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
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n which_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v man_n incurable_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n impertinent_a and_o endless_a talker_n and_o insolent_a censurer_n of_o all_o mankind_n every_o boy_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o notion_n learn_v to_o despise_v the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o teacher_n as_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o down_o with_o they_o this_o be_v moral_a and_o legal_a preach_v nothing_o appear_v wholesome_a and_o savoury_a to_o their_o palate_n but_o some_o romantic_a description_n of_o the_o beauty_n loveliness_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ._n but_o i_o hope_v hereafter_o they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o such_o stranger_n to_o christ_n as_o they_o imagine_v but_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a than_o to_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o his_o person_n and_o with_o his_o law_n and_o be_v too_o honest_a to_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o such_o dream_n and_o fruitless_a speculation_n the_o wildness_n and_o distraction_n of_o these_o man_n make_v i_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v these_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n of_o fancy_n feed_v her_o child_n with_o wholesome_a and_o substantial_a food_n have_v teach_v they_o a_o religion_n without_o art_n or_o subtilty_n have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o those_o obligation_n it_o lay_v on_o they_o to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n have_v teach_v they_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o contain_v those_o great_a and_o essential_a article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o action_n have_v give_v they_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a explication_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o what_o the_o true_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n be_v without_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o notion_n and_o artificial_a theory_n of_o religion_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o giddy_a with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o knowledge_n to_o talk_v ill_a and_o to_o live_v worse_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o dismiss_v these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o dotage_n only_o advise_v they_o that_o however_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o these_o choice_a speculation_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o pretend_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n lest_o they_o fare_v as_o ill_o as_o another_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v luke_n 19_o 21._o who_o argue_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o apologise_v for_o his_o own_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n for_o i_o fear_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n who_o take_v up_o that_o thou_o lay_v not_o down_o and_o reape_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o sow_v but_o it_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o acquaintance_n as_o he_o be_v he_o draw_v a_o very_a false_a conclusion_n when_o he_o hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n as_o his_o lord_n convince_v he_o to_o his_o cost_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o case_n though_o we_o argue_v from_o other_o principle_n not_o from_o the_o severity_n but_o from_o the_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v we_o lest_o he_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o at_o reason_v and_o make_v hypothesis_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o as_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o include_v not_o only_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o consist_v in_o true_a notion_n and_o opinion_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o life_n in_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n without_o which_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o paint_v a_o accurate_a image_n and_o picture_n without_o life_n or_o sense_n so_o these_o man_n talk_v also_o of_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n warm_v and_o heat_v their_o fancy_n and_o move_v their_o passion_n sometime_o they_o find_v great_a break_n of_o heart_n they_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v into_o tear_n for_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o remember_v what_o their_o lord_n suffer_v for_o they_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o have_v all_o his_o agony_n and_o die_a groan_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o then_o they_o curse_v their_o sin_n that_o nail_v he_o there_o and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o feel_v all_o the_o horror_n and_o agony_n of_o damn_a spirit_n at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v mighty_o ravish_v with_o his_o love_n and_o charm_v and_o captivate_v with_o his_o beauty_n fancy_n they_o have_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n in_o the_o close_a embrace_n they_o hear_v christ_n call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o that_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o they_o be_v refresh_v and_o ravish_v with_o his_o comfort_n and_o the_o sweet_a caress_n of_o his_o love_n they_o see_v christ_n adorn_v they_o with_o the_o beautiful_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v they_o for_o his_o dear_a spouse_n and_o express_v all_o conjugal_a affection_n to_o they_o now_o they_o taste_v and_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o man_n only_o talk_v of_o and_o have_v a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o his_o fullness_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o his_o love_n in_o cheer_v their_o soul_n of_o his_o beauty_n in_o adorn_v they_o they_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o now_o christ_n have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o this_o will_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o what_o follow_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o more_o experimental_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n unless_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o govern_v his_o life_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o have_v always_o such_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n as_o may_v constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o but_o without_o this_o we_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o he_o however_o we_o may_v be_v transport_v with_o these_o frantic_a rapture_n and_o exstasy_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n chap._n iu._n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sect_n i._o next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o which_o as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o be_v build_v all_o those_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a conclusion_n which_o so_o direct_o oppose_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n by_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v mention_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o may_v be_v express_v by_o a_o union_n and_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o and_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o metaphor_n i._o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v
