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 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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 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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
be_v a_o sufficient_a nay_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o agreement_n and_o upon_o that_o of_o our_o walk_n with_o god_n though_o st._n john_n tell_v we_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 and_o then_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n john_n 1_o ch._n 1._o v._n 6_o 7._o and_o our_o only_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n and_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v hide_v in_o christ_n which_o his_o word_n and_o work_n can_v not_o discover_v as_o you_o hear_v above_o and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a way_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v with_o god_n and_o we_o receive_v all_o our_o strength_n from_o he_o and_o he_o make_v we_o bold_a and_o confident_a too_o have_v remove_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o now_o we_o may_v look_v justice_n in_o the_o face_n and_o whet_v our_o knife_n at_o the_o counter_a door_n all_o our_o debt_n be_v discharge_v by_o christ_n as_o these_o bold_a acquaintance_n and_o familiar_n of_o christ_n use_v to_o speak_v and_o in_o christ_n we_o design_v the_o same_o end_n that_o god_n do_v which_o be_v the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v by_o trust_v to_o the_o expiation_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o salvation_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n ourselves_o we_o take_v care_n that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v rob_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n by_o a_o competition_n of_o any_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o these_o be_v those_o great_a gospel_n mystery_n and_o soulsaving_a truth_n which_o be_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o his_o gospel_n be_v so_o silent_a in_o or_o speak_v so_o dark_o and_o imperfect_o of_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v they_o without_o be_v first_o 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miserable_a wretch_n who_o ill_a fortune_n it_o be_v without_o any_o fault_n of_o they_o to_o be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o roll_n of_o election_n and_o who_o have_v no_o way_n to_o satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n but_o by_o their_o eternal_a torment_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o rigorous_o just_a god_n be_v that_o he_o will_v never_o pardon_v the_o least_o sin_n when_o he_o can_v serve_v his_o own_o glory_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o confusion_n of_o sinner_n but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o be_v just_a in_o punish_v sin_n the_o other_o be_v to_o show_v mercy_n in_o spare_v and_o reward_v the_o sinner_n now_o here_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n how_o god_n shall_v be_v just_a and_o merciful_a too_o when_o justice_n require_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o mercy_n exclude_v all_o desert_n for_o the_o demerit_n of_o sin_n be_v infinite_a no_o creature_n can_v expiate_v sin_n but_o by_o endure_v infinite_a that_o be_v endless_a torment_n and_o those_o who_o must_v be_v always_o miserable_a can_v never_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o unite_v these_o two_o extreme_n and_o reconcile_v such_o contradiction_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v effect_v thus_o god_n send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o his_o life_n and_o to_o make_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n for_o his_o blood_n be_v of_o infinite_a value_n as_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v expiate_v a_o infinite_a guilt_n and_o so_o make_v a_o complete_a satisfaction_n to_o justice_n which_o be_v more_o glorify_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n than_o by_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o all_o the_o sinner_n in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o discover_v the_o naturalness_n of_o justice_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o position_n to_o be_v maintain_v that_o he_o can_v not_o pardon_v without_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o just_a that_o he_o have_v not_o one_o dram_n of_o goodness_n in_o he_o till_o his_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o glorious_a kind_n of_o justice_n but_o now_o the_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n have_v their_o act_n assign_v they_o to_o the_o full_a be_v glut_v and_o satiate_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n god_n may_v pardon_v as_o many_o and_o great_a sin_n as_o he_o please_v without_o fear_n of_o the_o least_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n and_o now_o a_o glorious_a and_o more_o comfortable_a scene_n of_o mercy_n begin_v to_o appear_v now_o god_n embrace_v sinner_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n and_o account_v they_o perfect_o innocent_a in_o virtue_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n christ_n have_v make_v for_o their_o sin_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o the_o law_n of_o god_n must_v be_v fulfil_v as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n satisfy_v we_o must_v be_v righteous_a as_o well_o as_o innocent_a otherwise_o we_o may_v escape_v punishment_n but_o can_v expect_v no_o reward_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v for_o sin_n of_o omission_n together_o with_o sin_n of_o commission_n and_o as_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v we_o be_v repute_v by_o god_n as_o have_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o so_o by_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o neglect_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v we_o may_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v repute_v by_o god_n perfect_o righteous_a to_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n but_o it_o seem_v this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o as_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o perfect_o righteous_a and_o this_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n perfect_o free_a without_o any_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n or_o desert_n in_o we_o and_o now_o god_n and_o sinner_n may_v agree_v very_o well_o and_o walk_v comfortable_o together_o for_o though_o they_o have_v guilt_n enough_o and_o he_o justice_n