of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n more_o by_o they_o than_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v mean_v something_o more_o than_o this_o or_o else_o they_o raise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o confound_v man_n mind_n with_o obscure_a and_o unscriptural_a phrase_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n sect_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o therefore_o our_o good_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n have_v take_v care_n in_o all_o age_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o leave_v such_o visible_a impress_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n on_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o for_o a_o well_o dispose_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v and_o while_o man_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n god_n himself_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o very_o present_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o after_o age_n as_o mankind_n grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n afford_v good_a man_n the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o more_o degenerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n he_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a example_n and_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n such_o as_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o give_v such_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o these_o man_n as_o may_v reasonable_o encourage_v other_o to_o imitate_v their_o example_n he_o translate_v enoch_n immediate_o to_o heaven_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o he_o destroy_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n which_o be_v a_o signal_n warning_n to_o that_o corrupt_a generation_n while_o the_o ark_n be_v prepare_v and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o posterity_n he_o send_v lot_n out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o sodom_n and_o make_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a nation_n which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n how_o dear_a these_o good_a man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o what_o other_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o who_o will_v worship_v and_o fear_v he_o as_o they_o do_v but_o when_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o these_o single_a example_n god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o public_a and_o constant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n for_o when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o all_o possible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v in_o rom._n 3._o 29._o be_v he_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n yes_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n in_o it_o must_v prove_v god_n respect_n to_o the_o gentile_n before_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o since_o because_o it_o be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a relation_n god_n own_v to_o all_o mankind_n as_o their_o merciful_a creator_n and_o governor_n which_o give_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n a_o interest_n in_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o plain_o evince_n that_o all_o those_o particular_a favour_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o israel_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o any_o partial_a fondness_n and_o respect_n to_o that_o people_n but_o the_o design_n of_o all_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o give_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n when_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o observation_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o glorious_o triumph_v over_o the_o numerous_a god_n of_o egypt_n and_o all_o their_o enchantment_n and_o divination_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v on_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host._n for_o this_o reason_n he_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o the_o constant_a expense_n of_o miracle_n fight_v all_o their_o battle_n for_o they_o and_o many_o time_n by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n overthrow_v great_a and_o puissant_a army_n drive_v out_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n and_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n i_o say_v one_o great_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v renounce_v their_o foolish_a idolatry_n and_o country_n god_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o one_o god_n who_o alone_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n this_o account_n the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o it_o that_o god_n wrought_v such_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o israel_n to_o make_v his_o glory_n and_o his_o power_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a psalm_n 98._o 2._o that_o the_o heathen_a may_v fear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n his_o glory_n i._n e._n that_o all_o nation_n may_v worship_v god_n and_o all_o king_n submit_v their_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n to_o he_o psal._n 102._o 15._o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n for_o all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v idol_n but_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n psal._n 96._o 4_o 5._o and_o as_o god_n set_v up_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n so_o he_o commit_v his_o law_n and_o oracle_n to_o they_o from_o whence_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o please_v may_v fetch_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a notice_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o such_o way_n god_n instruct_v the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o public_a example_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n but_o when_o long_o and_o sad_a experience_n have_v prove_v all_o these_o way_n ineffectual_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o give_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n by_o the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o john_n 1._o 18._o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o and_o in_o math._n 11._o 27._o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o of_o my_o father_n no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o that_o be_v god_n have_v now_o commit_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o age_n none_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o live_v before_o do_v so_o full_o understand_v it_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o other_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o thus_o in_o john_n 14._o 6_o 7._o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n
