and_o the_o peculiar_a mood_n of_o speak_v in_o every_o language_n and_o in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o urge_v metaphor_n no_o further_o than_o their_o first_o intention_n without_o which_o we_o may_v deal_v by_o all_o author_n as_o these_o man_n deal_v by_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o speak_v nonsense_n or_o as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o venerable_a mystery_n and_o overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o way_n of_o expound_v otherwise_o call_v adulterate_v and_o debauch_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v than_o they_o argue_v and_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceive_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o scheme_n and_o fancy_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o truth_n prove_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o its_o agreement_n with_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o be_v such_o a_o trick_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v get_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n i_o may_v give_v instance_n of_o this_o in_o abundance_n but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o some_o few_o lest_o i_o tire_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n thus_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n have_v peace_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n now_o how_o do_v you_o think_v shall_v all_o these_o scripture_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o notion_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o why_o this_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n to_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ._n for_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o save_v etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o absolute_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o of_o faith_n consider_v as_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o relative_o that_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v faith_n apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n justify_v now_o this_o distinction_n be_v plain_o owe_v to_o their_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v stumble_v on_o it_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n justify_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o justify_v and_o save_v instrumental_o and_o relative_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o that_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v faith_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o plain_a word_n signify_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v though_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o say_v it_o do_v but_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o shall_v faith_n justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v as_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o good_a work_n and_o as_o perfect_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o have_v justification_n be_v promise_v to_o any_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o it_o have_v be_v of_o desert_n not_o of_o grace_n of_o wage_n not_o of_o mercy_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v justification_n upon_o any_o work_n of_o we_o have_v say_v we_o must_v bring_v so_o much_o humiliation_n so_o much_o repentance_n so_o much_o break_v of_o spirit_n so_o much_o grace_n so_o many_o prayer_n alms-deed_n or_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o grace_n not_o of_o free_a mercy_n though_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o dream_v of_o merit_v by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v will_v have_v think_v that_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v though_o faith_n have_v justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n since_o the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n do_v so_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whatever_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o this_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o metaphor_n or_o two_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n some_o more_o apt_a than_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o christ_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o a_o ring_n which_o have_v 64._o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o which_o will_v staunch_v blood_n we_o say_v the_o ring_n staunch_v blood_n but_o the_o virtue_n do_v not_o bare_o lie_v in_o the_o ring_n but_o in_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o ring_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o ring_n christ_n the_o precious_a stone_n all_o that_o faith_n do_v be_v to_o bring_v home_n christ_n merit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o it_o justify_v so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v out_o a_o improper_a and_o absurd_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o invent_v one_o as_o this_o gentleman_n do_v for_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o this_o before_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o improper_o as_o unlearned_a man_n talk_v or_o think_v or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o fancy_v faith_n a_o ring_n and_o christ_n a_o precious_a stone_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o that_o legal_a and_o meritorious_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o receptive_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o receive_v the_o gold_n that_o enrich_v so_o faith_n receive_v of_o christ_n merit_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enrich_a grace_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v 65._o vein_n that_o suck_v the_o nourishment_n that_o come_v into_o the_o stomach_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o suck_a vein_n that_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v not_o this_o very_a plain_n now_o to_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n just_a as_o the_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o stomach_n and_o now_o to_o make_v all_o clear_a we_o may_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n why_o god_n choose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a ibidem_fw-la grace_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n if_o repentance_n shall_v fetch_v justification_n from_o christ_n a_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v this_o be_v for_o my_o tear_n strange_a deserve_a creature_n these_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o merit_a heaven_n with_o a_o few_o tear_n but_o faith_n be_v humble_a it_o be_v a_o empty_a hand_n and_o what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n reach_v out_o his_o hand_n merit_v a_o alm_n yes_o just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o few_o tear_n merit_v heaven_n faith_n be_v only_o a_o golden_a bucket_n that_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n but_o why_o may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o merit_n grow_v as_o proud_a that_o they_o have_v a_o golden_a bucket_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a well_o be_v their_o own_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o man_n deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o poor_a humble_a faith_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o they_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n that_o faith_n be_v sometime_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n sometime_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o a_o mouth_n to_o feed_v on_o he_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o a_o ring_n to_o hold_v this_o precious_a stone_n a_o vein_n to_o suck_v justification_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a stomach_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a new_a conceit_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n i_o never_o before_o read_v that_o he_o be_v the_o stomach_n a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o this_o well_o christ_n though_o in_o this_o they_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o faith_n in_o make_v it_o a_o
