appear_v from_o rom._n 9_o 30._o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n who_o pursue_v so_o earnest_o after_o righteousness_n be_v exclude_v from_o righteousness_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v under_o a_o curse_n because_o they_o do_v not_o look_v for_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n or_o by_o christianity_n but_o by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o the_o most_o obvious_a reason_n why_o this_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v call_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n god_n righteousness_n be_v because_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v a_o way_n of_o justification_n not_o of_o god_n appointment_n but_o their_o own_o choose_n god_n never_o design_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v justify_v to_o eternal_a life_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o they_o confident_o expect_v justification_n by_o that_o law_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n choose_v this_o he_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n by_o this_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o this_o he_o appoint_v and_o this_o he_o will_v own_v and_o reward_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o a_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o impute_v to_o we_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n person_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n that_o be_v that_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n call_v they_o and_o upon_o inquiry_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o appropriate_a to_o his_o person_n belong_v to_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o describe_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o which_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o metaphorical_a expression_n still_o behind_o which_o exercise_n man_n wit_n and_o fancy_n viz_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n too_o or_o personal_a estate_n or_o what_o you_o will_v call_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ._n where_o by_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o call_v it_o unsearchable_a riches_n because_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o narrow_a and_o stint_a thing_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o law_n be_v but_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o mankind_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n contain_v those_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 1._o 7._o for_o riches_n signify_v only_o a_o abundance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o scripture_n to_o sport_n and_o toy_n with_o word_n and_o metaphor_n as_o some_o man_n do_v with_o this_o riches_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v rich_a because_o he_o have_v a_o rich_a christ._n dowry_n have_v all_o the_o world_n give_v to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a inheritance_n that_o he_o keep_v open_a house_n and_o maintain_v all_o the_o creation_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v this_o above_o 6000_o year_n which_o will_v have_v break_v he_o long_o since_o have_v he_o not_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o enrich_v all_o the_o saint_n but_o all_o of_o the_o saint_n their_o understanding_n with_o glorious_a light_n their_o conscience_n with_o quickness_n pureness_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o after_o all_o this_o vast_a expense_n he_o be_v never_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o penny_n the_o poor_a for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o that_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v general_o rich_a rich_a in_o house_n and_o land_n though_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o gold_n in_o silver_n in_o cattle_n in_o all_o temporal_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a tribute_n and_o rent_n due_a to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o owner_n of_o all_o that_o angel_n and_o man_n possess_v above_o and_o below_o these_o be_v fine_a thing_n to_o persuade_v young_a woman_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o their_o husband_n since_o they_o can_v never_o expect_v so_o rich_a and_o advantageous_a a_o match_n any_o where_o else_o but_o i_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o to_o pursue_v such_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n as_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expose_v they_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o fullness_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n these_o man_n make_v of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v fit_v he_o to_o all_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v wherein_o this_o union_n they_o talk_v of_o between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n do_v consist_v now_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v at_o large_a but_o these_o man_n instead_o of_o explain_v these_o metaphor_n turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o allegory_n as_o for_o example_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n and_o now_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v christ_n woo_v and_o make_v love_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o what_o other_o man_n call_v believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n these_o man_n call_v that_o consent_n and_o contract_n which_o make_v up_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n take_v we_o for_o his_o spouse_n and_o we_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o husband_n and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n except_o the_o ring_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o as_o a_o antichristian_a ceremony_n christ_n say_v thus_o this_o be_v com._n that_o we_o will_v consent_v unto_o that_o i_o will_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o and_o not_o for_o another_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o eminency_n to_o be_v its_o saviour_n head_n and_o husband_n to_o dwell_v with_o it_o in_o this_o holy_a relation_n and_o the_o soul_n like_v christ_n for_o his_o excellency_n grace_n suitableness_n far_o above_o all_o 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renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o army_n shall_v any_o captain_n revolt_n from_o his_o prince_n the_o soldier_n under_o his_o command_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o turn_v rebel_n because_o their_o leader_n be_v so_o or_o shall_v a_o whole_a troop_n or_o regiment_n conspire_v in_o the_o treason_n no_o particular_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o company_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o rebel_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o rebel_n the_o same_o reason_n hold_v good_a as_o to_o christian_a society_n if_o any_o particular_a church_n apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v then_o under_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o desert_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o be_v of_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n while_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o church_n while_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n be_v observe_v and_o his_o institution_n reverence_v and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o religion_n advance_v to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o disowne_v his_o authority_n when_o we_o reject_v those_o who_o act_n by_o his_o authority_n now_o this_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a and_o so_o hypocrital_a professor_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o true_a and_o real_a which_o import_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o since_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n and_o be_v entail_v on_o we_o by_o our_o ancestor_n as_o part_v of_o our_o inheritance_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o kingdom_n and_o make_v a_o great_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v too_o often_o see_v that_o many_o man_n undertake_v this_o profession_n only_o as_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n to_o avoid_v singularity_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v fill_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o visible_a professor_n who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n while_o some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n practise_v all_o the_o villainy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o live_v in_o a_o public_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o other_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o conceal_v their_o impurity_n under_o some_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o pass_v for_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o disguise_v hypocrite_n and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o real_a union_n between_o those_o who_o do_v no_o more_o than_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o who_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n earthly_a prince_n can_v exact_v only_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o their_o law_n because_o they_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o government_n be_v attain_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n but_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n which_o require_v not_o only_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a subjection_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o a_o visible_a union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o the_o homage_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 5._o that_o be_v before_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o subject_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n must_v make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o our_o baptism_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unless_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o that_o be_v unless_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n become_v subject_a to_o christ_n unless_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a do_v govern_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o real_o such_o as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v which_o be_v call_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n because_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n nothing_o avail_v but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v that_o none_o be_v true_a subject_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o but_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n now_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o external-political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o this_o new_a nature_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o real_a and_o spiritual_a union_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o under_o several_a notion_n first_o by_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o spiritual_a king_n when_o we_o put_v our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n under_o his_o government_n and_o conduct_n hence_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3._o 17._o that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o sole_a command_n and_o empire_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o govern_v our_o heart_n as_o a_o man_n do_v the_o house_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v and_o thus_o all_o those_o metaphor_n which_o signify_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v heart_n as_o earthly_a prince_n govern_v the_o body_n of_o their_o subject_n our_o subjection_n to_o he_o aught_o to_o begin_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n and_o in_o a_o cheerful_a and_o willing_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n such_o a_o subjection_n as_o a_o wife_n ought_v to_o yield_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o member_n to_o their_o head_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o free_a choice_n not_o a_o feign_a or_o force_a compliance_n second_o by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a image_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o his_o nature_n hence_o be_v that_o exhortation_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n be_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o mind_n matth._n 11._o 29._o hence_o also_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o that_o be_v unless_o he_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v which_o be_v call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n for_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n eph._n 5._o 9_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o express_v by_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o i._n e._n if_o you_o
