parts of that Office not being yet the Man Christ 1 Tim. 2.5 but after his Incarnation he was a Compleat Mediator Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the Book it is written of me to do thy will O God 3. Before his Incarnation he was secretly and invisibly a Mediator in Heaven after his Incarnation he did visibly act that part upon Earth and then went into the holiest to continue in the exercise of this Office Heb. 9.24 Now to appear in the presence of God for us Vse This also should contribute to establish our faith while ur Mediator is absent from us or rather while we are absent from him and he is out of our sight If this Office was effectual for the good of believers before he actually offered sacrifice or interceded how much more when he hath actually done both these Have we any better support of Faith if his Mediation was effectual before he was a compleat Mediator and had not yet taken our nature upon him shall we not believe now the efficacy thereof after he is the Man Christ If his Mediation was effectual while he had not yet come down from Heaven to act visibly here on Earth how much more when he hath finished the work and is now returned and gotten his Fathers welcome Believe it he is at Court though he be out of our sight Conclusion 3. That Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant executeth this Office as well in the state of his Exaltation as Humiliation Heb. 7.24 25 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utmost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them But with some observable difference which is to be seen 1. In his exercising the three Offices which were parts of his Mediatorship And 2. In the distinct parts of these Offices 1. It was mainly his Priestly Office which the Mediator discharged here on Earth in his state of Humiliation his entry upon his Kingly Administration being eminently reserved to the state of Exaltation Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high And 8.1 We have an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashion he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth But his Prophetical Office was excercised by him in both these states of his Humiliation and Exaltation Luke 24.47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on Earth much more shall we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven 2. His Priesthood which he dischargeth in both parts thereof as well in his Exaltation as Humiliation Yet eminently he sacrificed here and eminently he intercedeth in Heaven Heb. 9.24 26 Now to appear in the presence of God for us Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself His Kingdom which was reserved for his Exaltation understand it by way of eminency also Matth. 28.18 And Jesus came and spoke unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Rev. 5.6 And I beheld and lo in the midst of the Elders stood a Lamb For he was a King when he was here on Earth and carried matters in a Princely way although his glory was over-clouded by his leaving the Throne for a time that he might sit down in it afterward in greater honour Phil. 2.6 8 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name His Prophetical Office which was exercised in both states yet was in his Humiliation visible and in his own person Joh. 1.10 He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in the time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son Luke 24.27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things that concerned himself But in his Exaltation it is done by his Messengers or more secretly by his Word and Spirit Eph. 4.11 12 And gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ. Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you 1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you all things and is truth and is no lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him Vse Believers think not that Christ is out of his Office when he is out of your sight or that the height of honour unto which he is now exalted at the right hand of God doth abate any thing from his carefulness and condescendency for sinners behoof but be you rather comforted from this As high as the Mediator is now upon his Throne he yet carrieth that Office and is made high for your advantage and consolation Heb. 4.14 16 Seeing then that we have an High-priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God Let us hold fast our profession Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need And 10.21 22 And having an High-priest over the House of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water You may come as familiarly and boldly to him now as when he was in his humbled condition conversant among men seeing he is about the same work and exercising the same Office now as then Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever It is a Question not unfitly moved Quest Whether the Angels have any share in Christs Mediation Answ Two Scriptures seem to appropriate the benefit of Christs Mediation to Mankind Yet I conceive they may admit one native interpretation without straining the word which doth not shut out the
the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travelleth in pain together until now 2. The promise of restoring all things to their primitive perfection all things were broken defaced and marred by man's sin insomuch that the beauty of them all is gone and nothing remains upon these inferiour creatures but the old ruines of glory but there shall come a time of the restitution of all things Act. 3.21 and who shall do this Christ mends and makes all things new again by his Surety-covenant that were broken by the rupture of the Covenant of works Rev. 21.15 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea And he that sate upon the throne said behold I make all things new 2 Pet. 3.13 Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness 3. The promise of restoring the broken league that was betwixt man and the rest of the creatures in their original condition when all obeyed Adam and were dependers upon him after the violation of which there was continual war and jarring betwixt man and the rest of the creatures sin did make a breach in the whole creation when man sinned all the creatures became enemies to him and one to another but now in Christ all the creatures are reconciled Eph. 1.10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heaven and which are on earth even in him Hos 2.18 And in that day will I make a Covenant for them with the beast of the field and with the fowls of heaven and with the creeping things of the ground and I will break the bow and the sword and the battel out of the earth and I will make them to lye down safely By Christ's Suretiship and the Covenant-promises through him the creatures are brought in a new league with man Job 5.23 For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee Psal 121.6 The Sun shall not smite thee by day nor the Moon by night 4. The promise of removing the Law-curse out of all dispensations and writing the Gospel-blessing upon them that all and every of them may be blessings in Christ to his Redeemed people Deut. 28.4 5 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy ground and the fruit of thy cattel and the encrease of thy kine blessed shall be thy basket and thy store that even the rods and chastisements which are curses of the Law to the wicked Deut. 28.15 16 But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to observe to do all his commandments and statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee Cursed shalt thou be in the city and cursed shalt thou be in the field c. should be covenanted-mercies and written in the book of the Covenant of Grace to God's elect people Psal 89.30 31 33 If his children forsake my Law and walk not in my judgments If they break my statutes and keep not my commandments then will I visit their iniquity with the rod. Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Heb. 12.6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every Son whom he receiveth 5. The promise of establishing and setling all things that were set a reeling by the breach of the Covenant of works it is promised that Christ shall be the repairer it is he that establishes the earth so that the creatures that are for man's use are not destroved for Justice did require as speedy vengeance upon men as it did upon the Angels and the Sentence had been executed immediately had not the Covenant of Suretiship prevented it and in this respect the very reprobate have some temporal advantage by way of Concomitancy and for the elects sake Isa 49.8 Thus saith the Lord in an acceptable time have I heard thee and in a day of Salvation have I helped thee Col. 1.17 And by him all things consist Heb. 1.3 Vpholding all things by the word of his power All these and promises of like nature were made to Christ the first heir whom God appointed heir of all things Heb. 1.2 and for his sake they redounded unto them who shall be heirs of Salvation Heb. 1.14 and it is upon this very account that the whole Creation are commanded to sing because Christ the restorer of all things is come to the throne Psal 96.11 12 13 Let the heavens rejoyce and let the earth be glad let the sea roar and the fulness thereof Let the field be joyful and all that is therein then shall all the trees of the wood rejoyce before the Lord for he cometh for he cometh to judg the earth he shall judg the world with righteousness and the people with his truth And 98.7 8 9 Let the sea roar and the fulness thereof the world and they that dwell therein Let the floods clap their hands let the hills be joyful together before the Lord for he cometh to judg tht earth with righteousness shall he judg the world and the people with equity 6. The promise of the respecitive eminent change of the Government from the sole essential Government of Jehovah to the dispensatory Government of the Mediator Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 1 Cor. 15.25 For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet for supposing that the Covenant of works shall be broken the world cannot now any more be ruled according to the rules of that Covenant to wit by God the Father immediately for then he must destroy man therefore together with the change of the Covenant there must needs be a change of the Government Christ as Mediator must govern the world Isa 9.6 The government shall be upon his shoulder and he must judg the world in our nature Act. 17.31 The man whom God hath appointed and he reigns not only over the Church but also though in a far different way over all the Kingdoms of the world and all things in the world for the Churches sake Eph. 1.21 22 Far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Heb. 2.5 7.8 For unto the Angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come whereof we speak Thou madest him a little lower than the Angels and thou crownedst him with glory and honour
be established in the faith of our Covenant-relation to God But I come to speak of the second which I take to be chiefly meant Christ is the Witness witnessing or the person who beareth witness of all that is contained in the Covenant For opening of this consider these four particulars Christ is the Beholding-witness the Acting-witness the Declaring-witness the Confirming-witness of the Covenant 1. Christ is an Eye-witness of the Covenant that is he was present and heard and saw the whole transaction of the Covenant from the beginning to the end in which respect the Scriptures call persons present at any thing and beholders of it witnesses 1 Tim. 6.12 2.22 1 Joh. 1.2 3 because they are fit to bear witness in that thing having certain grounds of knowledg of it Thus was our Lord Jesus a fit witness of the Covenant for he was present at the very first motion of it and heard and saw all the convey of it Prov. 8.22 23 30 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was dayly his delight rejoycing always before him 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began So that we may say of him in reference to the Covenant-transaction that which John saith of him with reference to creation Joh. 1.2 3 The same was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Nothing was done in that business without him neither indeed could it be he being not only present but the alone party with whom God had first dealing with reference to this Covenant 2. Christ is an Acting-witness of the Covenant who not only was present and did-see the whole transaction of that business but had an active hand in it yea it was acted upon his person when before Pontius Pilate he witnessed a good confession 1 Tim. 6.13 and in this sense it is that the Apostle Peter 1 Ep. 5 calleth himself a Witness of the sufferings of Christ because he had experience of them in his own person he was partaker of them and had them acted upon him 'T is beyond question that Christ was such a witness of the Covenant he had an active hand in it from beginning to the end in the making of it and in the fulfilling of it he was a prime actor and undertaker from eternity Hence it is that the Apostle Heb. 8.10 11 ascribes the making of the new Covenant to Christ for it s of him and his Ministry that the Apostle speaks in that place so Joh. 17.2 6 c. 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. 15.15 for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you yea I say the whole Covenant was acted upon him the union of the contrary disagreeing parties was acted upon his person the bringing of man near to God and Gods coming near to man the paying of the ransome and the acceptation of it it was acted upon him it was a bloody act upon his person Isa 53 throughout Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts smite the shepherd 2 Cor. 5.10 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them 3. Christ is the witness of the Covenant who did declare and reveal the great secret of the Covenant even all that he heard and faw and acted about it he doth witness and declare even the whole Counsel of God concerning his Covenant his purpose and will of grace concerning his people which things we had never known had not the witness of the Covenant revealed and declared them Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant 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 Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were near The reason is manifest because Natures light which can shew something of God yet it 's utterly blind concerning Christ and the Covenant of grace 1 Cor. 2.7 8 12. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory which none of the princes of this world knew For had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God Mat. 13.11 He answered and said unto them because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given And in this sense it is that the Ministers of the Gospel who reveal and declare that mystery are called witnesses Act. 1.8 Rev. 11.3 10. There be three great mysteries and secrets of the Gospel and Kingdom of Heaven which had never been known unless Christ the witness of the Covenant had declared them but by him they are revealed and discovered unto us 1. The mystery of the Covenant the Gospel-Covenant is one of the greatest mysteries that ever the world heard of Eph. 6.19 To make known the mystery of the Gospel Col. 1.26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his saints It 's a treasure of hidden mysteries of science and knowledg truly so called Psal 19.7 8 knowledg of God and of our selves Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Job 42.5 6 But now mine eye seeth thee wherefore I abhor my self and repent in dust and ashes A treasure of mysteries of commerce and trade with the Land that is afar off I mean with Heaven Col. 3.1 2 3 If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God set your affection on things above not on things on the earth for ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God A treasure of the mysteries of State of the Kingdom of Heaven Matt. 13.11 He answered and said unto them Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is
if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins 5. There are Predictions and Prophesies in the Gospel-Covenant I mean especially these which concern Eternity the last Judgment Hell and Heaven which are the things that are least believed of all that ever men heard tell of Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth also that these things are true the Covenant telleth us that this world shall have an end and time shall be no more Eternity is coming Psal 102.26 They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall was old like a garment as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed 2 Pet. 3.10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth and sweareth that is true Rev. 10.5 6 And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lift up his hand to Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created Heaven and the things that therein are and the earth and the things that therein are and the sea and the things which are therein that there should be time no longer The Covenant saith that God hath appointed a day wherein Christ shal judg the world and all shall bow to him Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained And this witness of the Covenanant testifieth and confirmeth that with an Oath Rom 14.10 11 12 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall how to me and every tongue shall confess to God so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God The Covenant saith there is a Hell and a Heaven there is a resting-place prepared for the people of God and a place of torment for all the wicked 1 Cor. 2.9 10 But as it is written eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit for the spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Luk. 16.23 And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome Rev. 14.10 11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the lamb and the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever The Witness of the Covenant testifieth that these things are true for he was both in Hell and Heaven i. e. he saw both and tasted of the things that are in them Psal 16.