such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n for_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n and_o redeem_a his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n hence_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o first_o ep._n ch._n 1._o ver._n 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n first_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o mean_v you_o have_v fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ._n and_o therefore_o those_o public_a censure_n whereby_o rot_a or_o dead_a member_n be_v cut_v of_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o cast_v such_o person_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o debar_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o religious_a office_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o union_n to_o his_o person_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o but_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n otherwise_o this_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n can_v be_v no_o visible_a signification_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n nor_o can_v our_o excision_n from_o the_o visible_a church_n signify_v our_o separation_n from_o he_o but_o three_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a now_o iii_o to_o explain_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n hence_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o john_n 8._o 31._o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o &_o 14._o 21._o and_o to_o have_v his_o word_n abide_v in_o we_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o close_a and_o firm_a union_n to_o he_o john_n 15._o 7._o as_o obedience_n to_o our_o prince_n be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o a_o political_a union_n which_o be_v dissolve_v and_o break_v by_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n thus_o our_o saviour_n call_v himself_o a_o shepherd_n and_o christian_n his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o to_o signify_v that_o authority_n he_o have_v over_o his_o church_n which_o bear_v some_o analogy_n to_o the_o government_n of_o a_o shepherd_n which_o be_v ofttimes_o use_v as_o a_o name_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o god_n be_v style_v the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n psalm_n 80._o 1._o and_o king_n be_v frequent_o call_v shepherd_n both_o by_o profane_a and_o sacred_a writer_n though_o this_o name_n be_v most_o common_o give_v to_o prophet_n who_o feed_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o do_v very_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o saviour_n who_o erect_v this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o law_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n thus_o he_o be_v call_v a_o head_n and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n which_o two_o metaphor_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o be_v both_o of_o they_o name_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o appear_v from_o eph._n 5._o 23._o etc._n etc._n for_o husband_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o their_o wife_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v command_v to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n as_o christ_n love_v his_o church_n so_o that_o a_o husband_n as_o a_o husband_n represent_v the_o head_n and_o the_o wife_n the_o body_n and_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n because_o he_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o exhort_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n the_o spiritual_a head_n v_o 24._o for_o because_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v the_o command_n and_o government_n of_o all_o the_o member_n hence_o head_n be_v a_o common_a name_n for_o prince_n and_o governor_n deutr._fw-la 28._o 13._o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v thou_o the_o head_n and_o not_o the_o tail_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v above_o only_o and_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v beneath_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v rule_v and_o govern_v psalm_n 18._o 43._o thou_o have_v make_v i_o the_o head_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o a_o people_n who_o i_o have_v not_o know_v shall_v serve_v i_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n always_o expound_v this_o metaphor_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n by_o power_n and_o authority_n eph._n 1._o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v set_v he_o at_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n in_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n col._n 1._o 18._o and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first_o bear_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o excel_v other_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v and_o govern_v they_o for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v he_o who_o have_v the_o first_o place_n of_o authority_n because_o government_n be_v natural_o entail_v on_o the_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n thus_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n that_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o governor_n col._n 2._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o true_a explication_n of_o this_o relation_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n because_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n to_o govern_v and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n because_o it_o must_v be_v obedient_a to_o his_o law_n and_o subject_a to_o his_o government_n as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v very_o familiar_a to_o call_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v under_o the_o same_o law_n and_o civil_a government_n a_o body_n politic_n which_o signify_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o a_o body_n have_v but_o one_o head_n and_o that_o regard_v they_o must_v have_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o their_o mutual_a care_n of_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n now_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o shepherd_n over_o his_o sheep_n and_o of_o a_o head_n and_o husband_n over_o his_o body_n and_o spouse_n be_v to_o signify_v the_o mildness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o his_o government_n and_o that_o great_a and_o near_o concern_v he_o have_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o govern_v his_o church_n with_o the_o care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o shepherd_n that_o he_o defend_v and_o ransom_n his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o a_o good_a shepherd_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o that_o he_o love_v his_o church_n with_o the_o natural_a kindness_n of_o a_o head_n or_o husband_n that_o his_o government_n be_v only_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n not_o for_o his_o own_o private_a advantage_n as_o a_o kind_a husband_n exercise_v no_o other_o authority_n over_o his_o wife_n but_o what_o be_v for_o her_o good_a as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o or_o as_o the_o head_n have_v no_o other_o concern_v but_o that_o all_o his_o member_n be_v preserve_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o vigour_n and_o perform_v their_o proper_a and_o natural_a office_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n that_o he_o will_v be_v gentle_a in_o his_o discipline_n and_o favourable_a in_o his_o censure_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o dear_o he_o have_v purchase_v this_o relation_n to_o his_o church_n
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
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
jesus_n christ_n fast_o and_o pray_v and_o get_v a_o full_a tide_n of_o affection_n in_o they_o to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o get_v more_o love_n of_o he_o more_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o more_o union_n with_o he_o so_o sorrow_n for_o thy_o sin_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v more_o fit_v for_o christ_n that_o thou_o may_v prize_v christ_n the_o more_o use_v thy_o duty_n as_o noah_n dove_n do_v her_o wing_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v to_o go_v over_o a_o great_a water_n for_o a_o treasure_n on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o he_o can_v fetch_v the_o boat_n he_o call_v for_o it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o treasure_n in_o the_o boat_n yet_o he_o use_v the_o boat_n to_o carry_v he_o over_o to_o the_o treasure_n so_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o go_v to_o he_o now_o call_v for_o a_o boat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n no_o good_a no_o salvation_n in_o a_o pithless_a duty_n yet_o use_v it_o to_o carry_v thou_o over_o to_o the_o treasure_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n when_o thou_o come_v to_o hear_v say_v have_v over_o lord_n by_o this_o sermon_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o pray_v say_v have_v over_o lord_n by_o this_o prayer_n to_o a_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o evangelical_n righteousness_n consist_v in_o some_o flight_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n in_o admire_v and_o value_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o get_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o union_n to_o he_o and_o the_o business_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v love_v and_o prize_v his_o person_n and_o personal_a righteousness_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o business_n of_o sermon_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o alsufficiency_n to_o save_v we_o without_o such_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o the_o design_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o affect_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o express_v our_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n to_o fetch_v pardon_n and_o life_n and_o health_n and_o righteousness_n from_o he_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o embitter_v sin_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n more_o who_o be_v our_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v now_o change_v from_o be_v the_o homage_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o certain_a mean_n of_o please_v he_o and_o transform_v we_o into_o his_o nature_n and_o likeness_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a end_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o cockboat_n or_o scholar_n to_o waste_v we_o over_o to_o christ._n here_o we_o see_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o man_n do_v so_o much_o despise_v morality_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o gospel_n duty_n of_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o confession_n and_o humiliation_n and_o fast_v etc._n etc._n because_o as_o they_o handle_v the_o matter_n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n can_v have_v we_o over_o to_o christ_n can_v apply_v the_o righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o nor_o ravish_v our_o fancy_n with_o glorious_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o his_o person_n and_o since_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o pithless_a thing_n which_o have_v no_o grace_n no_o good_a no_o salvation_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v we_o over_o to_o christ_n poor_a morality_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o worthless_a thing_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o design_a task_n and_o upon_o a_o review_n of_o it_o it_o make_v i_o amaze_v to_o think_v how_o strange_o these_o man_n have_v transform_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o disfigure_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o like_a to_o god_n how_o they_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o abuse_v his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o intercession_n to_o the_o patronage_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n how_o they_o have_v lay_v snare_n to_o betray_v some_o man_n to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o to_o entangle_v other_o in_o endless_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n how_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v in_o effect_n through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v and_o want_v of_o consideration_n for_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o suspect_v any_o worse_a cause_n banish_v his_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o state_v the_o case_n examine_v their_o proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v to_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n trust_v in_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o finis_fw-la see_v ch._n 1._o concern_v the_o significa_fw-la of_o the_o name_n christ._n digr_n 2_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n p._n 89_o 〈…〉_z digr_n 2._o p._n 93._o ibid._n p._n 95._o ib._n p._n 97._o p._n 110._o p._n 112._o p._n 117._o digr_n 2._o p._n 119._o shepherd_n sound_a believer_n p._n 80._o 80._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n pag._n 462._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n p._n 467._o watson_n christian_a character_n p._n 60._o the_o spiritual_a vine_n p._n 167._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 77._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n p._n 462._o i._o o._n communion_n p._n 63._o 63._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n p._n 19_o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n idem_fw-la watson_n ibidem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 1_o watson_n christ_n loveliness_n idem_fw-la christ_n loveliness_n watson_n ibidem_fw-la watson_n true_a brazen_a serpent_n watson_n spiritual_a vine_n watson_n christ_n loveliness_n watson_n mystery_n the_o lora_n supper_n p._n 64._o idem_fw-la p._n 65._o ibidem_fw-la dr._n