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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 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many_o more_o with_o as_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n and_o as_o exact_v and_o regular_a proportion_n and_o fanciful_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a connexion_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o use_v all_o our_o allegorical_a divine_n will_v make_v of_o this_o who_o have_v the_o peculiar_a knack_n and_o gift_n of_o adapt_a every_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n to_o what_o purpose_n they_o please_v we_o know_v how_o the_o valentinian_o of_o old_a pervert_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n by_o such_o fanciful_a application_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o aeones_n and_o the_o portentous_a production_n of_o their_o god_n and_o to_o patronize_v all_o their_o vile_a practice_n and_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o this_o way_n i_o know_v not_o why_o one_o man_n fancy_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o well_o as_o another_o but_o to_o show_v how_o easy_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n may_v be_v make_v to_o serve_v 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fire_n but_o we_o now_o see_v nothing_o dreadful_a in_o his_o look_n nor_o in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v make_v a_o man_n as_o we_o be_v which_o argue_v a_o good_a will_n and_o kindness_n to_o humane_a nature_n he_o have_v all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o innocence_n and_o a_o oblige_a goodness_n that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n under_o so_o charm_a and_o invite_v a_o appearance_n his_o miracle_n be_v great_a and_o glorious_a but_o not_o frightful_a and_o astonish_a they_o surprise_v with_o wonder_n not_o with_o terror_n and_o fear_n his_o almighty_a power_n be_v display_v and_o manifest_v in_o method_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n in_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o dispossess_v devil_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a not_o in_o overturning_a kingdom_n and_o empire_n or_o bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v his_o enemy_n from_o all_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o he_o come_v upon_o a_o embassy_n of_o peace_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o god_n good_a will_n towards_o they_o and_o to_o reconcile_v the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o men._n and_o when_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o this_o heavenly_a ambassador_n and_o mediator_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o he_o come_v upon_o no_o less_o design_n than_o of_o universal_a goodness_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o partiality_n as_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v lay_v a_o narrow_a design_n of_o love_n in_o the_o redemption_n than_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o mankind_n that_o when_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o design_v all_o man_n for_o happiness_n in_o this_o new_a and_o second_o creation_n he_o shall_v design_n and_o intend_v the_o happiness_n only_o of_o some_o few_o which_o be_v to_o make_v he_o less_o good_a in_o redeem_v than_o in_o create_v mankind_n though_o creation_n cost_v he_o no_o more_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n but_o redemption_n the_o expense_n of_o his_o blood_n no_o sure_a his_o goodness_n do_v not_o become_v less_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a when_o he_o become_v man_n the_o design_n of_o his_o appear_v be_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o that_o honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o immortality_n they_o have_v lose_v and_o to_o repair_v the_o sullied_a glory_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n by_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a again_o thus_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a example_n of_o a_o unaffected_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o innocent_a and_o useful_a conversation_n with_o man_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o reform_v the_o debauch_a manner_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o live_v as_o well_o as_o talk_v and_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o a_o universal_a good_a will_n which_o have_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a sanctity_n in_o wash_a hand_n and_o dish_n in_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cumming_n and_o such_o like_a piece_n of_o legal_a and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o law_n teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n that_o as_o we_o lose_v our_o happiness_n at_o first_o by_o sin_n so_o the_o way_n to_o regain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o immortal_a life_n be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a righteousness_n he_o come_v to_o be_v our_o example_n and_o guide_n to_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v imitate_v his_o life_n if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o intercession_n for_o so_o holy_a a_o person_n can_v never_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o vice_n nor_o a_o advocate_n for_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n this_o give_v we_o a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o we_o how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pass_v by_o all_o our_o former_a sin_n in_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o atonement_n for_o we_o and_o give_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n for_o our_o ransom_n which_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n god_n can_v give_v we_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o accept_v of_o true_a penitent_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o beside_o this_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n assure_v we_o what_o the_o desert_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n for_o in_o that_o he_o require_v the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o all_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o die_v and_o that_o none_o shall_v escape_v this_o just_a condemnation_n but_o those_o who_o be_v wash_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o pardon_v sin_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n nor_o accept_v of_o any_o other_o atonement_n but_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o accept_v of_o that_o for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o save_v true_a penitent_n