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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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mansions c. 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 Mr. Ball Treat of the Covenant c. 2. p. 10. Camer de tripl foed Thes 9. Mr. Baxt. Aphorism p. 5. Whereas the blessedness and glory of man by the Law-Covenant if it was any thing beyond an immortality of blessedness and enjoyment of God in an earthly Paradise which is questioned by some should yet have been in this old or first heavens not in these new ones 2. It is the glory of a Paradise wherein is the tree of life and the river of the water of life which were not Ingredients of the Law-glory neither were placed in the first Paradise Rev. 2.7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God And 7.17 and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters And 22.1 2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life clear as cristal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it and of either side of the river was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the Nations 3. It is a heaven and glory where the new Song is sung and where the Musitians are all redeemed and where the meeting of these redeemed ones to sing together is the sweeter that they once were all lost and that they came out of tribulation and a Land of sighing Isa 35.10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away Rev. 5.9 And they sung 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 But there should not have been any new Song nor redeemed Musicians in the glory and heaven of Law-dispensation 4. It is a heaven and glory wherein all the Inhabitants wear crowns for Christ hath made them kings unto God and to his Father Rev. 1.6 And 2.10 Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life but there should have been no crowns worn in the first Paradise nor should the happiness thereof have amounted so high as a crown and a throne there being no occasion for it nor any promise to that effects 5. It is a heaven and glory where the Inhabitants are all conquerors each hath a palm in his hand in sign of his victory Rev. 7.9 cloathed with white robes and palms in their hands this Garland should not have been in the first Covenant-glory where there was no fighting there could be no victory at least over the world and sin and death 6. It is a heaven and glory where all the Inhabitants are cloathed with long white robes and with fine linnen clean and white Rev. 7.13 What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they And 19.8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white for the linnen is the righteousness of Saints but there should have been no such robes in the Law-heaven whatsoever shining-beauty and whiteness should have been on Adam's skin yet there should have been there no garments of glory no righteousness should have been worn there but that which should have been of our own working 7. It is a heaven wherein there is a throne for the Lamb where the man Christ in our nature is upon the throne where the greatest beauty of all the Kingdom and the most highly exalted person is the man Christ where the Lord Mediator is the glorious light of all the Land Rev. 3.7 he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth And 21.22 23 And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the lamb are the temple of it And the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the lamb is the light thereof And 5.12 Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and glory and honour and blessing there was no such glory in the first Covenant nor in the heaven thereof which no doubt should have made it less glorious and speaks forth the greater glory of this latter Covenant-happiness 8. It is a heaven that was purchased at a dear rate that was the price of blood for which Christ payed a condign price 1 Pet. 1.18 19 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed will corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot but the Law-heaven and glory should have been obtained at an easier rate working without the price of blood should have done that business the different price shews the different value 9. It is a heaven wherein is a lovely and numerous assembly a fair mystical body whereof Christ is the head and whereof each redeemed Soul is a member O so lovely a Company with the Captain of their Salvation so glorious a body with their glorious head so beautiful a bride with so fair a husband such a lovely couple such a body corporate such a compleat society when Christ mystical is perfected and all the members compacted together and joyned unto their glorious and blessed head Eph. 4.13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ And 5.27 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 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 and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Rev. 19.7 Let us be glad and rejoyce and give honour to him for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made her self ready But there should have been no such body-corporate in the Law-heaven no such mystical body of Christ no marriage of the Lamb nor any melodious rejoycing at that solemnity I conclude therefore that the glory and crown and heaven of the Covenant of Redemption is better and far more glorious than should have been the lot of man by Law-righteousness and works without Christ's Suretiship 7. This Covenant was necessary for having in readiness a Physitian before we should be sick God foresaw and had decreed man's fall and his rising again and
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
and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed 5. The promise of glory a peculiar glory in heaven throughout eternity to the Lord Mediator and Redeemer to the Lamb that was slain who wrought this great and glorious work of our Redemption this glory he craveth as his wages 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 This glory he eyed when he was at hard labour about the work Isa 49.4 5 Surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross This glory was promised to him Zech. 6.13 He shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house this glory is actually payed to him in heaven where the Lamb has a throne Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it And 7.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them where there is a new Song sung unto the Lamb Rev. 5.9 10 And they sung 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 And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Yea and a crown and glory for his redeemed seed was part of the reward promised to him and for which he wrought 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 Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom 2 Pet. 5.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory The seventh kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these that relate to interest I mean the new contracted interests Covenant-interests that were promised to him as part of this agreement betwixt Jehovah and Christ Mediator out of which did spring all the new Covenant-interests and relations that we have to God And such were 1. The interest in God as his God by Covenant for to him was the great Mother promise of the Covenant made I will be his God Psal 80.26 He shall cry to me thou art my God This interest is bound up with him in the Covenant of Suretiship 2. The interest in God as his Father by Covenant to Christ was promised and with him was bound up a new Sonship and Covenant-title to God as his Covenanted Father Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son and these Covenant-relations and interests and the compellations arising from them we find Christ own and acknowledg Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and to your God Hence he calleth us brethren children of the same Father who have one Covenant-relation with him to the same God Hell 2.12 I will declare thy name unto my brethren hence God is called the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. The interest of Saviourship for to the man Christ 't is promissed that Jehovah shall be the rock of his Salvation Psal 89.26 he shall cry to me Thou art my God and the rock of my Salvation hence he cryed Father save me