law_n of_o moses_n the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n which_o grow_v more_o boisterous_a and_o unruly_a by_o the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o law_n v_o 8._o do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o death_n i._n e._n do_v betray_v we_o to_o those_o wicked_a action_n which_o end_n in_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o which_o we_o be_v hold_v that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a be_v because_o it_o can_v not_o make_v man_n good_a it_o nurse_v they_o up_o in_o a_o ritual_a and_o external_a religion_n teach_v they_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o letter_n by_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n or_o a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n alone_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o spirit_n to_o offer_v a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n to_o he_o to_o fulfil_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o internal_a righteousness_n of_o which_o those_o legal_a ceremony_n be_v the_o sign_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o a_o impute_a righteousness_n which_o will_v make_v his_o argument_n foolish_a and_o absurd_a and_o therefore_o in_o other_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n since_o we_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o law_n require_v when_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v that_o circumcision_n make_v without_o hand_n in_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n by_o the_o circumcision_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o perfection_n of_o that_o fleshly_a circumcision_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o legal_a wash_n and_o purification_n when_o they_o be_v all_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n thus_o we_o be_v complete_a in_o christ_n who_o have_v perfect_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o institute_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o external_a ceremony_n col._n 2._o ver._n 10_o 11_o 12._o we_o must_v now_o offer_v a_o noble_a sacrifice_n than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n command_v not_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o dead_a beast_n but_o of_o a_o live_n and_o active_a soul_n rom._n 12._o 1._o hence_o christ_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o law_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v for_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4._o that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o righteousness_n of_o we_o which_o the_o law_n do_v only_o typify_v and_o represent_v that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o legal_a righteousness_n for_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o righteousness_n by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n to_o we_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o he_o give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o external_a conformity_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o i._n e._n shall_v enjoy_v all_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o more_o particular_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o last_o and_o great_a confirmation_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n person_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v that_o faith_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o ritual_a righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o this_o account_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o righteousness_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o but_o of_o he_o be_v you_o in_o christ_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n i._n e._n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o this_o to_o we_o he_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o he_o be_v our_o great_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n who_o instruct_v we_o in_o true_a wisdom_n our_o righteousness_n as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o only_a righteousness_n acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o sanctification_n because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a law_n of_o faith_n conquer_v the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o our_o redemption_n as_o by_o these_o mean_v he_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n and_o pedagogie_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n from_o the_o idolatrous_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o just_a merit_n and_o desert_n of_o sin_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o 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 not_o as_o a_o inherent_a and_o personal_a to_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n but_o as_o a_o external_n and_o ritual_a to_o a_o inherent_a real_a and_o substantial_a righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n most_o man_n understand_v a_o internal_a holiness_n the_o conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o all_o moral_a precept_n and_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o then_o conclude_v that_o if_o this_o righteousness_n will_v not_o please_v god_n nothing_o but_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n can_v though_o i_o shall_v rather_o have_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o can_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o work_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o can_v please_v god_n and_o that_o internal_a holiness_n which_o they_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n be_v that_o very_a righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v and_o which_o god_n approve_v and_o reward_n and_o this_o impute_v righteousness_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o apostle_n oppose_v his_o own_o righteousness_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n but_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o for_o the_o apostle_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o his_o own_o righteousness_n he_o mean_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o 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 and_o what_o that_o be_v you_o have_v already_o hear_v thus_o in_o rom._n 10._o 3._o for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n where_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o the_o jew_n so_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a controversy_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o epistle_n whether_o man_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o legal_a or_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o
never_o come_v and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v this_o particular_a call_n suppose_v it_o shall_v suspect_v this_o call_n for_o a_o delusion_n what_o course_n can_v it_o take_v to_o satisfy_v itself_o that_o this_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o a_o enthusiastic_a fancy_n true_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o if_o this_o call_n by_o name_n will_v not_o satisfy_v it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o election_n and_o see_v whether_o its_o name_n be_v enroll_v there_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v call_v must_v come_v and_o therefore_o they_o need_v inquire_v no_o further_o but_o second_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o get_v into_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o the_o other_o as_o the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o come_v to_o christ_n according_a to_o these_o man_n notion_n be_v this_o special_a and_o particular_a call_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o only_a infallible_a assurance_n any_o one_o can_v have_v that_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o all_o but_o suffer_v many_o good_a christian_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o conceal_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v 130._o desirous_a of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v quiet_a if_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o this_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a measure_n but_o suppose_v you_o have_v or_o think_v you_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o can_v you_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o your_o own_o self-flattering_a imagination_n to_o satisfy_v this_o scruple_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o mark_n and_o evidence_n and_o thus_o this_o infallible_a assurance_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o its_o last_o resolve_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o moral_a evidence_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o after_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o cry_v of_o infallibility_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o some_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o to_o dance_v round_o in_o a_o endless_a circle_n well_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o now_o you_o must_v inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v just_a as_o easy_a to_o know_v this_o as_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n but_o be_v you_o true_a believer_n be_v your_o faith_n of_o the_o right_a stamp_n be_v it_o wrought_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a common_a presumptuous_a false_a faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o know_v as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o false_a presumptuous_a faith_n as_o take_v christ_n when_o he_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o rest_v and_o rely_v on_o christ_n only_o for_o pardon_n life_n and_o salvation_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o have_v christ_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a such_o as_o will_v make_v christ_n we_o and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o great_a mark_n of_o sanctification_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v it_o purify_v 65._o your_o heart_n do_v it_o overcome_v the_o world_n do_v it_o work_v by_o love_n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v you_o then_o new_a creature_n be_v the_o state_n of_o your_o person_n change_v from_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n to_o a_o heir_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v or_o be_v your_o nature_n change_v