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 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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
room_n and_o place_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n can_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o do_v we_o good_a there_o be_v but_o one_o mover_n of_o god_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o only_a and_o sole_a mediator_n if_o you_o will_v have_v your_o own_o righteousness_n to_o be_v your_o mediator_n with_o god_n to_o speak_v to_o god_n for_o you_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o you_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o put_v your_o righteousness_n in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o dr._n owen_n affirm_v that_o our_o righteousness_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v dr._n crispes_n sense_n in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v our_o stand_a righteous_a by_o what_o christ_n 193._o have_v do_v for_o we_o concern_v we_o in_o point_n of_o justification_n in_o point_n of_o consolation_n and_o in_o the_o business_n of_o salvation_n we_o have_v our_o justification_n we_o have_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v our_o salvation_n only_o by_o the_o righteousness_n christ_n have_v do_v for_o we_o they_o be_v both_o you_o see_v agree_v in_o attribute_v our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n entire_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o for_o peace_n and_o consolation_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o dr._n owen_n sometime_o attribute_n it_o to_o christ_n and_o sometime_o to_o holiness_n but_o dr._n crispe_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o yet_o this_o difference_n be_v so_o very_o small_a that_o mr._n saltmarsh_n undertake_v to_o compound_v it_o and_o to_o allow_v christian_n of_o a_o low_a form_n to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n from_o holiness_n as_o a_o mark_n and_o evidence_n though_o a_o very_a uncertain_a one_o and_o now_o they_o be_v agree_v about_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n they_o can_v differ_v about_o the_o place_n and_o use_v of_o obedience_n for_o whatever_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v very_o safe_o attribute_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o reason_n assign_v by_o dr._n owen_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n be_v first_o the_o sovereign_a appointment_n 104._o and_o will_n of_o god_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o dr._n crispe_n tell_v we_o that_o one_o 70._o end_n of_o our_o good_a work_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n that_o be_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o profess_v i_o speak_v not_o beloved_n against_o the_o do_n 210._o of_o any_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v let_v that_o mouth_n be_v forever_o stop_v that_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o blame_v the_o law_n that_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a or_o shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o discourage_v people_n from_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a dr._n owen_n second_o reason_n be_v that_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 a_o peculiar_a end_n of_o god_n elect_v love_n the_o son_n be_v redeem_v love_n and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n dr._n crispe_n though_o not_o so_o particular_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o end_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o set_v forth_o 70._o of_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o elect_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o redeem_v and_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o sanctify_v but_o three_o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o obedience_n be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v god_n ourselves_o or_o the_o world_n first_o the_o end_n of_o obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n be_v his_o glory_n and_o honour_n so_o say_v dr._n crispe_n too_o that_o the_o end_n of_o good_a work_n be_v the_o actual_a glorify_v of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n that_o 193._o our_o service_n may_v glorify_v god_n that_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n second_o the_o end_v assign_v by_o dr._n owen_n with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o be_v honour_n peace_n and_o usefulness_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o do_v not_o find_v dr._n crispe_n mention_n because_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v think_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o perfect_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n than_o with_o the_o rag_n and_o patch_n of_o our_o own_o the_o second_o he_o reject_v as_o dr._n owen_n sometime_o do_v and_o aught_o always_o to_o do_v if_o he_o will_v be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n the_o three_o he_o own_v but_o refer_v it_o to_o its_o proper_a head_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v place_v the_o end_n of_o holiness_n with_o respect_n to_o other_o in_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o man_n 7â—_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v our_o gentration_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n charge_n that_o man_n study_v 217._o to_o maintain_v good_a work_n because_o say_v he_o these_o thing_n be_v profit_v able_a unto_o man_n there_o be_v this_o usefulness_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o other_o may_v receive_v benefit_n by_o it_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o comprise_v dr._n owen_n end_n of_o conviction_n and_o conversion_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o for_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o dr._n crispe_n have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o faculty_n as_o dr._n owen_n in_o make_v distinction_n without_o a_o difference_n dr._n crispe_n indeed_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o our_o own_o righteousness_n can_v keep_v off_o judgement_n either_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o other_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n will_v have_v it_o but_o think_v that_o god_n can_v be_v move_v only_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o we_o must_v trust_v