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
renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o army_n shall_v any_o captain_n revolt_n from_o his_o prince_n the_o soldier_n under_o his_o command_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o turn_v rebel_n because_o their_o leader_n be_v so_o or_o shall_v a_o whole_a troop_n or_o regiment_n conspire_v in_o the_o treason_n no_o particular_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o company_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o rebel_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o rebel_n the_o same_o reason_n hold_v good_a as_o to_o christian_a society_n if_o any_o particular_a church_n apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v then_o under_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o desert_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o be_v of_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n while_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o church_n while_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n be_v observe_v and_o his_o institution_n reverence_v and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o religion_n advance_v to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o disowne_v his_o authority_n when_o we_o reject_v those_o who_o act_n by_o his_o authority_n now_o this_o political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n may_v be_v either_o only_a external_a and_o visible_a and_o so_o hypocrital_a professor_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o true_a and_o real_a which_o import_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o since_o christianity_n be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n and_o be_v entail_v on_o we_o by_o our_o ancestor_n as_o part_v of_o our_o inheritance_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o kingdom_n and_o make_v a_o great_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v too_o often_o see_v that_o many_o man_n undertake_v this_o profession_n only_o as_o the_o mode_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o country_n to_o avoid_v singularity_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v fill_v with_o hypocrite_n and_o visible_a professor_n who_o be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n while_o some_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n practise_v all_o the_o villainy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o live_v in_o a_o public_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o other_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o conceal_v their_o impurity_n under_o some_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o pass_v for_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o disguise_v hypocrite_n and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mere_a external_a and_o real_a union_n between_o those_o who_o do_v no_o more_o than_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o who_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n earthly_a prince_n can_v exact_v only_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o their_o law_n because_o they_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o government_n be_v attain_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n but_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n which_o require_v not_o only_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a subjection_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o a_o visible_a union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o the_o homage_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n joh._n 3._o 5._o that_o be_v before_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o subject_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n must_v make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o our_o baptism_n but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a unless_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o that_o be_v unless_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n become_v subject_a to_o christ_n unless_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a do_v govern_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o real_o such_o as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v which_o be_v call_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n because_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n nothing_o avail_v but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v that_o none_o be_v true_a subject_n of_o christ_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o but_o those_o who_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n now_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o external-political_a union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o this_o new_a nature_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o real_a and_o spiritual_a union_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o under_o several_a notion_n first_o by_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o spiritual_a king_n when_o we_o put_v our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n under_o his_o government_n and_o conduct_n hence_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3._o 17._o that_o be_v to_o have_v the_o sole_a command_n and_o empire_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o govern_v our_o heart_n as_o a_o man_n do_v the_o house_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v and_o thus_o all_o those_o metaphor_n which_o signify_v our_o subjection_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n because_o christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n who_o rule_v and_o govern_v heart_n as_o earthly_a prince_n govern_v the_o body_n of_o their_o subject_n our_o subjection_n to_o he_o aught_o to_o begin_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n and_o in_o a_o cheerful_a and_o willing_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n such_o a_o subjection_n as_o a_o wife_n ought_v to_o yield_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o member_n to_o their_o head_n the_o effect_n of_o a_o free_a choice_n not_o a_o feign_a or_o force_a compliance_n second_o by_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o he_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a image_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o his_o nature_n hence_o be_v that_o exhortation_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n be_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o mind_n matth._n 11._o 29._o hence_o also_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v describe_v by_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o that_o be_v unless_o he_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v which_o be_v call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n for_o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n wherein_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n consist_v be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o all_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n eph._n 5._o 9_o and_o therefore_o what_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n call_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o express_v by_o if_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o i._n e._n if_o you_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 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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 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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
