the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o we_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o active_a righteousness_n for_o since_o his_o purity_n and_o holiness_n give_v worth_a and_o dignity_n to_o his_o merit_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o his_o merit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o his_o active_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v impute_v also_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n never_o think_v that_o the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v account_v by_o god_n to_o have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o righteousness_n which_o christ_n perform_v which_o be_v the_o modern_a notion_n of_o imputation_n but_o it_o be_v so_o impute_v to_o we_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n and_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o reverend_a person_n excellent_o explain_v it_o soon_o after_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n or_o into_o judgement_n as_o he_o read_v it_o john_n v._n 24._o and_o add_v what_o judgement_n be_v this_o from_o which_o believer_n be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n proculdubio_fw-la strictum_fw-la illud_fw-la ubi_fw-la juxta_fw-la normam_fw-la legis_fw-la aliquis_fw-la examinatur_fw-la &_o prout_fw-la deprehenditur_fw-la huic_fw-la norm_a respondere_fw-la iustùs_fw-la aut_fw-la injustus_fw-la pronunciatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n no_o doubt_n that_o strict_a judgement_n where_o man_n be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v pronounce_v just_a or_o unjust_a as_o they_o be_v find_v to_o agree_v with_o that_o rule_n justificatio_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la credentium_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la eo_fw-la dependet_fw-la quod_fw-la habent_fw-la in_o se_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la nova_fw-la justitiae_fw-la quam_fw-la audent_fw-la legali_fw-la examini_fw-la &_o stricto_fw-la dei_fw-la judicio_fw-la subjicere_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la merita_fw-la redemptoris_fw-la non_fw-la subituri_fw-la sunt_fw-la tale_n judicium_fw-la sed_fw-la perinde_n cum_fw-la illis_fw-la agetur_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la haberent_fw-la in_o seipsis_fw-la exactam_fw-la justitiam_fw-la legalem_fw-la therefore_o the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o internal_a righteousness_n as_o they_o dare_v submit_v to_o a_o legal_a trial_n and_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o that_o by_o and_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o redeemer_n hey_o shall_v never_o undergo_v such_o a_o judgement_n but_o shall_v be_v deal_v with_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o exact_a legal_a righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o hemean_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o hearty_o own_v it_o though_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o phrase_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o alter_v it_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n what_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o god_n mercy_n and_o by_o christ_n merit_n and_o that_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o homily_n and_o upon_o our_o part_n true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o we_o but_o by_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n and_o what_o our_o church_n attribute_n to_o this_o faith_n in_o the_o work_n of_o justification_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n and_o belief_n in_o man_n heart_n 1_o whereby_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o agree_v unto_o all_o truth_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v but_o then_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n or_o a_o true_a justify_v faith_n such_o as_o no_o wicked_a man_n can_v have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o true_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o stead_n fast_o hope_v of_o all_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v receive_v at_o god_n hand_n and_o that_o although_o we_o through_o infirmity_n or_o temptation_n of_o our_o ghostly_a enemy_n do_v fall_n from_o he_o by_o sin_n yet_o if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v and_o forget_v our_o offence_n for_o his_o son_n sake_n our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v make_v we_o inheritor_n with_o he_o of_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o that_o kingdom_n come_v he_o will_v be_v our_o protector_n and_o defender_n in_o all_o peril_n and_o danger_n whatsoever_o do_v chance_v and_o that_o though_o sometime_o he_o do_v send_v we_o sharp_a adversity_n yet_o that_o evermore_o he_o will_v be_v a_o love_a father_n unto_o we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o unto_o he_o hang_v only_o upon_o he_o and_o call_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o that_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o sure_a hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o new_a life_n or_o as_o it_o be_v excellent_o express_v a_o little_a after_o in_o the_o same_o homily_n for_o the_o very_a sure_a and_o lively_a christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v all_o thing_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v a_o earnest_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o he_o do_v regard_v we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a over_o we_o as_o the_o father_n be_v over_o the_o child_n who_o he_o do_v love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o we_o for_o his_o only_a son_n sake_n and_o that_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o priest_n in_o who_o only_a merit_n oblation_n and_o suffer_v we_o do_v trust_v that_o our_o offence_n be_v continual_o wash_v and_o purge_v whensoever_o we_o repent_v true_o do_v return_n to_o he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n stead_n fast_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o through_o his_o grace_n to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o never_o