do_v you_o not_o think_v speak_v act_n as_o you_o do_v before_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n do_v you_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n as_o every_o branch_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o do_v that_o be_v you_o must_v prove_v your_o justification_n by_o your_o sanctification_n your_o faith_n by_o your_o work_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o mark_n and_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o good_a christian_n by_o which_o we_o may_v as_o certain_o know_v what_o our_o state_n be_v as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n and_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a it_o be_v no_o worse_o that_o good_a work_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n may_v at_o least_o put_v in_o for_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o holiness_n and_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n a_o holy_a life_n can_v no_o more_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o justify_v state_n than_o it_o can_v justify_v we_o for_o first_o since_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a sign_n of_o it_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v and_o therefore_o a_o unholy_a man_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o how_o then_o can_v holiness_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a mark_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n indeed_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o holiness_n do_v necessary_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n know_v how_o long_o it_o may_v be_v before_o it_o follow_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n such_o a_o person_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n at_o best_a this_o give_v evidence_n but_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n a_o holy_a life_n may_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v no_o certain_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o mark_n may_v be_v reject_v by_o any_o one_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o nay_o second_o according_a to_o these_o man_n principle_n we_o can_v tell_v whether_o we_o be_v holy_a or_o not_o till_o we_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o not_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n must_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o holiness_n not_o our_o holiness_n a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o please_v god_n the_o best_a action_n of_o christless_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la glitter_v impiety_n which_o may_v appear_v so_o fair_a and_o lovely_a that_o they_o may_v deceive_v both_o other_o man_n and_o themselves_o for_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o be_v odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n because_o the_o person_n who_o do_v they_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n our_o person_n must_v be_v first_o accept_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o our_o service_n we_o can_v judge_v of_o holiness_n by_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o any_o duty_n nor_o by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o must_v first_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n whether_o our_o person_n be_v accept_v in_o he_o before_o we_o can_v tell_v whether_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o holiness_n can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n because_o we_o must_v first_o know_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o three_o at_o other_o time_n these_o man_n make_v the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o like_o a_o unsanctified_a state_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v a_o sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a man_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n holiness_n and_o sanctification_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a evidence_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o another_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o evident_a itself_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v under_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o it_o and_o a_o regenerate_a man_n as_o they_o describe_v he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n as_o like_v this_o as_o one_o egg_n be_v like_o another_o for_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v
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 testimony_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o to_o speak_v language_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v and_o to_o prophesy_v be_v a_o plain_a argument_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o god_n now_o own_v the_o christian_n not_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o choose_a and_o elect_a people_n for_o his_o son_n and_o child_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a dispute_n of_o those_o day_n whether_o jew_n or_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n whether_o god_n now_o own_v the_o jewish_a or_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n decide_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o god_n can_v not_o give_v a_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o he_o own_v they_o for_o his_o son_n when_o he_o bestow_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n on_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v gal._n 3._o 2._o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v do_v god_n bestow_v his_o spirit_n on_o you_o while_o you_o be_v jew_n or_o upon_o your_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n for_o if_o god_n bestow_v his_o spirit_n only_o on_o christian_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a seal_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n that_o be_v whether_o he_o hearty_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o herein_o consist_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o let_v we_o then_o leave_v those_o other_o dim_a notion_n to_o man_n 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 mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a love_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n christ_n love_n to_o believer_n and_o the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n first_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o just_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a example_n of_o goodness_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a expression_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o die_v for_o we_o he_o be_v that_o good_a shepherd_n who_o give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n john_n 10._o 11._o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v we_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n than_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o mention_v the_o great_a
primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian._n thus_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o head_n but_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n as_o a_o husband_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o wife_n eph._n 5._o 23_o 24._o no_o particular_a christian_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o member_n in_o this_o body_n christ_n be_v call_v a_o husband_n but_o then_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v his_o spouse_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2._o for_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ._n christ_n be_v a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v his_o flock_n john_n 10._o for_o the_o relation_n between_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o whole_a flock_n christ_n be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o holy_a temple_n so_o that_o all_o these_o metaphor_n in_o their_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a use_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n second_o i_o observe_v further_o that_o ii_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 the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a the_o church_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o lively_a stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n the_o church_n be_v christ_n flock_n and_o every_o christian_a who_o be_v of_o this_o fold_n be_v one_o of_o christ_n sheep_n the_o church_n be_v christ_n spouse_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n which_o christ_n own_v for_o his_o spouse_n but_o every_o christian_a be_v not_o christ_n spouse_n he_o be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o polygamy_n and_o have_v but_o one_o spouse_n as_o he_o have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n which_o quite_o spoil_v the_o prettiness_n and_o fantastical_a wit_n of_o a_o late_a exhortation_n to_o young_a woman_n to_o choose_v christ_n for_o their_o husband_n because_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o beautiful_a vincent_n and_o kind_a and_o have_v all_o the_o property_n of_o a_o excellent_a husband_n which_o will_v have_v sound_v much_o better_o in_o a_o popish_a nunnery_n than_o among_o such_o pretender_n to_o reformation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a art_n whereby_o those_o cunning_a priest_n wheadle_n silly_a girl_n into_o a_o profession_n of_o perpetual_a virginity_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o their_o due_a the_o papist_n be_v the_o most_o generous_a sort_n of_o suitor_n for_o christ_n for_o they_o persuade_v they_o to_o forsake_v all_o other_o husband_n for_o christ_n which_o be_v more_o honourable_a and_o meritorious_a thus_o to_o proceed_v christ_n be_v call_v the_o vine_n and_o christian_n the_o branch_n in_o that_o vine_n john_n 15._o which_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o what_o go_v before_o where_o christ_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n ay_o signify_v christ_n together_o with_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o church_n be_v elsewhere_o call_v christ_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o and_o my_o reason_n for_o this_o exposition_n be_v these_o first_o because_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n compare_v to_o a_o vine_n isaiah_n 5._o jer._n 2._o 21._o hosea_n 10._o 1._o now_o a_o vine_n be_v the_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o church_n use_v to_o be_v describe_v