this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n but_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o consist_v i_o can_v see_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o account_v that_o man_n a_o fool_n who_o love_v at_o this_o rate_n we_o who_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n think_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o govern_v all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n too_o by_o reason_n and_o we_o account_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o a_o man_n to_o act_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o without_o it_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n and_o how_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o man_n be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n indeed_o be_v this_o true_a it_o will_v undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n but_o if_o god_n and_o christ_n love_n for_o no_o reason_n than_o 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be_v in_o the_o object_n not_o in_o the_o person_n who_o love_v or_o hate_v and_o yet_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o creature_n or_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n or_o hatred_n but_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o he_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o therefore_o love_v holiness_n and_o hate_v sin_n and_o his_o natural_a love_n to_o holiness_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v holy_a man_n and_o his_o natural_a hatred_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o hate_v wicked_a man_n his_o own_o holiness_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v holy_a man_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o determine_v his_o love_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n and_o if_o they_o will_v call_v this_o a_o depend_v on_o creature_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n do_v thus_o depend_v on_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a if_o he_o do_v not_o that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v not_o put_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o thing_n and_o person_n as_o their_o nature_n require_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a notion_n of_o a_o independent_a be_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o his_o own_o arbitrary_a will_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o destroy_v all_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o these_o man_n tell_v we_o too_o that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v immutable_a that_o have_v once_o fix_v his_o love_n upon_o we_o though_o without_o any_o reason_n he_o can_v never_o alter_v that_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o plant_n his_o love_n on_o we_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o love_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o though_o this_o be_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n for_o he_o who_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n may_v give_v over_o love_v for_o none_o if_o sin_n fore-seen_a be_v not_o able_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o plant_v his_o heart_n on_o we_o how_o then_o shall_v it_o that_o be_v sin_n commit_v be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o once_o they_o be_v fix_v on_o we_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o fix_a love_n indeed_o which_o sin_n itself_o can_v alter_v but_o how_o wise_a and_o holy_a a_o love_n it_o be_v let_v any_o man_n judge_v herein_o 158._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o the_o depth_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v to_o be_v contemplate_v that_o whereas_o his_o holy_a soul_n hate_v every_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n a_o abomination_n a_o new_a wound_n to_o he_o and_o his_o poor_a spouse_n that_o be_v sinful_a believer_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n fail_n infirmity_n he_o hide_v all_o covers_z all_z bear_v with_o all_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v loose_v they_o he_o add_v indeed_o by_o his_o power_n preserve_v they_o from_o such_o sin_n as_o a_o remedy_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n provide_v for_o all_o other_o sin_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o other_o sin_n a_o believer_n it_o seem_v may_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o christ_n will_v hide_v all_o cover_z all_z rather_o than_o lose_v he_o now_o this_o be_v as_o down_o right_a antinomianism_n as_o ever_o dr._n crisp_n or_o saltmarsh_n vent_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v always_o continue_v so_o but_o then_o they_o find_v this_o not_o on_o such_o a_o immutable_a love_n as_o sin_v itself_o can_v alter_v for_o this_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nor_o with_o those_o threaten_n in_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o backsliders_a when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o a_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v ezek._n 18._o 24._o and_o if_o any_o man_n turn_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a writer_n that_o if_o such_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o relapse_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n god_n also_o will_v cease_v to_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o find_v the_o immutability_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o on_o their_o perseverance_n in_o do_v good_a god_n love_v all_o good_a man_n but_o if_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a he_o also_o must_v cease_v to_o love_v and_o herein_o the_o immutability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n consist_v not_o that_o he_o always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n but_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v no_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o our_o kindness_n that_o where_o we_o love_v once_o we_o will_v always_o love_v whatever_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v to_o alter_v our_o affection_n for_o