to_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o sin_n so_o that_o justify_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v actual_o pardon_v or_o that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n without_o require_v any_o more_o of_o we_o than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v forgive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n for_o christ_n sake_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o and_o determine_v through_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n never_o to_o return_v to_o they_o again_o but_o we_o shall_v understand_v this_o the_o better_a if_o we_o consider_v second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o true_a lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n merit_n for_o our_o church_n distinguish_v between_o a_o dead_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o dead_a faith_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n st._n james_n compare_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o 1_o devil_n which_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o just_a and_o tremble_v for_o fear_n yet_o they_o do_v nothing_o well_o but_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o faith_n have_v the_o wicked_a and_o naughty_a christian_a people_n which_o confess_v god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o their_o mouth_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o deed_n be_v abominable_a and_o without_o the_o right_a faith_n and_o to_o all_o good_a work_v reprovable_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a it_o be_v not_o now_o faith_n as_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v not_o a_o man_n this_o dead_a faith_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o sure_a and_o substantial_a faith_n which_o save_v sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v and_o the_o description_n of_o that_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n another_o faith_n there_o be_v in_o
homily_n by_o many_o scripture-promises_a and_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o our_o church_n mean_v by_o repentance_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o be_v reduce_v to_o four_o principal_a point_n from_o what_o we_o must_v return_v to_o who_o we_o must_v return_v by_o who_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convert_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n first_o from_o whence_o or_o from_o what_o thing_n we_o must_v return_v and_o that_o be_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n not_o only_o grosser_n vice_n but_o the_o filthy_a lust_n and_o inward_a concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh._n all_o these_o thing_n must_v they_o forsake_v that_o will_v true_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o repent_v aright_o for_o since_o for_o such_o thing_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n no_o end_n of_o punishment_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v for_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o faith_n for_o since_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n he_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n be_v apprehend_v and_o take_v hold_v upon_o that_o be_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o can_v see_v he_o with_o bodily_a eye_n nor_o go_v to_o he_o on_o our_o leg_n nor_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o with_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o this_o metaphor_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o go_v to_o he_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o discover_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a and_o unite_v our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o he_o and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o mediator_n for_o to_o bring_v and_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o he_o who_o for_o our_o sin_n be_v angry_a with_o we_o the_o same_o be_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v true_a and_o natural_a god_n etc._n etc._n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o pacify_v his_o wrath_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o homily_n we_o have_v this_o general_a description_n of_o repentance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a return_v unto_o god_n whereby_o man_n forsake_v utter_o their_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n do_v with_o a_o lively_a faith_n embrace_v love_n and_o worship_v the_o true_a live_a god_n only_o and_o give_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n which_o by_o god_n word_n they_o know_v to_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o and_o we_o be_v there_o inform_v that_o there_o be_v four_o part_n of_o repentance_n the_o first_o be_v contrition_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o we_o must_v be_v earnest_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n and_o unfeigned_o lament_v and_o bewail_v that_o we_o have_v by_o they_o so_o grievous_o offend_v our_o most_o bounteous_a and_o merciful_a god_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v a_o unfeigned_a confession_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n the_o three_o be_v faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v apprehend_v and_o take_v hold_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n touch_v the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o promise_n be_v seal_v up_o unto_o we_o with_o the_o death_n and_o bloodshedding_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o contrition_n and_o confession_n will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o unless_o we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n for_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o earnest_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v they_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v but_o mean_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o utter_v desperation_n except_o we_o do_v steadfast_o believe_v that_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n pardon_n and_o forgive_v we_o our_o offence_n and_o trespass_n and_o utter_o put_v they_o