in_o for_o a_o share_n at_o least_o in_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o dr._n be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o how_o excellent_a be_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n person_n above_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n there_o be_v no_o such_o boundless_a mercy_n as_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v its_o dimension_n as_o will_v save_v the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n thus_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o eternal_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o it_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o love_n be_v fruitful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v effectual_a and_o fruitful_a in_o produce_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v unto_o his_o belove_a he_o love_v life_n grace_n holiness_n into_o we_o he_o love_v we_o into_o covenant_n love_v we_o into_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a love_n indeed_o which_o do_v all_o for_o we_o and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v we_o owe_v this_o discovery_n see_v you_o to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n or_o rather_o with_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v that_o christ_n love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o he_o love_v good_a man_n who_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o save_v they_o and_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o love_v they_o while_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v good_a but_o hate_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a vice_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o sinner_n to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o as_o far_o excel_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o gospel_n excel_v the_o law_n but_o methinks_v this_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a eternal_a unchangeable_a fruitful_a i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o misery_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o love_n be_v so_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a etc._n etc._n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o than_o it_o be_v always_o so_o for_o god_n always_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o why_o can_v not_o this_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n as_o well_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n as_o love_n life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o little_a odd_a first_o to_o love_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o then_o he_o may_v love_v we_o into_o life_n and_o holiness_n which_o indeed_o can_v not_o be_v if_o this_o love_n of_o god_n be_v always_o so_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a as_o this_o author_n persuade_v we_o it_o be_v now_o for_o if_o this_o love_n have_v always_o love_v life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o shall_v sin_v and_o die_v not_o that_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a unchangeable_a fruitful_a that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v always_o good_a and_o always_o continue_v good_a and_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o but_o then_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v always_o determine_v to_o the_o same_o object_n but_o in_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o be_v that_o he_o always_o love_v true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o see_v it_o and_o never_o cease_v to_o love_v any_o person_n till_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a and_o then_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o love_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v no_o long_o for_o shall_v he_o love_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o his_o love_n will_v change_v and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o god_n love_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o produce_v what_o he_o love_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irresistible_a power_n for_o then_o sin_n and_o death_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n but_o he_o govern_v and_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n he_o govern_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o bruit_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n from_o hence_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o desirable_a christ_n be_v in_o his_o humanity_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n both_o original_a and_o actual_a and_o his_o fullness_n of_o grace_n that_o all_o grace_n be_v in_o he_o for_o the_o kind_n thereof_o and_o all_o degree_n of_o grace_n for_o its_o perfection_n this_o indeed_o do_v represent_v he_o as_o a_o very_a excellent_a person_n a_o spotless_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o the_o world_n but_o these_o personal_a perfection_n can_v pass_v out_o of_o his_o person_n to_o become_v we_o but_o than_o three_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o these_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o suffer_v and_o able_a to_o bear_v whaetever_n be_v due_a unto_o we_o which_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v for_o if_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o a_o mere_a innocent_a creature_n how_o will_v they_o have_v overwhelm_v he_o and_o bury_v he_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god-man_n be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o any_o mere_a creature_n can_v be_v but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o this_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o do_v as_o little_a admire_v his_o philosophy_n but_o his_o be_v god_n and_o man_n make_v he_o a_o endless_a bottomless_a fountain_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v this_o he_o be_v as_o god_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v before_o and_o his_o grace_n be_v never_o the_o more_o bottomless_a for_o become_v man._n the_o design_n you_o see_v of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v drink_v pardon_n and_o mercy_n as_o long_o as_o we_o need_v any_o and_o such_o mercy_n too_o as_o his_o gospel_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o he_o have_v a_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o thence_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o communication_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o the_o personal_a grace_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n his_o fullness_n to_o save_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o communion_n or_o the_o free_a consequence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n as_o for_o this_o grace_n of_o communion_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o though_o it_o sound_v a_o little_a harsh_a to_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n and_o yet_o communicate_v whereby_o christ_n communicate_v his_o fullness_n to_o believer_n i_o shall_v reserve_v it_o for_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o consider_v what_o this_o personal_a fullness_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o he_o call_v all_o the_o furniture_n he_o receive_v 54._o from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o be_v his_o three_o personal_a grace_n his_o excellency_n to_o endear_v from_o his_o complete_a suitableness_n to_o all_o the_o want_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o man_n whatever_o this_o sound_n like_o universal_a redemption_n that_o have_v any_o want_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o christ_n will_v be_v unto_o he_o that_o which_o he_o want_v be_v he_o dead_a christ_n be_v life_n be_v he_o weak_a christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v he_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n upon_o he_o christ_n be_v complete_a righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n many_o poor_a creature_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o want_n but_o know_v not_o where_o their_o remedy_n lie_v indeed_o whether_o it_o be_v life_n or_o light_n power_n or_o joy_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o he_o now_o
