thing_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o particular_a election_n yet_o i_o disow_v our_o immediate_a union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n christ_n be_v the_o surety_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o have_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n make_v a_o general_a atonement_n and_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n purchase_v and_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n such_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n alone_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o though_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v general_a and_o universal_a yet_o none_o have_v a_o actual_a interest_n in_o it_o but_o his_o 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perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n so_o that_o he_o only_o confident_o affirm_v what_o be_v in_o dispute_n and_o this_o go_v for_o a_o argument_n this_o argument_n he_o silent_o pass_v over_o only_o he_o transcribe_v the_o last_o clause_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o huff_v it_o off_o with_o a_o appeal_n to_o his_o reader_n any_o man_n may_v easy_o guess_v by_o the_o management_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o mind_n his_o reader_n shall_v know_v what_o be_v in_o dispute_n or_o what_o argument_n be_v allege_v on_o either_o side_n and_o i_o do_v ready_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v weary_a of_o every_o word_n he_o be_v force_v to_o add_v for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o tire_v any_o man_n heart_n out_o to_o be_v force_v to_o say_v something_o and_o not_o to_o have_v one_o wise_a word_n to_o say_v but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o long_a digression_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o give_v several_a other_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o metaphor_n as_o when_o they_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o our_o first_o conversion_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n from_o whence_o they_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v contribute_v no_o more_o to_o our_o own_o conversion_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v to_o the_o quicken_a of_o himself_o and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o the_o like_a but_o to_o discourse_v this_o full_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n and_o possible_o may_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o a_o proper_a place_n what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquaint_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o i_o be_o no_o enemy_n to_o a_o sober_a use_n of_o metaphor_n and_o that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n do_v very_o much_o corrupt_a religion_n and_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v the_o plain_a notion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o abuse_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n those_o objection_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v of_o which_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v but_o some_o slight_a skirmish_n but_o the_o main_a battle_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o great_a outcry_n be_v that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n contain_v in_o her_o article_n and_o homily_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a calumny_n and_o yet_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a every_o one_o may_v believe_v as_o he_o please_v for_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n this_o he_o leave_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v very_o wise_o do_v of_o he_o but_o all_o that_o he_o take_v leave_v to_o â—_o say_v be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n here_o publish_v and_o license_v so_o to_o be_v either_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v so_o what_o then_o why_o then_o the_o doctor_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o he_o neither_o have_v nor_o will_v have_v any_o communion_n therein_o but_o i_o think_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o declare_v this_o now_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o hurt_n my_o book_n have_v do_v to_o force_v the_o doctor_n to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n after_o so_o many_o year_n actual_a separation_n from_o it_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o great_a but_o why_o so_o much_o haste_n of_o declare_v why_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n at_o which_o you_o may_v guess_v so_o in_o particular_a because_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v or_o depart_v from_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_n doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n what_o a_o mighty_a reverence_n have_v the_o doctor_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o he_o will_v rather_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n than_o renounce_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o former_a church_n of_o england_n that_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n but_o do_v he_o indeed_o speak_v as_o he_o mean_v do_v he_o account_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o sacred_a as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o renounce_v any_o doctrine_n which_o she_o condemn_v and_o to_o own_o what_o she_o own_v if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o explain_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o if_o he_o do_v i_o will_v beg_v of_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o renounce_v his_o schism_n though_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o fear_v this_o be_v no_o good_a argument_n with_o the_o doctor_n well_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n here_o publish_v be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n as_o he_o be_v assure_v with_o respect_n unto_o many_o bishop_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o then_o what_o account_n will_v he_o now_o give_v of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n nay_o not_o a_o word_n of_o that_o but_o he_o have_v a_o little_a advice_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o concernment_n of_o they_o who_o preside_v therein_o to_o take_v care_n that_o such_o discourse_n be_v not_o countenance_v with_o the_o stamp_n of_o their_o public_a authority_n lest_o they_o and_o the_o church_n be_v represent_v unto_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o many_o what_o a_o bless_a change_n have_v my_o book_n wrought_v in_o the_o doctor_n he_o be_v now_o mighty_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n and_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disadvantagious_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n who_o can_v ever_o have_v hope_v for_o this_o who_o have_v know_v the_o doctor_n