out_o of_o remembrance_n in_o his_o sight_n therefore_o they_o that_o teach_v repentance_n without_o christ_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v only_o teach_v cain_n or_o judas_n repentance_n that_o be_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v obtain_v through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o four_o part_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o amendment_n of_o life_n in_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n for_o they_o that_o do_v true_o repent_v must_v be_v clean_o alter_v and_o change_v they_o must_v become_v new_a creature_n they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v before_o as_o appear_v from_o john_n the_o baptist_n exhortation_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n whereby_o we_o do_v learn_v that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o be_v pacify_v we_o must_v in_o no_o wise_n dissemble_v but_o turn_v unto_o he_o again_o with_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a repentance_n which_o may_v be_v know_v and_o declare_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o by_o most_o sure_a and_o infallible_a sign_n thereof_o this_o i_o think_v be_v as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o humble_a confession_n of_o they_o to_o almighty_a god_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n together_o with_o a_o actual_a amendment_n of_o our_o life_n be_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v justification_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n this_o have_v often_o make_v i_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v affix_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o repentance_n itself_o be_v not_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o learned_a bishop_n davenant_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n in_o this_o point_n for_o he_o express_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v some_o work_n sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la justificatio_fw-la nunquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la ab_fw-la ullo_fw-la mortalium_fw-la obtenta_fw-la nunquam_fw-la obtinebitur_fw-la 29._o without_o which_o justification_n never_o be_v and_o never_o shall_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o mortal_a man_n among_o which_o he_o reckon_v true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n haec_fw-la &_o hujusmodi_fw-la opera_fw-la cordis_fw-la interna_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnibus_fw-la justificatis_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la quod_fw-la contineant_fw-la in_o se_fw-la efficaciam_fw-la seu_fw-la meritum_fw-la justificationis_fw-la sed_fw-la quod_fw-la juxta_fw-la ordinationem_fw-la divinam_fw-la vel_fw-la requiruntur_fw-la ut_fw-la conditione_n praeviae_fw-la seu_fw-la concurrentes_fw-la sicuti_fw-la poenitere_fw-la &_o credere_fw-la vel_fw-la ut_fw-la effecta_fw-la à _fw-la fide_fw-la justificante_fw-la necessario_fw-la manantia_fw-la ut_fw-la amare_fw-la deum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n these_o and_o suchlike_a internal_a work_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o be_v justify_v not_o that_o they_o be_v meritorious_a cause_n of_o justification_n but_o because_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a appointment_n they_o be_v require_v either_o as_o previous_a or_o concur_v condition_n such_o as_o repentance_n and_o faith_n or_o as_o effect_n which_o necessary_o flow_v from_o a_o justify_v faith_n such_o as_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n where_o this_o learned_a prelate_n do_v express_o assert_v that_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v a_o previous_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o i_o fear_v will_v hereafter_o be_v account_v one_o of_o our_o innovator_n and_o that_o distinction_n which_o the_o bishop_n make_v between_o those_o work_n which_o be_v require_v as_o previous_a condition_n of_o justification_n as_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o those_o work_n which_o be_v necessary_a effect_n of_o justify_v faith_n which_o must_v always_o be_v present_a in_o the_o justify_v person_n as_o to_o love_n god_n etc._n etc._n give_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a answer_n to_o the_o grand_a exception_n against_o the_o antecedent_n necessity_n of_o repentance_n to_o our_o justification_n viz._n because_o then_o it_o must_v precede_v faith_n itself_o i_o suppose_v because_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v actual_o justify_v in_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n whereas_o all_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o repentance_n and_o contrition_n which_o be_v certain_o good_a work_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o consequent_o must_v follow_v our_o justification_n by_o faith_n unless_o we_o will_v place_v the_o effect_n before_o their_o cause_n but_o this_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o all_o good_a work_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o justify_v faith_n for_o there_o be_v some_o good_a work_n which_o
by_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o he_o till_o we_o obey_v he_o this_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o christ_n because_o we_o be_v justify_v for_o his_o sake_n by_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o vindicate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o whatever_o i_o assert_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n to_o our_o justification_n not_o that_o they_o can_v merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v purchase_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o thereby_o to_o give_v we_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n and_o eternal_a life_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o 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be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o none_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o but_o by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o e_fw-la conuerso_fw-la those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o