live_v and_o come_v to_o heaven_n but_o without_o faith_n never_o any_o man_n have_v life_n the_o thief_n that_o be_v hang_v when_o christ_n suffer_v do_v believe_v only_o and_o the_o most_o merciful_a god_n justify_v he_o though_o as_o bishop_n davenant_n observe_v his_o faith_n produce_v a_o great_a many_o good_a work_n in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n but_o than_o it_o follow_v if_o he_o have_v live_v and_o not_o regard_v faith_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o he_o shall_v have_v lose_v his_o salvation_n again_o but_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n that_o i_o say_v that_o faith_n by_o itself_o save_v he_o but_o work_v by_o themselves_o never_o justify_v any_o man_n where_o he_o prefer_v faith_n above_o work_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o universal_a principle_n of_o obedience_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n without_o work_n when_o there_o want_v time_n or_o opportunity_n to_o act_v they_o though_o in_o no_o other_o case_n but_o no_o work_n can_v be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o true_a and_o hearty_a faith_n neither_o faith_n be_v without_o work_n have_v opportunity_n thereto_o nor_o work_n can_v avail_v to_o everlasting_a life_n without_o faith_n the_o three_o thing_n note_v of_o faith_n be_v what_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n faith_n produce_v and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o some_o external_a act_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o some_o worthless_a and_o flatter_a devotion_n not_o some_o arbitrary_a superstition_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n which_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n as_o be_v excellent_o discourse_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o homily_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n justify_v faith_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a and_o unactive_a principle_n but_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o no_o other_o faith_n can_v justify_v we_o but_o such_o a_o lively_a faith_n as_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n according_a as_o it_o have_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a but_o to_o make_v this_o still_o more_o evident_a i_o observe_v far_o that_o whereas_o our_o church_n seem_v to_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n upon_o one_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n viz._n our_o trust_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o our_o apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n she_o also_o make_v a_o good_a life_n or_o at_o least_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n antecedent_o necessary_a to_o this_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o our_o trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v assign_v why_o no_o wicked_a man_n can_v have_v a_o sure_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n have_v this_o true_a faith_n this_o sure_a confidence_n in_o god_n 3_o that_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o christ_n when_o he_o live_v ungodly_a and_o deny_v christ_n in_o his_o deed_n sure_o no_o such_o ungodly_a man_n can_v have_v this_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n for_o as_o they_o know_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n so_o they_o know_v also_o that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v not_o enjoy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o know_v that_o god_n hate_v unrighteousness_n that_o he_o will_v destroy_v all_o those_o that_o speak_v untrue_o that_o those_o who_o have_v do_v good_a work_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n shall_v come_v forth_o into_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o those_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v come_v unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o judgement_n very_o well_o they_o know_v also_o that_o to_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o to_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o truth_n but_o will_v obey_v unrighteousness_n shall_v come_v indignation_n wrath_n and_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o word_n be_v this_o that_o no_o wicked_a man_n can_v have_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n whereas_o god_n have_v threaten_v eternal_a damnation_n against_o all_o wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o man_n while_o he_o live_v in_o wickedness_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v pardon_v by_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sure_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v justify_v for_o believe_v a_o lie_n thus_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o faith_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o true_a lively_a justify_v faith_n be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n we_o be_v express_o teach_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o god_n in_o the_o bible_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o live_v so_o ungodly_a that_o he_o can_v look_v to_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n although_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o faith_n and_o belief_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v that_o he_o believe_v in_o god_n or_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n whereby_o he_o may_v sure_o look_v for_o grace_n mercy_n and_o everlasting_a life_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o rather_o for_o indignation_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n this_o contain_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o former_a paragraph_n &_o far_o give_v we_o a_o account_n what_o distinction_n our_o church_n make_v between_o credere_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o credere_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la to_o believe_v god_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o first_o signify_v to_o believe_v whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a the_o second_o be_v to_o yield_v such_o obedience_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v all_o the_o fiducial_a reliance_n which_o our_o church_n teach_v to_o trust_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o our_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o all_o gospel-obedience_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v more_o express_o