part also Joh. 11.42 And I know that thou hearest me always 2. From the special requisites and graces which shine forth eminently in Christs managing the work of Mediation Vse 1. If Christ be a condescending Mediator who hath stooped low to compass an union betwixt you and God Then it is your duty to stretch and raise your self to meet him Come and meet him Will you let all the condescendance be on his side and will you not yeild and bow to him in any thing Nay be it far from you 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yeild your selves unto the Lord. Vse 2. If he be a mollifying Mediator who hath brought down God from high demands of Law Then 1. Consider with what ease your conditions with God is now granted Consider the terms upon which Christ hath brought you an offer of God 2. Be you brought off the terms of distance whereupon you stand proudly with him And 3. If Christ have broken you off from your proud terms wherein you stood with God then you may judg thereby and conclude that he hath mollified himself also Vse 3. If Christ be so affable Then put away your prejudices at him and your mishapen thoughts of him as if he were austere to his people and be encouraged to come to him with every thing relating to your peace with God you shall find courteous and kind entertainment and shall experience that the Mediator is good to speak to Vse 4. If the Mediator be so meek and gentle Then believers may expect that he will bear with their infirmities wherein they do not allow themselves yea cannot bear with themselves Psal 103.9 13 14 He will not always chide neither will he keep his angar for ever Like as a father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that fear him for he knoweth our frame he remembreth that we are dust yet so as you would not tempt Christ 1 Cor. 10.9 nor abuse his meekness and gentleness for there is such a thing in Christ as Gospel-severity the Lamb of God is a Lion when he is stirred up to he angry Heb. 2.2 3 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him And 10.26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledg of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Vse 5. If the Mediator be so eminently merciful Then 1. if your condition be so miserable and the evils of your estate such that can plead pity put no doubt but they shall find pity with him even when you can scarce speak for pity to them but only lay them before him set them in his eye Luke 19.4 And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore-tree to see him for he was to pass that way 2 Fear not to meet with rough dealing repulses untenderness harsh answers Isa 40.11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosome and shall gently lead them that are with young Believers beware that ye do not upon the matter deny your Mediators merciful disposition say not by your carriage that he is a hard man Mal. 25.24 Vse 6. Is he a Potent Mediator Then 1. let sinners only deal to get Christ engaged for their peace and the business is done he shall bring it about Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me And 53.10 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 2. Believers know whom you have believed how potent he is to do what is entrusted to him Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty that you may be comforted and your faith strengthened Rom. 4.20 21 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief but was strang in faith giving glory to God And being fully perswaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform Vse 7. If he be a faithful Mediators Then 1. be perswaded to give him more trust in the employment you put upon him in all your business leave your care upon this trusty person 1 Thes 5.24 Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it Psal 37.5 Commit thy way unto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass 2. Then it must be a great sin and provocation in any who have employed Christ to be jealous of him and to distrust his undertakings sure such do not know him well whom they have believed 2 Tim. 1.12 3. Believers who have fled to him for refuge and rolled over your temporal and everlasting interests upon him you may quiet your minds and lye down securely without fear of the miscarrying of any thing that is good for you Phil. 4.6 7 Be careful for nothing but in every thing with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus Psal 3.5 6 I laid me down and slept I awaked for the Lord sustained me I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about Vse 8. If our Mediator be the Wooer and Sutor of both the parties unto the peace Then to be you willingly wooed by him be not nice and wild when he is courting your hearts to wed with him and to make peace with God 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be not yet stiff-necked as your fathers were but yeild your selves unto the Lord and enter into his sanctuary When he prays you and beseeches you to be reconciled to God be not hard to be entreated 2 Cor. 5.19 20. 2. Fear not if your hearts have become toward to his Propositions if you be content to be wooed by him doubt not but he will get his Father's consent to whatsoever he propounds to you yea he had his mind and good-will to whatsoever he propoundeth to you before he spoke with you Joh. 6.37 38 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out 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 17.16 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 3. No thanks to us that ever God and we were in good terms but all thanks to the Mediator the Wooer of both parties the Peace-maker who came and preached peace and made peace 2 Cor. 5.20 Eph. 2.14 15 17. Vse 9. If our Mediator be of so heroick and so unsubdued
Father glorifie thou me with thine own self But Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption 1. Efficiently or in regard of the efficient cause thereof the spring whence it came was Grace pure Grace and nothing else made it and gave it a being it was not only an act of will pleasure freedom and soveraignty but an act of gracious will and the good pleasure of his will that made it Eph. 1.5 Col. 1.19 2. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant ultimately in regard that the ultimate end and scope thereof is the manifesting the glory of the richness and freeness of Grace t is a design of Grace that is driven and carried on in the Covenant of Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 3. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was in it fundamentally the whole contrivance and dispensation of Grace is bottomed upon this eternal transaction and turns upon the hinge of this Compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ therefore all the mercies and faithfulness of the Lord that we are made to sing of within time are laid upon this foundation Psal 89.1 2 3 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens I have made a Covenant with my chosen 4. Graciousness may be attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was here originally for here the first draughts of pure soveraign free Grace and the unsearchable riches thereof were drawn and portrayed here is fountain-Grace and from thence came the streams here were the beginnings of that noble design of Grace laid and from hence did they come forth Col. 1.26 27 Even the mysterie which had been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 5. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace is here comprehensively even all that God hath been driving and acting upon the spirits of his people by the Gospel-covenant and Ordinances thereof and the work of his Spirit since the beginning of the world and all that he shall do until the day that the ransomed and redeemed company be perfected even the whole plot of Grace is all comprised in this eternal transaction with Christ and to it are we led as the comprehension of all Covenant-grace and mercy Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make with you an everlasting Covenant even the sure mercies of David 6. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant because Grace is here eminently and indeed if the comparison might be fitly made pure Gospel free Grace is more in the Covenant of Redemption than in the Covenant of Reconciliation for 't is in the Covenant of Redemption principally as water is in the fountain and in the Covenant of Reconciliation by participation and consequentially because God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by that Covenant therefore he is now in Christ reconciling the world to himself by this Covenant of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trospasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled unto God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be the righteousness of God in him 7. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was therein exemplarily for hereby God did act Grace in Christ and made him a Samplar and the first copy of free Grace to all his brethren seed and heirs that they might share with him upon whom the first acts of eternal Covenant-love and Grace fell and that God might shew forth in him a pattern of Covenant-dealings and out letting of Covenant-favour and promises Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation With Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 3. Another Property of the Covenant of Redemption is Eternity For 1. Both the Parties are eternal the eternal God who is from everlasting to everlasting Deut. 33.27 and the eternal Son of God whose eternal power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 is equal with God his Father Phil. 2.6 And who shall declare his generation Isa 53.8 Joh. 1.1 2 In the beginning the word was and the word was with God and the word was God the same was in the beginning with God Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end saith the Lord which is which was and which is to come 2. The union of the two natures in the Person of the Redeemer which was transacted in this Covenant is an eternal union I mean the humane nature which was from eternity designed unto a substantial union with God being once assumed stands in that substantial union for ever so that it is impossible that the personal union which was transacted in the Covenant of Redemption can be dissolved unto all eternity for 't is unquestionable that Christ shall stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever for even there is a throne for the man Christ for the Lamb slain for ever Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it Act. 17.31 3. The New Covenant-relations which were established betwixt Jehovah and Christ by this Covenant of Redemption are eternal relations which shall never cease Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son This Covenant-relation I say whereby God is the God and Father
the doing and suffering of so excellent a person who was God-man and so all these being acts so excellent and so undue except by voluntary condescension they must needs be such conditions as were part of the price payed by him 4. The obedience of Christ and all that he did in obedience to the Law being performed by him in the state of his humiliation in which he was whatsoever he was for us 2 Cor. 8.9 for your sakes he became poor all these must have respect of conditions of his Covenant with Jehovah which he performed for us Assert 7. The conditions of the Covenant of Redemption required from Christ and performed by him were meritorious that is they were not consequent conditions which denote only a connexion and order betwixt the thing promised and the condition required but they were antecedent conditions when the condition is the cause of the thing promised as in contracts of Justice where one thing is given for another So the conditions of this Covenant performed by Christ did by order of strict Justice and jure emptionis claim the reward that was promised and covenanted with him to be given to himself the head and to his elect people in whose stead he satisfied Justice by paying their debt with a price of blood hence it is that he craves the reward to be given and that in Justice for the work he had done Joh. 17.4 5 24 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 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold thy glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Hence it is also that his Advocation is grounded upon Justice and he stands in Heaven Jesus the righteous 1 Joh. 2.1 who being now justified and acquitted of the debt that he took upon him by his bond of Suretiship whereby he was made sin and made a curse for us 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 3.13 He pleads now the merit of blood Assert 8. The condition of the Covenant of Suretiship is either more general and adequate or more special and forwal and accordingly we must answer the question when 't is asked what was the condition of this Covenant Answ 1. The general adequate condition of the Covenant of Suretiship can be no narrower than Christ's whole undertaking so that whatsoever he undertook to do whether in his own person or in his people for carrying on and perfecting the word of Redemption from beginning to end must be part of the conditions required at his hand whereof read Psal 40.6 to 11. compared with Heb. 10.5 to 11 all which may be summed up in six comprehensive heads 1. Christ's accepting the grand charge of this work of Redemption even the Mediatory office that was put upon him he receives the keys of the house of David the trust and weight of the lost but elect world and all the burthen and care of them is devolved upon him with this office Isa 22.22 24. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all tho vessels of flaggons 2. His taking out nature upon him and that not in its primitive virgin integrity but when it was at the worst it was a condition of this Covenant that Christ should humble himself to take on him the likeness of sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 that he should take the same nature that offended divine Justice even the same flesh and blood whereof the children are partakers and no other Heb. 2.14 3. His taking our Law-place was another condition not our nature only but our Law-place and room that is to put his Soul in our Soul's stead that the Law of God might reach him who otherwise could not be reached by the Law and that Divine Justice executing the curse and penalty of the Law might smite him as the guilty man being by his own consent and his bond of Suretiship become legally the debtor and sinner though not intrinsecally Gal. 4.4 made under the Law and made sin for us 2 Cor. 5.21 though he knew no sin 4. His acting our part not in a scenick but in a real manner he came upon the stage to represent our person and in our nature and Law-place he really acted our part and this was another condition required of him who perfectly obeyed the command of the Law and suffered the threatning thereof for us even all that Justice had threatned to inflict upon the offender and transgressour of the Law Gal. 3.13 he was made a curse for us Isa 53.5 the chastisement of our peace was upon him c. 5. His taking a new Covenant-right unto God his own Father and not to God only but to heaven and glory and all the New-covenant blessings whereby the Covenant-right and rites of his redeemed people might be consolidated in him as their head and whereby he might for ever carry their names and interests before his Father as being there represented by him Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father my God and the rock of my Salvation Heb. 2.11.13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren And again I will put my trust in him and again behold I and the children which thou hast given me And 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 6. His effectual application of the Redemption purchased by his Suretiship unto all his redeemed ones And under this I comprehend Christ's undertaking for the pouring out of the Spirit to send to them his Spirit to draw them to him to cause them to believe receive his Surety-righteousness to keep them in his favour and love to cause them to persevere to present them perfected and without spot to God 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 Joh. 12.32 And if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto me Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the Father's will that 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
thing or to pay any debt or to become baile for any person when it is thereafter also recorded of him that he satisfied and performed his undertaking And thus we find that his undertaking and suretiship that was recorded ere he came into the world Psal 40.6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire mine ears hast thou opened burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required c. Is also recorded of him to have been satisfied by him when he came into the world Heb. 10.5 6 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure Then said I to I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God 7. He is justified because he is openly relaxed and dismissed the Prison after that he had entered his person for payment of the broken man's debt the Debtor being under lash and execution of Law at the Creditor's pursuit and let go again is justified and acquitted And thus was Christ judicially and by authority of God loosed from death from the Prison and Fetters because the Prison could not hold him nor the gripes and fetters of death detain him Prisoner when the Sentence of the Law was satisfied and the Judg declared him free Act. 2.24 Whom God hath raised up having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that he should be holden of it 't is a Phrase like to that Psal 105.20 The king sent and loosed him even the ruler of the people and let him go free Rom. 6.9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him The sixth kind of Promises made by Jehovah unto Christ were these that relate to the reward that should be given to him for this great work and service in our Redemption And such were 1. The promise of exaltation after the debasement and ignominy that he should humble himself unto in the execution of his Suretiship Jehovah covenanteth with him to advance him to the greatest height of dignity and honour that is in earth or heaven Psal 89.27 Also I will make him my first born higher than the kings of the earth And 110.7 He shall drink of the brook in the way therefore shall he lift up the head Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the stoong which was performed unto him Phil. 2.8 And being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross therefore God hath highly exalted him c. Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Which promises and performances have a peculiar respect to the exaltation of Christ in his resurrection from the dead ascension unto heaven and session at the right hand of God whereof read Psal 16.8 9 10 11 compared with Act. 2.25 to 32. And 13.32 33. and Psal 110. 1. compared with Act. 2.34 35. 2. The promise of satisfaction a reward that should satisfie him a reward that should be according to his own heart and at his own asking and craving Isa 53.11 He shall be satisfied Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give 3. The promise of a seed Since a redeemed seed was one of Christ's ends for which he served he endured hard labour he suffered he died which next unto the honour of God was upon his heart The Lord by Covenant with him promiseth that he shall not want off-spring he shall neither want children nor heirs he shall have the satisfaction which he desired Isa 53.10 11 When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Eph. 5.25 26 27 Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish and if this was one of Christ's ends for which he wrought and a part of his reward which his Father promised to him then 1. Sure he is Lord and Master of the will of man and hath a forcible soveraignty and dominion over man's free well See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. c. 9. p. 327 c. to bow and determine it which Arminians and Socinians deny else how can he promise a seed to Christ and undeclinably and insuperably make that promise good and cause them believe and persevere unto the end whereby they come and abide his seed Then 2. There is no more desirable sight to the eye of Christ than to see all his Redeemed seed about him in his Father's house fairly landed and without the reach of all possible danger of perishing Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me Then 3. There can be nothing more certain than the faith perseverance and salvation of Christ's elect and redeemed seed in regard it is both undertaken by Christ in his part of the Covenant of Suretiship and promised to Christ by his Father and so undertaken by Jehovah also in the articles of the Covenant of Redemption 4. The promise of a large Dominion and Kingdom the Lord promiseth to Christ that a large and flourishing Kingdom shall be given him over many countreys and that he shall have many subjects and these conquering too who shall stand last in the fields and have a prosperous war until the day of their Redemption Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen then for thy inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession And 72.8 9 11 He shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him and his enemies shall lick the dust yea all Kings shall fall down before him all Nations shall serve him And 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning Mal. 1.11 For from the rising of the Sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles and in every place incense shall be burned unto my name and a pure offering for my name shall be great among the heathen saith the Lord of hosts Zech. 9.10 His dominion shall be from sea to sea and from the river even to the ends of the earth Dan. 7.14 And there was given him dominion
and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed 5. The promise of glory a peculiar glory in heaven throughout eternity to the Lord Mediator and Redeemer to the Lamb that was slain who wrought this great and glorious work of our Redemption this glory he craveth as his wages Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self This glory he eyed when he was at hard labour about the work Isa 49.4 5 Surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross This glory was promised to him Zech. 6.13 He shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house this glory is actually payed to him in heaven where the Lamb has a throne Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it And 7.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them where there is a new Song sung unto the Lamb Rev. 5.9 10 And they sung a new Song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Yea and a crown and glory for his redeemed seed was part of the reward promised to him and for which he wrought Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom 2 Pet. 5.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory The seventh kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these that relate to interest I mean the new contracted interests Covenant-interests that were promised to him as part of this agreement betwixt Jehovah and Christ Mediator out of which did spring all the new Covenant-interests and relations that we have to God And such were 1. The interest in God as his God by Covenant for to him was the great Mother promise of the Covenant made I will be his God Psal 80.26 He shall cry to me thou art my God This interest is bound up with him in the Covenant of Suretiship 2. The interest in God as his Father by Covenant to Christ was promised and with him was bound up a new Sonship and Covenant-title to God as his Covenanted Father Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son and these Covenant-relations and interests and the compellations arising from them we find Christ own and acknowledg Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and to your God Hence he calleth us brethren children of the same Father who have one Covenant-relation with him to the same God Hell 2.12 I will declare thy name unto my brethren hence God is called the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. The interest of Saviourship for to the man Christ 't is promissed that Jehovah shall be the rock of his Salvation Psal 89.26 he shall cry to me Thou art my God and the rock of my Salvation hence he cryed Father save me from this hour Joh. 12.27 Jehovah was a Saviour to the man Christ from the things that he suffered as our surety he saveth the head and body therefore it is said Heb. 5.7 that he cryed to him that was able to save him from death 4. The interest of headship when Christ was given to be head of his body the Church he took upon him the man Christ the Mediator took upon him a new relation to God as his head which is founded and bound up in the Covevenant of Suretiship by which this comely order was established that Christ should be a head to his Church and God should be a head to the man Christ In this respect it is said that Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.23 and how As ye are Christs and all things are yours that is in a subordination to do service 1 Cor. 11.3 and the head of Christ is God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ must be the head of Christ a head by union to which Christ is united by bonds of union not natural only but foederal Joh. 10.30 I and my father are one Joh. 1.1 And the word was with God a head by influence of Spirit and Grace to the man Christ who liveth by the Father Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father a head by way of order who is over Christ Mediator and to whom the man Christ is subject 1 Cor. 15.28 Then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him 5. The interest of hearing Prayer Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me this is bound up among the Covenant-interests which he took upon him by his Suretiship and by this relation when Christ should humble himself to pray Jehovah promiseth to hear him and he hath hearing by Covenant as his seed also have it Isa 49.8 In an acceptable time have I heard thee Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me always Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared These and the like interests and relations were covenanted to Christ and out of these Covenant-interests engaged unto him did our Covenant-relations spring The last kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these which relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship And the great and publick effects which it should produce in the whole frame of the creation for the elect redeemed peoples sake And such were 1. The promise of delivery of the whole creation from bondage and vanity unto which it was made subject for man's Sin and whereof the whole world is sick like a woman travelling in birth Rom. 8.20 21 22 For the creature was made subject unto vanity not willingly but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope Because the creature it self also shall be delivered from
