and_o the_o peculiar_a mood_n of_o speak_v in_o every_o language_n and_o in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o urge_v metaphor_n no_o further_o than_o their_o first_o intention_n without_o which_o we_o may_v deal_v by_o all_o author_n as_o these_o man_n deal_v by_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o speak_v nonsense_n or_o as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o venerable_a mystery_n and_o overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o way_n of_o expound_v otherwise_o call_v adulterate_v and_o debauch_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v than_o they_o argue_v and_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceive_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o scheme_n and_o fancy_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o truth_n prove_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o its_o agreement_n with_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o be_v such_o a_o trick_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v get_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n i_o may_v give_v instance_n of_o this_o in_o abundance_n but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o some_o few_o lest_o i_o tire_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n thus_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n have_v peace_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n now_o how_o do_v you_o think_v shall_v all_o these_o scripture_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o notion_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o why_o this_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n to_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ._n for_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o save_v etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o absolute_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o of_o faith_n consider_v as_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o relative_o that_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v faith_n apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n justify_v now_o this_o distinction_n be_v plain_o owe_v to_o their_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v stumble_v on_o it_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n justify_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o justify_v and_o save_v instrumental_o and_o relative_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o that_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v faith_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o plain_a word_n signify_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v though_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o say_v it_o do_v but_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o shall_v faith_n justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v as_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o good_a work_n and_o as_o perfect_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o have_v justification_n be_v promise_v to_o any_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o it_o have_v be_v of_o desert_n not_o of_o grace_n of_o wage_n not_o of_o mercy_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v justification_n upon_o any_o work_n of_o we_o have_v say_v we_o must_v bring_v so_o much_o humiliation_n so_o much_o repentance_n so_o much_o break_v of_o spirit_n so_o much_o grace_n so_o many_o prayer_n alms-deed_n or_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o grace_n not_o of_o free_a mercy_n though_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o dream_v of_o merit_v by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v will_v have_v think_v that_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v though_o faith_n have_v justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n since_o the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n do_v so_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whatever_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o this_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o metaphor_n or_o two_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n some_o more_o apt_a than_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o christ_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o a_o ring_n which_o have_v 64._o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o which_o will_v staunch_v blood_n we_o say_v the_o ring_n staunch_v blood_n but_o the_o virtue_n do_v not_o bare_o lie_v in_o the_o ring_n but_o in_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o ring_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o ring_n christ_n the_o precious_a stone_n all_o that_o faith_n do_v be_v to_o bring_v home_n christ_n merit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o it_o justify_v so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v out_o a_o improper_a and_o absurd_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o invent_v one_o as_o this_o gentleman_n do_v for_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o this_o before_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o improper_o as_o unlearned_a man_n talk_v or_o think_v or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o fancy_v faith_n a_o ring_n and_o christ_n a_o precious_a stone_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o that_o legal_a and_o meritorious_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o receptive_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o receive_v the_o gold_n that_o enrich_v so_o faith_n receive_v of_o christ_n merit_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enrich_a grace_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v 65._o vein_n that_o suck_v the_o nourishment_n that_o come_v into_o the_o stomach_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o suck_a vein_n that_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v not_o this_o very_a plain_n now_o to_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n just_a as_o the_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o stomach_n and_o now_o to_o make_v all_o clear_a we_o may_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n why_o god_n choose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a ibidem_fw-la grace_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n if_o repentance_n shall_v fetch_v justification_n from_o christ_n a_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v this_o be_v for_o my_o tear_n strange_a deserve_a creature_n