imprimatur_fw-la may_n 30._o 1673._o sam._n parker_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o etc._n etc._n by_o william_n sherlock_n rector_n of_o s_o t_o george_n buttolph_n lane_n london_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxiv_o the_o preface_n christian_n reader_n i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o so_o honest_a a_o design_n in_o write_v this_o discourse_n that_o i_o be_o very_o very_a well_o arm_v against_o those_o various_a censure_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o such_o attempt_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o the_o most_o unjust_a reproach_n as_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v to_o see_v so_o many_o well-disposed_a person_n abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o either_o signify_v nothing_o or_o have_v a_o very_a ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a or_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o great_a zeal_n which_o some_o man_n have_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o great_a instrument_n they_o may_v be_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v their_o zeal_n direct_v and_o govern_v with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n and_o when_o i_o have_v observe_v how_o innocent_o and_o virtuous_o some_o of_o those_o man_n live_v who_o have_v espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o bad_a i_o have_v think_v what_o excellent_a person_n they_o may_v prove_v do_v they_o right_o understand_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n as_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o at_o first_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o work_n to_o rectify_v those_o mistake_n which_o will_v either_o make_v man_n bad_a or_o hinder_v and_o retard_v their_o progress_n in_o true_a goodness_n which_o be_v so_o pious_a and_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o may_v at_o least_o plead_v my_o excuse_n though_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o personal_a reflection_n have_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n which_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v may_v be_v more_o orthodox_n than_o their_o judgement_n i_o have_v represent_v their_o opinion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o their_o word_n than_o they_o intend_v and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o i_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v where_o they_o pretend_v to_o argue_v grave_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o argument_n with_o all_o possible_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n where_o they_o plain_o toy_n and_o trifle_n i_o have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n as_o to_o smile_v sometime_o though_o as_o modest_o as_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v i_o have_v take_v care_n not_o only_o to_o unteach_v man_n what_o be_v amiss_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o consirm_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o rectify_v mistake_n i_o design_v to_o expose_v all_o religion_n what_o man_n will_v account_v severe_a i_o can_v tell_v because_o the_o gentle_a argument_n will_v appear_v severe_a to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v pinch_v by_o they_o but_o i_o have_v give_v no_o hard_a word_n and_o have_v sometime_o call_v thing_n by_o soft_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v on_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n which_o be_v now_o the_o common_a artifice_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_n what_o they_o can_v answer_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o can_v escape_v without_o some_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a censure_n i_o must_v be_v content_v with_o my_o portion_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o expect_v better_a usage_n who_o consider_v that_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o for_o his_o pious_a labour_n can_v not_o escape_v when_o he_o touch_v upon_o their_o darling_n notion_n and_o now_o christian_a reader_n i_o shall_v beg_v no_o more_o of_o thou_o than_o to_o read_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o as_o i_o do_v not_o compose_v it_o without_o implore_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n so_o i_o recommend_v it_o to_o thou_o with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v as_o useful_a as_o my_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o charitable_a farewell_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n concern_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o original_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n but_o be_v use_v also_o to_o signify_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 1._o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 14_o as_o first_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o 15_o 2._o it_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n 17_o 3._o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n 18_o 4._o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n 19_o 5._o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n 21_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o various_a way_n whereby_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n 25_o dr._n owen_n notion_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n consider_v 38_o how_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 42._o and_o how_o we_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n 49._o and_o to_o righteousness_n 53._o and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 55_o a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n deduce_v from_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n 57_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n on_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o at_o most_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n 76_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ._n 80_o of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n 102_o and_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 118_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 142_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 142_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 143_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n call_v himself_o a_o vine_n 145_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o political_a 156_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o shepherd_n head_z and_o husband_n 157._o the_o reason_n of_o these_o metaphor_n 159_o this_o political_a union_n be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a or_o true_a and_o real_a and_o what_o this_o external_a union_n be_v 168_o wherein_o the_o real_a union_n consist_v and_o concern_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ._n 171_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n 172._o and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n 174_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n temple_n 175_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 181_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n signify_v this_o political_a union_n 186_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v 192_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n 196_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 200_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n consider_v 206_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n 216_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n 228_o concern_v the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n 234_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n 235_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o