teach_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o faith_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o must_v needs_o consequent_o follow_v that_o he_o that_o have_v this_o faith_n must_v have_v also_o good_a work_n and_o be_v studious_a to_o observe_v god_n commandment_n obedient_o for_o to_o they_o that_o have_v evil_a work_n and_o lead_v their_o life_n in_o disobedience_n and_o transgression_n or_o break_v god_n commandment_n without_o repentance_n pertain_v not_o everlasting_a life_n but_o everlasting_a death_n as_o christ_n himself_o say_v they_o that_o do_v well_o shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a but_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o say_v to_o prove_v the_o inseparable_a union_n of_o good_a work_n with_o faith_n in_o the_o act_n of_o justification_n in_o the_o homily_n of_o repentance_n this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o plain_o teach_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a evasion_n we_o be_v there_o tell_v that_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o glad_a and_o joyful_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n have_v always_o in_o their_o godly_a sermon_n and_o preach_n unto_o the_o people_n join_v these_o two_o together_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n do_v appoint_v himself_o say_v so_o it_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n and_o that_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v evangelical_n justification_n and_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v repentance_n this_o be_v prove_v in_o that_o
the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o we_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o active_a righteousness_n for_o since_o his_o purity_n and_o holiness_n give_v worth_a and_o dignity_n to_o his_o merit_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o his_o merit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o his_o active_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v impute_v also_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n never_o think_v that_o the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v account_v by_o god_n to_o have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n perform_v which_o be_v the_o modern_a notion_n of_o imputation_n but_o it_o be_v so_o impute_v to_o we_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n and_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o reverend_a person_n excellent_o explain_v it_o soon_o after_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n or_o into_o judgement_n as_o he_o read_v it_o john_n v._n 24._o and_o add_v what_o judgement_n be_v this_o from_o which_o believer_n be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n proculdubio_fw-la strictum_fw-la illud_fw-la ubi_fw-la juxta_fw-la normam_fw-la legis_fw-la aliquis_fw-la examinatur_fw-la &_o prout_fw-la deprehenditur_fw-la huic_fw-la norm_a respondere_fw-la iustùs_fw-la aut_fw-la injustus_fw-la pronunciatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n no_o doubt_n that_o strict_a judgement_n where_o man_n be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v pronounce_v just_a or_o unjust_a as_o they_o be_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o that_o rule_n justificatio_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la credentium_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la eo_fw-la dependet_fw-la quod_fw-la habent_fw-la in_o se_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la nova_fw-la justitiae_fw-la quam_fw-la audent_fw-la legali_fw-la examini_fw-la &_o stricto_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la subjicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la merita_fw-la redemptoris_fw-la non_fw-la subituri_fw-la sunt_fw-la tale_n judicium_fw-la sed_fw-la perinde_n cum_fw-la illis_fw-la agetur_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la haberent_fw-la in_o seipsis_fw-la exactam_fw-la justitiam_fw-la legalem_fw-la therefore_o the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o internal_a righteousness_n as_o they_o dare_v submit_v to_o a_o legal_a trial_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o and_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o redeemer_n hey_o shall_v never_o undergo_v such_o a_o judgement_n but_o shall_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o exact_a legal_a righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o hemean_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o hearty_o own_v it_o though_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o phrase_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o alter_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o by_o christ_n merit_n and_o that_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o homily_n and_o upon_o our_o part_n true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o we_o but_o by_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n and_o what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o this_o faith_n in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n and_o belief_n in_o man_n heart_n 1_o whereby_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o agree_v unto_o all_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v but_o then_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n or_o a_o true_a justify_v faith_n such_o as_o no_o wicked_a man_n can_v have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o true_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o stead_n fast_o hope_v of_o all_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v receive_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o that_o although_o we_o through_o infirmity_n or_o temptation_n of_o our_o ghostly_a enemy_n do_v fall_n from_o he_o by_o sin_n yet_o if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v and_o forget_v our_o offence_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v make_v we_o inheritor_n with_o he_o of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o that_o kingdom_n come_v he_o will_v be_v our_o protector_n and_o defender_n in_o all_o peril_n and_o danger_n whatsoever_o do_v chance_v and_o that_o though_o sometime_o he_o do_v send_v we_o sharp_a adversity_n yet_o that_o evermore_o he_o will_v be_v a_o love_a father_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o he_o hang_v only_o upon_o he_o and_o call_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o sure_a hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n or_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o