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work_n faith_n follow_v justification_n 7,990 5 9.4298 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59816 A discourse concerning the knowledge of Jesus Christ and our union and communion with him &c. by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1674 (1674) Wing S3288; ESTC R33886 180,039 448

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his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n in_o the_o exemplary_a holiness_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o best_a answer_n the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o and_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v own_v this_o a_o safe_a way_n to_o build_v religion_n on_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n they_o must_v own_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v which_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o appear_v and_o more_o easy_o and_o natural_o deduce_v from_o it_o than_o their_o own_o wild_a and_o fantastical_a conceit_n if_o they_o do_v not_o like_o this_o i_o must_v advise_v they_o to_o quit_v this_o way_n as_o the_o which_o will_v serve_v other_o as_o well_o as_o 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write_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o book_n stuff_v with_o scripture_n or_o if_o you_o talk_v with_o they_o their_o whole_a discourse_n be_v little_a else_o but_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o that_o reverend_a doctor_n confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o his_o gospel_n have_v they_o not_o first_o grow_v acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v accommodate_v scripture_n expression_n to_o their_o own_o dream_n and_o fancy_n for_o when_o man_n fancy_n be_v so_o posfe_v with_o scheme_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n whatever_o they_o look_v on_o appear_v of_o the_o same_o shape_n and_o colour_n wherewith_o their_o mind_n be_v already_o tincture_v like_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o jaundice_n or_o that_o look_v through_o a_o paint_a glass_n who_o see_v every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n that_o his_o eye_n or_o glass_n give_v it_o all_o the_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n and_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n be_v easy_o apply_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o if_o any_o word_n sound_a like_o the_o tinkle_n of_o their_o own_o sancy_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o every_o little_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n do_v mighty_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n as_o inenaeus_fw-la observe_v of_o the_o valentinian_o that_o they_o use_v one_o artifice_n or_o other_o to_o adapt_v all_o the_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o allegory_n of_o scripture_n male_a composito_fw-la phantasmati_fw-la to_o the_o ill_a contrive_a sigment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thus_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o
golden_a bucket_n whereas_o at_o other_o time_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o sore_a and_o blear-eyed_a leah_n a_o shake_n and_o palsy_n hand_n weak_a and_o bend_a leg_n and_o have_v all_o the_o infirmity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a neither_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v need_n be_v a_o very_a humble_a grace_n else_o it_o will_v take_v such_o language_n very_o ill_o from_o they_o thus_o to_o give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n more_o when_o these_o man_n be_v press_v with_o those_o scripture_n that_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n that_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o that_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n those_o immoral_a hypocrite_n who_o place_v all_o their_o righteousness_n in_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o who_o break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n there_o and_o he_o that_o do_v and_o teach_v they_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v be_v great_o reward_v with_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o assert_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o 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assert_v but_o these_o man_n defy_v you_o if_o you_o charge_v they_o with_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v it_o may_v have_v no_o bad_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o universal_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n a_o very_a suspicious_a word_n which_o methinks_v these_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o name_n be_v indispensable_o 8._o necessary_a from_o the_o sovereign_a appointment_n and_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o son_n i_o have_v ordain_v you_o that_o you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n john_n 15._o 16._o and_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o holiness_n be_v one_o eminent_a and_o special_a end_n of_o the_o peculiar_a dispensation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o business_n of_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o father_n elect_v love_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a eph._n 1._o 4._o the_o end_n of_o the_o son_n redeem_v love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n titus_n 2._o 14._o and_o of_o the_o spirit_n sanctify_v love_n as_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o guess_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o temple_n we_o be_v and_o be_v not_o these_o man_n now_o mighty_o injure_v in_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o make_v it_o necessary_a upon_o so_o many_o account_n be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o abuse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o this_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o question_n be_v about_o its_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v without_o it_o all_o this_o can_v prove_v any_o necessary_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o command_v obedience_n but_o where_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o this_o law_n will_v he_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o will_v he_o save_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o do_v obey_v for_o their_o obedience_n not_o a_o word_n of_o this_o for_o this_o destroy_v our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n only_o and_o if_o after_o all_o these_o command_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o obey_v or_o not_o i_o hope_v such_o command_n can_v make_v obedience_n necessary_a the_o father_n have_v elect_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o son_n redeem_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a but_o will_v the_o father_n elect_v and_o the_o son_n redeem_v none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v holy_a and_o reject_v and_o reprobate_v all_o other_o do_v this_o election_n and_o redemption_n suppose_v holiness_n in_o we_o or_o be_v it_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o be_v holy_a our_o election_n and_o redemption_n be_v secure_a whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o and_o so_o this_o can_v make_v holiness_n necessary_a on_o our_o part_n though_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o care_n obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n how_o so_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o only_a glory_n god_n