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
to your vertue knowledg c. 3. Quo ad executorem in the kindly genuine work of his spirit that the good which God hath done to thee is the true execution of the Testators will of grace to his people 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God Joh. 1.13 Which were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Rom. 8.9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his CHAP. XXII Christ a Covenant of the people or in what respects Christ is all the Covenant BEsides the many and various relations before spoken of which Christ sustaineth in the Covenant of grace he is the Covenant it self for to him doth the father speak Isa 42.6 and 49.8 I will give thee for a Covenant of the people things attributed in abstracto have a great signification Rom. 1.7 The carnal mind is enmity c. Christ is called the peace Micah 5.5 And our peace Eph. 2.14 This is more than the peace-maker Col. 1.20 'T is all the transaction of peace the whole business of reconciliation comprized in the Mediator and acted by him So here Christ a Covenant is more than the Covenant-maker or the Mediator of the Covenant the phrase imports two things 1. The abridging and summing up of the whole Covenant in Christ Mediator in whose person the two parties at enmity were united I will give thee for a covenant of the people that is I make a gift of thee to be to my people the summary and compend of all that blessed transaction and Covenant which I purpose with them 2. It imports the commitment of the whole business which God purposed to do with his people in the way of a Covenant unto Christ the Mediator to be managed by him I will give thee for a covenant of the people is a designation of Christs work unto which he was called and for the doing of which promises of assistance are made to him in the words preceding these as if it were said I set thee over the whole business of the Covenant between me and the people given to thee that from beginning to end it may be managed by thee Again Christ is not only given for a Covenant but for a Covenant of the people that is to be on the peoples side and to deal for them for the people alone are not capable of confederation with God but Christ stands jointly with them and is gifted of God to the people to be given back again to God for their part of the Covenant Psal 89.19 Heb. 2.13 Hence let us consider of these Propositions Christ is all the Covenant or all this Covenant is comprized in Christ or God by giving Christ doth give the Covenant of the people with him Christ is the Covenant 1. Originally and fundamentally he is the original and root out of which the Covenant sprang and he is the foundation upon which it is grounded the Covenant of grace took its rise and being from Christ Rev. 22.16 I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testifie unto you these things in the Churches I am the root and the off-spring of David and the bright and morning-star Isa 28.16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone a tryed stone a precious corner-stone a sure foundation he that believeth shall not make haste Judg. 14.14 And he said unto them Out of the eater came forth meat and out of the strong came forth sweetness 1. He is the ancient foundation of that which was revealed of the Covenant from the beginning of the world therefore God revealing this Covenant in Paradise presently after the fall bottomed it upon Christ the seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 And revealing it to Abraham he grounded it upon Christ Abrahams seed in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed Gen. 12.3 and 17.1 2. 2. Christ is the eternal foundation of this Covenant upon whom it was bottomed in the eternal decrees of God hence our vocation and salvation are said to be promised and given to us in him before the world began Tit. 1.2 And in hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie promised befor the world began 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 1.4 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 2. Christ is the Covenant primarily and by propriety as fire is hot for it self and all things hot for it and by participtation Because with him was the Covenant made as the chief party which believers it was made in subordination to him with him it was made at the first hand with us at the second hand with him it was made for himself with us it was only made for him therefore 't is his Covenant by propriety and ours only by participation and therefore all the promises are made first to him and fulfilled first to him and all the acts of Gods love terminate first upon him and come at us only in the second room and at the second hand Isa 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever Psal 89.3 33 I have made a covenant with my chosen I have sworn unto David my servant Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Isa 53.3 And I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 3. Christ is the Covenant eminently because he is the chief blessing of the Covenant there being not such another promise and gift in all the bundle of promises contained in the Covenant therefore is he spoken of by way of eminence as being that transcendent gift of God matchless effect of Gods love besides which there is not another the like Joh. 4.10 Jesus answered and said unto her If thou knewest the gift of God and who it is that saith unto thee give me to drink Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have
things p. 422. 8 The advantages believers have by Christs Suretiship 1. Exemption from the Law and hand of Justice p. 427. 2. the New and better Covenant-state 3. Our perseverance and stability in ii p. 428. 4. An ability to perform the conditions of the Covenant p. 429. 5. Boldness in distresses to lay our weight on him 6. In respect of temptations preventing standing against or delivering from them Uses 1. Ground of Comfort p. 431. 2. Use Expostulation with believers and unbelievers p. 432. 3. Use Tryal whether Christ hath undertaken for you p. 434. 4. Use This Doctrine confirms many Articles of Faith 1. Free Election p. 435. 2. The Soveraignty of Grace 3. Perseverance p. 436. 5. Use Serves to answer all temptations discouragements and doubtings in believers p. 437. 6. Use Exhortation to believers p. 440. 7. Use Put not any thing in Christs place as Surety for you Chap. XXII Of Christs being the Testator in the Covenant of Grace where 1. Of the name and relation It imports a person dying 2. A person invested with possession and right to some estate p. 445. 3. A power in him to dispose of what he possesseth 4. A Deed. 5. An actual disposing of his goods p. 446. 2 What was the design of his being Testator in the Covenant 1. That he might add a new title to believers 2. To declare his free Grace 3. To ratifie believers titles to Covenant-blessings 4. To make way to the possession of them p. 447. 3 How this design is accomplisht in Christs bearing this relation in the several instances p. 448. 4. Vses made of this p. 450. Chap. XXIII Besides the relations Christ bears in the Covenant he is the Covenant it self which imports 1. The abridging the whole Covenant in Christ Mediator 2. The committing the whole business by God to him p. 453. Christ is all the Covenant 1. Originally p. 454. 2. Primarily 3. Eminently p. 455. 4. Virtually 5. Exemplarily p. 456. 6. Comprehensively p. 457. 2 The sum of the Articles of the Covenant is in Christ p. 458. 3 The sum of the mutual stipulation is in Christ p. 459. 4 Christ is the sum of all the Promises p. 460. 5 Christ the sum of all the properties of the Covenant p. 461. 