Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	bring_v	death_n	great_a	1,642	5	3.2072	3	false

Text snippets containing the quad

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

that to be of force through his death as a valid Legal right that they also may now possess and injoy with him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they may be where I am And in Heaven he appears for us and upon our account in the force of the Testators death Heb. 17.23 24. 3. The Testator who before possest the inheritance upon his own right and title does now possess the inheritance by a title super-added to that to wit upon our account as our Attorney as one representing the Elect and having wrought for their heaven Joh. 17.4 and come to heaven to be vested with a possession in their name and for their account for now he appears in heaven in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 And by the Testators being in Heaven God hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.6 And he as a fore-runner is for us entered Heb. 6.20 4. The Testator surrogates his spirit in his absence and after his death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of his Testament-blessings unto those to whom he left them Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father he shall testifie of me and Joh. 16.7 8. Which accordingly is fulfilled and our possession quo ad exequnta is ascribed to this Executor surrogate by the Testator and doing his will in his name 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God the Executor of the Lord Testators will Vse 1. This Covenant-relation does exceedingly magnifie the riches of the grace and love of Christ Jesus the Testator 1. That the king immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 should become a man subject to mortallity Heb. 2.17 2. That he should act any thing in contemplation of mortality and be a Testator even he who was to see no corruption Psal 16.11 with Act. 2.31 Joh. 13.1 3. That he who could not see corruption yet never theless should die and give up the Ghost for conveying a title and possession of life and immortality to his people Gal. 2.20 Vse 2. Let the friends and Legators of this blessed Testator know that your holding is of absolute grace and of the meer pleasure of the Testator your right and title is testamentary and you have your mercies by Christs will of favour you are Legatories and he is the Testator Joh. 5.21 The Son quickeneth whom he will And yet you are not left at uncertainty for there is nothing sure to changeable creatures but what is pure Grace and hangs upon the free will of God and the motions of his heart Rom. 4.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed You may say to him as he said to his father upon your account Mat. 11.25 26 I thank thee O father And even so father because so it seemed good in thy sight Vse 3. Comfort to believers in Christ whose names are written in this Testament 1. That our Lord Jesus died not untested and without a plain declaration of his Will to whom he left his goods and what the things be which he left unto them Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Joh. 13.1 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.11 13 14 15. and 16.33 2. That your right is testamentary the Covenant betwixt God and Christ being turned unto a testament betwixt him and you the blessings thereof are the absolute will of the Testator Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 3. That there is force and strength in his latter Will by vertue of his death that we can bring his Will as a valid deed of Law now after his death and can plead it with God Heb. 9.15 17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth 4. That he hath left one to execute his Will that the Testator wants not an Executor of his Testament Joh. 14.26 But the comforter which is the Holy-ghost whom the father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father even the spirit of truth which proceedeth from the father he shall testifie of me Vse 4. For Exhortation both to consider of the design of Grace that lyes wrapt up in this Covenant-relation and to search into the experimental knowledg of the vertue and efficacy of Christs being the Testator of the new Covenant 1. I say study the design of grace which is wrapt up in this Covenant-relation as it super-adds a new title to Covenant blessings as it declares the absolute freeness of Covenant-mercies as it ratifies Christs will of grace and as it makes way for our possession of the things bequeathed unto us in Christs Testament wherof we have spoken 2. Search I say after the experimental knowledg of vertue of Christs Testatorship 1. Quo ad executionem in the force and efficacy of it that through the Testators death his Testament hath been executed and fulfilled as to thee Heb. 9.17 For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy covenant I have sent out thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water 2. Quo ad executa in the latitude of his Legacies that nothing disposed and bequeathed to believers in Christs Testament hath escaped thee that no part of his goods which is the portion of his people be wanting with thee 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence add to your faith vertue and