without_o a_o ransom_n where_o shall_v the_o sinner_n and_o ungodly_a appear_v so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o strict_a philosophy_n of_o that_o atonement_n make_v by_o christ_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o learn_v all_o that_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a and_o reform_a sinner_n and_o seal_v the_o irrevocable_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n against_o all_o other_o for_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a a_o sacrifice_n must_v needs_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o eternal_a in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n we_o have_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n that_o for_o the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o humility_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o death_n he_o be_v now_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o clothe_v with_o majesty_n and_o glory_n that_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o be_v now_o invest_v with_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n of_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
order_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o evil_a purpose_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v i_o shall_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v represent_v to_o you_o those_o other_o opinion_n concern_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o in_o great_a vogue_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v very_o unjust_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o gospel-mystery_n as_o first_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n 42._o be_v they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n this_o mystical_a be_v a_o hard_a word_n and_o therefore_o to_o explain_v it_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o mystical_a union_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n where_o yet_o person_n and_o nature_n 45._o be_v distinct_a as_o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o nature_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n so_o the_o mystical_a union_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n where_o both_o person_n and_o nature_n be_v distinct_a and_o it_o be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n but_o no_o personal_a union_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v where_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o union_n be_v make_v by_o faith_n which_o receive_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o doubt_v that_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o every_o thing_n they_o receive_v but_o yet_o what_o follow_v may_v help_v it_o out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o marriage-union_n which_o join_v person_n to_o person_n this_o be_v not_o very_o clear_a yet_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o it_o the_o same_o author_n describe_v it_o thus_o this_o mystical_a union_n 48._o be_v that_o supernatural_a spiritual_a intimous_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n upon_o which_o there_o follow_v mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o this_o oneness_n and_o conjunction_n be_v hard_a word_n still_o and_o therefore_o to_o explain_v they_o you_o must_v observe_v that_o christ_n and_o saint_n be_v unite_v how_o why_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o oneness_n and_o conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o this_o now_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o one_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v one_o by_o their_o oneness_n union_n be_v union_n and_o christ_n be_v christ_n and_o believer_n be_v believer_n and_o oneness_n be_v oneness_n and_o thus_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v by_o their_o oneness_n but_o what_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n though_o it_o have_v be_v convenient_a first_o to_o have_v understand_v the_o union_n better_a why_o they_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n the_o spirit_n unite_v christ_n to_o we_o and_o faith_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o who_o can_v deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a mystical_a union_n but_o beside_o this_o mystical_a union_n there_o 49._o be_v a_o legal_a or_o law-union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o be_v their_o surety_n and_o a_o moral_a union_n the_o foundation_n of_o which_o be_v love_n of_o which_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v unite_v mystical_o legal_o moral_o the_o design_n of_o all_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o union_n of_o person_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o because_o i_o find_v this_o author_n have_v bewilder_v himself_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o help_v he_o out_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a case_n if_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v their_o person_n must_v be_v unite_v too_o for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o believer_n themselves_o and_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v unite_v without_o their_o person_n that_o be_v without_o themselves_o but_o then_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o mutual_a relation_n as_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v unite_v or_o by_o mutual_a affection_n or_o common_a interest_n not_o by_o a_o natural_a adhesion_n of_o person_n but_o because_o i_o find_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v these_o man_n that_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v unless_o their_o person_n be_v unite_v too_o it_o make_v i_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o this_o union_n of_o person_n than_o every_o one_o apprehend_v and_o therefore_o second_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o believer_n must_v be_v unite_v and_o here_o they_o have_v outdo_v all_o the_o metaphysical_a subtlety_n of_o suarez_n and_o have_v find_v out_o a_o person_n for_o christ_n distinct_a from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o sense_n make_v of_o what_o dr._n 51._o owen_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o his_o deity_n consider_v in_o itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o office_n which_o for_o we_o as_o god_n and_o man_n he_o undertake_v nor_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n neither_o when_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n nor_o yet_o as_o now_o exalt_v in_o glory_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v vest_v with_o the_o office_n of_o mediation_n his_o spiritual_a eminency_n comeliness_n beauty_n