time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the futher he hath declared him Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God â— He hath come and spoken and hath testified of things which concern our Covenant-state by his spirit and by his work in us and we have not heard nor taken notice that it was the Witness of the Covenant testifying the things that concern himself and his Kingdom Heb. 1.2 God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they oscaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Joh. 16.5 1 Joh. 5.6 8 c. 3. His Witness and testimony hath been heard and observably discerned and yet not received sometimes we have known that it was Christ speaking and that it could be no other and yet we have not received his restimony Joh. 21.12 And none of the Disciples durst ask him who art thou knowing that it was the Lord. Joh. 1 3â— He came unto his own and his own receive him not He doth sometimes speak and we will not believe that it is he Luk. 24.37 41 But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed thâ—â— they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred be said unto them have ye not here any meat 4. At other times we receive and believe his testimony and witnessing and by and by upon the smallest temptation to unbelief we fall a quarrelling and disputing with the testimony which we received and straight-way we reject it as a delusion Luk. 24.21 But we trusted that it had been be which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Vse 2. Consider what manner of Witness he is and what manner of witnessing his testimony is that you may lay weight upon whatsoever the witness of the Covenant saith Christ the witness of the Covenant may be commended in order to the weight and credit of his testimony from these properties of the Witness and the manner of his witnessing 1. He is an Eye-witness of the Covenant who was present and heard and sâ—w all the Covenant transacted yea he was an actor in it throughout as hath been said before this testimony he taketh to himself Prov. 8.22 to 32 And the same is given him also by such as were sent to witness of him Joh. 1.7 18 The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe no man hath seen God at any time The only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him 2. He is the true and-faithful witness Rev. 1.5 3.7 14 which cannot lye and is not capable of being byassed from the truth for any respect for he is the truth it self Joh. 14.10 3. He is a Witness above all exception there can be no exception laid against him yea all the great witnesses which God hath made use of in declaring this Gospel from the beginning do bear witness of him Act. 3.24 Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and these that follow after at many as have spoken have likewise foretold of these days Act. 10.43 To him give all the prophets witness 4. His Witness is greater than the testimony of men 1 Joh. 5. â— If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater Not only in respect of the Authority of him who witnesseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but in respect of the weight and impression of his testimony For 1. His Witneâ—â— speaks to the heart 2. It ends the controversie there needs no further witnessing after he speaks Hos 2.14 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably into her Hebr. speak to her heart Mat. â— 8 The centurion answered and said Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed 5. Of all these various things which he hath witnessed from the beginning of the world until now there hath not failed one word neither of one kind nor another Jos 21.45 23.14 15. with Isa 63.9 Act. 7.30 1 Cor. 10.9 1 Kings 8.15 24 56 Isa 38.15 Luk. 24.44 Rom. 22.6 And he said unto me These sayings are faithful and true And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his â—ingâ—t to shew unto his seâ—uants the things which must shortly be done Zech. 1.5 6. Your fathers where are they and the prophets do they live for ever but my words and my statutes which I commanded my servants the prophets did they not take hold of your fathers And they returned and said Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us according to our ways and according to our doings so hath he dealt with us Vse 3. Be exhorted to receive him under this Covenant-relation as he is given of God for a Witness to the people Under this I comprehend these particulars 1. If you would make use of Christ as the Witness of the Covenant then in all matters doubtful appeal to his testimony for decision if you have any doubt about any matter of saith or salvation about any duty about any thing pertaining to God or unto your own Covenant state and interest in him make his testimony and witness your Judg in that matter go familiarly and boldly to him that he may determine the question and resolve your doubt Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimony 2 Pet. 1.9 We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts As his Disciples did upon all occasions Joh. 13.21 22 25 14.5 8 22. 2. Hear and give ear to whatsoever he witnesseth and take it off his hand Luk. 9.35 This is my beloved Son bear him And look carefully that you neither neglect to hear what he will say and witness of you and to you of your way 〈◊〉 state or present fit and temper for you or against you nor interrupt his witnessing but let him speak out nor that you stop the ear against it These are marked in Scripture as manifest sins against and rejecting of his witnessing Act. 24.25 Go thy way for this time when I have a convenient season I will call for thee Zech. 7.7 11 Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cryed by the former Prophets But they refused
for them sure he knew for whom he did undertake he knew their number and names how many was in that company and who they were Joh. 17.6 12 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And if the matter of our Salvation stand upon Gods giving to Christ and his undertaking then sure there were none given by the father to the Son from eternity upon respect of faith or holiness for that should destroy Christs Suretiship and undertaking and lay the weight of that which is principal in the issue upon the creatures will that should make the creature a Surety for himself Rom. 9.11 16 For the children being yet not born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth c. So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy 2. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the dominion and Soveraignty of his grace and of the reality efficacy and irresistableness of the working of his spirit and the physical influences thereof for if Christ had not the power and dominion of our wills how could he undertake for us and if Salvation were not taken off the slippery yea and nay of free will how could our Lord be Surety for his people were it possible that he should undertake and discharge his undertaking for those over whose hearts and wills he hath not an absolute power and dominion Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Jer. 30.21 And their nobles shall be of themselves and their governour shall proceed from the midst of them and I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them 3. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the perseverance of the saints and of the certainty of the the Salvation of all the Elect for if their perseverance and believing to the end be undertaken for by him how can it be uncertain if our heaven and happiness be in a surer hand than our own even in the keeping of Christ how can it be but well kept 1 Pet. 1.4 5 â—o an inheritance incorruptible undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear into their hearts that they shall not depart from me Luk. 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not It is the Suretiship of Christ which holds the Covenant fast with us and makes firm our Covenant-state that upon no breaches on our part it can be disannulled Psal 89.30 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments my covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord if heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Vse 5. The Doctrine of Christ Suretiship serves to answer all tentations discouragements and doubtings that arise in the hearts of believers concerning their Covenant-interests If there be any doubt with you about the performance of the precious promises Christs Suretiship answers it and assureth that there shall be a performance of all these things which are spoken by the Lord Luk. 1.45 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us If there be any thing too hard for you among all the commands and conditions of the new Covenant his Suretiship answers that Rom. 10.6 7 8. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above Or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me If your standing be doubtful since Adam and the Angels have fallen Christs Suretiship answers that he was never an undertaker for them but he is engaged for every believers standing Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament If you fear your our own frailty and sinfulness lest it should make void the Covenant with you his Suretiship answers that it must stand with him and if with him then with you also Psal 89.30 33 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If Heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. If you fear your own backsliding some decay and withering of grace in you his Suretiship answers that for he is engaged for influences to you Isa 44.3 4 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry grouud I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring and they shall spring up as among the grass as willows by the water-courses Isa 27.3 I the Lord do keep it I will water it every moment lest any hurt it I will keep it night and day If your strength fail and decay his Suretiship shall renew strength unto you Isa 40.31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they
