yet he did not in that deal with Men but with God for them true in the fitting and preparing his Body which he took to offer he did deal with the Nature though not with the Persons of Mankinde in that he took flesh of the Seed of a Woman that was of the Seed of David of Abraham of Adam and had thereof his Body framed which he took into union of person with himself so that the Man Christ is God Man the Son of God And this also is true That walking on the Earth in that Body in his Ministration of the Gospel and mercies and miracles extended he dealt with Men to do them good yea as there were several ends in his death one to make propitiation for sins one to confirm the Testament of precious promises and one to bear witness of the Truth he had taught and therein shew his love and faithfulness as a Minister and true and faithful Shepherd his love and faithfulness to his Hearers which were his sheep and as in respect of the first End not the Scribes and Pharisees but God laid on him the iniquity of us all and delivered him to death for our sins and in respect of the second End he willingly gave up the Ghost and died as for our sins so to confirm the New Testament in his Blood so in respect of the third End the Priests Scribes and Pharisees envying and hating him for his Gospel preaching did crucifie him and put him to death which also he willingly under went to witness the Truth as he had taught as hath been more latâ—ely shewn in other Treatises * Vin. of God's free-grace c 2. Dise about the precious blood of Christ ch 3. with uncovery of mystcrious deceits P. 31. and so in his dying as it was for witness-bearing to the Truth he had taught it was a part of his Ministration in which he had to deal with Men 〈◊〉 his abasement under the Law and so his suffering and death as it was for propitiation-making and so in offering his whole Oblation and Sacrifice he did not deal with Men or offer to Men but for Men he offered the Oblation and Sacrifice to God only which I insist on to this end That we may look for and judge of the efficacie and prevailing vertue and power of this Oblation Sacrifice and Ransom given by Christ first in the offering it to God and therein in the prevalency it hath with God in Gods acceptance of it and giving into his hands all that for the receit whereof he offered it that the Nature of Man be in him exalted and received into union with God and filled with the Holy Ghost and invested with the inheritance and Lordship and power to save and judge and that all Mankinde be released into his dispose c. in which the prevalency of his offering to God is to be seen and so the effectualness of it judged according to the prevalency it hath with God to whom the Sacrifice was offered and not first to be judged or looked on as effectual only as it hath its efficacy in Men and prevaileth with them no not to be seen that way at all before some making of it known in some application of the vertues of it to Men after which application it will in due time be seen also in its efficaciousness in upon them also both in the receivers in drawing them in to Christ and in comforting purifying and quickning them and giving them boldness of access to God and hope of Glory and all upon the account of him that first engaged his Heart to approach to God in their Nature for them And indeed there was not any other but he either fit or able to have dealt with God for Men none of the fallen Race of Mankinde rich or poor one or other could by any means redeem his Brother or give to God Ransom for him Psal 49.7 8. 40.6 7 8. with â— v. 10. â—-20 for the Redemption of their Souls is precious c. yea all the Sacrifices offered by former and typical High-Priests and Priests could not do this with God this could none do but he that is both God and Man in one Person and through his approach to God all that believe receive the liberty of approach to God and partake of Life c. and not only is this his Oblation efficacious in Receivers 〈◊〉 will he 〈◊〉 so to be also in and upon Refusers and Râ—jâ—â—ers 〈◊〉 they shall come and bow before him and 〈◊〉 know 〈◊〉 Lord to the Glory of God and to judged by him which things have been more largely shewn in another Treatise * Disc of the precious blood of Christ ch 8 9 10. 11. But all the efficacies in and with Men is after application to Men before which its efficacie is with God and that we may not judge of the efficacy of Christ his offering by what is seen in and upon Men only nor limit its efficacy to that scantling Joh. 12.48 Phil. 8.10 11. but acknowledge it according to its prevalency with God to whom it was offered for all that for which it was offered hath all this been said To God he offered his Oblation CHAP. 6. 4. For whom and in whose behalf Christ offered this Sacrifice FOr whom Jesus Christ gave himself is also answered Tit. 2.14 1 Cor. 5.7 1 Thes 5.10 1 Joh. 3.16 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 3.13 Eph. 5.2 He gave himself for Us and so in many places of Scripture it 's so said Christ our passeover is sacrificed for Us who died for Us he laid down his life for Us he was made sin for Us being made a curse for Us and hath given himself for Us an offering c. So that the right understanding of the Persons for whom Christ gave himself is found in the right understanding of the word Us in what sense it is used in this and such-like sayings The wor Us as Our and We is used somtime in some sayings as pointing out some peculiar people distinct and severed from other people and then it 's made known to be so meant in the same sayings by speaking to or of some with an expression or intimation of some others to whom they are opposed as in these places on the Margent and divers others a Dout. 5.3 9.16 1 Cor. 4.9 2 Cor. 3.3 1 Pet. 4.17 1 Joh. 2.19 2 cv 5.9 10. but here is neither expression nor intimation to lead us to such an understanding of Us here The word Us is found in such-like business as this to be used applicatively in Profession or Confession grounded on a large and sure Foundation and including in its saying two manner of People or sorts of Men the one sort such whom it concerneth and yet they understand it not and so neither believe it nor confess it the other sort such as do understand believe and confess the Truth and Goodness of that asserted that others
of all that debt in and by the Gospel and the mâ—ans used towards us have still many following and daily sins and defilements and need this spiritual Application and sprinkling of his Blood for our cleansing and peace and we are found weak in believing and need that spiritual sprinkling of his Blood to confirm our Faith in him for the Promises of the New Testament all which things how he is furnished to help us hath been foreshewed But he is righteous holy harmless in him never was or is or will be any sin and for what cause he should be sprinkled with his own Blood who will fancy Sure I will not believe because it is Scriptureless and agreeth not with the Rule given and consented to pag. 26. As for those Expressions of Christ dying for his Elect seeing that there could be none elect in him but as he is beheld as having died offered his Oblation nor is any of Mankinde reprobated but as thus are beheld rejecting him that offered the Oblation And so though it be true That Christ hath once died and offered the Oblation both for those that now are elect and those that now are reprobated and by vertue of the same Oblation will eternally save the one and justly condemn the other yet he died and offered the Oblation for no Man as elect nor for any Man as reprobated but for all Men as sinners fallen in Adam Therefore that Expression of dying for his elect or dying for the reprobate are neither the one nor the other found in the Holy Scriptures but in the sayings of those that strive to shun or shadow the Light These and such-like Expressions being not in the Scripture may by the Rule be easily avoided And enough is said and plain sayings of Scripture directed to in treating of the Oblation Part 1. ch 7. to fence against all such-like Expressions therefore they are forborn here CHAP. 10. Some Instructions from the Gospel-Testimony of the Oblation of Christ about Christ and the Gospel of Christ FRom that is in Scripture testified concerning the Oblation of Christ what was offered by whom to whom for whom for what and to what End we may perceive learn and know certainly 1. That Jesus Christ is the last Adam the second publick Man 1 Cor. 15.45 46 46.47 Rom. 5.18 Gen. 3.15 Heb. 2.14 2 Tim. 1.10 1 Joh. 5.6 7 8. the spiritual Man the Lord from Heaven the quickning Spirit in whom there is a full Restauration of the Nature of Man and for Mankinde compleated as there was depravation in the first Adam And so that he is the promised Seed that hath by his own Oblation in himself as the publick Man taken away sin overcome Death and destroyed the works of the Devil and is furnished to do and will do the same in others according to the Agreement between the Father and him for Mankinde for the good of Men and the everlasting benefit of all that unfeignedly believe on him Gen. 22.18 Gal. 3.13 14 16. Gen. 7 5 6 7. Is 53.8 9.6 Ioh. 10.58 Rom. 9.7 8. Act. 13.32 33. Is 9 6. Is 49.1 2 3 8. Hos 12.4 Heb. 5.7 9. Mat. 6.6 Joh. 4.42 and so he is that true Seed in which is blessing for all Nations that all believing in him may receive it yea the true spiritual Abraham the everlasting Father the true spiritual Isaac or Son of promise in whom the Seed shall be called the true Israel that hath prevailed with God by whom God speaks with us yea he is the great and true Prophet Act. 22. the great and only true high Priest Heb. 3.1 and 7. the true and spiritual David and King Ezek. 34. and 37.24 Rev. 22.16 Heb. 7.1 In a word he is the Christ the Son of the living God the Saviour of the World yea and so neerly related to us that he is the Son of Adam Abraham David yea the Son of Man our Kinsman that loves us is allied to us and in our Nature who came to save sinners 2. That Jesus Christ in respect of his Oblation Jam. 1.13 1 Cor. 5.17 Rev. 3.14 Rev. 5.1 Col. 1.18 Is 42.1 Rev. 1.18 Tit. 3.5 6. Rev. 1.11 17. 