so_o do_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o they_o and_o none_o else_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o he_o which_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n how_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o all_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n because_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o phrase_n of_o receive_v christ_n and_o come_v to_o he_o for_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o which_o signify_v our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o by_o a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o he_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n i_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n that_o no_o man_n may_v mistake_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o a_o fond_a and_o easy_a passion_n nor_o think_v to_o please_v he_o with_o some_o heat_n and_o rapture_n of_o fancy_n instead_o of_o the_o substantial_a return_v of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o that_o christ_n express_v a_o wonderful_a and_o stupendous_a love_n in_o die_v for_o we_o especial_o in_o die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n but_o he_o manifest_v the_o same_o good_a will_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n he_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o gentle_a governor_n who_o rule_v with_o the_o natural_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o a_o shepherd_n a_o husband_n a_o head_n a_o friend_n he_o pity_v our_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v and_o succour_v we_o he_o be_v now_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n where_o he_o personal_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n dispense_v all_o those_o blessing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o want_v and_o pray_v for_o in_o his_o name_n and_o he_o who_o love_v sinner_n so_o as_o to_o die_v for_o they_o must_v needs_o take_v pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n and_o dwell_v with_o they_o as_o one_o friend_n dwell_v with_o another_o john_n fourteen_o 21_o 23._o christ_n will_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v present_a with_o such_o good_a man_n who_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o will_v give_v very_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o will_v manifest_v himself_o unto_o they_o and_o make_v his_o abode_n with_o they_o and_o now_o in_o return_n to_o this_o 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 must_v not_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 and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n be_v call_v honour_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_n love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n and_o must_v bear_v some_o respect_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 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 since_o he_o become_v man_n and_o die_v for_o we_o we_o must_v admire_v and_o praise_v his_o goodness_n he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n we_o must_v trust_v and_o confide_v in_o he_o and_o expect_v the_o return_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o blessing_n from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n he_o be_v 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 belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o christ_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_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 and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o design_n and_o doctrine_n of_o my_o book_n which_o have_v raise_v so_o much_o noise_n and_o clamour_n and_o have_v sharpen_v the_o pen_n and_o tongue_n of_o so_o many_o against_o i_o but_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n to_o think_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n these_o be_v such_o bright_a and_o glorious_a truth_n as_o will_v outshine_v all_o the_o new_a light_n of_o present_a or_o former_a age_n and_o command_v belief_n from_o all_o honest_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n by_o their_o own_o natural_a evidence_n the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o design_o oppose_v in_o that_o discourse_n be_v such_o as_o contradict_v these_o great_a truth_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o i_o apprehend_v to_o do_v so_o either_o express_o or_o in_o their_o immediate_a consequence_n and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o have_v anger_v so_o many_o man_n who_o cause_n and_o reputation_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o quarrel_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o brief_a account_n what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v and_o in_o what_o sense_n i_o reject_v they_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v silence_v those_o scandalous_a report_n as_o if_o i_o have_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o first_o whereas_o i_o observe_v that_o to_o know_v christ_n signify_v the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n
not_o argue_v any_o change_n in_o god_n but_o in_o the_o object_n and_o when_o the_o object_n be_v change_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o love_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v no_o long_o as_o for_o what_o the_o doctor_n add_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o believer_n as_o shall_v always_o effectual_o preserve_v they_o meet_v object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o approbation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baffle_v by_o such_o trifle_a impertinency_n whether_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v be_v a_o trifle_a impertinency_n let_v other_o judge_v but_o when_o he_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o immutable_a love_n effectual_o to_o preserve_v such_o person_n meet_v object_n of_o love_n and_o approbation_n he_o grant_v all_o that_o i_o have_v contend_v for_o that_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n unless_o they_o continue_v meet_v object_n of_o his_o love_n for_o