golden_a bucket_n whereas_o at_o other_o time_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o sore_a and_o blear-eyed_a leah_n a_o shake_n and_o palsy_n hand_n weak_a and_o bend_a leg_n and_o have_v all_o the_o infirmity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a neither_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v need_n be_v a_o very_a humble_a grace_n else_o it_o will_v take_v such_o language_n very_o ill_o from_o they_o thus_o to_o give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n more_o when_o these_o man_n be_v press_v with_o those_o scripture_n that_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n that_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o that_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n those_o immoral_a hypocrite_n who_o place_v all_o their_o righteousness_n in_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o who_o break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n there_o and_o he_o that_o do_v and_o teach_v they_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v be_v great_o reward_v with_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o assert_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n which_o perfect_o overthrow_v their_o fundamental_a notion_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o merit_n of_o who_o death_n they_o say_v free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o make_v we_o as_o perfect_o innocent_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o offend_v and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n impute_v to_o we_o make_v we_o righteous_a so_o as_o to_o deserve_v a_o reward_n give_v we_o a_o actual_a title_n to_o glory_n now_o any_o one_o who_o be_v not_o mighty_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o reconcile_v this_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o express_o assert_v but_o these_o man_n defy_v you_o if_o you_o charge_v they_o with_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v it_o may_v have_v no_o bad_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o universal_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n a_o very_a suspicious_a word_n which_o methinks_v these_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o name_n be_v indispensable_o 8._o necessary_a from_o the_o sovereign_a appointment_n and_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o son_n i_o have_v ordain_v you_o that_o you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n john_n 15._o 16._o and_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o holiness_n be_v one_o eminent_a and_o special_a end_n of_o the_o peculiar_a dispensation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o business_n of_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o father_n elect_v love_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a eph._n 1._o 4._o the_o end_n of_o the_o son_n redeem_v love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n titus_n 2._o 14._o and_o of_o the_o spirit_n sanctify_v love_n as_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o guess_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o temple_n we_o be_v and_o be_v not_o these_o man_n now_o mighty_o injure_v in_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o make_v it_o necessary_a upon_o so_o many_o account_n be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o abuse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o this_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o question_n be_v about_o its_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v without_o it_o all_o this_o can_v prove_v any_o necessary_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o command_v obedience_n but_o where_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o this_o law_n will_v he_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o will_v he_o save_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o do_v obey_v for_o their_o obedience_n not_o a_o word_n of_o this_o for_o this_o destroy_v our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n only_o and_o if_o after_o all_o these_o command_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o obey_v or_o not_o i_o hope_v such_o command_n can_v make_v obedience_n necessary_a the_o father_n have_v elect_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o son_n redeem_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a but_o will_v the_o father_n elect_v and_o the_o son_n redeem_v none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v holy_a and_o reject_v and_o reprobate_v all_o other_o do_v this_o election_n and_o redemption_n suppose_v holiness_n in_o we_o or_o be_v it_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o be_v holy_a our_o election_n and_o redemption_n be_v secure_a whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o and_o so_o this_o can_v make_v holiness_n necessary_a on_o our_o part_n though_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o care_n obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n how_o so_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o only_a glory_n god_n design_n to_o advance_v by_o christ._n if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v yet_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o honour_n for_o it_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n profane_a man_n that_o they_o be_v as_o if_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n his_o beautiful_a robe_n be_v not_o much_o more_o for_o our_o honour_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o like_a to_o god_n than_o the_o rag_n and_o patch_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n however_o if_o man_n prefer_v their_o lust_n and_o interest_n before_o their_o honour_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n cease_v but_o it_o be_v for_o peace_n what_o peace_n i_o pray_v you_o peace_n of_o conscience_n why_o then_o must_v we_o at_o last_o fetch_v our_o peace_n and_o security_n from_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o to_o renounce_v christ_n miserable_a man_n that_o we_o be_v must_v we_o then_o 113._o set_v about_o correct_v our_o life_n amend_v our_o way_n perform_v duty_n require_v and_o so_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n why_o this_o be_v the_o course_n wherein_o many_o man_n continue_v long_o with_o much_o perplexity_n sometime_o hope_v often_o fear_v sometime_o ready_a to_o give_v quite_o over_o sometime_o vow_v to_o continue_v their_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v nor_o righteousness_n in_o any_o measure_n obtain_v all_o their_o day_n after_o they_o have_v tire_v themselves_o perhaps_o in_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o come_v at_o length_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o disappointment_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o with_o david_n cry_v that_o if_o god_n mark_n what_o be_v do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o be_v this_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o peace_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o
renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o army_n shall_v any_o captain_n revolt_n from_o his_o prince_n the_o soldier_n under_o his_o command_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o turn_v rebel_n because_o their_o leader_n be_v so_o or_o shall_v a_o whole_a troop_n or_o regiment_n conspire_v in_o the_o treason_n no_o particular_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o company_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o rebel_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o rebel_n the_o same_o reason_n hold_v good_a as_o to_o christian_a society_n if_o any_o particular_a church_n apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v then_o under_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o desert_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o be_v of_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n while_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o church_n while_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n be_v observe_v and_o his_o institution_n reverence_v and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o religion_n advance_v to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o disowne_v his_o authority_n when_o we_o reject_v those_o who_o act_n by_o his_o authority_n now_o this_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a and_o so_o hypocrital_a