22 5 6 7. compleated is the beginning of the Creation of God the new Creation called Emphatically The Creation of God he is the first-begotten and first-born from the Dead the first elect that was once dead and is now alive for evermore and so he is the Fountain of the proceeding and compleating of the whole new Creation of Regeneration of Adoption Gal. 4.5 of Election 2 Thes 2.13 of Resurrection 1 Cor. 15.21 22 23. yea the Alpha and Omega the first and the last the beginning and the end in all these yea so it pleased the Father that he should be the first and that all fulness should dwell in him that in all things he might have the pre-eminence Col. 1.18 19 20. 3. That Jesus Christ in respect of this his Oblation Is 23.16 Heb. 6.1 Is 32.2 1 Pet. 2.3 4 5. 1 Cor. 3.11 Act. 4.11 12. Eph. 2. â—8 Joh. 14.6 10.7 9. compleated is that precious stone so tried in his Power Love and Faithfulness by so great sufferings and proved excellent and prevalent with God and for Men which God hath laid in Sion for a Foundation a Foundation of Repentance and Faith and for Believers to rest and be built upon yea he is the only Foundation and there is no other whereby Men may be saved yea he is nor only the Foundation but the true door and way of all right and true approach to God and of entrance into fellowship with and service of him and his people yea he is the Way the Truth and the Life 4. The Testimony of Christ being comprehended in the Testimony of his Oblation and Mediation and glorious coming again this of his Oblation and its prevalency with God for Men in that he obtained and is become which includeth and assureth though it explicate not his Mediation and second coming it is and is rightly called both The Word of the Beginning of Christ and The Vision of All. First Heb. 6.1 it is called The Word of the Beginning of Christ or as some translate it The Doctrine of the Beginning of Christ of his Incarnation See the eight first Chapters of this par 2. Death Resurrection Ascension Sacrifice offered the Ends and Vertues thereof the Peace he hath made thereby the Overthrow he hath given to Sin Satan Death the Redemption he hath obtained and the fulness of Spirit he hath received even for the Rebellious that the Lord might dwell among them he being the Saviour of the World the Propitiation for the sins of the whole World the Lord of All so as whoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life and he the Judge of All and the Love of God to Manward herein testified This the Word of the Beginning of Christ and the Beginning of
this that in due time he will in that body of his personally come again and receive them to himself and then take his great power and raign and they shall raign with him nor need they be deceived about this his coming Mat. 25.32.46 Joh. 5.28 29. for it shall be so personal open and visible that every eye shall see him and when he doth sit upon the Throne of his glory then shall all Nations be gathered before him and having raised all the dead will separate those that have believed in him and lived to him from those that have rebelled against him setting the one on his right hand and the other on his left hand and then judge and give sentence on both and the righteous that are on the right hand shall go into everlasting joy and the wicked that are on the left hand shall go into everlasting Fire there to be tormented for ever and that all that believe on him may with patience and comfort wait till that day come he taught and assured them that he would not leave them as Orphans comfortless Ioh. 14.16 17 18 26. but by his word and Spirit in that word he with them and in them and by that Spirit both minde them of Joh. 16.13 14 15. 15.4 7. 1 Pet. 1.5 Joh. 14.6 10.9 14.9 10. and teach them the words that he had fore-given them and also so take of the things of Christ and shew to them that he should present him glorious to them and lead them into all truth that by Faith well-pleasedness in him they may be made fruitful and preserved to the inheritance and that he thus discovered is the door and way of access to the Father and entrance into the Church yea the Father is in him and he in the Father and all that is the Father's is his so that in seeing and having him they see and have the Father also and that he is the Truth and the Life in whom they have Wisdom Righteousness 1.3 Sanctification and Redemption Covenant quickning and all spiritual Riches and Life yea he is such a sure Rock that whoever is found in believing built on him Mat. 16.18 1 Pet. 2.3 4 5. the gates of Hell shall not prevail against him his Flesh even his Body as given for the Life of the World is Bread of Life and Meat indeed and his Blood as having confirmed the New Testament is Drink indeed Joh. 6.51 58 63. 15.10 17.24 and what Spirit or Soul of Man soever eateth and drinketh hereof shall never die but have everlasting Life his words are Spirit and Life and as the Father hath loved him even so hath he loved those that believe in him and will come again and receive them to himself that where he is they may be also So that in all this is a blessed clear great gracious and glorious Revelation of Jesus Christ in his own personal teachings Yet to free them from mistakes and inform them cleerly how by him this blessed and saving work shall be carried an end till his coming again that there may be a spiritual Seed encreased and preserved to him till then he instructed them how Men and Women should be brought in to God namely John 3.14 15. Tit. 2.3 Mar. 16.25 Rom. 16.26 that He even Christ the Son of God and Saviour of the World as thus manifested to them must be by them so made known to others yea lifted up and made manifest by preaching his word he had taught them and this to all Men all Nations and in and about this right preaching manifestation elevation declaration and tenders of Christ he taught them much and many things as appears plainly by his own sayings to them and theirs which they learned of him as to instance some of them 1. That it be Jesus that be lifted up and exalted as the Christ Joh. 8.14 15. Luk. 24.47 43. Joh. 15.26 Rom. 1.1 5. 16.25 26. 1 Cor. 22. 3.10 11. 2 Cor. 4.5 1 Joh. 1.1 2 3. 5.6 7 8 9 10 11 12. Isa 49.6 the Son of the living God the Propitiation for our sins he in whom God is well-pleased who by vertue of his death is the Lord of all the onely Rock and Refuge in whom whoever believeth shall receive forgiveness of sins this Jesus the He and not the works of the Law not any order or sort of men not any dreams or devices nor any personal endowments or gifts nor any internal Lights and Operations but onely Jesus Christ to be the Lord the Foundation the He in whom all Peace Righteousness and Eternal Life is prepared of God for us and given us of God in him even in Jesus Christ that in believing in him we may receive it and have it And this is plain in comparing his sayings and theirs 2. Joh. 3.16 17. 1 Joh. 4.9 10 14. Rom. 5.6 7 8 9 10. Tit. 3.4 5. 2 Cor. 5.14 15 19 21. That both this gift of Christ the Saviour of the World and the setting him forth and tendering him in the Gospel is and is to be affirmed a fruit and witness of the love of God to the world to Mankinde even sinners and ungodly ones and the love Grace and good-will of God here-through commended and tendered to them that they might repent and believe and in believing receive remission of sins and eternal Life and this is plain in comparing his sayings and theirs according to that prophesied Psa 36.6 7 8. 145.8 9. Isa 55.4 3. That the end and purpose of God in this gift of Christ and so setting him forth Joh. 3.17 Luk. 9.56 Mat. 18.11 Joh. 12.47 Isa 42.6 7 8. 49.6 8 9. 55.4 5. 63.1 2 3. Act. 3.26 14.15 26.17 18. Joh. 12.35 36 46. 9.5 Joh. 1.4 7 8 9. and making him known and witnessing and commending his love through him and so the end of Christ his first coming and Ministration and of his continuing the same Ministration of the Gospel in which he is still sent held forth and tendered to men till his personal coming again is that the world might be saved yea sinners and the chief sinners that the eyes of the blinde might be opened c. and men brought in to believe and so turned from darkness to light from the power of Satan to God that so they may receive Remission of sins and inheritance among them that are sanctified by Faith that is in Jesus Christ and this is plain in the sayings of Christ by himself and by his Spirit in the Prophets and by his Spirit in the sayings of those that learned it of him whence he saith of his Ministration that while he is in the world he is the Light of the World and so before was and in the Ministration of his chosen Witnesses will be till his coming again Mat. 5.13 14 15 16. whence his Servants as Ministers of the Gospel are also called