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 it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o think_v of_o please_a god_n or_o procure_v his_o love_n by_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v do_v whether_o we_o obey_v he_o or_o disobey_v he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o this_o case_n for_o if_o he_o please_v to_o love_v we_o without_o any_o reason_n our_o sin_n can_v hinder_v it_o and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o please_v he_o to_o love_v we_o our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n can_v alter_v he_o when_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n depend_v whole_o upon_o a_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a will_n nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v either_o hinder_v or_o promote_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o foundation_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v a_o philosophical_a nicety_n that_o god_n must_v act_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v move_v by_o any_o external_a cause_n whereas_o shall_v he_o love_v we_o because_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o or_o hate_v we_o because_o we_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n and_o hatred_n will_v depend_v upon_o a_o external_a cause_n viz._n the_o holiness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o creature_n which_o unbecome_v a_o independent_a be_v to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o reason_v be_v this_o that_o because_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n on_o who_o all_o other_o thing_n depend_v and_o he_o on_o nothing_o therefore_o he_o must_v love_v and_o hate_v his_o creature_n without_o any_o reason_n but_o his_o own_o unaccountable_a will_n for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n they_o can_v object_v that_o when_o god_n love_v or_o hate_v reward_n or_o punish_v his_o creature_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n he_o make_v between_o his_o creature_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o he_o thus_o love_v or_o hate_v and_o so_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o he_o have_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o love_n or_o hatred_n ought_v to_o 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 wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n thus_o you_o see_v while_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o make_v it_o a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o man_n too_o for_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v they_o careless_a of_o please_a god_n and_o secure_a in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n can_v hinder_v god_n from_o love_v they_o nor_o alter_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o ever_o he_o love_v they_o it_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v that_o now_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o worst_a man_n live_v will_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n as_o the_o best_a man_n have_v nay_o if_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o worse_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a object_n be_v they_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n have_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o require_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v call_v honour_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_a love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o include_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n a_o devout_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n a_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o and_o all_o those_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o love_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n they_o be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n be_v and_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o thus_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n that_o our_o return_n may_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o it_o christ_n have_v condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o extol_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n which_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n since_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o depend_v on_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o law_n love_v to_o equal_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o but_o what_o love_n give_v they_o make_v they_o very_o flexible_a and_o obsequious_a to_o each_o other_o desire_n and_o request_n but_o our_o love_n to_o superior_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o parent_n include_v obedience_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o principal_a trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n
the_o more_o you_o use_v it_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v it_o and_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v it_o the_o more_o you_o love_v it_o if_o you_o have_v a_o good_a friend_n the_o more_o you_o use_v he_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v he_o and_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v he_o the_o more_o you_o love_v he_o if_o you_o have_v a_o good_a horse_n the_o more_o you_o use_v he_o the_o more_o you_o prize_v he_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o have_v a_o good_a knife_n the_o more_o you_o use_v it_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o will_v love_v christ_n use_v he_o much_o and_o then_o the_o more_o you_o will_v prize_v he_o and_o the_o more_o you_o will_v love_v he_o now_o to_o let_v pass_v the_o rudeness_n of_o the_o comparison_n this_o use_v christ_n must_v signify_v his_o benefit_n and_o to_o prize_n and_o love_n christ_n much_o because_o we_o use_v he_o much_o be_v to_o love_v he_o because_o we_o make_v great_a advantage_n of_o he_o and_o receive_v many_o benefit_n from_o he_o which_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o benefit_n the_o occasion_n of_o all_o this_o contradiction_n and_o confusion_n in_o these_o man_n discourse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v between_o love_v the_o benefit_n and_o love_v the_o person_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a to_o delight_v in_o the_o gift_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o giver_n to_o solace_v ourselves_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o make_v no_o return_n of_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n this_o be_v to_o love_v the_o benefit_n but_o not_o the_o person_n who_o bestow_v this_o benefit_n but_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v they_o and_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v to_o love_n god_n and_o christ_n for_o no_o reason_n or_o as_o these_o man_n phrase_v it_o pure_o for_o themselves_o without_o respect_n to_o those_o many_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v because_o this_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a love_n but_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o foolish_a passion_n the_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v no_o other_o than_o gratitude_n because_o god_n love_v we_o first_o and_o our_o love_n be_v only_o a_o return_n of_o he_o now_o thankfulness_n and_o gratitude_n include_v a_o necessary_a respect_n to_o those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n who_o want_v nothing_o and_o can_v receive_v nothing_o from_o his_o creature_n to_o love_v without_o any_o respect_n to_o benefit_n but_o the_o love_n of_o indigent_a and_o dependent_a creature_n be_v a_o love_n of_o thankfulness_n be_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o many_o blessing_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n second_o these_o man_n oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o the_o first_o destroy_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o this_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o it_o it_o be_v make_v the_o character_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n 1672._o who_o want_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o though_o he_o seek_v to_o honour_n god_n never_o so_o much_o yet_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o god_n abhor_v all_o that_o he_o perform_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n such_o a_o wicked_a man_n do_v be_v for_o himself_o either_o for_o self_n credit_n or_o self-ease_n or_o self_n content_a or_o self-safety_n he_o sleep_v pray_v hear_v speak_v profess_v for_o himself_o alone_o hence_o act_v always_o for_o himself_o he_o commit_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o idolatry_n make_v himself_o a_o god_n etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o same_o author_n thus_o exhort_v sinner_n away_o then_o out_o of_o yourselves_o to_o 84_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v to_o he_o and_o take_v hold_v on_o he_o not_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o presumption_n and_o love_n to_o thyself_o to_o save_v thyself_o but_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o he_o to_o honour_v he_o and_o a_o little_a after_o describe_v the_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n 109._o all_o which_o lead_v to_o hell_n he_o reckon_v among_o the_o rest_n the_o way_n of_o self-love_n whereby_o a_o man_n fear_v terrible_o he_o shall_v be_v damn_v use_v diligent_o all_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o strong_a difficulty_n of_o all_o to_o row_v against_o the_o stream_n to_o hate_v a_o man_n self_n our_o own_o soul_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o then_o to_o follow_v christ_n full_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o hard_a case_n that_o before_o