comparison which is the application thereof this application may have reference either to the general proposition thus As no man taketh this honour unto himself so also nor Christ Or to the particular instance of Aaron thus As Aaron took not to himself that honour so nor Christ both tend to the same end The High Priesthood was an honour for Christ to have taken that to himself without a Commission from his father had been to glorifie himself by conferring glory and honour upon himself This negative that Christ glorified not himself is a clear evidence that Christ arrogated no honour to himself Christ would not arrogate honour to himself but rather wait upon his father that he might confer upon him what honour he saw meet Christ glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but his father glorified him in ordaining or commissionating him to be the High Priest In short to be made an High Priest is to be deputed or appointed and set a part to that function And thus was our Lord Jesus Christ made an High Priest he had never undertaken that office had he not been ordained to it by his father But that you may see Christ's threefold commission to his three-fold office Consider First That God the father promiseth to Jesus Christ 1. Heb. 2. 17 18. Psal 110. 4. an excellent royal and eternal Priesthood Heb. 7. 21. For those priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him the Lord sware and will not repent thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek Among the Jews in the times of the Old Testament they had an High Priest that was in all things to stand between God and them and in case any sinned to make an atonement for them Now look as the Jews had their High Priest so the Lord Jesus-Christ he was to be and he is the Apostle and the High Priest of our Christian profession as Aaron was of the Jews profession The Priestly office of Jesus Christ is erected and set up on Heb. 3. 1. By theâ— way you may take notice that the whole body of Anti-christianism is but an invasion upon the Priestly office of Christ What is the Popish Mass that unbloody sacrifice but a derogation from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once upon the Cross and so a derogation from his Priestly Office What are all those Popish Penances and satisfactions injoyned but a derogation unto the satisfaction of Christ and so unto the Priestly office of Christ What is all their praying to Saints and Angels but a derogation unto the intercession of Christ and so unto the Priestly office God deputes Christ to his Priestly office as God and man yet Papists say that Christ is a Priest only in his humane nature God saith to his son Thou art a priest yet they make many Priests God makes his Son a Priest for ever yet they substitute others in his room God gave Christ to offer up but one sacrifice and that but once but they every day offer up many sacrifices in the Mass God gave Christ to offer up himself but they offer up bread and wine upon pretence that its the body and blood of Christ Christ's sacrifico was a bloody sacrifice but they stile theirs an unbloody sacrifice purpose for the relief of poor distressed sinners The work of the High Priest is to make reconciliation for the sins of the people In the times of the Old Testament the High Priest made an atonement for the people in case any man had sinned he brought a sacrifice his sins were laid upon the head of the sacrifice Once every year the High Priest did enter into the holy of holies and with the blood of the sacrifice did sprinkle the Mercy-Seat and laid the sins of the people upon the head of the Scape-Goat so made an Atonement for the people as is clear in that Levit. 16. 14. He shall take of the blood of the Bullock and sprinkle it with his finger upon the Mercy-seat eastward and before the Mercy-seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times And at vers 21. Aaron shall lye both his hands upon the head of the live Goat and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel and all their transgressions and all their sins putting them upon the head of the Goat and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness and so he shall make an Atonement This was the work of the High Priest in case any had sinned to make an Atonement and satisfaction by the way of Type for the sins of the people The main scope of the Apostle in that Heb. 7. is to advance Christ his Priesthood above the Levitical Priesthood in order to which he premiseth this That those priests were made without an oath vers 20 The Apostle's third Argument to prove the excellency of Christ's Priestood above the Levitical is taken from the different manner of instituting the one and the other Christ's institution was more solemn than the Levites their institution was without an oath Christ's institution was with an oath The Argument may be thus framed That Priesthood which is established by an oath is more excellent than that which is without an oath but Christ's Priesthood is with an oath and theirs without Ergo It is here taken for granted that Christ was most solemnly instituted a Priest even by an oath yea by the oath of God himself which is the greatest and most solemn manner of institution that can be God's oath imports two things 1. An infallible certainty of that which he sweareth 2. A solemn authority and dignity conferred upon that which he instituted by oath Great and weighty matters of much concernment use to be established by oath hereby it appeareth that Christ's Priesthood is a matter of great moment and of much concernment This will appear the more evident if we consider the person who was made Priest viz. our Lord Jesus Christ who was the greatest person that could be Heb. 7. 28. therefore he is fitly called a great high priest Heb. 4. 14. Or if we consider the ends of Christ's Priesthood which were very weighty and that in reference both to God and man To God for the manifestation of his perfect justice infinite mercy almighty power unsearchable wisdom and other divine attributes which never were nor ever can be so manifested as in and by Christ's Priesthood To man that God's wrath might be averted his favour procured man's sin purged and he freed from all evil and brought to eternal happiness Or if we consider the benefits of Christ's Priesthood which are answerable to the foresaid ends Jesus Christ was appointed and made by the father The Apostle and High Priest of the Churches profession Heb. 3. 1 2. Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession Christ Jesus who