God are Yea and Amen and now he is given and set forth in the Gospel to us for Light Law Covenant Promise and witness of God's Love to us This the Testimony and the in-giving of a particular word an inferiour Testimony and not so usual now yet God tendering us in our infancy vouchsafing such speaking Inspirations to us for good to draw us to look more to his Son to rest on him if we sit down and take up our rest in these speakings short of him we shall turn that which was for our welfare into a snare but of this he hath mercifully forewarned us in making known to us That without his bloodshedding there could have been no Remission for us and without the same in the vertue of it sprinkled upon our hearts there can be no forgiveness received by us and that he himself as he was crucified for our sins and is risen in our Nature just for our justification and is now at the right hand of God appearing in our Nature for us even so he and he only is the object held forth for healing and life the Revealer of the Father's Minde the only Foundation to rest on and Bread of Life to feed on and so herein hath warned us of this and all the former deceits for as Paul to some miscarrying said of himself 1 Cor. 1.13 Was Paul crucified for you or were you baptized in the Name of Paul so it may be said Was any of your Works of righteousness or was your brokenness mortification vivification and performances or was an inspiration to you and receit by you crucified and made a curse for you did any of these die for your sins and rise for your justification and give the ransom and sacrifice for you or were or could you according to the commission of Christ be baptized in the Name of any of these Surely no therefore none of these can be your bottom or foundation to rest on nor the true Bread of life for you to feed on Nor will you say The eternal Purpose of God and his Election was made sin and a curse for you and so crucified dead and buried for you and raised and offered in sacrifice for you and so not the first thing appearing the bottom and foundation to rest on the real Bread of life to feed on but Christ onely who did all this according to Purpose being God's Elect c. and hath not God discovered his love to us and his unwillingness that we should perish and his readiness to receive retain help and save us by giving us these warnings and helping us with such things to awe and terrifie the flesh and to resist all Doctrines and Spirits of Delusion And is there not in the same warnings given 2 Cor. 15.1 2 15. Ezek. 18. 33.1 9 10 11 19. Joh. 15.1 2 15 an intimate and sure Promise That if we according to the light and strength he giveth us avoid these lets and pull-backs he will follow on with more Grace and enable us in believing to mix the Promises with Faith See the Scriptures and so these Warnings are one good Help Another is II. Instruction to the business of mixing the word with Faith Isa 55.2 3 4. that so we may live indeed by Faith and that is by eating that which is good and letting our Soul delight it self in fatness so we shall be verily fed with the sure mercies of David In which Instruction we have three things explained by Christ for our Help 1. That it is good and fatness meat ready prepared nothing of our provision Prov. 9.1 2 3 4 5 6. Mat. 22.1 2 3 4. Luk. 14.17 Isa 55.1 2 3. Joh. 6.27 29 32. that hath any blemish or want in it nor onely a Purpose and Promise of something to be done but a real business and heavenly substance prepared and according to Purpose and Promise fulfilled a Sacrifice that was slain and the blood shed and the Sacrifice offered to God and so Peace made Redemption obtained Spirit received and Promises confirmed by his Blood and so in this bread of life and wine mingled all provided ready and set sorth and all even the worst of sinners called to it and have liberty to come and all comers freely to eat of this good and fatness 2. 1 Cor. 15.1 4. Rom. 4.25 1 Tim. 2.5 6. Col. 1.23 24. Heb. 9.12 14. 10.5 10. Ioh. 6.27 33 35 48 50 51. Joh. 18.37 Mat. 26.28 Heb. 9.15 16 17. Prov. 9.2 5. Joh. 6.51 53 54 55 56 67. That Jesus Christ himself as he was wounded for our transgressions died for our sins and rose for our justification and offered up himself a spotless sacrifice to God for us and so redeemed us from the curse of the Law obtained eternal Redemption and is now alive for ever in our Nature appearing before God for us to present us in that Body of his c. so he is the very bread of life and his flesh is meat indeed And as by his sufferings and blood-shedding he did both witness the Truth and confirm the New Testament of precious Promises and being risen and ascended ever liveth a Mediator of this New Testament by vertue of his blood That the Called may receive c. so his blood is drink indeed and this tender of it wine mingled And this in Christ is the provision given us to feed on all other things beside tendered by any or conceived by us to be sed on for life are in that respect vanity and deceit and unless we do eat of this flesh of Christ and drink of his blood there will be no life in us but in feeding on this we shall live for ever 3. That the manner of our eating that which is good and fatness in feeding on him Joh. 6.27 29 33 51. is not onely in believing him the Saviour sent of God and sealed by God to give eternal life but also that in this believing we believe him the Saviour of the World that gave his flesh for the life of the World and giveth life unto the World and so in exercise of this Faith eat or feed on him by minding and serious confidering believing resting and taking our well-pleasedness and satisfying in him his flesh his body that was broken and died for our sins and is riseh for our justification and offered up a sacrifice to God for us in that he hath done all this for the sins of the World for Mankinde sinners enemies and so hath made an Atonement and redeemed them from the curse of the Law and procured all Mankinde into his dispose Joh. 6.33 1.4 5. Rom. 5.18 Rom. 2.4 Joh. 1.5 8 9. Eccles 9.4 so that by him their lives are prolonged and God will neither now nor hereafter judge them by that Law nor cause them to perish for ever in that death they fell under in that first Adam which judgement and death Christ hath undergone and overcome for them
Blessing on it are all to this end and have this tendency that the world might believe in which believing they shall receive forgiveness and life So that this Branch of the Testimony of the Intercession of Christ thus far is together with his Oblation offered good News true Gospel to be preached to the World to all men that they might believe and having fitness and power to draw them that they might believe it being all also true before they believe that they might believe and so true whether they believe it or not CHAP. 13. Of the more special Mediation of Christ or his Mediation as more specially considered THe more special Mediation of Jesus Christ is his Mediation of the New Testament and this also is by vertue of his Oblation once offered and that to this end That Believers may be preserved in peace Heb. 9. enjoy the Promises of the New Testament and be brought to receive the promised Inheritance And in this respect he is and is called Heb. 8.2.6 The Minister of the Sanctuary and true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man and so the Mediator of a better Covenant established upon better Promises Heb. 12.24 Heb 9.14 15. his Blood being sprinkled on those that come to him speaketh peace to them and purgeth their Conscience c. Therefore also his Mediation is of this New Testament that they which are called might receive the promised Inheritance this Mediation being so full and excellent his special Intercession is in it Whence also it is sometime called Advocation for the fulness of his dealing in it in removing all Stops procuring Grants and affording Instructions and Consolation that Believers may enjoy Peace Compare 1 Joh. 5.7 9. with 1 Joh. 2.1 2. Freedom Union and Fellowship with him and the Father and be preserved in and to their Hope So it is said If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous He saith not If any man sin he hath an Advocate as if this were the common priviledge of all men nor saith he only If any of us sin we have an Advocate as if we had no hope to pray for any but Believers but in general If any man sin whoever of us or not of us if a man we have an Advocate one with the Father known to us and believed in by us to go to God by who advocateth for us and he is righteous and will procure us a gracious Answer when we in his Name pray for our selves or for the Church or any of it yea and also when according to his will we pray for others that are yet of the world for he is also the Propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world so as by his Oblation having made peace for Mankinde and being now the Mercy-Seat of God and the Propitiation to propitiate and mediating with God for that end whereby he hath propitiated us and brought us in to believe in God and is also become our Advocate Joh. 10.9 14.6 16.23 Eph. 2.18 Heb. 10.18 19 7.17.24 25. that we may approach to God by him both for our selves and for others in which confidence Believers approach through Christ with boldness to the Throne of Grace having this Ground Because he continuing ever remaineth a Priest for ever having an unchangeable Priesthood Heb. 7.25 wherefore he is able to save them to the utmost or evermore that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them from whence I shall briefly observe a few things about this special Mediation or Intercession of Jesus Christ as by other places also I have instruction 1. That here is no denial or exclusion of his Mediation for all Men and Intercession for Transgressors as if those only that approach to God by him were the All the only and the whole number for whom he doth in any sort mediate and intercede He neither saith But them or only them not a word to contradict that affirmed in other places nor doth he here speak of his Mediation and Intercession for men for that to be vouchsafed them whereby they might believe and so approach to God through him but of his Mediation and Intercession for those that do already believe and approach to God by him and so are beheld believing and coming in to God by him who are indeed God's chosen a 1 Pet. 1.2 2.3 4 5. 