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you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n now_o what_o can_v learning_n christ_n signify_v but_o learn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o how_o can_v the_o ephesian_n who_o never_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v he_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o they_o hear_v his_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o ver_fw-la 8._o and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v not_o as_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o but_o instruct_v in_o he_o must_v be_v expound_v of_o his_o religion_n in_o its_o genuine_a and_o primitive_a simplicity_n so_o as_o christ_n teach_v it_o his_o disciple_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o impure_a doctrine_n as_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n have_v teach_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n these_o i_o 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the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n which_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o instruct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n this_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n which_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o fancy_n and_o teach_v man_n the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n it_o undermine_v the_o fundamental_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v man_n incurable_o ignorant_a and_o yet_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n impertinent_a and_o endless_a talker_n and_o insolent_a censurer_n of_o all_o mankind_n every_o boy_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o notion_n learn_v to_o despise_v the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o teacher_n as_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o 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convince_v he_o to_o his_o cost_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o case_n though_o we_o argue_v from_o other_o principle_n not_o from_o the_o severity_n but_o from_o the_o fondness_n and_o indulgence_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v we_o lest_o he_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o at_o reason_v and_o make_v hypothesis_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o as_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o include_v not_o only_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o knowledge_n which_o consist_v in_o true_a notion_n and_o opinion_n but_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o knowledge_n in_o the_o government_n of_o life_n in_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o and_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o his_o law_n without_o which_o 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have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o this_o will_v fall_v under_o consideration_n in_o what_o follow_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v this_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o work_n of_o a_o warm_a and_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n and_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o ever_o the_o more_o experimental_o acquaint_v with_o christ_n unless_o he_o find_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o govern_v his_o life_n it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o have_v always_o such_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a lord_n as_o may_v constrain_v we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o but_o without_o this_o we_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o he_o however_o we_o may_v be_v transport_v with_o these_o frantic_a rapture_n and_o exstasy_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n chap._n iu._n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o sect_n i._o next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o our_o union_n to_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o on_o which_o as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o be_v build_v all_o those_o wild_a and_o fanciful_a conclusion_n which_o so_o direct_o oppose_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v mean_v in_o scripture_n by_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v mention_v such_o a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n as_o may_v be_v express_v by_o a_o union_n and_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o less_o and_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o those_o metaphor_n i._o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v
the_o virtue_n and_o glory_n of_o they_o still_o remain_v they_o be_v a_o last_a demonstration_n of_o god_n peculiar_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o still_o inherit_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o former_a age_n in_o allusion_n to_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v god_n building_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o and_o eph._n 2._o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o be_v also_o build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a temple_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o material_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o s._n peter_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a house_n or_o temple_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o all_o which_o refer_v to_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v now_o though_o all_o this_o do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o spiritual_a society_n that_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n yet_o it_o be_v accommodate_v in_o scripture_n to_o particular_a christian_n and_o philo_n also_o allude_v to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n the_o palace_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n every_o devout_a soul_n be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v a_o enlighten_v mind_n which_o be_v store_v with_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v his_o debir_n or_o oracle_n a_o 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the_o scripture_n mention_n god_n or_o christ_n dwelling_n with_o particular_a christian_n it_o use_v a_o more_o familiar_a style_n and_o seem_v rather_o to_o allude_v to_o a_o private_a house_n than_o a_o public_a temple_n thus_o in_o joh_n 14._o 23._o 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 and_o rev._n 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o this_o be_v all_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v will_v evident_o appear_v from_o those_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o he_o which_o we_o common_o call_v sacrament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o represent_v and_o signify_v both_o our_o external_a and_o real_a union_n with_o he_o first_o our_o external_a union_n thus_o baptism_n be_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n own_o his_o authority_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o government_n we_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o public_o own_v he_o for_o our_o instructor_n and_o governor_n to_o believe_v whatever_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o foederal_a rite_n which_o answer_v to_o the_o feast_n on_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n whereby_o we_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o vow_v obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o hence_o these_o institution_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n call_v sacrament_n in_o allusion_n to_o that_o oath_n which_o soldier_n take_v to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v list_v into_o his_o army_n which_o be_v call_v sacramentum_fw-la militiae_fw-la or_o the_o military_a oath_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o christ_n as_o our_o head_n and_o husband_n wherein_o our_o external_a and_o visible_a union_n consist_v second_o they_o signify_v also_o our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n thus_o baptism_n signify_v our_o profession_n of_o become_v new_a man_n our_o profession_n of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6._o 4._o that_o be_v baptism_n or_o our_o immersion_n under_o water_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a rite_n of_o administer_a it_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o our_o burial_n with_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n and_o so_o signify_v our_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v not_o bare_o as_o a_o natural_a death_n a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n to_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o and_o so_o our_o die_a to_o sin_n that_o be_v cease_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o true_a conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v his_o resurrection_n not_o only_o as_o his_o return_v to_o life_n again_o but_o as_o his_o live_n to_o god_n his_o advancement_n into_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o