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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
imprimatur_fw-la may_n 30._o 1673._o sam._n parker_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o etc._n etc._n by_o william_n sherlock_n rector_n of_o s_o t_o george_n buttolph_n lane_n london_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxiv_o the_o preface_n christian_n reader_n i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o so_o honest_a a_o design_n in_o write_v this_o discourse_n that_o i_o be_o very_o very_a well_o arm_v against_o those_o various_a censure_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o such_o attempt_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o the_o most_o unjust_a reproach_n as_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v to_o see_v so_o many_o well-disposed_a person_n abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o either_o signify_v nothing_o or_o have_v a_o very_a ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a or_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o great_a zeal_n which_o some_o man_n have_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o great_a instrument_n they_o may_v be_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v their_o zeal_n direct_v and_o govern_v with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n and_o when_o i_o have_v observe_v how_o innocent_o and_o virtuous_o some_o of_o those_o man_n live_v who_o have_v espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o bad_a i_o have_v think_v what_o excellent_a person_n they_o may_v prove_v do_v they_o right_o understand_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n as_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o at_o first_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o work_n to_o rectify_v those_o mistake_n which_o will_v either_o make_v man_n bad_a or_o hinder_v and_o retard_v their_o progress_n in_o true_a goodness_n which_o be_v so_o pious_a and_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o may_v at_o least_o plead_v my_o excuse_n though_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o personal_a reflection_n have_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n which_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v may_v be_v more_o orthodox_n than_o their_o judgement_n i_o have_v represent_v their_o opinion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o their_o word_n than_o they_o intend_v and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o i_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v where_o they_o pretend_v to_o argue_v grave_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o argument_n with_o all_o possible_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n where_o they_o plain_o toy_n and_o trifle_n i_o have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n as_o to_o smile_v sometime_o though_o as_o modest_o as_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v i_o have_v take_v care_n not_o only_o to_o unteach_v man_n what_o be_v amiss_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o consirm_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o rectify_v mistake_n i_o design_v to_o expose_v all_o religion_n what_o man_n will_v account_v severe_a i_o can_v tell_v because_o the_o gentle_a argument_n will_v appear_v severe_a to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v pinch_v by_o they_o but_o i_o have_v give_v no_o hard_a word_n and_o have_v sometime_o call_v thing_n by_o soft_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v on_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n which_o be_v now_o the_o common_a artifice_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_n what_o they_o can_v answer_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o can_v escape_v without_o some_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a censure_n i_o must_v be_v content_v with_o my_o portion_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o expect_v better_a usage_n who_o consider_v that_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o for_o his_o pious_a labour_n can_v not_o escape_v when_o he_o touch_v upon_o their_o darling_n notion_n and_o now_o christian_a reader_n i_o shall_v beg_v no_o more_o of_o thou_o than_o to_o read_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o as_o i_o do_v not_o compose_v it_o without_o implore_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n so_o i_o recommend_v it_o to_o thou_o with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v as_o useful_a as_o my_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o charitable_a farewell_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n concern_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o original_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n but_o be_v use_v also_o to_o signify_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 1._o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 14_o as_o first_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o 15_o 2._o it_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n 17_o 3._o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n 18_o 4._o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n 19_o 5._o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n 21_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o various_a way_n whereby_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n 25_o dr._n owen_n notion_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n consider_v 38_o how_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 42._o and_o how_o we_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n 49._o and_o to_o righteousness_n 53._o and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 55_o a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n deduce_v from_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n 57_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n on_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o at_o most_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n 76_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ._n 80_o of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n 102_o and_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 118_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 142_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 142_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 143_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n call_v himself_o a_o vine_n 145_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o political_a 156_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o shepherd_n head_z and_o husband_n 157._o the_o reason_n of_o these_o metaphor_n 159_o this_o political_a union_n be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a or_o true_a and_o real_a and_o what_o this_o external_a union_n be_v 168_o wherein_o the_o real_a union_n consist_v and_o concern_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ._n 171_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n 172._o and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n 174_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n temple_n 175_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 181_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n signify_v this_o political_a union_n 186_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v 192_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n 196_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 200_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n consider_v 206_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n 216_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n 228_o concern_v the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n 234_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n 235_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o
but_o one_o christian_a society_n which_o be_v the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o brethren_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n christian_n brethren_n 1_o colossian_n 2._o verse_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o ep._n to_o the_o corinthian_n 5._o chapter_n 17._o v._n i_o e._n every_o sincere_a christian_a be_v a_o new_a creature_n or_o whoever_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n thus_o various_o be_v the_o name_n christ_n use_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v occasion_v very_o great_a mistake_n in_o some_o man_n divinity_n who_o be_v very_o zealous_a to_o advance_v christ_n person_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o religion_n who_o instead_o of_o those_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n of_o life_n have_v introduce_v a_o fanciful_a application_n of_o christ_n to_o ourselves_o and_o union_n to_o he_o set_v off_o with_o all_o those_o choice_a phrase_n of_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o embrace_v christ_n and_o get_v into_o christ_n and_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o trust_v and_o rely_v and_o roll_a our_o soul_n on_o christ_n and_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n have_v advance_v a_o kind_n of_o amorous_a and_o enthusiastic_a devotion_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o passionate_a love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o admire_v his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n fullness_n beauty_n loveliness_n riches_n etc._n etc._n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o which_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n be_v that_o these_o man_n make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n almost_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whatever_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o office_n his_o law_n and_o his_o religion_n they_o understand_v of_o his_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o religion_n that_o man_n may_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o a_o pretend_a devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n while_o they_o contemn_v his_o law_n and_o purposely_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v discourse_v on_o these_o