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
and_o the_o peculiar_a mood_n of_o speak_v in_o every_o language_n and_o in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o urge_v metaphor_n no_o further_o than_o their_o first_o intention_n without_o which_o we_o may_v deal_v by_o all_o author_n as_o these_o man_n deal_v by_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o speak_v nonsense_n or_o as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o venerable_a mystery_n and_o overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o way_n of_o expound_v otherwise_o call_v adulterate_v and_o debauch_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v than_o they_o argue_v and_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceive_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o scheme_n and_o fancy_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o truth_n prove_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o its_o agreement_n with_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o be_v such_o a_o trick_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v get_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n i_o may_v give_v instance_n of_o this_o in_o abundance_n but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o some_o few_o lest_o i_o tire_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n thus_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n have_v peace_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n now_o how_o do_v you_o think_v shall_v all_o these_o scripture_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o notion_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o why_o this_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n to_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ._n for_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o save_v etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o absolute_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o of_o faith_n consider_v as_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o relative_o that_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v faith_n apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n justify_v now_o this_o distinction_n be_v plain_o owe_v to_o their_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v stumble_v on_o it_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n justify_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o justify_v and_o save_v instrumental_o and_o relative_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o that_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v faith_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o plain_a word_n signify_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v though_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o say_v it_o do_v but_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o shall_v faith_n justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v as_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o good_a work_n and_o as_o perfect_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o have_v justification_n be_v promise_v to_o any_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o it_o have_v be_v of_o desert_n not_o of_o grace_n of_o wage_n not_o of_o mercy_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v justification_n upon_o any_o work_n of_o we_o have_v say_v we_o must_v bring_v so_o much_o humiliation_n so_o much_o repentance_n so_o much_o break_v of_o spirit_n so_o much_o grace_n so_o many_o prayer_n alms-deed_n or_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o grace_n not_o of_o free_a mercy_n though_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o dream_v of_o merit_v by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v will_v have_v think_v that_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v though_o faith_n have_v justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n since_o the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n do_v so_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whatever_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o this_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o metaphor_n or_o two_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n some_o more_o apt_a than_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o christ_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o a_o ring_n which_o have_v 64._o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o which_o will_v staunch_v blood_n we_o say_v the_o ring_n staunch_v blood_n but_o the_o virtue_n do_v not_o bare_o lie_v in_o the_o ring_n but_o in_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o ring_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o ring_n christ_n the_o precious_a stone_n all_o that_o faith_n do_v be_v to_o bring_v home_n christ_n merit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o it_o justify_v so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v out_o a_o improper_a and_o absurd_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o invent_v one_o as_o this_o gentleman_n do_v for_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o this_o before_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o improper_o as_o unlearned_a man_n talk_v or_o think_v or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o fancy_v faith_n a_o ring_n and_o christ_n a_o precious_a stone_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o that_o legal_a and_o meritorious_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o receptive_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o receive_v the_o gold_n that_o enrich_v so_o faith_n receive_v of_o christ_n merit_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enrich_a grace_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v 65._o vein_n that_o suck_v the_o nourishment_n that_o come_v into_o the_o stomach_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o suck_a vein_n that_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v not_o this_o very_a plain_n now_o to_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n just_a as_o the_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o stomach_n and_o now_o to_o