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hell Luk. 23.43 Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee to day thou shalt be with me in paradise Joh. 17.5 And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 6. There are Exceptions and Reservations of the crosses and afflictions in several cases by the Covenat Psal 89.30 32. If his Children forsake my law then will I visit their transgressions with the rod. The Witness of the Covenant testifieth it is true and confirmeth it by making it an express Reservation and Exception in all his dealings with his people Luk. 9.23 And he said unto them all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me Luk. 14.27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my Disciple Mat. 16.24 Then said Jesus unto his Disciples if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me 2. The Covenant may be said to be established and confirmed by Christ the Witness in regard that it is his witness that putteth an end to controversies about all things pertaining to the Covenant for in him they have a double establishment they are sure in themselves and they are sure unto us 1. All which is contained in the Covenant is firm and sure in Christ 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 Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David His Witness makes it certain that there are such things and that these things are irrevocable and unalterable not to be done away nor broken because the Oath of God and witness of his Christ is in this Covenant which was not in the first Covenant Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David 2. His witness maketh them sure to us as well as sure in themselves for it is that which puts the business of our salvation beyond doubting at least should put it beyond doubting because we have Christs testimony for it he hath made it a sworn article of the Covenant 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 to wit the Promise and Covenant made and confirmed with Abraham by the Angel of the Covenant 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 hoâ— set before us 1 Joh. 5.9 If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater For application of this Let us first reflect upon our selves and the way of our hearts with the Lord that we may be convinced how much we have slighted this Covenant-relation of Christs how little use we have made of him as the witness of the Covenant and how small weight we have laid upon his testimony That this may appear Consider 1. He hath not been employed by us to witness in all things wherein we have wanted certainty in the matters pertaining to the Covenant such as the revealing the secret of his Covenant the certifying us of his Covenant love and our Covenant-state and interest in him c. How often have we fled unto and trusted in means and marks for the attaining of these things and have not employed him who was given for a witness to declare and assure of these things Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to hring them out of the land of Egypt which my covenant they break although I was an husband to them saith the Lord. But this shall be my covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inwards parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Joh. 17.6 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 And this is as sad news to many of you who heard this Gospel as it is glad news to these who receive it and believe in Christ wo to them who have not this undertaker for them for the Law must have a satisfaction by the eternal undoing of all these 5. Let us consider for what Christ is engaged by his Suretiship That this may appear we shall take notice of some distinctions which speak the extent of his undertaking for his people He was a Surety and undertaker 1. In his state and in his actions 2. In Earth and in Heaven 3. In our stead and in our behalf 4. To us-ward and to God-ward 1. I say Christ is a Surety for his people in his state and in his actions that is 1. In whatsoever state and condition Christ was in that state and condition he doth sustain our persons and is surrogate in our place and condition for so much his Suretiship doth import as I have already shewed when he was in a state of humiliation here upon the earth in that low condition he did sustain the persons and bear and represent the state and condition of his poor broken people he was surrogated a Surety to sustain their Legal state or the state wherein they are by the violation of the Law and Covenant of works Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law 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 Again in his exaltation Christ doth sustain the persons and represent the condition of the Elect unto the which they are advanced by the Covenant through him and therefore the Scripture holds him forth in his resurrection and ascension c. as representing the state of the Elect He is in heaven this day saith the Scripture for us sustaining our state and glorified condition till we come there taking possession of our inheritance unto which he hath acquired for us a right Heb. 6.20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred even Jesus Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 2. In his actions he acted our parts especially in what he did or in what befel him here upon the earth for it was his end of coming down into this world to act our parts and to have acted upon him what should have been done to us he died as our Surety and he arose as our Surety Justice smote him as our Surety he was taken into prison and to judgment and was condemned as our Surety being numbred among transgressors and again he was taken from the prison and judgment as our Surety being justified when he payed the Debt and by vertue of that communion which we had with him in all these actions of his he being our Surety and sustaining our Law-place and room by a just law these things are reckoned unto our account whose persons he sustained and whose parts he acted Isa 53 throughout Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God And to this purpose is that instance and parallel of Adams sustaining the condition of all men Christ set forth Sect. 3. cap. 4. and therein being a type of Christ 1 Cor. 15.22 48. and Rom. 5.14 Fitly and at large applied by Mr. Thomas Goodwin 2. Christ was a Surety on Earth and he is a Surety still in Heaven Christ is as well a Surety in his intercession as he was in his death for beside all that Christ did upon earth for discharging his undertaking unto God for his people he stands yet engaged in Heaven as an undertaker for them and shall not be acquitted of all his engagements until he have brought all the Elect company as safe there as he came himself Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Therefore the Apostle Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament After he hath made mention of the Suretiship of Christ he instanceth in his intercession and continuing a Priest for ever vers 23 24 25. Shewing that because he is engaged as a Surety therefore he intercedes to save to the utmost That this may be yet more plain consider 1. That the Suretiship of Christ as it was acted in a free Covenant and transaction betwixt Jehovah and Christ doth not only relate unto the justification of the Elect but also to their Salvation Isa 53.11 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 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 shall be saved by his his life And therefore as long as the persons of any for whom he died remain still unsaved he is not acquitted of this Suretiship and engagement but after that he hath payed a price to justice for them there remains an obligation upon him to bring these for whom he died to glory Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings 2. Consider that the being part of his Covenant of Suretiship to be performed as long as the persons of any of the Elect are yet unsaved to the utmost the performance of that which is behind of his engagements is
Messenger of the Covenant p. 330. 1. Christ is in some respect a Messenger betwixt God and all the visible multitude to whom the Covenant is offer'd and the Gospel preached p. 331. 2. More specially between God and his chosen 3. To many Hypocrites and Reprobates p. 332. 4. To the multitudes unto whom the Gospel is preached p. 333. 4 Whose Messenger whether of one or both parties in respect of delegation and mission and subordination but of one in respect of his business labour in it and Ambassage about it and correspondence with both he is a Messenger of both parties ibid. 5 About what business he is Messenger viz. all things appertaining to the Covenant 1. As to the making it p. 335. 2. The maintaining and preserving it p. 336. 3. The renewing and establishing of it p. 337. 6 Consider the Properties of the Angel of the New Covenant 1. He is faithful p. 338. 2. An active diligent Messenger 3. A sweet Messenger p. 339. 4. An accurate Reporter of his Message 5. Mortified to his own honour and credit p. 340. Two Vses of this ibid. Chap. XX. Another Relation Christ bears in the Covenant is that of a Servant p. 349. To understand this consider 1 In what respects this name is given to Christ 1. In regard of his Office 2. In regard of his condition of Humiliation 3. In regard of his Trust 4. In regard of his Work 5. In regard of his Wages 6. In regard of his Spirit of Fear he was subject to p. 350. 2 How he came under this Covenant-Relation 1. The Lords choice or Call 2. His own Love 3. His free Consent 4. His compact and Covenant engaged him p. 353. 3 Whose Servant Christ was in the business of the Covenant 1. Gods 2. Ours 3. Servant to both with some differences p. 354. 4 What kind of service belongs to Christ by his Covenant-relation 1. The greatest ever was put on man Redemption and Salvation 2. The hardest piece of work p. 356. 3. An honourable Service he served as King 4. The most kindly service from Love p. 357. 5 What was the service Christ did in the business of the Covenant it was all that Christ had in commission to do in our Nature from the time of his receiving a Commission to be the Mediator of the Covenant to the time of his delivering up the Kingdom to his Father p. 358. Two Vses of this p. 360. Chap. XXI Christ the Surety of the Covenant p. 368. To open this it is considered 1 Of the name and thing the several significations of the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ghnarab p. 369 which answers to the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 371. and Sponsor p. 372. The nature of this Suretiship 1. It is a ground of Trust p. 372. 2. It imports several things 1. Obligement for another and that 2. Voluutary 3. Vnion of parties p. 373. 4. Communion between the Debtor and Cautioner 5. The substitution of one in the room of another 6. A conjunct Obligation of Surety and Debtor to the Creditor p. 374. 7. Imports either irresponsableness in the Debtor or distrustfulness between Creditor and Debtor 3 Suretiship of divers kinds among men perfectly resembling Chists Suretiship p. 375. Assertions for clearing the Covenant Relation p. 379. 1. Man considered in the second Covenant hath as much need of a Surety as a Saviour 2. Christs suretiship was not only a voluntary act but an act also of absolute Soveraignty p. 379. 3. When man was broken Christ unrequested undertook for him to satisfie his Creditor 4. Christ died not only for our good but in our stead p. 380. 5. Christ the Surety and broken man the Debtor are one in Law p. 381. 6. Neither the Creditor nor Law can exact satisfaction of Surety and Debtor p. 382. 7. Christs suretiship was a mixture of justice and grace 8. Christs suretiship was not private 9. Christ in his undertaking had his Fathers Bond of relief and warrandize p. 383. 10. All Christs Offices are founded on his suretiship p. 384. 3 How came he to be surety of the Covenant God made him so which imports 1. Something in God viz. his decree 2. His anointing him 3. Investing him p. 385. 2. Something on Christs part viz. His condescending 2. His engaging his faith to do what he agreed 3. His performance of these things p. 387. From this suretiship of Christ for his people ariseth a fourfold Relation founded on it 1. A natural Relation 2. A legal Relation 3. A foederal Relation 4. A mystical Relation p. 388. 4 For whom Christ is engaged as Surety of the Covenant some premisses to the Answer p. 393. Answer 1. Negatively Not for all mankind 2. Nor for all those within the visible Church p. 395. Affirmatively Christ undertakes for the Elect only 5 For what Christ is engaged by his Suretishp Some distinctions speaking the extent of his undertaking 1. Christ is Surety for his people in his state and in his actions p. 397. 2. He was so in earth and is so in heaven p. 398. 3. In our stead and in our behalf p. 401. 4. On Gods part to man and mans part to God p. 402. 1. For God to man engaging to make good all the promises thereof to us p. 402. 2. For mans part to God which lies in three things The first relates to the violation of the Law and broken covenant of Works p. 404. which comprehends two things 1. His surrogation in ourplace 2. His satisfaction p. 405. The 2. Relates the condition and commands of the New Covenant 1. He is surety to God for our performance of the Commands of the New Covenant p. 406. 2. He is an engager to make these things that are required of us possible and certain in the performance p. 408. 3. He is engaged to give habitual Grace and actual Influences p. 409. 1. Bowing our will 2. To preserve these Habits p. 410. 3. For our exercising habitual Grace 4. For the liveliness of our Graces 5. For the increase of the habits of Grace p. 411. 6. To stir us up when heavy Five assertions clear this that Christ is engaged for our obeying the preceptive part of the Law p. 412. The third part of Christs Suretiship for man to God relates to his undertaking for the persons of the Elect 1. For the indempnity of all the Elect p. 418. 2. For their good behaviour 3. For their appearing before God at last 4. For compleating whatever concerns their salvation p. 419. 5. For compleatly delivering them 6 Some things that commend Christs Suretiship 1. That he rendered himself their Surety before they needed him 2. That he entred on it so freely 3. The great danger of his undertaking p. 420. 4. That he engaged for a party which deserved no pity p. 421. 5. That he engaged for a people he could expect no satisfaction from p. 421. 7 Wherein Christs Suretiship differeth from bonds of cautionry among men in eleven
and the Ordinances appropriated and ensured unto them only Christ's seed have the promise of the Spirit and the Word appropriated and ensured unto them for ever Gal. 3.29 And if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams Jeed and heirs according to the promise And the Churches seed have this Promise and Covenant only in so far as they are Christ's seed Isa 44.3 I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy off-spring 2. Because 't is Christ only who hath in store the Spirit which is given to all his seed though all Christ's seed receive of the fame Spirit of the Lord yet it cannot be said of any of them nor of the Church in general that their seed receive the Spirit that is upon them or in them to wit by communication of any part of the measure and proportion given to them but of Christ's only who received not the spirit by measure Joh. 3.34 Nor can it be said My spirit that is upon thee shall not depart from thy seed Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God bath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. Let it be considered that this is not only a Covenant made with Christ but it must needs be the Covenant of Redemption For although 1. There be mention here made of his seed which are not Parties in the Covenant of Redemption yet nothing is spoken to them but only to Christ and of them as a party not treated with but about whom there was treaty and Covenant 'twixt God and Christ for still the speech is to Christ in the second person upon thee thy seed and thy mouth c. 2. Although there be here mention of a Covenant with them that turn from ungodliness in Jacob and of Promises concerning the seed of Christ yet that amounts to no more than that they are the subject matter of the Covenant transacted betwixt God and Christ and that the Covenant with them springs out of the Covenant with him and is the result and execution thereof So that I take the meaning of the words This is my Covenant with them my spirit that is upon thee c. to be This is my Covenant that I have made with thee upon their account and for their behoof or the Covenant that I have made with them to wit virtually when I covenanted with thee and made promises to thee for their behoof the result whereof should amount unto a Covenant with them actually And I say it can be no other upon the matter but the Covenant of Redemption 1. Because 't is made with the Redeemer that should come out of Zion or with Christ as designed Mediator and Redeemer in the counsel of God long before he came in the Flesh 2. Because 't is a Covenant about the Redemption and recovery of the Elect people of God who are the only subject matter treated about in this Covenant as appears from the Text v. 20 21. 2. Proof I take from Psal 89 where the Covenant made with Christ is held forth as the Original Foundation and Establishment of the Covenant made with his seed and Christ is spoke of under the name of David with whom he changes Names in the Scripture and who was a type of Christ in many things but eminently in the Covenant that God made with him and that he was a publick person and a King by Covenant v. 3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen God having chose Christ for performing the work of Redemption did make a Covenant with him Two things being cleared in that Psalm it will amount to a full proof of the point in hand 1. That the Covenant spoken of there is made with Christ 2. That it is the Covenant of Redemption that is here intended For the first that the person spoken of under the name of David and with whom the Covenant was made is Christ and no other is evident from feveral expressions which are peculiar to Christ's Person and Kingdom and cannot be applyed to David further than he was a type of Christ This David is the mighty one upon whom God laid the help of his people v. 19. 'T is he upon whom the enemy shall not exact v. 22. 'T is he who is higher then the Kings of the earth v. 27. whose seed endures for ever and his throne as the days of heaven and to all generations v. 4 29 36 37. 'T is he who is distinguished from his seed by this difference that they may sin and be chastised v. 30 which case is not put of himself but only of his seed 't is he by the force and vertue of whose Covenant his sinful seed are not cast out from Covenant-kindness v. 33 34 35. and this could be no other but Christ And to put the matter out of question the Covenant and Promises made here v. 27 and in the parallel-Scripture 2 Sam. 7.14 are applyed unto Christ Heb. 1.5 2. That this was the Covenant of Redemption which God saith he made with his chosen David i. e. Christ may be gathered also from the Text. 1. It is the Covenant by which Chris is constituted a Servant and engaged in the Service of the Lord about our Redemption v. 4 I have made a Covenant with my chosen David my servant 2. 'T is the Covenant by which the help of the People of God is laid on Christ as a mighty potent responsal person able for the work v. 19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ is a King and a Priest and is designed and destinated called and separated unto Offices for the work of Redemption v. 19 20 26 27 I have exalted one chosen out of the people with my oyl have I annointed him c. 4. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ received commands to fulfil his offices and to depend upon God in the doing of the work v. 27. He shall cry unto me my Father and my God thou art the rock of my Salvation 5. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ had peculiar promises made unto him of assistance for the work of Redemption and help to the people of God v. 21 Mine arm also shall strengthen him c. of glorious victory v. 23 I will beat down his foes c. and exaltation v. 27 I will make him my first born higher than the Kings of the earth Of a seed and off-spring to endure for ever v. 29 His seed also will I make to endure c. Now this could be no other but the Covenant of Redemption for by no Covenant is Christ engaged in this Service called unto these Offices undertaker of the Peoples help receiver of such commands and promises c. but by this Covenant of Suretiship Object If it be said That here are many things spoken which relate to Christ's seed and which do belong to the Covenant of reconciliation such as the keeping Covenant-kindness and mercy