follow_a argument_n first_o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o what_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v three_o wherein_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o consist_v four_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n chap._n ii_o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v state_v be_v of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o those_o man_n who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n frequent_o without_o any_o sense_n and_o general_o without_o any_o just_a ground_n from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o alarm_n the_o world_n with_o strange_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n start_v up_o who_o design_n to_o make_v christ_n useless_a and_o to_o reduce_v religion_n to_o its_o first_o natural_a state_n which_o know_v no_o priest_n nor_o sacrifice_n nor_o mediator_n a_o design_n which_o i_o profess_v i_o be_o whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o as_o i_o believe_v all_o those_o be_v who_o be_v so_o much_o charge_v with_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n what_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o calumny_n be_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v christ_n useless_a only_o because_o we_o dare_v not_o make_v his_o law_n and_o religion_n so_o and_o to_o prevent_v such_o scandal_n for_o the_o future_a i_o shall_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o in_o this_o inquiry_n of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o mean_v what_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o mean_v who_o talk_v of_o christ_n person_n viz._n christ_n himself_o as_o every_o man_n person_n be_v himself_o and_o the_o only_a proper_a consideration_n here_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o god_n man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o his_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v who_o leave_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o eternal_a throne_n to_o undertake_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o this_o suggest_v many_o useful_a consideration_n which_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o religion_n as_o first_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n all_o religion_n be_v found_v on_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o that_o be_v must_v believe_v his_o be_v and_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o love_v and_o take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n for_o no_o man_n will_v serve_v god_n who_o do_v not_o hope_n to_o be_v the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o every_o religion_n have_v its_o proper_a demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o those_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n the_o mosaic_a religion_n on_o those_o miraculous_a deliverance_n god_n wrought_v for_o israel_n and_o that_o particular_a providence_n which_o watch_v over_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a love_n that_o it_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o astonishment_n as_o well_o as_o praise_v of_o man_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o do_v encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n that_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o god_n goodness_n for_o he_o have_v nothing_o great_a to_o bestow_v on_o we_o than_o his_o son_n and_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n 8_o rom._n 32._o second_o this_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o so_o great_a a_o person_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n law_n always_o partake_v of_o the_o fate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o great_a opinion_n we_o have_v of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o person_n the_o more_o sacred_a regard_n have_v we_o for_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o numa_n pretend_v that_o he_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o goddess_n aegeria_n to_o procure_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o they_o which_o be_v imitate_v by_o lycurgus_n and_o other_o lawgiver_n thus_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o appoint_a heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n 1_o hebr._n 1._o 2._o and_o his_o greatness_n and_o authority_n give_v a_o inviolable_a sanction_n and_o just_a reverence_n to_o his_o law_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n 2._o hebr._n 1._o 2_o 3._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o parable_n in_o luke_n 20._o 9_o etc._n etc._n three_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n give_v
great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n he_o come_v to_o be_v our_o prophet_n and_o our_o guide_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o precept_n and_o his_o life_n now_o we_o love_v to_o imitate_v great_a person_n and_o none_o so_o great_a as_o he_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n his_o example_n secure_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o give_v we_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v for_o he_o live_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v perfect_a be_v to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v nay_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n make_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n the_o more_o wonderful_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n that_o when_o he_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o shall_v become_v poor_a that_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v become_v a_o minister_n and_o servant_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n shall_v suffer_v and_o die_v these_o be_v such_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o can_v never_o full_o imitate_v because_o we_o can_v never_o be_v so_o great_a as_o he_o be_v but_o yet_o they_o powerful_o convince_v we_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o mean_a office_n of_o kindness_n since_o we_o can_v never_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v up_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o grave_n four_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o great_a value_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v such_o a_o confirmation_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a testament_n hebr._n 7._o 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o who_o undertake_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o security_n he_o give_v we_o depend_v on_o thè_z virtue_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o so_o in_o verse_n 21._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n by_o oath_n the_o lord_n have_v swear_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n and_o whereas_o other_o priest_n die_v and_o leave_v their_o priesthood_n to_o their_o successor_n he_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n and_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o and_o who_o can_v desire_v a_o more_o powerful_a mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n excel_v that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n that_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n exalt_v above_o all_o angel_n who_o have_v a_o everlasting_a throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o shall_v continue_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n moulder_v and_o vanish_v away_o but_o five_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n i._n e._n we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o there_o whatever_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v for_o we_o and_o have_v charge_v we_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o from_o he_o math._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o will_v be_v better_a to_o you_o than_o my_o word_n and_o receive_v you_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o i_o have_v promise_v i_o shall_v be_v move_v with_o none_o of_o your_o flatter_a speech_n but_o how_o good_a and_o kind_a soever_o you_o may_v fancy_v i_o unless_o you_o obey_v those_o law_n i_o publish_v in_o my_o father_n name_n i_o declare_v before_o hand_n that_o i_o will_v disow_v you_o when_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n for_o indeed_o shall_v he_o absolve_v and_o justify_v those_o man_n who_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v that_o be_v wilful_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n this_o be_v to_o disannul_v that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a religion_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n and_o no_o promise_n for_o whatever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o expect_v any_o thing_n else_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n it_o be_v without_o a_o promise_n which_o at_o best_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o same_o state_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o god_n have_v make_v a_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o thus_o these_o man_n trust_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o promise_n nay_o which_o make_v the_o case_n much_o worse_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o quit_v his_o promise_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o rely_v and_o roll_v upon_o his_o person_n this_o be_v so_o very_o absurd_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o i_o know_v no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o own_v it_o in_o so_o many_o word_n nor_o do_v i_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o it_o but_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o trust_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n and_o of_o rely_v and_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o the_o like_a phrase_n of_o a_o late_a date_n in_o which_o some_o man_n place_v the_o whole_a mystery_n
