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
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
i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v trouble_v himself_o to_o confute_v he_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n be_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o hebr._n 11._o that_o he_o discourse_v there_o of_o a_o justify_v faith_n that_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o render_v man_n approve_v of_o god_n &_o which_o he_o will_v count_v for_o righteousness_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o the_o 2._o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n i._n e._n the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v approve_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o faith_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o abel_n obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a v_o 4._o that_o enoch_n have_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n v_o 5._o that_o noah_n become_v the_o heir_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n v_o 7._o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o justify_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o firm_a and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thâ—se_a thing_n we_o hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v faith_n be_v such_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n as_o make_v we_o confident_o hope_v for_o they_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v unseen_a thing_n as_o the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n something_o pass_v or_o to_o come_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o final_a dissolution_n of_o it_o or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o promise_n and_o prediction_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o these_o unseen_a thing_n as_o produce_v some_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o faith_n result_v from_o the_o different_a object_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n make_v a_o three_o which_o be_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o first_o we_o may_v call_v a_o natural_a faith_n i._n e._n a_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o natural_a demonstration_n or_o moral_a argument_n as_o that_o god_n 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 which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n whereby_o they_o please_v god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n because_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sincere_o religious_a or_o to_o do_v any_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n second_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o many_o example_n in_o this_o chapter_n thus_o noah_n believe_v god_n when_o he_o forewarn_v he_o of_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o provide_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n he_o become_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o father_n house_n and_o go_v into_o a_o strange_a land_n thus_o sarah_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n which_o be_v as_o heroical_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o man_n for_o beside_o that_o great_a and_o passionate_a kindness_n he_o have_v for_o his_o only_a son_n which_o make_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n this_o command_n of_o offer_v his_o son_n seem_v to_o thwart_v that_o former_a promise_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v i._n e._n that_o from_o isaac_n shall_v proceed_v that_o numerous_a offspring_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o abraham_n which_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a when_o this_o very_a isaac_n must_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o die_v without_o leave_v any_o child_n to_o succeed_v he_o but_o yet_o abraham_n be_v so_o well_o assure_v both_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o whatever_o impossibility_n humane_a reason_n suggest_v he_o will_v neither_o disobey_v god_n command_n nor_o distrust_v his_o promise_n but_o do_v believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n and_o moses_n etc._n etc._n who_o firm_o believe_v all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o confident_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o those_o day_n be_v justify_v viz._n such_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o as_o make_v they_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v three_o what_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v now_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n as_o abraham_n faith_n be_v to_o he_o for_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n answer_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n without_o which_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o force_n our_o faith_n in_o christ_n must_v signify_v such_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n as_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o we_o for_o if_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n you_o understand_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o you_o utter_o destroy_v the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n for_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a be_v not_o justify_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v account_v a_o righteous_a person_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v drown_v and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n at_o god_n command_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n because_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o follow_v god_n into_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o son_n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n when_o he_o and_o his_o wife_n be_v so_o old_a that_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o child_n and_o when_o sarah_n by_o faith_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o this_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o offer_v this_o son_n at_o god_n command_n without_o distrust_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o what_o have_v all_o this_o to_o do_v with_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o roll_a our_o soul_n on_o
great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n he_o come_v to_o be_v our_o prophet_n and_o our_o guide_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o precept_n and_o his_o life_n now_o we_o love_v to_o imitate_v great_a person_n and_o none_o so_o great_a as_o he_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n his_o example_n secure_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o give_v we_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v for_o he_o live_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v perfect_a be_v to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v nay_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n make_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n the_o more_o wonderful_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n that_o when_o he_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n he_o shall_v become_v poor_a that_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o creation_n shall_v become_v a_o minister_n and_o servant_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n shall_v suffer_v and_o die_v these_o be_v such_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o