imprimatur_fw-la may_n 30._o 1673._o sam._n parker_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o etc._n etc._n by_o william_n sherlock_n rector_n of_o s_o t_o george_n buttolph_n lane_n london_n london_n print_v by_o i._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxiv_o the_o preface_n christian_n reader_n i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o so_o honest_a a_o design_n in_o write_v this_o discourse_n that_o i_o be_o very_o very_a well_o arm_v against_o those_o various_a censure_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a reward_n of_o such_o attempt_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sanctuary_n against_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o the_o most_o unjust_a reproach_n as_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v to_o see_v so_o many_o well-disposed_a person_n abuse_v with_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o either_o signify_v nothing_o or_o have_v a_o very_a ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a or_o a_o very_a bad_a sense_n when_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o great_a zeal_n which_o some_o man_n have_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o great_a instrument_n they_o may_v be_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v their_o zeal_n direct_v and_o govern_v with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n and_o when_o i_o have_v observe_v how_o innocent_o and_o virtuous_o some_o of_o those_o man_n live_v who_o have_v espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o bad_a i_o have_v think_v what_o excellent_a person_n they_o may_v prove_v do_v they_o right_o understand_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n as_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o at_o first_o engage_v i_o in_o this_o work_n to_o rectify_v those_o mistake_n which_o will_v either_o make_v man_n bad_a or_o hinder_v and_o retard_v their_o progress_n in_o true_a goodness_n which_o be_v so_o pious_a and_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o may_v at_o least_o plead_v my_o excuse_n though_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v careful_o avoid_v all_o personal_a reflection_n have_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n which_o i_o be_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o hope_v may_v be_v more_o orthodox_n than_o their_o judgement_n i_o have_v represent_v their_o opinion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o their_o word_n than_o they_o intend_v and_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n any_o man_n have_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o i_o repeat_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o publish_v where_o they_o pretend_v to_o argue_v grave_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o argument_n with_o all_o possible_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n where_o they_o plain_o toy_n and_o trifle_n i_o have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n as_o to_o smile_v sometime_o though_o as_o modest_o as_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v i_o have_v take_v care_n not_o only_o to_o unteach_v man_n what_o be_v amiss_o but_o to_o explain_v and_o consirm_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v suspect_v that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o rectify_v mistake_n i_o design_v to_o expose_v all_o religion_n what_o man_n will_v account_v severe_a i_o can_v tell_v because_o the_o gentle_a argument_n will_v appear_v severe_a to_o any_o man_n who_o be_v pinch_v by_o they_o but_o i_o have_v give_v no_o hard_a word_n and_o have_v sometime_o call_v thing_n by_o soft_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v on_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o severity_n which_o be_v now_o the_o common_a artifice_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_n what_o they_o can_v answer_v and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o can_v escape_v without_o some_o hard_a name_n and_o hard_a censure_n i_o must_v be_v content_v with_o my_o portion_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o expect_v better_a usage_n who_o consider_v that_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v so_o well_o for_o his_o pious_a labour_n can_v not_o escape_v when_o he_o touch_v upon_o their_o darling_n notion_n and_o now_o christian_a reader_n i_o shall_v beg_v no_o more_o of_o thou_o than_o to_o read_v this_o discourse_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o as_o i_o do_v not_o compose_v it_o without_o implore_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n so_o i_o recommend_v it_o to_o thou_o with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o may_v prove_v as_o useful_a as_o my_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o charitable_a farewell_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n concern_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o name_n christ_n in_o scripture_n that_o it_o original_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n but_o be_v use_v also_o to_o signify_v the_o person_n invest_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n pag._n 1._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 14_o as_o first_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o 15_o 2._o it_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n 17_o 3._o it_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n 18_o 4._o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n 19_o 5._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 21_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o various_a way_n whereby_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n 25_o dr._n owen_n notion_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n consider_v 38_o how_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 42._o and_o how_o we_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n 49._o and_o to_o righteousness_n 53._o and_o our_o wisdom_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n 55_o a_o new_a scheme_n of_o religion_n deduce_v from_o this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n 57_o how_o unsafe_a it_o be_v to_o find_v religion_n on_o a_o pretend_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o at_o most_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a reason_n 76_o this_o way_n will_v serve_v other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o another_o scheme_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ._n 80_o of_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n 102_o and_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 118_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 142_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 142_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 143_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n call_v himself_o a_o vine_n 145_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o political_a 156_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o shepherd_n head_z and_o husband_n 157._o the_o reason_n of_o these_o metaphor_n 159_o this_o political_a union_n be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a or_o true_a and_o real_a and_o what_o this_o external_a union_n be_v 168_o wherein_o the_o real_a union_n consist_v and_o concern_v the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ._n 171_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n 172._o and_o by_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n 174_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n temple_n 175_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 181_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n signify_v this_o political_a union_n 186_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v 192_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n 196_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n 200_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n consider_v 206_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n 216_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n 228_o concern_v the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n 234_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n 235_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o
