Testament singing is ended being typical and I am sure there is no rule for that which is now practised but Gospel songs should be new songs Psal 96. 1. 98. 1. Rev. 14. 3. 24. To bear one anothers burthens and so fulfill the law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. Rom. 15. 1. Duties of Pastors and Teachers to the Lord and to the Church 1. To be wise and harmeless Matth. 10. 16. 2. To trust the Lord for their maintenance in this world in the way that he hath appointed them 1 Cor. 9. Matth. 10. 9 10. Luke 9. 3. 10. 4. 3. To shine in a holy conversation and doctrine as ligihts in the world Matth. 15. 16. Joh. 5. 35. Luke 13. 35. 1 Thes 2. 10. 1 Tim. 6. 11. that so they may be indeed the salt of the earth Matth. 5. 13. 4. To rule in the Church of Christ for good but not to be called masters that is to rule or subject others as servants to them Matth. 23. 8. Philem. 14. To rule but not to over rule the Church of Christ or Lord it over them 1 Pet. 5. 3. but so as to be helpers of them 2 Cor. 1. 24. nor are they to be lorded over in the things of God by any man that is not to submit unto it Matth. 23. 9. Acts 4. 19. 5. To watch for the good of the flock 2 Tim. 4. 5. Acts 20. 31. and to endeavour to aquaint themselves with the state of the flock 6. To feed the flock of God over which he hath made them overseers Act. 20. 28. 7. To pray for the flock of Christ Phil. 1. 4. 1 Thes 1. 2. 3 10. Col. 4. 11. 2 Thes 1. 11. Cor. 1. 3. Heb. 13. 20. for the ministers of Christ 2 Tim. 1. 3. Philem. 4. 8. To study to shew themselves such as may not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth 2 Tim. 2. 15. 4. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 13. 15. That by sound doctrine they may be able to exhort and convince gainsayers Tit. 1. 9. 9. To be meek patient and gentle 2 Tim. 2. 24 25. 1 Thes 2. 7. So was Christ 2 Cor. 10. 1. Mat. 11. 29. 10. To teach the Church to walk suitable to their several ages sexes and conditions Tit. 2. throughout 11. To teach them to obey magistrates and to speak evil of no man Tit. 3. 1. 2. of this Paul is an example Rom. 13. and Peter 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 15. 12. To be careful to maintain good works in themselves and others Tit. 3. 8. 13. To be good examples in all things to the believers 1 Tim. 4. 12. Tit. 2. 7. In suffering for Christ 2 Tim. 1. 8. And in an especial manner to fight the good fight of faith 1 Tim. 6. 12. 14. To have a natural care of the flock as the father or nurse hath of the children Phil. 2. 20. 1 Thes 2. 7 11. 15. To hold fast faith and a good conscience and not to give heed to fables or way to needless and unprofitable questions 1 Tim. 1. 4 19. 4. 7 16. 16. In doctrine to hold fast to the Scriptures of truth 2 Tim. 1. 13. 3 14 15 16 17. 17. To preach the word and rebuke and reprove with all authority 2 Tim. 4. 2. them that sin before all to rebuke before all 1 Tim. 5. 30. 18. To eschew covetousness love of money and filthy lucre 1 Tim. 6. 10 11. Act. 20. 33. And every evil work 1 Tim. 3. 2 3. 19. To work with their hands if in capacity and need call for it and time from the Lords work will permit that they may give as well as receive Act. 20. 34. 2. Thes 3. 8. 1 Thes 2. 9. This Paul did for the Gospel sake though he had a power from the Lord to have forborn working 1 Cor. 9. 4 5 6 7. and doth reckon it among his sufferings 1 Cor. 4. 11 12 13. 20. Finally it is their duty and should be their care to have themselves in all things as they have ground to believe Jesus Christ himself would for the good of the Church if he were here present in person with them For they are in his steed to the flock must give an account to him for them 2 Cor. 5. 20. Acts 20. 28. 1 Thes 2. 19. 3. 9. to 13. The qualifications see 1 Tim. 3. from 1. to 7. Tit. 1. 6 7. Of Deacons 1 Tim. 3. 8. to 13. Their duty and work see Acts 6. 1 2 3. Duties of the Church to their Elders or Ministers 1. Highly to esteem of them for their work sake 1 The. 5. 13. 2. To communicate to them freely for their comfortable subsisting in this world 1 Cor. 9. 4. to 14. Gal. 6. 6. 1 Tim. 5. 18. 3. To submit to them in the rule of the Gospel Heb. 13. 17. 4. To be much in prayer to God for them Rom. 15. 30. Col. 4. 3. Heb. 13. 18. 2 Thes 3. 12. and to pray the Lord to send forth labourers into his work Matth. 9. 38. Luke 10. 2. 5. To be followers of them as they follow Christ Phil. 3. 17. 2 Thes 3. 7 9. 6. It is the duty of Church and elders together to elect and ordain a ministry or elders in the Church according to Acts 6. 3. 6. and 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. Duties of husbands to their wives 1. To love them as their own bodies and not to be bitter to them Ephes 5. 25. 33. Col. 3. 19. 2. To live with them according to knowledge instructing of them and praying with them 1 Pet. 3. 7. 1 Cor. 14. 35. and to make provision of outward things 1 Tim. 5. 8. 3. To rule over them in love and in the fear of the Lord as the head Gen. 3. 16. 1 Tim. 2. 11 12. 1 Cor. 11. 3. Ephes 5. 23. 4. To bear with natural weaknesses and infirmities as being the weaker vessel and to give the honour of government in the family affairs as may suit her condition 1 Pet. 3. 7. Prov. 10. 11. 5. Not to put away the wife unless it be for fornication Matth. 5. 32. 19. 9. Mark 10. 11. Luke 16. 18. 1 Cor. 7. 10. Duties of wives to their husbands 1. To love their own husbands Tit. 2. 4. 2. To be subject in civil things to their own husbands Ephes 5. 22. 24. Col. 3. 18. 1 Pet. 3. 1. 6. 3. To reverence their husbands as their head and superiors Ephes 5. 33. 1 Pet. 3. 6. 4. To live with their husbands as becomes the wife 1 Cor. 7. 13. 5. To be meet helps to their husbands in all things Gen. 2. See the duties of both each to other 1 Cor. 7. 2 3 4. to 16 Duties of parents to their children 1. To bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Ephes 6. 4. 2. To be making a lawful provision for them 1 Tim. 5. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 14. 3. To have them in subjection If they ought to be subject then parents ought to bring
to love freely but it was in Christ and to elect and chuse before the world was but it was in Christ Ephes 1. 4. And calling and justifying and glorifying it was all done over in Gods councel Rom. 8. 27 30. And all that which may seem to be conditions God undertakes the performance of them and as God did elect and chuse in Christ so likewise he did chuse them to believe and obey 1 Pet. 1 2. Yet God in the carrying on the great design of salvation in the Gospel ministration proposeth it to us on the terms he had in his councel concluded before time viz. faith in Christ obedience perseverance c. And that because it is the duty of all the Lords people so to do and those that do it not cannot expect the grace of the covenant yet notwithstanding all this faith obedience perseverance c. is a branch of the new covenant on Gods part to us so that what relates to us as duty and is presented on conditional terms on Gods part is a branch and part of the covenant As for faith this is included in the covenant I will put my Law in their minds and write it in their hearts Heb. 8. 10. And the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live John 5. 25. The law written in the heart is the law of faith and love and where this law is there will be persevering in a way of well doing and Heb. 12. 2. Jesus is said to be the author and finisher of our faith if so then undoubtedly the whole work is effected by him and indeed this is the life of true believers that the Lord hath undertaken for them and it is he that works in them to will and to do of his own good pleasure Phil. 2. 13. So that in a word interest in the covenant and in the promises of life and glory are on such conditions or terms which God himself is engaged for his peoples performance of he requires of them and works to will and to do what he requires and yet he that doth it not must be damned Here is a ministry that looseth the carnal heart and indeed in the heighth and depth of it it is a misterry to the Saints but we may rather cry out with the Apostle How unsearchable are his Judgements and his wayes past finding out Then suppose to fathom this depth of God let the Lords people know their duty and continue in the faith and persevere to the end looking up to the Lord fetching supply of strength and grace from Christ daily for they are kcpt by the power of God but it is through faith 1 Pet. 1. 5. And this glorious truth so full of consolation to the truly Godly no whit derogates from their duty or leaves an indifferency of performance or of spirit in them but truly engageth their souls to the Lord therein and that upon the new covenant account not in the oldness of the letter but in the newness of the spirit Object 5. This new covenant you speak so much of is the covenant of the Kingdom and is not yet in force It s true this covenant is absolute and believers have a right to it and to glory but the time is not yet come of being in it Answ If believers are not in this they are in no covenant for there are but two old and new first and second Now that this covenant is in being is evident for 1. the Apostle maketh the application of it to the Gospel time Heb. 8. and proves it to be in force chap. 9. 16 17. Because the testator is dead a covenant or Testament is in force when the testator is dead And in my text He taketh away the first that be may establish the second and indeed to deny this covenant to be in force is to deny the blood of the covenant and death of the testator Now I come to the Quaeries Quest 1. What title may we give to the first covenant Answ The Scripture titles are safest and soundest it s called the first covenant and the old covenant as hath been already cleared with the grounds thereof And further in the Scripture light we may safely call it an Additional covenant Gal. 3. 