and trembling and if our working out that which is left to be done by us for our own Salvation be with fear and trembling when by this Covenant of Suretiship we are set beyond the possible reach of actual perishing O what should our working for Salvation have been without this Covenant of Suretiship but endless fruitless toiling with desparation but by the Covenant of Redemption our Salvation is far advanced before our little finger be at the work nay it is in some respect finished all the hard labour is over Justice is satisfied the strength of opposition is broken and we have only broken forces and a beaten adversary to deal with we have little more to do but to stand and see him work Salvation for us and apply his purchased Redemption and yet we have work enough to keep us in continual exercise about the duties of holiness and faith Psal 2.12 2 Cor. 7.1 2 Pet. 1.5 10. Joh. 17.4 I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And 16.11 of judgment because the Prince of this world is judged Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith 4. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation was necessary that the spring and fountain of the life of Salvation to us might lie out of our selves by the Covenant of works the spring of life and blessedness to man lay in himself all his treasure and store was in his stock of habitual Grace but now by this Covenant of Suretiship the water-cock is indeed within our own hearts I mean Faith by which we draw life and vertue out of Christ and through which he conveys it unto us but the fountain and well-head lyes on high for by the Covenant of Redemption God was carrying on a design of love to his elect people and this was part of the contrivance that our Covenant-state through Christ's Suretiship might be Fountain-Love and Grace a state of favour setled and bottomed in the fountain of life and grace Christ Whereas Adam's first Covenant-state was but Cistern-Grace that did not run continually with a spring of live waters to afford fresh supplies the stock of habitual Grace was to him like water in the Pitcher or Cistern but by Christ's Covenant of Suretiship Grace is to us as water in the Fountain that can never run dry Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace And 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life And 14.19 because I live ye shall live also 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye always having alsufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 5. This Covenant of Suretiship was necessary for our establishment under this new dispensation that our Rights might be in a surer hand than our own Man is a mutable thing and free-will is a tottering uncertain thing as experience hath taught but Christ is a sure foundation and holding of him or rather in him is a sure renure the Rights and Charters that are under his custody are well kept And therefore God who instituted this dispensation did for the better securing of the believers interests enter into Covenant with a mighty responsal person even Christ and consolidates our Covenant-right in Christ our head and did trust to his keeping and answering all the intents of the Magna Charta the great Charter of the Gospel-covenant hence it is that the Covenant of peace made with us is a sure Covenant because 't is thus ordered Christ acted that business in the Covenant of Redemption there were mutual assurances given between the Father and the Son which makes all Covenant-dealing with us sure and holds all fast Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Hence 't is that the blessings and mercies of the Gospel-covenant are sure mercies because there was concluded-Articles about them in this Covenant of Suretiship when Christ treated for his heirs and children not yet born nor created Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day O what strong and everlasting consolation hath God allowed upon his people from these immutable and everlasting grounds Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing 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 a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 2 Thess 2.16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our father which hath loved us and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace c. 6. This Covenant with Christ was necessary not only for the enfuring our blessedness by this new Gospel-dispensation but for the bettering of that blessedness and glorious state unto which we are advanced by this Covenant I say the blessedness the glory the heaven of the redeemed people of the many Sons who are by the force of this Covenant brought to glory Heb. 2.10 is better than the reward and crown of blessedness which man should have enjoyed by the tenor of the Covenant of works and this bettering it hath from Christ's Covenant of Suretiship with God which was the chief cause why this Gospel-dispensation is a better Covenant than that of the Law of works and the promises thereof are better promises and the crown and heaven thereof a better crown even because Christ is in this Covenant and the foundation of it was laid in his Suretiship by this means the blessedness and heaven of this Covenant is bettered For 1. It is the glory of new heavens created of purpose for the residence of the redeemed in the company of him that redeemed them by his own blood 2 Pet. 3.13 Nevertheless we according to his promise look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Rev. 21.1 5 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea And he that sate upon the throne said Behold I make all things new Jh. 14.2 3 In my Father's house are many

is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference 5. There is not only a commutation but a community of Writs betwixt Christ and the Believer for one Writ and Promise-wreats God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the God and Father of the Believer this Covenant-relation to him and us is by the great promises of the Covenant Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son Psal 89.26 29 He shall cry unto me Thou art my Father my God and the rock of my salvation His seed also will I make to endure for ever One Writ makes Christ the first Heir and Son of the promise and the Believer a younger Brother coming in under Christ the first Heir Psal 89.27 Also I will make him my first-born Gal. 3.26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ One Writ and letter of acquittance dischargeth both Christ and the Believer from the curse and condemnation of the Law Rom. 8.3 4 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin the flesh That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit O how comfortable and strengthening is this that Christ and we are in one Writ that our Covenant interests and