our Mediator must be God 1. Because these evils which he was to expiate could never be taken away by any person that was not God sin done against an Infinite Majesty must have an equal satisfaction 2. Because the things with which he was to wrestle and the Enemies which he was to subdue could not be wrestled with nor subdued by any person who was not God Could a meer man wrestle with the infinite wrath of God subdue Satan and Death No the only human nature of Christ which in it self is finite and mortal could not bear up with that except the person had been God 3. Because the good things which he was to purchase could never have been purchased by any person who was not God a happiness far above Adam's eternal righteousness the image of God and communion with him in glory only the infinite worth of Christ the Son of God could compass that 2. He must not be God only for a Mediator is not a Mediator of one but he must be God manifested in the flesh He must be man 1. Because his name is to be put in our Bond he is to stand in our stead and to put his Soul in our souls room therefore he must be something else than God for God will have satisfaction to Justice of man the soul that sinneth shall die 2. Our Mediator must be a Mediator of satisfaction A Mediator of intercession may exalt grace and mercy by entreaties but cannot satisfie Justice this will not do the turn the Debt must be payed the principal Debt to obey the command he must be subject to the Law and the forfeiture must be satisfied he must bear the curse and die for without blood there is no remission he must then be a man and must have a body and soul the nature of Angels will not suffice Heb. 10.5 9 A body hast thou prepared me Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God 3. He must be one with us else what he doth cannot be imputed to us as there must be an imputation of our sin to him so of his righteousness to us now imputation imports an union for union is the ground of imputation and it must be an union in nature and Covenant the Angels sin was not imputed to man but Adams was with whom we were one in nature and Covenant 4. Our Mediator must receive the Spirit without which we cannot be sanctified Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth Chap. 3. v. 35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand Now the Father cannot receive the graces of the Spirit neither the Son as God for unto that which is infinite nothing can be added therefore our Mediator must have mans nature which is capable of receiving that which our Mediator must have 5. Our Mediator must convey to us the Adoption of sons and therefore must receive it himself and so become a man that he may receive it Gal. 4.4 5 6 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 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Christ is the natural Son of God Luk. 1.35 That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God He is also as man a Son as is evident from the original Greek where the article is not prefixed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 4.3 And when the tempter came to him he said If thou be the Son of God Gr. if thou be a Son of God Because Christ owns us as brethren therefore God is not ashamed to own us as Sons Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren He must be of our kindred for if Christ had not been our born brother we could not have been Gods Children 6. Our Mediator must be such a Person from whom we may receive the inheritance he must therefore be man for it is from Christ-man as he is an heir appointed Heb. 1.2 that we receive the inheritance for the natural inheritance of Christ cannot be communicated Gal. 4.5 7 To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons Wherefore thou art no more a servant but a son and if a son then an heir of God through Christ Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ 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 Covenant they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. Our Mediator must be God and man in one Person Immanuel Isa 7.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 both God and man sometimes denominated from one nature sometimes from another 1. That the great design and end of the Mediators Office might first be accomplished and made manifest in the Mediators own person union betwixt God and man was the design of a Mediator and this was done 1. In Christs Person for in him the houses of Heaven and Earth are allied 2. That he might be a person duly qualified for his Office he must be a Person equally distant from and equally drawing near unto both the parties this could not be a Person who was either God alone or man alone but God-man is a Person at some distance and in some nearness with both the parties having interest in both and participating of the natures of both he is a fit days-man to lay his hands on both Job 9.33 3. That he might have access to both parts of his work as Mediator he had two great transactions to go about 1. He was to deal with God for man 2. He was to deal for God with man unto these he could not have access without partaking of both the natures 1. That he may deal effectually with God for man he must be God for who can have access to deal with God but a Person who is God to deal with an angry God 1 Sam. 1.25 2. That he may deal with man from God and for God he must be man for man cannot endure the voice and presence of God immediately man unreconciled man without a Mediator cannot speak with God Exod. 20.19 And they said unto Moses Speak thou with us and we will hear but let not God speak with us lest we die Heb. 12.20 21 For they could not endure that which was commanded And so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake But of this more when I shall come to speak of the Requisites of a Mediator CHAP. XII Several Questions resolved concerning Christs taking