glory and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created Whereas natural necessity excludes freedom both in the principle of action and the act it self Having now shewed what kind of necessity there was for the being of the Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ and that the necessity does mainly respect the final cause and ends which God had purposed in himself Let us in the next place consider particularly to what intents and purposes it was necessary that God should enter into a Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption with his own Son Christ These intents and purposes may be reduced to two chief heads supposing that God had purposed in himself to glorifie his mercy and Justice in procuring our Salvation the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption was necessary for both these ends and purposes 1. For the honour of God 2. For the salvation and good of his chosen people both which were attained through the Covenant made betwixt God and Christ 1. For the honour and glory of God I mean the declarative glory of God that shines ad extra or the manifestation of his glory as the same is shewed forth and manifested in his dealings with the Creatures whereof see Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of God Exod. 15.11 Who is like unto thee O Lord amongst the Gods who is like thee glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Not his essential glory that shines ad intra whereby he was infinitely and eternally glorious before any the works of Creation and Providence and should have been glorious eternally though these had never been Prov. 8.22 30 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way before his works of old Then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him I say the being of this Covenant of Redemption was necessary for the declarative glory of God whether we consider God essentially or personally 1. For the glory of God considered essentially or in regard of his glorious nature and essence or his natural essential attributes I mean his wisdom goodness justice mercy faithfulness c. And that 1. For glorifying these universally even all and every one of his attributes all which received a new and glorious lustre through the Covenant of Redemption and God's sending of Christ to do that work which should never have been known nor manifested on Earth nor in Heaven but in the face of Jesus Christ and by virtue of God's Covenant-dealings with him about our Redemption therefore saith the Apostle 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded 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 Therefore also Christ is called the brightness of his glory Heb. 1.3 Christ Mediator is the brightness of the glory of God in and through whom his glorious attributes and nature was made conspicuous and the declarative glory thereof had a more glorious lustre than by all the works of Creation and Providence beside upon the same account also Christ is called the Image of the invisible God Col. 1.15 because the glorious excellencies of God otherwise invisible are gloriously revealed by him and to be seen in him I pass this here in a word referring a more particular consideration thereof to that part of this subject-matter that concerns the Mediator's person and office 2. For the glorifying of these harmoniously that the harmony of attributes in God might be manifested in this transaction to wit how sweetly mercy justice did meet when peace and righteousness Law-demands and Gospel-condescentions Law-severity and Gospel-lenity did meet together and were made friends by this Covenant Psal 85.10.11 Mercy and truth are met together righteousness and peace have kissed each other c. For by this means God brought forth to heaven and earth and all the Creatures the glorious harmony of Justice Truth Mercy Power Wisdom Grace Rev. 5.12 13 Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and wisdom and riches and strength and honour and glory and blessing And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying Blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the lamb for ever and ever 2. This Covenant of Redemption was necessary for the glory of God considered personally and that 1. In regard of the distinct subsistences and glorious persons of the blessed Trinity 2. In regard of the distinct offices of the three persons all which were gloriously manifested in God's Covenant-dealings with Christ I say the greatest declarative glory and clearest manifestation of the distinct subsistences and Persons of the Godhead and of the distinct offices of these Persons in the ever-glorious and blessed Trinity that ever the world saw or heard of was in God's Covenant-dealings with Christ about the work of our Redemption for where are there any such clear discoveries of these great mysteries to be found as in God's foederal dealings with Christ and the Scriptures which reveal the same God was but darkly known in the distinct subsistences and offices of the Persons of the Trinity till this light of his Covenant with Christ did break forth but in Gods sending his Son and the Son 's undertaking and offering himself willingly to his Father to do this work and the Holy Ghost's exercising the power of the Godhead fitting and enabling him the man Christ Jesus to do the work there was a glorious manifestation of the distinction of Persons in the Godhead and of the offices of these Persons whereof also more particularly afterward See Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 10.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Joh. 14.26 But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Mal. 3.16 17 And he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and such like
Scriptures Yea so much was the Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Redemption for the glory of God even considered personally that thereby beside the glory that was common to all the three Persons there did accrue a peculiar glory to the distinct Persons of the Godhead in regard of their distinct offices and working in this business of Redemption a peculiar glory to the Father who gave Christ and who sent him upon this business and blessed us in him even a peculiar honour to the Father from the Lord Mediator and Redeemer Joh. 8.49 But I honour my Father saith Christ and a peculiar honour to the Father from the ransomed and redeemed People 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead A peculiar honour to the Son to Christ the Lord Mediator and that both upon earth and in heaven a peculiar glory to the Lamb that wrought the Redemption unto which his Father appointed him Joh. 5.22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father which the Son claimeth Joh. 17.1 4 These words spoke Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And which is payed to him in heaven Rev. 7.10 Saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. And 5.9 And they sing a new song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation A peculiar glory unto the eternal Spirit by whom the Son of God offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.14 and to whom the effectual application of the purchased Redemption by peculiar office belongs 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God Joh. 6.63 It is the spirit that quickeneth Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. The good of the ransomed and redeemed people required that their Redemption should be transacted in a Covenant betwixt God and Christ and to this intent and for this end it was necessary 1. To introduce and usher in the new way of life thorow the Gospel-dispensation which could never have come to light nor have appeared upon the stage to act any thing if God had not by his eternal transactions with Christ in whom he found a ransome made way for the taking down the transient-time-dispensation of Law and Works which was only to continue and stand a Court of righteousness for a short space and so opened a door for free Grace to take the Theatre and to act its part more nobly than the Law-dispensation that was first upon the stage And this I say was ushered in and it was necessary that way should be made for it by God's Covenant-dealings with Christ in whom his Justice had a satisfaction else the Law-dispensation of Works and Nature had kept the Stage for ever and there had been no Court wherein Grace sits upon the throne and wherein Sinners might plead righteousness and life on Gospel-terms Christ's saying from eternity Lo I come to do thy will O God Psal 40.6 And deliver him from going down to the pit I have found a ransom Job 33.24 Which words are upon the matter and originally true of Christ's dealings with his Father Jo. Cocc Dâ— foed c. 5. Sect. 88. and by some Expositors applyed to him This I say ushered in and made way for the Gospel-dispensation of a Covenant of free Grace Hence it is that the Apostle states the rise of life and immortality that is brought to light by the Gospel upon the eternal foederal dealings that were betwixt God and Christ 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel Rom. 8.3 4 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 2. The Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ was necessary for our good that the Covenant of life and righteousness to us in the way of this Gospel-dispensation might be pure soveraign Grace Now the more of Grace and God's gracious will and heart is in the business and the less of the Creatures will and acting the better for us the sweeter and the surer is the Covenant But here all is of the Lord and of his gracious will all is transacted betwixt God and Christ and man is not so much is present at the first transaction of the Covenant as he was at the Covenant of works here he is neither at the beginning nor end of it I mean that end which it had in God's foederal dealings with Christ where the Redemption and Salvation of the elect was a concluded business and the conclusion tarried not nor was suspended for man's consent sure this was pure Grace this was all Grace eminent Grace when there was nothing of the Creature no not so much as acting in a vital formal manner as now we act under the application of this Covenant by these gracious acts which are efficiently from God but there all was the gracious free will of God without any thing of the Creatures will surely that was eminent signal Grace and the better for us 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph. 1.4 5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 3. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation and Redemption was necessary that the business of our Salvation might be far advanced ere it come to our working at it with fear
and trembling and if our working out that which is left to be done by us for our own Salvation be with fear and trembling when by this Covenant of Suretiship we are set beyond the possible reach of actual perishing O what should our working for Salvation have been without this Covenant of Suretiship but endless fruitless toiling with desparation but by the Covenant of Redemption our Salvation is far advanced before our little finger be at the work nay it is in some respect finished all the hard labour is over Justice is satisfied the strength of opposition is broken and we have only broken forces and a beaten adversary to deal with we have little more to do but to stand and see him work Salvation for us and apply his purchased Redemption and yet we have work enough to keep us in continual exercise about the duties of holiness and faith Psal 2.12 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 1.5 10. Joh. 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And 16.11 of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith 4. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation was necessary that the spring and fountain of the life of Salvation to us might lie out of our selves by the Covenant of works the spring of life and blessedness to man lay in himself all his treasure and store was in his stock of habitual Grace but now by this Covenant of Suretiship the water-cock is indeed within our own hearts I mean Faith by which we draw life and vertue out of Christ and through which he conveys it unto us but the fountain and well-head lyes on high for by the Covenant of Redemption God was carrying on a design of love to his elect people and this was part of the contrivance that our Covenant-state through Christ's Suretiship might be Fountain-Love and Grace a state of favour setled and bottomed in the fountain of life and grace Christ Whereas Adam's first Covenant-state was but Cistern-Grace that did not run continually with a spring of live waters to afford fresh supplies the stock of habitual Grace was to him like water in the Pitcher or Cistern but by Christ's Covenant of Suretiship Grace is to us as water in the Fountain that can never run dry Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace And 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life And 14.19 because I live ye shall live also 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye always having alsufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 5. This Covenant of Suretiship was necessary for our establishment under this new dispensation that our Rights might be in a surer hand than our own Man is a mutable thing and free-will is a tottering uncertain thing as experience hath taught but Christ is a sure foundation and holding of him or rather in him is a sure renure the Rights and Charters that are under his custody are well kept And therefore God who instituted this dispensation did for the better securing of the believers interests enter into Covenant with a mighty responsal person even Christ and consolidates our Covenant-right in Christ our head and did trust to his keeping and answering all the intents of the Magna Charta the great Charter of the Gospel-covenant hence it is that the Covenant of peace made with us is a sure Covenant because 't is thus ordered Christ acted that business in the Covenant of Redemption there were mutual assurances given between the Father and the Son which makes all Covenant-dealing with us sure and holds all fast Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Hence 't is that the blessings and mercies of the Gospel-covenant are sure mercies because there was concluded-Articles about them in this Covenant of Suretiship when Christ treated for his heirs and children not yet born nor created Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And 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 O what strong and everlasting consolation hath God allowed upon his people from these immutable and everlasting grounds 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 2 Thess 2.16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace c. 6. This Covenant with Christ was necessary not only for the enfuring our blessedness by this new Gospel-dispensation but for the bettering of that blessedness and glorious state unto which we are advanced by this Covenant I say the blessedness the glory the heaven of the redeemed people of the many Sons who are by the force of this Covenant brought to glory Heb. 2.10 is better than the reward and crown of blessedness which man should have enjoyed by the tenor of the Covenant of works and this bettering it hath from Christ's Covenant of Suretiship with God which was the chief cause why this Gospel-dispensation is a better Covenant than that of the Law of works and the promises thereof are better promises and the crown and heaven thereof a better crown even because Christ is in this Covenant and the foundation of it was laid in his Suretiship by this means the blessedness and heaven of this Covenant is bettered For 1. It is the glory of new heavens created of purpose for the residence of the redeemed in the company of him that redeemed them by his own blood 2 Pet. 3.13 Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Rev. 21.1 5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea And he that sate upon the throne said Behold I make all things new Jh. 14.2 3 In my Father's house are many
shall be satisfied c. but more particularly his reward and wages which was all his own asking comprised these three things which speaks these particulars to have been much upon his heart and in his design 1. That he should have a seed and a people that for all his labour he might have a redeemed people when he had his reward and satisfaction at his own asking he made the redeemed ones his end his asking his satisfaction this was the result of his transcendent love that he might be Immunuel God with us that he might enjoy his poor worthless people Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord-shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied 2. That he might have a Crown to himself I mean a peculiar glory of being Lord Mediator and Redeemer and of working this great work and this he had in Heaven before the foundation of the world even since the eternal designation and destination of him unto this work for thenceforward he was the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 And was set up from everlasting Prov. 8.23 and was glorified with the Father not only with the essential glory that is common to all the three persons which was obscured in his humiliation for the work of Redemption but also with a peculiar glory as Lord Mediator which he had with him before the world began Joh. 17.5 and this glory he shall have in Heaven throughout eternity even after the last Judgment there shall be in Heaven a peculiar throne and glory following and a peculiar song to the Lamb whereof read Rev. 22.3 and 7.10 17. and 5.9 3. That he might have a crown and throne for each of these redeemed ones whom he took for a satisfaction to his Soul their crown and throne and robes was part of the reward and wages that he wrought for and asked of his Father Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me And 14.3 I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit in my throne with me even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne 7. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt the parties what should be the mutual assurances given betwixt the parties for the performance of the Articles agreed upon There needed no Solemnities betwixt parties who knew one another and trusted one another so perfectly but for our sakes that we might be helped to conceive of this eternal inviolable transaction Therefore upon the one part 1. Jehovah giveth his word and faithful promise unto Christ Psal 110.1 The Lord said to my Lord and not his faithful promise only but his oath also Psal 89.35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 7.21 For those priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him The Lord swore and will not repent Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedee 2. Upon the other part Christ does not only give his word of promise and consent to do this work Psal 40.6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offering and sin-offering hast thou not required c. But he also comes under a Judicial and Law-act of Suretiship whereby he did from eternity act himself in the volume of the book of God's eternal Records that he would fulfil all his undertaking Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God And under this act of Suretiship I comprehend 1. His eternal consent to take our Nature and Law-condition upon him 2. His plighting of his faith and truth to act our part and to answer the Law and Demands of Justice in our Law-place and condition 3. His eternal agreement that by his own consent a Judicial act should be put upon him and stand in record for ever in Heaven and in the volume of books that are there that this person had voluntarily undertaken and promised by striking hands with Jehovah to answer all demands of Law and Justice against his elect people Having offered the before-mentioned sum of the Articles concluded and agreed upon the Covenant of Redemption betwixt Jehovah and Christ I come in the next place to distribute and divide that sum and the things comprised under it into the reciprocal and mutual engagements of the parties covenanting to wit 1. What were the commands and conditions laid upon Christ and voluntarily yielded unto by him in the Covenant of Redemption 2. What the promises and engagements that were given to Christ by the same Covenant And 1. Concerning the commands conditions and engagements which were required of Christ Mediator by the Covenant of Suretiship I shall in these eight Assertions open the nature of them and what they were Assert 1. All the commands of the Covenant of Redemption are conditions and are to be considered as such when they are laid upon Christ who came not under commands but upon terms and conditions It is not so in God's Covenant-dealings with us all the commands of the Gospel are not to us conditions of righteousness and life unless we understand conditions in a very large and improper sense neither is it of the essence of commands laid upon us to be conditions for God oweth nothing to our obedience nor is he obliged to make any promises to it but the commands of the Covenant of Redemption are all of them conditions of that same Covenant For 1. They are commands to the obedience whereof promises are made Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors 2. They are commands unto which Christ yielded upon terms Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross therefore God hath highly exalted him Assert 2. All the conditions of the Covenant of Redemption both these more general of obeying the Law and fulfilling all righteousness Mat. 3.15 For thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteausness
thing or to pay any debt or to become baile for any person when it is thereafter also recorded of him that he satisfied and performed his undertaking And thus we find that his undertaking and suretiship that was recorded ere he came into the world Psal 40.6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required c. Is also recorded of him to have been satisfied by him when he came into the world Heb. 10.5 6 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure Then said I to I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God 7. He is justified because he is openly relaxed and dismissed the Prison after that he had entered his person for payment of the broken man's debt the Debtor being under lash and execution of Law at the Creditor's pursuit and let go again is justified and acquitted And thus was Christ judicially and by authority of God loosed from death from the Prison and Fetters because the Prison could not hold him nor the gripes and fetters of death detain him Prisoner when the Sentence of the Law was satisfied and the Judg declared him free Act. 2.24 Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it 't is a Phrase like to that Psal 105.20 The king sent and loosed him even the ruler of the people and let him go free Rom. 6.9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him The sixth kind of Promises made by Jehovah unto Christ were these that relate to the reward that should be given to him for this great work and service in our Redemption And such were 1. The promise of exaltation after the debasement and ignominy that he should humble himself unto in the execution of his Suretiship Jehovah covenanteth with him to advance him to the greatest height of dignity and honour that is in earth or heaven Psal 89.27 Also I will make him my first born higher than the kings of the earth And 110.7 He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up the head Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the stoong which was performed unto him Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross therefore God hath highly exalted him c. Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Which promises and performances have a peculiar respect to the exaltation of Christ in his resurrection from the dead ascension unto heaven and session at the right hand of God whereof read Psal 16.8 9 10 11 compared with Act. 2.25 to 32. And 13.32 33. and Psal 110. 1. compared with Act. 2.34 35. 2. The promise of satisfaction a reward that should satisfie him a reward that should be according to his own heart and at his own asking and craving Isa 53.11 He shall be satisfied Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give 3. The promise of a seed Since a redeemed seed was one of Christ's ends for which he served he endured hard labour he suffered he died which next unto the honour of God was upon his heart The Lord by Covenant with him promiseth that he shall not want off-spring he shall neither want children nor heirs he shall have the satisfaction which he desired Isa 53.10 11 When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Eph. 5.25 26 27 Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish and if this was one of Christ's ends for which he wrought and a part of his reward which his Father promised to him then 1. Sure he is Lord and Master of the will of man and hath a forcible soveraignty and dominion over man's free well See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 9. p. 327 c. to bow and determine it which Arminians and Socinians deny else how can he promise a seed to Christ and undeclinably and insuperably make that promise good and cause them believe and persevere unto the end whereby they come and abide his seed Then 2. There is no more desirable sight to the eye of Christ than to see all his Redeemed seed about him in his Father's house fairly landed and without the reach of all possible danger of perishing Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Then 3. There can be nothing more certain than the faith perseverance and salvation of Christ's elect and redeemed seed in regard it is both undertaken by Christ in his part of the Covenant of Suretiship and promised to Christ by his Father and so undertaken by Jehovah also in the articles of the Covenant of Redemption 4. The promise of a large Dominion and Kingdom the Lord promiseth to Christ that a large and flourishing Kingdom shall be given him over many countreys and that he shall have many subjects and these conquering too who shall stand last in the fields and have a prosperous war until the day of their Redemption Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen then for thy inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession And 72.8 9 11 He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him and his enemies shall lick the dust yea all Kings shall fall down before him all Nations shall serve him And 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning Mal. 1.11 For from the rising of the Sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be burned unto my name and a pure offering for my name shall be great among the heathen saith the Lord of hosts Zech. 9.10 His dominion shall be from sea to sea and from the river even to the ends of the earth Dan. 7.14 And there was given him dominion
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 c. 1 Cor. 6.20 For ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are Gods 3. By way of real influence the faith of Christs Suretiship hath real influence upon the believers heart to make him study to walk like the redeemed people if the threatnings of the Law and Gospel have some influence upon the spirit of man to make him obey the Law or Gospel 't is without doubt they have a moral influence and when accompanied with the spirit they have real influence Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Chap. 12. v. 25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Sure the gracious Covenant of Suretiship betwixt Jehovah and Christ the undertakings of Christ for the believer must much more have influences upon the believers spirit and really put him to it to walk like a ransomed soul Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. CHAP. VII Of the Name Mediator what it signifieth and how it agreeth to Christ THat there is a Mediator of the Covenant of Grace and but one only even the Lord Jesus Christ doth clearly appear from Heb. 8.6 Chap. 9. v. 15. Chap. 12. v. 22 23 24. 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus The first Covenant which was of works had no Mediator for then there was no disagreement betwixt God and Man but this Covenant under which we stand by Grace hath a Mediator and needeth one as I shall shew by and by Concerning the Mediator of the new Covenant we shall consider 1. The Name what it signifieth and how it agreeth to Christ 2. The necessity of a Mediator in the new Covenant 3. The Person that is Mediator 4. The Office of Mediatorship and these things that belong unto it 5. The grounds of comfort and supports of faith arising to believers from Christs Mediation 1. The Name Mediator 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies a midler whether he be such in regard of his Person or Office one betwixt two Gal. 3.20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one but God is one And a Reconciler as the Hebrew word signifies Job 9.33 Neither is there any days-man betwixt us Grot. de satisf Christi chap. 8. that might lay his hand upon us both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mochjach a Triester one who interposeth for taking away differences betwixt disagreeing parties It signifies also one that declareth things betwixt parties internuntius interpres one that goes betwixt parties and carries the mind of each to other in which sense Moses was a typical Mediator betwixt God and the Children of Israel who carried the will of God to them and carried back their answer to God Gal. 3.19 20 with Exod. 19.3 Chap. 20. v. 19. Deut. 5.5 And although Socinus plead that the word Mediator Socin de servat lib. 1. cap. 2. signifies nothing in Scripture but an Interpreter the falshood whereof doth evidently appear from 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 c. 1 Tim. 2.5 6 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time Also he would have Christ to be a Mediator only in this last sense that is Gods Interpreter yet all the three significations of the word do agree to Christ and he is called the Mediator of the new Covenant with respect to all the three 1. He is one betwixt two that middle person God and man equally distant from both equally drawing near to both parties and so in a fit capacity to mediate and interpose Mat. 1.23 And they shall call his name Emanuel which being interpreted is God with us He is the days-man the Reconciler and triester of the difference who hath interposed and actually composed the difference Eph. 2.14 16 For he is our peace who hath made both one And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Col. 1.20 And having made peace by the blood of his cross to him to reconcile all things to himself 3. He is the Mediator in this sense also and Interpreter who published and declared the new Covenant and the peace Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh He went betwixt the parties and carried the offers of one and the acceptation of the other In which respect he is called the Messenger or Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 And so much for a taste of the Name and signification of the word Mediator of the thing we shall speak when we come to speak of the Mediators Person and Office More particularly Why is Jesus called the Mediator of the new Covenant Heb. 12.24 Or in what respects does this Name agree to him and what may it import I will not trouble the Reader with the enumeration of how often and ordinarily he is sound in medio in the middle Gerard. loc com de person c. offic Christi loc 4. c. 3. he that pleaseth may read it elsewhere But I think he is called the Mediator of the new Covenant upon a foursold account 1. In respect of his Person because he was a middle person participating of both parties 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 having interest in both parties God-man Immanuel God with us or God us Mat. 1.23 2. In respect of his Office not only a middle-person but a middle officer designed for a middle-work for dealing betwixt God and man in the great transaction of Recconciliation Col. 1.20 2 Cor. 5.19 3. In respect of his fitness and qualifications to interpose betwixt God and man whereof more afterward at this time but a passing-word of it He was the only fit person to lay hands on both parties In Heaven or Earth there was not found
ends which God hath before him in the work of our Redemption The glory of God the glory of Christ and the good of his people 1. Some Reasons there are which most directly respect God himself and his glory 2. Others respect Christ and his honour as Mediator in this employment The third sort respect the Creatures good and happiness And 1. The Reasons of establishing this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator which respect God himself and his glory may be 1. For the glory of his Greatness and Majesty it is his glory to be dealt with like himself throughout the whole business of our Salvation 1. It was for his honour that he should carry like a Superiour wronged it became the Majesty of the Lord to keep at a distance with sinners and not to be dealt with immediately by the parties who had done him the wrong but by the Mediation and Intercession of another great Person Mal. 1.14 For I am a great king saith the Lord. Heb. 7.25 Men must therefore come to God by him by a Mediator 2. It became the Majesty and Honour of God to be dealt with only by his own Son he being the greatest Courtier in Heaven and who knew most of his fathers mind 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 2. For the glory of his Wisdom This was a plot becoming the wisdom of God and much for the honour of it to find out this way of making up an union betwixt God and man Again by bringing down God to man and bringing up man to God and treisting both to meet in a Mediator wonderful did the wisdom of God appear in the Reconciling Justice and Mercy and making them meet together in this business in punishing sin and setting the sinner free in making a Covenant with us through a Mediator when there could be none without a Mediator Eph. 3.10 11 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 3. It was for the glory of Gods Goodness and Free-grace that grace may be acknowledged and dealt with like Free-grace therefore there must be a Mediator who throughout the accomplishment of our Salvation shall deal with grace by way of entreaty and requests and shall obtain our Salvation as freely by requests as if there had been no purchase made of it through satisfaction to Justice Heb. 5.17 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared Chap. 7. v. 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 4. It was for the glory of his Justice which must be dealt with in a way of satisfaction grace will be dealt with by requests salva justitia which must be dealt with by a satisfaction therefore the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator who may tell down a price to Justice 1 Tim. 2.6 Who gave himself a ransome for all to be testified in due time These two the Apostle joyns Rom. 3.24 25 26 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ 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 which believeth in Jesus The highest Justice and the freest grace met together in the Mediator to save us by paying a price as fully as if there had been no grace and entreating of favour in the matter of our Salvation and yet as much entreaty and request is made to grace as if Justice had received no satisfaction Secondly Other Reasons respect Christ the Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator for the glory of the Mediator in this employment whose honour and glory God had in his eyes as well as his own Joh. 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father And 16.14 He shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you Now the constituting and appointing Christ Mediator of the new Covenant is for his honour 1. In respect of the honourable offices which are laid upon him as Mediator for it is as Mediator that he is constituted a King a Priest and a Prophet to his people Heb. 1 and 7 Chap. throughout which are honourable offices Heb. 5.4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron Joh. 5.22 23 But hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father 2. In respect of the exceeding great power which is put in his hand as Mediator no less than the administration of the whole affairs in Heaven and Earth and that every knee should bow to him Phil. 2.10 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Isa 9.6 Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Rev. 3.7 He that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth 3. In respect of the great dependance that shall be upon Christ Mediator by many supplicants resorting to him and waiting on him for the representing and offering of their requests Joh. 15.16 Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name he shall give it you Zeph. 3.10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my supplicants even the daughter of my dispersed shall bring mine offering 4. In respect of his sole and absolute working of the whole business of our Salvation from beginning to end every part of it being immediately from him as the Fountain and store-house and Great Lord Treasurer of all the blessings of the Covenant Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Act. 2.33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear The third sort of Reasons respecting the creatures good and happiness may be holden forth 1. Negatively 2. Affirmatively 1. Without Christ the Mediator we should have had no knowledg of God which is saving for since the fall God dealeth not with man immediately nor can man see him or hear him speak without a Mediator This was typified Exod. 20.19 And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we