relations to God and all his and our concernments are thus bound up in one Writ if his title to God to Heaven to promises be good and valid ours is so too if he acquit and defend his own Charters he doth the same for ours blessed are they who are united to him in this New Covenant-relation 6. By the Covenant of Suretiship Christ is constituted the grand Instrument and Actor of all things that appertain to his peoples Redemption and Salvation and that not only of eternal Salvation and Redemption which he alone brought unto his people Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance Luk. 1.68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for he hath visited and redeemed his people And of such part of that Redemption as is wrought within time Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him But of whatsoever Salvation and other administrations are good for them in this life And therefore we find that Christ was the grand Instrument and had an active hand in the deliverance of his people from all afflictions and oppressions in all ages Isa 63.5 9 And I looked and there was none to help and I wondred that there was none to uphold therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me and my fury it upheld me In all their afflictions he was afflicted and the Angel of his presence saved them and in his love and in his pity he redeemed them and he bare them and carried them all the days of old It was Christ the Angel of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 who delivered Jacob from all evil Gen. 48.16 It was he who brought the people out of Egypt and said to Moses And now come I mill send thee unto Egypt He it was who appeared unto Moses in the Bush and made him a ruler and a deliverer Act. 7.32 34 35. It was he that brought the people out of Babylon and built the temple Zech. 6.12 13 Behold the man whose Name is the Branch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. Even he shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory c. If the temporal Salvation of the Church and people of God lay upon men how cold a comfort were that Isa 59.16 And he saw that there was no man and wondred that there was no intercessor Psal 142.4 I looked on my right hand and beheld and there was no man that would know me refuge failed me and there was no man cared for my soul And if the working of that part of our Salvation which the Lord hath made the Believers Duty and hath commanded him to do for his own Soul if that lay upon us alone how heavy would it prove Phil. 2.12 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling But O how warm how comfortable is it what a support to faith that Christ is by his Suretiship engaged to work all manner of Salvation for his people and to become the grand instrument and chief actor thereof Isa 63.13 I that speak in righteousness mighty to save I have trodden the wine-press alone and of the people there was none with me Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith 8. By the Covenant of Suretiship all the hard conditions lay upon Christ all that the Law requires of Man condition-ways he was made under the law Gal. 4.4 that we might not be under the law but under grace Rom. 6.14 O how sweet and comfortable is it to the poor weak Believer who finds himself so very insignificant a creature at all Covenant-conditions to know that by Christs Suretiship 1. He did take upon him all conditions which the law requires of man to abide in every thing that it requires the Believer is yet under the commands of the Law but I say not under the conditions thereof for it is not to him a Covenant Christ also did bear the curse of the Law but that which the Believer suffers even of the things that were sometimes written in the book of the Law are now written in the book of Covenant-mercies 2. Christ did take upon him all the conditions that are works and nothing rests to the believer condition-wise but that which is grace Rom. 4.16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace It s true the Believer yet worketh and is created unto good works Phil. 2.10 But all working condition-ways was upon Christ by his Suretiship 3. The principal and most significant condition of Redemption Salvation and all Covenant-blessings and priviledges promised to us is Christs doing his part of the Covenant of Suretiship his laying down his life this was not only a condition of the reward that was to be given to Christ personal but even of all the promises that were made to him concerning his redeemed seed Isa 53.10 11 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his Soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant

for our sins 2. Against the many challenges whether of an accusing-conscience or of the great accuser of the Brethren Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh Intercession for us 3. Against the more foul and gross stumblings of Believers for as much as it is also intended for the helping of these Luke 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not 4. Against the fear of their falling away from the blessed Covenant-state with which fear believers have often been buffeted Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy Spirit from me And 17.5 Hold up my goings in thy paths that my foot-steps slip not It is by Christ Mediation that we have establishment in Grace Joh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 5. Against the manifold afflictions wherewith Believers are tossed here the Mediator was sometimes an afflicted man and went through much suffering and hath the feeling of these Isa 53.3 7 A man of sorrow and accquainted with grief He was oppressed and he was afflicted Psal 22 throughout 6. Against the many temptations of all kinds which occasion much heaviness to Believers 1 Pet. 1.6 Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations The Mediator had the experience of all sorts of temptations and now sympathizeth with his people like condition Heb. 2.17 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted And 4.15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin 7. Against the empty and needy condition unto which Believers are subject through the manifold wants wherewith they are daily pressed We have confidence through the Mediator to come-speed in every petition that is acceptable to God and profitable to us 1 Joh. 5.14 15 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Joh. 14.