things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness 2 Cor. 1.20 For in him all the promises of God are Yea and in him they are Amen I say he is the Witness who hath established the Covenant by his testimony and that in two respects 1. He hath set his Seal to the Covenant and attested all that is in it Rev. 21.5 And he said unto me write for these words aro true and faithful Rev. 22.6 And he said unto me these sayings are faithful and true 2. He saith and sweareth that all things contained in the Covenant are true the true and faithful Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things and saith Amen to them all All that is contained in the Covenant may be summed up in Commands Promises Conditions Threatnings Predictions and Exceptions the truth of all which the witness of the Covenant hath testified and sworn 1. Commands this is the great command of the new Covenant That ye believe on the son of God 1 Joh. 3.23 Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth that that is the revealed will of God he hath said it and sworn that it is true nothing would please his father better Joh. 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day The new Covenant commandeth that we be holy and that we love God and live to him who hath loved us and love one another c. 1 Pet. 1.16 Be ye holy for I am holy 2 Cor. 5.15 And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again Psal 31.23 O love the Lord all ye his Saints for the Lord preserveth the faithful Gal. 5.14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word even in this Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self And the Witness of the Covenant Christ testifieth that it is true indeed these things are the Will of God Mark 12.30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength this is the first commandment Joh. 13.34 A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another Mat. 5.48 Be ye therefore perfect even as your father which is in Heaven is perfect 2. Promises and Proposals of mercy and good things The Covenant proposeth and promiseth life to sinners through the death of Christ Rom. 4.15 Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification Rom. 3.25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 5.8 9 In that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him And Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things and saith that they are the true and faithful sayings of God Rev. 1.18 I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the keys of Hell and of Death 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief Luk. 19.10 For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost The Covenant propoposeth and promiseth peace with God upon easie terms free-gifted righteousness perfect Holiness compleat Victory over all the adversaries of our happiness 2 Cor. 5.19 21. Rom. 3.21 to the 27. and 5.15 to 20. Ezek. 36.25 c. Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things he establisheth them all 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 He saith Amen to them all and sweareth that they are true Rev. 21.5 And he said unto me write for these words are true and faithful Rev. 22.6 And he said unto me these sayings are faithful and true Where the Witness of the Covenant setteth his Seal of Confirmation unto all that is promised in the Gospel-Covenant 3. These things which the new Covenant promiseth it promiseth upon Condition of Faith it promiseth them only to the believer Rom. 10.9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved Rom. 3.22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference 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 Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth that that is true if ye believe not ye shall never be the better of any thing proposed by the new Covenant and if ye believe ye shall 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 Joh. 11.40 Jesus saith unto her said I not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe thou shouldst see the glory of God 4. There are also Threatnings annexed unto the Covenant denouncing wrath and the vengeance of the Gospel upon all unbelievers and wilful rejecters of the new Covenant 2 Thes 1.8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 16.22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Chirst let him be Anathema Maranatha And denouncing woes and evil to the Hypocrite in heart to the backslider to the careless seeker of God to the barren fruitless professor Mat. 23.13 But wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do thy first works or else I will come unto the quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent Rev. 3.16 So then because thou art luke-warm and neither cold nor hot I will spew thee out of my mouth Heb. 6.8 But that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected and is nigh unto cursing whose end is to be burned Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth these things and affirmeth they are the true sayings of God as well as his promises Rev. 3.14 Write these things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness Joh. 3.18 But he that believeth not is condemned already Joh. 8.24 I said therefore unto you that ye shall die in your sins for
through his strength and be forth coming in obedience that therein we shall be accepted 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 Joh. 15.5 I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing Object Since the Law and Covenant of works is alternative and requireth but that a man should obey and perform the commands thereof or else undergo the punishment and curse threatned against the transgressors how can it be required of us to perform the obedience to the Law since Christ our Surety hath satisfied the Law and endured the curse and punishment thereof in our stead how can it stand with Justice to exact both In this Objection the Antinomian the Arminian and the Socinan concur though for different ends and upon different accounts The Antinomian to establish Christs dying in our stead so as he performed all active obedience to the Law that God can require of us The Arminian to establish faith and conversion on mans part as part of satisfaction to offended Justice and so to derogate from free grace and Christs Surety-righteousness and to axalt free will The Socinian to impugn Christs dying in our stead and satisfying offended Justice in our room In answer to this we shall offer these considerations 1. Christ did not fulfil the preceptive part of the Law in our stead Answ in that strict sense that we say he did bear the punishment of the Law for us for then should all Duties cease as well as sacrifice and ransome to offended Justice which is contrary to the Scripture Rom. 3.31 Do we then make void the law through faith God forbid yea we establish the law Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye snall keep my judgments and do them And then also did Christ die and suffer in vain for if we did perfectly fulfil the Law in Christ then there is no need nor use of his suffering for disobedience Gal. 2.21 For if righteousness come by the Law then Christ is dead in vain Then also Christs Surety-righteousness should be ours though we should never believe for what need we believe if he did it for us and if we did it in him which is also contrary to the Scripture Rom. 4.5 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 10.9 10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation 2. Consider the obedience required of us unto the preceptive part of the Law for whom Christ did bear the punishment thereof and in several respects it may appear to be consistent with Justice that even they for whom Christ died should be bound to obey the Law 1. The believers obe dience which is required in his own person is not that obedience which the Law required as a possible way of life I mean a perfect obedience of a righteous person who had never sinned but an obedience of sincerity that may be in a sinner 2. Our obedience is not for the same end that Christs sufferings were to wit for a satisfaction to offended Justice for it s no part of our ransome but for other ends and so it is not inconsistent with Justice to demand satisfaction of Christ for one use and end and obedience of us for other uses and ends 3. Since the Law is not changed nor repealed though our relation to it be changed 't is just that we should obey Christ our head and husband whose will this Law is Notwithstanding that he hath