is my fellow saith the Lord of hosts And his own people smote him and used him very ill Mat. 21.38 But when the husbandmen saw the Son they said among themselves This is the heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his inheritance Joh. 1.11 He came unto his own and his own received him not Isa 53.3 He is despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and we hid as it were our faces from him he was dispifed and we esteemed him not Yet his love did bear him through all this cold encouragement 3. Consider how you entertain his Service 2 Cor. 6.1 We then as workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain Do not slight it do not refuse it upon whatsoever pretext but if he will do you Service and condescend to do you good suffer him to do it 't is no presumption to let him take his will of you he took it ill to be otherwise dealt with Joh. 13.6 8 And Peter saith unto him Lord dost thou wash my feet Peter saith unto him Thou shalt never wash my feet Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me And no wonder he take it very ill to have his Service slighted and refused for his Service is the heighth of his love which he â—annot endure to have slighted his Service offered is slighted â—y all those who will not give their consent to let him do unto them all the good offices which are mentioned in the Gospel by all who do not subject their consent unto it Joh. 5.40 And ye will not come to me that ye might have life Mat. 22.5 But they made light of it and went their ways one to his farm another to his merchandise 4. Consider what advantages we have by his Service 1. His condescension was the cause of our exaltation if he had not served we had not reigned if he had not come down to the footstool we should never have come up to the Throne Heb. 5.8 9 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered and being made perfect he became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 2. It was the hardship of his Service which makes ours so easie he left us little to do when he was made under the law he did bear away the bondage of our Service and Duties Rom. 7.4 Wherefore my brethren ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ that ye should be married to another even to him who is raised from the dead that we should bring forth fruit unto God He did hear the hard and insupportable yoke and left us nothing to do but to serve for love he brake the force and power of the adversary and left us only a broken party and routed forces to deal with 1 Cor. 15.55 O death where is thy-sting O grave where is thy victory Yea he hath not left us alone to deal with these 3. By his Service we have our liberty and can be no more Servants but Friends and Children of the house See Gal. 4.4 5 6 7 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father wherefore thou art no more a servant but a Son and if a Son then an heir of God through Christ Joh. 8.36 If the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed Joh. 15.15 Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all thinâ—s that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Rom. 8.2 For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death Gal. 4.31 So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free We were slaves and condemned under perpetual bondage married unto an angry tyrant so was the law become to transgressors but by his becoming a Servant under the law by his putting on our condition we became sharers of his liberty and Sonship 4. By his Service we have wages and a reward for our Service even for our poor worthless endeavours after duty about which there are so many questionings in the hearts of believers whether they shall be accepted and but few thoughts of a recompence I say our Service could never have been rewarded but for his Service this brought with it not acceptation only but a reward to ours upon his account being done in his name Luk. 17.10 So likewise ye when ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you say We are unprofitable servants we have done that which was but our duty to do Heb. 11.6 And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Isa 45.19 I said not unto the seed of Jacob Seek ye me in vain Isa 56.6 7 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant even them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people 5. By his Service we have that honourable marriage with him which was the price of the travel of his Soul even to have our Souls engaged to him for the Service of love which he served that he might have his people for his reward as Jacob served for the Wives that were given him in Laban his house Gen. 29.20 28 29. Isa 53.11 He shall see of the travel of his soul and shall be satisfied 5. Consider what this relation calleth for at our hands That Christ was a Servant in the business of the Covenant this calleth us 1. To yield our selves to be his Servants upon the terms of that Covenant wherein he served even to subject our consent to serve him in â—â—ke relations 2 Cor. 9.13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorified God for your professed subjection unto the Gospel of Christ 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord Isa 56.6 2. His Service calleth us to serve all his interests and relations his people especially the people who are nearly related to him Mat. 12.40 50 And he stretched forth his hand toward
and the Ordinances appropriated and ensured unto them only Christ's seed have the promise of the Spirit and the Word appropriated and ensured unto them for ever Gal. 3.29 And if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams Jeed and heirs according to the promise And the Churches seed have this Promise and Covenant only in so far as they are Christ's seed Isa 44.3 I will pour my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy off-spring 2. Because 't is Christ only who hath in store the Spirit which is given to all his seed though all Christ's seed receive of the fame Spirit of the Lord yet it cannot be said of any of them nor of the Church in general that their seed receive the Spirit that is upon them or in them to wit by communication of any part of the measure and proportion given to them but of Christ's only who received not the spirit by measure Joh. 3.34 Nor can it be said My spirit that is upon thee shall not depart from thy seed Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God bath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. Let it be considered that this is not only a Covenant made with Christ but it must needs be the Covenant of Redemption For although 1. There be mention here made of his seed which are not Parties in the Covenant of Redemption yet nothing is spoken to them but only to Christ and of them as a party not treated with but about whom there