revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o must_v they_o be_v false_a or_o whole_o reject_v because_o they_o be_v not_o a_o true_a medium_fw-la of_o knowledge_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o pray_v who_o teach_v he_o to_o oppose_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o who_o own_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a true_a medium_fw-la of_o knowledge_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v a_o fanatical_a notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v those_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v more_o imperfect_o and_o uncertain_o discover_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o sure_a medium_fw-la of_o natural_a 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allegory_n and_o very_o grave_o state_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n and_o parable_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o be_v read_v a_o rhetoric_n lecture_n to_o his_o schoolboy_n and_o very_o strong_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v metaphor_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o it_o be_v his_o peculiar_a talon_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o body_n deny_v at_o length_n he_o come_v to_o the_o business_n to_o show_v that_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n 376._o reflect_v on_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o have_v precede_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o and_o that_o to_o the_o very_a same_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o produce_v they_o and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o design_n the_o disparagement_n of_o any_o party_n of_o man_n by_o quote_v testimony_n from_o divers_a of_o their_o author_n who_o rather_o than_o not_o strain_v 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the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o i_o be_o single_v out_o to_o bear_v the_o fury_n of_o his_o assault_n and_o i_o be_o very_a well_o content_v with_o it_o provide_v that_o if_o i_o acquit_v myself_o his_o bare_a testimony_n may_v not_o be_v take_v against_o any_o man_n till_o the_o cause_n be_v first_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v this_o i_o charge_v they_o with_o draw_v a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n i_o foresee_v a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a objection_n against_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o stuff_n their_o book_n and_o discourse_n with_o more_o frequent_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n they_o have_v a_o scripture_n proof_n for_o every_o thing_n they_o say_v and_o do_v it_o not_o look_v like_o a_o calumny_n then_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o fetch_v 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christ_n signify_v according_a to_o the_o eastern_a dialect_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o to_o become_v his_o disciple_n but_o because_o it_o be_v call_v come_v hence_o these_o man_n of_o fancy_n dream_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o spiritual_a progress_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o explain_v believe_v by_o come_v to_o christ_n which_o in_o their_o divinity_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n now_o because_o i_o say_v that_o it_o fall_v out_o lucky_o that_o faith_n be_v call_v come_v i_o be_o charge_v with_o deride_v the_o scripture_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o i_o deride_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o their_o foolish_a explication_n of_o scripture-phrase_n for_o all_o their_o mystical_a divinity_n have_v be_v spoil_v and_o they_o must_v have_v be_v force_v to_o have_v speak_v plain_a sense_n like_o other_o man_n or_o to_o have_v speak_v nonsense_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o such_o eastern_a phrase_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o another_o purpose_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v pervert_v by_o such_o english_a divine_n to_o the_o countenance_v of_o a_o new-fashioned_a english_a divinity_n and_o i_o think_v still_o that_o this_o fall_v out_o very_o lucky_o for_o they_o thus_o with_o a_o equal_a skill_n and_o ingenuity_n he_o account_v it_o deride_v the_o scripture_n to_o say_v that_o come_v and_o go_v be_v very_o intelligible_a explication_n of_o believe_v whereas_o come_v must_v be_v explain_v by_o believe_v not_o believe_v by_o come_v unless_o we_o will_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n burlesque_fw-la the_o scripture_n thus_o because_o i_o reject_v their_o fanciful_a and_o presumptuous_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n viz._n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v
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
which_o make_v all_o his_o act_n and_o suffering_n in_o a_o law-sense_n account_v we_o before_o he_o have_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n and_o stress_n on_o this_o argument_n he_o ought_v first_o to_o have_v prove_v that_o christ_n act_v as_o our_o substitute_n in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o well_o as_o suffer_v and_o he_o may_v have_v try_v his_o skill_n in_o answer_v 201._o those_o argument_n wherewith_o i_o have_v already_o assault_v that_o notion_n but_o this_o be_v not_o his_o way_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o genius_n and_o capacity_n to_o dictate_v magisterial_o than_o to_o prove_v christ_n indeed_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n but_o his_o suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o his_o suffering_n be_v not_o account_v we_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o in_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o redound_v to_o they_o for_o who_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v which_o be_v all_o i_o can_v understand_v by_o any_o suffering_n which_o be_v not_o we_o be_v account_v we_o in_o a_o law-sense_n for_o any_o other_o sense_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o any_o suffering_n which_o be_v not_o under-gone_a by_o we_o but_o by_o another_o in_o our_o stead_n shall_v be_v account_v we_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n understand_v by_o imputation_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la imputantur_fw-la extrinseca_v quando_fw-la illorum_fw-la 27._o intuitus_fw-la &_o respectus_fw-la valent_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquem_fw-la effectum_fw-la aequè_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la essent_fw-la then_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v without_o we_o