express_v a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o same_o homily_n for_o the_o very_a sure_a and_o lively_a christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v all_o thing_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v a_o earnest_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o he_o do_v regard_v we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a over_o we_o as_o the_o father_n be_v over_o the_o child_n who_o he_o do_v love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o we_o for_o his_o only_a son_n sake_n and_o that_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o priest_n in_o who_o only_a merit_n oblation_n and_o suffer_v we_o do_v trust_v that_o our_o offence_n be_v continual_o wash_v and_o purge_v whensoever_o we_o repent_v true_o do_v return_n to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n stead_n fast_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o through_o his_o grace_n to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o never_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o sin_n so_o that_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v actual_o pardon_v or_o that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n without_o require_v any_o more_o of_o we_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v forgive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o and_o determine_v through_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n never_o to_o return_v to_o they_o again_o but_o we_o shall_v understand_v this_o the_o better_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n for_o our_o church_n distinguish_v between_o a_o dead_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o dead_a faith_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n st._n james_n compare_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o 1_o devil_n which_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o just_a and_o tremble_v for_o fear_n yet_o they_o do_v nothing_o well_o but_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o faith_n have_v the_o wicked_a and_o naughty_a christian_a people_n which_o confess_v god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o their_o mouth_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o deed_n be_v abominable_a and_o without_o the_o right_a faith_n and_o to_o all_o good_a work_v reprovable_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a it_o be_v not_o now_o faith_n as_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v not_o a_o man_n this_o dead_a faith_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o sure_a and_o substantial_a faith_n which_o save_v sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v and_o the_o description_n of_o that_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n another_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o
his_o death_n and_o cite_v heb._n ix_o 12._o to_o that_o purpose_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a no_n socinian_n can_v own_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n be_v one_o who_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o petition_n and_o procure_v a_o answer_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n offer_v incense_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n which_o signify_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o while_n the_o priest_n offer_v incense_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n the_o people_n use_v to_o pray_v without_o that_o their_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v together_o with_o the_o incense_n luke_n i_o 10._o so_o that_o christ_n intercession_n be_v found_v on_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o meritorius_fw-la sacrifice_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n imagine_v but_o the_o recommendation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o person_n to_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o his_o be_v able_a to_o save_v all_o those_o to_o the_o uttermost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n seven_o 25._o and_o since_o we_o have_v such_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o but_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v present_v his_o blood_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n he_o be_v no_o long_o than_o a_o priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o aaron_n but_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedeck_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n his_o work_n be_v not_o to_o offer_v himself_o any_o more_o in_o sacrifice_n for_o he_o have_v by_o one_o offering_n for_o ever_o perfect_v they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v but_o his_o office_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n in_o god_n name_n as_o melchisedeck_v bless_v abraham_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o bless_v we_o in_o turn_v of_o we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v exalt_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o now_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n christ_n do_v not_o intercede_v like_o some_o mean_a advocate_n by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n have_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o but_o do_v by_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n as_o the_o purchase_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n bestow_v all_o those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o his_o name_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o assert_v that_o christ_n intercession_n be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o regal_a priest_n to_o expiate_v and_o forgive_v sin_n not_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o they_o which_o he_o do_v by_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o mr._n ferguson_n will_v pervert_v my_o word_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o expiation_n and_o atonement_n to_o we_o in_o the_o actual_a forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o though_o he_o quarrel_n with_o i_o for_o assert_v it_o be_v willing_a it_o seem_v to_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o know_v how_o his_o word_n be_v these_o indeed_o his_o intercession_n as_o upon_o the_o one_o 391._o hand_n it_o be_v found_v on_o his_o oblation_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o meritorious_a passion_n and_o a_o continuation_n of_o his_o sacerdotal_a function_n which_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o