if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v so_o immutable_a as_o always_o to_o love_v the_o same_o person_n be_v he_o what_o he_o will_v than_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o meet_a object_n of_o love_n while_o he_o continue_v the_o same_o person_n whatever_o his_o quality_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o this_o than_o that_o god_n shall_v uphold_v he_o in_o be_v but_o if_o beside_o his_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a person_n on_o who_o god_n have_v fix_v his_o love_n there_o be_v any_o other_o qualification_n require_v to_o make_v he_o and_o preserve_v he_o a_o meet_a object_n of_o love_n than_o the_o doctor_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n immutable_a love_n require_v a_o object_n which_o do_v not_o change_n one_o who_o persist_v and_o persevere_fw-la in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o the_o immutable_a love_n of_o god_n to_o good_a man_n under_o that_o notion_n as_o good_a for_o suppose_v any_o change_n in_o the_o object_n god_n must_v either_o continue_v to_o love_v a_o unmeet_a object_n or_o else_o cease_v to_o love_v and_o let_v he_o choose_v which_o side_n he_o please_v if_o the_o first_o he_o attribute_n such_o a_o immutability_n to_o god_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o savour_v more_o of_o the_o stubbornness_n and_o impotency_n of_o humane_a passion_n than_o of_o a_o divine_a love_n if_o the_o latter_a than_o he_o make_v the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o mutable_a and_o subject_a to_o change_n as_o i_o do_v and_o as_o for_o that_o love_n of_o god_n to_o believer_n which_o always_o preserve_v they_o meet_v object_n of_o his_o love_n the_o doctor_n mighty_o mistake_v i_o if_o he_o think_v i_o design_v to_o oppose_v it_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o perseverance_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o their_o believe_v at_o first_o but_o if_o he_o design_v this_o for_o a_o description_n of_o god_n elect_v love_n which_o be_v the_o immutable_a cause_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o perseverance_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v i_o wonder_v why_o he_o call_v it_o god_n love_n to_o believer_n for_o election_n in_o the_o doctor_n judgement_n consider_v no_o qualification_n in_o person_n and_o what_o he_o call_v god_n love_n be_v more_o proper_o god_n decree_v to_o love_n when_o the_o person_n be_v a_o fit_a object_n for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o immutable_a decree_n to_o make_v and_o preserve_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o love_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n the_o first_o depend_v upon_o a_o immutable_a counsel_n the_o second_o upon_o the_o persevere_v meetness_n and_o fitness_n of_o the_o object_n to_o be_v belove_v i_o have_v already_o give_v several_a other_o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n from_o his_o be_v our_o surety_n and_o mediator_n our_o &c_n head_n and_o husband_n and_o the_o like_a and_o intend_v to_o have_v add_v many_o more_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o impartial_a reader_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n and_o how_o far_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o brief_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o put_v a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o argument_n now_o i_o ready_o agree_v with_o mr._n ferguson_n that_o in_o many_o case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a 164._o but_o necessary_a to_o reason_n from_o revelation_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a but_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v call_v deduction_n and_o consequence_n from_o revelation_n let_v other_o judge_v as_o the_o application_n of_o general_a precept_n promise_n and_o commination_n to_o single_a individual_n and_o universal_a direction_n to_o particular_a case_n the_o application_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o their_o event_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n prove_v christ_n to_o be_v that_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a instance_n mr._n ferguson_n give_v as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o allege_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a dispute_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o may_v deduce_v any_o new_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n which_o be_v neither_o express_o teach_v in_o scripture_n nor_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n from_o their_o suppose_a connexion_n with_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o i_o think_v thus_o much_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n than_o what_o be_v reveal_v whatever_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o revelation_n as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v the_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o man_n but_o those_o who_o learn_v they_o from_o himself_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n without_o a_o revelation_n we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o neither_o than_o what_o be_v reveal_v which_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n 3_o with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o argument_n i_o have_v manage_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o know_v not_o what_o i_o shall_v add_v to_o it_o here_o unless_o it_o be_v a_o more_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o to_o our_o present_a case_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o learn_v from_o revelation_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o they_o and_o to_o procure_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o all_o true_a penitent_n but_o because_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a vindictive_a justice_n in_o god_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o pardon_v sin_n without_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o christ_n death_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n free_a counsel_n we_o can_v know_v no_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o