19. Wherefore then serveth the law It was added because of transgression till the seed shnold come to whom the Promises was made The law was the old covenant as hath been proved It is sometimes called the covenant sometimes the law so that it is all one as if the Apostle had said the covenant was added because of transgression but Quest The quaere may be to what it was added Answ The Scripture seems to gather in two things to which it was added viz. 1. it was added to that which was given to Adam before his fall though that and this be all one in the nature of it viz. both conditional yet this is branched forth into many parts the conditions and duties are many And that it was added to that is clear from these words because of transgression compared with Rom. 1. 13. That sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful That is that sinful state and those sinful actions which flow from thence that we all fell into in Adams fall as is at large reasoned chap. 5. Now man being fallen into such a state of sinning and death the law or old Covenant was added to that given to Adam in Paradice because of transgression that the sins committed in the sinful state by the transgression of one man might appear exceeding sinful and all mens mouths might be stopped and the whole world might become guilty before God in the sence of their sinfulness by nature and practice and their own inability to save themselves 2 The old covenant was added to the promise of the new This is likewise clear it was added till the seed was come to whom the promise was made therefore the law was added till this seed was come Added to what to the promise of the seed till the seed was come and so it was Gen. 17. as hath been already proved There is first the promise of the blessing to the Nations vers 4 5. Thou shalt be a father of many Nations viz. Of all believers in all the Nations in the new covenant in the seed Christ this must be and then adds the other Covenant viz. of circumcision to the promise and that because of transgression that there might be a law to discover sin till the seed was come and to require righteousness and obedience that it might be a type of the righteousness and deliverance from sin in the new covenant by the true seed to whom the promise was made Quest 2. Was not the Gospel and new covenant in being in the time of the old covenant Answ Yea doubtless it was and there was never any saved with an everlasting salvation but by vertue of the new covenant in Christ it was made and lay
other makes void this is the first danger 2 It hath been an occasion of turning aside from Gods way in receiving members into the supposed Church of Christ Whereas Christs Rule is by faith and Baptism this hath brought in by natural birth and sprinkling and hath brought a generall odium and contempt upon Christs ordinance of dipping or baptizing believers in his name after the manifestation of faith and repentance a sin which many that arc otherwise precious have cause enough to repent of and bewail that their hand should be chief in such a trespass as this is 3. It hath been an instrumental means of deceiving millions of poor souls brought into the name of Christian on the old covenant account and so being deluded perish under the name of Christian without the Power Doubtless there will be a sad account for some one day for this very thing and its one among many of the greatest grounds of lamentation I know of this day in the world And as the Nominal Clergy have had and yet have the greatest hand in this trespass yet if God open their eyes to see into this great truth and their great miscariage herein certainly they will forbear their harsh censures for my plainness and zeal in this matter The Lord knows I do judge many among them in the main to be godly But it s my great grief and burden that godly men through mistake should have a hand in such a work as this is the Lord help them to lay it to heart in time In a word here lyeth the foundation of all mistakes Rightly to understand the covenant would rectifie all differences among all sorts of Professing people This is it hath brought in carnal seed carnal ministery carnal means of attaining to it and all to keep up carnal ends and interests Use 2. Of exhortation and oh that it might prevail to exhort and stirre you up to a more diligent search and enquirie into the covenants that you may be able to distinguish between law and Gospel For 1 Without the knowledge of the difference or at least some clear insight into the Gospel covenant you can never live clearly the life of faith but at best it will be with you as with the godly before Christ came a mixing of old and new together you can never be able ministers of the new covenant unless you are able to distinguish between new and old that so you may be ministers of the new 2 Without this you will never come clearly off the Babylonish apostacy Want of being cleared in this leaves you behinde at least in part come clear in this one truth and come away clear come to the clearness of the new covenant and keep in the carnal seed if you can and the sprinkling of Infants and the carnal ministry and maintenance I mean out of Christs way that he hath appointed come to the new covenant and be a free willer if thou canst nay or a Quaker either I say again its such a truth and of such concernment that it behooves you as you love God your own souls would be delivered from errour live to God here give up your account with joy in the day of accounts I say it behooves you to be deeply and diligently enquiring into the knowledge of the new covenant I do not intend that there is such a necessity for every believer to be able to give so exact an account of the difference but that it concerns every believer to know that they are two and distinct and to be inquiring into the new covenant as much as may be and let men of learning and natural parts take heed how they do endeavour any longer to darken this truth Object Some may object and say If the covenant be of such power as you speak of as to effect what it commands whence then comes it that godly people should be ignorant of it and what need is there so earnestly to exhort to the enquiring into it Answ The covenant is free and full of power and effects what it requires it is so in the first work of grace and converting sinners 1 hence it is that the Lord saith Isay 65. 1. I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not c. and Joh. 5. 25. The dead shall hear the voice of the son of God and they that hear shall live Yet after God in the new Covenant hath communicated life to dead souls he expects that they should know from whence their life comes and seek him and wait upon him in the way that he hath appointed diligently enquiring after his will that they may know it and do it Ezek. 36. God having in the former part of the chapter promised what great and good things he would do for his People according to the new covenant yet ver 37. Thus saith the Lord God I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them And Prov. 2. 3 4 5. If thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasure then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and finde the knowledge of God Seeking is a great and special duty of Saints in the new covenant and God will be found in this way of seeking and doing his will yet notwithstanding the ignorance and miscariage of the Lords people those that are in the new covenant indeed shall not destroy and damne them yet it may bring them under judgement and afflictions and will prove their loss in the great day of account 1 Cor. 11. 30 31 32. For if we would judge our selves we should not be judged but when we are judged we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world Chap. 3. 11 12 13 14 15. If any man build upon the true foundation Jesus Christ gold silver precious stones wood hay stubble if his work abide he shall receive a reward If any mans work shall be burnt he shall suffer loss but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire So that notwithstanding the covenant is a sure covenant to those in it and full of power yet it requires diligence and seeking in Gods way and doing his will without which God may let his own people miscarry and in so doing they will be sure to suffer loss in the judgement although they may be saved I come now to the second lesson from the Text. The first truth being cleared that the Scripture doth present us with two covenants the second follows Doct. 2. That Jesus Christ hath taken away the first and hath established the second covenant And indeed it was the great design of God in sending Christ to effect the work the ending of the first covenant and the establishing of the second 1 That it is so viz. That Jesus Christ hath taken away the first and established the
