whatever_o become_v of_o this_o exposition_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n before_o mr._n ferguson_n imagine_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n without_o the_o least_o trope_n or_o figure_n fullness_n proper_o belong_v only_o to_o space_n as_o fill_v with_o matter_n and_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n when_o apply_v to_o spirit_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o instead_o of_o turn_v a_o proper_a expression_n into_o trope_n and_o figure_n i_o have_v expound_v a_o figurative_a expression_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n when_o by_o the_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n i_o understand_v the_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o by_o this_o fullness_n communicate_v to_o we_o the_o most_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o proper_a work_n mr._n ferguson_n make_v of_o it_o by_o that_o fullness_n in_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n he_o understand_v a_o participation_n of_o renew_v sanctify_a grace_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n full_a of_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n that_o be_v according_a to_o mr._n ferguson_n notion_n of_o it_o of_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o receive_v this_o renew_n grace_n out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n as_o water_n flow_v out_o of_o a_o fountain_n and_o thus_o either_o grace_n pass_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o which_o the_o philosopher_n will_v have_v tell_v he_o no_o habit_n or_o quality_n can_v do_v or_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o christian_n together_o with_o these_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o more_o ridiculous_a conceit_n than_o the_o popish_a transubstantiation_n or_o the_o lutheran_n consubstantiation_n the_o inherent_a grace_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o identical_a nature_n with_o the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_n and_o the_o essential_a holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v separable_a from_o his_o person_n and_o may_v be_v transmit_v into_o another_o subject_n and_o may_v there_o be_v capable_a of_o increase_n and_o diminution_n mr._n ferguson_n must_v necessary_o allow_v all_o this_o if_o he_o take_v these_o word_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v endow_v with_o power_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o deliver_v this_o expression_n from_o trope_n and_o figure_n but_o the_o very_a same_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n must_v be_v infuse_v into_o believer_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o nonsense_n but_o these_o be_v but_o some_o slight_a skirmish_n in_o pag._n 387._o he_o draw_v forth_o his_o whole_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n against_o i_o that_o i_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n by_o turn_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n into_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n of_o this_o he_o give_v two_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o say_v i_o confound_v with_o his_o regal_a office_n and_o consequent_o make_v christ_n only_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o priest_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v 399._o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o they_o must_v all_o of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v in_o a_o metaphorick_n as_o the_o socinian_o expound_v they_o now_o though_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v puzzle_v mr._n ferguson_n to_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o proper_a and_o a_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n yet_o at_o least_o one_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o in_o order_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o shall_v produce_v some_o express_a place_n where_o i_o make_v christ_n a_o metaphorical_a priest_n or_o some_o express_a text_n which_o i_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n but_o he_o can_v do_v neither_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o he_o first_o pervert_v my_o word_n as_o well_o as_o sense_n and_o then_o argue_v by_o consequence_n that_o i_o make_v christ_n only_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n and_o then_o by_o as_o good_a consequence_n i_o must_v expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o metaphorick_n sense_n and_o thus_o by_o consequence_n our_o author_n lose_v his_o labour_n for_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o childish_o he_o have_v mistake_v or_o malicious_o pervert_v my_o word_n and_o sense_n whereon_o this_o charge_n be_v ground_v only_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a to_o find_v upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o alter_v his_o judgement_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n and_o his_o discourse_n concern_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o time_n be_v when_o he_o charge_v that_o learned_a person_n with_o betray_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o i_o be_o now_o charge_v with_o socinianism_n but_o our_o author_n never_o commend_v any_o one_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v some_o commendation_n of_o himself_o or_o to_o reflect_v some_o disparagement_n and_o odium_fw-la upon_o his_o adversary_n his_o next_o instance_n concern_v that_o account_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o justification_n 403._o and_o here_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o few_o cavil_v exception_n against_o it_o &_o then_o admirable_o prove_v that_o i_o pervert_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o own_o my_o word_n but_o dislike_v that_o blunder_a method_n into_o which_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o represent_v my_o own_o conception_n in_o such_o order_n and_o method_n as_o may_v more_o easy_o and_o natural_o express_v my_o sense_n i_o assert_v that_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o a_o perfect_a and_o sinless_a obedience_n but_o promise_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n that_o this_o gospel-covenant_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n have_v give_v a_o noble_a demonstration_n of_o his_o entire_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o with_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n believe_v his_o revelation_n obey_v his_o law_n trust_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_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 righteousness_n or_o justification_n 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 our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o 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 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 i._n e._n what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o blessing_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 this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a account_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o
doctrine_n will_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o assert_n but_o by_o the_o translation_n of_o our_o sin_n on_o he_o when_o our_o sin_n be_v transfer_v on_o christ_n we_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la innocent_a and_o his_o death_n can_v deliver_v we_o who_o be_v free_v already_o but_o must_v be_v only_o to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o this_o assume_v guilt_n we_o be_v free_v by_o the_o transfer_v of_o our_o guilt_n on_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v free_v by_o undergo_a the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o take_v my_o debt_n absolute_o upon_o himself_o if_o the_o creditor_n accept_v of_o this_o exchange_n i_o be_o final_o discharge_v and_o be_o not_o liable_a to_o any_o far_a arrest_n or_o action_n at_o law_n and_o whenever_o he_o pay_v the_o debt_n he_o do_v not_o free_v i_o but_o himself_o from_o the_o obligation_n so_o that_o now_o his_o argument_n from_o proportion_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o if_o our_o sin_n be_v impute_v to_o christ_n otherwise_o than_o mere_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o so_o must_v likewise_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n be_v otherwise_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o mere_o in_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o for_o as_o christ_n be_v not_o account_v a_o sinner_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o he_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o be_v account_v formal_o righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o personal_a righteousness_n to_o we_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v that_o seelude_v not_o only_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n but_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o death_n as_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o as_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o justification_n it_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o the_o immutability_n and_o essential_a holiness_n of_o god_n to_o justify_v we_o upon_o a_o imperfect_a obedience_n the_o law_n which_o require_v a_o perfect_a remain_v still_o in_o force_n and_o denounce_v wrath_n in_o case_n of_o every_o failure_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v unjust_a for_o god_n to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n though_o christ_n have_v die_v to_o make_v atonement_n for_o they_o unless_o we_o be_v make_v formal_o righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o which_o in_o plain_a term_n overthrow_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n of_o no_o value_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n why_o may_v not_o god_n accept_v and_o reward_v our_o imperfect_a service_n without_o be_v unjust_a in_o do_v so_o but_o that_o law_n which_o require_v perfect_a obedience_n remain_v still_o in_o force_n and_o denounce_v wrath_n against_o every_o failure_n but_o be_v there_o any_o law_n which_o forbid_v god_n to_o pardon_v sin_n though_o his_o own_o son_n make_v atonement_n for_o it_o by_o his_o death_n where_o be_v this_o law_n and_o where_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o and_o who_o give_v it_o this_o sanction_n will_v nothing_o satisfy_v the_o law_n but_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o gospel_n than_o god_n never_o can_v forgive_v sin_n and_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v righteous_a by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v but_o our_o sin_n can_v never_o be_v forgive_v which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o whole_a gospel_n a_o law_n in_o force_n which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n upon_o any_o term_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o gospel-grace_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o socinian_o assert_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n i_o shall_v have_v be_v incline_v to_o have_v think_v so_o too_o for_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o law_n which_o require_v unsinning_a obedience_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n with_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o be_v at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n as_o a_o necessity_n of_o pardon_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o innocency_n and_o now_o i_o think_v of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o socinianism_n if_o we_o do_v but_o attribute_v such_o a_o abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v as_o well_o as_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n and_o therefore_o i_o bold_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n now_o in_o force_n as_o require_v unsinning_a obedience_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n not_o that_o christ_n have_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n abrogate_a the_o law_n by_o his_o death_n if_o by_o the_o law_n we_o mean_v those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n which_o necessary_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o mutual_a relation_n and_o respect_n