certain_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n especial_o consider_v how_o holy_a our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o can_v reasonable_o conceive_v that_o he_o die_v or_o that_o he_o intercede_v for_o incorrigible_a sinner_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n now_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o god_n can_v have_v contrive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o powerful_a obligation_n such_o forceable_a endearment_n such_o ravish_a charm_n which_o make_v such_o a_o pleasant_a and_o invite_a representation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o so_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o inflame_v our_o love_n and_o awaken_v our_o fear_n and_o excite_v our_o emulation_n which_o do_v even_o affect_v our_o sense_n with_o the_o argument_n of_o religion_n and_o storm_v the_o low_a and_o more_o brutish_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o captivate_v they_o to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ._n from_o hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o sinner_n recovery_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o return_v of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n we_o owe_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n when_o we_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o all_o the_o powerful_a argument_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o incarnation_n and_o life_n and_o doctrine_n and_o example_n and_o miracle_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o shame_n and_o folly_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n than_o we_o partake_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o intercession_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n of_o his_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o to_o distract_v our_o guilty_a mind_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o inexorable_a justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o bring_v we_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n of_o fear_n and_o bondage_n but_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n mix_v with_o a_o awful_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a judge_n and_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n this_o be_v such_o a_o method_n of_o convert_v sinner_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o appearance_n which_o be_v not_o design_v to_o cause_v tempest_n and_o earthquake_n in_o our_o mind_n like_o the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o to_o work_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o more_o silent_a and_o gentle_a method_n and_o in_o more_o humane_a way_n if_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n have_v reform_v our_o life_n and_o rectify_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o sincere_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n though_o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o these_o artificial_a method_n of_o repentance_n have_v not_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o amaze_a terror_n of_o god_n wrath_n nor_o the_o rage_a despair_n of_o damn_a spirit_n and_o then_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n before_o have_v have_v christ_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o hear_v the_o wooing_n and_o beseeching_n of_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o formal_a contract_n and_o espousal_n with_o christ_n and_o such_o like_a work_n of_o a_o heat_a fancy_n and_o religious_a distraction_n though_o our_o conversion_n be_v not_o manage_v with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o method_n and_o by_o so_o many_o step_n and_o gradation_n we_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a christian_n for_o want_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n not_o of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n which_o suggest_v so_o many_o encourage_v consideration_n to_o return_v to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a father_n and_o not_o to_o tremble_v at_o his_o presence_n as_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o true_a expression_n of_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o some_o fond_a and_o amorous_a passion_n but_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v he_o be_v to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o 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 themselves_o and_o let_v we_o all_o fetch_v our_o religion_n from_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o from_o any_o pretend_a personal_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o sect_n iu._n how_o man_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o their_o fancy_n there_o be_v a_o very_a obvious_a objection_n against_o this_o whole_a discourse_n the_o answer_v of_o which_o will_v further_o discover_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o frame_a such_o fanciful_a idea_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o though_o these_o man_n deduce_v their_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o so_o abound_v in_o scripture_n proof_n to_o confirm_v what_o they_o say_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n on_o such_o uncertain_a conjecture_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o you_o consult_v these_o man_n 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
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
be_v a_o fool_n though_o have_v none_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o to_o take_v up_o his_o eternal_a rest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o section_n with_o a_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o sincere_a convert_n whereby_o it_o will_v evident_o 167._o appear_v what_o these_o man_n think_v of_o sanctification_n there_o we_o have_v a_o account_n what_o course_n some_o man_n take_v to_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o tire_v and_o weary_a of_o themselves_o and_o hear_v that_o only_a christ_n can_v save_v they_o they_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o remove_v those_o sin_n which_o tire_v and_o load_v they_o that_o he_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v better_a than_o former_o if_o they_o get_v these_o sin_n subdue_v and_o remove_v and_o if_o they_o find_v power_n to_o do_v better_o than_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n whereas_o as_o he_o add_v thou_o may_v be_v damn_v and_o go_v to_o the_o devil_n at_o last_o though_o thou_o do_v escape_v all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o not_o from_o thyself_o and_o thy_o own_o own_o strength_n but_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n woe_n to_o you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o die_v in_o this_o state_n with_o your_o sin_n mortify_v and_o subdue_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o suck_v juice_n from_o he_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o berry_n his_o own_o stock_n of_o grace_n alas_o he_o be_v but_o the_o ivy_n he_o be_v no_o member_n nor_o branch_n in_o this_o tree_n and_o hence_o he_o never_o grow_v to_o be_v one_o with_o christ._n so_o that_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n though_o we_o fetch_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o will_n we_o may_v only_o grasp_v about_o christ_n all_o this_o while_n as_o the_o ivy_n do_v about_o the_o oak_n but_o never_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o so_o that_o now_o we_o must_v return_v where_o we_o begin_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o external_a evidence_n that_o be_v to_o private_a enthusiasm_n for_o sanctification_n can_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n good_a god_n into_o what_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n do_v these_o man_n lead_v poor_a distress_a soul_n they_o can_v direct_v they_o to_o no_o certain_a way_n of_o get_v into_o christ_n nor_o how_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o now_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v what_o friend_n these_o man_n be_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o all_o agree_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o they_o only_o pretend_v to_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o this_o privilege_n neither_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n it_o may_v prove_v we_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o ivy_n be_v to_o the_o oak_n not_o as_o a_o branch_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o vine_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o will_v justify_v any_o man_n zeal_n against_o such_o opinion_n as_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o gospel_n method_n of_o salvation_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a those_o great_a miracle_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n a_o public_a