there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him Rev. 17.14 He is lord of lords and king of kings Over the Reprobate as well as the Elect Psalm 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool Over all ages and generations of men Dan. 7.14 his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Although it be more special and he be a King more peculiarly to the Church and the elect World Psalm 2.6 8 9 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel And that both outwardly by appointing them Laws Ordinances and Officers Psalm 9.6 7 For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with justice and with judgment from henceforth and for ever And inwardly by ruling in their hearts Luke 17.21 Neither shall they say lo here or lo there 〈◊〉 behold the kingdom of God is within you Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye stall keep my judgments and do them 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 bearts And his Kingdom is over other creatures but for the cause and behoof of the Elect Eph. 1 22 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 3. It is Spiritual over the souls and consciences of men to awe and over-rule the hearts of men to captivate their affections Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Joh. 18.36 Jesus answered and said My kingdom is not of this world Chap. 6.15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a King he departed again into a mountain himself alone To break in pieces his enemies with an iron Rod to rule and slay them with the words of his mouth Psalm 110.2 Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Isa 11.4 But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked 4. It is everlasting Dan. 2.44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand for ever Chap. 7.14 His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever and although it be said 1 Cor. 15.24 he shall give the kingdom to his Father yet his Kingdom shall not then cease for I take that to be in regard of the manner of administration of it by Ordinances Officers c. for then all his Saints shall be perfected and all his enemies subdued whereof something hath been already spoken 5. In the kingdom of Christ Mediator he doth all things with authority and power and yet it is wholly ruled by his Word and Spirit He doth all things in his Kingdom not by outward secular force but by his influences upon the spirits of men and determining them in a secret way whether providentially or by saving and sanctifying influences Zech. 4.6 Not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord of Hosts Psalm 110.1 2 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 2 Thess 2.8 And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 6. The great work of his Kingly Power is to imploy it for saving of his people and subduing his and their enemies to bring to pass his purpose of the one and the other either without or against all-contradiction Psalm 110 throughout Psalm 2 throughout Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth 7. The great and special end of Christs Kingly Office is to make his other Offices effectual for the saving of his Elect to support his Priesthood and Prophecy and to give vigour and efficacy to them for except Christ had been a Prince that had power over his friends and foes his other Offices could never have been made effectual to the Elect nor he a Captain of Salvation to them Heb. 2.10 Therefore also he is set forth as a Priest upon a Throne who carrieth all things as a King with power Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high It is his Kingdom which effects that Reconciliation which is the end of a Mediator that which his Prophecy teacheth and his Priesthood and Sacrifice hath purchased he sits as a King and conveys the power of it into the soul 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds and casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 3. The Harmony and Consent of these three Offices in our Mediator and how they do concurr for the end of his Mediatorship to wit the triesting of the difference betwixt God and man by making a reconciliation and binding up friendship by a new Covenant Here observe the sweet concurrence of the three Offices in the Mediator Christ 1. All these Offices level at one end to wit Reconciliation and Salvation which is the great business wherefore a Mediator was appointed 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself but with
with Christ's seed c. Ans We are not to conceive of the Covenant of Redemption in such an abstracted consideration and notion as if the things transacted in that Covenant made with Christ had no relation to nor connexion with the Covenant made with us but upon the contrary we are still to keep in mind the great affinity and connexion that is between these two Covenants and as the Apostle reasons from the one to the other 2 Cor. 6.2 For he saith I have heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee Where he looks upon what God said to Christ concerning us and the hearing of him for us as spoken for our encouragement to apply to him in the improvement of the day of Grace Yet I say of this Scripture 1. Here is nothing spoken of Christ's seed and people as parties with whom God deals in this Covenant and upon whom he layeth any commands nor to whom directly he maketh any promises except what may be gathered consequenter in obliquo which things must needs be in the Covenant of reconciliation 2. Whatsoever is spoken here concerning Christ's seed and people 't is only of the force of the Covenant made and sworn with Christ having influence towards the establishment of friendship with them and toward their perseverance in a Covenant-state because of God's transactions with Christ wherein they were comprehended and by which they and their interests were disposed of The third Proof I take from these Scriptures which hold forth all the essentials and requisites for making up a formal Covenant to be betwixt God and Christ which Texts though they speak not explicitely of the name of a Covenant yet they do explicitely hold forth the thing The Argument in form is this Where all things necessarily required unto the essence and being of a Covenant for matter and form are to be found there must needs be a Covenant But betwixt God and Christ in the matter of our Redemption all things necessary unto the essence of a Covenant are to be found Therefore there must needs be a Covenant betwixt God and Christ about the work of Redemption which we call the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption The major is manifest and undeniable I come therefore to confirm the minor Concerning which I shall first tell you what are the necessary requisites unto the essence of a Covenant and then give plain Scripture-proof that these were betwixt God and Christ 1. It is generally acknowledged by the Doctors of the Law that the agreement or consent of two or more Parties upon the same thing maketh a Paction and that Proposals upon the one part Ulpian de Pollicit L. Pactum L. 1. F. de Pact and a consent upon the other makes a formal Covenant though there were no condition or restipulation Cic. 2. de invent Panormit 2a parte super Primo tit de Pact Cap. Antigonus But more particularly and above all question where there are Proposals Commands or Promises upon the one part with conditions required upon the other and a consent unto Panormit ubi supra Azor. instit Moral p. 3. l. 11. de Pollicit c. 1. l. 6. c. 3. or acceptation of these Proposals with the conditions required upon the other part or where there is a restipulation of conditions upon the other part there must needs be a Contract or Covenant not only materially and virtually because there is all the essentials of a Covenant but formally and explicitly because there are all the formalities of explicite Covenanting 2. It is manifest that all these things are to be found betwixt Jehovah and Christ concerning the work of Redemption 1. There is a consent and agreement betwixt God and Christ about this very thing which amounteth to a Paction Zech. 6.13 The Lord speaking of that ineffable mysterious Oeconomy and dispensation of the business of man's Redemption and Salvation as the same is transacted in the counsel of God's Will biddeth him tell us that the counsel of peace shall be between them both to wit See Pemble on Zech. 6.13 Jo. Cocc de foedere c 5. Sect. 88. between the Lord of Hosts and the man whose name is the Branch v. 12 betwixt them was the business plotted consulted and concluded to the same purpose are these Scriptures that tell us of the agreement of the Lord's Will and Christ's Will in this affair it was his Father's Will to send him Joh. 