can_v never_o full_o imitate_v because_o we_o can_v never_o be_v so_o great_a as_o he_o be_v but_o yet_o they_o powerful_o convince_v we_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o stoop_v to_o the_o mean_a office_n of_o kindness_n since_o we_o can_v never_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o take_v up_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o grave_n four_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v a_o priest_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o great_a value_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_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 reasonable_o desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel_n 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 which_o be_v such_o a_o confirmation_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o world_n never_o have_v before_o christ_n be_v the_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a testament_n hebr._n 7._o 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o who_o undertake_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o security_n he_o give_v we_o depend_v on_o thè_z virtue_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n for_o so_o in_o verse_n 21._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v confirm_v the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n by_o oath_n the_o lord_n have_v swear_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n and_o whereas_o other_o priest_n die_v and_o leave_v their_o priesthood_n to_o their_o successor_n he_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n and_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o and_o who_o can_v desire_v a_o more_o powerful_a mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v such_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o intercession_n depend_v very_o much_o on_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o much_o the_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n excel_v that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n that_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o he_o make_v the_o world_n exalt_v above_o all_o angel_n who_o have_v a_o everlasting_a throne_n and_o sceptre_n and_o shall_v continue_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n moulder_v and_o vanish_v away_o but_o five_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o no_o other_o consideration_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o undertake_n i._n e._n 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 he_o have_v tell_v we_o there_o whatever_o he_o intend_v to_o do_v for_o we_o and_o have_v charge_v we_o to_o expect_v no_o more_o from_o he_o math._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o will_v be_v better_a to_o you_o than_o my_o word_n and_o receive_v you_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o i_o have_v promise_v i_o shall_v be_v move_v with_o none_o of_o your_o flatter_a speech_n but_o how_o good_a and_o kind_a soever_o you_o may_v fancy_v i_o unless_o you_o obey_v those_o law_n i_o publish_v in_o my_o father_n name_n i_o declare_v before_o hand_n that_o i_o will_v disow_v you_o when_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n for_o indeed_o shall_v he_o absolve_v and_o justify_v those_o man_n who_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v that_o be_v wilful_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n this_o be_v to_o disannul_v that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_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 and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a religion_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n and_o no_o promise_n for_o whatever_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o expect_v any_o thing_n else_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n it_o be_v without_o a_o promise_n which_o at_o best_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o same_o state_n in_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o god_n have_v make_v a_o express_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v found_v on_o that_o natural_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n 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 thus_o these_o man_n trust_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o promise_n nay_o which_o make_v the_o case_n much_o worse_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o term_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n they_o quit_v his_o promise_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o rely_v and_o roll_v upon_o his_o person_n this_o be_v so_o very_o absurd_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o i_o know_v no_o man_n will_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o own_v it_o in_o so_o many_o word_n nor_o do_v i_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o it_o but_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o natural_a interpretation_n of_o trust_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n fullness_n and_o alsufficiency_n and_o of_o rely_v and_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o the_o like_a phrase_n of_o a_o late_a date_n in_o which_o some_o man_n place_v the_o whole_a mystery_n
come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o if_o you_o have_v know_v i_o you_o shall_v have_v know_v my_o father_n also_o and_o henceforth_o you_o have_v know_v he_o and_o have_v see_v he_o that_o be_v i_o alone_o declare_v the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o by_o learning_n of_o i_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o know_v i_o i._n e._n whoever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n i_o preach_v know_v my_o father_n also_o that_o be_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n as_o he_o prove_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n so_o that_o to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v that_o declaration_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o that_o be_v that_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n signify_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v as_o a_o man_n be_v know_v by_o his_o face_n that_o be_v his_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prophet_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o this_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o that_o shine_a glory_n which_o appear_v on_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v but_o typical_a of_o that_o bright_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n god_n will_v make_v of_o himself_o by_o christ._n god_n be_v see_v in_o christ_n he_o that_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v my_o father_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v full_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n upon_o which_o account_n too_o as_o well_o as_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n he_o be_v call_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o those_o discovery_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n be_v a_o bright_a and_o glorious_a reflection_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n as_o true_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n as_o any_o picture_n be_v of_o the_o person_n it_o represent_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v the_o image_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o where_o