these_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o merit_a heaven_n with_o a_o few_o tear_n but_o faith_n be_v humble_a it_o be_v a_o empty_a hand_n and_o what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n reach_v out_o his_o hand_n merit_v a_o alm_n yes_o just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o few_o tear_n merit_v heaven_n faith_n be_v only_o a_o golden_a bucket_n that_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n but_o why_o may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o merit_n grow_v as_o proud_a that_o they_o have_v a_o golden_a bucket_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a well_o be_v their_o own_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o man_n deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o poor_a humble_a faith_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o they_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n that_o faith_n be_v sometime_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n sometime_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o a_o mouth_n to_o feed_v on_o he_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o a_o ring_n to_o hold_v this_o precious_a stone_n a_o vein_n to_o suck_v justification_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a stomach_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a new_a conceit_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n i_o never_o before_o read_v that_o he_o be_v the_o stomach_n a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o this_o well_o christ_n though_o in_o this_o they_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o faith_n in_o make_v it_o a_o
god_n by_o our_o own_o righteousness_n why_o do_v not_o all_o our_o wisdom_n of_o 119._o walk_v with_o god_n consist_v in_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o we_o be_v darkness_n and_o in_o we_o no_o light_n at_o all_o he_o be_v life_n a_o live_a god_n we_o be_v dead_a dead_a sinner_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n he_o be_v holiness_n and_o glorious_a in_o it_o we_o whole_o defile_v a_o abominable_a thing_n he_o be_v love_n we_o full_a of_o hatred_n hate_v and_o be_v hate_v sure_o this_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o agreement_n or_o upon_o that_o of_o walk_v that_o be_v of_o communion_n together_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o remote_a than_o this_o frame_n from_o such_o a_o condition_n the_o foundation_n then_o of_o this_o peace_n that_o be_v of_o agreement_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v lay_v in_o christ_n hide_v in_o christ_n he_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v our_o peace_n he_o have_v make_v peace_n for_o we_o he_o be_v the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v christ_n and_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o he_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o all_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o he_o we_o meet_v in_o he_o we_o walk_v so_o that_o if_o this_o gentleman_n memory_n have_v not_o fail_v he_o he_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o 8._o chap._n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n when_o a_o little_a before_o he_o have_v disclaim_v this_o as_o whole_o useless_a to_o that_o purpose_n but_o however_o holiness_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o serve_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n how_o so_o when_o it_o be_v not_o essential_o necessary_a to_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o why_o so_o when_o man_n may_v be_v convert_v without_o it_o it_o keep_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n from_o other_o man_n as_o ten_o good_a man_n will_v have_v preserve_v sodom_n but_o why_o can_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o the_o holiness_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o justify_v person_n for_o they_o be_v accept_v and_o receive_v into_o friendship_n with_o a_o holy_a god_n a_o god_n of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v cleanse_v and_o purify_v themselves_o what_o need_v of_o this_o when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o but_o however_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o sanctification_n we_o have_v in_o we_o a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o this_o new_a creature_n be_v feed_v cherish_v nourish_v keep_v alive_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n give_v we_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a nature_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v kill_v they_o stifle_v the_o creature_n that_o be_v find_v in_o we_o in_o the_o womb_n that_o we_o shall_v give_v he_o to_o the_o old_a man_n to_o be_v devour_v the_o phrase_n of_o this_o be_v admirable_a and_o the_o reason_n unanswerable_a for_o if_o man_n be_v new_a creature_n they_o will_v certain_o live_v new_a life_n and_o this_o make_v holiness_n absolute_o necessary_a by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o every_o thing_n necessary_o be_v what_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v but_o still_o we_o inquire_v after_o a_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o we_o can_v discover_v yet_o well!_o but_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n this_o indeed_o be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o though_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n mark_v the_o hypothesis_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o way_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o for_o the_o obtain_n salvation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o none_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o the_o end_n who_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n for_o without_o holiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v god_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o pertinent_a and_o home_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o little_a fault_n in_o it_o that_o it_o contradict_v itself_o and_o overthrow_v their_o darling_n opinion_n which_o i_o can_v very_o well_o pardon_v if_o he_o can_v what_o the_o necessary_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o cause_n matter_n nor_o condition_n at_o least_o you_o may_v allow_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v the_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la without_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o get_v thither_o and_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o your_o distinction_n