was come God sent forth his Som made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons 3. The Surety hath already satisfied for your disobedience it is not a thing to be done but past already Heb. 9.15 And for this cause is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Vse 7. Learn hence a necessary cautiousness the neglect whereof is one chief cause of the misgiving of our hearts in duties every day do not put any thing in Christs place as Surety and undertaker for you Sometimes we take our gifts and graces to be Surety for us and we reckon that these may engage for us and make us forth-coming in Duty sometimes we take our own hearts and our resolution Surety for us and we trust to them as the people did Josh 24.16 And the people answered and said God forbid that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods Deut. 5.27 29 Go thou near and hear all that the Lord our God shall say and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee and we will hear it and do it Sometimes we take our own good frame Surety for us if we have at any time some warmness and life under present influences we reckon these may be Surety for us and that is but to put something in the Sureties place which God hath not made cautioner in this Covenant 1 Cor. 1.30 31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. CHAP. XXI Christ the Testator of the new Covenant or Testament THE seventh relation which Christ sustains in the Covenant of Grace he is Testator or he that makes the will and testament Heb. 9.16 17. Now because Testator and Testament are so nearly related that the one is not understood without the other I must here refer you to that which I have already spoken of Christs Testament which being largely handled before we shall not need to be large in speaking of the Testator but briefly of these particulars 1. What this Name and Covenant-relation imports 2. What was the design of this Covenant-relation 3. How the thing designed in Christs being Testator in the new Testament or Covenant is rendred effectual by his sustaining this relation And 1. Of the name and relation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Disposer or Testator one that maketh his latter will and Testament one who according to his own will and pleasure disposeth of his estate and goods in contemplation of his death and the leaving his possession to be injoyed by others after his death This Covenant-relation that Jesus Christ is Testator imports 1. A person dying or doing a deed in contemplation of the necessity of his own death as being thereunto appointed this relation speaks Christ under not only the common appointment unto death with all men Heb. 9.27 but under a special appointment unto death for that end for which he made his Testament which he well understood and did often contemplate and remember when he acted in this Covenant-relation Heb. 9.15 16 Where a testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the testator And Joh. 13.1 Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father 2. This relation imports a person vested with possession and right unto some estate or goods whereof he makes a Disposal and Will for he that hath nothing in possession nor in title can dispose of nothing to another person Christ the Testator is a person fully vested with right unto and possession of all good things for God hath made him both Lord and Christ Act. 2.36 and 10.36 And him God hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 1.2 It pleased the father that in him all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 3. This relation imports a power in the Testator to dispose of the things possessed by him a power of conveying his estate to others else it were in vain to bequeath his estate real or personal this relation speaks Christ the Testator in power and authority to convey all Covenant-blessings which are his own unto his people for the father hath given all things unto his hands and hath committed all judgment to the Son Not a possession only but a power and authority Joh. 3.35 and 5.22 And hath given him power 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 authority over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 17.2 4. This relation imports a Deed which is the sole will and meer pleasure of the Testator not only a power to dispose of that which he possesseth or hath right unto but to do according to his meer pleasure and the Testators will to be the devising and conveying of whatsoever is his own and therefore inasmuch as Christ is Testator in the Covenant it is declared that his will in his Testament his grace and pleasure makes the title and conveyance of what we have from and by him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that these whom thou hast given unto me be with me c. Joh. 14.27 My peace I give unto you Joh. 16.7 I will send the comforter unto you 5. This relation imports the actual declaring of his will and disposing of his goods for a Testator is not a Testator but in relation to the instrument or evidence by which he declares his will to wit his Testament And therefore this relation holds forth Christ in the Covenant as having actually already made his will by an authentick instrument and evidence to wit the old and new Testament for Christ died not untested and without a declaration of his will and a disposal of his house and of his goods but hath ordered and disposed all of things and left us this authentick evidence of his will Luk. 22.29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom as my father hath appointed unto me The same word that 's used Heb. 9.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I dispose or appoint by my will and Testament and Heb. 10.16 I will make with you a covenant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to wit this testamentary Covenant I declare my will of grace to you in it 2. What was the design of Christs sustaining the relation of Testator in the new Covenant 1. That by this relation our Lord Jesus might super-add a new title to believers unto the new Covenant-blessings which he would have his people to hold of him after all manner of the best security used among men and therefore will not only convey these mercies to them by Covenant and promise but by Testament and Legacy therefore he sustained the relation of
be not afraid 1 Cor. 1.9 God is faithful by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 5. It is a controversie to the doubting believer whether his Salvation be sure or not whether he shall be saved and inherit Life-eternal Psal 88.11 12 Shall thy loving-kindness be declared in the grave or thy faithfulness in destruction shall thy wonders be known in the dark and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness But Christ hath interposed his Witness to decide that controversie Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 3.15 16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have Eternal life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy Salvation 6. It is a controversie to believers whether they shall ever be Victorious over their Lusts and prevail against their temptations when they seel the strength and working of corruption in themselves as Paul did Rom. 7.14 15 But I am carnal sold under sin For that which Ido I allow not for what I would that I do not but what I hate that I do Many a time they utter that language Lam. 3.18 And I said my strength and my hope is perished from the Lord. But the Witness of the Covenant testifieth in this also and decides the controversie in their favours 1 Joh. 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you then he that is in the world 1 Joh. 5.4 5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith who is he that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God Rom. 16.20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly 7. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall persevere to the end or shall not rather fall away finally Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me But Christ hath decided the controversie Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Joh. 10.28 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand Joh. 14.19 Because I live ye shall live also 8. It is a controversie to the doubting-believer whether it be good for him to be so dealt with to be afflicted deserted tempted c. Psal 42.9 I will say unto my God my rock why hast thou forgotten me why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy Psal 73.13 14 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in Innocency For all the day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning Christ hath decided this controversie also not by his verdict only of the matter but by his Witness in his peoples hearts Joh. 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose 1 Pet. 1.6 Wherein ye greatly rejoyce though now for a season if need be ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations Psal 119.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes It is a controversie to the doubting-believer while he reaps not the present fruit of his seeking God whether it be in vain to serve God and to follow duties Psal 73.13 Verily have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency But it is the Witness of the Covenant who only can decide this and he hath done it Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain I the Lord speak righteousness I declare things that are right Psal 73.28 But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works Vse 5. This Covenant-relation of Christs layeth grounds of comfort to believers 1. That you want not a Witness to testifie unto you concerning all things which are dark and doubtful Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 1 Joh. 5.8 9 10 And there are three that bear witness in earth the spirit and the water and the blood and these three agree in one If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself he that believeth not God hath made him a lyar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son So that if you be doubtful and in the dark about any thing pertaining to God and to the matters of your Salvation you know how to have that witnessed and plainly made out unto you by Christ the Witness of the Covenant and if you continue under your doubting blame your selves Isa 42.6 And I give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles 2. Another ground of comfort resulting from this Covenant-relation is that we not only have a Witness but that we have such a Witness him for a Witness that God who might have given us other witnesses and have denyed this Witness hath given him for a Witness Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things by whom he also made the worlds Act. 14.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness in that he did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness So fit a Witness 1 Joh. 1.2 3 who heard and saw and acted all the business of the Covenant Prov. 8.22 to 32. So saithful a Witness that will not lye that cannot lye Rev. 1.5 and 3.14 So great a Witness a person of such Authority being God 1 Joh. 5.9 Luk. 9.35 So compassionate a Witness who can pity his doubting-people Heb. 5.2 So condescending a Witness who can stoop to teach and perswade the weaklings of the people Isa 40.11 Joh. 9.39 as all his carriage did prove while he was upon the earth So convincing a Witness whose testimony can put an end to all strife if he will only speak the word Mat. 8.8 And all this is for the stronger consolation of Believers Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing
the word but how for salvation that is in them but the believer finds something in them better than Salvation Joh. 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life Psal 73.25 26 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there in none upon earth that I desire besides thee My heart and my flesh faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever 4. Since God giveth Christ for all the Covenant be you perswaded to take him for all and to make use of him for all 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption 1. To fulfil all the promises of the Covenant to you for in him they are yea and in him they are all Amen 2 Cor. 1.20 2. To fulfil and perform the condition of the Covenant in you to determine your wills to believe Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me Song 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me 3. To perform the duties in you which the Covenant requireth of you Phil. 4.13 Joh. 15.5 Eph 2.10 Vse 6. For comfort and encouragement to believers 1. Comfort your selves in the bargain which you have made upon this ground Christ is in the Covenant yea he is given for a Covenant of the people and therefore all shall be well and all shall be sure and firm Isa 22.23 And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place and he shall be for a glorious throne to his fathers house Zech. 10.4 Out of him came forth the corner out of him the nails Isa 3.10 Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him for they shall eat the fruit of their doings Comfort your selves 1. Against your being short of other men in worldly-injoyments Christ is given you for a Covenant but not unto them O wonder at it and be comforted with him who said Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not unto the world You can own Christ they cannot Psal 67.6 And God even our own God shall bless us Psal 73.26 My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever 2. Comfort your selves against all snares dangers tentations and storms that can blow against you in your way to heaven Christ is in the Covenant and that shall be your safety as the disciples were safe at sea against greatest tempests because Christ was in the ship with them Mat. 8.13 to 28. Consider he is imbarked with you and shall bring you to land 1 Joh. 4.4 Ye are of God little children and have overcome them because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world 3. Comfort your selves against all your wants and weaknesses and all the miseries of your present condition Christ is given for a Covenant of the people and though you be foolish he is wise 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom Though you be weak he is strong Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty Mat. 12.29 Or else how can one enter into a strong mans house and spoil his goods except he first bind the strong man and then he will spoil his house Though you be faithless he is faithful 2 Tim. 2.13 If we believe not yet he abideth faithful he cannot deny himself Though you be nothing Christ is all Col. 3.11 Whatsoever is wanting in you is abounding in him and if you abuse not the grace of Christ by turning it into wantonness it is all one if it be betwixt you it s as good and much better it be in him than in you for if he be given to you all comes with him 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption 2. Believers in Christ you who have received him who was given for a Covenant of the people take courage and boldness to God-ward in all that you have to do with him For 1. Having received Christ for a Covenant of the people you may pray and deal confidently with God as though Christ did beseech God by you Isa 45.11 Thus saith the Lord the holy one of Israel and his maker Ask me of things to come concerning my Sons and concerning the work of my hands command ye me 2. You have gotten Christ and therefore nothing shall be denied you Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things 3. You have received more than you know of Joh. 14.4 5 20 And whither I go ye know and the way you know Thomas saith unto him Lord we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way at that day ye shall know that I am in my father and you in me and I in you You have all the Covenant if you have him 4. You have received more than you want a greater thing than ever you shall be capable to need or want hereafter for how great soever your wants be you cannot conceive them to be so great as Christ who is given to you Phil. 4.19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work FINIS Books Printed for and are to be sold by Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside SERMONS on the whole Epistle of Saint Paul to the Colossians by Mr. J. Daille translated into English by F. S. with Dr. Tho. Goodwin's and Dr. Joh. Owens Epistles Recommendatory A practical Exposition on the 3d Chapter of the first Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians with the Godly mans choice on Psalm 4. v. 6 7 8. by Anthony Burgess An Exposition of Christs Temptation on Mat. 4. and Peters Sermon to Cornelius and circumspect walking By Dr. Tho. Taylor Dr. Donns 4to Sermons being his 3 Volumes Pareus Exposition on the Revelations Choice and practical Expositions on 4 select Psalms viz. The fourth Psalm in eight The forty second Psalm in ten The fifty first Psalm in twenty The sixty third Psalm in seven Sermons By Tho. Horton D. D. Books 4to The Door of Salvation opened by the Key of Regeneration by George Swinnock M. A. An Antidote against Quakerism by Steph. Scandret An Exposition on the five first Chapters of Ezekiel by William Greenhil The Gospel-Covenant opened by Pet. Bulkley Gods holy-Mind touching matters moral which he uttered in ten Commandments Also an Exposition on the Lords Prayer by Edward Eston B. D. The Fiery-Jesuit or an Historical-Collection of the rise encrease doctrines and deeds of the Jesuits Horologiographia optica Dyalling universal and particular by Sylvanus Morgan A seasonable Apology for Religion by Matthew Pool Separation no Schism in answer to a Sermon preached before the Lord Mayor by J. S. The practical Divinity of the Papists discovered to be destructive to true Religion and Mens souls by J. Clarkson An Exercitation on a question in Divinity and Case of Conscience viz. Whether it be lawful for any person to act contrary to the Opinion of his own Conscience Certain considerations tending to promote Peace and Unity amongst Protestants The Saints triumph over the last enemy in a Sermon at the Funeral of Mr. James Janeway by Nath. Vincent The Morning Lecture against Popery preached by several Ministers of the Gospel in or near London Doctor Wilds Letter of Thanks and Poems A new Copy-Book of all sorts of useful hands The Saints priviledg by dying by Mr. Scot. The new World or new-reformed Church by Doctor Homes The Intercourse of Divine Love between Christ and the Church or the particular Believing soul in several Lectures on the whole second Chap. of Canticles by Joh. Collins D. D. Large 8vo Heart-Treasure or a Treatise tending to fill and furnish the head and heart of every Christian with Soul-inriching treasure of truths graces experiences and comforts The sure mercies of David or a second part of Heart-treasure Closet-prayer a Christians duty all three by O. Heywood A practical discourse of Prayer wherein is handled the nature and duty of Prayer by Tho. Cobbet Of quenching the Spirit the evil of it in respect both of its causes and effects discovered by Theophilus Polwheile Heaven and Hell in a Good or Bad Conscience by Nath. Vincent The re-building of London encouraged and improved in several meditations by Samuel Rolls The Sure way to Salvation or a Treatise of the Saints mystical Union with Christ by Richard Stedman M. A. Sober Singularity by the same Author Heaven taken by Storm