professor_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o true_a and_o real_a which_o import_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o since_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n and_o be_v entail_v on_o we_o by_o our_o ancestor_n as_o part_v of_o our_o inheritance_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o kingdom_n and_o make_v a_o great_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v too_o often_o see_v that_o many_o man_n undertake_v this_o profession_n only_o as_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n to_o avoid_v singularity_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v fill_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o visible_a professor_n who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n while_o some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n practise_v all_o the_o villainy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o live_v in_o a_o public_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o other_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o conceal_v their_o impurity_n under_o some_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o pass_v for_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o disguise_v hypocrite_n and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o real_a union_n between_o those_o who_o do_v no_o more_o than_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o who_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n earthly_a prince_n can_v exact_v only_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o their_o law_n because_o they_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o government_n be_v attain_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n but_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n which_o require_v not_o only_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a subjection_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o a_o visible_a union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o the_o homage_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 5._o that_o be_v before_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o subject_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n must_v make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o our_o baptism_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unless_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o that_o be_v unless_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n become_v subject_a to_o christ_n unless_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a do_v govern_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o real_o such_o as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v which_o be_v call_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n because_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n nothing_o avail_v but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v that_o none_o be_v true_a subject_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o but_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n now_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o external-political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o this_o new_a nature_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o real_a and_o spiritual_a union_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o under_o several_a notion_n first_o by_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o spiritual_a king_n when_o we_o put_v our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n under_o his_o government_n and_o conduct_n hence_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3._o 17._o that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o sole_a command_n and_o empire_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o govern_v our_o heart_n as_o a_o man_n do_v the_o house_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v and_o thus_o all_o those_o metaphor_n which_o signify_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v heart_n as_o earthly_a prince_n govern_v the_o body_n of_o their_o subject_n our_o subjection_n to_o he_o aught_o to_o begin_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n and_o in_o a_o cheerful_a and_o willing_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n such_o a_o subjection_n as_o a_o wife_n ought_v to_o yield_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o member_n to_o their_o head_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o free_a choice_n not_o a_o feign_a or_o force_a compliance_n second_o by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a image_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o his_o nature_n hence_o be_v that_o exhortation_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n be_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o mind_n matth._n 11._o 29._o hence_o also_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o that_o be_v unless_o he_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v which_o be_v call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n for_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n eph._n 5._o 9_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o express_v by_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o i._n e._n if_o you_o
christ_n for_o salvation_n these_o two_o faith_n be_v of_o as_o different_a kind_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reason_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o st._n paul_n certain_o understand_v himself_o better_a than_o to_o argue_v at_o this_o weak_a rate_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v this_o discourse_n to_o a_o head_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v count_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n abraham_n believe_v those_o revelation_n god_n make_v to_o he_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n we_o believe_v all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o son_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o so_o that_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n which_o necessary_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o john_n 20._o 31._o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v describe_v by_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 5._o 5._o who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n with_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o new_a covenant_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v found_v on_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o angel_n but_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n abraham_n have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a faith_n excel_v all_o other_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o much_o as_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n excel_v all_o other_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o other_o good_a man_n but_o still_o the_o end_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o abraham_n be_v without_o which_o no_o faith_n can_v justify_v and_o the_o same_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o general_a notion_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o those_o worthy_n of_o old_a and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3._o 22._o and_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n phil._n 3._o 9_o the_o first_o signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o use_v of_o these_o phrase_n and_o of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v unintelligible_a in_o any_o other_o way_n that_o can_v man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o plain_a sense_n it_o will_v need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n but_o not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v by_o these_o man_n to_o set_v up_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n i_o shall_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o that_o famous_a place_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o will_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o material_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v account_n they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n by_o my_o own_o righteousness_n these_o man_n understand_v inherent_a righteousness_n whatever_o good_a st._n paul_n have_v do_v either_o while_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o