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and_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n because_o the_o person_n who_o do_v they_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n our_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o our_o service_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o holiness_n by_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n nor_o by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o must_v first_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n whether_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o he_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o holiness_n can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o three_o at_o other_o time_n these_o man_n make_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n so_o 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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
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
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
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