of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n more_o by_o they_o than_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v mean_v something_o more_o than_o this_o or_o else_o they_o raise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o confound_v man_n mind_n with_o obscure_a and_o unscriptural_a phrase_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n sect_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o therefore_o our_o good_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n have_v take_v care_n in_o all_o age_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o leave_v such_o visible_a impress_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n on_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o for_o a_o well_o dispose_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v and_o while_o man_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n god_n himself_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o very_o present_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o after_o age_n as_o mankind_n grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n afford_v good_a man_n the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o more_o degenerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n he_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a example_n and_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n such_o as_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o give_v such_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o these_o man_n as_o may_v reasonable_o encourage_v other_o to_o imitate_v their_o example_n he_o translate_v enoch_n immediate_o to_o heaven_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o he_o destroy_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n which_o be_v a_o signal_n warning_n to_o that_o corrupt_a generation_n while_o the_o ark_n be_v prepare_v and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o posterity_n he_o send_v lot_n out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o sodom_n and_o make_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a nation_n which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n how_o dear_a these_o good_a man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o what_o other_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o who_o will_v worship_v and_o fear_v he_o as_o they_o do_v but_o when_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o these_o single_a example_n god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o public_a and_o constant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n for_o when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o all_o possible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v in_o rom._n 3._o 29._o be_v he_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n yes_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n in_o it_o must_v prove_v god_n respect_n to_o the_o gentile_n before_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o since_o because_o it_o be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a relation_n god_n own_v to_o all_o mankind_n as_o their_o merciful_a creator_n and_o governor_n which_o give_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n a_o interest_n in_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o plain_o evince_n that_o all_o those_o particular_a favour_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o israel_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o any_o partial_a fondness_n and_o respect_n to_o that_o people_n but_o the_o design_n of_o all_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o give_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n when_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o observation_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o glorious_o triumph_v over_o the_o numerous_a god_n of_o egypt_n and_o all_o their_o enchantment_n and_o divination_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v on_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host._n for_o this_o reason_n he_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o the_o constant_a expense_n of_o miracle_n fight_v all_o their_o battle_n for_o they_o and_o many_o time_n by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n overthrow_v great_a and_o puissant_a army_n drive_v out_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n and_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n i_o say_v one_o great_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v renounce_v their_o foolish_a idolatry_n and_o country_n god_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o one_o god_n who_o alone_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n this_o account_n the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o it_o that_o god_n wrought_v such_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o israel_n to_o make_v his_o glory_n and_o his_o power_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a psalm_n 98._o 2._o that_o the_o heathen_a may_v fear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n his_o glory_n i._n e._n that_o all_o nation_n may_v worship_v god_n and_o all_o king_n submit_v their_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n to_o he_o psal._n 102._o 15._o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n for_o all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v idol_n but_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n psal._n 96._o 4_o 5._o and_o as_o god_n set_v up_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n so_o he_o commit_v his_o law_n and_o oracle_n to_o they_o from_o whence_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o please_v may_v fetch_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a notice_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o such_o way_n god_n instruct_v the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o public_a example_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n but_o when_o long_o and_o sad_a experience_n have_v prove_v all_o these_o way_n ineffectual_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o give_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n by_o the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o john_n 1._o 18._o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o and_o in_o math._n 11._o 27._o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o of_o my_o father_n no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o that_o be_v god_n have_v now_o commit_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o age_n none_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o live_v before_o do_v so_o full_o understand_v it_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o other_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o thus_o in_o john_n 14._o 6_o 7._o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n
learn_v before_o from_o nature_n and_o revelation_n just_a as_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o bless_a immortality_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v not_o have_v learn_v this_o neither_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o not_o tell_v we_o for_o what_o end_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o anon_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o confident_a man_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n 〈…〉_z and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n when_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n confute_v he_o for_o whatever_o become_v of_o his_o new_a theory_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n do_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v assure_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n pardon_v iniquitiy_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o those_o natural_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o love_n and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o justice_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o property_n can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o a_o too_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o nature_n and_o revelation_n say_v nothing_o of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n 93._o for_o our_o sin_n god_n have_v manifest_v the_o naturalness_n of_o this_o righteousness_n i._n e._n vindictive_a justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v divert_v from_o sinner_n without_o the_o interpose_v of_o a_o propitiation_n that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o he_o can_v pardon_v sin_n without_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n now_o this_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v perfect_o new_a which_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o nature_n acquaint_v we_o with_o for_o all_o mankind_n have_v account_v it_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n in_o it_o to_o remit_v injury_n and_o offence_n without_o exact_v any_o punishment_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v just_a that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v remit_v no_o offence_n till_o he_o have_v satisfy_v his_o revenge_n that_o part_n of_o justice_n which_o consist_v in_o punish_v offender_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o exact_v or_o remit_v punishment_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n who_o may_v spare_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o without_o be_v unjust_a in_o either_o and_o therefore_o have_v not_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o great_a and_o personal_a a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n say_v so_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v think_v that_o god_n require_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o but_o because_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n judge_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o dispence_v his_o grace_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a discovery_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n righteousness_n or_o vindictive_a justice_n yet_o he_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o it_o in_o that_o comfortable_a discovery_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n for_o 95._o now_o in_o christ_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v love_n and_o kindness_n a_o happy_a change_n this_o from_o