we_o can_v reasonable_o understand_v it_o otherwise_o here_o i_o be_o the_o true_a vine_n that_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n which_o god_n now_o own_v he_o have_v reject_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n as_o prove_v a_o degenerate_a vine_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o christ_n himself_o apply_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n math._n 21._o 33._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v a_o olive_n tree_n 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 which_o be_v a_o new_a piece_n of_o philosophy_n call_v penetration_n of_o dimension_n and_o that_o our_o fruitfulness_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o a_o union_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o hard_a to_o my_o understanding_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o by_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o we_o understand_v the_o christian_a church_n he_o who_o make_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o continues_z in_o society_n with_o those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o by_o i_o in_o he_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n both_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o sense_n be_v this_o that_o church_n which_o own_v my_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a vine_n and_o all_o you_o who_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o of_o a_o belief_n of_o my_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o branch_n in_o this_o vine_n and_o whoever_o of_o you_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o 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
gospel_n prescribe_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o parable_n of_o christ_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o righteousness_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n now_o faith_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v often_o use_v objective_o for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o contain_v those_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v thus_o in_o act_n 24._o 24._o felix_n send_v for_o paul_n and_o hear_v he_o concern_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v concern_v righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v ver._n 25._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 1._o 5._o in_o this_o sense_n faith_n and_o work_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o other_o the_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v whether_o we_o must_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o external_a conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n or_o that_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v which_o transform_v our_o mind_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o this_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o alone_a can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n the_o apostle_n prove_v from_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o 4._o chapter_n who_o be_v account_v righteous_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o god_n promise_n abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n ver._n 3._o and_o this_o while_o he_o be_v uncricumcise_v which_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n against_o the_o jew_n that_o circumcision_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justification_n because_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o justification_n be_v justify_v without_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o this_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v now_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v whereby_o abraham_n be_v justify_v and_o what_o agreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ._n for_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o material_a object_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a john_n 8_o 5_o 6._o but_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v in_o christ_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o his_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v more_o present_o there_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a argument_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o preconceive_a opinion_n than_o to_o observe_v what_o work_n they_o make_v with_o abraham_n faith_n as_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n be_v a_o fiducial_a reliance_n and_o recumbency_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n upon_o which_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o suppose_v this_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o abraham_n shall_v learn_v this_o great_a mystery_n from_o that_o general_a and_o obscure_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v ever_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n concern_v christ_n this_o be_v such_o a_o train_n of_o thought_n from_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v to_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n himself_o can_v never_o have_v hit_v on_o for_o be_v there_o no_o possible_a way_n for_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n or_o be_v there_o such_o a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o this_o blessing_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n that_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o pray_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n abraham_n must_v distinct_o know_v according_a to_o these_o man_n own_o principle_n before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a man_n indeed_o who_o can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n without_o some_o more_o particular_a revelation_n as_o first_o he_o must_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o blessing_n here_o mean_v be_v spiritual_a blessing_n pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o saviour_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o least_o difficulty_n of_o all_o yet_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o man_n may_v mistake_v it_o and_o so_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n for_o many_o age_n do_v who_o have_v more_o particular_a promise_n concern_v christ_n than_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o expect_v only_o a_o temporal_a prince_n who_o shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o subdue_v their_o enemy_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o so_o much_o deceive_v their_o expectation_n by_o his_o mean_a appearance_n and_o second_o abraham_n must_v know_v too_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o which_o according_a to_o the_o doctor_n it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n consider_v the_o naturalness_n of_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n themselves_o understand_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n though_o christ_n have_v express_o tell_v they_o of_o it_o and_o three_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o that_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o nay_o four_o he_o must_v understand_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o expiation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o righteousness_n since_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v never_o expiate_v sin_n nor_o his_o righteousness_n serve_v any_o more_o than_o himself_o and_o five_o he_o must_v understand_v also_o that_o intimate_a oneness_n and_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o union_n believer_n may_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o all_o that_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v which_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n as_o these_o man_n explain_v it_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v to_o this_o day_n and_o sixthly_a he_o must_v understand_v too_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n of_o roll_a the_o soul_n on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o renounce_v all_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o and_o then_o possible_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n understand_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o abraham_n can_v learn_v all_o this_o from_o that_o general_a promise_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v may_v believe_v what_o he_o will_v and_o
i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v trouble_v himself_o to_o confute_v he_o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n be_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n of_o it_o in_o hebr._n 11._o that_o he_o discourse_v there_o of_o a_o justify_v faith_n that_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o render_v man_n approve_v of_o god_n &_o which_o he_o will_v count_v for_o righteousness_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o the_o 2._o verse_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o this_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n i._n e._n the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v approve_v and_o reward_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o faith_n as_o he_o show_v particular_o that_o abel_n obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a v_o 4._o that_o enoch_n have_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n v_o 5._o that_o noah_n become_v the_o heir_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n v_o 7._o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o justify_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o firm_a and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thâ—se_a thing_n we_o hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o be_v faith_n be_v such_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n as_o make_v we_o confident_o hope_v for_o they_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v unseen_a thing_n as_o the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n something_o pass_v or_o to_o come_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o final_a dissolution_n of_o it_o or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o promise_n and_o prediction_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o such_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o these_o unseen_a thing_n as_o produce_v some_o answerable_a effect_n in_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n