divorced us by his sufferings from the Law as a husband commanding obedience as the marriage-condition of life 4. The Lord may justly require obedience to his Law from them even in their own persons for the time to come for whose transgressions he hath accepted of a satisfaction in the person of another especially when that obedience is nothing that can lie in the balance as the just alternative of the Law fornent the satisfaction given by Christ 5. The Law and Justice may require both satisfaction and obedience in different respects or in regard of different actions for it is not the same thing which we obey and for which Christ makes satisfaction for he satisfied for our disobedience not for our obedience beside Christs satisfaction is for disobedience to the Covenant of works our obedience even to the Law is the obedience to the Gospel-Covenant to which the Law is reduced by Christ who hath made it his Law in this Covenant 6. It cannot be supposed that Christs sufferings for our disobedience to the Law should put us thereafter in another condition in respect of obedience to the Law than Adam should have been in if he had never sinned and if his life and happiness had not depended on his obedience in both which cases he had been bound to obey the Law and will of the Law-giver The third part of Christs Suretiship for man to God relateth to his undertaking for the persons of the Elect the former two parts being his undertakings for what the Law did threaten and what the Gospel and Law both do command for he is not only a Surety for Debt and for Duty for penalty of the Law and for performance of the commands of the Law and Gospel but also a Surety for the persons of the Elect a Surety by way of caution who did give bail for them all and in relation to this part of his Suretiship Christ is Surety 1. For the indempnity of all the Elect that since the sather hath given them into his hands he hath engaged to lose none of them he is acted a cautioner to make a good account of all that company that however he set them a warfare and although he lead them on and engage them against strong adversaries and through manifold tentations although he shew his people hard things yet he shall bring them off safe and bear them through so that he may say he hath lost none of them Joh. 17.12 But is a captain of salvation to them all Heb. 2.10 Psal 66.12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads we went through fire and through water but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place Such a Surety was Judah for little Benjamin Gen. 43.9 2. He is Surety for the good behaviour of all those whom he hath reconciled unto God for having made our peace with God he is Surety that we shall keep the peace that howsoever we may fail in many things yet his people being once reconciled to God and
sweet facility and easiness which is found in all Gospel commands and obedience when endeavoured in the strength of Christs grace Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me 1 Joh. 5.3 And his commandments are not grievous This is the sweet fruit of Christs Suretiship who did undertake to work all these things in us and to give his spirit and influences toward the effecting of these things 5. By Christs Suretiship we have our holdness in all distresses to lay our weight upon him Isa 38.14 Like a crane or swallow so did I chatter I did mourn as a dove mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Whensoever any duty or tentation is above our strength when any difficulty prevaileth against us then to come to Christ as unto one who is engaged with us and for us Isa 45.24 Surely shall one say in the Lord have I righteousness and strength even to him shall men come and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass When the Law cometh with any hard commandment then to offer to God Christ the end of the law Rom. 10.4 Heb. 12.24 6. We owe to Christs Suretiship many things upon the head of tentations as namely 1. Our being prevented that many a tentation cometh not to our dore before which we should prove weak that we enter not into all tentations fitâ—â—â— for our humors Math. 26.41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into tempeation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak 2. Our standing it out when tentation cometh that it doth not carry us quite away before it with a full consent Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 3. Our escaping and delivery from tentations 1 Cor. 10.13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful that will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it All these things we have by Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us 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 but the son of perdition that the scripture might be fulfilled Rev. 3.10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth Vse 1. Behold we bring you glad tidings of great joy Luk. 2.10 Good news to broken sinners who have made themselves irresponsal who cannot fulfil the Covenant of works who cannot answer the charge of the Law themselves behold there is a better Covenant which hath a cautioner in it who hath stricken hands with God who hath undertaken the Debt and hath discharged it Isa 53.6 And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all Col. 2.14 Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nayling it to his cross Here is in one word manifold grounds of comfort to believers and of encouragement to believe in Christ to come and thank him for his undertaking and to say Amen to that which he did without our request here is one ground to answer many objections and doubtings if you be by nature under a Covenant which hath no cautioner Christ doth tender a Covenant which hath a cautioner in it Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament Heb. 8.6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises If the conditions of that be hard the conditions of this are easie Heb. 12.20 For they could not endure that which was commanded Rom. 10.6 8. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise That is the word of faith which we preach if thou shalt believe with thine heart thou shalt be saved If you stand alone in that Covenant you do not so here Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Isa 59.21 As for me this is my covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever If the charge of the Law be hard such as you cannot satisfie you have a Surety who hath both undertaken and made sufficient satisfaction to the Law Isa 53.8 He was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation for he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Dan. 9.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself and the people of the prince that shall come c. If you be unresponsal creatures who have not only broken Covenant but disabled your selves to perform any thing that the Law even the new Law doth require of you your Surety is a responsal person one that is mighty Psal 89.19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Vse 2. Here is a matter of expostulation with believers and with unbelievers and that upon divers grounds 1. Why do any of you think or say that the Gospel-conditions and commands are hard and heavy that they are unprofitable or impossible 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 Is there any cause to think so of a Covenant that hath a Surety in it nay 't is groundless to think so 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 mayost do it 1 Joh. 5.3 And his commandments are not