we_o can_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o must_v root_v out_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o all_o love_n that_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o hate_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n before_o we_o can_v close_v with_o christ_n for_o salvation_n he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o strong_a difficulty_n of_o all_o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a love_v to_o ourselves_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o love_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v himself_o will_v love_v nothing_o else_o he_o that_o hate_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o despise_v eternal_a salvation_n will_v not_o care_v for_o christ_n nor_o salvation_n by_o he_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o obey_v god_n be_v found_v on_o self-love_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v excite_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o great_a reward_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n if_o we_o do_v not_o love_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o care_n what_o become_v of_o we_o whether_o we_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o persuade_v a_o man_n not_o to_o love_v himself_o for_o this_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o fire_n to_o burn_v or_o sun_n to_o shine_v it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o all_o that_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o can_v do_v be_v either_o to_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n to_o pretend_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o can_v do_v or_o to_o make_v honest_a man_n who_o can_v thus_o cheat_v and_o delude_v themselves_o despair_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o they_o can_v find_v themselves_o content_v without_o salvation_n that_o christ_n without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n can_v satisfy_v they_o it_o be_v true_a when_o man_n set_v up_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o god_n when_o self-love_n tempt_v they_o to_o disobey_v god_n to_o despise_v his_o counsel_n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o very_a vicious_a and_o mistake_a self-love_n such_o man_n neither_o love_n themselves_o nor_o god_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n such_o man_n be_v idolater_n as_o our_o author_n speak_v because_o they_o set_v up_o self_n above_o god_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o but_o when_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o teach_v we_o to_o love_n god_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n we_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o they_o who_o separate_v our_o love_n to_o god_n from_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o from_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n do_v plain_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n three_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o our_o own_o duty_n that_o be_v they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o herein_o dr._n owen_n place_v the_o chastity_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o christ_n 165._o which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o great_a marriage_n duty_n in_o not_o take_v any_o thing_n as_o our_o own_o righteousness_n into_o our_o affection_n and_o esteem_n for_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o have_v receive_v christ_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v for_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n can_v be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n can_v expiate_v for_o our_o past_a sin_n nor_o merit_v heaven_n for_o we_o which_o christ_n have_v
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
account_n with_o god_n than_o ignorance_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o condemnation_n sect_n ii_o of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n after_o this_o plain_a account_n wherein_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n consist_v the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v his_o gospel_n which_o contain_v all_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v another_o notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n very_o distinct_a from_o this_o which_o contain_v a_o great_a secret_n than_o at_o first_o one_o will_v imagine_v and_o that_o be_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o man_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o save_a knowledge_n i_o shall_v not_o envy_v the_o author_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o shall_v honest_o confess_v where_o i_o have_v it_o viz._n in_o a_o book_n entitle_v communion_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o person_n distinct_o write_a by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o do_v this_o author_n wrong_v i_o must_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n a_o account_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o digression_n 2._o pag._n 87._o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o teach_v we_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v and_o those_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o because_o by_o the_o know_n of_o he_o we_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o apply_v that_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o person_n coll._n 2._o 3._o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o this_o man_n divinity_n signify_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v those_o great_a deep_a and_o more_o save_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o express_o reveal_v to_o we_o for_o so_o he_o add_v soon_o after_o that_o these_o property_n of_o god_n his_o pardon_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o doctrine_n in_o that_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n but_o the_o life_n of_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v in_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n wherein_o the_o express_a image_n and_o beam_n of_o this_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n do_v shine_v forth_o that_o be_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_o eminent_o and_o save_o only_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o obscure_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o the_o method_n of_o our_o recovery_n we_o may_v thorough_o understand_v whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n unless_o we_o gain_v a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o indeed_o advance_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n very_o much_o but_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o prophetic_a office_n it_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n above_o the_o gospel_n viz._n a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o who_o dwell_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o that_o you_o may_v better_o understand_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o addition_n these_o man_n make_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n and_o second_o show_v you_o what_o a_o unsafe_a way_n of_o argue_v this_o be_v and_o how_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o to_o show_v you_o what_o addition_n these_o man_n make_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o very_o much_o behold_v to_o this_o author_n for_o acknowledge_v whence_o they_o fetch_v all_o their_o orthodoxy_n and_o gospel_n mystery_n for_o i_o have_v almost_o pore_v my_o eye_n out_o with_o seek_v for_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v never_o find_v they_o but_o i_o learn_v now_o that_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o argument_n well_o worth_a consider_v and_o if_o this_o discourse_n shall_v prove_v long_o as_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n both_o to_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n and_o since_o i_o owe_v this_o discovery_n to_o dr._n john_n owen_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o his_o method_n who_o in_o the_o place_n abovementioned_a tell_v we_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o 89_o knowledge_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o three_o skill_n to_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o these_o three_o be_v sum_v up_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n to_o be_v obtain_v or_o be_v manifest_v but_o only_o in_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n christ._n where_o by_o be_v fallacious_o add_v to_o include_v the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v whereas_o his_o first_o undertake_n be_v to_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o thing_n saving_o and_o clear_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o without_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o examine_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v but_o