a fit person to mediate betwixt God and man until Heaven and Earth God and man be joyned in one person to make a fit Mediator a person equally distant from and equally near unto both parties A person who is Gods fellow Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow And who is our fellow made himself our companion and like unto his brethren Heb. 2.14 17. A person who is Gods Son and our brother Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my father and your father and to my God and your God our Goel Job 10.25 For I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth Our kinsman who had the right of Redemption 4. He is called Mediator the midling person not only in regard of his fitness but upon the account of his actual interposing and stepping in betwixt the disagreeing parties because he acted and executed the Mediators Office which he took upon him and for which he was fitted he acted the day-mans part in the treaty of peace he through whom the whole Covenant of peace from beginning to end was transacted who stood in every passage of it as a middle person through whom God dealt with us and we with him 1. Through him was the Covenant with us first motioned and by him was the motion and overture entertained on our behalf there had never been a Covenant betwixt God and fallen men had not Christ stept in to overture the reconciliation of Justice and Mercy Prov. 8.30 31 Then I was by him as one brought up with him and I was daily his delight rejoycing always before him Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men He is Mediator Propositionis or rather proponendo the person through whom the first motion of it was made and entertained 2. Through him was the business done and ended in the Counsel of God he entertained the motion of a Covenant and agented it till it was a closed bargain in an eternal plot betwixt his Father and himself Psal 89.3 I have made my Covenant with a chosen I have sworn unto David my servant Chap. 40. v. 7 Then said I Lo I come He is Mediator Impetrationis who obtained and procured that the proposal of free Redemption should be a conncluded Agreement 3. Through him were we represented in Christs transaction with his Father he interposed and did the business by way of representation as the Head of the Church in the name and on the behalf of many Heb. 2.13 Behold I and the children which God hath given me 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us 〈◊〉 Christ Jesus before the world began He is Mediator representationis the person that stood and represented many When God spoke with us in him as the Angels did with Israel in Jacobs loins for there he spake with us Hos 12.4 4. Through him did God strike hands with us the stipulation on our part was made by him whom God took as a responsal person and in our room to bargain with Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people He is Mediator fidei-jussionis the person who put his name in our Bond and stept in as a Sponsor and Surety for the broken man 5. Through him is the whole Covenant fulfilled and every word of it hath a being ex parte dei he fulfilleth all that is promised on Gods part 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen And ex parte hominis he worketh in us and for us whatsoever is required of us Phil. 1.21 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God Heb. 12.2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith He is Mediator impletionis the person in whom the whole Covenant is fulfilled and accomplished 6. Through him came the news of this second Covenant he proclaimed and published the glad tydings Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because the Lord hath annointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which are afar off and to them that were nigh Psal 40.9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation He is Mediator promulgationis the chief herauld and messenger the person by whom and by his appointed servants the Covenant was and is preached 7. Through him is the mystery made manifest in the hearts of his people he shines upon the mystery of the Covenant and makes it to be understood and this second discovery of God in Christ can never be revealed but by the Mediator himself Joh. 27.6 I have manifested thy name 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him He is Mediator illuminationis or the very medium of this new-Light the person by whom the Covenant is revealed 8. By him was a price told down to Justice on our behalf he interposed to satisfie Justice on the terms it stood upon and entered his person in prison for us till he payed the Debt by the price of his blood after which he was set at liberty Heb. 9.12 15 But by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained redemption for us And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death c. Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ He is Mediator redemptionis seu satisfactionis the person that made the satisfaction and payed the price to Justice to the full by his obedience to death 9. Through him is the difference actually composed and the peace made the disagreeing parties are brought together in him as a middle person and fit resting-place Eph. 2.13 14 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ For he is our peace who hath made both one Heb. 2.17 To make reconciliation for the sins of his people He is Mediator reconciliationis the person that made the peace and in whom the difference is composed 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself 10. Through him are all the blessings of the Covenant applied to us and the fruit of his purchase is drawn forth by his intercession as a Priest for ever which he doth as a Mediator Heb. 7.25
die But in the Mediator we see Gods face and know him savingly Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent 2 Cor. 4.6 To give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2. Without Christ the Mediator there could be no union betwixt God and man the distance was so great that the parties could not come near to one another Eph. 2.13 But now in Chrisi Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ 3. Without the Mediator there could not have been any communion with God union is the foundation of communion without Christ the Creature should everlastingly have lost the fruition of God Without Christ and without God go together Eph. 2.12 4. Without the Mediator we could never had any conformity with God we lost the Image of God but could never have regained it but in Christ it is restored more excellently 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord. In a word without a Mediator no part of mans spiritual or everlasting good should have been brought to pass forasmuch as all the good which God had from eternity decreed to do to man was decreed to come to him in and through a Mediator hence we are said to be chosen and ordained unto adoption holiness obedience perseverance c. in and through him Eph. 1.3 4 5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiriritual 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 unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 1 Pet. 1.2 Through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ But by establishing the Covenant in the hands of a Mediator mans good is advanced For 1. There is a foundation laid of a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam for there is much more of God manifested and revealed in Jesus Christ than was in the creation for now we may behold his face as in a glass 2 Cor. 3.18 throughout Christ who is the brightness of his Fathers glory Heb. 1.3 Therefore this is a better Covenant which hath better promises in it laid to our hand in a Mediator Heb. 8.6 2. Not only a higher happiness and a better Covenant in that respect but also through the Mediator there is a foundation laid of a better security for that happiness a surer Covenant and standing in it than was before a Covenant that cannot be disannulled as was the first this being established and ordained in the hands of a Mediator Gal. 3.15 17 19. 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 laws in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Chap. 33. v. 20 21. A happiness that cannot be forefaulted Psal 89.33 34 35. 