submission to it He knew well enough it would be too late to wait for our call He knew that we might dye in our sin before we sent for the Physician he did well foresee our slowness and backwardness to give him employment for making our peace and therefore he prevented us John 8.27 Heb. 10.9 2. This may establish our hearts in the faith of the weight and prevalency of Christs Mediation he being no Usurper but a called chosen person set in lawful Authority all whose travels receive weight from his Place and Calling for because he was sent and had a commandment to travel in the work of his peoples Redemption therefore the work that was set him to do must prosper and his travels with both the parties must prevail Joh. 10.36 Say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified and sent unto the world Thou blasphemest because I said I am the Son of God Isa 53.10 11 By his knowledg shall my righteous Servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 3. This should bear upon us a necessity of receiving the Mediator in his travels about Reconciliation He is in his Office and called to travel with you about this work take heed how you entertain and answer his propositions of peace now he is making proposals of peace to you by virtue of this Office which he bears 2 Cor. 6.2 Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of salvation Ch. 5. v. 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 Heb. 2.1 3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Your slighting of the Gospel beside the neglect of so great salvation brought to you in the offer hath also in it great slighting of a chosen Officer and of a Person called and put in high authority by God to travel with you in the business of your peace Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven 4. This speaks comfort to believers Christ is Mediator betwixt God and you by an eternal call from God his Father he needs not much entreaty to be about the Office whereunto he is called of God although it be no less your duty to entreat his favour as the Disciples did than if he had no other calling to it but your invitation Luke 24.29 But they constrained him saying Abide with us for it is towards evening and the day is far spent and he went in to tarry with them If you should at any time apprehend that he would refuse your entreaties which you have no ground to think yet he will not he cannot shake off his Father's calling to mediate for you he dealeth betwixt God and you by virtue of an Office which having taken upon him by voluntary submission the duties of that Office lye upon him through a blessed necessity as is written of the High-Priest who was a type of him That by reason hereof to wit of his Office he ought to offer for sins Heb. 5.3 And 8.3 For every High-priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer Comfort your selves believers in Christ that besides all the supports of your faith which you may have from his union of nature with you and his unction from his propriety in you and consanguinity with you from his gracious qualifications for that work you have this moreover That he is your Mediator by Calling by Office and can no more decline any thing that may be for your good than he can be unanswerable to his Fathers Calling or unfaithful in his Office and in the performing the duties thereof which is impossible CHAP. XI Of Christs taking onr nature upon him which is his grand qualification for the Office of Mediatorship CHrists qualification and fitness for this Office of Mediatorship may be considered 1. In his taking our nature upon him wherein consists the grand qualification and fundamental fitness of Christ for being Mediator of the New Covenant And 2. In other qualifications which result from the union of the two natures in him Or we may consider Christs qualifications for this Office in the union of these two natures in him 2. In his unction And 1. of Christs coming in the flesh and taking our nature upon him which I call the chief and grand qualification of him for Mediatorship This is a fundamental truth and yet a great mystery We think we know this so well that it is below us to study it to preach it and to hear of it but you are not at the bottom of your unbelief and ignorance if you know not that this mystery is little known and believed God manifested in the flesh seen of Angels with study and delight 1 Tim. 1.16 with 1 Pet. 1.10 11 12. We shall consider 1. The reality of his human nature and the assuming of it 2. The transcendent love and condescention shewed by the Son of God in the taking our nature upon him 3. The honour and exaltation of our nature yea and of us by Jesus Christ his taking it into a personal union with the Divine nature 4. How or in what respects the taking of our nature upon him did qualifie him to be Mediator of the New Covenant 5. Something for the clearing of some questions relating to this Mystery And 1. He took our nature really upon him Jesus Christ became truly man as kindly a man as ever lived verus sed non merus homo true man but not meer man That word Rom. 8.3 similitude of flesh is put for sameness as Augustine observes Non quia caro non erat caro sed quia peccati caro non erat Christs manhood was a true nature yet no sinful nature but had only the similitude or likeness of sinful flesh because he bare all our infirmities in which we lay through sin And it may appear thus 1. Jesus Christ hath taken mans nature upon him Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took upon him the seed of Abraham 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he catched at it took hold of it it properly signifies to catch one who is running away or falling in a pit to fetch back or recover again the same word that 's used of Christ's catching hold of Peter when he was like to sink Mat. 14.31 it is answerable to the word used Gen. 19.16 of the Angels laying hold on Lot's hand So did Christ in taking our nature upon him 2. He took all the parts of a man body and
soul Mat. 26.38 Then saith he unto them My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death Heb. 10.5 A body hast thou prepared me Luke 24.39 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 3. He hath all the names of a man Adam Enosh Ish Geber whereof see Zech. 6.12 and 13.7 Dan. 7.13 4. He took upon him all the affections of a man fear and sorrow and love and anger c. Mat. 26.38 My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death Heb. 5.7 And was heard in that he feared Joh. 11.33 35 36 He groaned in the spirit and was troubled Jesus wept Then said the Jews Behold how he loved him Mat. 10.14 Aud when Jesus saw it he was much displeased Mat. 21.12 5. He took upon him all the sinless infirmities of a man to hunger thirst be weary â—afflicted tempted die c. Heb. 2.18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted Chap. 4. v. 15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Chap. 5. v. 2 For that he himself also is compassed with infirmity Mat. 8.17 Himself took our iniquities and bare our sicknesses Chap. 4. v. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights he was afterwards an hungred 2. Consider in Christs taking our nature upon him his condescending love union betwixt God and man was the great design intended through the Mediator this is brought about by his condescension and our exaltation where love is it will stoop and the greater condescension the greater love These things hold forth infinite condescending in Christs taking our nature upon him 1. Consider who condescends thus The higher that the person be who condescends the more love is in his condescension if it be a great condescending for God to look down upon things here below Psal 113.46 The Lord is high above all nations and his glory above the heavens who humbleth himself to behold the things in the heaven and in the earth What then must it be for the Son of God to take upon him the form of a Creature Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man That he that made the world should be made of a woman That the immortal God should become mortal flesh it were a great condescension that the soul of a man should enter into a worm or that all the Angels should become worms yet that were nothing to Christs stooping to take our nature upon him 2. Consider what he took upon him not our person but our nature Heb. 2.15 16 The seed of Abraham our flesh and blood that is our nature many can be content to take upon them the persons of men to represent them who yet would not be willing to take their nature but Christ took our nature 3. The end wherefore he took our nature upon him sheweth yet more of his condescending 1. It was that he might suffer and that he might die for us in that nature Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto the death even the death of the cross Non ad gloriam sed ad ignominiam to be abased in our nature 2. It was for our good not for any thing that it could profit him Gal. 4.5 To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons 4. He took our nature upon him not for a day or a short time but to continue so It may be a Prince at a Masque for a little time might be moved to take the form of a servant upon him but to continue so he would not be moved but here is infinite condescension Christ takes our nature upon him and keeps it still he will come again in our nature to judg the world Act. 1.11 This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven Chap. 17. v. 31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained Though he doth nothing now in Heaven but acts of Majesty being a Priest set upon the right hand of the throne of Majesty Heb. 8.1 Yet he will do those acts in our nature yea when he shall deliver up the kingdom See Chap. 6. the Kingdom which he hath received as Mediator he will not lay down our nature 1 Cor. 15.24 5. Consider the time when he took our nature upon him not when our nature was a virgin but when it was defiled not mans nature in innocency but in his sinful corrupted condemned accursed estate Rom. 8.3 In the likeness of sinful flesh Chap. 5. v. 10 When we were enemies and when all the Creatures did hate us when we were not worth the following then he did thus condescend to love us and follow us 6. Consider the manner of his taking our nature upon him 1. He doth not personate our nature but is made flesh Joh. 1.14 2. He does it voluntarily and chearfully and with earnest desire when we were not following him but fleeing away from him he himself rose out of his place and followed after us and caught our nature as the words signifies Heb. 2.7 And took upon him the form of a servant Psal 40.7 Then said he Lo I come 3. He takes our nature upon him with all the infirmities of it Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 4. v. 15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin He would condescend so far that in all things he would be like us sin only excepted and even in that though he took not the corruption of sin yet he took upon him the guilt of our sin 2 Cor. 5. last For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin He was legally the sinner though not intrinsecally and the punishment thereof Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us He was content to be numbred with the transgressors Isa 53.12 He was content to be punished for our sins even by God his Father And which is yet wonderful that he might come as near to us as possible he was content to condescend to be tempted to the thing wherewith it was impossible that he could be tainted Mat. 4.2 To be tempted of the Devil to sin and yet the Prince of the world had nought in him Joh. 14.20 7. Consider the comparison instituted by the Holy-Ghost which doth yet
remission of their sins To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 3. He removeth the mistakes and prejudices whereby the alienation betwixt God and man is hightned and continued and this by imparting the true mind of the parties to each other Eph. 4.21 If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus This is the nature and use of his prophetical Office which he executeth by his word and spirit causing light first to appear and then to shine into the hearts of his people The end of this Office and his exercising it after this manner is to promote his great design of reconciliation which is the end of his Mediation and this he doth by declaring the mind of the parties to each other removing mistakes which encrease alienation begetting a good understanding and thereby working a compliance betwixt the parties and in respect of this Office mainly he is called a Prophet Deut. 18.15 Acts 3.22 and by way of eminency the Prophet and that Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 and the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant who published and revealed it Mal. 3.1 and the Word John 1.14 Rev. 19.3 who revealeth the will of God whereof I have already spoken and a Witness or teacher and testifier of the will of God Isa 55.4 Rev. 3.14 and the Apostle of our profession Heb. 3.1 and the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3 2. Christ Mediator in his Priesthood travelleth 1. About Satisfaction 2. Intercession Isa 53.12 Because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressor And about both these in order to Reconciliation which is the great business belonging to the Mediators Office 1. I say the nature and use of that Office relates to satisfaction for sin because by virtue of that Office principally he performs the great work of satisfaction for our sins by offering up himself a sacrifice to death after he had given perfect obedience to the Law Heb. 9.26 But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And this he did as our Surety he stood in the Elects room and Justice did strike him in their stead Isa 53.5 He was oppressed c. or rather according to the original he was exacted and answered that is God the Father required satisfaction for our sins and his Son as our Surety answered for us 2. Unto this Office belongeth his Intercession which is performed in the virtue of the satisfaction given by him to Divine Justice and the Sacrifice once offered up by him Isa 53.12 He poured out his soul unto death and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us And this according to the two parts of the High-Priests Office which were 1. The offering of sacrifice 2. The presenting of it in the Holy of Holies with prayer and intercession See Goodâ— Christ set forth p. 12â— 123. Rog. Cat. p. 2. p. 39. Gomar ad Heb. c. 3. that God would accept it for the sins of the people see Levit. 16. The excellency of this Priesthood of our Mediator was typified by Aarons Priesthood in these two parts of it and more eminently and excellently in Melchisedecks Priesthood which shewed also the continuance of Christs Priesthood for ever and the excellency of it above Aarons Psal 110. Heb. 5 and 7 chap. Concerning the nature and parts of this Office we shall only observe these three things 1. That Christ Mediator did and doth both the parts of this Office on earth and in Heaven but with this difference 1. On earth he eminently sacrificed and offered up himself Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Yet he interceded also Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and suppl cations with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he seared 2. In Heaven he eminently intercedes Heb. 7 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Chap. 9.24 But into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us but he offereth up himself also by presenting the sacrifice and offering of himself which was once made Heb. 12.24 We are come saith the Apostle to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 2. That all Christ's satisfaction and Priesthood would be ineffectual for our good if he did not continue in the exercise of it by his intercession in Heaven whereby he becometh the applying cause of salvation to us Heb. 5.10 11 Called of God an High-priest after the order of Melchisedec of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing Rom. 5.10 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. That the design carried on by this Office is the same as in the former to wit Reconciliation which is promoted through this Office 1. By his giving satisfaction to Justice 2. By his application of that satisfaction and making Attonement for the sins of his people The nature and use of Christs Kingdom I lay down in these Assertions 1. That it is Dispensatory Christ Mediator is a King appointed a Viceroy and Deputy-governour in subordination to his Father Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion John 5.23 That all men should honour the son even as they honour the father he that honoureth not the son honoureth not the father that sent him a Kingdom which is to be rendered up again to him who gave it to him 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power His Kingdom as Mediator is not regnum naturale which he hath as God co-essential with his Father but regnum oeconomicum which he hath by donation and unction from his Father 2. That it is very large yea universal for it is all power in heaven and earth Matth. 28.18 and it reacheth to the upholding all things by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 It is over all the creatures Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Over all Mankind Dan. 7.14 And
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
not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin 1 John 2.1 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous 6. A Mediator must be Potent and able to compass his undertaking Christ is such a Mediator Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty Isa 9.6 His name shall be called the mighty God He is a potent Mediator 1. In respect of the power that is in his hands Consider his ability to compass the work committed unto him in respect of his essential power and kingdom and in respect of his dispensatory power and kingdom Isa 9.6 7 He is able to save to the utmost perfectly Heb. 7.25 He is mighty to save Isa 63.1 He is able to save from sin and all that is in it whether guilt power or defilement and from wrath and all that may follow upon it he is able to supply all our wants and to do for us exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think Phil. 4.19 Eph. 3.20 And consider his ability to perform whatsoever he hath undertaken and that as well for God to man as for man to God He is able to do what ever he hath engaged to us on Gods behalf to finish the work that he gave him to do John 17.4 c. and for this cause he is a King by Covenant and hath all power in heaven and earth given to him Mat. 28.18 Heb. 10.12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God Chap. 8. v. 1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum We have such an High-priest who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heaven Eph. 1.20.21 22 And set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come And hath put all things under his feet and given him to be head over all things to the Church 2. He is a potent Mediator in respect of the trust and delegation of power given to him for setling and removing the difference betwixt the parties the arbitration being rendred up to him to determine and lay his hands on both Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son This is a great power that is put in Christs hands that he shall order the satisfaction that shall be given so as to bring about the giving of it upon the one part and the acceptation of it upon the other part Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my Father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again Chap. 17. v. 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 3. In respect of the powerful interest he hath with both the parties 1. With God his Father with whom he is very gracious and hath power with him to procure his acceptance of such satisfaction as he offereth Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And to obtain from him whatsoever he desireth for the believer of the other party Joh. 11.42 And I knew that thou hearest me always Chap. 17. v. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 2. He hath a powerful interest with man to make him offer the satisfaction which his Father is content to accept To make him subject his consent to the Gospel 2 Cor. 9.13 Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me And to make him walk in that way which may please his Father Ezek. 36.27 I will put my spirit in you and cause you to walk in my statutes A potent Mediator that hath a great stroak of power with both the parties to reconcile God to man by his accepting the sacrifice of Christs death and to reconcile man to God by his humbling himself to offer satisfaction to God in Christ 7. A Mediator must be faithful and true to the interest of both parties in his Mediation seeking and studying their good Christ is eminently such Heb. 2.17 Rev. 1.4 and 3.14 and 19.11 Consider how he is faithful to both the parties and how he is faithful to the business of reconciliation which is the end of a Mediator 1. He is faithful to the parties And 1. To God he is faithful to him that appointed him Heb. 3.2 True to his fathers interest in seeking his honour executing his will satisfying his justice Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him that sent me Chap. 8. v. 49 I honour my Father and ye dishonour me 2. He is faithful to man and true to his interest in dealing effectually with his Father on our behalf in all things wherein we have dealing with God Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining unto God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 1 John 2.1 We have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 2. He is faithful to the business which is the end of his Office to wit reconciliation and making friendship betwixt the parties this being entrusted to him he makes it his work and minds it exceedingly Luk. 2.49 Wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers business Joh. 4.34 My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work And this appeareth 1. In his faithful agenting the business of our peace in Heaven whither he is gone for the making and maintaining peace between God and his people there to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Joh. 17. throughout Rev. 8.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censor and there was given to him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne 2. In his faithful reporting back again to his people what may be expected by them at his Fathers hands he is the messenger of the Covenant and the true and faithful witness Mal. 3.1 Rev. 1.5 Joh. 14.2 In my Fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to them which were afar off and to them that were night 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 3. In his effectual