all_o justice_n to_o all_o love_n but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v why_o the_o account_n of_o that_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v glut_v its_o self_n with_o revenge_n on_o sin_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o hence_o forward_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o will_v be_v very_o kind_a as_o a_o revengful_a man_n be_v when_o his_o passion_n be_v over_o for_o so_o he_o speak_v very_o honourable_o of_o god_n whatever_o discovery_n be_v make_v of_o the_o patience_n and_o lenity_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o withal_o reveal_v that_o the_o other_o property_n of_o god_n as_o his_o justice_n and_o revenge_n for_o sin_n have_v their_o act_n also_o assign_v they_o to_o the_o full_a there_o can_v be_v little_a consolation_n gather_v from_o the_o former_a that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o though_o he_o shall_v make_v never_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o sinner_n unless_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o revenge_n which_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o character_n of_o the_o love_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v understand_v but_o from_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o love_n and_o patience_n when_o he_o have_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o revenge_n as_o other_o use_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o good_a when_o he_o be_v please_v but_o however_o sinner_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v god_n take_v a_o course_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o 97._o our_o sin_n that_o as_o before_o the_o least_o sin_n can_v not_o escape_v without_o a_o just_a punishment_n justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v forgive_v without_o punish_v so_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v now_o satisfy_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sin_n can_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n but_o we_o shall_v escape_v with_o a_o notwithstanding_o our_o sin_n this_o it_o seem_v we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o gospel_n instruct_v we_o otherwise_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o property_n he_o instance_v in_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o very_o consistent_a with_o those_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o if_o justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v he_o but_o the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n may_v discover_v his_o justice_n or_o his_o goodness_n but_o not_o his_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v a_o end_n when_o there_o be_v more_o way_n than_o one_o of_o do_v it_o but_o it_o require_v no_o great_a wisdom_n to_o choose_v when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n and_o whatever_o wisdom_n there_o be_v in_o god_n redeem_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o son_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o such_o a_o fanciful_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n talk_v of_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o righteousness_n as_o for_o sin_n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o wickedness_n it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a nature_n that_o if_o he_o have_v any_o love_n for_o himself_o and_o any_o esteem_n and_o value_n for_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o work_n he_o must_v hate_v sin_n which_o be_v so_o unlike_o himself_o and_o which_o destroy_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o workmanship_n for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o
of_o his_o body_n they_o be_v secure_a to_o eternity_n for_o nothing_o 60._o that_o ever_o be_v a_o member_n can_v be_v lose_v to_o eternity_n for_o be_v christ_n divide_v can_v he_o lose_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n then_o his_o body_n be_v not_o perfect_a no_o no_o fear_v not_o o_o you_o saint_n neither_o sin_n nor_o satan_n can_v dissolve_v your_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o what_o if_o sin_n shall_v make_v they_o no_o saint_n will_v not_o that_o endanger_v the_o dissolve_a of_o this_o union_n for_o as_o the_o same_o author_n sweet_o reason_n if_o any_o branch_n be_v pluck_v away_o from_o christ_n it_o be_v either_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v it_o or_o because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o lose_v it_o and_o why_o not_o because_o it_o will_v not_o stay_v he_o 167._o be_v able_a sure_o to_o keep_v it_o for_o he_o be_v strengthen_v with_o the_o godhead_n and_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o lose_v it_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o it_o and_o as_o another_o great_a acquaintance_n of_o christ_n speak_v weakness_n that_o be_v no_o strength_n no_o grace_n 77._o no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o sense_n of_o poverty_n do_v not_o debar_v we_o from_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v very_o precious_a and_o convince_a for_o the_o husband_n be_v bind_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o wife_n as_o the_o weak_a vessel_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v god_n will_v exempt_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o rule_n and_o not_o bear_v with_o his_o weak_a spouse_n christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o purge_v his_o spouse_n and_o make_v her_o fit_a for_o himself_o so_o that_o if_o she_o be_v not_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v and_o make_v fair_a and_o lovely_a who_o fault_n can_v it_o be_v but_o his_o own_o and_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o a_o divorce_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o close_o with_o he_o the_o result_n of_o which_o be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n without_o be_v either_o humble_a or_o holy_a fair_a or_o beautiful_a any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o so_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o duty_n be_v consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n and_o closure_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v consequential_a conjugal_a affection_n as_o first_o a_o mighty_a love_n for_o her_o saviour_n and_o head_n and_o husband_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v enamour_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n must_v form_v pleasant_a and_o charm_a idea_n of_o he_o and_o feel_v great_a ravishment_n and_o transport_n of_o passion_n for_o he_o you_o must_v be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o christ_n o_o you_o saint_n and_o let_v he_o lie_v as_o a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n always_o between_o your_o breast_n christ_n be_v 462._o maximè_fw-la diligibilis_fw-la as_o the_o schoolman_n speak_v he_o be_v the_o very_a abstract_n and_o quintessence_n of_o beauty_n he_o be_v a_o whole_a paradise_n of_o delight_n he_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o sharon_n enrich_v with_o orient_a colour_n and_o perfume_v with_o the_o sweet_a savour_n o_o wear_v this_o flower_n not_o in_o your_o bosom_n but_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v always_o smell_v to_o it_o and_o show_v your_o love_n to_o this_o lovely_a saviour_n you_o must_v delight_v in_o his_o embrace_n and_o thirst_n after_o a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o you_o must_v never_o be_v satisfy_v one_o moment_n without_o he_o but_o must_v follow_v he_o from_o one_o ordinance_n to_o another_o and_o never_o be_v satisfy_v unless_o you_o meet_v with_o christ_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o saint_n love_v to_o ordinance_n that_o there_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o belove_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a caress_n and_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n there_o they_o hear_v of_o his_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o riches_n and_o fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n and_o though_o evangelical_n truth_n will_v not_o down_o with_o a_o natural_a heart_n such_o a_o one_o have_v rather_o hear_v some_o quaint_a point_n of_o some_o virtue_n or_o vice_n stand_v upon_o than_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n yet_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v alter_v he_o than_o of_o all_o truth_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n savour_n best_o those_o truth_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ministry_n concern_v christ_n they_o be_v most_o sweet_a of_o all_o such_o sanctify_a soul_n and_o ear_n loathe_v all_o dull_a insipid_a moral_a discourse_n which_o be_v perpetual_o inculcate_v their_o duty_n on_o they_o and_o trouble_v they_o with_o a_o great_a many_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o quaint_a point_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o ordinance_n they_o go_v away_o from_o such_o entertainment_n without_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o belove_a of_o their_o soul_n without_o hear_v any_o news_n from_o he_o or_o have_v the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v only_o for_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v to_o unload_v our_o conscience_n and_o disburden_v our_o sin_n on_o he_o in_o our_o confession_n and_o to_o beg_v of_o he_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o make_v we_o lovely_a and_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o some_o rapture_n and_o amorous_a passion_n to_o he_o and_o to_o hear_v some_o good_a news_n from_o he_o by_o his_o minister_n how_o much_o he_o love_v we_o and_o belong_v after_o we_o how_o pitiful_a he_o be_v to_o we_o ready_a to_o overlook_v all_o our_o miscarriage_n and_o cover_v all_o our_o deformity_n with_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o to_o take_v we_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v we_o also_o may_v be_v perpetual_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n and_o solace_v ourselves_o in_o his_o love_n second_o another_o consequential_a conjugal_a