that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v not_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n be_v a_o sin_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n childish_o argue_v that_o then_o 41â—_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o by_o be_v believer_n we_o whole_o cease_v to_o be_v sinner_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n instead_o of_o only_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n have_v prevent_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o from_o be_v so_o but_o the_o only_a abrogation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v or_o condemn_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n god_n will_v now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n and_o reward_v their_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n this_o be_v the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v not_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n which_o before_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o only_o absolve_v we_o from_o the_o condemnation_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o entitle_v we_o to_o those_o reward_n which_o a_o imperfect_a obedience_n can_v merit_v perfect_a obedience_n be_v the_o attainment_n at_o which_o we_o must_v aim_v but_o not_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n now_o in_o force_n to_o christian_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v the_o christian_a law_n and_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o advancement_n both_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o law_n require_v a_o perfect_a but_o accept_v and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n it_o do_v not_o come_v short_a of_o any_o law_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o rule_n and_o it_o excel_v all_o other_o law_n as_o it_o be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n for_o though_o the_o gospel_n require_v both_o a_o perfect_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n yet_o it_o require_v they_o under_o very_o different_a sanction_n at_o least_o if_o promise_v may_v be_v call_v the_o sanction_n of_o a_o law_n the_o sanction_n of_o sincerity_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n or_o procure_v our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o shall_v be_v judge_v as_o to_o our_o final_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o the_o sanction_n of_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o glory_n he_o who_o be_v sincere_a though_o imperfect_a shall_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o our_o reward_n shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o our_o different_a attainment_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o most_o perfect_a saint_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v mr._n ferguson_n will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o immutability_n and_o essential_a holiness_n of_o god_n to_o accept_v and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n since_o he_o do_v not_o absolve_v his_o creature_n from_o any_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o be_v so_o merciful_a as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o pardon_v and_o accept_v sincere_a penitent_n and_o so_o holy_a as_o to_o encourage_v the_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o proportionable_a reward_n as_o for_o what_o mr._n ferguson_n add_v concern_v 411._o christ_n surrogation_n in_o our_o room_n and_o stead_n
he_o that_o be_v justify_v yet_o they_o justify_v not_o all_o together_o where_o by_o these_o good_a work_n be_v join_v with_o faith_n and_o be_v present_a in_o he_o that_o be_v justify_v be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n and_o must_v be_v present_a as_o antecedent_n qualification_n or_o condition_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o justify_v we_o as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v above_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o include_v repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n as_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o first_o but_o the_o last_o and_o complete_n act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o these_o good_a work_n be_v not_o one_o way_n or_o other_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v present_a in_o he_o that_o be_v justify_v for_o faith_n may_v then_o justify_v alone_o without_o the_o presence_n as_o well_o as_o without_o the_o merit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o our_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o shut_v out_o these_o good_a work_n from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o present_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o justify_v all_o together_o the_o design_n be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o necessity_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o assign_v why_o these_o good_a work_n can_v justify_v because_o all_o the_o good_a work_n we_o can_v do_v be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o deserve_v our_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o homily_n for_o our_o church_n by_o justification_n perpetual_o understand_v a_o meritorious_a and_o not_o a_o conditional_a justification_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o justify_v in_o this_o sense_n must_v by_o its_o own_o virtue_n or_o merit_n expiate_v our_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n allege_v why_o no_o man_n can_v make_v himself_o righteous_a that_o be_v justify_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o work_n neither_o in_o part_n nor_o in_o the_o whole_a for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a presumption_n in_o man_n that_o antichrist_n can_v set_v up_o against_o god_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v by_o his_o own_o work_n take_v away_o and_o purge_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o so_o justify_v himself_o so_o that_o be_v by_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o faith_n itself_o consider_v as_o our_o own_o act_n have_v no_o great_a privilege_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_v we_o forsake_v altogether_o again_o faith_n work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n faith_n do_v not_o justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o merit_v our_o justification_n as_o it_o must_v do_v if_o it_o justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n signify_v that_o we_o do_v something_o so_o meritorious_a as_o to_o deserve_v justification_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o now_o justification_n 2._o be_v the_o office_n of_o god_n only_o and_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o render_v to_o he_o that_o be_v we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o of_o our_o own_o to_o merit_v our_o justification_n but_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o not_o which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o but_o which_o we_o take_v of_o he_o by_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n our_o only_a redeemer_n justifier_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n but_o for_o this_o reason_n faith_n only_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o to_o shut_v out_o our_o own_o work_n and_o itself_o also_o consider_v as_o our_o own_o act_n from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v because_o though_o it_o strong_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o exclude_v all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o desert_n for_o faith_n have_v a_o necessary_a respect_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o whoever_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o owe_v his_o justification_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n pardon_v his_o sin_n and_o reward_v his_o imperfect_a service_n as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o church_n do_v plain_o confess_v that_o his_o work_n be_v imperfect_a and_o can_v deserve_v his_o justification_n which_o take_v away_o all_o opinion_n of_o merit_n from_o ourselves_o and_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v three_o thing_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o that_o distinction_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v fide_fw-la solâ_fw-la but_o not_o solitariâ_fw-la by_o faith_n alone_o but_o not_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v alone_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o according_a to_o some_o modern_a divine_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o that_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o rely_v and_o roll_v itself_o on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n that_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n god_n infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n into_o a_o justify_v person_n yet_o in_o the_o act_n of_o justify_v he_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n but_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o these_o be_v infuse_v into_o we_o and_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o they_o and_o some_o man_n will_v willing_o affix_v this_o notion_n as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v to_o our_o church_n because_o she_o only_o require_v the_o presence_n of_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o justify_v person_n but_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v but_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o word_n admit_v a_o better_a sense_n and_o that_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o in_o the_o modern_a notion_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o any_o other_o internal_a grace_n or_o virtue_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n which_o require_v the_o presence_n of_o these_o grace_n as_o antecedent_n condition_n or_o qualification_n though_o it_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o justification_n and_o to_o confirm_v this_o i_o observe_v second_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o attribute_v our_o justification_n to_o any_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n she_o frequent_o indeed_o inculcate_n the_o embrace_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o justify_v faith_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v not_o because_o that_o particular_a act_n justify_v we_o but_o to_o attribute_v our_o justification_n not_o to_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o work_n but_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o she_o express_o affirm_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o justification_n be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n much_o less_o can_v any_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o our_o own_o act_n justify_v which_o overthrow_v that_o instrumentality_n of_o faith_n in_o justification_n which_o these_o man_n talk_v of_o but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o reward_v we_o with_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n trust_v whole_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v express_v at_o large_a in_o the_o homily_n that_o the_o true_a understanding_n 2._o and_o mean_v of_o our_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n or_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o be_v this_o that_o although_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v it_o although_o we_o have_v faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o do_v never_o so_o many_o good_a work_n thereunto_o yet_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o all_o the_o say_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o good_a deed_n which_o