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me And Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him c. and it was Christ's Will to be sent Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me it was his Father's will that he should lay down his life and it was his will also Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Joh. 10.18 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 received of my father it pleased the Lord to bruise him Isai 53.10 and it pleased him to be bruised Isai 50.6 I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair I hid not my face from shame and spitting Still there was an agreement 2. We find clear vestiges in the Scripture of Proposals made by Jehovah unto Christ concerning his Will about the work of our Redemption and of a consent and agreement upon Christ's part unto these Proposals whereby he declares his will to be consenting to his Father's Will The first to wit Proposals made by God to Christ we read Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool and Psal 2.7 8 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession That these Scriptures contain Proposals is manifest and that they are Proposals made by Jehovah to Christ appears by the Holy Ghosts asserting it Act. 13.33 God hath confirmed the same unto us their children in that he hath raised up Jesus again as it is also written in the second Psalm Thou art my Son this day have I begâ—tten thâ—◠〈◊〉 1â—5 For 〈◊〉 which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Sâ—n this day have I begotten thee But all the difficulty is to make it appear that these Proposals belong to the eternal transaction and Covenant of Redemption To this end 't is to be observed 1. That whatsoever is revealed in these Scriptures concerning the things that were between God and Christ
morning by morning he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned The promise of help strength support and assistance which are the immediate effects of actual influences and in which the heavenly influences of the Spirit have a proper efficiency and causality there is a divine furniture of strength and assistance promised to him in the discharge of his office in every act of his obedience Isa 42.6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee Psal 89.21 With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him The promise of confirming Grace the man Christ had the promise of the same confirming Grace in his obedience and office and covenant state of favour which is now given to the elect Angels in Christ their head Isa 49.1 2 3 Listen O Isles unto me and hearken ye people from far the Lord hath called me from the womb from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me and made me a polished shaft in his quiver hath he hid me And said unto me thou art my servant O Israel in whom I will be glorified And 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth To him is the promise made that he shall never be bowed nor broken he shall not be turned off his work nor his way by any thing that he can meet with And this kind of Promises is made to Christ-man to encourage him as Mr. Roberts observes Medul Bibl. b. 2. c. 2. 1. Against the utmost extremity of his sufferings when he should make his Soul an offering for sin when the wakened up sword of divine Justice should smite him Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd c. and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts Though he was forsaken for a time and wanted influences of consolation and felt-fruition of the presence of God Psal 22.1 Mat. 27.45 yet these promises were verified to him and God stood by him with influence of strength support assistance and preservation in all this Mediatory-administrations till he said the work is finished Joh. 19.30 Psal 22.9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb thou didst make me to hope when I was upon my mothers breasts 2. Against all oppositions and enemies There was much opposition made to Christ and many were against him but against all the rage plots combinations of Jews and Gentiles the Lord stood by him and set up his Kingdom Psal 2.2 6 The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Sion Act. 4.27 28 For of a truth against the holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done 3. Against the deepest discouragements that he should meet with in the discharge of his office He is supported by these promises made to him and accordingly he encourageth himself Isa 49.4 5 6 Then said I I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for naught and in vain yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work wiith my God And now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob again to him Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light of the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth The fourth kind of Promises made by Jehovah unto Christ in the Covenant of Redemption were such as relate to the successfulness and prospering of the work of Redemption in his hand And unto this head I refer 1. The promise of God's making Christ the man of his right hand and that not only in respect of special love and honour but especially in respect of instrumentality whereby God promises to make him the main Instrument of action that should be made serviceable to his ends in the work of Redemption Psal 80.17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand upon the Son of man whom thou madest strong for thy self 2. The promise of a successful issue of his undertakings the Lord covenanteth to Christ and giveth to him assurances that he shall effect the work which he undertaketh as if Jehovah had been Surety for this he strikes hands with him that he shall go and prosper Isa 53.10 The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many Isa 49.6 7 8 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth Thus saith the Lord the Redeemer of Israel and his holy One to him whom man despiseth to him whom the nation abhorreth to a servant of rulers Kings shall see and arise Princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful and the holy One of Israel and he shall chuse thee Thus saith the Lord in an acceptable time have I heard thee and in a day of salvation have I helped thee and I will preserve thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people to establish the earth to cause to inherit the desolate heritages 3. The promises of victory over all his enemies the Lord covenanteth with Christ that whosoever maketh opposition to him in any of his offices in any part of his work of working Redemption and Salvation for his elect people shall be trodden down and shall fall before him Psal 110.1 5 6 Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath He shall judg among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead bodies he shall wound the heads over many countreys Psal 89.23 Aed I will beat down his foes before his face and plague them that hate him 4. The promises of triumph God covenanteth with him not only to give him the victory but a most glorious publick triumph over Principalities and Powers and all oppositions and enemies to his undertakings Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong Eph. 4.8
