4. Acts 2. 30. made of a Woman and declared to be the Son of God with power by his resurrection from the dead I say it concerns us to know and have faith in this Jesus thus Promised and Born and Crucified and Raised and Ascended into Heaven who is at the right hand of God Angels and Principalities and Powers being made subject unto him A principle of truth it is being truly believed and lived in will preserve souls in life and truth and root out and vanquish the new Notions and imaginary fancies about Christ making Heaven and Christ and the right hand of God and all to be within them a bottomless fancy an imaginary Christ and salvation But to our work which is to exalt the true Christ whom God hath exalted and to honour him whom God the Father hath honoured John 5. 22 23. 2 Pet. 1. 16 17 18. In this Epistle our Apostle or Authour exalts Christ or rather discovers his exaltation by the father 1. Above Angels chap. 1 4. not onely above bad Angels but also good Angels 2. Above Moses chap. 3. 5 6. Moses a servant Christ a Son over his own house 3. Above the Priests or Priesthood under the Law chap. 5. and 7. and so consequently above the old Testament-Ministry and Ministration viz. in Authority Dignity and Excellency Hence he came to take away or put an end to that Ministry or Priesthood and Covenant which is the second special work of the Apostle in this Epistle and should be of all good men to exalt the New Covenant above the Old which is the truth declared in the Scripture read unto you viz. He taketh away the first that he may establish the second viz. The first or old Covenant or Testament that he might establish the second Now that it is the two Covenants that is here intended is clear for the word He and first and second are Relatives The word He relates to Christ chap. 9. v. 24. and 28. first and second relates to the first and second Covenants chap. 8. 6 7 8. called also the old and the new Covenants chap. 8. 13. So that the true sense and meaning of the words is this That God sent Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ came to take away the first the old Covenant that he might establish the second the new Covenant which we usually call the Covenant of grace because its the ministration of grace and all is grace from first to last in it So that the words afford us two lessons Doct. 1. That there is in Scripture held forth two Covenants the first and second or the old and new Covenant Doct. 2. That Jesus Christ hath taken away the first and established the second Covenant Or thus That it was the will of God that Jesus Christ should come to take away the first covenant and â—stablish the second 1. That there is in Scripture held forth two Covenants the first and second or the old and new c. And my beloved friends this is a truth of very great and special concernment for every Christian to be acquainted with the distinction of the Covenants â—hat there are two covenants is clearly evident old and new first and second Jer. 31. 31 32. Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judâ—h not according to the covenant I made with their Fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the Land of Egypt c. Mark you beloved it s a new covenant another covenant not such a covenant but a covenant distinct from that covenant where you have the first and and second the old and new in sense and substance So Heb. 8. 7. It s called the first and second for finding fault with the first he established the second where the Apostle makes application of Jer. 31. ver 8 9. For finding fault with them he saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new covenant c. And vers 13 in that he saith a new he hath made the first old So that its a new covenant and not such a covenant a first and second a new covenant that hath made the first old And vers 6. the new covenant in opposition to the old is called A better covenant established upon better Promises But further Gal. 4. this truth is cleared by the Apostle in Sarah and Hager the free and Bond-women vers 22. which things are an allegory or these are the two covenants vers 24. And they are here held both to be two distinct covenants even as Hagar the Bond maid and Sarab the Free-woman were two And must be separated when the time was come so that the covenants of the Old and New Testament are not one as some imagine but two old and new first and second and that clearly to be distinguished and not confounded together no more then light and darkness The truth being thus cleared and proved by the Scritures of truth in my further proceeding I shall propose this method 1. To state the covenants as they are distinct both the old and new 2. Why they are called first and second old and â—â—w 3. To hold forth the difference between them 4. To answer such objections and queries as are or may be raised against or made concerning the truth in hand 5 The application To state the covenants as they are distinct both the old and new 1. Confirming the first or old covenant the quaere may be What we are to understand to be the first or old covenant In this I understand the Scripture to be clear that by the old covenant we understand the covenant that God made with the house of Israel when be brought them out of the Land of Egypt Jer. 31. 31 32. Where God promiseth to make a new covenant not such a covenant as he made with their Fathers when he took them by the hand to bring them out of the Land of Egypt So that the old covenant is that which God made with Israel when he brought them out of Egypt which was the covenant from Mount Sinai the Moral ceremonial and judicial Law The Moral Law being laid as the foundation of the whole for indeed that was the covenant in sum and substance the other was grounded on it the first table relating to God on which the ceremonial was built and was included the second to man on both which the judicial or political part of the Law was bottomed and so the whole indeed was moral in that ministration or Covenant And the moral Law viz. the ten commands or precepts are called the covenant answerable to Jer. 31. 31. in Deut. 5. 2. So that by the first covenant we are to understand the covenant or Law made with the children of Israel from Mount Sinai Exod. 19. and 20. chapters And this the Apostle clears Heb. 12. 18. We are not come to the mount that might not
other makes void this is the first danger 2 It hath been an occasion of turning aside from Gods way in receiving members into the supposed Church of Christ Whereas Christs Rule is by faith and Baptism this hath brought in by natural birth and sprinkling and hath brought a generall odium and contempt upon Christs ordinance of dipping or baptizing believers in his name after the manifestation of faith and repentance a sin which many that arc otherwise precious have cause enough to repent of and bewail that their hand should be chief in such a trespass as this is 3. It hath been an instrumental means of deceiving millions of poor souls brought into the name of Christian on the old covenant account and so being deluded perish under the name of Christian without the Power Doubtless there will be a sad account for some one day for this very thing and its one among many of the greatest grounds of lamentation I know of this day in the world And as the Nominal Clergy have had and yet have the greatest hand in this trespass yet if God open their eyes to see into this great truth and their great miscariage herein certainly they will forbear their harsh censures for my plainness and zeal in this matter The Lord knows I do judge many among them in the main to be godly But it s my great grief and burden that godly men through mistake should have a hand in such a work as this is the Lord help them to lay it to heart in time In a word here lyeth the foundation of all mistakes Rightly to understand the covenant would rectifie all differences among all sorts of Professing people This is it hath brought in carnal seed carnal ministery carnal means of attaining to it and all to keep up carnal ends and interests Use 2. Of exhortation and oh that it might prevail to exhort and stirre you up to a more diligent search and enquirie into the covenants that you may be able to distinguish between law and Gospel For 1 Without the knowledge of the difference or at least some clear insight into the Gospel covenant you can never live clearly the life of faith but at best it will be with you as with the godly before Christ came a mixing of old and new together you can never be able ministers of the new covenant unless you are able to distinguish between new and old that so you may be ministers of the new 2 Without this you will never come clearly off the Babylonish apostacy Want of being cleared in this leaves you behinde at least in part come clear in this one truth and come away clear come to the clearness of the new covenant and keep in the carnal seed if you can and the sprinkling of Infants and the carnal ministry and maintenance I mean out of Christs way that he hath appointed come to the new covenant and be a free willer if thou canst nay or a Quaker either I say again its such a truth and of such concernment that it behooves you as you love God your own souls would be delivered from errour live to God here give up your account with joy in the day of accounts I say it behooves you to be deeply and diligently enquiring into the knowledge of the new covenant I do not intend that there is such a necessity for every believer to be able to give so exact an account of the difference but that it concerns every believer to know that they are two and distinct and to be inquiring into the new covenant as much as may be and let men of learning and natural parts take heed how they do endeavour any longer to darken this truth Object Some may object and say If the covenant be of such power as you speak of as to effect what it commands whence then comes it that godly people should be ignorant of it and what need is there so earnestly to exhort to the enquiring into it Answ The covenant is free and full of power and effects what it requires it is so in the first work of grace and converting sinners 1 hence it is that the Lord saith Isay 65. 