christ_n intercession_n as_o confound_v his_o sacrifice_n with_o his_o intercession_n which_o be_v indeed_o found_v on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o receive_v all_o its_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n from_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v of_o a_o distinct_a nature_n and_o consideration_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o have_v its_o effect_n towards_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o act_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n for_o these_o office_n be_v all_o vest_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o have_v all_o the_o same_o general_a end_n and_o belong_v all_o to_o the_o work_n of_o mediation_n it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v but_o that_o their_o act_n must_v have_v a_o mutual_a respect_n to_o each_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o priestly_a office_n to_o which_o intercession_n appertain_v be_v formal_o distinct_a from_o his_o kingly_a in_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n intercession_n as_o it_o respect_v we_o and_o consist_v in_o bestow_v those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v be_v a_o act_n of_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o assert_v or_o ever_o intend_v to_o assert_v and_o as_o for_o what_o he_o add_v that_o still_o his_o priestly_a office_n be_v formal_o distinguish_v from_o his_o kingly_a i_o ready_o grant_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o respect_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o aaronical_a priesthood_n but_o as_o it_o respect_v his_o intercession_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o melchisedechian_a priesthood_n his_o kingly_a and_o priestly_a office_n be_v so_o close_o unite_v that_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o regal_a priest_n than_o as_o either_o priest_n or_o king_n because_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v found_v on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v see_v what_o a_o vain_a and_o malicious_a attempt_n it_o be_v for_o this_o author_n to_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v i_o as_o a_o socinian_n of_o which_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n i_o shall_v give_v several_a other_o instance_n hereafter_o and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o prove_v that_o the_o kingly_a and_o priestly_a office_n in_o christ_n be_v distinct_a and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o a_o proper_a priest_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o looking-glass-maker_n he_o quarrel_v still_o that_o i_o say_v that_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n in_o publish_v his_o law_n our_o author_n can_v understand_v that_o to_o enact_v law_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o a_o regal_a power_n but_o not_o to_o publish_v they_o which_o will_v make_v every_o inferior_a herald_n a_o king_n this_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a objection_n which_o show_v his_o skill_n in_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o necessary_a for_o a_o king_n to_o publish_v his_o law_n in_o his_o own_o person_n this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a condescension_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o come_v in_o person_n to_o we_o to_o publish_v his_o law_n but_o yet_o the_o publication_n of_o law_n must_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n which_o enact_v they_o for_o publication_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o law_n and_o by_o wise_a man_n than_o our_o author_n put_v into_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o regal_a power_n i_o doubt_v my_o reader_n will_v be_v quite_o tire_v with_o my_o take_a notice_n of_o such_o impertinent_a cavil_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o or_o two_o more_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o dismiss_v our_o author_n for_o the_o present_a i_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o church_n for_o teach_v her_o child_n a_o religion_n without_o art_n or_o subtilty_n our_o author_n disprove_v this_o by_o show_v that_o no_o child_n can_v 31._o understand_v the_o church-catechism_n without_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n he_o can_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n without_o understand_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n and_o whether_o he_o must_v be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o he_o must_v know_v what_o this_o church_n be_v which_o require_v great_a subtlety_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n i_o can_v prove_v that_o a_o child_n can_v understand_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o nature_n without_o unridle_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o philosophy_n as_o for_o instance_n at_o this_o rate_n a_o child_n can_v understand_v what_o bread_n be_v unless_o he_o first_o understand_v what_o matter_n be_v and_o then_o he_o
whatever_o become_v of_o this_o exposition_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n before_o mr._n ferguson_n imagine_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n be_v a_o proper_a expression_n without_o the_o least_o trope_n or_o figure_n fullness_n proper_o belong_v only_o to_o space_n as_o fill_v with_o matter_n and_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n when_o apply_v to_o spirit_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o instead_o of_o turn_v a_o proper_a expression_n into_o trope_n and_o figure_n i_o have_v expound_v a_o figurative_a expression_n to_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n when_o by_o the_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n i_o understand_v the_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o by_o this_o fullness_n communicate_v to_o we_o the_o most_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o proper_a work_n mr._n ferguson_n make_v of_o it_o by_o that_o fullness_n in_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n he_o understand_v a_o participation_n of_o renew_v sanctify_a grace_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n full_a of_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n that_o be_v according_a to_o mr._n ferguson_n notion_n of_o it_o of_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o receive_v this_o renew_n grace_n out_o of_o christ_n fullness_n as_o water_n flow_v out_o of_o a_o fountain_n and_o