act_n be_v obedience_n to_o our_o spiritual_a husband_n a_o duty_n which_o few_o wife_n care_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o exact_v this_o from_o they_o and_o inculcate_n it_o so_o much_o that_o it_o savour_v too_o strong_a of_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o dispensation_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o proper_a place_n for_o it_o in_o this_o new_a religion_n or_o to_o deduce_v it_o from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o it_o for_o we_o must_v bring_v nothing_o to_o christ_n with_o we_o the_o marriage_n be_v consummate_v without_o it_o and_o then_o we_o have_v less_o need_n of_o it_o than_o before_o for_o than_o we_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n be_v holy_a with_o his_o holiness_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o expiation_n he_o must_v look_v to_o it_o to_o see_v the_o debt_n discharge_v which_o he_o have_v now_o take_v upon_o himself_o and_o we_o be_v righteous_a with_o his_o righteousness_n which_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n to_o glory_n and_o we_o need_v no_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o to_o save_v we_o which_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o how_o obedience_n shall_v come_v in_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v it_o be_v conclude_v on_o all_o hand_n by_o those_o who_o be_v most_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o consequential_a duty_n that_o which_o ought_v to_o follow_v our_o espousal_n with_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o as_o a_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a some_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v due_a upon_o account_n of_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o understand_v unless_o our_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o christ_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o save_v we_o without_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v just_a as_o broad_a as_o long_o and_o we_o get_v nothing_o by_o the_o bargain_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a with_o that_o essential_a condition_n of_o accept_v christ_n
his_o constant_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o church_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o will_v advance_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n as_o these_o man_n call_v it_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o draw_v the_o whole_a plot_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a council_n of_o god_n and_o to_o discover_v those_o principle_n and_o motive_n he_o be_v act_v by_o and_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o contrivance_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o sinner_n recovery_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o that_o homage_n and_o worship_n be_v which_o we_o owe_v our_o saviour_n as_o to_o make_v some_o short_a essay_n of_o it_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o those_o principle_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o live_n and_o active_a image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o to_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o those_o natural_a tie_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o pattern_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o when_o mankind_n apostatise_v from_o god_n they_o miserable_o defeat_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o intercept_v those_o natural_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n by_o make_v themselves_o unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v how_o much_o a_o good_a god_n be_v grieve_v and_o offend_v with_o this_o not_o as_o a_o haughty_a and_o imperious_a prince_n will_v be_v with_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o rebellion_n of_o his_o subject_n but_o as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v for_o the_o disobedience_n of_o his_o child_n for_o their_o refractory_a and_o unmanageable_a temper_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n and_o misery_n of_o his_o child_n who_o happiness_n he_o so_o passionate_o desire_v and_o design_n this_o make_v the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o restles_o zealous_a and_o concern_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n various_a way_n he_o attempt_v in_o former_a age_n but_o 19_o with_o little_a success_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o but_o at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o this_o contrivance_n and_o how_o well_o the_o mean_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o end_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n consist_v only_o in_o repair_v the_o divine_a image_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o make_v all_o man_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a sin_n be_v our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o do_v as_o natural_o make_v we_o miserable_a as_o it_o make_v we_o unlike_o the_o most_o happy_a be_v but_o holiness_n restore_v we_o to_o our_o primitive_a state_n to_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o good_a and_o therefore_o happy_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o forsake_a and_o untrodden_a path_n of_o virtue_n and_o though_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n the_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o stupendous_a miracle_n and_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o themselves_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o give_v a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o energy_n to_o they_o sin_n and_o guilt_n make_v man_n fearful_a and_o it_o make_v they_o disingenuous_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o distrust_v goodness_n or_o to_o abuse_v it_o will_v either_o believe_v god_n implacable_a which_o make_v they_o desperate_a because_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v fond_a and_o indulgent_a which_o make_v they_o saucy_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o to_o prevent_v both_o these_o extreme_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o a_o sincere_a and_o unaffected_a religion_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o appearance_n do_v confute_v they_o both_o if_o guilt_n make_v we_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o angry_a and_o severe_a judge_n behold_v here_o the_o distance_n take_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o condescend_v to_o come_v down_o to_o we_o clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n as_o a_o mild_a and_o a_o gentle_a prince_n by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o sweetness_n to_o reduce_v we_o to_o our_o allegiance_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n in_o he_o we_o see_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n here_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o condescend_v goodness_n which_o stoop_v as_o low_a as_o earth_n and_o do_v not_o disdain_v the_o nature_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o conversation_n of_o sinner_n nor_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o the_o pale_a terror_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o to_o remove_v all_o possible_a suspicion_n concern_v god_n love_n to_o sinner_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o with_o his_o blood_n seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o still_o to_o give_v we_o the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o this_o our_o die_a and_o suffer_v lord_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n to_o 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design_v to_o cause_v tempest_n and_o earthquake_n in_o our_o mind_n like_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o to_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o more_o silent_a and_o gentle_a method_n and_o in_o more_o humane_a way_n if_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n have_v reform_v our_o life_n and_o rectify_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n though_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o these_o artificial_a method_n of_o repentance_n have_v not_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o amaze_a terror_n of_o god_n wrath_n nor_o the_o rage_a despair_n of_o damn_a spirit_n and_o then_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n before_o have_v have_v christ_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o hear_v the_o wooing_n and_o beseeching_n of_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o 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his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n in_o the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o best_a answer_n the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o and_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v own_v this_o a_o safe_a way_n to_o build_v religion_n on_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n they_o must_v own_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v which_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o appear_v and_o more_o easy_o and_o natural_o deduce_v from_o it_o than_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o fantastical_a conceit_n if_o they_o do_v not_o like_o this_o i_o must_v advise_v they_o to_o quit_v this_o way_n as_o the_o which_o will_v serve_v other_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o let_v we_o all_o fetch_v our_o religion_n from_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o from_o any_o pretend_a personal_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o sect_n iu._n how_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o their_o fancy_n there_o be_v a_o very_a obvious_a objection_n against_o this_o whole_a discourse_n the_o answer_v of_o which_o will_v further_o discover_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o frame_a such_o fanciful_a idea_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o these_o man_n deduce_v their_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o so_o abound_v in_o scripture_n proof_n to_o