of_o his_o body_n they_o be_v secure_a to_o eternity_n for_o nothing_o 60._o that_o ever_o be_v a_o member_n can_v be_v lose_v to_o eternity_n for_o be_v christ_n divide_v can_v he_o lose_v a_o member_n of_o his_o body_n then_o his_o body_n be_v not_o perfect_a no_o no_o fear_v not_o o_o you_o saint_n neither_o sin_n nor_o satan_n can_v dissolve_v your_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o what_o if_o sin_n shall_v make_v they_o no_o saint_n will_v not_o that_o endanger_v the_o dissolve_a of_o this_o union_n for_o as_o the_o same_o author_n sweet_o reason_n if_o any_o branch_n be_v pluck_v away_o from_o christ_n it_o be_v either_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v it_o or_o because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o lose_v it_o and_o why_o not_o because_o it_o will_v not_o stay_v he_o 167._o be_v able_a sure_o to_o keep_v it_o for_o he_o be_v strengthen_v with_o the_o godhead_n and_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o lose_v it_o for_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o it_o and_o as_o another_o great_a acquaintance_n of_o christ_n speak_v weakness_n that_o be_v no_o strength_n no_o grace_n 77._o no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o sense_n of_o poverty_n do_v not_o debar_v we_o from_o god_n mercy_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v very_o precious_a and_o convince_a for_o the_o husband_n be_v bind_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o wife_n as_o the_o weak_a vessel_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v god_n will_v exempt_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o rule_n and_o not_o bear_v with_o his_o weak_a spouse_n christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o purge_v his_o spouse_n and_o make_v her_o fit_a for_o himself_o so_o that_o if_o she_o be_v not_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v and_o make_v fair_a and_o lovely_a who_o fault_n can_v it_o be_v but_o his_o own_o and_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o a_o divorce_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o close_o with_o he_o the_o result_n of_o which_o be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n without_o be_v either_o humble_a or_o holy_a fair_a or_o beautiful_a any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o so_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o duty_n be_v consequent_a upon_o such_o a_o union_n and_o closure_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v consequential_a conjugal_a affection_n as_o first_o a_o mighty_a love_n for_o her_o saviour_n and_o head_n and_o husband_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v enamour_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n must_v form_v pleasant_a and_o charm_a idea_n of_o he_o and_o feel_v great_a ravishment_n and_o transport_n of_o passion_n for_o he_o you_o must_v be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o christ_n o_o you_o saint_n and_o let_v he_o lie_v as_o a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n always_o between_o your_o breast_n christ_n be_v 462._o maximè_fw-la diligibilis_fw-la as_o the_o schoolman_n speak_v he_o be_v the_o very_a abstract_n and_o quintessence_n of_o beauty_n he_o be_v a_o whole_a paradise_n of_o delight_n he_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o sharon_n enrich_v with_o orient_a colour_n and_o perfume_v with_o the_o sweet_a savour_n o_o wear_v this_o flower_n not_o in_o your_o bosom_n but_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v always_o smell_v to_o it_o and_o show_v your_o love_n to_o this_o lovely_a saviour_n you_o must_v delight_v in_o his_o embrace_n and_o thirst_n after_o a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o you_o must_v never_o be_v satisfy_v one_o moment_n without_o he_o but_o must_v follow_v he_o from_o one_o ordinance_n to_o another_o and_o never_o be_v satisfy_v unless_o you_o meet_v with_o christ_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o saint_n love_v to_o ordinance_n that_o there_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o belove_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a caress_n and_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n there_o they_o hear_v of_o his_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o riches_n and_o fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n and_o though_o evangelical_n truth_n will_v not_o down_o with_o a_o natural_a heart_n such_o a_o one_o have_v rather_o hear_v some_o quaint_a point_n of_o some_o virtue_n or_o vice_n stand_v upon_o than_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n yet_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v alter_v he_o than_o of_o all_o truth_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n savour_n best_o those_o truth_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ministry_n concern_v christ_n they_o be_v most_o sweet_a of_o all_o such_o sanctify_a soul_n and_o ear_n loathe_v all_o dull_a insipid_a moral_a discourse_n which_o be_v perpetual_o inculcate_v their_o duty_n on_o they_o and_o trouble_v they_o with_o a_o great_a many_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o quaint_a point_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o enjoy_v christ_n in_o ordinance_n they_o go_v away_o from_o such_o entertainment_n without_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o belove_a of_o their_o soul_n without_o hear_v any_o news_n from_o he_o or_o have_v the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v only_o for_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v to_o unload_v our_o conscience_n and_o disburden_v our_o sin_n on_o he_o in_o our_o confession_n and_o to_o beg_v of_o he_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o make_v we_o lovely_a and_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o some_o rapture_n and_o amorous_a passion_n to_o he_o and_o to_o hear_v some_o good_a news_n from_o he_o by_o his_o minister_n how_o much_o he_o love_v we_o and_o belong_v after_o we_o how_o pitiful_a he_o be_v to_o we_o ready_a to_o overlook_v all_o our_o miscarriage_n and_o cover_v all_o our_o deformity_n with_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o to_o take_v we_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o that_o where_o he_o be_v we_o also_o may_v be_v perpetual_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n and_o solace_v ourselves_o in_o his_o love_n second_o another_o consequential_a conjugal_a act_n be_v obedience_n to_o our_o spiritual_a husband_n a_o duty_n which_o few_o wife_n care_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o exact_v this_o from_o they_o and_o inculcate_n it_o so_o much_o that_o it_o savour_v too_o strong_a of_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o dispensation_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v a_o proper_a place_n for_o it_o in_o this_o new_a religion_n or_o to_o deduce_v it_o from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o to_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o it_o for_o we_o must_v bring_v nothing_o to_o christ_n with_o we_o the_o marriage_n be_v consummate_v without_o it_o and_o then_o we_o have_v less_o need_n of_o it_o than_o before_o for_o than_o we_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n be_v holy_a with_o his_o holiness_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n by_o his_o expiation_n he_o must_v look_v to_o it_o to_o see_v the_o debt_n discharge_v which_o he_o have_v now_o take_v upon_o himself_o and_o we_o be_v righteous_a with_o his_o righteousness_n which_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n to_o glory_n and_o we_o need_v no_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o to_o save_v we_o which_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o how_o obedience_n shall_v come_v in_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v it_o be_v conclude_v on_o all_o hand_n by_o those_o who_o be_v most_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o consequential_a duty_n that_o which_o ought_v to_o follow_v our_o espousal_n with_o christ_n and_o justification_n by_o he_o as_o a_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a some_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v due_a upon_o account_n of_o gratitude_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o i_o can_v so_o well_o understand_v unless_o our_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o christ_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o save_v we_o without_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v just_a as_o broad_a as_o long_o and_o we_o get_v nothing_o by_o the_o bargain_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a with_o that_o essential_a condition_n of_o accept_v christ_n