in_o the_o bless_a time_n of_o reformation_n and_o yet_o i_o vehement_o suspect_v that_o after_o all_o his_o courtship_n to_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n the_o doctor_z design_n a_o little_a kindness_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v the_o reverend_a bishop_n not_o to_o suffer_v any_o book_n to_o be_v print_v against_o they_o which_o they_o can_v answer_v which_o may_v represent_v they_o to_o a_o great_a disadvantage_n with_o many_o the_o looking-glass-maker_n transcribe_v several_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o homily_n to_o what_o end_n he_o himself_o know_v best_a for_o i_o shall_v not_o ready_o have_v guess_v myself_o concern_v in_o they_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o ingenious_a reflection_n how_o ill_o mr._n sherlock_n 30._o have_v fit_v his_o cloth_n to_o this_o pattern_n he_o that_o be_v not_o very_o blind_a may_v see_v so_o that_o now_o every_o one_o must_v acknowledge_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o eyesight_n that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o homily_n by_o which_o artifice_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o waggish_a fellow_n have_v persuade_v silly_a people_n to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v see_v some_o strange_a prodigy_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v but_o to_o gratify_v the_o ill_a nature_n of_o these_o man_n let_v we_o for_o once_o suppose_v that_o which_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n what_o then_o why_o then_o i_o have_v contradict_v the_o doctrine_n to_o which_o i_o have_v subscribe_v if_o i_o have_v do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o ill_o do_v of_o i_o but_o what_o then_o why_o then_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n but_o i_o pray_v why_o so_o do_v they_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v infallible_a do_v they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o then_o do_v they_o reject_v any_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n why_o do_v they_o renounce_v communion_n with_o we_o if_o they_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n be_v it_o not_o as_o good_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o another_o every_o one_o i_o suppose_v know_v what_o obedient_a son_n they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o they_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o mother_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o hard_o they_o be_v
the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o we_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o active_a righteousness_n for_o since_o his_o purity_n and_o holiness_n give_v worth_a and_o dignity_n to_o his_o merit_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o his_o merit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o his_o active_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v impute_v also_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n never_o think_v that_o the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v account_v by_o god_n to_o have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n perform_v which_o be_v the_o modern_a notion_n of_o imputation_n but_o it_o be_v so_o impute_v to_o we_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n and_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o reverend_a person_n excellent_o explain_v it_o soon_o after_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n or_o into_o judgement_n as_o he_o read_v it_o john_n v._n 24._o and_o add_v what_o judgement_n be_v this_o from_o which_o believer_n be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n proculdubio_fw-la strictum_fw-la illud_fw-la ubi_fw-la juxta_fw-la normam_fw-la legis_fw-la aliquis_fw-la examinatur_fw-la &_o prout_fw-la deprehenditur_fw-la huic_fw-la norm_a respondere_fw-la iustùs_fw-la aut_fw-la injustus_fw-la pronunciatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n no_o doubt_n that_o strict_a judgement_n where_o man_n be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v pronounce_v just_a or_o unjust_a as_o they_o be_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o that_o rule_n justificatio_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la credentium_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la eo_fw-la dependet_fw-la quod_fw-la habent_fw-la in_o se_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la nova_fw-la justitiae_fw-la quam_fw-la audent_fw-la legali_fw-la examini_fw-la &_o stricto_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la subjicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la merita_fw-la redemptoris_fw-la non_fw-la subituri_fw-la sunt_fw-la tale_n judicium_fw-la sed_fw-la perinde_n cum_fw-la illis_fw-la agetur_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la haberent_fw-la in_o seipsis_fw-la exactam_fw-la justitiam_fw-la legalem_fw-la therefore_o the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o internal_a righteousness_n as_o they_o dare_v submit_v to_o a_o legal_a trial_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o and_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o redeemer_n hey_o shall_v never_o undergo_v such_o a_o judgement_n but_o shall_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o exact_a legal_a righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o hemean_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o hearty_o own_v it_o though_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o phrase_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o alter_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o by_o christ_n merit_n and_o that_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o homily_n and_o upon_o our_o part_n true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o we_o but_o by_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n and_o what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o this_o faith_n in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n and_o belief_n in_o man_n heart_n 1_o whereby_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o agree_v unto_o all_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v but_o then_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n or_o a_o true_a justify_v faith_n such_o as_o no_o wicked_a man_n can_v have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o true_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o stead_n fast_o hope_v of_o all_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v receive_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o that_o although_o we_o through_o infirmity_n or_o temptation_n of_o our_o ghostly_a enemy_n do_v fall_n from_o he_o by_o sin_n yet_o if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v and_o forget_v our_o offence_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v make_v we_o inheritor_n with_o he_o of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o