than_o he_o have_v reveal_v there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n assign_v on_o god_n part_n why_o he_o shall_v send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n beside_o a_o natural_a vindictive_a justice_n and_o the_o scripture_n have_v assign_v several_a other_o reason_n of_o christ_n death_n but_o have_v never_o assign_v this_o and_o indeed_o unless_o we_o will_v assert_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v necessary_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o counsel_n this_o reason_n must_v be_v false_a for_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_o good_a as_o he_o be_v just_a for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o goodness_n shall_v be_v think_v the_o free_a act_n of_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n and_o justice_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o if_o so_o then_o suppose_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o bring_v sin_n and_o misery_n into_o the_o world_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v good_a and_o just_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v make_v it_o necessary_a to_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o that_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v sin_n this_o punishment_n must_v fall_v either_o upon_o the_o
now_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o which_o argument_n mr._n ferguson_n have_v put_v out_o his_o whole_a strength_n such_o as_o it_o be_v which_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o childish_a cavil_n false_a representation_n and_o insolent_a and_o foolish_a triumph_n though_o i_o wonder_v he_o have_v no_o more_o craft_n than_o to_o tell_v such_o improbable_a story_n as_o confute_v themselves_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o charge_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n with_o disserve_v holiness_n why_o what_o be_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n that_o i_o express_v in_o few_o word_n that_o &c_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n how_o can_v this_o disserve_v holiness_n which_o make_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n essential_a to_o our_o union_n this_o be_v a_o very_a improbable_a story_n and_o i_o doubt_v he_o will_v find_v few_o voucher_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o to_o see_v the_o power_n of_o wit_n he_o have_v two_o or_o three_o as_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v for_o first_o he_o observe_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a but_o then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v so_o honest_a as_o to_o have_v tell_v what_o sense_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v that_o passage_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o judge_v what_o they_o please_v of_o our_o author_n our_o union_n 349._o to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n so_o that_o all_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o we_o must_v first_o believe_v the_o gospel_n before_o we_o can_v obey_v it_o and_o that_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o do_v begin_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o external_n obedience_n the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o a_o new_a life_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o external_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o require_v time_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n which_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n may_v not_o always_o go_v before_o but_o must_v always_o follow_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n which_o i_o thus_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o place_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o still_o mr._n ferguson_n can_v prove_v that_o i_o make_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n though_o i_o express_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a because_o i_o say_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o so_o i_o say_v still_o that_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n joh._n 15._o 2._o by_o be_v in_o he_o he_o can_v intend_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n by_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o otherwise_o this_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o he_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o hypocrite_n who_o bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o how_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v complete_v without_o obedience_n for_o do_v i_o ever_o assert_v that_o a_o external_n union_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n do_v complete_a and_o perfect_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o than_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v safe_o assert_v that_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o latitude_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o include_v hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o assert_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a union_n to_o christ_n without_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o pretty_a to_o observe_v our_o author_n criticism_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n â—45_n which_o he_o say_v may_v as_o well_o be_v read_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o he_o take_v away_o now_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o grant_v he_o this_o what_o will_v he_o gain_v by_o it_o why_o then_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o unless_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n and_o that_o what_o show_v of_o be_v branch_n we_o make_v by_o a_o external_n membership_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o shall_v be_v no_o obex_fw-la to_o christ_n disclaim_v and_o renounce_v our_o work_n his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o branch_n in_o i_o do_v not_o signify_v those_o branch_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o join_v in_o i_o with_o branch_n but_o with_o bear_v fruit_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dull_a