wherein_o these_o spiritual_a espousal_n consist_v viz_o that_o the_o soul_n consent_v to_o take_v christ_n 63._o on_o his_o own_o term_n to_o save_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o will_v have_v have_v thou_o and_o salvation_n in_o my_o way_n that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v partly_o of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o be_o now_o willing_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o to_o be_v save_v in_o thy_o way_n mere_o by_o grace_n that_o be_v without_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o obey_v thou_o the_o most_o content_a spouse_n certain_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o hard_a condition_n as_o to_o be_v save_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o a_o pretty_a compliment_n do_v the_o soul_n make_v to_o christ_n after_o all_o this_o when_o she_o add_v and_o though_o i_o will_v have_v walk_v according_a to_o my_o own_o mind_n yet_o now_o i_o whole_o give_v up_o myself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o thy_o spirit_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o what_o follow_v for_o other_o make_v obedience_n necessary_a upon_o account_n of_o our_o participation_n of_o christ_n fullness_n for_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o his_o fullness_n a_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o prove_v that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o but_o make_v it_o no_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o we_o than_o as_o we_o be_v necessary_o passive_a in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o soul_n mean_v in_o give_v itself_o up_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v passive_o not_o active_o good_a to_o submit_v as_o needs_o it_o must_v to_o the_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o to_o obey_v when_o it_o can_v rebel_v no_o long_o thus_o reader_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o entire_a scheme_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n result_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o all_o its_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o practice_n here_o be_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v found_v on_o or_o pretend_v to_o and_o the_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a connexion_n of_o one_o part_n with_o another_o whereby_o thou_o may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n and_o contrivance_n and_o i_o think_v there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o consider_a man_n who_o can_v but_o discover_v how_o inconsistent_a the_o religion_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o of_o his_o gospel_n be_v this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n these_o man_n glory_n in_o as_o contain_v great_a mystery_n and_o more_o soulsaving_a truth_n than_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iii_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n upon_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o what_o that_o religion_n be_v which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o show_v you_o what_o a_o unsafe_a foundation_n it_o be_v to_o build_v any_o religion_n on_o and_o first_o this_o be_v at_o best_a to_o build_v religion_n upon_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n for_o suppose_v man_n be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o few_o of_o these_o man_n be_v yet_o what_o assurance_n can_v they_o have_v that_o their_o inference_n be_v true_a have_v we_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o many_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v of_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v he_o not_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o this_o we_o may_v have_v guest_n and_o guest_n till_o we_o have_v be_v weary_a but_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o we_o have_v never_o guest_n right_a or_o at_o best_a can_v never_o have_v be_v secure_a we_o have_v we_o may_v understand_v necessary_a cause_n from_o necessary_a effect_n and_o necessary_a effect_n from_o necessary_a cause_n if_o we_o see_v a_o fire_n we_o know_v it_o burn_v something_o and_o if_o we_o see_v smoke_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v there_o be_v some_o fire_n but_o where_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o effect_n with_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o necessary_a but_o arbitrary_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o free_a agent_n we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o design_n than_o the_o principal_a agent_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o be_v the_o pure_a effect_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n and_o contrivance_n of_o this_o but_o he_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o those_o who_o learn_v from_o he_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v understand_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v learn_v it_o from_o his_o doctrine_n not_o from_o his_o person_n because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o incarnation_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v available_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n design_v they_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o do_v depend_v upon_o god_n institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n when_o we_o be_v acquaint_v by_o christ_n for_o what_o end_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o it_o in_o send_v we_o such_o a_o saviour_n and_o qualify_a he_o in_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o we_o can_v safe_o draw_v any_o one_o conclusion_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o his_o gospel_n have_v not_o express_o teach_v because_o we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o the_o design_n of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v there_o reveal_v and_o be_v it_o not_o intolerable_a presumption_n for_o man_n to_o mould_n and_o shape_n religion_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n and_o humour_n and_o to_o stuff_v it_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o orthodox_n proposition_n none_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n but_o be_v only_o pretend_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o thence_o by_o such_o imaginary_a consequence_n from_o some_o little_a hint_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n especial_o be_v not_o this_o unpardonable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o cry_v down_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o profane_a and_o carnal_a thing_n as_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o holy_a matter_n and_o yet_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o erect_v such_o glorious_a and_o magnificent_a fabric_n on_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o little_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v this_o when_o man_n argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o those_o eternal_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o essential_a difference_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o man_n argue_v from_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n which_o have_v a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n and_o so_o can_v bear_v the_o stress_n and_o weight_n of_o a_o just_a consequence_n this_o be_v carnal_a reason_n but_o when_o man_n argue_v from_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o have_v no_o stable_a nature_n from_o some_o pretty_a allusion_n and_o similitude_n and_o allegory_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a shape_n nor_o form_n but_o what_o every_o man_n fancy_n give_v they_o this_o be_v sanctify_v and_o spiritual_a reason_n but_o why_o i_o can_v imagine_v unless_o that_o it_o so_o much_o resemble_v ghost_n and_o shadow_n which_o have_v nothing_o solid_a and_o substantial_a in_o they_o second_o how_o dangerous_a this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n be_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o will_v serve_v any_o man_n turn_n who_o have_v any_o quickness_n and_o vigour_n of_o fancy_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n at_o this_o rate_n to_o set_v up_o the_o trade_n of_o make_v new_a hypothesis_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o one_o draught_n and_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o present_v you_o with_o
certain_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n especial_o consider_v how_o holy_a our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o can_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o he_o die_v or_o that_o he_o intercede_v for_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n now_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o god_n can_v have_v contrive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o powerful_a obligation_n such_o forceable_a endearment_n such_o ravish_a charm_n which_o make_v such_o a_o pleasant_a and_o invite_a representation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o so_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o inflame_v our_o love_n and_o awaken_v our_o fear_n and_o 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merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n of_o his_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o distract_v our_o guilty_a mind_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o inexorable_a justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n of_o fear_n and_o bondage_n but_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n mix_v with_o a_o awful_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a judge_n and_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n this_o be_v such_o a_o method_n of_o convert_v sinner_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n which_o be_v not_o design_v to_o cause_v tempest_n and_o earthquake_n in_o our_o mind_n like_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o to_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o more_o silent_a and_o gentle_a method_n and_o in_o more_o humane_a way_n if_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n have_v reform_v our_o life_n and_o rectify_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n though_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o these_o artificial_a method_n of_o repentance_n have_v not_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o amaze_a terror_n of_o god_n wrath_n nor_o the_o rage_a despair_n of_o damn_a spirit_n and_o then_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n before_o have_v have_v christ_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o hear_v the_o wooing_n and_o beseeching_n of_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o formal_a contract_n and_o espousal_n with_o christ_n and_o such_o like_a work_n of_o a_o heat_a fancy_n and_o religious_a distraction_n though_o our_o conversion_n be_v not_o manage_v with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o method_n and_o by_o so_o many_o step_n and_o gradation_n we_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a christian_n for_o want_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n not_o of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n which_o suggest_v so_o many_o encourage_v consideration_n to_o return_v to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o not_o to_o tremble_v at_o his_o presence_n as_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o true_a expression_n of_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o some_o fond_a and_o amorous_a passion_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v he_o be_v to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n in_o the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o best_a answer_n the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o and_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v own_v this_o a_o safe_a way_n to_o build_v religion_n on_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n they_o must_v own_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v which_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o appear_v and_o more_o easy_o and_o natural_o deduce_v from_o it_o than_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o fantastical_a conceit_n if_o they_o do_v not_o like_o this_o i_o must_v advise_v they_o to_o quit_v this_o way_n as_o the_o which_o will_v serve_v