1. I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not c. and Joh. 5. 25. The dead shall hear the voice of the son of God and they that hear shall live Yet after God in the new Covenant hath communicated life to dead souls he expects that they should know from whence their life comes and seek him and wait upon him in the way that he hath appointed diligently enquiring after his will that they may know it and do it Ezek. 36. God having in the former part of the chapter promised what great and good things he would do for his People according to the new covenant yet ver 37. Thus saith the Lord God I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them And Prov. 2. 3 4 5. If thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasure then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and finde the knowledge of God Seeking is a great and special duty of Saints in the new covenant and God will be found in this way of seeking and doing his will yet notwithstanding the ignorance and miscariage of the Lords people those that are in the new covenant indeed shall not destroy and damne them yet it may bring them under judgement and afflictions and will prove their loss in the great day of account 1 Cor. 11. 30 31 32. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged but when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world Chap. 3. 11 12 13 14 15. If any man build upon the true foundation Jesus Christ gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble if his work abide he shall receive a reward If any mans work shall be burnt he shall suffer loss but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire So that notwithstanding the covenant is a sure covenant to those in it and full of power yet it requires diligence and seeking in Gods way and doing his will without which God may let his own people miscarry and in so doing they will be sure to suffer loss in the judgement although they may be saved I come now to the second lesson from the Text. The first truth being cleared that the Scripture doth present us with two covenants the second follows Doct. 2. That Jesus Christ hath taken away the first and hath established the second covenant And indeed it was the great design of God in sending Christ to effect the work the ending of the first covenant and the establishing of the second 1 That it is so viz. That Jesus Christ hath taken away the first and established the
faith As God by it works faith so he supporteth and powerfully effecteth the work of salvation by the exercise imploying or working of the same faith for faith is of a working nature it worketh by love Gal. 5. 6. Therefore as it is your duty so let it be your work to live by faith and remember that word Heb. 3. 12. Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God And that word Rom. 11. 20. Because of unbelief they were broken off thou standest by faith be not high minded but fear Remember thy duty as well as Gods Covenant and be faithful A second new Covenant duty is to live the life of love and that to God to his name to his word to his ordinances to his people and to all men enemies as well as friends this is the duty of the new Covenant And this faith and love where it is in truth worketh over the soul to a universal obedience to the whole will of Christ in the new covenant it saith Amen to eve y part thereof it dares not entertain thoughts of taking one part and leave another no that is carnal and too low for a new covenant spirited Christian It dares not change the ordinances of the everlasting covenant no nor trample the blood thereof underfoot But I forbear in this place because you will finde a more exact stating of the duties of the covenant in the end of this Treatise to which I refer you I shall close up the point in hand in answering two weighty Queries Q. 1. What should be the Causes or Reasons that God should adde a conditional ministry and several conditional Promises with positive duties to an absolute Covenant Answ 1. That therein he might hold forth as in the one the riches of his grace and absoluteness of his purpose concerning the salvation of his people so in the other he keeps up his authority as a father and the authority of Christ as our Lord and king That although the new covenant on Gods part be absolute yet had he not stated conditions on mans part his authority over his people must have fallen and they left without duty to God as a Father or to Christ as their Lord and King Joh. 5. 22 23. Mat. 7. 21. Luke 6. 46. Therefore it is conditional as to them that they might know their duty and have conscience of it And it is absolute on Gods part that so they might look to him and be comforted and live by faith in the stabillity and unchangeableness that is in the Father and the Son So that by this means the Saints are kept clear and conscientious of and to their duties in the covenant and comforted in looking up to the Lord from whence their strength comes 2 Because persons must be judged by the duties of the Covenant on mans part and condemned too for transgression of the conditions and duties of the covenant The absoluteness of Gods covenant shall not be the rule of judging Though that be the ground of all true happiness to the Saints yet the Saints themselves must be judged in the great day of the Lord and the conditions and duties of the Covenant shall be the rule by which they shall be judged See 2 Cor. 5. 10. Mat. 25. 34 35 36. we must not onely all appear before the judgement seat there to give an account but we must expect to give an account according to the things done in the body c. and the Lords own people many of them are like to have such an account to give as in which they may must suffer loss 1 Cor. 3. 12 13 14 15. and the eternal judgement of the wicked will be for the transgression of the rules conditions and duties of the covenant I mean such as have come under the sound of the doctrine of the covenant Mark 16. 15 16. Rom. 2. 7 8 9 10. So that by this means all the world shall stand guilty before God at that day Sutable to the preaching forth of the grace of the Gospel Whether in the works of creation and the daily good the world enjoys upon that account or the communications of God through the law or in the plain ministration of the Gospel And true believers shall then be acquitted and eternally pardoned by the grace of the covenant for then shall be the perfect and compleat administration of the grace of the covenant and in this manner and at this time it shall make the comers thereunto perfect Isay 33. 24. Heb. 8. 12. Then the inhabitant shall not say I am sick for the People that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity 3 That the Saints being justified and eternally saved by the grace of the covenant might have the reward of the kingdom promised dispensed to them sutable to their faithfulness in the performance of the conditions and duties of the covenant for thus it shall be Let none through ignorance account it Popish but keep clear in this That justification and a state of salvation is clear by the blood of the covenant our interest and claimed by faith and hope which faith if true is the faith of the operation of God Col. 2. 12. That is of the work of God but the reward so much spoken of shall be given sutable to the work either active in doing or Passive in suffering else what means those Scriptures Luke 19 17 18 19. with 1 Tim. 6. 17 18 19. 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. and the condemnation of the wicked shall be given to them sutable to the nature of their sin against Christ c. Luke 12. 47 48. Thus hath God stated conditions and duties in an absolute covenant that his own name and honour as a Father and Christs authority as a head and Lord might be preserved that he might be just and righteous when he judgeth and condemneth Fourthly That the persons who through faith come to profess an interest in this covenant might be manifest by their performance of the duties of the covenant The truth of faith in Christ and love to him is manifest by obedience to him and the people that have no heart to the duties of the covenant may justly suspect themselves to have no share in the grace in that Covenant Joh. 14. 15. If you love me keep my commandements ver 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings c. 5 That believers might be kept humble and heedful Rom. 11. 20. Thou standest by faith be not high minded but fear Ver. 21. Take heed lest he spare not thee Heb. 4. 1. Let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest any of you should seem to come short of it God would that his peoples confidence and watchfulness should go hand in hand till they are fully possest of the promised rest Psal 2. 11. Serve the Lord with fear rejoyce with trembling Saints must rejoyce and yet tremble
