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the_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v whereas_o his_o first_o undertake_n be_v to_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o thing_n saving_o and_o clear_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o without_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n but_o to_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o property_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o examine_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v but_o principal_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o peculiar_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o the_o world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o revelation_n be_v whole_o silent_a but_o be_v now_o clear_o and_o save_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o those_o manifold_a 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as_o ready_a to_o pardon_v they_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o a_o kind_a father_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o humble_a and_o penitent_a prodigal_n these_o property_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o further_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n never_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a and_o merciful_a because_o not_o only_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v so_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n than_o ever_o we_o have_v before_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o have_v
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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gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o severe_a a_o despensation_n as_o the_o law_n which_o doom_v all_o man_n to_o eternal_a misery_n who_o live_v not_o very_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a life_n but_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o grace_n a_o mere_a refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a sure_o here_o must_v be_v a_o mistake_n somewhere_o for_o i_o be_o still_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o at_o odds_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n will_v save_v none_o who_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v or_o if_o christ_n will_v save_v those_o who_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v viz._n impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o man_n shall_v know_v this_o without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n and_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o by_o the_o private_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o work_v assurance_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o can_v think_v of_o no_o other_o way_n since_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v where_o the_o mistake_n lie_v for_o some_o man_n wherever_o they_o meet_v with_o the_o word_n christ_n in_o scripture_n always_o understand_v by_o it_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o hope_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a phrase_n be_v expound_v of_o a_o siducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o salvation_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n which_o set_v up_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n of_o rectify_v this_o mistake_n which_o set_v the_o person_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n at_o such_o odds_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o various_a signification_n of_o this_o name_n christ_n in_o scripture_n which_o shall_v serve_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o what_o follow_v and_o 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which_o we_o common_o call_v his_o prophetical_a office_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o publish_v his_o law_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v pilate_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n in_o this_o world_n consist_v in_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n john_n 18._o 37._o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o regal_a power_n to_o conquer_v error_n and_o ignorance_n to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o appear_v and_o to_o erect_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o true_a spiritual_a kingdom_n
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 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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
scripture_n be_v press_v to_o serve_v every_o new-fangled_a conceit_n in_o religion_n the_o wild_a and_o most_o extravagant_a opinion_n that_o be_v ever_o yet_o vent_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n have_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o patronage_n though_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n will_v wonder_v how_o the_o read_v such_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v suggest_v such_o notion_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o man_n first_o contrive_v their_o religion_n as_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ_n do_v and_o possess_v their_o fancy_n thorough_o with_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o then_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o find_v something_o there_o to_o stamp_v divinity_n on_o their_o own_o conceit_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a sense_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o strong_a imagination_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o thing_n such_o man_n 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picture_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o may_v find_v the_o alcoran_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o well_o as_o make_v so_o many_o book_n so_o different_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o from_o the_o various_a compasition_n of_o twenty_o four_o letter_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a at_o the_o first_o proposal_n to_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n but_o to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o it_o and_o show_v you_o how_o these_o familiar_a acquaintance_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o may_v better_a make_v bold_a with_o he_o than_o they_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o pervert_v his_o gospel_n to_o serve_v their_o opinion_n there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o they_o first_o by_o the_o sound_n and_o clink_v of_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v all_o some_o man_n understand_v by_o keep_v a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v they_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceived_n notion_n and_o opinion_n and_o prove_v that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n because_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a to_o their_o dream_n which_o be_v call_v expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n first_o they_o expound_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n that_o be_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o word_n in_o scripture_n which_o chime_n to_o the_o tune_n of_o their_o private_a conceit_n without_o ever_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v find_v they_o clap_v their_o own_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o serve_v for_o very_o solid_a and_o substantial_a proof_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o way_n thus_o when_o man_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n then_o to_o know_v christ_n can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v his_o person_n and_o all_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o beauty_n fullness_n and_o preciousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o we_o must_v learn_v all_o our_o spiritual_a wisdom_n from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o