other_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o let_v we_o all_o fetch_v our_o religion_n from_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o from_o any_o pretend_a personal_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o sect_n iu._n how_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o their_o fancy_n there_o be_v a_o very_a obvious_a objection_n against_o this_o whole_a discourse_n the_o answer_v of_o which_o will_v further_o discover_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o frame_a such_o fanciful_a idea_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o these_o man_n deduce_v their_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o so_o abound_v in_o scripture_n proof_n to_o confirm_v what_o they_o say_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n on_o such_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o you_o consult_v these_o man_n write_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o book_n stuff_v with_o scripture_n or_o if_o you_o talk_v with_o they_o their_o whole_a discourse_n be_v little_a else_o but_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o that_o reverend_a doctor_n confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o his_o gospel_n have_v they_o not_o first_o grow_v acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v accommodate_v scripture_n expression_n to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n for_o when_o man_n fancy_n be_v so_o posfe_v with_o scheme_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n whatever_o they_o look_v on_o appear_v of_o the_o same_o shape_n and_o colour_n wherewith_o their_o mind_n be_v already_o tincture_v like_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o jaundice_n or_o that_o look_v through_o a_o paint_a glass_n who_o see_v every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n that_o his_o eye_n or_o glass_n give_v it_o all_o the_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n and_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o apply_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o if_o any_o word_n sound_a like_o the_o tinkle_n of_o their_o own_o sancy_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o every_o little_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n do_v mighty_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n as_o inenaeus_fw-la observe_v of_o the_o valentinian_o that_o they_o use_v one_o artifice_n or_o other_o to_o adapt_v all_o the_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n male_a composito_fw-la phantasmati_fw-la to_o the_o ill_a contrive_a sigment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thus_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n which_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v man_n incurable_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n impertinent_a and_o endless_a talker_n and_o insolent_a censurer_n of_o all_o mankind_n every_o boy_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o notion_n learn_v to_o despise_v the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o teacher_n as_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o down_o with_o they_o this_o be_v moral_a and_o legal_a preach_v nothing_o appear_v wholesome_a and_o savoury_a to_o their_o palate_n but_o some_o romantic_a description_n of_o the_o beauty_n loveliness_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ._n but_o i_o hope_v hereafter_o they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o such_o stranger_n to_o christ_n as_o they_o imagine_v but_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a than_o to_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o his_o person_n and_o with_o his_o law_n and_o be_v too_o honest_a to_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o such_o dream_n and_o fruitless_a speculation_n the_o wildness_n and_o distraction_n of_o these_o man_n make_v i_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v these_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n of_o fancy_n 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dismiss_v these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o dotage_n only_o advise_v they_o that_o however_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o these_o choice_a speculation_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o pretend_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n lest_o they_o fare_v as_o ill_o as_o another_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v luke_n 19_o 21._o who_o argue_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o apologise_v for_o his_o own_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n for_o i_o fear_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n who_o take_v up_o that_o thou_o lay_v not_o down_o and_o reape_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o sow_v but_o it_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o acquaintance_n as_o he_o be_v he_o draw_v a_o very_a false_a conclusion_n when_o he_o hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n as_o his_o lord_n convince_v he_o to_o his_o cost_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o case_n though_o we_o argue_v from_o other_o principle_n not_o from_o the_o severity_n but_o from_o the_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v we_o lest_o he_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o at_o reason_v and_o make_v hypothesis_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o as_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o include_v not_o only_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o consist_v in_o true_a notion_n and_o opinion_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o life_n in_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n without_o which_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o paint_v a_o accurate_a image_n and_o picture_n without_o life_n or_o sense_n so_o these_o man_n talk_v also_o of_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n warm_v and_o heat_v their_o fancy_n and_o move_v their_o passion_n sometime_o they_o find_v great_a break_n of_o heart_n they_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v into_o tear_n for_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o remember_v what_o their_o lord_n suffer_v for_o they_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o have_v all_o his_o agony_n and_o die_a groan_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o then_o they_o curse_v their_o sin_n that_o nail_v he_o there_o and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o feel_v all_o the_o horror_n and_o agony_n of_o damn_a spirit_n at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v mighty_o ravish_v with_o his_o love_n and_o charm_v and_o captivate_v with_o his_o beauty_n fancy_n they_o have_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n in_o the_o close_a embrace_n they_o hear_v christ_n call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o that_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o they_o be_v refresh_v and_o ravish_v with_o his_o comfort_n and_o the_o sweet_a caress_n of_o his_o love_n they_o see_v christ_n adorn_v they_o with_o the_o beautiful_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v they_o for_o his_o dear_a spouse_n and_o express_v all_o conjugal_a affection_n to_o they_o now_o they_o taste_v and_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o man_n only_o talk_v of_o and_o have_v a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o his_o fullness_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o his_o love_n in_o cheer_v their_o soul_n of_o his_o beauty_n in_o adorn_v they_o they_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o now_o christ_n have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o this_o will_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o what_o follow_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o more_o experimental_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n unless_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o govern_v his_o life_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o have_v always_o such_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n as_o may_v constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o but_o without_o this_o we_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o he_o however_o we_o may_v be_v transport_v with_o these_o frantic_a rapture_n and_o exstasy_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n chap._n iu._n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sect_n i._o next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o which_o as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o be_v build_v all_o those_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a conclusion_n which_o so_o direct_o oppose_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n by_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v mention_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o may_v be_v express_v by_o a_o union_n and_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o and_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o metaphor_n i._o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v
else_o but_o to_o come_v for_o god_n call_v be_v out_o of_o free_a grace_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v for_o no_o more_o than_o only_o to_o come_v up_o and_o possess_v the_o lord_n fullness_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a say_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o whole_a progress_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o they_o represent_v it_o to_o a_o closure_n with_o christ_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v at_o last_o to_o a_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o they_o be_v conviction_n compunction_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n now_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o forsake_v sin_n include_v in_o all_o this_o than_o man_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o forsake_v their_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o many_o author_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v but_o that_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o mr._n shepherd_n sound_a believer_n as_o orthodox_n a_o book_n as_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v in_o too_o many_o people_n hand_n now_o 68_o conviction_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o this_o author_n be_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o evil_a after_o sin_n of_o its_o abominable_a and_o accurse_a nature_n and_o those_o just_a judgement_n which_o follow_v sin_n that_o the_o sinner_n must_v die_v and_o that_o eternal_o for_o sin_n if_o it_o remain_v in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o and_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n must_v be_v awaken_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o have_v do_v and_o of_o the_o punishment_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v before_o they_o will_v reform_v their_o life_n reform_a nay_o now_o you_o be_v out_o this_o be_v not_o the_o end_n of_o conviction_n to_o reform_v sin_n that_o be_v a_o legal_a way_n but_o compunction_n be_v the_o end_n of_o conviction_n well_o then_o what_o be_v this_o compunction_n why_o compunction_n be_v first_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o be_v damn_v