1. Freeness 2. Everlastingness 3. Of the order of it 4. It 's stability 5. It 's perfection 6. It 's satisfactoriness p. 463. 6 Christ the sum of all Covenant-bleffings 1. Eminently 2. Comprehensively 3. Vltimately p. 465. 4. Virtually p. 466. Use 1. Of reproof 1. To those who seek something else 2. To those that seek something more than Christ p. 466. 3. To those that seek something less 4. To those that wrangle about circumstances to the prejudice of the marrow of the Gospel p. 467. Use 2. To discover how we fall short of giving Christ his place in the Covenant p. 467. Use 3. Of tryal whether you are in the covenant of Grace p. 468. Try this 1. By your divorcement from Idols p. 469. 2. By consenting to the mutual tye of the Covenant 3. By your subjection and submission to Christ p. 470. 4. By your satisfaction with and acceptation of the whole bargain 5. By accounting duties your priviledges 6. By your equal endeavours after holiness and heaven p. 471. 7. By being humbled and provoked to holiness by the knowledg of your being in Christ 8. By your valuing of Christ p. 472. Use 4. To teach us to observe more of Christ in whatever we see appertaining to the Covenant p. 473. Use 5. For commending Christ to you 1. See the necessity of him 2. Learn the way how to come to God p. 474. 3. Be perswaded to take him that is given for a Covenant of the people p. 475. 4. Take him and make use of him for all the Covenant p. 476. Use 6. For comfort to believers ibid. CHAP. I. Of the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace or of the Covenant of Redemption Where 1. 'T is proved that there is such a Covenant with Christ 2. That this is the foundation of the Covenant made with us AS the Covenant of Grace hath its rise from God only and from Grace so 't is founded and bottomed upon nothing in us but upon God's Covenant with Christ whom he gave for a Covenant of the people Isa 49.8 whom he layed in Zion for a foundation a sure foundation Isa 28.16 The Covenant made with us did spring out of the Covenant made with Christ and as 't is commonly distinguished the Covenant of reconciliation whereby we are actually recovered and reconciled unto God is bottomed upon the Covenant of Redemption or as others speak the Covenant of suretiship whereby the recovery redemption and restitution of fallen man was transacted betwixt God and Christ I shall therefore speak a little of the Covenant of Redemption to make way for the better understanding of the whole Treatise of the Covenant of Grace and particularly what relates to Christ the Mediator And 1. That there is a Covenant betwixt God and Christ though the name of this mysterious transaction which we call the Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship be not found in the Scripture in so many words which may be among the reasons why most Writers have been silent about the thing yet the thing it self being so evidently held forth in the Scripture F. Socinus de Servats l. 2. cap. 16. that the Socinians who enervate and study to make void the Suretiship of Christ yet do not deny a Covenant wherein he is Surety or Mediator Saltmarsh of free-Grace Obs 6. 38. as they understand his Suretiship And the Antinomians Who upon the matter do own no Covenant of Grace properly so called D. Crisp Tom. 1. Serm. 6. made with us yet they do acknowledg a Covenant betwixt God and Christ Ja. Arm. Orat. de Sacerd. Christi p. 16 17. The Arminians also acknowledg the same though in a sense different from ours Mr. Ruthtry Treat Of â—b Covenant p. â— c. 6. The Scriptures I say being so very pregnant in this proof I shall the more briefly dispatch it E. Bulk Gosp Covenant p. 29. and refer the Reader to what is written of it by others every way more fit to open this mysterie than I am The first proof I take from Isa 59.20 21 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob Jo. Cocc Summa doctrinae de soedere c. 5. saith the Lord As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord c. Where we read of a Covenant betwixt the Lord and the Redeemer that was to come unto Zion which can be no other but the Covenant of Redemption For clearing of this Consider 1. That he to whom the Lord speaks there most be Christ and no other For 1. 'T is he only whose seed have the Spirit and Word ensured unto them for the seed of no Church-Society upon earth hath the Spirit
mansions c. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Mr. Ball Treat of the Covenant c. 2. p. 10. Camer de tripl foed Thes 9. Mr. Baxt. Aphorism p. 5. Whereas the blessedness and glory of man by the Law-Covenant if it was any thing beyond an immortality of blessedness and enjoyment of God in an earthly Paradise which is questioned by some should yet have been in this old or first heavens not in these new ones 2. It is the glory of a Paradise wherein is the tree of life and the river of the water of life which were not Ingredients of the Law-glory neither were placed in the first Paradise Rev. 2.7 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God And 7.17 and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters And 22.1 2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life clear as cristal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it and of either side of the river was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the Nations 3. It is a heaven and glory where the new Song is sung and where the Musitians are all redeemed and where the meeting of these redeemed ones to sing together is the sweeter that they once were all lost and that they came out of tribulation and a Land of sighing Isa 35.10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away Rev. 5.9 And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation But there should not have been any new Song nor redeemed Musicians in the glory and heaven of Law-dispensation 4. It is a heaven and glory wherein all the Inhabitants wear crowns for Christ hath made them kings unto God and to his Father Rev. 1.6 And 2.10 Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life but there should have been no crowns worn in the first Paradise nor should the happiness thereof have amounted so high as a crown and a throne there being no occasion for it nor any promise to that effects 5. It is a heaven and glory where the Inhabitants are all conquerors each hath a palm in his hand in sign of his victory Rev. 7.9 cloathed with white robes and palms in their hands this Garland should not have been in the first Covenant-glory where there was no fighting there could be no victory at least over the world and sin and death 6. It is a heaven and glory where all the Inhabitants are cloathed with long white robes and with fine linnen clean and white Rev. 7.13 What are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they And 19.8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linnen clean and white for the linnen is the righteousness of Saints but there should have been no such robes in the Law-heaven whatsoever shining-beauty and whiteness should have been on Adam's skin yet there should have been there no garments of glory no righteousness should have been worn there but that which should have been of our own working 7. It is a heaven wherein there is a throne for the Lamb where the man Christ in our nature is upon the throne where the greatest beauty of all the Kingdom and the most highly exalted person is the man Christ where the Lord Mediator is the glorious light of all the Land Rev. 3.7 he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth And 21.22 23 And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the lamb are the temple of it And