making the Soul close with God in a Covenant 3. By making us receive Christ himself in the promises Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his name For as Faith hath for the object of it the whole Word of God so especially the promises and more especially Christ in the promises 4. By making us give up our selves to be Christs and no more our own Isa 44.5 One shall say I am the Lords and by making us subject our Consent unto him as the Wife doth to the Husband in a Marriage-Covenant 2 Cor. 9.13 And all this is the Mediators work and the execution of his Office For 1. It is he that offers the Covenant Heb. 12.25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh 2. It is he that shapeth the heart for acceptation of the offer Ezek 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you 3. It is he that engageth the heart to God by a Covenant Jer. 30.21 And I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the Earth will draw all men unto me 4. It is he that maketh us give up our selves to him Ezek. 36.27 28 And I will put my Spirit into you and cause you to walk in my wayes And ye shall be my people and I will be your God The third part of the Mediators work in the execution of his Office is to enable them whom he bringeth into the Covenant of Grace to perform the duty of the Covenant according to his undertaking to his Father on their behalf and for this effect 1. He circumciseth their hearts and taketh away the stone and natural aversness and rebellion against Covenant-duties Deut. 30.6 And the Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart and the heart of thy seed to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul that thou maist live Ezek. 36.26 And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh 2. He engraffeth a new inward principle in their hearts of compliance with and propension unto their duty Jer. 31.33 I will put my Law into their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people And 32.40 I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 3. He affordeth strength to them for performing the duties of the Covenant and maketh his Grace effectual in them for that end see Ezek 36.37 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 He craveth his Rent and filleth the hand wherewith to pay it Psal 1.11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye alwayes having all-sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work 4. He breathes upon the graces of his people and acteth them by daily fresh and quickening assistances Song 4.16 Awake O North wind and come O South blow upon my Garden that the spices thereof may flow out Yea he worketh in us and for us all that which we take upon us as duty in the Covenant of Grace Isa 26.12 For thou also hast wrought all our works in us Phil. 2.13 For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure The fourth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office is to keep those whom he bringeth into the Covevenant from falling away from that blessed estate If it were not for the Mediators travelling in this work the reconciliation once made could not stand if he did not continue for ever Mediator of the New Covenant we should not for ever continue in that Covenant-state Heb. 7.24 25 But this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood 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 And for keeping believers in this Covenant Christ the Mediator beside his contriving the Covenant so that breaches shall not make it void Psal 89.30 33 If his Children forsake my Law and walk not in my Judgments Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Jer. 31.34 I will forgive their iniquity and will remember their sin no more 1. He gifteth them with and conveyeth to them an immortal and everlasting principle of Grace that cannot dye nor utterly perish Joh. 4.14 But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a Well of water springing up into everlasting life 1 Joh. 3.9 His seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 2. He keepeth life by his intercession in that engaging principle of Faith that it fail not Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not But all this could not effect the business being but our gripe of him therefore 3. Consider how he keepeth a gripe of them he engageth his Father to keep his people and he himself employeth all the power credit and interest that he hath in Heaven and Earth to keep them in that blessed state Joh. 17.11 12 And now I am no more in the World but these are in the World And I come to thee holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me that they may be one as we are While I was with them in the world I kept them through thy name those whom thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the Son of perdition that the Scripture might be fulfilled 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Joh. 10.28 29 And I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand My Father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand Deut. 33.27 The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath is the everlasting arms Isa 40.29 He giveth power to them that are faint and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength 4. He maintaineth the peace and agreement that he made through his own being in Heaven a constant and ordinary Agent to apear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 Who lieth there of purpose that the Covenant betwixt God and his people may continue and that league never be broken for so long as Christ appeareth in Heaven there shall be peace and friendship for
thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost 2. Again by this part of Christs Suretiship he is undertaker and engager to make all these things which are required of us both possible and certain in the performance 1. To reveal and manifest the way of righteousness and life through the new Covenant Joh. 17.6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world 2. To make the condition of the new Covenant possible and practicable which considered with relation to our own strength are as impossible to man now as the conditions of the first Covenant are Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which hath sent me draw him 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Joh. 15.5 For without me ye can do nothing And this part of Christs Suretiship doth put his people in such condition by the power which they shall receive from the grace of Christ as Adam was in by the power which he received from God by nature and this is done by healing our nature and creating and infusing new habitual grace whereby he makes the conditions of the new Covenant practicable and possible to man through the power of grace received from Christ as it was possible for Adam to have performed the conditions of the first Covenant by the power which he received by nature Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me But this is not all 3. Christ as Surety for man to God engageth not only to make the conditions of this Covenant possible as the conditions of the first Covenant were to Adam but also to make them Sure he undertaketh to ensure his peoples performance of the things required of them by the Covenant of grace whether they be such things as are required of them by meer commands which hold forth the Duties of the confederates or if they be required of them by commands which are also conditions of the Covenant by the obedience or disobedience whereof they must live or die such as the command of believing Joh. 3.36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Act. 16.31 And they said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thine house 1 Joh. 3.23 And this is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another as he gave us commandment And this which Christ engageth that his people shall receive of him through grace is much more than Adam received by nature for he had not his performance of the conditions of that Covenant and his standing ensured to him he had but a possibility to have performed conditions that were commanded him but no certainty Now we know that things may be possible both considered in themselves and considered with relation to the Agent which notwithstanding from some other cause and defect may resolve in a non-futurition yea for all that it may be certain that they shall never be and come to pass as was Adams standing and performing the conditions of the Covenant of works But now by Christs Suretiship for his people he is engaged for their standing and for their actual performance of the conditions of that Covenant of grace they are not only put into a possibility of standing but they are put into such a certainty by the Suretiship of Christ that they are exempted from the possibility of non-performance of the conditions of this Covenant Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Mat. 16.18 And upon this rock will I build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 3. By this part of Christs Suretiship for man to God and in order to the making the conditions and commands of the new Covenant possible and certain in the issue he is engaged for giving habitual grace and for giving actual influences 1. Habitual grace Christ as Surety of the Covenant did undertake to give to his people the immortal seed of God to repair that defaced Image of God in man by a new creation of the habits of grace in him he is engaged to give a new stock of grace to man who had once before banquered out a stock that shall thrive in his hand and wherewith he shall never henceforth play the bankrupt this is the new heart and the new spirit promised by Christ who made the Covenant and engaged to fulfil and to act it upon the hearts of his people Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will 〈◊〉 put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Heb. 8.6 10 11 12. 2. Christ is engaged and hath undertaken for actual influences 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 Isa 44.3 For I will pour water upon them that are thirsty and floods upon the dry ground I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring Because God hath contrived the business so that no created thing should act independently of him without the spirit without influences not Adam in his integrity not the Angels not the holy humane nature of Christ Isa 42.1 2 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles He shall not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the street And since habitual created grace can neither preserve it self nor act it self nor encrease it self without influences therefore Christ as Surety for man to God did engage for actual influences whereby habitual grace might be acted unto a performance and fulfilling of these things which are conditions or commands in the Covenant upon our part and by this he stands engaged 1. For actual bowing of our wills and determining our hearts to
grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light 2. Why should broken men and diver Debtors think to pay this Debt or to perform their duty without the help of their cautioner do you not often attempt this to make amends to God for your faults and to be more forth-coming in your performances even you alone without Christ your Surety Joh. 15.4 5 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Rom. 10.3 and 9.31 But these did better who would do nothing without their Surety Isa 38.14 Mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 110.32 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge mine heart Be surety for thy servant for good let not the proud oppress me Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me 3. Why do you question and suspect the Covenant of God and the grounds of faith and assurance granted therein is there not a Surety in the Covenant which shall make it stand fast and in whom it shall stand fast with you so that there is no ground left for doubting and fears that it may be shaken Psal 89.28 35 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 4. Why do you lean upon any thing and seek relief from that which God hath not made the Surety of the Covenant why do you take caution from your own hearts for any thing commanded in the Covenant can your resolutions be caution and Surety to God for you can your stock of gifts or grace be Surety for your performance of any thing commanded or set as a condition in the Gospel Nay sure they cannot 1 Cor. 1.13 as the Apostle saith These were not crucified for you these never became Surety to God for you and if so wherefore do you trust in them and lean upon them Vse 3. For tryal whether Christ hath undertaken and come under an act of Suretiship for you This being among Gods eternal secrets and immutable counsels it is to be found out by the effects thereof whereby God hath shewed to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel Heb. 6.17 Then 1. If you be in the Covenant of grace or if you be reached by any of these qualifications by which he describes those persons who are comprehended in his Testament then hath Christ undertaken for you for he is Surety of the new Covenant and better Testament Heb. 7.22 and 8.6 And consequently hath undertaken for all those who are comprehended in it Isa 56.6 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant Joh. 13.8 Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me Joh. 15.2 15 16 And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the father in my name he may give it you Joh. 17.6 7 8 2. If he hath acted the Covenant upon your hearts according as it is commanded in the Gospel and according as it s foretold that he will fulfill it effectually in his people then hath he undertaken for you and hereby you may know it for a certainty Jer. 31.33 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 11.19 And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out 3. If Christ hath taken your name out of the Law-writ and curse and hath put your name in the Gospel-writ and written you blessed in that little book or pronounced you such by any thing contained in it then hath he undertaken for you Rom. 4.7 8 Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Gal. 3.9 13 29 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us and if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise 4. If you can go out of your selves and find in your heart to engage him for you and to lay the weight of your eternal interests upon him your righteousness and salvation and of all things commanded in the Gospel in order to these then hath he undertaken for you for he doth not give such a heart to any but to them for whom he came under an act of Suretiship Phil. 3.3 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 119.32 35 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Make me to go in the path of thy commandments for there in do I delight be surety for thy servant for good Vse 4. The Doctrine of Christs Suretiship doth confirm many articles of our faith As 1. The particularity and freeness of election for if Christ had the Elect given to him by a Covenant and did from eternity undertake
and do them Joh. 6.29 37 Jesus answered and said unto them this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent All that the father giveth me shall come to me So this word is used 1 Sam. 19.11 14 Saul also sent messengers unto Davids house to watch him and to slay him in the morning And when Saul sein messengers to David she said he is sick 5. He is the messenger which reporteth the Covenant and the transactions with every Soul that receiveth this Gospel where and with whom the treaty took effect and where and with whom the proposal of the Covenant halted Joh. 17.6 7 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me So the word is used Gen. 32.6 And the messengers returned to Jacob saying c. 3. Betwixt whom doth Christ travel as Messenger of the Covernant For a right understanding of this we are to make use of these two necessary distinctions 1. The Covenant may be considered either as it 's preached and offered generally to all who hear it Act. 13.46 47 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed hold and said it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken unto you but seeing ye put it from you and judg your selves unworthy of everlasting life Lo we turn to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded us saying I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldst be for salvation unto the ends of the earth Mark 16.15 And he said unto them go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature Or it may be considered as it is acted and effectually fulfilled upon the hearts of the Elect Act. 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Heb. 8. with Jer. 31. 2. This different consideration of the Covenant affords a distinction of the parties in the Covenant the parties contracting in the Covenant preached are God and all within the visible Church Act. 3.25 Ye are the children of the Prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers saying unto Abraham And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed Act. 2.39 40 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call But the parties contracting in the Covenant considered in that second respect as 't is acted upon hearts are only the elect people upon whose hearts the law is written and in whom God hath put his spirit Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them These things premised for clearing the point in hand I lay down four Conclusions 1. Christ is in some respect a Messenger betwixt God and all the visible multitude to whom the Covenant is offered and the Gospel preached therefore it 's said of him That he is given for a light to the Gentiles and for a witness to the people even to nations Isa 49.6 55.4 5. Rom. 15.8 9 10 11 12. I said in some restect because he did procure the Gospel to be preached to all narions and doth carry the Message of the Covenant to multitudes Rom. 10.18 But I say have they not heardâ— yes verity their sound went into all the earth and their words into the ends of the world 2. Christ is in a more special respect Messenger betwixt God and his few chosen people because he hath a Message from God to act upon their hearts that which is only externally revealed commanded and offered unto others and he hath undertaken for them and for their receiving the Message which he carrieth unto them Joh. 6.37 39 All that the father giveth we shall come to me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me Act. 13.26 And whosoever among you feareth God to you is the word of this salvation sent 3. Christ is a Messenger of the Covenant to many Hypocrites and Reprobates unto whom he bringeth the offer and Message of the Covenant not for their sake and cause but for the Elects sake with whom they are mixed here in societies upon the earth 2 Cor. 4.15 For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 2 Tim. 2.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elects sakes that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory So that the Message of the Covenant is preached to them by way of concomitancy in respect that they are in these societies unto which the Gospel is sent for salvation to the Elect Joh. 17.18 19 21 As thou hast sent me into the world even so also have I sent them into the world And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth That they all may be one as thou father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me 4. Christ is a Messenger to the multitudes unto whom the Gospel is prepared only for carrying unto them the commanding Will of God which revealeth unto them their duty and obligation to receive the Gospel and to take hold of the Covenant 2 Cor. 16.17 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you But Christ is a Messenger unto the Elect not only for carrying unto them Gods Will of command but also his Will of Counsel and Pleasure that is the things which he hath resolved to act upon their hearts and to work in them
believe and to believe to the end to draw forth these habits to act lively sound faith the first act whereof is a performance of the condition of the new Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me Joh. 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me 2. He stands engaged for the preservation of these habits of grace that howsoever they may be weakened and it may be also dimnished through our ill using of that stock yet they shall never be lost neither shall the stock of habitual grace come to nothing Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 1 Joh. 3.9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 3. He stands engaged for our using and exercising habitual grace after that he hath freely given it that he shall by actual influences make us trade with those talents and not suffer them to lie by us without making use of them 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 119.32 35 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Make me to go in the path of thy commandments for therein do I delight 4. Christ is engaged for the liveliness of our graces that he shall not only keep them from dying but shall keep them in good condition fresh and green Psal 1.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doth shall prosper Joh. 4.19 Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye see me because I live ye shall live also Psal 92.12 13 14 The righteous shall flourish like the Palm-tree he shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God They shall still bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing 5. Christ is engaged for the encrease and growth of these habits of grace to make our stock to grow among our hands to make our faith love diligence in duty delight in God knowledg of himself c. to grow and our fruit to abound and to grow in quantity and quality in bigness and ripeness more fruit and sweeter fruit more savory to his taste 2 Cor. 9.8 And God is able to make all grace abound towards you that ye always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work Joh. 15.4 5 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing 2 Thess 1.3 We are bound to thank God always for you brethren as it is meet because that your faith groweth exceedingly and the charity of every one of you all towards each other abundantly 6. Christ stands engaged for our up stirring when we have given his work in us a back-set and brought grace to a low ebb when we have contracted laziness and a numness of spirit upon our selves so that we either drive heavily or cannot stir at all in his ways he is engaged to oil our wheels that we may recover a sweet facility and easiness in his ways and to blow upon us when we are calmed and cannot fetch the wind to our selves Song 4.16 Awake O North wind and come thou south and blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out let my beloved come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits Song 5.4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the dore and my bowels were moved for him Song 6.12 Or ever I was aware my soul made me like the charrets of Aminidab Isa 64.5 Thou mettest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness those that remember thee in thy ways Behold thou art wroth for we have sinned in those is continuance and we shall be saved I say that Christ stands engaged not only for our performance of Gospel-conditions and commands but also for our obeying and performing the preceptive part of the Law for clearing of this I shall lay down these five assertions 1. The Law as it commandeth and directeth obedience according to the will of the Law-giver is not repealed annulled or abrogated by Christ and by the Gospel though the Law considered as a Covenant holding forth obedience to the commands thereof as a possible way of Life be annulled and abrogated See Rom. 3.20 23 28 Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledg of sin For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh c. 2. The Law which first commanded perfect obedience as a possible way of life may be and is continued for other uses and ends than for that such as to direct command prohibit promise threaten and to prove the loyalty even of Christs Subjects Rom. 3.27 31 Where is boasting then it is excluded by what law of works nay but by the law of faith Do we then make void the law through faith God forbid yea we establish the law Rom. 7.7 9 12 Nay I had not known sin but by the law for I had not known lust except the law had said Thou shalt not covet For I was alive without the law once but when the commandment came sin revived and I died Wherefore the Law is holy and the commandment holy and just and good 3. The Law as it is continued and in force towards believers is reduceable to the new Covenant and doth more properly appertain to it than to the Covenant of works For 1. It is the law as 't is delivered up and put into the hands of Christ to be managed and used by him for the advantage of his Subjects and Kingdom by the new Covenant and that is for other uses and ends than those for which it was first given Gal. 3.19 21 24 25 Wherefore then serveth the law it was added because of transgressions till the 〈◊〉 should come to whom the promise was made and it was 〈…〉 by Angels in the hand of a Mediator Is the law 〈◊〉 against the promises of God God forbid for if there hâ—â—â—een a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the law Wherefore the law was our School-master to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by