and_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o faith_n result_v from_o the_o different_a object_n and_o motive_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o kind_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n make_v a_o three_o which_o be_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o first_o we_o may_v call_v a_o natural_a faith_n i._n e._n a_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o natural_a demonstration_n or_o moral_a argument_n as_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n whereby_o they_o please_v god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n and_o enoch_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n because_o they_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o please_v god_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v sincere_o religious_a or_o to_o do_v any_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o god_n require_v no_o more_o of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v no_o other_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n second_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o many_o example_n in_o this_o chapter_n thus_o noah_n believe_v god_n when_o he_o forewarn_v he_o of_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o provide_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o this_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n he_o become_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o father_n house_n and_o go_v into_o a_o strange_a land_n thus_o sarah_n by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v thus_o abraham_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n which_o be_v as_o heroical_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v ever_o do_v by_o man_n for_o beside_o that_o great_a and_o passionate_a kindness_n he_o have_v for_o his_o only_a son_n which_o make_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n this_o command_n of_o offer_v his_o son_n seem_v to_o thwart_v that_o former_a promise_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v i._n e._n that_o from_o isaac_n shall_v proceed_v that_o numerous_a offspring_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o abraham_n which_o be_v not_o very_o likely_a when_o this_o very_a isaac_n must_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n and_o die_v without_o leave_v any_o child_n to_o succeed_v he_o but_o yet_o abraham_n be_v so_o well_o assure_v both_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o whatever_o impossibility_n humane_a reason_n suggest_v he_o will_v neither_o disobey_v god_n command_n nor_o distrust_v his_o promise_n but_o do_v believe_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n and_o moses_n etc._n etc._n who_o firm_o believe_v all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o and_o confident_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v this_o be_v that_o faith_n whereby_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o those_o day_n be_v justify_v viz._n such_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a revelation_n god_n make_v to_o they_o as_o make_v they_o careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v three_o what_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v now_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o righteousness_n as_o abraham_n faith_n be_v to_o he_o for_o to_o make_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n answer_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o all_o good_a man_n in_o former_a age_n without_o which_o the_o apostle_n argument_n from_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n to_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o force_n our_o faith_n in_o christ_n must_v signify_v such_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n as_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v those_o revelation_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o we_o for_o if_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n you_o understand_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o you_o utter_o destroy_v the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o our_o justification_n by_o faith_n for_o abraham_n and_o all_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a be_v not_o justify_v by_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v be_v account_v a_o righteous_a person_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v drown_v and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n at_o god_n command_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n because_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n and_o follow_v god_n into_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o son_n and_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n when_o he_o and_o his_o wife_n be_v so_o old_a that_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o child_n and_o when_o sarah_n by_o faith_n have_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o this_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o offer_v this_o son_n at_o god_n command_n without_o distrust_v the_o performance_n of_o the_o promise_n now_o what_o have_v all_o this_o to_o do_v with_o a_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n how_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a act_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o roll_a our_o soul_n on_o
christ_n for_o salvation_n these_o two_o faith_n be_v of_o as_o different_a kind_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reason_v from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o st._n paul_n certain_o understand_v himself_o better_a than_o to_o argue_v at_o this_o weak_a rate_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v this_o discourse_n to_o a_o head_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o that_o abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v count_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n abraham_n believe_v those_o revelation_n god_n make_v to_o he_o either_o immediate_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n we_o believe_v all_o those_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o son_n for_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 unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n hebr._n 1._o 1._o so_o that_o the_o first_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n which_o necessary_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o in_o john_n 20._o 31._o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v describe_v by_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 5._o 5._o who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n with_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v the_o new_a covenant_n so_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v found_v on_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o angel_n but_o a_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n abraham_n have_v only_o some_o particular_a revelation_n as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o now_o christ_n have_v make_v a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o christian_a faith_n excel_v all_o other_o kind_n of_o faith_n as_o much_o as_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n excel_v all_o other_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o other_o good_a man_n but_o still_o the_o end_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o abraham_n be_v without_o which_o no_o faith_n can_v justify_v and_o the_o same_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o general_a notion_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o those_o worthy_n of_o old_a and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 3._o 22._o and_o that_o righteousness_n 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 phil._n 3._o 9_o the_o first_o signify_v that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o those_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sincere_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o use_v of_o these_o phrase_n and_o of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v unintelligible_a in_o any_o other_o way_n that_o can_v man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o plain_a sense_n it_o will_v need_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o naked_a and_o simple_a truth_n but_o not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o a_o good_a cause_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v by_o these_o man_n to_o set_v up_o the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o can_v make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n i_o shall_v begin_v and_o end_v with_o that_o famous_a place_n phil._n 3._o 8_o 9_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o will_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o material_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v account_n they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ_n and_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o 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 by_o my_o own_o righteousness_n these_o man_n understand_v inherent_a righteousness_n whatever_o good_a st._n paul_n have_v do_v either_o while_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o after_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n this_o he_o reject_v and_o therefore_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o impute_a righteousness_n the_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n and_o impute_v to_o we_o this_o be_v fair_o offer_v but_o what_o proof_n have_v they_o for_o it_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v learn_v only_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o my_o righteousness_n signify_v inherent_a righteousness_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n impute_a righteousness_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v they_o need_v not_o signify_v so_o my_o own_o righteousness_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o in_o which_o he_o place_v his_o righteousness_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o understand_v this_o of_o inherent_a holiness_n a_o external_a righteousness_n serve_v most_o man_n turn_n very_o well_o and_o this_o be_v the_o righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o pharisee_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi expect_v to_o be_v justify_v for_o what_o his_o righteousness_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o