that_o kingdom_n come_v he_o will_v be_v our_o protector_n and_o defender_n in_o all_o peril_n and_o danger_n whatsoever_o do_v chance_v and_o that_o though_o sometime_o he_o do_v send_v we_o sharp_a adversity_n yet_o that_o evermore_o he_o will_v be_v a_o love_a father_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o he_o hang_v only_o upon_o he_o and_o call_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o sure_a hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n or_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o express_v a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o same_o homily_n for_o the_o very_a sure_a and_o lively_a christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v all_o thing_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v a_o earnest_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o he_o do_v regard_v we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a over_o we_o as_o the_o father_n be_v over_o the_o child_n who_o he_o do_v love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o we_o for_o his_o only_a son_n sake_n and_o that_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o priest_n in_o who_o only_a merit_n oblation_n and_o suffer_v we_o do_v trust_v that_o our_o offence_n be_v continual_o wash_v and_o purge_v whensoever_o we_o repent_v true_o do_v return_n to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n stead_n fast_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o through_o his_o grace_n to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o never_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o sin_n so_o that_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v actual_o pardon_v or_o that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n without_o require_v any_o more_o of_o we_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v forgive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o and_o determine_v through_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n never_o to_o return_v to_o they_o again_o but_o we_o shall_v understand_v this_o the_o better_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n for_o our_o church_n distinguish_v between_o a_o dead_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o dead_a faith_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n st._n james_n compare_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o 1_o devil_n which_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o just_a and_o tremble_v for_o fear_n yet_o they_o do_v nothing_o well_o but_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o faith_n have_v the_o wicked_a and_o naughty_a christian_a people_n which_o confess_v god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o their_o mouth_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o deed_n be_v abominable_a and_o without_o the_o right_a faith_n and_o to_o all_o good_a work_v reprovable_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a it_o be_v not_o now_o faith_n as_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v not_o a_o man_n this_o dead_a faith_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o sure_a and_o substantial_a faith_n which_o save_v sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v and_o the_o description_n of_o that_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n another_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o
st._n paul_n or_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v any_o which_o be_v not_o very_o honourable_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v no_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v one_o which_o argue_v either_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n or_o mere_a sophistry_n but_o pray_v why_o do_v they_o think_v so_o why_o because_o st._n paul_n always_o oppose_v our_o justification_n by_o work_n whatever_o they_o be_v to_o justification_n by_o grace_n and_o therefore_o by_o work_n he_o must_v understand_v the_o merit_n of_o work_n because_o only_a merit_n be_v oppose_v to_o grace_n so_o we_o say_v too_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n reject_v all_o work_n though_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o merit_n this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o apostle_n argue_v very_o absurd_o that_o because_o he_o reject_v work_n when_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o grace_n therefore_o he_o shall_v reject_v work_n when_o they_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o grace_n as_o by_o this_o argument_n they_o be_v not_o when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o what_o they_o add_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v all_o sort_n of_o work_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o from_o our_o justification_n be_v very_o true_a but_o then_o they_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o meritorious_a work_n that_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a legal_a unsinning_a righteousness_n as_o need_v not_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o such_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o owe_v its_o acceptance_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n the_o only_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o work_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n be_v because_o wherever_o they_o reject_v justification_n by_o work_n they_o express_o mention_v their_o merit_n and_o deserve_a which_o be_v the_o best_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v that_o they_o do_v make_v a_o difference_n otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o explication_n especial_o when_o they_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n upon_o all_o other_o account_n as_o our_o church_n express_o do_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o salvation_n we_o find_v these_o word_n truth_n it_o be_v that_o our_o own_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v we_o to_o speak_v proper_o of_o our_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o of_o unjust_a just_a before_o god_n what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o this_o explication_n to_o speak_v proper_o of_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o merit_v and_o deserve_v if_o our_o church_n have_v apprehend_v no_o difference_n between_o work_n and_o merit_n between_o a_o proper_a and_o improper_a justification_n by_o work_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o necessity_n of_o work_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n 31._o for_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n utrum_fw-la bona_fw-la opera_fw-la dici_fw-la possint_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la vel_fw-la salutem_fw-la necessaria_fw-la whether_o good_a work_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n or_o salvation_n in_o his_o first_o conclusion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o