neither_o of_o they_o can_v relish_v that_o plain_a simple_a doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n but_o whatever_o these_o man_n think_v of_o it_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a method_n which_o be_v ever_o use_v by_o god_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o contrivance_n and_o effect_n of_o excellent_a wisdom_n and_o thus_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o by_o this_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v that_o be_v by_o preach_v this_o foolish_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v account_v by_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o world_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v christ_n indeed_o be_v now_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a may_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n because_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a government_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o personal_a power_n inherent_a in_o he_o which_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v find_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o but_o then_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v power_n to_o save_v those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n to_o accomplish_v all_o the_o promise_n and_o to_o execute_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o his_o gospel_n so_o that_o this_o personal_a power_n in_o christ_n can_v give_v we_o no_o great_a encouragement_n than_o the_o gospel_n do_v it_o can_v save_v any_o man_n who_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v to_o his_o personal_a power_n unless_o we_o first_o obey_v his_o gospel_n for_o how_o omnipotent_a soever_o he_o be_v his_o gospel_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o act_n if_o that_o condemn_v we_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n will_v not_o save_v we_o but_o the_o chief_a personal_a grace_n which_o these_o man_n most_o vehement_o contend_v for_o be_v still_o behind_o viz._n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n now_o no_o christian_a will_v deny_v that_o christ_n be_v very_o righteous_a a_o great_a example_n of_o universal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v not_o a_o imaginary_a impute_a righteousness_n but_o inherent_a and_o personal_a but_o what_o comfort_n be_v this_o to_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v righteous_a if_o we_o continue_v wilful_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n yes_o say_v the_o doctor_n have_v thou_o 55._o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n upon_o thou_o christ_n be_v complete_a righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n this_o make_v christ_n suitable_a to_o the_o want_n of_o a_o sinner_n indeed_o that_o he_o have_v a_o righteousness_n for_o he_o which_o god_n infinite_o prefer_v before_o any_o homespun_a righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o this_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a notion_n for_o bad_a man_n and_o such_o as_o i_o will_v not_o part_v with_o for_o all_o the_o world_n do_v i_o resolve_v to_o live_v wicked_o and_o yet_o intend_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sure_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o righteousness_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n intend_v by_o these_o phrase_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n to_o begin_v then_o with_o that_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n jerem._n 23._o 6._o where_o christ_n be_v express_o call_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n in_o his_o day_n judah_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o israel_n shall_v dwell_v safe_o and_o this_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n a_o very_a express_a place_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v as_o these_o man_n expound_v it_o that_o the_o only_a righteousness_n wherewith_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o god_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o possible_a sense_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o phrase_n righteousness_n in_o scripture_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a large_a use_n and_o sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o mercy_n kindness_n and_o beneficence_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n be_v the_o lord_n who_o do_v good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n which_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o name_n that_o in_o his_o day_n judah_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o israel_n shall_v dwell_v safe_o and_o righteousness_n signify_v that_o part_n of_o justice_n which_o consist_v in_o relieve_v the_o injure_a and_o oppress_v thus_o david_n speak_v in_o psalm_n 4._o 1._o hear_v i_o when_o i_o call_v o_o god_n of_o my_o righteousness_n i._n e._n thou_o o_o god_n who_o maintaine_v my_o right_a and_o my_o cause_n psalm_n 9_o 4._o thus_o in_o isaiah_n 54._o 17._o no_o weapon_n that_o be_v form_v against_o thou_o shall_v prosper_v and_o every_o tongue_n that_o shall_v rise_v up_o against_o thou_o in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v condemn_v this_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o righteousness_n be_v of_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o parallel_a expression_n to_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n will_v avenge_v their_o cause_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n the_o like_a we_o have_v in_o isaiah_n 45._o 24._o sure_o shall_v one_o say_v in_o the_o lord_n have_v i_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n even_o to_o he_o shall_v man_n come_v and_o all_o that_o be_v incense_v against_o he_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o lord_n shall_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o israel_n be_v justify_v and_o shall_v glory_v that_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v that_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n who_o will_v justify_v good_a man_n i._n e._n deliver_v they_o from_o the_o violence_n and_o injury_n of_o their_o enemy_n he_o be_v their_o righteousness_n and_o strength_n their_o righteous_a strong_a and_o powerful_a deliverer_n which_o agree_v with_o that_o promise_n in_o verse_n 14._o in_o righteousness_n thou_o shall_v be_v establish_v thou_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o oppression_n thou_o shall_v not_o fear_v and_o from_o terror_n for_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v near_o thou_o and_o to_o name_v but_o one_o place_n more_o isaiah_n 61._o 10_o 11._o i_o will_v great_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n my_o soul_n shall_v be_v joyful_a in_o my_o god_n for_o he_o have_v clothe_v i_o with_o the_o garment_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v cover_v i_o with_o the_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n as_o a_o bridegroom_n deck_v himself_o with_o ornament_n and_o as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v herself_o with_o jewel_n for_o as_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o her_o bud_n as_o the_o garden_n