his_o person_n though_o some_o dull_a man_n can_v understand_v no_o more_o by_o it_o than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n thus_o when_o man_n have_v first_o learn_v from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n to_o place_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o free_a communication_n of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n righteousness_n and_o salvation_n what_o more_o plain_a proof_n can_v any_o man_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v this_o desire_v of_o it_o than_o first_o ep._n john_n 5._o 12._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n for_o what_o can_v have_a the_o son_n signify_v but_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o though_o some_o will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o believe_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n but_o the_o phrase_n of_o have_v the_o son_n confute_v that_o dull_a and_o moral_a interpretation_n especial_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v call_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o abide_n in_o he_o which_o must_v signify_v a_o very_a near_o union_n between_o christ_n person_n and_o we_o such_o as_o there_o be_v between_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o one_o another_o which_o make_v all_o christ_n we_o and_o we_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v self_n evident_a that_o before_o we_o can_v thus_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o must_v go_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o this_o union_n be_v very_o lucky_o call_v come_v to_o christ_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o salvation_n which_o metaphor_n of_o come_v and_o go_v be_v a_o very_a intelligible_a explication_n of_o believe_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v come_v to_o christ_n be_v this_o enough_o no_o sure_o the_o soul_n then_o must_v receive_v christ_n as_o saint_n john_n tell_v we_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1._o 12._o that_o faith_n which_o serve_v we_o for_o leg_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o to_o apply_v all_o his_o merit_n and_o fullness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o now_o when_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o we_o must_v embrace_v he_o in_o our_o arm_n too_o as_o good_a old_a simeon_n do_v when_o he_o find_v he_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o little_o near_a union_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n who_o see_v the_o promise_n afar_o of_o and_o embrace_v they_o hebr._n 11._o 13._o and_o now_o we_o have_v christ_n we_o must_v trust_v and_o lean_a upon_o he_o as_o we_o be_v often_o command_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o find_v and_o feel_v our_o own_o weakness_n as_o unable_a to_o support_v ourselves_o we_o do_v lean_a and_o rest_v on_o christ_n and_o if_o lean_v be_v not_o enough_o we_o may_v make_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a and_o roll_v on_o he_o as_o appear_v from_o psalne_v 37._o 5._o roll_v thy_o way_n on_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o original_a gal_n signify_v which_o be_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o seek_v ease_n we_o at_o last_o discharge_v our_o load_n and_o cast_v it_o on_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o phrase_n of_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o on_o he_o 1_o peter_n 2._o 6._o for_o what_o can_v that_o signify_v but_o lean_v and_o roll_a on_o he_o lay_v and_o build_v ourselves_o on_o he_o as_o on_o a_o foundation_n and_o now_o we_o have_v thus_o bring_v our_o soul_n to_o christ_n we_o must_v commit_v they_o to_o his_o trust_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o they_o and_o save_v they_o and_o if_o they_o perish_v it_o will_v be_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o must_v give_v account_n of_o it_o thus_o saint_n paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n and_o now_o we_o must_v hide_v our_o self_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n as_o the_o dove_n hide_v in_o the_o rock_n cant._n 2._o 14._o o_o my_o loveliness_n dove_n in_o the_o cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n christ_n wound_n be_v the_o
cleft_n of_o the_o rock_n where_o this_o believe_a soul_n christ_n dove_n hide_v itself_o and_o beside_o this_o a_o rock_n be_v a_o screne_n to_o shade_v off_o the_o heat_n so_o christ_n be_v call_v isai._n 32._o 2._o a_o shadow_n from_o the_o heat_n he_o shade_n a_o poor_a sinner_n from_o the_o scorching_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o then_o we_o must_v fetch_v comfort_n too_o from_o christ_n as_o honey_n come_v out_o of_o the_o rock_n deut._n 32._o 13._o he_o make_v he_o suck_v honey_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o oil_n out_o of_o the_o stinty_a rock_n the_o honey_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n come_v out_o of_o this_o bless_a rock_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o yet_o for_o we_o must_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n idem_fw-la of_o christ_n as_o appear_v from_o that_o expression_n that_o we_o must_v put-on_z christ_n rom._n 13._o 14._o gal._n 3._o 27._o which_o can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o put_v on_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v his_o righteousness_n as_o man_n put_v on_o a_o garment_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n and_o to_o adorn_v they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o beautiful_a robe_n isai._n 61._o 10._o he_o have_v cover_v i_o with_o the_o robe_n ibidem_fw-la of_o righteousness_n his_o righteousness_n be_v a_o lovely_a robe_n no_o robe_n of_o gold_n or_o ermine_n wherewith_o king_n be_v invest_v be_v so_o honourable_a as_o this_o in_o this_o robe_n we_o shine_v as_o angel_n in_o god_n eye_n the_o high_a priest_n glorious_a vestment_n exod._n 28._o 2._o the_o mytre_n the_o robe_n the_o ephod_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o breast_n plate_n of_o precious_a stone_n do_v all_o but_o serve_v to_o set_v out_o the_o beautiful_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n wherewith_o a_o believer_n be_v adorn_v thus_o if_o we_o will_v get_v the_o blessing_n we_o must_v go_v to_o god_n as_o jacob_n do_v in_o the_o robe_n of_o our_o elder_a brother_n though_o i_o confess_v this_o resemblance_n do_v not_o very_o well_o please_v i_o for_o though_o jacob_n be_v a_o good_a man_n yet_o this_o look_n like_o a_o cunning_a trick_n to_o rob_v his_o elder_a brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o to_o cheat_v his_o blind_a father_n and_o man_n must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o however_o that_o be_v this_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o make_v one_o with_o he_o than_o all_o christ_n be_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n be_v we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o his_o active_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n his_o righteousness_n be_v we_o for_o our_o justification_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o as_o i._o o._n well_o observe_v we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o save_v by_o his_o life_n that_o be_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n which_o be_v make_v we_o rom._n 5._o 10._o and_o now_o what_o better_a proof_n can_v you_o desire_v for_o all_o this_o if_o you_o will_v be_v content_v with_o express_a word_n though_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o the_o doctor_n mind_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v discover_v these_o mystery_n clear_o and_o save_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n person_n no_o man_n will_v ever_o have_v dream_v of_o such_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n who_o have_v not_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o