design_n to_o advance_v by_o christ._n if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v yet_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o honour_n for_o it_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n profane_a man_n that_o they_o be_v as_o if_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n his_o beautiful_a robe_n be_v not_o much_o more_o for_o our_o honour_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o like_a to_o god_n than_o the_o rag_n and_o patch_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n however_o if_o man_n prefer_v their_o lust_n and_o interest_n before_o their_o honour_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n cease_v but_o it_o be_v for_o peace_n what_o peace_n i_o pray_v you_o peace_n of_o conscience_n why_o then_o must_v we_o at_o last_o fetch_v our_o peace_n and_o security_n from_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o to_o renounce_v christ_n miserable_a man_n that_o we_o be_v must_v we_o then_o 113._o set_v about_o correct_v our_o life_n amend_v our_o way_n perform_v duty_n require_v and_o so_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n why_o this_o be_v the_o course_n wherein_o many_o man_n continue_v long_o with_o much_o perplexity_n sometime_o hope_v often_o fear_v sometime_o ready_a to_o give_v quite_o over_o sometime_o vow_v to_o continue_v their_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v nor_o righteousness_n in_o any_o measure_n obtain_v all_o their_o day_n after_o they_o have_v tire_v themselves_o perhaps_o in_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o come_v at_o length_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o disappointment_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o with_o david_n cry_v that_o if_o god_n mark_n what_o be_v do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o be_v this_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o peace_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o
primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o head_n but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n as_o a_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n eph._n 5._o 23_o 24._o no_o particular_a christian_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o member_n in_o this_o body_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v his_o spouse_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o for_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ._n christ_n be_v a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o flock_n john_n 10._o for_o the_o relation_n between_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o whole_a flock_n christ_n be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o holy_a temple_n so_o that_o all_o these_o metaphor_n in_o their_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a use_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n second_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o ii_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o church_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n 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such_o pretender_n to_o reformation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a art_n whereby_o those_o cunning_a priest_n wheadle_n silly_a girl_n into_o a_o profession_n of_o perpetual_a virginity_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o their_o due_a the_o papist_n be_v the_o most_o generous_a sort_n of_o suitor_n for_o christ_n for_o they_o persuade_v they_o to_o forsake_v all_o other_o husband_n for_o christ_n which_o be_v more_o honourable_a and_o meritorious_a thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v call_v the_o vine_n and_o christian_n the_o branch_n in_o that_o vine_n john_n 15._o which_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o what_o go_v before_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n ay_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o 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and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o express_o call_v branch_n rom._n 11._o 17_o 18._o which_o metaphor_n have_v the_o very_a same_o nature_n and_o signification_n with_o the_o vine_n and_o branch_n second_o because_o god_n be_v call_v the_o husbandman_n who_o take_v care_n to_o dress_v this_o vine_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v god_n husbandry_n three_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o branch_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o very_a union_n to_o his_o person_n as_o those_o man_n acknowledge_v who_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o union_n of_o person_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a and_o therefore_o be_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n but_o four_a to_o confirm_v all_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v objection_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o very_a chapter_n that_o when_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v thus_o in_o the_o 5._o ver._n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o i_o will_v willing_o learn_v what_o sense_n can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v not_o very_o intelligible_a how_o we_o can_v be_v or_o abide_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v more_o unintelligible_a still_o how_o we_o can_v be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o new_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n call_v penetration_n of_o dimension_n and_o that_o our_o fruitfulness_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o hard_a to_o my_o understanding_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o by_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o we_o understand_v the_o christian_a church_n he_o who_o make_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o continues_z in_o society_n with_o those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o by_o i_o in_o he_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n both_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o sense_n be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o own_v my_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n and_o all_o you_o who_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o of_o a_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o branch_n in_o this_o vine_n and_o whoever_o of_o you_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o profession_n and_o communion_n and_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o but_o suffer_v my_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o you_o to_o govern_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o direct_v your_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n all_o such_o of_o you_o will_v be_v very_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n for_o without_o such_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a so_o that_o to_o abide_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n but_o because_o many_o be_v so_o who_o do_v not_o much_o credit_n their_o profession_n be_v branch_n in_o
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o