a spirit Then 1. Let all his enemies be afraid and pack them out of his way and stand not in the way to hinder the work which he hath undertaken for his people he is of an unsubdued spirit and cannot be laid by pack you or he will ride over you Psal 110.1 5 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath Rev. 6.2 And I saw and beheld a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a crown was given unto him and be went forth conquering and to conquer Psal 45.3 4 5. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most Mighty with thy glory and thy majesty and in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the Kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee 2. Believers comfort your selves in Christs Heroick spirit he cannot be laid by nor turned from his purpose neither by the opposition made by the enemies of your happiness nor by the discouragements received from your selves 1 Joh. 4.4 c. Isa 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged See an eminent example of this in his dealing with the woman of Samaria Joh. 4.10 c. 3. Let us make some use of the whole Properties and Qualifications of our Mediator taking in also those which are peculiar to him Hence a threefold Exhortation First Be exhorted to know what a Mediator Christ is A Mediator and such a Mediator the Apostle Paul hath many hints in his Epistle to the Hebrews which is written to set forth Christ in his Offices whereby he layeth a deal of weight upon the qualities of our Mediator being such a person such a High-priest c. as the like was never heard of ch 1.4 and 3.1 and 4.14 15. and 5.11 and 7.16 24 26. and 8.1 2. and 9.11 24. The ignorance of this or not considering these things is the cause why Christs Mediatorship is so little comfortable to Believers study to know this better that you may be comforted by it that you have such a Mediator one whose office interests relations engagements to you and qualities before enumerated may assure you that you have a Friend in Heaven one to whom you may come for pity and help in all your miseries and distresses 2. Be exhorted to more boldness in coming to the Throne of Grace Believers you dishonour your Mediator who having so great a Favourite at the Court of Heaven should not with greater confidence come to God yet this boldness ought to be humble and awful keeping in sight your own unworthiness and the awe of Gods Majesty but be confident of the prevalency of Christs Mediation Heb. 4.14 15 16 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 for we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without Sin let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need And 10.19 20 Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated through the vale that is to say his flesh Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with open mouth Lay not weight upon your liberty but let the confidence you have in your Mediator give you boldness which would beget and draw forth liberty in Prayer for your selves and for others 1 Tim. 2.1 5 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus 3. Be exhorted you who have the offer of so great salvation and of Christ Mediator to be a friend to you in Heaven to take heed that you slight it not Heb. 2.1 3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him And 12.25 29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven For our God is a consuming fire And 10.26 29 39 For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledg of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despight unto the Spirit of Grace But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul There is no sin nor judgment comparable to sins against the Mediator and judgment that follow these sins Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken to them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Matth. 11.21 Wo unto thee Corazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloath and ashes CHAP. XVI Of Christs execution of the Office of Mediatorship IT remaineth now that something be spoken of Christs excution of the Office of Mediatorship into which he was called and for which he was fitted and furnished before I speak particularly how he carrieth on the work committed to him as Mediator I shall first lay down some general conclusions relating to his execution of the Office of Mediatorship Namely 1. That Christ executeth this Office of Mediatorship according to both natures 2. That he executed this Office from the beginning of the World before he came in the flesh 3. That he executeth this Office as well in the state of his exaltation as in the state of his humiliation And 1. Of that Question See Mr. Ball treat of the Covenant p. 266. And Mr. Brinsley of Christs Mediat p. 203. Aquin. 3. part quest 26. Act. 2. Bellarm. de Christ Mediat lib. 5. cap. 7. vid. etiam Bonavent Magistr sent August de Ovibus bom 12. Chamier de Mediat cap. 7. sect 2. Jun. contr l. 2. c. 5. not 29. paral l. 3. m. c. 9. ad Hebr. According to which Nature Christ is Mediator Whether according to his Divine Nature as God or according to his human Nature only as Man or according to both as God-man
Angels The first Scripture is that 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the Man Christ Jesus which seems to set forth the object of Christs Mediation to be men not Angels but consider that there is a twofold Mediation of Christ the one of Redemption or Reconciliation the other of Preservation or confirmation Christ is only a Mediator of Redemption betwixt God and man for he never undertook for the fallen Angels Matth. 25.41 Then shall he say unto them on his left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Jude ver 6 And the Angels which kept not their first estate but left their own habitation he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day And of this Mediation speaks that Text 1 Tim. 2.5 A Mediation which had a ransom and propitiation in it that Christ died only for man not for the Angels The other Scripture is that Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Which will indeed prove and speaketh it plainly that when fallen men and Angels were before him sinking into their misery he took hold of the one not of the other And so that none of the fallen Angels have benefit by Christs Mediation It will prove that herein Christ expressed his love more to Men than Angels in that he saved some of the fallen men but none of the Angels and would carry this Office not in their Nature but in ours Yet I conceive it will not prove that the elect Angels have no benefit by Christs Mediation I incline therefore to think it most probable that the elect Angels are not to be excluded from the benefit of Christs Mediation whether they had need of a Mediator or not as Calvin upon Col. 1.20 laboureth to prove I shall not debate but these two things only I shall speak of 1. I shall shew that the good Angels have benefit by Christ which is certain 2. That there are probable grounds to judg that they have this benefit through Christs Mediation 1. By Christ the Angels have knowledg of the mysteries of our Salvation even a glorious addition of knowledg by this new discovery and bright manifestation of God in all his Atributes that have shined forth in Christ Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto the Principalitics and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels did desire to look into 2. By Christ they have an honourable Office they became Principalities and Powers in governing the world and Ministring Spirits that Christ may be honoured in the Church Col. 1.16 For by him were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalities or Powers all things were created by him and for him Heb. 1.14 Are they not all ministring Spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of Salvation And therefore when Christ shall give up his dispensatory Kingdom then shall all rule be put down which is not only to be understood of the being of no Magistracy and no Ministry but even of the Angels Principalities and Powers 3. By Christ the Angels have joy at the conversion of sinners Luke 15.10 Likewise I say unto you there is Joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth Matth. 18.10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones For I say unto you that in Heaven their Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven Luke 2.13 And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God By Christ the Angels have a more perfect and firm union with God a kind of econciliation Col. 1.20 And having made peace by the blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself by him I say whether they be things on Earth or things in Heaven Where by things in Heaven is understood Angels who are said to be reconciled to God not properly for where there is no breach there can be no reconciliation this is peculiar unto man but improperly and annalogically they may be said to be reconciled by confirming and establishing them in the grace and favour of God Tollendo peccata hominum possibilitatem peccandi in Angelis taking away all possibility of defection in them 2. These benefits which the Angels certainly have by Christ they may be probably conceived to have them by Christs Mediation 1. Because Christ is a head to the elect Angels as well as to elect men and they are part of his mystical body Col. 2.10 And ye are compleat in him which is the head of all Principality and Power Eph. 1.10 That in the Dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in Heaven and which are on Earth even in him they are reckoned a part of the Catholick Church and inhabitants of the Heavenly Jerusalem Heb. 12.23 24 Now if Christ be head of the Church as he is Mediator then whatsoever benefit they as part of his Body have from Christ the Head I do not see how we can avoid to say they must have it through his Mediation For how can it be conceived that one part of Christs Body hath benefit from Christs Mediation and another part of it hath benefit by him and yet another way than by his mediation 2. Because whatsoever benefit the Angels have by Christ they were elected unto it 1 Tim. 5.21 I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels Now Christ being the head of the election in whom all that are elect are elected Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world And the benefits unto which we are elected in Christ coming through his Mediation to all the elect these must come so to the elect Angels also Eph. 1.4 5 10 According as he hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ. That in the dispensation of the fulness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ 3. Because whatsoever creature is not under a possibility of sinning Aquin. part 1. Qâ—ust 63. Art 1. it hath that not by the condition of its nature but by grace Now the elect Angels being freed from all possibility of sinning this they must have by Grace which cometh not only from Christ but through his Mediation Joh. 1.17 For the Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ being some other thing supervenient beside the good of their natural condition wherein
making the Soul close with God in a Covenant 3. By making us receive Christ himself in the promises 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 For as Faith hath for the object of it the whole Word of God so especially the promises and more especially Christ in the promises 4. By making us give up our selves to be Christs and no more our own Isa 44.5 One shall say I am the Lords and by making us subject our Consent unto him as the Wife doth to the Husband in a Marriage-Covenant 2 Cor. 9.13 And all this is the Mediators work and the execution of his Office For 1. It is he that offers the Covenant Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh 2. It is he that shapeth the heart for acceptation of the offer Ezek 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you 3. It is he that engageth the heart to God by a Covenant Jer. 30.21 And I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the Earth will draw all men unto me 4. It is he that maketh us give up our selves to him Ezek. 36.27 28 And I will put my Spirit into you and cause you to walk in my wayes And ye shall be my people and I will be your God The third part of the Mediators work in the execution of his Office is to enable them whom he bringeth into the Covenant of Grace to perform the duty of the Covenant according to his undertaking to his Father on their behalf and for this effect 1. He circumciseth their hearts and taketh away the stone and natural aversness and rebellion against Covenant-duties Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul that thou maist live Ezek. 36.26 And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh 2. He engraffeth a new inward principle in their hearts of compliance with and propension unto their duty Jer. 31.33 I will put my Law into their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people And 32.40 I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 3. He affordeth strength to them for performing the duties of the Covenant and maketh his Grace effectual in them for that end see Ezek 36.37 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 He craveth his Rent and filleth the hand wherewith to pay it Psal 1.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye alwayes having all-sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 4. He breathes upon the graces of his people and acteth them by daily fresh and quickening assistances Song 4.16 Awake O North wind and come O South blow upon my Garden that the spices thereof may flow out Yea he worketh in us and for us all that which we take upon us as duty in the Covenant of Grace Isa 26.12 For thou also hast wrought all our works in us Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure The fourth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office is to keep those whom he bringeth into the Covevenant from falling away from that blessed estate If it were not for the Mediators travelling in this work the reconciliation once made could not stand if he did not continue for ever Mediator of the New Covenant we should not for ever continue in that Covenant-state Heb. 7.24 25 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood 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 And for keeping believers in this Covenant Christ the Mediator beside his contriving the Covenant so that breaches shall not make it void Psal 89.30 33 If his Children forsake my Law and walk not in my Judgments Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Jer. 31.34 I will forgive their iniquity and will remember their sin no more 1. He gifteth them with and conveyeth to them an immortal and everlasting principle of Grace that cannot dye nor utterly perish Joh. 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a Well of water springing up into everlasting life 1 Joh. 3.9 His seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 2. He keepeth life by his intercession in that engaging principle of Faith that it fail not Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not But all this could not effect the business being but our gripe of him therefore 3. Consider how he keepeth a gripe of them he engageth his Father to keep his people and he himself employeth all the power credit and interest that he hath in Heaven and Earth to keep them in that blessed state Joh. 17.11 12 And now I am no more in the World but these are in the World And I come to thee holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are While I was with them in the world I kept them through thy name those whom thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the Son of perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Joh. 10.28 29 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My Father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand Deut. 33.27 The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath is the everlasting arms Isa 40.29 He giveth power to them that are faint and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength 4. He maintaineth the peace and agreement that he made through his own being in Heaven a constant and ordinary Agent to apear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Who lieth there of purpose that the Covenant betwixt God and his people may continue and that league never be broken for so long as Christ appeareth in Heaven there shall be peace and friendship for