mysterious_a notion_n of_o a_o fanciful_a union_n to_o christ_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o for_o here_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o word_n and_o phrase_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o like_a straggler_n pick_v up_o and_o list_v into_o the_o service_n of_o their_o hypothesis_n for_o indeed_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o stuff_n of_o this_o nature_n consist_v in_o wrest_v metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n to_o a_o proper_a sense_n when_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n by_o have_v christ_n and_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o come_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o these_o man_n expound_v these_o phrase_n to_o a_o proper_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o signify_v i_o know_v not_o what_o unintelligible_a union_n and_o spiritual_a progress_n and_o closure_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o he_o a_o union_n of_o person_n instead_o of_o a_o agreement_n in_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o hereafter_o thus_o when_o they_o talk_v of_o our_o spiritual_a impotency_n and_o inability_n to_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n for_o after_o all_o the_o noise_n they_o make_v about_o our_o come_n to_o christ_n they_o mean_v be_v carry_v thither_o with_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irresistible_a power_n they_o prove_v it_o wonderful_o from_o our_o 〈◊〉_d be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o his_o own_o resurrection_n no_o more_o can_v we_o towards_o our_o conversion_n which_o be_v true_a of_o natural_a death_n but_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v of_o a_o moral_a death_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o prevalency_n of_o vicious_a habit_n contract_v by_o long_a custom_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o do_v so_o enslave_v the_o will_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a though_o not_o impossible_a for_o such_o person_n to_o return_v to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n another_o argument_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v that_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v to_o good_a work_n and_o to_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v contribute_v no_o more_o to_o it_o than_o we_o do_v to_o our_o first_o creation_n and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o which_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o it_o which_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o our_o be_v create_v to_o good_a work_n do_v signify_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o that_o as_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n we_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n so_o we_o be_v renew_v after_o his_o 1_o image_n in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v therefore_o express_o call_v in_o other_o place_n the_o renew_n and_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o this_o way_n fail_v they_o take_v another_o course_n with_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n to_o make_v they_o serve_v their_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v by_o consider_v all_o the_o property_n and_o qualification_n of_o those_o thing_n christ_n be_v compare_v to_o and_o apply_v all_o that_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n to_o christ_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v use_v thus_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matthew_n 13._o 46._o this_o pearl_n in_o some_o man_n divinity_n signify_v christ_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n appear_v plain_o in_o this_o comparison_n for_o loveliness_n other_o pearl_n add_v no_o real_a worth_n to_o they_o that_o wear_v they_o but_o christ_n this_o illustrious_a pearl_n do_v he_o make_v we_o worthy_a with_o his_o worthiness_n excellent_o turn_v to_o serve_v their_o purpose_n though_o all_o that_o the_o parable_n mean_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o other_o man_n be_v to_o sell_v all_o they_o have_v to_o purchase_v a_o pearl_n of_o great_a value_n thus_o christ_n be_v prefigure_v by_o mannah_n loveliness_n and_o this_o mannah_n be_v of_o a_o circular_a figure_n and_o this_o circle_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ_n perfection_n this_o be_v meat_n cook_v and_o dress_v in_o heaven_n god_n himself_o prepare_v it_o and_o then_o serve_v it_o in_o thus_o jesus_n christ_n be_v prepare_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o his_o father_n to_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o mediatorship_n and_o mannah_n suit_v itself_o to_o every_o one_o palate_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n suit_v himself_o to_o every_o christian_n condition_n he_o be_v full_a of_o quicken_a strengthen_v comfort_v virtue_n that_o be_v he_o be_v what_o every_o man_n fancy_v he_o to_o be_v relish_v according_a to_o the_o gusto_n of_o their_o own_o palate_n what_o precious_a discovery_n be_v here_o of_o christ_n and_o what_o irrefragable_a proof_n
and_o the_o peculiar_a mood_n of_o speak_v in_o every_o language_n and_o in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o urge_v metaphor_n no_o further_o than_o their_o first_o intention_n without_o which_o we_o may_v deal_v by_o all_o author_n as_o these_o man_n deal_v by_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o speak_v nonsense_n or_o as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o venerable_a mystery_n and_o overthrow_n and_o contradict_v their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v their_o first_o way_n of_o expound_v otherwise_o call_v adulterate_v and_o debauch_v scripture_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n second_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v than_o they_o argue_v and_o reason_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o their_o own_o preconceive_a notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o scheme_n and_o fancy_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o truth_n prove_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o its_o agreement_n with_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o be_v such_o a_o trick_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v get_v to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n i_o may_v give_v instance_n of_o this_o in_o abundance_n but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o some_o few_o lest_o i_o tire_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n thus_o after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n have_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n have_v peace_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n now_o how_o do_v you_o think_v shall_v all_o these_o scripture_n be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o notion_n of_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o faith_n certain_o be_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o notion_n of_o it_o why_o this_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n to_o these_o acquaintance_n of_o christ._n for_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v and_o save_v etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o absolute_o that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o of_o faith_n consider_v as_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o relative_o that_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v justify_v faith_n apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n justify_v now_o this_o distinction_n be_v plain_o owe_v to_o their_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v stumble_v on_o it_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n justify_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o it_o justify_v and_o save_v instrumental_o and_o