whole_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o deliverance_n from_o future_a punishment_n we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o trust_v he_o for_o present_a deliverance_n but_o to_o proceed_v with_o dr._n owen_n four_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o justify_v person_n for_o they_o have_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o they_o which_o must_v be_v nourish_v and_o keep_v alive_a by_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n now_o though_o dr._n crispe_n be_v never_o guilty_a of_o talk_v at_o this_o absurd_a rate_n yet_o he_o say_v that_o which_o be_v more_o intelligible_a and_o wherein_o the_o true_a force_n of_o this_o reason_n if_o it_o have_v any_o must_v consist_v viz._n that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a as_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n a_o renew_a and_o sanctify_a nature_n infuse_v into_o believer_n by_o christ._n thus_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o person_n be_v a_o believer_n and_o have_v receive_v christ_n but_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v christ_n he_o be_v create_v in_o this_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n that_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o he_o that_o sprinkle_v they_o with_o clean_a water_n that_o they_o become_v clean_o from_o all_o their_o filthiness_n put_v 69._o also_o a_o new_a spirit_n into_o they_o and_o do_v cause_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o testimony_n and_o the_o doctor_n honest_o confess_v that_o the_o only_a security_n against_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o bridle_a man_n corrupt_a passion_n that_o the_o same_o christ_n who_o have_v bear_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o father_n and_o 30_o the_o effect_n thereof_o the_o same_o christ_n do_v take_v as_o strict_a a_o order_n to_o restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n as_o to_o save_v that_o man_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a way_n of_o argue_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o justify_v person_n because_o such_o a_o man_n be_v sanctify_v too_o and_o must_v live_v holy_o and_o five_o dr._n owen_n assign_v another_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o holiness_n shall_v be_v the_o mean_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n though_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o cause_n matter_n nor_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
saviour_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o example_n that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o reverence_n for_o his_o law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a and_o compassionate_a and_o inherit_v all_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o show_v that_o all_o those_o consideration_n 2_o which_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v make_v man_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n do_v necessary_o engage_v we_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n but_o give_v we_o no_o encouragement_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n more_o from_o he_o upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n this_o i_o observe_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o send_v so_o great_a and_o so_o dear_a a_o person_n as_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o save_v sinner_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o god_n good_a will_n to_o sinner_n who_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o our_o flesh_n and_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o give_v relief_n to_o our_o guilty_a fear_n and_o encourage_v we_o to_o retrieve_v our_o past_a folly_n by_o new_a obedience_n no_o man_n will_v return_v to_o his_o duty_n without_o some_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o conquer_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n thus_o the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n person_n give_v great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o gospel_n and_o a_o inviolable_a sanction_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n heb._n 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o give_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o example_n and_o lay_v forcible_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o imitate_v he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o our_o saviour_n but_o god_n incarnate_a and_o this_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v when_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v to_o be_v a_o ransom_n and_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sinner_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o vindication_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o may_v secure_o pardon_v humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n without_o reproach_v any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a security_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o gospel-covenant_n than_o that_o it_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o we_o have_v such_o a_o powerful_a advocate_n and_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v for_o we_o but_o then_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o christ_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n only_o as_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o he_o mediate_v for_o we_o as_o our_o priest_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o covenant_n much_o less_o which_o contradict_v it_o for_o that_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o renounce_v his_o mediation_n and_o to_o trust_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n christ_n will_v in_o his_o own_o person_n accomplish_v all_o those_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v whether_o they_o concern_v the_o present_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o the_o next_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v what_o christ_n will_v do_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n not_o from_o the_o boundless_a perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o person_n who_o he_o be_v and_o how_o he_o live_v and_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o saviour_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o righteousness_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n now_o