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son 8. Against the fear of death which is terrible to nature Joh. 11.25 Jesus said unto her I am the resurrection and the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live c. 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Job 19.25 For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 9. Against the second appearing of Christ which is sometimes terrible without cause to believers and the last Judgment that shall be given concerning the everlasting interests of the creatures the Man Christ whom you have owned for your Mediator shall sit as Judg Act. 17.30 31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at but now commandeth all men every where to repent Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained 2 Thes 7.10 And to you who are troubled rest with us When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints Then shall he perform a comfortable act of his Mediatorship Jude ver 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy c. And there is good ground for all Believers to be comforted from Christs Mediatorship if we consider 1. The person who Mediates 2. The Person with whom he Mediates 3. The Persons for whom he Mediates 4. The cause for which he Mediates 1. For the Person who Mediates Consider 1. His Graciousness with his Father O so great a Courtier with God as the Mediator is Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me alwayes and no wonder he be so being his Son his only begotten Son Joh. 1.18 His beloved Son Matth. 3.17 His obedient Son Phil. 2.8 2. His Greatness and absolute Power to do of himself whatsoever he Mediates for with his Father Matth. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth Joh. 5.21 23 26 27 For as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickneth them even so the Son quickneth whom he will That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that sent him For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself And Hath given him authority to execute Judgment also because he is the Son of Man Therefore he is called a Priest upon a Throne a Priest who is a King to command whatsoever he prayes for Heb. 1.3 and 8.1 Zech. 6.13 3. The oneness of his will with his Fathers which maketh sure the prevalency of his Mediation being sure to ask nothing but what is his Fathers will and all that he asks being his Fathers will as much as his how can it be ineffectual Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 2. The Person with whom he Mediates Consider 1. His nearness of relation both to the Mediator and to the Persons for whom he Mediates He is Christs Father and our Father Joh. 20.17 But go to my brethren and say unto them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God 2. His graciousness and affection both to Christ and to us he loveth Christ and he loveth us and therefore it is that he is as inclinable to hear Christ for his people as Christ is to mediate for them Joh. 16.26 27. At that day ye shall ask in my name and I say unto you that I will pray the Father for you For the Father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and have believed that I came out from God 3. In the Persons for whom he Mediates Consider 1. Our nearness of alliance with the Mediator Heb. 2.11 14 17 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren For as much then as

and do them Joh. 6.29 37 Jesus answered and said unto them this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent All that the father giveth me shall come to me So this word is used 1 Sam. 19.11 14 Saul also sent messengers unto Davids house to watch him and to slay him in the morning And when Saul sein messengers to David she said he is sick 5. He is the messenger which reporteth the Covenant and the transactions with every Soul that receiveth this Gospel where and with whom the treaty took effect and where and with whom the proposal of the Covenant halted Joh. 17.6 7 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me So the word is used Gen. 32.6 And the messengers returned to Jacob saying c. 3. Betwixt whom doth Christ travel as Messenger of the Covernant For a right understanding of this we are to make use of these two necessary distinctions 1. The Covenant may be considered either as it 's preached and offered generally to all who hear it Act. 13.46 47 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed hold and said it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken unto you but seeing ye put it from you and judg your selves unworthy of everlasting life Lo we turn to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded us saying I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldst be for salvation unto the ends of the earth Mark 16.15 And he said unto them go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature Or it may be considered as it is acted and effectually fulfilled upon the hearts of the Elect Act. 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Heb. 8. with Jer. 31. 