gospel_n prescribe_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o christ_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o righteousness_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o faith_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v often_o use_v objective_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o contain_v those_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v thus_o in_o act_n 24._o 24._o felix_n send_v for_o paul_n and_o hear_v he_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v concern_v righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v ver._n 25._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 5._o in_o this_o sense_n faith_n and_o work_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o other_o the_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v whether_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o external_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n or_o that_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o transform_v our_o mind_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o alone_a can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n the_o apostle_n prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o 4._o chapter_n who_o be_v account_v righteous_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o god_n promise_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver._n 3._o and_o this_o while_o he_o be_v uncricumcise_v which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o jew_n that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justification_n because_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v justify_v without_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o this_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v now_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v whereby_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o what_o agreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n for_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a john_n 8_o 5_o 6._o but_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceive_a opinion_n than_o to_o observe_v what_o work_n they_o make_v with_o abraham_n faith_n as_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n upon_o which_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o suppose_v this_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o abraham_n shall_v learn_v this_o great_a mystery_n from_o that_o general_a and_o obscure_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n this_o be_v such_o a_o train_n of_o thought_n from_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n himself_o can_v never_o have_v hit_v on_o for_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a way_n for_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n or_o be_v there_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o this_o blessing_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o pray_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n abraham_n must_v distinct_o know_v according_a to_o these_o man_n own_o principle_n before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a man_n indeed_o who_o can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n without_o some_o more_o particular_a revelation_n as_o first_o he_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o blessing_n here_o mean_v be_v spiritual_a blessing_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o saviour_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o least_o difficulty_n of_o all_o yet_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v it_o and_o so_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n for_o many_o age_n do_v who_o have_v more_o particular_a promise_n concern_v christ_n than_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o expect_v only_o a_o temporal_a prince_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o subdue_v their_o enemy_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o so_o much_o deceive_v their_o expectation_n by_o his_o mean_a appearance_n and_o second_o abraham_n must_v know_v too_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o which_o according_a to_o the_o doctor_n it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n consider_v the_o naturalness_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n themselves_o understand_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n though_o christ_n have_v express_o tell_v they_o of_o it_o and_o three_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o nay_o four_o he_o must_v understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n since_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v never_o expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o righteousness_n serve_v any_o more_o than_o himself_o and_o five_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o that_o intimate_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o union_n believer_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n as_o these_o man_n explain_v it_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v to_o this_o day_n and_o sixthly_a he_o must_v understand_v too_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o and_o then_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n understand_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o abraham_n can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v may_v believe_v what_o he_o will_v and_o
law_n of_o moses_n the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n which_o grow_v more_o boisterous_a and_o unruly_a by_o the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n v_o 8._o do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o death_n i._n e._n do_v betray_v we_o to_o those_o wicked_a action_n which_o end_n in_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o which_o we_o be_v hold_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a be_v because_o it_o can_v not_o make_v man_n good_a it_o nurse_v they_o up_o in_o a_o ritual_a and_o external_a religion_n teach_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o letter_n by_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n alone_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o spirit_n to_o offer_v a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o internal_a righteousness_n of_o which_o those_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v the_o sign_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o will_v make_v his_o argument_n foolish_a and_o absurd_a and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n since_o we_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o law_n require_v when_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v that_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o perfection_n of_o that_o fleshly_a circumcision_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n when_o they_o be_v all_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n thus_o we_o be_v complete_a in_o christ_n who_o have_v perfect_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o institute_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o external_a ceremony_n col._n 2._o ver._n 10_o 11_o 12._o we_o must_v now_o offer_v a_o noble_a sacrifice_n than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n command_v not_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o dead_a beast_n but_o of_o a_o live_n and_o active_a soul_n rom._n 12._o 1._o hence_o christ_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o law_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v for_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4._o that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o righteousness_n of_o we_o which_o the_o law_n do_v only_o typify_v and_o represent_v that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o legal_a righteousness_n for_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o he_o give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o i._n e._n shall_v enjoy_v