2 Thes 2.13 and those to whom Christ is the Author of Eternal Salvation b Heb. 5.9 to whom he is to give and hath promised to give Eternal Life c Joh. 6 37-40 17.3 11.25 26. And so Emphatically it is said of them as the choice upon whom his eye is set He ever liveth to make Intercession for them for them directly for them especially 2. That he ever liveth to intercede for them that is to officiate and perform this business in Heaven for them every word is of force 1. He ever liveth as their Great High-Priest Heb. 7.23 24. Rom. 6.9 10. Rev. 1.18 2.8 Psal 120. Joh. 6 37-40 appearing in Heaven for them in their Nature and as their Head Husband elder Brother and Keeper he died once for them and rose and offered the Oblation once but now he is alive for evermore and can die no more but liveth ever so as there can be no let nor ceasing of his business he neither slumbereth nor sleepeth so that none shall or can perish through any defect in his Ministration 2. He ever liveth as the Son of God Joh. 11.42 14.16 Psa 20.3 4. Joh. 17.24 and the Man in whom the fulness of the Godhead dwelleth bodily beloved of the Father and prevalent with him so as the Father denies him nothing his suites are all and always granted so that with him it is but I will and it is done 3. He ever liveth as the living Object of Faith Heb. 12.2 Joh. 5.25 1 Pet. 2.3 4 5. 1 Cor. 15.44 45. Joh. 7.37 38. Joh. 14.19 Rom. 5.10 the Author and Finisher of it that hath Life in himself and giveth Life to others the quickning Spirit that quickneth and enliveneth all that believe on him and because he ever liveth they that believe on him shall live also his ever living is a strong consolation to Believers For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled to God we shall be saved by his lise or ever living to intercede for us and so to quicken and preserve us 3. That he ever liveth to make Intercession for them I might say in a sense Joh. 14.16 17.24 Psal 20. 65.4 Mat. 7.11 Luk. 11.13 to pray the Father for them though not in that submissive manner as when he was on Earth before he had offered the Oblation with tears and cries but as one accepted having
other of an heavenly Inheritance with promise in their believing of Spirit to teach assist comfort and lead them They both were confirmed with Blood but not with like Blood the one with the Blood of Bullocks and Goats the other with the precions Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ They both had the Mediator in whose Hands they were given to officiate between God and the People to make known the minde of God unto the people and teach and guide them and to deal for the People with God in Prayer for the pardon of their sins and continuance of Mercies and Helps that they might come to the promised Rest but they were not both alike the one was a faithful Mediator a Man of Peace and loving the People Heb. 3.1 2 3 4 5 6. 8.1 6. 7.25 yet not a Prince of Peace that could create or instill Peace into the People nor sway their Hearts to his directions nor could he enter them into that Canaan but the other the Son of God and Son of Man Emmanuel God with us one with God and one with us the Prince of Peace that can create and infuse it and is able to save to the utmost all that come to God by him I might add two things more namely That they both had the Gospel and everlasting Covenant Deut. 4.34 30.11 15. Rom. 10.4 5 6 10. 2 Cor. 3.3 4 5 6 18. to preach in and under the Ministration of the Testaments but the one in and with the Letter giving no Life but requiring doing for Life and the other in and with the Spirit giving Life requiring onely believing and so receiving that which would work in which they might live And they both had Ministers the one Elders Priests and Levites to minister the first Testament in which was carnal Observances the other Apostles and Ministers in preaching the Gospel to hold forth and minister the New Testament in which his Spirit goeth forth to write it in the Hearts of Men. In all which Agreements and Differences between them and the excellency of the New Testament above the Old we may conceive what probably the New Testament is And yet with all this 2. That chiefly to be minded is that general and positive Rule Gal. 2.20 Gal. 3.20 A Mediator is not of one but God is one If this new Covenant were such as those with whom it was once made were in no sort Transgressors or alienated from God or if the Covenant were so made that the People with whom it is made there could be no Transgression on their part occasioning displeasure and difference then there would have needed no Mediator of this Testament If any say There needed a Mediator to make peace between God and fallen Mankinde This is very true but here is treated of a farther Mediation that is by vertue of that Blood Heb. 9.15 by which that Peace was fore-made by the Mediator If any say There needeth such a Mediator with God for procuring Patience Eph. 2.13 14 16 17 18. 1 Tim. 2.5 Mercies and Means to bring in fallen Mankinde for whom the Peace is made that they may know it and believe This is very true also and Jesus Christ is so the Mediator also but yet the Mediation here treated of is a Mediation for those who by his former Mediation are brought in to him and in Covenant with him for it is the Mediation of a new Covenant coming in after and making old that by Moses Abraham was first called and found faithful with God and then he made the everlasting Covenant absolutely with him which was confirmed in Christ the Mediator but not then mentioning a Mediator to mediate for his enjoyment of it being immediately given But when a Covenant is exprest to be given in the hands of a Mediator and the Mediator set to be the Mediator of that Covenant that those covenanted with may receive and enjoy that promised there is an import of some weaknesses and breaches and dangers thereby in those for whom the Mediation is made that they may be preserved to receive Till I saw this I judged the first Fruits of the everlasting Covenant to be the New Testament verily and onely and so this New Testament to be as absolutely made and as free from all respect of any thing on the Believers part as the Covenant made with Abraham was or that with Noah either But now I see my thoughts must be rectified yet is this no discouragement nor damage to me nor need be to any Rom. 8.32 36. 5.8 10. Heb. 9.14 15. 8.2 6 10. 7.25 Eph. 5.25 26 27. Isa 61.4 See par 2. ch 13. considering what a Mediator we have what he hath done for us how he is furnished for us how vertuous his Blood is and how for that cause he is the Mediator of this better Testament consisting of better Promises even to this end That the called may receive the promised Inheritance This being his work to wash and cleanse Believers that he may present them spotless and to give them beauty for ashes c. so that here is strong consolation against our weakness And in all hitherto said we may discern that the New Testament is something more then the Declaration of the Gospel as now come forth in mentioning the beginnings or declaring the Covenant made with Abraham or declaring the New Testament it self and yet something less then the New Covenant as made with Abraham or as to be made with him and all his Seed together and though a Dispensation of the first Fruits of the Spirit of the everlasting Covenant be in this New Testament yet that is also according to the New Testament both held forth and dispensed and if that already said will not shew what it is I will assay to more cleerness 3. For Scripture Expressions to help us I shall put a few to be considered Joh. 1.17 The Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ. Here is first affirmed That the Law that requiring so exact a Righteousness as it discovered and in every one sin sentenced to the Curse yea even for the least short coming and so killing and that of Levi and the Priesthood enjoyning so many Sacrifices and Ceremonies to be done or else every Transgression received a just Recompence of Reward and though done yet they did not purifie the Conscience nor make the comers to them or doers of them perfect but onely shadowed out him that was to come that they might look to him and be saved This Law came by Moses God gave this Covenant by him But Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ This next affirmed Grace that is free undeserved and rich Favour and Mercy in forgiving sins and accepting into Favour and Sonship by Jesus Christ that died for our sins and so fulfilled Truth and satisfied Justice and so made the Atonement and rose just as the publick Man for our Justification and
