will_v relate_v thing_n not_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v act_v but_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o he_o write_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n at_o what_o time_n the_o gospel_n be_v write_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o age_n if_o we_o suppose_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o true_a history_n not_o of_o those_o present_a time_n but_o of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v he_o argue_v much_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o 40._o sermon_n &_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o his_o argument_n be_v extraordinary_a subtle_a because_o our_o saviour_n do_v no_o more_o write_v the_o four_o gospel_n than_o he_o do_v the_o epistle_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o inspire_v matthew_n mark_n luke_n john_n to_o write_v the_o gospel_n inspire_v paul_n peter_n james_n john_n jude_n to_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o writer_n not_o on_o the_o speaker_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o relation_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o sermon_n and_o parable_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o first_o depend_v upon_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o historian_n the_o second_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n so_o that_o though_o matthew_n or_o mark_v etc._n etc._n write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n derive_v their_o authority_n and_o veneration_n from_o christ_n himself_n and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n between_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n do_v not_o lie_v between_o st._n matthew_n and_o mark_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n but_o between_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o though_o the_o evangelist_n be_v inspire_v man_n yet_o the_o only_a inspiration_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o work_n be_v only_o to_o help_v their_o memory_n to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a relation_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v and_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v man_n too_o yet_o their_o very_a inspiration_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n but_o to_o return_v in_o pag._n 4._o i_o find_v our_o author_n in_o a_o great_a amazement_n and_o i_o always_o suspect_v something_o be_v the_o matter_n with_o he_o that_o he_o write_v so_o much_o like_o a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o wit_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v that_o i_o say_v that_o all_o these_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v not_o proper_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n but_o the_o several_a part_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n here_o he_o first_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a presumption_n for_o a_o young_a divine_a to_o say_v that_o these_o office_n be_v not_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n and_o never_o in_o the_o least_o suggest_v wherein_o the_o impropriety_n of_o so_o call_v they_o do_v lie_v but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o distinct_a office_n but_o not_o so_o proper_o distinct_a office_n and_o have_v he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o great_a amazement_n he_o may_v have_v see_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o say_v so_o because_o christ_n do_v exercise_v a_o regal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o each_o of_o these_o office_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o choose_v to_o state_n it_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o better_a to_o show_v how_o all_o these_o office_n do_v conspire_v to_o the_o same_o end_n christ_n be_v a_o mediatory_a king_n who_o office_n be_v to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n and_o in_o order_n to_o attain_v this_o end_n he_o give_v we_o his_o law_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o powerful_o bestow_v all_o those_o blessing_n on_o we_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n all_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o lose_a man_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n nor_o think_v that_o his_o kingly_a power_n will_v save_v those_o who_o submit_v not_o to_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o those_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o do_v who_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o all_o these_o office_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o mediatory_a king_n but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o such_o distinct_a thing_n which_o have_v distinct_a effect_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o or_o dependence_n on_o each_o other_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n a_o late_a reverend_a author_n quarrel_n at_o mr._n baxter_n definition_n of_o justify_v faith_n that_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n he_o dare_v not_o deny_v that_o justify_n faith_n must_v receive_v a_o whole_a christ_n but_o then_o 112._o he_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o justify_v faith_n not_o consider_v as_o prophet_n or_o king_n but_z as_o priest_n etsi_fw-la idem_fw-la christus_fw-la sit_fw-la dominus_fw-la &_o sacerdos_n totusque_fw-la in_o justificatione_n recipiatur_fw-la totus_fw-la tamen_fw-la omni_fw-la sensu_fw-la i._n e._n omnium_fw-la promiscue_n munerum_fw-la intuitu_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationem_fw-la formaliter_fw-la minime_fw-la requiritur_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la qua_fw-la sacerdos_n &_o legi_fw-la satisfaciens_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o same_o christ_n be_v both_o lord_n and_o priest_n and_o whole_a christ_n be_v receive_v in_o justification_n yet_o not_o under_o that_o formal_a consideration_n as_o a_o whole_a christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n but_o only_o as_o a_o priest_n who_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o assign_v for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o justification_n consist_v in_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n that_o the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o curse_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n make_v this_o satisfaction_n for_o we_o only_o as_o our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n indeed_o for_o justify_v faith_n to_o eye_n christ_n only_o as_o our_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n if_o his_o satisfaction_n alone_o can_v give_v we_o a_o title_n to_o justification_n if_o expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n require_v to_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o satisfaction_n itself_o entitle_v no_o particular_a man_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o that_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o prophetical_a and_o kingly_a office_n to_o confer_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n priesthood_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o receive_v christ_n as_o our_o prophet_n and_o our_o king_n that_o be_v must_v believe_v his_o revelation_n obey_v his_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n before_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o look_v on_o he_o as_o our_o priest_n to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n be_v but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o regal_a power_n as_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o their_o king_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n without_o our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o and_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o he_o redeem_v and_o purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o then_o he_o wonder_v why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v distinct_a office_n and_o yet_o part_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a ibid._n kingdom_n but_o then_o i_o wonder_v too_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o distinct_a office_n and_o part_n when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o distinct_a office_n by_o distinct_a office_n i_o mean_v such_o office_n as_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o each_o other_o but_o can_v attain_v their_o end_n single_a and_o apart_o and_o when_o i_o say_v they_o be_v several_a part_n of_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n i_o mean_v as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o guess_v that_o though_o there_o be_v several_a act_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o and_o proper_a to_o each_o of_o these_o office_n yet_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o one_o common_a end_n they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o different_a administration_n of_o the_o mediatory_a kingdom_n and_o necessary_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o
saviour_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o example_n that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a and_o compassionate_a and_o inherit_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o show_v that_o all_o those_o consideration_n 2_o which_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v make_v man_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n do_v necessary_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n but_o give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n this_o i_o observe_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o save_v sinner_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n no_o man_n will_v return_v to_o his_o duty_n without_o some_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o conquer_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n thus_o the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n person_n give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o inviolable_a sanction_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n heb._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n and_o lay_v forcible_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o god_n incarnate_a and_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel-covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o but_o then_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n christ_n will_v in_o his_o own_o person_n accomplish_v all_o those_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v whether_o they_o concern_v the_o present_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o christ_n will_v do_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n not_o from_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o person_n who_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o live_v and_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o saviour_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n now_o to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o some_o man_n who_o upbraid_v those_o preacher_n who_o spend_v their_o great_a zeal_n in_o expound_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o press_v man_n by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a hereafter_o and_o the_o many_o great_a advantage_n of_o holiness_n here_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n i_o say_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o those_o who_o upbraid_v such_o preacher_n with_o not_o preach_v christ_n i_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o place_n what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o good_a man_n now_o in_o these_o last_o day_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a useful_a knowledge_n be_v to_o understand_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o expound_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n preach_v christ_n as_o philip_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act._n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o ver_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o then_o we_o understand_v all_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o understand_v what_o obligation_n they_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o feel_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n in_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n of_o which_o some_o man_n discourse_v in_o such_o uncouth_a and_o cabbalistical_a term_n as_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o state_n 4._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o