cause_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v sow_v in_o it_o to_o spring_v forth_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v cause_v righteousness_n and_o praise_n to_o spring_v forth_o before_o all_o nation_n this_o sound_v very_a like_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n for_o what_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n but_o that_o pure_a and_o spotless_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o cover_v all_o our_o sin_n and_o deformity_n and_o make_v we_o appear_v as_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n as_o a_o bride_n do_v who_o adorn_v herself_o with_o jewel_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o espousal_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v cover_v and_o adorn_v with_o his_o righteousness_n but_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n and_o not_o to_o the_o bare_a sound_n of_o word_n we_o need_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o this_o fancy_n for_o the_o garment_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n signify_v those_o great_a deliverance_n god_n promise_v to_o israel_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o as_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o a_o splendid_a garment_n will_v that_o righteousness_n and_o praise_n which_o god_n will_v cause_v to_o spring_v forth_o before_o all_o nation_n even_o as_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o her_o bud_n and_o as_o the_o garden_n cause_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o it_o to_o spring_v forth_o that_o be_v that_o god_n will_v work_v such_o great_a deliverance_n for_o they_o by_o such_o improbable_a mean_n and_o in_o such_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n as_o if_o they_o spring_v
gospel_n prescribe_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o christ_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o righteousness_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o faith_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v often_o use_v objective_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o contain_v those_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v thus_o in_o act_n 24._o 24._o felix_n send_v for_o paul_n and_o hear_v he_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v concern_v righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v ver._n 25._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 5._o in_o this_o sense_n faith_n and_o work_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o other_o the_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v whether_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o external_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n or_o that_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o transform_v our_o mind_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o alone_a can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n the_o apostle_n prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o 4._o chapter_n who_o be_v account_v righteous_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o god_n promise_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver._n 3._o and_o this_o while_o he_o be_v uncricumcise_v which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o jew_n that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justification_n because_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v justify_v without_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o this_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v now_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v whereby_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o what_o agreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n for_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a john_n 8_o 5_o 6._o but_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceive_a opinion_n than_o to_o observe_v what_o work_n they_o make_v with_o abraham_n faith_n as_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n upon_o which_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o suppose_v this_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o abraham_n shall_v learn_v this_o great_a mystery_n from_o that_o general_a and_o obscure_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n this_o be_v such_o a_o train_n of_o thought_n from_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n himself_o can_v never_o have_v hit_v on_o for_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a way_n for_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n or_o be_v there_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o this_o blessing_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o pray_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n abraham_n must_v distinct_o know_v according_a to_o these_o man_n own_o principle_n before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a man_n indeed_o who_o can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n without_o some_o more_o particular_a revelation_n as_o first_o he_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o blessing_n here_o mean_v be_v spiritual_a blessing_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o saviour_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o least_o difficulty_n of_o all_o yet_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v it_o and_o so_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n for_o many_o age_n do_v who_o have_v more_o particular_a promise_n concern_v christ_n than_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o expect_v only_o a_o temporal_a prince_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o subdue_v their_o enemy_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o so_o much_o deceive_v their_o expectation_n by_o his_o mean_a appearance_n and_o second_o abraham_n must_v know_v too_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o which_o according_a to_o the_o doctor_n it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n consider_v the_o naturalness_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n themselves_o understand_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n though_o christ_n have_v express_o tell_v they_o of_o it_o and_o three_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o nay_o four_o he_o must_v understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n since_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v never_o expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o righteousness_n serve_v any_o more_o than_o himself_o and_o five_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o that_o intimate_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o union_n believer_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n as_o these_o man_n explain_v it_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v to_o this_o day_n and_o sixthly_a he_o must_v understand_v too_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o and_o then_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n understand_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o abraham_n can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v may_v believe_v what_o he_o will_v and_o