relative_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o that_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v faith_n but_o as_o it_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o plain_a word_n signify_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v though_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o say_v it_o do_v but_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o plain_a for_o shall_v faith_n justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n that_o be_v as_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o good_a work_n and_o as_o perfect_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o have_v justification_n be_v promise_v to_o any_o thing_n wrought_v in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o it_o have_v be_v of_o desert_n not_o of_o grace_n of_o wage_n not_o of_o mercy_n if_o god_n have_v promise_v justification_n upon_o any_o work_n of_o we_o have_v say_v we_o must_v bring_v so_o much_o humiliation_n so_o much_o repentance_n so_o much_o break_v of_o spirit_n so_o much_o grace_n so_o many_o prayer_n alms-deed_n or_o so_o much_o faith_n as_o our_o own_o act_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o grace_n not_o of_o free_a mercy_n though_o modest_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o dream_v of_o merit_v by_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v will_v have_v think_v that_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v though_o faith_n have_v justify_v as_o our_o own_o act_n since_o the_o reward_n and_o recompense_n do_v so_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o work_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o merit_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n the_o reward_n be_v of_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whatever_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v but_o this_o be_v pass_v all_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o metaphor_n or_o two_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n some_o more_o apt_a than_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o faith_n but_o in_o christ_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o a_o ring_n which_o have_v 64._o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o which_o will_v staunch_v blood_n we_o say_v the_o ring_n staunch_v blood_n but_o the_o virtue_n do_v not_o bare_o lie_v in_o the_o ring_n but_o in_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o ring_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o ring_n christ_n the_o precious_a stone_n all_o that_o faith_n do_v be_v to_o bring_v home_n christ_n merit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o it_o justify_v so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v but_o find_v out_o a_o improper_a and_o absurd_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o use_n among_o the_o vulgar_a or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o invent_v one_o as_o this_o gentleman_n do_v for_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o this_o before_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o expound_v scripture_n as_o improper_o as_o unlearned_a man_n talk_v or_o think_v or_o if_o you_o can_v but_o fancy_v faith_n a_o ring_n and_o christ_n a_o precious_a stone_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o that_o legal_a and_o meritorious_a way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o receptive_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o receive_v the_o gold_n that_o enrich_v so_o faith_n receive_v of_o christ_n merit_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o enrich_a grace_n in_o the_o body_n there_o be_v 65._o vein_n that_o suck_v the_o nourishment_n that_o come_v into_o the_o stomach_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n faith_n be_v such_o a_o suck_a vein_n that_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v not_o this_o very_a plain_n now_o to_o he_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n just_a as_o the_o body_n be_v nourish_v by_o the_o stomach_n and_o now_o to_o make_v all_o clear_a we_o may_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n why_o god_n choose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o justification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o humble_a ibidem_fw-la grace_n and_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o to_o free_a grace_n if_o repentance_n shall_v fetch_v justification_n from_o christ_n a_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v this_o be_v for_o my_o tear_n strange_a deserve_a creature_n these_o who_o can_v dream_v of_o merit_a heaven_n with_o a_o few_o tear_n but_o faith_n be_v humble_a it_o be_v a_o empty_a hand_n and_o what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n reach_v out_o his_o hand_n merit_v a_o alm_n yes_o just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o few_o tear_n merit_v heaven_n faith_n be_v only_o a_o golden_a bucket_n that_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n but_o why_o may_v not_o those_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o merit_n grow_v as_o proud_a that_o they_o have_v a_o golden_a bucket_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a well_o be_v their_o own_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o man_n deal_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o poor_a humble_a faith_n make_v what_o they_o please_v of_o they_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o purpose_n that_o faith_n be_v sometime_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n sometime_o a_o hand_n to_o receive_v he_o a_o mouth_n to_o feed_v on_o he_o a_o eye_n to_o look_v fiducial_o on_o he_o a_o ring_n to_o hold_v this_o precious_a stone_n a_o vein_n to_o suck_v justification_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a stomach_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a new_a conceit_n for_o though_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o head_n i_o never_o before_o read_v that_o he_o be_v the_o stomach_n a_o bucket_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o this_o well_o christ_n though_o in_o this_o they_o be_v very_o civil_a to_o faith_n in_o make_v it_o a_o
scripture_n mention_n whereby_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n be_v express_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 16._o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o why_o he_o call_v it_o the_o communion_n appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n first_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n of_o christian_n with_o each_o other_o that_o they_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o be_v entertain_v by_o he_o at_o the_o same_o table_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n also_o as_o it_o signify_v our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n vers._n 18._o behold_v israel_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o they_o which_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n partaker_n of_o the_o altar_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o altar_n be_v reckon_v as_o god_n meat_n as_o the_o temple_n be_v his_o house_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o eat_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v entertain_v at_o god_n table_n which_o be_v a_o signification_n of_o their_o fellowship_n with_o he_o that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n thus_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o feast_n upon_o a_o sacrifice_n even_o that_o great_a and_o stupendous_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o to_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o wine_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o sacrifice_n that_o spiritual_a food_n god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o thus_o god_n entertain_v we_o at_o his_o table_n as_o his_o own_o child_n who_o be_v of_o his_o