so_o our_o walk_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n be_v 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scripture_n mention_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o he_o call_v it_o the_o communion_n appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n first_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o christian_n with_o each_o other_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o be_v entertain_v by_o he_o at_o the_o same_o table_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n also_o as_o it_o signify_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n vers._n 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o 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be_v a_o fool_n though_o have_v none_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n not_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o to_o take_v up_o his_o eternal_a rest_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o section_n with_o a_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o sincere_a convert_n whereby_o it_o will_v evident_o 167._o appear_v what_o these_o man_n think_v of_o sanctification_n there_o we_o have_v a_o account_n what_o course_n some_o man_n take_v to_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o tire_v and_o weary_a of_o themselves_o and_o hear_v that_o only_a christ_n can_v save_v they_o they_o go_v to_o christ_n to_o remove_v those_o sin_n which_o tire_v and_o load_v they_o that_o he_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v better_a than_o former_o if_o they_o get_v these_o sin_n subdue_v and_o remove_v and_o if_o they_o find_v power_n to_o do_v better_o than_o they_o 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who_o can_v believe_v what_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v who_o despise_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o carnal_a reason_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n sect_n 1._o i_o have_v now_o finish_v the_o great_a part_n of_o my_o design_n and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o brief_o of_o what_o remain_v next_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n follow_v our_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o though_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o those_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o call_v union_n as_o 186._o i_o have_v already_o prove_v yet_o in_o these_o man_n divinity_n they_o be_v very_o different_a our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v represent_v by_o our_o marriage_n to_o he_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o by_o consequential_a conjugal_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v that_o 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righteousness_n of_o faith_n 245_o what_o abraham_n faith_n be_v whereby_o he_o be_v justify_v 247._o phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o consider_v 260_o what_o st._n paul_n righteousness_n be_v while_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi 261_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n oppose_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n 264._o and_o his_o own_o righteousness_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 274_o concern_v the_o conjugal_a relation_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o whether_o this_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o his_o personal_a excellency_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n 281_o concern_v the_o legal_a union_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o saint_n surety_n 287_o whether_o christ_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o as_o our_o mediator_n 296_o what_o influence_n the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n have_v upon_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n 320_o that_o some_o man_n place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o 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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 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wherein_o these_o spiritual_a espousal_n consist_v viz_o that_o the_o soul_n consent_v to_o take_v christ_n 63._o on_o his_o own_o term_n to_o save_v he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o will_v have_v have_v thou_o and_o salvation_n in_o my_o way_n that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v partly_o of_o my_o endeavour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o be_o now_o willing_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o to_o be_v save_v in_o thy_o way_n mere_o by_o grace_n that_o be_v without_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o obey_v thou_o the_o most_o content_a spouse_n certain_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o submit_v to_o such_o hard_a condition_n as_o to_o be_v save_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o a_o pretty_a compliment_n do_v the_o soul_n make_v to_o christ_n after_o all_o this_o when_o she_o add_v and_o though_o i_o will_v have_v walk_v according_a to_o my_o own_o mind_n yet_o now_o i_o whole_o give_v 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and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o express_o call_v branch_n rom._n 11._o 17_o 18._o which_o metaphor_n have_v the_o very_a same_o nature_n and_o signification_n with_o the_o vine_n and_o branch_n second_o because_o god_n be_v call_v the_o husbandman_n who_o take_v care_n to_o dress_v this_o vine_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v god_n husbandry_n three_o christ_n speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o branch_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o very_a union_n to_o his_o person_n as_o those_o man_n acknowledge_v who_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o union_n of_o person_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a and_o therefore_o be_v in_o he_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n but_o four_a to_o confirm_v all_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v objection_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o very_a chapter_n that_o when_o christ_n speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n i_o and_o in_o i_o he_o can_v mean_v this_o of_o his_o own_o person_n but_o of_o his_o church_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n require_v thus_o in_o the_o 5._o ver._n i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n you_o be_v the_o branch_n he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n for_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o i_o will_v willing_o learn_v what_o sense_n can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v not_o very_o intelligible_a how_o we_o can_v be_v or_o abide_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v more_o unintelligible_a still_o how_o we_o can_v be_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o we_o 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this_o profession_n and_o communion_n and_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o but_o suffer_v my_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n to_o dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o you_o to_o govern_v your_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o direct_v your_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n all_o such_o of_o you_o will_v be_v very_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n for_o without_o such_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n it_o be_v impossible_a you_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a so_o that_o to_o abide_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n but_o because_o many_o be_v so_o who_o do_v not_o much_o credit_n their_o profession_n be_v branch_n in_o