as_o appoint_v and_o anoint_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o that_o great_a work_n of_o bring_v home_o all_o his_o elect_n into_o his_o bosom_n now_o unless_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v distinct_a from_o his_o person_n as_o god_n man_n all_o this_o be_v idle_a talk_n for_o what_o personal_a grace_n be_v there_o in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n indeed_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man_n but_o as_o mediator_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o call_v the_o peculiar_a duty_n and_o action_n of_o a_o office_n personal_a grace_n his_o personal_a grace_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n but_o whatever_o personal_a grace_n be_v in_o christ_n belong_v to_o his_o person_n still_o be_v seat_v either_o in_o his_o divine_a or_o humane_a nature_n and_o he_o have_v no_o personal_a grace_n as_o mediator_n which_o he_o have_v not_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man._n and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o when_o he_o accommodate_v the_o description_n the_o spouse_n give_v of_o her_o belove_a to_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v 52._o white_a in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o ruddy_a in_o the_o preciousness_n of_o his_o humanity_n because_o white_a be_v the_o complexion_n of_o glory_n and_o ruddy_a be_v very_o applicable_a to_o his_o humanity_n because_o man_n be_v call_v adam_n from_o the_o red_a earth_n whereof_o he_o be_v make_v which_o be_v excellent_a proof_n but_o however_o white_a and_o ruddy_a belong_v to_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o mediatory_a office_n for_o he_o have_v be_v white_a in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o ruddy_a with_o the_o red_a earth_n of_o his_o humanity_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v consider_v as_o mediator_n or_o not_o and_o in_o his_o first_o digression_n concern_v the_o 64._o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v exceed_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o his_o deity_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o he_o be_v desirable_a and_o worthy_a our_o acceptation_n as_o consider_v in_o his_o humanity_n in_o his_o freedom_n from_o sin_n and_o fullness_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n now_o though_o this_o look_v very_a like_o a_o contradiction_n to_o what_o he_o say_v before_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n he_o mean_v neither_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o divine_a nor_o humane_a nature_n yet_o he_o have_v a_o salvo_fw-la which_o will_v deliver_v he_o both_o from_o contradiction_n and_o from_o sense_n that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v these_o excellency_n of_o his_o deity_n or_o humanity_n as_o
abstract_v from_o his_o office_n of_o mediator_n though_o he_o may_v if_o he_o please_v for_o he_o consider_v those_o excellency_n which_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o office_n of_o mediation_n but_o which_o will_v have_v belong_v to_o he_o as_o god_n and_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v mediator_n or_o not_o but_o what_o become_v of_o his_o distinction_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n person_n as_o mediator_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n as_o god_n and_o man_n when_o there_o be_v no_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n but_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o deity_n or_o humanity_n and_o then_o you_o can_v find_v no_o other_o person_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o these_o personal_a excellency_n unless_o his_o office_n of_o mediation_n must_v go_v for_o a_o distinct_a person_n which_o be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o heresy_n but_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o distinction_n there_o be_v a_o very_a deep_a fetch_n in_o it_o the_o observing_z of_o which_o will_v discover_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o he_o for_o these_o man_n consider_v that_o christ_n save_v we_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o not_o mere_o consider_v as_o god_n or_o man_n and_o they_o imagine_v that_o we_o receive_v grace_n and_o salvation_n from_o christ_n person_n just_a as_o we_o do_v water_n out_o of_o a_o conduit_n or_o a_o gift_n and_o largess_n from_o a_o prince_n that_o it_o flow_v to_o we_o from_o our_o union_n to_o his_o person_n and_o therefore_o they_o dress_v up_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n with_o all_o those_o personal_a grace_n and_o excellency_n which_o may_v make_v he_o a_o fit_a saviour_n that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o his_o person_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o next_o section_n need_v not_o fear_v miss_v of_o salvation_n hence_o they_o ransack_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o whatever_o they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n which_o speak_v any_o comfort_n to_o sinner_n this_o be_v present_o a_o personal_a grace_n of_o the_o mediator_n they_o consider_v all_o the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o whatever_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o his_o gospel_n or_o religion_n or_o intercession_n for_o we_o these_o serve_v as_o personal_a grace_n too_o that_o all_o our_o hope_n may_v be_v build_v not_o on_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n but_o on_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o dispute_n now_o lie_v between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n which_o must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v i_o shall_v consider_v that_o account_n which_o dr._n owen_n give_v we_o of_o the_o personal_a grace_n and_o excellency_n 53._o of_o christ_n which_o in_o general_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n first_o his_o fitness_n to_o save_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n and_o the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n thereof_o second_o 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 and_o three_o his_o excellency_n to_o endear_v from_o his_o complete_a sutableness_n to_o all_o the_o want_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n first_o that_o he_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o saviour_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n and_o if_o you_o will_v understand_v what_o this_o strange_a grace_n of_o union_n be_v it_o be_v the_o unite_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n which_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o saviour_n to_o the_o uttermost_a he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o