principal_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o peculiar_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o revelation_n be_v whole_o silent_a but_o be_v now_o clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o manifold_a revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n especial_o that_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n that_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a that_o he_o can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v so_o wise_a that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o order_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a so_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v and_o design_n the_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o holy_a that_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o all_o good_a man_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v they_o but_o hate_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o will_v as_o certain_o punish_v all_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n but_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v very_o patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o use_v various_a method_n of_o kindness_n and_o severity_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o pardon_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o humble_a and_o penitent_a prodigal_n these_o property_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o further_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o merciful_a because_o not_o only_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o have_v
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
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 intercede_v for_o we_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o security_n of_o our_o acceptance_n that_o guilt_n itself_o though_o infinite_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a can_v desire_v for_o what_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o more_o than_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o belove_v a_o person_n to_o we_o on_o a_o embassy_n of_o peace_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o propitiation_n and_o advocate_n our_o lord_n and_o judge_n he_o who_o take_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o infirmity_n on_o he_o who_o know_v our_o weakness_n and_o our_o temptation_n who_o die_v to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o his_o conquest_n and_o with_o a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o cure_v our_o presumption_n that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v god_n to_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sinner_n and_o to_o their_o vice_n together_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n assure_v we_o what_o the_o merit_n be_v and_o what_o the_o portion_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v that_o all_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o die_v and_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o desert_n without_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n for_o to_o expiate_v sin_n by_o death_n can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o death_n be_v the_o proper_a recompense_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o expiate_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n as_o none_o be_v till_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v shall_v
certain_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n especial_o consider_v how_o holy_a our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o can_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o he_o die_v or_o that_o he_o intercede_v for_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n now_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o god_n can_v have_v contrive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o powerful_a obligation_n such_o forceable_a endearment_n such_o ravish_a charm_n which_o make_v such_o a_o pleasant_a and_o invite_a representation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o so_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o inflame_v our_o love_n and_o awaken_v our_o fear_n and_o excite_v our_o emulation_n which_o do_v even_o affect_v our_o sense_n with_o the_o argument_n of_o religion_n and_o storm_v the_o low_a and_o more_o brutish_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o captivate_v they_o to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o sinner_n recovery_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o return_v of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n we_o owe_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n when_o we_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o all_o the_o powerful_a argument_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o incarnation_n and_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o miracle_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o shame_n and_o folly_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n than_o we_o partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n of_o his_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o distract_v our_o guilty_a mind_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o inexorable_a justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n of_o fear_n and_o bondage_n but_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n mix_v with_o a_o awful_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a judge_n and_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n this_o be_v such_o a_o method_n of_o convert_v sinner_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n which_o be_v not_o 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 formal_a contract_n and_o espousal_n with_o christ_n and_o such_o like_a work_n of_o a_o heat_a fancy_n and_o religious_a distraction_n though_o our_o conversion_n be_v not_o manage_v with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o method_n and_o by_o so_o many_o step_n and_o gradation_n we_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a christian_n for_o want_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n not_o of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n which_o suggest_v so_o many_o encourage_v consideration_n to_o return_v to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o not_o to_o tremble_v at_o his_o presence_n as_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o true_a expression_n of_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o some_o fond_a and_o amorous_a passion_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v he_o be_v to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o 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
golden_a bucket_n whereas_o at_o other_o time_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o sore_a and_o blear-eyed_a leah_n a_o shake_n and_o palsy_n hand_n weak_a and_o bend_a leg_n and_o have_v all_o the_o infirmity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a neither_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v need_n be_v a_o very_a humble_a grace_n else_o it_o will_v take_v such_o language_n very_o ill_o from_o they_o thus_o to_o give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n more_o when_o these_o man_n be_v press_v with_o those_o scripture_n that_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n that_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o that_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n those_o immoral_a hypocrite_n who_o place_v all_o their_o righteousness_n in_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o who_o break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n there_o and_o he_o that_o do_v and_o teach_v they_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v be_v great_o reward_v with_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o assert_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n which_o perfect_o overthrow_v their_o fundamental_a notion_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o merit_n of_o who_o death_n they_o say_v free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o make_v we_o as_o perfect_o innocent_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o offend_v and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n impute_v to_o we_o make_v we_o righteous_a so_o as_o to_o deserve_v a_o reward_n give_v we_o a_o actual_a title_n to_o glory_n now_o any_o one_o who_o be_v not_o mighty_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o reconcile_v this_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o express_o assert_v but_o these_o man_n defy_v you_o if_o you_o charge_v they_o with_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v it_o may_v have_v no_o bad_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o universal_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n a_o very_a suspicious_a word_n which_o methinks_v these_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o name_n be_v indispensable_o 8._o necessary_a from_o the_o sovereign_a