things to them till they were fit to be taught what he now writeth and so would he in his Ministration where he met with them but not for fear of these leave off his intended business thus directed to such as were capable to receive profit by it that also one Reason 4. Because if there should be any among them of their Society to whom he directs this Epistle that have not onely known by a ministerial Teaching the Foundation what it is and the Oracles of God in and by it what they are and the first Principles thereof and so hold them all in Opinion but in the Ministration of the Gospel and their understanding these things have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit and so wrought to Repentance from dead works and such Faith towards God as they tasted of the heavenly Gift and so that the Lord is Gracious and in usefulness of the Doctrines of Baptisms with Word Water Afflictions and Spirit were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost in his spiritual Evidences Operations and Gifts and in the Assemblies Prayers and laying on of Hands of his People have tasted of the good Word of God in his faithful performance of his Promises and in the belief of the Resurrection and eternal Judgement have tasted or felt the spiritual efficacies or powers of the World to come all which he believeth to be in these he writes to And if such do fall away he will not say there is any such among them he is better perswaded of them but if any such he saith not if any that are yet ignorant of the first Principles for notwithstanding their declinings they may be hopefully taught them again but if any such as they fall from the Foundation and first Principles and so fall away even as to the Galatians Whosoever of you of you that received the Spirit of Adoption in belief of Christ crucified for you are justified by the Law Gal. 1.6 3.1 4.4 7. 5.2 3. and so Christ become of no effect to you ye are fallen from Grace And so here they that having received all this before mentioned if they fall away it is impossible to renew them again to Repentance c. and so the laying again of the Foundation and opening the Principles to such Chap. 6.4 5 6. will not be of any profit for them therefore the thoughts of such shall not hinder But he will forbear further discourse in this Epistle of those first things and proceed to his intended business and that another Reason and in them all a full Answer of the cause of his present leaving such a discourse Quest 4. What that going on to perfection is he craveth Liberty for and therein exhorteth them to the same Answ That is evident and manifest in all this Epistle to be no other but to instruct them Ch. 5.10 17. 6.19 20. 7.1 25. 8 9.12 28. 10 c. and that they might be instructed farther in the Ends Vertues and Excellencies of the Cross of Christ his Blood and Sacrifice his Oblation declared in the word of the beginning of Christ as declared discovered and shewn forth in the Excellency and Prevalency of his ever-abiding Priesthood after the Order not of Aaron but of Melchizedec and of his Mediation of the New Testament and of his continual Intercession by vertue of his Blood and Sacrifice once offered and all this Mediation and Intercession for his called that come to God by him to fit them for and preserve them to the Inheritance that they may live by Faith in him and look for his coming again and then receive it that by instructing them in the Knowledge and Faith hereof Eph. 1.17 20. 3.14 15 20. 2 Pet. 1.1 2 8. they might be more built on Jesus Christ and grow up into more Union and Fellowship with him and Conformity to him And in these Answers we may be helpt to see his meaning and drift in saying Therefore leaving the word of the beginning of Christ let us go on to perfection CHAP. 5. Of Hebrews 6.1 NOt laying again the Foundation of Repentance and of Faith towards God As if he should say Do not put us to that by such discourse to be still and again laying the Foundation and so to hinder us from building thereon In which manner speaking we may note 1. That the Foundation was forelaid among these The Oblation of Christ taught Heb. 10.32 3.1 6 14. 1 Cor. 15.1 2 3 4. Gal. 1.6 9. 3.1 4.7 c. with the first Oracles thereof and the first Principles opened and pressed and the same heard known and in believing received and the spiritual Efficacies experimented by these Hebrews who were illuminated Holy Brethren Partakers of the heavenly Call as it was with the Corinthians they had not onely heard but received that in which they stood and in retaining should be saved and so the Galatians 2. That the Foundation laid was not the Principles here named as Repentance Ezra 4.10 5.16 Zach. 4.9 c. but the Foundation is that in which are and from which the Oracles come that teach the Principles and on which they are founded it being the Ground Motive Builder and Foundation of them as the Foundation of an House or Temple is not the House or Temple but that on which the House or Temple is builded 3. That the Foundation is that which is first brought forth and laid 1 King 5.17 6.37 38. yea perfectly and-compleatly laid before any other thing be laid or built on it and so nothing laid under it or before it not any thing to be built on before it or besides it but it first and first compleat and then all that House or Temple and every stone to be laid on and builded comes after and is builded on that first-laid Foundation and so the whole House and building being on that Foundation that is sure and firmly laid the Foundation is the Upholder and Bearer of all the whole building that is builded on it This is plain to any â—uk 6 48. 4. That in spirituals of all the Principles here mentioned and of all that farther growth and excellency the Apostle presseth to of all Repentance towards God Faith in God Love to God Walking with God Hope in God of Vocation Sanctification Election of Union and Fellowship together with him of Teaching Baptizing Praying of Perserance and Enjoyment of the Inheritance Jesus Christ as set forth in the Gospel in which he is Evangelized in respect of what from eternity he was 1 Pet. 1.25 Phil. 2.6 10. Rom. 3.25 1 Cor. 1.17 18. 2.1 2. Heb. 7.27 28. 1 Tim. 2.7 1 Joh. 4.14 2 Cor. 5.18 19. Part 4. c. 10. and what he became and what in himself he hath suffered and done and what received in the Nature of Man and for Men and what he is set forth to be for Men him and him crucified with the Vertues and
and by vertue thereof in his Mediation procureth patience and forbearance that they are not suddenly cut off for their transgressions against him yea he useth means towards them that they might believe in him who is the Propitiation for their sins in whom believing they shall not perish but have everlasting life which yet they have not though in him there is yet hope for them and this is the life of the World and this is the kindeness and love of God to Mankinde T it 3.4 5. which according to his mercy appearing saveth the Beholders with the Laver of Regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost and his flesh thus beheld and fed on and considered as the love of God in thus giving him and his so dying for his Enemies appeareth is that which draws in to believe Rom. 3.9 21 25. 1 Tim. 1.14 15 16. 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Tit. 3.4 at that door in which one is found no better then the chief of sinners and being drawn in to believe the still believing beholding considering and feeding on the same so great love appearing in this sacrifice of Christ and the fulness in it for sinners Rom. 5.8 10 11. and chief of sinners draws the heart to confide in him for farther salvation and so to be saved by his life and everliving to intercede and send forth Spirit so feeding on his flesh that was given for and as given for the life of the World livingness is found Luk. 22.20 Mat. 26.28 1 Joh. 2.2 Heb. 9.14 15 17. Joh. 6.51 54 57. 11.25 26. Rom. 4.5 22 23 25. 5.6 Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. in which living and believing they see his precious Promises as sealed and confirmed by the same precious blood of his that was shed for the Remission of their sins and the sins of many yea of the World and so they drink of his blood and therein mix the Promises with Faith and so live by Faith yea in this manner believing on him that justifieth the ungodly through Christ that died for the ungodly their Faith is not onely imputed to them for righteousness but their Faith is herein so united to the Promises that it springs up in peace in boldness of access to God and hope of the glory to be revealed and will in time to that rejoycing hope and assurance mentioned Rom. 8.32 36. which is the assurance of Faith O sweet safe and comfortable direction and he that by Grace to avoid the forewarned hinderances and eating bread in secret places and drinking stollen waters as all are that flow not from Christ first known and believed is prevailed with and in that avoiding to come in and rest and feed upon Christ crucified as is said will finde so much assurance of Faith as he dares trust God without any other pawns and pledges then he hath given in and through Christ already in whom he hath given to Believers assurance of which next III. Assurance The Assurance that God hath provided for and given to Believers for their preservation through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time in the enjoyment of the inheritance and this is also clear great and manifold as to say 1. Gen. 22.16 17 18. 