second covenant the truth consists of two parts 1 That Jesus Christ hath taken away the first the old covenant enough hath been said in this matter for confirmation already The many sayings in the Scripture to this purpose as that speaking of the old covenant It is abolished and done away that believers are not under it but under grace that they are dead to the law by the body of Christ And Heb. 8. 13. In that he saith a new he bath made the first old and in my text He taketh away the first that he might establish the second which is The second and special part of the truth I shall at present be improving the time about the establishing of the second covenant And the method I shall follow in the handling and opening of this great truth will be 1 To prove the truth from Scripture 2 To shew what this second covenant is in the matter of it as it s stated in the Scripture 3 Shew the nature of this covenant as it is in Christ and by him established 4 With whom this second covenant is established 5 The way by which Christ hath established this covenant 6 The grounds or reasons why Jesus Christ hath taken away the first and established the second covenant 7 The Application of the whole I shall begin with the first namely to prove the truth from Scripture that Christ hath taken away the first and established the second covenant My grounds to prove it are these 1 The Scripture witnesseth it the text is clear and full He taketh away the first that he might establish the second See Heb. 8. 13. In that he saith a new he hath made the fist old now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away And 2 Cor. 3. 6 7. 11. 13. The Apostle clearly states the two covenants the one he calls the Letter the other he calls the Spirit The old that was written in tables of stone and done away and abolished The new that of the Spirit which remains as most glorious and abiding in all which Scriptures the truth presented is fully and plainly proved 2 The Apostle applieth the new covenant to the present time and state Heb. 8. 8. to 13. chap. 9. 15. all which prove it to be established 3 The death of the Testator proves it Heb. 9. 16 17. For where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the Testator ver 17. For a Testament is of force after men are dead This the Apostle urgeth to prove the new Testament to be of force because Christ is dead And therefore it concerns men to take heed how they deny this covenant to be in force for to deny the covenant is to deny the death of the Testator and to deny that is to deny the Gospel Oh therefore let men take heed how they deny the establishment of this covenant 4 Christ is the mediator of this covenant Heb. 9. 15. and he is not a mediator of a covenant not in force so that indeed to deny this new covenant to be established is no less then to deny the mediatorship of Christ for a mediator must be a mediator of some covenant or other and the old is done away that was not of grace but of works And the new is established of which Christ is the mediator So that Christ must be the mediator of this new covenant or of no covenant which I believe none that fear the Lord dare to deny 2 What this second or new covenant is and although I have already in the distinguishing of the covenants spoken to this I shall more distinctly in this place come to speak of the new covenant what it is And for my more clear handling of this great Gospel truth I shall 1. Distinctly state the covenant by it self 2. In its parts That so every true believer may not onely come rightly to understand the covenant but likewise to draw such consolation from it as God hath intended in it for his people for I do believe that darkness in this mystery hath occasioned many precious souls to lose very much of the precious consolation of the Gospel The Covenant then is Gods engagement and promise in Jesus Christ in way of covenant and â—â—th freely to do for work in and give to his people all things that may tend to make them truly and eternally happy and blessed To prove this to be the new and Gospel Covenant I must have recourse unto Gen. 12. 3. and chap. 22. 18. where is the covenant most lively stated and made to and with Abraham in Promise as it was to be promulgated when the fulness of time was come viz. In thy seed shall all the Nations of the earth be blessed and ch 22. 18. God upon Abrahams obedience in offering his son Isaac a lively type of Christ the true seed that was to be offered brings up his covenant into an oath and sware to Abraham that he would performe it that in thy seed shall all nations be blessed that is truly and eternally blessed Hence it is that in the new covenant the blessing is eternal life not onely life as in the old but eternal life And doubtless there is no blessing spiritual or eternal that the Saints are interested in but it is the blessing of this covenant and as God freely gives blessedness in this covenant so he works all things in his people in order to do it without which they could not be blessed and that is evident in the promise of this covenant Jer. 31. 31 32 33. I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts c. That is I will work a willing mind in them to what ever I do require of them in order to their true and eternal blessedness This is the new covenant that God in Christ the true seed hath interested all his people in Hence it is said that God made this covenant in Christ Gal. 3. 17. But second I shall come to open the covenant in its parts that so by faith we may such the sweetness of this honey and feed upon the marrow and fatness of the new covenant blessings for I do believe that there is not one promise I mean Gospel promise to a Christian but it is either a branch of or is stated in or upon the new covenant The branches or parts of the new covenant lie mainly as hath been minded in these three heads 1. Doing for his people all things that might tend to make them truly and eternally happy and blessed 2. Working in 3. Giving to 1. What he hath done for his people on the new covenant account consists especially in these two things 1. He loved them freely and that while they were enemies a wonderful mercy indeed He loved them before they were and so before they had any love to him Ephes 2. 4 5. But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were
we need remission and in the new covenant it is administred to us according to the tenour therein exprest Heb. 8. 12. 1 Epist John 2. 12. and chap. 1. 9. In all which this blessing or blessed gift is clearly stated see Rom. 4. 6 7. Blessed is the man whose iniquity is forgiven and whose sin is covered Secondly Peace and reconciliation with himself is another blessing of the new covenant which the Lord gives to all his people and this peace is likewise first preached in the doctrine of the Gospel Hence it is that God saith Isa 57. 19. I create the fruit of the lips Peace Peace to him that is far off and to him that is near saith the Lord. And Christ sent his Disciples with the message of peace Luke 10 5. and the Apostles came preaching peace by Jesus Christ who is Lord of all Acts 10. 36. and this peace and reconciliation is applied and injoyed by faith Ephes 2. 13 14. Ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ for he is our peace Rom. 5. 1. Being justified by faith we have peace with God c. Thirdly The blessing of the Spirit is another blessing of the new covenant and truly included in that blessing promised to Abraham for there is nothing that tends to make the Saints truly and eternally blessed but it must be included in that blessing promised to Abraham without which persons could not be blessed therefore this of the spirit is reckoned as one of the blessings promised to Abraham and not the least neither Gal. 3. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith This is the great Gospel blessing and promise of Christ when he was to leave this world and go to the Father that he would send the holy spirit the comforter which promise believers now have a share in Isa 59. 21. As for me this is my covenant c. The refore let the Saints be encouraged to expect such a portion of his promised Spirit as may concur to the effecting of Gods covenant 4. The adoption of sons by the same spirit is another blessing of the new covenant for out of Christ men are strangers enemies but in Christ friends Sons and daughters to the Lord God Almighty Oh friends here is a blessing and a blessed priviledge the Lord hath given to his people in this new covenant John 1. 12. To as many as received him to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to as many as believe in his name 1 John 3. 1. Behold what manner of love is this which the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God and if Sons then Heirs Heirs of God and Joynt-Heirs with Christ Rom. 8. 17. Oh learn to improve this priviledge and this interest in and relation to the Lord. 5. An interest in great and precious promises both of grace and glory This the Lord gives in this covenant to all his people 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises c. Oh the great and precious promises relating both to grace and glory that God hath interested his people in in this covenant every New Testament Promise is a branch of the Covenant and must be performed Promises of pardoning and purging and supporting and preserving grace Promises of the kingdom and the glory that is yet to come this hath God promised in the new Covenant and given his people an interest in the godly have the promises of this life and of that which is to come Oh Therefore let them learn to acquaint themselves more with the promises and more to prize them and to live by faith in the expectation of Gods faithfulness in performing of them for they are his peoples portion till they come to enjoy the Promised possession 6. Free access to the throne of grace as Sons and Daughters in the name of Christ a great and precious favour too little prized and improved by the Lords people God delights to have his children come to him and call upon him in the spirit and faith of sons this is the Lords gift and it is marvellous that he should admit such worthless worms to come to him with acceptance Oh let us learn to prize it and improve it it s a new Covenant mercy that which none can claim a right in but believers It s their priviledge it s their duty let them therefore know it and be incouraged to come with boldness to the throne of grace Never a carnal man in the World can claim a right to this as a new Covenant mercy Psalm 50. 