after_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n this_o he_o reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o this_o be_v fair_o offer_v but_o what_o proof_n have_v they_o for_o it_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v learn_v only_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o my_o righteousness_n signify_v inherent_a righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v they_o need_v not_o signify_v so_o my_o own_o righteousness_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o in_o which_o he_o place_v his_o righteousness_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o inherent_a holiness_n a_o external_a righteousness_n serve_v most_o man_n turn_n very_o well_o and_o this_o be_v the_o righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o pharisee_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi expect_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o what_o his_o righteousness_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 6_o 7._o circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o touch_v the_o law_n a_o pharisee_n who_o be_v mighty_a strict_a and_o punctual_a in_o observe_v all_o external_a ceremony_n and_o he_o express_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o persecute_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a which_o last_o phrase_n touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a signify_v only_o a_o external_a blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n as_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o acknowledge_v for_o this_o be_v the_o pharisee_n notion_n even_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o do_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o trypho_n the_o jew_n in_o justin_n martyr_n quarrel_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o it_o require_v the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o blamelessness_n here_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n do_v perfect_o observe_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v blameless_a before_o god_n as_o well_o as_o before_o man_n which_o i_o suppose_v those_o who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v god_n law_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o so_o that_o my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o signify_v a_o inherent_a righteousness_n a_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o some_o external_a rite_n as_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n or_o external_a privilege_n as_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o stock_n of_o israel_n or_o a_o external_a civility_n and_o blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n and_o this_o righteousness_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reject_v because_o god_n will_v reject_v it_o this_o
appear_v from_o rom._n 9_o 30._o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n who_o pursue_v so_o earnest_o after_o righteousness_n be_v exclude_v from_o righteousness_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v under_o a_o curse_n because_o they_o do_v not_o look_v for_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n or_o by_o christianity_n but_o by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o the_o most_o obvious_a reason_n why_o this_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v call_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n god_n righteousness_n be_v because_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v a_o way_n of_o justification_n not_o of_o god_n appointment_n but_o their_o own_o choose_n god_n never_o design_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v justify_v to_o eternal_a life_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o they_o confident_o expect_v justification_n by_o that_o law_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n choose_v this_o he_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n by_o this_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o this_o he_o appoint_v and_o this_o he_o will_v own_v and_o reward_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o a_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o impute_v to_o we_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n person_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n that_o be_v that_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n call_v they_o and_o upon_o inquiry_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o appropriate_a to_o his_o person_n belong_v to_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o describe_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o which_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o metaphorical_a expression_n still_o behind_o which_o exercise_n man_n wit_n and_o fancy_n viz_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n too_o or_o personal_a estate_n or_o what_o you_o will_v call_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ._n where_o by_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o call_v it_o unsearchable_a riches_n because_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o narrow_a and_o stint_a thing_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o law_n be_v but_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o mankind_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n contain_v those_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 1._o 7._o for_o riches_n signify_v only_o a_o abundance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o scripture_n to_o sport_n and_o toy_n with_o word_n and_o metaphor_n as_o some_o man_n do_v with_o this_o riches_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v rich_a because_o he_o have_v a_o rich_a christ._n dowry_n have_v all_o the_o world_n give_v to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a inheritance_n that_o he_o keep_v open_a house_n and_o maintain_v all_o the_o creation_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v this_o above_o 6000_o year_n which_o will_v have_v break_v he_o long_o since_o have_v he_o not_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o enrich_v all_o the_o saint_n but_o all_o of_o the_o saint_n their_o understanding_n with_o glorious_a light_n their_o conscience_n with_o quickness_n pureness_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o after_o all_o this_o vast_a expense_n he_o be_v never_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o penny_n the_o poor_a for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o that_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v general_o rich_a rich_a in_o house_n and_o land_n though_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o gold_n in_o silver_n in_o cattle_n in_o all_o temporal_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a tribute_n and_o rent_n due_a to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o owner_n of_o all_o that_o angel_n and_o man_n possess_v above_o and_o below_o these_o be_v fine_a thing_n to_o persuade_v young_a woman_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o their_o husband_n since_o they_o can_v never_o expect_v so_o rich_a and_o advantageous_a a_o match_n any_o where_o else_o but_o i_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o to_o pursue_v such_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n as_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expose_v they_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o fullness_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n these_o man_n make_v of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v fit_v he_o to_o all_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v wherein_o this_o union_n they_o talk_v of_o between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n do_v consist_v now_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v at_o large_a but_o these_o man_n instead_o of_o explain_v these_o metaphor_n turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o allegory_n as_o for_o example_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n and_o now_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v christ_n woo_v and_o make_v love_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o what_o other_o man_n call_v believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n these_o man_n call_v that_o consent_n and_o