owen_n communion_n with_o christ_n ch._n 8._o i._o o._n excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ._n digr_n 2._o p._n 113._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 119._o i._o ii_o thomas_n vincent_n iii_o iv._o dr._n jacomb_n on_o rom._n 8._o pag._n 42._o pag._n 45._o pag._n 48._o pag._n 49._o commun_n with_o christ_n pag._n 51._o ibid._n p._n 52._o pag._n 64._o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n pag._n 53._o communion_n p._n 54._o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ._n p._n 55._o brook_n riches_n of_o christ._n dr._n owen_n com._n 1._o dr._n owen_n com._n p._n 60._o dr._n jacomb_n rom._n 8._o p._n 85._o 2._o ibid._n communion_n with_o the_o son_n chap._n 6._o p._n 182._o communion_n with_o the_o son_n p._n 178._o commun_n pag._n 182._o pag._n 184._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 181._o communion_n p._n 183._o communion_n p._n 182._o communion_n p._n 185._o communion_n p._n 167._o communion_n p._n 184._o 184._o dr._n owen_n communion_n p._n 193._o 193._o sound_v believer_n p._n 321._o 321._o p._n 318._o 318._o p._n 212._o 212._o sound_v believer_n p._n 68_o 68_o p._n 86._o p._n 85._o p._n 82._o 82._o p._n 12â—_n p._n 125._o p._n 141._o 141._o p._n 128._o p._n 130._o p._n 152._o p._n 173_o p._n 185._o 185._o chap._n 3._o 3._o sound_v believer_n p._n 126._o 126._o p._n 133._o 133._o p._n 137._o 137._o p._n 138._o 138._o p._n 144._o 144._o p._n 145._o p._n 153._o sincere_a convert_n p._n 75._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 85._o 85._o sound_v believer_n p._n 246._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 215._o 215._o sound_v believer_n p._n 130._o dr._n jacomb_n rom._n 8._o p._n 65._o 65._o rom._n 8._o p._n 182._o 182._o ibidem_fw-la shepherd_n saint_n jewel_n pag._n 192._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 94_o etc._n etc._n p._n 167._o 167._o ch._n 4._o sect._n 1_o p._n 186._o 186._o ch._n 4._o sect._n 1_o 1_o com._n p._n 158._o w._n b._n christ_n personal_a excellency_n the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n p._n 15._o w._n b._n ibid._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 4._o ed._n 1672._o pag._n 84_o pag._n 109._o communion_n p._n 165._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n pag._n 197._o sincere_a convert_n pag._n 170._o i._o o._n com._n p._n 63._o ibid._n pag._n 154._o pag._n 140._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 2._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n pag._n 173_o pag._n 178._o
imprimatur_fw-la may_n 30._o 1673._o sam._n parker_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o etc._n etc._n by_o william_n sherlock_n rector_n of_o s_o t_o george_n buttolph_n lane_n london_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxiv_o the_o preface_n christian_n reader_n i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o so_o honest_a a_o design_n in_o write_v this_o discourse_n that_o i_o be_o very_o very_a well_o arm_v against_o those_o various_a censure_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o such_o attempt_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o the_o most_o unjust_a reproach_n as_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v to_o see_v so_o many_o well-disposed_a person_n abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o either_o signify_v nothing_o or_o have_v a_o very_a ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a or_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o great_a zeal_n which_o some_o man_n have_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o great_a instrument_n they_o may_v be_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v their_o zeal_n direct_v and_o govern_v with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n and_o when_o i_o have_v observe_v how_o innocent_o and_o virtuous_o some_o of_o those_o man_n live_v who_o have_v espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o bad_a i_o have_v think_v what_o excellent_a person_n they_o may_v prove_v do_v they_o right_o understand_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n as_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o at_o first_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o work_n to_o rectify_v those_o mistake_n which_o will_v either_o make_v man_n bad_a or_o hinder_v and_o retard_v their_o progress_n in_o true_a goodness_n which_o be_v so_o pious_a and_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o may_v at_o least_o plead_v my_o excuse_n though_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o personal_a reflection_n have_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n which_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v may_v be_v more_o orthodox_n than_o their_o judgement_n i_o have_v represent_v their_o opinion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o their_o word_n than_o they_o intend_v and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o i_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v where_o they_o pretend_v to_o argue_v grave_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o argument_n with_o all_o possible_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n where_o they_o plain_o toy_n and_o trifle_n i_o have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n as_o to_o smile_v sometime_o though_o as_o modest_o as_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v i_o have_v take_v care_n not_o only_o to_o unteach_v man_n what_o be_v amiss_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o consirm_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o rectify_v mistake_n i_o design_v to_o expose_v all_o religion_n what_o man_n will_v account_v severe_a i_o can_v tell_v because_o the_o gentle_a argument_n will_v appear_v severe_a to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v pinch_v by_o they_o but_o i_o have_v give_v no_o hard_a word_n and_o have_v sometime_o call_v thing_n by_o soft_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v on_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n which_o be_v now_o the_o common_a artifice_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_n what_o they_o can_v answer_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o can_v escape_v without_o some_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a censure_n i_o must_v be_v content_v with_o my_o portion_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o expect_v better_a usage_n who_o consider_v that_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o for_o his_o pious_a labour_n can_v not_o escape_v when_o he_o touch_v upon_o their_o darling_n notion_n and_o now_o christian_a reader_n i_o shall_v beg_v no_o more_o of_o thou_o than_o to_o read_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o as_o i_o do_v not_o compose_v it_o without_o implore_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n so_o i_o recommend_v it_o to_o thou_o with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v as_o useful_a as_o my_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o charitable_a farewell_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n concern_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o original_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n but_o be_v use_v also_o to_o signify_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 1._o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 14_o as_o first_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o 15_o 2._o it_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n 17_o 3._o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n 18_o 4._o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n 19_o 5._o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n 21_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o various_a way_n whereby_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n 25_o dr._n owen_n notion_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n consider_v 38_o how_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 42._o and_o how_o we_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n 49._o and_o to_o righteousness_n 53._o and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 55_o a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n deduce_v from_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n 57_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n on_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o at_o most_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n 76_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ._n 80_o of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n 102_o and_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 118_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 142_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 142_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 143_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n call_v himself_o a_o vine_n 145_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o political_a 156_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o shepherd_n head_z and_o husband_n 157._o the_o reason_n of_o these_o metaphor_n 159_o this_o political_a union_n be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a or_o true_a and_o real_a and_o what_o this_o external_a union_n be_v 168_o wherein_o the_o real_a union_n consist_v and_o concern_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ._n 171_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n 172._o and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n 174_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n temple_n 175_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 181_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n signify_v this_o political_a union_n 186_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v 192_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n 196_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 200_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n consider_v 206_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n 216_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n 228_o concern_v the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n 234_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n 235_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o
and_o he_o be_v a_o kingly_a priest_n a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedec_n who_o be_v king_n of_o salem_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n hebr._n 7._o verse_n 1._o when_o he_o offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n he_o act_v like_o a_o king_n no_o man_n take_v his_o life_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o in_o the_o 10_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o 18._o verse_n herein_o he_o differ_v from_o other_o king_n that_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n purchase_v and_o redeem_v his_o subject_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o to_o which_o we_o common_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o regal_a power_n that_o authority_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n to_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o forgive_v sin_n to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o supernatural_a assistance_n to_o answer_v prayer_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o all_o his_o sincere_a disciple_n all_o this_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v his_o intercession_n because_o like_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v found_v on_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o enter_v once_o into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o hebrew_n 9_o verse_n 12._o so_o that_o intercession_n signify_v the_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n the_o power_n of_o a_o regal_a priest_n to_o expiate_v and_o forgive_v sin_n this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o method_n whereby_o it_o be_v erect_v he_o first_o conquer_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o then_o he_o pardon_v their_o sin_n and_o raise_v they_o into_o a_o immortal_a life_n by_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v found_v on_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n which_o signify_v a_o mediatory_a king_n immediate_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o that_o office_n and_o consecrate_v to_o it_o by_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a unction_n and_o thus_o the_o name_n christ_n signify_v in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o jesus_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n that_o messiah_n who_o god_n promise_v to_o send_v which_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o name_v they_o second_o though_o christ_n be_v original_o the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n yet_o it_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v the_o person_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o office_n for_o the_o use_n of_o name_n be_v for_o distinction_n and_o the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n which_o be_v the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n be_v appropriate_a to_o he_o it_o may_v well_o serve_v for_o a_o proper_a name_n when_o once_o it_o be_v know_v who_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o therefore_o though_o before_o his_o designation_n to_o this_o office_n be_v public_o own_v he_o be_v only_o call_v jesus_n the_o name_n give_v he_o by_o the_o angel_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v yet_o when_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v with_o power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n christ_n become_v as_o much_o his_o proper_a name_n as_o jesus_n be_v before_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n he_o be_v always_o call_v jesus_n because_o all_o this_o time_n it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o not_o but_o in_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o faith_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v as_o familiar_o call_v christ_n as_o jesus_n