make_v all_o clear_a we_o may_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n why_o god_n choose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a ibidem_fw-la grace_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n if_o repentance_n shall_v fetch_v justification_n from_o christ_n a_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v this_o be_v for_o my_o tear_n strange_a deserve_a creature_n these_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o merit_a heaven_n with_o a_o few_o tear_n but_o faith_n be_v humble_a it_o be_v a_o empty_a hand_n and_o what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n reach_v out_o his_o hand_n merit_v a_o alm_n yes_o just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o few_o tear_n merit_v heaven_n faith_n be_v only_o a_o golden_a bucket_n that_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n but_o why_o may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o merit_n grow_v as_o proud_a that_o they_o have_v a_o golden_a bucket_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a well_o be_v their_o own_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o man_n deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o poor_a humble_a faith_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o they_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n that_o faith_n be_v sometime_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n sometime_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o a_o mouth_n to_o feed_v on_o he_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o a_o ring_n to_o hold_v this_o precious_a stone_n a_o vein_n to_o suck_v justification_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a stomach_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a new_a conceit_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n i_o never_o before_o read_v that_o he_o be_v the_o stomach_n a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o this_o well_o christ_n though_o in_o this_o they_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o faith_n in_o make_v it_o a_o
be_v possess_v with_o the_o same_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o appear_v so_o eminent_o in_o he_o which_o be_v much_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o expression_n of_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o gal._n 4._o 19_o my_o little_a child_n of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o that_o be_v till_o you_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v thereby_o mould_v into_o his_o likeness_n and_o image_n hence_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n that_o be_v herein_o consist_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o union_n betwixt_o soul_n and_o spirit_n without_o this_o that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o love_n and_o choose_v the_o same_o thing_n body_n be_v unite_v by_o a_o external_a adhesion_n of_o part_n but_o soul_n by_o a_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o will_n this_o make_v two_o one_o spirit_n when_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a likeness_n of_o disposition_n when_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o design_n as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o same_o soul_n animate_v they_o both_o when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o man_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v when_o we_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o patient_a and_o content_v as_o he_o be_v we_o be_v as_o close_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o as_o if_o we_o have_v but_o one_o spirit_n in_o we_o both_o but_o three_o there_o be_v a_o close_a union_n still_o which_o result_v from_o this_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n when_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n he_o love_v we_o as_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o we_o love_v he_o too_o as_o partake_v of_o his_o nature_n he_o love_v we_o as_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o his_o own_o workmanship_n create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o we_o love_v he_o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n now_o love_n be_v the_o great_a cement_n of_o union_n which_o unite_v interest_n and_o thereby_o do_v more_o firm_o unite_v heart_n hence_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o joh._n 14._o 20._o he_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o v_o 21._o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v all_o unite_a by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n found_v on_o a_o likeness_n of_o disposition_n and_o action_n on_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v but_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o original_a holiness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ._n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n christ_n pray_v for_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o which_o refer_v to_o their_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o love_n thus_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n love_n make_v we_o one_o with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o with_o each_o other_o four_o this_o union_n be_v express_v in_o scripture_n by_o resemble_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n while_o that_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v in_o force_n god_n be_v please_v to_o dwell_v in_o a_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n there_o he_o place_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n from_o thence_o he_o give_v forth_o his_o oracle_n there_o he_o receive_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o since_o christ_n have_v introduce_v a_o more_o manly_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n god_n dwell_v no_o long_o in_o a_o temple_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n by_o such_o visible_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n as_o former_o he_o do_v but_o have_v choose_v the_o society_n of_o devout_a mind_n and_o pure_a soul_n for_o the_o place_n of_o his_o residence_n and_o abode_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o and_o chap._n 6._o vers_fw-la 19_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o you_o which_o you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o or_o among_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o rev._n 21._o 3._o that_o after_o the_o description_n of_o the_o holy_a city_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n which_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v hear_v a_o great_a voice_n out_o of_o heaven_n say_v behold_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v with_o man_n and_o he_o will_v dwell_v with_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n and_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v with_o they_o and_o be_v their_o god_n now_o all_o this_o must_v be_v expound_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o as_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o place_n of_o god_n peculiar_a presence_n with_o that_o people_n signify_v