confirm_v what_o they_o say_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n on_o such_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o you_o consult_v these_o man_n write_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o book_n stuff_v with_o scripture_n or_o if_o you_o talk_v with_o they_o their_o whole_a discourse_n be_v little_a else_o but_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o that_o reverend_a doctor_n confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o his_o gospel_n have_v they_o not_o first_o grow_v acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v accommodate_v scripture_n expression_n to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n for_o when_o man_n fancy_n be_v so_o posfe_v with_o scheme_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n whatever_o they_o look_v on_o appear_v of_o the_o same_o shape_n and_o colour_n wherewith_o their_o mind_n be_v already_o tincture_v like_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o jaundice_n or_o that_o look_v through_o a_o paint_a glass_n who_o see_v every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n that_o his_o eye_n or_o glass_n give_v it_o all_o the_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n and_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o apply_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o if_o any_o word_n sound_a like_o the_o tinkle_n of_o their_o own_o sancy_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o every_o little_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n do_v mighty_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n as_o inenaeus_fw-la observe_v of_o the_o valentinian_o that_o they_o use_v one_o artifice_n or_o other_o to_o adapt_v all_o the_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n male_a composito_fw-la phantasmati_fw-la to_o the_o ill_a contrive_a sigment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thus_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n which_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v man_n incurable_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n impertinent_a and_o endless_a talker_n and_o insolent_a censurer_n of_o all_o mankind_n every_o boy_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o notion_n learn_v to_o despise_v the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o teacher_n as_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o 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convince_v he_o to_o his_o cost_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o case_n though_o we_o argue_v from_o other_o principle_n not_o from_o the_o severity_n but_o from_o the_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v we_o lest_o he_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o at_o reason_v and_o make_v hypothesis_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o as_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o include_v not_o only_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o consist_v in_o true_a notion_n and_o opinion_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o life_n in_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n without_o which_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o paint_v a_o accurate_a image_n and_o picture_n without_o life_n or_o sense_n so_o these_o man_n talk_v also_o of_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n warm_v and_o heat_v their_o fancy_n and_o move_v their_o passion_n sometime_o they_o find_v great_a break_n of_o heart_n they_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v into_o tear_n for_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o remember_v what_o their_o lord_n suffer_v for_o they_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o have_v all_o his_o agony_n and_o die_a groan_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o then_o they_o curse_v their_o sin_n that_o nail_v he_o there_o and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o feel_v all_o the_o horror_n and_o agony_n of_o damn_a spirit_n at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v mighty_o ravish_v with_o his_o love_n and_o charm_v and_o captivate_v with_o his_o beauty_n fancy_n they_o have_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n in_o the_o close_a embrace_n they_o hear_v christ_n call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o that_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o they_o be_v refresh_v and_o ravish_v with_o his_o comfort_n and_o the_o sweet_a caress_n of_o his_o love_n they_o see_v christ_n adorn_v they_o with_o the_o beautiful_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v they_o for_o his_o dear_a spouse_n and_o express_v all_o conjugal_a affection_n to_o they_o now_o they_o taste_v and_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o man_n only_o talk_v of_o and_o have_v a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o his_o fullness_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o his_o love_n in_o cheer_v their_o soul_n of_o his_o beauty_n in_o adorn_v they_o they_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o now_o christ_n have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o this_o will_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o what_o follow_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o more_o experimental_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n unless_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o govern_v his_o life_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o have_v always_o such_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n as_o may_v constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o but_o without_o this_o we_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o he_o however_o we_o may_v be_v transport_v with_o these_o frantic_a rapture_n and_o exstasy_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n chap._n iu._n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sect_n i._o next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o which_o as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o be_v build_v all_o those_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a conclusion_n which_o so_o direct_o oppose_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n by_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v mention_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o may_v be_v express_v by_o a_o union_n and_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o and_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o metaphor_n i._o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v
that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n eph._n 5._o 25_o 26._o upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n vers_fw-la 30._o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o crucify_a body_n as_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v reconcile_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n through_o death_n col._n 1._o 21_o 22._o because_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o receive_v gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o crucify_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n answer_v to_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n own_v himself_o our_o friend_n joh._n 15._o 14._o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o soever_o i_o command_v you_o which_o do_v not_o signify_v such_o a_o equality_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o friend_n nor_o encourage_v any_o rudeness_n and_o unbecoming_a familiarity_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o but_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n that_o he_o will_v rule_v his_o church_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o tenderness_n which_o one_o friend_n express_v to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v our_o shepherd_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o friend_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v and_o purchase_v we_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o most_o surprise_a and_o astonish_a goodness_n and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n also_o have_v now_o lay_v aside_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o severe_a name_n of_o a_o king_n and_o call_v himself_o our_o father_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n and_o government_n and_o to_o signify_v that_o liberty_n of_o son_n we_o now_o enjoy_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n and_o governor_n he_o do_v not_o govern_v we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o for_o he_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n where_o he_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o his_o church_n and_o by_o a_o vigilant_a providence_n superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o have_v leave_v the_o visible_a and_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n who_o preside_v in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n christ_n confer_v such_o extraordinary_a gift_n on_o man_n as_o qualify_v they_o for_o so_o great_a a_o office_n eph._n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_o publish_v and_o sufficient_o confirm_v yet_o the_o office_n still_o continue_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n though_o manage_v in_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n christ_n now_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o man_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o discourse_v above_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o consist_v in_o their_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o immediate_o exercise_v by_o christ_n himself_o but_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v can_v own_o his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o prince_n who_o deny_v subjection_n to_o those_o subordinate_a magistrate_n who_o act_n by_o his_o prince_n commission_n for_o the_o union_n of_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v consist_v in_o order_n and_o government_n when_o all_o the_o member_n keep_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o be_v knit_v