profession_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o our_o baptism_n make_v we_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o gospel_n make_v a_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o can_v feel_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n as_o he_o can_v know_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v and_o choose_v and_o what_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o revelation_n of_o any_o private_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o assure_v man_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o there_o be_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v evident_a to_o their_o outward_a or_o inward_a sense_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n concern_v the_o general_a adoption_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o to_o testify_v to_o any_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o a_o private_a but_o a_o public_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o to_o speak_v language_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v and_o to_o prophesy_v be_v a_o plain_a argument_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o god_n now_o own_v the_o christian_n not_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o choose_a and_o elect_a people_n for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a dispute_n of_o those_o day_n whether_o jew_n or_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whether_o god_n now_o own_v the_o jewish_a or_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n decide_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o god_n can_v not_o give_v a_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o he_o own_v they_o for_o his_o son_n when_o he_o bestow_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n on_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v gal._n 3._o 2._o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v do_v god_n bestow_v his_o spirit_n on_o you_o while_o you_o be_v jew_n or_o upon_o your_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n for_o if_o god_n bestow_v his_o spirit_n only_o on_o christian_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a seal_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v whether_o he_o hearty_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o herein_o consist_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o let_v we_o then_o leave_v those_o other_o dim_a notion_n to_o man_n who_o can_v believe_v what_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v who_o despise_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o carnal_a reason_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n sect_n 1._o i_o have_v now_o finish_v the_o great_a part_n of_o my_o design_n and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o brief_o of_o what_o remain_v next_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n follow_v our_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o though_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o those_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o call_v union_n as_o 186._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v yet_o in_o these_o man_n divinity_n they_o be_v very_o different_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v represent_v by_o our_o marriage_n to_o he_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o by_o consequential_a conjugal_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v that_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n love_n to_o believer_n and_o the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n first_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o just_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a example_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a expression_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o die_v for_o we_o he_o be_v that_o good_a shepherd_n who_o give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o 11._o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v we_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o mention_v the_o great_a
by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v to_o love_v you_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n always_o act_n upon_o steady_a and_o constant_a principle_n that_o whatever_o change_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v occasion_v very_o different_a administration_n in_o his_o providence_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o never_o change_v whereas_o shall_v god_n always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n however_o he_o change_v and_o alter_v god_n must_v change_v and_o alter_v too_o because_o though_o he_o still_o love_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o he_o must_v love_v for_o different_a or_o contrary_a reason_n or_o for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o much_o great_a change_n of_o the_o two_o to_o alter_v the_o reason_n than_o the_o object_n of_o love_n if_o god_n love_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o continue_v to_o love_v he_o when_o he_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n thus_o you_o see_v while_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o make_v it_o a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o man_n too_o for_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v they_o careless_a of_o please_a god_n and_o secure_a in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n can_v hinder_v god_n from_o love_v they_o nor_o alter_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o ever_o he_o love_v they_o it_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v that_o now_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o worst_a man_n live_v will_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n as_o the_o best_a man_n have_v nay_o if_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o worse_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a object_n be_v they_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n have_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o require_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v call_v honour_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_a love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o include_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n a_o devout_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n a_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o and_o all_o those_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o love_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n they_o be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n be_v and_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o thus_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n that_o our_o return_n may_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o it_o christ_n have_v condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o extol_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n which_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n since_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o depend_v on_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o law_n love_v to_o equal_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o but_o what_o love_n give_v they_o make_v they_o very_o flexible_a and_o obsequious_a to_o each_o other_o desire_n and_o request_n but_o our_o love_n to_o superior_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o parent_n include_v obedience_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o principal_a trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n