the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the lamb is the light thereof And 5.12 Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and glory and honour and blessing there was no such glory in the first Covenant nor in the heaven thereof which no doubt should have made it less glorious and speaks forth the greater glory of this latter Covenant-happiness 8. It is a heaven that was purchased at a dear rate that was the price of blood for which Christ payed a condign price 1 Pet. 1.18 19 For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed will corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot but the Law-heaven and glory should have been obtained at an easier rate working without the price of blood should have done that business the different price shews the different value 9. It is a heaven wherein is a lovely and numerous assembly a fair mystical body whereof Christ is the head and whereof each redeemed Soul is a member O so lovely a Company with the Captain of their Salvation so glorious a body with their glorious head so beautiful a bride with so fair a husband such a lovely couple such a body corporate such a compleat society when Christ mystical is perfected and all the members compacted together and joyned unto their glorious and blessed head Eph. 4.13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ And 5.27 That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Heb. 12.23 To the general assembly and church of the first born which are written in heaven and to God the Judg of all and to the spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant Rev. 19.7 Let us be glad and rejoyce and give honour to him for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife hath made her self ready But there should have been no such body-corporate in the Law-heaven no such mystical body of Christ no marriage of the Lamb nor any melodious rejoycing at that solemnity I conclude therefore that the glory and crown and heaven of the Covenant of Redemption is better and far more glorious than should have been the lot of man by Law-righteousness and works without Christ's Suretiship 7. This Covenant was necessary for having in readiness a Physitian before we should be sick God foresaw and had decreed man's fall and his rising again and
servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth And under this part of the agreement I comprehend 1. The designation of the person who shall be the redeemer that it shall be the second person the Son of God only not the Father nor the Spirit Isa 59.20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob saith the Lord. Act. 3.26 Vnto you first God having raised up his Son sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from his Iniquities 1 Joh. 4.9 God sent his only begotten Son unto the world that we might live through him 2. The constituting of that Person Surety and Mediator to take that place upon him which the work of our Redemption did require Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament 3. The consent and agreement of Christ to both these to be the person that shall work this work and to be substitute in this place for doing the work Heb. 10.7 Then said I lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God thus did the Creditor and the Cautioner strike hands together 3. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ What should be the Redeemer's work or what should be the price that he should pay and the satisfaction that he should make to divine Justice for the sins of the elect that were given to him under this I take in 1. The concluding betwixt the parties that Christ shall take upon him our Law-place and room and in order to that his taking our nature upon him that Justice might reach him in our stead and place Gal. 4.4 God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law 2. That Christ as our Surety should dye and lay down his life for us that he should pay for us the whole sum that was owing even all that the Law and Justice could exact of the broken man Joh. 10.18 No man taketh is from me but I lay it down of my self Rom. 8.3 God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us this is at length held forth Isa 53.5 6 7 10 12. 3. That the payment and satisfaction that should be made to Justice by our Surety in our nature and in our room should be accepted as our payment and as a condign price for our right to Heaven Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 4. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ what should be the term of paying this price and making this satisfaction to Justice A time and term-day is condescended upon such as seemed fit to infinite wisdom to appoint Gal. 4.2 4 until the time appointed of the Father but when the fulness of the time was come Heb. 9.10 11 until the time of reformation But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come Dan. 9.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off but not for himself I say though the price was agreed upon from eternity yet God in his wisdom thought fit to put off the time of actual paying this price till the Redeemer that should come out of Zion should be long waited for Luk. 2.38 and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem but though the payment was suspended till the fulness of time yet neither Christ's acting as Mediator nor the force of the blood of this Covenant but in contemplation of the price to be payed at the time appointed by the Father he was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev. 13.8 5. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ how the Redemption wrought by him should be applyed to his elect people And under this I comprehend 1. The eternal appointment of the Gospel-Ordinances especially the Covenant of Grace and Reconciliation as means by divine appointment fitted to give the knowledge of the Redeemer and of the Redemption and Salvation wrought by him Luk 1.77 78 79 To give knowledg of Salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from an high hath visited us To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 2. The conclusion that the Gospel should be preached to all Nations that for the Elect's sake it might come unto all the Societies of men in the world among whom there are any of the redeemed ones Psal 110.2 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 3. The appointment of the times and seasons and of the particular Instruments that should carry the Gospel to the bounds of each elect Soul's habitation that it might meet with them Act. 17.26 27 And hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation That they should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after him and find him though he be not far from every one of us According as we see it brought to pass in the execution so it was concluded from eternity Act. 8.29 and 2.6 17. and 9.15 and 18.9 10. 4. The pouring out of the Spirit to make the Gospel-ordinances and means of Salvation effectual to the Redeemed people this also was comprehended under this Article of the agreement that this should be procured by him for his elect people Joh. 16.7 8 Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you And when he is come he will reprove the world of fin and of righteousness and of judgment Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning 6. By this Covenant it was agreed betwixt Jehovah and Christ what should be the reward and wages that he should have for this great Service for working the work of our Redemption his reward and wages in the general Notation thereof was ask and have it was a grant of whatsoever he would ask of God for so great a work and service his recompence was at his own asking Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee c. and according to his own heart full content and satisfaction Isa 53.11 He