ver._n 6_o 7._o circumcise_a the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n a_o hebrew_n of_o the_o hebrew_n as_o touch_v the_o law_n a_o pharisee_n who_o be_v mighty_a strict_a and_o punctual_a in_o observe_v all_o external_a ceremony_n and_o he_o express_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o persecute_v the_o christian_a church_n and_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a which_o last_o phrase_n touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n blameless_a signify_v only_o a_o external_a blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n as_o mr._n calvin_n himself_o acknowledge_v for_o this_o be_v the_o pharisee_n notion_n even_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o do_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o trypho_n the_o jew_n in_o justin_n martyr_n quarrel_n with_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o it_o require_v the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o blamelessness_n here_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n do_v perfect_o observe_v the_o moral_a law_n be_v blameless_a before_o god_n as_o well_o as_o before_o man_n which_o i_o suppose_v those_o who_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v god_n law_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o so_o that_o my_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o far_o from_o signify_v a_o inherent_a righteousness_n a_o inward_a and_o vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o it_o signify_v only_o a_o external_a righteousness_n which_o consist_v in_o some_o external_a rite_n as_o circumcision_n and_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n or_o external_a privilege_n as_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o stock_n of_o israel_n or_o a_o external_a civility_n and_o blamelessness_n of_o conversation_n and_o this_o righteousness_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o reject_v because_o god_n will_v reject_v it_o this_o
faith_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o grace_n nay_o by_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 10._o 3._o all_o which_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o faith_n or_o faith_n in_o christ_n signify_v such_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o bring_v forth_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n express_o so_o call_v in_o tit._n 2._o 11._o as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o his_o death_n and_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o messiah_n and_o prophet_n who_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o include_v a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a do_v the_o same_o because_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v the_o last_o and_o great_a confirmation_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o religion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n because_o they_o consider_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n itself_o be_v procure_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n thus_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v sometime_o afar_o off_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v nigh_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o jew_n be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o one_o body_n by_o the_o cross_n eph._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o that_o be_v the_o gentile_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n unite_v in_o one_o body_n or_o society_n now_o this_o union_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o take_v away_o all_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o separation_n and_o give_v they_o both_o a_o equal_a right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n do_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n but_o this_o new_a covenant_n belong_v to_o all_o mankind_n to_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n there_o be_v now_o no_o distinction_n of_o person_n neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n or_o nation_n under_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o the_o more_o or_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o greek_a but_o the_o only_a thing_n of_o any_o value_n now_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indifferent_o offer_v to_o all_o now_o this_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n because_o thereby_o christ_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n and_o seal_v this_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o mankind_n as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n that_o christ_n have_v abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n by_o his_o death_n he_o come_v and_o preach_v peace_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n to_o they_o who_o be_v afar_o off_o to_o the_o gentile_a world_n and_o to_o they_o who_o be_v nigh_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n that_o be_v he_o abrogate_a the_o moysaicall_a law_n that_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n which_o keep_v the_o uncircumcised_a gentile_n though_o proselyte_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o god_n as_o confine_v their_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o in_o that_o phrase_n they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o now_o by_o the_o gospel_n he_o admit_v the_o gentile_n to_o as_o near_o a_o approach_n to_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o add_v for_o through_o he_o we_o both_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n to_o the_o father_n ver._n 18._o thus_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o accurse_a death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n gal._n 3._o 13._o because_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o legal_a dispensation_n and_o seal_v a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o gentile_n be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n that_o be_v from_o those_o idolatrous_a and_o impure_a practice_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o not_o with_o corruptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o 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 1._o pet._n 1._o 18_o 19_o now_o the_o gentile_n be_v deliver_v from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v their_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n because_o we_o owe_v this_o unspeakable_a blessing_n to_o his_o death_n who_o have_v abolish_v in_o his_o flesh_n by_o his_o death_n the_o enmity_n even_o the_o law_n of_o commandment_n etc._n etc._n come_v and_o preach_v peace_n to_o you_o which_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v nigh_o now_o as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o present_v his_o blood_n to_o god_n in_o that_o true_a holy_a place_n do_v answer_v to_o the_o first_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n under_o the_o law_n which_o confirm_v the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o hebr._n 9_o so_o his_o continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n once_o shed_v and_o once_o offer_v to_o god_n answer_v to_o those_o frequent_a expiation_n by_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n especial_o to_o that_o general_a sacrifice_n on_o the_o great_a day_n of_o expiation_n when_o the_o high_a priest_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o legal_a sacrifice_n be_v so_o often_o repeat_v be_v because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o typical_a but_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o can_v not_o take_v away_o sin_n but_o christ_n by_o one_o offering_n have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v hebr._n 10._o 14._o he_o have_v make_v a_o perfect_a expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n by_o die_v once_o and_o have_v seal_v the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o they_o who_o be_v sanctify_v and_o where_o remission_n be_v there_o be_v no_o more_o offering_n for_o sin_n ver._n 18_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n as_o once_o for_o all_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n make_v all_o other_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n needless_a and_o then_o the_o high_a priest_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n do_v continue_v there_o to_o intercede_v for_o the_o people_n but_o come_v out_o of_o that_o holy_a place_n and_o can_v not_o return_v thither_o again_o without_o a_o new_a sacrifice_n but_o this_o man_n after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o ever_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n hebr._n 10._o 12._o and_o because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n wherefore_o he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o hebr._n 7._o 24_o 25._o so_o that_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n expiate_v our_o sin_n and_o confirm_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o there_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o perpetual_o intercede_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n once_o offer_v which_o be_v of_o infinite_a more_o value_n