enough_o to_o destroy_v a_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n since_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v justice_n and_o though_o he_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o pure_a perfect_a light_n and_o sinner_n abominable_o filthy_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n he_o shall_v loathe_v and_o abhor_v they_o when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o white_a and_o spotless_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v now_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o their_o salvation_n that_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o neither_o their_o past_a sin_n nor_o present_v habitual_a impurity_n can_v do_v they_o any_o hurt_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v with_o a_o notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n these_o be_v those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n with_o which_o these_o man_n have_v bless_v the_o world_n from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o be_v so_o unlike_o the_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o for_o distinction_n sake_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n person_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o since_o we_o have_v discover_v the_o principle_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n of_o christ_n person_n i_o can_v forbear_v inquire_v brief_o into_o the_o practical_a inference_n from_o it_o that_o we_o may_v at_o once_o view_v the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o this_o religion_n both_o in_o its_o principle_n and_o practice_n now_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o religion_n consist_v in_o accept_v of_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
it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v a_o fullness_n to_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v call_v life_n and_o righteousness_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o we_o whether_o christ_n have_v all_o fullness_n in_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v our_o life_n and_o righteousness_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o the_o dispute_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n all_o this_o to_o christ._n they_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o and_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o his_o person_n we_o say_v they_o signify_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o complete_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n as_o it_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o controversy_n to_o a_o issue_n there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n than_o to_o examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o learn_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v scripture_n phrase_n and_o put_v what_o sense_n they_o please_v on_o they_o we_o may_v quick_o have_v as_o many_o different_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v different_a fancy_n among_o man_n to_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o place_n in_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o be_v in_o john_n 1._o 16._o and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o fullness_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o verse_n 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behâ—ld_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v ver._n 17._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o grace_n and_o truth_n signify_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v express_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n titus_n 2._o 11._o and_o contain_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n be_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o type_n and_o figure_n this_o be_v the_o fullness_n we_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o excellent_a promise_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o prescribe_v such_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a religion_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v truth_n this_o fullness_n dwell_v only_o in_o christ_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o none_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o do_v so_o perfect_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o v_o 18._o that_o be_v no_o man_n ever_o before_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v here_o call_v see_v god_n because_o sight_n give_v we_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o perfect_o understand_v all_o his_o most_o secret_a counsel_n have_v perfect_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o we_o and_o hence_o that_o fullness_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n be_v explain_v by_o grace_n for_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n grace_n for_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o preposition_n signify_v only_o that_o abundance_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v now_o manifest_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o difference_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o by_o vice_n as_o st._n austin_n pro_fw-la legis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la quae_fw-la praeteriit_fw-la gratiam_fw-la evangelii_n accepimus_fw-la permanentem_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la vmbris_fw-la &_o imaginibus_fw-la veteris_fw-la instrumenti_fw-la gratia_fw-la &_o veritas_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la facta_fw-la est_fw-la that_o instead_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v now_o past_a we_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o instead_o of_o the_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v grace_n and_o truth_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o nonna_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_a sense_n for_o the_o law_n be_v no_o where_o call_v grace_n but_o grace_n be_v express_o oppose_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o however_o this_o you_o see_v they_o agree_v in_o that_o by_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o understand_v the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a declaration_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n now_o though_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o fullness_n be_v first_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v before_o he_o can_v communicate_v it_o to_o we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o first_o perfect_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n