of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n more_o by_o they_o than_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v mean_v something_o more_o than_o this_o or_o else_o they_o raise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o confound_v man_n mind_n with_o obscure_a and_o unscriptural_a phrase_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n sect_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o therefore_o our_o good_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n have_v take_v care_n in_o all_o age_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o leave_v such_o visible_a impress_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n on_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o for_o a_o well_o dispose_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v and_o while_o man_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n god_n himself_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o very_o present_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o after_o age_n as_o mankind_n grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n afford_v good_a man_n the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o more_o degenerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n he_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a example_n and_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n such_o as_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o give_v such_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o these_o man_n as_o may_v reasonable_o encourage_v other_o to_o imitate_v their_o example_n he_o translate_v enoch_n immediate_o to_o heaven_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o he_o destroy_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n which_o be_v a_o signal_n warning_n to_o that_o corrupt_a generation_n while_o the_o ark_n be_v prepare_v and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o posterity_n he_o send_v lot_n out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o sodom_n and_o make_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a nation_n which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n how_o dear_a these_o good_a man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o what_o other_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o who_o will_v worship_v and_o fear_v he_o as_o they_o do_v but_o when_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o these_o single_a example_n god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o public_a and_o constant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n for_o when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o all_o possible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v in_o rom._n 3._o 29._o be_v he_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n yes_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n in_o it_o must_v prove_v god_n respect_n to_o the_o gentile_n before_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o since_o because_o it_o be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a relation_n god_n own_v to_o all_o mankind_n as_o their_o merciful_a creator_n and_o governor_n which_o give_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n a_o interest_n in_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o plain_o evince_n that_o all_o those_o particular_a favour_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o israel_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o any_o partial_a fondness_n and_o respect_n to_o that_o people_n but_o the_o design_n of_o all_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o give_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n when_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o observation_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o glorious_o triumph_v over_o the_o numerous_a god_n of_o egypt_n and_o all_o their_o enchantment_n and_o divination_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v on_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host._n for_o this_o reason_n he_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o the_o constant_a expense_n of_o miracle_n fight_v all_o their_o battle_n for_o they_o and_o many_o time_n by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n overthrow_v great_a and_o puissant_a army_n drive_v out_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n and_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n i_o say_v one_o great_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v renounce_v their_o foolish_a idolatry_n and_o country_n god_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o one_o god_n who_o alone_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n this_o account_n the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o it_o that_o god_n wrought_v such_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o israel_n to_o make_v his_o glory_n and_o his_o power_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a psalm_n 98._o 2._o that_o the_o heathen_a may_v fear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n his_o glory_n i._n e._n that_o all_o nation_n may_v worship_v god_n and_o all_o king_n submit_v their_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n to_o he_o psal._n 102._o 15._o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n for_o all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v idol_n but_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n psal._n 96._o 4_o 5._o and_o as_o god_n set_v up_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n so_o he_o commit_v his_o law_n and_o oracle_n to_o they_o from_o whence_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o please_v may_v fetch_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a notice_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o such_o way_n god_n instruct_v the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o public_a example_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n but_o when_o long_o and_o sad_a experience_n have_v prove_v all_o these_o way_n ineffectual_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o give_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n by_o the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o john_n 1._o 18._o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o and_o in_o math._n 11._o 27._o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o of_o my_o father_n no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o that_o be_v god_n have_v now_o commit_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o age_n none_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o live_v before_o do_v so_o full_o understand_v it_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o other_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o thus_o in_o john_n 14._o 6_o 7._o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n