sins 1 Joh. 2.27 And ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye 2. How to apply Christs Priesthood at first for justification and how to apply it daily and continually for repeated pardon and forgiveness and how to improve it as our daily sacrifice 1 John 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness And 2.1 2. My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous c. 3. How to live by faith to depend upon Christ and to be guided continually by him as the ruler of his people Heb. 10.38 Now the just shall live by faith Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory 2. By removing mistakes and prejudices which are so rooted in our hearts that there can be no agreement till these prejudices be taken off and a good understanding be gotten betwixt the parties Thus Christ played the Prophet to the woman of Samaria by instructing her till he had removed her mistakes and prejudices and informed her judgment right and then he had access to deal further with her Joh. 4.3 By convincing of the need of his Priesthood and Sacrifice and of his Kingdom he doth teach his people as a Prophet till they know they need a Sacrifice and till he shew them where it is and till they know they need a King and the arm of Omnipotency for effecting a change of the Covenant-state John 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness Consider 2. How the Priesthood of Christ concurreth with his Prophesie and Kingdom and is aiding to them 1. His Priesthood is aiding to his Prophesie 1. By making God accessible through the new and living way of Reconciliation taught by his Prophesie God having now accepted a sacrifice and we having a Priest by whom we may come to him Heb. 10.19 20 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say the flesh and an Advocate and Intercessor to pray for us 1 John 2.1 2 We have an Advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 2. By making that great Prophet more affable and condescending to us by how much he is come near to us in our nature and hath taken his Sacrifice from among his brethren I mean his flesh and body Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 5.1 For every High-priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that they may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins Chap. 10. v. 5 Whererefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me 2. His Priesthood is aiding to his Kingdom and that in both the parts of it 1. In his sacrifice and satisfaction he hath doubled his right and title to his people and worketh their salvation by price which as a King he doth by power and conquest Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 2. In his Intercession he carrieth the same business of our Salvation by favour and entreaty which he hath also carried by Command as a King 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 With 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. Consider how his Kingdom doth support his Priesthood and Prophesie and give vigour and efficacy to them both And 1. His Kingdom doth assist his Prophesie 1. By sustaining and keeping up the means of Salvation and Teaching by his Gospel and Ordinances against all the enemies that have risen up and bestirred themselves against the same ever since the beginning of the world Thus he keepeth these pillars of his Throne from ruine Psalm 110.2 5 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath 2. By making his Gospel and Ordinances have their full effectualness in the hearts of his people to convince and convert them and to pierce and condemn those that despise them John 9.39 And Jesus said For Judgment I am come into this world that they which see not might see a and that they which see might be made blind Isa 55.11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it 2. His Kingdom doth assist his Priesthood 1. By giving efficacy to his satisfaction to reconcile the persons of the Elect to God and to obtain forgiveness of their sins for it is his Kingdom that doth convey the power of his Priesthood into the soul 2. By giving Efficacy unto his Intercession for keeping all those that are given to him by his Father continually in a state of grace and favour John 17.11 24 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. By making his Death and Resurrection effectual to subdue our lusts and to set up his Kingdom within us Eph. 1.19 20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places Rom. 6.4 5 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Vse 1.
a spirit Then 1. Let all his enemies be afraid and pack them out of his way and stand not in the way to hinder the work which he hath undertaken for his people he is of an unsubdued spirit and cannot be laid by pack you or he will ride over you Psal 110.1 5 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath Rev. 6.2 And I saw and beheld a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a crown was given unto him and be went forth conquering and to conquer 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 sharp in the heart of the Kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee 2. Believers comfort your selves in Christs Heroick spirit he cannot be laid by nor turned from his purpose neither by the opposition made by the enemies of your happiness nor by the discouragements received from your selves 1 Joh. 4.4 c. Isa 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged See an eminent example of this in his dealing with the woman of Samaria Joh. 4.10 c. 3. Let us make some use of the whole Properties and Qualifications of our Mediator taking in also those which are peculiar to him Hence a threefold Exhortation First Be exhorted to know what a Mediator Christ is A Mediator and such a Mediator the Apostle Paul hath many hints in his Epistle to the Hebrews which is written to set forth Christ in his Offices whereby he layeth a deal of weight upon the qualities of our Mediator being such a person such a High-priest c. as the like was never heard of ch 1.4 and 3.1 and 4.14 15. and 5.11 and 7.16 24 26. and 8.1 2. and 9.11 24. The ignorance of this or not considering these things is the cause why Christs Mediatorship is so little comfortable to Believers study to know this better that you may be comforted by it that you have such a Mediator one whose office interests relations engagements to you and qualities before enumerated may assure you that you have a Friend in Heaven one to whom you may come for pity and help in all your miseries and distresses 2. Be exhorted to more boldness in coming to the Throne of Grace Believers you dishonour your Mediator who having so great a Favourite at the Court of Heaven should not with greater confidence come to God yet this boldness ought to be humble and awful keeping in sight your own unworthiness and the awe of Gods Majesty but be confident of the prevalency of Christs Mediation Heb. 4.14 15 16 Seeing then that we have a great High-Priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession for we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without Sin let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need And 10.19 20 Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the Holiest by the Blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated through the vale that is to say his flesh Gr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with open mouth Lay not weight upon your liberty but let the confidence you have in your Mediator give you boldness which would beget and draw forth liberty in Prayer for your selves and for others 1 Tim. 2.1 5 I exhort therefore that first of all supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus 3. Be exhorted you who have the offer of so great salvation and of Christ Mediator to be a friend to you in Heaven to take heed that you slight it not Heb. 2.1 3 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip 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 12.25 29 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we turn away from him that speaketh from Heaven For our God is a consuming fire And 10.26 29 39 For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledg of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing and hath done despight unto the Spirit of Grace But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul There is no sin nor judgment comparable to sins against the Mediator and judgment that follow these sins Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken to them they had not had sin but now they have no cloak for their sin Matth. 11.21 Wo unto thee Corazin wo unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloath and ashes CHAP. XVI Of Christs execution of the Office of Mediatorship IT remaineth now that something be spoken of Christs excution of the Office of Mediatorship into which he was called and for which he was fitted and furnished before I speak particularly how he carrieth on the work committed to him as Mediator I shall first lay down some general conclusions relating to his execution of the Office of Mediatorship Namely 1. That Christ executeth this Office of Mediatorship according to both natures 2. That he executed this Office from the beginning of the World before he came in the flesh 3. That he executeth this Office as well in the state of his exaltation as in the state of his humiliation And 1. Of that Question See Mr. Ball treat of the Covenant p. 266. And Mr. Brinsley of Christs Mediat p. 203. Aquin. 3. part quest 26. Act. 2. Bellarm. de Christ Mediat lib. 5. cap. 7. vid. etiam Bonavent Magistr sent August de Ovibus bom 12. Chamier de Mediat cap. 7. sect 2. Jun. contr l. 2. c. 5. not 29. paral l. 3. m. c. 9. ad Hebr. According to which Nature Christ is Mediator Whether according to his Divine Nature as God or according to his human Nature only as Man or according to both as God-man