and_o suffer_v for_o we_o excite_v a_o just_a hatred_n of_o our_o sin_n sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o a_o great_a hope_n in_o god_n who_o have_v provide_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o atonement_n such_o a_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n for_o we_o and_o a_o steadfast_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n this_o be_v eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n when_o these_o visible_a figure_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n affect_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o passionate_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o excite_v in_o we_o such_o a_o firm_a hope_n in_o god_n as_o transform_v we_o into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v our_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o now_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n than_o to_o consider_v 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and_o master_n we_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n his_o spouse_n and_o his_o body_n thus_o in_o john_n 1._o 1._o 3._o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n where_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o son_n be_v first_o found_v on_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v on_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n subjection_n to_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o he_o now_o visible_o exercise_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o society_n and_o body_n politic_a and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n and_o inferior_n in_o the_o same_o society_n now_o as_o you_o hear_v before_o if_o this_o profession_n be_v only_o external_a and_o visible_a without_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o give_v we_o only_o a_o external_a fellowship_n or_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o man_n only_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n maintain_v a_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o his_o church_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o he_o such_o as_o christ_n will_v not_o own_o for_o his_o disciple_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o ver._n 6._o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o god_n be_v in_o the_o light_n then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o abuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v own_v himself_o our_o father_n and_o bestow_v the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n on_o we_o while_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o when_o we_o join_v the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n with_o the_o visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o god_n will_v own_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o christ_n for_o the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n so_o that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v put_v into_o by_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n as_o his_o son_n and_o child_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o child_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a by_o who_o you_o be_v call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n where_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v lord_n and_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n nor_o schism_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n where_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v head_n and_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sometime_o by_o fellowship_n sometime_o by_o communion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o where_o the_o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o from_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o heathen_a idolater_n from_o eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n be_v you_o not_o unequal_o yoke_v with_o unbeliever_n that_o be_v have_v no_o society_n with_o those_o man_n who_o religion_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v be_v as_o uneasy_a to_o each_o other_o as_o two_o heifer_n in_o the_o same_o yoke_n which_o draw_v different_a way_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o common_a between_o they_o which_o they_o both_o alike_o partake_v of_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o union_n and_o concord_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n what_o be_v there_o common_a to_o they_o both_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o mind_n to_o unite_v they_o into_o one_o fellowship_n what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o those_o portion_n of_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o as_o a_o symbol_n of_o their_o union_n to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o god_n how_o can_v a_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o idolater_n have_v right_a to_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v there_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o reconcile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n all_o these_o expression_n decipher_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o fellowship_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n which_o in_o rational_a being_n consist_v in_o mutual_a relation_n and_o common_a interest_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o likeness_n of_o nature_n and_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n explain_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o our_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o we_o vers._n 16._o 18._o now_o because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a act_n which_o the_o
it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v a_o fullness_n to_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v call_v life_n and_o righteousness_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o we_o whether_o christ_n have_v all_o fullness_n in_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v our_o life_n and_o righteousness_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n but_o the_o dispute_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n all_o this_o to_o christ._n they_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n which_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o and_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o his_o person_n we_o say_v they_o signify_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o complete_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n as_o it_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n now_o to_o bring_v this_o controversy_n to_o a_o issue_n there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n than_o to_o examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o learn_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o take_v scripture_n phrase_n and_o put_v what_o sense_n they_o please_v on_o they_o we_o may_v quick_o have_v as_o many_o different_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v different_a fancy_n among_o man_n to_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o place_n in_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o be_v in_o john_n 1._o 16._o and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n now_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o fullness_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o verse_n 14._o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o we_o behâ—ld_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o fullness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v ver._n 17._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o grace_n and_o truth_n signify_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v express_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n titus_n 2._o 11._o and_o contain_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n be_v truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o type_n and_o figure_n this_o be_v the_o fullness_n we_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o contain_v so_o many_o excellent_a promise_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v grace_n and_o prescribe_v such_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a religion_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v truth_n this_o fullness_n dwell_v only_o in_o christ_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o we_o receive_v it_o for_o none_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o do_v so_o perfect_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n who_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o v_o 18._o that_o be_v no_o man_n ever_o before_o have_v so_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v here_o call_v see_v god_n because_o sight_n give_v we_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o