appointment_n and_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o son_n i_o have_v ordain_v you_o that_o you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n john_n 15._o 16._o and_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o holiness_n be_v one_o eminent_a and_o special_a end_n of_o the_o peculiar_a dispensation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o business_n of_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o father_n elect_v love_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a eph._n 1._o 4._o the_o end_n of_o the_o son_n redeem_v love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n titus_n 2._o 14._o and_o of_o the_o spirit_n sanctify_v love_n as_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o guess_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o temple_n we_o be_v and_o be_v not_o these_o man_n now_o mighty_o injure_v in_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o make_v it_o necessary_a upon_o so_o many_o account_n be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o abuse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o this_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o question_n be_v about_o its_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v without_o it_o all_o this_o can_v prove_v any_o necessary_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o command_v obedience_n but_o where_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o this_o law_n will_v he_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o will_v he_o save_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o do_v obey_v for_o their_o obedience_n not_o a_o word_n of_o this_o for_o this_o destroy_v our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n only_o and_o if_o after_o all_o these_o command_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o obey_v or_o not_o i_o hope_v such_o command_n can_v make_v obedience_n necessary_a the_o father_n have_v elect_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o son_n redeem_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a but_o will_v the_o father_n elect_v and_o the_o son_n redeem_v none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v holy_a and_o reject_v and_o reprobate_v all_o other_o do_v this_o election_n and_o redemption_n suppose_v holiness_n in_o we_o or_o be_v it_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o be_v holy_a our_o election_n and_o redemption_n be_v secure_a whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o and_o so_o this_o can_v make_v holiness_n necessary_a on_o our_o part_n though_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o care_n obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n how_o so_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o only_a glory_n god_n design_n to_o advance_v by_o christ._n if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v yet_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o honour_n for_o it_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n profane_a man_n that_o they_o be_v as_o if_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n his_o beautiful_a robe_n be_v not_o much_o more_o for_o our_o honour_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o like_a to_o god_n than_o the_o rag_n and_o patch_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n however_o if_o man_n prefer_v their_o lust_n and_o interest_n before_o their_o honour_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n cease_v but_o it_o be_v for_o peace_n what_o peace_n i_o pray_v you_o peace_n of_o conscience_n why_o then_o must_v we_o at_o last_o fetch_v our_o peace_n and_o security_n from_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o to_o renounce_v christ_n miserable_a man_n that_o we_o be_v must_v we_o then_o 113._o set_v about_o correct_v our_o life_n amend_v our_o way_n perform_v duty_n require_v and_o so_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n why_o this_o be_v the_o course_n wherein_o many_o man_n continue_v long_o with_o much_o perplexity_n sometime_o hope_v often_o fear_v sometime_o ready_a to_o give_v quite_o over_o sometime_o vow_v to_o continue_v their_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v nor_o righteousness_n in_o any_o measure_n obtain_v all_o their_o day_n after_o they_o have_v tire_v themselves_o perhaps_o in_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o come_v at_o length_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o disappointment_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o with_o david_n cry_v that_o if_o god_n mark_n what_o be_v do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o be_v this_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o peace_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_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 the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o down_o with_o they_o this_o be_v moral_a and_o legal_a preach_v nothing_o appear_v wholesome_a and_o savoury_a to_o their_o palate_n but_o some_o romantic_a description_n of_o the_o beauty_n loveliness_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ._n but_o i_o hope_v hereafter_o they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o such_o stranger_n to_o christ_n as_o they_o imagine_v but_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a than_o to_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o his_o person_n and_o with_o his_o law_n and_o be_v too_o honest_a to_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o such_o dream_n and_o fruitless_a speculation_n the_o wildness_n and_o distraction_n of_o these_o man_n make_v i_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v these_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n of_o fancy_n feed_v her_o child_n with_o wholesome_a and_o substantial_a food_n have_v teach_v they_o a_o religion_n without_o art_n or_o subtilty_n have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o those_o obligation_n it_o lay_v on_o they_o to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n have_v teach_v they_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o contain_v those_o great_a and_o essential_a article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o action_n have_v give_v they_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a explication_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o what_o the_o true_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n be_v without_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o notion_n and_o artificial_a theory_n of_o religion_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o giddy_a with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o knowledge_n to_o talk_v ill_a and_o to_o live_v worse_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o dismiss_v these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o dotage_n only_o advise_v they_o that_o however_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o these_o choice_a speculation_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o pretend_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n lest_o they_o fare_v as_o ill_o as_o another_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v luke_n 19_o 21._o who_o argue_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o apologise_v for_o his_o own_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n for_o i_o fear_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n who_o take_v up_o that_o thou_o lay_v not_o down_o and_o reape_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o sow_v but_o it_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o acquaintance_n as_o he_o be_v he_o draw_v a_o very_a false_a conclusion_n when_o he_o hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n as_o his_o lord_n 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