father and the son and all your days to admire at the love of the father and the son who have from eternity by compact and agreement secured your souls and your everlasting concernments But The Sixth Proposition is this That God the father had the first and chief hand in this great work of saving sinners by vertue of this Covenant of Redemption wherein Heb. 2. 10. he and his son had agreed to bring many sons to glory Weak Christians many times have their thoughts and apprehensions more busied and taken up with the love of the son than with the love of the father but they must remember that in the great and glorious work of Redemption God the father had a great hand an eminent hand yea the first and chief hand God the father first laid the foundation stone of all our happiness and blessedness his head and heart was first taken up about that heaven-born project the salvation of sinners Isa 28. 16. Therefore thus saith the Lord God behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone a tried stone a precious corner stone a sure foundation Heb. I am he that foundeth a stone in Zion It is God the father that hath long since laid Christ as a sure foundation for all his people to build their hopes of happiness upon it is he that first laid Christ the true corner-stone Rom. 9. 33. 1 Pet. 2. 6. Isa 53. 10. whereby Zion is for ever secured against death hell and wrath Hence 't is said the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand that is God's Eternal Decree about the work of our Redemption and salvation shall be powerfully faithfully and compleatly executed by Jesus Christ who by his word and spirit shall communicate unto all his Elect the fruit of his death to life and salvation Jeb 23. 24. This is a full place against all Sociniâ—ans who boldly allert that God removes the curse of the Law by a free and absolute pardon without satisfaction Grotius's Exposition on the place is but flat and dull When God saith I have 〈◊〉 a ransom we are to understand it of a real Ransom of full pay or satisfaction and not of a Ransom by favour and acceptation Again Deliver me from going down into the pit for I have found a ransom The Hebrew word signifies a price paid to redeem a man's life or liberty I have found a ransom or an atonement a cover for man's sin Angels and men could never have found a ransom but by my deep infinite and unsearchable wisdom saith God the father I have found a Ransom I have found out a way a means for the redeeming of mankind from going down to the infernal pit viz. the death and passion of my dearest son But where O blessed God didst thou find a Ransom not in Angels not in men not in Legal Sacrifices not in Gold or Silver not in tears humblings and meltings of my people but in my own bosom That Jesus that son of my love who has layen in my bosom from all Eternity Joh. 1. 18. he is that Ransom that by my own matchless wisdom and singular goodness I have found I have not called a Council to enquire where to find a Ransom that fallen man might be preserved from falling into the fatal pit of destruction but I have found a ransom in my own heart my own breasts my own bosom without advising or consulting with others I have found out a way how to save sinners with a salvo to my honour justice holiness and truth Had all the Angels in heaven from the first day of their creation to this very day sat in serious Council to invent contrive or find out a way a means whereby lost man might be secured against the curse of the Law hell condemnation and wrath to come and whereby he might have been made happy and blessed for ever and all this without the least wrong or prejudice to the justice and righteousness of God they could never have found out any way or means to have effected those great things Our Redemption by a Ransom is God's own invention and God's only invention The blessed Ransom which the Lord has found out for poor sinners is the blood of his own dearest son a ransom which never entred into the thoughts or hearts of Angels and men till God had reveiled it which is called the blood of the Covenant because thereby the Covenant is confirmed and all covenant-Covenant-mercies assured to us Joh. 3. 16. Again God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son Here is a sic without a sicut that sic so signifies the firstness of the father's love the freeness of the father's love 1 Joh. 3. 19. Hos 14. 4. and the vehemency of the father's love and the admirableness of the father's love and the matchlesness of the father's love O! what manner of love is this for God to give his son not his servant his begotten son not his adopted son his only son and not one son of many his only son by eternal generation and communication of the same Essence to be a Ransom and Mediator for sinners God the father loving lost man sent his son to suffer and to do the office of a Mediator that through his mediation he might communicate the effects of his love in a way agreeable to his justice for God loved the world and that antecedently to his giving Christ and as a cause of it The design the project of saving sinners was first contrived and laid by God the father therefore Christ says The son can do nothing of himself but what he sees the father do God the father sent his son and God the father sealed his son a commission to give life to lost sinners Him hath God the father sealed that is made his Commission authentical as men do their Deeds by their seals It is a Metaphor taken from them who ratifie their authority whom they send that is approve of them as it were by setting to their seal Christ is to be acknowledged to be he whom the father hath authorized and furnished to be the Saviour and Redeemer of lost sinners and the store-house from whence they are to expect all spiritual supplies Look as Kings give sealed Warrants and Commissions to their ministers of State who are sent 1 King 21 8. Estâ— 3. 12. cap. 8. 8. out or employed in great affairs So Christ is the father's great Ambassadour authorized and sent out by him to bring about the Redemption and Salvation of lost man And look as a seal represents in wax that which is engraven on it so the father hath communicated to him his divine essence and properties and stamped upon him all divine perfection for carrying on the work of Redemption And look as a seal annexed to a Commission is a publick evidence of the person's authority so Christ's endowments are visible marks whereby to know him and clear evidences that
Enemy saith one whom it was lawful Latimer to wish evil unto I would chiefly wish him great store of riches for then he should never enjoy quiet The Historian observes that the riches of Cyprus invited Tacitus the Romans to hazard many dangerous fights for the conquering of it Earthly riches saith one are an evil Master a treacherous Augustine Servant Fathers of flattery Sons of grief a cause of fear to those that have them and a cause of sorrow to those that want them I have read a famous story of Zelimus Emperour of The Turkish History The Poets feigned Pluto to be the God of Riches and Hell as if they were inseparable Homer Constantinople that after he had taken Egypt he found a great deal of treasure there and the Souldiers coming to him and asking of him what they should do with the Citizens of Egypt for that they had found great Treasure among them and had taken their riches O saith the Emperour hang them all up for they are too rich to be made slaves and this was all the thanks they had for the riches they were spoiled off What more contemptible than a rich Fool a golden Beast as Caligula called his Father in law Syllanius Not but that some are great and gracious rich and righteous As Abraham Lot Job David Hezekiah c. It is said of Shusa in Persia that it was so rich that the Saith Cassiederus stones were joyned together with gold and that in it Alexander found seventy thousand Talents of gold If you can take this City saith Aristagorus to his Souldiers you may vie with Jove himself for riches the riches of Shufa did but make the Souldiers the more desperate in their attempt to take it By these short hints you may see the folly and vanity of those men who take up in their riches But Sixthly Many there are that take up in their own Isa 64. 6. righteousness which at best is but as filthy rags this Rom. 10. 2 3. Matth. 5. 20. was the damning sin of the Jews and of the Scribes and Pharisees and is the undoing sin of many of the Professors of this Age. Seventhly Many there are that take up in their external Church priviledges crying out the Temple of Jer. 7. 4 8 9 10 11. the Lord the Temple of the Lord when they have no union nor communion with the Lord of the Temple These forget that there will come a day when the Children Matth. 8. 12. of the Kingdom shall be cast out It would be very good for such Persons to make these five Scriptures their daily companions Matth. 