but_o one_o christian_a society_n which_o be_v the_o one_o body_n of_o christ._n thus_o brethren_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n christian_n brethren_n 1_o colossian_n 2._o verse_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2._o ep._n to_o the_o corinthian_n 5._o chapter_n 17._o v._n i_o e._n every_o sincere_a christian_a be_v a_o new_a creature_n or_o whoever_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o life_n in_o society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n thus_o various_o be_v the_o name_n christ_n use_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v occasion_v very_o great_a mistake_n in_o some_o man_n divinity_n who_o be_v very_o zealous_a to_o advance_v christ_n person_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o religion_n who_o instead_o of_o those_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o a_o universal_a holiness_n of_o life_n have_v introduce_v a_o fanciful_a application_n of_o christ_n to_o ourselves_o and_o union_n to_o he_o set_v off_o with_o all_o those_o choice_a phrase_n of_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o embrace_v christ_n and_o get_v into_o christ_n and_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o trust_v and_o rely_v and_o roll_a our_o soul_n on_o christ_n and_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n have_v advance_v a_o kind_n of_o amorous_a and_o enthusiastic_a devotion_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o passionate_a love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o admire_v his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n fullness_n beauty_n loveliness_n riches_n etc._n etc._n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o which_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n be_v that_o these_o man_n make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n almost_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whatever_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o office_n his_o law_n and_o his_o religion_n they_o understand_v of_o his_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n and_o therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o religion_n that_o man_n may_v not_o abuse_v themselves_o with_o a_o pretend_a devotion_n to_o our_o saviour_n while_o they_o contemn_v his_o law_n and_o purposely_o defeat_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v discourse_v on_o these_o follow_a argument_n first_o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o what_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v three_o wherein_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o consist_v four_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n chap._n ii_o of_o what_o use_n the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v state_v be_v of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o those_o man_n who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n frequent_o without_o any_o sense_n and_o general_o without_o any_o just_a ground_n from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n be_v very_o clamorous_a and_o alarm_n the_o world_n with_o strange_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n start_v up_o who_o design_n to_o make_v christ_n useless_a and_o to_o reduce_v religion_n to_o its_o first_o natural_a state_n which_o know_v no_o priest_n nor_o sacrifice_n nor_o mediator_n a_o design_n which_o i_o profess_v i_o be_o whole_o a_o stranger_n to_o as_o i_o believe_v all_o those_o be_v who_o be_v so_o much_o charge_v with_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o it_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n what_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o calumny_n be_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o make_v christ_n useless_a only_o because_o we_o dare_v not_o make_v his_o law_n and_o religion_n so_o and_o to_o prevent_v such_o scandal_n for_o the_o future_a i_o shall_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o in_o this_o inquiry_n of_o what_o use_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o mean_v what_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o mean_v who_o talk_v of_o christ_n person_n viz._n christ_n himself_o as_o every_o man_n person_n be_v himself_o and_o the_o only_a proper_a consideration_n here_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n who_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o god_n man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o his_o soul_n be_v well_o please_v who_o leave_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o eternal_a throne_n to_o undertake_v the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o this_o suggest_v many_o useful_a consideration_n which_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o religion_n as_o first_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n all_o religion_n be_v found_v on_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o that_o be_v must_v believe_v his_o be_v and_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o love_v and_o take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n for_o no_o man_n will_v serve_v god_n who_o do_v not_o hope_n to_o be_v the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o therefore_o every_o religion_n have_v its_o proper_a demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o those_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n the_o mosaic_a religion_n on_o those_o miraculous_a deliverance_n god_n wrought_v for_o israel_n and_o that_o particular_a providence_n which_o watch_v over_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n on_o the_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a love_n that_o it_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o astonishment_n as_o well_o as_o praise_v of_o man_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o do_v encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n that_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o god_n goodness_n for_o he_o have_v nothing_o great_a to_o bestow_v on_o we_o than_o his_o son_n and_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n 8_o rom._n 32._o second_o this_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o so_o great_a a_o person_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n law_n always_o partake_v of_o the_o fate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n the_o great_a opinion_n we_o have_v of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o person_n the_o more_o sacred_a regard_n have_v we_o for_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o numa_n pretend_v that_o he_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o goddess_n aegeria_n to_o procure_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o they_o which_o be_v imitate_v by_o lycurgus_n and_o other_o lawgiver_n thus_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o appoint_a heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n 1_o hebr._n 1._o 2._o and_o his_o greatness_n and_o authority_n give_v a_o inviolable_a sanction_n and_o just_a reverence_n to_o his_o law_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n 2._o hebr._n 1._o 2_o 3._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o parable_n in_o luke_n 20._o 9_o etc._n etc._n three_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n give_v
of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n more_o by_o they_o than_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n that_o be_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v mean_v something_o more_o than_o this_o or_o else_o they_o raise_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o confound_v man_n mind_n with_o obscure_a and_o unscriptural_a phrase_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n sect_n i._o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a be_v and_o therefore_o our_o good_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n have_v take_v care_n in_o all_o age_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o make_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o leave_v such_o visible_a impress_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n on_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o first_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o for_o a_o well_o dispose_v eye_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n when_o it_o shine_v and_o while_o man_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n god_n himself_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o very_o present_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o after_o age_n as_o mankind_n grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n afford_v good_a man_n the_o frequent_a apparition_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o more_o degenerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n he_o raise_v up_o some_o great_a example_n and_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n such_o as_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o give_v such_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o acceptance_n of_o these_o man_n as_o may_v reasonable_o encourage_v other_o to_o imitate_v their_o example_n he_o translate_v enoch_n immediate_o to_o heaven_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n when_o he_o destroy_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n which_o be_v a_o signal_n warning_n to_o that_o corrupt_a generation_n while_o the_o ark_n be_v prepare_v and_o a_o great_a example_n to_o posterity_n he_o send_v lot_n out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o sodom_n and_o make_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o a_o great_a nation_n which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n how_o dear_a these_o good_a man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o what_o other_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o who_o will_v worship_v and_o fear_v he_o as_o they_o do_v but_o when_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o these_o single_a example_n god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o public_a and_o constant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n for_o when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o all_o possible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v