to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o some_o man_n who_o upbraid_v those_o preacher_n who_o spend_v their_o great_a zeal_n in_o expound_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o press_v man_n by_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a hereafter_o and_o the_o many_o great_a advantage_n of_o holiness_n here_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n i_o say_v to_o silence_v the_o clamour_n of_o those_o who_o upbraid_v such_o preacher_n with_o not_o preach_v christ_n i_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o 3._o place_n what_o it_o be_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o to_o know_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n for_o as_o in_o former_a age_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o partial_a and_o occasional_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o good_a man_n now_o in_o these_o last_o day_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a useful_a knowledge_n be_v to_o understand_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o expound_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n preach_v christ_n as_o philip_n be_v say_v to_o preach_v christ_n to_o the_o samaritan_n act._n 8._o 5._o which_o in_o ver_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n as_o principal_a a_o part_n as_o any_o because_o this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n by_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n and_o then_o we_o understand_v all_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o understand_v what_o obligation_n they_o lay_v on_o we_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o feel_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n in_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v lay_v in_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n of_o which_o some_o man_n discourse_v in_o such_o uncouth_a and_o cabbalistical_a term_n as_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o state_n 4._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o those_o metaphor_n which_o describe_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n his_o body_n a_o husband_n and_o
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 his_o church_n the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o righteousness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o not_o to_o merit_v justification_n or_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n by_o who_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n we_o be_v justify_v to_o say_v that_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o new_a nature_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v different_a form_n of_o speech_n but_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n because_o christ_n justify_v none_o but_o those_o who_o 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
and_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o compassionate_a to_o sinner_n yet_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_v god_n will_v exercise_v this_o grace_n and_o mercy_n without_o a_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o when_o god_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n as_o he_o have_v now_o do_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v then_o at_o best_a to_o no_o purpose_n to_o argue_v from_o his_o nature_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o expect_v more_o grace_n from_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v this_o boundless_a grace_n in_o christ_n 272._o as_o mediator_n but_o consider_v it_o as_o in_o he_o who_o be_v mediator_n which_o by_o the_o way_n spoil_v all_o the_o comfort_n sinner_n may_v take_v from_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christ_n if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n unless_o we_o may_v expect_v more_o grace_n from_o christ_n upon_o his_o personal_a account_n than_o from_o his_o mediation_n that_o be_v more_o from_o the_o person_n than_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o his_o mediation_n which_o he_o so_o vehement_o disown_n yet_o i_o say_v this_o argument_n be_v weak_a and_o fallacious_a because_o we_o can_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o for_o though_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n yet_o the_o divine_a will_n regulate_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o assign_v its_o measure_n much_o less_o can_v we_o reason_v thus_o from_o the_o divine_a nature_n consider_v in_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n for_o a_o mediator_n as_o mediator_n though_o he_o be_v god-man_n be_v not_o the_o fountain_n but_o minister_n of_o grace_n as_o christ_n witness_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v consider_v in_o scripture_n even_o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n which_o seem_v not_o primary_o to_o refer_v to_o the_o inherent_a glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n though_o that_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o it_o but_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o be_v the_o only_a glory_n the_o apostle_n can_v then_o discover_v when_o his_o essential_a majesty_n be_v hide_v under_o a_o vail_n of_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v still_o the_o doctor_n will_v do_v well_o to_o make_v god_n the_o father_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n for_o though_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n what_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o other_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o under_o different_a capacity_n and_o relation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o christ_n as_o god_n essential_o one_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n as_o mediator_n he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o it_o the_o father_n send_v and_o christ_n be_v send_v the_o father_n prescribe_v his_o work_n and_o he_o finish_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o make_v christ_n as_o mediator_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o derogation_n from_o god_n the_o father_n who_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o supreme_a agent_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n i_o observe_v in_o the_o same_o place_n another_o 209._o instance_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o christ_n to_o prove_v that_o eternity_n