dispute_n with_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o say_v so_o because_o they_o always_o by_o necessary_a understand_v necessary_a as_o cause_n vera_fw-la &_o propria_fw-la sua_fw-la dignitate_fw-la meritorias_fw-la humanae_fw-la salutis_fw-la which_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a worth_n and_o dignity_n merit_v salvation_n what_o need_n have_v there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n if_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n to_o justification_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o four_o conclusion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n if_o by_o necessary_a we_o understand_v sub_fw-la ratione_fw-la causae_fw-la meritoriae_fw-la necessariae_fw-la as_o necessary_a meritorious_a cause_n and_o in_o the_o five_o conclusion_n he_o express_o tell_v we_o bona_fw-la quaedam_fw-la opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la necessaria_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la ut_fw-la conditione_n concurrentes_fw-la vel_fw-la praecursoriae_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la necessaria_fw-la ut_fw-la causae_fw-la efficientes_fw-la aut_fw-la meritoriae_fw-la that_o some_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n as_o previous_a or_o concur_v cause_n though_o not_o as_o efficient_a or_o meritorious_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o this_o distinction_n between_o the_o necessity_n and_o merit_n of_o work_n be_v know_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o our_o church_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o when_o our_o church_n do_v so_o express_o reject_v work_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o merit_n she_o understand_v no_o difference_n between_o necessity_n and_o merit_n and_o i_o find_v in_o a_o ancient_a book_n entitle_v reformatio_fw-la legum_fw-la ecclesiasticarum_fw-la which_o be_v compose_v by_o archbishop_n cranmer_n and_o peter_n martyr_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o this_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o that_o where_o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suppress_v all_o they_o say_v about_o justification_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o deinde_fw-la nec_fw-la illi_fw-la sunt_fw-la audiendi_fw-la quorum_fw-la impietas_fw-la salutarem_fw-la &_o in_fw-la sacris_fw-la scripture_n fundatam_fw-la justificationis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la oppugnant_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la tenendum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la operum_fw-la momentis_fw-la justitiam_fw-la hominum_fw-la collocari_fw-la i._n e._n neither_o must_v we_o hearken_v to_o they_o who_o impious_o oppose_v that_o save_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o scripture_n concern_v which_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o man_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n so_o that_o they_o only_o reject_v the_o merit_n of_o work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n the_o confession_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o homily_n of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o apology_n for_o the_o augustan-confession_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o pretium_fw-la nec_fw-la propitiatio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la detur_fw-la legis_fw-la remissio_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la they_o be_v not_o the_o price_n nor_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n they_o assign_v why_o they_o oppose_v justification_n by_o work_n be_v because_o it_o detract_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v up_o our_o work_n in_o competition_n with_o christ_n utrum_fw-la fiducia_fw-la collocanda_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la a_o in_o opera_fw-la nostra_fw-la whether_o we_o shall_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o our_o own_o work_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v only_o in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n and_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o work_n when_o they_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o merit_n and_o grace_n of_o christ._n but_o not_o to_o trouble_v my_o reader_n with_o many_o adversar_n quotation_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o more_o which_o be_v their_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n from_o st._n james_n who_o express_o say_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o si_fw-mi non_fw-la assuant_fw-la adversarii_fw-la svas_fw-la opiniones_fw-la de_fw-la meritis_fw-la operum_fw-la jacobi_fw-la verba_fw-la nihil_fw-la habent_fw-la incommodi_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o annex_v their_o own_o opinion_n concern_v merit_n of_o work_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o st._n james_n his_o word_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o shy_a of_o this_o expression_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n so_o man_n will_v not_o imagine_v that_o their_o justification_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o work_v and_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n but_o there_o be_v one_o very_o surprise_v argument_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o work_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n without_o respect_n to_o their_o merit_n than_o we_o may_v as_o well_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o goodness_n in_o they_o as_o by_o the_o most_o real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n for_o take_v away_o merit_n and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n be_v now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n of_o frame_v a_o answer_n
will_v be_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o our_o justification_n can_v be_v to_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v explain_v in_o what_o sense_n our_o church_n reject_v good_a work_v from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v viz._n that_o nothing_o which_o we_o can_v do_v be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o merit_v and_o deserve_v justification_n it_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o faith_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n she_o affirm_v that_o faith_n only_o justify_v and_o i_o can_v better_o explain_v this_o than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o homily_n itself_o which_o be_v these_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o our_o 3_o own_o work_n do_v not_o justify_v we_o to_o speak_v proper_o of_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o of_o unjust_a just_a before_o god_n but_o god_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n through_o the_o only_a merit_n &_o deserve_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n