die But in the Mediator we see Gods face and know him savingly Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent 2 Cor. 4.6 To give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2. Without Christ the Mediator there could be no union betwixt God and man the distance was so great that the parties could not come near to one another Eph. 2.13 But now in Chrisi Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ 3. Without the Mediator there could not have been any communion with God union is the foundation of communion without Christ the Creature should everlastingly have lost the fruition of God Without Christ and without God go together Eph. 2.12 4. Without the Mediator we could never had any conformity with God we lost the Image of God but could never have regained it but in Christ it is restored more excellently 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord. In a word without a Mediator no part of mans spiritual or everlasting good should have been brought to pass forasmuch as all the good which God had from eternity decreed to do to man was decreed to come to him in and through a Mediator hence we are said to be chosen and ordained unto adoption holiness obedience perseverance c. in and through him Eph. 1.3 4 5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiriritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 1 Pet. 1.2 Through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ But by establishing the Covenant in the hands of a Mediator mans good is advanced For 1. There is a foundation laid of a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam for there is much more of God manifested and revealed in Jesus Christ than was in the creation for now we may behold his face as in a glass 2 Cor. 3.18 throughout Christ who is the brightness of his Fathers glory Heb. 1.3 Therefore this is a better Covenant which hath better promises in it laid to our hand in a Mediator Heb. 8.6 2. Not only a higher happiness and a better Covenant in that respect but also through the Mediator there is a foundation laid of a better security for that happiness a surer Covenant and standing in it than was before a Covenant that cannot be disannulled as was the first this being established and ordained in the hands of a Mediator Gal. 3.15 17 19. Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Chap. 33. v. 20 21. A happiness that cannot be forefaulted Psal 89.33 34 35. 3. Through the establishing of this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator there is strength and height of confidence and consolation answerable to the security granted and the solid grounds of confidence and comfort that are laid in this Covenant the sum whereof is That all shall go well notwithstanding all things in us that speak the contrary because there is a Mediator in this Covenant 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Chap. 2. v. 17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people And truly if there had not been a Mediator in the Covenant of grace in whose hand it was ordained through whom it is established with us it had been as weak ineffectual and unprofitable to give righteousness and life as the first Covenant proved Vse 1. The necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant cleareth one of the main differences betwixt the Covenant of Grace and the first Covenant which was of Works wherein there was no Mediator nor need of a Mediator the parties being friends and in fitness to deal immediately Vse 2. From the necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant be convinced of your need of a Mediator 1. Let natural men be convinced of this you have none to deal for you you must stand or fall by your own righteousness without any mending of it you must do for your selves or be undone for there is no Mediator of that Covenant under which you stand you must do so or of necessity come to Christ the Mediator that you may partake in a better Covenant 2. Let believers be convinced of this It is not natural men only that need a Mediator to make their peace and to change their Covenant-state but you also need a Mediator 1. At all times before and after justification Rom. 5.6 10 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life In making your peace and maintaining it before and in and after your conversion you will need a Mediator till you be in over the threshold of glory till you have put off the body of sin Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which sent me draw him Song 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 2. To all intents and purposes as well relating to your Covenant-state as to your duties not only for your persons to make your peace but also for your performances to procure their acceptance Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censor and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne 3. In all things pertaining to God whatsoever you have to do if it be a thing that relates to God Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God
there were but two tribes that clave to him and being nearer in kindred would not be beaten from him 1 Kings 12.16 17. Some talk-lustily and bear themselves boldly upon Christ in words others are near of kin to him and will not be beaten from him CHAP. XIII Of the Mediators Vnction as it relateth to the separating of him for his Offices THE second part of Christs qualification for the Office of Mediatorship is his Vnction this was consequent unto his personal union so that as we called the union of the two natures in Christ Person the principal and chief qualification of him for this Office so we are to look upon his Unction as carrying in it divers qualifications which result from the former The Unction of Christ comprehends two things 1. The separating of him unto these excellent Offices of being Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2. The endowing him with the Spirit above measure with gifts and graces of the Spirit and assistances meet to enable him for the Work The first Part of Christs Unction is that whereby he is anointed to these Offices Christ Mediator is anointed to be Prophet Priest and King of his Church Concerning which we shall speak 1. Of the anointing 2. Of the Offices And first by this Unction as it relateth to his Offices for of his Unction as it comprehends his Furniture we are not now speaking but shall in the next place we may understand according to the various use of anointing among men and the Scripture purport of the Word 1. His Designation for these Offices in the Counsel of God Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth So the word is used 1 Sam. 16.13 of Davids first Designation to succed in the Kingdom to Saul long before he came to the Government 2. The declaration of his being designed unto these Offices Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee So anointing is taken in the case of Gods declaring Jehu successor in the Kingdom 1 Kings 19.16 with 2 Kings 9.1 3. The separating of him or setting him apart for these Offices Psal 89.20 I have found David my servant with my holy oyl have I anointed him So the word is used 1 Chron. 29.22 1 Sam. 15.17 with Psal 105.15 4. The publick solemn investing him in these Offices with power and authority to exercise them Act. 10.38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Luk. 1.32 And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David And it s from his anointing that Christ hath his name Joh. 1.41 We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ Luk. 9.20 The Christ of God 2. Concerning these three Offices of Christ we shall briefly touch upon 1. The necessity of them in our Mediators Person 2. The nature and use of them 3. The harmony and consent of these Offices in Christs person and in his execution of them And 1. The necessity of these Offices in our Mediator appeareth 1. From the evils under which we were lying man being under 1. Ignorance of God 2. Alienation from God Eph. 4.18 Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their hearts 3. Impotency to come unto him Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which sent me draw him Necessary it was that our Mediator be a person that carrieth Offices which may reach these evils His prophecy and teaching meets with our ignorance of God for he is a teacher come from God Joh. 3.7 A Prophet by whom all his people are taught of God Jer. 31.33 Isa 54.13 His Priesthood and Sacrifice meets with our alienation and estrangement from God for thereby the distance is removed and a friendship bound up with God Eph. 2.13 14 18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ For he is our peace who hath made both one For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father And his Kingdom meets with our impotency for thereby we are mightily wrought upon and determined so as our impotency proves no over-powering lett in the way of his grace Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people 2. It appears from the work which he came to do which required this conjunction of Offices in his Person 1. He came to reveal a new way of happiness and therefore behoved to be a Prophet Act. 7.37 A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you hear Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord 2. He came to purchase and acquire this new blessedness and therefore behoved to be a Priest to offer Sacrifice for it 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 of the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. He came to make application of his purchase and therefore behoved also to be a King Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation untâ— all them that they him 2. The nature and use of these three Offices in our Mediator we find in some measure let out in the promises of the Covenant at least a chief and material hint at something of all the three Jer. 31.33 34 with Heb. 8. and 10. 1. Christ Mediator as a Prophet travelleth in begetting a right understanding betwixt the two parties that are at variance betwixt God and man and to this effect being intimately acquainted with all his Fathers secrets 1. He publisheth and declareth all the mind of God to his people especially in revealing the gracious purpose of God concerning the way and means of reconciliation Mat. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh 2. He worketh the effectual knowledg of God and of his will in his peoples heart See 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who caused 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 Luk. 1.77 79 To give knowledg of Salvation unto his people by the