part also Joh. 11.42 And I know that thou hearest me always 2. From the special requisites and graces which shine forth eminently in Christs managing the work of Mediation Vse 1. If Christ be a condescending Mediator who hath stooped low to compass an union betwixt you and God Then it is your duty to stretch and raise your self to meet him Come and meet him Will you let all the condescendance be on his side and will you not yeild and bow to him in any thing Nay be it far from you 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yeild your selves unto the Lord. Vse 2. If he be a mollifying Mediator who hath brought down God from high demands of Law Then 1. Consider with what ease your conditions with God is now granted Consider the terms upon which Christ hath brought you an offer of God 2. Be you brought off the terms of distance whereupon you stand proudly with him And 3. If Christ have broken you off from your proud terms wherein you stood with God then you may judg thereby and conclude that he hath mollified himself also Vse 3. If Christ be so affable Then put away your prejudices at him and your mishapen thoughts of him as if he were austere to his people and be encouraged to come to him with every thing relating to your peace with God you shall find courteous and kind entertainment and shall experience that the Mediator is good to speak to Vse 4. If the Mediator be so meek and gentle Then believers may expect that he will bear with their infirmities wherein they do not allow themselves yea cannot bear with themselves Psal 103.9 13 14 He will not always chide neither will he keep his angar for ever Like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him for he knoweth our frame he remembreth that we are dust yet so as you would not tempt Christ 1 Cor. 10.9 nor abuse his meekness and gentleness for there is such a thing in Christ as Gospel-severity the Lamb of God is a Lion when he is stirred up to he angry Heb. 2.2 3 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him And 10.26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledg of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Vse 5. If the Mediator be so eminently merciful Then 1. if your condition be so miserable and the evils of your estate such that can plead pity put no doubt but they shall find pity with him even when you can scarce speak for pity to them but only lay them before him set them in his eye Luke 19.4 And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore-tree to see him for he was to pass that way 2 Fear not to meet with rough dealing repulses untenderness harsh answers Isa 40.11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosome and shall gently lead them that are with young Believers beware that ye do not upon the matter deny your Mediators merciful disposition say not by your carriage that he is a hard man Mal. 25.24 Vse 6. Is he a Potent Mediator Then 1. let sinners only deal to get Christ engaged for their peace and the business is done he shall bring it about Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me And 53.10 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 2. Believers know whom you have believed how potent he is to do what is entrusted to him Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty that you may be comforted and your faith strengthened Rom. 4.20 21 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strang in faith giving glory to God And being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Vse 7. If he be a faithful Mediators Then 1. be perswaded to give him more trust in the employment you put upon him in all your business leave your care upon this trusty person 1 Thes 5.24 Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass 2. Then it must be a great sin and provocation in any who have employed Christ to be jealous of him and to distrust his undertakings sure such do not know him well whom they have believed 2 Tim. 1.12 3. Believers who have fled to him for refuge and rolled over your temporal and everlasting interests upon him you may quiet your minds and lye down securely without fear of the miscarrying of any thing that is good for you Phil. 4.6 7 Be careful for nothing but in every thing with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Psal 3.5 6 I laid me down and slept I awaked for the Lord sustained me I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about Vse 8. If our Mediator be the Wooer and Sutor of both the parties unto the peace Then to be you willingly wooed by him be not nice and wild when he is courting your hearts to wed with him and to make peace with God 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be not yet stiff-necked as your fathers were but yeild your selves unto the Lord and enter into his sanctuary When he prays you and beseeches you to be reconciled to God be not hard to be entreated 2 Cor. 5.19 20. 2. Fear not if your hearts have become toward to his Propositions if you be content to be wooed by him doubt not but he will get his Father's consent to whatsoever he propounds to you yea he had his mind and good-will to whatsoever he propoundeth to you before he spoke with you Joh. 6.37 38 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And 17.16 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word 3. No thanks to us that ever God and we were in good terms but all thanks to the Mediator the Wooer of both parties the Peace-maker who came and preached peace and made peace 2 Cor. 5.20 Eph. 2.14 15 17. Vse 9. If our Mediator be of so heroick and so unsubdued
they were created which was mutable More particularly The execution and work of Christs Mediatorship may be reduced to these Five heads 1. To bring the elect into a capacity of covenanting with God 2. To bring them within the bond of the Covenant after he hath thus prepared the way 3. To enable them whom he bringeth into this New-Covenant-state to perform the duties of the Covenant 4. To keep those whom he bringeth into this Covenant state from falling away from it or to enable them to continue in it 5. To bring those whom he hath brought up to the terms of a Covenant with God to that height of that Blessedness which is appointed for them and to Crown his work in them The first part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office is to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God to make the way of God accessible and to put man in a capacity to enter in terms with God For man by sin was made uncapable of covenanting with God until the Mediator cometh in to compose the difference and to restore the love and friendship that once had been betwixt God and man who to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God doth two things himself and worketh two things in us The first to make God accessible the other to make men capable of covenanting with God who is made accessible in Christs death 1. He taketh on mans nature that a Sacrifice might be among mankind who had sinned he putteth his name in our Obligation that the Law might reach him Gal. 4.4 5. God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the Adoption of Sons 2. In our nature he obeyeth the Law and suffereth he payeth a price for our Ransom 2 Cor. 5.21 He is made sin for us an offering for sin he stood in the sinners stead here he purchaseth a liberty to the elect and hath it in his just and legal power to set them free when he will Act. 20.28 being the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood 3. He convinceth men of their sin and of their bondage and impossibility to satisfy Justice and to this end he attacheth them before Divine Justice Joh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the World of sin of righteousness and of judgment Rom. 7.9 For I was alive without the Law once but when the Commandment came sin revived and I died Gal. 3.24 Wherefore the Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by Faith 4. He worketh their Hearts to a yielding-frame listning and ready to welcom the news of delivery which have not yet been actually spoken to their hearts to be content to come out of their bondage and to enjoy freedom by him to be content to come in his will and to yield the weapons to him and to change the state and righteousness whereof sometimes they had no small content Act. 9.6 Lord What wilt thou have me to do Arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do They pant after a Saviour as Paul did for compleat Redemption Rom. 7.29 O wretched man that I am Who shall deliver me from the body of this death And when all this is done Sinners are but in a capacity of covenanting with God till more be done by Christ in the work of his Mediatorship for man he is not yet in a covenant with God all this is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1.17 For though Christ hath payed the price of the â—â—ects ransom and hath purchased their liberty on the Cross yea and hath also convinced a man of his need of this ransom and made him toward and tractable to listen to accept of it yet till a man come in by faith and manifest his acceptance or rather actually accept of Christs proposals he is not yet actually in a Covenant with God but concluded under wrath Joh. 3.36 And he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him The second part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office is to bring the elect within the bond of the Covenant And for bringing about this 1. Christ makes an offer of a New Covenant state with all suitable allurements and encouragements which may invite the Souls of the elect to accept of it And for this end he hath appointed the Ministry of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God And 6.17 18 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty Isa 55.1 3 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your Soul shall live and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David 2. He shapeth and frameth the hearts of his people for acceptation of his offer and bringeth them unto a liking and satisfaction with the Covenant and the terms of it 2 Sam. 23.5 For this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow Psal 73. last But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works 3. He actually maketh them to embrace it and enter into it for after he hath shaped their hearts for acceptation he actually engageth them by consenting and agreeing on their part Hos 2.14 19 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her unto the Wilderness and speak comfortably unto her And I will betroth thee unto me for ever Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me And this he doth 1. By making us receive and welcom the Gospel and subject our consent unto it by taking on the very bonds and rebukes of the Word and yielding our selves captives unto it 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ And 10.4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Rom. 6.17 But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you 2. By making us receive and embrace the Promises Heb. 11.13 and take hold of the Covenant Isa 56.4 6. And this is a further step of the Mediators work in