perfect_o understand_v all_o his_o most_o secret_a counsel_n have_v perfect_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o we_o and_o hence_o that_o fullness_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o christ_n be_v explain_v by_o grace_n for_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n grace_n for_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o preposition_n signify_v only_o that_o abundance_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v now_o manifest_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o difference_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n expound_v it_o by_o vice_n as_o st._n austin_n pro_fw-la legis_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la quae_fw-la praeteriit_fw-la gratiam_fw-la evangelii_n accepimus_fw-la permanentem_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la vmbris_fw-la &_o imaginibus_fw-la veteris_fw-la instrumenti_fw-la gratia_fw-la &_o veritas_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la facta_fw-la est_fw-la that_o instead_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v now_o past_a we_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v constant_a and_o permanent_a and_o instead_o of_o the_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v grace_n and_o truth_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o nonna_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_a sense_n for_o the_o law_n be_v no_o where_o call_v grace_n but_o grace_n be_v express_o oppose_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o however_o this_o you_o see_v they_o agree_v in_o that_o by_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o understand_v the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a declaration_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n now_o though_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o fullness_n be_v first_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v before_o he_o can_v communicate_v it_o to_o we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o first_o perfect_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n himself_o before_o he_o can_v declare_v it_o to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o this_o personal_a fullness_n we_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o but_o the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o whatever_o fullness_n be_v in_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o communicate_v this_o fullness_n to_o we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o 2._o col._n 9_o 10._o for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a and_o you_o be_v complete_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fill_v in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o phrase_n that_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o deity_n bodily_a which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o colosian_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o be_v seduce_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o gnostic_n who_o talk_v very_o much_o in_o their_o cant_a phrase_n of_o the_o pleromata_fw-la to_o corrupt_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n with_o jewish_a ceremony_n or_o pagan_a superstition_n ver._n 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o the_o principal_a argument_n he_o urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n ver._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v not_o in_o who_o be_v hide_v as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n but_o in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o hide_a treasure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n that_o be_v who_o have_v now_o reveal_v to_o we_o all_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o ver._n 6_o 7._o to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o
body_n that_o whereas_o in_o former_a age_n the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n now_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o universal_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o soul_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o this_o too_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o phrase_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v call_v his_o fullness_n because_o he_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v not_o confine_v his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n but_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n thus_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n signify_v in_o eph._n 4._o 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n which_o become_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o age_n and_o growth_n and_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o either_o signify_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o gospel_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o those_o man_n skill_n in_o expound_v scripture_n who_o make_v this_o fullness_n a_o personal_a grace_n in_o christ_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o every_o thing_n they_o can_v find_v or_o fancy_n in_o he_o all_o the_o furniture_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o fullness_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n the_o fullness_n of_o love_n in_o christ_n the_o fullness_n of_o habitual_a grace_n fullness_n of_o satisfaction_n fullness_n of_o merit_n fullness_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n a_o fullness_n of_o justification_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o sanctification_n which_o fullness_n i_o be_o sure_a have_v confound_v man_n notion_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o christ_n only_o as_o a_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v drink_v grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n and_o he_o be_v so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o power_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v call_v life_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o doctrine_n because_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n hence_o in_o joh._n 1._o 4._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o he_o be_v life_n and_o the_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o enlighten_v the_o dark_a mind_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o life_n shall_v be_v light_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o as_o this_o word_n of_o life_n which_o christ_n preach_v enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v all_o the_o mist_n of_o error_n and_o ignorance_n hence_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o joh._n 14._o 6._o that_o be_v i_o declare_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o no_o man_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o consequent_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o without_o learning_n of_o i_o thus_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n joh._n 6._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o preach_v vers._n 33._o and_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n vers._n 51._o i_o be_o the_o live_a bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n if_o any_o man_n eat_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o bread_n that_o i_o will_v give_v be_v my_o flesh_n which_o i_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n because_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n upon_o all_o his_o sincere_a follower_n joh._n 11._o 26_o 27._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o he_o that_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v that_o be_v he_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o will_v actual_o raise_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o reward_v they_o with_o eternal_a life_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o joh._n 5._o 25_o 26._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v life_n in_o himself_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v he_o first_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o then_o have_v authority_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o immortal_a life_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n too_o of_o that_o expression_n in_o col._n 3._o 3_o 4._o you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v