time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the futher he hath declared him Psal 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God â— He hath come and spoken and hath testified of things which concern our Covenant-state by his spirit and by his work in us and we have not heard nor taken notice that it was the Witness of the Covenant testifying the things that concern himself and his Kingdom Heb. 1.2 God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they oscaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Joh. 16.5 1 Joh. 5.6 8 c. 3. His Witness and testimony hath been heard and observably discerned and yet not received sometimes we have known that it was Christ speaking and that it could be no other and yet we have not received his restimony Joh. 21.12 And none of the Disciples durst ask him who art thou knowing that it was the Lord. Joh. 1 3â— He came unto his own and his own receive him not He doth sometimes speak and we will not believe that it is he Luk. 24.37 41 But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed thâ—â— they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred be said unto them have ye not here any meat 4. At other times we receive and believe his testimony and witnessing and by and by upon the smallest temptation to unbelief we fall a quarrelling and disputing with the testimony which we received and straight-way we reject it as a delusion Luk. 24.21 But we trusted that it had been be which should have redeemed Israel and besides all this to day is the third day since these things were done Vse 2. Consider what manner of Witness he is and what manner of witnessing his testimony is that you may lay weight upon whatsoever the witness of the Covenant saith Christ the witness of the Covenant may be commended in order to the weight and credit of his testimony from these properties of the Witness and the manner of his witnessing 1. He is an Eye-witness of the Covenant who was present and heard and sâ—w all the Covenant transacted yea he was an actor in it throughout as hath been said before this testimony he taketh to himself Prov. 8.22 to 32 And the same is given him also by such as were sent to witness of him Joh. 1.7 18 The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe no man hath seen God at any time The only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him 2. He is the true and-faithful witness Rev. 1.5 3.7 14 which cannot lye and is not capable of being byassed from the truth for any respect for he is the truth it self Joh. 14.10 3. He is a Witness above all exception there can be no exception laid against him yea all the great witnesses which God hath made use of in declaring this Gospel from the beginning do bear witness of him Act. 3.24 Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and these that follow after at many as have spoken have likewise foretold of these days Act. 10.43 To him give all the prophets witness 4. His Witness is greater than the testimony of men 1 Joh. 5. â— If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater Not only in respect of the Authority of him who witnesseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but in respect of the weight and impression of his testimony For 1. His Witneâ—â— speaks to the heart 2. It ends the controversie there needs no further witnessing after he speaks Hos 2.14 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortably into her Hebr. speak to her heart Mat. â— 8 The centurion answered and said Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed 5. Of all these various things which he hath witnessed from the beginning of the world until now there hath not failed one word neither of one kind nor another Jos 21.45 23.14 15. with Isa 63.9 Act. 7.30 1 Cor. 10.9 1 Kings 8.15 24 56 Isa 38.15 Luk. 24.44 Rom. 22.6 And he said unto me These sayings are faithful and true And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his â—ingâ—t to shew unto his seâ—uants the things which must shortly be done Zech. 1.5 6. Your fathers where are they and the prophets do they live for ever but my words and my statutes which I commanded my servants the prophets did they not take hold of your fathers And they returned and said Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us according to our ways and according to our doings so hath he dealt with us Vse 3. Be exhorted to receive him under this Covenant-relation as he is given of God for a Witness to the people Under this I comprehend these particulars 1. If you would make use of Christ as the Witness of the Covenant then in all matters doubtful appeal to his testimony for decision if you have any doubt about any matter of saith or salvation about any duty about any thing pertaining to God or unto your own Covenant state and interest in him make his testimony and witness your Judg in that matter go familiarly and boldly to him that he may determine the question and resolve your doubt Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimony 2 Pet. 1.9 We have also a more sure word of prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts As his Disciples did upon all occasions Joh. 13.21 22 25 14.5 8 22. 2. Hear and give ear to whatsoever he witnesseth and take it off his hand Luk. 9.35 This is my beloved Son bear him And look carefully that you neither neglect to hear what he will say and witness of you and to you of your way 〈◊〉 state or present fit and temper for you or against you nor interrupt his witnessing but let him speak out nor that you stop the ear against it These are marked in Scripture as manifest sins against and rejecting of his witnessing Act. 24.25 Go thy way for this time when I have a convenient season I will call for thee Zech. 7.7 11 Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cryed by the former Prophets But they refused
to hearken and pulled away the shoulder and stopped their ears that they should not hear Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on cauth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven Neh. 9.10 And testified against them by thy spirit in the Prophets yet would they not give ear therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the Lands 3. If you receive him in this Covenant-relation you must take his testimony for sufficient proof of whatsoever he speaks unto you lay such weight upon his witnessing that it may be to you an end of all strife and controversie 1 Joh. 5.9 10 If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is grâ—â—â—er 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 You must believe his Witness else you wrong him exceedingly Joh. 14.11 Believe me that I am in the father and the father in me or else believe me for the very works sake Psal 35.3 Say unto my soul I am thy salvation 4. If you receive him as the Witness of the Covenant having received him in this Covenant-relation you may never come in the contrary of any thing that he saith you must neither suspect nor quarrel nor be jealous of any thing which he hath witnessed Prov. 14.5 A faithful witness will not lye For Christ will no more lye unto you wherein he hath sworn and witnessed than God will lye unto him which is impossible Psal 80.35 Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 6.17 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an Oath 5. If you receive him as the Witness of the Covenant then must you not only receive whatsoever he saith for a cerrain truth of the Covenant but what he speaketh not and testifieth not concernining your Covenant-state and relation that you must take to be no truth though it were otherwise suggested to you by temptation Joh. 14.2 In my fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepaâ—â— a place for you If he had other thoughts towards you then those which he hath told you he would have revealed them I speak to believers Jer. 29.11 For I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith the Lord thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end 6. Whatsoever way he doth witness and testifie take his Witness and prescribe not a way unto him but make all his ways of witnessing welcome whether he Witness by his word or by his work by his spirit or by your spirit 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth into a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts 1. Joh. 5.10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the Children of God Neh. 9.30 Yet many years didst thou forbear them and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy Prophets Rom. 10.8 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 Vse 4. For decision of the great practical controversies which are in the world to say nothing here of Doctrinal controversies relating to the Covenant which are also decided by his Testimony as well those which are amongst Athiests and in the unbelieving world as those which are among believers Christ is given for a Witness to the people and what he saith must put an end to every controversie 1. It 's a controversie to the world whether time shall have an end or whether the fashion of this world shall pass away or whether all things shall continue as now they are and whether too morrow shall be as this day Psal 49.11 Their inward thought is that their houses shall continue for ever Isa 56.12 Come yâ—â— say they I will fetch wine and we will fill our selves with strong drink and to morrow shall be as this day and much more abundant The Witness of the Covenant hath decided the controversie by his Testimony and Oath and hath said that time shall be â—o more Rev. 10.6 2. It 's a controversie to the world whether Eternity be coming after time or whether there be another life and world after this 2 Pet. 3.4 And saying where is the promise oâ— his coming For since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation The Witness of the Covenant hath decided this also Rev. 22.20 He which testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly Amen Tit. 1.2 In hope of eternal life which God that cannot lye promised before the world began Joh. 6.47 Verily verily I say unto you he that believeth on me hath everlasting life 30 It 's a controversie to the world whether there be any resurrection and judgment to come or any immortality of the Soul Isa 22.13 And behold joy and gladness slaying oxen and killing sheep eating flesh and drinking wine let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall dye Luk. 12.19 And I will say to my soul soul thou hast much golds laid up for many years take thine ease eat drink and be merry The Witness of the Covenant hath decided that controversie and testifieth that he himself had experience of it he was dead and is alive Rev. 1.18 I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen Joh. 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day Heb. 12.23 To the general assembly and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven and to God the Judg of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect Mat. 22.23 to 31. 4. It 's a controversie to the world whether there be any Heaven or Hell they say in their hearts who knoweth that there are such things and what they be and where they are Luk. 16.31 And he said unto him If they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead Isa 28.15 Because ye have said we have made a Covenant with death and with Hell are we at agreement when the overflowing scourage shall pass through it shall not come unto us The Witness of the Covenant testifieth that there are such things and that he saw both and experienced the truth of the things that are written of them Psal
bring you into the bond of the Covenant 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 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 Psal 45.10 Hearken O daughter and consider and encline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house Gen. 12.1.4 Now the Lord had said unto Abraham Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a Land that I will shew thee So Abraham departed as the Lord had spoken unto him Mat. 4.19 20 And he saith unto them follow me and I will make you fishers of men And they streight-way left their nets and followed him 2. Whatsoever appertaineth to the maintaining and preserving of the Covenant and confederacy betwixt God and his people Christ is Messenger for that and herein he doth the part of the Messenger of the Covenant 1. By travelling betwixt the parties for keeping up free access betwixt them and liberty to speak with one another for it is by him that God hath access to speak to our hearts and that we have access to him by frequent mutual Messages the Messenger being a Courtier and Favourite with both the parties Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the father Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him 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 2. By travelling betwixt the parties for correspondence and entercourse to maintain communion and a good understanding betwixt them to the end that none of the parties engaged in the Covenant of kindness become strangers to one another through the want of converse and corresponding Christ is a Messenger betwixt them to maintain the peace and friendship Joh. 16.16 A little while and ye shall not see me and again a little while and ye shall see me because I go to the father Joh. 14.18 19 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye see me because I live ye shall live also 3. He is a Messenger to maintain the Covenant betwixt God and his people by travelling betwixt the parties with good reports Heb. 12.24 25 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that of Abel See that ye refuse not him that speaketh c. Commending God to his people and his love and speaking good of all his way with them Joh. 10.29 My father which gave them me is greater then all Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me Psal 25.10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies And commending believers unto his father and speaking good of them and for them frequently behind their back when they do not hear him Joh. 17.6 8 25 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 known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me O righteous father the world hath not known thee but I have known thee and these have known that thou hast sent me Jer. 31.20 Is Ephraim my dear son is he a pleasant child for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord. Jer. 12.7 I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies Christ maketh both a good report of his father to his people here on Earth and a good report of them to his father in Heaven he putteth good constructions not only upon his fathers way with his people which cannot reasonably bear an evil construction 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 But also upon his peoples way and walk and duties to God-ward a construction and report of them which they would stand in awe to give of themselves yea they are in hazzard to contradict this blessed Messengers report many a time Joh. 14.4 5 And whither I go ye known and the way ye know Thomas saith unto him Lord we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way 3. Whatsoever appertaineth to the repairing of the Covenant or to the renewing and establishing thereof in the case of any breach betwixt the parties he is a Messenger for that he is the repairer of the breach and doth declare himself the Angel of the Covenant 1. By taking up emergent differences betwixt God and his people that they may not controvert about them but may rather have satisfaction in him Isa 53.12 And he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9 7 But into the second went the High-priest alone once every year not without blood which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people For as our High-priest he makes offering for the errors of the people for all the differences arising betwixt God and his people are taken away alone by his travels 2. By renewing the Covenant-kindness and love and engagements he travels as a Messenger and cannot rest after breaches and differences betwixt his father and his people or betwixt himself and them until the wonted kindness be renewed and till it be betwixt God and his people as it used to be 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 for our sins Jer. 2.2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem saying Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a land that was not sown Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Ezek. 16.60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant 6. Let us a little consider the properties of the Messenger and Angel of the Covenant which do commend
his travels in that business and may hold forth a pattern to all the inferiour Messengers of the Covenant and Angels of the Churches 1. He is a faithful Messenger and true to the trust committed unto him one who varied not and departed not from his commission in a tittle in any thing of his fathers will and the welfare of his people I do not say the will of his people for though he be very condescending to satisfie them yet he not holding his commission of them he is constrained for their good to cross their will sometimes that he may be faithful to him who appointed him Heb. 3.1 2 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling confider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house Joh. 6.38 39 40 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day 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 A Messenger who kept close to his instructions 2. He is an active diligent Messenger who did never deal with a slack hand in any matter of the Covenant whether committed unto him by his father or wherein he was employed by his people his heart did lay so much to the business that it is impossible he should not be active and stirring in it yea his Soul-travelled so diligently in that trust that he could take no rest until it was done Isa 53.11 He shall see the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Yea so careful was he of that Message that it made him forget his refreshments and his rest as appears in his unwearied pains for converting the woman of Samaria even while he was wearied with his journey Joh. 4.6 Yea it was refreshment to him to be about that business Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Yea it made him some way forget his relations here on earth Luk. 2.49 And he said unto them how is it that ye sought me wist ye not that I must be about my fathers business Mat. 12.46 49 50 While he yet talked to the people behold his mother and his brethren stood without desiring to speak with him Behold my mother and my brethren for whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven the same is my brother and sister and mother 3. He is a swift Messenger who in all the matters of the Covenant which are committed unto him loveth to make good dispatch he is commended for this Mal. 3.1 And the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple even the messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in And we may take notice of it in the word of the Prophet Isa 18.2 though spoken in another sense O so swift a messenger and speedy as he was when he was sent to lay down his life Luk. 19.28 And when he had thus spoken he went before ascending up to Jerusalem c. he made haste to die Joh. 13.27 And after the sop Satan entred into him then said Jesus unto him That thou doest do quickly And he made haste to arise again Joh. 20.1 12 The first day of the week early yet when it was dark He made haste to shew himself to his friends after he rose Joh. 20 and Luk. 24 and he maketh haste to come again to his people Joh. 14.3 18 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come unto you 4. He is an Accurate reporter of the Message which he beareth a Messenger who never failed to bring a return of his errant both upward to God and downward to his people Joh. 13.3 Jesus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands and that he was come from God and went to God Joh 14.2 3 I go to prepare a place for you And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 5. He is a Messenger who was hugely mortified if I may use that word and denyed to his own honour and credit for all the while he travelled up and down here about the Message of the Covenant he did not regard how he was used so that his Message were taken off his hand Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Mat. 20.28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Joh. 4.9 10 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him how is it that thou being a Jew askest drink of me which am a woman of Samaria for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans Jesus answered and said unto her If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith unto thee give me to drink thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living water Vse 1. Take heed how you receive and entertain the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven Heb. 3.1 Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High-priest of our profession Christ Jesus c. This is the more of your concernment 1. Because the entertainment and usage given unto the Messenger of the Covenant redoundeth upon him that sent him whether you use him honourably or disrespectively Joh. 12.26 If any man serve me let him follow me and where I am there shall also my servant be If any man serve me him will my father honour Luk. 10.16 He that heareth you heareth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me 2. Because great weight is laid upon the unworthy using of the Messenger of the Covenant insomuch as no sin nor aggravation of sin carrieth liâ—e stress as is laid upon it Joh. 3.36 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. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had