his_o nature_n zachar._n 13._o 7._o and_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o we_o by_o partake_v of_o our_o nature_n hebr._n 2._o 14._o 16._o and_o so_o become_v a_o days-man_n or_o umpire_n between_o both_o now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n do_v excellent_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o unhappy_a man_n in_o express_v and_o prove_v it_o that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o for_o what_o a_o untoward_a representation_n be_v this_o of_o christ_n mediation_n that_o he_o come_v to_o make_v peace_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o god_n and_o man_n as_o if_o he_o come_v to_o part_v a_o fray_n or_o scuffle_n and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v name_v gen._n 1._o 1._o or_o matth._n 1._o 1._o or_o any_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n it_o as_o those_o he_o mention_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v in_o his_o chap._n 3._o he_o discourse_v this_o more_o at_o large_a and_o thither_o i_o shall_v follow_v he_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o glorious_a christ_n be_v in_o his_o deity_n and_o how_o desirable_a in_o his_o humanity_n and_o what_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n as_o for_o the_o first_o how_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a christ_n be_v in_o his_o deity_n from_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n he_o observe_v the_o endless_a bottomless_a boundless_a grace_n and_o compassion_n that_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o creature_n no_o not_o of_o the_o humane_a nature_n itself_o that_o can_v serve_v our_o turn_n if_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v as_o separate_v from_o the_o deity_n sure_o so_o many_o thirsty_a guilty_a soul_n as_o every_o day_n drink_v deep_a and_o large_a draught_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n from_o he_o will_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v sink_v he_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n nay_o it_o can_v afford_v no_o supply_n at_o all_o but_o only_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a pitiful_a way_n indeed_o but_o when_o the_o conduit_n of_o his_o humanity_n be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o the_o infinite_a inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o the_o deity_n who_o can_v look_v into_o the_o depth_n thereof_o if_o now_o there_o be_v grace_n enough_o for_o sinner_n in_o a_o alsufficient_a god_n it_o be_v in_o christ_n on_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v set_v themselves_o to_o drink_v free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v draw_v water_n continual_o from_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o draw_v from_o one_o single_a promise_n a_o angel_n stand_v by_o and_o cry_v drink_v o_o my_o friend_n yea_o drink_v abundant_o take_v as_o much_o grace_n and_o pardon_n as_o shall_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o world_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o you_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o sink_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n you_o mean_v one_o hair_n breadth_n the_o infiniteness_n of_o grace_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o spring_n or_o fountain_n the_o deity_n of_o christ_n will_v answer_v all_o objection_n what_o be_v our_o finite_a guilt_n before_o it_o a_o world_n of_o sin_n be_v something_o though_o it_o hear_v no_o proportion_n indeed_o to_o infinite_a grace_n show_v i_o the_o sinner_n that_o can_v spread_v his_o iniquity_n to_o the_o dimension_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v no_o man_n ever_o have_v more_o need_n nor_o make_v better_o use_v of_o so_o say_v of_o this_o grace_n here_o be_v mercy_n enough_o for_o the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n etc._n etc._n enough_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o what_o a_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o sinner_n to_o have_v such_o a_o god_n for_o their_o saviour_n who_o grace_n be_v boundless_a and_o bottomless_a and_o exceed_v the_o large_a dimension_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o but_o what_o now_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o have_v not_o such_o a_o endless_a boundless_a bottomless_a grace_n and_o compassion_n as_o the_o dr._n now_o talk_v of_o for_o at_o other_o time_n when_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n better_o we_o can_v hear_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice._n though_o god_n be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n he_o never_o tell_v we_o yet_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v so_o boundless_a and_o bottomless_a he_o have_v give_v a_o great_a many_o demonstration_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o sinner_n who_o can_v not_o be_v much_o worse_o than_o the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o stubborn_a transgressor_n but_o suppose_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a fountain_n of_o grace_n how_o come_v this_o to_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n of_o the_o mediator_n for_o a_o mediator_n as_o mediator_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o fountain_n but_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o grace_n god_n the_o father_n certain_o aught_o to_o come_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
god_n to_o damn_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v content_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n to_o be_v damn_v or_o save_v as_o he_o please_v and_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o empty_a and_o hollow_a be_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o it_o and_o be_v grow_v careless_a of_o its_o salvation_n and_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a thus_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n without_o be_v indifferent_a in_o some_o measure_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n for_o mercy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o bring_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o this_o and_o i_o find_v by_o this_o author_n that_o god_n be_v very_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o thus_o to_o humble_v the_o soul_n 128._o for_o he_o be_v force_v to_o irritate_fw-la and_o stir_v up_o original_a corruption_n to_o stir_v the_o dunghill_n a_o very_a unfit_a office_n for_o a_o holy_a be_v that_o so_o man_n find_v themselves_o sensible_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o every_o day_n may_v despair_v of_o grow_v better_a and_o leave_v off_o such_o vain_a