and_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o when_o with_o respect_n to_o they_o we_o be_v equal_o entitle_v to_o their_o effect_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v do_v by_o we_o or_o be_v inherent_a in_o we_o but_o such_o a_o surrogationand_n imputation_n will_v not_o satisfy_v mr._n ferguson_n who_o must_v have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n otherwise_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o mere_o in_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o though_o any_o other_o imputation_n be_v impossible_a as_o imply_v a_o thwack_a contradiction_n to_o use_v his_o own_o phrase_n have_v thus_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o objection_n in_o a_o fair_a logical_a way_n according_a to_o mr._n ferguson_n 413._o desire_n and_o not_o call_v but_o prove_v they_o all_o to_o be_v mere_a cavil_n and_o sophistry_n and_o vulgar_a talk_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a charge_n which_o he_o draw_v up_o against_o i_o of_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n and_o in_o order_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o premise_n two_o thing_n first_o that_o to_o justify_v be_v in_o its_o proper_a acceptation_n a_o forensick_a term_n signify_v to_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v one_o that_o be_v acouse_v this_o i_o ready_o grant_v the_o second_o be_v that_o justification_n not_o only_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v indict_v but_o withal_o import_v a_o absolution_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o law_n of_o the_o breach_n whereof_o we_o be_v accuse_v i_o do_v much_o care_n if_o i_o grant_v this_o too_o but_o then_o observe_v the_o consequence_n the_o law_n which_o accuse_v we_o be_v the_o law_n of_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v from_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n we_o must_v produce_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n for_o our_o justification_n for_o to_o be_v pardon_v be_v not_o a_o proper_a but_o a_o metaphorical_a justification_n for_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n neither_o can_v a_o accuse_v innocent_a by_o be_v acquit_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pardon_v nor_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a by_o have_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o sentence_n remit_v be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v so_o that_o to_o our_o proper_a justification_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n be_v necessary_o require_v a_o imputation_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o perfect_o righteous_a but_o to_o place_v justification_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n as_o i_o do_v be_v to_o pervert_v plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n for_o then_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n its_o charge_v we_o with_o guilt_n and_o its_o pass_a sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o thereupon_o do_v not_o admit_v a_o proper_a sense_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o must_v every_o where_o be_v construe_v metaphorical_o and_o that_o the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o proper_o and_o in_o a_o law-sense_n justify_v but_o that_o such_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o we_o by_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o we_o be_v so_o and_o now_o i_o pity_v our_o author_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n for_o he_o have_v run_v himself_o into_o a_o labyrinth_n out_o of_o which_o all_o his_o art_n and_o sophistry_n can_v never_o deliver_v he_o the_o only_a foundation_n he_o have_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o charge_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n be_v still_o in_o force_n but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o pretence_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o gospel-covenant_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o in_o vindication_n of_o myself_o for_o take_v away_o this_o law_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o my_o notion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o demand_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v in_o a_o proper_a 416._o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v so_o that_o i_o be_o whole_a again_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o the_o only_a difference_n between_o mr._n ferguson_n and_o myself_o be_v that_o he_o contend_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n and_o justification_n and_o i_o contend_v for_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n he_o be_v for_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o for_o be_v justify_v according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o once_o that_o this_o law_n of_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o do_v accuse_v we_o and_o that_o our_o justification_n must_v respect_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n what_o then_o why_o then_o to_o place_n justification_n in_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o make_v it_o not_o a_o proper_a but_o metaphorical_a justification_n and_o what_o then_o if_o this_o be_v the_o scripture-notion_n of_o it_o i_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v proper_a or_o metaphorical_a the_o abuse_n of_o scripture-expression_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o expound_v scripture_n either_o to_o a_o proper_a or_o to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n but_o in_o wrest_v metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v metaphorical_o and_o proper_a expression_n to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n when_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o proper_a sense_n and_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n himself_o acknowledge_v when_o he_o give_v some_o rule_n for_o the_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v general_o good_a when_o he_o transcribe_v they_o out_o of_o other_o man_n i_o call_v that_o say_v he_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 135._o which_o god_n do_v intend_v in_o the_o word_n whether_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o or_o tropical_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o figurative_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v as_o true_o a_o literal_a sense_n as_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o their_o proper_a acceptation_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o i_o take_v justification_n in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n before_o god_n use_v that_o word_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n for_o acquit_v the_o innocent_a which_o be_v a_o pretty_a odd_a way_n of_o justify_v a_o sinner_n but_o here_o our_o author_n be_v very_o silent_a and_o can_v give_v one_o instance_n of_o it_o only_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o must_v be_v take_v when_o declarative_a of_o the_o act_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o as_o our_o judge_n or_o when_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o condemnation_n or_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o which_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a but_o what_o need_v of_o that_o
