certain_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n especial_o consider_v how_o holy_a our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o can_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o he_o die_v or_o that_o he_o intercede_v for_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n now_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o god_n can_v have_v contrive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o powerful_a obligation_n such_o forceable_a endearment_n such_o ravish_a charm_n which_o make_v such_o a_o pleasant_a and_o invite_a representation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o so_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o inflame_v our_o love_n and_o awaken_v our_o fear_n and_o excite_v our_o emulation_n which_o do_v even_o affect_v our_o sense_n with_o the_o argument_n of_o religion_n and_o storm_v the_o low_a and_o more_o brutish_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o captivate_v they_o to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o sinner_n recovery_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o return_v of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n we_o owe_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n when_o we_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o all_o the_o powerful_a argument_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o incarnation_n and_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o miracle_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o shame_n and_o folly_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n than_o we_o partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n of_o his_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o distract_v our_o guilty_a mind_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o inexorable_a justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n of_o fear_n and_o bondage_n but_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n mix_v with_o a_o awful_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a judge_n and_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n this_o be_v such_o a_o method_n of_o convert_v sinner_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n which_o be_v not_o design_v to_o cause_v tempest_n and_o earthquake_n in_o our_o mind_n like_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o to_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o more_o silent_a and_o gentle_a method_n and_o in_o more_o humane_a way_n if_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n have_v reform_v our_o life_n and_o rectify_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n though_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o these_o artificial_a method_n of_o repentance_n have_v not_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o amaze_a terror_n of_o god_n wrath_n nor_o the_o rage_a despair_n of_o damn_a spirit_n and_o then_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n before_o have_v have_v christ_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o hear_v the_o wooing_n and_o beseeching_n of_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o formal_a contract_n and_o espousal_n with_o christ_n and_o such_o like_a work_n of_o a_o heat_a fancy_n and_o religious_a distraction_n though_o our_o conversion_n be_v not_o manage_v with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o method_n and_o by_o so_o many_o step_n and_o gradation_n we_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a christian_n for_o want_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n not_o of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n which_o suggest_v so_o many_o encourage_v consideration_n to_o return_v to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o not_o to_o tremble_v at_o his_o presence_n as_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o true_a expression_n of_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o some_o fond_a and_o amorous_a passion_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v he_o be_v to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n in_o the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o best_a answer_n the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o and_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v own_v this_o a_o safe_a way_n to_o build_v religion_n on_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n they_o must_v own_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v which_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o appear_v and_o more_o easy_o and_o natural_o deduce_v from_o it_o than_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o fantastical_a conceit_n if_o they_o do_v not_o like_o this_o i_o must_v advise_v they_o to_o quit_v this_o way_n as_o the_o which_o will_v serve_v other_o as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o let_v we_o all_o fetch_v our_o religion_n from_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o from_o any_o pretend_a personal_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o sect_n iu._n how_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o their_o fancy_n there_o be_v a_o very_a obvious_a objection_n against_o this_o whole_a discourse_n the_o answer_v of_o which_o will_v further_o discover_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o frame_a such_o fanciful_a idea_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o these_o man_n deduce_v their_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o so_o abound_v in_o scripture_n proof_n to_o confirm_v what_o they_o say_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n on_o such_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o you_o consult_v these_o man_n write_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o book_n stuff_v with_o scripture_n or_o if_o you_o talk_v with_o they_o their_o whole_a discourse_n be_v little_a else_o but_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o that_o reverend_a doctor_n confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o his_o gospel_n have_v they_o not_o first_o grow_v acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v accommodate_v scripture_n expression_n to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n for_o when_o man_n fancy_n be_v so_o posfe_v with_o scheme_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n whatever_o they_o look_v on_o appear_v of_o the_o same_o shape_n and_o colour_n wherewith_o their_o mind_n be_v already_o tincture_v like_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o jaundice_n or_o that_o look_v through_o a_o paint_a glass_n who_o see_v every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n that_o his_o eye_n or_o glass_n give_v it_o all_o the_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n and_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o apply_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o if_o any_o word_n sound_a like_o the_o tinkle_n of_o their_o own_o sancy_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o every_o little_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n do_v mighty_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n as_o inenaeus_fw-la observe_v of_o the_o valentinian_o that_o they_o use_v one_o artifice_n or_o other_o to_o adapt_v all_o the_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n male_a composito_fw-la phantasmati_fw-la to_o the_o ill_a contrive_a sigment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thus_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_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
after_o christ._n that_o be_v lest_o their_o mind_n be_v corrupt_v through_o philosophical_a speculation_n or_o traditionary_a superstition_n in_o worship_v daemon_n and_o angel_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o owe_v their_o original_n only_o to_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n and_o then_o he_o add_v for_o in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a so_o that_o this_o must_v refer_v to_o that_o complete_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o need_v not_o be_v supply_v by_o the_o philosophy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o phrase_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o type_n and_o figure_n which_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n for_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n be_v god_n house_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v and_o the_o mercy_n seat_n and_o cherubim_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o god_n presence_n there_o and_o this_o symbolical_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o that_o symbolical_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o he_o then_o institute_v and_o command_v he_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o fore_o institute_v a_o typical_a and_o figurative_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a declaration_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n but_o now_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o john_n 1._o 14._o the_o deity_n itself_o now_o dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o christ_n body_n not_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n as_o former_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o a_o real_a and_o immediate_a presence_n and_o union_n and_o therefore_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o christ_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o he_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o imperfect_a rudiment_n and_o obscure_a type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bodily_a be_v oppose_v to_o figurative_a and_o typical_a and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v substantial_o in_o christ_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o so_o excellent_a a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o who_o the_o deity_n itself_o inhabit_v have_v perfect_o reveal_v god_n will_v to_o we_o all_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v accomplish_v in_o christ_n person_n he_o be_v that_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n which_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o