attempt_n and_o set_v down_o humble_a under_o god_n nay_o the_o lord_n load_v and_o tire_n and_o weary_v the_o soul_n by_o its_o own_o endeavour_n till_o it_o can_v stir_v no_o more_o that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n labour_v with_o all_o its_o might_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v encourage_v and_o assist_v all_o such_o pious_a endeavour_n withdraw_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v the_o soul_n will_v rest_v therein_o without_o christ_n 130._o now_o i_o confess_v i_o know_v not_o who_o suffer_v most_o by_o this_o the_o sinner_n who_o be_v thus_o humble_v and_o break_v or_o god_n who_o thus_o humble_v he_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o use_v such_o method_n of_o humiliation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o proud_a heart_n of_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o humiliation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n for_o one_o great_a end_n of_o humiliation_n be_v to_o cure_v man_n of_o such_o carnal_a conceit_n as_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o repent_v and_o reform_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a disposition_n towards_o our_o receive_n christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o for_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o humble_v it_o be_v time_n it_o shall_v go_v to_o christ_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o soul_n be_v so_o wound_v and_o humble_v now_o that_o they_o 152._o lie_v dead_a at_o god_n foot_n and_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o now_o the_o lord_n take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n that_o they_o may_v lean_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o belove_a by_o faith_n now_o the_o form_n and_o essence_n 173_o of_o faith_n this_o unite_n grace_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o christ_n faith_n do_v nothing_o for_o life_n for_o that_o be_v the_o law_n of_o work_n it_o only_o receive_v he_o who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o it_o it_o come_v out_o of_o all_o it_o have_v or_o do_v unto_o christ_n for_o life_n the_o soul_n by_o sin_n be_v avert_v from_o god_n and_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o god_n the_o turn_n and_o come_v of_o the_o soul_n not_o unto_o duty_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o be_v obedience_n proper_o but_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n again_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o faith_n so_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o drink_v in_o of_o christ_n fullness_n be_v believe_v in_o christ._n but_o then_o faith_n be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o see_v christ_n and_o the_o 185._o heart_n so_o embrace_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n as_o that_o it_o rest_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o its_o portion_n and_o all-sufficient_a good_a this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o faith_n you_o see_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o obedience_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o christ_n but_o it_o perfect_v this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n while_o they_o be_v as_o ugly_a and_o deform_v and_o vicious_a as_o may_v be_v very_o unfit_a person_n methinks_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o head_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o consider_a man_n how_o false_a this_o notion_n be_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o which_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o scripture_n place_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o therefore_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v not_o only_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o must_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o this_o make_v we_o visible_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o a_o external_a communion_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o sincere_o obey_v he_o till_o our_o mind_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o joh._n 15._o 4._o but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o add_v in_o vers._n 8._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o beginner_n but_o this_o do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o actual_o obey_v it_o but_o when_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o faith_n we_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o improve_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o make_v we_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n indeed_o and_o heir_n of_o glory_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o our_o saviour_n nor_o a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o his_o gospel_n than_o to_o affirm_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o pardon_n and_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n st._n john_n i_o be_o sure_a understand_v not_o this_o doctrine_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_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 live_v in_o any_o sin_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 1_o joh._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a and_o so_o thrust_v holiness_n quite_o
expression_n of_o christ_n love_n he_o instance_n in_o this_o eph._n 5._o 25._o husband_n love_v your_o wife_n even_o as_o christ_n also_o love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n represent_v the_o constrain_a power_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o he_o argue_v from_o his_o love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 14_o 15._o for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o because_o we_o thus_o judge_v that_o if_o one_o die_v for_o all_o then_o be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o all_o that_o they_o which_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o he_o which_o die_v for_o they_o and_o rose_z again_o and_o the_o most_o surprise_v circumstance_n of_o all_o which_o give_v a_o new_a lustre_n to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n rom._n 5._o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o when_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o strength_n in_o due_a time_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o ungodly_a for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a expression_n of_o christ_n love_n herein_o indeed_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n perfect_v that_o he_o die_v for_o we_o but_o he_o express_v the_o same_o good_a will_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n for_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o