in_o rom._n 3._o 29._o be_v he_o the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o be_v he_o not_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n yes_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o force_n in_o it_o must_v prove_v god_n respect_n to_o the_o gentile_n before_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o since_o because_o it_o be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a relation_n god_n own_v to_o all_o mankind_n as_o their_o merciful_a creator_n and_o governor_n which_o give_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n a_o interest_n in_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o plain_o evince_n that_o all_o those_o particular_a favour_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o israel_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o any_o partial_a fondness_n and_o respect_n to_o that_o people_n but_o the_o design_n of_o all_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o give_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n when_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o observation_n that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o glorious_o triumph_v over_o the_o numerous_a god_n of_o egypt_n and_o all_o their_o enchantment_n and_o divination_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v on_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host._n for_o this_o reason_n he_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o the_o constant_a expense_n of_o miracle_n fight_v all_o their_o battle_n for_o they_o and_o many_o time_n by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n overthrow_v great_a and_o puissant_a army_n drive_v out_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n and_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n i_o say_v one_o great_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v renounce_v their_o foolish_a idolatry_n and_o country_n god_n and_o consent_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o one_o god_n who_o alone_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n this_o account_n the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o it_o that_o god_n wrought_v such_o visible_a and_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o israel_n to_o make_v his_o glory_n and_o his_o power_n know_v among_o the_o heathen_a the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a psalm_n 98._o 2._o that_o the_o heathen_a may_v fear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n his_o glory_n i._n e._n that_o all_o nation_n may_v worship_v god_n and_o all_o king_n submit_v their_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n to_o he_o psal._n 102._o 15._o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o that_o important_a truth_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n for_o all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v idol_n but_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n psal._n 96._o 4_o 5._o and_o as_o god_n set_v up_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n as_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n so_o he_o commit_v his_o law_n and_o oracle_n to_o they_o from_o whence_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o they_o please_v may_v fetch_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a notice_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o such_o way_n god_n instruct_v the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o public_a example_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n which_o god_n choose_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n but_o when_o long_o and_o sad_a experience_n have_v prove_v all_o these_o way_n ineffectual_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o give_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n by_o the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v and_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o john_n 1._o 18._o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o and_o in_o math._n 11._o 27._o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o of_o my_o father_n no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o that_o be_v god_n have_v now_o commit_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o age_n none_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o live_v before_o do_v so_o full_o understand_v it_o nor_o have_v we_o any_o other_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o thus_o in_o john_n 14._o 6_o 7._o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n
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 the_o belief_n of_o that_o bless_a immortality_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v not_o have_v learn_v this_o neither_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o not_o tell_v we_o for_o what_o end_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o anon_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o confident_a man_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n 〈…〉_z and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n when_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n confute_v he_o for_o whatever_o become_v of_o his_o new_a theory_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n do_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v assure_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n pardon_v iniquitiy_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o those_o natural_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o love_n and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o justice_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o property_n can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o a_o too_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o nature_n and_o revelation_n say_v nothing_o of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n 93._o for_o our_o sin_n god_n have_v manifest_v the_o naturalness_n of_o this_o righteousness_n i._n e._n vindictive_a justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v divert_v from_o sinner_n without_o the_o interpose_v of_o a_o propitiation_n that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o he_o can_v pardon_v sin_n without_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n now_o this_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v perfect_o new_a which_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o nature_n acquaint_v we_o with_o for_o all_o mankind_n have_v account_v it_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n in_o it_o to_o remit_v injury_n and_o offence_n without_o exact_v any_o punishment_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v just_a that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v remit_v no_o offence_n till_o he_o have_v satisfy_v his_o revenge_n that_o part_n of_o justice_n which_o consist_v in_o punish_v offender_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o instrument_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o exact_v or_o remit_v punishment_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n who_o may_v spare_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o see_v reason_n for_o it_o without_o be_v unjust_a in_o either_o and_o therefore_o have_v not_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o great_a and_o personal_a a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n say_v so_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v think_v that_o god_n require_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o but_o because_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n judge_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o dispence_v his_o grace_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a discovery_n of_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n righteousness_n or_o vindictive_a justice_n yet_o he_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o it_o in_o that_o comfortable_a discovery_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n for_o 95._o now_o in_o christ_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v love_n and_o kindness_n a_o happy_a change_n this_o from_o all_o justice_n to_o all_o love_n but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v why_o the_o account_n of_o that_o be_v very_o plain_a because_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v glut_v its_o self_n with_o revenge_n on_o sin_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o hence_o forward_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o will_v be_v very_o kind_a as_o a_o revengful_a man_n be_v when_o his_o passion_n be_v over_o for_o so_o he_o speak_v very_o honourable_o of_o god_n whatever_o discovery_n be_v make_v of_o the_o patience_n and_o lenity_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o withal_o reveal_v that_o the_o other_o property_n of_o god_n as_o his_o justice_n and_o revenge_n for_o sin_n have_v their_o act_n also_o assign_v they_o to_o the_o full_a there_o can_v be_v