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
to be such as did well stand with the heart of a Son yea with the heighth of that transcendent love which was the love of God And in regard of this he is said to be made under the law Gal. 4.4 When he put his name in our bond he took on our sevile condition and subjected himself to threatnings and terrors of the law and hence it is that he is said to fear Heb. 5.7 and to be troubled in spirit Joh. 12.27 and 13.21 2. But what engaged him and brought Christ under this Covenant-relation to become a Servant Answ Sure it was by no necessity of nature that Christ was engaged in this Service for he was not engaged because he could not chuse but he must be a Servant But rather I judg these four things did engage him 1. The Lords choice and call the Lord did freely and of meer Grace make choice of Christ and send him in this Service Isa 42.1 6 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek he hath sent me to bind the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound Isa 49.7 9 Thus saith the Lord the redeemer of Israel and his holy one to him whom man despiseth to him whom the nation abhorreth to a servant of rulers kings shall see and arise princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful and the holy one of Israel and he shall chuse thee that thou mayest say to the prisoners go forth to them that are in darkness shew your selves 2. His own love engaged him there was always in the heart of Christ a design and aim of love to the elect world and this engaged him in the Service of a Covenant by which he might enjoy them and they him Joh. 13 1 3 4 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end And that he was come from God and went to God And he took a towel and girded himself c. 3. His own free consent who was as willing to undertake this service as the Lord was to send him this engaged him 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 received of my father Heb. 10 7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God His free consent and agreement to be a Servant by voluntary condescension this engaged him and made him a Servant Phil. 2.6 7 Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 4. His compact and Covenant engaged him for he not only consented to serve in this business of the Covenant but he graciously condescended to be hired to perform such a Service and undertook for it Isa 53.10 11 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed he shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many for he shall bear their iniquities Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors These and nothing but these did conclude and determine Christ under this Covenant-relation to serve this great Service of saving the lost world 3. Whose Servant was Christ in the business of the Covenant whether of one of the parties or of both was he his fathers Servant only or ours also Answ He was a common Servant to both parties God's Servant and our Servant I shall clear it by the following particulars 1. He was God's Servant for so his father frequently styles him Isa 42.1 Behold my servant Isa 53.11 My righteous servant Zech. 3.8 My servant the branch So he acknowledged himself to be Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God Joh. 6.38 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me 2. He was our Servant also for so he confesseth himself Mat. 20.28 Even as the son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many Luk. 22.27 And so he behaved himself and in his carriage while he was on earth he gave proof of it Joh. 13.4 5 14 15 He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments and took a towel and girded himself After that he poureth water into a bason and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded And said if I then your lord and master have washed your feet ye also ought to wash one anothers feet For I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you 3. He was Servant to both parties but with this observable difference which is to be understood and cautioned 1. Christ was Servant to God in the Covenant and work of Redemption by choice and election not so to us God made choice of him for this work but we did not make choice of him he made choice of us Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth Joh. 15.16 Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain 2. He was God's Servant not by condescension only but by Covenant and compact with God he is our Servant by condescension but by no compact with us In all Covenant-relations betwixt him and us he is our Lord and Master he is our Head and Husband Psal 45.11 For he is the Lord and worship thou him Psal 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what further stooping is upon his
spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Isa 53.8 For the transgressions of my people was he stricken 7. The Holiness of God is manifested in Christ his Holiness did appear in that holy Image which he put in Adam and the holy Law which he gave to him under a penalty but this holiness of the Image of God stamped on the creature was possible to be lost for both men and Angels were capable of sin and did fall but herein is a greater manifestation of Gods holiness that a Creature Christ-man Christ Mediator is made the Fountain of all Holiness Holiness cannot be lost in him yea it is derived from him Joh. 1.14 16 Full of grace and truth and of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Chap. 3. v. 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him This is spoken of Christ man of Christ Mediator for one of the persons of the Godhead cannot receive another O what an impression of Holiness is this what a communication and manifestation of the Holiness of God! The fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily in the man Christ Col. 2.9 Where there is the highest union there is the greatest communion there was never such another union as that personal union and therefore there could never be such a communication of God 8. The All-sufficiency of God appears more in Christ than ever before the declarative glory thereof shines in the restoring of lost man for whosoever can restore lost man can raise him to a higher happiness than he fell from he is All-sufficient and Almighty and is thereby declared to be so this did God in Christ the Mediator this is a declaration of Gods All-sufficiency and of Christs Gen. 17.1 I am God almighty 2 Cor. 8.9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be made rich Chap. 12.9 And he said unto me My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me 9. The Patience and Long suffering of God was never heard of before until it was manifested in Christ God executed his Justice against the fallen Angels without exercising any Patience and Long-suffering towards them 2 Pet. 2.4 For if God spared not the Angels which fell but cast them down to hell But in Jesus Christ there is a discovery of the Patience of God and his bearing with sinners Isa 49.8 There is a Covenant to establish the earth that Justice do not ruine it Jesus Christ obtained pardon and reprival for some sinners that they should be spared Exod. 34.6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth In him the Lord proclaims himself merciful and gracious long-suffering c. 1 Tim. 1.16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting Yea and by way of concomitancy and for the Elects sake reprobates reap some benefit by the Patience of God thus manifested He suffers the creatures to mock him and say Where is the promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3.4 Rom. 9.22 Endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction 10. The Faithfulness of God is manifested in Christ he was known to be true and faithful in fulfilling the threatning and certification of the transgression of the first Covenant Gen. 2.17 In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die And in keeping the Covenant with all the creatures Gen. 8.22 While the earth remaineth seed-time and harvest-time and cold and heat and summer and winter and day and night shall not cease Jer. 33.20 Thus saith the Lord If ye can break my Covenant of the day and my Covenant of the night and that there should not be day and night in their season c. But this was but a small declaration of his faithfulness being compared with the manifestation of his Faithfulness in Christ which