come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o if_o you_o have_v know_v i_o you_o shall_v have_v know_v my_o father_n also_o and_o henceforth_o you_o have_v know_v he_o and_o have_v see_v he_o that_o be_v i_o alone_o declare_v the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o by_o learning_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o know_v i_o i._n e._n whoever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n i_o preach_v know_v my_o father_n also_o that_o be_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n as_o he_o prove_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n so_o that_o to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v that_o declaration_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o that_o be_v that_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n signify_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v as_o a_o man_n be_v know_v by_o his_o face_n that_o be_v his_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prophet_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o this_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o that_o shine_a glory_n which_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v but_o typical_a of_o that_o bright_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n will_v make_v of_o himself_o by_o christ._n god_n be_v see_v in_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v my_o father_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v full_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n upon_o which_o account_n too_o as_o well_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o those_o discovery_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n be_v a_o bright_a and_o glorious_a reflection_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n as_o true_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n as_o any_o picture_n be_v of_o the_o person_n it_o represent_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o where_o christ_n being_n the_o image_n of_o god_n come_v in_o very_o abrupt_o unless_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will._n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o last_o and_o high_a object_n of_o religious_a and_o save_a knowledge_n i._n e._n that_o the_o only_a knowledge_n necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o action_n and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o whereas_o god_n be_v former_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a true_a medium_n of_o know_v god_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o he_o know_v god_n best_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n i._n e._n who_o understand_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o john_n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v i._n e._n the_o only_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v by_o know_v christ_n who_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n who_o have_v make_v more_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o and_o who_o alone_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n so_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o know_v his_o person_n which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o than_o what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o native_a simplicity_n as_o he_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n call_v this_o learning_n christ_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n for_o christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n signify_v to_o know_v his_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o expound_v all_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n or_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o office_n and_o mediation_n thus_o philip_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act_n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o verse_n 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o shall_v make_v all_o consider_v man_n ashamed_a of_o those_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a clamour_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o preach_v unless_o he_o be_v name_v in_o every_o sentence_n whether_o the_o argument_n require_v it_o or_o not_o as_o if_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n of_o preach_v nothing_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n those_o preach_v christ_n most_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o confirm_v man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o immortal_a life_n who_o expound_v his_o law_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o mediation_n for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v part_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o these_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o image_n of_o god_n and_o qualify_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o large_a notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o include_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o the_o design_n of_o all_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n how_o true_a soever_o our_o speculation_n be_v the_o scripture_n brand_v all_o those_o as_o ignorant_a of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v and_o reverence_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o though_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o hearty_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v all_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v we_o know_v he_o not_o john_n 1._o 2_o 3._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o verse_n 4._o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o 1_o john_n 3._o 6._o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o not_o but_o that_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v as_o true_a a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o good_a man_n have_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v no_o end_n which_o want_v life_n and_o sense_n and_o make_v man_n no_o better_o than_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o other_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n which_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v man_n incurable_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n impertinent_a and_o endless_a talker_n and_o insolent_a censurer_n of_o all_o mankind_n every_o boy_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o notion_n learn_v to_o despise_v the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o teacher_n as_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o down_o with_o they_o this_o be_v moral_a and_o legal_a preach_v nothing_o appear_v wholesome_a and_o savoury_a to_o their_o palate_n but_o some_o romantic_a description_n of_o the_o beauty_n loveliness_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ._n but_o i_o hope_v hereafter_o they_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o such_o stranger_n to_o christ_n as_o they_o imagine_v but_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a than_o to_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o his_o person_n and_o with_o his_o law_n and_o be_v too_o honest_a to_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o such_o dream_n and_o fruitless_a speculation_n the_o wildness_n and_o distraction_n of_o these_o man_n make_v i_o so_o much_o the_o more_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n who_o in_o her_o public_a catechism_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v these_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n