morning by morning he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned The promise of help strength support and assistance which are the immediate effects of actual influences and in which the heavenly influences of the Spirit have a proper efficiency and causality there is a divine furniture of strength and assistance promised to him in the discharge of his office in every act of his obedience Isa 42.6 I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee Psal 89.21 With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him The promise of confirming Grace the man Christ had the promise of the same confirming Grace in his obedience and office and covenant state of favour which is now given to the elect Angels in Christ their head Isa 49.1 2 3 Listen O Isles unto me and hearken ye people from far the Lord hath called me from the womb from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me and made me a polished shaft in his quiver hath he hid me And said unto me thou art my servant O Israel in whom I will be glorified And 42.4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth To him is the promise made that he shall never be bowed nor broken he shall not be turned off his work nor his way by any thing that he can meet with And this kind of Promises is made to Christ-man to encourage him as Mr. Roberts observes Medul Bibl. b. 2. c. 2. 1. Against the utmost extremity of his sufferings when he should make his Soul an offering for sin when the wakened up sword of divine Justice should smite him Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd c. and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts Though he was forsaken for a time and wanted influences of consolation and felt-fruition of the presence of God Psal 22.1 Mat. 27.45 yet these promises were verified to him and God stood by him with influence of strength support assistance and preservation in all this Mediatory-administrations till he said the work is finished Joh. 19.30 Psal 22.9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb thou didst make me to hope when I was upon my mothers breasts 2. Against all oppositions and enemies There was much opposition made to Christ and many were against him but against all the rage plots combinations of Jews and Gentiles the Lord stood by him and set up his Kingdom Psal 2.2 6 The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Sion Act. 4.27 28 For of a truth against the holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done 3. Against the deepest discouragements that he should meet with in the discharge of his office He is supported by these promises made to him and accordingly he encourageth himself Isa 49.4 5 6 Then said I I have laboured in vain I have spent my strength for naught and in vain yet surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work wiith my God And now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob again to him Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light of the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth The fourth kind of Promises made by Jehovah unto Christ in the Covenant of Redemption were such as relate to the successfulness and prospering of the work of Redemption in his hand And unto this head I refer 1. The promise of God's making Christ the man of his right hand and that not only in respect of special love and honour but especially in respect of instrumentality whereby God promises to make him the main Instrument of action that should be made serviceable to his ends in the work of Redemption Psal 80.17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand upon the Son of man whom thou madest strong for thy self 2. The promise of a successful issue of his undertakings the Lord covenanteth to Christ and giveth to him assurances that he shall effect the work which he undertaketh as if Jehovah had been Surety for this he strikes hands with him that he shall go and prosper Isa 53.10 The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand He shall see of the travel of his soul by his knowledg shall my righteous servant justifie many Isa 49.6 7 8 And he said it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of the earth Thus saith the Lord the Redeemer of Israel and his holy One to him whom man despiseth to him whom the nation abhorreth to a servant of rulers Kings shall see and arise Princes also shall worship because of the Lord that is faithful and the holy One of Israel and he shall chuse thee Thus saith the Lord in an acceptable time have I heard thee and in a day of salvation have I helped thee and I will preserve thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people to establish the earth to cause to inherit the desolate heritages 3. The promises of victory over all his enemies the Lord covenanteth with Christ that whosoever maketh opposition to him in any of his offices in any part of his work of working Redemption and Salvation for his elect people shall be trodden down and shall fall before him Psal 110.1 5 6 Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath He shall judg among the heathen he shall fill the places with the dead bodies he shall wound the heads over many countreys Psal 89.23 Aed I will beat down his foes before his face and plague them that hate him 4. The promises of triumph God covenanteth with him not only to give him the victory but a most glorious publick triumph over Principalities and Powers and all oppositions and enemies to his undertakings Isa 53.12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong Eph. 4.8
there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him Rev. 17.14 He is lord of lords and king of kings Over the Reprobate as well as the Elect Psalm 110.1 The Lord said unto my Lord Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool Over all ages and generations of men Dan. 7.14 his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Although it be more special and he be a King more peculiarly to the Church and the elect World Psalm 2.6 8 9 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potters vessel And that both outwardly by appointing them Laws Ordinances and Officers Psalm 9.6 7 For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellour the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of peace of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with justice and with judgment from henceforth and for ever And inwardly by ruling in their hearts Luke 17.21 Neither shall they say lo here or lo there 〈◊〉 behold the kingdom of God is within you Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye stall keep my judgments and do them Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their bearts And his Kingdom is over other creatures but for the cause and behoof of the Elect Eph. 1 22 And gave him to be the head over all things to the Church 3. It is Spiritual over the souls and consciences of men to awe and over-rule the hearts of men to captivate their affections Rom. 14.17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Joh. 18.36 Jesus answered and said My kingdom is not of this world Chap. 6.15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force to make him a King he departed again into a mountain himself alone To break in pieces his enemies with an iron Rod to rule and slay them with the words of his mouth Psalm 110.2 Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies Isa 11.4 But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked 4. It is everlasting Dan. 2.44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand for ever Chap. 7.14 His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed Heb. 1.8 But unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever and although it be said 1 Cor. 15.24 he shall give the kingdom to his Father yet his Kingdom shall not then cease for I take that to be in regard of the manner of administration of it by Ordinances Officers c. for then all his Saints shall be perfected and all his enemies subdued whereof something hath been already spoken 5. In the kingdom of Christ Mediator he doth all things with authority and power and yet it is wholly ruled by his Word and Spirit He doth all things in his Kingdom not by outward secular force but by his influences upon the spirits of men and determining them in a secret way whether providentially or by saving and sanctifying influences Zech. 4.6 Not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord of Hosts Psalm 110.1 2 The Lord said unto my Lord sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies 2 Thess 2.8 And then shall that wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming 6. The great work of his Kingly Power is to imploy it for saving of his people and subduing his and their enemies to bring to pass his purpose of the one and the other either without or against all-contradiction Psalm 110 throughout Psalm 2 throughout Phil. 2.9 10 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth 7. The great and special end of Christs Kingly Office is to make his other Offices effectual for the saving of his Elect to support his Priesthood and Prophecy and to give vigour and efficacy to them for except Christ had been a Prince that had power over his friends and foes his other Offices could never have been made effectual to the Elect nor he a Captain of Salvation to them Heb. 2.10 Therefore also he is set forth as a Priest upon a Throne who carrieth all things as a King with power Heb. 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high It is his Kingdom which effects that Reconciliation which is the end of a Mediator that which his Prophecy teacheth and his Priesthood and Sacrifice hath purchased he sits as a King and conveys the power of it into the soul 2 Cor. 10.4 5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds and casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ 3. The Harmony and Consent of these three Offices in our Mediator and how they do concurr for the end of his Mediatorship to wit the triesting of the difference betwixt God and man by making a reconciliation and binding up friendship by a new Covenant Here observe the sweet concurrence of the three Offices in the Mediator Christ 1. All these Offices level at one end to wit Reconciliation and Salvation which is the great business wherefore a Mediator was appointed 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself but with
this difference his Prophecy teaches the way of Reconciliation Acts 3.22 Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you His Priesthood opened the way and purchased the peace Heb. 9.14 15 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the Transgressors that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance His Kingdom doth effect and do the business John 12.32 And I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me Col. 1.20 21 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself I say whether they be things in earth or things in heaven And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled But yet we must not conceive the actings of these Offices in Christ separately nor appropriate to any of them solely the effecting Reconciliation or Salvation but understand it by way of eminency and so of the following particulars 2. These three Offices in our Mediator concur to do the same work but in divers ways that our Reconciliation and Salvation might be the more compleat and sure he would have us saved Heb. 7.25 to the utmost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Camer in Myr. F. Goodwin Christ set forth Corn. Schrevel Lexic or as the word is rendred by some over and above all manner of ways for the word as some observe signifies Omni modum persecutionem omnem adeptus finem and absolute perfection in all manner of ways whereunto these three Offices in our Mediator concur 1. Christ as Priest through his death reconcileth us to God and saveth us as captives are redeemed by Ransom and Price Heb. 10.12 But this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sat down on the right hand of God Col. 1.1 20 And having made peace through the blood of his cross by him to reconcile all things to himself Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son c. 2. Christ as King by his Resurrection and Ascension effectuates our Salvation by power and conquest Heb. 2.14 That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Eph. 4.8 Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men 3. Christ as Prophet effectuates our reconciliation with God and Salvation by our own consent informing our judgments begetting a good understanding betwixt God and us removing mistakes and making us willing to be reconciled unto him and saved by him Psal 110.2 3 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth This he effects by Treaty till he hath concluded favour and friendship betwixt the parties by voluntary consent in a Covenant Rev. 22.17 And the Spirit and the Bride say Come 3. These Offices in our Mediator sweetly concur together to meet with three great Evils in our natural condition which are comprehensive of all our misery and to deal in taking them away 1. Christ as a Prophet dealeth with our Ignorance of God and blindness and removeth that by applying himself to us in the exercise of that teaching-Office Eph. 4.18 21 Having the understanding darkned being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart If so be that ye have heard him and been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus 2. Christ as Priest with his Atonement and Satisfaction dealeth with our alienation and estrangement from God and our enmity against him which is the fruit of our Ignorance of him and by making a satisfaction to of fended Justice he takes away the enmity Eph. 4.18 Being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them See Rom. 5.10 When we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son Col. 1.21 And you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled 3. Christ as a King dealeth with our Impotency and Rebellion which is the third great evil in our unnatural condition which he sweetly subdueth by the power and dominion of his grace Psalm 45.5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee Rev. 6.2 And he went forth conquering and to conquer Or the harmony of these Offices may be conceived thus 1. That Christ as a Prophet dealeth eminently with the understandings of men to perswade and convince them by his teaching 2 Cor. 4.4 6 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine in them for God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2. Christ as a Priest as a merciful loving condescending man who hath laid down his life for us useth entreaties and dealeth with the affections mainly when the judgment is informed by his prophesie and teaching 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God 3. Christ as King dealeth with the wills of men the proudest and highest enemy that Christ hath in our nature which he subdues and overpowers by determinating grace Psal 110.3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power 4. These three Offices in our Mediator do most pleasantly conspire in aiding and supporting one another that each Office may be vigorous and effectual for the end of his Mediation And here consider 1. How the prophecy of Christ is aiding to his Priesthood and Kingdom 1. By teaching what the Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ are and the way how reconciliation and peace is to be made His prophecy teaches those mysteries of the Kingdom and our salvation which otherways we could not know Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father he hath declared him It sheweth 1. Where a Sacrifice is to be had and a power to make out our peace which upon the matter is the Priesthood and Kingdom of Christ Acts 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of