2. This different consideration of the Covenant affords a distinction of the parties in the Covenant the parties contracting in the Covenant preached are God and all within the visible Church Act. 3.25 Ye are the children of the Prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers saying unto Abraham And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed Act. 2.39 40 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call But the parties contracting in the Covenant considered in that second respect as 't is acted upon hearts are only the elect people upon whose hearts the law is written and in whom God hath put his spirit Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them These things premised for clearing the point in hand I lay down four Conclusions 1. Christ is in some respect a Messenger betwixt God and all the visible multitude to whom the Covenant is offered and the Gospel preached therefore it 's said of him That he is given for a light to the Gentiles and for a witness to the people even to nations Isa 49.6 55.4 5. Rom. 15.8 9 10 11 12. I said in some restect because he did procure the Gospel to be preached to all narions and doth carry the Message of the Covenant to multitudes Rom. 10.18 But I say have they not heard● yes verity their sound went into all the earth and their words into the ends of the world 2. Christ is in a more special respect Messenger betwixt God and his few chosen people because he hath a Message from God to act upon their hearts that which is only externally revealed commanded and offered unto others and he hath undertaken for them and for their receiving the Message which he carrieth unto them Joh. 6.37 39 All that the father giveth we shall come to me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me Act. 13.26 And whosoever among you feareth God to you is the word of this salvation sent 3. Christ is a Messenger of the Covenant to many Hypocrites and Reprobates unto whom he bringeth the offer and Message of the Covenant not for their sake and cause but for the Elects sake with whom they are mixed here in societies upon the earth 2 Cor. 4.15 For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 2 Tim. 2.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elects sakes that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory So that the Message of the Covenant is preached to them by way of concomitancy in respect that they are in these societies unto which the Gospel is sent for salvation to the Elect Joh. 17.18 19 21 As thou hast sent me into the world even so also have I sent them into the world And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth That they all may be one as thou father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me 4. Christ is a Messenger to the multitudes unto whom the Gospel is prepared only for carrying unto them the commanding Will of God which revealeth unto them their duty and obligation to receive the Gospel and to take hold of the Covenant 2 Cor. 16.17 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you But Christ is a Messenger unto the Elect not only for carrying unto them Gods Will of command but also his Will of Counsel and Pleasure that is the things which he hath resolved to act upon their hearts and to work in them

sweet facility and easiness which is found in all Gospel commands and obedience when endeavoured in the strength of Christs grace Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me 1 Joh. 5.3 And his commandments are not grievous This is the sweet fruit of Christs Suretiship who did undertake to work all these things in us and to give his spirit and influences toward the effecting of these things 5. By Christs Suretiship we have our holdness in all distresses to lay our weight upon him Isa 38.14 Like a crane or swallow so did I chatter I did mourn as a dove mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Whensoever any duty or tentation is above our strength when any difficulty prevaileth against us then to come to Christ as unto one who is engaged with us and for us Isa 45.24 Surely shall one say in the Lord have I righteousness and strength even to him shall men come and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass When the Law cometh with any hard commandment then to offer to God Christ the end of the law Rom. 10.4 Heb. 12.24 6. We owe to Christs Suretiship many things upon the head of tentations as namely 1. Our being prevented that many a tentation cometh not to our dore before which we should prove weak that we enter not into all tentations fit●●● for our humors Math. 26.41 Watch and pray that ye enter not into tempeation the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak 2. Our standing it out when tentation cometh that it doth not carry us quite away before it with a full consent Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 3. Our escaping and delivery from tentations 1 Cor. 10.13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man but God is faithful that will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it All these things we have by Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us Joh. 17.12 While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scripture might be fulfilled Rev. 3.10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth Vse 1. Behold we bring you glad tidings of great joy Luk. 2.10 Good news to broken sinners who have made themselves irresponsal who cannot fulfil the Covenant of works who cannot answer the charge of the Law themselves behold there is a better Covenant which hath a cautioner in it who hath stricken hands with God who hath undertaken the Debt and hath discharged it Isa 53.6 And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all Col. 2.14 Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us and took it out of the way nayling it to his cross Here is in one word manifold grounds of comfort to believers and of encouragement to believe in Christ to come and thank him for his undertaking and to say Amen to that which he did without our request here is one ground to answer many objections and doubtings if you be by nature under a Covenant which hath no cautioner Christ doth tender a Covenant which hath a cautioner in it Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament Heb. 8.6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the Mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better promises If the conditions of that be hard the conditions of this are easie Heb. 12.20 For they could not endure that which was commanded Rom. 10.6 8. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise That is the word of faith which we preach if thou shalt believe with thine heart thou shalt be saved If you stand alone in that Covenant you do not so here Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Isa 59.21 As for me this is my covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever If the charge of the Law be hard such as you cannot satisfie you have a Surety who hath both undertaken and made sufficient satisfaction to the Law Isa 53.8 He was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation for he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Dan. 9.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself and the people of the prince that shall come c. If you be unresponsal creatures who have not only broken Covenant but disabled your selves to perform any thing that the Law even the new Law doth require of you your Surety is a responsal person one that is mighty Psal 89.19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Vse 2. Here is a matter of expostulation with believers and with unbelievers and that upon divers grounds 1. Why do any of you think or say that the Gospel-conditions and commands are hard and heavy that they are unprofitable or impossible Rom. 10.6 7 8 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven that is to bring Christ down from above Or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach Is there any cause to think so of a Covenant that hath a Surety in it nay 't is groundless to think so Deut. 30.11 14 For this commandment which I command thee this day it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off But the word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayost do it 1 Joh. 5.3 And his commandments are not

believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 4.10 Jesus answered and said unto her If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith unto thee Give me to drink thou wouldst have asked of him and he would have given thee living-water Isa 42.6 And give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things Yea 't is in and for Christ that the Covenant is a free Covenant for the same righteousness and life and Covenant-blessings which are freely promised and offered to us at the first hand were purchased by Christ and a satisfaction given to the justice of God for them and because he payed a price for them therefore they are free gifts to us he made all Covenant-mercies free to us by Covenant because they were bought by him in the Covenant that was made between God and Christ Isa 53.10 11 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was I do not say that Christ was the cause of Gods eternal transaction which he purposed in himself but that he is the cause of these effects of Covenant-graces which come freely to us for his sake who bought them with a great price 1 Pet. 1.19 20 21 But with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish without spot Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you who by him do believe in God that raised him up from the dead and gave him glory that your faith and hope might be in God 2. The everlastingness of the Covenant is comprized in Christ the Covenant is an everlasting Covenant and he is God everlasting yea an everlasting Mediator who was set up from everlasting and shall endure to everlasting Isa 9.6 For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and his name shall be called wonderful councellor the mighty God the everlasting father the prince of peace Prov. 8.23 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Yea it is in and through and for Christ that the Covenant of grace hath everlastingness in it whether we consider it as everlasting a parte ante it could not have been an e●●●lasting Covenant in this respect unless there had been an●●●●r everlasting party for the everlasting God to deal 〈…〉 and there was not another party of this kind but 〈…〉 in whom grace was given to us and promises of life 〈…〉 made to us before the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1. 〈…〉 8.23 Or if we consider the Covenant as everlasting 〈…〉 parte post Christ is the foundation of that and it is 〈…〉 for Christ that the Covenant is an everlasting Cove●●●● 〈…〉 and because he is given for a Covenant of the people 〈…〉 everlastingness is given to that Covenant Psal 89. ●● 〈…〉 5 I have made a covenant with my chosen I have sworn unto David my servant My covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Isa 59.21 As for me this is my covenant with them saith the Lord my spirit which is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever Isa 53.10 When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 3. The order of the Covenant is comprised in Christ the Covenant is a well ordered Covenant and the order of the whole treaty of reconciliaton and of this Covenant-transaction is summed up in Christ in whom the parties meet together in this order God coming down to us in Christ and we coming up to God in Christ 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Mat. 1.23 God with us Yea all things that are ordered and disposed concerning Covenant-grace and blessings are ordered in him and for him and by him for the methods and ways of Gods dispensing and ordering Covenant-blessings are through him and in him as the channel and conveyance thereof and for him as the cause and by him as the great Administrator who is over all that business for the managing thereof Eph. 1.3 4 5 6 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all the spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will to the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved Eph. 2.6 10 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them 4. The stability of the Covenant is comprised in Christ the Covenant of Grace is a sure Covenant and he is a firm and sure Christ who fails not and changes not Heb. 13.8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to day and for ever Yea he is the very stability of the Covenant of Grace 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us The sure foundation upon which it is established Isa 28.16 Because Christ is in