all_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o more_o particular_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o last_o and_o great_a confirmation_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v that_o faith_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o ritual_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o this_o account_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o righteousness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n i._n e._n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o to_o we_o he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o he_o be_v our_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n who_o instruct_v we_o in_o true_a wisdom_n our_o righteousness_n as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a righteousness_n acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o sanctification_n because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n of_o faith_n conquer_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o our_o redemption_n as_o by_o these_o mean_v he_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n and_o pedagogie_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n from_o the_o idolatrous_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o just_a merit_n and_o desert_n of_o sin_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o apostle_n oppose_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n not_o as_o a_o inherent_a and_o personal_a to_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n but_o as_o a_o external_n and_o ritual_a to_o a_o inherent_a real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n most_o man_n understand_v a_o internal_a holiness_n the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o all_o moral_a precept_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o if_o this_o righteousness_n will_v not_o please_v god_n nothing_o but_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n can_v though_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o work_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o can_v please_v god_n and_o that_o internal_a holiness_n which_o they_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o very_a righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v and_o which_o god_n approve_v and_o reward_n and_o this_o impute_v righteousness_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n oppose_v his_o own_o righteousness_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n but_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o for_o the_o apostle_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o mean_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o what_o that_o be_v you_o have_v already_o hear_v thus_o in_o rom._n 10._o 3._o for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n where_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a controversy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o epistle_n whether_o man_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o legal_a or_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o
than_o the_o repeat_v sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n he_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o dispense_v this_o pardon_n to_o we_o by_o his_o intercession_n he_o seal_v that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n but_o still_o according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v expect_v from_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n from_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v it_o appear_v how_o injurious_a those_o man_n be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o pretend_v to_o magnify_v it_o who_o attribute_n no_o more_o to_o it_o than_o a_o non-imputation_n of_o sin_n 193._o that_o by_o his_o death_n christ_n bear_v and_o undergo_a the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o we_o pay_v the_o ransom_n that_o be_v due_a for_o we_o deliver_v we_o from_o this_o condition_n the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n and_o whole_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n all_o cause_n of_o quarrel_n and_o rejection_n be_v take_v away_o but_o then_o this_o will_v not_o complete_a our_o acceptation_n the_o old_a quarrel_n may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o yet_o no_o new_a friendship_n begin_v we_o may_v be_v not_o sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o far_o righteous_a as_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v we_o innocent_a deliver_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n but_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o doctor_n word_n for_o it_o it_o can_v give_v we_o no_o title_n to_o glory_n this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n but_o you_o see_v the_o scripture_n give_v a_o quite_o different_a account_n of_o it_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nay_o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n hebr._n 10._o 19_o which_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n thus_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v admission_n into_o heaven_n itself_o though_o the_o dr._n say_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o innocent_a but_o can_v give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o artificial_a method_n that_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o his_o righteousness_n but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o admission_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o into_o heaven_n itself_o nay_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n too_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 21._o for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v though_o christ_n be_v a_o very_a holy_a person_n yet_o he_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o our_o sin_n his_o blood_n have_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o our_o righteousness_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o purchase_v and_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o though_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o persuade_v myself_o that_o this_o whole_o exclude_v the_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o belove_a eph._n 1._o 6._o so_o that_o whatever_o render_v christ_n belove_v of_o god_n do_v contribute_v something_o to_o our_o acceptance_n for_o because_o he_o be_v belove_v we_o be_v accept_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o god_n be_v very_o high_o please_v with_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n we_o know_v how_o many_o blessing_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n who_o be_v great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o make_v they_o very_o dear_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n than_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o we_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n when_o abraham_n posterity_n be_v so_o bless_v for_o his_o sake_n but_o then_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n do_v not_o serve_v two_o such_o different_a end_n as_o these_o man_n fancy_n that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n remove_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a but_o they_o both_o serve_v the_o same_o end_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o gospel-covenant_n god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o mankind_n as_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o his_o posterity_n as_o their_o act_n but_o for_o abraham_n sake_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v