when_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o convince_v of_o sin_n he_o see_v death_n wrath_n eternity_n near_o unto_o he_o and_o hence_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o escape_v it_o as_o now_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o do_v fear_n next_o to_o this_o succeed_v a_o great_a sorrow_n and_o mourning_n for_o sin_n the_o lord_n have_v smite_v the_o soul_n or_o shoot_v the_o arrow_n of_o fear_n into_o the_o soul_n it_o therefore_o grow_v exceed_o sad_a and_o heavy_a and_o that_o which_o perfect_v this_o compunction_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o sin_n this_o be_v something_o like_a if_o they_o mean_v as_o they_o speak_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o mistake_v they_o by_o a_o separation_n from_o sin_n you_o must_v not_o understand_v a_o leave_v and_o forsake_v sin_n but_o such_o a_o separation_n from_o sin_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o live_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o 86._o a_o be_v willing_a or_o rather_o not_o unwilling_a that_o the_o lord_n shall_v take_v it_o away_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o wound_v the_o heart_n to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v first_o heal_v itself_o before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o physician_n but_o that_o it_o may_v seek_v out_o or_o feel_v its_o need_n be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a of_o a_o physician_n the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o come_v and_o heal_v it_o it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o many_o christian_n that_o either_o their_o wound_n and_o sorrow_n be_v so_o little_a they_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v heal_v or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o labour_v to_o heal_v themselves_o first_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o physician_n for_o it_o they_o will_v first_o make_v themselves_o holy_a and_o put_v on_o their_o jewel_n and_o then_o believe_v in_o christ_n 85._o so_o that_o all_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v content_a that_o christ_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n shall_v take_v away_o our_o sin_n by_o this_o separation_n the_o soul_n be_v cut_v off_o 82._o from_o the_o will_n to_o sin_n not_o from_o all_o no_o nor_o from_o any_o sin_n in_o the_o will_n for_o that_o must_v be_v mortify_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n after_o the_o soul_n be_v implant_v into_o christ._n now_o this_o be_v downright_a nonsense_n for_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a subtle_a man_n who_o can_v distinguish_v between_o a_o will_n to_o sin_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o will_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v a_o willingness_n or_o rather_o a_o not_o unwillingness_n that_o christ_n shall_v take_v away_o our_o sin_n against_o our_o will_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v well_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o sanctification_n as_o any_o man_n will_v easy_o have_v guest_n by_o his_o description_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o compunction_n of_o this_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v not_o that_o we_o may_v forsake_v sin_n but_o to_o work_v humiliation_n in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o three_o step_n towards_o a_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o this_o 12â—_n humiliation_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v break_v off_o from_o self_n conceit_n and_o selfconfidence_n in_o any_o good_a it_o have_v or_o do_v submit_v unto_o and_o lie_v under_o god_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o he_o please_v this_o self_n confidence_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v break_v off_o be_v any_o hope_n of_o please_a god_n by_o repentance_n or_o reformation_n or_o any_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v for_o when_o man_n feel_v this_o compunction_n of_o spirit_n for_o their_o sin_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v lest_o they_o shall_v seek_v ease_n by_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o reform_v their_o life_n that_o as_o their_o sin_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n against_o they_o so_o now_o if_o they_o can_v reform_v and_o leave_v those_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o if_o now_o they_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v as_o other_o do_v they_o have_v some_o hope_n as_o well_o they_o may_v if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o that_o this_o will_v heal_v their_o wound_n and_o pacify_v the_o lord_n towards_o they_o when_o they_o see_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n they_o will_v try_v if_o there_o be_v any_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a course_n this_o indeed_o every_o man_n natural_o will_v have_v think_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n for_o while_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o soul_n he_o be_v uncapable_a 125._o of_o christ_n for_o he_o that_o trust_v to_o other_o thing_n to_o save_v he_o or_o make_v himself_o his_o own_o saviour_n or_o rest_v in_o his_o duty_n without_o a_o saviour_n that_o be_v according_a to_o this_o author_n all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o reform_v upon_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n he_o can_v never_o have_v christ_n to_o save_v he_o so_o that_o true_a humiliation_n be_v this_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v make_v the_o soul_n feel_v not_o only_o its_o inability_n to_o help_v itself_o but_o also_o it_o be_v own_o unworthiness_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v it_o that_o so_o it_o may_v lie_v down_o under_o god_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o he_o please_v that_o be_v to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v as_o shall_v best_o please_v god_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n than_o it_o be_v be_fw-mi capax_fw-la a_o vessel_n capable_a though_o unworthy_a of_o grace_n and_o now_o they_o be_v make_v thus_o hollow_a and_o empty_a by_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o hold_v christ_n as_o a_o hollow_a 141._o and_o empty_a vessel_n be_v of_o receive_v and_o hold_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v put_v into_o it_o this_o be_v a_o new_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_v christ_n into_o we_o as_o a_o hollow_a vessel_n receive_v any_o liquor_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o it_o however_o this_o be_v a_o very_a philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o humiliation_n that_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o thorough_a sense_n of_o his_o inability_n to_o please_v god_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o attempt_v it_o but_o must_v leave_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n to_o carnal_a and_o christless_a man_n and_o then_o to_o make_v he_o so_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o how_o just_a it_o be_v with_o
god_n to_o damn_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v content_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n to_o be_v damn_v or_o save_v as_o he_o please_v and_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o empty_a and_o hollow_a be_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o it_o and_o be_v grow_v careless_a of_o its_o salvation_n and_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a thus_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n without_o be_v indifferent_a in_o some_o measure_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n for_o mercy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o bring_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o this_o and_o i_o find_v by_o this_o author_n that_o god_n be_v very_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o thus_o to_o humble_v the_o soul_n 128._o for_o he_o be_v force_v to_o irritate_fw-la and_o stir_v up_o original_a corruption_n to_o stir_v the_o dunghill_n a_o very_a unfit_a office_n for_o a_o holy_a be_v that_o so_o man_n find_v themselves_o sensible_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o every_o day_n may_v despair_v of_o grow_v better_a and_o leave_v off_o such_o vain_a attempt_n and_o set_v down_o humble_a under_o god_n nay_o the_o lord_n load_v and_o tire_n and_o weary_v the_o soul_n by_o its_o own_o endeavour_n till_o it_o can_v stir_v no_o more_o that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n labour_v with_o all_o its_o might_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v encourage_v and_o assist_v all_o such_o pious_a endeavour_n withdraw_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v the_o soul_n will_v rest_v therein_o without_o christ_n 130._o now_o i_o confess_v i_o know_v not_o who_o suffer_v most_o by_o this_o the_o sinner_n who_o be_v thus_o humble_v and_o break_v or_o god_n who_o thus_o humble_v he_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o use_v such_o method_n of_o humiliation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o proud_a heart_n of_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o humiliation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n for_o one_o great_a end_n of_o humiliation_n be_v to_o cure_v man_n of_o such_o carnal_a conceit_n as_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o repent_v and_o reform_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a disposition_n towards_o our_o receive_n christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o for_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o humble_v it_o be_v time_n it_o shall_v go_v to_o christ_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o soul_n be_v so_o wound_v and_o humble_v now_o that_o they_o 152._o lie_v dead_a at_o god_n foot_n and_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o now_o the_o lord_n take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n that_o they_o may_v lean_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o belove_a by_o faith_n now_o the_o form_n and_o essence_n 173_o of_o faith_n this_o unite_n grace_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o christ_n faith_n do_v nothing_o for_o life_n for_o that_o be_v the_o law_n of_o work_n it_o only_o receive_v he_o who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o it_o it_o come_v out_o of_o all_o it_o have_v or_o do_v unto_o christ_n for_o life_n the_o soul_n by_o sin_n be_v avert_v from_o god_n and_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o god_n the_o turn_n and_o come_v of_o the_o soul_n not_o unto_o duty_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o be_v obedience_n proper_o but_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n again_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o faith_n so_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o drink_v in_o of_o christ_n fullness_n be_v believe_v in_o christ._n but_o then_o faith_n be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o see_v christ_n and_o the_o 185._o heart_n so_o embrace_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n as_o that_o it_o rest_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o its_o portion_n and_o all-sufficient_a good_a this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o