store-house Christ given to them though they had a fair stock yet it was all in their own hand at adventure and the well head and fountain of life to them was placed in themselves or the streams were cut off from the fountain but to the weak believer the fountain of life and grace is placed in Christ Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works Joh. 1.26 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 5. Nor was Christ an undertaker and Surety for the Angels that fell nor for Adam in his first Covenant state he gave no Bond nor came under any act of Suretiship for their standing Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham God never said to them as he doth to the believer Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 2. Learn hence to admire and study these eternal depths of love and wisdome that shine forth in Gods Covenant-transactions with Christ Eph. 3.18 19 That you may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg This glorious mystery the Angels desire to search into though not so much concerned in it as we and shall not believers much more study it 1. The wisdom and knowledg that found out this way that was beyond the possible reach of men and Angels that lost man who was in as hopeless a condition as the Apostate Angels should be by a Surety by such a Surety undertaken for when Angels were passed by Heb. 2.16 2. The everlasting out-goings of that same eternal love which came forth in Covenant-transactions betwixt the Father and the Son when these objects of his love and eternal delight were not yet revealed nor knew any thing of it Prov. 8.23 to 31. What a wonder is this that the heart of God the delights of God should be taken up about such objects 3. The Soveraign graciousness and free preventing-grace of this Suretiship that Christ became Surety and undertaker and came to fulfil his Suretiship not sought for not sent for not so much as desired by us to undertake and act any thing for us Isa 65.1 I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not I said Behold me Behold me unto a nation that was not called by my Name 4. The seasonableness of his sending the notice of this unto us the Lord provided a Physician before we were sick and sent him to us in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 Gal. 4.4 When fallen man was sick unto death when Justice with a fiery sword kept him out from happiness when he was running away and hiding himself at the voice of God Gen. 3.10 When the cure was desperate and the remedy impossible to our knowledg then came the news of a Surety to undertake for us in our low condition 5. The double tenure whereby the believer holds his pardon and life through Christs Suretishp by free-grace and by Justice Jam. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ The Covenant of Redemption has provided both that Free-grace should acquit wretched sinners and Justice also should discharge them for a full price laid down Christ hath said to Jehovah by his Covenant of Suretiship as Paul said to Philemon concerning Onesimus Philem. v. 18 19 If he hath wronged thee or owed thee ought put that on mine account I Paul have written it with my own hand I will repay it And this answers all that Law and Justice and the accuser can say and therefore the believer may well say with Paul Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth 3. Learn how needful the knowledg and perswasion of Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us is Nothing is more necessary than to believe this 1. For the right understanding of our Debt to him who did so freely being under no necessity of nature and not desired by us undertake for us and put his soul in our souls stead a worthy study indeed and well becoming a believer to know what we owe to Jesus the Surety of the Covenant who spoke for us behind our backs when we were absent and who laid down his Bond for ours 1 Cor. 6.19 20 Ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which is Gods 2. For the establishing our hearts in the faith of our Salvation and compleat Redemption is there any thing can so establish the heart of a believer as to know that Christ is an undertaker for him he that can believe that Christ became Surety for him in the eternal Counsel of God cannot reasonably doubt but he will fulfil all his undertaking and that he shall be saved by his Surety-actings Rom. 5.8 9 10 But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 3. For silencing all the actings of unbelief in us and the perverse suspicious of our heart concerning Gods Covenant Good-will towards us all which do resolve upon some apprehensions of breach of the Covenant of Suretiship betwixt Jehovah and Christ for if that stand fast upon both sides what place is there for doubting and unbelief 2 Tim. 2.13 If we believe not yet he abideth faithful he cannot deny himself Rom. 3.3 4 For what if some did not believe shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect God forbid 4. Nothing more necessary for engaging our hearts in the study of faith and holiness and unto a walk becoming the redeemed of the Lord than the faith of Christs Suretiship Three ways does this engage unto holiness and becoming walking 1. Morally and by way of excitement and motive the faith of Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us is both an inviting and encouraging motive to be holy forasmuch as we are chosen in Christ to be holy and given to him to be made holy Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy c. Joh. 17.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one 2. By way of obligement Christs Suretiship doth oblige us and lay on Bonds and Obligations to this duty that we should believe and be holy and he who hath the faith of Christs Suretiship cannot but judg so 2 Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us
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
after Gods will Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power And how sweet and comfortable is it that Salvation is by the Covenant of Suretiship taken off the mutable will of man the slippery yea and nay of mans free-will and laid upon the immutability of his counsel Heb. 6.17 and will with whom there is no variableness Rom. 9.15 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion Jam. 1.18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth 4. That by the Covenant of Suretiship the fountain and well-spring of Life and Salvation and of all the influences that must needs act us toward it lay out of our selves and are placed in Christ Psal 8.7 All my springs are in thee Col. 3.3 Your life is hid with Christ in God The Well-head of Life to Adam was in himself and that which was placed in himself went dry he had no other Fountain whence he had assurance to draw and fetch any more but by Christs Suretiship the spring of Life and Salvation to us is placed in him which makes it indefectible to us and O how sweet is that to the believer that his Salvation is fountained in Christ thus when his water fails within he needs do no more but turn the water cock of Faith that is in his own heart and take in fresh supplies from Jesus the resurrection and the life Joh. 11.25 Isa 27.3 Lest any hurt it I will keep it night and day I will water it every moment Joh. 4.14 The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life Joh. 14.19 Because I live ye shall live also 5. By the Covenant of Suretiship our Rights and Charters I mean the promises not of Heaven and Salvation only but of all our concernments are in a surer hand than our own and under better keeping for now by that Covenant they are in Christs keeping to whom the promises are made Gal. 3.16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made he saith not and to seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ He is the first heir of all things Heb. 1.2 to whom the first title and right to the promises which are our Charters doth belong they were first his before they were ours yea and he was the first possessor too upon Christ did all the acts of Gods Covenant-love to us fall first Act. 13.34 I give you the sure mercies of David Most of the promises were made formally to Christ even those which directly relate to our Calling Justification Salvation Isa 53.10 11 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied By his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities And these that were not made formally to him such as the promise of a new heart a new spirit remission of sins yet these were made to him eminenter they were laid down in him and consigned in his hand for Christ is not only the fountain and original cause of all the promises who merited by his Blood Remission Righteousness and Life which the Lord makes ours by free promise but he is also the first subject of the promises Christ receiveth all the Covenant-promises which are our Rights and Charters and he keepeth them and manageth them for our use as may most tend to our good Christ is made by his Suretiship that excellent Ark which keepeth the tables of the Covenant and the book of the Law and Covenant Deut. 31.26 1 Kings 8.9 How sweet and satisfying is it that our Rights of Heaven is in such a Charter-chest and in the hands of such a keeper even under Christs custody who shall give a good account to his Father of all that is committed to him Joh. 17.12 Those whom thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost and whose keeping is in high account with all those