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work_n good_a grace_n merit_v 5,172 5 10.7916 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59788 An answer to a late scandalous pamphlet entituled A friendly debate between Satan and Sherlock, written by Thomas Danson by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1677 (1677) Wing S3262; ESTC R31818 41,442 72

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this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o most_o general_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o political_a not_o a_o natural_a union_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o now_o those_o relation_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o union_n signify_v power_n and_o authority_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o the_o church_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o husband_n which_o signify_v rule_n and_o government_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o spouse_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o head_n so_o the_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o other_o relation_n whereby_o this_o union_n be_v describe_v only_o when_o i_o call_v it_o a_o political_a union_n you_o must_v not_o imagine_v 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work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v so_o holy_a that_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o good_a man_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v they_o and_o have_v christ_n never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o merciful_a the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o have_v learn_v before_o from_o nature_n pag._n 42_o 43._o god_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o pardon_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o why_o not_o the_o worst_a of_o angel_n 8._o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o humble_a and_o penitent_a prodigal_n pag._n 43._o now_o any_o one_o who_o read_v this_o may_v conclude_v that_o i_o very_o much_o slight_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v all_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o discover_v the_o gross_a knavery_n of_o this_o for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o gentle_a term_n to_o give_v it_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o whole_a paragraph_n which_o run_v thus_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n ii_o and_o providence_n and_o those_o manifold_a revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n especial_o that_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n that_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a that_o he_o can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v so_o wise_a that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o order_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a so_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v and_o design_n the_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o holy_a that_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o all_o good_a man_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v they_o but_o hate_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o will_v as_o certain_o punish_v all_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n but_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v very_o patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o use_v various_a method_n of_o kindness_n and_o severity_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o pardon_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o humble_a and_o penitent_a prodigal_n these_o property_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o further_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v without_o reason_v from_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v dr._n owen_n way_n of_o discover_v those_o gospel-mystery_n which_o can_v be_v learn_v from_o revelation_n only_o against_o which_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v level_v and_o which_o you_o may_v see_v full_o state_v and_o explain_v in_o pag._n 38._o of_o my_o defence_n but_o to_o proceed_v and_o have_v christ_n never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o merciful_a because_o not_o only_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o have_v learn_v before_o from_o nature_n and_o revelation_n just_a as_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n confirm_v we_o in_o
age_n be_v more_o or_o less_o obscure_a according_a to_o the_o different_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o the_o world_n as_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v it_o be_v but_o little_o that_o adam_n understand_v from_o that_o promise_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n nor_o can_v that_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_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 instruct_v he_o who_o this_o seed_n be_v or_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v or_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v bless_v the_o world_n as_o i_o show_v particular_o in_o my_o first_o discourse_n to_o which_o 2._o i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n the_o promise_n make_v to_o david_n of_o a_o great_a prince_n that_o shall_v come_v of_o his_o race_n and_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n and_o those_o other_o magnificent_a description_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n betray_v the_o jew_n into_o a_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o reject_v christ_n when_o he_o come_v and_o though_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n and_o daniel_n concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n seem_v very_o plain_a to_o we_o now_o the_o event_n have_v expound_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v they_o and_o must_v we_o be_v force_v now_o to_o please_v mr._n danson_n to_o say_v that_o adam_n and_o enoch_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n do_v understand_v that_o their_o promise_a messiah_n be_v to_o be_v no_o less_o person_n than_o a_o god_n incarnate_a that_o he_o be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o suffer_v death_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n there_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o the_o merit_n and_o 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our_o life_n and_o action_n the_o object_n of_o this_o faith_n alter_v according_a to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o revelation_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o more_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o every_o new_a revelation_n god_n make_v enlarge_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n till_o it_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n and_o now_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n and_o abraham_n but_o enlarge_v and_o perfect_v by_o a_o more_o perfect_a revelation_n as_o those_o good_a man_n believe_v whatever_o discovery_n god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o govern_v their_o life_n according_o so_o must_v we_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a prove_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n pag._n 252._o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n a_o roll_a and_o rest_v our_o soul_n on_o he_o and_o a_o fanciful_a application_n of_o his_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n to_o ourselves_o these_o good_a man_n can_v never_o have_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n because_o this_o require_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v and_o suffer_v which_o they_o have_v not_o but_o such_o a_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o teach_v we_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v now_o justify_v such_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n this_o our_o adversary_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o will_v serve_v they_o but_o to_o assert_v that_o abraham_n and_o other_o good_a man_n before_o christ_n have_v a_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v save_v by_o rest_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n as_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o their_o notion_n of_o justification_n be_v false_a or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o these_o good_a man_n be_v not_o save_v by_o christ._n four_o the_o evidence_n these_o good_a man_n have_v of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n do_v vary_v also_o according_a to_o the_o different_a dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n from_o the_o natural_a impreffion_n on_o our_o mind_n or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n give_v we_o some_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o be_v sincere_a worshipper_n of_o he_o but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o certain_a as_o that_o which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o express_a promise_n confirm_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_n the_o argument_n from_o nature_n without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o incline_v honest_a mind_n though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o mistake_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n we_o see_v mankind_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o it_o though_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o need_v a_o far_a confirmation_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o yet_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v in_o former_a age_n and_o therefore_o till_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n god_n give_v they_o some_o additional_a confirmation_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o good_a man_n above_o what_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v as_o the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n who_o possible_o may_v make_v some_o great_a discovery_n to_o they_o than_o be_v record_v and_o the_o peculiar_a expression_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o to_o all_o their_o posterity_n for_o their_o sake_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o though_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n be_v but_o temporal_a yet_o be_v design_v to_o typify_v and_o represent_v spiritual_a and_o future_a blessing_n and_o be_v understand_v so_o by_o good_a man_n and_o since_o god_n for_o wise_a reason_n reserve_v to_o himself_o be_v please_v to_o make_v but_o a_o imperfect_a revelation_n to_o these_o good_a man_n he_o accept_v also_o of_o a_o more_o imperfect_a obedience_n than_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n know_a rule_n to_o who_o 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