do_v it_o not_o as_o much_o belong_v to_o a_o supreme_a and_o unaccountable_a judge_n to_o pardon_v as_o to_o absolve_v and_o be_v not_o pardon_n as_o proper_o oppose_v to_o condemnation_n as_o absolution_n be_v but_o to_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n it_o be_v worth_a consider_v how_o our_o author_n in_o his_o way_n can_v explain_v justification_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o justification_n be_v to_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o dispute_n whether_o this_o forensick_a use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v its_o proper_a sense_n i_o will_v willing_o learn_v of_o our_o author_n how_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o proper_a sense_n that_o be_v how_o he_o who_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v as_o innocent_a how_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v can_v declare_v that_o that_o man_n have_v never_o break_v his_o law_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o who_o be_v a_o sinner_n yes_o say_v our_o author_n this_o may_v be_v do_v very_o well_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n which_o make_v they_o perfect_o innocent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v this_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o justification_n that_o a_o sinner_n be_v innocent_a and_o righteous_a by_o imputation_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n then_o between_o a_o impute_a and_o a_o inherent_a and_o personal_a righteousness_n justification_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n require_v a_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o innocency_n and_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v require_v some_o good_a lusty_a trope_n to_o make_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n in_o this_o law-notion_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o his_o gross_a notion_n be_v as_o metaphorical_a a_o justification_n as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n though_o not_o half_a so_o good_a sense_n but_o i_o have_v not_o thus_o do_v with_o our_o author_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o to_o answer_v when_o he_o be_v able_a the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a or_o metaphorical_a justification_n be_v the_o true_a scripture-notion_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n justification_n indeed_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n signify_v the_o acceptation_n of_o our_o person_n and_o the_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o bare_a remission_n but_o the_o first_o act_n of_o justification_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o which_o draw_v all_o the_o rest_n after_o it_o be_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o sinner_n righteousness_n wherewith_o he_o must_v appear_v before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o now_o by_o christ_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n xiii_o 39_o that_o be_v that_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o tonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v appoint_v no_o sacrifice_n where_o to_o be_v justify_v signify_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v but_o not_o to_o heap_v up_o many_o testimony_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v on_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o this_o controversy_n there_o st._n paul_n inquire_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o father_n abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n where_o by_o work_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o mean_v only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n a_o external_n and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n for_o he_o proceed_v to_o that_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n but_o he_o seem_v principal_o to_o intend_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o justification_n by_o faith_n what_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o there_o be_v four_o expression_n whereby_o this_o righteousness_n be_v describe_v which_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n vers_fw-la 3_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n that_o it_o be_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o ungodly_a vers_fw-la 5._o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o because_o this_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n grand_a charge_n against_o i_o that_o i_o place_v justification_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o so_o do_v our_o apostle_n and_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n for_o it_o even_o as_o david_n also_o deseribe_v the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o man_n unto_o who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v blessed_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o impute_v sin_n vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o justification_n by_o work_n that_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v though_o they_o have_v be_v former_o guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n yet_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v their_o past_a sin_n and_o their_o present_a imperfection_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o above_o the_o desert_n and_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n a_o righteousness_n of_o work_n consist_v in_o innocency_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pardon_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v call_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n faith_n be_v account_v and_o reckon_v to_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n and_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v righteousness_n which_o signify_v that_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o grace_n not_o of_o debt_n for_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n reckon_v not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n