contract_n which_o make_v up_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n take_v we_o for_o his_o spouse_n and_o we_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o husband_n and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n except_o the_o ring_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o as_o a_o antichristian_a ceremony_n christ_n say_v thus_o this_o be_v com._n that_o we_o will_v consent_v unto_o that_o i_o will_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o and_o not_o for_o another_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o eminency_n to_o be_v its_o saviour_n head_n and_o husband_n to_o dwell_v with_o it_o in_o this_o holy_a relation_n and_o the_o soul_n like_v christ_n for_o his_o excellency_n grace_n suitableness_n far_o above_o all_o other_o belove_n whatever_n and_o accept_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n for_o its_o husband_n lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o marriage_n be_v complete_v and_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n espousal_n of_o the_o gladness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o now_o follow_v all_o mutual_a conjugal_a affection_n which_o on_o christ_n part_n consist_v in_o delight_n valuation_n pity_n or_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n on_o the_o saint_n part_n in_o delight_n valuation_n chastity_n duty_n which_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o description_n of_o his_o artificial_a man_n the_o commonwealth_n but_o i_o have_v already_o correct_v this_o fool_n with_o scripture-metaphor_n and_o phrase_n and_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o they_o place_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n namely_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v all_o christ_n we_o
scripture_n be_v press_v to_o serve_v every_o new-fangled_a conceit_n in_o religion_n the_o wild_a and_o most_o extravagant_a opinion_n that_o be_v ever_o yet_o vent_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n have_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o patronage_n though_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v wonder_v how_o the_o read_v such_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v suggest_v such_o notion_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o man_n first_o contrive_v their_o religion_n as_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n do_v and_o possess_v their_o fancy_n thorough_o with_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o then_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o find_v something_o there_o to_o stamp_v divinity_n on_o their_o own_o conceit_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o strong_a imagination_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o thing_n such_o man_n dote_v upon_o word_n and_o phrase_n metaphor_n and_o allusion_n as_o best_o fit_v for_o their_o purpose_n they_o find_v their_o religion_n on_o obscure_a text_n or_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o plain_a text_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o arbitrary_a distinction_n and_o limitation_n gloss_n and_o paraphrase_n by_o curtail_v of_o text_n or_o transplace_v word_n and_o comma_n or_o separate_v a_o single_a sentence_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v their_o sense_n as_o plain_o as_o the_o bell_n ring_n what_o every_o boy_n will_v have_v they_o which_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n as_o irenaeus_n observe_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o picture_n of_o the_o king_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o artificial_a composition_n of_o precious_a stone_n and_o transplace_v all_o these_o stone_n into_o another_o form_n as_o suppose_v of_o a_o ape_n and_o then_o shall_v persuade_v silly_a people_n that_o that_o be_v the_o king_n picture_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o may_v find_v the_o alcoran_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o well_o as_o make_v so_o many_o book_n so_o different_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o from_o the_o various_a compasition_n of_o twenty_o four_o letter_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o proposal_n to_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n but_o to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o it_o and_o show_v you_o how_o these_o familiar_a acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o may_v better_a make_v bold_a with_o he_o than_o they_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o pervert_v his_o gospel_n to_o serve_v their_o opinion_n there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o they_o first_o by_o the_o sound_n and_o clink_v of_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v all_o some_o man_n understand_v by_o keep_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v they_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceived_n notion_n and_o opinion_n and_o prove_v that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n because_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o their_o dream_n which_o be_v call_v expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n first_o they_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n that_o be_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o chime_n to_o the_o tune_n of_o their_o private_a conceit_n without_o ever_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v find_v they_o clap_v their_o own_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o serve_v for_o very_o solid_a and_o substantial_a proof_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o way_n thus_o when_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n then_o to_o know_v christ_n can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v his_o person_n and_o all_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o beauty_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o our_o spiritual_a wisdom_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n though_o some_o dull_a man_n can_v understand_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o man_n have_v first_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o free_a communication_n of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n righteousness_n and_o salvation_n what_o more_o plain_a proof_n can_v any_o man_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v this_o desire_v of_o it_o than_o first_o ep._n john_n 5._o 12._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n for_o what_o can_v have_a the_o son_n signify_v but_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o though_o some_o will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n but_o the_o phrase_n of_o have_v the_o son_n confute_v that_o dull_a and_o moral_a interpretation_n especial_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v call_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_n in_o he_o which_o must_v signify_v a_o very_a near_o union_n between_o christ_n person_n and_o we_o such_o as_o there_o be_v between_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o one_o another_o which_o make_v all_o christ_n we_o and_o we_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v self_n evident_a that_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o must_v go_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o union_n be_v very_o lucky_o call_v come_v to_o christ_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o salvation_n which_o metaphor_n of_o come_v and_o go_v be_v a_o very_a intelligible_a explication_n of_o believe_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v come_v to_o christ_n be_v this_o enough_o no_o sure_o the_o soul_n then_o must_v receive_v christ_n as_o saint_n john_n tell_v we_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1._o 12._o that_o faith_n which_o serve_v we_o for_o leg_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o apply_v all_o his_o merit_n and_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o now_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o we_o must_v embrace_v he_o in_o our_o arm_n too_o as_o good_a old_a simeon_n do_v when_o he_o find_v he_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o little_o near_a union_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n who_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o