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
subordination and subjection as is the name Messenger but of the lowest and most abject condition of subordination I say 1. This name is given to Christ not in regard of his nature but in regard of his office as Mediator as he took upon him a Service this name is not a name of nature for in regard of his Divine nature he hath another style My Son is his name not my Servant Mat. 3.17 This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased And in regard of his Humane nature though the man Christ is by nature Gods Servant yet he is not by nature a common Servant to both the parties in the Covenant nor a Servant of the Covenant but a Free-man Mat. 17.26 Jesus saith unto him then are the children free Therefore I say it is not the name of the natural only begotten Son of God nor the name of the man Christ as it importeth any thing peculiar and not common to the rest of the creatures but it is the name of Christ Mediator God-man Heb. 12.24 2. This name is given to Christ mainly and eminently in regard of the state and condition of his humiliation Phil. 2.7 8 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross For though now when God hath highly exalted him he be still a Priest upon a Throne Heb. 8.1 and consequently promoting the same Trust and Service about which he was sent to the earth yet his way of carrying on that Service is so Princely as he carryeth condescendingly to men 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 earrh and things under the earth If we should yet name him by this Covenant-relation we behoved to look upon him as a kinged and crowned Servant who for performing that notable Service that was committed unto him hath been exalted to a Glorious Throne and yet for all his preferment is as humble and affable and easie to be spoke with as when he was upon the earth for he beareth the same heart toward his people Heb. 4.15 16 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin 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 name of Servant in the business of the Covenant is given to Christ in regard of his trust because the greatest trust that ever was put upon man was put upon him by the Covenant of Redemption he was entrusted with a rare piece of Service the saving of sinners the carrying through the work of Redemption the weight of the lost World being laid upon his shoulders Isa 49.6 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 5.22 For as the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son 4. This name is given to Christ in regard of his work for it is a name of work as well as of trust because he served a great Service in the business of the Covenant I have elsewhere shewed that the whole business of Redemption was his work therefore you find he speaks often of his work and labour and spending his strength and of the travel of his Soul Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Isa 53.10 11 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his Soul an offering for sin 〈◊〉 shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Joh. 4.34 Jesus saith unto them My meat is to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 8.29 And he that sent me is with me the father hath not left me alone for I do always those things that please him 5. This name is given to Christ in regard of his wages and reward which redounded unto him by this great Service which he performed unto God by saving the elect world which yet must be understood of no servile reward for his love could not be hired but we read of a reward promised and compacted unto him Isa 53.11 12 He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession A reward expected and eyed by him Isa 49.4 5 Yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Isreal be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength A reward craved by him Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was A reward payed unto him as the fruit of his labours Phil. 2.8 9 And being found in fashon as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even unto the death of the cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name Heb. 12.2 6. The name of Servant is given to him in regard of the spirit of fear unto which he did subject himself for a season while he was here in our nature in the shape of a Servant I say though there were always in the heart of Christ a design of love which made him run and serve in the business of the Covenant yet there was something of the spirit of a Servant in the man Christ made under the law and having taken upon him our condition as well as our nature which yet must be understood
to be such as did well stand with the heart of a Son yea with the heighth of that transcendent love which was the love of God And in regard of this he is said to be made under the law Gal. 4.4 When he put his name in our bond he took on our sevile condition and subjected himself to threatnings and terrors of the law and hence it is that he is said to fear Heb. 5.7 and to be troubled in spirit Joh. 12.27 and 13.21 2. But what engaged him and brought Christ under this Covenant-relation to become a Servant Answ Sure it was by no necessity of nature that Christ was engaged in this Service for he was not engaged because he could not chuse but he must be a Servant But rather I judg these four things did engage him 1. The Lords choice and call the Lord did freely and of meer Grace make choice of Christ and send him in this Service Isa 42.1 6 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek he hath sent me to bind the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound Isa 49.7 9 Thus saith the Lord the redeemer of Israel and his holy one to him whom man despiseth to him whom the nation abhorreth to a servant of rulers kings shall see and arise princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful and the holy one of Israel and he shall chuse thee that thou mayest say to the prisoners go forth to them that are in darkness shew your selves 2. His own love engaged him there was always in the heart of Christ a design and aim of love to the elect world and this engaged him in the Service of a Covenant by which he might enjoy them and they him Joh. 13 1 3 4 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end And that he was come from God and went to God And he took a towel and girded himself c. 3. His own free consent who was as willing to undertake this service as the Lord was to send him this engaged him Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again 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 Heb. 10 7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God His free consent and agreement to be a Servant by voluntary condescension this engaged him and made him a Servant Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 4. His compact and Covenant engaged him for he not only consented to serve in this business of the Covenant but he graciously condescended to be hired to perform such a Service and undertook for it Isa 53.10 11 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors These and nothing but these did conclude and determine Christ under this Covenant-relation to serve this great Service of saving the lost world 3. Whose Servant was Christ in the business of the Covenant whether of one of the parties or of both was he his fathers Servant only or ours also Answ He was a common Servant to both parties God's Servant and our Servant I shall clear it by the following particulars 1. He was God's Servant for so his father frequently styles him Isa 42.1 Behold my servant Isa 53.11 My righteous servant Zech. 3.8 My servant the branch So he acknowledged himself to be Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me 2. He was our Servant also for so he confesseth himself Mat. 20.28 Even as the son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many Luk. 22.27 And so he behaved himself and in his carriage while he was on earth he gave proof of it Joh. 13.4 5 14 15 He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded himself After that he poureth water into a bason and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded And said if I then your lord and master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you 3. He was Servant to both parties but with this observable difference which is to be understood and cautioned 1. Christ was Servant to God in the Covenant and work of Redemption by choice and election not so to us God made choice of him for this work but we did not make choice of him he made choice of us Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth Joh. 15.16 Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain 2. He was God's Servant not by condescension only but by Covenant and compact with God he is our Servant by condescension but by no compact with us In all Covenant-relations betwixt him and us he is our Lord and Master he is our Head and Husband Psal 45.11 For he is the Lord and worship thou him Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what further stooping is upon his
ascribed to his intercession which he is now performing in heaven and therefore he must intercede in Heaven as Surety of the better Testament Heb. 7.22 to 25. with Rom. 5.10 and Rom. 8.34 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 3. Consider that unless he were a Surety in Heaven and acted therein that Covenant-relation by his intercession all his other actings as Surety of the Covenant would be to little purpose for our behoof for it is this part of his Suretiship that maketh his satisfaction to the Law effectual for the good of the Elect this is it which putteth life in the death of him who died in our stead and room and without this the blood of the Surety had been shed in vain For this is the very application of it and sprinkling the blood of the Covenant upon us Heb. 9.19 20 24 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law he took the blood of Calves and Goats with water and scarlet wool and Hysop and sprinkled both the book and all the people saying this is the blood of the Teestament which God hath enjoined unto you For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 7.22 25. By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament 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 1 Joh. 2.1 2 My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 4. Consider that as his soul and his life was at the stake and was pawned for that part of his Suretiship that was to be performed on earth to wit the paying of a price to Justice so his honour lies yet at the stake and in pawn for that part of his engagement which is to be performed in heaven by his intercession so that as it behoved him to have lien in prison for ever and the soul to have been left in the grave unless he had payed his Debt and made satisfaction to Justice his Soul being in our souls stead as a Surety so his honour I say lieth still at the stake for all his peoples compleat Salvation insomuch that Heaven cannot hold him if he bring not them there he shall not have the glory of a perfected Saviour and Surety if he perform not his engagement to save them to the utmost yea he must quit heaven if he bring not his people thither for whom he undertook See 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. 17.1 4 12 24 Glorifie thy son that thy son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do 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 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings He speaks for his brethren as Judah did for little Benjamin Gen. 43.9 3. Christ is a Surety in our stead and in our behalf 1. I say in most things which Christ did as a Surety of the Covenant he did them in our stead and room he did them as a person representing us and we did them in him by vertue of that communion that is betwixt the Surety and the Debtor when he died he died in our stead and we died in him there we paid the Debt when he arose and ascended he rose in our stead and we rose and ascended in him there we had a discharge and liberation when he had it c. Rom. 6.6 8 Knowing this that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed that henceforth we should not serve sin Now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with him 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all die even so in Christ shall all be made alive Eph. 2.5 6 Even when we were dead in sins he hath quickened us together with Christ by grace ye are saved and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus 2. Yet there are some things which Christ the Surety performed wholly for us indeed and on our behalf but he cannot be said to perform them in our stead or to act our part in them that is to act these things as that which we should have done such was his incarnation and taking of our nature upon him and the taking of our Law-place upon him which were acts of Christ the Surety of the Covenant and unto which he had voluntarily engaged himself by his Covenant of Suretiship with God See Mr. Tho. Goodwin Christ set forth Sect. 5. c. 4. pag. 149. Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Yet he cannot be said properly to have done these things in our stead though he did them on our behalf and wholly for us for these were the very foundation of all that he acted in our stead and opened the way to his acting as our Surety in our stead by these acts he put himself in our stead that he might act our part being found in our nature state and condition 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 Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men Such also is his intercession in heaven for though he intercede as a Surety in Heaven and on our behalf yet he doth it
a fit person to mediate betwixt God and man until Heaven and Earth God and man be joyned in one person to make a fit Mediator a person equally distant from and equally near unto both parties A person who is Gods fellow Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow And who is our fellow made himself our companion and like unto his brethren Heb. 2.14 17. A person who is Gods Son and our brother Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my father and your father and to my God and your God our Goel Job 10.25 For I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth Our kinsman who had the right of Redemption 4. He is called Mediator the midling person not only in regard of his fitness but upon the account of his actual interposing and stepping in betwixt the disagreeing parties because he acted and executed the Mediators Office which he took upon him and for which he was fitted he acted the day-mans part in the treaty of peace he through whom the whole Covenant of peace from beginning to end was transacted who stood in every passage of it as a middle person through whom God dealt with us and we with him 1. Through him was the Covenant with us first motioned and by him was the motion and overture entertained on our behalf there had never been a Covenant betwixt God and fallen men had not Christ stept in to overture the reconciliation of Justice and Mercy Prov. 8.30 31 Then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men He is Mediator Propositionis or rather proponendo the person through whom the first motion of it was made and entertained 2. Through him was the business done and ended in the Counsel of God he entertained the motion of a Covenant and agented it till it was a closed bargain in an eternal plot betwixt his Father and himself Psal 89.3 I have made my Covenant with a chosen I have sworn unto David my servant Chap. 40. v. 7 Then said I Lo I come He is Mediator Impetrationis who obtained and procured that the proposal of free Redemption should be a conncluded Agreement 3. Through him were we represented in Christs transaction with his Father he interposed and did the business by way of representation as the Head of the Church in the name and on the behalf of many Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us 〈◊〉 Christ Jesus before the world began He is Mediator representationis the person that stood and represented many When God spoke with us in him as the Angels did with Israel in Jacobs loins for there he spake with us Hos 12.4 4. Through him did God strike hands with us the stipulation on our part was made by him whom God took as a responsal person and in our room to bargain with Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people He is Mediator fidei-jussionis the person who put his name in our Bond and stept in as a Sponsor and Surety for the broken man 5. Through him is the whole Covenant fulfilled and every word of it hath a being ex parte dei he fulfilleth all that is promised on Gods part 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen And ex parte hominis he worketh in us and for us whatsoever is required of us Phil. 1.21 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith He is Mediator impletionis the person in whom the whole Covenant is fulfilled and accomplished 6. Through him came the news of this second Covenant he proclaimed and published the glad tydings Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath annointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which are afar off and to them that were nigh Psal 40.9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation He is Mediator promulgationis the chief herauld and messenger the person by whom and by his appointed servants the Covenant was and is preached 7. Through him is the mystery made manifest in the hearts of his people he shines upon the mystery of the Covenant and makes it to be understood and this second discovery of God in Christ can never be revealed but by the Mediator himself Joh. 27.6 I have manifested thy name 2 Cor. 4.6 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 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 He is Mediator illuminationis or the very medium of this new-Light the person by whom the Covenant is revealed 8. By him was a price told down to Justice on our behalf he interposed to satisfie Justice on the terms it stood upon and entered his person in prison for us till he payed the Debt by the price of his blood after which he was set at liberty Heb. 9.12 15 But by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained redemption for us And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death c. Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ He is Mediator redemptionis seu satisfactionis the person that made the satisfaction and payed the price to Justice to the full by his obedience to death 9. Through him is the difference actually composed and the peace made the disagreeing parties are brought together in him as a middle person and fit resting-place Eph. 2.13 14 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ For he is our peace who hath made both one Heb. 2.17 To make reconciliation for the sins of his people He is Mediator reconciliationis the person that made the peace and in whom the difference is composed 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself 10. Through him are all the blessings of the Covenant applied to us and the fruit of his purchase is drawn forth by his intercession as a Priest for ever which he doth as a Mediator Heb. 7.25