household_n and_o family_n as_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n this_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o all_o feast_n upon_o sacrifice_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o eat_v of_o god_n food_n and_o to_o be_v entertain_v at_o his_o table_n which_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n as_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o be_v among_o man_n always_o allow_v for_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o scripture_n signify_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o with_o each_o other_o but_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o such_o like_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v no_o where_o call_v communion_n with_o god_n though_o a_o prevail_a custom_n have_v in_o our_o day_n almost_o whole_o appropriate_v that_o name_n to_o they_o fellowship_n with_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o transient_a act_n but_o be_v a_o state_n of_o life_n that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v proper_o signify_v this_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o only_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n for_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o poor_a man_n enjoy_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o his_o prince_n when_o he_o put_v up_o a_o petition_n to_o he_o to_o beg_v his_o charity_n or_o praise_v he_o for_o his_o clemency_n and_o bounty_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n be_v a_o act_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o father_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o result_v from_o our_o relation_n to_o and_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o act_n of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o expression_n i_o purposely_o avoid_v not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o have_v thrust_v out_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o not_o only_o the_o notion_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o too_o for_o certain_o do_v man_n understand_v what_o our_o fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n whereby_o our_o communion_n be_v express_v but_o also_o because_o man_n have_v abuse_v it_o to_o great_a irreverence_n and_o familiarity_n with_o god_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o while_o they_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v now_o act_v the_o part_n of_o god_n fellow_n and_o therefore_o may_v talk_v to_o he_o with_o such_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v in_o common_a conversation_n i_o have_v discourse_v these_o thing_n at_o large_a because_o they_o be_v too_o common_o mistake_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n which_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o mistake_v about_o it_o have_v have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o all_o religion_n not_o only_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n but_o to_o debauch_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v this_o that_o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o we_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o regular_a subjection_n to_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n when_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o common_a saviour_n than_o we_o be_v visible_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o member_n to_o their_o head_n and_o when_o this_o profession_n be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a when_o we_o real_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v than_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o spiritual_a too_o a_o visible_a and_o real_a union_n to_o christ_n differ_v as_o a_o visible_a professor_n and_o sincere_a christian_a the_o one_o be_v a_o christian_n only_o in_o show_n the_o other_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o this_o union_n to_o christ_n entitle_v we_o to_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o intercession_n transform_v we_o into_o his_o nature_n and_o likeness_n and_o make_v we_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o delight_v to_o dwell_v all_o this_o may_v be_v understand_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o without_o send_v for_o elias_n to_o unriddle_v it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n sect_n ii_o of_o our_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n i_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n love_v to_o make_v plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o like_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n god_n indeed_o be_v please_v to_o institute_v a_o great_a many_o ceremony_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o very_o obscure_a signification_n in_o the_o jewish_a worship_n to_o awe_v their_o childish_a mind_n into_o a_o great_a veneration_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o may_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o captivate_v our_o affection_n by_o its_o natural_a charm_n and_o beauty_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o to_o render_v it_o obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o yet_o too_o many_o there_o be_v who_o despise_v every_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v and_o think_v nothing_o a_o sufficient_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o what_o contradict_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n i_o may_v give_v you_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o but_o our_o present_a argument_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o many_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o our_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o continue_v so_o have_v not_o some_o man_n undertake_v to_o explain_v it_o who_o have_v now_o make_v it_o more_o than_o mystical_a that_o be_v a_o unintelligible_a union_n though_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o least_o fault_n that_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v for_o as_o they_o have_v
be_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o this_o he_o account_v dung_n and_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n i._n e._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v above_o which_o contain_v a_o more_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n than_o the_o law_n do_v and_o that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n such_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o sincere_a christian_a who_o righteousness_n do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a observance_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o god_n law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n i._n e._n that_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o new_a nature_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o this_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v in_o we_o which_o be_v a_o righteousness_n of_o god_n own_o choose_n which_o he_o command_v and_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v to_o confirm_v all_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v a_o double_a antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o word_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o my_o own_o righteousness_n oppose_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o these_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v be_v a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o internal_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o rise_v again_o with_o christ_n and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o phrase_n be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o change_v our_o nature_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o make_v new_a creature_n hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o new_a covenant_n with_o his_o blood_n