unchangeableness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o his_o love_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o eternity_n unchangeableness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o christ_n love_n which_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o teach_v but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n and_o i_o wonder_v that_o the_o doctor_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v i_o except_v against_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v god_n be_v eternal_a or_o that_o it_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o that_o 177._o it_o be_v fruitful_a or_o effective_a of_o good_a thing_n unto_o the_o person_n belove_v it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o in_o themselves_o consider_v for_o i_o own_o all_o as_o he_o very_o well_o know_v but_o i_o except_o partly_o against_o his_o way_n of_o state_v these_o thing_n and_o partly_o against_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o or_o rather_o against_o both_o together_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o eternal_a unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n he_o tell_v we_o himself_o the_o love_n which_o i_o intend_v and_o whereunto_o i_o ascribe_v those_o property_n be_v the_o especial_a love_n 183._o of_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o the_o elect._n this_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o be_v eternal_a without_o beginning_n and_o without_o end_n as_o do_v not_o change_v with_o the_o change_n of_o the_o object_n as_o the_o love_n of_o man_n do_v and_o be_v so_o fruitful_a and_o effectual_a as_o to_o love_v life_n grace_n holiness_n into_o we_o to_o love_v we_o into_o covenant_n to_o love_v we_o into_o heaven_n now_o my_o business_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o case_n whether_o god_n have_v elect_v some_o particular_a person_n who_o he_o will_v infallible_o bring_v to_o glory_n which_o i_o never_o deny_v yet_o and_o i_o think_v never_o shall_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangeableness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o this_o elect_v love_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o inconvenience_n i_o then_o urge_v it_o with_o be_v this_o if_o this_o love_n be_v so_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a etc._n etc._n because_o the_o 210._o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o than_o it_o be_v always_o so_o for_o god_n always_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o why_o can_v not_o this_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a love_n as_o well_o preserve_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n as_o love_v life_n and_o holiness_n into_o we_o all_o to_o this_o the_o doctor_n answer_v that_o god_n love_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v unchangeable_a because_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n love_v any_o one_o natural_o or_o necessary_o his_o love_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v like_o himself_o such_o as_o become_v his_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v on_o any_o object_n nor_o limit_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n degree_n effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o add_v god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v love_v in_o god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o object_n act_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o love_n with_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o counsel_n or_o free_a purpose_n of_o his_o will._n now_o this_o answer_n be_v what_o i_o will_v have_v and_o plain_o discover_v the_o sophistry_n of_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v for_o if_o this_o elect_a love_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o will_n than_o we_o can_v learn_v either_o that_o it_o be_v or_o what_o it_o be_v from_o the_o bare_a contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o from_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o from_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o some_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n in_o god_n but_o where_o a_o free_a choice_n and_o counsel_n intervene_v we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a or_o to_o learn_v from_o revelation_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o the_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n will_v love_v good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a because_o holiness_n include_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o necessary_a love_n to_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_n and_o from_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n we_o may_v conclude_v his_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o goodness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o psal._n 103._o 17_o 18._o but_o the_o mercy_n
of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o child_n child_n to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o to_o those_o who_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o immutable_a love_n but_o we_o can_v hence_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v elect_v any_o particular_a person_n as_o the_o object_n of_o this_o unchangeable_a love_n whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o no_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o revelation_n which_o contain_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o free_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n it_o be_v impossible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v whether_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o time_n because_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v either_o decree_n or_o not_o decree_n as_o he_o please_v nor_o do_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o decree_n depend_v immediate_o upon_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o upon_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n for_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v temporary_a and_o conditional_a decree_n which_o shall_v last_v but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o be_v perform_v only_o upon_o certain_a condition_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o be_v absolute_a and_o peremptory_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n will_v