do_v it_o not_o as_o much_o belong_v to_o a_o supreme_a and_o unaccountable_a judge_n to_o pardon_v as_o to_o absolve_v and_o be_v not_o pardon_n as_o proper_o oppose_v to_o condemnation_n as_o absolution_n be_v but_o to_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n it_o be_v worth_a consider_v how_o our_o author_n in_o his_o way_n can_v explain_v justification_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o justification_n be_v to_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v the_o innocent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o dispute_n whether_o this_o forensick_a use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v its_o proper_a sense_n i_o will_v willing_o learn_v of_o our_o author_n how_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o proper_a sense_n that_o be_v how_o he_o who_o have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v as_o innocent_a how_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v can_v declare_v that_o that_o man_n have_v never_o break_v his_o law_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o who_o be_v a_o sinner_n yes_o say_v our_o author_n this_o may_v be_v do_v very_o well_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n which_o make_v they_o perfect_o innocent_a suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v this_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o justification_n that_o a_o sinner_n be_v innocent_a and_o righteous_a by_o imputation_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n then_o between_o a_o impute_a and_o a_o inherent_a and_o personal_a righteousness_n justification_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n require_v a_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o innocency_n and_o i_o doubt_v it_o will_v require_v some_o good_a lusty_a trope_n to_o make_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n in_o this_o law-notion_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v the_o imputation_n of_o righteousness_n in_o his_o gross_a notion_n be_v as_o metaphorical_a a_o justification_n as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n though_o not_o half_a so_o good_a sense_n but_o i_o have_v not_o thus_o do_v with_o our_o author_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v at_o his_o leisure_n and_o to_o answer_v when_o he_o be_v able_a the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a or_o metaphorical_a justification_n be_v the_o true_a scripture-notion_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n justification_n indeed_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n signify_v the_o acceptation_n of_o our_o person_n and_o the_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o bare_a remission_n but_o the_o first_o act_n of_o justification_n on_o god_n part_n and_o that_o which_o draw_v all_o the_o rest_n after_o it_o be_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o sinner_n righteousness_n wherewith_o he_o must_v appear_v before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o now_o by_o christ_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n act._n xiii_o 39_o that_o be_v that_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o tonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v appoint_v no_o sacrifice_n where_o to_o be_v justify_v signify_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v but_o not_o to_o heap_v up_o many_o testimony_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v on_o the_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o this_o controversy_n there_o st._n paul_n inquire_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o father_n abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o abraham_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n where_o by_o work_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o mean_v only_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n a_o external_n and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n for_o he_o proceed_v to_o that_o in_o the_o ten_o verse_n but_o he_o seem_v principal_o to_o intend_v a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a righteousness_n let_v we_o then_o examine_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o justification_n by_o faith_n what_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o a_o righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o there_o be_v four_o expression_n whereby_o this_o righteousness_n be_v describe_v which_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n vers_fw-la 3_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n that_o it_o be_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o ungodly_a vers_fw-la 5._o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o last_o because_o this_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n grand_a charge_n against_o i_o that_o i_o place_v justification_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o so_o do_v our_o apostle_n and_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n david_n for_o it_o even_o as_o david_n also_o deseribe_v the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o man_n unto_o who_o god_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v blessed_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o impute_v sin_n vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o justification_n by_o work_n that_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o abraham_n do_v though_o they_o have_v be_v former_o guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o be_v still_o subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n yet_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v their_o past_a sin_n and_o their_o present_a imperfection_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o above_o the_o desert_n and_o merit_n of_o their_o work_n a_o righteousness_n of_o work_n consist_v in_o innocency_n and_o perfection_n but_o a_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o sincerity_n and_o pardon_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v call_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n faith_n be_v account_v and_o reckon_v to_o abraham_n for_o righteousness_n and_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v righteousness_n which_o signify_v that_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o grace_n not_o of_o debt_n for_o to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_n reckon_v not_o of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n when_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n he_o be_v absolve_v because_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o reward_v because_o he_o have_v merit_v a_o reward_n which_o be_v the_o justification_n for_o which_o mr._n ferguson_n plead_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o st._n paul_n but_o justification_n by_o faith_n require_v the_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n of_o god_n because_o though_o it_o include_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v our_o best_a to_o please_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o great_a many_o infirmity_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o defect_n which_o can_v pass_v the_o trial_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v righteousness_n when_o god_n accept_v of_o that_o for_o our_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n be_v not_o righteousness_n whatever_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n must_v be_v good_a but_o imperfect_a if_o it_o be_v not_o good_a it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v impute_v instead_o of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o gracious_a