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 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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
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 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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
in_o for_o a_o share_n at_o least_o in_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o dr._n be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o how_o excellent_a be_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n person_n above_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n there_o be_v no_o such_o boundless_a mercy_n as_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v its_o dimension_n as_o will_v save_v the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n thus_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o eternal_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o it_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o love_n be_v fruitful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v effectual_a and_o fruitful_a in_o produce_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v unto_o his_o belove_a he_o 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testimony_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o to_o speak_v language_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v and_o to_o prophesy_v be_v a_o plain_a argument_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o god_n now_o own_v the_o christian_n not_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o choose_a and_o elect_a people_n for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a dispute_n of_o those_o day_n whether_o jew_n or_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whether_o god_n now_o own_v the_o jewish_a or_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n decide_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o god_n can_v not_o give_v a_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o he_o own_v they_o for_o his_o son_n when_o 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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 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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 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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
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 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dismiss_v these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o dotage_n only_o advise_v they_o that_o however_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o these_o choice_a speculation_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o pretend_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n lest_o they_o fare_v as_o ill_o as_o another_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v luke_n 19_o 21._o who_o argue_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o apologise_v for_o his_o own_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n for_o i_o fear_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n who_o take_v up_o that_o thou_o lay_v not_o down_o and_o reape_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o sow_v but_o it_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o acquaintance_n as_o he_o be_v he_o draw_v a_o very_a false_a conclusion_n when_o he_o hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n as_o his_o lord_n convince_v he_o to_o his_o cost_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o case_n though_o we_o argue_v from_o other_o principle_n not_o from_o the_o severity_n but_o from_o the_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v we_o lest_o he_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o at_o reason_v and_o make_v hypothesis_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o as_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o include_v not_o only_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o consist_v in_o true_a notion_n and_o opinion_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o life_n in_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n without_o which_o 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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
he_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n hence_o to_o distinguish_v all_o true_a christian_n from_o such_o hypocritical_a professor_n he_o add_v and_o i_o in_o you_o that_o be_v my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o ver._n 7._o if_o my_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n take_v fast_o hold_v of_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n they_o will_v make_v you_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n interpret_v all_o those_o metaphor_n which_o decipher_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n to_o signify_v the_o entire_a love_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o thus_o st._n chrysost._n expound_v eph._n 2._o 19_o 20_o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o spiritual_a building_n which_o be_v erect_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n to_o signify_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n that_o both_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n be_v unite_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o building_n be_v keep_v together_o by_o the_o corner_n stone_n and_o st._n ambrose_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o duos_fw-la populos_fw-la in_o se_fw-la suscepit_fw-la salvator_fw-la &_o secit_fw-la unum_fw-la in_o domino_fw-la sicut_fw-la &_o lapis_fw-la angularis_fw-la duos_fw-la parietes_fw-la continet_fw-la in_o unitate_fw-la domûs_fw-la sirmatos_fw-la i_o e._n that_o christ_n unite_a two_o people_n in_o himself_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o make_v they_o one_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_v two_o wall_n in_o a_o building_n and_o make_v it_o but_o one_o house_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a design_n of_o the_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o have_v reconcile_v they_o both_o to_o god_n in_o one_o body_n by_o the_o cross_n ver._n 16._o thus_o st._n chrysost._n observe_v on_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o that_o the_o apostle_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o schism_n and_o faction_n tell_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o they_o be_v god_n building_n and_o if_o they_o be_v god_n building_n they_o must_v not_o be_v tear_v asunder_o for_o than_o they_o be_v no_o long_o a_o build_n and_o if_o they_o be_v god_n husbandry_n they_o must_v not_o be_v divide_v from_o each_o other_o but_o they_o must_v be_v one_o enclosure_n hedge_v and_o wall_v in_o by_o unity_n and_o agreement_n and_o add_v let_v we_o therefore_o be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o foundation_n and_o as_o a_o branch_n to_o the_o vine_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o distance_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o to_o interrupt_v this_o union_n for_o if_o there_o be_v we_o immediate_o perish_v for_o the_o branch_n draw_v nourishment_n and_o fatness_n from_o the_o vine_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o and_o the_o building_n stand_v firm_a by_o the_o strong_a adhesion_n of_o