faith_n you_o see_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o obedience_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o christ_n but_o it_o perfect_v this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n while_o they_o be_v as_o ugly_a and_o deform_v and_o vicious_a as_o may_v be_v very_o unfit_a person_n methinks_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o head_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o consider_a man_n how_o false_a this_o notion_n be_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o which_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o scripture_n place_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o therefore_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v not_o only_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o must_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o this_o make_v we_o visible_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o a_o external_a communion_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o sincere_o obey_v he_o till_o our_o mind_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o joh._n 15._o 4._o but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o add_v in_o vers._n 8._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o beginner_n but_o this_o do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o actual_o obey_v it_o but_o when_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o faith_n we_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o improve_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o make_v we_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n indeed_o and_o heir_n of_o glory_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o our_o saviour_n nor_o a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o his_o gospel_n than_o to_o affirm_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o pardon_n and_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n st._n john_n i_o be_o sure_a understand_v not_o this_o doctrine_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a and_o so_o thrust_v holiness_n quite_o
out_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v perfect_v while_o we_o be_v unholy_a and_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o holiness_n than_o before_o for_o now_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o remove_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n to_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v obey_v christ_n out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o good_a nature_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o they_o may_v but_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n without_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o these_o notion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o overthrow_v all_o religion_n by_o leave_v it_o at_o every_o man_n liberty_n whether_o he_o will_v worship_v and_o obey_v god_n or_o not_o but_o i_o have_v 3._o discourse_v this_o at_o large_a already_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o dr._n owen_n reason_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n sect_n v._o that_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o of_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o thus_o i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v unite_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o person_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o charge_v upon_o this_o notion_n be_v a_o more_o immediate_a â—injury_n to_o man_n as_o expose_v they_o to_o perpetual_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n about_o their_o salvation_n viz._n that_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v this_o appear_v it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o every_o man_n to_o reject_v it_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n or_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n first_o then_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o get_v into_o christ_n suppose_v a_o sinner_n who_o hear_v of_o those_o great_a privilege_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n shall_v inquire_v what_o course_n he_o shall_v take_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o excellency_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o method_n prescribe_v in_o order_n to_o this_o be_v conviction_n compunction_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n now_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o all_o this_o and_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o it_o himself_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v act_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o give_v such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o no_o man_n can_v follow_v this_o only_a tell_v we_o by_o what_o method_n god_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o what_o we_o must_v do_v but_o what_o we_o must_v suffer_v in_o order_n to_o this_o union_n a_o sinner_n may_v stir_v up_o in_o himself_o some_o natural_a conviction_n of_o sin_n some_o natural_a fear_n and_o sorrow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o this_o may_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n of_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o perform_v duty_n but_o all_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o unless_o this_o conviction_n and_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o so_o that_o the_o sinner_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o patient_o expect_v till_o god_n will_v do_v all_o for_o he_o but_o second_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v this_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n by_o no_o mean_n the_o end_n of_o conviction_n be_v compunction_n and_o the_o end_n of_o compunction_n be_v humiliation_n and_o all_o this_o carry_v we_o no_o near_o to_o christ_n than_o 126._o quiet_o to_o lie_v down_o before_o god_n that_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o we_o 133._o turn_v the_o other_o cheek_n unto_o the_o lord_n even_o smite_v of_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n show_v mercy_n it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a if_o not_o yet_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v against_o he_o for_o deny_v special_a mercy_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n and_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o humble_v because_o it_o submit_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o god_n please_v that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v so_o that_o this_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o their_o whole_a virtue_n consist_v in_o bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v content_a either_o to_o have_v christ_n or_o to_o go_v without_o he_o as_o god_n shall_v please_v 137._o humiliation_n make_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o infinite_a vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n not_o to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o lord_n and_o devil-like_a grow_v fierce_a and_o impatient_a before_o and_o against_o the_o lord_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v never_o help_v it_o never_o pity_v it_o never_o succour_v it_o 138._o and_o now_o you_o shall_v see_v if_o the_o lord_n intend_v good_a he_o will_v by_o this_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o this_o be_v all_o man_n get_v by_o humiliation_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o do_v they_o good_a this_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o will_v do_v it_o but_o though_o they_o be_v humble_v they_o can_v be_v sure_a whether_o god_n intend_v to_o do_v they_o good_a or_o not_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 144._o we_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v save_v or_o damn_v we_o as_o we_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o to_o any_o common_a mercy_n though_o you_o must_v pray_v for_o mercy_n it_o must_v be_v with_o submission_n to_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v good_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o save_v or_o damn_v but_o i_o be_v evil_a though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n nay_o we_o be_v much_o more_o bind_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v save_v or_o damn_v we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o the_o lesser_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n 145._o for_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n to_o murmur_v in_o case_n the_o lord_n deny_v you_o small_a matter_n the_o offal_n of_o this_o life_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v that_o it_o be_v far_o great_a pride_n for_o thou_o to_o sink_v and_o quarrel_n with_o he_o if_o he_o deny_v thou_o great_a the_o thing_n of_o another_o life_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o give_v thou_o great_a who_o do_v not_o owe_v thou_o the_o least_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o life_n bless_a be_v his_o name_n but_o you_o ask_v for_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n now_o god_n have_v give_v you_o life_n you_o will_v feign_v live_v for_o ever_o a_o unpardonable_a fault_n this_o thousand_o of_o pound_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o be_v worth_a and_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o deny_v you_o and_o now_o you_o sink_v and_o grow_v sullen_a may_v not_o the_o lord_n now_o say_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o pride_n and_o insolence_n as_o to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o ever_o though_o i_o dare_v say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o pride_n which_o cast_v the_o apostate_n angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n so_o that_o though_o conviction_n and_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o bring_v we_o never_o the_o near_a he_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v where_o we_o be_v before_o we_o be_v humble_v