little_a consolation_n gather_v from_o the_o former_a that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o though_o he_o shall_v make_v never_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o sinner_n unless_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o revenge_n which_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o character_n of_o the_o love_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v understand_v but_o from_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o love_n and_o patience_n when_o he_o have_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o revenge_n as_o other_o use_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o good_a when_o he_o be_v please_v but_o however_o sinner_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v god_n take_v a_o course_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o 97._o our_o sin_n that_o as_o before_o the_o least_o sin_n can_v not_o escape_v without_o a_o just_a punishment_n justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v forgive_v without_o punish_v so_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v now_o satisfy_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sin_n can_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n but_o we_o shall_v escape_v with_o a_o notwithstanding_o our_o sin_n this_o it_o seem_v we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o gospel_n instruct_v we_o otherwise_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o property_n he_o instance_v in_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o very_o consistent_a with_o those_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o if_o justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v he_o but_o the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n may_v discover_v his_o justice_n or_o his_o goodness_n but_o not_o his_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v a_o end_n when_o there_o be_v more_o way_n than_o one_o of_o do_v it_o but_o it_o require_v no_o great_a wisdom_n to_o choose_v when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n and_o whatever_o wisdom_n there_o be_v in_o god_n redeem_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o son_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o such_o a_o fanciful_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n talk_v of_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o righteousness_n as_o for_o sin_n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o wickedness_n it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a nature_n that_o if_o he_o have_v any_o love_n for_o himself_o and_o any_o esteem_n and_o value_n for_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o work_n he_o must_v hate_v sin_n which_o be_v so_o unlike_o himself_o and_o which_o destroy_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o workmanship_n for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o
many_o more_o with_o as_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n and_o as_o exact_v and_o regular_a proportion_n and_o fanciful_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a connexion_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o use_v all_o our_o allegorical_a divine_n will_v make_v of_o this_o who_o have_v the_o peculiar_a knack_n and_o gift_n of_o adapt_a every_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n to_o what_o purpose_n they_o please_v we_o know_v how_o the_o valentinian_o of_o old_a pervert_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n by_o such_o fanciful_a application_n to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o aeones_n and_o the_o portentous_a production_n of_o their_o god_n and_o to_o patronize_v all_o their_o vile_a practice_n and_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o this_o way_n i_o know_v not_o why_o one_o man_n fancy_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o well_o as_o another_o but_o to_o show_v how_o easy_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n may_v be_v make_v to_o serve_v different_a purpose_n i_o shall_v oppose_v another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v much_o more_o plain_o deducible_a from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n to_o what_o these_o man_n advance_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o only_a spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o thus_o i_o argue_v since_o we_o see_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n leave_v his_o father_n throne_n and_o condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o likeness_n of_o a_o man_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o design_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o have_v he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n he_o will_v have_v clothe_v himself_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n he_o will_v have_v appear_v like_o himself_o with_o a_o awful_a and_o astonish_a majesty_n and_o with_o all_o the_o terrible_a solemnity_n of_o vengeance_n and_o judgement_n encircle_v with_o legion_n of_o angel_n and_o with_o cloud_n of_o smoke_n and_o fire_n but_o we_o now_o see_v nothing_o dreadful_a in_o his_o look_n nor_o in_o his_o conversation_n he_o be_v make_v a_o man_n as_o we_o be_v which_o argue_v a_o good_a will_n and_o kindness_n to_o humane_a nature_n he_o have_v all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o innocence_n and_o a_o oblige_a goodness_n that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n under_o so_o charm_a and_o invite_v a_o appearance_n his_o miracle_n be_v great_a and_o glorious_a but_o not_o frightful_a and_o astonish_a they_o surprise_v with_o wonder_n not_o with_o terror_n and_o fear_n his_o almighty_a power_n be_v display_v and_o manifest_v in_o method_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n in_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o dispossess_v devil_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a not_o in_o overturning_a kingdom_n and_o empire_n or_o bring_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v his_o enemy_n from_o all_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o he_o come_v upon_o a_o embassy_n of_o peace_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o god_n good_a will_n towards_o they_o and_o to_o reconcile_v the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o men._n and_o when_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o this_o heavenly_a ambassador_n and_o mediator_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o he_o come_v upon_o no_o less_o design_n than_o of_o universal_a goodness_n for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o partiality_n as_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v lay_v a_o narrow_a design_n of_o love_n in_o the_o redemption_n than_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o mankind_n that_o when_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o design_v all_o man_n for_o happiness_n in_o this_o new_a and_o second_o creation_n he_o shall_v design_n and_o intend_v the_o happiness_n only_o of_o some_o few_o which_o be_v to_o make_v he_o less_o good_a in_o redeem_v than_o in_o create_v mankind_n though_o creation_n cost_v he_o no_o more_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n but_o redemption_n the_o expense_n of_o his_o blood_n no_o sure_a his_o goodness_n do_v not_o become_v less_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a when_o he_o become_v man_n the_o design_n of_o his_o appear_v be_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o that_o honour_n and_o happiness_n and_o immortality_n they_o have_v lose_v and_o to_o repair_v the_o sullied_a glory_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n by_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a again_o thus_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a example_n of_o a_o unaffected_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o innocent_a and_o useful_a conversation_n with_o man_n we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o reform_v the_o debauch_a manner_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o live_v as_o well_o as_o talk_v and_o to_o restore_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o a_o universal_a good_a will_n which_o have_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a sanctity_n in_o wash_a hand_n and_o dish_n in_o tithing_n mint_n and_o cumming_n and_o such_o like_a piece_n of_o legal_a and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n but_o now_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o example_n as_o well_o as_o law_n teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n that_o as_o we_o lose_v our_o happiness_n at_o first_o by_o sin_n so_o the_o way_n to_o regain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o immortal_a life_n be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a righteousness_n he_o come_v to_o be_v our_o example_n and_o guide_n to_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v