of_o fancy_n feed_v her_o child_n with_o wholesome_a and_o substantial_a food_n have_v teach_v they_o a_o religion_n without_o art_n or_o subtilty_n have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o those_o obligation_n it_o lay_v on_o they_o to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n have_v teach_v they_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o contain_v those_o great_a and_o essential_a article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o action_n have_v give_v they_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a explication_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o what_o the_o true_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n institution_n be_v without_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o notion_n and_o artificial_a theory_n of_o religion_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o giddy_a with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o knowledge_n to_o talk_v ill_a and_o to_o live_v worse_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o dismiss_v these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o dotage_n only_o advise_v they_o that_o however_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o these_o choice_a speculation_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o pretend_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n lest_o they_o fare_v as_o ill_o as_o another_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v luke_n 19_o 21._o who_o argue_v from_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o apologise_v for_o his_o own_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n for_o i_o fear_v thou_o because_o thou_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n who_o take_v up_o that_o thou_o lay_v not_o down_o and_o reape_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o sow_v but_o it_o seem_v as_o great_a a_o acquaintance_n as_o he_o be_v he_o draw_v a_o very_a false_a conclusion_n when_o he_o hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n as_o his_o lord_n convince_v he_o to_o his_o cost_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o case_n though_o we_o argue_v from_o other_o principle_n not_o from_o the_o severity_n but_o from_o the_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v we_o lest_o he_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o at_o reason_v and_o make_v hypothesis_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o as_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o include_v not_o only_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o consist_v in_o true_a notion_n and_o opinion_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o life_n in_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n without_o which_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o like_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o paint_v a_o accurate_a image_n and_o picture_n without_o life_n or_o sense_n so_o these_o man_n talk_v also_o of_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n warm_v and_o heat_v their_o fancy_n and_o move_v their_o passion_n sometime_o they_o find_v great_a break_n of_o heart_n they_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v into_o tear_n for_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o remember_v what_o their_o lord_n suffer_v for_o they_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o have_v all_o his_o agony_n and_o die_a groan_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o then_o they_o curse_v their_o sin_n that_o nail_v he_o there_o and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o feel_v all_o the_o horror_n and_o agony_n of_o damn_a spirit_n at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v mighty_o ravish_v with_o his_o love_n and_o charm_v and_o captivate_v with_o his_o beauty_n fancy_n they_o have_v he_o in_o their_o arm_n in_o the_o close_a embrace_n they_o hear_v christ_n call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o that_o woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o they_o be_v refresh_v and_o ravish_v with_o his_o comfort_n and_o the_o sweet_a caress_n of_o his_o love_n they_o see_v christ_n adorn_v they_o with_o the_o beautiful_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n own_v they_o for_o his_o dear_a spouse_n and_o express_v all_o conjugal_a affection_n to_o they_o now_o they_o taste_v and_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o man_n only_o talk_v of_o and_o have_v a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o his_o fullness_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n of_o his_o love_n in_o cheer_v their_o soul_n of_o his_o beauty_n in_o adorn_v they_o they_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o now_o christ_n have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o this_o will_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o what_o follow_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o more_o experimental_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n unless_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o govern_v his_o life_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o have_v always_o such_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n as_o may_v constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o but_o without_o this_o we_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o he_o however_o we_o may_v be_v transport_v with_o these_o frantic_a rapture_n and_o exstasy_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n chap._n iu._n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sect_n i._o next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o which_o as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o be_v build_v all_o those_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a conclusion_n which_o so_o direct_o oppose_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n by_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v mention_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o may_v be_v express_v by_o a_o union_n and_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o and_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o metaphor_n i._o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o