Of Christs Unction unto these Offices How excellent and eminent a person must our Mediator he in whom these three Offices concur which take in all things that pertain to instruction and wisdom to favour and entreaty to power and acting who is anointed unto all the high Offices over the house of God Heb. 10.21 unto which great persons have at any time been anointed The excellency of all high Offices treist in his Person so that as the Apostle saith often such a High-priest we may say such a Mediator by way of Excellency Psalm 89.19 20 I have exalted one chosen out of the people I have found David my servant with my holy oyl have I anointed him Isa 22.22 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 2. How well hath God provided for his people in Christ the Mediator 1. There must be a wonderful fulness of Satisfaction which proceedeth from a person thus anointed 2. An admirable weight in the intercession of a Person carrying such high Offices 3. He hath treasured up all his Churches happiness in Christ that he should be to them whatsoever they need and that he should carry all Offices whereof they can have use Col. 1.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 4. From the well-spring of his Unction he hath made another Unction to flow to us for calling us to high and honourable things and furnishing us for them Rev. 1.6 And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father 1 John 2.27 But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you 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 and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide in him 1 Pet. 2.9 For ye are a chosen generation a royal Priesthood a holy Nation a peculiar people that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness unto his marvellous light 3. Let us make use of Christ Mediator in all his Offices and acknowledg him in them all and take notice of the concurrence of these for effecting our happiness And for this effect 1. Let us study to be acquainted with our need of Christ in all his Offices Some men know not their need of a Priest but very few know their need of a Teacher they think they are very knowing while they are blind but far fewer know their need of a King they think they can rule themselves Rom. 7.9 For I was alive without the law once but when the commandment came sin revived and I died And yet our need of all these is such that we could not have been compleatly saved if any of these Offices had been wanting in our Mediator we stand in need of a Prophet a Priest and a King 2. Study to know and be convinced that there is in us a natural enmity against all these Offices of Christ the Mediator 1. Enmity against him as a Prophet against his Teaching and his Truth disliking his truths which cross our lusts John 6.60 Many therefore of his Disciples when they had heard this said This is an hard saying who can bear it Quenching and resisting the voice and teaching of his Spirit Isa 63.10 But they rebelled and vexed his holy Spirit 2. Enmity against him as a Priest by undervaluing his Person Suffering Satisfaction Righteousness Merits Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God 3. Enmity against him as a King against his spiritual Worship Commands Wages a principle which controuls them and rebels against him Rom. 7.23 But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members 3. We must take with our need of Christ in these his Offices and lay down our enmity against them that is in the knowledg that we need not only a Priest but a Prophet and a King we must break off our rebellions against these his Offices and lay down the weapons whereby we have opposed them which are mainly self-conceit and knowledg or Science fasly so called opposing him as a Prophet 1 Cor. 8.2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know and self-will opposing his Kingdom refusing to admit of his Laws within us Luke 19.14 We will not have this man to rule over us and self-worth or righteousness opposing his Priesthood by setting up something in the place of it Rom. 10.3 For they being ignorant of Gods righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness c. 4. Let us by all means take heed that the grace of God tendred to us through a Mediator in all these Offices be not in vain through our not seeking to it and laying hold on it Heb. 4.1 2 Let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entring into his Rest any of you should seem to come short of it For unto us was the Gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it A Court of Justice is a publick Sanctuary but it actually relieveth none but those that seek unto it Heb. 6.18 We might have a strong consolation who have sled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us It is in vain as to our profit that Christ carrieth these Offices if we do not make application to him for his Teaching his Sacrifice and his Government Gal. 2.21 Do not frustrate the grace of God for if righteousness come by the Law then Christ is dead in vain 2 Cor. 6.1 9 We beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain 5. Let us have our hearts jointly and equally satisfied to receive him in all his Offices and not to divide his compleat Unction Isa 55.4 Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people 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 sins Jer. 31.33 34 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour saying Know the Lord for all shall know me from the least of them unto the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sin no more 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus
they were created which was mutable More particularly The execution and work of Christs Mediatorship may be reduced to these Five heads 1. To bring the elect into a capacity of covenanting with God 2. To bring them within the bond of the Covenant after he hath thus prepared the way 3. To enable them whom he bringeth into this New-Covenant-state to perform the duties of the Covenant 4. To keep those whom he bringeth into this Covenant state from falling away from it or to enable them to continue in it 5. To bring those whom he hath brought up to the terms of a Covenant with God to that height of that Blessedness which is appointed for them and to Crown his work in them The first part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office is to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God to make the way of God accessible and to put man in a capacity to enter in terms with God For man by sin was made uncapable of covenanting with God until the Mediator cometh in to compose the difference and to restore the love and friendship that once had been betwixt God and man who to prepare a way for mans covenanting with God doth two things himself and worketh two things in us The first to make God accessible the other to make men capable of covenanting with God who is made accessible in Christs death 1. He taketh on mans nature that a Sacrifice might be among mankind who had sinned he putteth his name in our Obligation that the Law might reach him Gal. 4.4 5. God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the Adoption of Sons 2. In our nature he obeyeth the Law and suffereth he payeth a price for our Ransom 2 Cor. 5.21 He is made sin for us an offering for sin he stood in the sinners stead here he purchaseth a liberty to the elect and hath it in his just and legal power to set them free when he will Act. 20.28 being the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood 3. He convinceth men of their sin and of their bondage and impossibility to satisfy Justice and to this end he attacheth them before Divine Justice Joh. 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the World of sin of righteousness and of judgment Rom. 7.9 For I was alive without the Law once but when the Commandment came sin revived and I died Gal. 3.24 Wherefore the Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by Faith 4. He worketh their Hearts to a yielding-frame listning and ready to welcom the news of delivery which have not yet been actually spoken to their hearts to be content to come out of their bondage and to enjoy freedom by him to be content to come in his will and to yield the weapons to him and to change the state and righteousness whereof sometimes they had no small content Act. 9.6 Lord What wilt thou have me to do Arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do They pant after a Saviour as Paul did for compleat Redemption Rom. 7.29 O wretched man that I am Who shall deliver me from the body of this death And when all this is done Sinners are but in a capacity of covenanting with God till more be done by Christ in the work of his Mediatorship for man he is not yet in a covenant with God all this is to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1.17 For though Christ hath payed the price of the â—â—ects ransom and hath purchased their liberty on the Cross yea and hath also convinced a man of his need of this ransom and made him toward and tractable to listen to accept of it yet till a man come in by faith and manifest his acceptance or rather actually accept of Christs proposals he is not yet actually in a Covenant with God but concluded under wrath Joh. 3.36 And he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him The second part of the Mediators work and execution of his Office is to bring the elect within the bond of the Covenant And for bringing about this 1. Christ makes an offer of a New Covenant state with all suitable allurements and encouragements which may invite the Souls of the elect to accept of it And for this end he hath appointed the Ministry of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God And 6.17 18 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters saith the Lord Almighty Isa 55.1 3 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters 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 2. He shapeth and frameth the hearts of his people for acceptation of his offer and bringeth them unto a liking and satisfaction with the Covenant and the terms of it 2 Sam. 23.5 For this is all my salvation and all my desire although he make it not to grow Psal 73. last But it is good for me to draw near to God I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may declare all thy works 3. He actually maketh them to embrace it and enter into it for after he hath shaped their hearts for acceptation he actually engageth them by consenting and agreeing on their part Hos 2.14 19 Therefore behold I will allure her and bring her unto the Wilderness and speak comfortably unto her And I will betroth thee unto me for ever Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me And this he doth 1. By making us receive and welcom the Gospel and subject our consent unto it by taking on the very bonds and rebukes of the Word and yielding our selves captives unto it 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ And 10.4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds Rom. 6.17 But ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine which was delivered unto you 2. By making us receive and embrace the Promises Heb. 11.13 and take hold of the Covenant Isa 56.4 6. And this is a further step of the Mediators work in