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
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
learn_v before_o from_o nature_n and_o revelation_n just_a as_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o bless_a immortality_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o yet_o we_o can_v not_o have_v learn_v this_o neither_o from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o not_o tell_v we_o for_o what_o end_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o anon_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o confident_a man_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n 〈…〉_z and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n when_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n confute_v he_o for_o whatever_o become_v of_o his_o new_a theory_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n do_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v assure_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n pardon_v iniquitiy_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o those_o natural_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n but_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o love_n and_o pardon_v grace_n and_o justice_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o property_n can_v never_o have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o a_o too_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n for_o nature_n and_o revelation_n say_v nothing_o of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o 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have_v their_o act_n also_o assign_v they_o to_o the_o full_a there_o can_v be_v little_a consolation_n gather_v from_o the_o former_a that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o though_o he_o shall_v make_v never_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a to_o sinner_n unless_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o revenge_n which_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o character_n of_o the_o love_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v understand_v but_o from_o a_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o god_n be_v all_o love_n and_o patience_n when_o he_o have_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o revenge_n as_o other_o use_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o good_a when_o he_o be_v please_v but_o however_o sinner_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v god_n take_v a_o course_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o 97._o our_o sin_n that_o as_o before_o the_o least_o sin_n can_v not_o escape_v without_o a_o just_a punishment_n justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v forgive_v without_o punish_v so_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v now_o satisfy_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a sin_n can_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n but_o we_o shall_v escape_v with_o a_o notwithstanding_o our_o sin_n this_o it_o seem_v we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o gospel_n instruct_v we_o otherwise_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o property_n he_o instance_v in_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n make_v great_a and_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o it_o but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o very_o consistent_a with_o those_o other_o discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o if_o justice_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v he_o but_o the_o death_n of_o his_o own_o son_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n may_v discover_v his_o justice_n or_o his_o goodness_n but_o not_o his_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o attain_v a_o end_n when_o there_o be_v more_o way_n than_o one_o of_o do_v it_o but_o it_o require_v no_o great_a wisdom_n to_o choose_v when_o there_o be_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n and_o whatever_o wisdom_n there_o be_v in_o god_n redeem_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o son_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o to_o such_o a_o fanciful_a acquaintance_n with_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n talk_v of_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o second_o thing_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o righteousness_n as_o for_o sin_n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o wickedness_n it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a nature_n that_o if_o he_o have_v any_o love_n for_o himself_o and_o any_o esteem_n and_o value_n for_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o work_n he_o must_v hate_v sin_n which_o be_v so_o unlike_o himself_o and_o which_o destroy_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o workmanship_n for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o
his_o constant_a care_n and_o providence_n over_o his_o church_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o will_v advance_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n as_o these_o man_n call_v it_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a now_o to_o draw_v the_o whole_a plot_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o deep_a council_n of_o god_n and_o to_o discover_v those_o principle_n and_o motive_n he_o be_v act_v by_o and_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o contrivance_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o a_o sinner_n recovery_n by_o christ_n and_o what_o that_o homage_n and_o worship_n be_v which_o we_o owe_v our_o saviour_n as_o to_o make_v some_o short_a essay_n of_o it_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n acquaint_v we_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o especial_o man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o endow_v with_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o those_o principle_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o will_v have_v make_v he_o a_o live_n and_o active_a image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o to_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o those_o natural_a tie_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o pattern_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o when_o 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recovery_n of_o mankind_n various_a way_n he_o attempt_v in_o former_a age_n but_o 19_o with_o little_a success_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o but_o at_o last_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o this_o contrivance_n and_o how_o well_o the_o mean_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o end_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n consist_v only_o in_o repair_v