never_o come_v and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v this_o particular_a call_n suppose_v it_o shall_v suspect_v this_o call_n for_o a_o delusion_n what_o course_n can_v it_o take_v to_o satisfy_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n true_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o this_o call_n by_o name_n will_v not_o satisfy_v it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o see_v whether_o its_o name_n be_v enroll_v there_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v must_v come_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o but_o second_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v this_o special_a and_o particular_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n any_o one_o can_v have_v that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o conceal_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v 130._o desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o scruple_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n and_o evidence_n and_o thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o purify_v 65._o your_o heart_n do_v it_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v it_o work_v by_o love_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v you_o then_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o a_o heir_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v your_o nature_n change_v do_v you_o not_o think_v speak_v act_n as_o you_o do_v before_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n do_v you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o every_o branch_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o do_v that_o be_v you_o must_v prove_v your_o justification_n by_o your_o sanctification_n your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o good_a christian_n by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v what_o our_o state_n be_v as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n and_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a it_o be_v no_o worse_o that_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n may_v at_o least_o put_v in_o for_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o holiness_n and_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n a_o holy_a life_n can_v no_o more_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n than_o it_o can_v justify_v we_o for_o first_o since_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a sign_n of_o it_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o therefore_o a_o unholy_a man_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o can_v holiness_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a mark_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n indeed_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o holiness_n do_v necessary_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n know_v how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v before_o it_o follow_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n such_o a_o person_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n at_o best_a this_o give_v evidence_n but_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n a_o holy_a life_n may_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v no_o certain_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n may_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o one_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o nay_o second_o according_a to_o these_o man_n principle_n we_o can_v tell_v whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o till_o we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o holiness_n not_o our_o holiness_n a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o please_v god_n the_o best_a action_n of_o christless_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la glitter_v impiety_n which_o may_v appear_v so_o fair_a and_o lovely_a that_o they_o may_v deceive_v both_o other_o man_n and_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n because_o the_o person_n who_o do_v they_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n our_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o our_o service_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o holiness_n by_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n nor_o by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o must_v first_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n whether_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o he_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o holiness_n can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o three_o at_o other_o time_n these_o man_n make_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o like_o a_o unsanctified_a state_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v a_o sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a man_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n holiness_n and_o sanctification_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o another_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a itself_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o it_o and_o a_o regenerate_a man_n as_o they_o describe_v he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n as_o like_v this_o as_o one_o egg_n be_v like_o another_o for_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v
wherein_o these_o spiritual_a espousal_n consist_v viz_o that_o the_o soul_n consent_v to_o take_v christ_n 63._o on_o his_o own_o term_n to_o save_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o will_v have_v have_v thou_o and_o salvation_n in_o my_o way_n that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v partly_o of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o be_o now_o willing_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o to_o be_v save_v in_o thy_o way_n mere_o by_o grace_n that_o be_v without_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o obey_v thou_o the_o most_o content_a spouse_n certain_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o hard_a condition_n as_o to_o be_v save_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o a_o pretty_a compliment_n do_v the_o soul_n make_v to_o christ_n after_o all_o this_o when_o she_o add_v and_o though_o i_o will_v have_v walk_v according_a to_o my_o own_o mind_n yet_o now_o i_o whole_o give_v up_o myself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o thy_o spirit_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o what_o follow_v for_o other_o make_v obedience_n necessary_a upon_o account_n of_o our_o participation_n of_o christ_n fullness_n for_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o his_o fullness_n a_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o prove_v that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o but_o make_v it_o no_o otherwise_o necessary_a to_o we_o than_o as_o we_o be_v necessary_o passive_a in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o soul_n mean_v in_o give_v itself_o up_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v passive_o not_o active_o good_a to_o submit_v as_o needs_o it_o must_v to_o the_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o to_o obey_v when_o it_o can_v rebel_v no_o long_o thus_o reader_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o entire_a scheme_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n result_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o all_o its_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o practice_n here_o be_v every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v found_v on_o or_o pretend_v to_o and_o the_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a connexion_n of_o one_o part_n with_o another_o whereby_o thou_o may_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n and_o contrivance_n and_o i_o think_v there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o consider_a man_n who_o can_v but_o discover_v how_o inconsistent_a the_o religion_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o of_o his_o gospel_n be_v this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n these_o man_n glory_n in_o as_o contain_v