â—0 10 For then with not leave my Soul in Hell neither wilt thou suffer thine holy one to see corruption Luk. 23.43 Verily I say unto thee to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Joh. 13.1 3. 14.2 Luk. 16.23 24 25. Heb. 12.23 24. 2 Thes 1.9 Rev. 21. 2â— 5. It 's a controversie to the world whether there be a God or a Providence that ruleth the world Psal 14.1 The fool hath said in his heart there is no God Isa 29.15 And they say who seeth us and who knoweth us The Witness of the Covenant hath decided this controversie Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my father and 〈◊〉 father and to my God and your God Joh. 6.57 As thâ—◠〈◊〉 father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that â—ateth me even he shall live by me Dan. 5.21 23 Till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men and that he hath appointed over it whomsoever he will And the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Rev. 15.3 4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou king of saints Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest 6. It 's a controversie with the world yea and sometimes also with the saints whether the people of God or the wicked of the world have the better lot Psal 73.3 12 For I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Behold these are the ungodly who prosper in the world they increase in riches But this also is decided by the Witness of the Covenant Psal 49.18 19 Though whiles he lived he blessed his Soul and men will praise thee when thou doest well to thy self He shall go to the generation of his fathers they shall never see light Joh. 3.18 36 He that believeth on him is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Isa 3.10 11 Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with hem for they shall eat the fruit of their doings Wo unto the wicked it shall be ill with him for the reward of his hands shall be given him Rev. 21.4 And God shall wipe all tears from their eyes and there shall be no mor death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for theâ—â—former things are passed away Again it is a controversie to doubting believers whether God hath chosen them and loved them with an everlasting love Psal 88.4 14 I am counted with them that go down to the pit Lord why castest thou off my Soul This controversie is decided by the Witness of the Covenant who giveth that double certainty of all these things whereby they are not only made sure in themselves because he 〈◊〉 â—â—ified them but are also made sure unto us Jer. 31.3 〈◊〉 Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying yea I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these 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 Where the sayings of Jeremy are applied to Christ who made the Covenant Joh. 15.13 16 19 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain But because ye are not of the world but I have chosen you out of the world therefore the world hateth you Joh. 6.69 And we believe and are sure than thou art that Christ the Son of the living God 2. It is a controversie to doubting believers whether they be the Children of God and whether they be effectually called by the Grace of Christ Psal 22.6 But I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and despised of the people Christ decides the controversie by interposing his Testimony Joh. 13.35 By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye have love one to another Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are children of God Isa 43.1 Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine 3. It is a controversie to doubting-believers whether they shall ever see Christ and meet with him again when he doth but a little withdraw out of their sight Isa 49.14 But Sion said the Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me Whether they shall at any time again be comforted with his presence but he decides the controversie and witnesseth clearly that he and they shall meet again Joh. 16.22 And ye now therefore have sorrow but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man taketh from you Joh. 14.18 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a momeni but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy redeemer Isa 49.15 Can a woman forget her sucking-child that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee 4. It 's a controversie to the doubting-believer whether there be any reality in his presence and in the fellowship of his company both when they enjoy it and when they want it Luk. 24.21 37 41 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel and beside all this to day is the third day since these things were done But they were terrified and affrighted and supposed that they had seen a spirit And while they yet believed not for joy and wondred 2 Chron. 6.18 But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth But by his Witness he decides that controversie Luk. 24.38 39 40 42 And he said unto them why are ye troubled and why do thoughts arise in your hearts Behold my hands and my feet that it is I my self handle me and see for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have And when he had thus spoken he shewed them his hands and his feet And they gave him a piece of a broyled fish and of an hony-comb Joh. 6.20 But he saith unto them it is I
betwixt the parties through the Messenger and by his means and travel 2 Sam. 11.22 23 25 So the messenger went and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for And the Messenger said unto David surely the men prevailed against us Then David said unto the messenger thus shalt thou say unto Joab let not this thing displease thee c. Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world and they have believed that thou didst send me Joh. 13.3 And that he was come from God and went to God 2. Consider next in what respects the name Messenger is applicable to Christ with relation to the Covenant 1. In regard of the power and trust committed unto him in the matters of the Covenant he is the Messenger of the Covenant that is the great Lord Ambassadour extraordinary and Trustee of Heaven who represented his father and who was Plenipotentiary being perfectly instructed and fully impowred to propound treat and conclude in all matters pertaining to the Covenant and the settlement of peace 'twixt God and man and in this sense the word is used 1 Kings 16.7 and 17.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 malakim Messengers i. e. Ambassadours and Isa 33.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 melache the Ambassadors of peace thus Christ is the Messenger of the Covenant this power and trust is committed unto him to represent his father 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 1.1 3 God hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son And to treat and conclude with us a Covenant in his name Joh. 5.22 For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power oven all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and earth 2. This-name of Messenger of the Covenant is applicable to him in regard of his pains and travel in the matters of the Covenant I mean in regard of his work as well as his trust and thus in regard of several pieces of his work and travel he may be called the Messenger of the Covenant 1. He is the Messenger who carried the Message of a new Covenant who travelled from Heaven to Earth with this Message to make a Covenant betwixt God and sinners he came expresly for this one errant Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons 1 Joh. 5.6 This is he that came by water and blood even Jesus Christ not by water only but by water and blood 1 Joh. 1.5 This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you that God is light and in him is no darkness at all And in this sense the word is frequently used for an Express or one sent for a particular Errant and purpose Joh. 1.6 7 There was a man sent from God whose name was John The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe Mat. 11.10 For 〈◊〉 is he of whom it is written Behold I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee 2. He is the Messenger who did publish and intimate the new Covenant and Gods gracious purpose in it as that thing which was his errant in the World he did it Authoritatively others only Ministerially 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 he ye reconciled to God He is the chief Minister of the new Testament others only by commission from him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God as upon me because the Lord hath annointed me to preach good ridings unto the meek Heb. 8.2 6 10 A minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better Covenant which was established upon better promises For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord c. Eph. 4.9.11 Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth and he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Luk. 19.10 Eph. 2.17 Pov. 9.1 3. So the word is taken for one that intimateth or bringeth word and giveth notice of any thing Joh 1.14 3. He is the Messenger who doth interpret and declare the Message of the new Covenant who travelleth to be an Interpreter of the mind of God in that matter Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my father and no man knoweth the Son but the father neither knoweth any man the father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him Rom. 3.25 26. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him 〈◊〉 hith believeth in Jesus Luk. 24.17 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all 〈◊〉 Scriptures the things concerning himself Hence he is called a Prophet Act. 3.22 And thâ—â— Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 And in this sense this word is taken Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness 4. He is the messenger which acteth the Covenant upon the hearts of his people effective physice I mean the Messenger which attacheth the hearts of his people as a Serjeant at Arms that layeth hands upon a man and bringeth them into the bond of the Covenant the Messenger that never leaveth pursuit until he hath apprehended Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant 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 Hos 2.19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever yea I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness and in judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies 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
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