this_o that_o i_o deny_v &c_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o alone_o i_o make_v necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o true_a gospel-holiness_n as_o not_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o infuse_a principle_n derive_v from_o jesus_n by_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n though_o complete_o and_o perfect_o unite_v to_o christ_n to_o attain_v true_a holiness_n for_o the_o future_a because_o christ_n be_v not_o consider_v as_o a_o quicken_a head_n and_o a_o vital_a root_n of_o influence_n to_o we_o now_o though_o i_o suppose_v mr._n ferguson_n and_o i_o shall_v hardly_o agree_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v by_o a_o real_a and_o physical_a operation_n yet_o i_o never_o deny_v but_o have_v express_o own_v the_o divine_a influence_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n as_o will_v appear_v plain_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n but_o suppose_v for_o once_o that_o i_o have_v deny_v this_o and_o have_v affirm_v that_o man_n may_v be_v holy_a without_o it_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o i_o reject_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n or_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o mankind_n because_o though_o false_o i_o shall_v assert_v that_o man_n be_v and_o may_v be_v holy_a without_o such_o supernatural_a strength_n and_o power_n yes_o for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o gospel-holiness_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a grace_n but_o do_v the_o efficient_a cause_n then_o constitute_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n suppose_v two_o man_n one_o immediate_o create_v by_o god_n another_o beget_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o both_o perfect_o alike_o as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o humane_a nature_n do_v this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o one_o must_v not_o be_v call_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o because_o one_o be_v create_v and_o the_o other_o beget_v thus_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppose_v one_o man_n immediate_o create_v by_o god_n perfect_o righteous_a and_o holy_a as_o adam_n be_v another_o who_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o infuse_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o three_o who_o by_o diligence_n and_o industry_n by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n and_o the_o wise_a improvement_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n have_v arrive_v to_o the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o habit_n of_o action_n which_o be_v immediate_o create_v in_o the_o first_o and_o physical_o infuse_v into_o the_o second_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o i_o will_v willing_o understand_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o holy_a as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v as_o true_a a_o man_n who_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n as_o adam_n be_v who_o be_v immediate_o create_v or_o as_o christ_n be_v who_o be_v form_v in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n by_o the_o overshadow_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o original_a holiness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o creature_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a image_n not_o in_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v not_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n can_v that_o which_o we_o call_v holiness_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o our_o natural_a faculty_n it_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o holiness_n for_o that_o and_o therefore_o unless_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o that_o holiness_n which_o i_o make_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v defective_a in_o something_o which_o constitute_v the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n though_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o attribute_v holiness_n to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v only_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o charge_v my_o notion_n with_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o gospel-holiness_n but_o this_o whole_a charge_n be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o a_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a revenge_n because_o i_o have_v charge_v they_o and_o make_v good_a my_o charge_n with_o place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n what_o defence_n can_v mr._n ferguson_n make_v against_o this_o true_o none_o at_o all_o but_o according_a to_o his_o old_a way_n he_o deny_v it_o without_o attempt_v to_o answer_v any_o thing_n which_o i_o allege_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o which_o argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o 4._o great_a courage_n than_o wit_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n he_o deny_v and_o own_v it_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v 441._o for_o be_v this_o that_o as_o previous_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o unholy_a so_o by_o that_o very_a act_n whereby_o he_o unite_v we_o to_o himself_o he_o infuse_v those_o principle_n into_o we_o whereby_o our_o nature_n be_v cleanse_v and_o we_o come_v to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a and_o pure_a here_o he_o express_o acknowledge_v that_o before_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o unholy_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o while_o we_o be_v unholy_a for_o every_o minute_n before_o our_o union_n be_v previous_a to_o it_o well_o but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o act_n that_o he_o assume_v we_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o he_o transform_v our_o nature_n suppose_v that_o yet_o we_o be_v unholy_a till_o we_o be_v unite_v for_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a by_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n and_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n whether_o our_o renovation_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n precede_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o whether_o our_o union_n go_v before_o our_o renovation_n see_v in_o order_n of_o time_n they_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o our_o cohaesion_n say_v you_o so_o sir_n be_v this_o a_o needless_a enquiry_n then_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o be_v consider_v as_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o or_o after_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v unholy_a and_o yet_o how_o this_o agree_v with_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o bond_n of_o cohaesion_n i_o can_v understand_v since_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n of_o any_o union_n before_o or_o without_o its_o bond_n but_o to_o consider_v this_o a_o little_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o indifferent_a to_o place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o or_o after_o our_o renovation_n for_o i_o never_o charge_v they_o with_o say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n may_v continue_v unholy_a because_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o antinomian_o do_v affirm_v that_o holiness_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o physical_a effect_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n though_o their_o principle_n overthrow_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o it_o whoever_o be_v consider_v as_o unite_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n as_o clothe_v with_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o pardon_v through_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o a_o actual_a heir_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n now_o if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o pardon_v and_o justify_v and_o a_o heir_n of_o glory_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o he_o be_v holy_a before_o he_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n or_o love_v god_n or_o so_o much_o as_o resolve_n and_o purpose_n to_o obey_v he_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a overthrow_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n which_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o every_o man_n who_o be_v wicked_a to_o the_o very_a last_o minute_n wherein_o he_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o wicked_a and_o promise_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a life_n only_o to_o those_o who_o actual_o repent_v and_o love_n god_n if_o we_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o sin_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n and_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n in_o order_n
do_v it_o not_o as_o much_o belong_v to_o a_o supreme_a and_o unaccountable_a judge_n to_o pardon_v as_o to_o absolve_v and_o be_v not_o pardon_n as_o proper_o oppose_v to_o condemnation_n as_o absolution_n be_v but_o to_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n it_o be_v worth_a consider_v how_o our_o author_n in_o his_o way_n can_v explain_v justification_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o justification_n be_v to_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o dispute_n whether_o this_o forensick_a use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v its_o proper_a sense_n i_o will_v willing_o learn_v of_o our_o author_n how_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o proper_a sense_n that_o be_v how_o he_o who_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v as_o innocent_a how_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v can_v declare_v that_o that_o man_n have_v never_o break_v his_o law_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o who_o be_v a_o sinner_n yes_o say_v our_o author_n this_o may_v be_v do_v very_o well_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n which_o make_v they_o perfect_o innocent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v this_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o justification_n that_o a_o sinner_n be_v innocent_a and_o righteous_a by_o imputation_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n then_o between_o a_o impute_a and_o a_o inherent_a and_o personal_a righteousness_n justification_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n require_v a_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o innocency_n and_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v require_v some_o good_a lusty_a trope_n to_o make_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n in_o this_o law-notion_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o his_o gross_a notion_n be_v as_o metaphorical_a a_o justification_n as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n though_o not_o half_a so_o good_a sense_n but_o i_o have_v not_o thus_o do_v with_o our_o author_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o to_o answer_v when_o he_o be_v able_a the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a or_o metaphorical_a justification_n be_v the_o true_a scripture-notion_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n justification_n indeed_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n signify_v the_o acceptation_n of_o our_o person_n and_o the_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o bare_a remission_n but_o the_o first_o act_n of_o justification_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o which_o draw_v all_o the_o rest_n after_o it_o be_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o sinner_n righteousness_n wherewith_o he_o must_v appear_v before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o now_o by_o christ_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n xiii_o 39_o that_o be_v that_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o tonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v appoint_v no_o sacrifice_n where_o to_o be_v justify_v signify_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v but_o not_o to_o heap_v up_o many_o testimony_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v on_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o this_o controversy_n there_o st._n paul_n inquire_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o father_n abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n where_o by_o work_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o mean_v only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n a_o external_n and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n for_o he_o proceed_v to_o that_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n but_o he_o seem_v principal_o to_o intend_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o justification_n by_o faith_n what_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o there_o be_v