1 Cor. 16.15 16 17 18. Psal 105.8 9 10 11. Gal. 3.15 16 17. Heb. 6.13 14 15 18. The Word or Promise and Oath of God that was fore-confirmed in Christ and then through him given and made to Abraham Isaac and Jacob the Fathers of the faithful following that Believers as their Children and Heirs might in minding that Word and Covenant firmed with an Oath have strong consolation and sure hope 2. The same brought neerer to us in that which Christ hath done and suffered for us Heb. 6.20 Isa 42.6 49.8 Gal. 3.26 29 1 Tim. â— 1 who is now entred in our Nature into the Holiest having begun to take possession for us being given and set forth in the Gospel for the Covenant to us that so believing in him we are Sons and Heirs and he being our hope and so our hope anchoring in him entreth within the veil and is both sure and stedfast Heb. 6.18 19 20. Phil. 1.20 1 Joh. 3.1 2 3. 3. Heb. 10.10 12 14 18 19. 8.1 6 11. 9.14 15. 7.25 The Mediation of Christ and Ministration of the New Testament of precious Promises by vertue of his blood and sacrifice in which he hath opened the passage for us and all to this end That the Called may receive the promised inheritance his Mediation being acceptable and prevalent with the Father and he ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come to God by him and so he is able to save them to the utmost 4. Heb. 8.10 11. 2 Cor. 3.3 Rom. 8.23 Eph. 1.13 14. 4.30 This as a secondary and sealing Confirmation and in some respects sensible is added even the first fruits of the Spirit in some spiritual performances of some part of that contained in the New Testament and everlasting Covenant as an added seal and earnest of our present interest and after-possession of the inheritance And is not all this Assurance enough for any that believe in Christ and so in God through Christ to keep them trusting in him But I proceed IV. An inward Helpfulness Ezek. 36.25 26 27. Eph. 4.21 24. Col. 3. Rom. 8.9 11. 1 Cor. 2.16 2 Cor. 3.3 affording motion and ability to mix the Premises with Faith and thereby to overturn all oppofition which helpfulness is a new Man a new Heart or new Spirit even the minde disposition and Spirit of Christ within them as an inward lving principle moving and acting within them and enabling them to move and act in its movings and actings This not naturally and originally in them as the righteous disposition at first inspired to the first Adam in his innocency and so not having its being of its self in them which would neither be so profitable nor safe for them as now it is for so they might as easily neglect its operation and lose it again as our first Father Adam did nor is it in them like the light that shineth into an house from a Torch passing by the Windows nor as a flash of lightning suddenly coming and suddenly vanishing but as Water from a Fountain naturally and continually flowing forth and streaming into the Chanel or Vessel and as light proceeding from the Sun into an house filling it with light that remaineth both in the Sun and from the influence of the Sun remaineth in the house filling it with an abiding light unless some wilfully shut all the windows and stop all the crannies about the house by which they cannot keep in but shut out the light yet the light remaineth in the Sun that sends forth his influences and cannot be divided from it nor faileth any of light that suffers it to enter and remain as an influence from the Sun So Christ is the Fountain
this Covenant was so made that it might have divers times of fulfilling one in the outside of it Iosh 22.4 Isa 42.6 Luk. 1.71 76. Heb. 9.15 8.1 2 6. in the Types in having some rest in Canaan another in Truth and spiritually in Christ in his first coming having finished his first Work and being set forth in the Gospel and so given for a Covenant Act. 3.19 20 21 2 Pet. 3.12 13. Isa 55.5 1 Pet. 1.21 23. Gal. 3.8 6.26 29 Ier. 31.33 34. Heb. 8.10 1 Pet. 2.3 4 5. Eph. 1.13 Col. 1.3 4. 1 Thes 4.14 15 18. and remaining the Mediator and Minister of it and the next last and compleat fulfilling according to Spirit and Letter both at the next and visible appearing of Jesus Christ yea and also a divers fulfilling of it in particular Believers as first VVhen through the evidence of Truth in Gospel-Testimony glorifying Christ a Man is brought in to believe in Christ and so made of the Seed Secondly When and as in believing a Man through the quickning Spirit of Christ comes to be more built on Christ and so sealed in him being indued with a first-Fruits of the Spirit promised Rom. 8.23 And thirdly VVhen the Lord Jesus Christ shall appear in Glory and the Just be raised so to appear in Glory with him to possess c. 1 Joh. 3.2 IV. That this Covenant was made with Christ as the publick Man Heb. 1.2 Eph. 1.14 Psal 89.28 Isa 53.10 11. Gen. 17. Act. 7.5 Heb. 11.9 10 14 16 40. Psal 105.8 9 10 11. Rom. 9.8 9 10 11. 4.10 11 12 17 23 24. Gal. 3.7 8 16 26 27 28 29. 4.25 26 28 30 31. and the everlasting Father upon the account of his Sufferings and Sacrifice and so the inheritance is his first he is the Heir as the Son of God by Nature and as the publick Man by Purchase and by Covenant for himself and his spiritual Seed to be after brought in to him for there could be none before him And this Covenant was confirmed in Christ to Abraham and so made with Abraham for himself and for his Seed after him also and confirmed to him with an Oath and so to Isaac and Jacob in like manner and so still for them and their Seed that were to come of them and after them so as Abraham was Heir not onely by a spiritual Birth but also by a Covenant made and confirmed with an Oath fastening the right of Inheritance upon him and intailing it upon his Seed and so in like manner was Isaac and Jacob Heirs with him of the same Promise and Promises and promised Inheritance which they never yet enjoyed but in due time assuredly shall when all their Seed is come in to inherit with them And this Covenant is confirmed to Israel for an everlasting Covenant in being so made to Abraham Isaac and Jacob and confirmed with an Oath to them That all that are born of the Promise that by the Grace of God discovered in Christ do believe in him they are the Sons of Abraham and his Seed and so as Isaac and Jacob of the same Seed Heirs by birth of the Promise given to and believed and preached by Abraham Isaac and Jacob and also confirmed Heirs by the Covenant made with Abraham Isaac c. by which through Faith they are assured of the Inheritance V. That this Covenant being so made with Abraham for himself and for all after-Comers that are his Seed Act. 7.2 3 4 Heb. 11.8 Isa 51.2 that they as his Seed may know their Interest in it and have by Faith the same usefulness of it this is farther to be minded That Abraham was a true Believer and justified before God and so by spiritual birth of the Seed of Christ and so an Heir and walked in Faith as a Son before this Covenant was made with him so that this Promise and Covenant was not given to him to beget Faith or to make him a Son or upon condition of his believing All which was wrought in him and he so living and walking in Faith before this Covenant was made with him but it was made with him as a justified Believer to confirm and encrease his Faith and so for the exercise of his Faith in waiting for so blessed a Hope as set before him and given him in this Promise and Covenant and in the same manner it was after made with Isaac and Jacob the Promise of the Inheritance being in order after belief and new Birth The promised Seed is the Promise of which one is so born the Promise of Means from and through that Seed The Promise through which a Man is so born and The Promise of the Inheritance the Promise to the Hope whereof Believers are born And so this Promise and Covenant made with the Fathers is not fastened on any to make them Believers and Sons or on condition of believing Rom. 4.16 8.17 Joh. 1.12 13. Gal. 3 26 29. Heb. 6.17 18. though in believing is the way to meet with it but the Interest in it and the Assurance of it as made to the Fathers for them is given to such as are Believers in Christ and so the Sons of God by Faith who are Abraham's Seed and Heirs according to Promise to confirm and encrease their Faith and for the exercise of their Faith in waiting for so blessed a Hope VI. The freeness largeness Gen. 17.4 8. 1 Chron. 15.15 19 and everlastingness of this Covenant the dependency it hath on the Truth and faithfulness of God for its performance all being put on himself to perform Psal 105.8 11. Ioh. 5.19 20 21. Heb. 9.15 16 17. 13.20 2 Sam. 23.5 who hath confirmed it with his Oath yea and having first made it with Christ his Son upon the account of his Purchase the Son being one with the Father in all he doth he also was one with the Father in making this Promise and Covenant to Abraham for him and his Seed and hath confirmed the Covenant with his own Blood and by vertue thereof extendeth the Performances So that this is a sure and everlasting Covenant ordered in all things This is all express in the words and terms of it VII When this free and everlasting Covenant was openly made and confirmed with an Oath Gen. 17.9 10 11.12 13 23 27. it had also added to it an outward and sensible Testimony Token Sign and Seal to be set on the flesh of Abraham and all his natural Seed according to the flesh that is all by natural birth born of him and all so of him as that by gracious Providence they were put under his care and tuition whether born in his House or Family or bought with his Money so as they were under the Government of him or his Family and also that were proselyted and so come to live under their Profession Exod. 12.48 49 with all under their Tuition and Government likewise And this visible