christ_n being_n the_o image_n of_o god_n come_v in_o very_o abrupt_o unless_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will._n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o last_o and_o high_a object_n of_o religious_a and_o save_a knowledge_n i._n e._n that_o the_o only_a knowledge_n necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o will_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o action_n and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o whereas_o god_n be_v former_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 the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a true_a medium_n of_o know_v god_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v god_n to_o we_o he_o know_v god_n best_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n i._n e._n who_o understand_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o latitude_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o john_n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o they_o may_v know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v i._n e._n the_o only_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v by_o know_v christ_n who_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n who_o have_v make_v more_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_v than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o and_o who_o alone_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n so_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o know_v his_o person_n which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o than_o what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o native_a simplicity_n as_o he_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n call_v this_o learning_n christ_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n for_o christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n signify_v to_o know_v his_o gospel_n and_o to_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o expound_v all_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n or_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o office_n and_o mediation_n thus_o philip_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act_n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o verse_n 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 this_o shall_v make_v all_o consider_v man_n ashamed_a of_o those_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a clamour_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o preach_v unless_o he_o be_v name_v in_o every_o sentence_n whether_o the_o argument_n require_v it_o or_o not_o as_o if_o preach_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n of_o preach_v nothing_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n those_o preach_v christ_n most_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o confirm_v man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o immortal_a life_n who_o expound_v his_o law_n and_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o mediation_n for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v part_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o these_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o image_n of_o god_n and_o qualify_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o large_a notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o include_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o the_o design_n of_o all_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n how_o true_a soever_o our_o speculation_n be_v the_o scripture_n brand_v all_o those_o as_o ignorant_a of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v and_o reverence_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o though_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o hearty_o believe_v it_o and_o obey_v all_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v we_o know_v he_o not_o john_n 1._o 2_o 3._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o verse_n 4._o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o 1_o john_n 3._o 6._o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o not_o but_o that_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v as_o true_a a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o good_a man_n have_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o serve_v no_o end_n which_o want_v life_n and_o sense_n and_o make_v man_n no_o better_o than_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o other_o
account_n with_o god_n than_o ignorance_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o condemnation_n sect_n ii_o of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n after_o this_o plain_a account_n wherein_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n consist_v the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o understand_v his_o gospel_n which_o contain_v all_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v another_o notion_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n very_o distinct_a from_o this_o which_o contain_v a_o great_a secret_n than_o at_o first_o one_o will_v imagine_v and_o that_o be_v a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o man_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o save_a knowledge_n i_o shall_v not_o envy_v the_o author_n the_o glory_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o shall_v honest_o confess_v where_o i_o have_v it_o viz._n in_o a_o book_n entitle_v communion_n with_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o person_n distinct_o write_a by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o do_v this_o author_n wrong_v i_o must_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n a_o account_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o digression_n 2._o pag._n 87._o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o teach_v we_o wisdom_n that_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v and_o those_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n but_o also_o because_o by_o the_o know_n of_o he_o we_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o apply_v that_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o person_n coll._n 2._o 3._o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o our_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o this_o man_n divinity_n signify_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v those_o great_a deep_a and_o more_o save_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o express_o reveal_v to_o we_o for_o so_o he_o add_v soon_o after_o that_o these_o property_n of_o god_n his_o pardon_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o doctrine_n in_o that_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n but_o the_o life_n of_o this_o knowledge_n lie_v in_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n wherein_o the_o express_a image_n and_o beam_n of_o this_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n do_v shine_v forth_o that_o be_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_o eminent_o and_o save_o only_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v a_o very_a imperfect_a and_o obscure_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o the_o method_n of_o our_o recovery_n we_o may_v thorough_o understand_v whatever_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n unless_o we_o gain_v a_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o indeed_o advance_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n