his_o sacrifice_n so_o meritorious_a which_o be_v the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o rom._n 5._o 18_o 19_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o justification_n of_o life_n for_o as_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n so_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o of_o expound_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obedience_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n or_o his_o active_a obedience_n for_o it_o may_v very_o well_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o death_n notwithstanding_o the_o doctor_n distinction_n that_o do_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o suffer_v be_v another_o for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d phil._n 2._o 8._o and_o his_o offering_n himself_o in_o sacrifice_n be_v call_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n hebr._n 10._o 9_o 10._o and_o whether_o this_o be_v proper_o say_v or_o not_o i_o will_v leave_v the_o doctor_n to_o dispute_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v no_o express_a mention_n make_v of_o any_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n but_o only_o his_o die_n for_o we_o in_o ver._n 8._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v sinner_n in_o ver._n 9_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o 10._o that_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n which_o make_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n here_o the_o apostle_n understand_v his_o death_n and_o suffering_n because_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n but_o yet_o these_o expression_n his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n seem_v to_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o obedience_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o as_o god_n be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o adam_n sin_n that_o he_o entail_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n itself_o upon_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o sake_n so_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n that_o he_o
god_n to_o damn_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v content_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n to_o be_v damn_v or_o save_v as_o he_o please_v and_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o empty_a and_o hollow_a be_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o it_o and_o be_v grow_v careless_a of_o its_o salvation_n and_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a thus_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n without_o be_v indifferent_a in_o some_o measure_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n for_o mercy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o bring_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o this_o and_o i_o find_v by_o this_o author_n that_o god_n be_v very_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o thus_o to_o humble_v the_o soul_n 128._o for_o he_o be_v force_v to_o irritate_fw-la and_o stir_v up_o original_a corruption_n to_o stir_v the_o dunghill_n a_o very_a unfit_a office_n for_o a_o holy_a be_v that_o so_o man_n find_v themselves_o sensible_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o every_o day_n may_v despair_v of_o grow_v better_a and_o leave_v off_o such_o vain_a attempt_n and_o set_v down_o humble_a under_o god_n nay_o the_o lord_n load_v and_o tire_n and_o weary_v the_o soul_n by_o its_o own_o endeavour_n till_o it_o can_v stir_v no_o more_o that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n labour_v with_o all_o its_o might_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v encourage_v and_o assist_v all_o such_o pious_a endeavour_n withdraw_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v the_o soul_n will_v rest_v therein_o without_o christ_n 130._o now_o i_o confess_v i_o know_v not_o who_o suffer_v most_o by_o this_o the_o sinner_n who_o be_v thus_o humble_v and_o break_v or_o god_n who_o thus_o humble_v he_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o use_v such_o method_n of_o humiliation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o proud_a heart_n of_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o humiliation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n for_o one_o great_a end_n of_o humiliation_n be_v to_o cure_v man_n of_o such_o carnal_a conceit_n as_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o repent_v and_o reform_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a disposition_n towards_o our_o receive_n christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o for_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o humble_v it_o be_v time_n it_o shall_v go_v to_o christ_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o soul_n be_v so_o wound_v and_o humble_v now_o that_o they_o 152._o lie_v dead_a at_o god_n foot_n and_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o now_o the_o lord_n take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n that_o they_o may_v lean_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o belove_a by_o faith_n now_o the_o form_n and_o essence_n 173_o of_o faith_n this_o unite_n grace_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o christ_n faith_n do_v nothing_o for_o life_n for_o that_o be_v the_o law_n of_o work_n it_o only_o receive_v he_o who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o it_o it_o come_v out_o of_o all_o it_o have_v or_o do_v unto_o christ_n for_o life_n the_o soul_n by_o sin_n be_v avert_v from_o god_n and_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o god_n the_o turn_n and_o come_v of_o the_o soul_n not_o unto_o duty_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o be_v obedience_n proper_o but_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n again_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o faith_n so_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o drink_v in_o of_o christ_n fullness_n be_v believe_v in_o christ._n but_o then_o faith_n be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o see_v christ_n and_o the_o 185._o heart_n so_o embrace_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n as_o that_o it_o rest_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o its_o portion_n and_o all-sufficient_a good_a this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o faith_n you_o see_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o obedience_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o christ_n but_o it_o perfect_v this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n while_o they_o be_v as_o ugly_a and_o deform_v and_o vicious_a as_o may_v be_v very_o unfit_a person_n methinks_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o head_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o consider_a man_n how_o false_a this_o notion_n be_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o which_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o scripture_n place_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o therefore_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v not_o only_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o must_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o this_o make_v we_o visible_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o a_o external_a communion_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o sincere_o obey_v he_o till_o our_o mind_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n 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