will_v entitle_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o condition_n but_o not_o to_o dispute_v about_o word_n i_o be_o content_a it_o shall_v only_o be_v a_o necessary_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o what_o become_v of_o christ_n then_o who_o be_v the_o only_a way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n able_a to_o save_v we_o without_o a_o additional_a righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o do_v the_o active_a and_o passive_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n both_o free_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n and_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n and_o title_n to_o glory_n and_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o be_v save_v without_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n what_o become_v of_o free_a grace_n then_o be_v not_o this_o to_o eke_o out_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n with_o our_o own_o to_o make_v christ_n our_o justifier_n and_o our_o work_n our_o saviour_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o man_n wrest_v and_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o speak_v their_o sense_n and_o justify_v their_o darling_n opinion_n and_o fancy_n though_o not_o always_o with_o the_o same_o success_n for_o some_o truth_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o stubborn_a that_o they_o will_v not_o bend_v but_o must_v be_v break_v into_o the_o most_o palpable_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n before_o they_o can_v be_v fit_v to_o their_o opinion_n and_o then_o they_o agree_v like_o new_a cloth_n in_o a_o old_a garment_n which_o make_v the_o rent_n the_o wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o pre-possess_a our_o fancy_n with_o some_o arbitrary_a notion_n in_o religion_n which_o natural_o force_v man_n to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o speak_v the_o orthodox_n language_n to_o this_o we_o owe_v all_o those_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o systematical_a divinity_n which_o common_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o scripture_n or_o to_o bribe_v it_o to_o speak_v on_o their_o side_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o call_v that_o into_o question_n whatever_o acquaintance_n man_n have_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o mr._n chillingworth_n observe_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o to_o establish_v her_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n she_o need_v not_o either_o abolish_v or_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o numerous_a multitude_n of_o copy_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n translate_v into_o almost_o all_o language_n guard_v with_o all_o solicitous_a care_n and_o industry_n have_v be_v a_o impossible_a attempt_n but_o the_o more_o expedite_a way_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v successful_a be_v to_o gain_v the_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o public_a and_o authorize_v interpreter_n of_o they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o add_v to_o they_o what_o doctrine_n she_o please_v under_o the_o title_n of_o tradition_n or_o definition_n thus_o though_o their_o fancy_n and_o the_o scripture_n agree_v no_o better_o than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v both_o retain_v so_o their_o opinion_n may_v but_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o add_v such_o limitation_n distinction_n gloss_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o orthodox_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v thus_o acquaint_v with_o his_o person_n but_o to_o understand_v his_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n it_o be_v not_o the_o person_n but_o
in_o for_o a_o share_n at_o least_o in_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o dr._n be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o how_o excellent_a be_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n person_n above_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n there_o be_v no_o such_o boundless_a mercy_n as_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v its_o dimension_n as_o will_v save_v the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n thus_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o eternal_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o it_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a love_n because_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o love_n be_v fruitful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v effectual_a and_o fruitful_a in_o produce_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v unto_o his_o belove_a he_o love_v life_n grace_n holiness_n into_o we_o he_o love_v we_o into_o covenant_n love_v we_o into_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o excellent_a love_n indeed_o which_o do_v all_o for_o we_o and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v we_o owe_v this_o discovery_n see_v you_o to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n or_o rather_o with_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o be_v that_o christ_n love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o he_o love_v good_a man_n who_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o save_v they_o and_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o love_v they_o while_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v good_a but_o hate_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a vice_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o sinner_n to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o as_o far_o excel_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o gospel_n excel_v the_o law_n but_o methinks_v this_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_a eternal_a unchangeable_a fruitful_a i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o misery_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o if_o this_o love_n be_v so_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a etc._n etc._n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o than_o it_o be_v always_o so_o for_o god_n always_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o why_o can_v not_o this_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n as_o well_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n as_o love_n life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o little_a odd_a first_o to_o love_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o then_o he_o