22. 10 12 13 14. Luke 13. 25 26 27 28. Rom. 2. 28 29. Gal. 6. 15. Jer. 9. 25 26. That they may never dare to take up in their outward Church priviledges which can neither secure them from hell nor secure them of heaven But Eightly Many there be that take up in common convictions Judas had mighty convictions of his sin but Matth. 27. 4 5. Numb 23. and Numb 24. they issued in desperation Balaam was mightily enlightned and convinced in so much that he desired to dye the death of the righteous but under all his convictions he dyed Christless and graceless Nebuchadnezzar had great convictions yet we do not read that Dan. 4. 3 1 32 ever he was converted before he was driven from the society of men to be a companion with the beasts of the field he had strong convictions 1. by Daniels interpreting Dan. 4. 31 32. of his dream Dan. 2. 47. 2. He told Daniel That his God was the God of Gods and a Lord of Kings and a reveiler of secrets and yet presently he fell into gross Idolatry Dan. 3. and strictly commanded to worship the golden Image that he had set up and as if he had lost all his former convictions he was so swelled up with pride and impudence as to say to the three Children when they Divinely scorned to worship the Image he had set up What God is there that can deliver you out of my hand Verse 15. Saul had great convictions I have 1 Sam. 26. 21 25. sinned return my son David I will no more do thee harm c. And Saul lift up his voice and wept and he said unto David Thou art more righteous than I for thou hast 1 Sam. 24. 16 17 18 19. rewarded me good whereas I have rewarded thee evil But these convictions issued in no saving change for after these he lived and died in the heigth of his sins Pharaoh had great convictions And Pharaoh sent and called Exod. 9. 27. Cap. 10. 16. for Moses and Aaron and said unto them I have sinned this time the Lord is righteous and I and my people are wicked And again Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste and he said I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you But these convictions issued in no reformation in no sound conversion and therefore drowning and damning followed Cain was under convictions but went and built a City and lost Genes 4. his convictions in a crowd of worldly business Herod and Felix were under convictions but they went of Mark 6. 20. Acts 24. 25. and never issued in any saving work upon their souls O how many men and women have fallen under such deep convictions that they have day and night cryed out of their sins and of their lost and undone Estates and that they should certainly go to hell and be damned for ever so that many good People have hoped that these were the pangs of the new birth and yet either merry company or carnal pleasures and delights or much worldly business or else length of time have wrought off all their convictions and they have grown more prophane and wicked then ever they were before As water heated if taken off the fire will soon return to Aristâ—tle its natural coldness yea becomes colder after heating than before this hath been the case of many under convictions I shall forbear giving of particular instances But Ninthly Many take up in an outward change and reformation they have left some old courses and sinful practices which formerly they walked in c. and therefore they conclude and hope that their condition is good and that all is well and shall be for ever well with them they were wont to swear whore be drunk prophane Sabbaths reproach Saints c. but now they have left all these practices and therefore the main work is done and they are made for ever I confess sin is that abominable Jer. 41. 4. Matth. 1â— 2â— thing which God hates and therefore it is a very great mercy to turn from it to leave one sin is a greater mercy than to win the whole world and it is certain that he that doth not outwardly reform shall never go to heaven he that doth not leave his sins he Job 22.
we consider all men as Rom. 5. 12. involved in the first transgression of the Covenant they must all needs perish without a Saviour this is the miserable condition that all mortals are in that are under a Covenant of works But Secondly Such as are under a Covenant of works their best and choicest duties are rejected and abhorred for the least miscarriages or blemishes that do attend them or cleave to them Observe the dreadful language of that Covenant of works Cursed is he that continueth not in all Gal. 3. 10. things that are written in the law of God to do them Hence it is that the best duties of all unregenerate persons are loathed and abhorred by God as you may clearly see by Isa 1. 11 12 13 14 15. Jer. 6. 20. Isa 66. 3. Amâ—s 5. â—1 Mic. 6. 6. Mal. 1. 10. comparing the Scriptures in the margent together the most glorious duties and the most splendid performances of those that are under a Covenant of works are loathsome to God for the least mistake that doth accompany them The Covenant of works deals with men according to the exactest terms of strict justice it doth not make nor allow any favourable or gracious interpretation as the Covenant of grace doth the very least failour exposes the soul to wrath to great wrath to everlasting wrath This Covenant is not a Covenant of mercy but of pure justice But Thirdly This Covenant admits of no Mediator There was no days-man betwixt God and man none to stand Hence this Covenant is called by some Paâ—tum ami◠〈◊〉 a Covenant of friendship between them neither was there any need of a Mediator for God and man were at no distance at no variance man was then righteous perfectly righteous now the proper work of a Mediator is to make peace and reconciliation between God and us At the first in the state of innocency there was peace and friendship between God and man there was no enmity in God's heart towards man nor no enmity in man's heart towards God But upon the fall a breach and separation was made between God and man so that man flies from God and hides from Gen. 3. 8 9 10. God and trembles at the voice of God Fallen man is now turned Rebel and is become a desperate enemy to God yea his heart is full of enmity against God The Rom. 8. 7. wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God not an enemy as the Vulgar Latine readeth it but enmity in the abstract The word signifies the act of a carnal mind comprehending thoughts desire discourse c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the words noting an excess of enmity As when we see a proud man we say there goes pride so here is enmity nothing can be said more for an enemy may be reconciled but enmity can never a vicious man may become vertuous but vice cannot There are natural Antipathies between some creatures as between the Lyon and the Cock the Elephant and the Boar the Camel and the Horse the Eagle and the Dragon c. But what are all these Antipathies to that antipathy and enmity that is in the hearts of all carnal men against God Now whilst men stand under a Covenant of works there is none to interpose by way of mediation but fallen man lies open to the wrath of God and to all the curses that are written in his book When breaches are made between God and man under the Covenant of grace there is a Mediator to interpose and to make up all such breaches but under the Covenant of works there is no Mediator to interpose between God and fallen man These three things I have hinted a little at on purpose to work my reader if under a Covenant of works to be restless till he be got from under that Covenant into the Covenant of grace where alone lies man's safety felicity happiness and comfort Now this consideration leads me by the hand to tell you Secondly That there is a Covenant of grace that all believers all sincere Christians all real Saints are under for under these two Covenants all mankind fall The Apostle calls this Covenant of grace The law of faith Rom. â— â—â— Now First this Covenant of grace is sometimes stiled an everlasting Covenant Isa 55. 