these Promises are of three sorts 1 Of Acceptance 2 Of Assistance 3 Of Reward 1 Of acceptance in the work being well pleased with his people in their obedience to him on the account of grace received from him being made accepted in the beloved Ephes 1. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 3. Ezek. 20. 40. 41. Rom. 12. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 5. 2 Of assistance in the work When the Saints are faithful in their duty to the Lord he will be with them to assist them 1 in their active service in doing Isay 40. 29 31. with Phil 4. 13. Therefore let us commit the keeping of our souls to him in well doing as to a faithful creator 1 Pet. 4. 19. z in their passive service in suffering Isay 41. 10. 43. 2. 3 Of reward Promises of life and salvation thus we shall finde the Saints helpt along in all ages They had respect to the recompence of reward Heb. 11. 13. 14 16 26. and doubtless the Lord hath not promised it but to the end his people might be comforted in it and incouraged in their duties to him Luke 12. 32 33. 2 Cor. 5. 1 2. Although this be not the first moving cause of duty of God but conscience of the duty and the life and love we receive from him yet it is the duty of Christians to have this upon their hearts else they cannot glorifie God in the riches of his glory as well as his grace See Rev. 22. 12 13 14. The sixth and last I shall at present minde is affliction and judgement and this is clear God will afflict his people Heb. 12. from 5 to 10 verse and judge them too that they may not be condemned with the world 1 Cor. 11. 30 31 32. God dealeth with his children as a father if love will not do it then the rod must So dealeth the Lord with his children and that not onely here but in the great day of accounts they must be judged according to their works and it may be suffer blame shame and loss too at that great day of the Lord 1 Thess 3. 13. 2 Pet. 3. 14. 1 Cor. 3. 13 14 15. Therefore let the Lords people be exercising themselves in these things and they shall finde them to be of singular use to help them forward in their Christian race and to enlarge their hearts and strengthen their hands in the Lords work sutable to his will in the new covenant of his grace But I shall at present proceed no further in this matter but come to speak something more distinct to the Mediatorship of Jesus Christ who is the Mediator of the New Covenant A truth it is of great and special concernment for the Saints to be acquainted with that they may be exercising their faith therein and thereby be drawing such sutable consolation to their souls there from as God hath intended in it and as doth concern them to their comfortable walking with God Christ the Mediator Of The New Covenant Heb. 12. The beginning part of the 24. verse And to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant c. HAving gone through the stating and distinctions of the first and second covenants and the establishing of the second the new covenant and doing away the old I shall now come to treate more distinctly of the Mediatorship of the new covenant and the Scripture presented to you leads us clearly to the Mediator of the new covenant that is Jesus Christ To Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant The apostle or author of this Epistle as his work is to exalt Christ and the new covenant above Angels and Moses and that of the old as hath been already mentioned So in this chapter especially from verse 18. to the end of the 24. he presents both the Hebrews to whom he wrote and us with the excellency of what believers are come to in the new covenant beyond what they were come to in the old and so the excellent state of believers in the new covenant above what it was in the old And this is stated in two particulars 1 Negatively what they are not come to from ver 18. to 22. wherein one great part of the blessing of the Gospel consists that we are not come to that which the people in the old covenant came to in that covenant to wit in the ministry thereof although that was glorious 2 Cor. 3. 7. 2 Affirmatively what they are come to ver 22 23 24. wherein another great part of the Gospel consists That we are come to that which the people of the old covenant came not to in that covenant even to that which exceeds in glory 2 Cor. 3. 8 9 10. of which that I have read to you is a part And to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant c. In which words are three truths or doctrines included 1. That Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant 2. That true believers are come to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant 3. That to be truly come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant is a high and glorious attainment far exceeding that of the old but because I desire brevity I shall gather up the sum of the whole in this one conclusion Doct. That true believers are come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant which is a high and glorious attainment far exceeding that of the old covenant This truth hath three parts in it 1. That Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant 2. That believers are come to him as he is Mediator 3. That this is a high and glorious attainment c. Part. 1. That Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant In the opening and handling of which I shall follow this method 1. Shew what a Mediator is or what the word Mediator signifies 2 To prove the truth of the doctrine that Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant 3. The persons for whom he is a Mediator and the matter for what he mediates 4. The place where he mediates for them 5. The manner how he is in the performance of this work 6. The priviledges and advantage that come to Saints by the mediatorship of Christ 7. The reasons why the new covenant that is all grace and absolute must have Christ to be the Mediator of it 1. What a Mediator is The word Mediator signifieth a middle person or one between It s taken from an Umpire or middle person that is chosen between two at difference to make up the breach between them And this is it I understand Job intends in his complaint Job 9. 33. Neither is there any dayes-man or Umpire betwixt us that might lay his hands upon us both Under his affliction he saw the want of such a one between God and him and doubtless he relates to Christ being low in his faith in this matter under his pressing affliction But now Jesus Christ is the dayes-man the middle person that is come between God and his people which is the second
A DISCOURSE Of the true Gospel Blessedness IN THE NEW COVENANT OR The distinction of the two Covenants New and Old First and Second With the doing away of the first and the establishment of the second and likewise the Mediatorship of Christ in the New Covenant with some Principles Duties Promises and Priviledges of the New Covenant A useful companion for all Saints at all times Written by Tho. Collier Gen. 22. 18. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed Gal. 3. 29. And if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise 2 Cor. 1. 20. For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God LONDON Printed by H. Hills for the Author and are to be so 〈…〉 by Giles Calvert at the Black-spread-eagle at the west end of Pauls and Tho. Brewster at the sign of the Three Bibles in Pauls Church-yard 1659. The Preface To the Churches of Christ and to all that call on the name of the Lord in truth and sincerity in all places grace and peace be multiplyed through the knowledge of God our father and our Lord Jesus in the New Covenant of his Grace HOly brethren partakers of the heavenly calling whose hearts are Sion-ward how much doth it concern us in this our day to be much inquiring into and after the things that belong to our Peace and the peace of Sion e. i. of all the Churches of Christ my brethren to whom these may come I intend not to retain you long in this Preface but to minde you with some necessary things relating to the ensuing discourse that you may read it with the more profit and advantage to your souls I can say it was of weight upon my heart and now at last it is burst out I have been for sometime of late prevented having been fighting and contending with beasts after the manner of men e. i. men of beastly principles and spirits not at Ephesus but in England but now I do perceive their resolutions are to continue so and grow worse and worse deceiving being deceived 2 Tim. 3. 13. I am therefore turned from them according to the word of Christ Matth. 7. 