16. To the wicked God said What hast thou to do to take my covenant into thy mouth c. Let not the Lords people be found negligent in this work nor undervaluing it as a low and legal thing but know it is a high and precious priviledge be ye therefore faithful in the improving of it 7 Outward comforts of this life are given in as new covenant mercies although the great promises on which the covenant is established are spiritual and eternal and not such on which the old covenant was established yet the new covenant is not altogether without the promises of this life Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come See Matth. 6. 33. and Luke 12. 31. your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of these things and all these things shall be added viz. added in with and to the kingdom It s true our Lord hath not promised great things in this life to his people but food and cloathing Therefore having that which God hath promised let us be therewith content for we brought nothing with us into this world and it is certain we shall carry nothing out And let us learn to enjoy all our mercies as handed to us in the new covenant upon the account of Christ and improve all for God not bestow it upon our Iusts but be faithfull in answering Gods precious ends in imbracing such worthless worms in such an inriching covenant as this is in which both grace and glory are included 3 I shall come to shew you the nature of this new covenant which is thus established by Christ 1 It is a free covenant Oh the freeness of Gods love in this covenant this covenant is free 1 Either as relating to God the Author or 2 Relating to man the receiver First relating to God it was free his own councel and purpose of grace freely conceived it in himself and brought forth by and of himself Such was the freeness of the love of God in this covenant that nothing could put a stop to him notwithstanding he foresaw what man would be and do yet this put no stop to the free coming forth of this covenant all the parts of it are free His doing for working
they shall never perish and chap. 17. 2. as thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him This is the fathers will in the covenant and Christ accepts it it is his will too and so Christ comes into the world about the work and establisheth this covenant for the elect that they might be brought into it and have their share in it in his times And this is the truth we are upon That Christ hath established this covenant for his elect and doth manifest it to them in his times in the work of faith and now the covenant is said to be made with them for two Reasons 1 Because now they give consent to it and resign up themselves to the Lord in what he hath done for them and believe the grace and the covenant of grace now there is their acceptation of what Christ hath done and justifying him in the work together with their resignation of themselves up to him as their head and Lord in this blessed and holy covenant 2 They come now to claim a right in the covenant which before they could not do though God and Christ had a speciall right in them yet they could claim no right by covenant in the father and the son before or without believing and this is Christs work to work faith in all his elect He is the author and finisher of it I come now to the fifth particular namely the way by which Christ hath established this covenant and that is by his blood Oh friends in this undertaking of Jesus Christ for poor sinners this covenant must be by blood there must of necessity be the death of the Testator Hence it is called a Covenant that is by blood Zach. 9. 11. And the blood of Christ is called the blood of the covenant Heb. 10. 29. And Christ saith This is the Cup of the New Testament in my blood Luke 22. 20. And you will finde that the blood of Christ viz. Christ crucified his body and blood broken and shed hath its place in the whole work justification and remission of sins must be by the blood of Christ reconciliation and peace must be through his blood purging of the conscience must be by blood redemption must be by his blood Mediatorship Purchase of the Kingdom all by blood therefore it is called the blood of the everlasting covenant Heb. 13. 20. And by the shedding of his blood hath he established this covenant Oh learn hence to prize Christ crucified more have a high esteem of the blood of Christ and tremble in the thoughts of such horrid principles as tend to the trampling under foot the blood of the covenant counting ing it an unholy thing But 6th To proceed to the reasons or grounds why Christ hath taken away the first and established the second covenant Reason 1. That the Scripture might be fullfilled the many Promises of God in Scripture to this purpose to establish the new and make the first old as hath been already proved And this you will find to be the great end of Jesus Christ in his coming and work to fulfil Scripture So this covenant must be established by blood to fulfil Scripture Zach. 9. 11. See Acts 3. 19 21. The covenant made to Abraham that in his seed all nations should be blessed could not have been fulfilled if Christ had not established it Hence it is that Christ suffered himself to be betrayed and apprehended in order to his passion and would not make resistance Matth. 26. 52 53 54. How then shall the Scripture be fulfilled that thus it must be He makes the fulfilling of the Scriptures the ground of his yielding himself into the hands of sinful men Reason 2. Christ hath done this that so Gods special love might be made manifest unto the sons of men and that his grace even the blessing of the Gospel might come forth to us Gentiles through the establishment of this covenant In thy seed shall all the Nations be blessed Oh then let not us Gentiles argue out this covenant for assuredly there is no blessing to the Nations by that of the Law but by this of grace therefore let us learn to prize this special grace of this everlasting covenant of Gods special and everlasting love in his dear Son Reason 3. That salvation might be sure to all the seed therefore must this sure and unchangeable covenant be established for eternal salvation was not sure to any in the old covenant but in this covenant it is sure Rom. 4. 16. Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed c. Therefore it is that this covenant is called the sure mercies of David Isa 55. 3. This is the onely sure covenant here is grace and the truth of grace John 1. 17. The Law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ Reason 4. Because it was the great design of God so to do viz. the sending of Jesus Christ into the world to effect this work the taking away of the old and establishing of the new covenant If this had not been done there had been nothing in order to the accomplishing of Gods design in the great and good work of salvation done The design of God in sending Christ was that men through him might be saved he came into the world to save sinners and there could be no salvation but in this covenant so that had not Christ done this work he had not been the Christ for he must answer Gods design for he came to do his wil. And this was one great part of his will the establishing of this free powerful holy rich and everlasting covenant of grace and glory I come now to Application I shall pass by that of information let the doctrine and proof thereof serve for information of the judgement in this matter But Use 1. Here it is a strong ground of consolation for all true believers Jesus Christ hath taken away the first the old and established the second the new covenant of grace and peace Here lyeth the grace the love the peace the glory all blessedness in this covenant and it is sure to all the seed and God hath made it to the end it might be sure that the comers thereunto might have strong consolation Heb. 16 17 18. This is a covenant in which it is impossible for God to lie He hath covenanted and sworn to it that we might have strong consolation therein Oh therefore my beloved friends you I mean that are interested in this sure everlasting covenant let it be your work to be much in the meditation and consideration of the grace the love the glory of this covenant All true believers may truly say with the Apostle Gal. 4. 31. So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free Not of the covenant from Mount Sinai which gendreth to
bondage but of the covenant from Mount Sion which is free which is the mother of us all Let it be therefore your work by faith and hope and meditation about the grace and glory of this covenant to suck the sweetness and feed on the marrow and fatness that is freely from the father given to you in Jesus I am perswaded nay I am very much assured that the Lords poor people very often go without the comfort of the Covenant of the grace of the Gospel for want of feeding their souls thereon there is bread enough in the fathers house but there wants a will or skill to feed thereon Either want of sight of its worth or an appetite to it or else a supposition of unfitness and unworthyness occasions many a soul truly interested in the grace of the Covenant to lye short of a right improvement of their interest there and so lose the comfort and sweetness they might otherwise enjoy Here is a ground for and matter of consolation in all conditions and under all temptations be it sins and infirmities there is grace in the covenant to pardon If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness If it be sence of weakness and fear of holding out to the end here is all the Attributes of God himself engaged for thy support the Promise is in Christ thou shalt be blessed See the great and Precious Promises of the new covenant to this purpose Jer. 32. 40. Isay 40. 28 29 31. 41. 10. 43. 1 2. Heb. 13 5. These with many more are the Promises of the new Covenant If it be reproach and persecution for the name of Christ or poverty or any affliction whatsoever here is Peace and spiritual content and assured Promises of the kingdom and the glory in the end If so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together with him Rom. 8. 