god_n to_o damn_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v content_o submit_v himself_o to_o god_n to_o be_v damn_v or_o save_v as_o he_o please_v and_o now_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o empty_a and_o hollow_a be_v fit_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o it_o and_o be_v grow_v careless_a of_o its_o salvation_n and_o indifferent_a whether_o it_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a thus_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n without_o be_v indifferent_a in_o some_o measure_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n for_o mercy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o bring_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o this_o and_o i_o find_v by_o this_o author_n that_o god_n be_v very_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o thus_o to_o humble_v the_o soul_n 128._o for_o he_o be_v force_v to_o irritate_fw-la and_o stir_v up_o original_a corruption_n to_o stir_v the_o dunghill_n a_o very_a unfit_a office_n for_o a_o holy_a be_v that_o so_o man_n find_v themselves_o sensible_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o every_o day_n may_v despair_v of_o grow_v better_a and_o leave_v off_o such_o vain_a attempt_n and_o set_v down_o humble_a under_o god_n nay_o the_o lord_n load_v and_o tire_n and_o weary_v the_o soul_n by_o its_o own_o endeavour_n till_o it_o can_v stir_v no_o more_o that_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n labour_v with_o all_o its_o might_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v encourage_v and_o assist_v all_o such_o pious_a endeavour_n withdraw_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v the_o soul_n will_v rest_v therein_o without_o christ_n 130._o now_o i_o confess_v i_o know_v not_o who_o suffer_v most_o by_o this_o the_o sinner_n who_o be_v thus_o humble_v and_o break_v or_o god_n who_o thus_o humble_v he_o for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o use_v such_o method_n of_o humiliation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o proud_a heart_n of_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o humiliation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n for_o one_o great_a end_n of_o humiliation_n be_v to_o cure_v man_n of_o such_o carnal_a conceit_n as_o to_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o repent_v and_o reform_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a disposition_n towards_o our_o receive_n christ_n and_o close_v with_o he_o for_o now_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o humble_v it_o be_v time_n it_o shall_v go_v to_o christ_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o soul_n be_v so_o wound_v and_o humble_v now_o that_o they_o 152._o lie_v dead_a at_o god_n foot_n and_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o believe_v as_o they_o be_v to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o now_o the_o lord_n take_v they_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n that_o they_o may_v lean_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o belove_a by_o faith_n now_o the_o form_n and_o essence_n 173_o of_o faith_n this_o unite_n grace_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o christ_n faith_n do_v nothing_o for_o life_n for_o that_o be_v the_o law_n of_o work_n it_o only_o receive_v he_o who_o have_v do_v all_o for_o it_o it_o come_v out_o of_o all_o it_o have_v or_o do_v unto_o christ_n for_o life_n the_o soul_n by_o sin_n be_v avert_v from_o god_n and_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o god_n the_o turn_n and_o come_v of_o the_o soul_n not_o unto_o duty_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o be_v obedience_n proper_o but_o unto_o god_n in_o christ_n again_o be_v proper_o and_o formal_o faith_n so_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o drink_v in_o of_o christ_n fullness_n be_v believe_v in_o christ._n but_o then_o faith_n be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o see_v christ_n and_o the_o 185._o heart_n so_o embrace_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n as_o that_o it_o rest_v in_o christ_n as_o in_o its_o portion_n and_o all-sufficient_a good_a this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o faith_n you_o see_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o obedience_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o christ_n but_o it_o perfect_v this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n while_o they_o be_v as_o ugly_a and_o deform_v and_o vicious_a as_o may_v be_v very_o unfit_a person_n methinks_v to_o become_v the_o member_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o head_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v any_o consider_a man_n how_o false_a this_o notion_n be_v of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n according_a to_o which_o wicked_a man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o scripture_n place_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o therefore_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v not_o only_o follow_v our_o union_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o must_v at_o least_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o it_o because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ._n a_o visible_a profession_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o this_o make_v we_o visible_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o a_o external_a communion_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o real_a and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o sincere_o obey_v he_o till_o our_o mind_n be_v transform_v into_o his_o image_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o our_o attainment_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o include_v a_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a because_o this_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o as_o the_o branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o joh._n 15._o 4._o but_o then_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n this_o make_v we_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n as_o he_o add_v in_o vers._n 8._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o purpose_n to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o beginner_n but_o this_o do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a title_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o we_o actual_o obey_v it_o but_o when_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o faith_n we_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o improve_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o make_v we_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n indeed_o and_o heir_n of_o glory_n christ_n receive_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v good_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o vow_n and_o this_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o his_o holiness_n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o our_o saviour_n nor_o a_o great_a contradiction_n to_o his_o gospel_n than_o to_o affirm_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o pardon_n and_o righteousness_n and_o eternal_a life_n st._n john_n i_o be_o sure_a understand_v not_o this_o doctrine_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_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 live_v in_o any_o sin_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 1_o joh._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o this_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o destroy_v the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a and_o so_o thrust_v holiness_n quite_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
to_o be_v like_o our_o saviour_n and_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o love_n be_v a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n whatever_o danger_n and_o misery_n it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o in_o this_o world_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n but_o perfect_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o when_o we_o can_v hate_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n brethren_n and_o sister_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o sacrifice_v our_o life_n also_o for_o he_o rather_o than_o abjure_v his_o gospel_n or_o violate_v his_o law_n these_o be_v the_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v summary_o comprehend_v in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o to_o be_v a_o true_a lover_n of_o christ_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a one_o who_o diligent_o obey_v all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n which_o deserve_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o i_o be_o now_o hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o large_a explication_n our_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o such_o a_o subtle_a airy_a and_o metaphysical_a notion_n as_o some_o man_n represent_v it_o to_o be_v but_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o mistake_v there_o be_v none_o more_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n because_o this_o be_v a_o practical_a error_n which_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o one_o mistake_v in_o the_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o a_o great_a many_o false_a opinion_n which_o end_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o mistake_v some_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ._n and_o first_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o person_n without_o consider_v any_o qualification_n in_o we_o which_o may_v make_v we_o fit_a object_n of_o his_o love_n so_o in_o requital_n to_o he_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ._n this_o i_o confess_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n that_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n for_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v christ_n himself_o and_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o must_v love_v he_o and_o if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o the_o dispute_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n now_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n to_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o his_o benefit_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o advantage_n we_o do_v or_o may_v receive_v from_o christ_n what_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v or_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v love_v his_o person_n pure_o for_o himself_o without_o any_o other_o consideration_n to_o endear_v he_o to_o we_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o grave_o state_v and_o determine_v by_o *_o w._n b._n who_o tell_v we_o 15._o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a thing_n to_o love_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n that_o gratitude_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v account_v a_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n be_v now_o own_a to_o be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n 2._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v christ_n person_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n draw_v out_o with_o love_n to_o the_o very_a person_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v so_o certain_o true_a that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o love_n christ_n for_o his_o benefit_n love_v his_o person_n but_o 3._o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o christ_n crucify_v 4._o