its_o part_n which_o plain_o signify_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o when_o we_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n we_o be_v break_v off_o from_o christ_n as_o a_o branch_n be_v from_o the_o vine_n we_o be_v then_o like_o a_o building_n who_o stone_n fall_v asunder_o and_o destroy_v the_o whole_a fabric_n thus_o the_o same_o father_n argue_v on_o john_n 14._o 21._o to_o persuade_v christian_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o he_o christ_n unite_v we_o to_o each_o other_o by_o many_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o close_a union_n he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o we_o the_o body_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o union_n of_o its_o several_a part_n must_v be_v firm_o unite_v to_o the_o head_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n we_o the_o building_n he_o the_o vine_n we_o the_o branch_n he_o the_o husband_n we_o his_o spouse_n he_o the_o shepherd_n we_o his_o sheep_n he_o the_o way_n we_o those_o who_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o way_n we_o be_v a_o spiritual_a temple_n and_o he_o it_o be_v who_o dwell_v in_o we_o he_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v we_o his_o brethren_n he_o the_o heir_n we_o fellow_n heir_n with_o he_o he_o the_o life_n we_o those_o who_o live_v by_o he_o he_o the_o resurrection_n we_o those_o who_o rise_v with_o he_o he_o the_o light_n and_o we_o be_v all_o enlighten_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o these_o metaphor_n describe_v the_o near_a and_o close_a union_n of_o christian_n to_o each_o other_o and_o of_o all_o to_o christ_n which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o distance_n and_o separation_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n particular_a christian_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n otherwise_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o his_o church_n which_o i_o wish_v those_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v who_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o rend_v his_o church_n into_o a_o thousand_o little_a faction_n tear_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n from_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n make_v new_a enclosure_n in_o the_o husbandry_n and_o vineyard_n of_o god_n and_o when_o christ_n have_v break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n and_o make_v jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o one_o church_n do_v now_o erect_v more_o partition_n wall_n in_o the_o christian_a than_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o we_o need_v not_o depend_v on_o authority_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o those_o sacrament_n our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o it_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v deny_v this_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o baptism_n which_o confer_v the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n on_o we_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v we_o all_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n but_o more_o express_o in_o eph._n 4._o 4_o 5._o there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a baptism_n be_v but_o one_o and_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n make_v we_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v call_v be_v baptise_a into_o christ_n i._n e._n admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ._n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n and_o signify_v that_o near_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o mutual_a fellowship_n of_o one_o christian_n with_o another_o hence_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o cup_n of_o bless_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o bread_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n one_o body_n represent_v by_o this_o one_o bread_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16_o 17._o for_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o reform_v and_o save_v some_o single_a person_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o to_o combine_v all_o his_o disciple_n into_o a_o public_a society_n to_o unite_v they_o by_o holy_a mystery_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n whereby_o the_o whole_a body_n may_v edify_v itself_o in_o love_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o own_o any_o relation_n to_o particular_a man_n as_o
order_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o evil_a purpose_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v i_o shall_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v represent_v to_o you_o those_o other_o opinion_n concern_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o in_o great_a vogue_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v very_o unjust_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o gospel-mystery_n as_o first_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n 42._o be_v they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n this_o mystical_a be_v a_o hard_a word_n and_o therefore_o to_o explain_v it_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o mystical_a union_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n where_o yet_o person_n and_o nature_n 45._o be_v distinct_a as_o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o nature_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n so_o the_o mystical_a union_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n where_o both_o person_n and_o nature_n be_v distinct_a and_o it_o be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n but_o no_o personal_a union_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v where_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o union_n be_v make_v by_o faith_n which_o receive_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o doubt_v that_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o every_o thing_n they_o receive_v but_o yet_o what_o follow_v may_v help_v it_o out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o marriage-union_n which_o join_v person_n to_o person_n this_o be_v not_o very_o clear_a yet_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o it_o the_o same_o author_n describe_v it_o thus_o this_o mystical_a union_n 48._o be_v that_o supernatural_a spiritual_a intimous_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n upon_o which_o there_o follow_v mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o this_o oneness_n and_o conjunction_n be_v hard_a word_n still_o and_o therefore_o to_o explain_v they_o you_o must_v observe_v that_o christ_n and_o saint_n be_v unite_v how_o why_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o oneness_n and_o conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o this_o now_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o one_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v one_o by_o their_o oneness_n union_n be_v union_n and_o christ_n be_v christ_n and_o believer_n be_v believer_n and_o oneness_n be_v oneness_n and_o thus_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v by_o their_o oneness_n but_o what_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n though_o it_o have_v be_v convenient_a first_o to_o have_v understand_v the_o union_n better_a