do_v justify_v we_o nevertheless_o because_o faith_n do_v direct_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n give_v we_o of_o god_n we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o thing_n none_o other_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o work_n proper_o do_v therefore_o scripture_n use_v to_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_v do_v justify_v and_o forasmuch_o that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o sentence_n in_o effect_n to_o say_v faith_n without_o work_n and_o only_a faith_n do_v justify_v we_o therefore_o the_o old_a ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v utter_v our_o justification_n with_o this_o speech_n only_a faith_n justify_v we_o mean_v none_o other_o thing_n than_o st._n paul_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v faith_n without_o work_n justify_v we_o and_o because_o all_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o only_a merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o not_o through_o our_o merit_n or_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o any_o virtue_n that_o we_o have_v within_o we_o or_o of_o any_o work_n that_o come_v from_o we_o therefore_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_a we_o forsake_v as_o it_o be_v altogether_o again_o faith_n work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n for_o our_o own_o imperfection_n be_v so_o great_a through_o the_o corruption_n of_o original_a sin_n that_o all_o be_v unperfect_a that_o be_v within_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n charity_n hope_n dread_a thought_n word_n and_o work_n and_o therefore_o not_o apt_a to_o merit_v or_o deserve_v any_o part_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o we_o and_o this_o form_n of_o speak_a use_n we_o in_o humble_v of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o to_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n which_o be_v best_a worthy_a to_o have_v it_o these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o need_v no_o comment_n and_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o do_v evident_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o our_o church_n do_v not_o attribute_v our_o justification_n to_o faith_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n in_o faith_n above_o other_o virtue_n and_o grace_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o merit_n and_o deserve_a we_o be_v teach_v to_o forsake_v again_o faith_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o work_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n as_o our_o work_n do_v not_o merit_v or_o deserve_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n no_o more_o do_v faith_n second_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o faith_n only_o be_v to_o declare_v that_o we_o owe_v our_o justification_n whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n through_o the_o only_a merit_n and_o deserve_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n do_v justify_v we_o and_o thus_o immediate_o before_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o proposition_n or_o say_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n only_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o old_a ancient_a author_n be_v this_o we_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o he_o only_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n only_o and_o by_o no_o virtue_n or_o good_a work_v of_o our_o own_o that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v be_v able_a to_o have_v or_o to_o do_v for_o to_o deserve_v the_o same_o christ_n himself_o only_o be_v the_o cause_n meritorious_a thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o attribute_n the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n whole_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o other_o intervening_a merit_n or_o desert_n though_o he_o may_v differ_v in_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n yet_o do_v acknowledge_v all_o that_o our_o church_n mean_v by_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o desert_v or_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o three_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o church_n attribute_n our_o justification_n to_o faith_n only_o and_o not_o to_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o virtue_n be_v this_o because_o faith_n only_o connect_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o thereby_o both_o secure_v and_o enforce_v our_o duty_n and_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o church_n for_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n as_o abundant_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v above_o include_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n which_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v must_v actual_o produce_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n for_o without_o this_o we_o can_v embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o pardon_v our_o many_o sin_n and_o defect_n and_o to_o accept_v and_o reward_v our_o imperfect_a service_n which_o attribute_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o not_o to_o our_o merit_n and_o desert_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n thus_o our_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o faith_n only_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v be_v because_o faith_n do_v direct_o send_v we_o to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n give_v we_o of_o god_n we_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o thing_n none_o other_o of_o our_o virtue_n or_o work_n proper_o do_v that_o be_v justice_z or_o charity_n or_o any_o other_o virtue_n do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o its_o acceptance_n and_o reward_n and_o therefore_o shall_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o these_o virtue_n consider_v as_o distinct_a from_o faith_n which_o alone_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o their_o proper_a merit_n and_o desert_n not_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n but_o now_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o active_a and_o vigorous_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n include_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n it_o send_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n not_o immediate_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o our_o pardon_n and_o reward_n which_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n our_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o shut_v out_o repentance_n 1_o love_n dread_a and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v join_v with_o faith_n in_o every_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v but_o yet_o it_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o the_o office_n of_o justify_v so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o present_a in_o