very_o much_o but_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o prophetic_a office_n it_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n above_o the_o gospel_n viz._n a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n in_o who_o dwell_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o that_o you_o may_v better_o understand_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o addition_n these_o man_n make_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n and_o second_o show_v you_o what_o a_o unsafe_a way_n of_o argue_v this_o be_v and_o how_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o to_o show_v you_o what_o addition_n these_o man_n make_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n and_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o very_o much_o behold_v to_o this_o author_n for_o acknowledge_v whence_o they_o fetch_v all_o their_o orthodoxy_n and_o gospel_n mystery_n for_o i_o have_v almost_o pore_v my_o eye_n out_o with_o seek_v for_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v never_o find_v they_o but_o i_o learn_v now_o that_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o argument_n well_o worth_a consider_v and_o if_o this_o discourse_n shall_v prove_v long_o as_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n both_o to_o the_o writer_n and_o reader_n and_o since_o i_o owe_v this_o discovery_n to_o dr._n john_n owen_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o his_o method_n who_o in_o the_o place_n abovementioned_a tell_v we_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o 89_o knowledge_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v we_o three_o skill_n to_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o these_o three_o be_v sum_v up_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n to_o be_v obtain_v or_o be_v manifest_v but_o only_o in_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n christ._n where_o by_o be_v fallacious_o add_v to_o include_v the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v whereas_o his_o first_o undertake_n be_v to_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o thing_n saving_o and_o clear_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o without_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o examine_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v but_o principal_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o peculiar_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o revelation_n be_v whole_o silent_a but_o be_v now_o clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n 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 manifold_a revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n especial_o that_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n that_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a that_o he_o can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v so_o wise_a that_o he_o know_v how_o to_o order_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a so_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v and_o design_n the_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o holy_a that_o he_o have_v a_o natural_a love_n for_o all_o good_a man_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v they_o but_o hate_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o will_v as_o certain_o punish_v all_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n but_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v very_o patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o use_v various_a method_n of_o kindness_n and_o severity_n to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o pardon_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o humble_a and_o penitent_a prodigal_n these_o property_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o further_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o merciful_a because_o not_o only_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o have_v
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
and_o suffer_v for_o we_o excite_v a_o just_a hatred_n of_o our_o sin_n sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o a_o great_a hope_n in_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n such_o a_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n for_o we_o and_o a_o steadfast_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n this_o be_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o these_o visible_a figure_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n affect_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o excite_v in_o we_o such_o a_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n as_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o now_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o sacrament_n which_o be_v design_v as_o the_o instrument_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v that_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o they_o all_o the_o union_n they_o signify_v be_v only_o a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o a_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o christ._n four_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o iv._o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o we_o his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o lord_n and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n thus_o in_o john_n 1._o 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n where_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v first_o found_v on_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v on_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n subjection_n to_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o now_o visible_o exercise_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n and_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o society_n now_o as_o you_o hear_v before_o if_o this_o profession_n be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a without_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o give_v we_o only_o a_o external_a fellowship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o man_n only_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n maintain_v a_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o his_o church_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o he_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o ver._n 6._o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o abuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v own_v himself_o our_o father_n and_o bestow_v the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n on_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o when_o we_o join_v the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n with_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o god_n will_v own_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v put_v into_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n where_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v lord_n and_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n nor_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n where_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sometime_o by_o fellowship_n sometime_o by_o communion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o heathen_a idolater_n from_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v have_v no_o society_n with_o those_o man_n who_o