acceptation_n it_o be_v then_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a not_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v call_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n vers_fw-la 6._o which_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o loose_a sense_n as_o if_o god_n will_v justify_v a_o man_n who_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v good_a as_o if_o he_o will_v account_v that_o man_n righteous_a who_o do_v no_o righteousness_n which_o be_v express_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n john_n 1_o epist._n three_o 7._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v either_o that_o god_n sometime_o accept_v of_o great_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n instead_o of_o work_n when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n or_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o abraham_n when_o he_o believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n principal_o refer_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n or_o
faith_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n of_o testimony_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o those_o age_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n for_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o those_o person_n who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n who_o understand_v the_o phrase_n and_o dialect_n of_o that_o age_n and_o those_o particular_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v then_o on_o foot_n may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o better_a account_n of_o the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o after-age_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o century_n have_v always_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o still_o the_o more_o ancient_n they_o be_v the_o great_a be_v their_o authority_n and_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o tradition_n so_o their_o authority_n lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o discipline_n and_o order_n be_v that_o authority_n which_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v over_o she_o own_o member_n or_o which_o the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o general_a council_n have_v over_o particular_a church_n for_o while_o we_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o submit_v to_o its_o government_n and_o at_o least_o so_o far_o to_o receive_v those_o doctrine_n which_o she_o own_v as_o not_o to_o disturb_v public_a peace_n and_o order_n by_o our_o private_a dispute_n but_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o have_v the_o great_a authority_n who_o have_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v a_o childish_a thing_n to_o urge_v the_o bare_a authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n when_o it_o have_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o support_v it_o so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v the_o consent_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o inherent_a authority_n but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o vain_o mr._n ferguson_n brag_v when_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o oppose_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a church_n for_o indeed_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o oppose_v be_v mere_a novelty_n and_o be_v never_o public_o own_v by_o any_o reform_a church_n and_o never_o have_v any_o great_a authority_n than_o what_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n can_v give_v they_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o notion_n the_o first_o reformer_n have_v of_o justify_v faith_n that_o it_o be_v fiducia_fw-la misericordia_fw-la propter_fw-la christum_fw-la a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n and_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o they_o once_o dream_v of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v they_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o mercy_n or_o of_o such_o a_o justification_n as_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v one_o transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n in_o opposition_n to_o pardon_n and_o remission_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o one_o exercise_v favour_n which_o be_v mr._n 417._o ferguson_n account_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n but_o three_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o imputation_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n as_o i_o abundant_o prove_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 195._o of_o which_o our_o author_n take_v no_o notice_n and_o it_o be_v very_o wise_o do_v of_o he_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v answer_v it_o so_o it_o overthrow_v the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o contradict_v its_o main_a design_n i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o few_o first_o justification_n by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n mr._n ferguson_n acknowledge_v that_o to_o justify_v and_o to_o pardon_v be_v whole_o distinct_a 416._o in_o their_o nature_n and_o idea_n and_o always_o separate_v in_o the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o be_v arraign_v at_o humane_a tribunal_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o god_n too_o now_o i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o same_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o both_o he_o who_o be_v universal_o justify_v in_o our_o author_n notion_n that_o be_v who_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o a_o juridical_a way_n i._n e._n as_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a needs_o no_o pardon_n nor_o be_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o because_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n to_o be_v pardon_v and_o he_o who_o be_v pardon_v can_v be_v justify_v in_o this_o sense_n because_o pardon_n suppose_v he_o a_o sinner_n and_o justification_n suppose_v he_o innocent_a which_o have_v some_o little_a appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o the_o gospel-way_n of_o justification_n which_o be_v by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v quite_o discard_a and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n or_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n though_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v justify_v for_o though_o this_o perfect_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n still_o which_o be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o i_o wonder_v what_o our_o author_n think_v of_o all_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o place_n for_o they_o in_o his_o new-gospel_n