of_o and_o embrace_v they_o hebr._n 11._o 13._o and_o now_o we_o have_v christ_n we_o must_v trust_v and_o lean_a upon_o he_o as_o we_o be_v often_o command_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o find_v and_o feel_v our_o own_o weakness_n as_o unable_a to_o support_v ourselves_o we_o do_v lean_a and_o rest_v on_o christ_n and_o if_o lean_v be_v not_o enough_o we_o may_v make_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a and_o roll_v on_o he_o as_o appear_v from_o psalne_v 37._o 5._o roll_v thy_o way_n on_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a gal_n signify_v which_o be_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o seek_v ease_n we_o at_o last_o discharge_v our_o load_n and_o cast_v it_o on_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o on_o he_o 1_o peter_n 2._o 6._o for_o what_o can_v that_o signify_v but_o lean_v and_o roll_a on_o he_o lay_v and_o build_v ourselves_o on_o he_o as_o on_o a_o foundation_n and_o now_o we_o have_v thus_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v commit_v they_o to_o his_o trust_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o they_o and_o save_v they_o and_o if_o they_o perish_v it_o will_v be_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o must_v give_v account_n of_o it_o thus_o saint_n paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n and_o now_o we_o must_v hide_v our_o self_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o dove_n hide_v in_o the_o rock_n cant._n 2._o 14._o o_o my_o loveliness_n dove_n in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n christ_n wound_n be_v the_o
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
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v 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 the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_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 nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o
i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v trouble_v himself_o to_o confute_v he_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n be_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o hebr._n 11._o that_o he_o discourse_v there_o of_o a_o justify_v faith_n that_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o render_v man_n approve_v of_o god_n &_o which_o he_o will_v count_v for_o righteousness_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o the_o 2._o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n i._n e._n the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v approve_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o faith_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o abel_n obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a v_o 4._o that_o enoch_n have_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n v_o 5._o that_o noah_n become_v the_o heir_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n v_o 7._o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o justify_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o firm_a and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thâ—se_a thing_n we_o hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v faith_n be_v such_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n as_o make_v we_o confident_o hope_v for_o they_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v unseen_a thing_n as_o the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n something_o pass_v or_o to_o come_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o final_a dissolution_n of_o it_o or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o promise_n and_o prediction_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o these_o unseen_a thing_n as_o produce_v some_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o faith_n result_v from_o the_o different_a object_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n make_v a_o three_o which_o be_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o first_o we_o may_v call_v a_o natural_a faith_n i._n e._n a_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o natural_a demonstration_n or_o moral_a argument_n as_o 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 which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n whereby_o they_o please_v god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n because_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sincere_o religious_a or_o to_o do_v any_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n second_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o many_o example_n in_o this_o chapter_n thus_o noah_n believe_v god_n when_o he_o forewarn_v he_o of_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o provide_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n he_o become_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o father_n house_n and_o go_v into_o a_o strange_a land_n thus_o sarah_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n which_o be_v as_o heroical_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o man_n for_o beside_o that_o great_a and_o passionate_a kindness_n he_o have_v for_o his_o only_a son_n which_o make_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n this_o command_n of_o offer_v his_o son_n seem_v to_o thwart_v that_o former_a promise_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v i._n e._n that_o from_o isaac_n shall_v proceed_v that_o numerous_a offspring_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o abraham_n which_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a when_o this_o very_a isaac_n must_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o die_v without_o leave_v any_o child_n to_o succeed_v he_o but_o yet_o abraham_n be_v so_o well_o assure_v both_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o whatever_o impossibility_n humane_a reason_n suggest_v he_o will_v neither_o disobey_v god_n command_n nor_o distrust_v his_o promise_n but_o do_v believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n and_o moses_n etc._n etc._n who_o firm_o believe_v all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o confident_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o those_o day_n be_v justify_v viz._n such_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o as_o make_v they_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v three_o what_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v now_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n as_o abraham_n faith_n be_v to_o he_o for_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n answer_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n without_o which_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o force_n our_o faith_n in_o christ_n must_v signify_v such_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n as_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o we_o for_o if_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n you_o understand_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o you_o utter_o destroy_v the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n for_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a be_v not_o justify_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v account_v a_o righteous_a person_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v drown_v and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n at_o god_n command_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n because_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o follow_v god_n into_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o son_n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n when_o he_o and_o his_o wife_n be_v so_o old_a that_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o child_n and_o when_o sarah_n by_o faith_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o this_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o offer_v this_o son_n at_o god_n command_n without_o distrust_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o what_o have_v all_o this_o to_o do_v with_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o roll_a our_o soul_n on_o