we_o consider_v the_o object_n of_o this_o consideration_n which_o be_v to_o free_a man_n from_o all_o error_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o office_n and_o ibid._n his_o work_n this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o charge_v he_o with_o that_o he_o affirm_v we_o must_v attain_v to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o so_o that_o i_o hope_v every_o one_o will_v now_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v no_o calumny_n from_o christ_n authority_n as_o king_n he_o observe_v p._n 22._o man_n not_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o institute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o as_o judge_v upon_o their_o neglect_n or_o abuse_v be_v careless_a about_o they_o or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o pleasure_n in_o they_o this_o have_v prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o church_n who_o neglect_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n have_v substitute_v their_o own_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o this_o kingly_a legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a duty_n and_o future_a account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o backslide_n from_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n as_o prophet_n he_o observe_v the_o same_o thing_n he_o be_v then_o ultimate_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v absolute_o faithful_a in_o his_o so_o do_v be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o man_n may_v thence_o learn_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n even_o to_o observe_v and_o to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o nothing_o else_o this_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o phanaticism_n which_o undermine_v the_o most_o prudent_a order_n and_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o any_o church_n and_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o discover_v those_o important_a truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o express_o teach_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v express_o command_v but_o this_o we_o must_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o authority_n as_o king_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o prophet_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o doctor_n have_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humane_a authority_n nor_o for_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o church-affair_n but_o all_o this_o the_o doctor_n speak_v without_o a_o adversary_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o he_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n which_o you_o may_v find_v in_o pag._n 33_o 34._o where_o he_o first_o deny_v that_o he_o ever_o teach_v any_o other_o knowledge_n of_o 34_o christ_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o i_o never_o charge_v he_o with_o and_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v yet_o i_o will_v mind_v this_o author_n of_o that_o whereof_o if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o which_o if_o he_o deny_v he_o be_v unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a dilemma_n for_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a dispose_v either_o to_o part_v with_o my_o rectorship_n or_o my_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o many_o other_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v all_o centre_v in_o his_o person_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a nor_o sound_a understanding_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v it_o yet_o again_o that_o this_o author_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v understand_v it_o this_o be_v kind_o do_v since_o so_o much_o lie_v at_o stake_n on_o it_o or_o however_o that_o he_o and_o his_o copartner_n in_o design_n may_v know_v that_o i_o neither_o be_o nor_o ever_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o as_o we_o be_v command_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o true_a useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o mystery_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v attain_v i_o wish_v i_o get_v well_o off_o but_o i_o will_v do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a understane_n of_o many_o other_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v centre_v in_o his_o person_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a nor_o sound_a understanding_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o he_o mean_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v those_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o know_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o contain_v no_o great_a mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o can_v understand_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o it_o we_o can_v understand_v our_o adoption_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o union_n and_o reâ—â—â—â—on_n to_o he_o as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n nor_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o we_o nor_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o to_o bestow_v life_n and_o immortality_n upon_o his_o obedient_a disciple_n not_o that_o the_o spring_n of_o these_o truth_n lie_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o must_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o contemplation_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o understand_v those_o other_o gospel_n mystery_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n before_o you_o can_v know_v what_o he_o do_v where_o he_o be_v king_n what_o battle_n he_o fight_v what_o victory_n he_o win_v or_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o you_o must_v first_o know_v the_o subject_n before_o you_o can_v know_v the_o property_n and_o qualification_n of_o it_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o doctor_n intend_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v very_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o time_n be_v when_o he_o mean_v otherwise_o and_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o express_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n will_v make_v any_o one_o suspect_n that_o he_o mean_v something_o more_o still_o and_o if_o he_o do_v then_o after_o all_o his_o soft_a and_o palliate_a expression_n it_o must_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o save_a knowledge_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o those_o mystery_n which_o be_v but_o obscure_o and_o imperfect_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n to_o expound_v and_o unriddle_v they_o and_o indeed_o his_o second_o explication_n of_o his_o sense_n in_o this_o matter_n plain_o look_v this_o way_n for_o under_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n he_o include_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o