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A42773 The ark of the covenant opened, or, A treatise of the covenant of redemption between God and Christ, as the foundation of the covenant of grace the second part, wherein is proved, that there is such a covenant, the necessity of it, the nature, properties, parties thereof, the tenor, articles, subject-matter of redemption, the commands, conditions, and promises annexed, the harmony of the covenant of reconciliation made with sinners, wherein they agree, wherein they differ, grounds of comfort from the covenant of suretiship / written by a minister of the New Testament. Gillespie, Patrick, 1617-1675. 1677 (1677) Wing G766; ESTC R3490 407,671 492

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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
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
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
sins 1 Joh. 2.27 And ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye 2. How to apply Christs Priesthood at first for justification and how to apply it daily and continually for repeated pardon and forgiveness and how to improve it as our daily sacrifice 1 John 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness And 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 c. 3. How to live by faith to depend upon Christ and to be guided continually by him as the ruler of his people Heb. 10.38 Now the just shall live by faith Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory 2. By removing mistakes and prejudices which are so rooted in our hearts that there can be no agreement till these prejudices be taken off and a good understanding be gotten betwixt the parties Thus Christ played the Prophet to the woman of Samaria by instructing her till he had removed her mistakes and prejudices and informed her judgment right and then he had access to deal further with her Joh. 4.3 By convincing of the need of his Priesthood and Sacrifice and of his Kingdom he doth teach his people as a Prophet till they know they need a Sacrifice and till he shew them where it is and till they know they need a King and the arm of Omnipotency for effecting a change of the Covenant-state John 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness Consider 2. How the Priesthood of Christ concurreth with his Prophesie and Kingdom and is aiding to them 1. His Priesthood is aiding to his Prophesie 1. By making God accessible through the new and living way of Reconciliation taught by his Prophesie God having now accepted a sacrifice and we having a Priest by whom we may come to him Heb. 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 for us through the vail that is to say the flesh and an Advocate and Intercessor to pray for us 1 John 2.1 2 We have an Advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 2. By making that great Prophet more affable and condescending to us by how much he is come near to us in our nature and hath taken his Sacrifice from among his brethren I mean his flesh and body Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 5.1 For every High-priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that they may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins Chap. 10. v. 5 Whererefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me 2. His Priesthood is aiding to his Kingdom and that in both the parts of it 1. In his sacrifice and satisfaction he hath doubled his right and title to his people and worketh their salvation by price which as a King he doth by power and conquest 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 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 2. In his Intercession he carrieth the same business of our Salvation by favour and entreaty which he hath also carried by Command as a King Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them With 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. Consider how his Kingdom doth support his Priesthood and Prophesie and give vigour and efficacy to them both And 1. His Kingdom doth assist his Prophesie 1. By sustaining and keeping up the means of Salvation and Teaching by his Gospel and Ordinances against all the enemies that have risen up and bestirred themselves against the same ever since the beginning of the world Thus he keepeth these pillars of his Throne from ruine Psalm 110.2 5 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath 2. By making his Gospel and Ordinances have their full effectualness in the hearts of his people to convince and convert them and to pierce and condemn those that despise them John 9.39 And Jesus said For Judgment I am come into this world that they which see not might see a and that they which see might be made blind Isa 55.11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it 2. His Kingdom doth assist his Priesthood 1. By giving efficacy to his satisfaction to reconcile the persons of the Elect to God and to obtain forgiveness of their sins for it is his Kingdom that doth convey the power of his Priesthood into the soul 2. By giving Efficacy unto his Intercession for keeping all those that are given to him by his Father continually in a state of grace and favour John 17.11 24 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. By making his Death and Resurrection effectual to subdue our lusts and to set up his Kingdom within us Eph. 1.19 20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places Rom. 6.4 5 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Vse 1.
