out_o of_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v vers._n 9_o and_o what_o have_v this_o to_o do_v with_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n personal_a righteousness_n to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o indeed_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o so_o great_a a_o gospel_n mystery_n as_o this_o of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v shall_v be_v so_o clear_o discover_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o parable_n whereby_o he_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o exact_v 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heaven_n but_o shall_v be_v banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n into_o outer_a darkness_n this_o i_o confess_v to_o i_o who_o be_o apt_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o admire_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o inspire_v man_n be_v a_o very_a great_a prejudice_n against_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o they_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n instruct_v his_o hearer_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o have_v the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o a_o imperfect_a account_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o omit_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n choose_v which_o side_n you_o please_v and_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o bad_a if_o the_o first_o than_o christ_n be_v not_o faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n do_v not_o instruct_v his_o hearer_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o the_o latter_a you_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o both_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n indeed_o which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o jewish_n prejudices_fw-la can_v not_o understand_v while_o christ_n be_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o reserve_v the_o more_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o those_o truth_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n in_o joh._n 16._o 12_o 13._o such_o be_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o shall_v commence_v with_o suffering_n and_o death_n whereas_o they_o expect_v a_o temporal_a messiah_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o the_o receive_v the_o gentile_n into_o his_o church_n which_o s._n peter_n himself_o do_v not_o understand_v till_o he_o be_v instruct_v by_o a_o vision_n in_o act._n 10._o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o epistle_n call_v that_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n but_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o they_o may_v be_v defer_v till_o the_o most_o convenient_a season_n it_o be_v necessary_a indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v understand_v the_o full_a extent_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o know_v this_o till_o they_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v but_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v neglect_v to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o necessary_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o his_o 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our_o saviour_n while_o they_o fetch_v all_o their_o mysterious_a divinity_n out_o of_o some_o obscure_a passage_n of_o s._n paul_n epistle_n though_o s._n peter_n long_v since_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o they_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o and_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o any_o obscure_a phrase_n which_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n without_o consider_v how_o their_o sense_n agree_v with_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o a_o stand_a rule_n to_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o measure_v the_o orthodoxy_n of_o all_o opinion_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v such_o interpretation_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v perfect_o silent_a in_o a_o matter_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n have_v premise_v this_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o they_o find_v this_o notion_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n that_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n as_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n we_o there_o only_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v very_o strange_a do_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n shall_v once_o tell_v we_o so_o in_o express_a word_n but_o to_o consider_v particular_a place_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o phrase_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o sometime_o signify_v his_o justice_n veracity_n or_o goodness_n rom._n 3._o 5._o but_o most_o common_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n approve_v and_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v accept_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n thus_o it_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n matth._n 6._o 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o kingdom_n now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o
come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o if_o you_o have_v know_v i_o you_o shall_v have_v know_v my_o father_n also_o and_o henceforth_o you_o have_v know_v he_o and_o have_v see_v he_o that_o be_v i_o alone_o declare_v the_o true_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 but_o by_o learning_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o know_v i_o i._n e._n whoever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n i_o preach_v know_v my_o father_n also_o that_o be_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n as_o he_o prove_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n so_o that_o to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v that_o declaration_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o that_o be_v that_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n signify_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v as_o a_o man_n be_v know_v by_o his_o face_n that_o be_v his_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prophet_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o this_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o that_o shine_a glory_n which_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v but_o typical_a of_o that_o bright_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n will_v make_v of_o himself_o by_o christ._n god_n be_v see_v in_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v my_o father_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v full_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n upon_o which_o account_n too_o as_o well_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o those_o discovery_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n be_v a_o bright_a and_o glorious_a reflection_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n as_o true_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n as_o any_o picture_n be_v of_o the_o person_n it_o represent_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o where_o christ_n being_n the_o image_n of_o god_n come_v in_o very_o abrupt_o unless_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will._n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o last_o and_o high_a object_n of_o religious_a and_o save_a knowledge_n i._n e._n that_o the_o only_a knowledge_n necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o action_n and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o whereas_o god_n be_v former_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a true_a medium_n of_o know_v god_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o he_o know_v god_n best_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n i._n e._n who_o understand_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o john_n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v i._n e._n the_o only_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v by_o know_v christ_n who_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n who_o have_v make_v more_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o and_o who_o alone_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n so_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o know_v his_o person_n which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o than_o what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o native_a simplicity_n as_o he_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n call_v this_o learning_n christ_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n for_o christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n signify_v to_o know_v his_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o expound_v all_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n or_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o office_n and_o mediation_n thus_o philip_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act_n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o verse_n 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o shall_v make_v all_o consider_v man_n ashamed_a of_o those_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a clamour_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o preach_v unless_o he_o be_v name_v in_o every_o sentence_n whether_o the_o argument_n require_v it_o or_o not_o as_o if_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n of_o preach_v nothing_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n those_o preach_v christ_n most_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o confirm_v man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o immortal_a life_n who_o expound_v his_o law_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o mediation_n for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v part_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o these_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o image_n of_o god_n and_o qualify_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o large_a notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o include_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o the_o design_n of_o all_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n how_o true_a soever_o our_o speculation_n be_v the_o scripture_n brand_v all_o those_o as_o ignorant_a of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v and_o reverence_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o though_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o hearty_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v all_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v we_o know_v he_o not_o john_n 1._o 2_o 3._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o verse_n 4._o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o 1_o john_n 3._o 6._o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o not_o but_o that_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v as_o true_a a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o good_a man_n have_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v no_o end_n which_o want_v life_n and_o sense_n and_o make_v man_n no_o better_o than_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o other_o