shines so brightly in keeping Covenant and Promises with him and with his people upon his account notwithstanding all your unfaithfulness to him hereby he is proclaimed to be the Lord abundant in truth Exod. 34.6 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen 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 lie unto David Mic. 7.18 20 Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old 11. The Majesty of the Lord something whereof is manifested in the Creation Psal 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of the Lord and the firmament sheweth forth his handy-work But much more in restoring man if there be a Majesty in Angels Heb. 1.7 And of his Angels he saith who maketh his Angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire And in godly men which is but a little discovered here c. shall be more fully afterward 2 Thess 1.10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints O what excellent Majesty must there be in Jesus Christ Heb. 1.13 But to which of the Angels said he at any time sit on my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool And what shall be revealed in him when he shall come in glory 2 Thess 1.7 When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory You see then all the Attributes of God are made more bright and get a new lustre in Jesus Christ the Mediator he is the brightness of his Fathers glory and the express Image of his Person 2. The distinct Subsistences of the Persons of the Godhead and blessed Trinity are more brightly discovered in Jesus Christ than ever before God was but darkly seen before in the distinct Subsistences of the persons of the Trinity but in the Gospel through Jesus Christ there is a glorious manifestation thereof 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 1. The Eternal Son of God the second Person his taking on our nature doth clearly shew that there are distinct Subsistences or Persons in the Godhead There are two natures in one Subsistence or Person which illustrates the three Subsistencies in one nature or three Persons in the Godhead 2. By Jesus Christ from his own
this difference his Prophecy teaches the way of Reconciliation Acts 3.22 Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you His Priesthood opened the way and purchased the peace Heb. 9.14 15 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the Transgressors that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance His Kingdom doth effect and do the business John 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me Col. 1.20 21 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled But yet we must not conceive the actings of these Offices in Christ separately nor appropriate to any of them solely the effecting Reconciliation or Salvation but understand it by way of eminency and so of the following particulars 2. These three Offices in our Mediator concur to do the same work but in divers ways that our Reconciliation and Salvation might be the more compleat and sure he would have us saved Heb. 7.25 to the utmost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Camer in Myr. F. Goodwin Christ set forth Corn. Schrevel Lexic or as the word is rendred by some over and above all manner of ways for the word as some observe signifies Omni modum persecutionem omnem adeptus finem and absolute perfection in all manner of ways whereunto these three Offices in our Mediator concur 1. Christ as Priest through his death reconcileth us to God and saveth us as captives are redeemed by Ransom and Price Heb. 10.12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God Col. 1.1 20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son c. 2. Christ as King by his Resurrection and Ascension effectuates our Salvation by power and conquest Heb. 2.14 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Eph. 4.8 Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men 3. Christ as Prophet effectuates our reconciliation with God and Salvation by our own consent informing our judgments begetting a good understanding betwixt God and us removing mistakes and making us willing to be reconciled unto him and saved by him Psal 110.2 3 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth This he effects by Treaty till he hath concluded favour and friendship betwixt the parties by voluntary consent in a Covenant Rev. 22.17 And the Spirit and the Bride say Come 3. These Offices in our Mediator sweetly concur together to meet with three great Evils in our natural condition which are comprehensive of all our misery and to deal in taking them away 1. Christ as a Prophet dealeth with our Ignorance of God and blindness and removeth that by applying himself to us in the exercise of that teaching-Office Eph. 4.18 21 Having the understanding darkned being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart If so be that ye have heard him and been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus 2. Christ as Priest with his Atonement and Satisfaction dealeth with our alienation and estrangement from God and our enmity against him which is the fruit of our Ignorance of him and by making a satisfaction to of fended Justice he takes away the enmity Eph. 4.18 Being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them See Rom. 5.10 When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Col. 1.21 And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled 3. Christ as a King dealeth with our Impotency and Rebellion which is the third great evil in our unnatural condition which he sweetly subdueth by the power and dominion of his grace Psalm 45.5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee Rev. 6.2 And he went forth conquering and to conquer Or the harmony of these Offices may be conceived thus 1. That Christ as a Prophet dealeth eminently with the understandings of men to perswade and convince them by his teaching 2 Cor. 4.4 6 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine in them 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 2. Christ as a Priest as a merciful loving condescending man who hath laid down his life for us useth entreaties and dealeth with the affections mainly when the judgment is informed by his prophesie and teaching 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God 3. Christ as King dealeth with the wills of men the proudest and highest enemy that Christ hath in our nature which he subdues and overpowers by determinating grace Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power 4. These three Offices in our Mediator do most pleasantly conspire in aiding and supporting one another that each Office may be vigorous and effectual for the end of his Mediation And here consider 1. How the prophecy of Christ is aiding to his Priesthood and Kingdom 1. By teaching what the Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ are and the way how reconciliation and peace is to be made His prophecy teaches those mysteries of the Kingdom and our salvation which otherways we could not know 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 It sheweth 1. Where a Sacrifice is to be had and a power to make out our peace which upon the matter is the Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of
faith But after that faith is come we are no longer under a School-master Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 2. 