second_o this_o notion_n of_o justification_n overthrow_v the_o necessity_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n consist_v in_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o if_o justification_n exclude_v pardon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n if_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n but_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n or_o at_o best_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o it_o can_v satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o not_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v the_o law_n by_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n for_o no_o law_n can_v oblige_v we_o both_o to_o obey_v it_o perfect_o and_o to_o endure_v the_o penalty_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o though_o we_o do_v perfect_o obey_v it_o so_o that_o if_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o if_o remission_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n than_o we_o be_v not_o perfect_o righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n but_o must_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n three_o this_o notion_n of_o justification_n destroy_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o mr._n ferguson_n express_o own_v that_o pardon_v indeed_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v the_o result_n of_o mercy_n but_o justification_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o justice_n and_o import_v god_n transact_v with_o we_o in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n or_o equity_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o assertion_n which_o more_o express_o destroy_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o st._n paul_n attribute_n our_o justification_n as_o well_o as_o pardon_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n nor_o will_v it_o relieve_v he_o to_o say_v that_o our_o justification_n be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n because_o though_o we_o be_v justify_v in_o a_o proper_a law-notion_n by_o a_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o this_o righteousness_n be_v not_o inherent_a but_o impute_v which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o a_o proper_a law-sense_n by_o a_o impute_a that_o be_v a_o improper_a righteousness_n and_o that_o god_n proceed_v in_o a_o juridical_a way_n without_o the_o infringement_n of_o law_n and_o yet_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o righteousness_n as_o not_o the_o law_n but_o only_a grace_n can_v accept_v i_o say_v beside_o this_o we_o may_v for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n say_v that_o pardon_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n because_o it_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n
we_o consider_v the_o object_n of_o this_o consideration_n which_o be_v to_o free_a man_n from_o all_o error_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n his_o office_n and_o ibid._n his_o work_n this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o charge_v he_o with_o that_o he_o affirm_v we_o must_v attain_v to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o so_o that_o i_o hope_v every_o one_o will_v now_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v no_o calumny_n from_o christ_n authority_n as_o king_n he_o observe_v p._n 22._o man_n not_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o institute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o as_o judge_v upon_o their_o neglect_n or_o abuse_v be_v careless_a about_o they_o or_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o pleasure_n in_o they_o this_o have_v prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o church_n who_o neglect_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n have_v substitute_v their_o own_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o this_o kingly_a legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o man_n as_o to_o their_o present_a duty_n and_o future_a account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o backslide_n from_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n as_o prophet_n he_o observe_v the_o same_o thing_n he_o be_v then_o ultimate_o to_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v absolute_o faithful_a in_o his_o so_o do_v be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o man_n may_v thence_o learn_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n even_o to_o observe_v and_o to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o nothing_o else_o this_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o phanaticism_n which_o undermine_v the_o most_o prudent_a order_n and_o wholesome_a constitution_n of_o any_o church_n and_o be_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o discover_v those_o important_a truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n no_o where_o express_o teach_v neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v express_o command_v but_o this_o we_o must_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o authority_n as_o king_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o prophet_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o doctor_n have_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humane_a authority_n nor_o for_o the_o use_n of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o church-affair_n but_o all_o this_o the_o doctor_n speak_v without_o a_o adversary_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o he_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n which_o you_o may_v find_v in_o pag._n 33_o 34._o where_o he_o first_o deny_v that_o he_o ever_o teach_v any_o other_o knowledge_n of_o 34_o christ_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o as_o i_o observe_v above_o i_o never_o charge_v he_o with_o and_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v yet_o i_o will_v mind_v this_o author_n of_o that_o whereof_o if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a he_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o which_o if_o he_o deny_v he_o be_v unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a dilemma_n for_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a dispose_v either_o to_o part_v with_o my_o rectorship_n or_o my_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o many_o other_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v all_o centre_v in_o his_o person_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a nor_o sound_a understanding_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v it_o yet_o again_o that_o this_o author_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v understand_v it_o this_o be_v kind_o do_v since_o so_o much_o lie_v at_o stake_n on_o it_o or_o however_o that_o