be_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o this_o he_o account_v dung_n and_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i._n e._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o which_o contain_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o righteousness_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o god_n law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o new_a nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o this_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n which_o he_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v to_o confirm_v all_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o my_o own_o righteousness_n oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o these_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o internal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o rise_v again_o with_o christ_n and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o change_v our_o nature_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o make_v new_a creature_n hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostom_n expound_v it_o that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v design_v to_o work_v in_o they_o but_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o those_o external_a ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n wash_v purification_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o that_o internal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o typical_a and_o figurative_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o place_n be_v expound_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o personal_o but_o imputative_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n so_o which_o no_o man_n can_v help_v for_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n here_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o he_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o consistent_a such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o effect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o which_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v i._n e._n govern_v our_o mind_n and_o passion_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n this_o god_n effect_v by_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o those_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v imputation_n come_v in_o here_o what_o pretty_a sense_n will_v this_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n the_o law_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a to_o conquer_v their_o love_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n what_o for_o to_o give_v they_o better_a law_n and_o more_o excellent_a promise_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n to_o do_v good_a no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o have_v all_o do_v for_o they_o by_o have_v this_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n sure_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n still_o and_o have_v be_v as_o available_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o supplemental_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v have_v as_o well_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n have_v please_v but_o a_o want_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v the_o sinful_a appetite_n of_o man_n it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sensual_a lust_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o conquer_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v supply_v this_o defect_n not_o by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o great_a power_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o fulfil_v the_o external_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 7._o ver._n 4_o 5_o 6._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n by_o his_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n under_o that_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o
argument_n that_o sin_n be_v his_o master_n which_o rule_v and_o govern_v especial_o if_o this_o be_v often_o and_o such_o a_o man_n sure_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n freeman_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o fail_v three_o when_o sin_n carry_v it_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v against_o all_o external_a discouragement_n all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n the_o death_n suffering_n agony_n wound_n blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o reproof_n of_o the_o word_n minister_n christian_n his_o own_o resolution_n vow_n promise_n purpose_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v when_o sin_n carry_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o external_a opposition_n only_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n but_o when_o it_o carry_v it_o both_o against_o external_a and_o internal_a opposition_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n for_o a_o regenerate_a man_n have_v the_o same_o external_a opposition_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o sin_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v and_o beside_o these_o he_o have_v the_o internal_a opposition_n the_o check_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o say_v the_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v not_o and_o four_a when_o it_o be_v sin_v and_o no_o sense_n of_o sin_n no_o after_o repentance_n for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n now_o what_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o who_o do_v not_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o complain_v of_o they_o and_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v large_a confession_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o return_v to_o they_o again_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o express_v some_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o call_v repentance_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o pretend_v thus_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v never_o the_o better_a man_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v there_o any_o such_o who_o sin_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o will_v be_v much_o better_a than_o these_o regenerate_a man_n who_o feel_v the_o gripe_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o sin_n and_o yet_o return_v to_o it_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o choose_v between_o the_o regenerate_a and_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n only_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n the_o regenerate_a man_n have_v the_o better_a name_n but_o be_v the_o worse_a man_n that_o if_o we_o come_v to_o external_a evidence_n the_o regenerate_a man_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v some_o little_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v and_o be_v not_o sanctification_n a_o excellent_a mark_n now_o of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v be_v full_a as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o the_o unregenerate_a indeed_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o consider_v how_o little_a a_o matter_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o evidence_n of_o grace_n after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o sanctification_n when_o they_o come_v to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o distress_a conscience_n 192._o oh_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o find_v sin_n prevail_v and_o how_o can_v i_o be_v comfort_v not_o by_o the_o mark_n of_o sanctification_n sure_a answ._n i_o will_v subdue_v your_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v your_o sin_n into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n obj._n but_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v busy_a with_o i_o wherever_o i_o go_v answ._n god_n have_v say_v it_o i_o will_v tread_v down_o satan_n under_o your_o foot_n obj._n but_o i_o can_v go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fetch_v comfort_n comfort_n what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v with_o comfort_n get_v quit_v of_o thy_o sin_n first_o and_o then_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o comfort_n answ._n though_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o desire_n but_o i_o doubt_v the_o soul_n that_o can_v pray_v can_v believe_v neither_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v fall_v away_o from_o god_n afraid_a of_o it_o thou_o be_v fall_v away_o from_o god_n already_o if_o sin_n prevail_v so_o much_o for_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a apostasy_n from_o god_n answ._n none_o can_v pluck_v thou_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n neither_o sin_n nor_o the_o devil_n but_o how_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n hand_n yet_o sin_n i_o doubt_v may_v keep_v they_o out_o and_o if_o god_n cut_v off_o barren_a branch_n from_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n there_o be_v some_o danger_n that_o putrid_a and_o rot_a branch_n will_v not_o escape_v and_o god_n have_v say_v i_o have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o thou_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a obj._n this_o be_v good_a news_n have_v i_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n but_o alas_o i_o can_v believe_v and_o take_v a_o naked_a promise_n answ._n do_v thou_o desire_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v christ_n and_o say_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a christ_n and_o heaven_n shall_v be_v separate_v i_o will_v rather_o desire_v christ_n without_o heaven_n than_o heaven_n without_o christ._n obj._n but_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n and_o i_o can_v say_v i_o true_o desire_v christ_n on_o such_o term_n as_o i_o shall_v this_o say_v be_v the_o best_a sign_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o yet_o for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n he_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n who_o will_v not_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o say_v he_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a proposal_n in_o