great_a mystery_n and_o more_o soulsaving_a truth_n than_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iii_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n upon_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o what_o that_o religion_n be_v which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o show_v you_o what_o a_o unsafe_a foundation_n it_o be_v to_o build_v any_o religion_n on_o and_o first_o this_o be_v at_o best_a to_o build_v religion_n upon_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n for_o suppose_v man_n be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a in_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o few_o of_o these_o man_n be_v yet_o what_o assurance_n can_v they_o have_v that_o their_o inference_n be_v true_a have_v we_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o many_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v of_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v he_o not_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o this_o we_o may_v have_v guest_n and_o guest_n till_o we_o have_v be_v weary_a but_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o we_o have_v never_o guest_n right_a or_o at_o best_a can_v never_o have_v be_v secure_a we_o have_v we_o may_v understand_v necessary_a cause_n from_o necessary_a effect_n and_o necessary_a effect_n from_o necessary_a cause_n if_o we_o see_v a_o fire_n we_o know_v it_o burn_v something_o and_o if_o we_o see_v smoke_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v there_o be_v some_o fire_n but_o where_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o effect_n with_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o necessary_a but_o arbitrary_a do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o free_a agent_n we_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o design_n than_o the_o principal_a agent_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o be_v the_o pure_a effect_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o council_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n and_o contrivance_n of_o this_o but_o he_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o those_o who_o learn_v from_o he_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v understand_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v learn_v it_o from_o his_o doctrine_n not_o from_o his_o person_n because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o incarnation_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v available_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o god_n design_v they_o but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o do_v depend_v upon_o god_n institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n when_o we_o be_v acquaint_v by_o christ_n for_o what_o end_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o it_o in_o send_v we_o such_o a_o saviour_n and_o qualify_a he_o in_o so_o excellent_a a_o manner_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o we_o can_v safe_o draw_v any_o one_o conclusion_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o his_o gospel_n have_v not_o express_o teach_v because_o we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o the_o design_n of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v there_o reveal_v and_o be_v it_o not_o intolerable_a presumption_n for_o man_n to_o mould_n and_o shape_n religion_n according_a to_o their_o fancy_n and_o humour_n and_o to_o stuff_v it_o with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o orthodox_n proposition_n none_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n but_o be_v only_o pretend_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o thence_o by_o such_o imaginary_a consequence_n from_o some_o little_a hint_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n especial_o be_v not_o this_o unpardonable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o cry_v down_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o profane_a and_o carnal_a thing_n as_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o intermeddle_v in_o holy_a matter_n and_o yet_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o erect_v such_o glorious_a and_o magnificent_a fabric_n on_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o little_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v this_o when_o man_n argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n and_o providence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o those_o eternal_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o essential_a difference_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v when_o man_n argue_v from_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n which_o have_v a_o immutable_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n and_o so_o can_v bear_v the_o stress_n and_o weight_n of_o a_o just_a consequence_n this_o be_v carnal_a reason_n but_o when_o man_n argue_v from_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n which_o have_v no_o stable_a nature_n from_o some_o pretty_a allusion_n and_o similitude_n and_o allegory_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a shape_n nor_o form_n but_o what_o every_o man_n fancy_n give_v they_o this_o be_v sanctify_v and_o spiritual_a reason_n but_o why_o i_o can_v imagine_v unless_o that_o it_o so_o much_o resemble_v ghost_n and_o shadow_n which_o have_v nothing_o solid_a and_o substantial_a in_o they_o second_o how_o dangerous_a this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n be_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o will_v serve_v any_o man_n turn_n who_o have_v any_o quickness_n and_o vigour_n of_o fancy_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n at_o this_o rate_n to_o set_v up_o the_o trade_n of_o make_v new_a hypothesis_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o one_o draught_n and_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o present_v you_o with_o
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
god_n by_o our_o own_o righteousness_n why_o do_v not_o all_o our_o wisdom_n of_o 119._o walk_v with_o god_n consist_v in_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o we_o be_v darkness_n and_o in_o we_o no_o light_n at_o all_o he_o be_v life_n a_o live_a god_n we_o be_v dead_a dead_a sinner_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v holiness_n and_o glorious_a in_o it_o we_o whole_o defile_v a_o abominable_a thing_n he_o be_v love_n we_o full_a of_o hatred_n hate_v and_o be_v hate_v sure_o this_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o agreement_n or_o upon_o that_o of_o walk_v that_o be_v of_o communion_n together_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o remote_a than_o this_o frame_n from_o such_o a_o condition_n the_o foundation_n then_o of_o this_o peace_n that_o be_v of_o agreement_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v lay_v in_o christ_n hide_v in_o christ_n he_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v our_o peace_n he_o have_v make_v peace_n for_o we_o he_o be_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v christ_n and_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o he_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o