6. as from dogs that trample all under feet and turn again and rent and tear and have been redeeming and improving time in winters cold for the bringing forth this small Treatise and probably it may and likely it must expect to meet with some judgings and contradictions from men it may be from some Saints at first sight before consideration but I trust that the heavenly hand hath been so made manifest in assisting and guiding the heart and hand in this work that it will pass the scorns censures and contradictions of this world without just cause of fear or shame My friends I can truly say I have aimed chiefly at the good of Saints believers not onely in but out of the Churches likewise for I doubt not but that there are many that are precious that are not yet come to walk in the way of the New Covenant e. i. in the order and ordinances thereof I desire the Reader to read with patience and suspend judging that so he may be kept from sinning in stead of profitting until he is passed through the work I have here presented you having nothing at present that I could think better with the Covenants First and Second with their distinctions and administrations the taking away of the first and establishing of the second with the Mediatorship of Christ in the New Covenant and many Principles of the faith and the Duties of the New Covenant particularly stated with the Promises and Priviledges in which is wrapt up the sum of the Gospel and marrow of Christianity My method in the stating and distinctions of the Covenants is first to prove the distinction and that they are two distinctly stating them and wherein they differ and after by it self I have endeavoured to answer such Queries and objections as are or may be made against the truth herein presented Therefore my desire is that the Reader would suspend judging till he come to the end and probably he may finde his objections answered and his scruples removed and as I can say that for Saints for Sions sake I have written it so my desire and prayer is that it may come to you in the blessing of the Lord that you would read and desire the Lord to help you to understand that you would take heed of your own wisdom and submit your selves to the wisdom that is from above see James 3. 14 15 16 17 18. I do judge the things contained in this discourse to be so necessary and useful for all Saints of all states and cises and of all Nations that it would be a meet companion at all times If you desire information in the Covenant of Gods grace in Christ the true life of Saints something you may finde of this nature here and likewise of Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant or if you would acquaint your selves with the Principles of the faith and the Duties and the great and precious Promises and Priviledges of the New Covenant something of light and direction may you find herein although much weakness and imperfection may appear in the writer in this great mystery for we know but in part and he acknowledgeth that he sees so much of wonder in this dispensation of grace in the New Covenant that he rather admires then expects to bring it forth in its own glory yet something is done though brief though short of the matter in every particular yet he hath made an Essay an entrance If God please to help any of his servants to make a further progress herein I shall rejoyce or help his people to imbrace and profit by this mite I have my desire and this is the prayer of him who is the Lord and his peoples in the service of the New Covenant Tho. Collier Of the Covenants A Discourse of the true Gospel blessedness in the New Covenant or the distinction of the two Covenants Text. HEB. 10. 9. The latter part of the Verse He taketh away the first that he may establish the second THe Apostle or Author of this Epistle mainly and chiefly treats of the excellency of Christ and the Gospel Covenant or ministration above that of the Law 1. Of the excellencie of Jesus a truth of very great concernment and as it is the duty so it should be the care of every Gospel Minister and Christian to keep up the dignity and excellency of Jesus Christ in his person work and offices I mean the true Messiah Jesus that was born of Mary the Virgin according to promise Matth. 1. 20 21. Luke 1. 31. and 2. 7. Isay 7. 14. Behold a Virgin shall conceive c. Who was and is truly the the Son of God and the Son of man Of the seed of David according to the flesh Rom. 1. 3
they shall never perish and chap. 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 This is the fathers will in the covenant and Christ accepts it it is his will too and so Christ comes into the world about the work and establisheth this covenant for the elect that they might be brought into it and have their share in it in his times And this is the truth we are upon That Christ hath established this covenant for his elect and doth manifest it to them in his times in the work of faith and now the covenant is said to be made with them for two Reasons 1 Because now they give consent to it and resign up themselves to the Lord in what he hath done for them and believe the grace and the covenant of grace now there is their acceptation of what Christ hath done and justifying him in the work together with their resignation of themselves up to him as their head and Lord in this blessed and holy covenant 2 They come now to claim a right in the covenant which before they could not do though God and Christ had a speciall right in them yet they could claim no right by covenant in the father and the son before or without believing and this is Christs work to work faith in all his elect He is the author and finisher of it I come now to the fifth particular namely the way by which Christ hath established this covenant and that is by his blood Oh friends in this undertaking of Jesus Christ for poor sinners this covenant must be by blood there must of necessity be the death of the Testator Hence it is called a Covenant that is by blood Zach. 9. 11. And the blood of Christ is called the blood of the covenant Heb. 10. 29. And Christ saith This is the Cup of the New Testament in my blood Luke 22. 20. And you will finde that the blood of Christ viz. Christ crucified his body and blood broken and shed hath its place in the whole work justification and remission of sins must be by the blood of Christ reconciliation and peace must be through his blood purging of the conscience must be by blood redemption must be by his blood Mediatorship Purchase of the Kingdom all by blood therefore it is called the blood of the everlasting covenant Heb. 13. 20. And by the shedding of his blood hath he established this covenant Oh learn hence to prize Christ crucified more have a high esteem of the blood of Christ and tremble in the thoughts of such horrid principles as tend to the trampling under foot the blood of the covenant counting ing it an unholy thing But 6th To proceed to the reasons or grounds why Christ hath taken away the first and established the second covenant Reason 1. That the Scripture might be fullfilled the many Promises of God in Scripture to this purpose to establish the new and make the first old as hath been already proved And this you will find to be the great end of Jesus Christ in his coming and work to fulfil Scripture So this covenant must be established by blood to fulfil Scripture Zach. 9. 11. See Acts 3. 19 21. The covenant made to Abraham that in his seed all nations should be blessed could not have been fulfilled if Christ had not established it Hence it is that Christ suffered himself to be betrayed and apprehended in order to his passion and would not make resistance Matth. 26. 52 53 54. How then shall the Scripture be fulfilled that thus it must be He makes the fulfilling of the Scriptures the ground of his yielding himself into the hands of sinful men Reason 2. Christ hath done this that so Gods special love might be made manifest unto the sons of men and that his grace even the blessing of the Gospel might come forth to us Gentiles through the establishment of this covenant In thy seed shall all the Nations be blessed Oh then let not us Gentiles argue out this covenant for assuredly there is no blessing to the Nations by that of the Law but by this of grace therefore let us learn to prize this special grace of this everlasting covenant of Gods special and everlasting love in his dear Son Reason 3. That salvation might be sure to all the seed therefore must this sure and unchangeable covenant be established for eternal salvation was not sure to any in the old covenant but in this covenant it is sure Rom. 4. 16. Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed c. Therefore it is that this covenant is called the sure mercies of David Isa 55. 3. This is the onely sure covenant here is grace and the truth of grace John 1. 17. The Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ Reason 4. Because it was the great design of God so to do viz. the sending of Jesus Christ into the world to effect this work the taking away of the old and establishing of the new covenant If this had not been done there had been nothing in order to the accomplishing of Gods design in the great and good work of salvation done The design of God in sending Christ was that men through him might be saved he came into the world to save sinners and there could be no salvation but in this covenant so that had not Christ done this work he had not been the Christ for he must answer Gods design for he came to do his wil. And this was one great part of his will the establishing of this free powerful holy rich and everlasting covenant of grace and glory I come now to Application I shall pass by that of information let the doctrine and proof thereof serve for information of the judgement in this matter But Use 1. Here it is a strong ground of consolation for all true believers Jesus Christ hath taken away the first the old and established the second the new covenant of grace and peace Here lyeth the grace the love the peace the glory all blessedness in this covenant and it is sure to all the seed and God hath made it to the end it might be sure that the comers thereunto might have strong consolation Heb. 16 17 18. This is a covenant in which it is impossible for God to lie He hath covenanted and sworn to it that we might have strong consolation therein Oh therefore my beloved friends you I mean that are interested in this sure everlasting covenant let it be your work to be much in the meditation and consideration of the grace the love the glory of this covenant All true believers may truly say with the Apostle Gal. 4. 31. So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free Not of the covenant from Mount Sinai which gendreth to