the_o divine_a image_n which_o be_v deface_v by_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o make_v all_o man_n true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a sin_n be_v our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o do_v as_o natural_o make_v we_o miserable_a as_o it_o make_v we_o unlike_o the_o most_o happy_a be_v but_o holiness_n restore_v we_o to_o our_o primitive_a state_n to_o the_o perfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o good_a and_o therefore_o happy_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o forsake_a and_o untrodden_a path_n of_o virtue_n and_o though_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n the_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v by_o so_o many_o stupendous_a miracle_n and_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o themselves_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n person_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o give_v a_o peculiar_a force_n and_o energy_n to_o they_o sin_n and_o guilt_n make_v man_n fearful_a and_o it_o make_v they_o disingenuous_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o distrust_v goodness_n or_o to_o abuse_v it_o will_v either_o believe_v god_n implacable_a which_o make_v they_o desperate_a because_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v fond_a and_o indulgent_a which_o make_v they_o saucy_a and_o presumptuous_a and_o to_o prevent_v both_o these_o extreme_n of_o superstition_n which_o be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o a_o sincere_a and_o unaffected_a religion_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o appearance_n do_v confute_v they_o both_o if_o guilt_n make_v we_o afraid_a of_o god_n as_o a_o angry_a and_o severe_a judge_n behold_v here_o the_o distance_n take_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o condescend_v to_o come_v down_o to_o we_o clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n as_o a_o mild_a and_o a_o gentle_a prince_n by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o sweetness_n to_o reduce_v we_o to_o our_o allegiance_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n in_o he_o we_o see_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n here_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o condescend_v goodness_n which_o stoop_v as_o low_a as_o earth_n and_o do_v not_o disdain_v the_o nature_n and_o appearance_n of_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o conversation_n of_o sinner_n nor_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o the_o pale_a terror_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o to_o remove_v all_o possible_a suspicion_n concern_v god_n love_n to_o sinner_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o with_o his_o blood_n seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o still_o to_o give_v we_o the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o this_o our_o die_a and_o suffer_v lord_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o advance_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o majesty_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o security_n of_o our_o acceptance_n that_o guilt_n itself_o though_o infinite_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a can_v desire_v for_o what_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o more_o than_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o belove_v a_o person_n to_o we_o on_o a_o embassy_n of_o peace_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o propitiation_n and_o advocate_n our_o lord_n and_o judge_n he_o who_o take_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o infirmity_n on_o he_o who_o know_v our_o weakness_n and_o our_o temptation_n who_o die_v to_o expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o his_o conquest_n and_o with_o a_o tender_a and_o 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golden_a bucket_n whereas_o at_o other_o time_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o sore_a and_o blear-eyed_a leah_n a_o shake_n and_o palsy_n hand_n weak_a and_o bend_a leg_n and_o have_v all_o the_o infirmity_n that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v never_o the_o worse_a neither_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v need_n be_v a_o very_a humble_a grace_n else_o it_o will_v take_v such_o language_n very_o ill_o from_o they_o thus_o to_o give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n more_o when_o these_o man_n be_v press_v with_o those_o scripture_n that_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n that_o our_o acceptation_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n that_o god_n be_v no_o respector_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o that_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n those_o immoral_a hypocrite_n who_o place_v all_o their_o righteousness_n in_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o who_o break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n there_o and_o he_o that_o do_v and_o teach_v they_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v shall_v be_v great_o reward_v with_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o assert_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o 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assert_v but_o these_o man_n defy_v you_o if_o you_o charge_v they_o with_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v it_o may_v have_v no_o bad_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o universal_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n a_o very_a suspicious_a word_n which_o methinks_v these_o man_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o name_n be_v indispensable_o 8._o necessary_a from_o the_o sovereign_a appointment_n and_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n and_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o son_n i_o have_v ordain_v you_o that_o you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n john_n 15._o 16._o and_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o holiness_n be_v one_o eminent_a and_o special_a end_n of_o the_o peculiar_a dispensation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o business_n of_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o father_n elect_v love_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a eph._n 1._o 4._o the_o end_n of_o the_o son_n redeem_v love_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n titus_n 2._o 14._o and_o of_o the_o spirit_n sanctify_v love_n as_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o guess_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o temple_n we_o be_v and_o be_v not_o these_o man_n now_o mighty_o injure_v in_o be_v charge_v with_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o make_v it_o necessary_a upon_o so_o many_o account_n be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o abuse_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o this_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o question_n be_v about_o its_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v