four_o expression_n whereby_o this_o righteousness_n be_v describe_v which_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n vers_fw-la 3_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n that_o it_o be_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o ungodly_a vers_fw-la 5._o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o because_o this_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n grand_a charge_n against_o i_o that_o i_o place_v justification_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o so_o do_v our_o apostle_n and_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n for_o it_o even_o as_o david_n also_o deseribe_v the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o man_n unto_o who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v blessed_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o impute_v sin_n vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o justification_n by_o work_n that_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v though_o they_o have_v be_v former_o guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n yet_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v their_o past_a sin_n and_o their_o present_a imperfection_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o above_o the_o desert_n and_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n a_o righteousness_n of_o work_n consist_v in_o innocency_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pardon_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v call_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n faith_n be_v account_v and_o reckon_v to_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n and_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v righteousness_n which_o signify_v that_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o grace_n not_o of_o debt_n for_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n reckon_v not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n when_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n he_o be_v absolve_v because_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o reward_v because_o he_o have_v merit_v a_o reward_n which_o be_v the_o justification_n for_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n plead_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o st._n paul_n but_o justification_n by_o faith_n require_v the_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n of_o god_n because_o though_o it_o include_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v our_o best_a to_o please_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o great_a many_o infirmity_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o defect_n which_o can_v pass_v the_o trial_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v righteousness_n when_o god_n accept_v of_o that_o for_o our_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v not_o righteousness_n whatever_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n must_v be_v good_a but_o imperfect_a if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v impute_v instead_o of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o gracious_a acceptation_n it_o be_v then_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a not_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v call_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n vers_fw-la 6._o which_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o loose_a sense_n as_o if_o god_n will_v justify_v a_o man_n who_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v good_a as_o if_o he_o will_v account_v that_o man_n righteous_a who_o do_v no_o righteousness_n which_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o epist._n three_o 7._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v either_o that_o god_n sometime_o accept_v of_o great_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n instead_o of_o work_n when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o abraham_n when_o he_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n principal_o refer_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n or_o
faith_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n of_o testimony_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n for_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o those_o person_n who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o understand_v the_o phrase_n and_o dialect_n of_o that_o age_n and_o those_o particular_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v then_o on_o foot_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o better_a account_n of_o the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o after-age_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o century_n have_v always_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o still_o the_o more_o ancient_n they_o be_v the_o great_a be_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o tradition_n so_o their_o authority_n lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o discipline_n and_o order_n be_v that_o authority_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v over_o she_o own_o member_n or_o which_o the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o general_a council_n have_v over_o particular_a church_n for_o while_o we_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o at_o least_o so_o far_o to_o receive_v those_o doctrine_n which_o she_o own_v as_o not_o to_o disturb_v public_a peace_n and_o order_n by_o our_o private_a dispute_n but_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n who_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v a_o childish_a thing_n to_o urge_v the_o bare_a authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n when_o it_o have_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o support_v it_o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v the_o consent_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o inherent_a authority_n but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o vain_o mr._n ferguson_n brag_v when_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o oppose_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a church_n for_o indeed_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o oppose_v be_v mere_a novelty_n and_o be_v never_o public_o own_v by_o any_o reform_a church_n and_o never_o have_v any_o great_a authority_n than_o what_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n can_v give_v they_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o notion_n the_o first_o reformer_n have_v of_o justify_v faith_n that_o it_o be_v fiducia_fw-la misericordia_fw-la propter_fw-la christum_fw-la a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n and_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o they_o once_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v they_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o mercy_n or_o of_o such_o a_o justification_n as_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v one_o transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n in_o opposition_n to_o pardon_n and_o remission_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o one_o exercise_v favour_n which_o be_v mr._n 417._o ferguson_n account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n but_o three_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o imputation_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n as_o i_o abundant_o prove_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 195._o of_o which_o our_o author_n take_v no_o notice_n and_o it_o be_v very_o wise_o do_v of_o he_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v answer_v it_o so_o it_o overthrow_v the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o contradict_v its_o main_a design_n i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o few_o first_o justification_n by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n mr._n ferguson_n acknowledge_v that_o to_o justify_v and_o to_o pardon_v be_v whole_o distinct_a 416._o in_o their_o nature_n and_o idea_n and_o always_o separate_v in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o be_v arraign_v at_o humane_a tribunal_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o god_n too_o now_o i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o same_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o both_o he_o who_o be_v universal_o justify_v in_o our_o author_n notion_n that_o be_v who_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o a_o juridical_a way_n i._n e._n as_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a needs_o no_o pardon_n nor_o be_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v pardon_v and_o he_o who_o be_v pardon_v can_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o sense_n because_o pardon_n suppose_v he_o a_o sinner_n and_o justification_n suppose_v he_o innocent_a which_o have_v some_o little_a appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o the_o gospel-way_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v quite_o discard_a and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v for_o though_o this_o perfect_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n still_o which_o be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o i_o wonder_v what_o our_o author_n think_v of_o all_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o place_n for_o they_o in_o his_o new-gospel_n second_o this_o notion_n of_o justification_n overthrow_v the_o necessity_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n consist_v in_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o if_o justification_n exclude_v pardon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n if_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n or_o at_o best_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o not_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o law_n by_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n for_o no_o law_n can_v oblige_v we_o both_o to_o obey_v it_o perfect_o and_o to_o endure_v the_o penalty_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o though_o we_o do_v perfect_o obey_v it_o so_o that_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o if_o remission_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n than_o we_o be_v not_o perfect_o righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n but_o must_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n three_o this_o notion_n of_o justification_n destroy_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o mr._n ferguson_n express_o own_v that_o pardon_v indeed_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n but_o justification_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v god_n transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o assertion_n which_o more_o express_o destroy_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o st._n paul_n attribute_n our_o justification_n as_o well_o as_o pardon_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n nor_o will_v it_o relieve_v he_o to_o say_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n because_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o a_o proper_a law-notion_n by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o this_o righteousness_n be_v not_o inherent_a but_o impute_v which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o a_o proper_a law-sense_n by_o a_o impute_a that_o be_v a_o improper_a righteousness_n and_o that_o god_n proceed_v in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n and_o yet_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o righteousness_n as_o not_o the_o law_n but_o only_a grace_n can_v accept_v i_o say_v beside_o this_o we_o may_v for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n say_v that_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n because_o it_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n