imitate_v his_o life_n if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o intercession_n for_o so_o holy_a a_o person_n can_v never_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o vice_n nor_o a_o advocate_n for_o impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n when_o we_o remember_v that_o christ_n die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n this_o give_v we_o a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o we_o how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pass_v by_o all_o our_o former_a sin_n in_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o atonement_n for_o we_o and_o give_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n for_o our_o ransom_n which_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n god_n can_v give_v we_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o accept_v of_o true_a penitent_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n and_o beside_o this_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n assure_v we_o what_o the_o desert_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n for_o in_o that_o he_o require_v the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o all_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o die_v and_o that_o none_o shall_v escape_v this_o just_a condemnation_n but_o those_o who_o be_v wash_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o pardon_v sin_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n nor_o accept_v of_o any_o other_o atonement_n but_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o accept_v of_o that_o for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o save_v true_a penitent_n without_o a_o ransom_n where_o shall_v the_o sinner_n and_o ungodly_a appear_v so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o strict_a philosophy_n of_o that_o atonement_n make_v by_o christ_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o learn_v all_o that_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a and_o reform_a sinner_n and_o seal_v the_o irrevocable_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n against_o all_o other_o for_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a a_o sacrifice_n must_v needs_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o eternal_a in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n we_o have_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n that_o for_o the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o humility_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o death_n he_o be_v now_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o clothe_v with_o majesty_n and_o glory_n that_o power_n and_o authority_n he_o be_v now_o invest_v with_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n of_o
be_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o this_o he_o account_v dung_n and_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i._n e._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o which_o contain_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o righteousness_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o god_n 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 i._n e._n that_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o new_a nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o this_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n which_o he_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v to_o confirm_v all_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o my_o own_o righteousness_n oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o these_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o internal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o rise_v again_o with_o christ_n and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o change_v our_o nature_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o make_v new_a creature_n hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostom_n expound_v it_o that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v design_v to_o work_v in_o they_o but_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o those_o external_a ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n wash_v purification_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o that_o internal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o typical_a and_o figurative_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o place_n be_v expound_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o personal_o but_o imputative_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n so_o which_o no_o man_n can_v help_v for_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n here_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o he_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o consistent_a such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o effect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o which_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v i._n e._n govern_v our_o mind_n and_o passion_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n this_o god_n effect_v by_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o those_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v imputation_n come_v in_o here_o what_o pretty_a sense_n will_v this_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n the_o law_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a to_o conquer_v their_o love_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n what_o for_o to_o give_v they_o better_a law_n and_o more_o excellent_a promise_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n to_o do_v good_a no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o have_v all_o do_v for_o they_o by_o have_v this_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n sure_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n still_o and_o have_v be_v as_o available_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o supplemental_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v have_v as_o well_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n have_v please_v but_o a_o want_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v the_o sinful_a appetite_n of_o man_n it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sensual_a lust_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o conquer_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v supply_v this_o defect_n not_o by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o great_a power_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o fulfil_v the_o external_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 7._o ver._n 4_o 5_o 6._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n by_o his_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n under_o that_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o
bestow_v the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n on_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o righteous_a that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v justify_v that_o be_v treat_v like_o righteous_a person_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o very_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v righteous_a but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 17._o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v thus_o justify_v by_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o in_o life_n not_o those_o who_o be_v righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v who_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o god_n be_v which_o righteousness_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v not_o owe_v sole_o to_o humane_a endeavour_n but_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o those_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o divine_a assistance_n which_o god_n in_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n have_v afford_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n how_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o which_o be_v impossible_a but_o because_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a both_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o forensick_a sense_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o gospel_n form_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o though_o that_o phrase_n never_o occur_v in_o scripture_n because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n christ_n righteousness_n and_o our_o own_o be_v both_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o other_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o section_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v any_o such_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o shall_v entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o themselves_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o suffering_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o justification_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o