you_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n that_o be_v you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o that_o immortal_a life_n which_o you_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v now_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a be_v at_o present_a conceal_v from_o your_o view_n yet_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a shall_v appear_v the_o second_o time_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n then_o shall_v you_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o life_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o have_v publish_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v all_o these_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a himself_o have_v now_o power_n to_o raise_v we_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o fetch_v life_n from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o with_o christ_n we_o must_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n in_o we_o and_o then_o we_o may_v joyful_o expect_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o reward_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o obedience_n with_o immortal_a life_n thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o these_o man_n call_v personal_a grace_n too_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o at_o large_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o revelation_n he_o make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 24._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n be_v all_o for_o sign_n and_o miracle_n the_o greek_n be_v for_o curious_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o may_v gratify_v their_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o therefore_o
appear_v from_o rom._n 9_o 30._o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n wherefore_o because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o by_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n who_o pursue_v so_o earnest_o after_o righteousness_n be_v exclude_v from_o righteousness_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v under_o a_o curse_n because_o they_o do_v not_o look_v for_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o way_n which_o god_n prescribe_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n or_o by_o christianity_n but_o by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o the_o most_o obvious_a reason_n why_o this_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v call_v their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n god_n righteousness_n be_v because_o this_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v a_o way_n of_o justification_n not_o of_o god_n appointment_n but_o their_o own_o choose_n god_n never_o design_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v justify_v to_o eternal_a life_n by_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o yet_o they_o confident_o expect_v justification_n by_o that_o law_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n choose_v this_o he_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n by_o this_o enoch_n and_o noah_n and_o abraham_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n because_o this_o he_o appoint_v and_o this_o he_o will_v own_v and_o reward_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o this_o talk_n of_o a_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n inherent_a in_o he_o and_o impute_v to_o we_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n person_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n that_o be_v that_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o justification_n which_o christ_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n i_o have_v now_o consider_v all_o the_o personal_a grace_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n call_v they_o and_o upon_o inquiry_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o appropriate_a to_o his_o person_n belong_v to_o his_o gospel_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o describe_v the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o most_o powerful_a method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n for_o the_o reform_v the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o which_o prescribe_v the_o only_a righteousness_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o metaphorical_a expression_n still_o behind_o which_o exercise_n man_n wit_n and_o fancy_n viz_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 8._o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n too_o or_o personal_a estate_n or_o what_o you_o will_v call_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ._n where_o by_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o he_o call_v it_o unsearchable_a riches_n because_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o narrow_a and_o stint_a thing_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o particular_a nation_n as_o the_o law_n be_v but_o be_v offer_v to_o all_o mankind_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n contain_v those_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 1._o 7._o for_o riches_n signify_v only_o a_o abundance_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o scripture_n to_o sport_n and_o toy_n with_o word_n and_o metaphor_n as_o some_o man_n do_v with_o this_o riches_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v rich_a because_o he_o have_v a_o rich_a christ._n dowry_n have_v all_o the_o world_n give_v to_o he_o as_o his_o proper_a inheritance_n that_o he_o keep_v open_a house_n and_o maintain_v all_o the_o creation_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v this_o above_o 6000_o year_n which_o will_v have_v break_v he_o long_o since_o have_v he_o not_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o enrich_v all_o the_o saint_n but_o all_o of_o the_o saint_n their_o understanding_n with_o glorious_a light_n their_o conscience_n with_o quickness_n pureness_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o after_o all_o this_o vast_a expense_n he_o be_v never_o the_o poor_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o penny_n the_o poor_a for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o that_o have_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v general_o rich_a rich_a in_o house_n and_o land_n though_o he_o have_v not_o a_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n in_o gold_n in_o silver_n in_o cattle_n in_o all_o temporal_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a tribute_n and_o rent_n due_a to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a landlord_n and_o owner_n of_o all_o that_o angel_n and_o man_n possess_v above_o and_o below_o these_o be_v fine_a thing_n to_o persuade_v young_a woman_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n for_o their_o husband_n since_o they_o can_v never_o expect_v so_o rich_a and_o advantageous_a a_o match_n any_o where_o else_o but_o i_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o to_o pursue_v such_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n as_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expose_v they_o sect_n iii_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o fullness_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o person_n these_o man_n make_v of_o christ_n how_o they_o have_v fit_v he_o to_o all_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o sinner_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v wherein_o this_o union_n they_o talk_v of_o between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n do_v consist_v now_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o various_a metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v explain_v at_o large_a but_o these_o man_n instead_o of_o explain_v these_o metaphor_n turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o allegory_n as_o for_o example_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n and_o now_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v christ_n woo_v and_o make_v love_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o what_o other_o man_n call_v believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n whereby_o we_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n these_o man_n call_v that_o consent_n and_o contract_n which_o make_v up_o the_o