most_o precious_a jewel_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n whereby_o our_o ransom_n may_v be_v full_o pay_v the_o law_n fulfil_v and_o his_o justice_n satisfy_v there_o be_v no_o controversy_n between_o we_o about_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o the_o undeserved_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o second_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o justify_v we_o in_o accept_v this_o atonement_n and_o in_o forgive_a our_o sin_n thus_o we_o be_v inform_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o that_o sermon_n of_o salvation_n justification_n be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o man_n can_v make_v himself_o righteous_a by_o his_o own_o work_n neither_o in_o part_n nor_o in_o the_o whole_a for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n of_o man_n that_o antichrist_n can_v set_v up_o against_o god_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v by_o his_o own_o work_n take_v away_o and_o purge_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o so_o justify_v himself_o but_o justification_n be_v the_o office_n of_o god_n only_o and_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o render_v to_o he_o but_o which_o we_o receive_v of_o he_o not_o which_o we_o give_v to_o he_o but_o which_o we_o take_v of_o he_o by_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o his_o most_o dear_o belove_v son_n our_o only_a redeemer_n saviour_n and_o justifier_n jesus_n christ._n bywhich_n word_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a what_o be_v understand_v by_o justification_n be_v god_n act_n and_o not_o man_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n and_o grace_n not_o of_o merit_n and_o desert_n though_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o justify_v a_o innocent_a man_n when_o he_o pronounce_v he_o just_a and_o righteous_a according_a to_o law_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o judge_n i._n e._n to_o acquit_v a_o innocent_a man_n when_o he_o be_v arraign_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n a_o innocent_a man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o justify_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o own_o action_n and_o god_n only_o like_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o justification_n that_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v he_o as_o his_o action_n deserve_v which_o strict_a justice_n require_v but_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n who_o dare_v not_o stand_v the_o trial_n of_o strict_a justice_n but_o appeal_v to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n justification_n be_v proper_o god_n act_n and_o not_o man_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o mercy_n not_o to_o man_n merit_n and_o desert_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o not_o our_o own_o act_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o this_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v within_o we_o do_v not_o justify_v we_o for_o that_o be_v to_o count_v ourselves_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o some_o act_n or_o virtue_n that_o be_v within_o ourselves_o which_o i_o confess_v sound_n very_o like_o what_o some_o man_n say_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v we_o as_o our_o own_o act_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o we_o by_o which_o righteousness_n thus_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v justify_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o mean_v in_o this_o place_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o consider_v the_o whole_a sentence_n which_o be_v this_o so_o that_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n or_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o be_v not_o that_o this_o our_o own_o act_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o this_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v within_o we_o do_v justify_v we_o and_o deserve_v our_o justification_n unto_o we_o for_o that_o be_v to_o count_v ourselves_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o some_o act_n or_o virtue_n that_o be_v within_o ourselves_o but_o the_o true_a understanding_n and_o mean_v thereof_o be_v that_o although_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v it_o and_o do_v never_o so_o many_o work_v thereunto_o yet_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o all_o our_o say_a virtue_n of_o faith_n hope_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o good_a deed_n which_o we_o have_v do_v shall_v do_v or_o can_v do_v as_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o too_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a and_o imperfect_a to_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v trust_v only_o in_o god_n mercy_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o our_o high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n to_o obtain_v thereby_o god_n grace_n and_o remission_n as_o well_o of_o original_a sin_n in_o baptism_n as_o of_o all_o actual_a sin_n commit_v by_o we_o after_o baptism_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v and_o turn_v unfeigned_o to_o he_o again_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n as_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o hope_n and_o charity_n as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v that_o they_o can_v merit_v our_o justification_n or_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v we_o must_v still_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o distinction_n of_o faith_n justify_v not_o as_o our_o own_o act_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o clothes_n we_o with_o the_o perfect_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n for_o which_o god_n account_v we_o perfect_o righteous_a be_v of_o a_o late_a date_n than_o these_o homily_n and_o very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o god_n part_n be_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n viz._n to_o provide_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o forgive_v sin_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o ransom_n that_o be_v to_o justify_v 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 just_a and_o righteous_a person_n thus_o to_o conclude_v this_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o homily_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o office_n of_o god_n in_o our_o justification_n 3_o and_o how_o we_o receive_v it_o of_o he_o free_o by_o his_o mercy_n without_o our_o desert_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v christ_n part_n in_o our_o justification_n and_o that_o be_v express_v by_o justice_n that_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o justice_n or_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o offering_n of_o his_o body_n and_o shed_v of_o his_o blood_n with_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n perfect_o and_o thorough_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n merit_n that_o his_o obedience_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o be_v do_v deserve_v at_o god_n hand_n that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o shall_v pardon_v all_o humble_a penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n this_o be_v all_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o our_o church_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n thus_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o infant_n be_v baptize_v and_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n 1_o be_v by_o this_o sacrifice_n wash_v from_o their_o sin_n bring_v to_o god_n favour_n and_o make_v his_o child_n and_o inheritor_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o they_o which_o in_o act_n or_o deed_n do_v sin_n after_o their_o baptism_n when_o they_o turn_v again_o to_o god_n unfeigned_o they_o be_v likewise_o wash_v by_o this_o sacrifice_n from_o their_o sin_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o there_o remain_v not_o any_o spot_n of_o sin_n that_o shall_v be_v impute_v to_o their_o damnation_n which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o st._n john_n that_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n 1_o john_n i_o 7._o and_o to_o this_o sense_n our_o church_n expound_v those_o text_n rom._n iii._o all_o have_v offend_v and_o have_v need_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n by_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o for_o a_o reconciler_n and_o peacemaker_n through_o
will_v be_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o our_o justification_n can_v be_v to_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v explain_v in_o what_o sense_n our_o church_n reject_v good_a work_v from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v viz._n that_o nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o merit_v and_o deserve_v justification_n it_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o faith_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n she_o affirm_v that_o faith_n only_o justify_v and_o i_o can_v better_o explain_v this_o than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o homily_n itself_o which_o be_v these_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o our_o 3_o own_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v we_o to_o speak_v proper_o of_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o of_o unjust_a just_a before_o god_n but_o god_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n through_o the_o only_a merit_n &_o deserve_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n do_v justify_v we_o nevertheless_o because_o faith_n do_v direct_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n give_v we_o of_o god_n we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o thing_n none_o other_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o work_n proper_o do_v therefore_o scripture_n use_v to_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_v do_v justify_v and_o forasmuch_o that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o sentence_n in_o effect_n to_o say_v faith_n without_o work_n and_o only_a faith_n do_v justify_v we_o therefore_o the_o old_a ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v utter_v our_o justification_n with_o this_o speech_n only_a faith_n justify_v we_o mean_v none_o other_o thing_n than_o st._n paul_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v faith_n without_o work_n justify_v we_o and_o because_o all_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o only_a merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o not_o through_o our_o merit_n or_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o any_o virtue_n that_o we_o have_v within_o we_o or_o of_o any_o work_n that_o come_v from_o we_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_a we_o forsake_v as_o it_o be_v altogether_o again_o faith_n work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n for_o our_o own_o imperfection_n be_v so_o great_a through_o the_o corruption_n of_o original_a sin_n that_o all_o be_v unperfect_a that_o be_v within_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n charity_n hope_n dread_a thought_n word_n and_o work_n and_o therefore_o not_o apt_a to_o merit_v or_o deserve_v any_o part_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o we_o and_o this_o form_n of_o speak_a use_n we_o in_o humble_v of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o to_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n which_o be_v best_a worthy_a to_o have_v it_o these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o need_v no_o comment_n and_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o do_v evident_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o attribute_v our_o justification_n to_o faith_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n in_o faith_n above_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_a we_o be_v teach_v to_o forsake_v again_o faith_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n as_o our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n no_o more_o do_v faith_n second_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o faith_n only_o be_v to_o declare_v that_o we_o owe_v our_o justification_n whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n through_o the_o only_a merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n do_v justify_v we_o and_o thus_o immediate_o before_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n or_o say_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o old_a ancient_a author_n be_v this_o we_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o he_o only_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n only_o and_o by_o no_o virtue_n or_o good_a work_v of_o our_o