be_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o this_o he_o account_v dung_n and_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i._n e._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o which_o contain_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o righteousness_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o god_n law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o new_a nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o this_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n which_o he_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v to_o confirm_v all_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o my_o own_o righteousness_n oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o these_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o internal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o rise_v again_o with_o christ_n and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o change_v our_o nature_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o make_v new_a creature_n hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostom_n expound_v it_o that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v design_v to_o work_v in_o they_o but_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o those_o external_a ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n wash_v purification_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o that_o internal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o typical_a and_o figurative_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o place_n be_v expound_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o personal_o but_o imputative_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n so_o which_o no_o man_n can_v help_v for_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n here_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o he_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o consistent_a such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o effect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o which_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v i._n e._n govern_v our_o mind_n and_o passion_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n this_o god_n effect_v by_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o those_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v imputation_n come_v in_o here_o what_o pretty_a sense_n will_v this_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n the_o law_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a to_o conquer_v their_o love_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n what_o for_o to_o give_v they_o better_a law_n and_o more_o excellent_a promise_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n to_o do_v good_a no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o have_v all_o do_v for_o they_o by_o have_v this_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n sure_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n still_o and_o have_v be_v as_o available_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o supplemental_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v have_v as_o well_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n have_v please_v but_o a_o want_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v the_o sinful_a appetite_n of_o man_n it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sensual_a lust_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o conquer_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v supply_v this_o defect_n not_o by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o great_a power_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o fulfil_v the_o external_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 7._o ver._n 4_o 5_o 6._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n by_o his_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n under_o that_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o
be_v not_o reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o but_o because_o we_o do_v some_o thing_n like_o they_o our_o die_v to_o sin_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o walk_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o powerful_a to_o engage_v we_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o rise_v into_o a_o new_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o these_o phrase_n not_o that_o christ_n do_v all_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o too_o but_o for_o a_o quite_o different_a reason_n because_o we_o must_v do_v something_o like_o it_o express_v the_o power_n and_o image_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n in_o our_o life_n to_o this_o purpose_n also_o he_o cite_v that_o 184._o text_n in_o gal._n 4._o 4_o 5._o god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o here_o he_o stop_v but_o i_o shall_v take_v confidence_n to_o add_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n now_o by_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v mean_v be_v dispose_v of_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o must_v yield_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n well_o suppose_v this_o and_o this_o be_v all_o to_o redeem_v we_o and_o therefore_o our_o redemption_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o fair_o argue_v but_o can_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n contribute_v no_o otherway_n to_o our_o redemption_n but_o by_o be_v reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v not_o to_o redeem_v we_o but_o to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n from_o which_o christ_n redeem_v they_o by_o abrogate_a that_o law_n and_o introduce_v a_o better_a covenant_n the_o adoption_n of_o son_n for_o in_o this_o epistle_n nay_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o law_n be_v call_v a_o state_n of_o servant_n and_o of_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n put_v we_o into_o such_o a_o free_a and_o manly_a state_n as_o that_o of_o a_o heir_n at_o age_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8._o 15._o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v now_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v call_v redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n in_o a_o state_n of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n and_o have_v establish_v a_o better_a covenant_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o which_o as_o much_o excel_v the_o law_n as_o the_o adoption_n of_o son_n do_v the_o state_n of_o servant_n and_o this_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o influence_n christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n have_v on_o the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o accomplish_v all_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o when_o all_o these_o type_n be_v fulfil_v they_o grow_v out_o of_o date_n so_o that_o his_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n most_o probable_o signify_v his_o be_v make_v such_o a_o person_n as_o shall_v exact_o answer_v all_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o as_o of_o no_o further_o use_v thus_o the_o temple_n be_v god_n house_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v but_o now_o the_o shecinah_n or_o divine_a glory_n rest_v on_o christ_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o a_o material_a temple_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o god_n peculiar_a presence_n among_o they_o the_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n be_v type_n of_o christ_n and_o when_o that_o great_a high_a priest_n come_v and_o offer_v that_o perfect_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o all_o legal_a priest_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v of_o no_o use_n thus_o by_o his_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o accomplish_v all_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o it_o he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o those_o beggarly_a rudiment_n and_o deliver_v the_o jew_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n for_o though_o the_o gentile_n too_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o redeem_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n under_o which_o they_o never_o be_v several_a other_o place_n he_o allege_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o i_o have_v either_o already_o consider_v they_o or_o shall_v do_v in_o what_o follow_v but_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o impartial_a inquirer_n how_o vain_a and_o precarious_a this_o