7.19 24 29. 1 Chron. 17.17 27. even so this part of it now made with David is so made that it might have divers times and degrees of fulfilling as is also expresly to be found written The first fulfilling was according to the Letter 1 King 8.15 20. 2 Chron 6.1 10 1 King 11.36 suitable to the Covenant given by Moses that they were under and this began when Solomon was setled on the Throne of David and had built the Temple as is confest plainly yea and after a great breach yet a continuance of fulfilling avouched The second fulfilling is spiritual Luke 1.31 32 33 69 70 71 74. Joh. 1.49 Act. 5.31 32. 1 Pet. 3.23 Heb. 7 8. Psal 110.11 Col. 1.12 13. and that began when God sent forth Jesus Christ and he had suffered and overcome Death and offered up the acceptable Sacrifice and sate down on the Right-Hand of God and received all fulness of Spirit in the Man and sent forth thereof to Men to convince the Rebellious and lead Believers into all Truth and so by that Spirit rule in the Hearts of his People while they as he was are strangers and sufferers here and this is plainly confest and the continuance likewise The third Rev. 5.10 1 Thes 4.14 15 18. Psa 102.16 Heb. 11.13 40. Rev. 11.18 last and compleat fulfilling is That which shall be both spiritual and literal if I may use that term because it shall be on Earth though the Earth renewed and to Soul and Body though both spiritual c. and to all Israel yea this shall be to Abraham Isaac Jacob and all the twelve Tribes of Israel and all the spiritual Seed together even all that sleep in the Lord and all that are surviving at his coming when Jesus Christ will personally and visibly appear and come and take unto him his great Power and sit upon the Throne of David in Jerusalem and raign in Jerusalem and over all Nations of the Earth and all Kings fall down before him all Nations serve him And the Covenant thus fulfilled Heb. 11.14 15 16. 1 Chron. 16.15 19. Rom. 4.16 Gal. 3.7 8 16 26 29. 5.5 Levit. 26.44 45. Deut. 4.31 Psal 105.8 9. 1 Chron. 16.15 16. and this settlement and Kingdom is that which is promised and which all the Fathers waited for through Faith and which all the spiritual Seed are to wait for as Abraham's Seed to whom through Promise it is sure by Faith and they have professed so to wait for it the time place manner prosperity and duration of it being foreshewn and that God for performance of this and the whole Covenant made and as made with the Fathers Abraham c. hath confirmed for and will perform it to their Seed according to his Promise he doth for this remember this Covenant as made with them and wills us so to heed and minde and wait for it as sure in Covenant as made with them and directs us not to look for another personal making of it to us to make it surer to us to whom it is sure enough in that first making in Faith whereof we wait to receive and enjoy it and not for any other making but the making in performance The first fulfilling is past as confest to begin with Israel and Solomon and if any conjecture It was made again with Solomon it is cleer it was not made with him 2 Chron. 7.18 6.16 2 Chron. 7.16 22. 6.15 16. 1 Sam. 12.20 25. as with Abraham Isaac and Jacob nor as with David but as both David and Solomon was under the Law given by Moses and so God did graciously minde Solomon of the Covenant fore-made with David as he often doth Believers now without so making it over again with him and so Solomon understood it and he promised Solomon the continuance of the Kingdom in that manner he had received according to his keeping of that Covenant given by Moses and not otherwise and so he understood it and such was the promise to all Israel for the continuation both of King and Land and so the everlasting Covenant is fully and surely already made and other makings of it I have not to treat of nor other Covenants to be made but as they are Branches of this and made in some performance of this Covenant And so I shall mention three things in this business according to the performances of the Covenant made with Abraham and that is first In his sending forth and giving Christ the promised Seed displayed in the Gospel so he hath given him for a Covenant to be received by Faith Secondly In the Dispensation of his Goodness and Spirit through Christ he hath given by Christ a New Testament for the nurture and guidance of Believers and Receivers to the Inheritance And lastly In the coming again of Christ the making the Covenant by a compleat Performance I shall confider each of these CHAP. 6. Of Jesus Christ being given for a Covenant GOD promised Isa 42.1 6. 49.8 and according to his Promise hath given Jesus Christ The Seed of Abraham of David The Saviour of the World and Propitiation for the sins of the whole World The Lord of all and Head of the Church that hath satisfied the Law and is full of the Holy Ghost The Heir The King The Son of David and The Son of God for a Covenant to Believers the People that are his Seed so that he is The Messenger of the Covenant and he with whom the Covenant was first made and in whom it was confirmed to Abraham Mal. 3.1 Gal. 3.16 17. Heb. 9.16 23. 13.20 Psal 89.28 2 Cor. 1.20 Heb. 8.1 2 6. and hath confirmed the Covenant with his own Blood and with him the Covenant stands fast for ever so that all the Promises of God in him are Yea and in him Amen and he is The Minister of the Covenant by whom God will perform all that is in it And so I shall here onely in what is implied or exprest in this saying That God hath given him for a Covenant consider what I am helpt to underdand 1. That he is given for a Covenant implieth That he is given or made to appear in the Gospel Joh. 1.18 Mat. 11.27 2 Cor. 4.6 Heb. 1.2 3. Isa 42.1 6. 49.6 Gen. 3.15 1 Ioh. 3.5 8. Gen. 12.3 1 Ioh. 2.2 4.14 Isa 42.7 49.9 that he may teach and Men in beholding and minding him may know the Covenant and so be brought in to him to enjoy it which is a new and cleer and more alluring and powerful way of teaching it and bringing to it then ever was before so he is affirmed to be given for a Light to the Gentiles and to shew forth judgement to them and be God's Salvation to the ends of the Earth And this must needs be so when he is set forth who is the promised Seed that came to take away sins and destroy the works of the
other Churches yea doth not the Apostle profess himself not to be without Law to God but under the Law to Christ and doth not the opposition of these two Laws that of Moses and this of Christ in Rom. 8.2 3 4. suit and agree in one with the terms of those two Covenants mentioned Heb. 8.2 6 7 8. and so mentioned as the two Testaments that of the Letter and that of the Spirit the Old and the New in 2 Cor. 3.5 14. and it being a Law of Faith Love Liberty requiring nothing but what it giveth and inclineth to and giving pardon for all weaknesses accepting the will for the deed Surely those that believe his great Love and Faithfulness will confess his Truth Mat. 11.30 1 Joh. 5.3 and say That his yoke is easie and his burthen light and his commandments are not grievous And more I need not say to shew there are Engagements on both parts in the New Testament or what the New Testament is even that Obligation or Covenant made with Believers in and upon the Dispensation of the first Fruits of the everlasting Covenant to them and grounded on the death and sacrifice of Christ and the love of God commended therethrough which known and believed effecteth Faith in him and love to brethren and both obligeth and moveth and affordeth Grace to live by Faith and walk in Love and so to wait for all his Promises and not be offended And surely such as know and taste this Grace will not count harsh nor take offence at or evade as not spoken to them but count good needful and profitable for them whose standing is by Faith that worketh through Love even all those caveats given against departing and all those Exhortations to abiding given in the Gospel nor can they be displeasing or hurtful to any or hindring their Faith and Consolation in Christ that do believe Christ to have died for the ungodly and by his Grace commended to them therethrough to have called them and enabling them to believe and so given them the Spirit of Faith Love Power and a sound minde when he made this Covenant with them In which also is assured assistance from him forgiveness of their failings on confession of their sins and turning to him forgiveness and healing of their backslidings he also by vertue of his own Blood remaining the Mediator of this Testament for them and the Dispensor also to them affording them in all this To ask what they will in his Name Psal 138.8 Phil. 1.5 6. 