_o he_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n thus_o you_o see_v while_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o make_v it_o a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o man_n too_o for_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v they_o careless_a of_o please_a god_n and_o secure_a in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n can_v hinder_v god_n from_o love_v they_o nor_o alter_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o ever_o he_o love_v they_o it_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v that_o now_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o worst_a man_n live_v will_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n as_o the_o best_a man_n have_v nay_o if_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o worse_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a object_n be_v they_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n have_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o require_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v call_v honour_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_a love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o include_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n a_o devout_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n a_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o and_o all_o those_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o love_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n they_o be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n be_v and_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o thus_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n that_o our_o return_n may_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o it_o christ_n have_v condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o extol_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n which_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n since_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o depend_v on_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o law_n love_v to_o equal_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o but_o what_o love_n give_v they_o make_v they_o very_o flexible_a and_o obsequious_a to_o each_o other_o desire_n and_o request_n but_o our_o love_n to_o superior_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o parent_n include_v obedience_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o principal_a trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n