Of Christs Unction unto these Offices How excellent and eminent a person must our Mediator he in whom these three Offices concur which take in all things that pertain to instruction and wisdom to favour and entreaty to power and acting who is anointed unto all the high Offices over the house of God Heb. 10.21 unto which great persons have at any time been anointed The excellency of all high Offices treist in his Person so that as the Apostle saith often such a High-priest we may say such a Mediator by way of Excellency Psalm 89.19 20 I have exalted one chosen out of the people I have found David my servant with my holy oyl have I anointed him Isa 22.22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open 2. How well hath God provided for his people in Christ the Mediator 1. There must be a wonderful fulness of Satisfaction which proceedeth from a person thus anointed 2. An admirable weight in the intercession of a Person carrying such high Offices 3. He hath treasured up all his Churches happiness in Christ that he should be to them whatsoever they need and that he should carry all Offices whereof they can have use Col. 1.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 4. From the well-spring of his Unction he hath made another Unction to flow to us for calling us to high and honourable things and furnishing us for them Rev. 1.6 And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father 1 John 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 of all things and is truth and is no lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 1 Pet. 2.9 For ye are a chosen generation a royal Priesthood a holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness unto his marvellous light 3. Let us make use of Christ Mediator in all his Offices and acknowledg him in them all and take notice of the concurrence of these for effecting our happiness And for this effect 1. Let us study to be acquainted with our need of Christ in all his Offices Some men know not their need of a Priest but very few know their need of a Teacher they think they are very knowing while they are blind but far fewer know their need of a King they think they can rule themselves Rom. 7.9 For I was alive without the law once but when the commandment came sin revived and I died And yet our need of all these is such that we could not have been compleatly saved if any of these Offices had been wanting in our Mediator we stand in need of a Prophet a Priest and a King 2. Study to know and be convinced that there is in us a natural enmity against all these Offices of Christ the Mediator 1. Enmity against him as a Prophet against his Teaching and his Truth disliking his truths which cross our lusts John 6.60 Many therefore of his Disciples when they had heard this said This is an hard saying who can bear it Quenching and resisting the voice and teaching of his Spirit Isa 63.10 But they rebelled and vexed his holy Spirit 2. Enmity against him as a Priest by undervaluing his Person Suffering Satisfaction Righteousness Merits Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God 3. Enmity against him as a King against his spiritual Worship Commands Wages a principle which controuls them and rebels against him Rom. 7.23 But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members 3. We must take with our need of Christ in these his Offices and lay down our enmity against them that is in the knowledg that we need not only a Priest but a Prophet and a King we must break off our rebellions against these his Offices and lay down the weapons whereby we have opposed them which are mainly self-conceit and knowledg or Science fasly so called opposing him as a Prophet 1 Cor. 8.2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know and self-will opposing his Kingdom refusing to admit of his Laws within us Luke 19.14 We will not have this man to rule over us and self-worth or righteousness opposing his Priesthood by setting up something in the place of it Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness c. 4. Let us by all means take heed that the grace of God tendred to us through a Mediator in all these Offices be not in vain through our not seeking to it and laying hold on it Heb. 4.1 2 Let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entring into his Rest any of you should seem to come short of it For unto us was the Gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it A Court of Justice is a publick Sanctuary but it actually relieveth none but those that seek unto it Heb. 6.18 We might have a strong consolation who have sled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us It is in vain as to our profit that Christ carrieth these Offices if we do not make application to him for his Teaching his Sacrifice and his Government Gal. 2.21 Do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness come by the Law then Christ is dead in vain 2 Cor. 6.1 9 We beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 5. Let us have our hearts jointly and equally satisfied to receive him in all his Offices and not to divide his compleat Unction Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people 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 sins Jer. 31.33 34 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 hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the least of them unto the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus
who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption There be who divide his Offices who would be saved by his Priesthood but will neither be taught by his Prophecy nor ruled by his Kingdom 2. Others who would be both saved and taught but not commanded by him Again There be who would divide the things belonging to his Offices As 1. who would submit to his teaching by outward Ordinances but will not submit themselves to the inward teaching of his Spirit 2. Who will be content to take his satisfaction and merit of his death but think they need not his intercession 3. Who would take the protection of his Kingdom but will not have the Laws and Government thereof 4. Who would be made happy by his means but will not be made holy 6. Let us labour to seek within us the experiment of the virtue of each of his Offices and of the several parts thereof and things pertaining to the same And 1. of his Prophecy and that not only of his doing the part of a Prophet in shewing to us things more pleasant but things more bitter also even our sin and his reproofs Joh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment Psal 50.21 But I will reprove thee and set them in order before thine eyes 2. Let us study to experience the power and efficacy of his Priesthood in both parts thereof of his Satisfaction and of his Intercession of the death and life of our Priest and that to all the intents of these parts of that Office for Reconciliation for access to God for bringing you in favour for keeping you in favour for perseverance for righteousness for holiness and for salvation Rom. 5.9 10 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life Heb. 4.14 Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession And 10.22 Let us draw near in the full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness sanctification and redemption Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. Let it he our endeavour also to feel within us the virtue of his Kingdom by taking on his yoke submitting to his commands Mat. 11.29 Take my yoke upon you Admitting him as a King upon a throne to rule within us Luke 17.21 Behold the kingdom of God is within you Yielding him service Psal 2.11 12 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoyce with trembling Kiss the son lest he be angry Subduing your lusts 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ Committing your selves to his protection and making it your refuge 2 Tim. 1.12 For I know whom I have believed and I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day Vse 5. Try your improving of Christs Offices and whether he carrieth them in vain as to your reaping profit by them 1. In general 1. By your delight in the wise conjunction of them insomuch that if it were at your disposing ye could not be content that any of them were wanting in him 2. By your unsatisfiedness with your selves until you have had some good and found some effect of each of them upon you 2. More particularly 1. If you have been under the efficacy of Christs Prophesie no outward teaching will satisfie you till you feel the power of his Spirit teaching you inwardly 2. If you have been under the efficacy of his Priesthood no sacrifice nor service nor prayers of your own will be rested on but his Sacrifice and Intercession only 3. If you have felt the efficacy of his Kingdom no externals of a well-ordered and ruled walk will content you without his Kingdom within you CHAP. XIV Of the Mediator's Vnction as it relateth to the endowing of him with all requisite Qualifications for that Work THE Second Part of Christ's Unction which is also consequent to his personal union is the furnishing and fitting of him with special Requisites and Furniture for the work of Mediation and particularly he is anointed with requisite qualifications for the discharge of these three high Offices unto which he was designed to be a King a Priest and a Prophet to his Church And this also is comprehended in the Anointing from which our Mediator has his name Messiah or Christ Joh. 1.41 Luke 9.20 Of this part of his Unction we shall speak 1. More generally laying open what it is and the comprehensive phrases of Scripture which speak of it 2. More particularly pointing at the special graces which were required and were found eminently in our Mediator And 1. of his Unction in general whereby the Godhead made the Manhead full of himself and of all the communicable graces and gifts of the Spirit to fit him for the work of a Mediator The Scripture-phrases concerning this unction or fitness and furniture of Christ for his Mediatorship are exceeding large and comprehensive Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer than the children of men grace is poured into thy lips thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows There his unction with the Holy Ghost and graces of the Spirit compared to oyl which in regard of its nature refresheth and maketh fit for use and in regard of its use was imployed for figuring and signifying mens fitness for the calling is extolled comparatively comparing it with the unction of believers a large effusion of the Spirit was upon him after an extraordinary measure and manner John 3.34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him how then without measure i.e. most abundantly the like phrase see Ezra 7.22 And salt without prescribing how much Christ did receive the gifts of the Spirit in such abundant measure that he might have an overflowing measure in him that should run over and fill all his members Joh. 1.14 16 full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace
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