it_o be_v at_o the_o lord_n good_a pleasure_n whether_o we_o shall_v have_v christ_n or_o not_o and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v further_o in_o order_n to_o our_o close_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o hitherto_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n why_o you_o must_v not_o catch_v at_o christ_n but_o stay_v till_o god_n give_v christ_n to_o you_o till_o god_n take_v you_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n that_o you_o may_v lean_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o bosom_n of_o your_o belove_a through_o faith_n you_o must_v stay_v till_o god_n give_v you_o a_o particular_a call_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o whether_o that_o will_v be_v ever_o or_o never_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v many_o a_o wound_a sinner_n 153._o will_v be_v scramble_n after_o christ_n from_o some_o general_a report_n of_o he_o such_o as_o his_o gospel_n make_v before_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o god_n glorious_a and_o gracious_a call_n now_o for_o any_o man_n to_o receive_v christ_n or_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v call_v be_v presumption_n i_o unpardonable_a presumption_n too_o to_o attempt_v impossibility_n for_o no_o body_n can_v come_v till_o he_o be_v call_v no_o man_n shall_v come_v unless_o first_o call_v and_o therefore_o no_o crime_n to_o stay_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o call_v to_o a_o ordinary_a office_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o call_n much_o more_o to_o special_a grace_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n hebr._n 5._o 4._o it_o be_v great_a presumption_n to_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o a_o priest_n or_o prophet_n or_o king_n without_o a_o lawful_a designation_n to_o such_o a_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o great_a presumption_n to_o attempt_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o good_a christian_n without_o such_o a_o particular_a call_n for_o what_o have_v any_o man_n to_o do_v with_o christ_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n to_o take_v care_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o happy_a but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n well_o sinner_n wait_v with_o patience_n till_o thou_o be_v call_v and_o so_o thy_o work_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o this_o time_n but_o how_o shall_v a_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n know_v when_o he_o be_v call_v that_o then_o he_o may_v come_v to_o christ_n why_o you_o must_v have_v a_o care_n that_o you_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o general_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o special_a call_n for_o they_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o weary_a and_o the_o heavy_a lade_v too_o man_n can_v man_n will_v not_o come_v at_o such_o a_o call_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o for_o christ_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o all_o and_o therefore_o though_o he_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v great_a presumption_n for_o every_o one_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o for_o christ_n do_v 75._o not_o immediate_o offer_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n as_o a_o saviour_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o serve_v he_o as_o a_o king_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o promise_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o a_o design_n that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v shall_v take_v encouragement_n from_o these_o promise_n to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o but_o first_o as_o a_o king_n command_v they_o to_o cast_v away_o their_o weapon_n and_o stoop_v under_o his_o sceptre_n acknowledge_v that_o if_o ever_o he_o save_v i_o i_o will_v bless_v he_o if_o he_o damn_v i_o his_o name_n be_v righteous_a in_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v invite_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n but_o then_o christ_n reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o to_o save_v or_o damn_v as_o he_o please_v and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o encouragement_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o these_o be_v hard_a term_n and_o such_o as_o sound_v more_o like_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o a_o haughty_a and_o imperious_a lord_n than_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a saviour_n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v now_o why_o the_o only_a remedy_n be_v to_o venture_v and_o try_v 85._o god_n have_v elect_v but_o few_o and_o christ_n have_v shed_v his_o blood_n for_o few_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v venture_v and_o a_o hard_a venture_n it_o be_v where_o there_o be_v such_o great_a odds_o against_o we_o and_o yet_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o success_n too_o great_a a_o stake_n for_o such_o a_o venture_n as_o many_o man_n among_o we_o do_v now_o who_o hear_v of_o one_o good_a live_v fall_v twenty_o of_o they_o will_v go_v and_o seek_v for_o it_o although_o they_o know_v only_o one_o shall_v have_v it_o though_o do_v they_o know_v it_o be_v irrevocable_o determine_v who_o shall_v have_v it_o none_o of_o they_o will_v stir_v but_o wait_v till_o the_o news_n be_v bring_v they_o good_a god_n what_o merchant-adventurer_n be_v poor_a sinner_n who_o after_o all_o their_o seek_n for_o christ_n be_v in_o such_o danger_n of_o miss_v he_o or_o as_o the_o leper_n in_o samaria_n if_o we_o stay_v here_o we_o must_v die_v if_o we_o go_v out_o to_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n we_o may_v live_v which_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o desperate_a man_n as_o it_o seem_v the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o all_o to_o be_v no_o previous_a disposition_n can_v give_v we_o any_o encouragement_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n humiliation_n can_v do_v it_o after_o this_o we_o must_v expect_v a_o call_v still_o we_o be_v but_o probationer_n for_o christ_n still_o and_o be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o miss_v he_o as_o any_o one_o of_o the_o twenty_o competitor_n be_v of_o miss_v that_o live_n which_o only_a one_o can_v have_v and_o which_o be_v more_o wonderful_a assurance_n itself_o can_v do_v it_o 246._o 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by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v 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of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n 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not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n
do_v what_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n why_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o dr._n place_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o our_o righteousness_n to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o make_v it_o a_o expression_n of_o our_o chaste_a affection_n to_o christ_n quite_o to_o thrust_v out_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o our_o religion_n he_o first_o make_v christ_n all_o to_o we_o more_o than_o ever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v himself_o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o then_o warn_v we_o upon_o our_o vow_n of_o chastity_n not_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n into_o christ_n place_n whereas_o as_o he_o have_v order_v the_o matter_n we_o must_v take_v our_o own_o righteousness_n into_o christ_n place_n or_o else_o cast_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o what_o he_o allege_v for_o this_o i_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v already_o and_o shall_v not_o now_o repeat_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v our_o obedience_n the_o great_a and_o principal_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o these_o man_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o competition_n between_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o obedience_n shall_v put_v such_o jealousy_n into_o people_n head_n what_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o righteousness_n lest_o they_o shall_v prove_v like_o foolish_a lover_n who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o 197._o woo_v for_o the_o lady_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o handmaid_n that_o be_v only_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o she_o so_o man_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o and_o dote_v upon_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o naked_a performance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v with_o do_v good_a which_o be_v only_a handmaid_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o this_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o persuade_v people_n that_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o something_o more_o refine_v and_o spiritual_a than_o obedience_n which_o will_v quick_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n christ_n without_o obey_v he_o and_o not_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o dote_v and_o rest_v on_o duty_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n can_v think_v that_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n can_v merit_v heaven_n when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n who_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o must_v ascribe_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o our_o present_a infirmity_n and_o bestow_v such_o great_a reward_n on_o we_o as_o we_o can_v never_o deserve_v and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o preserve_v we_o from_o dote_v and_o rest_v on_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o to_o let_v they_o quite_o alone_o since_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o meddle_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v mr._n shephard_n this_o will_v not_o secure_v we_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o duty_n another_o thing_n to_o rest_n in_o duty_n 170._o a_o man_n trust_v unto_o they_o when_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o only_o good_a duty_n can_v save_v he_o a_o man_n rest_v in_o duty_n when_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o only_a christ_n can_v save_v he_o but_o in_o his_o practice_n he_o go_v about_o to_o save_v himself_o that_o be_v do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v with_o as_o much_o vigour_n and_o earnestness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o it_o and_o then_o think_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o ungodly_a rest_v in_o duty_n by_o acknowledge_v when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n love_n be_v the_o very_a person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n in_o opposition_n to_o self-love_n in_o opposition_n to_o duty_n let_v we_o now_o inquire_v second_o how_o they_o express_v their_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o prefer_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o admire_v his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n the_o 63._o soul_n take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o see_v it_o all_o to_o be_v vanity_n it_o view_v also_o legal_a righteousness_n blamelessness_n before_o man_n uprightness_n of_o conversation_n duty_n upon_o conviction_n and_o count_v they_o all_o to_o be_v loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n beloved_n peace_n belove_v natural_a relation_n belove_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n belove_a righteousness_n duty_n all_o loss_n compare_v with_o christ._n *_o they_o value_n he_o 154._o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o person_n they_o value_v he_o above_o their_o life_n they_o value_v he_o above_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o 140._o all_o other_o righteousness_n whatever_o *_o he_o be_v their_o joy_n their_o crown_n their_o rejoice_n their_o life_n food_n health_n strength_n desire_n righteousness_n salvation_n blessedness_n now_o who_o can_v desire_v more_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o useless_a passion_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o approve_v nor_o accept_v i_o have_v *_o already_o 2._o show_v you_o what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o whatever_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n whether_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o revelation_n or_o his_o propitiation_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o these_o man_n convert_v into_o personal_a grace_n his_o personal_a fullness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o