to_o each_o other_o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o several_a office_n and_o trust_n schismatic_n be_v in_o the_o church_n just_a as_o rebel_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n not_o as_o part_v of_o it_o but_o as_o open_v and_o profess_v enemy_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o eph._n 4._o 16._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_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v invest_v in_o christ_n as_o head_n to_o who_o the_o church_n be_v obedient_a and_o subject_a but_o to_o make_v this_o union_n firm_a and_o last_a there_o must_v be_v a_o regular_a subordination_n of_o the_o several_a member_n and_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o advance_v their_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o especial_o to_o increase_v that_o love_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o church_n this_o indeed_o suppose_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n alter_v the_o case_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n we_o be_v under_o the_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o a_o visible_a communion_n because_o herein_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o our_o union_n to_o he_o consist_v and_o this_o by_o the_o way_n give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o only_a cause_n that_o can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o because_o this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n when_o nothing_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o supreme_a lord_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n in_o our_o subjection_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o we_o disowne_v his_o authority_n in_o disow_v and_o affront_a they_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o luk._n 10._o 16._o but_o when_o any_o church_n prevaricate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n corrupt_v his_o religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a when_o we_o can_v obey_v our_o spiritual_a ruler_n without_o disobey_v the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v nay_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a society_n which_o be_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v own_v their_o authority_n but_o we_o must_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 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expression_n of_o christ_n love_n he_o instance_n in_o this_o eph._n 5._o 25._o husband_n love_v your_o wife_n even_o as_o christ_n also_o love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n represent_v the_o constrain_a power_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o he_o argue_v from_o his_o love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 14_o 15._o for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o because_o we_o thus_o judge_v that_o if_o one_o die_v for_o all_o then_o be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o all_o that_o they_o which_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o he_o which_o die_v for_o they_o and_o rose_z again_o and_o the_o most_o surprise_v circumstance_n of_o all_o which_o give_v a_o new_a lustre_n to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n rom._n 5._o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o when_o 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short_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o deserve_v forever_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o adore_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a hearty_a trouble_n to_o all_o good_a man_n to_o see_v so_o great_a and_o so_o generous_a a_o love_n so_o miserable_o abuse_v and_o misrepresent_v by_o childish_a and_o romantic_a description_n too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o cloth_n our_o saviour_n with_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o folly_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o think_v they_o honour_v he_o very_o much_o the_o more_o extravagant_a they_o make_v he_o in_o his_o love_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o expatiate_v in_o this_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v such_o a_o character_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o believe_v these_o very_a man_n will_v think_v profane_a when_o they_o find_v it_o in_o any_o book_n but_o their_o own_o and_o possible_o it_o may_v do_v good_a service_n to_o religion_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o it_o but_o i_o fear_v the_o reader_n will_v think_v i_o profane_v in_o do_v it_o though_o in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o only_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o these_o man_n much_o insist_v on_o in_o their_o discourse_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dismiss_v they_o first_o then_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o believer_n without_o consider_v any_o other_o qualification_n than_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o individual_a person_n that_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n love_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n now_o i_o confess_v
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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be_v in_o the_o object_n not_o in_o the_o person_n who_o love_v or_o hate_v and_o yet_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o creature_n or_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n or_o hatred_n but_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o he_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o therefore_o love_v holiness_n and_o hate_v sin_n and_o his_o natural_a love_n to_o holiness_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v holy_a man_n and_o his_o natural_a hatred_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o hate_v wicked_a man_n his_o own_o holiness_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o determine_v his_o love_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v call_v this_o a_o depend_v on_o creature_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n do_v thus_o depend_v on_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o 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 there_o be_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o love_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o though_o this_o be_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n for_o he_o who_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n may_v give_v over_o love_v for_o none_o if_o sin_n fore-seen_a be_v not_o able_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o plant_v his_o heart_n on_o we_o how_o then_o shall_v it_o that_o be_v sin_n commit_v be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o fix_a love_n indeed_o which_o sin_n itself_o can_v alter_v but_o how_o wise_a and_o holy_a a_o love_n it_o be_v let_v any_o man_n judge_v herein_o 158._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o the_o depth_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v that_o whereas_o his_o holy_a soul_n hate_v every_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n a_o abomination_n a_o new_a wound_n to_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a spouse_n that_o be_v sinful_a believer_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n fail_n infirmity_n he_o hide_v all_o covers_z all_z bear_v with_o all_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v loose_v they_o he_o add_v indeed_o by_o his_o power_n preserve_v they_o from_o such_o sin_n as_o a_o remedy_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n provide_v for_o all_o other_o sin_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o other_o sin_n a_o believer_n it_o seem_v may_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o christ_n will_v hide_v all_o cover_z all_z rather_o than_o lose_v he_o now_o this_o be_v as_o down_o right_a antinomianism_n as_o ever_o dr._n crisp_n or_o saltmarsh_n vent_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v always_o continue_v so_o but_o then_o 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
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 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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
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
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
the_o virtue_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o still_o remain_v they_o be_v a_o last_a demonstration_n of_o god_n peculiar_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o still_o inherit_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o former_a age_n in_o allusion_n to_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n building_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o and_o eph._n 2._o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v also_o build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a temple_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o material_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o s._n peter_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a house_n or_o temple_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o all_o which_o refer_v to_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v now_o though_o all_o this_o do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n that_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n yet_o it_o be_v accommodate_v in_o scripture_n to_o particular_a christian_n and_o philo_n also_o allude_v to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n the_o palace_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n every_o devout_a soul_n be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v a_o enlighten_v mind_n which_o be_v store_v with_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v his_o debir_n or_o oracle_n a_o pure_a heart_n be_v his_o altar_n and_o devout_a prayer_n be_v spiritual_a incense_n and_o sweet_a perfume_n the_o body_n itself_o be_v a_o consecrate_a place_n and_o be_v also_o call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v preserve_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a 