3. And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David You need not question my security in respect of the great things that I have propounded and promised in my word for the encouragement of your faith and hope for I will give you my bond for all I have spoken which 2 Sam. 23. 5. shall be as surely made good to you as the mercies that I have performed to my servant David The word everlasting hath two acceptations it doth denote 1. Sometimes a long duration in which respect the old Covenant cloathed with figures and ceremonies is called everlasting because it was to endure and did endure a Psal 105. 9 10. Heb. 13. 2 c. long time 2. Sometimes it denotes a perpetual duration a duration which shall last for ever In this respect the Covenant of grace is everlasting it shall never cease never be broken nor never be altered Now the Covenant of grace is an everlasting Covenant in a twofold respect First â—x parte faedeâ—antis in respect of God who will never break Covenant with his people but is their God â—it 1. 2. Psal 90. 2. and will be their God for ever and ever Psal 48. 14. For this God is our God for ever and ever he will be our God even unto death I and after death too for this is not to be taken exclusively oh no! for he will never never Five times in scripture iâ— this preâ—ious o◠〈◊〉 renewed Joh. 1. 5. Deut. 31. 8. 1 King â— 57. Gen. 28. 15. That we may be 〈◊〉 a preâ—â—ing of it tiâ—l we haâ—e 〈◊〉 all the 〈◊〉 out of â—â— Isa 66. 11. leave them nor forsake them Heb. 13. 5. There are five Negatives in the Greek to assure God's people that he will never forsake them According to the Greek it may be rendred thus I will not not leave thee neither will I not not forsake thee Leave us God may to our thinking leave us but forsake us he will not So Psal 89. 34. My Covenant will I not break Heb. I will not prophane my Covenant nor alter the thing that is gone out of my mouth Heb. The issue of my lips I will not alter Though God's people should prophane his Statutes vers 31. yet God will not prophane his Covenant though his people often break with him yet he will never break with them though they may be inconstant yet God will be constant to his Covenant Isa 54. â—0 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on
Salt they were bound as by a Covenant to use in all sacrifices or it meaneth a sure and pure Covenant Some by the salt of the Covenant do mystically understand the Grace of the New Testament 2. 13. Neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the Covenant of thy God to be lacking from the meat-offering c. The salt of the Covenant signifies that Covenant that God hath made with us in Christ who seasoneth us and makes all our services savoury The meaning of the words say some is this The Salt shall put thee in mind of my Covenant whereby thou standest engaged to endeavour always for an untainted and uncorrupted life and conversation By this salting say others was signified the Covenant of grace in Christ which we by faith apprehend unto incorruption wherefore our unregenerate estate is likened to a child new born and not salted Ezek 16. 4. Others say it signifies the eternal and perpetual holiness of the Covenant between God and man And some there be that say that this salt of the Covenant signifies the grace of God whereby they are guided and sanctified that belong unto the Covenant of grace So Numb 18. 19. It is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord unto thee and to thy seed with thee a Covenant of Salt is used for an inviolable incorruptible and perpetual Covenant Of old amity and friendship was symbolized by salt for its consolidating and conserving property saith Pierias This Covenant which the Lord made with the Priests is called a Covenant of Salt because as Salt keepeth from Corruption so that Covenant was perpetual authentical and inviolable as anciently the most solemn ceremony that was used in Covenants was to take and eat of the same salt and it was esteemed more sacred and firm than to eat at the same table and drink of the same cup. This Covenant in regard of its perpetuity is here called a Covenant of Salt that is a sure and stable a firm and incorruptible Covenant So 2 Chron. 13. 5. Ought you not to know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever even to him Zanchy's Exposition of the place is strange and far fetched and to his sons by a covenant of salt i. e. perpetual and inviolable solemn and sure by this Metaphor of salt a perpetuity is set forth for salt makes things last The Covenant therefore here intended is by this Metaphor declared to be a perpetual Covenant that was not to be abrogated or nulled In this respect these two phrases a Covenant of Salt and for ever are joyned together Some take this Metaphor of Salt to be used in relation to their manner of making their Covenant with a sacrifice on Numb 18. 19. but now opened Lev. 2. 13. which Salt was always sprinkled and thereby is implyed that it was a most solemn Covenant not to be violated But Seventhly The Covenant of Grace under which the Saints stand is sometimes stiled a sure Covenant a firm Covenant a Covenant that God will punctually and accurately perform In this regard the Covenant of grace is in the Old Testament stiled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shemurah that is kept observed performed the word imports care diligence and solicitude lest any thing be let go let slip c. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Deut. 7. 9. 2 Chrâ—n 6. 14. Psal 19. 7. Psal 89. 28. Titus 1. 2. Psal 13â— 11. Isa 54. 10. See my Box of precious Ointment pag. 367 368 371 372 373. God is ever mindful of his Covenant and will have that singular care and that constant and due regard to it that not the least branch of it shall ever fail as you may clearly see by consulting the special Scriptures in the margin Hence it is called the mercy and the truth Mic. 7. 20. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob Heb. thou wilt give for all is of free gift and the mercy to Abraham The Covenant is called mercy because mercy only drew this Covenant it was free mercy it was mere mercy it was only mercy which moved God to enter into Covenant with us And it is called truth because the great God who has made this Covenant will assuredly make good all that mercy and all that grace and all that favour that is wrapped up in it God having made himself a voluntary debtor to his people he will come off fairly with them and not be worse than his word Hence Christ is said to Rev. 10. 1. Isa 54. 9 10. Jâ—r 33. 20 25. The stability of God's Covenant is compared to the unvariable course of the day and the night and to the firmness unmoveableness of the mighty mountains Isa 54 9 10. have a Rain-bow upon his head to shew that he is faithful and constant in his Covenant God hath hitherto kept promise with nights and days that one shall succeed the other therefore much more will he keep promise with his people Hence also the Covenant is called the Oath Luk. 1. 73. The oath which he sware unto our father Abraham You never read of God's Oath in a Covenant of works In that first Covenant you read not of Mediator nor of an Oath but in the Covenant of Grace you read both of a Mediator and of an Oath the more effectually to confirm us as touching the immutability of his will and purpose for the accomplishment of all the good and the great things that are mentioned in the Covenant of Grace The Covenant of Grace is incomparably more firm sure immutable and irrevocable than all other Covenants in the world Therefore it is said God willing Heb. 6. 