when_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n he_o be_v absolve_v because_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o reward_v because_o he_o have_v merit_v a_o reward_n which_o be_v the_o justification_n for_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n plead_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o st._n paul_n but_o justification_n by_o faith_n require_v the_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n of_o god_n because_o though_o it_o include_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v our_o best_a to_o please_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o great_a many_o infirmity_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o defect_n which_o can_v pass_v the_o trial_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v righteousness_n when_o god_n accept_v of_o that_o for_o our_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v not_o righteousness_n whatever_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n must_v be_v good_a but_o imperfect_a if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v impute_v instead_o of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o gracious_a acceptation_n it_o be_v then_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a not_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v call_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n vers_fw-la 6._o which_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o loose_a sense_n as_o if_o god_n will_v justify_v a_o man_n who_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v good_a as_o if_o he_o will_v account_v that_o man_n righteous_a who_o do_v no_o righteousness_n which_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o epist._n three_o 7._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v either_o that_o god_n sometime_o accept_v of_o great_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n instead_o of_o work_n when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o abraham_n when_o he_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n principal_o refer_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n or_o
saviour_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o example_n that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a and_o compassionate_a and_o inherit_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o show_v that_o all_o those_o consideration_n 2_o which_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v make_v man_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n do_v necessary_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n but_o give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n this_o i_o observe_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o save_v sinner_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n no_o man_n will_v return_v to_o his_o duty_n without_o some_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o conquer_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n thus_o the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n person_n give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o inviolable_a sanction_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n heb._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n and_o lay_v forcible_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o god_n incarnate_a and_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel-covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o but_o then_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n christ_n will_v in_o his_o own_o person_n accomplish_v all_o those_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v whether_o they_o concern_v the_o present_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o christ_n will_v do_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n not_o from_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o person_n who_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o live_v and_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o saviour_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n now_o to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o some_o man_n who_o upbraid_v those_o preacher_n who_o spend_v their_o great_a zeal_n in_o expound_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o press_v man_n by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a hereafter_o and_o the_o many_o great_a advantage_n of_o holiness_n here_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n i_o say_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o those_o who_o upbraid_v such_o preacher_n with_o not_o preach_v christ_n i_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o place_n what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n god_n make_v himself_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 good_a man_n now_o in_o these_o last_o day_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a useful_a knowledge_n be_v to_o understand_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o expound_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n preach_v christ_n as_o philip_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act._n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o ver_fw-la 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 the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o then_o we_o understand_v all_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o understand_v what_o obligation_n they_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o feel_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n in_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n of_o which_o some_o man_n discourse_v in_o such_o uncouth_a and_o cabbalistical_a term_n as_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o state_n 4._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o