17. For those light afflictions which are but for a moment will work for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory while we look not at things that are seen but at things that are not seen c. And that your souls may live upon the goodness of God in this covenant of grace let it be your care to make much of the Scripture in which the Covenant is stated and held forth And acquaint your selves with the Promises of the covenant which are all but branches thereof and they are suitable to all estates and will afford assured comfort to thy soul if rightly and sutably applied And in the Promises of the Covenant if saith be rightly set on work thou wilt gather in all the Attributes of God for thy comfort goodness and love in engaging himself and interesting thee in such a Covenant Power wisdom faithfulness and justice in performing Oh here is a stable a sure Covenant Saints may draw stable and sure consolation to their own souls herein yet notwithstanding they may say with David although my house be not so with God yet he hath made with me a sure Covenant 2 Sam. 23. 5. although I am weak and frail and in my flesh dwelletb no good thing and I have cause to loath my self in mine own eyes yet God hath made with me or rather with Christ for me a sure Covenant Quest But some may say here is ground of strong consolation indeed for those that are interested in it and have a right unto it but how may I know that I have a right to this covenant that I may improve it to my comfort Answ Notwithstanding that God and Christ hath an interest in persons and that by virtue of this Covenant before they believe yet we cannot claim any interest or right before and without faith Therefore we may truly say as the Prophet Psal 41. 11. By this I know thou favourest me because mine enemies triumph not over me So I say we come to know our interest the incovenant by the work he hath wrought in us therefore hath the Lord wrought the work of faith and hope in God through Jesus Christ and this attended with self loathing and a sence of spiritual poverty and adhering to and depending upon the rich grace of God in Christ crucified and this attended with a true desire and endevour of living to God and answering of his goodness I say if this law of God be thus written by the Spirit in your hearts you may comfortably conclude your interest in the covenant For I say you must come to conclude your interest in the covenant from the work of the Spirit in you that answers the terms of the Covenant and holds harmony to what God hath promised in the covenant I say not that this work within is the ground of our being in the covenant nor the cause nor the ground of our faith but a demonstration of our interest there all is grounded upon the free and everlasting love of God in Christ Use 2. But I shall proceed to a second word of Application to the Saints interested in this covenant And that is a word of exhortation to be faithful to God in living the life of the new covenant and performing the duties thereof not onely to rejoyce in the sweetness and comfort of the covenant but likewise to be as willing to be found faithful in performing the duties of the Covenant for we are to know that God hath annexed duties to the covenant and doth as positively require and expect the performance thereof in the life of the covenant as he hath and doth work his people into a capacity thereof Therefore remember this that Gods goodness and absoluteness in the covenant no whit diminisheth the Saints duty but rather supporteth and engageth thereunto In this place I shall not come to state the particular duties but refer it till afterwards onely some general heads in which all particulars are included 1 Then to live the life of the covenant is to live the life of faith and hope in God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 21. Heb. 10 38. now the just shall live by faith c. now that is on this side the possession of the kingdom and the glory The just shall live by faith that is in the Promises of God that relate to the kingdom and in the power strength and faithfulness of God in the covenant of his grace by which his people are preserved and kept untill that day 1 Pet. 1. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation c. note that the Saints are kept by the Power of God unto salvation but it is through faith that is through their living by faith in his faithful word Hence it is that the Apostle saith Rom. 1. 16. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth The Gospel is the Covenant made sure and effecting its work but it is through
believe and yet be watchful and therefore the absolute Covenant hath conditions annext to it in the ministration of it 6 And finally that there might be a Probable and righteous means of calling out and separating the elect from among others they being by nature children of wrath even as others Ephes 2. 3. Of the same lump Rom. 9 21. Christ comes with a general and conditional ministry works effectually with it and by it on the elect and leaves others to the ministry who one way or other first or last fall short of answering the terms and conditions of the ministry and so obtain not the mercy promised in the covenant Thus The election obtains and the rest are blinded Rom. 11. 7. and this conditional ministry added to the absolute covenant becomes unto God a sweet savour of Christ both in them that are saved and in them that perish to the one the savour of death unto death and to the other the savour of life unto life c. 2 Cor. 2. 15 16. Hence it is that the Gospel must be preached to every creature yet the believer onely is saved by it and the unbeliever damned Mark 16. 15 16. And the Persons for whom Paul suffered affliction in the fulfilling of his ministry were the elect That they might obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory 2 Tim. 2. 10. He served Gods design and end in Preaching the Gospel every where testifying to Jew and Gentile repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ Act. 20. 21. which first and chiefly was the conversion and consolation of the elect in order to their obtaining salvation in the day of Christ with eternal glory Therefore a conditional ministry is added to an absolute covenant that the elect might be called out of the world to partake of the grace and glory of the covenant Thus much to the first Quaerie the second follows Q. 2. If the case be so What are the means by which the Lord exerciseth his Power in carrying on his work in his People engaging their hearts to the duties of the covenant Answ Besides a sanctified use of the holy Scriptures which it concerns the Saints to improve 2 Tim. 3. 14 15 16 17. a faithful use of all his ordinances and constant way of obedience for in this will the Lord be found Prov. 10. 29. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright c. I say beside these things 1 A true sence of the duty and this it concerns the Lords People to have upon their hearts daily and in all their divine services to perform them as duty to their Lord. This is it will put an end to indifferency in the work keep up the authority of Christ It s no wonder if persons grow empty in duty and the Lord leaves them if they do it but as priviledge only and not also as duty I do believe much might be enjoyed of God and recieved from him if there were more conscience of duty to him Doubtless if a son would submit to his father onely upon the account of Priviledge and liberty and not of duty and own this as his principle he would justly deserve frowning and reproof from his father And in this case would doubtless be often found in neglect of duty Whence is it that professing men and women can so easily and ordinarily slip by and pass over duties but because they suppose it not to be duty but liberty and at best and most but priviledge My friends I desire you seriously to lay this to heart and consider these Scriptures Luke 17. 10. So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Joh. 15. 14. Acts 3. 22 23. 1 Cor. 14. 37. 2 Love is that which carrieth to duty The love of Christ begets love in the hearts of Christians to Christ and this enlargeth the heart to serve this is the oyl that makes the wheel to run pleasantly Where the love of Christ is shed abroad in the heart by the holy spirit Rom. 5. 5. it constraineth souls to a willing and chearful obedience and performance of duty 2 Cor. 5. 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us c. Love where it is in truth is of a constraining nature and that is it Christ so often speaks to this purpose Joh. 14. 15. If ye love me keep my commandements and ver 21. he that hath my commandements and keepeth them he it is that loveth me and ver 23. If any man love me he will keep my sayings c. ver 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings c. 3 The glory of the great and good name of God is another means by which his people should be and are carried on in a way of well doing that their fathers name may be glorified Oh friends it concerns the children of God to have a tender respect to his name and to say as sometimes Joshua in another case Josh 7. 9. And what wilt thou do unto thy great name So let the Saints reason with themselves shall I walk like the world shall I neglect duty or turne aside from the truth what will become of the great name of God then The Canaanites and enemies of truth will hear of it and reproach the great name of God Oh think on this friends and remember that this was it that kept those in an evil time when others said it was in vain to serve God c. Mal. 3. 14. They that feared God and thought upon his name were preserved in that Apostacy ver 16. and God will think on them in the needful day See ver 17 18. And this is the prayer of the Apostle for the Church 2 Thes 1. 11 12. Wherefore also we pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of faith with power that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you c. 4 The good of poor sinners that is another thing the Lord would have his people to be laying to heart and to know that professing people by evil works do what in them lyeth to keep souls from Christ Miscarriages of professing people through the devils improvement of it becomes stumbling blocks to poor sinners to harden them but a good conversation tends to win them or it may through the Lords blessing working by it We may say truly in this matter as the Apostle speaks of and to the believing wife and husband 1 Cor. 7. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 1. its the will of God that at least his people should by well doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Pet. 2. 15. 5 The great and precious Promises is another way by which the Lord carrieth his on in the performance of the duties of the covenant and