miracles before them yet they believed not on him Joh. 15.23 24 He that hateth me hateth my father also but now have they both seen and hated both me and my father Luk. 7.30 But the Pharisees and Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves being not baptized of him Psal 81.11 But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me Mat. 22.5 6 But they made light of it and went their ways one â—o his fâ—rm another to his merchandise and the remâ—unt took his servants and intreated them spitefully and slow them Mat. 23.37 O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which aâ—e sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not Isa 49.4 Then I said I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for nought and in vain Mat. 11.17 And saying we have piped unto you and ye have not danced we have mourned unto you and ye have not lamented Shall the Messenger of the Covenant have no good report to make of you like that which he made of his Disciples Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and believed that I came out from God At least let him have that to say of you that he roported of Ephraim That you have lamented the frowardness of your own hearts under all his pains and travel Jer. 31.18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak c. Vse 2. Suffer me from this Covenant-relation of Christs to exhort you 1. To employ him in that which is his trust he is the Messenger of the Covenant if there be any thing which you have to do with God relating to the making maintaining or renewing a Covenant with him there is a messenger appointed for negotiating in that matter and one who is willing to be employed by you Mat. 20.28 The Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no ways cast out Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people 2. Beware that you usurp not his employment neither intrude upon it take heed that you attempt not to send any Message to God and not by the Messenger of the Covenant Heb. 12.29 For our God is a consuming fire See that you go not any errant of the Covenant without him See that you send not your prayers and other performances to God or any Message without him in their own strength or by the hand of another Messenger beside the Angel of the Covenant Rev. 8.3 And another angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censer and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne Joh. 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever ye shall ask the father in my name he will give it you 3. Acknowledg Christ in this Covenant-relation and in the execution of it That ever you heard of the Covenant that it hath been declared revealed and interpreted to you you are debtors for that to the Messenger of the Covenant if he had not travelled in that business you had never heard of it Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh Mat. 13.11 Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven but to them it is not given Much more you are his Debtors if the Covenant be acted upon your hearts Heb. 8.6 10 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant 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 Mat. 16.17 And Jesus answered and said unto him Blessed art thou Simon Bar-Jona for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my father which is in heaven Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me 4. Be requested to take notice and to listen what Message the Messenger of the Covenant bringeth to you it is the Message of a Covenant of a good and sure bargain that you would join your selves to the Lord and take hold of his covenant Isa 56.4 6. Whereunto if you would but listen it should prove a life-giving motion Isa 55.3 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 Joh. 1.38 39 They said unto him Rabbi which is to say being interpreted Master where dwellest thou he saith unto them come and see they came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him that day It 's a Message of peace you need not stare at it nor be afraid of what we have in commission 2 Cor. 5 19 20 21 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Luk. 2.10 14 And the Angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men Isa 60.17 For brass I will bring gold and for iron I will bring silver and for wood brass and for stones iron I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness It 's a Message of love of the Fathers love and of the Sons 1 Joh. 3.1 Behold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not Joh. 15.13 Greater love hath no man then this that a man lay down his life for his friends It 's a Message of
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to hring them out of the land of Egypt which my covenant they break although I was an husband to them saith the Lord. But this shall be my covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after these days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inwards parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Joh. 17.6 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 And this is as sad news to many of you who heard this Gospel as it is glad news to these who receive it and believe in Christ wo to them who have not this undertaker for them for the Law must have a satisfaction by the eternal undoing of all these 5. Let us consider for what Christ is engaged by his Suretiship That this may appear we shall take notice of some distinctions which speak the extent of his undertaking for his people He was a Surety and undertaker 1. In his state and in his actions 2. In Earth and in Heaven 3. In our stead and in our behalf 4. To us-ward and to God-ward 1. I say Christ is a Surety for his people in his state and in his actions that is 1. In whatsoever state and condition Christ was in that state and condition he doth sustain our persons and is surrogate in our place and condition for so much his Suretiship doth import as I have already shewed when he was in a state of humiliation here upon the earth in that low condition he did sustain the persons and bear and represent the state and condition of his poor broken people he was surrogated a Surety to sustain their Legal state or the state wherein they are by the violation of the Law and Covenant of works Heb. 2.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Again in his exaltation Christ doth sustain the persons and represent the condition of the Elect unto the which they are advanced by the Covenant through him and therefore the Scripture holds him forth in his resurrection and ascension c. as representing the state of the Elect He is in heaven this day saith the Scripture for us sustaining our state and glorified condition till we come there taking possession of our inheritance unto which he hath acquired for us a right Heb. 6.20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred even Jesus Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 2. In his actions he acted our parts especially in what he did or in what befel him here upon the earth for it was his end of coming down into this world to act our parts and to have acted upon him what should have been done to us he died as our Surety and he arose as our Surety Justice smote him as our Surety he was taken into prison and to judgment and was condemned as our Surety being numbred among transgressors and again he was taken from the prison and judgment as our Surety being justified when he payed the Debt and by vertue of that communion which we had with him in all these actions of his he being our Surety and sustaining our Law-place and room by a just law these things are reckoned unto our account whose persons he sustained and whose parts he acted Isa 53 throughout Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God And to this purpose is that instance and parallel of Adams sustaining the condition of all men Christ set forth Sect. 3. cap. 4. and therein being a type of Christ 1 Cor. 15.22 48. and Rom. 5.14 Fitly and at large applied by Mr. Thomas Goodwin 2. Christ was a Surety on Earth and he is a Surety still in Heaven Christ is as well a Surety in his intercession as he was in his death for beside all that Christ did upon earth for discharging his undertaking unto God for his people he stands yet engaged in Heaven as an undertaker for them and shall not be acquitted of all his engagements until he have brought all the Elect company as safe there as he came himself Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Therefore the Apostle Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made Surety of a better Testament After he hath made mention of the Suretiship of Christ he instanceth in his intercession and continuing a Priest for ever vers 23 24 25. Shewing that because he is engaged as a Surety therefore he intercedes to save to the utmost That this may be yet more plain consider 1. That the Suretiship of Christ as it was acted in a free Covenant and transaction betwixt Jehovah and Christ doth not only relate unto the justification of the Elect but also to their Salvation Isa 53.11 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 Rom. 5.9 10 Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be shall be saved by his his life And therefore as long as the persons of any for whom he died remain still unsaved he is not acquitted of this Suretiship and engagement but after that he hath payed a price to justice for them there remains an obligation upon him to bring these for whom he died to glory Heb. 2.10 For it became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings 2. Consider that the being part of his Covenant of Suretiship to be performed as long as the persons of any of the Elect are yet unsaved to the utmost the performance of that which is behind of his engagements is
I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Luk. 22.15 And he said unto them With desire have I desired to eat this passeover with you before I suffer 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 He did voluntanly fulfil his act of cautionry and not through constraint of Law and Justice yea it was not accounted grievous to him but was rather his satisfaction and delight thus to make the glory of his grace conspicuous Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God yea thy law is within my heart In the last place let us consider the advantages which believers have by Christs Suretiship which are so many that they cannot be reckoned we shall instance upon some few 1. By Christs Suretiship we have our exemption and liberation from the Law and the hand of Justice our divorcement from the Law and Covenant of works as a husband in which respect it is now dead and extinct though it live for other ends and uses Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God So that now the believer cannot be pursued at Law or if pursued cannot be made to undergo the sentence of the Law Justice being satisfied by a Surety Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Heb. 2.14 15 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil and deliver them who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage In a word we owe to Christs Suretiship our delivery from the sentence from the pursuit from the Covenant from the terror from the rigour from the irritation of the Law yea from the perfect obedience of the Law it will now accept less and from all obedience to it as a possible way of life Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 12.18 22 24 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire nor unto blackness and darkness and tempest But ye are come unto mount Sion and unto the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covevant 2. By his Suretiship we have this new and better Covenant-state wherein we stand we owe our being in Christ and in the Covenant of Grace unto his Suretiship who did undertake to bring about that bond of engagement betwixt God and us for if Christ had not acted himself to do this it had never been done Joh. 17.2 6 As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him 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 Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out 3. By Christs Suretiship we have our perseverance and stability in this Covenant-state I say not our being only but our continuing in this blessed state that we do not depart from God and utterly forsake him in a divorcement even when we go a whoring from him and that he doth not cast us off and discovenant us for all that we have done this advantage we have by Christs Suretiship that there can be no reversing annulling or repealing of Gods Covenant with his people and if it were not for that a divorce should follow upon the whorings and treacherous dealings of our hearts every day Psal 89.30 33 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments c. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail 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 Jer. 3.1 14 22 They say If a man put away his wife and she go from him and become another mans shall he return unto her again shall not that land be greatly polluted but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers yet return again to me saith the Lord. Turn O back-sliding children saith the Lord for I am married unto you and I will take you one of a city and two of a family and I will bring you to Zion Return ye backsliding children and I will heal your back-slidings behold we come unto thee for thou art the Lord our God Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart from me 4. We owe to Christs Suretiship very much upon the head of the conditions of the new Covenant as namely 1. The possibility of Gospel-conditions and commands that they are not as unprofitable to us as the keeping of the whole Law Deut. 30.11 14 For this commandment which I command thee this day it is not hidden from thee neither is it far off But the word is very nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that thou mayest do it Rom. 10.6 8 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven that is to bring Christ down from above But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach 2. The certainty of a performance of these conditions that believers have any ground to expect that there shall not be a misgiving in them as was in the 〈◊〉 ands of the first Covenant Joh. 6.37 All that the father goveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them 3. The