thus_o either_o grace_n pass_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o which_o the_o philosopher_n will_v have_v tell_v he_o no_o habit_n or_o quality_n can_v do_v or_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o christ_n be_v communicate_v to_o christian_n together_o with_o these_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o more_o ridiculous_a conceit_n than_o the_o popish_a transubstantiation_n or_o the_o lutheran_n consubstantiation_n the_o inherent_a grace_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o identical_a nature_n with_o the_o infuse_a habit_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_n and_o the_o essential_a holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v separable_a from_o his_o person_n and_o may_v be_v transmit_v into_o another_o subject_n and_o may_v there_o be_v capable_a of_o increase_n and_o diminution_n mr._n ferguson_n must_v necessary_o allow_v all_o this_o if_o he_o take_v these_o word_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v endow_v with_o power_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v we_o to_o deliver_v this_o expression_n from_o trope_n and_o figure_n but_o the_o very_a same_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n must_v be_v infuse_v into_o believer_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n by_o turn_v they_o into_o nonsense_n but_o these_o be_v but_o some_o slight_a skirmish_n in_o pag._n 387._o he_o draw_v forth_o his_o whole_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n against_o i_o that_o i_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n by_o turn_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n into_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n of_o this_o he_o give_v two_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o say_v i_o confound_v with_o his_o regal_a office_n and_o consequent_o make_v christ_n only_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n where_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o priest_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v 399._o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o they_o must_v all_o of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v in_o a_o metaphorick_n as_o the_o socinian_o expound_v they_o now_o though_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v puzzle_v mr._n ferguson_n to_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n what_o he_o mean_v by_o a_o proper_a and_o a_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n yet_o at_o least_o one_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o in_o order_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o shall_v produce_v some_o express_a place_n where_o i_o make_v christ_n a_o metaphorical_a priest_n or_o some_o express_a text_n which_o i_o expound_v to_o such_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n but_o he_o can_v do_v neither_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o he_o first_o pervert_v my_o word_n as_o well_o as_o sense_n and_o then_o argue_v by_o consequence_n that_o i_o make_v christ_n only_o a_o metaphorical_a priest_n and_o then_o by_o as_o good_a consequence_n i_o must_v expound_v those_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o metaphorick_n sense_n and_o thus_o by_o consequence_n our_o author_n lose_v his_o labour_n for_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o childish_o he_o have_v mistake_v or_o malicious_o pervert_v my_o word_n and_o sense_n whereon_o this_o charge_n be_v ground_v only_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a to_o find_v upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o alter_v his_o judgement_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n and_o his_o discourse_n concern_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o time_n be_v when_o he_o charge_v that_o learned_a person_n with_o betray_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o i_o be_o now_o charge_v with_o socinianism_n but_o our_o author_n never_o commend_v any_o one_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v some_o commendation_n of_o himself_o or_o to_o reflect_v some_o disparagement_n and_o odium_fw-la upon_o his_o adversary_n his_o next_o instance_n concern_v that_o account_n which_o i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o justification_n 403._o and_o here_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o few_o cavil_v exception_n against_o it_o &_o then_o admirable_o prove_v that_o i_o pervert_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o own_o my_o word_n but_o dislike_v that_o blunder_a method_n into_o which_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o represent_v my_o own_o conception_n in_o such_o order_n and_o method_n as_o may_v more_o easy_o and_o natural_o express_v my_o sense_n i_o assert_v that_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o a_o perfect_a and_o sinless_a obedience_n but_o promise_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n that_o this_o gospel-covenant_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n who_o by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o both_o in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n have_v give_v a_o noble_a demonstration_n of_o his_o entire_a obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o with_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o his_o death_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n believe_v his_o revelation_n obey_v his_o law_n trust_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o supply_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o righteousness_n or_o justification_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a account_n of_o my_o sense_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o