who know him 2 Tim. 1.12 For I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day 6. By the Covenant of Suretiship Christ and the believer are in a manner in one Writ for notwithstanding that there be differences between the Covenant made with him and that which is made with us as is before shewed yet it may be said that Christ and the believer are some way in one Writ 1. Because these two Covenants are all of a piece they are to be distinguished but not divided it is the same design of Grace the same business of redeeming and saving lost Man that is carried on in both 2. Although Christ and the believer be not formally and as parties in this Writ of Christs Sureti-covenant to God yet they are virtually and as to their interests and concernments It is Christs business and concernment and the believers too even all his eternal concernments that are in that Covenant and ours these meet together and are transacted in one Writ and thus even among men a person may be said to be in a Writ where his concernments are handled 3. Because of the contexture and interweaving not only of Christ and the believers interests but also of their Names in the same Writ For in the Covenant where his Name is put alone as undertaker and which is his single bond to wit the Covenant of Suretiship even there is the believers Name put as being the person for which he payed a price and for whom he undertook and who were promised to him for a seed as a satisfying-sight for the travel of his Soul And again in the Writ given to us we stand not alone in Covenant-dealings with God but in the same Writs of the promises made to the believer Christs name stands as principal party Covenanting for us and receiving the promises as is manifest from what is already said 4. There is not only a contexture but a commutation with Christ and the believers Name in the Covenant-writs for his Name is put in our Bond for he wrote himself the sinner legally and in the sinners place under the Law accursed and our Name is put in the Writ of Justification given to him and the new Law of Faith writes the believer righteous and blessed 2 Cor. 5.21 For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Gal. 3.13 14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentles through faith Rom. 3.22 Even the righteousness of God which
there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him Rev. 17.14 He is lord of lords and king of kings Over the Reprobate as well as the Elect Psalm 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool Over all ages and generations of men Dan. 7.14 his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Although it be more special and he be a King more peculiarly to the Church and the elect World Psalm 2.6 8 9 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel And that both outwardly by appointing them Laws Ordinances and Officers Psalm 9.6 7 For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with justice and with judgment from henceforth and for ever And inwardly by ruling in their hearts Luke 17.21 Neither shall they say lo here or lo there 〈◊〉 behold the kingdom of God is within you Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye stall keep my judgments and do them Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their bearts And his Kingdom is over other creatures but for the cause and behoof of the Elect Eph. 1 22 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 3. It is Spiritual over the souls and consciences of men to awe and over-rule the hearts of men to captivate their affections Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Joh. 18.36 Jesus answered and said My kingdom is not of this world Chap. 6.15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a King he departed again into a mountain himself alone To break in pieces his enemies with an iron Rod to rule and slay them with the words of his mouth Psalm 110.2 Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Isa 11.4 But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked 4. It is everlasting Dan. 2.44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand for ever Chap. 7.14 His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever and although it be said 1 Cor. 15.24 he shall give the kingdom to his Father yet his Kingdom shall not then cease for I take that to be in regard of the manner of administration of it by Ordinances Officers c. for then all his Saints shall be perfected and all his enemies subdued whereof something hath been already spoken 5. In the kingdom of Christ Mediator he doth all things with authority and power and yet it is wholly ruled by his Word and Spirit He doth all things in his Kingdom not by outward secular force but by his influences upon the spirits of men and determining them in a secret way whether providentially or by saving and sanctifying influences Zech. 4.6 Not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord of Hosts Psalm 110.1 2 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 2 Thess 2.8 And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 6. The great work of his Kingly Power is to imploy it for saving of his people and subduing his and their enemies to bring to pass his purpose of the one and the other either without or against all-contradiction Psalm 110 throughout Psalm 2 throughout Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth 7. The great and special end of Christs Kingly Office is to make his other Offices effectual for the saving of his Elect to support his Priesthood and Prophecy and to give vigour and efficacy to them for except Christ had been a Prince that had power over his friends and foes his other Offices could never have been made effectual to the Elect nor he a Captain of Salvation to them Heb. 2.10 Therefore also he is set forth as a Priest upon a Throne who carrieth all things as a King with power Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high It is his Kingdom which effects that Reconciliation which is the end of a Mediator that which his Prophecy teacheth and his Priesthood and Sacrifice hath purchased he sits as a King and conveys the power of it into the soul 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 and 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 3. The Harmony and Consent of these three Offices in our Mediator and how they do concurr for the end of his Mediatorship to wit the triesting of the difference betwixt God and man by making a reconciliation and binding up friendship by a new Covenant Here observe the sweet concurrence of the three Offices in the Mediator Christ 1. All these Offices level at one end to wit Reconciliation and Salvation which is the great business wherefore a Mediator was appointed 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself but with
this difference his Prophecy teaches the way of Reconciliation Acts 3.22 Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you His Priesthood opened the way and purchased the peace Heb. 9.14 15 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 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the Transgressors that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance His Kingdom doth effect and do the business John 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me Col. 1.20 21 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled But yet we must not conceive the actings of these Offices in Christ separately nor appropriate to any of them solely the effecting Reconciliation or Salvation but understand it by way of eminency and so of the following particulars 2. These three Offices in our Mediator concur to do the same work but in divers ways that our Reconciliation and Salvation might be the more compleat and sure he would have us saved Heb. 7.25 to the utmost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Camer in Myr. F. Goodwin Christ set forth Corn. Schrevel Lexic or as the word is rendred by some over and above all manner of ways for the word as some observe signifies Omni modum persecutionem omnem adeptus finem and absolute perfection in all manner of ways whereunto these three Offices in our Mediator concur 1. Christ as Priest through his death reconcileth us to God and saveth us as captives are redeemed by Ransom and Price Heb. 10.12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God Col. 1.1 20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son c. 2. Christ as King by his Resurrection and Ascension effectuates our Salvation by power and conquest Heb. 2.14 