and_o oftentimes_o by_o both_o jesus_n christ._n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n in_o the_o person_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o he_o be_v call_v whether_o it_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n or_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o fortune_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o to_o who_o that_o name_n belong_v three_o christ_n signify_v the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n as_o moses_n signify_v the_o write_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o write_n or_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o 16._o ch._n of_o st._n luke_n gospel_n 29._o verse_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o in_o the_o 31._o verse_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o common_a speech_n than_o to_o call_v any_o law_n or_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o first_o author_n thus_o in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n to_o the_o galatian_n 15._o verse_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v anything_o nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n nothing_o be_v of_o any_o value_n to_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o a_o new_a nature_n a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n the_o law_n prefer_v circumcision_n before_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v no_o such_o distinction_n but_o instead_o of_o those_o external_a sign_n require_v the_o inward_a purity_n of_o heart_n thus_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o ep._n to_o coll._n 8._o verse_n beware_v lest_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n where_o after_o christ_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o must_v signify_v not_o the_o person_n but_o the_o religion_n or_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n have_v a_o care_n lest_o you_o be_v corrupt_v with_o the_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o superstition_n of_o man_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n and_o in_o the_o 6._o verse_n as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o i_o e._n obey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v it_o by_o we_o for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 4._o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n 20_o 21._o verse_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n now_o what_o can_v learning_n christ_n signify_v but_o learn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o how_o can_v the_o ephesian_n who_o never_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v he_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o they_o hear_v his_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 8._o and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v not_o as_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o but_o instruct_v in_o he_o must_v be_v expound_v of_o his_o religion_n in_o its_o genuine_a and_o primitive_a simplicity_n so_o as_o christ_n teach_v it_o his_o disciple_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o impure_a doctrine_n as_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n have_v teach_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o convince_a allegation_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n for_o his_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n four_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o christ_n sometime_o signify_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v those_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o unite_v to_o christ_n which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n one_o who_o belong_v to_o that_o society_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o governor_n thus_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n of_o the_o ep._n to_o the_o roman_n 5._o verse_n we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n we_o be_v all_o
great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n he_o come_v to_o be_v our_o prophet_n and_o our_o guide_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o precept_n and_o his_o life_n now_o we_o love_v to_o imitate_v great_a person_n and_o none_o so_o great_a as_o he_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n his_o example_n secure_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o give_v we_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v for_o he_o live_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v perfect_a be_v to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v nay_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n make_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n the_o more_o wonderful_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n that_o when_o he_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o shall_v become_v poor_a that_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v become_v a_o minister_n and_o servant_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n shall_v suffer_v and_o die_v these_o be_v such_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o can_v never_o full_o imitate_v because_o we_o can_v never_o be_v so_o great_a as_o he_o be_v but_o yet_o they_o powerful_o convince_v we_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o mean_a office_n of_o kindness_n since_o we_o can_v never_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v up_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o grave_n four_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o great_a value_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v such_o a_o confirmation_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a testament_n hebr._n 7._o 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o who_o undertake_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o security_n he_o give_v we_o depend_v on_o thè_z virtue_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o so_o in_o verse_n 21._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n by_o oath_n the_o lord_n have_v swear_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n and_o whereas_o other_o priest_n die_v and_o leave_v their_o priesthood_n to_o their_o successor_n he_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n and_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o and_o who_o can_v desire_v a_o more_o powerful_a mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n excel_v that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n that_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n exalt_v above_o all_o angel_n who_o have_v a_o everlasting_a throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o shall_v continue_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n moulder_v and_o vanish_v away_o but_o five_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n i._n e._n we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o there_o whatever_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v for_o we_o and_o have_v charge_v we_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o from_o he_o math._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o will_v be_v better_a to_o you_o than_o my_o word_n and_o receive_v you_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o i_o have_v promise_v i_o shall_v be_v move_v with_o none_o of_o your_o flatter_a speech_n but_o how_o good_a and_o kind_a soever_o you_o may_v fancy_v i_o unless_o you_o obey_v those_o law_n i_o publish_v in_o my_o father_n name_n i_o declare_v before_o hand_n that_o i_o will_v disow_v you_o when_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n for_o indeed_o shall_v he_o absolve_v and_o justify_v those_o man_n who_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v that_o be_v wilful_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n this_o be_v to_o disannul_v that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a religion_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n and_o no_o promise_n for_o whatever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o expect_v any_o thing_n else_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n it_o be_v without_o a_o promise_n which_o at_o best_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o same_o state_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o god_n have_v make_v a_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o thus_o these_o man_n trust_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o promise_n nay_o which_o make_v the_o case_n much_o worse_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o quit_v his_o promise_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o rely_v and_o roll_v upon_o his_o person_n this_o be_v so_o very_o absurd_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o i_o know_v no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o own_v it_o in_o so_o many_o word_n nor_o do_v i_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o it_o but_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o trust_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n and_o of_o rely_v and_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o the_o like_a phrase_n of_o a_o late_a date_n in_o which_o some_o man_n place_v the_o whole_a mystery_n
come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o if_o you_o have_v know_v i_o you_o shall_v have_v know_v my_o father_n also_o and_o henceforth_o you_o have_v know_v he_o and_o have_v see_v he_o that_o be_v i_o alone_o declare_v the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o by_o learning_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o know_v i_o i._n e._n whoever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n i_o preach_v know_v my_o father_n also_o that_o be_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n as_o he_o prove_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n so_o that_o to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v that_o declaration_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o that_o be_v that_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n signify_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v as_o a_o man_n be_v know_v by_o his_o face_n that_o be_v his_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prophet_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o this_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o that_o shine_a glory_n which_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v but_o typical_a of_o that_o bright_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n will_v make_v of_o himself_o by_o christ._n god_n be_v see_v in_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v my_o father_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v full_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n upon_o which_o account_n too_o as_o well_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o those_o discovery_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n be_v a_o bright_a and_o glorious_a reflection_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n as_o true_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n as_o any_o picture_n be_v of_o the_o person_n it_o represent_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o where_o christ_n being_n the_o image_n of_o god_n come_v in_o very_o abrupt_o unless_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will._n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o last_o and_o high_a object_n of_o religious_a and_o save_a knowledge_n i._n e._n that_o the_o only_a knowledge_n necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o action_n and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o whereas_o god_n be_v former_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a true_a medium_n of_o know_v god_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o he_o know_v god_n best_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n i._n e._n who_o understand_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o john_n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v i._n e._n the_o only_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v by_o know_v christ_n who_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n who_o have_v make_v more_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o and_o who_o alone_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n so_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o know_v his_o person_n which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o than_o what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o native_a simplicity_n as_o he_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n call_v this_o learning_n christ_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n for_o christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n signify_v to_o know_v his_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o expound_v all_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n or_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o office_n and_o mediation_n thus_o philip_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act_n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o verse_n 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o shall_v make_v all_o consider_v man_n ashamed_a of_o those_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a clamour_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o preach_v unless_o he_o be_v name_v in_o every_o sentence_n whether_o the_o argument_n require_v it_o or_o not_o as_o if_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n of_o preach_v nothing_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n those_o preach_v christ_n most_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o confirm_v man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o immortal_a life_n who_o expound_v his_o law_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o mediation_n for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v part_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o these_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o image_n of_o god_n and_o qualify_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o large_a notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o include_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o the_o design_n of_o all_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n how_o true_a soever_o our_o speculation_n be_v the_o scripture_n brand_v all_o those_o as_o ignorant_a of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v and_o reverence_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o though_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o hearty_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v all_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v we_o know_v he_o not_o john_n 1._o 2_o 3._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o verse_n 4._o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o 1_o john_n 3._o 6._o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o not_o but_o that_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v as_o true_a a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o good_a man_n have_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v no_o end_n which_o want_v life_n and_o sense_n and_o make_v man_n no_o better_o than_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o other_o