that_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o distress_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n to_o defend_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n to_o hear_v all_o the_o pious_a prayer_n they_o put_v up_o to_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n expound_v it_o thus_o it_o be_v now_o with_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v the_o only_a society_n of_o man_n who_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n for_o with_o who_o he_o be_v always_o present_a who_o he_o protect_v and_o defend_v by_o a_o vigilant_a and_o more_o particular_a providence_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n god_n place_v the_o mercy-seat_n and_o the_o cherubim_n as_o emblem_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o presence_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v so_o often_o say_v to_o dwell_v betwixt_o the_o cherubim_n so_o he_o have_v now_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a pledge_n of_o his_o dwell_n among_o they_o than_o those_o type_n and_o shadow_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o you_o or_o among_o you_o that_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o spirit_n to_o dwell_v with_o you_o which_o primary_o refer_v to_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n in_o that_o age_n bestow_v on_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a shecinah_n or_o divine_a glory_n rest_v on_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 14_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o that_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o that_o visible_a glory_n which_o sometime_o fill_v the_o jewish_a tabernacle_n be_v a_o emblem_n hence_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a covevant_fw-fr which_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miraculous_a and_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n write_v and_o engrave_v in_o stone_n though_o that_o be_v so_o glorious_a that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o steadfast_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o moses_n because_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o countenance_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 7_o 8._o for_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n with_o the_o church_n that_o god_n do_v indeed_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o though_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o
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
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 for_o if_o you_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o you_o have_v assurance_n that_o be_v if_o you_o come_v to_o christ_n because_o you_o be_v sure_a you_o be_v already_o come_v or_o because_o you_o feel_v such_o and_o such_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a impression_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o you_o than_o you_o may_v many_o a_o day_n and_o year_n keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n and_o live_v without_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n that_o though_o we_o come_v to_o christ_n we_o may_v keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o nay_o though_o we_o come_v because_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o be_v come_v already_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o give_v over_o and_o despair_v of_o ever_o be_v sure_a when_o assurance_n itself_o be_v no_o security_n nothing_o then_o but_o a_o particular_a call_n be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v the_o general_n call_v which_o signify_v nothing_o particular_a 215._o when_o the_o soul_n see_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o special_a mean_v i_o single_v out_o i_o in_o special_a to_o believe_v for_o otherwise_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o elect_n will_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o the_o call_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n offer_v no_o more_o mercy_n to_o i_o than_o to_o any_o reprobate_n that_o be_v no_o more_o mercy_n than_o what_o will_v damn_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o call_v particular_a i_o have_v call_v thou_o by_o name_n isaiah_n 43._o 1._o he_o call_v all_o his_o sheep_n by_o name_n john_n 10._o 5._o not_o by_o their_o christian_a name_n as_o he_o well_o observe_v for_o they_o can_v be_v christian_n before_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o must_v be_v after_o this_o call_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n from_o before_o all_o world_n write_v down_o their_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o love_v they_o in_o special_a so_o in_o vocation_n the_o first_o open_v of_o election_n the_o lord_n make_v this_o call_v special_a and_o so_o special_a as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o name_n look_v say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n how_o i_o have_v leave_v thousand_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v have_v great_a cause_n so_o to_o have_v leave_v thou_o this_o be_v free_a grace_n indeed_o but_o behold_v i_o be_o come_v unto_o thou_o oh_o come_v thou_o unto_o i_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o sinner_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o his_o union_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o this_o particular_a call_n and_o we_o must_v wait_v patient_o for_o it_o and_o be_v content_v too_o if_o it_o
never_o come_v and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v this_o particular_a call_n suppose_v it_o shall_v suspect_v this_o call_n for_o a_o delusion_n what_o course_n can_v it_o take_v to_o satisfy_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n true_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o this_o call_n by_o name_n will_v not_o satisfy_v it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o see_v whether_o its_o name_n be_v enroll_v there_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v must_v come_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o but_o second_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v this_o special_a and_o particular_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n any_o one_o can_v have_v that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o conceal_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v 130._o desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o scruple_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n and_o evidence_n and_o thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o purify_v 65._o your_o heart_n do_v it_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v it_o work_v by_o love_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v you_o then_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o a_o heir_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v your_o nature_n change_v do_v you_o not_o think_v speak_v act_n as_o you_o do_v before_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n do_v you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o every_o branch_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o do_v that_o be_v you_o must_v