without_o it_o all_o this_o can_v prove_v any_o necessary_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o command_v obedience_n but_o where_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o this_o law_n will_v he_o damn_v those_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o will_v he_o save_v and_o reward_v those_o who_o do_v obey_v for_o their_o obedience_n not_o a_o word_n of_o this_o for_o this_o destroy_v our_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n only_o and_o if_o after_o all_o these_o command_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o obey_v or_o not_o i_o hope_v such_o command_n can_v make_v obedience_n necessary_a the_o father_n have_v elect_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o son_n redeem_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a but_o will_v the_o father_n elect_v and_o the_o son_n redeem_v none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v holy_a and_o reject_v and_o reprobate_v all_o other_o do_v this_o election_n and_o redemption_n suppose_v holiness_n in_o we_o or_o be_v it_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o redeem_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o be_v holy_a our_o election_n and_o redemption_n be_v secure_a whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o and_o so_o this_o can_v make_v holiness_n necessary_a on_o our_o part_n though_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o care_n obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n how_o so_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o only_a glory_n god_n design_n to_o advance_v by_o christ._n if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v yet_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o honour_n for_o it_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n profane_a man_n that_o they_o be_v as_o if_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n his_o beautiful_a robe_n be_v not_o much_o more_o for_o our_o honour_n and_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o like_a to_o god_n than_o the_o rag_n and_o patch_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n however_o if_o man_n prefer_v their_o lust_n and_o interest_n before_o their_o honour_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n cease_v but_o it_o be_v for_o peace_n what_o peace_n i_o pray_v you_o peace_n of_o conscience_n why_o then_o must_v we_o at_o last_o fetch_v our_o peace_n and_o security_n from_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o this_o to_o renounce_v christ_n miserable_a man_n that_o we_o be_v must_v we_o then_o 113._o set_v about_o correct_v our_o life_n amend_v our_o way_n perform_v duty_n require_v and_o so_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n why_o this_o be_v the_o course_n wherein_o many_o man_n continue_v long_o with_o much_o perplexity_n sometime_o hope_v often_o fear_v sometime_o ready_a to_o give_v quite_o over_o sometime_o vow_v to_o continue_v their_o conscience_n be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v nor_o righteousness_n in_o any_o measure_n obtain_v all_o their_o day_n after_o they_o have_v tire_v themselves_o perhaps_o in_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o way_n they_o come_v at_o length_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o disappointment_n to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n no_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o with_o david_n cry_v that_o if_o god_n mark_n what_o be_v do_v amiss_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o be_v this_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o peace_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o
that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n eph._n 5._o 25_o 26._o upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n vers_fw-la 30._o the_o church_n be_v as_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o crucify_a body_n as_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n as_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v reconcile_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v take_v they_o into_o his_o church_n in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n through_o death_n col._n 1._o 21_o 22._o because_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o receive_v gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o crucify_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n answer_v to_o the_o woman_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o man_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n own_v himself_o our_o friend_n joh._n 15._o 14._o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o soever_o i_o command_v you_o which_o do_v not_o signify_v such_o a_o equality_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o friend_n nor_o encourage_v any_o rudeness_n and_o unbecoming_a familiarity_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o but_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n that_o he_o will_v rule_v his_o church_n with_o the_o same_o care_n and_o tenderness_n which_o one_o friend_n express_v to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v our_o shepherd_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n our_o friend_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v redeem_v and_o purchase_v we_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o most_o surprise_a and_o astonish_a goodness_n and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n also_o have_v now_o lay_v aside_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n that_o severe_a name_n of_o a_o king_n and_o call_v himself_o our_o father_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n and_o government_n and_o to_o signify_v that_o liberty_n of_o son_n we_o now_o enjoy_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n and_o governor_n he_o do_v not_o govern_v we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o for_o he_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n where_o he_o powerful_o intercede_v for_o his_o church_n and_o by_o a_o vigilant_a providence_n superintend_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o have_v leave_v the_o visible_a and_o external_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n who_o preside_v in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n christ_n confer_v such_o extraordinary_a gift_n on_o man_n as_o qualify_v they_o for_o so_o great_a a_o office_n eph._n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_o publish_v and_o sufficient_o confirm_v yet_o the_o office_n still_o continue_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n though_o manage_v in_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n christ_n now_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o man_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o what_o i_o discourse_v above_o that_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o consist_v in_o their_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o for_o if_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o