himself_o before_o he_o can_v declare_v it_o to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o this_o personal_a fullness_n we_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o but_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o whatever_o fullness_n be_v in_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o communicate_v this_o fullness_n to_o we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o 2._o col._n 9_o 10._o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a and_o you_o be_v complete_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n that_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o deity_n bodily_a which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o colosian_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v seduce_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o gnostic_n who_o talk_v very_o much_o in_o their_o cant_a phrase_n of_o the_o pleromata_fw-la to_o corrupt_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n with_o jewish_a ceremony_n or_o pagan_a superstition_n ver._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o principal_a argument_n he_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n ver._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n but_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o hide_a treasure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o be_v who_o have_v now_o reveal_v to_o we_o all_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o ver._n 6_o 7._o to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o
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 from_o they_o a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o if_o they_o will_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n now_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o our_o justification_n be_v the_o great_a gospel_n mystery_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v favour_n with_o god_n that_o our_o saviour_n in_o all_o his_o sermon_n shall_v not_o once_o mention_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o once_o warn_v his_o hearer_n as_o the_o gospel_n preacher_n of_o our_o day_n do_v to_o beware_v of_o trust_v to_o their_o own_o righteousness_n or_o of_o expect_v salvation_n by_o their_o own_o work_n but_o that_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o shall_v so_o severe_o enjoin_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o please_v god_n and_o so_o severe_o threaten_v those_o who_o continue_v in_o any_o sin_n who_o break_v the_o least_o of_o his_o commandment_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o 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 sermon_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o and_o have_v the_o apostle_n teach_v any_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o teach_v especial_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v so_o plain_o contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o this_o impute_a righteousness_n do_v it_o will_v very_o much_o have_v weaken_v their_o credit_n with_o i_o for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o we_o have_v s._n paul_n command_n to_o reject_v such_o preacher_n though_o they_o be_v apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal_n 1._o 8_o 9_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o evacuate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o their_o write_n for_o they_o do_v not_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o christ_n do_v nor_o contradict_v any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v but_o to_o awaken_v those_o man_n who_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o 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
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
and_o we_o christ_n when_o a_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n he_o have_v a_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o his_o personal_a grace_n and_o eminency_n he_o be_v lovely_a with_o christ_n loveliness_n righteous_a with_o christ_n righteousness_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o whatever_o christ_n have_v do_v or_o suffer_v be_v all_o his_o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n himself_o now_o this_o union_n of_o person_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n which_o give_v they_o such_o a_o propriety_n in_o all_o the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n be_v common_o explain_v by_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n and_o legal_a union_n that_o mutual_a relation_n which_o be_v betwixt_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o that_o union_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o surety_n and_o debtor_n first_o they_o explain_v this_o union_n by_o a_o 1._o conjugal_a relation_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a husband_n and_o every_o believer_n be_v his_o spouse_n now_o this_o marriage_n union_n consist_v in_o a_o mutual_a resignation_n or_o make_v over_o their_o person_n one_o to_o another_o christ_n 60._o give_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n grace_n and_o eminency_n to_o be_v its_o saviour_n head_n and_o husband_n for_o ever_o to_o dwell_v with_o it_o in_o this_o holy_a relation_n now_o as_o you_o know_v the_o wife_n by_o virtue_n of_o her_o marriage-union_n be_v entitle_v to_o her_o husband_n estate_n thus_o be_v saint_n by_o their_o marriage_n to_o christ_n entitle_v to_o all_o his_o personal_a fullness_n beauty_n righteousness_n and_o as_o a_o wife_n under_o covert_n 85._o be_v not_o liable_a to_o a_o arrest_n or_o action_n at_o law_n but_o all_o must_v fall_v upon_o her_o husband_n so_o you_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n this_o supersede_v the_o process_n of_o the_o law_n against_o you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v it_o must_v seek_v its_o reparation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o your_o spiritual_a husband_n christ_n himself_o as_o for_o any_o condemnatory_a charge_n it_o can_v fall_v upon_o you_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n they_o allege_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o whatever_o christ_n have_v do_v or_o suffer_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o marriage_n to_o he_o because_o a_o wife_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o her_o husband_n estate_n and_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o arrest_n at_o law_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o weighty_a reason_n let_v any_o man_n that_o can_v give_v better_o to_o consider_v this_o brief_o they_o say_v