be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 3_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o st._n chrysostom_n expound_v it_o that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v design_v to_o work_v in_o they_o but_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n the_o inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o those_o external_a ceremony_n of_o circumcision_n wash_v purification_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o work_v in_o we_o that_o internal_a holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o typical_a and_o figurative_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o place_n be_v expound_v of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o personal_o but_o imputative_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v for_o this_o beside_o that_o they_o will_v expound_v scripture_n so_o which_o no_o man_n can_v help_v for_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n here_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o we_o and_o that_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o he_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v how_o consistent_a such_o a_o interpretation_n be_v with_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o effect_v the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o which_o govern_v our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o for_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v i._n e._n govern_v our_o mind_n and_o passion_n deliver_v we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o our_o lust_n this_o god_n effect_v by_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o those_o great_a promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v imputation_n come_v in_o here_o what_o pretty_a sense_n will_v this_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n the_o law_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a to_o conquer_v their_o love_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n what_o for_o to_o give_v they_o better_a law_n and_o more_o excellent_a promise_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n to_o do_v good_a no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n themselves_o but_o by_o have_v all_o do_v for_o they_o by_o have_v this_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n sure_o to_o abrogate_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o this_o end_n it_o may_v have_v continue_v in_o full_a force_n still_o and_o have_v be_v as_o available_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o supplemental_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v have_v as_o well_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n if_o god_n have_v please_v but_o a_o want_n of_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v the_o sinful_a appetite_n of_o man_n it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sensual_a lust_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o conquer_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v supply_v this_o defect_n not_o by_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n but_o by_o a_o addition_n of_o great_a power_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o fulfil_v the_o external_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o a_o sincere_a and_o spiritual_a obedience_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o rom._n 7._o ver._n 4_o 5_o 6._o wherefore_o my_o brethren_n you_o also_o be_v become_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n by_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n by_o his_o death_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v marry_v to_o another_o even_o to_o he_o who_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n for_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n under_o that_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o
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
than_o the_o repeat_v sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n he_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o dispense_v this_o pardon_n to_o we_o by_o his_o intercession_n he_o seal_v that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n but_o still_o according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v expect_v from_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n from_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v it_o appear_v how_o injurious_a those_o man_n be_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o pretend_v to_o magnify_v it_o who_o attribute_n no_o more_o to_o it_o than_o a_o non-imputation_n of_o sin_n 193._o that_o by_o his_o death_n christ_n bear_v and_o undergo_a the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o we_o pay_v the_o ransom_n that_o be_v due_a for_o we_o deliver_v we_o from_o this_o condition_n the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n and_o whole_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n all_o cause_n of_o quarrel_n and_o rejection_n be_v take_v away_o but_o then_o this_o will_v not_o complete_a our_o acceptation_n the_o old_a quarrel_n may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o yet_o no_o new_a friendship_n begin_v we_o may_v be_v not_o sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o so_o far_o righteous_a as_o to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n only_o make_v we_o innocent_a deliver_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n but_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o doctor_n word_n for_o it_o it_o can_v give_v we_o no_o title_n to_o glory_n this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n but_o you_o see_v the_o scripture_n give_v a_o quite_o different_a account_n of_o it_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v and_o redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n nay_o we_o have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n hebr._n 10._o 19_o which_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n thus_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v admission_n into_o heaven_n itself_o though_o the_o dr._n say_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o innocent_a but_o can_v give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o artificial_a method_n that_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o his_o righteousness_n but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o admission_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o into_o heaven_n itself_o nay_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n too_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 21._o for_o he_o have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v though_o christ_n be_v a_o very_a holy_a person_n yet_o he_o die_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o that_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v for_o our_o sin_n his_o blood_n have_v a_o great_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a to_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o our_o righteousness_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o purchase_v and_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o though_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o persuade_v myself_o that_o this_o whole_o exclude_v the_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o belove_a eph._n 1._o 6._o so_o that_o whatever_o render_v christ_n belove_v of_o god_n do_v contribute_v something_o to_o our_o acceptance_n for_o because_o he_o be_v belove_v we_o be_v accept_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o god_n be_v very_o high_o please_v with_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n we_o know_v how_o many_o blessing_n god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n who_o be_v great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o make_v they_o very_o dear_a to_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n than_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o