instance_n of_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n where_o the_o word_n according_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o exposition_n will_v admit_v a_o proper_a one_o for_o i_o will_v desire_v mr._n ferguson_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o brightness_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n what_o be_v the_o proper_a brightness_n of_o a_o spirit_n nay_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n which_o have_v no_o shape_n i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o expositor_n till_o now_o who_o think_v these_o proper_a expression_n but_o every_o one_o have_v reckon_v they_o metaphorical_a but_o beside_o this_o why_o do_v he_o imagine_v that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o suchlike_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v but_o the_o metaphorical_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o those_o glorious_a discovery_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o these_o perfection_n in_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o metaphorical_a brightness_n of_o this_o glory_n when_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o other_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v some_o glorious_a visible_a appearance_n which_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a glory_n than_o the_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v for_o what_o he_o allege_v about_o christ_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o grotius_n and_o hammond_n person_n to_o who_o as_o he_o well_o guess_v i_o pay_v a_o respect_n vouchsafe_v we_o a_o much_o better_a paraphrase_n on_o heb._n i_o 3._o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o learn_v from_o these_o man_n and_o first_o let_v we_o consult_v dr._n hammond_n and_o his_o paraphrase_n upon_o those_o word_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 be_v this_o who_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o reflect_v to_o we_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o be_v otherwise_o invisible_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o john_n i_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 who_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 his_o paraphrase_n on_o these_o word_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o reflect_v the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o we_o be_v this_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o not_o approachable_a by_o we_o and_o so_o his_o will_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o attribute_n can_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o but_o by_o some_o intercessor_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o can_v be_v comparable_a to_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v next_o unto_o the_o father_n and_o most_o dear_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o know_v most_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o end_n of_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o declare_v this_o unto_o we_o so_o that_o dr._n hammond_n give_v no_o better_a paraphrase_n but_o in_o part_n the_o very_a same_o which_o i_o do_v and_o must_v pass_v for_o a_o metaphorical_a interpreter_n and_o mr._n ferguson_n for_o a_o proper_a slanderer_n and_o grotius_n give_v the_o very_a same_o account_n of_o the_o word_n he_o expound_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o repercussus_fw-la divinae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la qualis_fw-la est_fw-la solis_fw-la in_o nube_fw-la qui_fw-la dicitur_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o reflection_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n such_o as_o we_o may_v sometime_o observe_v of_o the_o sun_n in_o a_o cloud_n and_o add_v that_o this_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n cum_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la conspici_fw-la nequeat_fw-la cernitur_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la sicut_fw-la sol_fw-la quem_fw-la directe_v oculi_fw-la nostri_fw-la tueri_fw-la nequeant_fw-la cernitur_fw-la in_o aqua_fw-la speculo_fw-la nube_fw-la since_o we_o can_v immediate_o see_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v discover_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o sun_n which_o we_o can_v direct_o view_v be_v see_v in_o water_n in_o a_o glass_n or_o in_o a_o cloud_n and_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o refer_v we_o to_o 2_o cor._n four_o 4._o who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n which_o he_o thus_o paraphrase_v nimirum_fw-la sicut_fw-la ex_fw-la imagine_v hominis_fw-la species_n cognoscitur_fw-la ita_fw-la ex_fw-la iis_fw-la quae_fw-la egit_fw-la &_o locutus_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la dei_fw-la potentia_fw-la sapientia_fw-la sanctitas_fw-la bonitas_fw-la as_o a_o man_n be_v know_v by_o his_o image_n and_o picture_n so_o be_v the_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n goodness_n of_o god_n know_v and_o discern_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v and_o speak_v while_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o the_o very_a same_o account_n he_o give_v of_o col._n i._n 15._o what_o excuse_n mr._n ferguson_n can_v make_v for_o this_o i_o know_v not_o though_o i_o presume_v that_o he_o who_o so_o often_o need_v excuse_n be_v never_o without_o one_o but_o to_o requite_v he_o for_o his_o civility_n to_o grotius_n and_o hammond_n i_o will_v direct_v he_o to_o two_o other_o person_n to_o who_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v pay_v some_o respect_n who_o be_v as_o metaphorical_a man_n in_o this_o point_n as_o myself_o and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o man_n than_o calvin_n and_o beza_n locum_fw-la mr._n calvin_n though_o he_o acknowledge_v as_o i_o do_v that_o those_o expression_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 refer_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christ_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v consider_v this_o phrase_n according_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hic_fw-la tradere_fw-la voluit_fw-la quid_fw-la simile_n intus_fw-la habeat_fw-la pater_fw-la cum_fw-la filio_fw-la sed_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la dixi_fw-la fidem_fw-la nostram_fw-la adificare_fw-la cum_fw-la fructu_fw-la voluit_fw-la ut_fw-la discamus_fw-la non_fw-la aliter_fw-la deum_fw-la nobis_fw-la patefieri_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o christo._n i._n e._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v in_o this_o place_n to_o acquaint_v we_o what_o internal_a similitude_n or_o likeness_n there_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n can_v be_v know_v any_o other_o way_n but_o only_o in_o christ._n with_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n beza_n exact_o follow_v his_o master_n and_o locum_fw-la give_v this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v in_o quo_fw-la resplendet_fw-la gloria_fw-la illa_fw-la ac_fw-la majestas_fw-la patris_fw-la alioqui_fw-la infiniti_fw-la &_o inconspicui_fw-la five_o be_v in_o quo_fw-la uno_fw-la splendorem_fw-la suum_fw-la conspiciendum_fw-la praebet_fw-la pater_fw-la qui_fw-la propterea_fw-la col._n i._n 15._o dicitur_fw-la imago_fw-la dei_fw-la inconspicui_fw-la &_o 1_o cor._n four_o 4._o idque_fw-la in_o evangelio_n that_o be_v he_o in_o who_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o father_n who_o otherwise_o be_v infinite_a and_o invisible_a shine_v forth_o or_o he_o in_o who_o alone_a