order_n to_o comfort_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o he_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v with_o christ_n before_o he_o must_v take_v comfort_n in_o hope_n of_o be_v save_v by_o he_o answ._n but_o be_v it_o the_o grief_n of_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o deny_v thyself_o and_o desire_v thou_o rather_o than_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n to_o close_o with_o christ_n upon_o any_o term_n obj._n alas_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v grieve_v as_o i_o ought_v that_o i_o rather_o find_v a_o heart_n that_o will_v not_o grieve_v and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n certain_o they_o be_v at_o cross_a purpose_n their_o objection_n and_o answer_n do_v so_o ill_o agree_v what_o be_v matter_n for_o mourning_n for_o sin_n man_n can_v thou_o desire_v to_o have_v christ_n upon_o any_o term_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v damn_v with_o he_o answ._n have_v thou_o any_o will_n to_o it_o mark_v the_o place_n and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o not_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n shall_v have_v he_o but_o be_v thou_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o thy_o sin_n but_o the_o poor_a soul_n say_v again_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v never_o do_v this_o but_o be_v thou_o willing_a that_o christ_n shall_v make_v thou_o willing_a against_o thy_o will_n and_o pitch_v thou_o upon_o a_o promise_n and_o hold_v thou_o there_o for_o shame_n poor_a soul_n refuse_v not_o this_o than_o comfort_n thyself_o thou_o have_v a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n thus_o this_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n be_v dwindle_a away_o into_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v willing_a nay_o into_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v make_v willing_a and_o he_o be_v a_o strange_a man_n who_o can_v go_v so_o far_o but_o then_o four_a i_o observe_v further_o that_o when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v down_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o presume_v too_o soon_o that_o their_o condition_n be_v good_a they_o do_v so_o magnify_v the_o attainment_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o shall_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o sanctify_a man_n to_o do_v more_o than_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v do_v so_o that_o notwithstanding_o any_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o can_v discover_v in_o himself_o for_o aught_o he_o or_o any_o body_n else_o can_v tell_v he_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n still_o which_o quite_o spoil_v the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n because_o we_o can_v distinguish_v a_o sanctify_a man_n from_o a_o hypocrite_n thus_o for_o example_n one_o may_v plead_v i_o etc._n have_v leave_v my_o sin_n i_o once_o live_v in_o and_o be_o now_o no_o drunkard_n no_o swearer_n no_o liar_n i_o answer_v thou_o may_v be_v wash_v from_o the_o mire_n the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o swine_n in_o god_n account_n which_o
to_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o when_o we_o can_v hate_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n also_o for_o he_o rather_o than_o abjure_v his_o gospel_n or_o violate_v his_o law_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a one_o who_o diligent_o obey_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o large_a explication_n our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o subtle_a airy_a and_o metaphysical_a notion_n as_o some_o man_n represent_v it_o to_o be_v but_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o mistake_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n because_o this_o be_v a_o practical_a error_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o one_o mistake_v in_o the_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o a_o great_a many_o false_a opinion_n which_o end_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o mistake_v some_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n and_o first_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o person_n without_o consider_v any_o qualification_n in_o we_o which_o may_v make_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o love_n so_o in_o requital_n to_o he_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o i_o confess_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n that_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o the_o dispute_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n now_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o advantage_n we_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v from_o christ_n what_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n pure_o for_o himself_o without_o any_o other_o consideration_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o grave_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o *_o w._n b._n who_o tell_v we_o 15._o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n to_o love_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n that_o gratitude_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n be_v now_o own_a to_o be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n 2._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v christ_n person_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n draw_v out_o with_o love_n to_o the_o very_a person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o certain_o true_a that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o love_n christ_n for_o his_o benefit_n love_v his_o person_n but_o 3._o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o christ_n crucify_v 4._o though_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n yet_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n yet_o to_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o benefit_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v he_o for_o no_o reason_n the_o proper_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o love_n be_v goodness_n to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_a and_o impossible_a a_o task_n to_o love_v a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v good_a to_o we_o not_o because_o he_o have_v be_v good_a but_o for_o no_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o if_o you_o separate_v the_o person_n and_o personal_n excellency_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o benefit_n his_o personal_a goodness_n from_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o can_v be_v no_o object_n nor_o reason_n of_o our_o love_n for_o a_o goodness_n which_o do_v no_o good_a or_o never_o do_v any_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v consider_v as_o do_v none_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o that_o goodness_n mean_v which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a god_n challenge_v our_o love_n not_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o imaginary_a goodness_n of_o nature_n which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a but_o for_o the_o real_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n himself_o challenge_v our_o love_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n because_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o now_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n on_o we_o but_o never_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v require_v such_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a love_n to_o his_o person_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o benefit_n indeed_o these_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o understand_v themselves_o when_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n for_o when_o you_o inquire_v what_o this_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n than_o they_o describe_v his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o disposition_n his_o great_a riches_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v whatever_o we_o need_v if_o you_o be_v poor_a he_o be_v rich_a if_o you_o be_v foolish_a he_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v he_o if_o you_o want_v a_o director_n in_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a i_o be_o light_a if_o you_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a he_o be_v righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n now_o either_o all_o this_o signify_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o christ_n or_o it_o signify_v nothing_o and_o how_o then_o do_v these_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o his_o benefit_n nay_o when_o they_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o ibid._n bid_v we_o behold_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o our_o person_n how_o many_o impediment_n his_o love_n have_v break_v through_o how_o free_a it_o be_v so_o free_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o neither_o likeness_n benefit_n nor_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v christ_n much_o if_o we_o will_v love_v his_o person_n in_o any_o good_a thing_n you_o have_v