advantage_n from_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iv._o that_o these_o man_n place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o whereby_o they_o say_v we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o excellency_n grace_n righteousness_n preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o notion_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o opinion_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o how_o false_a it_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n discourse_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 321._o mr._n shephard_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o obedience_n do_v not_o make_v we_o god_n people_n or_o god_n our_o god_n but_o he_o be_v first_o our_o god_n which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o his_o we_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o obey_v as_o for_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n we_o will_v consider_v that_o anon_o at_o present_a it_o suffice_v that_o we_o be_v god_n people_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o obey_v he_o the_o same_o author_n 318._o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n our_o life_n by_o obedience_n as_o adam_n be_v to_o god_n by_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o which_o obedience_n be_v no_o part_n otherwise_o he_o oppose_v a_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o all_o action_n in_o live_a thing_n come_v from_o union_n so_o all_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v to_o come_v by_o faith_n from_o the_o spirit_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o from_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n which_o make_v the_o union_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o faith_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o before_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a before_o this_o union_n the_o best_a action_n we_o can_v do_v be_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n because_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n before_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n hence_o these_o man_n constant_o place_v our_o justification_n before_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o be_v first_o account_v holy_a by_o god_n before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a now_o our_o justification_n follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o fanctification_n follow_v our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 212._o holiness_n be_v a_o remote_a end_n of_o vocation_n but_o the_o next_o end_n be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o author_n make_v a_o speech_n for_o christ_n to_o a_o sinner_n so_o gracious_a a_o speech_n that_o among_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o though_o thou_o have_v resist_v my_o spirit_n refuse_v my_o grace_n weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n yet_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o this_o will_v make_v i_o amends_o i_o require_v nothing_o of_o thou_o
to_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o when_o we_o can_v hate_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n also_o for_o he_o rather_o than_o abjure_v his_o gospel_n or_o violate_v his_o law_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a one_o who_o diligent_o obey_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o large_a explication_n our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o subtle_a airy_a and_o metaphysical_a notion_n as_o some_o man_n represent_v it_o to_o be_v but_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o mistake_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n because_o this_o be_v a_o practical_a error_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o one_o mistake_v in_o the_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o a_o great_a many_o false_a opinion_n which_o end_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o mistake_v some_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n and_o first_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o person_n without_o consider_v any_o qualification_n in_o we_o which_o may_v make_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o love_n so_o in_o requital_n to_o he_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o i_o confess_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n that_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o the_o dispute_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n now_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o advantage_n we_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v from_o christ_n what_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n pure_o for_o himself_o without_o any_o other_o consideration_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o grave_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o *_o w._n b._n who_o tell_v we_o 15._o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n to_o love_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n that_o gratitude_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n be_v now_o own_a to_o be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n 2._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v christ_n person_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n draw_v out_o with_o love_n to_o the_o very_a person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o certain_o true_a that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o love_n christ_n for_o his_o benefit_n love_v his_o person_n but_o 3._o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o christ_n crucify_v 4._o though_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n yet_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n yet_o to_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o benefit_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v he_o for_o no_o reason_n the_o proper_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o love_n be_v goodness_n to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_a and_o impossible_a a_o task_n to_o love_v a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v good_a to_o we_o not_o because_o he_o have_v be_v good_a but_o for_o no_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o if_o you_o separate_v the_o person_n and_o personal_n excellency_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o benefit_n his_o personal_a goodness_n from_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o can_v be_v no_o object_n nor_o reason_n of_o our_o love_n for_o a_o goodness_n which_o do_v no_o good_a or_o never_o do_v any_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v consider_v as_o do_v none_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o that_o goodness_n mean_v which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a god_n challenge_v our_o love_n not_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o imaginary_a goodness_n of_o nature_n which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a but_o for_o the_o real_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n himself_o challenge_v our_o love_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n because_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o now_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n on_o we_o but_o never_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v require_v such_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a love_n to_o his_o person_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o benefit_n indeed_o these_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o understand_v themselves_o when_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n for_o when_o you_o inquire_v what_o this_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n than_o they_o describe_v his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o disposition_n his_o great_a riches_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v whatever_o we_o need_v if_o you_o be_v poor_a he_o be_v rich_a if_o you_o be_v foolish_a he_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v he_o if_o you_o want_v a_o director_n in_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a i_o be_o light_a if_o you_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a he_o be_v righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n now_o either_o all_o this_o signify_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o christ_n or_o it_o signify_v nothing_o and_o how_o then_o do_v these_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o his_o benefit_n nay_o when_o they_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o ibid._n bid_v we_o behold_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o our_o person_n how_o many_o impediment_n his_o love_n have_v break_v through_o how_o free_a it_o be_v so_o free_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o neither_o likeness_n benefit_n nor_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v christ_n much_o if_o we_o will_v love_v his_o person_n in_o any_o good_a thing_n you_o have_v