his Legacy things pertaining to such persons c. Isa 42.1 53.10 Joh. 6.37 Joh. 17 throughout I proceed now to the third relation which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant of Grace he is the Witness of the Covenant Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people Rev. 3.14 These thing saith the Amen the faithful and true witness Rev. 1.5 And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness Christ may be considered as the witness of the Covenant in a double respect 1. He is the Witness witnessed 2. He is the Witness witnessing The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghned is rendred and doth frequently signifie Testimonium as well as Testis and so the LXX render it Isa 55.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ is the Testimonium and the Testis the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 see Rev. 3.14 Write these things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness with 1 Tim. 2.6 Who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time First I say Christ is the Witness witnessed or the great evidence and testimony of the Covenant betwixt God and his people and in this sense a Witness is used frequently in the Scripture to signifie not only a person that beareth testimony but for any thing that doth evidence as a witness Heb. 11.4 By which he obtained witness that he was righteous God testifying of his gifts Luk. 22.71 And they said what need we any further witness for we our selves have heard of his own mouth For First He is given of God as the great evidence of Covenant-love and of that special good-will to sinners which gave the first rise to the Covenant Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Luk. 2.10 11 And the Angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Secondly He is given as the great evidence of Covenant-interest and relations betwixt God and sinners as the sign and evidence that the disagreeing parties are made one in him Isa 7.14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel Thirdly As the great evidence and witness of Gods fulfilling all the promises of the Covenant 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are Yea and in him they are Amen therefore Christ was of old given as the sign of fulfilling all promises and accomplishing all deliveries to the Church before his coming in the flesh Zech. 6.12 and he shall build the temple of the Lord Isa 7.14 Fourthly As the great evidence and witness of the standing-perpetuity of these Covenant-relations betwixt God and his people Psal 89.34 35 37 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David It shall be established for ever as the moon and as a faithful witness in heaven Selah Fifthly As the great evidence of the nature and complexion of the Covenant he is so given of God for a witness that all the Covenant is comprised in him Isa 42.6 And will give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles and therefore also when it was first revealed there was nothing heard of but this witness Christ in the promise of whom all the Covenant the union of God and man was simmed up Gen. 3.15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed it shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel If Christ be given to the people for a witness in this sense then 1. You who are under the Preaching of this Gospel qua faedus anunciatum consider the office of Christ and understand it as the great witness and evidence of Gods commanding and approving will that you should enter in Covenant with him and that you ought to believe on the Son of God and know for a certainty that if you obey not the command of believing and taking hold of this Covenant the offers of Christ that hath been made unto you shall be for a witness and evidence that shall acquit the Lord of your condemnation and shall cut off all excuse from you in as much as your Obligation and Duty to believe was revealed unto you and the offer of Christ is the witness of this to all the people who have heard the Gospel 1 Joh. 5.23 And this is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his son Jesus Christ Joh. 15.25 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin 2. To such as have the Covenant of grace acted in an effectual and powerful way upon their hearts according to Gods Decree and Will of purpose I mean such as have been brought under the bond of this Covenant upon their hearts Eze. 20.37 in which sense the Covenant is spoken of Jer. 31 and Ezek. 36 c. I would have you to understand Gods giving of Christ unto you as he doth intend it to wit as a witness and testimony of his Covenant with you as the greatest evidence and demonstration that can be of his Covenant-love to you of your Covenant-interest in him of the continuance of that Covenant-relation betwixt you and him and of the nature and substance of that Covenant you fearch for witnesses within you and from Heaven to testifie of your Covenant-state through grace you long for that which may evidence it satisfyingly unto you and it may be most of us sin more on the other hand through neglect of fearching after these witnesses which are attainable but it 's a pity that believers who have received Christ freely given to them by God should slight the greatest witness that ever God gave to his people a witness is at hand and you receive not the testimony thereof it may of this be said He that believeth on the son of God hath the witness in himself 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12. He hath Christ the great witness of the Covenant and who knows but we may be left of God to wander the more in the dark about our Covenant state because we lay so little weight upon the having of him whom God hath given for a witness to the people O let us not tempt God by slighting him thus but let us look upon the having of him given to us as the witness of all these things before-mentioned concerning a Covenant betwixt God and us he being given of God for this end so may we find the door and way which we grope for how to
â—0 10 For then with not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption Luk. 23.43 Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Joh. 13.1 3. 14.2 Luk. 16.23 24 25. Heb. 12.23 24. 2 Thes 1.9 Rev. 21. 2â— 5. It 's a controversie to the world whether there be a God or a Providence that ruleth the world Psal 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart there is no God Isa 29.15 And they say who seeth us and who knoweth us The Witness of the Covenant hath decided this controversie Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my father and 〈◊〉 father and to my God and your God Joh. 6.57 As thâ—◠〈◊〉 father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that â—ateth me even he shall live by me Dan. 5.21 23 Till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men and that he hath appointed over it whomsoever he will And the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Rev. 15.3 4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou king of saints Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest 6. It 's a controversie with the world yea and sometimes also with the saints whether the people of God or the wicked of the world have the better lot Psal 73.3 12 For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches But this also is decided by the Witness of the Covenant Psal 49.18 19 Though whiles he lived he blessed his Soul and men will praise thee when thou doest well to thy self He shall go to the generation of his fathers they shall never see light Joh. 3.18 36 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Isa 3.10 11 Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with hem for they shall eat the fruit of their doings Wo unto the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes and there shall be no mor death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for theâ—â—former things are passed away Again it is a controversie to doubting believers whether God hath chosen them and loved them with an everlasting love Psal 88.4 14 I am counted with them that go down to the pit Lord why castest thou off my Soul This controversie is decided by the Witness of the Covenant who giveth that double certainty of all these things whereby they are not only made sure in themselves because he 〈◊〉 â—â—ified them but are also made sure unto us Jer. 31.3 〈◊〉 Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Where the sayings of Jeremy are applied to Christ who made the Covenant Joh. 15.13 16 19 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain But because ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you Joh. 6.69 And we believe and are sure than thou art that Christ the Son of the living God 2. It is a controversie to doubting believers whether they be the Children of God and whether they be effectually called by the Grace of Christ Psal 22.6 But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Christ decides the controversie by interposing his Testimony Joh. 13.35 By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are children of God Isa 43.1 Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine 3. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall ever see Christ and meet with him again when he doth but a little withdraw out of their sight Isa 49.14 But Sion said the Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me Whether they shall at any time again be comforted with his presence but he decides the controversie and witnesseth clearly that he and they shall meet again Joh. 16.22 And ye now therefore have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you Joh. 14.18 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a momeni but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy redeemer Isa 49.15 Can a woman forget her sucking-child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee 4. It 's a controversie to the doubting-believer whether there be any reality in his presence and in the fellowship of his company both when they enjoy it and when they want it Luk. 24.21 37 41 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and beside all this to day is the third day since these things were done But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred 2 Chron. 6.18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth But by his Witness he decides that controversie Luk. 24.38 39 40 42 And he said unto them why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have And when he had thus spoken he shewed them his hands and his feet And they gave him a piece of a broyled fish and of an hony-comb Joh. 6.20 But he saith unto them it is I