jesus_n christ_n fast_o and_o pray_v and_o get_v a_o full_a tide_n of_o affection_n in_o they_o to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o get_v more_o love_n of_o he_o more_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o more_o union_n with_o he_o so_o sorrow_n for_o thy_o sin_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v more_o fit_v for_o christ_n that_o thou_o may_v prize_v christ_n the_o more_o use_v thy_o duty_n as_o noah_n dove_n do_v her_o wing_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v to_o go_v over_o a_o great_a water_n for_o a_o treasure_n on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o he_o can_v fetch_v the_o boat_n he_o call_v for_o it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o treasure_n in_o the_o boat_n yet_o he_o use_v the_o boat_n to_o carry_v he_o over_o to_o the_o treasure_n so_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o go_v to_o he_o now_o call_v for_o a_o boat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n no_o good_a no_o salvation_n in_o a_o pithless_a duty_n yet_o use_v it_o to_o carry_v thou_o over_o to_o the_o treasure_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n when_o thou_o come_v to_o hear_v say_v have_v over_o lord_n by_o this_o sermon_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o pray_v say_v have_v over_o lord_n by_o this_o prayer_n to_o a_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o evangelical_n righteousness_n consist_v in_o some_o flight_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n in_o admire_v and_o value_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o get_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o union_n to_o he_o and_o the_o business_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v love_v and_o prize_v his_o person_n and_o personal_a righteousness_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o business_n of_o sermon_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o alsufficiency_n to_o save_v we_o without_o such_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o the_o design_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o affect_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o express_v our_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n to_o fetch_v pardon_n and_o life_n and_o health_n and_o righteousness_n from_o he_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o embitter_v sin_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n more_o who_o be_v our_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v now_o change_v from_o be_v the_o homage_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o certain_a mean_n of_o please_v he_o and_o transform_v we_o into_o his_o nature_n and_o likeness_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a end_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o cockboat_n or_o scholar_n to_o waste_v we_o over_o to_o christ._n here_o we_o see_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o man_n do_v so_o much_o despise_v morality_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o gospel_n duty_n of_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o confession_n and_o humiliation_n and_o fast_v etc._n etc._n because_o as_o they_o handle_v the_o matter_n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n can_v have_v we_o over_o to_o christ_n can_v apply_v the_o righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o nor_o ravish_v our_o fancy_n with_o glorious_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o his_o person_n and_o since_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o pithless_a thing_n which_o have_v no_o grace_n no_o good_a no_o salvation_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v we_o over_o to_o christ_n poor_a morality_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o worthless_a thing_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o design_a task_n and_o upon_o a_o review_n of_o it_o it_o make_v i_o amaze_v to_o think_v how_o strange_o these_o man_n have_v transform_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o disfigure_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o like_a to_o god_n how_o they_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o abuse_v his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o intercession_n to_o the_o patronage_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n how_o they_o have_v lay_v snare_n to_o betray_v some_o man_n to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o to_o entangle_v other_o in_o endless_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n how_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v in_o effect_n through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v and_o want_v of_o consideration_n for_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o suspect_v any_o worse_a cause_n banish_v his_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o state_v the_o case_n examine_v their_o proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v to_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n trust_v in_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o finis_fw-la see_v ch._n 1._o concern_v the_o significa_fw-la of_o the_o name_n christ._n digr_n 2_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n p._n 89_o 〈…〉_z digr_n 2._o p._n 93._o ibid._n p._n 95._o ib._n p._n 97._o p._n 110._o p._n 112._o p._n 117._o digr_n 2._o p._n 119._o shepherd_n sound_a believer_n p._n 80._o 80._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n pag._n 462._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n p._n 467._o watson_n christian_a character_n p._n 60._o the_o spiritual_a vine_n p._n 167._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 77._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n p._n 462._o i._o o._n communion_n p._n 63._o 63._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n p._n 19_o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n idem_fw-la watson_n ibidem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 1_o watson_n christ_n loveliness_n idem_fw-la christ_n loveliness_n watson_n ibidem_fw-la watson_n true_a brazen_a serpent_n watson_n spiritual_a vine_n watson_n christ_n loveliness_n watson_n mystery_n the_o lora_n supper_n p._n 64._o idem_fw-la p._n 65._o ibidem_fw-la dr._n owen_n communion_n with_o christ_n ch._n 8._o i._o o._n excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ._n digr_n 2._o p._n 113._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 119._o i._o ii_o thomas_n vincent_n iii_o iv._o dr._n jacomb_n on_o rom._n 8._o pag._n 42._o pag._n 45._o pag._n 48._o pag._n 49._o commun_n with_o christ_n pag._n 51._o ibid._n p._n 52._o pag._n 64._o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n pag._n 53._o communion_n p._n 54._o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ._n p._n 55._o brook_n riches_n of_o christ._n dr._n owen_n com._n 1._o dr._n owen_n com._n p._n 60._o dr._n jacomb_n rom._n 8._o p._n 85._o 2._o ibid._n communion_n with_o the_o son_n chap._n 6._o p._n 182._o communion_n with_o the_o son_n p._n 178._o commun_n pag._n 182._o pag._n 184._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 181._o communion_n p._n 183._o communion_n p._n 182._o communion_n p._n 185._o communion_n p._n 167._o communion_n p._n 184._o 184._o dr._n owen_n communion_n p._n 193._o 193._o sound_v believer_n p._n 321._o 321._o p._n 318._o 318._o p._n 212._o 212._o sound_v believer_n p._n 68_o 68_o p._n 86._o p._n 85._o p._n 82._o 82._o p._n 12â—_n p._n 125._o p._n 141._o 141._o p._n 128._o p._n 130._o p._n 152._o p._n 173_o p._n 185._o 185._o chap._n 3._o 3._o sound_v believer_n p._n 126._o 126._o p._n 133._o 133._o p._n 137._o 137._o p._n 138._o 138._o p._n 144._o 144._o p._n 145._o p._n 153._o sincere_a convert_n p._n 75._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 85._o 85._o sound_v believer_n p._n 246._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 215._o 215._o sound_v believer_n p._n 130._o dr._n jacomb_n rom._n 8._o p._n 65._o 65._o rom._n 8._o p._n 182._o 182._o ibidem_fw-la shepherd_n saint_n jewel_n pag._n 192._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 94_o etc._n etc._n p._n 167._o 167._o ch._n 4._o sect._n 1_o p._n 186._o 186._o ch._n 4._o sect._n 1_o 1_o com._n p._n 158._o w._n b._n christ_n personal_a excellency_n the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n p._n 15._o w._n b._n ibid._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 4._o ed._n 1672._o pag._n 84_o pag._n 109._o communion_n p._n 165._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n pag._n 197._o sincere_a convert_n pag._n 170._o i._o o._n com._n p._n 63._o ibid._n pag._n 154._o pag._n 140._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 2._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n pag._n 173_o pag._n 178._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