though_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n yet_o the_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n yet_o to_o love_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a thing_n to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o have_v my_o heart_n draw_v out_o in_o love_n to_o he_o for_o his_o benefit_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v he_o for_o no_o reason_n the_o proper_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o love_n be_v goodness_n to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v as_o foolish_a and_o impossible_a a_o task_n to_o love_v a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v good_a to_o we_o not_o because_o he_o have_v be_v good_a but_o for_o no_o reason_n now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o if_o you_o separate_v the_o person_n and_o personal_n excellency_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o benefit_n his_o personal_a goodness_n from_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o can_v be_v no_o object_n nor_o reason_n of_o our_o love_n for_o a_o goodness_n which_o do_v no_o good_a or_o never_o do_v any_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v consider_v as_o do_v none_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o that_o goodness_n mean_v which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a god_n challenge_v our_o love_n not_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o imaginary_a goodness_n of_o nature_n which_o never_o do_v any_o good_a but_o for_o the_o real_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o christ_n himself_o challenge_v our_o love_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n because_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o now_o intercede_v for_o we_o and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n bestow_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n on_o we_o but_o never_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v require_v such_o a_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a love_n to_o his_o person_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o his_o benefit_n indeed_o these_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o understand_v themselves_o when_o they_o oppose_v our_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o love_n to_o he_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o benefit_n for_o when_o you_o inquire_v what_o this_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n than_o they_o describe_v his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o disposition_n his_o great_a riches_n that_o he_o be_v a_o good_a suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n that_o in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v whatever_o we_o need_v if_o you_o be_v poor_a he_o be_v rich_a if_o you_o be_v foolish_a he_o be_v wise_a if_o you_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o way_n say_v he_o if_o you_o want_v a_o director_n in_o the_o way_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a i_o be_o light_a if_o you_o be_v wicked_a and_o sinful_a he_o be_v righteousness_n the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n now_o either_o all_o this_o signify_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o christ_n or_o it_o signify_v nothing_o and_o how_o then_o do_v these_o personal_a excellency_n of_o christ_n differ_v from_o his_o benefit_n nay_o when_o they_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o love_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n they_o ibid._n bid_v we_o behold_v how_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o our_o person_n how_o many_o impediment_n his_o love_n have_v break_v through_o how_o free_a it_o be_v so_o free_a that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o love_n to_o we_o neither_o likeness_n benefit_n nor_o love_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v christ_n much_o if_o we_o will_v love_v his_o person_n in_o any_o good_a thing_n you_o have_v
argument_n that_o sin_n be_v his_o master_n which_o rule_v and_o govern_v especial_o if_o this_o be_v often_o and_o such_o a_o man_n sure_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n freeman_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o fail_v three_o when_o sin_n carry_v it_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v against_o all_o external_a discouragement_n all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n the_o death_n suffering_n agony_n wound_n blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o reproof_n of_o the_o word_n minister_n christian_n his_o own_o resolution_n vow_n promise_n purpose_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v when_o sin_n carry_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o external_a opposition_n only_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n but_o when_o it_o carry_v it_o both_o against_o external_a and_o internal_a opposition_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n for_o a_o regenerate_a man_n have_v the_o same_o external_a opposition_n to_o preserve_v he_o from_o sin_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v and_o beside_o these_o he_o have_v the_o internal_a opposition_n the_o check_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o say_v the_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v not_o and_o four_a when_o it_o be_v sin_v and_o no_o sense_n of_o sin_n no_o after_o repentance_n for_o it_o than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n now_o what_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o who_o do_v not_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o complain_v of_o they_o and_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v large_a confession_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o return_v to_o they_o again_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o express_v some_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o call_v repentance_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o pretend_v thus_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v never_o the_o better_a man_n for_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v there_o any_o such_o who_o sin_n without_o any_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o will_v be_v much_o better_a than_o these_o regenerate_a man_n who_o feel_v the_o gripe_n of_o their_o conscience_n for_o sin_n and_o yet_o return_v to_o it_o the_o result_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o choose_v between_o the_o regenerate_a and_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n only_o as_o they_o order_v the_o matter_n the_o regenerate_a man_n have_v the_o better_a name_n but_o be_v the_o worse_a man_n that_o if_o we_o come_v to_o external_a evidence_n the_o regenerate_a man_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v some_o little_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v and_o be_v not_o sanctification_n a_o excellent_a mark_n now_o of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n when_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v be_v full_a as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o the_o unregenerate_a indeed_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o consider_v how_o little_a a_o matter_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o evidence_n of_o grace_n after_o all_o their_o talk_n of_o sanctification_n when_o they_o come_v to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o distress_a conscience_n 192._o oh_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o find_v sin_n prevail_v and_o how_o can_v i_o be_v comfort_v not_o by_o the_o mark_n of_o sanctification_n sure_a answ._n i_o will_v subdue_v your_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v your_o sin_n into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n obj._n but_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v busy_a with_o i_o wherever_o i_o go_v answ._n god_n have_v say_v it_o i_o will_v tread_v down_o satan_n under_o your_o foot_n obj._n but_o i_o can_v go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o fetch_v comfort_n comfort_n what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v with_o comfort_n get_v quit_v of_o thy_o sin_n first_o and_o then_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o comfort_n answ._n though_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o desire_n but_o i_o doubt_v the_o soul_n that_o can_v pray_v can_v believe_v neither_o obj._n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o shall_v fall_v away_o from_o god_n afraid_a of_o it_o thou_o be_v fall_v away_o from_o god_n already_o if_o sin_n prevail_v so_o much_o for_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a apostasy_n from_o god_n answ._n none_o can_v pluck_v thou_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n neither_o sin_n nor_o the_o devil_n but_o how_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n hand_n yet_o sin_n i_o doubt_v may_v keep_v they_o out_o and_o if_o god_n cut_v off_o barren_a branch_n from_o this_o spiritual_a vine_n there_o be_v some_o danger_n that_o putrid_a and_o rot_a branch_n will_v not_o escape_v and_o god_n have_v say_v i_o have_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o thou_o that_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a obj._n this_o be_v good_a news_n have_v i_o a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n but_o alas_o i_o can_v believe_v and_o take_v a_o naked_a promise_n answ._n do_v thou_o desire_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v christ_n and_o say_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a christ_n and_o heaven_n shall_v be_v separate_v i_o will_v rather_o desire_v christ_n without_o heaven_n than_o heaven_n without_o christ._n obj._n but_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n and_o i_o can_v say_v i_o true_o desire_v christ_n on_o such_o term_n as_o i_o shall_v this_o say_v be_v the_o best_a sign_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o yet_o for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n he_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n who_o will_v not_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o say_v he_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a odd_a proposal_n in_o order_n to_o comfort_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o he_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v with_o christ_n before_o he_o must_v take_v