17 18. Who shall doubt when God doth swear who cannot possibly deny himself or forswear himself more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath That by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have strong consolation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is a valiant strong prevailing consolation such as swalloweth up all worldly griefs as Moses his serpent did the sorcerers serpents or as the fire doth the fuel God's word his promise his Covenant is sufficient to assure us of all the good that he has engaged to bestow upon us yet God considering of our infirmity hath bound his word with an oath His word cannot be made more true but yet it may be made more credible Now two things make a thing more credible 1. The quality of the person-speaking 2. The manner of the speech If God doth not simply speak but solemnly swear we have the highest cause imaginable to rest assured and abundantly satisfied in the word and oath of God An oath amongst men is the strongest surest most sacred and inviolable bond For men verily swear by the greater Heb. 6. 16. and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife The end of an Oath among men is to
be deceived That Covenant that is built upon this rock of God's eternal purpose must needs be sure and therefore all that are in covenant with God need never fear falling away there is no man no power no devil no violent temptation that shall ever be able to overturn those that God has brought under the bond of the Covenant Joh. 10. 28 29 30 31. 1 Pet. 1. 5. But Secondly Consider that the Covenant of Grace is confirmed and made sure by the blood of Jesus Christ Heb. 13. 20. Heb. 9. 16 17. The main point which the Apostle intended by setting down the inviolableness of men's last Wills after their death is to prove that Christs death was very requisite for ratifying of the New Testament consult these scriptures Mat. 16. 21. Luk. 24. 26. Heb. 2. 10. cap. 2. 17. which is called the blood of the everlasting Covenant Christ by his irrevocable death hath made sure the Covenant to us The Covenant of Grace is to be considered under the notion of a Testament and Christ as the Testator of this will and testament Now look as a man's will and testament is irrevocably confirmed by the Testator's death For where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the Testator For a Testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilest the Testator liveth These two verses are added as a proof of the necessity of Christ's manner of confirming the new Testament as he did namely by his death The Argument is taken from the common use and equity of confirming Testaments which is by the death of the Testator A Testament is only and wholly at his pleasure that maketh it so that he may alter it or disanul it while he liveth as he seeth good but when he is dead he not remaining to alter it none else can do it In the seventeenth verse the Apostle declareth the inviolableness of a man's last will being ratified as before by the testator's death This he sheweth two ways 1. Affirmatively in these words A Testament is of force after men are dead 2. Negatively in these words otherwise it is of no strength Now from the affirmative and the negative it plainly appears that a Testament is made inviolable by the Testator's death so Jesus Christ hath unalterably confirmed this Will and Testament viz. The New Covenant by his blood and Heb. 9. 15. death That by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Christ died to purchase an eternal inheritance and on this ground eternal life is called an eternal inheritance for we come to it as heirs through the good will grace and favour of the purchaser thereof manifested by the last Will and Testament Hence you read This is my blood Maâ— 26. 28. of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins Again This cup is the new testament in my â—uk 22. 20. 1 Cor. 11. 25. blood which is shed for you The Covenant is called both a Covenant and a Testament because his Covenant and Testament is founded established ratified and immutably sealed up in and by his blood Christ is the faithful and true witness yea truth it self his word shall not Rev. 3. 14. Joh. 14. 6. Mark 13. 31. pass away If the word of Christ be sure if his promise be sure if his Covenant be sure then surely his last Will and Testament which is ratified and confirmed by his death must needs be very sure Christ's blood is too precious a thing to be spilt in vain but in vain is it spilt if his Testament his Covenant ratified thereby be altered If the Covenant of Grace be not a sure Covenant then 1 Cor. 1â— 14. Christ died in vain and our preaching is in vain and your hearing and receiving and believing is all in vain Christ's death is a declaration and evidence of the eternal counsel of his father which is most stable and immutable in it self but how much more is it so when it is ratified by the death of his dearest son In whom all the promises are yea 2 Cor. 1. 20. and Amen that is in Christ they are made performed and ratified By all this we may safely conclude that the Covenant of Grace is a most sure Covenant there can be no addition to it detraction from it or alteration of it unless the death of Jesus Christ whereby it 's confirmed be frustrated and overthrown Certainly the Covenant is as sure as Christ's death is sure The sureness and certainty of the Covenant is the ground and bottom of bottoms for our faith hope joy patience peace c. take this corner this foundation stone away and all will tumble were the Covenant uncertain a Christian could never have a good day all his days his whole life would be filled up with fears doubts disputes distractions c. and he would be still a crying out Oh! I can never be sure that God will be mine or that Christ will be mine or that mercy will be mine or that pardon of sin will be mine or that heaven will be mine Oh! I can never be sure that I shall escape the great damnation the worm 2 Thes 1. 9. that never dies the fire that never goes out or an eternal separation from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power The great glory of the Covenant is the certainty of the Covenant and this is the top of God's glory and of a Christian's comfort that all the mercies that are in the Covenant of Grace are the sure mercies of David and that all the Grace that is in the Covenant is sure Grace and that all the glory that is in the Covenant is sure glory and that all the external internal and eternal blessings of the Covenant are sure blessings I might further argue the sureness of the Covenant of Grace from all the attributes of God which are deeply engaged to make it good as his wisdom love power justice holiness faithfulness righteousness c. And I might further argue the certainty of the Covenant of Grace from the seals which God hath annexed to it You know what was sealed by the Kings Ring could not be altered God hath set his seals to this Covenant his Est 8. 8. broad seal in the Sacraments and his privy seal in the witness of his spirit and therefore the Covenant of Grace is sure and can never be reversed But upon several accounts I may not now insist on these things And therefore Eighthly and lastly the Covenant of Grace is stiled a well ordered Covenant 2 Sam. 23. 5. He hath made with me an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and sure Oh the admirable counsel wisdom love care and tenderness Rom. 11. 33 34 35 3â— 1 Câ—â— 2. 7. Eph. 1. 8.