must_v immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o these_o man_n so_o much_o admire_v and_o prize_n and_o value_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v all_o fullness_n righteousness_n life_n power_n beauty_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o sinner_n want_v this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o legal_a righteousness_n spiritual_a excellency_n duty_n obedience_n before_o the_o love_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v by_o these_o man_n account_v no_o better_a than_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o they_o prefer_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v such_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n for_o they_o and_o will_v save_v they_o without_o require_v any_o legal_a condition_n of_o they_o infinite_o before_o the_o religion_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n before_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n before_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o he_o will_v save_v they_o by_o his_o righteousness_n without_o any_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o own_o this_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o crown_n their_o life_n food_n health_n strength_n righteousness_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a where_o the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n may_v shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o much_o prize_n and_o value_v such_o devoto_n as_o these_o nor_o their_o obsequious_a flattery_n or_o praise_n and_o yet_o herein_o the_o devotion_n of_o these_o man_n consist_v in_o admire_v prize_v value_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v that_o *_o evangelical_n righteousness_n we_o must_v 173_o gain_v by_o duty_n more_o prize_v of_o acquaintance_n with_o desire_v after_o love_v and_o delight_v in_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o moral_a man_n who_o rest_v in_o duty_n that_o be_v who_o do_v what_o god_n command_v he_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n may_v grow_v in_o legal_a righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o true_a holiness_n and_o piety_n but_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v unless_o we_o grow_v in_o this_o evangelical_n righteousness_n this_o be_v 178._o the_o great_a end_n of_o duty_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n hear_v a_o sermon_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o
jesus_n christ_n fast_o and_o pray_v and_o get_v a_o full_a tide_n of_o affection_n in_o they_o to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o get_v more_o love_n of_o he_o more_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o more_o union_n with_o he_o so_o sorrow_n for_o thy_o sin_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v more_o fit_v for_o christ_n that_o thou_o may_v prize_v christ_n the_o more_o use_v thy_o duty_n as_o noah_n dove_n do_v her_o wing_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o poor_a man_n that_o be_v to_o go_v over_o a_o great_a water_n for_o a_o treasure_n on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o he_o can_v fetch_v the_o boat_n he_o call_v for_o it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o treasure_n in_o the_o boat_n yet_o he_o use_v the_o boat_n to_o carry_v he_o over_o to_o the_o treasure_n so_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o thou_o can_v not_o go_v to_o he_o now_o call_v for_o a_o boat_n though_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n no_o good_a no_o salvation_n in_o a_o pithless_a duty_n yet_o use_v it_o to_o carry_v thou_o over_o to_o the_o treasure_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n when_o thou_o come_v to_o hear_v say_v have_v over_o lord_n by_o this_o sermon_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o pray_v say_v have_v over_o lord_n by_o this_o prayer_n to_o a_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o evangelical_n righteousness_n consist_v in_o some_o flight_n of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n in_o admire_v and_o value_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o get_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o union_n to_o he_o and_o the_o business_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v love_v and_o prize_v his_o person_n and_o personal_a righteousness_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o business_n of_o sermon_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o alsufficiency_n to_o save_v we_o without_o such_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o the_o design_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o affect_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o express_v our_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o as_o to_o have_v over_o to_o christ_n to_o fetch_v pardon_n and_o life_n and_o health_n and_o righteousness_n from_o he_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o embitter_v sin_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n more_o who_o be_v our_o righteousness_n in_o a_o word_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v now_o change_v from_o be_v the_o homage_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o certain_a mean_n of_o please_v he_o and_o transform_v we_o into_o his_o nature_n and_o likeness_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a end_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o cockboat_n or_o scholar_n to_o waste_v we_o over_o to_o christ._n here_o we_o see_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o these_o man_n do_v so_o much_o despise_v morality_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o gospel_n duty_n of_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o confession_n and_o humiliation_n and_o fast_v etc._n etc._n because_o as_o they_o handle_v the_o matter_n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n can_v have_v we_o over_o to_o christ_n can_v apply_v the_o righteousness_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o nor_o ravish_v our_o fancy_n with_o glorious_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o his_o person_n and_o since_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o pithless_a thing_n which_o have_v no_o grace_n no_o good_a no_o salvation_n in_o they_o but_o as_o they_o have_v we_o over_o to_o christ_n poor_a morality_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o worthless_a thing_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o design_a task_n and_o upon_o a_o review_n of_o it_o it_o make_v i_o amaze_v to_o think_v how_o strange_o these_o man_n have_v transform_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o disfigure_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o like_a to_o god_n how_o they_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o abuse_v his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o intercession_n to_o the_o patronage_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n how_o they_o have_v lay_v snare_n to_o betray_v some_o man_n to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o to_o entangle_v other_o in_o endless_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n how_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v in_o effect_n through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v and_o want_v of_o consideration_n for_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o suspect_v any_o worse_a cause_n banish_v his_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o state_v the_o case_n examine_v their_o proof_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n be_v to_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n trust_v in_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v perfect_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o finis_fw-la see_v ch._n 1._o concern_v the_o significa_fw-la of_o the_o name_n christ._n digr_n 2_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n p._n 89_o 〈…〉_z digr_n 2._o p._n 93._o ibid._n p._n 95._o ib._n p._n 97._o p._n 110._o p._n 112._o p._n 117._o digr_n 2._o p._n 119._o shepherd_n sound_a believer_n p._n 80._o 80._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n pag._n 462._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n p._n 467._o watson_n christian_a character_n p._n 60._o the_o spiritual_a vine_n p._n 167._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 77._o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n p._n 462._o i._o o._n communion_n p._n 63._o 63._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n p._n 19_o watson'_v christ_n loveliness_n idem_fw-la watson_n ibidem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 1_o watson_n christ_n loveliness_n idem_fw-la christ_n loveliness_n watson_n ibidem_fw-la watson_n true_a brazen_a serpent_n watson_n spiritual_a vine_n watson_n christ_n loveliness_n watson_n mystery_n the_o lora_n supper_n p._n 64._o idem_fw-la p._n 65._o ibidem_fw-la dr._n owen_n communion_n with_o christ_n ch._n 8._o i._o o._n excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ._n digr_n 2._o p._n 113._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 119._o i._o ii_o thomas_n vincent_n iii_o iv._o dr._n jacomb_n on_o rom._n 8._o pag._n 42._o pag._n 45._o pag._n 48._o pag._n 49._o commun_n with_o christ_n pag._n 51._o ibid._n p._n 52._o pag._n 64._o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n pag._n 53._o communion_n p._n 54._o communion_n with_o jesus_n christ._n p._n 55._o brook_n riches_n of_o christ._n dr._n owen_n com._n 1._o dr._n owen_n com._n p._n 60._o dr._n jacomb_n rom._n 8._o p._n 85._o 2._o ibid._n communion_n with_o the_o son_n chap._n 6._o p._n 182._o communion_n with_o the_o son_n p._n 178._o commun_n pag._n 182._o pag._n 184._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 181._o communion_n p._n 183._o communion_n p._n 182._o communion_n p._n 185._o communion_n p._n 167._o communion_n p._n 184._o 184._o dr._n owen_n communion_n p._n 193._o 193._o sound_v believer_n p._n 321._o 321._o p._n 318._o 318._o p._n 212._o 212._o sound_v believer_n p._n 68_o 68_o p._n 86._o p._n 85._o p._n 82._o 82._o p._n 12â—_n p._n 125._o p._n 141._o 141._o p._n 128._o p._n 130._o p._n 152._o p._n 173_o p._n 185._o 185._o chap._n 3._o 3._o sound_v believer_n p._n 126._o 126._o p._n 133._o 133._o p._n 137._o 137._o p._n 138._o 138._o p._n 144._o 144._o p._n 145._o p._n 153._o sincere_a convert_n p._n 75._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 85._o 85._o sound_v believer_n p._n 246._o ibidem_fw-la p._n 215._o 215._o sound_v believer_n p._n 130._o dr._n jacomb_n rom._n 8._o p._n 65._o 65._o rom._n 8._o p._n 182._o 182._o ibidem_fw-la shepherd_n saint_n jewel_n pag._n 192._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 94_o etc._n etc._n p._n 167._o 167._o ch._n 4._o sect._n 1_o p._n 186._o 186._o ch._n 4._o sect._n 1_o 1_o com._n p._n 158._o w._n b._n christ_n personal_a excellency_n the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n p._n 15._o w._n b._n ibid._n shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n p._n 4._o ed._n 1672._o pag._n 84_o pag._n 109._o communion_n p._n 165._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n pag._n 197._o sincere_a convert_n pag._n 170._o i._o o._n com._n p._n 63._o ibid._n pag._n 154._o pag._n 140._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 2._o shepherd_n sincere_a convert_n pag._n 173_o pag._n 178._o