comfort_n in_o hope_n of_o be_v save_v by_o he_o answ._n but_o be_v it_o the_o grief_n of_o thy_o heart_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o deny_v thyself_o and_o desire_v thou_o rather_o than_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n to_o close_o with_o christ_n upon_o any_o term_n obj._n alas_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v grieve_v as_o i_o ought_v that_o i_o rather_o find_v a_o heart_n that_o will_v not_o grieve_v and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n certain_o they_o be_v at_o cross_a purpose_n their_o objection_n and_o answer_n do_v so_o ill_o agree_v what_o be_v matter_n for_o mourning_n for_o sin_n man_n can_v thou_o desire_v to_o have_v christ_n upon_o any_o term_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v damn_v with_o he_o answ._n have_v thou_o any_o will_n to_o it_o mark_v the_o place_n and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o not_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n shall_v have_v he_o but_o be_v thou_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o thy_o sin_n but_o the_o poor_a soul_n say_v again_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v never_o do_v this_o but_o be_v thou_o willing_a that_o christ_n shall_v make_v thou_o willing_a against_o thy_o will_n and_o pitch_v thou_o upon_o a_o promise_n and_o hold_v thou_o there_o for_o shame_n poor_a soul_n refuse_v not_o this_o than_o comfort_n thyself_o thou_o have_v a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n thus_o this_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n be_v dwindle_a away_o into_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v willing_a nay_o into_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v make_v willing_a and_o he_o be_v a_o strange_a man_n who_o can_v go_v so_o far_o but_o then_o four_a i_o observe_v further_o that_o when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v down_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o presume_v too_o soon_o that_o their_o condition_n be_v good_a they_o do_v so_o magnify_v the_o attainment_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o shall_v never_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o sanctify_a man_n to_o do_v more_o than_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v do_v so_o that_o notwithstanding_o any_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o can_v discover_v in_o himself_o for_o aught_o he_o or_o any_o body_n else_o can_v tell_v he_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n still_o which_o quite_o spoil_v the_o evidence_n of_o sanctification_n because_o we_o can_v distinguish_v a_o sanctify_a man_n from_o a_o hypocrite_n thus_o for_o example_n one_o may_v plead_v i_o etc._n have_v leave_v my_o sin_n i_o once_o live_v in_o and_o be_o now_o no_o drunkard_n no_o swearer_n no_o liar_n i_o answer_v thou_o may_v be_v wash_v from_o the_o mire_n the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o swine_n in_o god_n account_n which_o
by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v love_v undeserving_a object_n which_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o love_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_a deserve_a object_n and_o in_o love_v upon_o honourable_a reason_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o love_n consist_v in_o love_v always_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a immutability_n the_o reason_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o any_o person_n be_v his_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o john_n 14._o 23._o and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v to_o love_n while_o we_o continue_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o commandment_n that_o be_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n i_o will_v continue_v to_o love_v you_o as_o i_o have_v keep_v my_o father_n commandment_n and_o abide_v in_o his_o love_n john_n 15._o 10._o this_o be_v the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n always_o act_n upon_o steady_a and_o constant_a principle_n that_o whatever_o change_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v occasion_v very_o different_a administration_n in_o his_o providence_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o never_o change_v whereas_o shall_v god_n always_o love_v the_o same_o person_n however_o he_o change_v and_o alter_v god_n must_v change_v and_o alter_v too_o because_o though_o he_o still_o love_v the_o same_o person_n yet_o he_o must_v love_v for_o different_a or_o contrary_a reason_n or_o for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o much_o great_a change_n of_o the_o two_o to_o alter_v the_o reason_n than_o the_o object_n of_o love_n if_o god_n love_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o continue_v to_o love_v he_o when_o he_o be_v wicked_a his_o love_n be_v a_o mutable_a thing_n which_o can_v love_v goodness_n or_o wickedness_n which_o can_v love_v for_o none_o or_o for_o contrary_a reason_n but_o if_o god_n always_o love_v true_a goodness_n and_o good_a man_n and_o never_o love_v any_o other_o whatever_o change_n there_o be_v in_o creature_n god_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n thus_o you_o see_v while_o these_o man_n pretend_v to_o admire_v and_o magnify_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n they_o make_v it_o a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o such_o as_o a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n and_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o man_n too_o for_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v they_o careless_a of_o please_a god_n and_o secure_a in_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o sin_n can_v hinder_v god_n from_o love_v they_o nor_o alter_v his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o if_o ever_o he_o love_v they_o it_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v resolve_v upon_o it_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o continue_v to_o love_v that_o now_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o worst_a man_n live_v will_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n as_o the_o best_a man_n have_v nay_o if_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o love_v for_o no_o reason_n or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o worse_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a object_n be_v they_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n sect_n ii_o concern_v the_o believer_n love_v to_o christ._n have_v show_v you_o wherein_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n consist_v i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v those_o return_n of_o love_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n the_o only_a dispute_n be_v how_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o love_v primary_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v make_v visible_a by_o outward_a action_n as_o for_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o superior_a our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n ought_v not_o to_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o fond_a and_o familiar_a passion_n such_o as_o we_o have_v for_o our_o friend_n and_o equal_n but_o in_o a_o great_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n superior_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o require_v that_o we_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o therefore_o our_o love_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n be_v call_v honour_n in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o the_o same_o religious_a affection_n to_o god_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v love_n be_v at_o other_o time_n call_v fear_n which_o signify_v a_o reverential_a love_n or_o a_o love_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n which_o include_v a_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n a_o devout_a sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n a_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o he_o and_o all_o those_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o love_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o external_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n they_o be_v as_o various_a as_o the_o expression_n of_o honour_n be_v and_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o thus_o christ_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n that_o our_o return_n may_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o it_o christ_n have_v condescend_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o become_v we_o to_o admire_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n to_o extol_v and_o praise_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o that_o holy_a feast_n which_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n institute_v to_o be_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o crucify_a lord_n since_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n and_o advocate_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o depend_v on_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n and_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v express_v our_o love_n to_o he_o in_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o law_n love_v to_o equal_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o but_o what_o love_n give_v they_o make_v they_o very_o flexible_a and_o obsequious_a to_o each_o other_o desire_n and_o request_n but_o our_o love_n to_o superior_n to_o our_o prince_n or_o parent_n include_v obedience_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o principal_a trial_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o but_o he_o that_o love_v i_o not_o keep_v not_o my_o say_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o joh._n 14._o 15._o 23_o 24._o and_o in_o chap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n to_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o to_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v our_o saviour_n as_o our_o guide_n and_o example_n the_o true_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o imitate_v he_o to_o live_v as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o imitate_v what_o we_o love_v and_o reverence_n which_o be_v the_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n in_o that_o we_o think_v it_o our_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n