religion_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v as_o uneasy_a to_o each_o other_o as_o two_o heifer_n in_o the_o same_o yoke_n which_o draw_v different_a way_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o common_a between_o they_o which_o they_o both_o alike_o partake_v of_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o concord_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n what_o be_v there_o common_a to_o they_o both_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o mind_n to_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o fellowship_n what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o those_o portion_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o as_o a_o symbol_n of_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o god_n how_o can_v a_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o idolater_n have_v right_a to_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o reconcile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n all_o these_o expression_n decipher_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n which_o in_o rational_a being_n consist_v in_o mutual_a relation_n and_o common_a interest_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n explain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o our_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o vers._n 16._o 18._o now_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o the_o
scripture_n mention_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o he_o call_v it_o the_o communion_n appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n first_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o christian_n with_o each_o other_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o be_v entertain_v by_o he_o at_o the_o same_o table_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n also_o as_o it_o signify_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n vers._n 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o they_o which_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v reckon_v as_o god_n meat_n as_o the_o temple_n be_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v entertain_v at_o god_n table_n which_o be_v a_o signification_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o he_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n even_o that_o great_a and_o stupendous_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o to_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o sacrifice_n that_o spiritual_a food_n god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o thus_o god_n entertain_v we_o at_o his_o table_n as_o his_o own_o child_n who_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o all_o feast_n upon_o sacrifice_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o eat_v of_o god_n food_n and_o to_o be_v entertain_v at_o his_o table_n which_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n as_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o be_v among_o man_n always_o allow_v for_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o scripture_n signify_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o with_o each_o other_o but_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o like_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v no_o where_o call_v communion_n with_o god_n though_o a_o prevail_a custom_n have_v in_o our_o day_n almost_o whole_o appropriate_v that_o name_n to_o they_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o transient_a act_n but_o be_v a_o state_n of_o life_n that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v proper_o signify_v this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o only_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n for_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o poor_a man_n enjoy_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o his_o prince_n when_o he_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o he_o to_o beg_v his_o charity_n or_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o clemency_n and_o bounty_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o father_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o result_v from_o our_o relation_n to_o and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o act_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o expression_n i_o purposely_o avoid_v not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o have_v thrust_v out_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o not_o only_o the_o notion_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o too_o for_o certain_o do_v man_n understand_v what_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o communion_n be_v express_v but_o also_o because_o man_n have_v abuse_v it_o to_o great_a irreverence_n and_o familiarity_n with_o god_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o while_o they_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v now_o act_v the_o part_n of_o god_n fellow_n and_o therefore_o may_v talk_v to_o he_o with_o such_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v in_o common_a conversation_n i_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n at_o large_a because_o they_o be_v too_o common_o mistake_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n which_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o mistake_v about_o it_o have_v have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n but_o to_o debauch_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v this_o that_o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o we_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o common_a saviour_n than_o we_o be_v visible_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o member_n to_o their_o head_n and_o when_o this_o profession_n be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a when_o we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v than_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o spiritual_a too_o a_o visible_a and_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n differ_v as_o a_o visible_a professor_n and_o sincere_a christian_a the_o one_o be_v a_o christian_n only_o in_o show_n the_o other_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n transform_v we_o into_o his_o nature_n and_o likeness_n and_o make_v we_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o delight_v to_o dwell_v all_o this_o may_v be_v understand_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o without_o send_v for_o elias_n to_o unriddle_v it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n sect_n ii_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n i_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n love_v to_o make_v plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o like_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n god_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o institute_v a_o great_a many_o ceremony_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o very_o obscure_a signification_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n to_o awe_v their_o childish_a mind_n into_o a_o great_a veneration_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o may_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o captivate_v our_o affection_n by_o its_o natural_a charm_n and_o beauty_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o to_o render_v it_o obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o yet_o too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o despise_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v and_o think_v nothing_o a_o sufficient_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o contradict_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n i_o may_v give_v you_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o but_o our_o present_a argument_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o many_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o continue_v so_o have_v not_o some_o man_n undertake_v to_o explain_v it_o who_o have_v now_o make_v it_o more_o than_o mystical_a that_o be_v a_o unintelligible_a union_n though_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o least_o fault_n that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o as_o they_o have_v