prove_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o do_v not_o argue_v from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o god_n who_o can_v alter_v what_o he_o once_o decree_n but_o from_o his_o immutable_a counsel_n which_o he_o confirm_v to_o abraham_n by_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6._o 13_o 14_o 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o when_o god_n make_v promise_n to_o abraham_n because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o say_v sure_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thou_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_v set_v before_o we_o so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n rest_v upon_o the_o unchangeable_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o at_o most_o resolve_v itself_o not_o into_o a_o unchangeable_a love_n but_o into_o unchangeable_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o god_n will_v never_o alter_v that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v never_o to_o alter_v this_o be_v plain_o express_v too_o in_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o david_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n wherein_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n psalm_n 89._o 33_o 34_o etc._n etc._n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n once_o have_v i_o swear_v in_o my_o holiness_n that_o i_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n his_o seed_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o throne_n as_o the_o sun_n before_o i_o thus_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o of_o this_o nature_n when_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n make_v such_o a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o their_o incorporation_n into_o his_o church_n he_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n isa._n 54._o 8_o 9_o 10._o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v i_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n for_o this_o be_v as_o the_o water_n of_o noah_n to_o i_o for_o as_o i_o have_v swear_v that_o the_o water_n of_o noah_n shall_v no_o more_o go_v over_o the_o earth_n so_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o i_o will_v not_o be_v wroth_a with_o thou_o nor_o rebuke_v thou_o for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o throughout_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o repent_v it_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o of_o his_o counsel_n thus_o in_o 1_o sam._n 15._o 28_o 29._o samuel_n acquaint_v saul_n with_o his_o immutable_a decree_n to_o remove_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o and_o samuel_n say_v unto_o he_o the_o lord_n have_v rend_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n from_o thou_o this_o day_n and_o have_v give_v it_o to_o a_o neighbour_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v better_a than_o thou_o and_o to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o immutability_n of_o this_o decree_n he_o add_v and_o also_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o jer._n 4._o 28._o where_o god_n denounce_v his_o severe_a judgement_n against_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o shall_v the_o earth_n mourn_v and_o the_o heaven_n above_o be_v black_a because_o i_o have_v speak_v it_o i_o have_v purpose_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o will_v i_o turn_v back_o from_o it_o whereas_o in_o other_o case_n notwithstanding_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o mention_n god_n repent_v both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o of_o the_o evil_a which_o he_o have_v think_v to_o do_v when_o the_o change_n of_o the_o object_n require_v such_o a_o change_n in_o his_o affection_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n nay_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o god_n assign_v his_o own_o immutable_a counsel_n as_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o have_v not_o destroy_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n when_o they_o have_v so_o grievous_o provoke_v he_o yet_o he_o think_v it_o no_o blemish_n to_o his_o immutability_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o will_v alter_v the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n according_a to_o those_o change_n and_o alteration_n which_o be_v in_o they_o for_o his_o immutable_a promise_n to_o abraham_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o utter_o destroy_v they_o and_o his_o immutable_a love_n to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n require_v the_o latter_a mal._n 3._o 6_o 7._o for_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o change_v not_o therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v return_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v return_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v that_o the_o only_a natural_a notion_n of_o a_o immutable_a love_n which_o we_o can_v learn_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v that_o god_n always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o always_o love_v those_o who_o be_v good_a and_o hate_v those_o who_o be_v wicked_a not_o that_o he_o always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n let_v he_o be_v good_a or_o wicked_a and_o as_o for_o what_o the_o doctor_n object_n against_o this_o that_o then_o 187._o either_o god_n indeed_o never_o love_v any_o man_n be_v he_o who_o he_o will_v or_o that_o he_o be_v changeable_a in_o his_o love_n upon_o outward_a external_a reason_n as_o we_o be_v i_o think_v by_o his_o good_a leave_n i_o need_v choose_v neither_o of_o they_o the_o first_o i_o by_o no_o mean_n like_o that_o because_o god_n love_v none_o but_o good_a man_n therefore_o he_o love_v no_o man_n for_o though_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v some_o and_o i_o do_v as_o little_a like_o the_o other_o for_o though_o god_n alter_v his_o love_n to_o any_o person_n when_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o change_v upon_o outward_a external_n reason_n but_o upon_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v essential_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o love_v wickedness_n or_o a_o wicked_a man_n god_n love_n to_o holiness_n and_o hatred_n of_o evil_n be_v immutable_a as_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o therefore_o when_o any_o person_n cease_v to_o be_v good_a god_n must_v cease_v to_o love_v which_o do_v