observation_n may_v pass_v for_o his_o own_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o mr._n ferguson_n in_o what_o this_o branch_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a de_fw-fr fide_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n unless_o he_o can_v find_v some_o new_a read_n to_o avoid_v that_o too_o of_o what_o then_o be_v it_o a_o branch_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n to_o which_o this_o branch_n can_v refer_v but_o only_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n do_v what_o he_o can_v it_o must_v be_v a_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n a_o branch_n in_o christ._n and_o then_o i_o have_v a_o far_a scruple_n still_o suppose_v we_o do_v allow_v his_o read_n how_o a_o branch_n which_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n the_o vine_n can_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n the_o vine_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n expect_v from_o such_o branch_n that_o they_o shall_v bear_v fruit_n in_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o one_o sense_n or_o other_o they_o be_v in_o he_o for_o they_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v fruit_n in_o he_o till_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v still_o one_o little_a difficulty_n behind_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n take_v away_o those_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o husbandman_n cut_v dead_a and_o fruitless_a branch_n off_o from_o the_o vine_n and_o so_o signify_v the_o excision_n of_o such_o fruitless_a branch_n from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o take_v away_o from_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v never_o in_o he_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o our_o author_n be_v force_v to_o return_v to_o what_o he_o design_v to_o confute_v and_o by_o a_o branch_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o live_v in_o external_n membership_n with_o the_o church_n and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v a_o show_n of_o be_v a_o branch_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o mean_v any_o thing_n of_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o i_o assert_v in_o this_o matter_n only_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o these_o branch_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n though_o he_o own_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o branch_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v a_o church_n member_n but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v call_v a_o branch_n in_o christ._n a_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n whereby_o mr._n ferguson_n prove_v my_o notion_n of_o union_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v destructive_a to_o holiness_n be_v both_o resolve_v into_o
justify_v in_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o that_o be_v as_o soon_o they_o be_v in_o be_v in_o his_o book_n of_o communion_n p._n 204._o he_o have_v ten_o proposition_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o there_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n in_o his_o undertake_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n with_o god_n be_v constitute_v and_o consider_v as_o a_o common_a public_a person_n in_o the_o stead_n of_o they_o for_o who_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n he_o suffer_v and_o that_o be_v thus_o a_o common_a person_n upon_o his_o undertake_n as_o to_o merit_n and_o efficacy_n and_o upon_o his_o actual_a performance_n as_o to_o solemn_a declaration_n this_o be_v what_o dr._n crisp_n call_v god_n lay_v iniquity_n upon_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o obligation_n and_o by_o way_n of_o execution_n be_v as_o such_o as_o a_o common_a person_n acquit_v absolve_v justify_v and_o free_v from_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o elect_n as_o due_a to_o they_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o or_o can_v so_o be_v so_o that_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n upon_o his_o undertake_n and_o in_o time_n upon_o his_o actual_a performance_n as_o a_o common_a person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o name_n and_o as_o represent_v the_o person_n of_o the_o elect_n acquit_v absolve_v and_o justify_v and_o therefore_o as_o it_o follow_v christ_n receive_v the_o general_a acquittance_n for_o they_o all_o and_o they_o be_v all_o acquit_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o mediator_n whence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v crucify_v with_o he_o to_o die_v with_o he_o to_o rise_v with_o he_o to_o sit_v with_o he_o in_o heavenly_a place_n namely_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o mediator_n this_o be_v what_o dr._n crisp_n call_v a_o secret_a application_n of_o god_n lay_v iniquity_n upon_o christ_n to_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v do_v before_o they_o know_v it_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o dr._n owen_n be_v that_o dr._n owen_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o discharge_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o only_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n and_o dr._n crisp_n think_v it_o more_o proper_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o personal_a discharge_n of_o they_o since_o it_o be_v do_v in_o their_o name_n and_o person_n but_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n who_o speak_v most_o proper_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o in_o another_o discourse_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n objection_n against_o his_o treatise_n of_o redemption_n p._n 72._o he_o assert_n that_o the_o elect_n have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o all_o that_o be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n death_n before_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v equivalent_a to_o their_o have_v a_o right_a from_o eternity_n or_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o be_v and_o he_o offer_v it_o as_o his_o one_o opinion_n whether_o