we_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n when_o abraham_n posterity_n be_v so_o bless_v for_o his_o sake_n but_o then_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n do_v not_o serve_v two_o such_o different_a end_n as_o these_o man_n fancy_n that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n remove_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o righteous_a but_o they_o both_o serve_v the_o same_o end_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o gospel-covenant_n god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o what_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o mankind_n as_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o his_o posterity_n as_o their_o act_n but_o for_o abraham_n sake_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n the_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v his_o sacrifice_n so_o meritorious_a which_o be_v the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o rom._n 5._o 18_o 19_o therefore_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o justification_n of_o life_n for_o as_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n so_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o of_o expound_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obedience_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n or_o his_o active_a obedience_n for_o it_o may_v very_o well_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o death_n notwithstanding_o the_o doctor_n distinction_n that_o do_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o suffer_v be_v another_o for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d phil._n 2._o 8._o and_o his_o offering_n himself_o in_o sacrifice_n be_v call_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n hebr._n 10._o 9_o 10._o and_o whether_o this_o be_v proper_o say_v or_o not_o i_o will_v leave_v the_o doctor_n to_o dispute_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v no_o express_a mention_n make_v of_o any_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n but_o only_o his_o die_n for_o we_o in_o ver._n 8._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o while_o we_o be_v sinner_n in_o ver._n 9_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o 10._o that_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n which_o make_v it_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o by_o his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n here_o the_o apostle_n understand_v his_o death_n and_o suffering_n because_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n but_o yet_o these_o expression_n his_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n seem_v to_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o obedience_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o as_o god_n be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o adam_n sin_n that_o he_o entail_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n itself_o upon_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o sake_n so_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n that_o he_o
he_o prove_v from_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20._o where_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v if_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a vice_n than_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o what_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o who_o have_v escape_v these_o pollution_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o entangle_v again_o in_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o be_v swine_n in_o god_n account_n for_o so_o he_o add_v thou_o may_v live_v a_o blameless_a innocent_a honest_a smooth_a life_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o miserable_a creature_n but_o i_o pray_v say_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o often_o so_o thou_o may_v and_o yet_o never_o be_v save_v isa._n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o great_a purpose_n sure_a when_o they_o be_v offer_v by_o man_n of_o blameless_a innocent_a honest_a smooth_a life_n the_o want_n of_o which_o make_v those_o sacrifice_n abominable_a to_o god_n but_o i_o fast_o sometime_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n und_fw-ge pharisee_n twice_o a_o week_n but_o it_o be_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n which_o be_v not_o the_o fast_o of_o a_o honest_a innocent_a man_n but_o i_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o like_o the_o best_a preacher_n so_o do_v the_o stony_a ground_n who_o hear_a the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o a_o season_n believe_v and_o this_o have_v be_v well_o and_o a_o good_a sign_n of_o grace_n if_o it_o have_v continue_v i_o read_v the_o scripture_n often_o so_o do_v the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v so_o perfect_a in_o the_o bible_n that_o christ_n need_v but_o say_v it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o old_a time_n for_o they_o know_v the_o text_n without_o intimation_n man_n of_o prodigious_a memory_n certain_o better_a than_o any_o concordance_n but_o though_o knave_n may_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o yet_o good_a man_n may_v read_v it_o to_o good_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v read_v the_o scripture_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o a_o man_n be_v a_o hypocrite_n because_o the_o pharisee_n be_v but_o i_o be_o grieve_v and_o be_o sorrowful_a and_o repent_v of_o my_o sin_n so_o do_v judas_n but_o he_o hang_v himself_o and_o that_o indeed_o be_v no_o repentance_n to_o life_n but_o i_o love_v good_a man_n and_o their_o company_n so_o do_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n but_o they_o sleep_v and_o suffer_v their_o lamp_n to_o go_v out_o which_o i_o hope_v all_o that_o love_v good_a man_n do_v not_o but_o god_n have_v give_v i_o much_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o may_v have_v and_o never_o be_v save_v yes_o and_o twenty_o good_a thing_n more_o but_o if_o a_o blameless_a honest_a man_n have_v the_o keep_n of_o this_o knowledge_n it_o be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o he_o but_o i_o keep_v the_o lord_n day_n strict_o so_o do_v the_o jew_n who_o yet_o christ_n condemn_v have_v he_o be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v that_o the_o jew_n keep_v the_o lord_n day_n however_o this_o be_v one_o good_a thing_n which_o do_v well_o in_o the_o company_n of_o more_o though_o it_o will_v not_o justify_v a_o man_n when_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o i_o have_v many_o good_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n these_o thou_o and_o thousand_o may_v have_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o gentle_a humour_n he_o tell_v the_o poor_a doubt_a soul_n that_o desire_n nay_o that_o a_o desire_v only_a to_o desire_v at_o two_o or_o three_o remove_n be_v enough_o but_o many_o do_v duty_n without_o life_n or_o zeal_n i_o be_o zealous_a so_o be_v jehu_n to_o destroy_v the_o worship_n of_o baal_n and_o to_o retain_v jeroboam_n calf_n and_o so_o be_v paul_n while_o a_o pharisee_n in_o persecute_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o universal_a and_o religious_a and_o well-governed_a zeal_n for_o god_n can_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n but_o i_o be_o constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o godly_a course_n so_o do_v the_o young_a man_n all_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n only_o he_o leave_v christ_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o so_o do_v not_o persevere_v but_o some_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o hypocrisy_n but_o i_o do_v all_o with_o a_o good_a heart_n for_o god_n so_o thou_o may_v think_v of_o thyself_o and_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n let_v a_o man_n have_v what_o mark_n he_o will_v the_o objection_n will_v