why_o they_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n the_o spirit_n unite_v christ_n to_o we_o and_o faith_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o who_o can_v deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a mystical_a union_n but_o beside_o this_o mystical_a union_n there_o 49._o be_v a_o legal_a or_o law-union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o be_v their_o surety_n and_o a_o moral_a union_n the_o foundation_n of_o which_o be_v love_n of_o which_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v unite_v mystical_o legal_o moral_o the_o design_n of_o all_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o union_n of_o person_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o because_o i_o find_v this_o author_n have_v bewilder_v himself_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o help_v he_o out_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a case_n if_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v their_o person_n must_v be_v unite_v too_o for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o believer_n themselves_o and_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v unite_v without_o their_o person_n that_o be_v without_o themselves_o but_o then_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o mutual_a relation_n as_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v unite_v or_o by_o mutual_a affection_n or_o common_a interest_n not_o by_o a_o natural_a adhesion_n of_o person_n but_o because_o i_o find_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v these_o man_n that_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v unless_o their_o person_n be_v unite_v too_o it_o make_v i_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o this_o union_n of_o person_n than_o every_o one_o apprehend_v and_o therefore_o second_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o believer_n must_v be_v unite_v and_o here_o they_o have_v outdo_v all_o the_o metaphysical_a subtlety_n of_o suarez_n and_o have_v find_v out_o a_o person_n for_o christ_n distinct_a from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o sense_n make_v of_o what_o dr._n 51._o owen_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o his_o deity_n consider_v in_o itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o office_n which_o for_o we_o as_o god_n and_o man_n he_o undertake_v nor_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n neither_o when_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n nor_o yet_o as_o now_o exalt_v in_o glory_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v vest_v with_o the_o office_n of_o mediation_n his_o spiritual_a eminency_n comeliness_n beauty_n as_o appoint_v and_o anoint_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o that_o great_a work_n of_o bring_v home_o all_o his_o elect_n into_o his_o bosom_n now_o unless_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v distinct_a from_o his_o person_n as_o god_n man_n all_o this_o be_v idle_a talk_n for_o what_o personal_a grace_n be_v there_o in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n indeed_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man_n but_o as_o mediator_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o call_v the_o peculiar_a duty_n and_o action_n of_o a_o office_n personal_a grace_n his_o personal_a grace_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n but_o whatever_o personal_a grace_n be_v in_o christ_n belong_v to_o his_o person_n still_o be_v seat_v either_o in_o his_o divine_a or_o humane_a nature_n and_o he_o have_v no_o personal_a grace_n as_o mediator_n which_o he_o have_v not_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man._n and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o when_o he_o accommodate_v the_o description_n the_o spouse_n give_v of_o her_o belove_a to_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v 52._o white_a in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o ruddy_a in_o the_o preciousness_n of_o his_o humanity_n because_o white_a be_v the_o complexion_n of_o glory_n and_o ruddy_a be_v very_o applicable_a to_o his_o humanity_n because_o man_n be_v call_v adam_n from_o the_o red_a earth_n whereof_o he_o be_v make_v which_o be_v excellent_a proof_n but_o however_o white_a and_o ruddy_a belong_v to_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o mediatory_a office_n for_o he_o have_v be_v white_a in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o ruddy_a with_o the_o red_a earth_n of_o his_o humanity_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v consider_v as_o mediator_n or_o not_o and_o in_o his_o first_o digression_n concern_v the_o 64._o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v exceed_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o his_o deity_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o he_o be_v desirable_a and_o worthy_a our_o acceptation_n as_o consider_v in_o his_o humanity_n in_o his_o freedom_n from_o sin_n and_o fullness_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n now_o though_o this_o look_v very_a like_o a_o contradiction_n to_o what_o he_o say_v before_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n he_o mean_v neither_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o divine_a nor_o humane_a nature_n yet_o he_o have_v a_o salvo_fw-la which_o will_v deliver_v he_o both_o from_o contradiction_n and_o from_o sense_n that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v these_o excellency_n of_o his_o deity_n or_o humanity_n as_o
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o
be_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o this_o he_o account_v dung_n and_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i._n e._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o which_o contain_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o righteousness_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o god_n law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o new_a nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o this_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n which_o he_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v to_o confirm_v all_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o my_o own_o righteousness_n oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o these_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o internal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o rise_v again_o with_o christ_n and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o change_v our_o nature_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o make_v new_a creature_n hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostom_n expound_v it_o that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v design_v to_o work_v in_o they_o but_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o those_o external_a ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n wash_v purification_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o that_o internal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o typical_a and_o figurative_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o place_n be_v expound_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o personal_o but_o imputative_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n so_o which_o no_o