own_o that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v able_a to_o have_v or_o to_o do_v for_o to_o deserve_v the_o same_o christ_n himself_o only_o be_v the_o cause_n meritorious_a thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o attribute_n the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o other_o intervening_a merit_n or_o desert_n though_o he_o may_v differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n yet_o do_v acknowledge_v all_o that_o our_o church_n mean_v by_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o desert_v or_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o three_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o faith_n only_o and_o not_o to_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n be_v this_o because_o faith_n only_o connect_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o thereby_o both_o secure_v and_o enforce_v our_o duty_n and_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o church_n for_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n as_o abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v above_o include_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n which_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v must_v actual_o produce_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n for_o without_o this_o we_o can_v embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o pardon_v our_o many_o sin_n and_o defect_n and_o to_o accept_v and_o reward_v our_o imperfect_a service_n which_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o not_o to_o our_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n thus_o our_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o faith_n only_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v be_v because_o faith_n do_v direct_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n give_v we_o of_o god_n we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o thing_n none_o other_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o work_n proper_o do_v that_o be_v justice_z or_o charity_n or_o any_o other_o virtue_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o its_o acceptance_n and_o reward_n and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o these_o virtue_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o faith_n which_o alone_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o proper_a merit_n and_o desert_n not_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n but_o now_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n it_o send_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n not_o immediate_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o pardon_n and_o reward_n which_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n our_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o shut_v out_o repentance_n 1_o love_n dread_a and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v join_v with_o faith_n in_o every_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v but_o yet_o it_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o present_a in_o
we_o either_o have_v do_v shall_v do_v or_o can_v do_v as_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o too_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a and_o imperfect_a to_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v trust_v only_o in_o god_n mercy_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o our_o high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n once_o offer_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n to_o obtain_v thereby_o god_n grace_n and_o remission_n as_o well_o of_o our_o original_a sin_n in_o baptism_n as_o of_o all_o actual_a sin_n commit_v by_o we_o after_o baptism_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v and_o unfeigned_o turn_v to_o he_o all_o this_o be_v call_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o which_o include_v a_o renounce_v the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o work_n but_o first_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v good_a work_n before_o we_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o they_o and_o a_o affiance_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n this_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o which_o be_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n against_o those_o modern_a notion_n of_o reliance_n and_o recumbency_n or_o the_o virtue_n of_o any_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o shall_v any_o man_n affirm_v in_o express_a word_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n as_o well_o as_o by_o faith_n mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o that_o good_a work_n be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n not_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n though_o he_o will_v differ_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n yet_o he_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o church_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o justification_n whereas_o those_o who_o use_v the_o same_o phrase_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n thereby_o exclude_v the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n to_o our_o justification_n though_o they_o retain_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o renounce_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v the_o only_a apostate_n and_o innovator_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n how_o unjust_o i_o be_o charge_v with_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n when_o i_o have_v only_o express_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o how_o vain_o my_o adversary_n pretend_v to_o be_v such_o obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o under_o a_o orthodox_n form_n of_o word_n they_o have_v introduce_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o declare_a sense_n of_o this_o church_n after_o this_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n it_o be_v time_n in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v alter_v at_o this_o day_n and_o how_o those_o man_n who_o i_o oppose_v have_v corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o i_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o this_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n more_o particular_o to_o show_v how_o direct_o opposite_a these_o new_a and_o fantastic_a notion_n be_v to_o the_o establish_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o our_o article_n and_o homily_n which_o though_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o may_v be_v and_o first_o whereas_o our_o church_n express_o assert_n that_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n on_o god_n part_n be_v require_v mercy_n and_o grace_n justification_n consist_v in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n mr._n ferguson_n very_o agreeable_o indeed_o to_o his_o own_o principle_n express_o assert_n that_o justification_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o result_n of_o mercy_n but_o the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n remission_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v etc._n be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o one_o exercise_v favour_n but_o justification_n be_v the_o off_o spring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v one_o transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n this_o notion_n i_o have_v examine_v already_o and_o shall_v add_v nothing_o further_a for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o homily_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o be_v argument_n enough_o with_o these_o man_n who_o pretend_v such_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o the_o ancient_n and_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n but_o then_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v wonder_v as_o well_o he_o may_v how_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o law-notion_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v not_o by_o be_v pardon_v but_o by_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v as_o a_o innocent_a man_n who_o have_v never_o offend_v the_o account_n of_o this_o will_v far_o discover_v what_o friend_n they_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n for_o second_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v no_o more_o on_o christ_n part_n but_o justice_n or_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n justice_n or_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o make_v he_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o true_a penitent_n these_o man_n place_v our_o justification_n in_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n personal_a righteousness_n to_o we_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n as_o our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n have_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o that_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n we_o be_v account_v perfect_o righteous_a and_o so_o be_v justify_v not_o as_o malefactor_n when_o they_o be_v pardon_v but_o as_o righteous_a and_o innocent_a man_n who_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v and_o i_o have_v already_o inform_v mr._n ferguson_n how_o effectual_o this_o notion_n undermine_v 156_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o inherent_a righteousness_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v with_o his_o meritorious_a blood_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o immediate_o justify_v any_o man_n but_o whereas_o strict_a justice_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o repentance_n nor_o accept_v of_o a_o imperfect_a though_o sincere_a obedience_n god_n have_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n to_o true_a penitent_n and_o this_o necessary_o require_v a_o inherent_a holiness_n not_o to_o merit_v but_o to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o if_o this_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o demand_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o make_v we_o righteous_a as_o christ_n be_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o any_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o which_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o proverb_n to_o burn_v day_n and_o to_o light_v up_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n dr._n owen_n take_v notice_n of_o this_o objection_n and_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o it_o which_o must_v be_v a_o little_a consider_v for_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n if_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o this_o righteousness_n 187._o be_v inherent_a in_o christ_n and_o proper_o his_o own_o it_o be_v only_o reckon_v and_o impute_v to_o we_o or_o free_o bestow_v on_o we_o but_o do_v not_o this_o imputation_n make_v it_o we_o how_o then_o can_v we_o answer_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n with_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n the_o less_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o original_o we_o but_o so_o by_o gift_n and_o the_o doctor_n be_v sensible_a that_o this_o answer_n will_v not_o do_v and_o therefore_o second_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o righteous_a with_o that_o righteousness_n for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o how_o plain_o be_v thing_n when_o man_n will_v speak_v out_o so_o that_o now_o