account_n with_o god_n than_o ignorance_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o condemnation_n sect_n ii_o of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n after_o this_o plain_a account_n wherein_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n consist_v the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v his_o gospel_n which_o contain_v all_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v another_o notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n very_o distinct_a from_o this_o which_o contain_v a_o great_a secret_n than_o at_o first_o one_o will_v imagine_v and_o that_o be_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o man_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o save_a knowledge_n i_o shall_v not_o envy_v the_o author_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o shall_v honest_o confess_v where_o i_o have_v it_o viz._n in_o a_o book_n entitle_v communion_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o person_n distinct_o write_a by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o do_v this_o author_n wrong_v i_o must_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n a_o account_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o digression_n 2._o pag._n 87._o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o teach_v we_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v and_o those_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o because_o by_o the_o know_n of_o he_o we_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o apply_v that_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o person_n coll._n 2._o 3._o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o this_o man_n divinity_n signify_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v those_o great_a deep_a and_o more_o save_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o express_o reveal_v to_o we_o for_o so_o he_o add_v soon_o after_o that_o these_o property_n of_o god_n his_o pardon_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o doctrine_n in_o that_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n but_o the_o life_n of_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v in_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n wherein_o the_o express_a image_n and_o beam_n of_o this_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n do_v shine_v forth_o that_o be_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_o eminent_o and_o save_o only_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o obscure_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o the_o method_n of_o our_o recovery_n we_o may_v thorough_o understand_v whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n unless_o we_o gain_v a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o indeed_o advance_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n very_o much_o but_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o prophetic_a office_n it_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n above_o the_o gospel_n viz._n a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o who_o dwell_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o that_o you_o may_v better_o understand_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o addition_n these_o man_n make_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n and_o second_o show_v you_o what_o a_o unsafe_a way_n of_o argue_v this_o be_v and_o how_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o to_o show_v you_o what_o addition_n these_o man_n make_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o very_o much_o behold_v to_o this_o author_n for_o acknowledge_v whence_o they_o fetch_v all_o their_o orthodoxy_n and_o gospel_n mystery_n for_o i_o have_v almost_o pore_v my_o eye_n out_o with_o seek_v for_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v never_o find_v they_o but_o i_o learn_v now_o that_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o argument_n well_o worth_a consider_v and_o if_o this_o discourse_n shall_v prove_v long_o as_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n both_o to_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n and_o since_o i_o owe_v this_o discovery_n to_o dr._n john_n owen_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o his_o method_n who_o in_o the_o place_n abovementioned_a tell_v we_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o 89_o knowledge_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o three_o skill_n to_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o these_o three_o be_v sum_v up_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n to_o be_v obtain_v or_o be_v manifest_v but_o only_o in_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n christ._n where_o by_o be_v fallacious_o add_v to_o include_v the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v whereas_o his_o first_o undertake_n be_v to_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o thing_n saving_o and_o clear_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o without_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o examine_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v but_o principal_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o peculiar_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o revelation_n be_v whole_o silent_a but_o be_v now_o clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o manifold_a revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n especial_o that_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n that_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a that_o he_o can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v so_o wise_a that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o order_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a so_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v and_o design_n the_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o holy_a that_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o all_o good_a man_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v they_o but_o hate_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o will_v as_o certain_o punish_v all_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n but_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v very_o patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o use_v various_a method_n of_o kindness_n and_o severity_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o pardon_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o humble_a and_o penitent_a prodigal_n these_o property_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o further_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o merciful_a because_o not_o only_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o have_v
learn_v before_o from_o nature_n and_o revelation_n just_a as_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o bless_a immortality_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v not_o have_v learn_v this_o neither_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o not_o tell_v we_o for_o what_o end_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o anon_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o confident_a man_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n 〈…〉_z and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n when_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n confute_v he_o for_o whatever_o become_v of_o his_o new_a theory_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n do_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v assure_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n pardon_v iniquitiy_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o those_o natural_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o love_n and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o justice_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o property_n can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o a_o too_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o nature_n and_o revelation_n say_v nothing_o of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n 93._o for_o our_o sin_n god_n have_v manifest_v the_o naturalness_n of_o this_o righteousness_n i._n e._n vindictive_a justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v divert_v from_o sinner_n without_o the_o interpose_v of_o a_o propitiation_n that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o he_o can_v pardon_v sin_n without_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n now_o this_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v perfect_o new_a which_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o nature_n acquaint_v we_o with_o for_o all_o mankind_n have_v account_v it_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n in_o it_o to_o remit_v injury_n and_o offence_n without_o exact_v any_o punishment_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v just_a that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v remit_v no_o offence_n till_o he_o have_v satisfy_v his_o revenge_n that_o part_n of_o justice_n which_o consist_v in_o punish_v offender_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o exact_v or_o remit_v punishment_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n who_o may_v spare_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o without_o be_v unjust_a in_o either_o and_o therefore_o have_v not_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o great_a and_o personal_a a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n say_v so_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v think_v that_o god_n require_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o but_o because_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n judge_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o dispence_v his_o grace_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a discovery_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n righteousness_n or_o vindictive_a justice_n yet_o he_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o it_o in_o that_o comfortable_a discovery_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n for_o 95._o now_o in_o christ_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v love_n and_o kindness_n a_o happy_a change_n this_o from_o all_o justice_n to_o all_o love_n but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v why_o the_o account_n of_o that_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v glut_v its_o self_n with_o revenge_n on_o sin_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o hence_o forward_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o will_v be_v very_o kind_a as_o a_o revengful_a man_n be_v when_o his_o passion_n be_v over_o for_o so_o he_o speak_v very_o honourable_o of_o god_n whatever_o discovery_n be_v make_v of_o the_o patience_n and_o lenity_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o withal_o reveal_v that_o the_o other_o property_n of_o god_n as_o his_o justice_n and_o revenge_n for_o sin_n have_v their_o act_n also_o assign_v they_o to_o the_o full_a there_o can_v be_v little_a consolation_n gather_v from_o the_o former_a that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o though_o he_o shall_v make_v never_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o sinner_n unless_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o revenge_n which_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o character_n of_o the_o love_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v understand_v but_o from_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o love_n and_o patience_n when_o he_o have_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o revenge_n as_o other_o use_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o good_a when_o he_o be_v please_v but_o however_o sinner_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v god_n take_v a_o course_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o 97._o our_o sin_n that_o as_o before_o the_o least_o sin_n can_v not_o escape_v without_o a_o just_a punishment_n justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v forgive_v without_o punish_v so_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v now_o satisfy_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sin_n can_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n but_o we_o shall_v escape_v with_o a_o notwithstanding_o our_o sin_n this_o it_o seem_v we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o gospel_n instruct_v we_o otherwise_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o property_n he_o instance_v in_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o very_o consistent_a with_o those_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o if_o justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v he_o but_o the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n may_v discover_v his_o justice_n or_o his_o goodness_n but_o not_o his_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v a_o end_n when_o there_o be_v more_o way_n than_o one_o of_o do_v it_o but_o it_o require_v no_o great_a wisdom_n to_o choose_v when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n and_o whatever_o wisdom_n there_o be_v in_o god_n redeem_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o son_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o such_o a_o fanciful_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n talk_v of_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o righteousness_n as_o for_o sin_n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o wickedness_n it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a nature_n that_o if_o he_o have_v any_o love_n for_o himself_o and_o any_o esteem_n and_o value_n for_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o work_n he_o must_v hate_v sin_n which_o be_v so_o unlike_o himself_o and_o which_o destroy_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o workmanship_n for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o