I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Luk. 22.15 And he said unto them With desire have I desired to eat this passeover with you before I suffer Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I received of my father He did voluntanly fulfil his act of cautionry and not through constraint of Law and Justice yea it was not accounted grievous to him but was rather his satisfaction and delight thus to make the glory of his grace conspicuous Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God yea thy law is within my heart In the last place let us consider the advantages which believers have by Christs Suretiship which are so many that they cannot be reckoned we shall instance upon some few 1. By Christs Suretiship we have our exemption and liberation from the Law and the hand of Justice our divorcement from the Law and Covenant of works as a husband in which respect it is now dead and extinct though it live for other ends and uses Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God So that now the believer cannot be pursued at Law or if pursued cannot be made to undergo the sentence of the Law Justice being satisfied by a Surety Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Heb. 2.14 15 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage In a word we owe to Christs Suretiship our delivery from the sentence from the pursuit from the Covenant from the terror from the rigour from the irritation of the Law yea from the perfect obedience of the Law it will now accept less and from all obedience to it as a possible way of life Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 12.18 22 24 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire nor unto blackness and darkness and tempest But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covevant 2. By his Suretiship we have this new and better Covenant-state wherein we stand we owe our being in Christ and in the Covenant of Grace unto his Suretiship who did undertake to bring about that bond of engagement betwixt God and us for if Christ had not acted himself to do this it had never been done Joh. 17.2 6 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out 3. By Christs Suretiship we have our perseverance and stability in this Covenant-state I say not our being only but our continuing in this blessed state that we do not depart from God and utterly forsake him in a divorcement even when we go a whoring from him and that he doth not cast us off and discovenant us for all that we have done this advantage we have by Christs Suretiship that there can be no reversing annulling or repealing of Gods Covenant with his people and if it were not for that a divorce should follow upon the whorings and treacherous dealings of our hearts every day Psal 89.30 33 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments c. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David Jer. 3.1 14 22 They say If a man put away his wife and she go from him and become another mans shall he return unto her again shall not that land be greatly polluted but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord. Turn O back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married unto you and I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your back-slidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 4. We owe to Christs Suretiship very much upon the head of the conditions of the new Covenant as namely 1. The possibility of Gospel-conditions and commands that they are not as unprofitable to us as the keeping of the whole Law Deut. 30.11 14 For this commandment which I command thee this day it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off But the word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Rom. 10.6 8 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven that is to bring Christ down from above But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach 2. The certainty of a performance of these conditions that believers have any ground to expect that there shall not be a misgiving in them as was in the 〈◊〉 ands of the first Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the father goveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them 3. The
When we value Christ out of love not out of necessity only as the manner of those is who come to him only in their exigency as men use Physicians Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 3. When the excellencies of Christ do affect the heart to take pains to seek him proportionably as we seek after other things Song 5.6 9 10 I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer What is thy beloved more than another beloved O thou fairest among women what is thy beloved more than another beloved that thou dost so charge us my beloved is white and ruddy the chiefest among ten thousand 4. When we are not easily offended at him Mat. 11.6 And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me Song 5.7 8 The watch-men that went about the city found me they smote me they wounded me the keepers of the walls took away my vail from me I charge you O daughters of Jerusalem if ye find my love that ye tell him that I am sick of love There is nothing that argueth more clearly a low esteem of Christ than a readiness to be soon and easily stumbled at him or something in his way with us or attending the way of seeking him and on the other hand nothing argueth a higher esteem of him than not to be easily offended at him let him do what he will yet will I go after him let me meet with what can be imagined which stumbleth others yet will I hold on my way is the thoughts and heart-language of one that valueth Christ above all Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him Vse 4. To teach us whatsoever things appertaining to this Covenant we cast our eyes upon to observe more of Christ in it for if we look upon it aright there is no part of the Covenant but we may behold Christ ingraven upon it he is the precious subject-matter of the whole and of every part of the Covenant whether they be 1. Things covenanted by God to us Christ is ingraven upon every promise and blessing and priviledg of the Covenant the righteousness and life whereunto we are restored are the righteousness and life of Christ Jer. 23.6 And this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness Gal. 2.20 Yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the fiesh I live by the faith of the Son of God 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Col. 3.2 3 Set your affection on things above and not on things on the earth For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God The Sonship the spirit the grace the title to God they are our partnership of Christs Sonship his spirit his grace his Covenant-right to God Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent out the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Or 2. Whether they be things re-stipulated by us to God as conditions of the Covenant or as duties of the confederate people upon every condition and duty of the Covenant Christ is ingraven the faith accepting Covenant-grace and blessings is the faith of the Son of God Gal. 2.20 The holiness and worthy walking whereunto we are called is that same thing whereunto we are chosen and created in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.10 and 1.4 Vse 5. For commending Christ to you 1. See the necessity of receiving Christ and of being in him without which we can have no right to the Covenant nor to any thing contained in it he is given for a Covenant if it were possible for you to receive all that is in the Gospel-offers and not to receive Christ all these things without him could not change your Covenant-state Eph. 2.12 If you continue without Christ you are still without the Covenant therefore is that expression so frequently used to denote one in Covenant with God they that are in Christ Rom. 8.1 2 Cor. 12.2 2. Learn the way how the confederate people should come to God it is not enough that we should come to God and bring Christ with us as a third person but we must also come to God as being in Christ as being one with him Joh. 15.2 And this is to come to God through Christ Heb. 7.25 3. Be perswaded to take him who is given of God for a Covenant of the people make Christ your own and you make all the bargain your own for he is the Covenant of the people and he is all saith the Apostle Col. 3.11 And whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord saith he himself Prov. 8.35 We beseech you receive the gift which draweth all the Covenant along with it Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name If you ask When do we receive Christ 1. When we receive the very bonds of the word and that which doth most cross our corruption and straiten the loosness and liberty of our flesh 1 Thess 1.6 And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 2. When we imbrace and kiss the promises that is when we love them dearly and welcome them kindly for the good that is in them for the things which they carry forth unto us Heb. 11.13 These all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth So did those Worthies who obtained a good report through faith verso 390 3. When we find and receive something sweeter and better in the promises than salvation even Christ himself Song 5.16 His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely This is my beloved and this is my friend O daughters of Jerusalem A temporary may receive the word with joy and the promises of
servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth And under this part of the agreement I comprehend 1. The designation of the person who shall be the redeemer that it shall be the second person the Son of God only not the Father nor the Spirit Isa 59.20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord. Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his Iniquities 1 Joh. 4.9 God sent his only begotten Son unto the world that we might live through him 2. The constituting of that Person Surety and Mediator to take that place upon him which the work of our Redemption did require Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament 3. The consent and agreement of Christ to both these to be the person that shall work this work and to be substitute in this place for doing the work Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God thus did the Creditor and the Cautioner strike hands together 3. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ What should be the Redeemer's work or what should be the price that he should pay and the satisfaction that he should make to divine Justice for the sins of the elect that were given to him under this I take in 1. The concluding betwixt the parties that Christ shall take upon him our Law-place and room and in order to that his taking our nature upon him that Justice might reach him in our stead and place Gal. 4.4 God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law 2. That Christ as our Surety should dye and lay down his life for us that he should pay for us the whole sum that was owing even all that the Law and Justice could exact of the broken man Joh. 10.18 No man taketh is from me but I lay it down of my self Rom. 8.3 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us this is at length held forth Isa 53.5 6 7 10 12. 3. That the payment and satisfaction that should be made to Justice by our Surety in our nature and in our room should be accepted as our payment and as a condign price for our right to Heaven Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 4. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ what should be the term of paying this price and making this satisfaction to Justice A time and term-day is condescended upon such as seemed fit to infinite wisdom to appoint Gal. 4.2 4 until the time appointed of the Father but when the fulness of the time was come Heb. 9.10 11 until the time of reformation But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come Dan. 9.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself I say though the price was agreed upon from eternity yet God in his wisdom thought fit to put off the time of actual paying this price till the Redeemer that should come out of Zion should be long waited for Luk. 2.38 and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem but though the payment was suspended till the fulness of time yet neither Christ's acting as Mediator nor the force of the blood of this Covenant but in contemplation of the price to be payed at the time appointed by the Father he was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 5. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ how the Redemption wrought by him should be applyed to his elect people And under this I comprehend 1. The eternal appointment of the Gospel-Ordinances especially the Covenant of Grace and Reconciliation as means by divine appointment fitted to give the knowledge of the Redeemer and of the Redemption and Salvation wrought by him Luk 1.77 78 79 To give knowledg of Salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from an high hath visited us To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 2. The conclusion that the Gospel should be preached to all Nations that for the Elect's sake it might come unto all the Societies of men in the world among whom there are any of the redeemed ones Psal 110.2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 3. The appointment of the times and seasons and of the particular Instruments that should carry the Gospel to the bounds of each elect Soul's habitation that it might meet with them Act. 17.26 27 And hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation That they should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after him and find him though he be not far from every one of us According as we see it brought to pass in the execution so it was concluded from eternity Act. 8.29 and 2.6 17. and 9.15 and 18.9 10. 4. The pouring out of the Spirit to make the Gospel-ordinances and means of Salvation effectual to the Redeemed people this also was comprehended under this Article of the agreement that this should be procured by him for his elect people Joh. 16.7 8 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you And when he is come he will reprove the world of fin and of righteousness and of judgment Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning 6. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ what should be the reward and wages that he should have for this great Service for working the work of our Redemption his reward and wages in the general Notation thereof was ask and have it was a grant of whatsoever he would ask of God for so great a work and service his recompence was at his own asking Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee c. and according to his own heart full content and satisfaction Isa 53.11 He
shall be satisfied c. but more particularly his reward and wages which was all his own asking comprised these three things which speaks these particulars to have been much upon his heart and in his design 1. That he should have a seed and a people that for all his labour he might have a redeemed people when he had his reward and satisfaction at his own asking he made the redeemed ones his end his asking his satisfaction this was the result of his transcendent love that he might be Immunuel God with us that he might enjoy his poor worthless people Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord-shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied 2. That he might have a Crown to himself I mean a peculiar glory of being Lord Mediator and Redeemer and of working this great work and this he had in Heaven before the foundation of the world even since the eternal designation and destination of him unto this work for thenceforward he was the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 And was set up from everlasting Prov. 8.23 and was glorified with the Father not only with the essential glory that is common to all the three persons which was obscured in his humiliation for the work of Redemption but also with a peculiar glory as Lord Mediator which he had with him before the world began Joh. 17.5 and this glory he shall have in Heaven throughout eternity even after the last Judgment there shall be in Heaven a peculiar throne and glory following and a peculiar song to the Lamb whereof read Rev. 22.3 and 7.10 17. and 5.9 3. That he might have a crown and throne for each of these redeemed ones whom he took for a satisfaction to his Soul their crown and throne and robes was part of the reward and wages that he wrought for and asked of his Father Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me And 14.3 I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit in my throne with me even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne 7. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt the parties what should be the mutual assurances given betwixt the parties for the performance of the Articles agreed upon There needed no Solemnities betwixt parties who knew one another and trusted one another so perfectly but for our sakes that we might be helped to conceive of this eternal inviolable transaction Therefore upon the one part 1. Jehovah giveth his word and faithful promise unto Christ Psal 110.1 The Lord said to my Lord and not his faithful promise only but his oath also Psal 89.35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 7.21 For those priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him The Lord swore and will not repent Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedee 2. Upon the other part Christ does not only give his word of promise and consent to do this work Psal 40.6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offering and sin-offering hast thou not required c. But he also comes under a Judicial and Law-act of Suretiship whereby he did from eternity act himself in the volume of the book of God's eternal Records that he would fulfil all his undertaking Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God And under this act of Suretiship I comprehend 1. His eternal consent to take our Nature and Law-condition upon him 2. His plighting of his faith and truth to act our part and to answer the Law and Demands of Justice in our Law-place and condition 3. His eternal agreement that by his own consent a Judicial act should be put upon him and stand in record for ever in Heaven and in the volume of books that are there that this person had voluntarily undertaken and promised by striking hands with Jehovah to answer all demands of Law and Justice against his elect people Having offered the before-mentioned sum of the Articles concluded and agreed upon the Covenant of Redemption betwixt Jehovah and Christ I come in the next place to distribute and divide that sum and the things comprised under it into the reciprocal and mutual engagements of the parties covenanting to wit 1. What were the commands and conditions laid upon Christ and voluntarily yielded unto by him in the Covenant of Redemption 2. What the promises and engagements that were given to Christ by the same Covenant And 1. Concerning the commands conditions and engagements which were required of Christ Mediator by the Covenant of Suretiship I shall in these eight Assertions open the nature of them and what they were Assert 1. All the commands of the Covenant of Redemption are conditions and are to be considered as such when they are laid upon Christ who came not under commands but upon terms and conditions It is not so in God's Covenant-dealings with us all the commands of the Gospel are not to us conditions of righteousness and life unless we understand conditions in a very large and improper sense neither is it of the essence of commands laid upon us to be conditions for God oweth nothing to our obedience nor is he obliged to make any promises to it but the commands of the Covenant of Redemption are all of them conditions of that same Covenant For 1. They are commands to the obedience whereof promises are made Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors 2. They are commands unto which Christ yielded upon terms Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross therefore God hath highly exalted him Assert 2. All the conditions of the Covenant of Redemption both these more general of obeying the Law and fulfilling all righteousness Mat. 3.15 For thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteausness
part is voluntary humbling of himself Joh. 13.13 14 Ye call me master and Lord and ye say well for so I am If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet Phil. 2.7 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 3. He is God's Servant not for love only to the work wherein he Serveth but for wages as I have already shewed but he is our Servant for no wages nor reward which he could expect from us but purely for love Joh. 13.1 Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends 4. He is God's Servant as a Son serveth his father yea as a Servant serveth his Master Mal. 1.6 A son honoureth his father and a servant his master Phil. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me But he is our Servant as a friend serveth his friend Joh. 15.14 Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you And as a man Serveth one whom he loveth and wooeth which he doth neither for fear nor reward but being wholly acted and determined to do so from a principle of love and a design of love within himself Joh. 3.29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice Song 5.2 It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh saying open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled 4. What kind of Service is it which belongeth to Christ by this Covenant-relation Answ 1. It was the greatest piece of Service and trust that ever was put upon man no less then the whole work of our Redemption and Salvation the weight of the lost World and of all the elect was upon his shoulders in this Service Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flaggons Joh. 17.2 3 4 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 2. It was the hardest piece of Service that ever was laid upon any person O what a hard Service was it to destroy the works of the Devil to bind the strong man and to spoil his house to fall into his quarters and to bring off the prisoners yea to go into the prison and to set open the dores and let the prisoners go free to enter his person in prison for them to pay the debt of so many broken men to bear their transgressions and the chastisement of their peace to endure the stroak of the wakened up sword of Divine Justice in our stead Heb. 2.14 Mat. 12.29 Isa 61.1 2. Zech. 9.11 Act. 2.24 Col. 2.15 1 Cor. 15.55 Isa 53. throughout It was the hardship of this Service that made him heavy and grieved that made him pray and cry and weep and sweat blood Joh. 13.21 Joh. 26.22 42 Heb. 5.7 Luk. 22.24 The Service of no labouring man of no slave that serveth for hire as a stranger in another country is to be compared with the hardship of his Service 3. This Service was an honourable place and Service he served as a King Heb. 8.1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum we have such an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens Joh. 5.22 23 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the father which hath sent him Isa 22.23 24 And he shall be for a glorious throne to his fathers house And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his fathers house the off-spring and the issue Yea It 's a greater place than to be a King for by it the man Christ is exalted far above all principality and constituted Judg and Ruler of the Nations Prince of the Kings of the Earth head of the Church and King of Saints Phil. 2.8 9. Eph. 2.20 21 22. Col. 1.28 Isa 9.6 Act. 17.31 Rev. 15.3 and 17.14 4. It was the most kindly Service that ever was done by man for it was the Service of love the design of love that was in his heart made him with good will to serve Jer. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee He Served not only as a hired man and a stranger in a far Country and as a King and great Lord Ambassador whose Service was a Rule and Government but he served also as a lover because of the design of love and of eternal enjoyment of his chosen people which was in his heart he wearied not to serve his father who had promised to give him the people whom he loved with an everlasting love and he wearied not to serve his people that he might court and woo them to himself he did serve for the satisfaction that he promised to himself in the enjoyment of the people upon whom he had set his heart and as low a price as poor sinners are yet he counted them worthy to be compassed with so high a design he reckoned them a wager and recompence for all his Service Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of of his soul and shall be satisfied Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God His Service is not unfitly resembled by Jacobs who Served for a Wife whom he loved Gen. 29.15 21 27 And Laban said unto Jacob Because thou art my brother shouldst thou therefore serve me for nought tell me what shall thy wages be And Jacob said unto Laban Give me my wife for my days are fulfilled Fulfil her week and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years 5. What was the Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant though this cannot be sufficiently answered by us who have not yet come to know and understand half of that which he hath done for his people 1 Cor. 2.9 But as it is written Eye hath not seen nor ear heard
neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Joh. â— 1 2 Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not Beloved now are we the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Yet let us glance at it by that dim light which we have of the Scriptures It is in general called by himself the work which his father gave him to do Joh. 17.4 By which we understand all that Christ had in commission to do in our nature from the time of his receiving a commission to be the Mediator of the Covenant unto the time of his delivering up the Kingdom to his father more particularly this Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant it 's called the restitution of all things Act. 3.21 When Christ shall bring all things out of that disordered and ruined condition whereunto they were brought by the fall of man and shall restore them to the Primitive integrity when he shall restore fore-faulted man into his first estate of innocency and happiness by taking of the fore-saulture and bringing him out of his excommunicated exiled condition into the presence and fellowship of God Eph. 2.12 13 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ And when the creatures shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God Rom. 8.21 This Service is called the bearing the transgressions of many the making his soul an offering for sin Isa 53.10 12. It was the putting his Soul in our Souls stead that the law might overtake him that justice might smite him for us and might take satisfaction from him for the broken Covenant it was the offering up of himself in a Sacrifice the putting of his Soul in the flame of hot burning wrath for us that the furbushed and wakened-up sword of Divine Justice might be bathed in his blood until it was full of blood and satisfied Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts smite the shepherd c. It 's called the reconciling of the world to God 2 Cor. 5.19 By which we understand all the travel of his Soul in the propounding treating and concluding of a peace 'twixt God and sinners for all that Service was laid upon him and was performed by him for he maketh the proposition of peace he carryeth on the treaty until his own hand lead our hand to sign the articles of peace propounded in the Gospel Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh 2 Cor. 5.19 20 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorifie God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ This Service is called the saving of the lost world Luk. 19.10 And the bringing many Sons to glory Heb. 2.10 That was a great Service indeed to have the weight of the lost world upon his shouldiers to have the keeping and leading yea the bearing in his arms of all that numberless number of the ransomed and redeemed ones whom God had appointed unto Glory Joh. 17.12 While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost Isa 40.11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosome and shall gently lead those that are with young In a word the Service which Christ did in the business of the Covenant was the the transacting of the Covenant he did all that business from beginning to end and without him was nothing done of all things pertaining to God and a new Covenant betwixt him and us whereof see more particularly what we have spoken of the Mediator of the Covenant Chap. 4. Vse 1. Think with your selves and consider the love that made him come under this Covenant-relation that made him a common Servant to both the parties for though he had wages and a reward propounded to him yet it was love that acted Christ in performing this great piece of Service His Service of love is much commended 1. From the infinite condescension that was in it O what condescension was it for a Son to become a Servant Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered for the Son the only begotten Son and Heir to become a Servant Mat. 21.37 38 But last of all he sent unto them his Son saying they will reverence my Son But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves this is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance For the Son of God to become a Servant to the sons of men Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation And took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 2. From the voluntariness of his coming under this Covenant-relation when he was not a Servant by any necessity of nature that he made himself one that when nothing else was to do it his grace his love determined him to go and serve his enemies and make himself of no reputation Phil. 2.7 Rom. 5.8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God O what strange love was that which made Christ so willingly leave the Throne and come down to the foot-stool and stand and serve Mat. 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Joh. 13.4 5 He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded himself After that he poureth water into a bason and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded Gal. 2.20 And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the