man_n can_v help_v for_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n here_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o he_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o consistent_a such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o effect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o which_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v i._n e._n govern_v our_o mind_n and_o passion_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n this_o god_n effect_v by_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o those_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v imputation_n come_v in_o here_o what_o pretty_a sense_n will_v this_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n the_o law_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a to_o conquer_v their_o love_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n what_o for_o to_o give_v they_o better_a law_n and_o more_o excellent_a promise_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n to_o do_v good_a no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o have_v all_o do_v for_o they_o by_o have_v this_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n sure_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n still_o and_o have_v be_v as_o available_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o supplemental_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v have_v as_o well_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n have_v please_v but_o a_o want_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v the_o sinful_a appetite_n of_o man_n it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sensual_a lust_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o conquer_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v supply_v this_o defect_n not_o by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o great_a power_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o fulfil_v the_o external_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 7._o ver._n 4_o 5_o 6._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n by_o his_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n under_o that_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o
law_n of_o moses_n the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n which_o grow_v more_o boisterous_a and_o unruly_a by_o the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n v_o 8._o do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o death_n i._n e._n do_v betray_v we_o to_o those_o wicked_a action_n which_o end_n in_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o which_o we_o be_v hold_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a be_v because_o it_o can_v not_o make_v man_n good_a it_o nurse_v they_o up_o in_o a_o ritual_a and_o external_a religion_n teach_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o letter_n by_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n alone_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o spirit_n to_o offer_v a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o internal_a righteousness_n of_o which_o those_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v the_o sign_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o will_v make_v his_o argument_n foolish_a and_o absurd_a and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n since_o we_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o law_n require_v when_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v that_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o perfection_n of_o that_o fleshly_a circumcision_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n when_o they_o be_v all_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n thus_o we_o be_v complete_a in_o christ_n who_o have_v perfect_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o institute_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o external_a ceremony_n col._n 2._o ver._n 10_o 11_o 12._o we_o must_v now_o offer_v a_o noble_a sacrifice_n than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n command_v not_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o dead_a beast_n but_o of_o a_o live_n and_o active_a soul_n rom._n 12._o 1._o hence_o christ_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o law_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v for_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4._o that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o righteousness_n of_o we_o which_o the_o law_n do_v only_o typify_v and_o represent_v that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o legal_a righteousness_n for_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o he_o give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o i._n e._n shall_v enjoy_v all_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o more_o particular_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o last_o and_o great_a confirmation_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v that_o faith_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o ritual_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o this_o account_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o righteousness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n i._n e._n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o to_o we_o he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o he_o be_v our_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n who_o instruct_v we_o in_o true_a wisdom_n our_o righteousness_n as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a righteousness_n acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o sanctification_n because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n of_o faith_n conquer_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o our_o redemption_n as_o by_o these_o mean_v he_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n and_o pedagogie_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n from_o the_o idolatrous_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o just_a merit_n and_o desert_n of_o sin_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o apostle_n oppose_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n not_o as_o a_o inherent_a and_o personal_a to_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n but_o as_o a_o external_n and_o ritual_a to_o a_o inherent_a real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n most_o man_n understand_v a_o internal_a holiness_n the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o all_o moral_a precept_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o if_o this_o righteousness_n will_v not_o please_v god_n nothing_o but_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n can_v though_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o work_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o can_v please_v god_n and_o that_o internal_a holiness_n which_o they_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o very_a righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v and_o which_o god_n approve_v and_o reward_n and_o this_o impute_v righteousness_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n oppose_v his_o own_o righteousness_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n but_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o for_o the_o apostle_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o mean_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v you_o have_v already_o hear_v thus_o in_o rom._n 10._o 3._o for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n where_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a controversy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o epistle_n whether_o man_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o legal_a or_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o