2 Tim. 4.18 and he will do it yea if it be even to perfect all that concerneth them never forsaking the work of his own Hands but perfecting his begun-good work and delivering them from every evil way and so bring them to his Kingdom Who but those that desire Liberty for the Flesh can desire a better Liberty and Consolation then this or a greater for sure other Liberty to frail Men cannot be good and of the Covenants made I know no more then these already declared and Christ given for a Covenant and this New Covenant thus given by him to Believers the choise of all as made but yet as to be made there is still more or greater CHAP. 4. Of the Everlasting Covenant as remaining to be made IT is evident That the Covenant remaining to be made is no other but a new manner of making of the same everlasting Covenant that was made with and confirmed in Christ at the beginning for him and his spiritual Seed and after declared as confirmed in Christ to Abraham and so immediately made with him and Isaac and Jacob for them and their Seed which should be of the same Seed still and afterward in respect of the King and Kingdom so also made with David for him and his Seed which should be of the same Seed still and so because this Covenant was first opened to and made with Abraham it is called God's Covenant made with Abraham and because it was after in like manner made with Isaac and Jacob Abraham's Sons and so every of all those three being the Fathers of all Israel therefore it is called The Covenant of their Fathers and because in respect of the Kingdom it was after also so made with David it is sometimes called The Covenant made with David and this Covenant still called The everlasting Covenant and The Covenant of the Fathers which was made to these Fathers for them and for their Seed to wait for the performance thereof by Faith the first Testamental Covenant given in the beginning of a literal performance was for nurture of the Seed till Christ came and then to be shaken and pass away and the Second or New Testamental Covenant given in the Dispensation of the spiritual first Fruits of the everlasting Covenant to nurture Sons for walking in Faith and Love till they come to the Inheritance when the fulness of the Everlasting Covenant will be performed to Soul and Body both when though the first Fruits abide in the Harvest Rom. 8.24 1 Cor. 13.9 10 11 12 13. Heb. 12.26 27. yet the Obligation in respect of living and waiting by Faith and use of suitable outward Ordinances will be shaken and pass away also in the coming in of that fulness so that the Everlasting Covenant in the fulness and compleatness of it is that which is waited for and remaineth to be made not to be waited for by Faith in carnal observances as till Christ came nor with the first Fruits of the Spirit to wait for the fulness by Faith in use of spiritual Ordinances as since the giving of Christ for a Covenant to his coming again but to be made in and by a compleat performance of it as all that is said in the Promise of making it doth evidence And of this making the Everlasting Covenant foremade with Abraham for him and his Seed then with him and all his Seed in performance I am now to treat and though in the Revelation of it and Promises of it it be foreshewn yet as it is insured in the Promise as a Covenant to be made I will note a few things about it that are cleerly set forth in the Scripture as 1. The Time when it is to be made 2. The Persons with whom it is to be made and 3. What is to be done in this manner of making it all included and not darkly but cleerly intimated and exprest in that known place Jer. 31.33 Jer. 31.33 34. But this the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every Man his Neighbour and every Man his Brother 34 saying Know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them to the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquity and
but for the present The Spirit is life for righteousness sake yet the body is dead because of sin yea and something savouring of death is also in and troubling their souls But through the law of the Spirit of life in Christ as they in beleeving walk after the Spirit they are made free and enlived from the sentence and fear of death and filled with the promise and hope of life which comfort in so great love of God enlives us in love of the brethren And 1 Joh. 3.14 We know that we have passed from death to life 1 Joh. 4.7 16. 3 6 9 5.2 because we love the brethren c. We that are born of God that have beleeved the love wherewith God hath loved us and so abide in Christ keeping his commands of faith and love We know we are passed from being judged by our works according to the law which sentenceth to death into the gracious acceptance and favour of God in Christ and so into the liberty and life of Christ and enjoyment of his gracious Spirit which brings forth this fruit of love which whoever hath not abideth in death And this is true of all abiding in the faith without difference Eph. 2 2-5 and Col. 2.13 Speak of that quickning Act. 10.43 Joh. 3.16 18 36. which is through beleeving in Christ in which remission of sins and hope of eternal life is begun to be received which all true beleevers receive without difference though not in like fulness in every beleever And on that ground Rom. 6.11.13 8 9. Are exhortations to persevere walking in faith and love Secondly From darkness to light This is true though that quoted Act. 26.18 doth but shew the end of Gods sending the Gospel to be ministred to men Mat 4 13-16 without difference of any to whom it is so sent which where it comes light springs up And Eph. 5.8 shews what beleevers without difference are in the Lord Eph. 5.8.9 15. since called and inabled to beleeve and that pressed as a motive to abide and persevere walking in the light And 1 Thess 5.4 5. shews that beleevers are not in darkness of ignorance and unbeleef and how efficacious the light of truth beleeved was in them They were born of it They were he saith not some but all the children of light c. From whence he presseth an exhortation Not to sleep as others but to walk 〈…〉 c. And Col. 1.13 Is a blessing of God in giving him thanks for having delivered them he faith not from all darkness but from the power of darkness Col. 1.12 13.23 24. and having translated them into the Kingdome that is the spiritual Kingdome or government and interest in and hope of that promised Kingdome of the Son of his love for which cause he presseth their abiding and continuance And 1 Pet. 2.9 shews That Gods elect and chosen people are such as he hath called out of darkness into his marvellous light to shew forth his praises And what this light is 2 Cor. 4.6 and where it shineth is plain to be in the face of Christ Gods prime Elect. And this is true in a measure of all unfained beleevers let them minde this That conceit an elect company before the appointment of Christ to dye to be given him to dye for and demonstrate what they are and reconcile them into one condition with these Thirdly From an universal habit of uncleanness unto holiness In a begun inclination and through all the powers a tendency thereto that there may be a proceeding to perfection in holiness this is true But Ezek. 36.25 speaketh directly of the Jews when he hath returned them to their own land And as in reference to a first fruits in beleevers in this life Ezek 36.24 25 26 27-37 Eph. 5.23 26 27. It speaks of that God will do to them after he hath called them to beleeve in Christ And so of a continued business on and in beleevers till it be compleat for which he will be sought of them And 1 Cor. 6 11. speaks of a work begun and so in the beginnings of it done in them In the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God And this given as a ground both to reprove some evils and uncleanness in them 1 Cor 6. 1 9 11 2 20. and to warn them from sinning and to stir them up by the same Name and Spirit to press on to further holiness And Tit. 3.5 shews the manner of this work and by what means and to what end it is done and so the beginning and proceeding but shews not the accomplishment as yet to be in them And Heb. 10.22 is not an affirmation of what is attained but an exhortation to use the right way for having a continual increase of renued holiness Heb. 10 12-18 19 20 24 25 12 12 14. upon that very ground of what we have in Christ and have begun to receive and may be daily receiving from him that so in holding last our confidence and profession we may follow after holiness Fourthly From a state of enmity stubboruness rebellion c. into a state of love obedience and delight This is no other but in change of an expression what was confessed to be in the first kinde of beleevers and Saints And indeed it is true of both alike for both so far as true are one Rom. 6.11 speaks of that done and compleated in Christ and not yet in us but by degrees and in due season to be done Rom. 6.11 12 13 14. And that laid as the ground in beleeving on him both to reckon our selves after him and in that account yeeld up our selves to live to him in which that will be verified of us that is said from vers 17 22. and so it plainly appears to be understood Eph. 2.12 13. Speaks of that state of Gentilism enstrangement to God all we Gentiles were in before Christ came in the flesh and offered up the acceptable Sacrifice and the priviledges confirmed before to the Jewish Nation were set open to the Gentiles Chap 3 3-6-9 and they made nigh by the blood of Christ that made peace broke down the partition wall slew the enmity c. and came and preached peace by which peace preached in his Name all that beleeve in him have access by one Spirit to the Father that is clear Col. 1.21 Speaks of the enmity in their mindes and of the efficacie of the Death and Sacrifice of Christ and peace made thereby and Gods love there-through appearing displayed and beleeved how it reconciled them to God And that to this end Col. 1.4 5.20 Tit. 3.4 5. Rom 5.8 10. Eph. 5.25 26 27. Col. 23 24. Heb. 8.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10. Heb. 12.22 23 24 25 26. To present them in the body of his flesh through death holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight if they continued in the faith