'T is the Law as it s qualified by Christ who gave out a new edition of the commands thereof without detracting from the old as his Law in the new Covenant whereby his Subjects might know his will which they must endeavour to obey Joh. 13.34 A new commandment I give unto you that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another Mat. 5.17 21 22 27 28 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets I am not come to destroy but to fulfil Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time thou shalt not kill and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the Judgment But I say unto you That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the Judgment and whosoever shall say to his brother Racha shall be in danger of the Counsel but whosoever shall fay Thou fool shall be in danger of Hell-fire Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time thou shalt not commit adultery But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her be hath committed adultery with her already in his heart c. And this new giving out of the commands and preceptive part of the Law and Covenant of works did neither derogate from the substance of the Law nor from the authority and binding force thereof by vertue of the first Covenant to which it did appertain but did rather super add a new and perswasive obligation 2 Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead And that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves but unto him which died for them and rose again Rom. 6.1 2 What shall we say then shall we continue in sin that grace may abound God forbid how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein 4. Though the Law and preceptive part of the Covenant of works doth appertain to the new Covenant yet are not the commands and conditions thereby required and the obedience given thereunto conditions of the new Covenant which standeth only of faith Rom. 4.5 16 But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed not to that only which is of the law but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all Act. 16.31 And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house For 1. This were upon the matter to confound the conditions of the two Covenants which are stated as so contra-distinguished in terms that there is no mixture nor semblance of mixture to be admitted Rom. 9.31 32 But Israel which followed after the law of righteousness hath not attained to the law of righteousness Wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the works of the law for they stumbled at that stumbling stone Rom. 10.3 4 6 8 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth c. 2. If this obedience to the preceptive part of the Law which is yet of force to believers and required by the Gospel were the condition of the new Covenant then perfect obedience to the Law should still be the condition of the new Covenant forasmuch as the Law doth still command that to believers and it is their sin that they do not come up to the obedience thereof Gal. 2.21 I do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness came by the law then Christ is dead in vain Rom. 7 throughout 5. Christs undertaking to God for our subjection and obedience to the Law is not so to be understood as if he had undertaken that the Law should have perfect obedience from us and in us in this life for if he had been Surety for that it should also have been performed But by his Suretiship for our obedience to the law we mean 1. That he hath undertaken for our subjection to it as a rule unto which his people shall submit and whereof they shall accept Luk. 1.74 75 That he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him with out fear in holiness and righteousness c. Rom. 7.12 Wherefore the law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good Psal 119.97 O how love I thy law it is my meditation all the day 2. For the universality of our obedience to it that our obedience shall be equable and uniform and that there shall not one command of it be slighted by his 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 Psal 119.6 128 Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect unto all thy commandments Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right and I hate every false way 3. For the sincerity of our obedience that shall sincerely obey and fulfil the commands of the Law Rom. 6.17 But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered you 4. For the reality and seriousness in the obedience thereof that we shall labour and work as hard at obedience to the Law as if we had not another righteousness nor possible way of life and that our love to him shall put us on to carry thus Col. 1.29 Whereunto I also labour striving according to his working which worketh in me mightily 5. For our deadness to the Law and to our own obeying the commands thereof that when we work hardest and sweat most that then we shall claim nothing upon that account Gal. 2.21 I do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness come by the law then Christ is dead in vain 6. Christ hath undertaken that what satisfaction the Law wanteth in us it shall have in him who is the end of the Law that he shall satisfie for our short coming 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Rom. 10.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth 7. Christ hath undertaken that he shall in all these performances make us so far to endeavour duty
and the people owning him he being the only person in heaven or earth who doth bear or is capable to bear the relation of God towards the people and again of the people towards God for he is God with us Mat. 1.23 He is God and the people united and owning one another and in some things he doth represent and carry forth God to us as ours 2 Cor. 5.19 And in other things he doth represent and carry in the people of God and present them before him as his own people Heb. 9.24 and 2.13 Eph. 2.6 2. In regard of causality for although Christ be not the cause of Gods love to the Elect but the effect thereof Joh. 3.16 yet he is the cause of the effects and acts whereby it runneth forth towards us Christ is the bottom of the relation betwixt God and his people for by his taking a new Covenant-right unto God as his God and Father by Covenant he is lay the foundation of Gods being our God by Covenant and of our being the people of God by Covenant which had never been were it not for Christs new Covenant-right Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me Thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father 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 3. In regard of conveyance or of the manner and way how we have access to this priviledg and Covenant-state to have God to be our God God is our God in Christ and we are Gods people in and through Christ and without an existence in Christ and union with him God is not ours neither are we his Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world For Covenant-relations as well as blessings come to us through Christ we come to God in Christ and God cometh to us and becometh ours in him 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself 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 3. The sum of the mutual stipulation is in Christ there are some mutual conditions and stipulations in this as in other Covenants But Christ may be well called the whole stipulation 1. Because 't is he who obtaineth the consent of both parties and receiveth in their Amen to that blessed transaction of friendship and union the consent of the one from everlasting Prov. 8.22 23 30. with 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 and of the other when we believe Joh. 6.37 Rev. 22.17 20. 2. Because the Covenant was given to him to be fulfilled on both sides by him it was fulfilled upon Gods side for he is the person which was sent to perform all that God had promised to his people Luk. 1.69 70 72 73 74 And hath raised up an horn to salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham that he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear By him it was fulfilled upon our part for he is the person upon whom our help was laid even to perform whatsoever is required of us by the Covenant Psal 89.17 19 For thou art the glory of their strength Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. Because upon the matter Christ is the very thing which is mutually stipulated upon both sides Consider I pray God stipulates to give us Christ and that is the sum of what he stipulates Isa 55.3 4 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people And again we restipulate to give Christ to God for all that the Covenant requires of us 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith For this is the nature of the Gospel-Covenant it craveth conditions and duties from us but filleth the hand with Christ wherewith to pay the masters rent and we do answer all that is craved with Christ which maketh the craving gentle Isa 60.17 I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness 4. Christ is the sum of all the promises and blessings of the Covenant Isa 42.6 And give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles This doth appear 1. From the first discovery of this Covenant which had but one promise in it and that was the promise of Christ Gen. 3.15 The seed of the woman 2. This appears from Gods explicating the sum of the promises and Covenant when it was more explicitely held forth to be Christ gifted to his people Gen. 12.3 And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 3. This appears from the holy Ghosts accounting Christs coming to be the performing of the whole Covenant and promises Luk. 1.69 72 73 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham c. 5. Christ is the sum of all the properties of the Covenant not only because whatsoever these properties speak forth of the nature of that transaction that is to be found in him but also and chiefly because Christ is the foundation of all these properties as may appear by a short recapitulation of the particular properties thereof which are all comprised in Christ And 1. The freeness of the Covenant is comprised in him The Covenant of grace is free and indeed Christ is a free Christ or Christ freely given to his people is the sum of the free Covenant Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever
every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day Joh. 14.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 2. But if ye enquire after the formal condition of the Covenant of Suretiship I say it was his whole obedience active and passive even unto death Phil. 2.8 and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross though the special principal eminent condition of this Covenant may be referred to the principal eminent last act of his obedience to that signal special command of laying down his life for the elect Joh. 10.18 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 received of my Father For 1. This Covenant being a bargain betwixt Jehovah and Christ of buying a people to God then the whole price and ransom told down and payed for them must be the formal condition of that Covenant whereby we are bought with a price 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Pet. 1.18 19 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation received by tradition from your Fathers but with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without spot and without blemish 2. Christ was under a special explicite command for the performance of this condition of laying down his life as is clear from Joh. 10.18 and Christ was under a special act to obey this command as himself acknowledges Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O my God and therefore we may well call it the special condition of the Covenant of Suretiship 3. This solemn act of obedience in offering himself a Sacrifice to death for our sins is the condition of his bond of Suretiship that is most notised by the Holy Ghost and frequently referred unto as may be gathered from Heb. 9.14 15 26 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your consciences from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament that by means of death for the Redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Rom. 8.3 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh And therefore when we speak of the condition of the Covenant of Suretiship this is to be held the special eminent condition thereof 4. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ states the condition of this Covenant upon this eminent solemn act of his obedience even his making his soul an offering for sin c. for-vent which he makes the great promises of his glorious reward Isa 53. throughout 5. Our Lord Jesus Christ himself does own this as the special condition of his Coovenant of Suretiship and that both at his entring into the world Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God And about or at the time of his leaving the world when he had fulfilled or was about to fulfil all his undertaking and conditions to his Father Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do With 19.30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar he said it is finished and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost These being the sum of the conditions required from Christ See Mr. Rutherf Treat of the Covenant p. 2. ch 11. And Mr. Robert's Medul Bibl. b. 2. c. 2. and undertaken by him let us enquire also after the promises made to Christ and the encouraging-conditions that were made to him by Jehovah for undertaking so hard a work as was the redemption and recovery of lost man These were of eight sorts The first kind of promises made to Christ in the Covenant of Redemption were such as relate to the offices authorities trusts and powers that were covenanted to him for the doing of this work 1. I say Jehovah promiseth to invest Christ with offices sutable to that great work of Redemption to make him Lord Mediator of the new Covenant to make him great Lord Ambassador that he might go and travel in that business of our Redemption to make him a King a Priest and a Prophet for effecting this business Psal 110. throughout The Lord said to my Lord sit thou at my right hand he shall judge among the heathen the Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever Isa 49.6 And 42.6 7 I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my Salvation unto the ends of the earth to open the blind eyes c. Psal 2.6 7 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion I will declare the decree the Lord said unto me c. 2. God did not only promise to invest Christ with offices and trusts but with authorities and powers also with headship and power of Judgment over Men and Angels that shall make them all bow to him Rom. 14.10.11 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ for it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God He was not a titular King or Priest nor a scenick one a King upon a stage but a King upon a throne Luk. 1.32 33 And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdom there shall be no end A King that had power to bow the hearts of his Subjects and to crush the greatest Heads and Rulers in the world that oppose him Psal 110.3.5 6 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath He shall judg among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead bodies he shall wound the heads over many countries And 2.9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel And 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 sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee A person in offices who had all judgment committed unto him who had power given him over all flesh Joh. 17.2 and all power in heaven and earth Mat. 28.18 this was he to whom all the honourable offices and absolute powers of his Father's house was promised that he might act and give orders and set up and put down and none to controul him 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 the vessels of flaggons 3. I say the Lord Mediator had all these offices and authorities by Covenant the Lord promised to him and covenanted with him to give him these offices for doing the work of Redemption therefore we read Psal 89. that Christ who there is called David is constituted a King by Covenant v. 3 4 and by what Covenant even by that Covenant whereby the help of God's elect people was laid upon him v. 19. and this was the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption and in the same place we read of the standing fast of God's Covenant with him v. 28. even that Covenant whereby he was made higher than the Kings of the earth v. 27. And again we find the same Covenant whereby he had a lasting Kingdom sworn with him v. 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 To the same purpose also there is an oath interposed with the promise of his Priesthood to shew that he was in that office by a more unalterable Covenant than that which was made with Levi Mal. 2.5 My covenant with him was of life and peace compared with Heb. 7.21 For those Priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him the Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever The second kind of Promises made to Christ are such as relate to the gifts endowments and habitual furniture which was necessary unto the man Christ for performing this great work he had an instrumental fitness for this extraordinary work Isa 11.2 3 4 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And under this sort of Promises I comprehend 1. The Sanctification of our nature to be assumed by him and infusion of habitual Grace in the holy humane nature of Christ from the very first moment of his conception and of the personal union of the two natures Luk 1.35 Therefore 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 separated from sinners and made higher than the heavens 2. The growth of Grace whereof the man Christ was capable who was made in all things like his brethren except sin we must therefore conceive of his growth to have been without sinful weakness and to have been in experience and in physical intention and bendedness of acts of obedience which the Law does not require in like degree from the young as from the old Luk. 2.