god_n dwell_v among_o we_o and_o his_o religion_n answer_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a not_o by_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d too_o all_o truth_n and_o substance_n the_o law_n be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o the_o body_n be_v of_o christ_n ver._n 17._o his_o religion_n be_v body_n truth_n and_o substance_n so_o that_o this_o place_n be_v exact_o parallel_n with_o john_n 1._o 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tabernacle_v among_o we_o herein_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v fulfil_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o our_o flesh_n and_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n not_o a_o typical_a and_o figurative_a but_o a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v that_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o our_o apostle_n add_v here_o and_o you_o be_v complete_a in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v in_o he_o you_o need_v no_o other_o instructor_n but_o christ_n who_o have_v reveal_v as_o much_o of_o god_n will_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v so_o that_o this_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o christ_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n for_o since_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o deity_n do_v inhabit_v in_o christ_n person_n we_o need_v not_o question_n but_o he_o be_v able_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o the_o force_n of_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v notice_n of_o john_n 3._o 34_o 35._o for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v declare_v his_o whole_a will_n to_o we_o for_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o mean_a prophet_n who_o have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n but_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a the_o father_n love_v the_o son_n and_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n you_o see_v signify_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o other_o place_n this_o fullness_n signify_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n eph._n 1._o 22_o 23._o and_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o where_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v he_o as_o it_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a for_o he_o can_v be_v a_o perfect_a head_n without_o a_o body_n hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ._n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o beza_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o phrase_n which_o so_o frequent_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o its_o extent_n and_o universality_n that_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o take_v in_o jew_n and_o gentile_n bond_n and_o free_a for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o col._n 1._o 19_o for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v which_o word_n be_v common_o expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o col._n 2._o 9_o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o context_n we_o shall_v see_v reason_n for_o a_o different_a sense_n and_o beza_n observe_v that_o some_o expositor_n by_o his_o fullness_n in_o this_o place_n understand_v the_o church_n for_o vers._n 18._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v where_o fullness_n must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o unite_v his_o church_n into_o christ_n for_o the_o apostle_n assign_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v why_o the_o church_n be_v call_v fullness_n and_o all_o fullness_n say_v to_o dwell_v in_o christ_n the_o reason_n follow_v in_o 20_o 21._o and_o have_v make_v peace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n by_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o they_o be_v thing_n in_o earth_n or_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o you_o who_o be_v sometime_o alienate_v and_o enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n yet_o now_o have_v he_o reconcile_v this_o be_v that_o fullness_n that_o dwell_v in_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o unite_v in_o one_o
to_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o when_o we_o can_v hate_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n also_o for_o he_o rather_o than_o abjure_v his_o gospel_n or_o violate_v his_o law_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a one_o who_o diligent_o obey_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o large_a explication_n our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o subtle_a airy_a and_o metaphysical_a notion_n as_o some_o man_n represent_v it_o to_o be_v but_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o mistake_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n because_o this_o be_v a_o practical_a error_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o one_o mistake_v in_o the_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o a_o great_a many_o false_a opinion_n which_o end_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o mistake_v some_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n and_o first_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o person_n without_o consider_v any_o qualification_n in_o we_o which_o may_v make_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o love_n so_o in_o requital_n to_o he_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o i_o confess_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n that_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o the_o dispute_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n now_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o advantage_n we_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v from_o christ_n what_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n pure_o for_o himself_o without_o any_o other_o consideration_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o grave_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o *_o w._n b._n who_o tell_v we_o 15._o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n to_o love_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n that_o gratitude_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n be_v now_o own_a to_o be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n 2._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v christ_n person_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n draw_v out_o with_o love_n to_o the_o very_a person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o certain_o true_a that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o love_n christ_n for_o his_o benefit_n love_v his_o person_n but_o 3._o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o christ_n crucify_v 4._o though_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n yet_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n yet_o to_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o benefit_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v he_o for_o no_o reason_n the_o proper_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o love_n be_v goodness_n to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_a and_o impossible_a a_o task_n to_o love_v a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v good_a to_o we_o not_o because_o he_o have_v be_v good_a but_o for_o no_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o if_o you_o separate_v the_o person_n and_o personal_n excellency_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o benefit_n his_o personal_a goodness_n from_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o can_v be_v no_o object_n nor_o reason_n of_o our_o love_n for_o a_o goodness_n which_o do_v no_o good_a or_o never_o do_v any_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v consider_v as_o do_v none_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o that_o goodness_n mean_v which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a god_n challenge_v our_o love_n not_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o imaginary_a goodness_n of_o nature_n which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a but_o for_o the_o real_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n himself_o challenge_v our_o love_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n because_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o now_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n on_o we_o but_o never_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v require_v such_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a love_n to_o his_o person_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o benefit_n indeed_o these_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o understand_v themselves_o when_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n for_o when_o you_o inquire_v what_o this_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n than_o they_o describe_v his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o disposition_n his_o great_a riches_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v whatever_o we_o need_v if_o you_o be_v poor_a he_o be_v rich_a if_o you_o be_v foolish_a he_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v he_o if_o you_o want_v a_o director_n in_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a i_o be_o light_a if_o you_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a he_o be_v righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n now_o either_o all_o this_o signify_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o christ_n or_o it_o signify_v nothing_o and_o how_o then_o do_v these_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o his_o benefit_n nay_o when_o they_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o ibid._n bid_v we_o behold_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o our_o person_n how_o many_o impediment_n his_o love_n have_v break_v through_o how_o free_a it_o be_v so_o free_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o neither_o likeness_n benefit_n nor_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v christ_n much_o if_o we_o will_v love_v his_o person_n in_o any_o good_a thing_n you_o have_v