and_o suffer_v for_o we_o excite_v a_o just_a hatred_n of_o our_o sin_n sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o a_o great_a hope_n in_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n such_o a_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n for_o we_o and_o a_o steadfast_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n this_o be_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o these_o visible_a figure_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n affect_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o excite_v in_o we_o such_o a_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n as_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o now_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sacrament_n which_o be_v design_v as_o the_o instrument_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v that_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o they_o all_o the_o union_n they_o signify_v be_v only_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o a_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ._n four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o iv._o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n thus_o in_o john_n 1._o 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n where_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v first_o found_v on_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v on_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n subjection_n to_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o now_o visible_o exercise_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n and_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o society_n now_o as_o you_o hear_v before_o if_o this_o profession_n be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a without_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o give_v we_o only_o a_o external_a fellowship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o man_n only_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n maintain_v a_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o his_o church_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o he_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o ver._n 6._o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o abuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v own_v himself_o our_o father_n and_o bestow_v the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n on_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o when_o we_o join_v the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n with_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o god_n will_v own_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v put_v into_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n where_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v lord_n and_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n nor_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n where_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sometime_o by_o fellowship_n sometime_o by_o communion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o heathen_a idolater_n from_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v have_v no_o society_n with_o those_o man_n who_o religion_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v as_o uneasy_a to_o each_o other_o as_o two_o heifer_n in_o the_o same_o yoke_n which_o draw_v different_a way_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o common_a between_o they_o which_o they_o both_o alike_o partake_v of_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o concord_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n what_o be_v there_o common_a to_o they_o both_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o mind_n to_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o fellowship_n what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o those_o portion_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o as_o a_o symbol_n of_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o god_n how_o can_v a_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o idolater_n have_v right_a to_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o reconcile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n all_o these_o expression_n decipher_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n which_o in_o rational_a being_n consist_v in_o mutual_a relation_n and_o common_a interest_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n explain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o our_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o vers._n 16._o 18._o now_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o the_o
christ_n for_o salvation_n these_o two_o faith_n be_v of_o as_o different_a kind_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reason_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o st._n paul_n certain_o understand_v himself_o better_a than_o to_o argue_v at_o this_o weak_a rate_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v this_o discourse_n to_o a_o head_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v count_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n abraham_n believe_v those_o revelation_n god_n make_v to_o he_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n we_o believe_v all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o son_n for_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o so_o that_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n which_o necessary_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o john_n 20._o 31._o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v describe_v by_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 5._o 5._o who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n with_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o new_a covenant_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v found_v on_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o angel_n but_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n abraham_n have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a faith_n excel_v all_o other_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o much_o as_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n excel_v all_o other_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o other_o good_a man_n but_o still_o the_o end_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o abraham_n be_v without_o which_o no_o faith_n can_v justify_v and_o the_o same_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o general_a notion_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o those_o worthy_n of_o old_a and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3._o 22._o and_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n phil._n 3._o 9_o the_o first_o signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o use_v of_o these_o phrase_n and_o of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v unintelligible_a in_o any_o other_o way_n that_o can_v man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o plain_a sense_n it_o will_v need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n but_o not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v by_o these_o man_n to_o set_v up_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n i_o shall_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o that_o famous_a place_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o will_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o material_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v account_n they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n by_o my_o own_o righteousness_n these_o man_n understand_v inherent_a righteousness_n whatever_o good_a st._n paul_n have_v do_v either_o while_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o after_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n this_o he_o reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o this_o be_v fair_o offer_v but_o what_o proof_n have_v they_o for_o it_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v learn_v only_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o my_o righteousness_n signify_v inherent_a righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v they_o need_v not_o signify_v so_o my_o own_o righteousness_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o in_o which_o he_o place_v his_o righteousness_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o inherent_a holiness_n a_o external_a righteousness_n serve_v most_o man_n turn_n very_o well_o and_o this_o be_v the_o righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o pharisee_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi expect_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o what_o his_o righteousness_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 6_o 7._o circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o touch_v the_o law_n a_o pharisee_n who_o be_v mighty_a strict_a and_o punctual_a in_o observe_v