bestow_v the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n on_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o righteous_a that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v justify_v that_o be_v treat_v like_o righteous_a person_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o very_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v righteous_a but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 17._o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v thus_o justify_v by_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o in_o life_n not_o those_o who_o be_v righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v who_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o god_n be_v which_o righteousness_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v not_o owe_v sole_o to_o humane_a endeavour_n but_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o those_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o divine_a assistance_n which_o god_n in_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n have_v afford_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n how_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o which_o be_v impossible_a but_o because_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a both_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o forensick_a sense_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o gospel_n form_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o though_o that_o phrase_n never_o occur_v in_o scripture_n because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n christ_n righteousness_n and_o our_o own_o be_v both_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o other_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o section_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v any_o such_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o shall_v entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o themselves_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o suffering_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o justification_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o advantage_n from_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iv._o that_o these_o man_n place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o whereby_o they_o say_v we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o excellency_n grace_n righteousness_n preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o notion_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o opinion_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o how_o false_a it_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n discourse_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 321._o mr._n shephard_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o obedience_n do_v not_o make_v we_o god_n people_n or_o god_n our_o god_n but_o he_o be_v first_o our_o god_n which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o his_o we_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o obey_v as_o for_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n we_o will_v consider_v that_o anon_o at_o present_a it_o suffice_v that_o we_o be_v god_n people_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o obey_v he_o the_o same_o author_n 318._o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n our_o life_n by_o obedience_n as_o adam_n be_v to_o god_n by_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o which_o obedience_n be_v no_o part_n otherwise_o he_o oppose_v a_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o all_o action_n in_o live_a thing_n come_v from_o union_n so_o all_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v to_o come_v by_o faith_n from_o the_o spirit_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o from_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n which_o make_v the_o union_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o faith_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o before_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a before_o this_o union_n the_o best_a action_n we_o can_v do_v be_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n because_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n before_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n hence_o these_o man_n constant_o place_v our_o justification_n before_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o be_v first_o account_v holy_a by_o god_n before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a now_o our_o justification_n follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o fanctification_n follow_v our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 212._o holiness_n be_v a_o remote_a end_n of_o vocation_n but_o the_o next_o end_n be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o author_n make_v a_o speech_n for_o christ_n to_o a_o sinner_n so_o gracious_a a_o speech_n that_o among_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o though_o thou_o have_v resist_v my_o spirit_n refuse_v my_o grace_n weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n yet_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o this_o will_v make_v i_o amends_o i_o require_v nothing_o of_o thou_o
never_o come_v and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v this_o particular_a call_n suppose_v it_o shall_v suspect_v this_o call_n for_o a_o delusion_n what_o course_n can_v it_o take_v to_o satisfy_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n true_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o this_o call_n by_o name_n will_v not_o satisfy_v it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o see_v whether_o its_o name_n be_v enroll_v there_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v must_v come_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o but_o second_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v this_o special_a and_o particular_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n any_o one_o can_v have_v that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o conceal_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v 130._o desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o scruple_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n and_o evidence_n and_o thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o purify_v 65._o your_o heart_n do_v it_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v it_o work_v by_o love_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v you_o then_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o 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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 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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 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