these Promises are of three sorts 1 Of Acceptance 2 Of Assistance 3 Of Reward 1 Of acceptance in the work being well pleased with his people in their obedience to him on the account of grace received from him being made accepted in the beloved Ephes 1. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 3. Ezek. 20. 40. 41. Rom. 12. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 5. 2 Of assistance in the work When the Saints are faithful in their duty to the Lord he will be with them to assist them 1 in their active service in doing Isay 40. 29 31. with Phil 4. 13. Therefore let us commit the keeping of our souls to him in well doing as to a faithful creator 1 Pet. 4. 19. z in their passive service in suffering Isay 41. 10. 43. 2. 3 Of reward Promises of life and salvation thus we shall finde the Saints helpt along in all ages They had respect to the recompence of reward Heb. 11. 13. 14 16 26. and doubtless the Lord hath not promised it but to the end his people might be comforted in it and incouraged in their duties to him Luke 12. 32 33. 2 Cor. 5. 1 2. Although this be not the first moving cause of duty of God but conscience of the duty and the life and love we receive from him yet it is the duty of Christians to have this upon their hearts else they cannot glorifie God in the riches of his glory as well as his grace See Rev. 22. 12 13 14. The sixth and last I shall at present minde is affliction and judgement and this is clear God will afflict his people Heb. 12. from 5 to 10 verse and judge them too that they may not be condemned with the world 1 Cor. 11. 30 31 32. God dealeth with his children as a father if love will not do it then the rod must So dealeth the Lord with his children and that not onely here but in the great day of accounts they must be judged according to their works and it may be suffer blame shame and loss too at that great day of the Lord 1 Thess 3. 13. 2 Pet. 3. 14. 1 Cor. 3. 13 14 15. Therefore let the Lords people be exercising themselves in these things and they shall finde them to be of singular use to help them forward in their Christian race and to enlarge their hearts and strengthen their hands in the Lords work sutable to his will in the new covenant of his grace But I shall at present proceed no further in this matter but come to speak something more distinct to the Mediatorship of Jesus Christ who is the Mediator of the New Covenant A truth it is of great and special concernment for the Saints to be acquainted with that they may be exercising their faith therein and thereby be drawing such sutable consolation to their souls there from as God hath intended in it and as doth concern them to their comfortable walking with God Christ the Mediator Of The New Covenant Heb. 12. The beginning part of the 24. verse And to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant c. HAving gone through the stating and distinctions of the first and second covenants and the establishing of the second the new covenant and doing away the old I shall now come to treate more distinctly of the Mediatorship of the new covenant and the Scripture presented to you leads us clearly to the Mediator of the new covenant that is Jesus Christ To Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant The apostle or author of this Epistle as his work is to exalt Christ and the new covenant above Angels and Moses and that of the old as hath been already mentioned So in this chapter especially from verse 18. to the end of the 24. he presents both the Hebrews to whom he wrote and us with the excellency of what believers are come to in the new covenant beyond what they were come to in the old and so the excellent state of believers in the new covenant above what it was in the old And this is stated in two particulars 1 Negatively what they are not come to from ver 18. to 22. wherein one great part of the blessing of the Gospel consists that we are not come to that which the people in the old covenant came to in that covenant to wit in the ministry thereof although that was glorious 2 Cor. 3. 7. 2 Affirmatively what they are come to ver 22 23 24. wherein another great part of the Gospel consists That we are come to that which the people of the old covenant came not to in that covenant even to that which exceeds in glory 2 Cor. 3. 8 9 10. of which that I have read to you is a part And to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant c. In which words are three truths or doctrines included 1. That Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant 2. That true believers are come to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant 3. That to be truly come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant is a high and glorious attainment far exceeding that of the old but because I desire brevity I shall gather up the sum of the whole in this one conclusion Doct. That true believers are come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant which is a high and glorious attainment far exceeding that of the old covenant This truth hath three parts in it 1. That Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant 2. That believers are come to him as he is Mediator 3. That this is a high and glorious attainment c. Part. 1. That Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant In the opening and handling of which I shall follow this method 1. Shew what a Mediator is or what the word Mediator signifies 2 To prove the truth of the doctrine that Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant 3. The persons for whom he is a Mediator and the matter for what he mediates 4. The place where he mediates for them 5. The manner how he is in the performance of this work 6. The priviledges and advantage that come to Saints by the mediatorship of Christ 7. The reasons why the new covenant that is all grace and absolute must have Christ to be the Mediator of it 1. What a Mediator is The word Mediator signifieth a middle person or one between It s taken from an Umpire or middle person that is chosen between two at difference to make up the breach between them And this is it I understand Job intends in his complaint Job 9. 33. Neither is there any dayes-man or Umpire betwixt us that might lay his hands upon us both Under his affliction he saw the want of such a one between God and him and doubtless he relates to Christ being low in his faith in this matter under his pressing affliction But now Jesus Christ is the dayes-man the middle person that is come between God and his people which is the second
19. That the effectual work of conversion and faith is a special work of grace wrought by the Spirit of Christ in the ministration of the Gospel Joh. 5. 21. 25. Rom. 9. 15. 2 Cor. 4. 6. Ephes 2. 5 6 8. Heb. 8. 8. 10. 10. 16. 12. 2. 20. That God hath a people that he owns in his unchangeable covenant that shall be kept by him and never fall away for this we have 1 The word of God Joh. 10. 28 29. 13. 1. Rom. 8. 29 30. Phil. 1. 6. Col. 3. 3 4. Heb. 12. 2. 1 Joh. 3. 9. 2 The Covenant of God Psal 89. 33 34. Jer. 31. 31 32 33. 32. 40. Heb. 8. 8. 3 The oath of God Psal 89. 35. Gen. 22. 16 17 18. Isay 44. 9 10. Heb. 6. 17 18. 21. That the Saints are to expect manifold tribulations while they are here in the spiritual warfare both within and without and through many tribulations to enter into the kingdom Jam. 1. 2. 12. John 16. 33. Acts 14. 22. 1 Cor. 10. 13. 22. That perfection is by the New Covenant of Gods grace in Christ Heb. 7. 19. 10. 1. 23. That this perfection is of two degrees the first is a perfection of justification and sanctification in way of imputation obtained by faith in Christ Rom. 5. 1. Acts 13. 39. Rom. 4. 5 6 7 8. 1 Cor. 1. 2. The second is personal righteousness holiness and glory begun here and shall be perfected at the coming of Christ and the resurrection and not before 1 Cor. 13. 9 10 11 12. Phil. 3. 20. Col. 3. 4. 24. That Jesus Christ is faithful in his house as a Son and hath left absolute rules for his people to walk by in the new Testament in their imperfect state till his coming again from heaven and that there is no need for the Saints to go back to the old Testament as from mount Sinai or to mens inventions or their own imaginations for Gospel rules to walk by Matth. 28. 19 20. Acts 3. 22 23. Heb. 3. 5 6. and whoever so doth dishonors Christ and commits a dangerous sin Job 5. 22 23 Acts 3. 22 23. Luke 19. 14 27. 25. That the Church of Christ according to the Scripture will admit of a two fold distinction 1 All the elect of God the first born whose names are written in heaven unto which all true believers are come and out of which there is no salvation Heb. 12. 22 23. Ephes 5. 25 26. 