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Zech. 6.12 Behold the man whose name is 〈◊〉 â—ranch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 3. The annointing in its fulness without measure and above his fellows whereby the man Christ was full of Grace and had a fulness for this work whereof no other creature was capable Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer then the children of men Grace is poured into thy lips therefore God hath blessed thee for ever Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Joh. 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And 3. 34 for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him 4. The overflowings of his fulness whereby the Spirit and All-saving Grace being placed in him as in a Store-house and Treasure not for himself only but for his elect people did run down and flow out from the Mediator from Christ God-man as water from a fountain and fresh spring as dropping showers from full clouds Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledg And 1.19 But it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 5. The bodily inhabitation of the fulness of the God-head in him By vertue of that unconceivable mysterie of the personal union he had a personal fulness Col. 2.9 for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily The third kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ and covenanted to him were such as relate to his actual support in the execution of this office and performing of the work which he undertook for the man Christ being a creature needed more than habitual Grace and anointing with gifts for such a work there was a necessity that he should not act independently without influence from God And to this kind of promises may be referred the promises of heavenly influences to all the acts of his Mediatory-office and his Surety-obedience so that as the man Christ needed the Spirit and Influences these were ensured by Covenant unto him so that it was impossible that the man Christ could sin or come short in performing all his Father's pleasure as Adam sinned and fell short of the command having actual influences ensured unto him as well as habitual Grace hence he saith of himself Joh. 16.32 and 8.16 I am not alone it was impossâ—â—â— that he could be left alone of his Father and to him was the promise made Isa 11.12 The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the Spirit and heavenly influences were his constant companions Isa 50.4 He wakeneth
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
sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee Isa 11.2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord c. Vse 1. Behold how well furnished our Mediator is set out for his work there is a fulness in him to meet with all our emptiness yea his fulness was given to him for this very end that sinners which cannot come where the fulness of God lieth to receive from him immediately may receive it out of Christs fulness Consider then I say 1. What a fulness is in him what a running-over Unction he received this is a work above us and matter beyond our expression wherein we may more easily lose our selves even in this depth than express our selves by this Unction he is full of God Col. 2.9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Full of the spirit the Holy-Ghost Luk. 4.1 And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost full of grace and truth Joh. 11.4 Full of light and of life Joh. 1.4 In him was life and the life was the light of men c. Full of saving grace and sanctified gifts Isa 11.2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him c. 2. Consider for what end all this fulness was given unto him he was full of the spirit that he might fill us with his spirit Joh. 16.7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you Eph. 3.19 That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God He was full of grace that we might receive of his fulness Joh. 1.16 That his Unction might run down upon us 1. Joh. 2.27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you That his grace might work mightily in us Col. 1. last He received gifts for our use to give them to men to the worst of men even to the rebellious gifts to be measured out again Psal 68.18 with Chap. 4. v. 8. Vse 2. Let his fulness and compleat Unction be improved 1. For convincing such as continue so empty when Christ is so full Ah that we should be so poor when Christ is so rich when we have so full an anointed one that we should never taste of his Unction some have nothing and some have little but very few are filled with the fulness of Christ and made to run over-with his Unction the fault is in us that he is so wet and we are so dry John 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life 2. For alluring and gaining the hearts of empty creatures Things allure as there is much of precious furniture in them but this is sad when God hath anointed Christ with the Spirit above measure that empty creatures care nothing for him that his fulness and furniture is propounded and offered every day in the Gospel and we are not allured by it Song 1.3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth therefore the virgins love thee 3. For comforting believers all this fulness of the Spirit of gifts and graces wherewith Christ was anointed it is yours it was not only for your use but it is your property 1 Cor. 3.22 23 All are yours and ye are Christs and Christ is Gods You may use it as your own you may come to the Fountain to the Treasure to the store-house of Christs fulness when-you will you may comfortably and confidently hold up your Cisterns till they be filled and run over Isa 12.3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of Salvation Phil. 4.18 19 But I have all and abound I am full But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ CHAP. XV. Of the Requisites in a Mediator which are eminently to be found in Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant IN the next place I come to speak more particularly of this part of Christs Unction or his Furniture for the work of Mediatorship by laying open the Requisites in a Mediator which are all eminently to be found in Christ and may be reckoned as so many properties or qualifications in the Mediator of the New Covenant The Requisites in a Mediator or Reconciler that dealeth betwixt two parties are of two sorts 1. Some Requisites which more directly relate to the qualifying a person for such an Employment 2. There be other Requisites which look more directly to the managing of that trust both the one and the other are eminently to be found in Christ And 1. Of the Requisites fitting a Person for this trust 1. A Mediator must be such a Person that hath Interest in both the parties else he should be suspected either by one party or other yea his interposing should not be admitted of by the parties without this Requisite Christ hath this Requisite most eminently he is such a Person who is not only of Kindred to both parties but by that rare conjunction of the two Natures in his Person who is God man he is equally distant from and drawing near to both parties whereof I spoke before when I treated of the Union of the two Natures and therefore will not insist here 2. A Mediator must be a Person trusted by both parties one to whom they can confidently intrust their Interests such a person is Christ to whom God hath entrusted and committed whatsoever relateth to his Honour and Interest John 5.22 27 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son And hath given him authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of man He is a Person a Trustee to whom we may commit all our Interests yea Believers have done so and will do so 1 Pet. 4.19 Commit the keeping of your souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator 2 Tim. 1.12 And I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day Yea he is the person to whom our Interests were committed by God before we were born and before we were capable to dispose of our own interests When we were Minors yea before we were John 17.6 Thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word 3. A Mediator must be a Person which is well-affected to and which seeketh the welfare of both parties one who desires their union and agreement else he were not fit to deal betwixt them such a person is Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant one who desireth and endeavoureth Gods honour and our happiness one who carrieth on his Fathers Honour in the promoting of our happiness and one who carrieth on our