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 different_a purpose_n i_o shall_v oppose_v another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_o deducible_a from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n to_o what_o these_o man_n advance_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o only_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o thus_o i_o argue_v since_o we_o see_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n leave_v his_o father_n throne_n and_o condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o likeness_n of_o a_o man_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o design_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o have_v he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n he_o will_v have_v clothe_v himself_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n he_o will_v have_v appear_v like_o himself_o with_o a_o awful_a and_o astonish_a majesty_n and_o with_o all_o the_o terrible_a solemnity_n of_o vengeance_n and_o judgement_n encircle_v with_o legion_n of_o angel_n and_o with_o cloud_n of_o smoke_n and_o 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
his_o constant_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o church_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o will_v advance_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n as_o these_o man_n call_v it_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o draw_v the_o whole_a plot_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a council_n of_o god_n and_o to_o discover_v those_o principle_n and_o motive_n he_o be_v act_v by_o and_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o contrivance_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o sinner_n recovery_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o that_o homage_n and_o worship_n be_v which_o we_o owe_v our_o saviour_n as_o to_o make_v some_o short_a essay_n of_o it_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o those_o principle_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o live_n and_o active_a image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o to_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o those_o natural_a tie_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o pattern_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o when_o mankind_n apostatise_v from_o god_n they_o miserable_o defeat_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o intercept_v those_o natural_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n by_o make_v themselves_o unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v how_o much_o a_o good_a god_n be_v grieve_v and_o offend_v with_o this_o not_o as_o a_o haughty_a and_o imperious_a prince_n will_v be_v with_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o rebellion_n of_o his_o subject_n but_o as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v for_o the_o disobedience_n of_o his_o child_n for_o their_o refractory_a and_o unmanageable_a temper_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n and_o misery_n of_o his_o child_n who_o happiness_n he_o so_o passionate_o desire_v and_o design_n this_o make_v the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o restles_o zealous_a and_o concern_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n various_a way_n he_o attempt_v in_o former_a age_n but_o 19_o with_o little_a success_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o but_o at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o this_o contrivance_n and_o how_o well_o the_o mean_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o end_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n consist_v only_o in_o repair_v the_o divine_a image_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o make_v all_o man_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a sin_n be_v our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o do_v as_o natural_o make_v we_o miserable_a as_o it_o make_v we_o unlike_o the_o most_o happy_a be_v but_o holiness_n restore_v we_o to_o our_o primitive_a state_n to_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o good_a and_o therefore_o happy_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o forsake_a and_o untrodden_a path_n of_o virtue_n and_o though_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n the_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o stupendous_a miracle_n and_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o themselves_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o give_v a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o energy_n to_o they_o sin_n and_o guilt_n make_v man_n fearful_a and_o it_o make_v they_o disingenuous_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o distrust_v goodness_n or_o to_o abuse_v it_o will_v either_o believe_v god_n implacable_a which_o make_v they_o desperate_a because_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v fond_a and_o indulgent_a which_o make_v they_o saucy_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o to_o prevent_v both_o these_o extreme_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o a_o sincere_a and_o unaffected_a religion_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o appearance_n do_v confute_v they_o both_o if_o guilt_n make_v we_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o angry_a and_o severe_a judge_n behold_v here_o the_o distance_n take_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o condescend_v to_o come_v down_o to_o we_o clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n as_o a_o mild_a and_o a_o gentle_a prince_n by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o sweetness_n to_o reduce_v we_o to_o our_o allegiance_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n in_o he_o we_o see_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n here_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o condescend_v goodness_n which_o stoop_v as_o low_a as_o earth_n and_o do_v not_o disdain_v the_o nature_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o conversation_n of_o sinner_n nor_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o the_o pale_a terror_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o to_o remove_v all_o possible_a suspicion_n concern_v god_n love_n to_o sinner_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o with_o his_o blood_n seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o still_o to_o give_v we_o the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o this_o our_o die_a and_o suffer_v lord_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o security_n of_o our_o acceptance_n that_o guilt_n itself_o though_o infinite_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a can_v desire_v for_o what_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o more_o than_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o belove_v a_o person_n to_o we_o on_o a_o embassy_n of_o peace_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o propitiation_n and_o advocate_n our_o lord_n and_o judge_n he_o who_o take_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o infirmity_n on_o he_o who_o know_v our_o weakness_n and_o our_o temptation_n who_o die_v to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o his_o conquest_n and_o with_o a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o cure_v our_o presumption_n that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v god_n to_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o sinner_n and_o to_o their_o vice_n together_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n assure_v we_o what_o the_o merit_n be_v and_o what_o the_o portion_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v that_o all_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o die_v and_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o desert_n without_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n for_o to_o expiate_v sin_n by_o death_n can_v signify_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o death_n be_v the_o proper_a recompense_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o expiate_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n as_o none_o be_v till_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v shall_v
cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n where_o this_o believe_a soul_n christ_n dove_n hide_v itself_o and_o beside_o this_o a_o rock_n be_v a_o screne_n to_o shade_v off_o the_o heat_n so_o christ_n be_v call_v isai._n 32._o 2._o a_o shadow_n from_o the_o heat_n he_o shade_n a_o poor_a sinner_n from_o the_o scorching_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o then_o we_o must_v fetch_v comfort_n too_o from_o christ_n as_o honey_n come_v out_o of_o the_o rock_n deut._n 32._o 13._o he_o make_v he_o suck_v honey_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o oil_n out_o of_o the_o stinty_a rock_n the_o honey_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n come_v out_o of_o this_o bless_a rock_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o yet_o for_o we_o must_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n idem_fw-la of_o christ_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o expression_n that_o we_o must_v put-on_z christ_n rom._n 13._o 14._o gal._n 3._o 27._o which_o can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o put_v on_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v his_o righteousness_n as_o man_n put_v on_o a_o garment_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n and_o to_o adorn_v they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o beautiful_a robe_n isai._n 61._o 10._o he_o have_v cover_v i_o with_o the_o robe_n ibidem_fw-la of_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n be_v a_o lovely_a robe_n no_o robe_n of_o gold_n or_o ermine_n wherewith_o king_n be_v invest_v be_v so_o honourable_a as_o this_o in_o this_o robe_n we_o shine_v as_o angel_n in_o god_n eye_n the_o high_a priest_n glorious_a vestment_n exod._n 28._o 2._o the_o mytre_n the_o robe_n the_o ephod_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o precious_a stone_n do_v all_o but_o serve_v to_o set_v out_o the_o beautiful_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n wherewith_o a_o believer_n be_v adorn_v thus_o if_o we_o will_v get_v the_o blessing_n we_o must_v go_v to_o god_n as_o jacob_n do_v in_o the_o robe_n of_o our_o elder_a brother_n though_o i_o confess_v this_o resemblance_n do_v not_o very_o well_o please_v i_o for_o though_o jacob_n be_v a_o good_a man_n yet_o this_o look_n like_o a_o cunning_a trick_n to_o rob_v his_o elder_a brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o to_o cheat_v his_o blind_a father_n and_o man_n must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o however_o that_o be_v this_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o make_v one_o with_o he_o than_o all_o christ_n be_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n be_v we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o active_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o righteousness_n be_v we_o for_o our_o justification_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o as_o i._o o._n well_o observe_v we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o save_v by_o his_o life_n that_o be_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n which_o be_v make_v we_o rom._n 5._o 10._o and_o now_o what_o better_a proof_n can_v you_o desire_v for_o all_o this_o if_o you_o will_v be_v content_v with_o express_a word_n though_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o the_o doctor_n mind_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v discover_v these_o mystery_n clear_o and_o save_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n no_o man_n will_v ever_o have_v dream_v of_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n who_o have_v not_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o mysterious_a notion_n of_o a_o fanciful_a union_n to_o christ_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o for_o here_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o word_n and_o phrase_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o like_a straggler_n pick_v up_o and_o list_v into_o the_o service_n of_o their_o hypothesis_n for_o indeed_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o stuff_n of_o this_o nature_n consist_v in_o wrest_v metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n when_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n by_o have_v christ_n and_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o come_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o these_o man_n expound_v these_o phrase_n to_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o signify_v i_o know_v not_o what_o unintelligible_a union_n and_o spiritual_a progress_n and_o closure_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o he_o a_o union_n of_o