2 Particular congregations constituted according to Gospel order i. e. united to Christ their head by faith and each to other by love agreeing together to walk in all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in the new Covenant of his grace Acts 2. 41 42. 1 Cor. 11. 2. 2 Thes 2. 11. and it s the duty of all believers thus to walk Job 15. 14. New Covenant Duties I come now to the more particular and distinct stating of the duties of the Covenant and rules left by Christ for his people to walk by till his second coming as they are exprest and implyed in the new Testament 1 Of general Gospel duties for all Saints as believers 1. REpentance from dead works and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is a special duty of the New Covenant Heb. 6. 1. Matth. 3. 2. 4. 17. Mark 1. 15. 16. 16. Luke 24 47. Joh. 3. 16. 36. 6. 29 47. 8. 24. 20. 31. Acts 2. 38. 10. 47 48. 8. 36 37. 16. 33 34. 2. Baptism with water in the name of Father Son and Spirit or in the name of the Lord Jesus after believing Matth. 28. 18 19. Mark 16. 16. Acts 2. 38. 41. and 8. 22 37 38. and 10. 47 48. and 16. 33 34. 3. To walk holyly in all manner of conversation and godliness being thereunto called 1 Pet. 1. 15. 2 Pet. 3. 11. Levit. 20. 7 26. Psalm 93. 5. Luke 1. 75. Rom. 6. 19 22. 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Thes 3. 13. and 4. 3. 7. 4. To shine as lights in the world Luke 12. 35. Phil. 2. 15. Prov. 4. 18. 5. To cast away and depart from the most profitable and the most beloved sin or lust Matth. 5. 29 30. and 18. 8 9. Mark 9. 43. Isai 30. 22. Hose 14. 8. 6. To be humble and self denying a special new covenant frame of spirit and desireable duty to be prest after by every new man in Christ Matth. 5. 3. and 16. 24. and 18. 3 4. Luke 14. 10 11. and 9. 23. and 17. 10. Rom. 12 16. Psalm 34. 18. Isai 57. 15. and 66. 2. 7. To take Christ for our pattern 1 In meekness and humility Matth. 11. 28. Phil. 2. 5 6. 2 In love and services Ephes 5. 2. John 13. 13 14 15. Matth. 20. 26 27 28. 3 In obedience John 4. 34. and 15. 10. 1 John 2. 6. 4 In purity and holiness 1 Pet. 1. 15. 1 John 3. 3. Heb. 7. 26. 5 In patient suffering for him when called to it Acts 14. 22. Heb. 12. 2 3. 1 Pet. 2. 21. to 25. and 4. 1. 8. To walk worthy of that high and holy calling wherewith and whereunto we are called Ephes 4. 1 17. Phil. 1. 17. Col. 1. 10. Tit. 3. 14. 9. To be instant in prayer 1 Thes 5. 17. Matth. 7. 7 8. Luke 18. 1. and 22. 40. Rom. 12. 12. and this to be performed 1 Private Matth. 6. 46 2. with other believers Matth. 18. 17 20 3. without vain repetitions or much speaking Matth. 6. 6 8. and is to be made first for all Saints Ephes 6. 18 2. for all men 1 Tim. 2. 1. 10. To love God and Christ above all Matth. 10. 37. Luke 10. 27. Psalm 18. 1. and 116. 1. Cant. 1. 2 7. and 3. 1 2. To fear God with a son-like scar above all Luke 12. 5. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 12. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 17. Nehe. 5. 15. Psalm 5. 7. and 34. 11. and 111. 10. Isai 8. 13. Jer. 10. 7. 12. To love the Saints with a true love for the sake of Christ Rom. 12. 9 10. John 13. 34. and 15. 12 17. 1 Thes 4. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 22. and 4. 8. 1 John 2. 10. and 3. 11 14 16 17 18 23. and 4. 7 8 11 16 20 21. 2 epist 5. 13. To love enemies and pray for them and not to hate them Matth. 5. 44. Luke 6. 27 28 33. Rom. 12. 14 20. 14. To take heed and beware of coveteousness Matth 6. 19 20. Psalm 10. 3. Luke 12. 15. and 16. 9 10 14. Acts 20. 33. 1 Cor. 5. 10 11. and 6. 10. Ephes 5. 5. Col. 3. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 10 2 Tim. 3. 2. and not to lay up treasure in earth but in heaven Mat. 6. 19. 20. 15. To be watchful A great Gospel duty much neglected Mat. 24. 42. 25. 13. 26. 41. Mark 16. 33. 35. Luke 21. 36. 1 Cor. 16. 13. Col. 4. 2. 1 Thes 5. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Rev. 3. 3. 16. 15. 16. To seek
first the kingdom of heaven and to let that have the first place in the heart and be of most esteem Matth. 6. 33. Luke 12 31. 17. To stand fast in the faith notwithstanding the many snares and temptations 1 Cor. 15. 58. 16. 13. 2 Thes 2. 15. Heb. 3. 6. 14. And to hold fast the profession of it Heb. 4. 14. 10. 23. 18. To grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephes 4. 15. 1 Pet. 2. 2. 2 Pet. 3. 18. Psal 92. 12 14. 19. Not to fear of want or to take thought for the life but in the use of lawful means to trust in God Matth. 6. 25. 31. Luke 12. 22 32. Phil. 4. 6. and not to love the world 1 Joh. 2. 15. 20. In all things to give thanks to God and sing unto his name Heb. 13. 15. Phil. 4. 6. Ephes 5. 4. 20. Col. 1. 12. Psal 50. 14. 69. 30. A special Gospel duty and work for all Saints 21. To suffer for Christ without fear Matth. 10. 28 31. Luke 12. 4. See Rev. 21 8. and to be patient Luke 21. 19. Rom. 12. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 4. Col. 1. 11. 2 Thes 1. 4. Heb. 6. 12. 10. 36. 12. 1. James 1. 34. 5. 10. Rev. 13. 10. 14. 12. and to rejoyce 1 Pet. 4. 13 19. Luke 6. 23. Acts 10. 41. 22. In any distress to come to Jesus Christ and to God by him Matth. 11. 28. Isay 45. 22. 23. Willingly and cheerfully to take the yoke of Christ on us Matth. 11. 29. 24. To strive to enter in at the strait gate Matth. 7. 13. Luke 13. 24. 25. Not to give that which is holy to dogs Matth. 7. 6. Prov. 9. 7 8. 26. Not to judge one another but rather to judge our selves Matth. 7. 1. Luke 6. 37. Jam. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 11. 31. 27. To do to all as we would they should do to us Mat. 7. 12. Luke 6. 31. 28. To beware of false prophets and teachers and not to follow them Matth. 7. 15. 24. 23. Luke 17. 23. 21. 8. Matth. 16. 6. 12. Ephes 4. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Tim 4. 3. 2 John 9. 10. 2 Thes 2. 3. 2 Pet. 3. 17. 29. To cast the beam out of our own eyes first Matth. 7. 5 6. Luke 6. 41. 30. In a private fast to do it so as not to be seen or heard of men in private duties to be very private Matth. 6. 16. 17 18. 31. Not to swear at all in our ordinary communications Matth. 3. 35. James 5. 12. 32. To seek reconciliation with a brother offended and that before the gift be offered Matth. 5. 23 24. 33. Not to resist evil in any way of revenge but to suffer Matth. 5. 39 40. Luke 6. 29. Rom. 12. 17. 34. To be ready to do services of love to any that shall need it or desire it Matth. 5. 44. and to brethren Gal. 5. 13. 35. To be free and liberal hearted and handed to such as are in want Matth. 5. 42. 19. 21. Luke 6. 30 38. and 12 33. Heb. 13. 6. 2 Cor. 8. 9. Chapters 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. Philem. 7. Prov. 3. 27 28. 36. To be merciful even as God is merciful Luke 6. 36. Jam. 2. 13. Luke 3. 11. Prov. 11. 17. Isa 57. 1. Matth. 5. 7. Phil. 2. 1. Col. 3. 12. 37. To rejoyce in the Lord always Phil. 4. 4. 3. 1. Psal 33. 1. 97. 12. Isay 41. 16. Zech. 10. 7. 38. To do all things willingly for the Lord without murmuring Phil. 2. 12 14 15. Exod. 16. 7 8. Numb 14. 27. 36. 1 Cor. 10. 10. 2 Cor. 9. 7. Rom. 12. 8. 2 Cor. 8. 12. 1 Thes 2. 8. 1 Tim. 6. 8. 1 Cor. 19. 17. 39. To be indeavouring after contentation in all estates Phil. 4. 11. 1 Tim. 6. 8. Luke 3. 14. Heb. 13. 5. and to beware of contention 1 Cor. 1. 11. 3. 3. 11. 16. Rom. 2. 8. 40. To endeavour after moderation in all things not going to the utmost bounds of a supposed liberty Phil. 4. 5. 1 Tim. 2. 9. but to be sober in all things 1 Thes 5. 6 8. 1 Tim. 3. 2. 11. Tit. 1. 8. 2. 2 4. 1 Pet. 1. 13. 4. 7. 5. 8. Rom. 12. 3. Tit. 2. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 9. 15. 41. To take heed of being hardned against Christ Heb. 3. 7 8. to 15. 4. 7. Mark 6. 52. 8. 17. Joh. 12. 40. Acts 19. 9. Prov. 21. 29. 28. 14. 29. 10. Jer. 5. 3. Ezek. 39. 50. 42. To be purging out and mortifying of all sin 2 Tim. 2. 21. Col. 3. 5. 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 22. 1 Joh. 3. 3. Psal 65. 3. Isa 1. 25. Mal. 3. 3. Isay 27. 9. God will purge Ezek. 24. 13. he will purge out all the rebels Ezek. 20. 38. 43. To be ready and not forget to entertain strangers Heb. 13. 2. Matth. 25. 35. 3 Joh. 5. Deut. 10. 19. 44. To be ready and willing to forgive Matth. 18. 21 22 35. Mark 11. 25. Luke 17. 34. Col. 3. 13. Matth. 6. 12. 14 15. Mark 11. 25. 26. Luke 6. 36. 11. 4. 17. 3 4. 2 Cor. 7. 10. 45. To endeavour after peace Heb. 12. 14. Ephes 4. 2 3. Rom. 12. 18. 14. 19. Jam. 3. 17 18. Matth. 5. 9. 2 Cor. 13. 11. 46. To be lively and diligent in the work of the Lord and not slothful but abound therein Rom. 12. 11. Heb. 6. 12. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Col. 2. 7. 2 Thes 1. 3. 1 Thes 3. 12. 2 Cor. 9. 8. Phil. 1. 9. 47. To remember those in bonds and afflictions as bound with them Heb. 13. 3. Matth. 25 36. 48. Not to have the faith of our Lord Jesus in respect of persons Jam. 2. 1. 9. 3. 1. 49. To be pressing on after perfection and towards the mark Phil. 3. 14 15. Running the Christian race 1 Cor. 9. 24. 50. To endeavour to walk inoffensively toward all 1 Cor. 10. 32 33. 8 9. to 13. 51. To search the Scriptures John 5. 39. Isay 8. 20. 52. To take heed how we hear Luke 8. 18. 53. To contend earnestly for the faith Jude 3. Gal. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 16. 3. Gal. 5. 1. 1. 6 7 8. 2 Thes 2. 15. 54. To lay aside all malice guil and evil c. 1 Pet. 2. 12. 3. 9 10 11. 1 Cor. 14. 20. Ephes 4. 31. Col. 3. 8. 55. To give our Almes in private as well as publick Matth. 6. 1 2 3 4. 56. To do all our actions to the glory of God and not for our own glory 1 Cor. 10. 31. 2 Cor. 4. 15. Phil. 1. 11. Ephes 3. 21. Josh 7. 19. 1 Sam. 6. 5. 1 Cor. 28. 29. Psal 29. 2. 96. 8. 57. Not to adorn our selves in the proud fashions of the world 1 Tim. 2. 9 10. 1 Pet. 3. 3 4. 1 Joh. 2. 16. Prov. 11. 2. 16. 18. Isay 3. 16. to 26. Mal. 4. 1.