3. Through the establishing of this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator there is strength and height of confidence and consolation answerable to the security granted and the solid grounds of confidence and comfort that are laid in this Covenant the sum whereof is That all shall go well notwithstanding all things in us that speak the contrary because there is a Mediator in this Covenant 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world 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 Chap. 2. v. 17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people And truly if there had not been a Mediator in the Covenant of grace in whose hand it was ordained through whom it is established with us it had been as weak ineffectual and unprofitable to give righteousness and life as the first Covenant proved Vse 1. The necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant cleareth one of the main differences betwixt the Covenant of Grace and the first Covenant which was of Works wherein there was no Mediator nor need of a Mediator the parties being friends and in fitness to deal immediately Vse 2. From the necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant be convinced of your need of a Mediator 1. Let natural men be convinced of this you have none to deal for you you must stand or fall by your own righteousness without any mending of it you must do for your selves or be undone for there is no Mediator of that Covenant under which you stand you must do so or of necessity come to Christ the Mediator that you may partake in a better Covenant 2. Let believers be convinced of this It is not natural men only that need a Mediator to make their peace and to change their Covenant-state but you also need a Mediator 1. At all times before and after justification Rom. 5.6 10 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly 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 In making your peace and maintaining it before and in and after your conversion you will need a Mediator till you be in over the threshold of glory till you have put off the body of sin Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which sent me draw him Song 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 2. To all intents and purposes as well relating to your Covenant-state as to your duties not only for your persons to make your peace but also for your performances to procure their acceptance Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censor and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne 3. In all things pertaining to God whatsoever you have to do if it be a thing that relates to God Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God
mouth and in his carrying as Mediator there were many bright discoveries of this great mystery as we may read Mat. 3.16 17 And Jesus when he was baptized went up straight-way out of the waters and lo the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like'd dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Chap. 28. v. 28 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy-Ghost Joh. 14.16 26 And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever But the comforter which is the holy-Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name c. And many like testimonies were from him manifesting this glorious mystery 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons or their ordered administration and working and the various and distinct acts of the Trinity in the work of redemption are brightly discovered in and by Jesus Christ the Mediator 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel But because these may be gathered from what hath been spoken of the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption I shall only touch upon them in this place And 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the Covenant with Christ Mediator 1. He had a purpose to raise man through a Mediator Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 2. He chose the Son for the doing this work and us in him Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. He makes a Covenant with the Son Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen and promises were given to Christ and grace given to us in him before the world began Tit. 1.2 2 Tim. 19. 4. God the Father appoints who shall be saved and gives them to the Son that all that were written in Gods book may also be written in the lambs book of life Joh. 17.9 Them that thou hast given me for they are thine Rev. 20.12 15. Chap. 21. v. 27. 5. He appoints what measure of grace and glory every one of them shall have Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Mat. 20.23 But to fit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father 6. He commits all Government to the Son for the Elects sake that he may do according to this appointment Isa 9.6 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 1. He consents to the Covenant Psal 40.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me 2. He engageth himself to take the Creature into union with his Person Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me And to lay down his life according to his Fathers command Joh. 10.18 This commandment have I received of my Father 3. He undertakes to receive and keep and raise up at the last day all those given him by the Father Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Chap. 17. throughout 4. He undertakes the Government of the world and to Judg it at the last day Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father Joh. 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand 3. The Acts of the Spirit 1. He undertakes to unite the humane nature to Christ by a miraculous conception Luk. 1.35 The holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee 2. To joyn us with God in one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit 3. To be a Spirit of Unction first to Christ and then to us through him Joh. 3 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek 4. To act all our graces to blow upon them and to help our infirmities Song 4. last Awake O north-wind and come thou south blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered 5. To shed abroad the love of God in our hearts Rom. 5.5 Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy-Ghost which is given unto us 6. To set a Seal upon our hearts and to bear witness of all the work of God in us Eph. 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Now all these things are discovered and manifested to us in Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant CHAP. X. Of Christs Calling to the Office of Mediatorship THis being the Person who is Mediator of the new Covenant We come in the next place to speak of the Office And 1. Of Christs Calling to it 2. Of his qualification for it 3. Of his carriage in it And first we shall enquire after Christs Calling to the office of Mediatorship which we shall shortly dispatch by answering of these three Questions Q. 1. How came Christ to undertake this work A. He was called to it he did not intrude himself in the Mediators Office but was sent and employed in the work these things clear his calling to the work 1. Several of his Names import it Mal. 3.1 He is called the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant Because of his mission and Gods sending of him to do this work c. Isa 42.1 My servant and mine elect Because of his being called and employed by his Father he was called a Servant or chosen Officer formed for a special
humane Nature of Christ 1. It was Created-grace wherewith he was anointed it was grace given upon the one part and received upon the other it was grace-poured out and infused in the same manner as believers receive grace Psal 68.18 Thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them Psal 45.2 7 Grace is poured into thy lips therefore hath God blessed thee for ever Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness therefore God thy God hath anointed thee with oyl of gladness above thy fellows 2. It was grace which being finite did receive encrease Luk. 2.40 52 And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him And Jesus encreased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man as all his members do Eph. 4.13 Till all we come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ 3. It must needs be of the same kind seeing our grace and Unction is part of his fulness Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 1 Joh. 2.20 27 But ye have an unction from the holy one But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you Yet so as Christ is not degraded from his Soveraignty by his partners exaltation Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence 2. Concerning the measure of Christs Unction although his Unction differ not in kind from the Unction of believers yet the measure of it so far exceeds our measure that in respect thereof it is without measure and yet the humane Nature of Christ had not infinite grace for thereof it was not capable it is as the Ocean compared with the drop of a Bucket the spirit and grace was in him as water in the Fountain in us as water in the Cistern communication in regard of Christ is full and immediate grace is in him as the money in the treasure which is disbursed to us according to our need grace is in him as life and sense is eminently in the heart and head which is diffused into his members Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself Chap. 6. v. 57 As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer than the children of men grace is poured into thy lips God thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence 3. Concerning the time of Christs Unction whether he received the spirit without measure in that copious abundant effusion from the womb and first moment of his conception We say he was anointed even from the first union of his two Natures in his person the Godhead did sanctifie the huname Nature and make it holy undefiled and infused all graces as appears from Luk. 1.35 Therfore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Heb. 7.26 For such an High-priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heaven And from the glorious effects thereof which did early appear in him Luk. 2.42 to 49. Yet so as he did more fully receive the anointing and the spirit without measure when he was to appear publickly in the entire executing of