still_o be_v good_a and_o so_o all_o evidence_n signify_v nothing_o for_o after_o all_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o it_o and_o think_v he_o have_v these_o mark_n when_o he_o have_v they_o not_o there_o be_v a_o way_n that_o seem_v right_a to_o a_o man_n but_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v death_n thou_o may_v live_v so_o as_o to_o deceive_v thyself_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o prove_v a_o hypocrite_n as_o if_o because_o some_o man_n may_v think_v themselves_o good_a who_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a way_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o thus_o farewell_n all_o evidence_n but_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v a_o regenerate_a from_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n and_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o may_v be_v do_v thus_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n let_v he_o go_v never_o so_o far_o do_v never_o so_o much_o yet_o he_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o this_o now_o be_v very_o strange_a what_o go_v never_o so_o far_o and_o do_v never_o so_o much_o and_o yet_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o what_o live_v a_o blameless_a innocent_a honest_a smooth_a life_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o suppose_v he_o do_v a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v be_v in_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o pray_v what_o be_v the_o difference_n but_o then_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o so_o carry_v out_o of_o all_o duty_n to_o christ_n that_o be_v if_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v good_a he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n he_o feel_v a_o good_a heart_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o all_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o feel_v not_o a_o want_n of_o all_o good_a which_o be_v true_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n the_o sure_a mark_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v either_o to_o have_v no_o good_a in_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o be_v mistake_v and_o think_v he_o have_v none_o either_o of_o which_o i_o think_v be_v a_o very_a odd_a sign_n of_o grace_n but_o then_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n come_v unto_o christ_n but_o he_o never_o get_v into_o christ_n never_o take_v up_o his_o eternal_a rest_n and_o lodging_n in_o jesus_n christ_n only_o i_o think_v come_v have_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o believe_a will_v have_v do_v the_o business_n and_o if_o so_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v for_o want_v of_o that_o other_o metaphor_n of_o take_v up_o his_o eternal_a rest_n and_o lodging_n in_o christ_n man_n in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n under_o such_o distress_n if_o they_o have_v comfort_n from_o christ_n they_o be_v content_v if_o they_o have_v salvation_n from_o hell_n by_o christ_n they_o be_v content_v and_o i_o think_v they_o have_v some_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v content_v but_o christ_n himself_o that_o be_v without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n content_v they_o not_o now_o to_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n without_o comfort_n and_o without_o salvation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o unreasonable_a man_n now_o be_v not_o these_o man_n do_v you_o think_v great_a friend_n to_o sanctification_n who_o make_v all_o the_o part_n of_o sanctification_n the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n a_o innocent_a &_o blameless_a conversation_n fast_v prayer_n hear_v read_v converse_v with_o good_a man_n zeal_n for_o god_n perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v honest_a and_o sincere_a intention_n in_o all_o we_o do_v no_o more_o than_o the_o mark_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o give_v no_o better_a mark_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n than_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o no_o good_a in_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o have_v none_o or_o
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 hope_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n whereas_o as_o he_o add_v thou_o may_v be_v damn_v and_o go_v to_o the_o devil_n at_o last_o though_o thou_o do_v escape_v all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o not_o from_o thyself_o and_o thy_o own_o own_o strength_n but_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n woe_n to_o you_o for_o ever_o if_o you_o die_v in_o this_o state_n with_o your_o sin_n mortify_v and_o subdue_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o suck_v juice_n from_o he_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o berry_n his_o own_o stock_n of_o grace_n alas_o he_o be_v but_o the_o ivy_n he_o be_v no_o member_n nor_o branch_n in_o this_o tree_n and_o hence_o he_o never_o grow_v to_o be_v one_o with_o christ._n so_o that_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n though_o we_o fetch_v strength_n from_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o will_n we_o may_v only_o grasp_v about_o christ_n all_o this_o while_n as_o the_o ivy_n do_v about_o the_o oak_n but_o never_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o so_o that_o now_o we_o must_v return_v where_o we_o begin_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o external_a evidence_n that_o be_v to_o private_a enthusiasm_n for_o sanctification_n can_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n good_a god_n into_o what_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n do_v these_o man_n lead_v poor_a distress_a soul_n they_o can_v direct_v they_o to_o no_o certain_a way_n of_o get_v into_o christ_n nor_o how_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o now_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v what_o friend_n these_o man_n be_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o all_o agree_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o they_o only_o pretend_v to_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o this_o privilege_n neither_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n it_o may_v prove_v we_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o ivy_n be_v to_o the_o oak_n not_o as_o a_o branch_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o vine_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o will_v justify_v any_o man_n zeal_n against_o such_o opinion_n as_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o gospel_n method_n of_o salvation_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a those_o great_a miracle_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n a_o public_a profession_n of_o this_o faith_n in_o our_o baptism_n make_v we_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o gospel_n make_v a_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o and_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v thus_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o he_o can_v feel_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n as_o he_o can_v know_v what_o he_o love_v and_o hate_v and_o choose_v and_o what_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o revelation_n of_o any_o private_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o assure_v man_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o there_o be_v to_o assure_v they_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v evident_a to_o their_o outward_a or_o inward_a sense_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n concern_v the_o general_a adoption_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o to_o testify_v to_o any_o particular_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o a_o private_a but_o a_o public_a 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