scripture_n which_o be_v not_o as_o the_o foresay_a faith_n idle_a unfruitful_a and_o dead_a but_o work_v by_o charity_n as_o st._n paul_n declare_v gal._n v_o which_o as_o the_o other_o vain_a faith_n be_v call_v a_o dead_a faith_n so_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o quick_a or_o lively_a faith_n this_o be_v the_o true_a lively_a and_o unfeigned_a christian_a faith_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mouth_n and_o outward_a profession_n only_o but_o it_o live_v and_o stir_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o without_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n nor_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n nor_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o without_o the_o desire_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o same_o in_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v glad_o all_o good_a work_n this_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n describe_v 12._o it_o be_v the_o sure_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o and_o trust_v â—o_o receive_v of_o god_n a_o certificate_n and_o sure_a look_v for_o they_o although_o they_o yet_o sensible_o appear_v not_o unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o that_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o of_o our_o expectation_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n from_o he_o be_v a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v dispute_v with_o no_o man_n i_o never_o assert_v more_o myself_o nor_o desire_v any_o other_o man_n shall_v but_o to_o make_v it_o more_o evident_a what_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n we_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o homily_n three_o thing_n concern_v faith_n first_o that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o true_a faith_n to_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n when_o it_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o action_n this_o faith_n do_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o the_o heart_n but_o be_v lively_a and_o ibid._n fruitful_a in_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n that_o as_o the_o light_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v show_v forth_o itself_o at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o so_o a_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v keep_v secret_a but_o when_o occasion_n be_v offer_v it_o will_v break_v out_o and_o show_v itself_o by_o good_a work_n and_o as_o the_o live_a body_n of_o a_o man_n ever_o exercise_v such_o thing_n as_o belong_v to_o a_o natural_a and_o live_a body_n for_o nourishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o it_o have_v need_v opportunity_n and_o occasion_n even_o so_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o it_o will_v be_v do_v always_o some_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v live_v and_o will_v not_o be_v unoccupied_a therefore_o when_o man_n hear_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o high_a commendation_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o make_v we_o to_o please_v god_n to_o live_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o then_o they_o fantasy_n that_o they_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o do_v all_o good_a work_n and_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n they_o trifle_v with_o god_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o have_v the_o true_a lively_a faith_n &_o also_o far_o from_o knowledge_n what_o true_a faith_n mean_v and_o then_o follow_v that_o excellent_a description_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v above_o 76._o from_o this_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o our_o church_n account_v a_o holy_a life_n as_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o action_n be_v to_o life_n and_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v discover_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n just_a as_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n be_v discover_v by_o external_a and_o visible_a action_n this_o be_v far_o prove_v in_o the_o homily_n from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n who_o faith_n be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n such_o as_o abel_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o of_o the_o 1_o epist._n 2._o of_o s._n john_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o express_a testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n and_o by_o refute_v the_o several_a pretence_n of_o those_o man_n who_o fancy_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o love_v he_o though_o they_o either_o live_v in_o sin_n or_o neglect_v to_o obey_v his_o law_n &_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v in_o these_o word_n so_o they_o that_o be_v christian_n 3_o and_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n merit_n and_o yet_o of_o a_o set_a purpose_n do_v live_v idle_o without_o good_a work_n think_v the_o name_n of_o a_o naked_a faith_n to_o be_v either_o sufficient_a for_o they_o or_o else_o set_v their_o mind_n upon_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n do_v live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n not_o utter_v the_o fruit_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o such_o a_o high_a profession_n upon_o such_o presumptuous_a person_n and_o wilful_a sinner_n must_v needs_o remain_v the_o great_a vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o hell_n prepare_v for_o the_o unjust_a and_o wicked_a liver_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o faith_n be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o good_a work_n acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o without_o it_o can_v no_o good_a work_n be_v do_v accept_v and_o pleasant_a unto_o god_n 1._o for_o as_o a_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n so_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o whatever_a work_n be_v do_v without_o faith_n be_v sin_n faith_n give_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v as_o much_o dead_a to_o god_n who_o lack_v faith_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n who_o body_n lack_v soul_n this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n why_o no_o work_n though_o they_o may_v appear_v never_o so_o good_a can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o faith_n because_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o make_v we_o alive_a to_o god_n which_o give_v we_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o authority_n as_o make_v we_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o that_o homily_n from_o st._n chrysostom_n as_o man_n that_o be_v very_a man_n indeed_o first_o have_v life_n and_o after_o be_v nourish_v so_o must_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n go_v before_o and_o after_o be_v nourish_v with_o good_a work_n a_o life_n may_v be_v without_o nourishment_n that_o be_v for_o some_o short_a time_n but_o nourishment_n can_v be_v without_o life_n a_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v nourish_v by_o good_a work_n but_o first_o he_o must_v have_v faith_n he_o that_o do_v good_a deed_n yet_o without_o faith_n he_o have_v no_o life_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v