sins 1 Joh. 2.27 And ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye 2. How to apply Christs Priesthood at first for justification and how to apply it daily and continually for repeated pardon and forgiveness and how to improve it as our daily sacrifice 1 John 1.9 If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness And 2.1 2. My little children these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous c. 3. How to live by faith to depend upon Christ and to be guided continually by him as the ruler of his people Heb. 10.38 Now the just shall live by faith Psal 73.24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory 2. By removing mistakes and prejudices which are so rooted in our hearts that there can be no agreement till these prejudices be taken off and a good understanding be gotten betwixt the parties Thus Christ played the Prophet to the woman of Samaria by instructing her till he had removed her mistakes and prejudices and informed her judgment right and then he had access to deal further with her Joh. 4.3 By convincing of the need of his Priesthood and Sacrifice and of his Kingdom he doth teach his people as a Prophet till they know they need a Sacrifice and till he shew them where it is and till they know they need a King and the arm of Omnipotency for effecting a change of the Covenant-state John 16.8 And when he is come he will reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness Consider 2. How the Priesthood of Christ concurreth with his Prophesie and Kingdom and is aiding to them 1. His Priesthood is aiding to his Prophesie 1. By making God accessible through the new and living way of Reconciliation taught by his Prophesie God having now accepted a sacrifice and we having a Priest by whom we may come to him Heb. 10.19 20 Having therefore brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say the flesh and an Advocate and Intercessor to pray for us 1 John 2.1 2 We have an Advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins 2. By making that great Prophet more affable and condescending to us by how much he is come near to us in our nature and hath taken his Sacrifice from among his brethren I mean his flesh and body Heb. 2.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren Chap. 5.1 For every High-priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that they may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins Chap. 10. v. 5 Whererefore when he cometh into the world he saith sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me 2. His Priesthood is aiding to his Kingdom and that in both the parts of it 1. In his sacrifice and satisfaction he hath doubled his right and title to his people and worketh their salvation by price which as a King he doth by power and conquest Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 2. In his Intercession he carrieth the same business of our Salvation by favour and entreaty which he hath also carried by Command as a King Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them With 1.3 When he had by himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. Consider how his Kingdom doth support his Priesthood and Prophesie and give vigour and efficacy to them both And 1. His Kingdom doth assist his Prophesie 1. By sustaining and keeping up the means of Salvation and Teaching by his Gospel and Ordinances against all the enemies that have risen up and bestirred themselves against the same ever since the beginning of the world Thus he keepeth these pillars of his Throne from ruine Psalm 110.2 5 The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion rule thou in the midst of thine enemies The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath 2. By making his Gospel and Ordinances have their full effectualness in the hearts of his people to convince and convert them and to pierce and condemn those that despise them John 9.39 And Jesus said For Judgment I am come into this world that they which see not might see a and that they which see might be made blind Isa 55.11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it 2. His Kingdom doth assist his Priesthood 1. By giving efficacy to his satisfaction to reconcile the persons of the Elect to God and to obtain forgiveness of their sins for it is his Kingdom that doth convey the power of his Priesthood into the soul 2. By giving Efficacy unto his Intercession for keeping all those that are given to him by his Father continually in a state of grace and favour John 17.11 24 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 3. By making his Death and Resurrection effectual to subdue our lusts and to set up his Kingdom within us Eph. 1.19 20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his mighty power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places Rom. 6.4 5 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the father even so we also should walk in newness of life For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection Vse 1.
Goal our kinsman Job 19.25 our nearest of kindred who had the right to redeem us Lev. 25.25 Ruth 3.9 The Latin word sponsor according to the opinion of Divines Jurists and Humanists signifieth one who engageth for another Sponsor proprie est qui pro alio satisfactionem spondet vel de ea caver Pareus Commen in Heb. 8.6 Again sponsor est qui sponte pro alio promittit sponsores sunt quicunque spondent maxime pro aliis sive rogati sive non rogati sive solemâ—i stipulatione sive nuda receptione intercedant quibus spondentibus pecuniae cuipiam creduntur aut aliquid denique promittitur Calv. Lexic Jurid in voce sponsor Cicer. ad attic Lib. 1. And it cometh from spondere quasi sponte dicere dare ac promittere therefore also he is called ad-promissor Fide jussor dicitur qui pro alio fidem suam obligat et fide sua id est periculo suo esse Jubet quod alius debet Calv. Lex Jurid in voce fide jussor Again fide jussor est autor credendi alium aliquid daturum facturumve sua fide suoque periculo promittens Ulpian in tract de fide jussore And in this sense Christ is Surety of the Covenant that is he who willingly engaged and undertook for the parties especially for us he that put in his faith and obligation for ours and had God trust us on his Credit and reckon our Debt upon his account and wherein we fail let it be on his peril But that we may a little more particularly consider the nature of this relation and Suretiship of Christ 1. The end and use of Suretiship among men was no doubt the establishment of a firm security to be ground of faith and trust as the Jurists tell us dum curant homines ut diligentius sibi cautum sit Justiniaâ— instit tit de fide jussor And it is not to be doubted but in the purpose of God the Suretiship of Christ was intended as a ground of trust confidence and security betwixt himself and the people for whom Christ did undertake that sinners might be