that_o a_o wife_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o her_o husband_n estate_n and_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o arrest_n at_o law_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n all_o his_o personal_a excellency_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n be_v we_o and_o the_o law_n can_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o but_o our_o husband_n must_v be_v responsible_a for_o our_o fault_n a_o very_a hard_a law_n true_o and_o i_o think_v a_o husband_n be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n when_o he_o have_v a_o bad_a wife_n now_o suppose_v this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o some_o earthly_a marriage_n it_o be_v worth_a while_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o marriage_n or_o whether_o it_o depend_v upon_o private_a contract_n or_o public_a law_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o mutable_a for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o marriage_n how_o can_v we_o be_v secure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o spiritual_a marriage_n unless_o our_o spiritual_a husband_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o earthly_a marriage_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v in_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v be_v sure_a but_o that_o they_o differ_v in_o this_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o this_o analogy_n and_o resemblance_n between_o earthly_a and_o spiritual_a marriage_n nay_o and_o better_o proof_n too_o than_o dr._n owen_n give_v we_o of_o it_o cant._n 1._o 15._o behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a my_o companion_n behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a thou_o have_v dove_n eye_n and_o cant._n 3._o 14_o o_o my_o dove_n that_o be_v in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o stair_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a or_o cant._n 4._o 8._o come_v with_o i_o from_o lebanon_n my_o spouse_n look_v from_o the_o top_n of_o amana_n from_o the_o top_n of_o shenir_fw-fr and_o hermon_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o leopard_n or_o isai._n 4._o 2._o the_o branch_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v beautiful_a and_o glorious_a and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v excellent_a and_o comely_a to_o they_o that_o be_v escape_v of_o israel_n which_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n he_o can_v find_v for_o if_o he_o have_v any_o better_a he_o do_v ill_a to_o conceal_v they_o for_o christ_n give_v himself_n to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n preciousness_n grace_n eminency_n etc._n etc._n now_o how_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o this_o can_v be_v draw_v either_o from_o dove_n eye_n or_o from_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o from_o lebanon_n or_o from_o the_o top_n of_o amana_n shenir_fw-fr or_o hermon_n or_o from_o the_o lion_n den_n or_o mountain_n of_o leopard_n be_v past_o my_o understanding_n to_o make_v out_o but_o let_v the_o law_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n be_v as_o they_o will_v there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n make_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n there_o never_o be_v any_o law_n that_o the_o personal_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o husband_n shall_v be_v settle_v upon_o his_o wife_n for_o a_o jointure_n though_o the_o husband_n be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o comely_a wise_a and_o virtuous_a his_o wife_n may_v be_v ugly_a and_o deform_a a_o fool_n or_o a_o harlot_n for_o personal_n and_o inherent_a perfection_n can_v pass_v out_o of_o the_o person_n nor_o be_v make_v over_o to_o any_o other_o as_o money_z and_o land_n be_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o other_o privilege_n we_o may_v enjoy_v by_o our_o marriage_n to_o christ_n his_o personal_a excellency_n can_v be_v we_o though_o his_o person_n be_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o marriage_n there_o be_v private_a contract_n too_o and_o the_o wife_n interest_n in_o her_o husband_n estate_n may_v be_v limit_v to_o such_o condition_n as_o they_o agree_v upon_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o make_v such_o a_o absolute_a settlement_n of_o himself_o upon_o we_o as_o these_o man_n dream_v he_o have_v for_o the_o gospel_n contain_v the_o article_n of_o this_o marriage_n to_o speak_v in_o these_o man_n dialect_n and_o there_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o what_o purpose_n and_o upon_o what_o condition_n christ_n give_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o must_v challenge_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o our_o marriage_n to_o he_o than_o what_o the_o gospel_n the_o marriage_n covenant_n promise_v and_o we_o find_v nothing_o there_o of_o his_o personal_a righteousness_n to_o be_v make_v we_o as_o for_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o woman_n under_o covert_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o a_o arrest_n or_o action_n at_o the_o law_n but_o all_o must_v fall_v upon_o her_o husband_n it_o be_v true_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o debt_n but_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o crime_n if_o a_o woman_n kill_v her_o child_n or_o rob_v upon_o the_o highway_n i_o doubt_v she_o be_v under_o covert_n will_v not_o secure_v she_o from_o the_o gallow_n be_v it_o never_o know_v that_o a_o woman_n be_v hang_v either_o with_o or_o without_o her_o husband_n the_o keeper_n of_o newgate_n can_v have_v better_o inform_v they_o in_o this_o nice_a point_n of_o divinity_n and_o how_o secure_a soever_o any_o man_n may_v fancy_v himself_o of_o his_o marriage_n to_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o advise_v he_o to_o venture_v too_o much_o upon_o it_o for_o if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a wilful_a sin_n there_o be_v some_o danger_n that_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n may_v condemn_v he_o unless_o he_o timely_o repent_v and_o reform_v his_o vice_n so_o that_o this_o conjugal_a relation_n to_o christ_n do_v not_o make_v he_o so_o absolute_o we_o as_o these_o man_n pretend_v who_o by_o their_o loose_a discourse_n and_o inconsequent_a reason_n seem_v neither_o to_o understand_v divine_a nor_o humane_a law_n when_o the_o scripture_n call_v christ_n our_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n it_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o governor_n who_o rule_v his_o church_n with_o as_o great_a