1_o cor._n 6._o 19_o nay_o our_o body_n be_v sacrifice_n too_o which_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n by_o devote_v they_o to_o his_o service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o for_o the_o scripture_n love_v to_o allude_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o aliar_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n which_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n may_v very_o well_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o service_n as_o in_o their_o typical_a signification_n they_o prefigure_v christ_n who_o body_n be_v the_o true_a temple_n where_o the_o divine_a glory_n dwell_v who_o be_v both_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o by_o his_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o typical_a dispensation_n only_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n mention_n god_n or_o christ_n dwelling_n with_o particular_a christian_n it_o use_v a_o more_o familiar_a style_n and_o seem_v rather_o to_o allude_v to_o a_o private_a house_n than_o a_o public_a temple_n thus_o in_o joh_n 14._o 23._o 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 and_o rev._n 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o this_o be_v all_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v will_v evident_o appear_v from_o those_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o which_o we_o common_o call_v sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o represent_v and_o signify_v both_o our_o external_a and_o real_a union_n with_o he_o first_o our_o external_a union_n thus_o baptism_n be_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n own_o his_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o public_o own_v he_o for_o our_o instructor_n and_o governor_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o foederal_a rite_n which_o answer_v to_o the_o feast_n on_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n whereby_o we_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o vow_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o these_o institution_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n call_v sacrament_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o oath_n which_o soldier_n take_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v list_v into_o his_o army_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militiae_fw-la or_o the_o military_a oath_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n wherein_o our_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n consist_v second_o they_o signify_v also_o our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n thus_o baptism_n signify_v our_o profession_n of_o become_v new_a man_n our_o profession_n of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6._o 4._o that_o be_v baptism_n or_o our_o immersion_n under_o water_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a rite_n of_o administer_a it_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o our_o burial_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n and_o so_o signify_v our_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v not_o bare_o as_o a_o natural_a death_n a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n to_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o and_o so_o our_o die_a to_o sin_n that_o be_v cease_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o true_a conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v his_o resurrection_n not_o only_o as_o his_o return_v to_o life_n again_o but_o as_o his_o live_n to_o god_n his_o advancement_n into_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o so_o our_o walk_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o his_o resurrection_n make_v we_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o give_v we_o a_o abundant_a assurance_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n that_o we_o shall_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n rise_v with_o he_o because_o this_o new_a life_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a conformity_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n consist_v be_v a_o immortal_a principle_n of_o life_n which_o can_v no_o more_o die_v than_o christ_n can_v die_v again_o now_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a thus_o baptism_n be_v call_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 27._o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n that_o be_v have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n to_o adorn_v his_o mind_n with_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o appear_v in_o our_o saviour_n life_n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o spiritual_a feed_n on_o christ_n eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n which_o signify_v the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o he_o that_o we_o be_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n eph._n 5._o 30._o that_o as_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o crucify_a body_n as_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n so_o by_o this_o spiritual_a feed_n on_o christ_n we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n this_o be_v a_o sacrament_n wherein_o we_o celebrate_v the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n and_o express_v our_o most_o passionate_a love_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o the_o memory_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v
and_o suffer_v for_o we_o excite_v a_o just_a hatred_n of_o our_o sin_n sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o a_o great_a hope_n in_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n such_o a_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n for_o we_o and_o a_o steadfast_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n this_o be_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o these_o visible_a figure_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n affect_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o excite_v in_o we_o such_o a_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n as_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o now_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sacrament_n which_o be_v design_v as_o the_o instrument_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v that_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o they_o all_o the_o union_n they_o signify_v be_v only_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o a_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ._n four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o iv._o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n thus_o in_o john_n 1._o 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n where_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v first_o found_v on_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v on_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n subjection_n to_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o now_o visible_o exercise_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n and_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o society_n now_o as_o you_o hear_v before_o if_o this_o profession_n be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a without_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o give_v we_o only_o a_o external_a fellowship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o man_n only_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n maintain_v a_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o his_o church_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o he_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o ver._n 6._o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o abuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v own_v himself_o our_o father_n and_o bestow_v the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n on_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o when_o we_o join_v the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n with_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o god_n will_v own_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v put_v into_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n where_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v lord_n and_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n nor_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n where_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sometime_o by_o fellowship_n sometime_o by_o communion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o heathen_a idolater_n from_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v have_v no_o society_n with_o those_o man_n who_o religion_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v as_o uneasy_a to_o each_o other_o as_o two_o heifer_n in_o the_o same_o yoke_n which_o draw_v different_a way_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o common_a between_o they_o which_o they_o both_o alike_o partake_v of_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o concord_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n what_o be_v there_o common_a to_o they_o both_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o mind_n to_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o fellowship_n what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o those_o portion_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o as_o a_o symbol_n of_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o god_n how_o can_v a_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o idolater_n have_v right_a to_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o reconcile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n all_o these_o expression_n decipher_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n which_o in_o rational_a being_n consist_v in_o mutual_a relation_n and_o common_a interest_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n explain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o our_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o vers._n 16._o 18._o now_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o the_o