it_o seem_v this_o righteousness_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o we_o he_o have_v no_o need_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o as_o our_o mediator_n and_o surety_n so_o that_o here_o can_v be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o impute_v to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o righteousness_n as_o we_o but_o be_v not_o christ_n personal_o righteous_a with_o this_o righteousness_n do_v he_o so_o fulfil_v righteousness_n for_o we_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o it_o can_v it_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o and_o he_o not_o righteous_a by_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n in_o his_o private_a capacity_n as_o a_o man_n subject_n to_o the_o law_n be_v righteous_a with_o that_o very_a righteousness_n which_o make_v we_o righteous_a than_o we_o be_v righteous_a as_o christ_n be_v and_o not_o only_o righteous_a with_o his_o righteousness_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o we_o and_o that_o complete_o but_o righteous_a with_o the_o very_a same_o righteousness_n that_o make_v he_o righteous_a which_o exclude_v indeed_o all_o comparison_n as_o the_o doctor_n well_o observe_v because_o we_o can_v so_o proper_o compare_v a_o thing_n with_o itself_o but_o it_o demonstrate_v the_o identity_n or_o sameness_n of_o this_o righteousness_n and_o here_o unless_o i_o will_v prove_v myself_o a_o arrant_a coward_n i_o must_v accept_v that_o challenge_n the_o doctor_n have_v send_v i_o to_o stand_v to_o that_o resolution_n i_o give_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n to_o that_o question_n what_o influence_n the_o 232._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 which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o be_v save_v by_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o answer_v i_o give_v to_o it_o be_v this_o that_o all_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n about_o it_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 with_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 believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n now_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o doctor_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o stand_v to_o this_o and_o accept_v his_o challenge_n let_v he_o choose_v what_o second_v or_o three_o or_o fourth_n he_o please_v this_o assertion_n the_o doctor_n say_v can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o common_a sense_n or_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o he_o have_v discover_v a_o great_a many_o absurdity_n in_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v any_o man_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o hence_o it_o follow_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o for_o we_o have_v only_o his_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o that_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n original_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o that_o covenant_n be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v but_o how_o do_v this_o follow_v do_v i_o ever_o affirm_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v only_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n do_v i_o not_o every_o where_o assert_v that_o christ_n death_n do_v procure_v and_o purchase_v as_o well_o as_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o i_o hope_v god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o god_n original_o enter_v into_o covenant_n i_o can_v tell_v unless_o it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o move_v cause_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n but_o this_o can_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o any_o account_n but_o to_o that_o free_a grace_n which_o first_o contrive_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v it_o but_o however_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v from_o this_o assertion_n that_o christ_n be_v so_o the_o mediator_n ibid._n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o he_o die_v not_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o transgression_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n whereby_o the_o whole_a consideration_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o of_o redemption_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v exclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o consideration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o his_o purchase_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n with_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n i_o see_v unless_o the_o doctor_n get_v a_o very_a good_a second_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n in_o accept_v his_o challenge_n for_o be_v there_o any_o appearance_n of_o consequence_n in_o this_o that_o because_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n purchase_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n that_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o first_o covenant_n nor_o to_o purchase_v the_o inheritance_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n that_o which_o purchase_v a_o covenant_n purchase_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o now_o the_o new_a covenant_n contain_v the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o sin_n be_v pardon_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v no_o promise_n of_o remission_n the_o new_a covenant_n contain_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v as_o much_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n by_o his_o meritorious_a death_n and_o suffering_n and_o have_v purchase_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o whatever_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v on_o we_o in_o the_o new_a covenant_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i._n e._n whatever_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o death_n be_v there_o promise_v and_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o inherent_a holiness_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n the_o last_o absurdity_n the_o doctor_n have_v discover_v in_o my_o assertion_n argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o very_a deep_a reach_n that_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v only_o a_o perspicuous_a declaration_n of_o it_o now_o suppose_v this_o be_v never_o so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n how_o be_o i_o concern_v in_o it_o when_o i_o express_o say_v that_o the_o new_a covenant_n let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a subtle_a distinction_n between_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o perspicuous_a declaration_n of_o it_o which_o be_v like_o distinguish_v between_o a_o law_n or_o contract_n and_o the_o word_n whereby_o it_o be_v express_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o such_o nice_a metaphysical_a wit_n to_o find_v or_o make_v absurdity_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o proceed_v i_o observe_v three_o that_o whereas_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o comprehend_v in_o its_o notion_n repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o all_o internal_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o a_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o external_a conversation_n and_o make_v all_o this_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n these_o man_n on_o the_o contrary_a attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v a_o fiducial_a reliance_n or_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n abstract_v from_o repentance_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o any_o oath_n grace_n or_o virtue_n and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n personal_a righteousness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a only_o by_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n but_o to_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o ourselves_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v do_v by_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o
and_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o compassionate_a to_o sinner_n yet_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_v god_n will_v exercise_v this_o grace_n and_o mercy_n without_o a_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o when_o god_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n as_o he_o have_v now_o do_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v then_o at_o best_a to_o no_o purpose_n to_o argue_v from_o his_o nature_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o expect_v more_o grace_n from_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v this_o boundless_a grace_n in_o christ_n 272._o as_o mediator_n but_o consider_v it_o as_o in_o he_o who_o be_v mediator_n which_o by_o the_o way_n spoil_v all_o the_o comfort_n sinner_n may_v take_v from_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christ_n if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n unless_o we_o may_v expect_v more_o grace_n from_o christ_n upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o from_o his_o mediation_n that_o be_v more_o from_o the_o person_n than_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o his_o mediation_n which_o he_o so_o vehement_o disown_n yet_o i_o say_v this_o argument_n be_v weak_a and_o fallacious_a because_o we_o can_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o for_o though_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n yet_o the_o divine_a will_n regulate_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o assign_v its_o measure_n much_o less_o can_v we_o reason_v thus_o from_o the_o divine_a nature_n consider_v in_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n for_o a_o mediator_n as_o mediator_n though_o he_o be_v god-man_n be_v not_o the_o fountain_n but_o minister_n of_o grace_n as_o christ_n witness_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v consider_v in_o scripture_n even_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o seem_v not_o primary_o to_o refer_v to_o the_o inherent_a glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n though_o that_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o it_o but_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v the_o only_a glory_n the_o apostle_n can_v then_o discover_v when_o his_o essential_a majesty_n be_v hide_v under_o a_o vail_n of_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v still_o the_o doctor_n will_v do_v well_o to_o make_v god_n the_o father_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n for_o though_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n what_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o under_o different_a capacity_n and_o relation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o christ_n as_o god_n essential_o one_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n as_o mediator_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o it_o the_o father_n send_v and_o christ_n be_v send_v the_o father_n prescribe_v his_o work_n and_o he_o finish_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o make_v christ_n as_o mediator_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o derogation_n from_o god_n the_o father_n who_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o supreme_a agent_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n i_o observe_v in_o the_o same_o place_n another_o 209._o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christ_n to_o prove_v that_o eternity_n unchangeableness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o love_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o eternity_n unchangeableness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o christ_n love_n which_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o teach_v but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n and_o i_o wonder_v that_o the_o doctor_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v i_o except_v against_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v god_n be_v eternal_a or_o that_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o that_o 177._o it_o be_v fruitful_a or_o effective_a of_o good_a thing_n unto_o the_o person_n belove_v it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o in_o themselves_o consider_v for_o i_o own_o all_o as_o he_o very_o well_o know_v but_o i_o except_o partly_o against_o his_o way_n of_o state_v these_o thing_n and_o partly_o against_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o or_o rather_o against_o both_o together_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o eternal_a unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n he_o tell_v we_o himself_o the_o love_n which_o i_o intend_v and_o whereunto_o i_o ascribe_v those_o property_n be_v the_o especial_a love_n 183._o of_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o the_o elect._n this_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n and_o without_o end_n as_o do_v not_o change_v with_o the_o change_n of_o the_o object_n as_o the_o love_n of_o man_n do_v and_o be_v so_o fruitful_a and_o effectual_a as_o to_o love_v life_n grace_n holiness_n