câ—p 3. 10. Psal 1 â—7 5. Isa 4â— 28. Rev. 7. 12. of the blessed God that sparkles and shines in the well ordering of the Covenant of Grace Oh how comely and beautiful with what symmetry and proportion are all things in this Covenant ordered and prepared Oh what head can conceive or what tongue can express that infinite understanding that God has manifested in ordering the Covenant of Grace so as it may most and best suit to all the wants and straits and necessities and miseries and desires and longings of poor sinner's souls Here are â—it and full supplies for all our spiritual wants so excellently and orderly hath God composed and constituted the Covenant of Grace In the Covenant of Grace every poor sinner may find a suitable help a suitable remedy a suitable succour a suitable support a suitable supply The Covenant of Grace is so well ordered by the unsearchable wisdom of God that you may find in it remedies to cure all your spiritual diseases Jer. 33. 8. Eâ—â—â— 36. 25. â—sal 94. 19. and cordials to comfort you under all your soul-faintings and a spiritual Armory to arm you against all sorts of sins and all sorts of snares and all sorts of temptations and all sorts of oppositions and all sorts of enemies Eph. 6. 10. to the 18. whether inward or outward open or secret subtle or silly Dost thou oh distressed sinner want a loving God a compassionate God a reconciled God a sin-par doning God a tender hearted God here thou maist find Exod. 34. 5 6 7. him in the Covenant of Grace Dost thou oh sinner want a Christ to counsel thee by his wisdom and to Rev. 3. 17 18. cloath thee with his righteousness and to enrich thee with his grace and to enlighten thee with his eye-salve and to justifie thee from thy sins and to reconcile thee Aâ—â— 13. 39. 1 Thes 1. ult John 10. 28 29 30 31. to God and to secure thee from wrath to come and after all to bring thee to heaven here thou maist find him in a Covenant of Grace Dost thou oh sinner want the holy spirit to awaken thee and to convince thee of sin of righteousness and of judgment or to enlighten thee and teach thee and lead thee and guide Ezâ—k 36. 25 26 27. Luk. 11. 13. Eph. 1. 13. thee in the way everlasting or to cleanse thee or comfort thee or to seal thee up to the day of Redemption here thou maist find him in the Covenant of Grace Dost thou oh sinner want grace all grace great grace abundance of grace multiplyed grace here thou maist find it in the Covenant of Grace Dost thou oh sinner want peace or â—ase or rest or quiet in thy Conscience here thou maist find it in the Covenant of Grace Dost thou want oh sinner joy or comfort or content or satisfaction here thou maist have it in a Covenant of Grace Oh sinner sinner what ever thy bodily wants are or whatever thy soul wants are they may all be supplyed out of the Covenant of Grace God in his infinite wisdom and love has laid into the Covenant of Grace as into a common store all those good things and all those great things and all those suitable things that either sinners or saints can either beg or need Now the adequate suitableness of the Covenant of Grace to all a sinners wants straits necessities miseries and desires does sufficiently demonstrate the Covenant of Grace to be a well ordered Covenant Look as that is a well ordered Common-wealth where there are no wholsome Laws wanting to govern a â—pâ—ople and where there are no wholsome remedies wanting to relieve a people and where there are no defences wanting toâ— secure a people so that must needs be a well ordered Covenant where there is nothing wanting to govern poor souls or to secure poor souls or to save poor souls and such a Covenant is the Covenant of Grace I might easily lay down other arguments to evince the Covenant of Grace to be a well ordered Covenant As for the right placing of all persons and things in the Covenant of Grace and from the outward dispensation of it God reveiled it but gradually First he discovered it more darkly remotely and imperfectly as we see things a great way off but afterwards the Lord did more clearly fully immediately frequently and compleatly discover it as we discern things at hand God did not at once open all the riches and rarities of the Covenant to his people but in the opening of those treasures that were there laid up God had a respect to the non-age and full age of his people And from God's dispensing and giving out all the good and all the great things of the Covenant in their fittest time in a right and proper season when his people most need them and when they can live no longer without them but I must hasten to a closing up of this particular Thus you see in these Eight particulars how gloriously the Covenant of Grace under which the saints stand is set out in the blessed Scriptures Concerning the Covenant of Grace or the new Covenant that all sincere Christians are under and by which at last they shall be judged let me further say besides what I have already said All mankind had been eternally lost and God had lost all the glory of his mercy Asa â—1 1 2. Eâ—â— 1. 5 6 7. cap. 2. 5. 7. 8. 2 Sam. 7. 21. Rom. 9. 18 23. Jer. 3â— 38. 39 40 41. Ezâ—k 36. 25 26 27. Ezek. 16. 1. 10. Surely if a woman commit Adultery it is a mere act of favour if her husband accept of her again Jer. 3. 7. The Application is easie for ever had he not of his own free grace and mercy made a new Covenant with sinful man The fountain from whence this new Covenant flows is the grace of God Gen. 17. 22. I will make Hebrew I will my covenant This Covenant is called a Covenant of Grace because it flows from the mere grace and mercy of God There was nothing out of God nor nothing in God but his mere mercy and grace that moved him to enter into Covenant with poor sinners who were miserable who were loathsome and polluted in their blood and who had broken the Covenant of their God and were actually in arms against him This must needs be of mere favour and love for God to enter into Covenant with man when he lay wallowing in his blood and no eye pitied him no not his own As there was nothing in fallen man to draw God's favour or affection towards him so there was every thing in fallen man that might justly provoke God's wrath and indignation against him and therefore it must be a very high act of favour and grace for the great the glorious the holy the wise and the all-sufficient God to enter into Covenant with such a forlorn creature as fallen man was Nothing but free Grace was
7. 2 Sam. 22. 5. Heb. 7. 25. 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Isa 54. 10. whom I reserve Now Oh holy God I cannot but observe that in the New Covenant thou hast made such necessary choice absolute and blessed provision for thy poor people that no sin can disanul the Covenant or make a final separation between thee and thy Covenant-people Breaches made in the first Covenant were irreparable but breaches made in the New Covenant are not so because this New Covenant is established in Christ Christ lies at the bottom of the Covenant the New Covenant is an everlasting Covenant and all the breaches that we make upon that Covenant are repaired and made up by the blood and intercession of dear Jesus Every jar doth not break the marriage Covenant between husband and wife no more doth every sin break the new Covenant that is between God and our souls Every breach of peace with God is not a breach of Covenant with God That free that rich that infinite that sovereign and that glorious grace of God that shines in that Covenant of Grace tells us that our eternal estates shall never be judged by a Covenant of works and that the want of an absolute perfection shall never damn a believing soul and that the obedience that God requires at our hands is not a legal but an Evangelical obedience So long as a Christian doth not renounce his Covenant with God so long as he doth not wilfully wickedly and habitually break the bond of the Covenant the main the substance of the Covenant is not yet broken though some articles of the Covenant may be violated As among men there be some trespasses against some particular clauses in Covenants which though they be violated yet the whole Covenant is not forfeited 't is so here between God and his people And oh blessed God I cannot but observe that in the Heb. 8. 12. Jer. 31. 34. He is a forgiving God Nehem. 9. 31. None like him for that Mic. 7. 18. He forgives naturally Exâ—d 2 2. abundantly Isa 55. 7. 3. constantly Psal 130. 4. Mal. 3. 