his Offices which was about the thirtieth year of his age Luk. 3.23 with 4.1 22 And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost c. And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Which was typified in Davids being twice anointed once when he was first designed King 1 Sam. 16.13 And again when he was invested in the presence of the people 2 Sam. 2.4 Which was also held forth in the visible sign of the Holy-Ghost his descending upon him at his baptism Mat. 3.16 And was intimated to John before-hand Joh. 1.33 34 And I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me Vpon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy-Ghost And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God i.e. That he who as man should receive the spirit should also as God yea as Mediator give the spirit to others 4. Concerning the extent of his Unction as it reacheth unto all the parts of his Mediatorship and the furnishing him for them 1. He was anointed to be a Prophet furnished with a dexterity to preach the Gospel Luk. 4.18 19 22 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind to set at liberty them that are bruised to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Isa 50.4 The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary Mat. 7.28 29 And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings the people were astonished at his doctrine For he taught them as one having authority and not as the Scribes Joh. 6.63 The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life Yea he was not only furnished with a spirit for that calling but also for prompting others and fitting them for it Eph. 4.8 11 And gave gifts unto men And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and some Teachers 2. He was anointed not only called but furnished for his Priestly Office for both the parts thereof furnished by the Spirit wherewith he was anointed both for offering his Sacrifice and for making his intercession Heb. 9.14 Who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God Chap. 5. v. 7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears c. 3. He was anointed and furnished for his Kingly Office with a spirit and gifts for Government for conquering his enemies and for ruling his people Psal 45.3 4 5 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most Mighty with thy glory and thy Majesty And in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are
if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins 5. There are Predictions and Prophesies in the Gospel-Covenant I mean especially these which concern Eternity the last Judgment Hell and Heaven which are the things that are least believed of all that ever men heard tell of Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth also that these things are true the Covenant telleth us that this world shall have an end and time shall be no more Eternity is coming Psal 102.26 They shall perish but thou shalt endure yea all of them shall was old like a garment as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed 2 Pet. 3.10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night in the which the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise and the elements shall melt with fervent heat the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up Christ the Witness of the Covenant testifieth and sweareth that is true Rev. 10.5 6 And the Angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lift up his hand to Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created Heaven and the things that therein are and the earth and the things that therein are and the sea and the things which are therein that there should be time no longer The Covenant saith that God hath appointed a day wherein Christ shal judg the world and all shall bow to him Act. 17.31 Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained And this witness of the Covenanant testifieth and confirmeth that with an Oath Rom 14.10 11 12 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall how to me and every tongue shall confess to God so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God The Covenant saith there is a Hell and a Heaven there is a resting-place prepared for the people of God and a place of torment for all the wicked 1 Cor. 2.9 10 But as it is written eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit for the spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Luk. 16.23 And in Hell he lift up his eyes being in torment and seeth Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosome Rev. 14.10 11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in presence of the holy Angels and in the presence of the lamb and the smoak of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever The Witness of the Covenant testifieth that these things are true for he was both in Hell and Heaven i. e. he saw both and tasted of the things that are in them Psal 16.10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in Hell Luk. 23.43 Jesus said unto him Verily I say unto thee to day thou shalt be with me in paradise Joh. 17.5 And now O father glorifie thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was 6. There are Exceptions and Reservations of the crosses and afflictions in several cases by the Covenat Psal 89.30 32. If his Children forsake my law then will I visit their transgressions with the rod. The Witness of the Covenant testifieth it is true and confirmeth it by making it an express Reservation and Exception in all his dealings with his people Luk. 9.23 And he said unto them all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me Luk. 14.27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my Disciple Mat. 16.24 Then said Jesus unto his Disciples if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me 2. The Covenant may be said to be established and confirmed by Christ the Witness in regard that it is his witness that putteth an end to controversies about all things pertaining to the Covenant for in him they have a double establishment they are sure in themselves and they are sure unto us 1. All which is contained in the Covenant is firm and sure in Christ 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 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 His Witness makes it certain that there are such things and that these things are irrevocable and unalterable not to be done away nor broken because the Oath of God and witness of his Christ is in this Covenant which was not in the first Covenant 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 2. His witness maketh them sure to us as well as sure in themselves for it is that which puts the business of our salvation beyond doubting at least should put it beyond doubting because we have Christs testimony for it he hath made it a sworn article of the Covenant 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 to wit the Promise and Covenant made and confirmed with Abraham by the Angel of the Covenant 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 hoâ— set before us 1 Joh. 5.9 If we receive the witness of men the witness of God is greater For application of this Let us first reflect upon our selves and the way of our hearts with the Lord that we may be convinced how much we have slighted this Covenant-relation of Christs how little use we have made of him as the witness of the Covenant and how small weight we have laid upon his testimony That this may appear Consider 1. He hath not been employed by us to witness in all things wherein we have wanted certainty in the matters pertaining to the Covenant such as the revealing the secret of his Covenant the certifying us of his Covenant love and our Covenant-state and interest in him c. How often have we fled unto and trusted in means and marks for the attaining of these things and have not employed him who was given for a witness to declare and assure of these things Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any
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 heardâ— 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