from this hour Joh. 12.27 Jehovah was a Saviour to the man Christ from the things that he suffered as our surety he saveth the head and body therefore it is said Heb. 5.7 that he cryed to him that was able to save him from death 4. The interest of headship when Christ was given to be head of his body the Church he took upon him the man Christ the Mediator took upon him a new relation to God as his head which is founded and bound up in the Covevenant of Suretiship by which this comely order was established that Christ should be a head to his Church and God should be a head to the man Christ In this respect it is said that Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.23 and how As ye are Christs and all things are yours that is in a subordination to do service 1 Cor. 11.3 and the head of Christ is God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ must be the head of Christ a head by union to which Christ is united by bonds of union not natural only but foederal Joh. 10.30 I and my father are one Joh. 1.1 And the word was with God a head by influence of Spirit and Grace to the man Christ who liveth by the Father Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father a head by way of order who is over Christ Mediator and to whom the man Christ is subject 1 Cor. 15.28 Then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him 5. The interest of hearing Prayer Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me this is bound up among the Covenant-interests which he took upon him by his Suretiship and by this relation when Christ should humble himself to pray Jehovah promiseth to hear him and he hath hearing by Covenant as his seed also have it Isa 49.8 In an acceptable time have I heard thee Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me always Heb. 5.7 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 These and the like interests and relations were covenanted to Christ and out of these Covenant-interests engaged unto him did our Covenant-relations spring The last kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these which relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship And the great and publick effects which it should produce in the whole frame of the creation for the elect redeemed peoples sake And such were 1. The promise of delivery of the whole creation from bondage and vanity unto which it was made subject for man's Sin and whereof the whole world is sick like a woman travelling in birth Rom. 8.20 21 22 For the creature was made subject unto vanity not willingly but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope Because the creature it self also shall be delivered from
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 ●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
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
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
sin but now they have no cloak for their sin 3. Because that usage that is given to the Messenger of the Covenant is hugely resented whether it be good or evil Joh. 1.11 12 He came unto his own and his own received him not 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 Mat. 10.41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophets reward 4. Because no sin hath been more speedily and severely revenged than the ill usage of this Messenger Mat. 21.41 They say unto him he will miserably destroy those wicked men and will let out his vineyard unto other Husbandmen which shall render him the fruits in their seasons Mat. 22.6 7 And the remnant took his servants and entreated them spitefully and slew them But when the king heard thereof he was wroth and he sent forth his armies and destroyed those murderers and burnt up their city Luk. 19.14 27 But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him saying We will not have this man to reign over us But those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me But beside these things relating to the danger of slighting the Messenger of the Covenant Consider further 1. It is your own business about which the Messenger of the Covenant is travelling with you Luk. 19.10 42 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost 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 Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life The honour of his Message and travels shall be his own and his fathers yet the profit and advantage of it shall be yours 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 1 Tim. 1.15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief 2. Consider there is a limited set-time for the Message which he carrieth Mark 14.7 But me ye have not always I mean there is not only a time set unto Christ by his father at which his travelling as Messenger of the Covenant shall expire Joh 13.1 Then Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father 1 Cor. 15.24 25 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 For he must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet But the Messenger of the Covenant hath also set a time to you all until which he will tarry for your answer whether ye will take hold of the Covenant or not and after which he will tarry no longer for it Joh. 12.35.36 Then Jesus said unto them Yet a little while is the light with you walk while ye have this light lest darkness come upon you for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth While ye have the light believe in the light that ye may be the children of light Luk. 13.7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard Behold these three days I come seeking fruit on this Fig-tree and find none cut it down why cumbreth it the ground We have not this Message setled upon us by inheritance nor by Life-rent-taxes 3. Consider that the Messenger of the Covenant maketh shortest stay and abode where his Message the offer of the Covenant is slighted and gets not an answer Act. 13.46 But seeing ye put it from you and judg your selves unworthy of everlasting life Lo we turn to the Gentiles Mat. 21.41 They say unto him he will miserably destroy those wicked men and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen which shall render him the fruits in their seasons Mat. 10.13 And if the house be worthy let your peace come upon it but if it be unworthy let your peace return to you Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent Song 5.5 6 I rose up to open to my beloved and my hands dropped with myrrh and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh upon the handles of the lock I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone 4. Consider that there is a time coming when the Messenger of the Covenant and his Message cannot avail you if you let go the season and opportunity of Grace 2 Cor. 6.2 For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation I have succoured thee Behold now is the accepted time Behold now is the day of salvation Heb. 4.7 Again he limiteth a certain day saying in David To day after so long a time as it is said To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts Heb. 12.17 For ye know how that afterward when he would have inherited the blessing he was rejected for he found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with tears Luk. 13.25 26 When once the master of the house is risen up and hath shut to the dore and ye begin to stand without and to knock at the dore saying Lord Lord open unto us and he shall answer and say unto you I know you not whence you are Then shall ye begin to say we have eaten and drunk in thy presence and thou hast taught in our streets 5. Consider that the Messenger is to make re-report to him who sent him what success he had for his travel and who did receive his Message Joh. 17.6 7 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 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee 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 O righteous father the world hath not known thee but have known thee and these have known that thou hast sent me O bethink your selves in time what shall be reported of your entertaining the Messenger of the Covenant and the things which he proposed unto you shall that be told of you in Heaven which hath been told of many Joh. 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Joh. 12.37 But though he had done so many
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