may_v love_v we_o into_o life_n and_o holiness_n which_o indeed_o can_v not_o be_v if_o this_o love_n of_o god_n be_v always_o so_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a as_o this_o author_n persuade_v we_o it_o be_v now_o for_o if_o this_o love_n have_v always_o love_v life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o shall_v sin_v and_o die_v not_o that_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a unchangeable_a fruitful_a that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v always_o good_a and_o always_o continue_v good_a and_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o but_o then_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v always_o determine_v to_o the_o same_o object_n but_o in_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o be_v that_o he_o always_o love_v true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o see_v it_o and_o never_o cease_v to_o love_v any_o person_n till_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a and_o then_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o love_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v no_o long_o for_o shall_v he_o love_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o his_o love_n will_v change_v and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o god_n love_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o produce_v what_o he_o love_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irresistible_a power_n for_o then_o sin_n and_o death_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n but_o he_o govern_v and_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n he_o govern_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o bruit_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n from_o hence_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o desirable_a christ_n be_v in_o his_o humanity_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o freedom_n from_o all_o sin_n both_o original_a and_o actual_a and_o his_o fullness_n of_o grace_n that_o all_o grace_n be_v in_o he_o for_o the_o kind_n thereof_o and_o all_o degree_n of_o grace_n for_o its_o perfection_n this_o indeed_o do_v represent_v he_o as_o a_o very_a excellent_a person_n a_o spotless_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o the_o world_n but_o these_o personal_a perfection_n can_v pass_v out_o of_o his_o person_n to_o become_v we_o but_o than_o three_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o these_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n and_o this_o make_v he_o fit_a to_o suffer_v and_o able_a to_o bear_v whaetever_n be_v due_a unto_o we_o which_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v for_o if_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o a_o mere_a innocent_a creature_n how_o will_v they_o have_v overwhelm_v he_o and_o bury_v he_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god-man_n be_v of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o any_o mere_a creature_n can_v be_v but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o this_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o do_v as_o little_a admire_v his_o philosophy_n but_o his_o be_v god_n and_o man_n make_v he_o a_o endless_a bottomless_a fountain_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v this_o he_o be_v as_o god_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v before_o and_o his_o grace_n be_v never_o the_o more_o bottomless_a for_o become_v man._n the_o design_n you_o see_v of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v drink_v pardon_n and_o mercy_n as_o long_o as_o we_o need_v any_o and_o such_o mercy_n too_o as_o his_o gospel_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o he_o have_v a_o fullness_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o thence_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o communication_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o the_o personal_a grace_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n his_o fullness_n to_o save_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o communion_n or_o the_o free_a consequence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o union_n as_o for_o this_o grace_n of_o communion_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o though_o it_o sound_v a_o little_a harsh_a to_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n and_o yet_o communicate_v whereby_o christ_n communicate_v his_o fullness_n to_o believer_n i_o shall_v reserve_v it_o for_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o consider_v what_o this_o personal_a fullness_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o he_o call_v all_o the_o furniture_n he_o receive_v 54._o 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 and_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o this_o be_v his_o three_o personal_a grace_n his_o excellency_n to_o endear_v from_o his_o complete_a suitableness_n to_o all_o the_o want_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o man_n whatever_o this_o sound_n like_o universal_a redemption_n that_o have_v any_o want_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o christ_n will_v be_v unto_o he_o that_o which_o he_o want_v be_v he_o dead_a christ_n be_v life_n be_v he_o weak_a christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v he_o the_o sense_n of_o guilt_n upon_o he_o christ_n be_v complete_a righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n many_o poor_a creature_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o want_n but_o know_v not_o where_o their_o remedy_n lie_v indeed_o whether_o it_o be_v life_n or_o light_n power_n or_o joy_n all_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o he_o now_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