absolution_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o obligation_n unto_o death_n though_o not_o as_o terminate_v in_o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o know_v to_o the_o person_n which_o be_v dr._n crisp'_v secret_a application_n for_o complete_a justification_n do_v not_o precede_v our_o actual_a believe_v and_o expound_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o ungodly_a rom._n 4._o to_o this_o sense_n as_o dr._n crisp_n express_o do_v and_o though_o he_o dare_v not_o assert_v complete_a justification_n to_o be_v before_o believe_v yet_o he_o affirm_v that_o absolution_n be_v as_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v secret_a and_o know_v only_o to_o god_n for_o a_o discharge_n from_o the_o effect_n of_o anger_n natural_o precede_v all_o collation_n of_o any_o fruit_n of_o love_n such_o as_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o this_o absolution_n and_o complete_a justification_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o absolution_n want_v that_o act_n of_o pardon_v mercy_n which_o be_v to_o be_v terminate_v and_o complete_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o be_v though_o such_o a_o man_n be_v pardon_v before_o believe_v yet_o he_o can_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o his_o pardon_n before_o believe_v which_o be_v exact_o dr._n crisp'_v notion_n and_o absolution_n want_v the_o heart_n persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o mercy_n hold_v out_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o it_o want_v the_o soul_n roll_v itself_o on_o christ_n and_o receive_v christ_n as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o that_o mercy_n a_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v all_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o absolution_n be_v before_o and_o without_o faith_n for_o this_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o roll_a itself_o on_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n notion_n constitute_v the_o justify_n act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o doctor_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o elect_n till_o the_o full_a 205._o time_n of_o their_o actual_a deliverance_n determine_v and_o appoint_v to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a generation_n be_v accomplish_v be_v personal_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v legal_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o only_o choose_v to_o contradict_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o antinomianism_n for_o by_o their_o actual_a deliverance_n i_o presume_v he_o must_v understand_v the_o time_n of_o their_o actual_a believe_v and_o if_o they_o be_v absolve_v before_o they_o actual_o believe_v how_o can_v they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n or_o legal_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o immediate_o qualify_v this_o that_o though_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o curse_n thereof_o yet_o not_o at_o all_o with_o its_o primitive_a intention_n of_o execution_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n but_o not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o curse_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v nonsense_n how_o then_o be_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n why_o as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v to_o help_v forward_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n on_o his_o account_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v that_o their_o absolution_n be_v at_o present_a secret_n and_o not_o terminate_v and_o complete_v in_o the_o conscience_n they_o be_v terrify_v and_o scare_v with_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n as_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o and_o this_o make_v they_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o though_o dr._n crisp_n indeed_o do_v not_o like_o this_o way_n of_o affright_a man_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o law_n yet_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o great_a and_o make_v no_o material_a alteration_n in_o the_o scheme_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o dr._n owen_n add_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o father_n son_n and_o ibid_fw-la holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o actual_a personal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o elect_a from_o the_o sentence_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v in_o and_o by_o such_o a_o way_n and_o dispensation_n as_o may_v lead_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glorious_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o glorify_v the_o whole_a trinity_n by_o ascend_v to_o the_o father_n love_n through_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n all_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o our_o absolution_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o actual_o believe_v nor_o be_v actual_o possess_v of_o eternal_a life_n till_o we_o be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a all_o which_o dr._n crisp_n will_v own_v and_o be_v consistent_a enough_o with_o our_o justification_n or_o absolution_n from_o eternity_n since_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o blessing_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o antecedent_n absolution_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o doctor_n confess_v and_o this_o be_v all_o mr._n ferguson_n mean_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n own_o discharge_n be_v a_o 549._o immediate_a consequent_a of_o his_o suffering_n and_o they_o for_o who_o he_o suffer_v have_v also_o immediate_o a_o fundamental_a right_n of_o be_v acquit_v but_o their_o actual_a deliverance_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n that_o he_o who_o have_v substitute_v himself_o in_o our_o room_n and_o he_o who_o have_v both_o admit_v and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o substitution_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v this_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o if_o christ_n act_v as_o a_o surety_n in_o the_o name_n