he_o and_o his_o copartner_n in_o design_n may_v know_v that_o i_o neither_o be_o nor_o ever_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o as_o we_o be_v command_v to_o acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o love_n grace_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o true_a useful_a save_a knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o mystery_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v attain_v i_o wish_v i_o get_v well_o off_o but_o i_o will_v do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a understane_n of_o many_o other_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v centre_v in_o his_o person_n and_o without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a nor_o sound_a understanding_n of_o they_o if_o by_o this_o he_o mean_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v those_o mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o know_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o contain_v no_o great_a mystery_n as_o for_o instance_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o can_v understand_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o it_o we_o can_v understand_v our_o adoption_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o our_o union_n and_o reâ—â—â—â—on_n to_o he_o as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n nor_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o we_o nor_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o to_o bestow_v life_n and_o immortality_n upon_o his_o obedient_a disciple_n not_o that_o the_o spring_n of_o these_o truth_n lie_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o must_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o contemplation_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o understand_v those_o other_o gospel_n mystery_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n before_o you_o can_v know_v what_o he_o do_v where_o he_o be_v king_n what_o battle_n he_o fight_v what_o victory_n he_o win_v or_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o you_o must_v first_o know_v the_o subject_n before_o you_o can_v know_v the_o property_n and_o qualification_n of_o it_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o doctor_n intend_v i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v very_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o time_n be_v when_o he_o mean_v otherwise_o and_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o express_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n will_v make_v any_o one_o suspect_n that_o he_o mean_v something_o more_o still_o and_o if_o he_o do_v then_o after_o all_o his_o soft_a and_o palliate_a expression_n it_o must_v come_v to_o this_o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o save_a knowledge_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o those_o mystery_n which_o be_v but_o obscure_o and_o imperfect_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n to_o expound_v and_o unriddle_v they_o and_o indeed_o his_o second_o explication_n of_o his_o sense_n in_o this_o matter_n plain_o look_v this_o way_n for_o under_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n he_o include_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o
he_o add_v that_o man_n must_v first_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o true_a but_o faith_n only_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_n as_o i_o show_v above_o his_o five_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o person_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o sway_v and_o influence_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o consequence_n our_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o join_n into_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v no_o visible_a way_n of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o that_o authority_n and_o government_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o govern_v we_o now_o as_o a_o visible_a head_n but_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v invest_v with_o authority_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o belief_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n but_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o our_o actual_a subjection_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o show_v above_o in_o the_o four_o proposition_n as_o for_o his_o proof_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o which_o he_o thus_o expound_v that_o it_o be_v by_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o christ_n command_n that_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o coalesce_v into_o church_n society_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o our_o author_n skill_n or_o honesty_n in_o expound_v scripture_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v nothing_o there_o of_o church_n society_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o they_o which_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o those_o day_n when_o independency_n be_v not_o yet_o hatch_v but_o he_o commend_v the_o bounty_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o macedonian_n in_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n and_o their_o great_a forwardness_n to_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o need_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a earnest_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o they_o first_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o commit_v their_o liberal_a contribution_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o for_o the_o propgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o their_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o importunate_a solicitation_n but_o of_o heart_n entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o signify_v that_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o we_o but_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o we_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o then_o express_v their_o bounty_n and_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n his_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o a_o imagination_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o union_n with_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n but_o pray_v how_o so_o because_o i_o assert_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o head_n only_o to_o his_o body_n and_o therefore_o that_o none_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n without_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o papal_a vicarious_a political_a head_n i_o must_v now_o do_v as_o m._n ferguson_n do_v deny_v the_o consequent_a for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o consequence_n in_o