observe_v from_o st._n augustine_n that_o the_o intent_n make_v the_o work_n good_a but_o faith_n must_v guide_v and_o order_v the_o intent_n of_o man._n so_o that_o he_o which_o do_v not_o his_o good_a work_n with_o a_o godly_a intent_n &_o a_o true_a faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n the_o whole_a body_n beside_o that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o his_o work_n be_v dark_a and_o have_v no_o light_n in_o they_o for_o good_a deed_n be_v not_o measure_v by_o the_o fact_n themselves_o and_o so_o discern_v from_o vice_n but_o by_o the_o end_n and_o intent_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o meaning_n then_o of_o our_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o whereas_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v love_v and_o reverence_n god_n or_o design_n to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n whatever_o material_o good_a work_v such_o man_n may_v do_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o such_o nor_o avail_v any_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n so_o much_o prize_v faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o universal_a obedience_n that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sincere_a principle_n in_o we_o and_o want_v a_o opportunity_n of_o exert_v itself_o it_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n without_o work_n as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o same_o place_n from_o st._n chrysostom_n i_o can_v show_v a_o man_n that_o by_o faith_n without_o work_n
christ_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v a_o excellent_a faculty_n this_o way_n observe_v what_o do_v most_o effectual_o take_v with_o people_n to_o beguile_v their_o spirit_n and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o craft_n to_o catch_v their_o affection_n and_o that_o according_o he_o meet_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o enamour_v and_o take_v with_o people_n thus_o far_o dr._n crispe_n and_o dr._n owen_n very_o well_o agree_v in_o place_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n in_o win_v and_o woo_v people_n unto_o christ_n though_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v ambassador_n of_o christ_n beseech_v the_o people_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o ambassador_n woo_v for_o god_n but_o antinomian_o woo_v altogether_o for_o christ_n to_o win_v people_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o course_n they_o take_v thus_o to_o woo_v and_o win_v people_n unto_o christ_n now_o if_o by_o this_o woo_a people_n to_o christ_n they_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n the_o proper_a way_n to_o effect_v it_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o christ_n to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n how_o easy_a and_o advantageous_a his_o command_n be_v how_o perfective_a of_o our_o nature_n and_o how_o necessary_a to_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o future_a happiness_n to_o set_v before_o they_o those_o reward_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o and_o those_o severe_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o all_o this_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o die_v to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o purchase_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o true_a penitent_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o to_o dispense_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n here_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o raise_v our_o dead_a body_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o to_o reward_v we_o with_o immortality_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o the_o love_n of_o our_o crucify_a saviour_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o these_o and_o such_o like_a argument_n be_v very_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n of_o woo_v for_o christ_n you_o must_v with_o a_o holy_a guile_n catch_v people_n affection_n and_o make_v they_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v describe_v his_o personal_a grace_n and_o excellency_n and_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o enamour_v and_o take_v with_o the_o people_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o world_n be_v ibid._n mighty_o take_v with_o beauty_n with_o compleatness_n of_o person_n oh_o say_v one_o let_v i_o have_v a_o beautiful_a person_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o poor_a well_o then_o christ_n be_v a_o rare_a piece_n for_o such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n like_o he_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o mr._n watson_n can_v have_v furnish_v he_o with_o a_o great_a many_o other_o irrefragable_a proof_n of_o christ_n beauty_n and_o loveliness_n though_o i_o think_v the_o doctor_n have_v too_o much_o wit_n to_o have_v make_v 77._o use_n of_o they_o but_o beside_o beauty_n some_o person_n look_v for_o lineage_n what_o a_o stock_n a_o person_n be_v of_o well_o if_o this_o will_v take_v than_o there_o be_v no_o stock_n like_o this_o of_o christ_n he_o be_v of_o the_o great_a house_n in_o the_o world_n the_o first-begotten_a of_o all_o creature_n he_o come_v of_o that_o great_a house_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o be_v not_o a_o young_a brother_n in_o this_o house_n neither_o for_o he_o be_v the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o house_n that_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n among_o person_n to_o marry_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o family_n nay_o he_o be_v the_o only-begotten_a of_o the_o house_n there_o be_v never_o another_o in_o all_o the_o family_n and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n so_o that_o if_o man_n go_v all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o find_v a_o match_n in_o the_o noble_a house_n they_o will_v never_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o exact_o agree_v with_o mr._n vincent_n reason_v to_o persuade_v young_a woman_n to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n well_o but_o if_o he_o be_v poor_a after_o all_o i_o shall_v live_v but_o poor_o with_o he_o but_o christ_n be_v rich_a in_o treasure_n too_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v he_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o therefore_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o he_o which_o notion_n mr._n brooks_n have_v excellent_o improve_v in_o