god_n make_v his_o own_o brightness_n and_o glory_n visible_a to_o we_o upon_o which_o account_n col._n i._n 15._o christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o 1_o cor._n four_o 4._o with_o respect_n to_o those_o discovery_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o he_o proceed_v we_o can_v true_o contemplate_v the_o father_n but_o in_o the_o son_n in_o the_o son_n i_o say_v incarnate_a by_o who_o the_o father_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o tertullian_n adversus_fw-la praxeam_fw-la for_o this_o exposition_n vicarium_fw-la se_fw-la patris_fw-la christus_fw-la ostendit_fw-la per_fw-la quem_fw-la pater_fw-la &_o videretur_fw-la in_o factis_fw-la &_o audiretur_fw-la in_o verbis_fw-la et_fw-la cognosceretur_fw-la in_o filio_fw-la facta_fw-la et_fw-la verba_fw-la patris_fw-la administrante_fw-la christ_n show_v himself_o the_o true_a vicar_n of_o his_o father_n for_o the_o father_n be_v see_v in_o his_o action_n hear_v in_o his_o word_n and_o make_v know_v by_o that_o whole_a oeconomy_n which_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o son_n by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v what_o credit_n mr._n ferguson_n deserve_v when_o he_o talk_v so_o confident_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a expositor_n who_o either_o be_v acquaint_v with_o none_o of_o they_o or_o think_v his_o reader_n be_v not_o who_o either_o know_v not_o or_o care_v not_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o observe_v that_o i_o expound_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n john_n i_o 16._o to_o signify_v a_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o he_o give_v this_o as_o another_o instance_n of_o my_o turn_n plain_a scripture_n testimony_n â—â—7_n into_o trope_n and_o figure_n now_o
meaning_n by_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n he_o understand_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v those_o great_a deep_a and_o more_o save_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o express_o reveal_v to_o we_o let_v we_o hear_v now_o how_o the_o doctor_n avoid_v this_o charge_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a if_o he_o can_v come_v off_o well_o for_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o do_v public_a penance_n in_o recant_v a_o involuntary_a mistake_n than_o to_o find_v such_o pestilent_a doctrine_n maintain_v and_o propagate_v by_o man_n of_o note_n and_o fame_n first_o than_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o i_o quarrel_n with_o he_o about_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o acquaintance_n 26._o with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a beginning_n and_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o answer_v to_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o the_o doctor_n do_v and_o no_o where_o intimate_a the_o least_o dislike_n of_o it_o but_o i_o frequent_o make_v use_v of_o this_o expression_n afterward_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n that_o be_v i_o often_o call_v those_o person_n who_o derive_v their_o scheme_n of_o orthodoxy_n from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n by_o the_o name_n of_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v a_o fault_n that_o i_o have_v give_v so_o good_a a_o name_n to_o they_o and_o i_o wonder_v why_o they_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o a_o reproach_n i_o be_v sensible_a that_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n be_v too_o good_a a_o name_n and_o therefore_o frequent_o mollify_v it_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n which_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v have_v i_o design_v it_o as_o a_o note_n of_o infamy_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o the_o most_o proper_a name_n to_o characterise_v those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o learn_v all_o save_a knowledge_n from_o such_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o the_o doctor_n add_v that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n acquaintance_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v warrant_v by_o our_o ibid._n translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o proper_o where_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n here_o i_o perfect_o agree_v with_o he_o for_o i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o the_o word_n acquaintance_n but_o believe_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a english_a word_n and_o our_o translator_n do_v well_o to_o use_v it_o nay_o i_o agree_v with_o the_o doctor_n too_o that_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n signify_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o person_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n or_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v beg_v the_o reader_n favour_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o crime_n i_o charge_v the_o doctor_n with_o that_o he_o assert_v it_o necessary_a 27._o that_o christian_n shall_v know_v jesus_n christ_n nor_o do_v i_o charge_v he_o with_o assert_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o learn_v from_o the_o gospel_n nay_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctor_n in_o express_a word_n own_v that_o there_o be_v any_o mystery_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n i_o always_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o his_o prudence_n and_o skill_n in_o humane_a affair_n than_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v thus_o public_o disow_v the_o gospel-revelation_n or_o set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o faith_n above_o it_o what_o then_o be_v the_o dispute_n between_o we_o that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o see_v it_o and_o i_o can_v better_o express_v it_o than_o by_o repeat_v my_o own_o word_n that_o by_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n he_o understand_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v those_o great_a deep_a and_o more_o save_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o express_o reveal_v to_o we_o this_o sense_n i_o put_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v mistake_v he_o the_o reader_n have_v liberty_n to_o judge_v when_o he_o have_v peruse_v my_o defence_n the_o word_n on_o which_o i_o find_v this_o charge_n and_o which_o the_o doctor_n do_v very_o wise_o suppress_v be_v these_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o teach_v we_o wisdom_n as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o because_o by_o the_o know_n of_o he_o we_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o 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