order_v the_o matter_n it_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o evil_a purpose_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v i_o shall_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v represent_v to_o you_o those_o other_o opinion_n concern_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o in_o great_a vogue_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v very_o unjust_o challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o gospel-mystery_n as_o first_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n 42._o be_v they_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n this_o mystical_a be_v a_o hard_a word_n and_o therefore_o to_o explain_v it_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o mystical_a union_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n where_o yet_o person_n and_o nature_n 45._o be_v distinct_a as_o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o nature_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o hypostatical_a union_n so_o the_o mystical_a union_n be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n where_o both_o person_n and_o nature_n be_v distinct_a and_o it_o be_v a_o union_n of_o person_n but_o no_o personal_a union_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v where_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o union_n be_v make_v by_o faith_n which_o receive_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o doubt_v that_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o every_o thing_n they_o receive_v but_o yet_o what_o follow_v may_v help_v it_o out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o marriage-union_n which_o join_v person_n to_o person_n this_o be_v not_o very_o clear_a yet_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o full_a explication_n of_o it_o the_o same_o author_n describe_v it_o thus_o this_o mystical_a union_n 48._o be_v that_o supernatural_a spiritual_a intimous_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n upon_o which_o there_o follow_v mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o this_o oneness_n and_o conjunction_n be_v hard_a word_n still_o and_o therefore_o to_o explain_v they_o you_o must_v observe_v that_o christ_n and_o saint_n be_v unite_v how_o why_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o oneness_n and_o conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o they_o this_o now_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o one_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v one_o by_o their_o oneness_n union_n be_v union_n and_o christ_n be_v christ_n and_o believer_n be_v believer_n and_o oneness_n be_v oneness_n and_o thus_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v by_o their_o oneness_n but_o what_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n though_o it_o have_v be_v convenient_a first_o to_o have_v understand_v the_o union_n better_a why_o they_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n the_o spirit_n unite_v christ_n to_o we_o and_o faith_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o who_o can_v deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a mystical_a union_n but_o beside_o this_o mystical_a union_n there_o 49._o be_v a_o legal_a or_o law-union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o he_o be_v their_o surety_n and_o a_o moral_a union_n the_o foundation_n of_o which_o be_v love_n of_o which_o more_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v unite_v mystical_o legal_o moral_o the_o design_n of_o all_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o union_n of_o person_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o because_o i_o find_v this_o author_n have_v bewilder_v himself_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o help_v he_o out_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a case_n if_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v their_o person_n must_v be_v unite_v too_o for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o believer_n themselves_o and_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v unite_v without_o their_o person_n that_o be_v without_o themselves_o but_o then_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o mutual_a relation_n as_o the_o person_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v unite_v or_o by_o mutual_a affection_n or_o common_a interest_n not_o by_o a_o natural_a adhesion_n of_o person_n but_o because_o i_o find_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v these_o man_n that_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v unite_v unless_o their_o person_n be_v unite_v too_o it_o make_v i_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n in_o this_o union_n of_o person_n than_o every_o one_o apprehend_v and_o therefore_o second_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o believer_n must_v be_v unite_v and_o here_o they_o have_v outdo_v all_o the_o metaphysical_a subtlety_n of_o suarez_n and_o have_v find_v out_o a_o person_n for_o christ_n distinct_a from_o his_o godhead_n and_o manhood_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o sense_n make_v of_o what_o dr._n 51._o owen_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o his_o deity_n consider_v in_o itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o office_n which_o for_o we_o as_o god_n and_o man_n he_o undertake_v nor_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n neither_o when_o he_o converse_v here_o on_o earth_n nor_o yet_o as_o now_o exalt_v in_o glory_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v vest_v with_o the_o office_n of_o mediation_n his_o spiritual_a eminency_n comeliness_n beauty_n as_o appoint_v and_o anoint_v by_o the_o father_n unto_o that_o great_a work_n of_o bring_v home_o all_o his_o elect_n into_o his_o bosom_n now_o unless_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v distinct_a from_o his_o person_n as_o god_n man_n all_o this_o be_v idle_a talk_n for_o what_o personal_a grace_n be_v there_o in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n indeed_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man_n but_o as_o mediator_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o call_v the_o peculiar_a duty_n and_o action_n of_o a_o office_n personal_a grace_n his_o personal_a grace_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n but_o whatever_o personal_a grace_n be_v in_o christ_n belong_v to_o his_o person_n still_o be_v seat_v either_o in_o his_o divine_a or_o humane_a nature_n and_o he_o have_v no_o personal_a grace_n as_o mediator_n which_o he_o have_v not_o either_o as_o god_n or_o man._n and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o