bring you into the bond of the Covenant 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 Heb. 8.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Psal 45.10 Hearken O daughter and consider and encline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house Gen. 12.1.4 Now the Lord had said unto Abraham Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a Land that I will shew thee So Abraham departed as the Lord had spoken unto him Mat. 4.19 20 And he saith unto them follow me and I will make you fishers of men And they streight-way left their nets and followed him 2. Whatsoever appertaineth to the maintaining and preserving of the Covenant and confederacy betwixt God and his people Christ is Messenger for that and herein he doth the part of the Messenger of the Covenant 1. By travelling betwixt the parties for keeping up free access betwixt them and liberty to speak with one another for it is by him that God hath access to speak to our hearts and that we have access to him by frequent mutual Messages the Messenger being a Courtier and Favourite with both the parties Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the father Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son 2. By travelling betwixt the parties for correspondence and entercourse to maintain communion and a good understanding betwixt them to the end that none of the parties engaged in the Covenant of kindness become strangers to one another through the want of converse and corresponding Christ is a Messenger betwixt them to maintain the peace and friendship Joh. 16.16 A little while and ye shall not see me and again a little while and ye shall see me because I go to the father Joh. 14.18 19 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye see me because I live ye shall live also 3. He is a Messenger to maintain the Covenant betwixt God and his people by travelling betwixt the parties with good reports Heb. 12.24 25 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that of Abel See that ye refuse not him that speaketh c. Commending God to his people and his love and speaking good of all his way with them Joh. 10.29 My father which gave them me is greater then all Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me Psal 25.10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies And commending believers unto his father and speaking good of them and for them frequently behind their back when they do not hear him Joh. 17.6 8 25 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me O righteous father the world hath not known thee but I have known thee and these have known that thou hast sent me Jer. 31.20 Is Ephraim my dear son is he a pleasant child for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord. Jer. 12.7 I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies Christ maketh both a good report of his father to his people here on Earth and a good report of them to his father in Heaven he putteth good constructions not only upon his fathers way with his people which cannot reasonably bear an evil construction Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose But also upon his peoples way and walk and duties to God-ward a construction and report of them which they would stand in awe to give of themselves yea they are in hazzard to contradict this blessed Messengers report many a time Joh. 14.4 5 And whither I go ye known and the way ye know Thomas saith unto him Lord we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way 3. Whatsoever appertaineth to the repairing of the Covenant or to the renewing and establishing thereof in the case of any breach betwixt the parties he is a Messenger for that he is the repairer of the breach and doth declare himself the Angel of the Covenant 1. By taking up emergent differences betwixt God and his people that they may not controvert about them but may rather have satisfaction in him Isa 53.12 And he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9 7 But into the second went the High-priest alone once every year not without blood which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people For as our High-priest he makes offering for the errors of the people for all the differences arising betwixt God and his people are taken away alone by his travels 2. By renewing the Covenant-kindness and love and engagements he travels as a Messenger and cannot rest after breaches and differences betwixt his father and his people or betwixt himself and them until the wonted kindness be renewed and till it be betwixt God and his people as it used to be 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins Jer. 2.2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem saying Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a land that was not sown Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Ezek. 16.60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant 6. Let us a little consider the properties of the Messenger and Angel of the Covenant which do commend
is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts And his own people smote him and used him very ill Mat. 21.38 But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves This is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance Joh. 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not Isa 53.3 He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was dispifed and we esteemed him not Yet his love did bear him through all this cold encouragement 3. Consider how you entertain his Service 2 Cor. 6.1 We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain Do not slight it do not refuse it upon whatsoever pretext but if he will do you Service and condescend to do you good suffer him to do it 't is no presumption to let him take his will of you he took it ill to be otherwise dealt with Joh. 13.6 8 And Peter saith unto him Lord dost thou wash my feet Peter saith unto him Thou shalt never wash my feet Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me And no wonder he take it very ill to have his Service slighted and refused for his Service is the heighth of his love which he â—annot endure to have slighted his Service offered is slighted â—y all those who will not give their consent to let him do unto them all the good offices which are mentioned in the Gospel by all who do not subject their consent unto it Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Mat. 22.5 But they made light of it and went their ways one to his farm another to his merchandise 4. Consider what advantages we have by his Service 1. His condescension was the cause of our exaltation if he had not served we had not reigned if he had not come down to the footstool we should never have come up to the Throne Heb. 5.8 9 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 2. It was the hardship of his Service which makes ours so easie he left us little to do when he was made under the law he did bear away the bondage of our Service and Duties Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God He did hear the hard and insupportable yoke and left us nothing to do but to serve for love he brake the force and power of the adversary and left us only a broken party and routed forces to deal with 1 Cor. 15.55 O death where is thy-sting O grave where is thy victory Yea he hath not left us alone to deal with these 3. By his Service we have our liberty and can be no more Servants but Friends and Children of the house See Gal. 4.4 5 6 7 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father wherefore thou art no more a servant but a Son and if a Son then an heir of God through Christ Joh. 8.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all thinâ—s that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Rom. 8.2 For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death Gal. 4.31 So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free We were slaves and condemned under perpetual bondage married unto an angry tyrant so was the law become to transgressors but by his becoming a Servant under the law by his putting on our condition we became sharers of his liberty and Sonship 4. By his Service we have wages and a reward for our Service even for our poor worthless endeavours after duty about which there are so many questionings in the hearts of believers whether they shall be accepted and but few thoughts of a recompence I say our Service could never have been rewarded but for his Service this brought with it not acceptation only but a reward to ours upon his account being done in his name Luk. 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was but our duty to do Heb. 11.6 And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob Seek ye me in vain Isa 56.6 7 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people 5. By his Service we have that honourable marriage with him which was the price of the travel of his Soul even to have our Souls engaged to him for the Service of love which he served that he might have his people for his reward as Jacob served for the Wives that were given him in Laban his house Gen. 29.20 28 29. Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 5. Consider what this relation calleth for at our hands That Christ was a Servant in the business of the Covenant this calleth us 1. To yield our selves to be his Servants upon the terms of that Covenant wherein he served even to subject our consent to serve him in â—â—ke relations 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorified God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord Isa 56.6 2. His Service calleth us to serve all his interests and relations his people especially the people who are nearly related to him Mat. 12.40 50 And he stretched forth his hand toward