principle_n be_v which_o too_o many_o make_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o christ_n as_o mediator_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o their_o stead_n who_o mediator_n he_o be_v and_o now_o have_v i_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o expose_v the_o mistake_n of_o other_o man_n i_o shall_v need_v add_v no_o more_o till_o i_o see_v this_o answer_v but_o i_o have_v a_o great_a and_o better_a design_n viz._n to_o explain_v and_o confirm_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o such_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o have_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o fancy_v such_o a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n whether_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n or_o legal_a union_n as_o he_o be_v our_o surety_n or_o mediator_n as_o shall_v entitle_v believer_n to_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o to_o disparage_v the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o god_n forbid_v any_o christian_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o i_o shall_v second_o examine_v what_o influence_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n have_v upon_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n about_o this_o be_v that_o to_o this_o we_o owe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o belief_n and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a with_o reference_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n hence_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10_o 29._o and_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n heb._n 13._o 20._o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n heb._n 12._o 24._o which_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o moses_n his_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n heb._n 9_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v every_o precept_n to_o all_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o law_n when_o he_o have_v declare_v the_o term_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o they_o he_o take_v the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n with_o water_n and_o scarlet_a wool_n and_o hyssop_n and_o sprinkle_v both_o the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n say_v this_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o testament_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o you_o thus_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v because_o by_o his_o blood_n god_n do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o sprinkle_n the_o blood_n of_o beast_n do_v confirm_v the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n rom._n 5._o 9_o that_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n which_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v by_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n rom._n 3._o 25._o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o scripture_n use_v these_o phrase_n promiscuous_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o
bestow_v the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n on_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o righteous_a that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v justify_v that_o be_v treat_v like_o righteous_a person_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o very_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v righteous_a but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 17._o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v thus_o justify_v by_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o in_o life_n not_o those_o who_o be_v righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v who_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o god_n be_v which_o righteousness_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v not_o owe_v sole_o to_o humane_a endeavour_n but_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o those_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o divine_a assistance_n which_o god_n in_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n have_v afford_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n how_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o which_o be_v impossible_a but_o because_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a both_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o forensick_a sense_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o gospel_n form_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o though_o that_o phrase_n never_o occur_v in_o scripture_n because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n christ_n righteousness_n and_o our_o own_o be_v both_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o other_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o section_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v any_o such_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o shall_v entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o themselves_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o suffering_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o justification_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o advantage_n from_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iv._o that_o these_o man_n place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o whereby_o they_o say_v we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o excellency_n grace_n righteousness_n preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o notion_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o opinion_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o how_o false_a it_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n discourse_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 321._o mr._n shephard_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o obedience_n do_v not_o make_v we_o god_n people_n or_o god_n our_o god_n but_o he_o be_v first_o our_o god_n which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o his_o we_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o obey_v as_o for_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n we_o will_v consider_v that_o anon_o at_o present_a it_o suffice_v that_o we_o be_v god_n people_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o obey_v he_o the_o same_o author_n 318._o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n our_o life_n by_o obedience_n as_o adam_n be_v to_o god_n by_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o which_o obedience_n be_v no_o part_n otherwise_o he_o oppose_v a_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o all_o action_n in_o live_a thing_n come_v from_o union_n so_o all_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v to_o come_v by_o faith_n from_o the_o spirit_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o from_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n which_o make_v the_o union_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o faith_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o before_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a before_o this_o union_n the_o best_a action_n we_o can_v do_v be_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n because_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n before_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n hence_o these_o man_n constant_o place_v our_o justification_n before_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o be_v first_o account_v holy_a by_o god_n before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a now_o our_o justification_n follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o fanctification_n follow_v our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 212._o holiness_n be_v a_o remote_a end_n of_o vocation_n but_o the_o next_o end_n be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o author_n make_v a_o speech_n for_o christ_n to_o a_o sinner_n so_o gracious_a a_o speech_n that_o among_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o though_o thou_o have_v resist_v my_o spirit_n refuse_v my_o grace_n weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n yet_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o this_o will_v make_v i_o amends_o i_o require_v nothing_o of_o thou_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