appear_v from_o rom._n 9_o 30._o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n who_o pursue_v so_o earnest_o after_o righteousness_n be_v exclude_v from_o righteousness_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v under_o a_o curse_n because_o they_o do_v not_o look_v for_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n or_o by_o christianity_n but_o by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o the_o most_o obvious_a reason_n why_o this_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v call_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n god_n righteousness_n be_v because_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v a_o way_n of_o justification_n not_o of_o god_n appointment_n but_o their_o own_o choose_n god_n never_o design_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v justify_v to_o eternal_a life_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o they_o confident_o expect_v justification_n by_o that_o law_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n choose_v this_o he_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n by_o this_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o this_o he_o appoint_v and_o this_o he_o will_v own_v and_o reward_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o a_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o impute_v to_o we_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n person_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n that_o be_v that_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n call_v they_o and_o upon_o inquiry_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o appropriate_a to_o his_o person_n belong_v to_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o describe_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o which_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o metaphorical_a expression_n still_o behind_o which_o exercise_n man_n wit_n and_o fancy_n viz_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n too_o or_o personal_a estate_n or_o what_o you_o will_v call_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ._n where_o by_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o call_v it_o unsearchable_a riches_n because_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o narrow_a and_o stint_a thing_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o law_n be_v but_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o mankind_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n contain_v those_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 1._o 7._o for_o riches_n signify_v only_o a_o abundance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o scripture_n to_o sport_n and_o toy_n with_o word_n and_o metaphor_n as_o some_o man_n do_v with_o this_o riches_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v rich_a because_o he_o have_v a_o rich_a christ._n dowry_n have_v all_o the_o world_n give_v to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a inheritance_n that_o he_o keep_v open_a house_n and_o maintain_v all_o the_o creation_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v this_o above_o 6000_o year_n which_o will_v have_v break_v he_o long_o since_o have_v he_o not_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o enrich_v all_o the_o saint_n but_o all_o of_o the_o saint_n their_o understanding_n with_o glorious_a light_n their_o conscience_n with_o quickness_n pureness_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o after_o all_o this_o vast_a expense_n he_o be_v never_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o penny_n the_o poor_a for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o that_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v general_o rich_a rich_a in_o house_n and_o land_n though_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o gold_n in_o silver_n in_o cattle_n in_o all_o temporal_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a tribute_n and_o rent_n due_a to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o owner_n of_o all_o that_o angel_n and_o man_n possess_v above_o and_o below_o these_o be_v fine_a thing_n to_o persuade_v young_a woman_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o their_o husband_n since_o they_o can_v never_o expect_v so_o rich_a and_o advantageous_a a_o match_n any_o where_o else_o but_o i_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o to_o pursue_v such_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n as_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expose_v they_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o fullness_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n these_o man_n make_v of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v fit_v he_o to_o all_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v wherein_o this_o union_n they_o talk_v of_o between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n do_v consist_v now_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v at_o large_a but_o these_o man_n instead_o of_o explain_v these_o metaphor_n turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o allegory_n as_o for_o example_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n and_o now_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v christ_n woo_v and_o make_v love_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o what_o other_o man_n call_v believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n these_o man_n call_v that_o consent_n and_o contract_n which_o make_v up_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n take_v we_o for_o his_o spouse_n and_o we_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o husband_n and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n except_o the_o ring_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o as_o a_o antichristian_a ceremony_n christ_n say_v thus_o this_o be_v com._n that_o we_o will_v consent_v unto_o that_o i_o will_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o and_o not_o for_o another_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o eminency_n to_o be_v its_o saviour_n head_n and_o husband_n to_o dwell_v with_o it_o in_o this_o holy_a relation_n and_o the_o soul_n like_v christ_n for_o his_o excellency_n grace_n suitableness_n far_o above_o all_o other_o belove_n whatever_n and_o accept_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n for_o its_o husband_n lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o marriage_n be_v complete_v and_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n espousal_n of_o the_o gladness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o now_o follow_v all_o mutual_a conjugal_a affection_n which_o on_o christ_n part_n consist_v in_o delight_n valuation_n pity_n or_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n on_o the_o saint_n part_n in_o delight_n valuation_n chastity_n duty_n which_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o description_n of_o his_o artificial_a man_n the_o commonwealth_n but_o i_o have_v already_o correct_v this_o fool_n with_o scripture-metaphor_n and_o phrase_n and_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o they_o place_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n namely_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v all_o christ_n we_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