when_o he_o accommodate_v the_o description_n the_o spouse_n give_v of_o her_o belove_a to_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v 52._o white_a in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o ruddy_a in_o the_o preciousness_n of_o his_o humanity_n because_o white_a be_v the_o complexion_n of_o glory_n and_o ruddy_a be_v very_o applicable_a to_o his_o humanity_n because_o man_n be_v call_v adam_n from_o the_o red_a earth_n whereof_o he_o be_v make_v which_o be_v excellent_a proof_n but_o however_o white_a and_o ruddy_a belong_v to_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o mediatory_a office_n for_o he_o have_v be_v white_a in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o ruddy_a with_o the_o red_a earth_n of_o his_o humanity_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v consider_v as_o mediator_n or_o not_o and_o in_o his_o first_o digression_n concern_v the_o 64._o excellency_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o a_o conjugal_a relation_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v exceed_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a in_o his_o deity_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o he_o be_v desirable_a and_o worthy_a our_o acceptation_n as_o consider_v in_o his_o humanity_n in_o his_o freedom_n from_o sin_n and_o fullness_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n now_o though_o this_o look_v very_a like_o a_o contradiction_n to_o what_o he_o say_v before_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o person_n he_o mean_v neither_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o divine_a nor_o humane_a nature_n yet_o he_o have_v a_o salvo_fw-la which_o will_v deliver_v he_o both_o from_o contradiction_n and_o from_o sense_n that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v these_o excellency_n of_o his_o deity_n or_o humanity_n as_o
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o
gospel_n prescribe_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o christ_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o righteousness_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o faith_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v often_o use_v objective_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o contain_v those_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v thus_o in_o act_n 24._o 24._o felix_n send_v for_o paul_n and_o hear_v he_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v concern_v righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v ver._n 25._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 5._o in_o this_o sense_n faith_n and_o work_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o other_o the_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v whether_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o external_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n or_o that_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o transform_v our_o mind_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o alone_a can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n the_o apostle_n prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o 4._o chapter_n who_o be_v account_v righteous_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o god_n promise_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver._n 3._o and_o this_o while_o he_o be_v uncricumcise_v which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o jew_n that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justification_n because_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v justify_v without_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o this_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v now_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v whereby_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o what_o agreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n for_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a john_n 8_o 5_o 6._o but_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceive_a opinion_n than_o to_o observe_v what_o work_n they_o make_v with_o abraham_n faith_n as_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n upon_o which_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o suppose_v this_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o abraham_n shall_v learn_v this_o great_a mystery_n from_o that_o general_a and_o obscure_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n this_o be_v such_o a_o train_n of_o thought_n from_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n himself_o can_v never_o have_v hit_v on_o for_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a way_n for_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n or_o be_v there_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o this_o blessing_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o pray_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n abraham_n must_v distinct_o know_v according_a to_o these_o man_n own_o principle_n before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a man_n indeed_o who_o can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n without_o some_o more_o particular_a revelation_n as_o first_o he_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o blessing_n here_o mean_v be_v spiritual_a blessing_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o saviour_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o least_o difficulty_n of_o all_o yet_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v it_o and_o so_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n for_o many_o age_n do_v who_o have_v more_o particular_a promise_n concern_v christ_n than_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o expect_v only_o a_o temporal_a prince_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o subdue_v their_o enemy_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o so_o much_o deceive_v their_o expectation_n by_o his_o mean_a appearance_n and_o second_o abraham_n must_v know_v too_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o which_o according_a to_o the_o doctor_n it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n consider_v the_o naturalness_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n themselves_o understand_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n though_o christ_n have_v express_o tell_v they_o of_o it_o and_o three_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o nay_o four_o he_o must_v understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n since_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v never_o expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o righteousness_n serve_v any_o more_o than_o himself_o and_o five_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o that_o intimate_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o union_n believer_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n as_o these_o man_n explain_v it_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v to_o this_o day_n and_o sixthly_a he_o must_v understand_v too_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o and_o then_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n understand_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o abraham_n can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v may_v believe_v what_o he_o will_v and_o
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