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Eph. 4.8 Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men 3. Christ as Prophet effectuates our reconciliation with God and Salvation by our own consent informing our judgments begetting a good understanding betwixt God and us removing mistakes and making us willing to be reconciled unto him and saved by him Psal 110.2 3 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth This he effects by Treaty till he hath concluded favour and friendship betwixt the parties by voluntary consent in a Covenant Rev. 22.17 And the Spirit and the Bride say Come 3. These Offices in our Mediator sweetly concur together to meet with three great Evils in our natural condition which are comprehensive of all our misery and to deal in taking them away 1. Christ as a Prophet dealeth with our Ignorance of God and blindness and removeth that by applying himself to us in the exercise of that teaching-Office Eph. 4.18 21 Having the understanding darkned being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart If so be that ye have heard him and been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus 2. Christ as Priest with his Atonement and Satisfaction dealeth with our alienation and estrangement from God and our enmity against him which is the fruit of our Ignorance of him and by making a satisfaction to of fended Justice he takes away the enmity Eph. 4.18 Being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them See Rom. 5.10 When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Col. 1.21 And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled 3. Christ as a King dealeth with our Impotency and Rebellion which is the third great evil in our unnatural condition which he sweetly subdueth by the power and dominion of his grace Psalm 45.5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee Rev. 6.2 And he went forth conquering and to conquer Or the harmony of these Offices may be conceived thus 1. That Christ as a Prophet dealeth eminently with the understandings of men to perswade and convince them by his teaching 2 Cor. 4.4 6 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine in them for God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2. Christ as a Priest as a merciful loving condescending man who hath laid down his life for us useth entreaties and dealeth with the affections mainly when the judgment is informed by his prophesie and teaching 2 Cor. 5.20 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 3. Christ as King dealeth with the wills of men the proudest and highest enemy that Christ hath in our nature which he subdues and overpowers by determinating grace Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power 4. These three Offices in our Mediator do most pleasantly conspire in aiding and supporting one another that each Office may be vigorous and effectual for the end of his Mediation And here consider 1. How the prophecy of Christ is aiding to his Priesthood and Kingdom 1. By teaching what the Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ are and the way how reconciliation and peace is to be made His prophecy teaches those mysteries of the Kingdom and our salvation which otherways we could not know Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him It sheweth 1. Where a Sacrifice is to be had and a power to make out our peace which upon the matter is the Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of
who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption There be who divide his Offices who would be saved by his Priesthood but will neither be taught by his Prophecy nor ruled by his Kingdom 2. Others who would be both saved and taught but not commanded by him Again There be who would divide the things belonging to his Offices As 1. who would submit to his teaching by outward Ordinances but will not submit themselves to the inward teaching of his Spirit 2. Who will be content to take his satisfaction and merit of his death but think they need not his intercession 3. Who would take the protection of his Kingdom but will not have the Laws and Government thereof 4. Who would be made happy by his means but will not be made holy 6. Let us labour to seek within us the experiment of the virtue of each of his Offices and of the several parts thereof and things pertaining to the same And 1. of his Prophecy and that not only of his doing the part of a Prophet in shewing to us things more pleasant but things more bitter also even our sin and his reproofs Joh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment Psal 50.21 But I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine eyes 2. Let us study to experience the power and efficacy of his Priesthood in both parts thereof of his Satisfaction and of his Intercession of the death and life of our Priest and that to all the intents of these parts of that Office for Reconciliation for access to God for bringing you in favour for keeping you in favour for perseverance for righteousness for holiness and for salvation Rom. 5.9 10 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life Heb. 4.14 Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession And 10.22 Let us draw near in the full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness sanctification and redemption Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins 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 3. Let it he our endeavour also to feel within us the virtue of his Kingdom by taking on his yoke submitting to his commands Mat. 11.29 Take my yoke upon you Admitting him as a King upon a throne to rule within us Luke 17.21 Behold the kingdom of God is within you Yielding him service Psal 2.11 12 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce with trembling Kiss the son lest he be angry Subduing your lusts 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 Committing your selves to his protection and making it your refuge 2 Tim. 1.12 For I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day Vse 5. Try your improving of Christs Offices and whether he carrieth them in vain as to your reaping profit by them 1. In general 1. By your delight in the wise conjunction of them insomuch that if it were at your disposing ye could not be content that any of them were wanting in him 2. By your unsatisfiedness with your selves until you have had some good and found some effect of each of them upon you 2. More particularly 1. If you have been under the efficacy of Christs Prophesie no outward teaching will satisfie you till you feel the power of his Spirit teaching you inwardly 2. If you have been under the efficacy of his Priesthood no sacrifice nor service nor prayers of your own will be rested on but his Sacrifice and Intercession only 3. If you have felt the efficacy of his Kingdom no externals of a well-ordered and ruled walk will content you without his Kingdom within you CHAP. XIV Of the Mediator's Vnction as it relateth to the endowing of him with all requisite Qualifications for that Work THE Second Part of Christ's Unction which is also consequent to his personal union is the furnishing and fitting of him with special Requisites and Furniture for the work of Mediation and particularly he is anointed with requisite qualifications for the discharge of these three high Offices unto which he was designed to be a King a Priest and a Prophet to his Church And this also is comprehended in the Anointing from which our Mediator has his name Messiah or Christ Joh. 1.41 Luke 9.20 Of this part of his Unction we shall speak 1. More generally laying open what it is and the comprehensive phrases of Scripture which speak of it 2. More particularly pointing at the special graces which were required and were found eminently in our Mediator And 1. of his Unction in general whereby the Godhead made the Manhead full of himself and of all the communicable graces and gifts of the Spirit to fit him for the work of a Mediator The Scripture-phrases concerning this unction or fitness and furniture of Christ for his Mediatorship are exceeding large and comprehensive Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer than the children of men grace is poured into thy lips thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows There his unction with the Holy Ghost and graces of the Spirit compared to oyl which in regard of its nature refresheth and maketh fit for use and in regard of its use was imployed for figuring and signifying mens fitness for the calling is extolled comparatively comparing it with the unction of believers a large effusion of the Spirit was upon him after an extraordinary measure and manner John 3.34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him how then without measure i.e. most abundantly the like phrase see Ezra 7.22 And salt without prescribing how much Christ did receive the gifts of the Spirit in such abundant measure that he might have an overflowing measure in him that should run over and fill all his members Joh. 1.14 16 full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace
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
she should be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white for the fine linnen is the righteousness of Saints CHAP. XVII Of the grounds of Comfort and supports of Faith arising to Believers from Christs Mediatorship I Shall shut up this part of the Doctrine of Christs Mediatorship with some grounds of Comfort and supports of Faith which arise thence 1. There is Comfort here and support for Faith to all who are convinced of enmity betwixt God and them and do desire reconciliation with him Lo here are glad tidings there is a Mediator a Peace-maker betwixt God and men 1 He is already long ago designed and appointed for this Office 2. He hath already done the work he hath purchased and proclaimed the Peace even to Rebels who will come in and accept of it Eph. 2.16 17 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the Cross having slain the enmity thereby and came and preached Peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh and being now removed out of our sight he hath appointed it to be done by his messengers Rom. 10.15 How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace and bring glad tidings of good things 3. He is now ready to accept of and make intercession for all those that shall come in and declare their acceptance of his offer Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Joh. 6.37 And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Why then do you haesitate Why stand you off What aileth you Is there not here encouragement and support of Faith Is there not comfort against the selt-enmity and feared-wrath to come Joh. 1.29 Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the Sin of the World 2. There is comfort and support for Faith from Christs Mediatorship namely to Believers and to those who have come to God through him 1. To all forts of Believers 2. In all the variety of their several conditions 3. Against all their fears and evils wherewith they are afflicted 1. To all Believers I mean sound Believers 1 Pet. 1.1 to the weak as well as the strong to them who have like precious Faith with the Apostles although they have not like perfect and strong Faith he is not a Mediator for the strong only but for all that believe on him 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 And 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also that shall believe on me through their word Goodwin Christ set forth And it is well observed by Mr. Goodwin â—â—om Heb. 17.25 that the comfort and encouragement proposed there from Christs Intercession is fitted for a Recumbents Faith the proper act whereof as 't is distinguished from the Faith of Assurance is a coming to Christ he is a Mediator for all that have cast themselves on him in their way of coming to God though their Faith be not yet grown up to assurance 2. To all Believers in their several conditions he is Mediator and does the Office of a Mediator not only when Believers can act faith and employ him but when their Faith is well-near failed like a worn week when they are at the weakest and at the worst Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not Not only when his elect people are doing him service but when they are ignorantly opposing him as many times they do especially before their Conversion Act. 9.5 6 I am Jesus whom thou persecutest And he trembling and astonished said Lord what wilt thou have me to do And the Lord said arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do Luke 23.34 And Jesus said Father forgive them for they know not what they do Not only when they are in his way but when they are out of the way Heb. 5.2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way Not only when they can pray and wrestle for themselves Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the Altar having a Golden Censor and there was given unto him much Incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the Golden Altar which was before the Throne but when they cannot utter their heart before the Lord Rom. 8.26 27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh Intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the will of God Isa 59.16 And he saw that there was no man and wondred that there was no Intercessor therefore his arm brought salvation unto him and his righteousness it sustained him Not only when all is well and at peace and when nothing is charged against them but when they are under Challenges and condemning-things are laid to their charge Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect it is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Not only in time of peace but when wrath and destruction is gone forth against his people Ezek. 9.4 And the Lord said unto him Go through the midst of the City the midst of Jerusalem and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof Zech. 1.12 Then the Angel of the Lord answered and said O Lord of Hosts how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the Cities of Judah against which thou hast had indignation these Threescore and ten years Not only at their first coming but in all their after-addresses to God through him Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them With 4.14 16 Seeing then that we have an High-priest that is passed into the Heavens let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need 3. The Comfort and support of Faith flowing from Christs Mediatorship reacheth to all the evils wherewith Believers can be afflicted Namely 1. It may comfort against the daily infirmities wherewith believers are compassed these shall not make a breach betwixt God and us for as much as Christs Mediation is intended to prevent that 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation
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
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
betwixt the parties through the Messenger and by his means and travel 2 Sam. 11.22 23 25 So the messenger went and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for And the Messenger said unto David surely the men prevailed against us Then David said unto the messenger thus shalt thou say unto Joab let not this thing displease thee c. Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world and they have believed that thou didst send me Joh. 13.3 And that he was come from God and went to God 2. Consider next in what respects the name Messenger is applicable to Christ with relation to the Covenant 1. In regard of the power and trust committed unto him in the matters of the Covenant he is the Messenger of the Covenant that is the great Lord Ambassadour extraordinary and Trustee of Heaven who represented his father and who was Plenipotentiary being perfectly instructed and fully impowred to propound treat and conclude in all matters pertaining to the Covenant and the settlement of peace 'twixt God and man and in this sense the word is used 1 Kings 16.7 and 17.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 malakim Messengers i. e. Ambassadours and Isa 33.