immediate_o exercise_v by_o christ_n himself_o but_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v can_v own_o his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o prince_n who_o deny_v subjection_n to_o those_o subordinate_a magistrate_n who_o act_n by_o his_o prince_n commission_n for_o the_o union_n of_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v consist_v in_o order_n and_o government_n when_o all_o the_o member_n keep_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o be_v knit_v to_o each_o other_o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o several_a office_n and_o trust_n schismatic_n be_v in_o the_o church_n just_a as_o rebel_n be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n not_o as_o part_v of_o it_o but_o as_o open_v and_o profess_v enemy_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o eph._n 4._o 16._o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n that_o be_v the_o supreme_a power_n be_v invest_v in_o christ_n as_o head_n to_o who_o the_o church_n be_v obedient_a and_o subject_a but_o to_o make_v this_o union_n firm_a and_o last_a there_o must_v be_v a_o regular_a subordination_n of_o the_o several_a member_n and_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o advance_v their_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o especial_o to_o increase_v that_o love_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o church_n this_o indeed_o suppose_v a_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n alter_v the_o case_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a church_n we_o be_v under_o the_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o a_o visible_a communion_n because_o herein_o our_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o our_o union_n to_o he_o consist_v and_o this_o by_o the_o way_n give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o only_a cause_n that_o can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n while_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o because_o this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n when_o nothing_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o supreme_a lord_n we_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n in_o our_o subjection_n to_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o we_o disowne_v his_o authority_n in_o disow_v and_o affront_a they_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o luk._n 10._o 16._o but_o when_o any_o church_n prevaricate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n corrupt_v his_o religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a when_o we_o can_v obey_v our_o spiritual_a ruler_n without_o disobey_v the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n cease_v because_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v nay_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a society_n which_o be_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n for_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v own_v their_o authority_n but_o we_o must_v
be_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o this_o he_o account_v dung_n and_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i._n e._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o which_o contain_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o righteousness_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o god_n law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o new_a nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o this_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n which_o he_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v to_o confirm_v all_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o my_o own_o righteousness_n oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o these_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o internal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o rise_v again_o with_o christ_n and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o change_v our_o nature_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o make_v new_a creature_n hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostom_n expound_v it_o that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v design_v to_o work_v in_o they_o but_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o those_o external_a ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n wash_v purification_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o that_o internal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o typical_a and_o figurative_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o place_n be_v expound_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o personal_o but_o imputative_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n so_o which_o no_o man_n can_v help_v for_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n here_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o he_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o consistent_a such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o effect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o which_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v i._n e._n govern_v our_o mind_n and_o passion_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n this_o god_n effect_v by_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o those_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v imputation_n come_v in_o here_o what_o pretty_a sense_n will_v this_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n the_o law_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a to_o conquer_v their_o love_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n what_o for_o to_o give_v they_o better_a law_n and_o more_o excellent_a promise_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n to_o do_v good_a no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o have_v all_o do_v for_o they_o by_o have_v this_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n sure_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n still_o and_o have_v be_v as_o available_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o supplemental_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v have_v as_o well_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n have_v please_v but_o a_o want_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v the_o sinful_a appetite_n of_o man_n it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sensual_a lust_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o conquer_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v supply_v this_o defect_n not_o by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o great_a power_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o fulfil_v the_o external_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 7._o ver._n 4_o 5_o 6._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n by_o his_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n under_o that_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o
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