6. New Covenant thou hast engaged thy self to pardon all my sins I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more Here are two things worthy of our notice 1. The reconciliation of God with his people I will be merciful to their unrighteousness he will be merciful or propitious appeased and pacified towards them which hath respect to the ransome and satisfaction of Christ 2. That God will pardon the sins of his people fully compleatly perfectly here are three words unrighteousness sins and iniquities to shew that he will forgive all sorts kinds and degrees of sins The three Original words here expressed are all in the plural number 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unrighteousnesses This word is by some appropriated to the wrongs and injuries that are done against men 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sinnes is a general word and according to the notation of the Greek may imply a not following of that which is set before us for he sinneth that followeth not the rule that is set before him by God The third word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iniquities according to the notation of the Greek signifieth in general transgressions of the Law This word is by some appropriated to sins against God The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is frequently translated iniquity is a general word which signifieth a transgression of the Law and so it is translated 1 Joh. 3. 4. The word iniquity is of as large an extent as the word unrighteousness and implyeth an unequal dealing which is contrary to the rule or law of God And all this heap of words is to intimate to us that 't is neither the several sorts of sins nor degrees of sin nor aggravations of sin nor yet the multitude of sins that shall ever prejudice those souls that are in Covenant with God God hath mercy enough and pardons enough for all his Covenant-people's sins whether original or actual whether against the Law or against the Gospel whether against the light of nature or the rule of grace whether against mercies or judgments whether against great means of grace or small means of grace The Covenant Remedy against all sorts and degrees of sin doth infinitely transcend and surpass all our infirmities and enormities our weaknesses and wickednesses our follies and unworthinesses c. What is our unrighteousness to Christ's righteousness our debts to Christ's pardons our unholiness to Christ's holiness our â— Câ—r 1. 30. Phil. 1. 3 9 10. Mal. 4 2. emptiness to Christ's fulness our weakness to Christ's strength our poverty to Christ's riches our wounds to that healing that is under the wings of the Sun of Righteousness Parallel to this Heb. 8. 12. is that noble description Exod. 34. 6 7. that Moses gives of God in that book of Exâ—dus The Lord the Lord merciful and gracious forgiving iniquity transgression and sin Some by these three words do understand such sins as are committed against our neighbour against God or against our selves A merciful God a gracious God will pardon all sorts of sinners and all sorts and degrees of sin by what names or titles soever they be stiled or distinguished Some by iniquity do understand sins of infirmity and by transgression they understand sins of malice and by sin they understand sins of ignorance God is said to keep mercy and to forgive all sorts of sins as if his mercy were kept on purpose for pardoning all sorts of sinners and all sorts of sins The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gnavon that is here translated iniquity signifies that which is unright unequal crooked or perverse it notes the vitiosity or crookedness of nature it notes crooked offences such as flow from malice hatred and are committed on purpose Secondly the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pashang that is here translated transgression signifies to deal unfaithfully it notes such sins as are treacherously committed against God such sins as flow from pride and contempt of God Thirdly the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chataah generally signifieth sin but is more especially here taken for sins of ignorance and infirmity Oh! what singular mercy what rich grace is here that God will not only pardon our light our small offences but our great and mighty sins c. And I cannot oh dear father but further observe that in the New Covenant thou hast frequently and deeply engaged thy self that thou wilt remember the sins of thy people no more Oh my God thou hast told me six several times in thy word that thou wilt remember my sins no more In the New Covenant thou hast engaged thy self not only to forgive but also to forget and that thou wilt cross thy debt book and never question or call me to an account for my sins that thou wilt pass an
Christ was manifested to be a true man he had a body like ours a body subject to manifold infirmities yea to death it self That body which Christ had is said to be prepared by God the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is translated prepared is a Metaphor from Mechanicks who do artificially fit one part of their work to another and so finish the whole God fitted his son's body to be joyned with the Deity and to be an expiatory sacrifice for sin The word prepared implies that God the father ordained formed and made fit and able Christ's humane nature to undergo suffer and fulfil that for which he was sent into the world God the father is here said to have prepared Christ a body because Christ having received of his father the humane nature out of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Mat. 1. 20. Luk 1. 31. 35. Holy Ghost here gives up the same unto the service of his father to do to suffer to die that he might be a sacrifice of expiation for our sins As for the words of the Psalmist Psal 40. 6. Mine ear hast thou opened Heb. digged open It is a proverbial manner of speech whereby there is implyed the qualifying or fitting a man unto obedience in service the ear or the opening of the ear Isa 50 5. Job 3. 16. being an emblem or symbol or a Metaphorical sign of obedience Now St. Paul following the translation of the Septuagint and being directed by the spirit of God expounds this of God's sanctifying and fitting a body unto Christ wherein hs was obedient even unto the shameful death of the Cross These words thou hast bored through mine ears do import that Christ now becoming man gives up himself to be a willing servant of his father to obey him unto the death of the cross And it is a similitude taken from the servants of the Hebrews who after that they had served their masters six years would not depart out of their master's service the seventh year but abide in it continually until death for a testimony whereof their ear was bored thorow on the posts of the door as may be seen Exod. 21. 6. It is therefore as much as if he should say thou hast given me a body that is willing and ready in thy service even unto death But to conclude this head the Apostle speaking of disanulling the sacrifice of the Law he uses this word body to set out a sacrifice which should come in stead of the legal sacrifices to effect that which the legal sacrifices could not effect But Fourthly Observe that Christ our Mediator freely and readily offers himself to be our pledg and surety Then said I lo I come to wit as surety to pay the ransome and to do thy will O God Every word carrieth a special emphasis as 1. The time Then even so soon as he perceived that his father had prepared his body for such an end then without delay this speed implyeth forwardness and readiness he would lose no opportunity 2. His profession in this word said I he did not closely secretly timorously as being ashamed thereof but he maketh profession before-hand 3. This note of observation Lo this is a kind of calling Angels and men to witness and a desire that all might know his inward intention and the disposition of his heart wherein was as great a willingness as any could have to any thing 4. An offering of himself without any enforcement or compulsion this he manifesteth in this word I come 5. That very instant set out in the present tense I come he puts it not off to a future and uncertain time but even in that moment he saith I come 6. The first person twice expressed thus I said I come he sendeth not another person nor substituteth any in his room but he even he himself in his own person cometh All which do abundantly evidence Christ's singular readiness and willingness as our surety to do his father's will though it were by suffering and by being made a sacrifice for our sins God's will was the rule of Christ's active and passive obedience Jesus Christ our only Mediatour and surety by free and ready obedience and death did make a proper real and full satisfaction to God's justice for the sins of all the Elect. Christ hath by his death and blood as an invaluable price of our redemption made sure the favour of God the pardon of our sins and the salvation of our souls Christ hath freed his chosen from all temporal spiritual and eternal punishments properly so called so that now the mercy of God may embrace the sinner without the least of wrong to his truth or justice But Fifthly Observe that Jesus Christ our surety does not only agree with his father about the price that he was to lay down for our redemption but also agrees with his father about the persons that were to be redeemed and their sanctification Heb. 10. 