most_o proper_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o be_v in_o a_o easy_a and_o gentle_a government_n and_o a_o kind_n and_o watchful_a providence_n not_o in_o such_o a_o fondness_n of_o passion_n as_o be_v sometime_o see_v among_o equal_n this_o 1_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v express_v by_o those_o metaphor_n of_o his_o be_v a_o shepherd_n a_o husband_n a_o head_n a_o friend_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o he_o be_v a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a governor_n meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n counsel_n concern_v our_o salvation_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n that_o a_o man_n use_v to_o his_o friend_n henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o lord_n do_v but_o i_o have_v call_v you_o friend_n for_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n i_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o john_n 15._o 15._o he_o pity_v our_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v and_o succour_v we_o he_o be_v now_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n where_o he_o personal_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n dispense_v all_o those_o blessing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o his_o name_n he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n tempt_v like_o as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n hebr._n 4._o 15._o and_o now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o who_o die_v and_o who_o intercede_v for_o we_o take_v pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n and_o dwell_v with_o they_o as_o one_o friend_n dwell_v with_o another_o john_n 14._o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o and_o in_o ver._n 23._o if_o a_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 that_o be_v christ_n will_v in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v present_a with_o such_o good_a man_n who_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o will_v give_v very_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o not_o that_o he_o will_v make_v any_o new_a revelation_n to_o they_o for_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a manner_n that_o every_o one_o may_v understand_v it_o who_o will_v but_o exercise_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o it_o that_o he_o do_v to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o his_o prince_n but_o yet_o when_o a_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n it_o many_o time_n feel_v such_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o such_o great_a and_o ravish_a delight_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o infinite_o excel_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o a_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n these_o divine_a joy_n be_v by_o the_o psalmist_n compare_v to_o the_o feast_n upon_o sacrifice_n psalm_n 36._o 8_o they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o fatness_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o thâ—_n pleasure_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v relish_v aâ—_n great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o thâ—_n sense_n of_o thy_o goodness_n and_o in_o pay_v their_o just_a praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o thou_o as_o those_o do_v who_o feast_n upon_o thâ—_n sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o temple_n for_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v make_v one_o with_o god_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n shall_v feel_v such_o divine_a impression_n from_o god_n as_o may_v both_o quicken_v its_o motion_n and_o sweeten_v its_o work_n there_o be_v a_o secret_a sympathy_n between_o thing_n which_o be_v alike_o two_o unison_n will_v move_v when_o either_o of_o they_o be_v touch_v and_o two_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o make_v and_o unite_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o intimate_a friendship_n do_v many_o time_n feel_v each_o other_o passion_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o a_o secret_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o can_v we_o think_v then_o but_o that_o a_o soul_n which_o hearty_o love_v god_n and_o passionate_o breathe_v after_o a_o great_a likeness_n to_o he_o and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o sometime_o feel_v such_o divine_a touch_n and_o impression_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o a_o mutual_a love_n and_o sympathy_n of_o nature_n some_o such_o thing_n our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v and_o good_a man_n experience_n not_o in_o equal_a degree_n indeed_o nor_o equal_o at_o all_o time_n but_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o present_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n this_o be_v a_o short_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o deserve_v forever_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o adore_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a hearty_a trouble_n to_o all_o good_a man_n to_o see_v so_o great_a and_o so_o generous_a a_o love_n so_o miserable_o abuse_v and_o misrepresent_v by_o childish_a and_o romantic_a description_n too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o cloth_n our_o saviour_n with_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o folly_n of_o mortal_a man_n and_o think_v they_o honour_v he_o very_o much_o the_o more_o extravagant_a they_o make_v he_o in_o his_o love_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o expatiate_v in_o this_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v such_o a_o character_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o believe_v these_o very_a man_n will_v think_v profane_a when_o they_o find_v it_o in_o any_o book_n but_o their_o own_o and_o possible_o it_o may_v do_v good_a service_n to_o religion_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o it_o but_o i_o fear_v the_o reader_n will_v think_v i_o profane_v in_o do_v it_o though_o in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o only_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n which_o these_o man_n much_o insist_v on_o in_o their_o discourse_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dismiss_v they_o first_o then_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o believer_n without_o consider_v any_o other_o qualification_n than_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o individual_a person_n that_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n love_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n now_o i_o confess_v
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