all_o external_a ceremony_n and_o he_o express_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o persecute_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a which_o last_o phrase_n touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a signify_v only_o a_o external_a blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n as_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o acknowledge_v for_o this_o be_v the_o pharisee_n notion_n even_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o do_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o trypho_n the_o jew_n in_o justin_n martyr_n quarrel_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o it_o require_v the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o blamelessness_n here_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n do_v perfect_o observe_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v blameless_a before_o god_n as_o well_o as_o before_o man_n which_o i_o suppose_v those_o who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v god_n law_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o so_o that_o my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o signify_v a_o inherent_a righteousness_n a_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o some_o external_a rite_n as_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n or_o external_a privilege_n as_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o stock_n of_o israel_n or_o a_o external_a civility_n and_o blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n and_o this_o righteousness_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reject_v because_o god_n will_v reject_v it_o this_o
bestow_v the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n on_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o righteous_a that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v justify_v that_o be_v treat_v like_o righteous_a person_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o very_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v righteous_a but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 17._o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v thus_o justify_v by_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o in_o life_n not_o those_o who_o be_v righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v who_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o god_n be_v which_o righteousness_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v not_o owe_v sole_o to_o humane_a endeavour_n but_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o those_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o divine_a assistance_n which_o god_n in_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n have_v afford_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n how_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o which_o be_v impossible_a but_o because_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a both_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o forensick_a sense_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o gospel_n form_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o though_o that_o phrase_n never_o occur_v in_o scripture_n because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n christ_n righteousness_n and_o our_o own_o be_v both_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o other_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o section_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v any_o such_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o shall_v entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o themselves_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o suffering_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o justification_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o advantage_n from_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iv._o that_o these_o man_n place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o whereby_o they_o say_v we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o excellency_n grace_n righteousness_n preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o notion_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o opinion_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o how_o false_a it_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n discourse_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 321._o mr._n shephard_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o obedience_n do_v not_o make_v we_o god_n people_n or_o god_n our_o god_n but_o he_o be_v first_o our_o god_n which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o his_o we_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o obey_v as_o for_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n we_o will_v consider_v that_o anon_o at_o present_a it_o suffice_v that_o we_o be_v god_n people_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o obey_v he_o the_o same_o author_n 318._o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n our_o life_n by_o obedience_n as_o adam_n be_v to_o god_n by_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o which_o obedience_n be_v no_o part_n otherwise_o he_o oppose_v a_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o all_o action_n in_o live_a thing_n come_v from_o union_n so_o all_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v to_o come_v by_o faith_n from_o the_o spirit_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o from_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n which_o make_v the_o union_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o faith_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o before_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a before_o this_o union_n the_o best_a action_n we_o can_v do_v be_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n because_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n before_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n hence_o these_o man_n constant_o place_v our_o justification_n before_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o be_v first_o account_v holy_a by_o god_n before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a now_o our_o justification_n follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o fanctification_n follow_v our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 212._o holiness_n be_v a_o remote_a end_n of_o vocation_n but_o the_o next_o end_n be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o author_n make_v a_o speech_n for_o christ_n to_o a_o sinner_n so_o gracious_a a_o speech_n that_o among_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o though_o thou_o have_v resist_v my_o spirit_n refuse_v my_o grace_n weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n yet_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o this_o will_v make_v i_o amends_o i_o require_v nothing_o of_o thou_o
never_o come_v and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v this_o particular_a call_n suppose_v it_o shall_v suspect_v this_o call_n for_o a_o delusion_n what_o course_n can_v it_o take_v to_o satisfy_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n true_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o this_o call_n by_o name_n will_v not_o satisfy_v it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o see_v whether_o its_o name_n be_v enroll_v there_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v must_v come_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o but_o second_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v this_o special_a and_o particular_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n any_o one_o can_v have_v that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o conceal_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v 130._o desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o scruple_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n and_o evidence_n and_o thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o purify_v 65._o your_o heart_n do_v it_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v it_o work_v by_o love_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v you_o then_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o a_o heir_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v your_o nature_n change_v do_v you_o not_o think_v speak_v act_n as_o you_o do_v before_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n do_v you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o every_o branch_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o do_v that_o be_v you_o must_v prove_v your_o justification_n by_o your_o sanctification_n your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o good_a christian_n by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v what_o our_o state_n be_v as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n and_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a it_o be_v no_o worse_o that_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n may_v at_o least_o put_v in_o for_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o holiness_n and_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n a_o holy_a life_n can_v no_o more_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n than_o it_o can_v justify_v we_o for_o first_o since_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a sign_n of_o it_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o therefore_o a_o unholy_a man_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o can_v holiness_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a mark_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n indeed_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o holiness_n do_v necessary_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n know_v how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v before_o it_o follow_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n such_o a_o person_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n at_o best_a this_o give_v 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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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