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 melache the Ambassadors of peace thus Christ is the Messenger of the Covenant this power and trust is committed unto him to represent his father 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 1.1 3 God hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son And to treat and conclude with us a Covenant in his name Joh. 5.22 For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power oven all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and earth 2. This-name of Messenger of the Covenant is applicable to him in regard of his pains and travel in the matters of the Covenant I mean in regard of his work as well as his trust and thus in regard of several pieces of his work and travel he may be called the Messenger of the Covenant 1. He is the Messenger who carried the Message of a new Covenant who travelled from Heaven to Earth with this Message to make a Covenant betwixt God and sinners he came expresly for this one errant Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of the time was come 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 1 Joh. 5.6 This is he that came by water and blood even Jesus Christ not by water only but by water and blood 1 Joh. 1.5 This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you that God is light and in him is no darkness at all And in this sense the word is frequently used for an Express or one sent for a particular Errant and purpose Joh. 1.6 7 There was a man sent from God whose name was John The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe Mat. 11.10 For 〈◊〉 is he of whom it is written Behold I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee 2. He is the Messenger who did publish and intimate the new Covenant and Gods gracious purpose in it as that thing which was his errant in the World he did it Authoritatively others only Ministerially 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead he ye reconciled to God He is the chief Minister of the new Testament others only by commission from him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God as upon me because the Lord hath annointed me to preach good ridings unto the meek Heb. 8.2 6 10 A minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better Covenant which was established upon better promises For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord c. Eph. 4.9.11 Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth and he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Luk. 19.10 Eph. 2.17 Pov. 9.1 3. So the word is taken for one that intimateth or bringeth word and giveth notice of any thing Joh 1.14 3. He is the Messenger who doth interpret and declare the Message of the new Covenant who travelleth to be an Interpreter of the mind of God in that matter Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my father and no man knoweth the Son but the father neither knoweth any man the father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him Rom. 3.25 26. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him 〈◊〉 hith believeth in Jesus Luk. 24.17 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all 〈◊〉 Scriptures the things concerning himself Hence he is called a Prophet Act. 3.22 And thâ—â— Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 And in this sense this word is taken Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness 4. He is the messenger which acteth the Covenant upon the hearts of his people effective physice I mean the Messenger which attacheth the hearts of his people as a Serjeant at Arms that layeth hands upon a man and bringeth them into the bond of the Covenant the Messenger that never leaveth pursuit until he hath apprehended Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those 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 Hos 2.19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever yea I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness and in judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies 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
miracles before them yet they believed not on him Joh. 15.23 24 He that hateth me hateth my father also but now have they both seen and hated both me and my father Luk. 7.30 But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him Psal 81.11 But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me Mat. 22.5 6 But they made light of it and went their ways one â—o his fâ—rm another to his merchandise and the remâ—unt took his servants and intreated them spitefully and slow them Mat. 23.37 O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which aâ—e sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Mat. 11.17 And saying we have piped unto you and ye have not danced we have mourned unto you and ye have not lamented Shall the Messenger of the Covenant have no good report to make of you like that which he made of his Disciples Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and believed that I came out from God At least let him have that to say of you that he roported of Ephraim That you have lamented the frowardness of your own hearts under all his pains and travel Jer. 31.18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak c. Vse 2. Suffer me from this Covenant-relation of Christs to exhort you 1. To employ him in that which is his trust he is the Messenger of the Covenant if there be any thing which you have to do with God relating to the making maintaining or renewing a Covenant with him there is a messenger appointed for negotiating in that matter and one who is willing to be employed by you Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no ways cast out Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 2. Beware that you usurp not his employment neither intrude upon it take heed that you attempt not to send any Message to God and not by the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.29 For our God is a consuming fire See that you go not any errant of the Covenant without him See that you send not your prayers and other performances to God or any Message without him in their own strength or by the hand of another Messenger beside the Angel of the Covenant Rev. 8.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censer and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne Joh. 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you 3. Acknowledg Christ in this Covenant-relation and in the execution of it That ever you heard of the Covenant that it hath been declared revealed and interpreted to you you are debtors for that to the Messenger of the Covenant if he had not travelled in that business you had never heard of it Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh Mat. 13.11 Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but to them it is not given Much more you are his Debtors if the Covenant be acted upon your hearts Heb. 8.6 10 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those 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 Mat. 16.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him Blessed art thou Simon Bar-Jona for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my father which is in heaven Joh. 17.6 8 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 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me 4. Be requested to take notice and to listen what Message the Messenger of the Covenant bringeth to you it is the Message of a Covenant of a good and sure bargain that you would join your selves to the Lord and take hold of his covenant Isa 56.4 6. Whereunto if you would but listen it should prove a life-giving motion Isa 55.3 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 Joh. 1.38 39 They said unto him Rabbi which is to say being interpreted Master where dwellest thou he saith unto them come and see they came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him that day It 's a Message of peace you need not stare at it nor be afraid of what we have in commission 2 Cor. 5 19 20 21 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 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 for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Luk. 2.10 14 And the Angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men Isa 60.17 For brass I will bring gold and for iron I will bring silver and for wood brass and for stones iron I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness It 's a Message of love of the Fathers love and of the Sons 1 Joh. 3.1 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 Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends It 's a Message of