induced to give him credit and that he might have a responsal party to deal with man being a broken unbelieving creature who could neither trust God nor was to be trusted by him See 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 outh 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 Psal 89.19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people And so the Surety of the Covenant is that person upon whose account trust and confidence is betwixt the parties Covenanting and in whom it standeth fast 2. If we consider the Suretiship 1. It imports an obligement for another and is to be reckoned among Contracts and Covenants and therefore the Lawyers say Fustinian ib. Calv. lex jurid fide jussor non fit nisi per stipulationem and they reckon it among contracts and stipulations Prov. 22.26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands or of them that are sureties for debts And indeed Christs Suretiship is relative to a Covenant betwixt him and the Creditor whereby he came under this relation whereof we have spoken elsewhere on this subject Chap. And shall hint something further ere we pass it over 2. It imports a voluntary obligation as I have shewed in expounding the word The law cannot force and compel any man to be Surety for another though it may constrain him for his own Debt Christs Suretiship was a most free voluntary act on his part for he was not under any obligation of law nor under any necessity of nature to put his name in our bond or to satisfie for our Debt Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it my life from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I received of my father Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Phil. 2.7 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 3. It imports not only a voluntary obligation for another person but also union of parties and assumption of the condition of that person in the laws sense so that the Surety and the Debtor are â—ut one party in the law Therefore â—ay the Jurists fide jussor proprie diâ—itur debitor Christ by his Suretiship he did not only take our nature upon him but he took our condition upon him it 's said of him that he was made under the law Gal. 4.4 He put his name in our bond that the law might reach him for our Debt 4. It imports a communion betwixt the Debtor and the Cautioner whereby as the Debt of the principal Debtor becometh the Debt of the Surety and affecteth him so also the satisfaction and payment of the Surety and his discharge and relief becometh the satisfaction discharge and relief of the principal Debtor Christs Suretiship imports not only an union of parties and conjunction of interests and condition with his people but also a communion with debtful broken man resulting from his bond of Suretiship whereby as upon the one part our Debt became his intirely as the Jurists say of all Sureties Singuli in solidum tenentur so upon the other part his satisfaction and discharge becomes ours 2 Cor. 5. last 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 Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hungeth on a tree 5. It imports a commutation surrogation or substituting of one in the room of another and so Christ was substitute in our stead and room as Judah was in Benjamines 1 Pet. 2.21 Because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification Rom. 5.8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Gen. 44.33 Now therefore I pray thee Let thy servant abide in stead of the lad a bond-man to my Lord and let the lad go up with his brethren 6. It imports a conjunct obligation both of the Surety and of the Debtor to the Creditor Nam fide jussorum obligatio est
and from judgment and who shall declare his generation for he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great and he shall divide the spoil with the strong because he hath poured out his soul unto death Gen. 44.33 Now therefore I pray thee let thy servant abide in stead of the lad a bond-man to my Lord and let the lad go up with his brethren 1 Chron. 21.17 Let thine hand I pray thee O Lord my God be on me and on my fathers house but not on thy people that they should be plagued He verily acted that which Judah and David said in these Scriptures We have an evidence of this spirit in him Joh. 18.8 Jesus answered I have told you that I am be if therefore ye seek me let these go their way 4. Suretiship is distinguished according to the subject-matter and things undertaken A Surety is either 1. A Surety for Debt Prov. 22.26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands or of them that are sureties for Debts Or 2. A Surety for persons to wit for their safety and indempnity Gen. 44.32 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father saying If I bring him not unto thee then I shall bear the blame unto my father for ever Or for their good behaviour or for their appearing Or. 3. A Surety for performance to wit of conditions and stipulations such are commonly hostages in war Isa 36.8 Now therefore give pledges I pray thee to my master the king of Assyria The first is Suretiship in the way of satisfaction and it is sponsio de praeterito or de presenti The latter two is Suretiship by way of caution and is sponsio de futuro Christs Suretiship hath something of all these 1. He He was Surety for your Debt to satisfie for that for all your Debts and Trespasses Isa 53.6 And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all 2. He became Surety for your persons for your indempnity that none of you should be lost and not for the indempnity of your persons only but for the appearing of your persons that he should present you to God at the time appointed Joh. 17.12 While I was with them in the world I kept them in thy name those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost but the son of perdition that the scriptures might be fulfilled He was bail for his people 3. He became Surety for performance of the stipulation and all the conditions of the Covenant upon both sides Job 6.37 39 40 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Son and believeth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day Joh. 17.4 6 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of 〈…〉 they were and â—â—ou gavest them me and they 〈◊〉 kepâ— thy word In the second plaâ—e I shall lay down some Assertions bresly for clearing of this Covenant-relation Assert 1. Man as he is considered in the second Covenant hath as much need of a Surety as of a Saviour hath equal need of one to beget a confidence betwixt God and him as of one to help him Heb. 8.7 For if that first covenant had been faultless then should no place have been sought for the second He being not only a broken creature and irresponsal who having banquered out with the stock which his Lord committed to him did merit to be no more trusted by him and who had also with the loss of his stock of Grace put himself in a desperate condition having sinned away all power and possibility of paying his Debt and satisfying his Lord who also had begotten a mutual diffidence and distrust betwixt his Lord and him that there could henceforth be no more dealing with expectation of trust and performance until a Surety intervened to make up this breach by his undertaking Psal 80.19 28 33 I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail Assert 2. Christs Suretiship was not only a voluntary act it was also an act of absolute Soveraignty He being an absolute Lord this was his priviledg that he had power over himself and over his own life to lay it down at his pleasure which others may not do take this Assention from his own mouth Joh. 10.18 I have power