do_v what_o then_o be_v the_o difference_n why_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o dr._n place_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o our_o righteousness_n to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o foundation_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o make_v it_o a_o expression_n of_o our_o chaste_a affection_n to_o christ_n quite_o to_o thrust_v out_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o allow_v it_o no_o place_n in_o our_o religion_n he_o first_o make_v christ_n all_o to_o we_o more_o than_o ever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v himself_o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o then_o warn_v we_o upon_o our_o vow_n of_o chastity_n not_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n into_o christ_n place_n whereas_o as_o he_o have_v order_v the_o matter_n we_o must_v take_v our_o own_o righteousness_n into_o christ_n place_n or_o else_o cast_v it_o quite_o away_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o what_o he_o allege_v for_o this_o i_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v already_o and_o shall_v not_o now_o repeat_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v our_o obedience_n the_o great_a and_o principal_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o these_o man_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o competition_n between_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o obedience_n shall_v put_v such_o jealousy_n into_o people_n head_n what_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o righteousness_n lest_o they_o shall_v prove_v like_o foolish_a lover_n who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o 197._o woo_v for_o the_o lady_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o handmaid_n that_o be_v only_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o she_o so_o man_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o and_o dote_v upon_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o naked_a performance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v with_o do_v good_a which_o be_v only_a handmaid_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o this_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o persuade_v people_n that_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o something_o more_o refine_v and_o spiritual_a than_o obedience_n which_o will_v quick_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n christ_n without_o obey_v he_o and_o not_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o dote_v and_o rest_v on_o duty_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n can_v think_v that_o his_o own_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n can_v merit_v heaven_n when_o we_o have_v do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n who_o have_v do_v but_o our_o duty_n and_o must_v ascribe_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o our_o present_a infirmity_n and_o bestow_v such_o great_a reward_n on_o we_o as_o we_o can_v never_o deserve_v and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o preserve_v we_o from_o dote_v and_o rest_v on_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o to_o let_v they_o quite_o alone_o since_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o meddle_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v mr._n shephard_n this_o will_v not_o secure_v we_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o trust_v to_o be_v save_v by_o duty_n another_o thing_n to_o rest_n in_o duty_n 170._o a_o man_n trust_v unto_o they_o when_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o only_o good_a duty_n can_v save_v he_o a_o man_n rest_v in_o duty_n when_o he_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o only_a christ_n can_v save_v he_o but_o in_o his_o practice_n he_o go_v about_o to_o save_v himself_o that_o be_v do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v with_o as_o much_o vigour_n and_o earnestness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o it_o and_o then_o think_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o ungodly_a rest_v in_o duty_n by_o acknowledge_v when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o in_o what_o follow_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n love_n be_v the_o very_a person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n in_o opposition_n to_o self-love_n in_o opposition_n to_o duty_n let_v we_o now_o inquire_v second_o how_o they_o express_v their_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o prefer_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o admire_v his_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n the_o 63._o soul_n take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o see_v it_o all_o to_o be_v vanity_n it_o view_v also_o legal_a righteousness_n blamelessness_n before_o man_n uprightness_n of_o conversation_n duty_n upon_o conviction_n and_o count_v they_o all_o to_o be_v loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n beloved_n peace_n belove_v natural_a relation_n belove_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n belove_a righteousness_n duty_n all_o loss_n compare_v with_o christ._n *_o they_o value_n he_o 154._o above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o person_n they_o value_v he_o above_o their_o life_n they_o value_v he_o above_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o 140._o all_o other_o righteousness_n whatever_o *_o he_o be_v their_o joy_n their_o crown_n their_o rejoice_n their_o life_n food_n health_n strength_n desire_n righteousness_n salvation_n blessedness_n now_o who_o can_v desire_v more_o than_o this_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o useless_a passion_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o approve_v nor_o accept_v i_o have_v *_o already_o 2._o show_v you_o what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o person_n and_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n that_o whatever_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n whether_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o revelation_n or_o his_o propitiation_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o these_o man_n convert_v into_o personal_a grace_n his_o personal_a fullness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o must_v immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o these_o man_n so_o much_o admire_v and_o prize_n and_o value_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v all_o fullness_n righteousness_n life_n power_n beauty_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o sinner_n want_v this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o legal_a righteousness_n spiritual_a excellency_n duty_n obedience_n before_o the_o love_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v by_o these_o man_n account_v no_o better_a than_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o be_v that_o they_o prefer_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v such_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n for_o they_o and_o will_v save_v they_o without_o require_v any_o legal_a condition_n of_o they_o infinite_o before_o the_o religion_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n before_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n before_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o he_o will_v save_v they_o by_o his_o righteousness_n without_o any_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o own_o this_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o crown_n their_o life_n food_n health_n strength_n righteousness_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a where_o the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n may_v shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v not_o much_o prize_n and_o value_v such_o devoto_n as_o these_o nor_o their_o obsequious_a flattery_n or_o praise_n and_o yet_o herein_o the_o devotion_n of_o these_o man_n consist_v in_o admire_v prize_v value_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v that_o *_o evangelical_n righteousness_n we_o must_v 173_o gain_v by_o duty_n more_o prize_v of_o acquaintance_n with_o desire_v after_o love_v and_o delight_v in_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o moral_a man_n who_o rest_v in_o duty_n that_o be_v who_o do_v what_o god_n command_v he_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n may_v grow_v in_o legal_a righteousness_n that_o be_v in_o true_a holiness_n and_o piety_n but_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v unless_o we_o grow_v in_o this_o evangelical_n righteousness_n this_o be_v 178._o the_o great_a end_n of_o duty_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a saviour_n hear_v a_o sermon_n to_o carry_v thou_o to_o