into_o we_o to_o love_v we_o into_o covenant_n to_o love_v we_o into_o heaven_n now_o my_o business_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o case_n whether_o god_n have_v elect_v some_o particular_a person_n who_o he_o will_v infallible_o bring_v to_o glory_n which_o i_o never_o deny_v yet_o and_o i_o think_v never_o shall_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangeableness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o this_o elect_v love_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o inconvenience_n i_o then_o urge_v it_o with_o be_v this_o if_o this_o love_n be_v so_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a etc._n etc._n because_o the_o 210._o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o than_o it_o be_v always_o so_o for_o god_n always_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o why_o can_v not_o this_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n as_o well_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n as_o love_v life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o all_o to_o this_o the_o doctor_n answer_v that_o god_n love_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v unchangeable_a because_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n love_v any_o one_o natural_o or_o necessary_o his_o love_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v like_o himself_o such_o as_o become_v his_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v on_o any_o object_n nor_o limit_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n degree_n effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o add_v god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v love_v in_o god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o object_n act_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o love_n with_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o counsel_n or_o free_a purpose_n of_o his_o will._n now_o this_o answer_n be_v what_o i_o will_v have_v and_o plain_o discover_v the_o sophistry_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v for_o if_o this_o elect_a love_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o will_n than_o we_o can_v learn_v either_o that_o it_o be_v or_o what_o it_o be_v from_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o from_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o some_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n in_o god_n but_o where_o a_o free_a choice_n and_o counsel_n intervene_v we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a or_o to_o learn_v from_o revelation_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o the_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n will_v love_v good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a because_o holiness_n include_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o necessary_a love_n to_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_n and_o from_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n we_o may_v conclude_v his_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o psal._n 103._o 17_o 18._o but_o the_o mercy_n
patientem_fw-la it_o become_v no_o man_n to_o be_v tame_a and_o gentle_a when_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o heresy_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a whole_o to_o pass_v over_o this_o charge_n in_o silence_n nor_o yet_o shall_v i_o insist_v long_o on_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o foundation_n for_o it_o but_o unchristian_a spite_n and_o malice_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v signify_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o vindicate_v myself_o nor_o those_o who_o suffer_v with_o i_o under_o the_o same_o imputation_n by_o a_o public_a abrenunciation_n of_o socinianism_n for_o if_o this_o will_v do_v it_o our_o subscription_n to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n our_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n especial_o the_o litany_n and_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la the_o nicene_n and_o athanasian_n creed_n the_o old_a and_o allow_v test_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n which_o no_o socinian_n will_v allow_v and_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o they_o renounce_v our_o communion_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n both_o of_o myself_o and_o they_o but_o they_o who_o have_v make_v such_o a_o familiar_a practice_n of_o it_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o most_o sacred_a oath_n and_o promise_n be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v all_o man_n to_o be_v as_o faithless_a as_o they_o have_v prove_v themselves_o but_o however_o because_o the_o clamour_n of_o these_o man_n have_v abuse_v some_o innocent_a person_n and_o betray_v they_o to_o very_o unjust_a apprehension_n of_o myself_o and_o many_o other_o i_o do_v hearty_o declare_v that_o i_o be_o no_o socinian_n and_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suspect_v of_o that_o heresy_n though_o it_o be_v notorious_o evident_a that_o those_o sectary_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o charge_v we_o with_o socinianism_n have_v derive_v the_o great_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n from_o socinian_n writer_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o anabaptism_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o unlimited_a toleration_n and_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o external_n conduct_v of_o religious_a affair_n as_o they_o have_v borrow_v their_o other_o principle_n of_o rebellion_n and_o depose_n prince_n from_o the_o worst_a of_o papist_n the_o reason_n why_o socinus_n have_v so_o ill_a a_o character_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o denial_n of_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o both_o these_o i_o own_o and_o make_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o religion_n i_o express_o call_v he_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n by_o etc._n who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o purchase_v and_o procure_v and_o scale_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o there_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o perpetual_o intercede_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n once_o offer_v which_o be_v of_o infinite_a more_o value_n than_o the_o repeat_v sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n at_o this_o rate_n i_o discourse_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o as_o often_o as_o occasion_v serve_v and_o if_o this_o be_v socinianism_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o socinian_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o let_v other_o judge_v what_o my_o adversary_n be_v but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o pretence_n they_o have_v for_o charge_v i_o with_o socinianism_n and_o first_o dr._n owen_n affirm_v that_o i_o maintain_v 227._o the_o socinian_n notion_n of_o justification_n and_o now_o i_o be_o very_a well_o content_v to_o be_v a_o socinian_n for_o i_o have_v very_o good_a company_n in_o it_o even_o the_o church_n of_o england_n herself_o as_o i_o have_v make_v appear_v above_o for_o my_o notion_n of_o justification_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v own_o and_o assert_v but_o what_o be_v this_o socinian_n notion_n of_o justification_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n this_o indeed_o the_o socinian_o do_v assert_v and_o so_o do_v i_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o we_o because_o they_o reject_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n which_o i_o own_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n ravenspergerus_n such_o another_o zealous_a bigot_n as_o my_o adversary_n charge_v grotius_n with_o socinianism_n even_o when_o he_o write_v against_o socinus_n at_o a_o better_a rate_n than_o these_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o because_o he_o attribute_v our_o justification_n and_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o socinus_n do_v and_o the_o answer_n which_o vossius_fw-la give_v to_o he_o may_v serve_v my_o adversary_n socinus_n â—t_a ipse_fw-la censor_n agnoscit_fw-la nullo_n alio_fw-la medio_fw-la interveniente_fw-la hanc_fw-la fidel_n attribuit_fw-la securitatem_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la liberationem_fw-la a_o poena_fw-la grotius_n 283._o vero_fw-la aliud_fw-la statuit_fw-la medium_n intervenire_fw-la nempe_fw-la perpessiones_fw-la christi_fw-la habentes_fw-la rationem_fw-la poenae_fw-la propter_fw-la quas_fw-la deus_fw-la nos_fw-la à _fw-la poenis_fw-la velit_fw-la liberare_fw-la grotio_n igitur_fw-la prius_fw-la est_fw-la medium_n satisfactionis_fw-la quam_fw-la fidei_fw-la at_o socino_n solum_fw-la medium_n est_fw-la fides_fw-la non_fw-la satisfactio_fw-la i_o e._n socinus_n attribute_n our_o security_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n or_o our_o deliverance_n from_o punishment_n only_o to_o faith_n without_o any_o other_o medium_n i._n e._n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n but_o grotius_n assert_v another_o medium_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o justification_n viz._n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o punishment_n for_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o grotius_n first_o attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o then_o to_o faith_n as_o the_o condition_n but_o socinus_n acknowledge_v faith_n but_o reject_v satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o dr._n owen_n himself_o when_o he_o former_o charge_v mr._n baxter_n with_o socinianism_n upon_o the_o very_a same_o score_n and_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o that_o account_n which_o mr._n baxter_n give_v of_o justification_n and_o what_o be_v give_v by_o slitchtingius_fw-la and_o some_o other_o socinian_o be_v so_o modest_a then_o as_o to_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o socinian_n in_o this_o point_n as_o far_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v who_o acknowledge_v satisfaction_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v no_o socinian_n thus_o to_o proceed_v they_o almost_o every_o where_o charge_v i_o with_o transcribe_v my_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o socinian_n expositor_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v be_v a_o socinian_n now_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a that_o i_o do_v make_v use_n of_o those_o exposition_n which_o the_o socinian_o give_v of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n what_o hurt_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o socinianism_n in_o they_o for_o i_o have_v hear_v man_n who_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o belong_v to_o expound_v scripture_n acknowledge_v the_o socinian_o to_o be_v excellent_a expositor_n where_o their_o own_o peculiar_a notion_n be_v not_o concern_v though_o no_o man_n play_v more_o trick_n with_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v i_o do_v very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o mr._n calvin_n exposition_n and_o why_o do_v not_o they_o hence_o conclude_v i_o to_o be_v a_o calvinist_n and_o indeed_o in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n where_o they_o charge_v i_o with_o transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o socinian_o they_o may_v as_o just_o have_v charge_v i_o with_o transcribe_v out_o of_o calvin_n and_o have_v they_o know_v all_o with_o great_a reason_n too_o for_o calvin_n i_o do_v consult_v upon_o all_o occasion_n but_o the_o socinian_o i_o never_o do_v i_o have_v already_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o vindicate_v most_o of_o those_o exposition_n which_o my_o adversary_n charge_v with_o socinianism_n as_o i_o have_v occasional_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v together_o some_o text_n which_o he_o think_v i_o have_v so_o expound_v as_o to_o destroy_v their_o evidence_n for_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n i_o will_v not_o say_v our_o author_n 475._o be_v think_v to_o impeach_v mr._n sherlock_n of_o oppose_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o i_o affirm_v that_o if_o his_o gloss_n of_o col._n 1._o 19_o col._n 2._o 3_o 8._o joh._n 14._o 20._o joh._n 1._o 14._o which_o be_v