for them sure he knew for whom he did undertake he knew their number and names how many was in that company and who they were Joh. 17.6 12 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost 2 Tim. 2.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his And if the matter of our Salvation stand upon Gods giving to Christ and his undertaking then sure there were none given by the father to the Son from eternity upon respect of faith or holiness for that should destroy Christs Suretiship and undertaking and lay the weight of that which is principal in the issue upon the creatures will that should make the creature a Surety for himself Rom. 9.11 16 For the children being yet not born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth c. So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth but of God that sheweth mercy 2. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the dominion and Soveraignty of his grace and of the reality efficacy and irresistableness of the working of his spirit and the physical influences thereof for if Christ had not the power and dominion of our wills how could he undertake for us and if Salvation were not taken off the slippery yea and nay of free will how could our Lord be Surety for his people were it possible that he should undertake and discharge his undertaking for those over whose hearts and wills he hath not an absolute power and dominion Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Jer. 30.21 And their nobles shall be of themselves and their governour shall proceed from the midst of them and I will cause him to draw near and he shall approach unto me for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me saith the Lord Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them 3. Christs Suretiship is a confirmation of the perseverance of the saints and of the certainty of the the Salvation of all the Elect for if their perseverance and believing to the end be undertaken for by him how can it be uncertain if our heaven and happiness be in a surer hand than our own even in the keeping of Christ how can it be but well kept 1 Pet. 1.4 5 â—o an inheritance incorruptible undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Jer. 32.39 40 And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear me for ever for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear into their hearts that they shall not depart from me Luk. 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not It is the Suretiship of Christ which holds the Covenant fast with us and makes firm our Covenant-state that upon no breaches on our part it can be disannulled Psal 89.30 34 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments my covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord if heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. Vse 5. The Doctrine of Christ Suretiship serves to answer all tentations discouragements and doubtings that arise in the hearts of believers concerning their Covenant-interests If there be any doubt with you about the performance of the precious promises Christs Suretiship answers it and assureth that there shall be a performance of all these things which are spoken by the Lord Luk. 1.45 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him Amen unto the glory of God by us If there be any thing too hard for you among all the commands and conditions of the new Covenant his Suretiship answers that Rom. 10.6 7 8. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise say not in thine heart who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above Or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead But what saith it the word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me If your standing be doubtful since Adam and the Angels have fallen Christs Suretiship answers that he was never an undertaker for them but he is engaged for every believers standing Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better Testament If you fear your our own frailty and sinfulness lest it should make void the Covenant with you his Suretiship answers that it must stand with him and if with him then with you also Psal 89.30 33 35 If his children forsake my law and walk not in my judgments Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Jer. 31.37 Thus saith the Lord If Heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath I will also cast off the seed of Israel for all that they have done saith the Lord. If you fear your own backsliding some decay and withering of grace in you his Suretiship answers that for he is engaged for influences to you Isa 44.3 4 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry grouud I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring and they shall spring up as among the grass as willows by the water-courses Isa 27.3 I the Lord do keep it I will water it every moment lest any hurt it I will keep it night and day If your strength fail and decay his Suretiship shall renew strength unto you Isa 40.31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they
was come God sent forth his Som made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons 3. The Surety hath already satisfied for your disobedience it is not a thing to be done but past already Heb. 9.15 And for this cause 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 Vse 7. Learn hence a necessary cautiousness the neglect whereof is one chief cause of the misgiving of our hearts in duties every day do not put any thing in Christs place as Surety and undertaker for you Sometimes we take our gifts and graces to be Surety for us and we reckon that these may engage for us and make us forth-coming in Duty sometimes we take our own hearts and our resolution Surety for us and we trust to them as the people did Josh 24.16 And the people answered and said God forbid that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods Deut. 5.27 29 Go thou near and hear all that the Lord our God shall say and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee and we will hear it and do it Sometimes we take our own good frame Surety for us if we have at any time some warmness and life under present influences we reckon these may be Surety for us and that is but to put something in the Sureties place which God hath not made cautioner in this Covenant 1 Cor. 1.30 31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written He that glorieth let him glory in the Lord. CHAP. XXI Christ the Testator of the new Covenant or Testament THE seventh relation which Christ sustains in the Covenant of Grace he is Testator or he that makes the will and testament Heb. 9.16 17. Now because Testator and Testament are so nearly related that the one is not understood without the other I must here refer you to that which I have already spoken of Christs Testament which being largely handled before we shall not need to be large in speaking of the Testator but briefly of these particulars 1. What this Name and Covenant-relation imports 2. What was the design of this Covenant-relation 3. How the thing designed in Christs being Testator in the new Testament or Covenant is rendred effectual by his sustaining this relation And 1. Of the name and relation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a Disposer or Testator one that maketh his latter will and Testament one who according to his own will and pleasure disposeth of his estate and goods in contemplation of his death and the leaving his possession to be injoyed by others after his death This Covenant-relation that Jesus Christ is Testator imports 1. A person dying or doing a deed in contemplation of the necessity of his own death as being thereunto appointed this relation speaks Christ under not only the common appointment unto death with all men Heb. 9.27 but under a special appointment unto death for that end for which he made his Testament which he well understood and did often contemplate and remember when he acted in this Covenant-relation Heb. 9.15 16 Where a testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the testator And Joh. 13.1 Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father 2. This relation imports a person vested with possession and right unto some estate or goods whereof he makes a Disposal and Will for he that hath nothing in possession nor in title can dispose of nothing to another person Christ the Testator is a person fully vested with right unto and possession of all good things for God hath made him both Lord and Christ Act. 2.36 and 10.36 And him God hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 1.2 It pleased the father that in him all fulness should dwell Col. 1.19 3. This relation imports a power in the Testator to dispose of the things possessed by him a power of conveying his estate to others else it were in vain to bequeath his estate real or personal this relation speaks Christ the Testator in power and authority to convey all Covenant-blessings which are his own unto his people for the father hath given all things unto his hands and hath committed all judgment to the Son Not a possession only but a power and authority Joh. 3.35 and 5.22 And hath given him power 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 authority over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Joh. 17.2 4. This relation imports a Deed which is the sole will and meer pleasure of the Testator not only a power to dispose of that which he possesseth or hath right unto but to do according to his meer pleasure and the Testators will to be the devising and conveying of whatsoever is his own and therefore inasmuch as Christ is Testator in the Covenant it is declared that his will in his Testament his grace and pleasure makes the title and conveyance of what we have from and by him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that these whom thou hast given unto me be with me c. Joh. 14.27 My peace I give unto you Joh. 16.7 I will send the comforter unto you 5. This relation imports the actual declaring of his will and disposing of his goods for a Testator is not a Testator but in relation to the instrument or evidence by which he declares his will to wit his Testament And therefore this relation holds forth Christ in the Covenant as having actually already made his will by an authentick instrument and evidence to wit the old and new Testament for Christ died not untested and without a declaration of his will and a disposal of his house and of his goods but hath ordered and disposed all of things and left us this authentick evidence of his will Luk. 22.29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom as my father hath appointed unto me The same word that 's used Heb. 9.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I dispose or appoint by my will and Testament and Heb. 10.16 I will make with you a covenant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to wit this testamentary Covenant I declare my will of grace to you in it 2. What was the design of Christs sustaining the relation of Testator in the new Covenant 1. That by this relation our Lord Jesus might super-add a new title to believers unto the new Covenant-blessings which he would have his people to hold of him after all manner of the best security used among men and therefore will not only convey these mercies to them by Covenant and promise but by Testament and Legacy therefore he sustained the relation of