was treaty and Covenant 'twixt God and Christ for still the speech is to Christ in the second person upon thee thy seed and thy mouth c. 2. Although there be here mention of a Covenant with them that turn from ungodliness in Jacob and of Promises concerning the seed of Christ yet that amounts to no more than that they are the subject matter of the Covenant transacted betwixt God and Christ and that the Covenant with them springs out of the Covenant with him and is the result and execution thereof So that I take the meaning of the words This is my Covenant with them my spirit that is upon thee c. to be This is my Covenant that I have made with thee upon their account and for their behoof or the Covenant that I have made with them to wit virtually when I covenanted with thee and made promises to thee for their behoof the result whereof should amount unto a Covenant with them actually And I say it can be no other upon the matter but the Covenant of Redemption 1. Because 't is made with the Redeemer that should come out of Zion or with Christ as designed Mediator and Redeemer in the counsel of God long before he came in the Flesh 2. Because 't is a Covenant about the Redemption and recovery of the Elect people of God who are the only subject matter treated about in this Covenant as appears from the Text v. 20 21. 2. Proof I take from Psal 89 where the Covenant made with Christ is held forth as the Original Foundation and Establishment of the Covenant made with his seed and Christ is spoke of under the name of David with whom he changes Names in the Scripture and who was a type of Christ in many things but eminently in the Covenant that God made with him and that he was a publick person and a King by Covenant v. 3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen God having chose Christ for performing the work of Redemption did make a Covenant with him Two things being cleared in that Psalm it will amount to a full proof of the point in hand 1. That the Covenant spoken of there is made with Christ 2. That it is the Covenant of Redemption that is here intended For the first that the person spoken of under the name of David and with whom the Covenant was made is Christ and no other is evident from feveral expressions which are peculiar to Christ's Person and Kingdom and cannot be applyed to David further than he was a type of Christ This David is the mighty one upon whom God laid the help of his people v. 19. 'T is he upon whom the enemy shall not exact v. 22. 'T is he who is higher then the Kings of the earth v. 27. whose seed endures for ever and his throne as the days of heaven and to all generations v. 4 29 36 37. 'T is he who is distinguished from his seed by this difference that they may sin and be chastised v. 30 which case is not put of himself but only of his seed 't is he by the force and vertue of whose Covenant his sinful seed are not cast out from Covenant-kindness v. 33 34 35. and this could be no other but Christ And to put the matter out of question the Covenant and Promises made here v. 27 and in the parallel-Scripture 2 Sam. 7.14 are applyed unto Christ Heb. 1.5 2. That this was the Covenant of Redemption which God saith he made with his chosen David i. e. Christ may be gathered also from the Text. 1. It is the Covenant by which Chris is constituted a Servant and engaged in the Service of the Lord about our Redemption v. 4 I have made a Covenant with my chosen David my servant 2. 'T is the Covenant by which the help of the People of God is laid on Christ as a mighty potent responsal person able for the work v. 19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ is a King and a Priest and is designed and destinated called and separated unto Offices for the work of Redemption v. 19 20 26 27 I have exalted one chosen out of the people with my oyl have I annointed him c. 4. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ received commands to fulfil his offices and to depend upon God in the doing of the work v. 27. He shall cry unto me my Father and my God thou art the rock of my Salvation 5. 'T is the Covenant by which Christ had peculiar promises made unto him of assistance for the work of Redemption and help to the people of God v. 21 Mine arm also shall strengthen him c. of glorious victory v. 23 I will beat down his foes c. and exaltation v. 27 I will make him my first born higher than the Kings of the earth Of a seed and off-spring to endure for ever v. 29 His seed also will I make to endure c. Now this could be no other but the Covenant of Redemption for by no Covenant is Christ engaged in this Service called unto these Offices undertaker of the Peoples help receiver of such commands and promises c. but by this Covenant of Suretiship Object If it be said That here are many things spoken which relate to Christ's seed and which do belong to the Covenant of reconciliation such as the keeping Covenant-kindness and mercy
Scriptures Yea so much was the Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Redemption for the glory of God even considered personally that thereby beside the glory that was common to all the three Persons there did accrue a peculiar glory to the distinct Persons of the Godhead in regard of their distinct offices and working in this business of Redemption a peculiar glory to the Father who gave Christ and who sent him upon this business and blessed us in him even a peculiar honour to the Father from the Lord Mediator and Redeemer Joh. 8.49 But I honour my Father saith Christ and a peculiar honour to the Father from the ransomed and redeemed People 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again into a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead A peculiar honour to the Son to Christ the Lord Mediator and that both upon earth and in heaven a peculiar glory to the Lamb that wrought the Redemption unto which his Father appointed him Joh. 5.22 23 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father which the Son claimeth Joh. 17.1 4 These words spoke Jesus and lift up his eyes to heaven and said Father the hour is come glorifie thy Son that thy Son also may glorifie thee I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And which is payed to him in heaven Rev. 7.10 Saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb. And 5.9 And they sing 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 A peculiar glory unto the eternal Spirit by whom the Son of God offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.14 and to whom the effectual application of the purchased Redemption by peculiar office belongs 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. 