marriage_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n take_v we_o for_o his_o spouse_n and_o we_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o husband_n and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o marriage_n except_o the_o ring_n which_o be_v leave_v out_o as_o a_o antichristian_a ceremony_n christ_n say_v thus_o this_o be_v com._n that_o we_o will_v consent_v unto_o that_o i_o will_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v for_o i_o and_o not_o for_o another_o christ_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o excellency_n righteousness_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o eminency_n to_o be_v its_o saviour_n head_n and_o husband_n to_o dwell_v with_o it_o in_o this_o holy_a relation_n and_o the_o soul_n like_v christ_n for_o his_o excellency_n grace_n suitableness_n far_o above_o all_o other_o belove_n whatever_n and_o accept_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n for_o its_o husband_n lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o thus_o the_o marriage_n be_v complete_v and_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n espousal_n of_o the_o gladness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o now_o follow_v all_o mutual_a conjugal_a affection_n which_o on_o christ_n part_n consist_v in_o delight_n valuation_n pity_n or_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n on_o the_o saint_n part_n in_o delight_n valuation_n chastity_n duty_n which_o be_v much_o like_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o description_n of_o his_o artificial_a man_n the_o commonwealth_n but_o i_o have_v already_o correct_v this_o fool_n with_o scripture-metaphor_n and_o phrase_n and_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o they_o place_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n namely_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v all_o christ_n we_o
bestow_v the_o reward_n of_o righteousness_n on_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o righteous_a that_o for_o christ_n sake_n he_o have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n and_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v justify_v that_o be_v treat_v like_o righteous_a person_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n that_o very_a righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v righteous_a but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a and_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 17._o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v thus_o justify_v by_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o in_o life_n not_o those_o who_o be_v righteous_a by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v who_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o the_o abundant_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v make_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o god_n be_v which_o righteousness_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v not_o owe_v sole_o to_o humane_a endeavour_n but_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o those_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o divine_a assistance_n which_o god_n in_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n have_v afford_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n how_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n not_o that_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v reckon_v as_o do_v by_o we_o which_o be_v impossible_a but_o because_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a both_o in_o a_o proper_a and_o forensick_a sense_n by_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o gospel_n form_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a and_o evangelical_n obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o though_o that_o phrase_n never_o occur_v in_o scripture_n because_o without_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n the_o best_a man_n live_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o righteousness_n or_o future_a glory_n so_o that_o 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 for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n christ_n righteousness_n and_o our_o own_o be_v both_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o other_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o section_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v any_o such_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o shall_v entitle_v they_o to_o all_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o themselves_o but_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o suffering_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o justification_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-covenant_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o advantage_n from_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n sect_n iv._o that_o these_o man_n place_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n represent_v it_o whereby_o they_o say_v we_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o his_o excellency_n grace_n righteousness_n preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o notion_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o this_o opinion_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o how_o false_a it_o be_v and_o i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n and_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n discourse_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v abundant_a evidence_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o 321._o mr._n shephard_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o obedience_n do_v not_o make_v we_o god_n people_n or_o god_n our_o god_n but_o he_o be_v first_o our_o god_n which_o be_v only_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v we_o and_o we_o his_o we_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o obey_v as_o for_o the_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n we_o will_v consider_v that_o anon_o at_o present_a it_o suffice_v that_o we_o be_v god_n people_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n before_o we_o obey_v he_o the_o same_o author_n 318._o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n our_o life_n by_o obedience_n as_o adam_n be_v to_o god_n by_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n of_o which_o obedience_n be_v no_o part_n otherwise_o he_o oppose_v a_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o all_o action_n in_o live_a thing_n come_v from_o union_n so_o all_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v to_o come_v by_o faith_n from_o the_o spirit_n on_o christ_n part_n and_o from_o faith_n on_o our_o part_n which_o make_v the_o union_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o faith_n of_o which_o more_o anon_o before_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a before_o this_o union_n the_o best_a action_n we_o can_v do_v be_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o charge_n because_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n before_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n hence_o these_o man_n constant_o place_v our_o justification_n before_o our_o sanctification_n that_o we_o be_v first_o account_v holy_a by_o god_n before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a now_o our_o justification_n follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o our_o fanctification_n follow_v our_o justification_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o justification_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o we_o be_v sanctify_v that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 212._o holiness_n be_v a_o remote_a end_n of_o vocation_n but_o the_o next_o end_n be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o same_o author_n make_v a_o speech_n for_o christ_n to_o a_o sinner_n so_o gracious_a a_o speech_n that_o among_o all_o the_o invitation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v nothing_o like_o it_o though_o thou_o have_v resist_v my_o spirit_n refuse_v my_o grace_n weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n yet_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o this_o will_v make_v i_o amends_o i_o require_v nothing_o of_o thou_o