person_n instead_o of_o a_o agreement_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o thus_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o our_o spiritual_a impotency_n and_o inability_n to_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n for_o after_o all_o the_o noise_n they_o make_v about_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n they_o mean_v be_v carry_v thither_o with_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irresistible_a power_n they_o prove_v it_o wonderful_o from_o our_o 〈◊〉_d be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o his_o own_o resurrection_n no_o more_o can_v we_o towards_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v true_a of_o natural_a death_n but_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v of_o a_o moral_a death_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o prevalency_n of_o vicious_a habit_n contract_v by_o long_a custom_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o do_v so_o enslave_v the_o will_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a though_o not_o impossible_a for_o such_o person_n to_o return_v to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n another_o argument_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v that_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v contribute_v no_o more_o to_o it_o than_o we_o do_v to_o our_o first_o creation_n and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o which_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o it_o which_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o our_o be_v create_v to_o good_a work_n do_v signify_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o that_o as_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n so_o we_o be_v renew_v after_o his_o 1_o image_n in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v therefore_o express_o call_v in_o other_o place_n the_o renew_n and_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o this_o way_n fail_v they_o take_v another_o course_n with_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n to_o make_v they_o serve_v their_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v all_o the_o property_n and_o qualification_n of_o those_o thing_n christ_n be_v compare_v to_o and_o apply_v all_o that_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n to_o christ_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v use_v thus_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matthew_n 13._o 46._o this_o pearl_n in_o some_o man_n divinity_n signify_v christ_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n appear_v plain_o in_o this_o comparison_n for_o loveliness_n other_o pearl_n add_v no_o real_a worth_n to_o they_o that_o wear_v they_o but_o christ_n this_o illustrious_a pearl_n do_v he_o make_v we_o worthy_a with_o his_o worthiness_n excellent_o turn_v to_o serve_v their_o purpose_n though_o all_o that_o the_o parable_n mean_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o other_o man_n be_v to_o sell_v all_o they_o have_v to_o purchase_v a_o pearl_n of_o great_a value_n thus_o christ_n be_v prefigure_v by_o mannah_n loveliness_n and_o this_o mannah_n be_v of_o a_o circular_a figure_n and_o this_o circle_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n perfection_n this_o be_v meat_n cook_v and_o dress_v in_o heaven_n god_n himself_o prepare_v it_o and_o then_o serve_v it_o in_o thus_o jesus_n christ_n be_v prepare_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o his_o father_n to_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o mediatorship_n and_o mannah_n suit_v itself_o to_o every_o one_o palate_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n suit_v himself_o to_o every_o christian_n condition_n he_o be_v full_a of_o quicken_a strengthen_v comfort_v virtue_n that_o be_v he_o be_v what_o every_o man_n fancy_v he_o to_o be_v relish_v according_a to_o the_o gusto_n of_o their_o own_o palate_n what_o precious_a discovery_n be_v here_o of_o christ_n and_o what_o irrefragable_a proof_n
and_o suffer_v for_o we_o excite_v a_o just_a hatred_n of_o our_o sin_n sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o a_o great_a hope_n in_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n such_o a_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n for_o we_o and_o a_o steadfast_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n this_o be_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o these_o visible_a figure_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n affect_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o excite_v in_o we_o such_o a_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n as_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o now_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sacrament_n which_o be_v design_v as_o the_o instrument_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v that_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o they_o all_o the_o union_n they_o signify_v be_v only_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o a_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ._n four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o iv._o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n thus_o in_o john_n 1._o 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n where_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v first_o found_v on_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v on_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n subjection_n to_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o now_o visible_o exercise_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n and_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o society_n now_o as_o you_o hear_v before_o if_o this_o profession_n be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a without_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o give_v we_o only_o a_o external_a fellowship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o man_n only_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n maintain_v a_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o his_o church_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o he_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o ver._n 6._o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o abuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v own_v himself_o our_o father_n and_o bestow_v the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n on_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o when_o we_o join_v the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n with_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o god_n will_v own_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v put_v into_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n where_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v lord_n and_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n nor_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n where_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sometime_o by_o fellowship_n sometime_o by_o communion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o heathen_a idolater_n from_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v have_v no_o society_n with_o those_o man_n who_o religion_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v as_o uneasy_a to_o each_o other_o as_o two_o heifer_n in_o the_o same_o yoke_n which_o draw_v different_a way_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o common_a between_o they_o which_o they_o both_o alike_o partake_v of_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o concord_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n what_o be_v there_o common_a to_o they_o both_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o mind_n to_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o fellowship_n what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o those_o portion_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o as_o a_o symbol_n of_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o god_n how_o can_v a_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o idolater_n have_v right_a to_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o reconcile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n all_o these_o expression_n decipher_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n which_o in_o rational_a being_n consist_v in_o mutual_a relation_n and_o common_a interest_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n explain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o our_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o vers._n 16._o 18._o now_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o the_o
in_o for_o a_o share_n at_o least_o in_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o dr._n be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o how_o excellent_a be_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n person_n above_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n there_o be_v no_o such_o boundless_a mercy_n as_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v its_o dimension_n as_o will_v save_v the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n thus_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o eternal_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o it_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o love_n be_v fruitful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v effectual_a and_o fruitful_a in_o produce_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v unto_o his_o belove_a he_o love_v life_n grace_n holiness_n into_o we_o he_o love_v we_o into_o covenant_n love_v we_o into_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a love_n indeed_o which_o do_v all_o for_o we_o and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v we_o owe_v this_o discovery_n see_v you_o to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n or_o rather_o with_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v that_o christ_n love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o he_o love_v good_a man_n who_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o save_v they_o and_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o love_v they_o while_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v good_a but_o hate_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a vice_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o sinner_n to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o as_o far_o excel_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o gospel_n excel_v the_o law_n but_o methinks_v this_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a eternal_a unchangeable_a fruitful_a i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o misery_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o love_n be_v so_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a etc._n etc._n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o than_o it_o be_v always_o so_o for_o god_n always_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o why_o can_v not_o this_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n as_o well_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n as_o love_n life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o little_a odd_a first_o to_o love_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o then_o he_o may_v love_v we_o into_o life_n and_o holiness_n which_o indeed_o can_v not_o be_v if_o this_o love_n of_o god_n be_v always_o so_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a as_o this_o author_n persuade_v we_o it_o be_v now_o for_o if_o this_o love_n have_v always_o love_v life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o shall_v sin_v and_o die_v not_o that_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a unchangeable_a fruitful_a that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v always_o good_a and_o always_o continue_v good_a and_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o but_o then_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v always_o determine_v to_o the_o same_o object_n but_o in_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o be_v that_o he_o always_o love_v true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o see_v it_o and_o never_o cease_v to_o love_v any_o person_n till_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a and_o then_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o love_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v no_o long_o for_o shall_v he_o love_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o his_o love_n will_v change_v and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o god_n love_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o produce_v what_o he_o love_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irresistible_a power_n for_o then_o sin_n and_o death_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n but_o he_o govern_v and_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n he_o govern_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o bruit_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n from_o hence_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o desirable_a christ_n be_v in_o his_o humanity_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n both_o original_a and_o actual_a and_o his_o fullness_n of_o grace_n that_o all_o grace_n be_v in_o he_o for_o the_o kind_n thereof_o and_o all_o degree_n of_o grace_n for_o its_o perfection_n this_o indeed_o do_v represent_v he_o as_o a_o very_a excellent_a person_n a_o spotless_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o the_o world_n but_o these_o personal_a perfection_n can_v pass_v out_o of_o his_o person_n to_o become_v we_o but_o than_o three_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o these_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o suffer_v and_o able_a to_o bear_v whaetever_n be_v due_a unto_o we_o which_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v for_o if_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o a_o mere_a innocent_a creature_n