believe and yet be watchful and therefore the absolute Covenant hath conditions annext to it in the ministration of it 6 And finally that there might be a Probable and righteous means of calling out and separating the elect from among others they being by nature children of wrath even as others Ephes 2. 3. Of the same lump Rom. 9 21. Christ comes with a general and conditional ministry works effectually with it and by it on the elect and leaves others to the ministry who one way or other first or last fall short of answering the terms and conditions of the ministry and so obtain not the mercy promised in the covenant Thus The election obtains and the rest are blinded Rom. 11. 7. and this conditional ministry added to the absolute covenant becomes unto God a sweet savour of Christ both in them that are saved and in them that perish to the one the savour of death unto death and to the other the savour of life unto life c. 2 Cor. 2. 15 16. Hence it is that the Gospel must be preached to every creature yet the believer onely is saved by it and the unbeliever damned Mark 16. 15 16. And the Persons for whom Paul suffered affliction in the fulfilling of his ministry were the elect That they might obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory 2 Tim. 2. 10. He served Gods design and end in Preaching the Gospel every where testifying to Jew and Gentile repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ Act. 20. 21. which first and chiefly was the conversion and consolation of the elect in order to their obtaining salvation in the day of Christ with eternal glory Therefore a conditional ministry is added to an absolute covenant that the elect might be called out of the world to partake of the grace and glory of the covenant Thus much to the first Quaerie the second follows Q. 2. If the case be so What are the means by which the Lord exerciseth his Power in carrying on his work in his People engaging their hearts to the duties of the covenant Answ Besides a sanctified use of the holy Scriptures which it concerns the Saints to improve 2 Tim. 3. 14 15 16 17. a faithful use of all his ordinances and constant way of obedience for in this will the Lord be found Prov. 10. 29. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright c. I say beside these things 1 A true sence of the duty and this it concerns the Lords People to have upon their hearts daily and in all their divine services to perform them as duty to their Lord. This is it will put an end to indifferency in the work keep up the authority of Christ It s no wonder if persons grow empty in duty and the Lord leaves them if they do it but as priviledge only and not also as duty I do believe much might be enjoyed of God and recieved from him if there were more conscience of duty to him Doubtless if a son would submit to his father onely upon the account of Priviledge and liberty and not of duty and own this as his principle he would justly deserve frowning and reproof from his father And in this case would doubtless be often found in neglect of duty Whence is it that professing men and women can so easily and ordinarily slip by and pass over duties but because they suppose it not to be duty but liberty and at best and most but priviledge My friends I desire you seriously to lay this to heart and consider these Scriptures Luke 17. 10. So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Joh. 15. 14. Acts 3. 22 23. 1 Cor. 14. 37. 2 Love is that which carrieth to duty The love of Christ begets love in the hearts of Christians to Christ and this enlargeth the heart to serve this is the oyl that makes the wheel to run pleasantly Where the love of Christ is shed abroad in the heart by the holy spirit Rom. 5. 5. it constraineth souls to a willing and chearful obedience and performance of duty 2 Cor. 5. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us c. Love where it is in truth is of a constraining nature and that is it Christ so often speaks to this purpose Joh. 14. 15. If ye love me keep my commandements and ver 21. he that hath my commandements and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and ver 23. If any man love me he will keep my sayings c. ver 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings c. 3 The glory of the great and good name of God is another means by which his people should be and are carried on in a way of well doing that their fathers name may be glorified Oh friends it concerns the children of God to have a tender respect to his name and to say as sometimes Joshua in another case Josh 7. 9. And what wilt thou do unto thy great name So let the Saints reason with themselves shall I walk like the world shall I neglect duty or turne aside from the truth what will become of the great name of God then The Canaanites and enemies of truth will hear of it and reproach the great name of God Oh think on this friends and remember that this was it that kept those in an evil time when others said it was in vain to serve God c. Mal. 3. 14. They that feared God and thought upon his name were preserved in that Apostacy ver 16. and God will think on them in the needful day See ver 17 18. And this is the prayer of the Apostle for the Church 2 Thes 1. 11 12. Wherefore also we pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you c. 4 The good of poor sinners that is another thing the Lord would have his people to be laying to heart and to know that professing people by evil works do what in them lyeth to keep souls from Christ Miscarriages of professing people through the devils improvement of it becomes stumbling blocks to poor sinners to harden them but a good conversation tends to win them or it may through the Lords blessing working by it We may say truly in this matter as the Apostle speaks of and to the believing wife and husband 1 Cor. 7. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 1. its the will of God that at least his people should by well doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Pet. 2. 15. 5 The great and precious Promises is another way by which the Lord carrieth his on in the performance of the duties of the covenant and
well pleased with their services their obedience in every duty done in faith according to his will and their Praises and Prayers that is made acceptable with the Father by Jesus Christ He it is that bears the iniquity of their holy things obtaining the pardon of all their defects 1 Joâ— 1. 9. with chap. 2. 1 2. He mixes much incense with their prayers or adds it to their Prayers Rev. 8. 3 4. even the incense of the precious worth of his death and suffering being offered up in his Mediatorship a sweet smelling favour to God Eph. 5. 2. Thus the services of the Saints are presented to God acceptable by Jesus Oh then let the Saints learn to know where in whom their acceptation is not in themselves but in another even in Jesus Christ who is with the Father for them But thirdly Christ doth not onely make the services of Saints acceptable but he himself who knows their wants better then they presents their wants for them which I shall more distinctly speak unto when I come to shew you the manner how he mediates for his People And as he is all to the father for his people so 2 He is all from the Father to his people that is He mediates for and brings down all from the Father to his people 1 He mediates for the spirit and the holy Spirit is the fruit of Christs mediatorship a special word to direct us to the right way of obtaining a greater measure of the spirit of promise it must be by virtue of the mediatorship of Christ if ever we have it Joh. 14. 16. I will pray the Father and he will give you another comforter even the spirit of truth c. But the comforter the holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name c. Mark you friends the Father will send the holy Spirit the comforter in the name of Christ in his authority by virtue of his mediatorship Chap. 16. 7. if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you You heard chap. 14. 26. The Father will send the holy Spirit c. Chap. 15. 26. He is said to proceed from the Father but here Christ will send the Spirit and what doth this teach us but first the unity of the Father and Son in the work of sending the holy Spirit The Father the head and fountain from whence he proceeds and is originally sent the Son in way of mediatorship by virtue of office and so both Father and Son sends the Spirit So likewise it s the same Ephes 4. 8. Wherefore he saith When he ascended up on high he laid captivity captive and gave gifts unto men He ascended up on high that he might do it that is by virtue of his mediatorship So that Jesus Christ brings down the holy Spirit to his people 2 He mediates for and brings down peace to his people from the God of peace that so he may perform his legacy and promise when he went away Joh. 14. 27. Peace I leave with you my Peace I give unto you c. and chap. 16. 33. These things have I spoken to you that in me you might have peace c. And this he doth by sending down the Spirit of Peace working in the Gospel of Peace 2 Cor. 1. 2. Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Peace comes from God and Christ from God as the Father and fountain of Peace from Christ the mediator for peace 3 He mediates and brings down comfort and consolation for and to his people according to his Promise Joh. 14. 18. I will not leave you comfortless c. and the way by which he comforts his People is by sending the comforter the holy Spirit a fruit of his mediatorship to lead them into truth and apply it to them for their comfort 4 He mediates and brings down the grace of sanctification for and to his people It is the work of the Father by degrees to work a through sanctification in his people that they may be holy in body and in spirit and meet to Possess their holy inheritance Hence is that prayer of the Apostle 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly c. Now Christ prays that his Father would do it Joh. 17. 15 16 17. I pray that thou shouldest keep them from the evil of the world Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth So that the Lords peoples sanctification and universal conformity to his minde and will is a blessed fruit and effect of the Mediatory office of Jesus Christ 5 He mediates for and brings down the power and strength of upholding and persevering grace of performing duty of overcoming sin and temptations of holding on in the Lords way and holding out unto the end notwithstanding afflictions tribulations and persecutions that Saints meet with because of the word The Lord Jesus mediates for the strength of grace Joh. 17. 11. and now I come to thee Holy Father keep through thine own name those that thou hast given me v. 15. Luke 22. 31. 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon Satan bath desired to have you that he might sift you as wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Oh friends look to God for supporting sustaining supplying and renewing grace to be given down unto you through the mediation of Jesus Christ it s by him your strength is renewed continued and increased whereby you run and are not weary walk and are not faint 6 He mediates for and brings down the answers of all the Saints Prayers and a supply of all their necessities Joh. 14. 13. Whatsoever ye shall aske in my name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son Christ will do it that the Father may be glorified in the Son viz. the father will glorifie himself in and by the son in giving answers to his people by Jesus Christ Chap. 15. 16. that whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name he may give it you and 16. 23. Verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you Phil. 4. 19. But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ Mark freinds God will supply the needs of his People but it must be by Jesus Christ as he is the Mediator of the New Covenant 7 And finally not to multiply any more particulars of this nature in this place Jesus Christ mediates for and brings down to his people all the blessings of the New Covenant of which he is the Mediator for on that account it is that he is the Mediator of the Covenant for the bringing down all the blessings of grace and glory that are contained in the Covenant and that is as hath been before proved all things which may tend to make them truely and eternally blessed
to him and rest upon him for salvation to come to him as to the Mediator of the New Covenant to come to him as your Lord and King to submit to him in all things To come to him so as to expect all good from God by him both in respect of grace and glory Thus are believers come to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant The third Part or Branch is that this is a high and glorious attainment To be come to Jesus Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant is a high and glorious attainment it is so However Satan hath prevailed over many poor souls of late to make them slight this heavenly attainment and to trample underfoot the man Christ Jesus and the blood of this Covenant yet know friends that you that are come to Jesus have attained to a high degree of favour with God Quest Wherein doth the heigth of this attainment appear Answ 1. It is high in comparison of what they came to in the old Testament and that is it which is particularly mentioned in this place We are not come to mount Sinai c. But to mount Sion to Jesus c. A more blessed Covenant a better Mediator a better Priesthood better Promises all is better in this day of grace in this covenant of Reformation 2 It s high being compared with the state of all others that are not come to Jesus They are low they must perish and be damned The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it But he that believeth on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved There is no other name given under heaven among men whereby they must be saved but by the name of Jesus Acts 4. 12. 3 It is high in it self For first it hath given them â—n interest in and relation to a high God Who ever are come to Jesus they are come to God as a father and stand related to him as children They are come to great and precious priviledges and interested in great and precious Promises They are Come to the spirits of just men made perfect and to an innumerable company of Angels and to God the judge of all They are come to fellowship with the Father Son and Spirit to fellowship with Saints and Angels Here is the high attainment indeed of those that are come to Jesus 4 It is an high Attainment in that they are come into the way that will undoubtedly bring them to the kingdom to the everlasting life glory and blessedness promised in the covenant and mediated for by Jesus Christ This is the high attainment that all that are truly come to Jesus have attained Here is the standing and state of believers that are come to Jesus whatever the world thinks of them what ever Pharisees and Hypocrites think of them what ever the devil endeavours to perswade them to think of themselves yet they are come to Jesus c. Now I shall come to speak a few words in way of application to the whole and I shall have done Use 1. A word of trial whether you are indeed come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant As its a truth of very great concernment so it very much concerns you to take a view of your own souls and spiritual states whether you are come to Jesus yea or nay I know every one will be ready to say yea I am come to Jesus I make no question of that when the truth is there are but few in comparison that are truly and savingly come to him Quest How shall we know may some say whether we are come to him or no Answ Those that have come to Jesus have seen a need of him and a worth in him above all the world besides They have left all for him and do account their own righteousness as a filthy cloath as dung and dross all their own wisdom to be foolishness and their own strength to be but weakness they loath themselves in their own eyes in the sight and sence of their own vileness and they are made willing to have all in Christ and to follow him apart from all their vanities and beloved lusts through all difficulties they meet withal Oh! how few are there that are thus come to Jesus Christ It s true the world is come to him in their own fancies and imaginations but it is but a cheat and delusion They are ignorant of him and strangers to him and enemies in their minds by wicked works and indeed and truth will none of him They will steal murder and commit adultery c. and yet come and stand before God as if they were his rebell against him and trample his blood and ordinances under their feet and yet pretend themselves Christians This is the common state and cheat of most in the world Use 2. Of consolation to believers The comfort is they are come to Jesus The consolation lieth mainly in these two things 1. They are come to the Mediator of the new Covenant 2. They are come to a high and glorious attainment 1 They are come to the mediator of the new Covenant A ground of sound and assured comfort for all true believers Quest But some will say wherein lieth the consolation of this estate that we may improve it for our comfort Answ It lieth in many things but I shall at present mention these two 1. Assured acceptation with the Father 2. Assured application of pardon of sin and all that is good for them 1 Assured acceptation with the Father and that both in respect of Christ himself and of his people in him Here is a ground of comfort indeed for all that in truth come unto God by him They may come with boldness there is assured acceptance persons services in him accepted as hath been before proved onely let the saints now improve it and apply it for their comfort Your persons accepted though in your own eyes poor wretched creatures your Mediator he is pure and perfect a fit Mediator for such poor impure creatures as we are See Heb. 7. 26. For such an High-priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens And here is the Christians comfort that their High-priest their Mediator is holy and he is accepted for them into heaven it self there to appear in the presence of God for them 2. Their Prayers granted and whatsoever their Mediator sees good shall be given them Be encouraged to believe this God will nay he must keep nothing back from his people that may be for their good for they have a faithfull tender powerfull prevalent and holy Mediator with the Father for them Quest Wherein lies the prevalency of Christs Mediatorship Answ Not onely in his near relation to the Saints and so his love and faithfulness to them but in the excellent worth of his blood that pleads prevailingly and must have no denial Ephes 5 2. and likewise his near relation to him to whom he mediates that is his Father He