Nor to be conformable thereto Rom. 12. 2. Ephes 3. 17. Gal. 1. 4. Ephes 2. 2. 58. To walk so with God in this world as endeavouring to be found blameless in holiness before God our Father at the appearing of Christ 1 Cor. 1. 8. Ephes 1. 4. 1 Thes 3. 13. 2 Pet. 3. 14. 59. To put on the Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in him Rom. 13. 14. Col. 2. 6. Gal. 3. 27. 60. To give up our bodies as well as our souls to serve the Lord Rom. 12. 1. 1 Cor. 6. 20. Dan. 3. 28. because the body shall be saved as well as the soul by Jesus Christ Rom. 8. 11 23. Phil. 3. 21. 61. To set our affections on and to seek things that are above Col. 3. 1 2. 62. Holy and heavenly Meditations Psal 19. 14. and 45. 1. and 104. 34. 63. To have the word of Christ to dwell richly in us Col. 3. 16. 64. To do all our works in the name of the Lord Jesus Col. 3. 17. 1 Thes 4. 2. 1 Cor. 5. 4. 65. No man to go beyond and defraud his brother 1 Thes 4. 6. 66. To owe no man any thing but to love one another Rom. 13. 8. 67. Not to be wise in our own conceits Rom. 12. 16. 11. 25. Prov. 3. 7. 26. 12. but rather to be fools in our own eyes 1 Cor. 3. 18 19. 68. To greet one another with a kiss of love 1 Cor. 16. 20. Rom. 16 16. 2 Cor. 13. 12. 1. Pet. 5. 14. that is with a holy and hearty manifestation of love being compared with 1 Thes 5. 26. where the Apostle doth greet them with a kiss of love though at a great distance from them For salutations see Rom. 16. 69. Brethren not to go to law one with another 1 Cor. 6. 1 6. 70. Not to feast the rich but the poor Luke 14. 12. 13. 71. To observe and take notice of that Act. 15. 29. 16. 4. 72. Not to be offended in Christ Luke 7. 23. 16. 25. 73. To obey magistrates for conscience sake as it is an ordinance of God as well as for fear of punishment Rom. 13. from 1 to 6. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 15. 74. To lend freely not looking for the like curtesie again Luke 6. 34 35. 75. To be zealously affected for the Lord his name and truth Gal. 4. 18. Tit. 2. 14. Rev. 3. 19. Numb 25. 11 13. 76. To have a respect to the whole law of Christ and to persevere therein unto the end Psal 119. 6. Joh. 8. 31. Luke 1. 5 6. Luke 9. 62. Duties of the Saints as they stand related each to other in the Church and as a Church of Christ 1. Not to forsake the assembling of themselves together but to assemble as a Church and the members to assemble with the Church as often as they may Heb. 10. 24 25. 2. To exhort one another daily to love and good works Heb. 3. 13. and 10. 24. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Acts 14. 22. and 11. 23. 3. The time for publick worship being especially the first day of the week Job 20. 19. Acts 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 Acts 2. 1. and was the first day of the week for this see my discourse about the sabbath and it is the duty of Saints to keep every day and week a sabbath to the Lord. 4. To walke together in love as brethren and to endeavour the peace and prosperity of the Church 1 Pet. 2. 17. 3. 8. Heb. 13. 1. Rom. 12. 9 10. 1 Thes 5. 13. 2 Cor. 13. 11. Ephes 4. 3. 5. To have fellowship together in the Lords supper viz. in breaking of bread and prayer Mat. 26. 26 27 28. Luke 22. 19. 20. Acts 2. 42. 1 Cor. 11. 23 24 25 26. 10. 16 17. 6. Not to mix in worship with those that walk contrary to the truth 2 Cor. 6. 14. 17. 2 Tim. 3. 5. Rev. 18. 4. Hos 7. 8. Nehem. 9. 2 13. 30. 7. To receive the weak but not to doubtful disputation Rom. 14. 1. that is not to inforce upon them indifferent things that lye doubtful and disputable See Rom. 14. throughout and 15. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 8. 13. 8. To condescend one to another in subjection and to seek rather to please one another in things lawfull then to please themselves 1 Pet. 5. 5. Rom. 15. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 10. 33. 9. To marry with such as may be judged to fear the Lord 1 Cor. 7. 39. Gen. 6. 1 2. 10. To observe the rule of Christ in dealing with an offending brother Matth. 18. 15. 2 Thes 3. 6. 1 Cor. 5. 4 5. Tit. 3. 10. 11. To have a simpathising and fellow feeling with and in each others afflictions and comforts Rom. 12. 15 16. 1 Cor. 12. 25 26. 12. To look diligently least any root of bitterness spring up and defile many Heb. 12. 15 16. and to avoid those that occasion divisions contrary to the doctrine of Christ Rom. 16. 17. 13. To withdraw from disorderly members that repent not 2 Thes 3. 6 14. 14. To reject offenders such of which there is no recovery to repentance by the means left by Christ for that end 1 Cor. 5. 4. 5. 11. Tit. 3. 10. 15. The man to have his head uncovered and the woman covered in prophecying or praying viz. the face 1 Cor. 11. 4 5 c. 16. Self examinations as at all times so particularly when they come to the supper of the Lord 1 Cor. 11. 28. 2 Cor. 13. 5. Psal 26. 2. 17. To try the spirits whether they be of God or no by the doctrine delivered 1 Joh. 4. 1. compared with the Scriptures 1 Thes 5. 21. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Isay 8. 20. 18. To lay a part every first day of the week as God hath blest for the supply of poor Saints 1 Cor. 16. 1. 19. To look diligently that there be no want in the body but that the poor be comfortably supplied and upon that count to be free in communicating 20. Every member that is of capacity to be exercised in some lawful calling 2 Thes 3. 10 11 12. 21. To help other neighbour Churches as need requires and ability hath fitted for such a work Acts 11. 28 29 30. 1 Cor. 16. 1 2 3. 2 Cor. 1. 8. 22. To restore a fallen brother in the spirit of meekness Gal. 6. 1. 23. To be much in the publick work and duty of prasing God to his name which I understand taken in speaking of him and to his praise Ephes 5. 16. Col. 3. 16. with 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. which is for one to speak to the praise of God and the rest to joyn in and say Amen as in prayer For all to sing in meeter together is that for which there is no rule in law or Gospel In the old Testament singers were appointed particularly to that work 1 Cor. 9. 33. Ezra 2. 65. Nehem. 7. 67. The popish queristers singing came nearest to this but I judge the old