10. By the which will that is by the execution of which will by the obedience of Christ to his heavenly father we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all Jesus Christ agrees with the father that all those shall be sanctified for whom he has suffered and satisfied The vertue efficacy and benefit of that which ariseth from the aforesaid will of the father and of the son is expressed under this word sanctified To pass by the notation and divers acceptations of this word sanctified let it suffice to tell you It is not here to be taken as distinguished from justification or glorification as it is else where taken but 1 Cor. 1. 30. cap. 6. 11. so as comprising under it all the benefits of Christ's sacrifice In this general and large extent it is sometimes Heb. 10. 14. cap. 2. 11. A◠26. 18. taken only this word sanctified here gives us to understand that perfection consisteth especially in holiness for he expresseth the perfection of Christ's sacrifice under the word sanctified which implyeth a making holy this Eccles 7. 31. was that special part of perfection wherein man was made at first and whereunto the Apostle alludeth where Eph. 4. 2◠he exhorteth To put on that new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness for this end Christ gave himself even unto death for his Church that he might sanctifie it The principal thing under this Eph. 5. 25. word sanctified in this place is that Christ's sacrifice maketh perfect in this respect Christ's sacrifice is here opposed to the legal sacrifices which could not make perfect So that Christ's sacrifice was offered up to do that which they could not do for this end was Christ's sacrifice surrogated in the room of the legal sacrifices now this surrogation had been in vain if Christ's sacrifice had not made us perfect if the dignity of his person that was offered up and his
work of Creation Again the works of Providence are great very great in the eye of God of Angels of men but what are the workâ— of Providence to the works of Redemption for in order to the accomplishment of that great work Christ must put off his Royal Robâ—s take a journey from heaven to earth assume our nature do and die c. Again the work of Redemption by Christ will be sound a great work if you will but compare it with those Redemptions that were but Types of this Israel's Redemption from their Egyptian Bondage and from their Babilonish Bondage were very great Redemptions that were brought about by a strong hand a mighty hand and an out-stretched arm as the Scripture speaks But alas what were those Redemptions to our being redeemed from the love of sin the guilt of sin the dominion of sin the damnatory power of sin and to our being redeemed from the power of Satan the curse 1 Tâ—â—s 1. 〈…〉 of the Law Hell and wrath to come Lastly the great things that are wrapped up in the womb in the belly of Redemption speak out our Redemption by Christ to be a very great Redemption in the womb of this Redemption you shall find reconciliation justification adoption eternal salvation c. and are not these great very great things surely yes But A Second excellent Property of that Redemption that we have by Christ is this that its a free and gracious Redemption All the rounds in this Ladder of Redemption are made up of free rich and soveraign grace though our Redemption cost Christ dear as has been before hinted yet as to us it is most free Eph. 1. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blâ—od the forgiveness of sins according 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this word properly signiâ—ies a deliverance which is brought to pass by â—â—â—ing of a ranâ—â—â— and price 〈◊〉 Mat. 20. 28. 1 â—â—r 6. 20. 1 〈◊〉 1. 18. to the riches of his grace that is according to his exceeding great and abundant grace Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus our Redemption is from the free love and favour of God It was free grace that put God the father upon finding out a way for the redemption of lost sinners It was free Grace that put God upon providing of such a surety as should undertake the work of Redemption as should carry on the work of Redemption and as should accomplish and compleat the work of Redemption And it was free grace that moved God the father to accept of what Christ did and suffered in order to the bringing about of our Redemption and it is free Grace that moves God to make an application of this Redemption to the souls of his people Ah poor souls the Lord looks not neither Isa 52. 3. for money nor moneys worth from you towards the purchase of your Redemption and therefore always look upon your Redemption as the mere fruit of rich Grace But The Third excellent Property of that Redemption that we have by Jesus Christ is this it is a full and plenteous Redemption Psal 130. 7. Let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption Christ redeems us from all sin and from all Tit. 2. 14. Hos 13. 14. the consequences of sin he redeems from death and from the power of the grave he redeems us from the Rom. 7. 6. Gal. 4. 5. Gal. 3. 13. Law and from the malediction of the Law Christ took that off he was made a curse for all that believe on him he did not only stand in the room of eminent believers but he stood in the room of all believers and endured the wrath of God to the uttermost for every one that believeth on him Every believer is freed from a cursed estate by the least faith every degree of true faith makes the condition to be a state of life and passeth us from death and condemnation There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus And Christ redeems us from this present Rom. 8. 1. Gal. 1. 4. Rev. 14. 3 4. 1 Thes 1. 10. Luk. 1. 71 74. evil world and from the earth and from among men and from wrath to come and from the hands of all our enemies Jesus Christ hath gone thorough-stitch with the work of our Redemption Christ does not his work by halves all his works are perfect there is no defect or flaw in them at all Christ does not redeem us from some of our sins and leave us to grapple with the rest he doth not work out some part of our Redemption and leave us to work out the rest he doth not bear the heat and burden of divine wrath in part and leave us to wrestle with other parts of divine wrath O! no Christ makes most complete work of it he redeems us from all our iniquities he delivers us out of the hands of all our enemies he pays Heb. 7. 25. all debts he cuts all scores he delivers from all wrath he takes off the whole curse he saves to the uttermost and will settle us in a state of full and perfect freedom when grace shall be turned into glory in heaven our Redemption shall be entire and and perfect The Fourth excellent Property of that Redemption that we have by Jesus Christ is this It is an eternal a permanent a lasting yea an everlasting Redemption Heb. 9. 12. Neither by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place having obtained eâ—ernal redemption for us Redemption is in general Exod. 6. 6. a freeing one out of thraldom Now this is done three ways 1. By interceding and pacifying wrath Thus the Prophet Oded procured Redemption for the Captives 2 Chron. 28. 9 c. of Judah by his intercession 2. By force and might Thus Abraham redeemed his brother Lot and the people that Gen. 14. 16. were captives with him by overcoming their enemies 3. By ransom or paying a price Thus an Hebrew that Levit. 25. 48 49. was sold a slave to a stranger might be redeemed by one of his brethren the last of these is most agreeable to the notation of the several words which in the three learned languages do signify to redeem though the last be especially intended In that mention is made of a price namely Christ's blood yet the other two are not altogether exempted for Christ hath all those three ways redeemed his people This will more clearly appear if we duly weigh the distinct kinds of bondage in which we Maâ— 6. 12. Eph. 2 3. Heb. 2. 143 5. were by reason of sin 1. We were debtors to Divine Justice 2. We were children of wrath 3. We were slaves to Satan 1. As debtors Christ hath paid a ransom for us 2. As children of wrath Christ makes intercession for us 3. But though Divine