how_o will_v they_o have_v overwhelm_v he_o and_o bury_v he_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god-man_n be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o any_o mere_a creature_n can_v be_v but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o this_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o do_v as_o little_a admire_v his_o philosophy_n but_o his_o be_v god_n and_o man_n make_v he_o a_o endless_a bottomless_a fountain_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v this_o he_o be_v as_o god_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v before_o and_o his_o grace_n be_v never_o the_o more_o bottomless_a for_o become_v man._n the_o design_n you_o see_v of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v drink_v pardon_n and_o mercy_n as_o long_o as_o we_o need_v any_o and_o such_o mercy_n too_o as_o his_o gospel_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o he_o have_v a_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o thence_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o communication_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o the_o personal_a grace_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n his_o fullness_n to_o save_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o communion_n or_o the_o free_a consequence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n as_o for_o this_o grace_n of_o communion_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o though_o it_o sound_v a_o little_a harsh_a to_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n and_o yet_o communicate_v whereby_o christ_n communicate_v his_o fullness_n to_o believer_n i_o shall_v reserve_v it_o for_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o consider_v what_o this_o personal_a fullness_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o he_o call_v all_o the_o furniture_n he_o receive_v 54._o from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o be_v his_o three_o personal_a grace_n his_o excellency_n to_o endear_v from_o his_o complete_a suitableness_n to_o all_o the_o want_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o man_n whatever_o this_o sound_n like_o universal_a redemption_n that_o have_v any_o want_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o christ_n will_v be_v unto_o he_o that_o which_o he_o want_v be_v he_o dead_a christ_n be_v life_n be_v he_o weak_a christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v he_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n upon_o he_o christ_n be_v complete_a righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n many_o poor_a creature_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o want_n but_o know_v not_o where_o their_o remedy_n lie_v indeed_o whether_o it_o be_v life_n or_o light_n power_n or_o joy_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o he_o now_o
unless_o we_o become_v one_o person_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o doctor_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n but_o no_o personal_a union_n that_o we_o be_v not_o transform_v into_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o be_v chri_v with_o christ_n yet_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n our_o personal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n require_v of_o we_o but_o by_o a_o personal_a union_n to_o christ_n by_o be_v chri_v with_o christ_n as_o some_o speak_v how_o bold_o soever_o yet_o very_o agreeable_o to_o these_o principle_n but_o three_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o what_o he_o assert_n that_o in_o the_o law_n the_o debtor_n and_o the_o surety_n be_v but_o one_o person_n the_o law_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o one_o and_o therefore_o both_o be_v equal_o liable_a to_o the_o debt_n and_o if_o the_o one_o pay_v it_o it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o the_o other_o have_v pay_v it_o which_o he_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o because_o he_o be_v our_o surety_n we_o be_v but_o one_o person_n with_o he_o that_o be_v legal_o not_o personal_o one_o person_n as_o he_o wary_o distinguish_v now_o there_o need_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o law_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o sophistry_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o no_o consider_v man_n can_v think_v it_o indifferent_a who_o pay_v the_o debt_n the_o surety_n or_o the_o debtor_n or_o that_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o oblige_v to_o it_o the_o debtor_n be_v the_o immediate_a debtor_n still_o and_o the_o surety_n only_o be_v oblige_v in_o case_n the_o other_o refuse_v or_o be_v unable_a to_o pay_v the_o debt_n and_o that_o be_v some_o little_a difference_n but_o then_o though_o the_o creditor_n be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o debt_n be_v pay_v by_o the_o debtor_n or_o his_o surety_n and_o the_o law_n will_v allow_v he_o no_o far_o action_n against_o either_o of_o they_o yet_o the_o law_n do_v not_o account_v it_o indifferent_a which_o of_o they_o pay_v it_o for_o though_o it_o permit_v the_o payment_n to_o be_v exact_v from_o the_o surety_n in_o case_n the_o debtor_n refuse_v yet_o it_o will_v look_v back_o again_o and_o allow_v the_o surety_n a_o action_n against_o the_o debtor_n for_o such_o a_o refusal_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o law_n do_v not_o judge_v they_o one_o person_n nor_o think_v it_o indifferent_a which_o of_o they_o pay_v the_o debt_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v surety_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o another_o which_o be_v call_v give_v bail_n and_o be_v sometime_o admit_v in_o criminal_a cause_n the_o law_n do_v not_o judge_v they_o one_o person_n for_o if_o the_o prisoner_n escape_v the_o bail_n or_o surety_n shall_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o yet_o the_o prisoner_n be_v not_o quit_v by_o this_o mean_n but_o liable_a either_o to_o the_o arrest_n of_o the_o surety_n or_o in_o criminal_a cause_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n if_o ever_o he_o be_v retake_a thus_o in_o surety_n for_o good_a behaviour_n which_o sound_v as_o if_o it_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o our_o surety_n though_o the_o surety_n be_v never_o so_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a a_o person_n himself_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o who_o he_o be_v surety_n but_o if_o he_o prove_v a_o villain_n they_o shall_v be_v both_o punish_v so_o that_o humane_a law_n be_v stranger_n to_o this_o mystery_n of_o impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o surety_n to_o a_o bad_a man_n suretyship_n do_v not_o so_o unite_v their_o person_n that_o whatever_o one_o do_v be_v always_o and_o to_o all_o purpose_n impute_v to_o the_o other_o and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v good_a among_o mâ—n_z it_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a foundation_n for_o this_o bargain_n and_o exchange_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v their_o sin_n upon_o himself_o and_o impute_v his_o righteousness_n to_o they_o let_v we_o now_o try_v whether_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mediator_n can_v do_v any_o better_a service_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o surety_n which_o be_v the_o second_o way_n of_o explain_v this_o legal_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n which_o entitle_v they_o to_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v or_o suffer_v and_o what_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o dr._n 182._o owen_n who_o give_v we_o this_o account_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n and_o that_o whatever_o he_o do_v as_o mediator_n he_o do_v it_o for_o they_o who_o mediator_n he_o be_v or_o in_o who_o stead_n and_o for_o who_o good_a he_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n before_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o his_o complete_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v reckon_v to_o we_o this_o be_v well_o say_v if_o it_o be_v as_o well_o prove_v and_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v those_o reason_n the_o dr._n allege_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n in_o their_o stead_n who_o mediator_n he_o be_v second_o to_o avoid_v calumny_n and_o objection_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o brief_o what_o influence_n the_o righteoeusness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n have_v upon_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o require_v good_a proof_n of_o this_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mediator_n include_v no_o such_o thing_n a_o mediator_n be_v one_o who_o interpose_v between_o two_o differ_a party_n to_o accommodate_v the_o difference_n but_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o perform_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n himself_o moses_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n gal._n 3._o 9_o and_o his_o office_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o to_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o observe_v those_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v but_o he_o be_v not_o to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n thus_o christ_n be_v now_o the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n and_o his_o office_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o since_o god_n will_v not_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o sinner_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n he_o die_v too_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o confirm_v and_o seal_v this_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o execute_v this_o office_n of_o mediator_n with_o power_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v he_o intercede_v for_o we_o according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v but_o the_o office_n of_o mediator_n do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o we_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a do_v not_o so_o exact_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o case_n and_o notion_n of_o mediatorship_n among_o man_n but_o before_o we_o examine_v their_o proof_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v they_o will_v prove_v that_o be_v what_o that_o righteousness_n be_v which_o they_o say_v christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n fulfil_v for_o we_o and_o dr._n owen_n be_v very_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o 178._o state_v this_o matter_n and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o righteousness_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o habitual_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n in_o his_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o absolute_a complete_a exact_a conformity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o mind_n will_n or_o law_n of_o god_n or_o his_o perfect_a habitual_a inherent_a righteousness_n now_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o righteousness_n be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n that_o be_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o
never_o come_v and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v this_o particular_a call_n suppose_v it_o shall_v suspect_v this_o call_n for_o a_o delusion_n what_o course_n can_v it_o take_v to_o satisfy_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n true_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o this_o call_n by_o name_n will_v not_o satisfy_v it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o see_v whether_o its_o name_n be_v enroll_v there_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v must_v come_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o but_o second_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v this_o special_a and_o particular_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n any_o one_o can_v have_v that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o conceal_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v 130._o desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o scruple_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n and_o evidence_n and_o thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o purify_v 65._o your_o heart_n do_v it_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v it_o work_v by_o love_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v you_o then_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o a_o heir_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v your_o nature_n change_v do_v you_o not_o think_v speak_v act_n as_o you_o do_v before_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n do_v you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o every_o branch_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o do_v that_o be_v you_o must_v prove_v your_o justification_n by_o your_o sanctification_n your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o good_a christian_n by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v what_o our_o state_n be_v as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n and_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a it_o be_v no_o worse_o that_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n may_v at_o least_o put_v in_o for_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o holiness_n and_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n a_o holy_a life_n can_v no_o more_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n than_o it_o can_v justify_v we_o for_o first_o since_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a sign_n of_o it_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o therefore_o a_o unholy_a man_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o can_v holiness_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a mark_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n indeed_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o holiness_n do_v