it_o he_o imagine_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n be_v two_o distinct_a union_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o our_o union_n to_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a vicarious_a head_n on_o earth_n to_o who_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v whereas_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o no_o head_n but_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o head_n as_o all_o member_n be_v by_o our_o union_n to_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o vicarious_a head_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n to_o the_o real_a head_n if_o it_o be_v not_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a yet_o be_v found_v neither_o on_o reason_n nor_o scripture_n nor_o any_o analogy_n or_o resemblance_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o no_o member_n be_v any_o other_o way_n unite_v to_o the_o head_n but_o by_o its_o union_n to_o the_o body_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o bishop_n be_v but_o member_n of_o this_o body_n though_o of_o great_a use_n dignity_n and_o authority_n than_o mean_a christian_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n some_o member_n be_v more_o honourable_a and_o useful_a than_o the_o rest_n but_o who_o tell_v mr._n ferguson_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o vicarious_a head_n he_o represent_v this_o as_o my_o opinion_n though_o i_o never_o say_v so_o nor_o think_v so_o i_o have_v say_v indeed_o that_o particular_a christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o their_o union_n to_o his_o church_n but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o every_o christian_a much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o his_o whole_a church_n except_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o head_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o every_o member_n in_o it_o because_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n be_v not_o immediate_o join_v to_o it_o these_o be_v mr._n ferguson_n argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o 469._o be_v unite_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n most_o of_o which_o he_o allege_n also_o upon_o another_o occasion_n to_o prove_v that_o one_o live_v in_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o no_o visible_a church_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v the_o avow_a doctrine_n of_o socinus_n by_o this_o we_o may_v guess_v what_o weight_n he_o lay_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o repeat_v my_o answer_n as_o often_o as_o he_o repeat_v his_o argument_n but_o dare_v venture_v they_o at_o one_o proposal_n against_o his_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v among_o other_o argument_n whereby_o i_o confirm_v that_o notion_n that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v appoint_v as_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o our_o first_o undertake_n of_o christianity_n be_v represent_v in_o our_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o solemn_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n ferguson_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o baptism_n be_v neither_o the_o medium_n of_o 615._o our_o union_n with_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n nor_o that_o whereby_o we_o become_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a institute_v church_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o here_o too_o challenge_v i_o with_o contradict_v the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o so_o express_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o child_n of_o
else_o a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n signify_v a_o righteousness_n without_o the_o perfection_n of_o work_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n the_o same_o with_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n and_o both_o of_o they_o to_o consist_v in_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n even_o as_o david_n also_o describe_v the_o blessedness_n of_o that_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v righteousness_n without_o work_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v so_o that_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o suppose_v a_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a righteousness_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v our_o apostle_n be_v a_o description_n of_o righteousness_n without_o work_n upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v call_v justify_v the_o ungodly_a vers_fw-la 5._o which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n signify_v that_o god_n will_v justify_v a_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o continue_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o whole_a gospel_n but_o it_o signify_v that_o god_n will_v justify_v those_o who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v wicked_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o gentile-world_n yet_o return_v to_o he_o by_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n justification_n by_o work_n require_v a_o perpetual_a innocency_n and_o blamelesness_n of_o life_n for_o a_o man_n who_o ever_o be_v a_o sinner_n can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n in_o this_o sense_n because_o he_o can_v never_o be_v innocent_a again_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v which_o have_v be_v but_o now_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n make_v he_o righteous_a who_o have_v be_v a_o sinner_n and_o be_v still_o a_o imperfect_a saint_n not_o that_o such_o a_o man_n never_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o that_o god_n do_v not_o impute_v his_o sin_n to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n account_v of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n and_o justification_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n a_o righteousness_n without_o work_n a_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a or_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o now_o let_v our_o author_n tell_v the_o apostle_n that_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n and_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o immutability_n and_o essential_a holiness_n of_o god_n but_o second_o i_o have_v something_o more_o to_o say_v to_o mr._n ferguson_n which_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v of_o some_o weight_n with_o he_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v for_o that_o metaphorical_a justification_n which_o he_o reject_v that_o be_v they_o place_v our_o justification_n in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n thus_o the_o french_a church_n declare_v in_o