faith But after that faith is come we are no longer under a School-master Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 2. 'T is the Law as it s qualified by Christ who gave out a new edition of the commands thereof without detracting from the old as his Law in the new Covenant whereby his Subjects might know his will which they must endeavour to obey Joh. 13.34 A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another Mat. 5.17 21 22 27 28 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the Judgment But I say unto you That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the Judgment and whosoever shall say to his brother Racha shall be in danger of the Counsel but whosoever shall fay Thou fool shall be in danger of Hell-fire Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her be hath committed adultery with her already in his heart c. And this new giving out of the commands and preceptive part of the Law and Covenant of works did neither derogate from the substance of the Law nor from the authority and binding force thereof by vertue of the first Covenant to which it did appertain but did rather super add a new and perswasive obligation 2 Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again Rom. 6.1 2 What shall we say then shall we continue in sin that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein 4. Though the Law and preceptive part of the Covenant of works doth appertain to the new Covenant yet are not the commands and conditions thereby required and the obedience given thereunto conditions of the new Covenant which standeth only of faith Rom. 4.5 16 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed not to that only which is of the law but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all Act. 16.31 And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house For 1. This were upon the matter to confound the conditions of the two Covenants which are stated as so contra-distinguished in terms that there is no mixture nor semblance of mixture to be admitted Rom. 9.31 32 But Israel which followed after the law of righteousness hath not attained to the law of righteousness Wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the law for they stumbled at that stumbling stone Rom. 10.3 4 6 8 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth c. 2. If this obedience to the preceptive part of the Law which is yet of force to believers and required by the Gospel were the condition of the new Covenant then perfect obedience to the Law should still be the condition of the new Covenant forasmuch as the Law doth still command that to believers and it is their sin that they do not come up to the obedience thereof Gal. 2.21 I do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness came by the law then Christ is dead in vain Rom. 7 throughout 5. Christs undertaking to God for our subjection and obedience to the Law is not so to be understood as if he had undertaken that the Law should have perfect obedience from us and in us in this life for if he had been Surety for that it should also have been performed But by his Suretiship for our obedience to the law we mean 1. That he hath undertaken for our subjection to it as a rule unto which his people shall submit and whereof they shall accept Luk. 1.74 75 That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him with out fear in holiness and righteousness c. Rom. 7.12 Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good Psal 119.97 O how love I thy law it is my meditation all the day 2. For the universality of our obedience to it that our obedience shall be equable and uniform and that there shall not one command of it be slighted by his people 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 Psal 119.6 128 Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right and I hate every false way 3. For the sincerity of our obedience that shall sincerely obey and fulfil the commands of the Law Rom. 6.17 But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered you 4. For the reality and seriousness in the obedience thereof that we shall labour and work as hard at obedience to the Law as if we had not another righteousness nor possible way of life and that our love to him shall put us on to carry thus Col. 1.29 Whereunto I also labour striving according to his working which worketh in me mightily 5. For our deadness to the Law and to our own obeying the commands thereof that when we work hardest and sweat most that then we shall claim nothing upon that account Gal. 2.21 I do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness come by the law then Christ is dead in vain 6. Christ hath undertaken that what satisfaction the Law wanteth in us it shall have in him who is the end of the Law that he shall satisfie for our short coming 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 Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 7. Christ hath undertaken that he shall in all these performances make us so far to endeavour duty
grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light 2. Why should broken men and diver Debtors think to pay this Debt or to perform their duty without the help of their cautioner do you not often attempt this to make amends to God for your faults and to be more forth-coming in your performances even you alone without Christ your Surety Joh. 15.4 5 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Rom. 10.3 and 9.31 But these did better who would do nothing without their Surety Isa 38.14 Mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 110.32 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge mine heart Be surety for thy servant for good let not the proud oppress me Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me 3. Why do you question and suspect the Covenant of God and the grounds of faith and assurance granted therein is there not a Surety in the Covenant which shall make it stand fast and in whom it shall stand fast with you so that there is no ground left for doubting and fears that it may be shaken Psal 89.28 35 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 4. Why do you lean upon any thing and seek relief from that which God hath not made the Surety of the Covenant why do you take caution from your own hearts for any thing commanded in the Covenant can your resolutions be caution and Surety to God for you can your stock of gifts or grace be Surety for your performance of any thing commanded or set as a condition in the Gospel Nay sure they cannot 1 Cor. 1.13 as the Apostle saith These were not crucified for you these never became Surety to God for you and if so wherefore do you trust in them and lean upon them Vse 3. For tryal whether Christ hath undertaken and come under an act of Suretiship for you This being among Gods eternal secrets and immutable counsels it is to be found out by the effects thereof whereby God hath shewed to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel Heb. 6.17 Then 1. If you be in the Covenant of grace or if you be reached by any of these qualifications by which he describes those persons who are comprehended in his Testament then hath Christ undertaken for you for he is Surety of the new Covenant and better Testament Heb. 7.22 and 8.6 And consequently hath undertaken for all those who are comprehended in it Isa 56.6 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant Joh. 13.8 Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me Joh. 15.2 15 16 And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you 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 that whatsoever ye shall ask of the father in my name he may give it you Joh. 17.6 7 8 2. If he hath acted the Covenant upon your hearts according as it is commanded in the Gospel and according as it s foretold that he will fulfill it effectually in his people then hath he undertaken for you and hereby you may know it for a certainty Jer. 31.33 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 11.19 And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out 3. If Christ hath taken your name out of the Law-writ and curse and hath put your name in the Gospel-writ and written you blessed in that little book or pronounced you such by any thing contained in it then hath he undertaken for you Rom. 4.7 8 Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Gal. 3.9 13 29 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us and if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise 4. If you can go out of your selves and find in your heart to engage him for you and to lay the weight of your eternal interests upon him your righteousness and salvation and of all things commanded in the Gospel in order to these then hath he undertaken for you for he doth not give such a heart to any but to them for whom he came under an act of Suretiship Phil. 3.3 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 119.32 35 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Make me to go in the path of thy commandments for there in do I delight be surety for thy servant for good Vse 4. The Doctrine of Christs Suretiship doth confirm many articles of our faith As 1. The particularity and freeness of election for if Christ had the Elect given to him by a Covenant and did from eternity undertake