necessary_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n know_v how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v before_o it_o follow_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n such_o a_o person_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n at_o best_a this_o give_v evidence_n but_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n a_o holy_a life_n may_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v no_o certain_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n may_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o one_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o nay_o second_o according_a to_o these_o man_n principle_n we_o can_v tell_v whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o till_o we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o holiness_n not_o our_o holiness_n a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o please_v god_n the_o best_a action_n of_o christless_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la glitter_v impiety_n which_o may_v appear_v so_o fair_a and_o lovely_a that_o they_o may_v deceive_v both_o other_o man_n and_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n because_o the_o person_n who_o do_v they_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n our_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o our_o service_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o holiness_n by_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n nor_o by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o must_v first_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n whether_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o he_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o holiness_n can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o three_o at_o other_o time_n these_o man_n make_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o like_o a_o unsanctified_a state_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v a_o sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a man_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n holiness_n and_o sanctification_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o another_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a itself_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o it_o and_o a_o regenerate_a man_n as_o they_o describe_v he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n as_o like_v this_o as_o one_o egg_n be_v like_o another_o for_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v
this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n but_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o consist_v i_o can_v see_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o account_v that_o man_n a_o fool_n who_o love_v at_o this_o rate_n we_o who_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n think_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o govern_v all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n too_o by_o reason_n and_o we_o account_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o a_o man_n to_o act_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n and_o how_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o man_n be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n indeed_o be_v this_o true_a it_o will_v undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n love_n for_o no_o reason_n than_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o think_v of_o please_a god_n or_o procure_v his_o love_n by_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v do_v whether_o we_o obey_v he_o or_o disobey_v he_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o this_o case_n for_o if_o he_o please_v to_o love_v we_o without_o any_o reason_n our_o sin_n can_v hinder_v it_o and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o please_v he_o to_o love_v we_o our_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n can_v alter_v he_o when_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n depend_v whole_o upon_o a_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a will_n nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v either_o hinder_v or_o promote_v it_o and_o therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o foundation_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v a_o philosophical_a nicety_n that_o god_n must_v act_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v move_v by_o any_o external_a cause_n whereas_o shall_v he_o love_v we_o because_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o or_o hate_v we_o because_o we_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n and_o hatred_n will_v depend_v upon_o a_o external_a cause_n viz._n the_o holiness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o creature_n which_o unbecome_v a_o independent_a be_v to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o reason_v be_v this_o that_o because_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n on_o who_o all_o other_o thing_n depend_v and_o he_o on_o nothing_o therefore_o he_o must_v love_v and_o hate_v his_o creature_n without_o any_o reason_n but_o his_o own_o unaccountable_a will_n for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n they_o can_v object_v that_o when_o god_n love_v or_o hate_v reward_n or_o punish_v his_o creature_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n he_o make_v between_o his_o creature_n must_v be_v fetch_v from_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o he_o thus_o love_v or_o hate_v and_o so_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v if_o he_o have_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o love_n or_o hatred_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o object_n not_o in_o the_o person_n who_o love_v or_o hate_v and_o yet_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o creature_n or_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n or_o hatred_n but_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o he_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o therefore_o love_v holiness_n and_o hate_v sin_n and_o his_o natural_a love_n to_o holiness_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v holy_a man_n and_o his_o natural_a hatred_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o hate_v wicked_a man_n his_o own_o holiness_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o determine_v his_o love_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v call_v this_o a_o depend_v on_o creature_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n do_v thus_o depend_v on_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a if_o he_o do_v not_o that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o put_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o thing_n and_o person_n as_o their_o nature_n require_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a notion_n of_o a_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o his_o own_o arbitrary_a will_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o destroy_v all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o these_o man_n tell_v we_o too_o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v immutable_a that_o have_v once_o fix_v his_o love_n upon_o we_o though_o without_o any_o reason_n he_o can_v never_o alter_v that_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o plant_n his_o love_n on_o we_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o love_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o though_o this_o be_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n for_o he_o who_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n may_v give_v over_o love_v for_o none_o if_o sin_n fore-seen_a be_v not_o able_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o plant_v his_o heart_n on_o we_o how_o then_o shall_v it_o that_o be_v sin_n commit_v be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o fix_a love_n indeed_o which_o sin_n itself_o can_v alter_v but_o how_o wise_a and_o holy_a a_o love_n it_o be_v let_v any_o man_n judge_v herein_o 158._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o the_o depth_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v that_o whereas_o his_o holy_a soul_n hate_v every_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n a_o abomination_n a_o new_a wound_n to_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a spouse_n that_o be_v sinful_a believer_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n fail_n infirmity_n he_o hide_v all_o covers_z all_z bear_v with_o all_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v loose_v they_o he_o add_v indeed_o by_o his_o power_n preserve_v they_o from_o such_o sin_n as_o a_o remedy_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n provide_v for_o all_o other_o sin_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o other_o sin_n a_o believer_n it_o seem_v may_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o christ_n will_v hide_v all_o cover_z all_z rather_o than_o lose_v he_o now_o this_o be_v as_o down_o right_a antinomianism_n as_o ever_o dr._n crisp_n or_o saltmarsh_n vent_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v always_o continue_v so_o but_o then_o they_o find_v this_o not_o on_o such_o a_o immutable_a love_n as_o sin_v itself_o can_v alter_v for_o this_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nor_o with_o those_o threaten_n in_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o backsliders_a when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o a_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v ezek._n 18._o 24._o and_o if_o any_o man_n turn_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a writer_n that_o if_o such_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o relapse_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n god_n also_o will_v cease_v to_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o find_v the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o on_o their_o perseverance_n in_o do_v good_a god_n love_v all_o good_a man_n but_o if_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a he_o also_o must_v cease_v to_o love_v and_o herein_o the_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n consist_v not_o that_o he_o always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n but_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v no_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o our_o kindness_n that_o where_o we_o love_v once_o we_o will_v always_o love_v whatever_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v our_o affection_n for_o
by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v to_o love_v you_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n always_o act_n upon_o steady_a and_o constant_a principle_n that_o whatever_o change_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v occasion_v very_o different_a administration_n in_o his_o providence_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o never_o change_v whereas_o shall_v god_n always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n however_o he_o change_v and_o alter_v god_n must_v change_v and_o alter_v too_o because_o though_o he_o still_o love_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o he_o must_v love_v for_o different_a or_o contrary_a reason_n or_o for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o much_o great_a change_n of_o the_o two_o to_o alter_v the_o reason_n than_o the_o object_n of_o love_n if_o god_n love_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o continue_v to_o love_v he_o when_o he_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n thus_o you_o see_v while_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o make_v it_o a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o man_n too_o for_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v they_o careless_a of_o please_a god_n and_o secure_a in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n can_v hinder_v god_n from_o love_v they_o nor_o alter_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o ever_o he_o love_v they_o it_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v that_o now_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o worst_a man_n live_v will_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n as_o the_o best_a man_n have_v nay_o if_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o worse_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a object_n be_v they_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n have_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o require_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v call_v honour_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_a love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o include_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n a_o devout_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n a_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o and_o all_o those_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o love_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n they_o be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n be_v and_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o thus_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n that_o our_o return_n may_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o it_o christ_n have_v condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o extol_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n which_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n since_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o depend_v on_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o law_n love_v to_o equal_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o but_o what_o love_n give_v they_o make_v they_o very_o flexible_a and_o obsequious_a to_o each_o other_o desire_n and_o request_n but_o our_o love_n to_o superior_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o parent_n include_v obedience_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o principal_a trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n