his_o riches_n of_o christ._n thus_o to_o conclude_v you_o have_v a_o proverb_n that_o bachelor_n wife_n and_o maid_n child_n must_v be_v rare_a creature_n that_o be_v their_o fancy_n will_v devise_v what_o kind_n of_o one_o they_o will_v have_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o perfection_n they_o desire_v let_v the_o fancy_n devise_v what_o kind_n of_o perfection_n it_o can_v to_o please_v sense_n christ_n shall_v real_o outstrip_v in_o perfection_n all_o these_o fancy_n more_o than_o a_o substance_n do_v outstrip_v a_o shadow_n this_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o antinomianism_n which_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a divine_n call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o only_a spiritual_a preach_v of_o christ_n to_o attribute_v every_o thing_n immediate_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o either_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o revelation_n or_o his_o propitiation_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o great_a gospel_n truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n both_o as_o he_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n how_o we_o may_v please_v god_n and_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o high_a priest_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n but_o then_o this_o require_v that_o we_o study_v his_o will_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o mediation_n and_o may_v with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n put_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n whereas_o the_o antinomian_o agreeable_o enough_o with_o the_o divinity_n of_o this_o last_o age_n make_v christ_n such_o a_o way_n as_o exclude_v every_o thing_n else_o even_o his_o law_n and_o religion_n evangelical_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n from_o be_v the_o way_n christ_n himself_o and_o nothing_o but_o christ_n though_o in_o a_o subservency_n and_o subordination_n to_o he_o can_v be_v the_o way_n thus_o dr._n crisp_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o 1_o only_a way_n to_o free_a sinner_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v true_a in_o a_o sober_a sense_n that_o christ_n only_o make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o doctor_n divinity_n christ_n be_v so_o the_o only_a way_n that_o nothing_o else_o but_o christ_n be_v require_v to_o this_o neither_o repentance_n nor_o evangelical_n righteousness_n the_o gospel_n hold_v forth_o the_o lord_n christ_n 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no_o where_o teach_v to_o draw_v from_o such_o premise_n which_o make_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n a_o new_a way_n of_o discover_v divine_a truth_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v once_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o good_a way_n of_o reason_v man_n may_v as_o well_o draw_v such_o conclusion_n as_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n as_o those_o which_o be_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n the_o doctor_n prove_v what_o the_o desert_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o demerit_n of_o sin_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v pass_v by_o any_o the_o least_o unpunished_a how_o do_v this_o appear_v why_o from_o the_o person_n who_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_v the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o god_n will_v have_v do_v it_o for_o any_o pass_v by_o sin_n unpunished_a he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o only_a son_n but_o he_o spare_v he_o not_o 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in_o or_o impose_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o receive_v few_o have_v that_o faith_n love_n and_o humility_n be_v give_v up_o to_o that_o diligent_a contemplation_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o excellency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o diligent_o wait_v for_o his_o law_n so_o as_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v by_o eye_v jesus_n christ_n in_o search_v the_o scripture_n he_o mean_v a_o diligent_a contemplation_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o excellency_n which_o will_v be_v a_o safe_a guide_n to_o all_o true_a save_a knowledge_n than_o all_o other_o inquiry_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o still_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o sacred_a truth_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o excellency_n and_o indeed_o this_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o page_n all_z the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v hide_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o from_o he_o alone_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o in_o he_o alone_o to_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v these_o treasure_n open_v unto_o we_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o line_n of_o truth_n how_o far_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v and_o how_o small_a soever_o it_o may_v at_o length_n appear_v but_o the_o spring_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o learn_v it_o aright_o when_o we_o learn_v it_o in_o the_o spring_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o he_o eph._n 4._o 21._o which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o may_v safe_o trace_v it_o down_o and_o follow_v it_o to_o its_o utmost_a extent_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o divine_a truth_n from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o person_n and_o excellency_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o truth_n lie_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o such_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o direct_v and_o steer_v our_o course_n the_o study_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o understand_v gospel_n truth_n unless_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o spring_n and_o the_o centre_n of_o they_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o look_v upon_o gospel_n truth_n as_o sporades_n as_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o independent_o one_o of_o another_o who_o see_v not_o the_o root_n centre_n and_o knot_n of_o they_o in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v they_o for_o his_o use_n he_o will_v also_o take_v up_o thing_n quite_o of_o another_o nature_n but_o it_o may_v be_v we_o may_v understand_v the_o doctor_n better_o if_o