to lay down my life not only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ability but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Authority and right This Christ had by concession and grant from God his father who had given him power over all flesh Joh. 17.2 And this he had in and from himself being Godâ— he had power over himself as man to dispose of his manhood as pleased him and these two concurring Christs consent and his power over his own life did make it lawful and just that he should be punished being innocent 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God Assert 3. When man was in this 〈…〉 unrequested did undertake for the broken 〈◊〉 to pay his Debt and to satisfie the Creditor Rom. 5.8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us And this he did not by any request of ours or any Covenant with us to undertake for us whereby we did sollicite him or compact with him to be Surety for us for his Suretiship gave the rise to the Covenant made with us our Covenant with him gave not the rise to his Suretiship but because the Lord the Creditor and Christ the Cautioner had long before stricken hands together that he should both undertake and discharge the Debt of these broken men Therefore it s said that God laid our iniquities upon him Isa 53.5 6. And he was made a Surety Heb. 7.22 Assert 4. Catech. Raâ—rov c. 8. Socin de sirvatere l. 2. c. 5. and 8. Christ the Surety of the new Testament died not only nostro bono for our good and profit as Socinians say but he died also in our stead and room nostra vice For 1. Sure he died for us as no other person can be said to die for us 1 Cor. 1.13 Is Christ divided was Paul
crucified for you But for the good of the Church other persons may suffer and die Col. 1.24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his bodies sake which is the Church 2 Tim. 2.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elects sake that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory 2. Sure he died otherwise for elect men than for Angels than for the whole Creation and yet he died for their good that he might be head of Angels and to restore all the creatures to their perfection Col. 2.10 And ye are compleat in him which is the head of all principality and power Whereof also see Rom. 8.20 to 24. 3. The force of the particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and of the phrase to die for another doth enforce no less then in the room and stead of another Mat. 20.28 And to give his life a ransom for many Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Luk. 11.11 Or if he ask a fish will he for a fish give him a serpent Mat. 2.22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod he was afraid to go thither Mat. 5.38 An eye 〈…〉 Where without question 〈…〉 see at length the learned treatises of Grâ—tius de sâ—â—â—â—fact Christ◠〈◊〉 ejus defenserem and Mr. Rutherf his treatise of the Covenant part 2. ch 3. and Mr. Brinsley his treatises of the Mediator pag. 72 c. Assert 5. Christ the Surety and broken man the Debtor are one in law but not intrinsecally one Isa 1. they are legally one or in the laws sense one because by a legal substitution and surrogation Christ having put his name in the believers bond by the law he is in his place and the believer is put in Christs law-place so that by a legal act the Surety is the broken man therefore Christ being made Surety saith I am the broken man all my friends Debts be upon me my life for their life my Soul for their Souls 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 Joh. 18.8 Jesus answered I have told you I am he if therefore ye seek me let these go their way Gen. 44.33 Now therefore I pray thee let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bond-man to my Lord and let the lad go up with his brethren And God commands the wakened-up sword of Justice to smite him for his brethren since he will stand in their room and take their Debt upon him Zech. 13.7 Awake O sword against my shepherd and against the man that is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts Smite the shepherd 2. I say The Surety and the Debtor are not intrinsecally physically and formally one though they be one in law so that there is not two Debts nor two Bonds nor two Debtors in law for though the Lord laid on Christ the punishment of our iniquity yet he did not lay on Christ iniquity it self as Antinonin us tells us for the broken Debtor is a sinful creature and continueth such even after the punishment due to him is removed by a satisfying-Surety I say he continueth such till by sanctification the evil of sin be wholly removed Rom. 7. throughout but Christ the Surety was in this respect separate from sinners Heb. 7.26 And was not one with them 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God 〈…〉 wicked and with the ric◠〈◊〉 his 〈…〉 violence neither 〈…〉 in his moâ—â—◠〈…〉 that five-fold oneness and sameness or law-identity betwixt Christ the Surety Rutheâ—f treatise of the Covenant par 2. pag. 251. and us the Debtors mentioned by Mr. Rutherford though physically the Surety and Debtor be two different men yet 1. They are one and the same legal party and the same object of justice whoso in law pursues the Surety pursues the Debtor 2. The Debt and sum is one not two Debts not two punishments not two lives to lose but one 3. It 's one and the same satisfaction there cannot in justice and law another reckoning and satisfaction come after the Surety hath paid 4. There is one and the same acceptation upon the Creditors part if he accept of satisfaction from the Surety he cannot pursue the Debtor but must look upon him as no Debtor for satisfaction to justice 5. It is one and the same legal effect Christ risen and justified in the spirit 1 Tim. 3.16 and we in him as the meritorious cause of our justification are legally justified Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification Assert 6. which followeth upon the former neither the Creditor nor the Law can exact satisfaction from both the Surety and the Debtor but the Surety having paid all and satisfied the broken Debtor can say I have paid all I am free he may plead My friend and Surety hath done all for me and that is as good in foro in the court of Justice as if I had paid all in mine own person Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification 1 Pet. 2.24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we being dead to sins should live unto righteousness by whose stripes ye were healed The Debt that Christ payed is our very Debt and the believer can say When Christ my Surety was judged and crucified for my sins then was I judged and what would you have more of a man than his life Isa 53.6 7 8 And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all He was appressed he was afflicted yet he opened not his mouth he was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare 〈…〉 off out of the land of the living for 〈◊〉 transgression of my people was he stricken Assert 7. See Brins of the Mediator pag. 137. Christs Suretiship was a mixture of justice and grace for thereby there was a satisfaction made to justice for the violation of the law yet so as God was pleased to dispense with his own law which was peremptory Gen. 2.17 For though it was just that the law should have a satisfaction yet it was of Grace that God was content to accept that satisfaction which the law required from the person of another than the same soul that sinned God being no ways bound to admit of such a satisfaction by a Surety which the rigour of the law exacted from the person of the offender and
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