prove_v your_o justification_n by_o your_o sanctification_n your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o good_a christian_n by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v what_o our_o state_n be_v as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n and_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a it_o be_v no_o worse_o that_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n may_v at_o least_o put_v in_o for_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o holiness_n and_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n a_o holy_a life_n can_v no_o more_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n than_o it_o can_v justify_v we_o for_o first_o since_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a sign_n of_o it_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o therefore_o a_o unholy_a man_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o can_v holiness_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a mark_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n indeed_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o holiness_n do_v necessary_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n know_v how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v before_o it_o follow_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n such_o a_o person_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n at_o best_a this_o give_v evidence_n but_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n a_o holy_a life_n may_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v no_o certain_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n may_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o one_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o nay_o second_o according_a to_o these_o man_n principle_n we_o can_v tell_v whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o till_o we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o holiness_n not_o our_o holiness_n a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o please_v god_n the_o best_a action_n of_o christless_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la glitter_v impiety_n which_o may_v appear_v so_o fair_a and_o lovely_a that_o they_o may_v deceive_v both_o other_o man_n and_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n because_o the_o person_n who_o do_v they_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n our_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o our_o service_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o holiness_n by_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n nor_o by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o must_v first_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n whether_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o he_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o holiness_n can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o three_o at_o other_o time_n these_o man_n make_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o like_o a_o unsanctified_a state_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v a_o sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a man_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n holiness_n and_o sanctification_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o another_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a itself_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o it_o and_o a_o regenerate_a man_n as_o they_o describe_v he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n as_o like_v this_o as_o one_o egg_n be_v like_o another_o for_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v
by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v to_o love_v you_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n always_o act_n upon_o steady_a and_o constant_a principle_n that_o whatever_o change_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v occasion_v very_o different_a administration_n in_o his_o providence_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o never_o change_v whereas_o shall_v god_n always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n however_o he_o change_v and_o alter_v god_n must_v change_v and_o alter_v too_o because_o though_o he_o still_o love_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o he_o must_v love_v for_o different_a or_o contrary_a reason_n or_o for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o much_o great_a change_n of_o the_o two_o to_o alter_v the_o reason_n than_o the_o object_n of_o love_n if_o god_n love_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o continue_v to_o love_v he_o when_o he_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n thus_o you_o see_v while_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o make_v it_o a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o man_n too_o for_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v they_o careless_a of_o please_a god_n and_o secure_a in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n can_v hinder_v god_n from_o love_v they_o nor_o alter_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o ever_o he_o love_v they_o it_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v that_o now_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o worst_a man_n live_v will_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n as_o the_o best_a man_n have_v nay_o if_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o worse_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a object_n be_v they_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n have_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o require_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v call_v honour_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_a love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o include_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n a_o devout_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n a_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o and_o all_o those_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o love_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n they_o be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n be_v and_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o thus_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n that_o our_o return_n may_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o it_o christ_n have_v condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o extol_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n which_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n since_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o depend_v on_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o law_n love_v to_o equal_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o but_o what_o love_n give_v they_o make_v they_o very_o flexible_a and_o obsequious_a to_o each_o other_o desire_n and_o request_n but_o our_o love_n to_o superior_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o parent_n include_v obedience_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o principal_a trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n