her_o confession_n which_o 135._o beza_n present_v to_o charles_n ix_o in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o church_n credimus_fw-la totam_fw-la nostram_fw-la justitiam_fw-la positam_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o peccatorum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la remissione_n quae_fw-la sit_fw-la etiam_fw-la ut_fw-la testatur_fw-la david_n unica_fw-la nosâ—â—a_fw-la a_o selicitas_fw-la i._n e._n we_o believe_v that_o our_o whole_a righteousness_n consist_v in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o also_o as_o david_n witness_v be_v our_o only_a blessedness_n in_o sola_fw-la jesu_fw-la christi_fw-la obedientia_fw-la prorsus_fw-la acquiescimus_fw-la quae_fw-la quidem_fw-la nobis_fw-la imputatur_fw-la tum_fw-la ut_fw-la tegantur_fw-la omne_fw-la nostra_fw-la peccata_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la ut_fw-la gratiam_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la naniscamur_fw-la and_o we_o rest_v whole_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o both_o that_o all_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v cover_v and_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n by_o which_o last_o word_n we_o learn_v what_o they_o and_o other_o protestant_a church_n mean_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o rest_v on_o the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v so_o impute_v to_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o formal_o righteous_a and_o to_o answer_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o law_n which_o exact_v a_o unsinning_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v so_o impute_v to_o we_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n god_n forgive_v our_o sin_n and_o receive_v we_o into_o favour_n thus_o the_o helvetian_a confession_n tell_v we_o helvet_n justificare_fw-la significat_fw-la apostolo_n in_o disputatione_n de_fw-fr justificatione_n peccata_fw-la remittere_fw-la à _fw-la culpa_fw-la &_o poena_fw-la absolvere_fw-la in_fw-la gratiam_fw-la recipere_fw-la &_o justum_fw-la pronunciare_fw-la to_o justify_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n sense_n of_o it_o in_o his_o dispute_n of_o justification_n signify_v to_o forgive_v sin_n to_o absolve_v from_o guilt_n &_o punishment_n to_o receive_v into_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o to_o pronounce_v such_o a_o person_n just_a and_o righteous_a that_o be_v not_o just_a as_o a_o innocent_a but_o as_o a_o pardon_v man_n nor_o be_v the_o scotch-confession_n more_o orthodox_n confess_v in_o this_o point_n for_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n it_o sum_v they_o up_o in_o this_o deus_fw-la pater_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o corpore_fw-la jesu_fw-la christi_fw-la filii_fw-la svi_fw-la intuetur_fw-la imperfectam_fw-la nostram_fw-la obedientiam_fw-la quasi_fw-la perfectam_fw-la acceptat_fw-la omniaque_fw-la opera_fw-la nostra_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o se_fw-la multis_fw-la maculis_fw-la foedantur_fw-la perfecta_fw-la justitia_fw-la silij_fw-la svi_fw-la tegit_fw-la i_o e._n god_n the_o father_n behold_v we_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n accept_v our_o imperfect_a obedience_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o cover_v all_o our_o work_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v defile_v with_o many_o spot_n and_o blemish_n with_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o church_n to_o which_o our_o author_n ought_v to_o pay_v some_o reverence_n we_o be_v not_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v as_o innocent_a person_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n perfect_a righteousness_n but_o for_o christ_n sake_n god_n accept_v our_o imperfect_a obedience_n as_o if_o it_o be_v perfect_a and_o cover_v all_o the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o our_o work_n with_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n that_o be_v pardon_v all_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n perfect_a righteousness_n the_o augustan_n confession_n be_v very_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o be_v their_o apology_n august_n consequi_fw-la remissionem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la est_fw-la justificari_fw-la juxta_fw-la illud_fw-la beati_fw-la quorum_fw-la remissae_fw-la sunt_fw-la iniquitates_fw-la to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v according_a to_o that_o say_n bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v thus_o the_o church_n of_o bohemia_n declare_v confell_n their_o sense_n per_fw-la christum_fw-la homines_fw-la gratis_o fide_fw-la in_o christum_fw-la per_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la justificari_fw-la salutem_fw-la &_o remissionem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la consequi_fw-la that_o to_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n free_o by_o christ._n thus_o we_o read_v in_o the_o dutch_a confession_n credimus_fw-la omnem_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la sitam_fw-la esse_fw-la confess_v in_o peccatorum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la remissione_n quae_fw-la est_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la jesu_fw-la eaque_fw-la unica_fw-la totam_fw-la nostram_fw-la justitiam_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la contineri_fw-la we_o believe_v that_o our_o whole_a happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o in_o this_o alone_o consist_v our_o whole_a righteousness_n before_o god_n and_o to_o conclude_v with_o our_o own_o church_n in_o the_o homily_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o our_o justification_n consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o justification_n and_o righteousness_n which_o we_o so_o receive_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o 1_o christ_n merit_n be_v take_v accept_v and_o allow_v of_o god_n for_o our_o perfect_a and_o full_a justification_n i_o do_v not_o urge_v the_o consent_n of_o reform_a church_n as_o if_o i_o think_v their_o authority_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v no_o authority_n but_o reason_n and_o scripture_n nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o which_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n there_o be_v but_o three_o sort_n of_o authority_n of_o any_o moment_n in_o religion_n viz._n the_o authority_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o authority_n of_o testimony_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o discipline_n and_o order_n the_o authority_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o be_v now_o confine_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n of_o