all_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o he_o we_o meet_v in_o he_o we_o walk_v so_o that_o if_o this_o gentleman_n memory_n have_v not_o fail_v he_o he_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o 8._o chap._n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o a_o little_a before_o he_o have_v disclaim_v this_o as_o whole_o useless_a to_o that_o purpose_n but_o however_o holiness_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o serve_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n how_o so_o when_o it_o be_v not_o essential_o necessary_a to_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o why_o so_o when_o man_n may_v be_v convert_v without_o it_o it_o keep_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n from_o other_o man_n as_o ten_o good_a man_n will_v have_v preserve_v sodom_n but_o why_o can_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o holiness_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o justify_v person_n for_o they_o be_v accept_v and_o receive_v into_o friendship_n with_o a_o holy_a god_n a_o god_n of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v themselves_o what_o need_v of_o this_o when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o but_o however_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o sanctification_n we_o have_v in_o we_o a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o this_o new_a creature_n be_v feed_v cherish_v nourish_v keep_v alive_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n give_v we_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a nature_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v kill_v they_o stifle_v the_o creature_n that_o be_v find_v in_o we_o in_o the_o womb_n that_o we_o shall_v give_v he_o to_o the_o old_a man_n to_o be_v devour_v the_o phrase_n of_o this_o be_v admirable_a and_o the_o reason_n unanswerable_a for_o if_o man_n be_v new_a creature_n they_o will_v certain_o live_v new_a life_n and_o this_o make_v holiness_n absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o every_o thing_n necessary_o be_v what_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v but_o still_o we_o inquire_v after_o a_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o we_o can_v discover_v yet_o well!_o but_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n this_o indeed_o be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o though_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n mark_v the_o hypothesis_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o way_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o none_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o the_o end_n who_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n for_o without_o holiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v god_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o pertinent_a and_o home_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o little_a fault_n in_o it_o that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o and_o overthrow_v their_o darling_n opinion_n which_o i_o can_v very_o well_o pardon_v if_o he_o can_v what_o the_o necessary_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n at_o least_o you_o may_v allow_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v the_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o get_v thither_o and_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o your_o distinction_n will_v entitle_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o condition_n but_o not_o to_o dispute_v about_o word_n i_o be_o content_a it_o shall_v only_o be_v a_o necessary_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o what_o become_v of_o christ_n then_o who_o be_v the_o only_a way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n able_a to_o save_v we_o without_o a_o additional_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o do_v the_o active_a and_o passive_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n both_o free_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n and_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n and_o title_n to_o glory_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o be_v save_v without_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n what_o become_v of_o free_a grace_n then_o be_v not_o this_o to_o eke_o out_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n with_o our_o own_o to_o make_v christ_n our_o justifier_n and_o our_o work_n our_o saviour_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o man_n wrest_v and_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v their_o sense_n and_o justify_v their_o darling_n opinion_n and_o fancy_n though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o same_o success_n for_o some_o truth_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o stubborn_a that_o they_o will_v not_o bend_v but_o must_v be_v break_v into_o the_o most_o palpable_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_v to_o their_o opinion_n and_o then_o they_o agree_v like_o new_a cloth_n in_o a_o old_a garment_n which_o make_v the_o rent_n the_o wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o pre-possess_a our_o fancy_n with_o some_o arbitrary_a notion_n in_o religion_n which_o natural_o force_v man_n to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v the_o orthodox_n language_n to_o this_o we_o owe_v all_o those_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o systematical_a divinity_n which_o common_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o scripture_n or_o to_o bribe_v it_o to_o speak_v on_o their_o side_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o call_v that_o into_o question_n whatever_o acquaintance_n man_n have_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o mr._n chillingworth_n observe_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o to_o establish_v her_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n she_o need_v not_o either_o abolish_v or_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o numerous_a multitude_n of_o copy_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n translate_v into_o almost_o all_o language_n guard_v with_o all_o solicitous_a care_n and_o industry_n have_v be_v a_o impossible_a attempt_n but_o the_o more_o expedite_a way_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v successful_a be_v to_o gain_v the_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o public_a and_o authorize_v interpreter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o add_v to_o they_o what_o doctrine_n she_o please_v under_o the_o title_n of_o tradition_n or_o definition_n thus_o though_o their_o fancy_n and_o the_o scripture_n agree_v no_o better_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v both_o retain_v so_o their_o opinion_n may_v but_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o add_v such_o limitation_n distinction_n gloss_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o orthodox_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v thus_o acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n but_o to_o understand_v his_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n it_o be_v not_o the_o person_n but_o