out_o of_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v vers._n 9_o and_o what_o have_v this_o to_o do_v with_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n personal_a righteousness_n to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o indeed_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o so_o great_a a_o gospel_n mystery_n as_o this_o of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v shall_v be_v so_o clear_o discover_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o parable_n whereby_o he_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o exact_v from_o they_o a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o if_o they_o will_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n now_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o our_o justification_n be_v the_o great_a gospel_n mystery_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v favour_n with_o god_n that_o our_o saviour_n in_o all_o his_o sermon_n shall_v not_o once_o mention_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o once_o warn_v his_o hearer_n as_o the_o gospel_n preacher_n of_o our_o day_n do_v to_o beware_v of_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o righteousness_n or_o of_o expect_v salvation_n by_o their_o own_o work_n but_o that_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o shall_v so_o severe_o enjoin_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o please_v god_n and_o so_o severe_o threaten_v those_o who_o continue_v in_o any_o sin_n who_o break_v the_o least_o of_o his_o commandment_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o shall_v be_v banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n into_o outer_a darkness_n this_o i_o confess_v to_o i_o who_o be_o apt_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o admire_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o inspire_v man_n be_v a_o very_a great_a prejudice_n against_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o they_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o have_v the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o a_o imperfect_a account_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o omit_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n choose_v which_o side_n you_o please_v and_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o bad_a if_o the_o first_o than_o christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n do_v not_o instruct_v his_o hearer_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o the_o latter_a you_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o both_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n indeed_o which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o jewish_n prejudices_fw-la can_v not_o understand_v while_o christ_n be_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o reserve_v the_o more_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n in_o joh._n 16._o 12_o 13._o such_o be_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o shall_v commence_v with_o suffering_n and_o death_n whereas_o they_o expect_v a_o temporal_a messiah_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o the_o receive_v the_o gentile_n into_o his_o church_n which_o s._n peter_n himself_o do_v not_o understand_v till_o he_o be_v instruct_v by_o a_o vision_n in_o act._n 10._o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o epistle_n call_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n but_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v defer_v till_o the_o most_o convenient_a season_n it_o be_v necessary_a indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v understand_v the_o full_a extent_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o know_v this_o till_o they_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v but_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v neglect_v to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o necessary_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o his_o sermon_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o and_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o teach_v especial_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v so_o plain_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o this_o impute_a righteousness_n do_v it_o will_v very_o much_o have_v weaken_v their_o credit_n with_o i_o for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o we_o have_v s._n paul_n command_n to_o reject_v such_o preacher_n though_o they_o be_v apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal_n 1._o 8_o 9_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o evacuate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o their_o write_n for_o they_o do_v not_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o christ_n do_v nor_o contradict_v any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v but_o to_o awaken_v those_o man_n who_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_o they_o fetch_v all_o their_o mysterious_a divinity_n out_o of_o some_o obscure_a passage_n of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n though_o s._n peter_n long_v since_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o they_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o and_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o any_o obscure_a phrase_n which_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n without_o consider_v how_o their_o sense_n agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o a_o stand_a rule_n to_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o measure_v the_o orthodoxy_n of_o all_o opinion_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v such_o interpretation_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v perfect_o silent_a in_o a_o matter_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n have_v premise_v this_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o they_o find_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n as_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n we_o there_o only_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v very_o strange_a do_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n shall_v once_o tell_v we_o so_o in_o express_a word_n but_o to_o consider_v particular_a place_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o phrase_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o sometime_o signify_v his_o justice_n veracity_n or_o goodness_n rom._n 3._o 5._o but_o most_o common_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n approve_v and_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v accept_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n thus_o it_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n matth._n 6._o 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o kingdom_n now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o