Joh. 1. 2 3. Ephes 3. 9. Col. 1. 15 16. Heb. 1. 2. That this word was made or manifest in flesh Joh. 1. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16. And so was truly man of the seed of David according to the flesh Rom. 1. 3. Act. 2. 30. Rom. 9. 5. The true Messiah promised in the Old Testament Gen. 3. 15. Gal. 4. 4. Joh. 1. 45. Gen. 12. 3. Gal. 3. 16. That he humbled himself and became obdient even to the death of the Cross for our sins Phil. 2. 7 8 9. 1 Cor. 15. 3. was raised from the dead Luke 24. 6 7. 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. and is ascended into heaven to the Father Joh. 20. 17. Acts 1. 10 11. and made Lord and Christ Acts 2. 36. head over all to and for the Church Ephes 1. 20 21 22 23. 3 Concerning the holy Spirit That the holy Spirit is of God Gen. 1. 2. Isay 61. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 12. Numb 24. 2. 1 Sam. 10. 10. 11. 6. 19. 20 23. Job 27. 3. Matth. 3. 16. Proceeds from him Joh. 15. 26. And is eternal Heb. 9. 14. present in all places Psal 139. 7 8 9. and admits of no cessation from the Father and the Son though of distinction in which he is one of the Three which distinction is safe enough to be retained and all that are to be baptized are first to be taught the knowledge of and faith in Father Son and holy Spirit Matth. 28. 18 19. 4 Concerning man That God made man upright Gen. 1. 26 27. Ecles 7. 29. but he fell from that estate into an estate of sin and death Gen. 3. 6 7. Rom. 10. 12. 5 Concerning mans recovery That is by faith in Iesus Christ crucified raised and ascended and not by any fancy whatsoever Joh. 6. 39. Acts 13. 38 39. Rom. 3. 22 23 24 25 26. Ephes 1. 6 7. Col. 1. 21 22. Rev. 1. 5. 6 Concerning faith Faith is to believe the truth and faithfulness of God in his word Rom. 4. 3. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. and that he is able and will perform it Joh. 10. 28 29. Rom. 4. 20 21. Ephes 3. 10. Heb. 7. 25. 1 Cor. 10. 13. 1 Thes 5. 24. 2 Thes 3. 3. 7 Of the object of justifying faith Jesus Christ crucified as the gift of God to and for sinners is the object of faith Joh. 3. 16 36. 6. 29 47. Acts 26. 18. Rom. 3. 24. 1 Joh. 3. 23. And in and by Christ the Father is likewise the object of faith Joh. 5. 24. 12. 44. Rom. 8. 33 34. 1 Pet. 1. 21. and not the light within or any other fancy whatsoever 8 Concerning the ground of faith The goodness power wisdom and will of God made manifest in Christ and declared in the Scriptures of truth is the ground of faith Exod. 34. 6. Psal 34. 8. 36. 7. Gen. 17. 1. 2 Chro. 20. 6. 14. 11. Dan. 3. 17. Rom. 4 20 21. Ephes 3. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 12. Joh. 20. 31. 14. 6. Heb. 10. 19 20 21. 9 Of hope That hope is an unseparable companion of faith 1 Cor. 13. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 21. and when faith believes the truth of God declared in his word and the life that is in Jesus then comes in hope hoping for an interest in that grace and glory Acts 24. 15. Rom. 8. 24. 15. 4. Col. 1. 5. 23. Tit. 3. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 13. This of hope is an acceptable grace Psal 33. 18. 149. 11. It is the applying part of faith Heb. 6. 11. 1 Thes 5. 8. 1 Tim. 1. 1. Tit. 2. 13. So that the justifying faith of the New Covenant is when a soul truly believes the truth of God in his word and the life that is in Iesus Christ crucified hopes for an interest in this grace and cleavs to and trusts in the Lord. 10 Concerning works That works do undoubtedly accompany faith and that true faith is of a working purifying nature and that faith which is without works is a dead faith Acts 15. 9. Gal. 5. 6. Ephes 2. 10. 4. 17. to 32. Tit. 3. 8. Jam. 2. 17. 22. and that those works should be according to the mind of God in Scripture and not mens own fancies which leads to the 11. 11 Concerning the Scriptures That the Scripture is the true and faithfull word of God and is so to be believed Psal 93. 5. 111. 7. 119. 138. Joh. 5. 39. 1 Cor. 14. 37. Rom. 1. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21. And that all believers actions are or ought to be ordered according to the Scriptures Isay 8. 20. 2 Tim. 3. 14 15 16 17. 2 Pet. 1. 19. 12 Concerning the Mediatorship of Christ That Jesus Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God in the performance of his great office and work of mediatorship for and in behalf of all his people Rom. 8. 34. Ephes 1. 20. Col. 3. 1. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Heb. 1. 3. 7. 25. 8 1 6. 9. 15. 24. 10. 12. 12. 2 24. 1 Pet. 3. 22. 13. That Jesus Christ shall assuredly come again from heaven at the time appointed Acts 1. 11. 3. 20 21. and shall raise the dead and judge the quick and dead 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. Joh. 5. 28. 1 Thes 4. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 1. Matth. 24. 30. and take to himself his great power and reign Rev. 11. 17. 14. That the Saints shall live and reign with Christ in eternal life Matth. 19. 29. 25. 34 46. Luke 12. 32. Isay 35. 10. Rev. 20. 4. 21. 4. and the wicked shall live in eternal misery Matth. 25. 41. Rev. 6. 15 16 17. 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. 15. That the Covenant God made made with Abraham through faith in which he became the father of many nations viz. all belivers Gentiles as well as Jews was the Gospel Covenant Gen. 15. 5 6. 12. 3. 17. 4 5. 22. 18. 18. 18. Acts 3. 25. Rom. 4. 11 13 14 16 17 18. Gal. 3. 8 14 17 18. 16. That the Covenant by virtue of which infants in the Old Testament ministration had a right to be Church members or to ordinances was not this Covenant but that of circumcision which was one and the same with the law from mount Sinai the Covenant made with the children of Israel when God brought them by Moses out of Egypt and was a subservient Covenant added for that ministration till the seed was come to which the Gospel Covenant was made and is done away Gen. 17. 10. to 14. with Joh. 7. 22. Gal. 5. 2 3. 3. 19. Rom. 2. 25. 17. That who ever brings in Church members on the Old Testament membership makes null and void the Gospel covenant Rom. 4. 14. 2 Cor. 5. 16 17. Gal. 4. 21 to 31. 3. 19 29. 18. That Gods foreknowledge and choice in electing some men and women to salvation in Christ was before the beginning of the world Ephes 1. 4. Rom. 8. 29. 2 Tim. 1. 9.
Nor to be conformable thereto Rom. 12. 2. Ephes 3. 17. Gal. 1. 4. Ephes 2. 2. 58. To walk so with God in this world as endeavouring to be found blameless in holiness before God our Father at the appearing of Christ 1 Cor. 1. 8. Ephes 1. 4. 1 Thes 3. 13. 2 Pet. 3. 14. 59. To put on the Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in him Rom. 13. 14. Col. 2. 6. Gal. 3. 27. 60. To give up our bodies as well as our souls to serve the Lord Rom. 12. 1. 1 Cor. 6. 20. Dan. 3. 28. because the body shall be saved as well as the soul by Jesus Christ Rom. 8. 11 23. Phil. 3. 21. 61. To set our affections on and to seek things that are above Col. 3. 1 2. 62. Holy and heavenly Meditations Psal 19. 14. and 45. 1. and 104. 34. 63. To have the word of Christ to dwell richly in us Col. 3. 16. 64. To do all our works in the name of the Lord Jesus Col. 3. 17. 1 Thes 4. 2. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 65. No man to go beyond and defraud his brother 1 Thes 4. 6. 66. To owe no man any thing but to love one another Rom. 13. 8. 67. Not to be wise in our own conceits Rom. 12. 16. 11. 25. Prov. 3. 7. 26. 12. but rather to be fools in our own eyes 1 Cor. 3. 18 19. 68. To greet one another with a kiss of love 1 Cor. 16. 20. Rom. 16 16. 2 Cor. 13. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 14. that is with a holy and hearty manifestation of love being compared with 1 Thes 5. 26. where the Apostle doth greet them with a kiss of love though at a great distance from them For salutations see Rom. 16. 69. Brethren not to go to law one with another 1 Cor. 6. 1 6. 70. Not to feast the rich but the poor Luke 14. 12. 13. 71. To observe and take notice of that Act. 15. 29. 16. 4. 72. Not to be offended in Christ Luke 7. 23. 16. 25. 73. To obey magistrates for conscience sake as it is an ordinance of God as well as for fear of punishment Rom. 13. from 1 to 6. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 15. 74. To lend freely not looking for the like curtesie again Luke 6. 34 35. 75. To be zealously affected for the Lord his name and truth Gal. 4. 18. Tit. 2. 14. Rev. 3. 19. Numb 25. 11 13. 76. To have a respect to the whole law of Christ and to persevere therein unto the end Psal 119. 6. Joh. 8. 31. Luke 1. 5 6. Luke 9. 62. Duties of the Saints as they stand related each to other in the Church and as a Church of Christ 1. Not to forsake the assembling of themselves together but to assemble as a Church and the members to assemble with the Church as often as they may Heb. 10. 24 25. 2. To exhort one another daily to love and good works Heb. 3. 13. and 10. 24. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Acts 14. 22. and 11. 23. 3. The time for publick worship being especially the first day of the week Job 20. 19. Acts 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 2. 1. and was the first day of the week for this see my discourse about the sabbath and it is the duty of Saints to keep every day and week a sabbath to the Lord. 4. To walke together in love as brethren and to endeavour the peace and prosperity of the Church 1 Pet. 2. 