out_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v perfect_v while_o we_o be_v unholy_a and_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o holiness_n than_o before_o for_o now_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o remove_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o his_o actual_a obedience_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n to_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v obey_v christ_n out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o good_a nature_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o they_o may_v but_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n without_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o these_o notion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o overthrow_v all_o religion_n by_o leave_v it_o at_o every_o man_n liberty_n whether_o he_o will_v worship_v and_o obey_v god_n or_o not_o but_o i_o have_v 3._o discourse_v this_o at_o large_a already_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o dr._n owen_n reason_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n sect_n v._o that_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o of_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o thus_o i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n man_n may_v nay_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v unite_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o person_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o charge_v upon_o this_o notion_n be_v a_o more_o immediate_a â—injury_n to_o man_n as_o expose_v they_o to_o perpetual_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n about_o their_o salvation_n viz._n that_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n no_o man_n can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v this_o appear_v it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o every_o man_n to_o reject_v it_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n or_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n first_o then_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o get_v into_o christ_n suppose_v a_o sinner_n who_o hear_v of_o those_o great_a privilege_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n shall_v inquire_v what_o course_n he_o shall_v take_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o excellency_n preciousness_n grace_n and_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o method_n prescribe_v in_o order_n to_o this_o be_v conviction_n compunction_n humiliation_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n now_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v passive_a in_o all_o this_o and_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o it_o himself_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v act_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o give_v such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o no_o man_n can_v follow_v this_o only_a tell_v we_o by_o what_o method_n god_n unite_v we_o to_o christ_n not_o what_o we_o must_v do_v but_o what_o we_o must_v suffer_v in_o order_n to_o this_o union_n a_o sinner_n may_v stir_v up_o in_o himself_o some_o natural_a conviction_n of_o sin_n some_o natural_a fear_n and_o sorrow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o this_o may_v set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n of_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o perform_v duty_n but_o all_o this_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o unless_o this_o conviction_n and_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o tell_v whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o so_o that_o the_o sinner_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o patient_o expect_v till_o god_n will_v do_v all_o for_o he_o but_o second_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v this_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v this_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n by_o no_o mean_n the_o end_n of_o conviction_n be_v compunction_n and_o the_o end_n of_o compunction_n be_v humiliation_n and_o all_o this_o carry_v we_o no_o near_o to_o christ_n than_o 126._o quiet_o to_o lie_v down_o before_o god_n that_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o we_o 133._o turn_v the_o other_o cheek_n unto_o the_o lord_n even_o smite_v of_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n show_v mercy_n it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a if_o not_o yet_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v against_o he_o for_o deny_v special_a mercy_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v a_o bit_n of_o bread_n and_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v indeed_o humble_v because_o it_o submit_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o god_n please_v that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v so_o that_o this_o conviction_n compunction_n and_o humiliation_n contribute_v nothing_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o their_o whole_a virtue_n consist_v in_o bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v content_a either_o to_o have_v christ_n or_o to_o go_v without_o he_o as_o god_n shall_v please_v 137._o humiliation_n make_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o infinite_a vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n not_o to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o lord_n and_o devil-like_a grow_v fierce_a and_o impatient_a before_o and_o against_o the_o lord_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v never_o help_v it_o never_o pity_v it_o never_o succour_v it_o 138._o and_o now_o you_o shall_v see_v if_o the_o lord_n intend_v good_a he_o will_v by_o this_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o this_o be_v all_o man_n get_v by_o humiliation_n that_o if_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o do_v they_o good_a this_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o will_v do_v it_o but_o though_o they_o be_v humble_v they_o can_v be_v sure_a whether_o god_n intend_v to_o do_v they_o good_a or_o not_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 144._o we_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v save_v or_o damn_v we_o as_o we_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o to_o any_o common_a mercy_n though_o you_o must_v pray_v for_o mercy_n it_o must_v be_v with_o submission_n to_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v good_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o save_v or_o damn_v but_o i_o be_v evil_a though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n nay_o we_o be_v much_o more_o bind_v to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v save_v or_o damn_v we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o the_o lesser_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n 145._o for_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n to_o murmur_v in_o case_n the_o lord_n deny_v you_o small_a matter_n the_o offal_n of_o this_o life_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v that_o it_o be_v far_o great_a pride_n for_o thou_o to_o sink_v and_o quarrel_n with_o he_o if_o he_o deny_v thou_o great_a the_o thing_n of_o another_o life_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o give_v thou_o great_a who_o do_v not_o owe_v thou_o the_o least_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o life_n bless_a be_v his_o name_n but_o you_o ask_v for_o treasure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n now_o god_n have_v give_v you_o life_n you_o will_v feign_v live_v for_o ever_o a_o unpardonable_a fault_n this_o thousand_o of_o pound_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o be_v worth_a and_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o deny_v you_o and_o now_o you_o sink_v and_o grow_v sullen_a may_v not_o the_o lord_n now_o say_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o pride_n and_o insolence_n as_o to_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o ever_o though_o i_o dare_v say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o pride_n which_o cast_v the_o apostate_n angel_n out_o of_o heaven_n so_o that_o though_o conviction_n and_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o way_n as_o bring_v we_o never_o the_o near_a he_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v where_o we_o be_v before_o we_o be_v humble_v