Suretiship for thereby he plighted his promise and faith to God that he would undertake the bringing about of this conjunction and God plighted his faith to him that he should do the business and that this work should prosper in his hand Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Isa 53.10 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 4. From his Suretiship proceeds a mystical relation betwixt him and his people whereby he is the head and they are the members he is the vine and they the branches he is the king and they are his subjects he is the husband and they are his bride and wife 1 Cor. 12.12 For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first born from the dead that in all things he might have the pre-eminence Joh. 15.5 I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit Rev. 19.7 For the marriage of the lamb is come and his wife hath made her self ready Psal 45.10 Forget also thine own people and thy fathers house c. Yea if any relation can be more near and mystical that also is the result of his Suretiship See Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned unto the Lord is one spirit Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 17.23 I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one Think it not strange then that Justice should smite Christ for the transgressions of his people there being such nearness of relations and conjunction betwixt the person offending and the person suffering Grot. de satisfact cap. 4. and vaâ—â—â— max. lib. 6. c. 5. See Mr. Râ—â—â— on the Covenant pag. 2. c. 9. for even among men we find one man suffering for another upon the account of these and the like relations 1. Upon natural relations do not parents and children and kinsmen often justly suffer with and for one another Exod. 20.5 For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me Josh 7.24 And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan the son 〈…〉 and the silver and the garment and the wedg of gold and his sons and his daughters and his oxen and his asses and his sheep and his tent and all that he had and they brought them unto the valley of Achor c. 2. Upon Legal relations doth not the husband pay the wives debt doth not the heir suffer for his predecessor and the person to whom he is heir doth not the hostage and pledges given suffer for them who gave them doth not the Surety suffer for the Debtor because these are but one party in law Prov. 6.1 2 My Son if thou be Surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger thou art snared with the words of thy mouth thou art taken with the words of thy mouth Prov. 11. â—5 He that is Surety for a stranger shall smart for it and he that hateth Suretiship is sure 3. Upon foederal relations do not people suffer for and in their confederates Ezek 16.37 Behold therefore I will gather all thy lovers with whom thou hast taken pleasure and all them that thou hast loved with all them that thou hast hated I will even gather them round about against thee and will discover thy nakedness unto them that they may see all thy nakedness Ezek. 30.8 And they shall know that I am the Lord when I have set a fire in Egypt and when all her helpers shall be destroyed 4. Upon mystical relations whether in the body natural doth not one member suffer for another doth not the head pay for what the hand acted or in the body politick and civil do not princes and people often suffer for one another 1 Sam. 12. last But if ye shall still do wickedly ye shall be consumed both ye and your king 1 Chron. 21.17 And David said unto God Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbred even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed but as for these sheep what have they done let thine hand I pray thee O Lord my God be on me and on my fathers house but not on thy people that they should be plagued Or in the Church and body politick and Ecclesiastical do not pastors and people often suffer for one another Ezek. 3.26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth that thou shalt be dumb and shalt not be to them a reprover for they are a rebellious house Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove my candlestick out of his place except thou repent How much more may it stand with justice to smite Christ and to put him to suffer for his people having in him a complication of all these relations towards them and of all kind of relations that can import and express nearness conjunction union and oneness with them he also being willing to suffer for his people and absolute Lord of his own life Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I receieved of my father Now the consideration of this point how Christ came under an act of Suretiship for his people to wit Brinst of the Mediator pag. 123 c. by a free consent and agreement betwixt God and Christ in a Covenant whereby God willingly made him the Surety and he willingly made himself the Surety this I say doth exceedingly commend this grace of God in the satisfaction made by Christ the Surety of the Covenant especially in these things 1. It was grace and favour in God that he was pleased to dispence so far with his own Law as to admit of satisfaction by a Surety and not to stand upon the rigour thereof which requires that the same soul that sinned might suffer and die and no other for him Gen. 2.17 But of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law
for them sure he knew for whom he did undertake he knew their number and names how many was in that company and who they were Joh. 17.6 12 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And if the matter of our Salvation stand upon Gods giving to Christ and his undertaking then sure there were none given by the father to the Son from eternity upon respect of faith or holiness for that should destroy Christs Suretiship and undertaking and lay the weight of that which is principal in the issue upon the creatures will that should make the creature a Surety for himself Rom. 9.11 16 For the children being yet not born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth c. So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy 2. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the dominion and Soveraignty of his grace and of the reality efficacy and irresistableness of the working of his spirit and the physical influences thereof for if Christ had not the power and dominion of our wills how could he undertake for us and if Salvation were not taken off the slippery yea and nay of free will how could our Lord be Surety for his people were it possible that he should undertake and discharge his undertaking for those over whose hearts and wills he hath not an absolute power and dominion Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Jer. 30.21 And their nobles shall be of themselves and their governour shall proceed from the midst of them and I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord 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 3. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the perseverance of the saints and of the certainty of the the Salvation of all the Elect for if their perseverance and believing to the end be undertaken for by him how can it be uncertain if our heaven and happiness be in a surer hand than our own even in the keeping of Christ how can it be but well kept 1 Pet. 1.4 5 â—o an inheritance incorruptible undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear into their hearts that they shall not depart from me Luk. 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not It is the Suretiship of Christ which holds the Covenant fast with us and makes firm our Covenant-state that upon no breaches on our part it can be disannulled Psal 89.30 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments 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 Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord if heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Vse 5. The Doctrine of Christ Suretiship serves to answer all tentations discouragements and doubtings that arise in the hearts of believers concerning their Covenant-interests If there be any doubt with you about the performance of the precious promises Christs Suretiship answers it and assureth that there shall be a performance of all these things which are spoken by the Lord Luk. 1.45 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 If there be any thing too hard for you among all the commands and conditions of the new Covenant his Suretiship answers that 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 Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me If your standing be doubtful since Adam and the Angels have fallen Christs Suretiship answers that he was never an undertaker for them but he is engaged for every believers standing Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament If you fear your our own frailty and sinfulness lest it should make void the Covenant with you his Suretiship answers that it must stand with him and if with him then with you also Psal 89.30 33 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If Heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. If you fear your own backsliding some decay and withering of grace in you his Suretiship answers that for he is engaged for influences to you Isa 44.3 4 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry grouud I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring and they shall spring up as among the grass as willows by the water-courses Isa 27.3 I the Lord do keep it I will water it every moment lest any hurt it I will keep it night and day If your strength fail and decay his Suretiship shall renew strength unto you Isa 40.31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they