17. 3. 8. Heb. 13. 1. Rom. 12. 9 10. 1 Thes 5. 13. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Ephes 4. 3. 5. To have fellowship together in the Lords supper viz. in breaking of bread and prayer Mat. 26. 26 27 28. Luke 22. 19. 20. Acts 2. 42. 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25 26. 10. 16 17. 6. Not to mix in worship with those that walk contrary to the truth 2 Cor. 6. 14. 17. 2 Tim. 3. 5. Rev. 18. 4. Hos 7. 8. Nehem. 9. 2 13. 30. 7. To receive the weak but not to doubtful disputation Rom. 14. 1. that is not to inforce upon them indifferent things that lye doubtful and disputable See Rom. 14. throughout and 15. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 8. 13. 8. To condescend one to another in subjection and to seek rather to please one another in things lawfull then to please themselves 1 Pet. 5. 5. Rom. 15. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 10. 33. 9. To marry with such as may be judged to fear the Lord 1 Cor. 7. 39. Gen. 6. 1 2. 10. To observe the rule of Christ in dealing with an offending brother Matth. 18. 15. 2 Thes 3. 6. 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. Tit. 3. 10. 11. To have a simpathising and fellow feeling with and in each others afflictions and comforts Rom. 12. 15 16. 1 Cor. 12. 25 26. 12. To look diligently least any root of bitterness spring up and defile many Heb. 12. 15 16. and to avoid those that occasion divisions contrary to the doctrine of Christ Rom. 16. 17. 13. To withdraw from disorderly members that repent not 2 Thes 3. 6 14. 14. To reject offenders such of which there is no recovery to repentance by the means left by Christ for that end 1 Cor. 5. 4. 5. 11. Tit. 3. 10. 15. The man to have his head uncovered and the woman covered in prophecying or praying viz. the face 1 Cor. 11. 4 5 c. 16. Self examinations as at all times so particularly when they come to the supper of the Lord 1 Cor. 11. 28. 2 Cor. 13. 5. Psal 26. 2. 17. To try the spirits whether they be of God or no by the doctrine delivered 1 Joh. 4. 1. compared with the Scriptures 1 Thes 5. 21. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Isay 8. 20. 18. To lay a part every first day of the week as God hath blest for the supply of poor Saints 1 Cor. 16. 1. 19. To look diligently that there be no want in the body but that the poor be comfortably supplied and upon that count to be free in communicating 20. Every member that is of capacity to be exercised in some lawful calling 2 Thes 3. 10 11 12. 21. To help other neighbour Churches as need requires and ability hath fitted for such a work Acts 11. 28 29 30. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 3. 2 Cor. 1. 8. 22. To restore a fallen brother in the spirit of meekness Gal. 6. 1. 23. To be much in the publick work and duty of prasing God to his name which I understand taken in speaking of him and to his praise Ephes 5. 16. Col. 3. 16. with 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. which is for one to speak to the praise of God and the rest to joyn in and say Amen as in prayer For all to sing in meeter together is that for which there is no rule in law or Gospel In the old Testament singers were appointed particularly to that work 1 Cor. 9. 33. Ezra 2. 65. Nehem. 7. 67. The popish queristers singing came nearest to this but I judge the old
Testament singing is ended being typical and I am sure there is no rule for that which is now practised but Gospel songs should be new songs Psal 96. 1. 98. 1. Rev. 14. 3. 24. To bear one anothers burthens and so fulfill the law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. Rom. 15. 1. Duties of Pastors and Teachers to the Lord and to the Church 1. To be wise and harmeless Matth. 10. 16. 2. To trust the Lord for their maintenance in this world in the way that he hath appointed them 1 Cor. 9. Matth. 10. 9 10. Luke 9. 3. 10. 4. 3. To shine in a holy conversation and doctrine as ligihts in the world Matth. 15. 16. Joh. 5. 35. Luke 13. 35. 1 Thes 2. 10. 1 Tim. 6. 11. that so they may be indeed the salt of the earth Matth. 5. 13. 4. To rule in the Church of Christ for good but not to be called masters that is to rule or subject others as servants to them Matth. 23. 8. Philem. 14. To rule but not to over rule the Church of Christ or Lord it over them 1 Pet. 5. 3. but so as to be helpers of them 2 Cor. 1. 24. nor are they to be lorded over in the things of God by any man that is not to submit unto it Matth. 23. 9. Acts 4. 19. 5. To watch for the good of the flock 2 Tim. 4. 5. Acts 20. 31. and to endeavour to aquaint themselves with the state of the flock 6. To feed the flock of God over which he hath made them overseers Act. 20. 28. 7. To pray for the flock of Christ Phil. 1. 4. 1 Thes 1. 2. 3 10. Col. 4. 11. 2 Thes 1. 11. Cor. 1. 3. Heb. 13. 20. for the ministers of Christ 2 Tim. 1. 3. Philem. 4. 8. To study to shew themselves such as may not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth 2 Tim. 2. 15. 4. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 13. 15. That by sound doctrine they may be able to exhort and convince gainsayers Tit. 1. 9. 9. To be meek patient and gentle 2 Tim. 2. 24 25. 1 Thes 2. 7. So was Christ 2 Cor. 10. 1. Mat. 11. 29. 10. To teach the Church to walk suitable to their several ages sexes and conditions Tit. 2. throughout 11. To teach them to obey magistrates and to speak evil of no man Tit. 3. 1. 2. of this Paul is an example Rom. 13. and Peter 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 15. 12. To be careful to maintain good works in themselves and others Tit. 3. 8. 13. To be good examples in all things to the believers 1 Tim. 4. 12. Tit. 2. 7. In suffering for Christ 2 Tim. 1. 8. And in an especial manner to fight the good fight of faith 1 Tim. 6. 12. 14. To have a natural care of the flock as the father or nurse hath of the children Phil. 2. 20. 1 Thes 2. 7 11. 15. To hold fast faith and a good conscience and not to give heed to fables or way to needless and unprofitable questions 1 Tim. 1. 4 19. 4. 7 16. 16. In doctrine to hold fast to the Scriptures of truth 2 Tim. 1. 13. 3 14 15 16 17. 17. To preach the word and rebuke and reprove with all authority 2 Tim. 4. 2. them that sin before all to rebuke before all 1 Tim. 5. 30. 18. To eschew covetousness love of money and filthy lucre 1 Tim. 6. 10 11. Act. 20. 33. And every evil work 1 Tim. 3. 2 3. 19. To work with their hands if in capacity and need call for it and time from the Lords work will permit that they may give as well as receive Act. 20. 34. 2. Thes 3. 8. 1 Thes 2. 9. This Paul did for the Gospel sake though he had a power from the Lord to have forborn working 1 Cor. 9. 4 5 6 7. and doth reckon it among his sufferings 1 Cor. 4. 11 12 13. 20. Finally it is their duty and should be their care to have themselves in all things as they have ground to believe Jesus Christ himself would for the good of the Church if he were here present in person with them For they are in his steed to the flock must give an account to him for them 2 Cor. 5. 20. Acts 20. 28. 1 Thes 2. 19. 3. 9. to 13. The qualifications see 1 Tim. 3. from 1. to 7. Tit. 1. 6 7. Of Deacons 1 Tim. 3. 8. to 13. Their duty and work see Acts 6. 1 2 3. Duties of the Church to their Elders or Ministers 1. Highly to esteem of them for their work sake 1 The. 5. 13. 2. To communicate to them freely for their comfortable subsisting in this world 1 Cor. 9. 4. to 14. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 18. 3. To submit to them in the rule of the Gospel Heb. 13. 17. 4. To be much in prayer to God for them Rom. 15. 30. Col. 4. 3. Heb. 13. 18. 2 Thes 3. 12. and to pray the Lord to send forth labourers into his work Matth. 9. 38. Luke 10. 2. 5. To be followers of them as they follow Christ Phil. 3. 17. 2 Thes 3. 7 9. 6. It is the duty of Church and elders together to elect and ordain a ministry or elders in the Church according to Acts 6. 3. 6. and 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. Duties of husbands to their wives 1. To love them as their own bodies and not to be bitter to them Ephes 5. 25. 33. Col. 3. 19. 2. To live with them according to knowledge instructing of them and praying with them 1 Pet. 3. 7. 1 Cor. 14. 35. and to make provision of outward things 1 Tim. 5. 8. 3. To rule over them in love and in the fear of the Lord as the head Gen. 3. 16. 1 Tim. 2. 11 12. 1 Cor. 11. 3. Ephes 5. 23. 4. To bear with natural weaknesses and infirmities as being the weaker vessel and to give the honour of government in the family affairs as may suit her condition 1 Pet. 3. 7. Prov. 10. 11. 5. Not to put away the wife unless it be for fornication Matth. 5. 32. 19. 9. Mark 10. 11. Luke 16. 18. 1 Cor. 7. 10. Duties of wives to their husbands 1. To love their own husbands Tit. 2. 4. 2. To be subject in civil things to their own husbands Ephes 5. 22. 24. Col. 3. 18. 1 Pet. 3. 1. 6. 3. To reverence their husbands as their head and superiors Ephes 5. 33. 1 Pet. 3. 6. 4. To live with their husbands as becomes the wife 1 Cor. 7. 13. 5. To be meet helps to their husbands in all things Gen. 2. See the duties of both each to other 1 Cor. 7. 2 3 4. to 16 Duties of parents to their children 1. To bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Ephes 6. 4. 2. To be making a lawful provision for them 1 Tim. 5. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 14. 3. To have them in subjection If they ought to be subject then parents ought to bring