Jesus Master it is good for us to be here and let us make three tabernacles one for thee and one for Moses and one for Elias For he wist not what to say for they were sore afraid Such should remember Peters words at another occasion Joh. 6.68 Then Simon Peter answered him Lord to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life Which import that a created Heaven would not be significant if Christ were not there see also Psal 73.25 Whom have 〈◊〉 in heaven but thee and there is none upon the earth that I desire besides thee 4. It speaks reproof to those who wrangle about circumstances to the prejudice of Christ the substance and marrow of the Gospel-Covenant those who seek some things of Christ to the prejudice of other things of Christ that be the more weighty matters of the Gospel as put case Forms to the prejudice of substance Order to the prejudice of edification Uniformity to the prejudice of union c. And this whether by extolling of the highest and most weighty things of Christ to the prejudice of other things which are also his Ordinances or by the depressing and decreeing of other more subordinate things of Christ and circumstantial to the prejudice of the weightiest matters of the Gospel for although no Ordinance of Christ be a little one and to be set at nought yet without controversie there be some of them more weighty than others Vse 2. For discovery how far we fall short in practical giving to Christ his own place in the Covenant There be very few even of those who dare not knowingly slight Christ who yet do give him his own room in the Covenant Consider it but a little 1. He is the root and original of the Covenant have you acknowledged and imployed him as such have your soul-transactions with God been grounded upon Christs transactions with him or have you not in point of Soul-covenanting with God dealt as if the Covenant had its first rise then when it first entered in thy heart Consider I pray where you have pitched the original rise and foundation of that blessed transaction 2. He is the principal party with whom the Covenant was made at the first hand do you always give that place to Christ do you put him foremost or do you not rather drudg him after you I fear nay I doubt not we deal in many things with God as if we were the principal party covenanting in matter of Gospel-promises as if we were the principal Creditor to whom a performance of these things were due and in matter of Gospel-commands as if we were the principal Debtors from whom a performance of Duty could be expected 3. Christ is the chief blessing of the covenant have you sought him as such or hath any other blessing of the Covenant had his room in thy heart have you sought life and salvation in the promises as the chief blessing contained in them or have you seen something in the promises better and more desirable than these even Christ who is in every promise and is the best thing in the promise 4. He is valuable above all things else contained in the Covenant he is the full price of the whole bargain have you put this value upon him have you made him your all your treasure for which you treated in this bargain and bought the field 5. He is the samplar and first copy of the Covenant did you ever consider how the peace and union was first made in his person have you followed that blessed copy to have this your Covenant with God the Divine Nature coming down to you and you brought up to meet with God in Christ and with him and in him to have mystical union 6. He is the sum of the Covenant have you studied this compend well how to reduce all the Covenant to Christ to find it all in him and to make all the Covenant praise him Vse 3. For tryal whether you be in the Covenant of Grace or not whether you have taken hold of the Covenant as the Prophet speaks Isa 65.4 Know it by this if thou art in Christ thou art in the Covenant if thou hast taken hold of him thou hast taken hold of the Covenant Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name 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 To be without Christ and to be strangers to the Covenant of promise are equivalent if the Covenant be given Christ is given and if Christ be given the Covenant is given for you are in so far in the Covenant of Grace as you have any thing of Christ in you Col. 1.27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves whether ye be in the faith prove your own selves Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates If you have no right to Christ then none to the Covenant try therefore your standing sinners where are you under the first husband or married to another are you in Christ or not and consequently in the Covenant of Grace or without it Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God Try this 1. By your divorcement from Idols and all other lovers this Covenant breaks all former ingagements whether they have been to lusts or to creatures henceforth if thou be in Christ and ingaged with him through this Covenant all these former ingagements must be so far cast loose that hatred must be to lusts instead of former love Gal. 5.24 And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts Mark 9.43 And if thy hand offend thee cut it off it is better for thee to enter into life maimed than having two hands to go into hell into the fire that never shall be quenched where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched c. And half a love to the creatures or limited subordinate secondary regular submissive love to them instead of old heart ingagements Ezek. 36.25 From all your filthiness and from all your Idols will I cleanse you Psal 45.10 11 Hearken O daughter and consider and incline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty for he is thy Lord and worship thou him Josh 24.23 Now therefore put away said he the strange gods which are among you and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Israel Hos
14.8 Ephraim shall say What have I to do any more with idols Gen. 12.1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a land that I will shew thee 2. Try it by your consenting to the mutual tye which the Covenant bringeth with it for it doth not only hold forth what God will be to you but what you must be to him it obligeth you to be the Lords as well as it maketh him yours Hos 3.3 It saith Thou shalt not be for another man so will I also be for thee If then you consent as willingly to be Christs as to have him made yours by this reciprocation and eccho of affection and ingagement to him you may know your being in him and so in the Covenant Rev. 22.17 20 And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that heareth say come Surely I come quickly Amen Song 2.16 My Beloved is mine and I am his 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord and enter into his sanctuary which he hath sanctified for ever and serve the Lord your God that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you 3. Try it by your subjection and submission to Christ for they that are in Christ they do not only consent to be his but there is a subjection of their consent unto him as unto their Head Husband Lord and King as Wives and Subjects do in their Covenants with their Husbands and Kings 2 Cor. 9.13 The subjection of your consent There must be a through compliance with Christ in all his offices and in every part of each of his office for we must not comply with Christ as a Priest only but also as a witness a leadeer and commander of the people Isa 55.4 since he is given for these ends as well as for the former Neither must we submit only to that part of his Priesthood whereby he offered sacrifice and slight his internession Heb. 5.1 7. and 9.24 26. Nor only to the external part of his Prophetical and Kingly offices by subjecting our selves to ordinances as the manner of formal hypocrites is but to the soveraignty of his inward teaching and ruling also Jer. 31.33 34 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will he their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord. Nor to his inward teaching and ruling only as despisers of Ordinances pretend but to the external administration of his Covenant by Ordinances of worship and government also so long as his tabernacle is with men which must be till Christs giving up the kingdom Rev. 21.3 22 23. with Ezek. 43.11 4. Try it by your satisfaction with and acceptation of the whole bargain without division diminution addition or alteration of any clause in it Isa 55.3 Jer. 31.32 c. Those who are in Christ and so within the Covenant of Grace do not divide the promises of the Covenant from the condition and commands thereof neither do they reject any thing which God hath put in that bargain but on the contrary they close with it as it stands in the offer of the Gospel without bogling and skaring at the reservation of the cross and with a soul-satisfaction found in the offer 2 Sam. 23.5 saying with David this is all my desire And Psal 16.5 6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee 5. Try it by your accounting duties your priviledg which other men account their burden 1 Joh. 5.3 For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light By your experiencing that holy facility in duties which springeth from love to Christ and delight in God 2 Cor. 5.14 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead Whereby it cometh to pass that the very work of believers is wages and hire in their hands that I say is demonstrative of one being in Christ and so of a new-Covenant-estate 6. Try it by your equal endeavours after holiness and heaven after conformity unto Christ and communion with him if thy endeavours after sanctification be as vigorous as after salvation if thou wouldst as gladly be made holy as be in heaven if thou desirest as really to be made like Christ as to have fellowship with him this speaketh thy being in him and if so thy being in the Covenant 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filâ—hiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 1 Joh. 3.3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure 7. Try it by your being humbled and provoked to holiness by the knowledg of your being in Christ and your reflections upon this great priviledg with humbling admiration for after this manner hath it wrought upon Gods children Rom. 3.27 Where is boasting then it is excluded by what law of works nay but by the law of faith Ezek. 16.36 That thou mayest remember and be confounded and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done saith the Lord God 1 Tim. 1.13 14 Who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief and the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Joh. 14.22 Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not unto the world 8. Try it by your superlative valuing of Christ the weakest faith which is precious doth value Christ above all 1 Pet. 2.7 To you therefore which believe he is precious Prov. 3.15 She is more precious than rubies and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her Christ is superlatively valued 1. When Christ alone without all other comforts is looked upon as enough when the soul taketh satisfaction in this portion Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Psal 16.5 6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage When the soul reckons it self eternally made up in him and blesseth it self in him Lam. 3.24 The Lord is my portion saith my soul therefore will I hope in him 2.