Marriage-love of a match proposed to your Souls Psal 45. Song 1 c. Come and hear Christ commend Christ come and hear the Messenger of the Covenant commend the bargain commend the Covenant commend God commend Heaven and the lot of Saints and it became him well to do so his praise is savoury even in his own mouth Joh. 6.48 and 8.14 23 24. and 10.11 29. and 14.2 and 15.1 Song 2.1 Prov. 9.1 c. with Song 3. last 5. Be perswaded to receive the Messenger himself if it were possible to receive his Message and not to receive himself that could not avail you consider with your selves 1. What huge unkindness it were not to receive such a Messenger who hath travelled so far and through so much hardship and for this one errant To make offer of his love to you Joh. 13.1 Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Song 5.2 Saying open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled for my head is filled with dew and my locks with the drops of the night 2. Consider how unexcusable before God this one act shall make you and how much it shall leave upon your selves and bind upon your selves your own blood and damnation Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Joh. 3.19 And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men have loved darkness rather then light because their deeds were evil 3. Consider what high and excellent priviledges the receiving of the Messenger of the Covenant bringeth with it See 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 Rev. 3.20 If any man hear my voice and open the dore I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me Joh. 14.23 Jesus answered and said unto him if any man love me he will keep my words and my father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him Isa 56.7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people 4. Consider how near God hath brought Heaven and Salvation unto you by the Messenger of the Covenant it is even come down to meet you and brought to your dore to knock for entry Rev. 21.3 4 And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying Behold the tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Luk. 10.9 And say unto them the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you Isa 46.13 I bring near my righteousness it shall not be far off and my salvation shall not tarry and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory Rom. 13.11 And that knowing the time that now it is high time to awake out of sleep for now is our salvation nearer then when we believed 5. Consider that the Messenger of the Covenant is the jewel and precious stone of that ring he himself is the chief thing that is in the Covenant and much better than Salvation and Heaven Mat. 13.44 45 Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field the which when a man hath found he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth that field Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man seeking goodly pearls c. 1 Pet. 2.7 Vnto you therefore which believe he is precious 6. Consider that he desireth no more satisfaction for all the travel of his Soul in this Message but that he may see some fruit of his travel through his peoples receiving his Message and making the Messenger of the Covenant welcome and it is a pity to refuse him so reasonable a desire Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Luk. 19.41 42 And when he was come near he beheld the city and wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes 7. Consider that if you receive not the Messenger of the Covenant you miss the whole bargain for he is all the Covenant Isa 42.6 And I will give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles 6. By all means take heed how you entertain the Messenger of the Covenant 1 Cor. 10.9 Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted and were destroyed of serpents If you use him kindly he will indeed deal well with you and be easily entreated Exod. 23.20 22 Behold I send an angel before thee to keep thee in the way and to bring thee in the place which I have prepared But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak Then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies and an adversary unto thine adversaries Rev. 3.20 Behold I stand at the dore and knock if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me Joh. 14.23 Jesus answered and said unto him If any man love me he will keep my words and my father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him Luk. 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 But if you provoke him and slight him O you had need to beware of him he will not bear with it Exod. 23.21 Isa 61.2 3. 1 Cor. 16.22 CHAP. XIX Christ a Servant in the Covenant THE fifth relation which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant is He is a Servant in the business of the Covenant Many Scriptures point at Christ under this Covenant-relation Isa 42.1 and 49.3 5 6. and 52.13 and 53.11 Ezek. 34.23 24. and 37.24 25. Zech. 3.8 Mat. 12.18 Luk. 22.27 Mark 10.45 Rom. 15.8 For the better understanding whereof let us a little enquire in these six Particulars 1. In what respects this name is given to Christ 2. How he came under this Covenant-relation 3. Whose Servant he is 4. What kind of Service this is which lyeth upon Christ by this Covenant-relation 5. What doth pertain to his office as Servant in the Covenant and what was the Service he did in the business of the Covenant 6. Some things in his Service which commend his acting in this Covenant-relation And 1. This Name which is a name not only of