6.63 It is the spirit that quickeneth Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father 2. The good of the ransomed and redeemed people required that their Redemption should be transacted in a Covenant betwixt God and Christ and to this intent and for this end it was necessary 1. To introduce and usher in the new way of life thorow the Gospel-dispensation which could never have come to light nor have appeared upon the stage to act any thing if God had not by his eternal transactions with Christ in whom he found a ransome made way for the taking down the transient-time-dispensation of Law and Works which was only to continue and stand a Court of righteousness for a short space and so opened a door for free Grace to take the Theatre and to act its part more nobly than the Law-dispensation that was first upon the stage And this I say was ushered in and it was necessary that way should be made for it by God's Covenant-dealings with Christ in whom his Justice had a satisfaction else the Law-dispensation of Works and Nature had kept the Stage for ever and there had been no Court wherein Grace sits upon the throne and wherein Sinners might plead righteousness and life on Gospel-terms Christ's saying from eternity Lo I come to do thy will O God Psal 40.6 And deliver him from going down to the pit I have found a ransom Job 33.24 Which words are upon the matter and originally true of Christ's dealings with his Father Jo. Cocc Dâ— foed c. 5. Sect. 88. and by some Expositors applyed to him This I say ushered in and made way for the Gospel-dispensation of a Covenant of free Grace Hence it is that the Apostle states the rise of life and immortality that is brought to light by the Gospel upon the eternal foederal dealings that were betwixt God and Christ 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ before the world began But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel Rom. 8.3 4 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 2. The Covenant of Redemption betwixt God and Christ was necessary for our good that the Covenant of life and righteousness to us in the way of this Gospel-dispensation might be pure soveraign Grace Now the more of Grace and God's gracious will and heart is in the business and the less of the Creatures will and acting the better for us the sweeter and the surer is the Covenant But here all is of the Lord and of his gracious will all is transacted betwixt God and Christ and man is not so much is present at the first transaction of the Covenant as he was at the Covenant of works here he is neither at the beginning nor end of it I mean that end which it had in God's foederal dealings with Christ where the Redemption and Salvation of the elect was a concluded business and the conclusion tarried not nor was suspended for man's consent sure this was pure Grace this was all Grace eminent Grace when there was nothing of the Creature no not so much as acting in a vital formal manner as now we act under the application of this Covenant by these gracious acts which are efficiently from God but there all was the gracious free will of God without any thing of the Creatures will surely that was eminent signal Grace and the better for us 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. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph. 1.4 5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 3. A Covenant betwixt God and Christ about our Salvation and Redemption was necessary that the business of our Salvation might be far advanced ere it come to our working at it with fear
Father glorifie thou me with thine own self But Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption 1. Efficiently or in regard of the efficient cause thereof the spring whence it came was Grace pure Grace and nothing else made it and gave it a being it was not only an act of will pleasure freedom and soveraignty but an act of gracious will and the good pleasure of his will that made it Eph. 1.5 Col. 1.19 2. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant ultimately in regard that the ultimate end and scope thereof is the manifesting the glory of the richness and freeness of Grace t is a design of Grace that is driven and carried on in the Covenant of Redemption Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2 Tim. 1.9 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began 3. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was in it fundamentally the whole contrivance and dispensation of Grace is bottomed upon this eternal transaction and turns upon the hinge of this Compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ therefore all the mercies and faithfulness of the Lord that we are made to sing of within time are laid upon this foundation Psal 89.1 2 3 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens I have made a Covenant with my chosen 4. Graciousness may be attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was here originally for here the first draughts of pure soveraign free Grace and the unsearchable riches thereof were drawn and portrayed here is fountain-Grace and from thence came the streams here were the beginnings of that noble design of Grace laid and from hence did they come forth Col. 1.26 27 Even the mysterie which had been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mysterie among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the hope of glory 5. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace is here comprehensively even all that God hath been driving and acting upon the spirits of his people by the Gospel-covenant and Ordinances thereof and the work of his Spirit since the beginning of the world and all that he shall do until the day that the ransomed and redeemed company be perfected even the whole plot of Grace is all comprised in this eternal transaction with Christ and to it are we led as the comprehension of all Covenant-grace and mercy Isa 55.3 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make with you an everlasting Covenant even the sure mercies of David 6. Graciousness is attributed to this Covenant because Grace is here eminently and indeed if the comparison might be fitly made pure Gospel free Grace is more in the Covenant of Redemption than in the Covenant of Reconciliation for 't is in the Covenant of Redemption principally as water is in the fountain and in the Covenant of Reconciliation by participation and consequentially because God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself by that Covenant therefore he is now in Christ reconciling the world to himself by this Covenant of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trospasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled unto God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be the righteousness of God in him 7. Graciousness is attributed to the Covenant of Redemption because Grace was therein exemplarily for hereby God did act Grace in Christ and made him a Samplar and the first copy of free Grace to all his brethren seed and heirs that they might share with him upon whom the first acts of eternal Covenant-love and Grace fell and that God might shew forth in him a pattern of Covenant-dealings and out letting of Covenant-favour and promises Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation With Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son Gal. 4.6 And because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba father Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together 3. Another Property of the Covenant of Redemption is Eternity For 1. Both the Parties are eternal the eternal God who is from everlasting to everlasting Deut. 33.27 and the eternal Son of God whose eternal power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 is equal with God his Father Phil. 2.6 And who shall declare his generation Isa 53.8 Joh. 1.1 2 In the beginning the word was and the word was with God and the word was God the same was in the beginning with God Rev. 1.8 I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end saith the Lord which is which was and which is to come 2. The union of the two natures in the Person of the Redeemer which was transacted in this Covenant is an eternal union I mean the humane nature which was from eternity designed unto a substantial union with God being once assumed stands in that substantial union for ever so that it is impossible that the personal union which was transacted in the Covenant of Redemption can be dissolved unto all eternity for 't is unquestionable that Christ shall stand glorified in our nature in heaven for ever for even there is a throne for the man Christ for the Lamb slain for ever Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the lamb shall be in it Act. 17.31 3. The New Covenant-relations which were established betwixt Jehovah and Christ by this Covenant of Redemption are eternal relations which shall never cease Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee And again I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son This Covenant-relation I say whereby God is the God and Father
1 Joh. 2.27 But the anointing that ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you c. Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ And 1.23 The fulness of him that filleth all in all Acts 10.38 He is said to be anointed with the holy Ghost and with power having both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 given to him both might and authority Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God And Col. 1.19 It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell that is admirable perfection of Grace he hath all worth in his person nothing is wanting in him that may compleat his peoples happiness some short view of the Graces wherewith he was filled we have Isa 11.2 3 4 5 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither shall reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins and faithfulness the girdle of his reins Rom. 15.12 And again Esaias saith There shall be a root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust And Col. 2.3 All the treasures of wisdom and knowledg not absolutely taken for infinite knowledg as the words relate to the human nature of Christ but relatively for a marvellous height of perfection of these things such as was requisite for his Mediatorship in order to our salvation Again Col. 2.9 it 's said of him The fulness of the Godhead dwells in him bodily i. e. personally by the union of the divine nature with the human in the unity of his person the perfect Deity of the Son with all his Attributes and not only in regard of particular gifts and graces as he dwelleth in the Prophets and Saints but as the soul dwelleth in the body personally or substantially in opposition to the shadows of the Old Testament But mainly by the anointing of Christ with the Holy Ghost we understand two things which we find joined with the Spirit promised to him 1. All the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit in copious and abundant measure and according to the highest pitch and degree that the human nature of Christ was capable to receive and so the Spirit put upon him is joined with the variety and eminency of excel-cellent gifts Isa 11.2 c. 2. The unutterable assistance and presence of the Spirit bearing his Human nature up in all that he was to do as Mediator that he should not serve on his own charges See Isa 42.1 2 Behold my servant whom I have chosen 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 c. Psal 89.21 With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall strengthen him And both these the holy Human nature of Christ needed for these reasons 1. For the things which he was to suffer If Christ had nothing to do but active obedience the spirit of Adam or confirmed Angels might have done his turn but he had another work to do which would have crushed those excellent creatures to satisfie justice and lye under the infinite wrath of God and therefore needed more than they received Heb. 9.14 He is said to have offered up himself by the power of the eternal spirit which I take to signifie not only the Godhead which gave value to his suffering but the assistance of the Holy-Ghost whereby he was marvellously helped I mean his humane nature to go through those sufferings 2. Because his anointing was intended to run over to his people and the off-fallings of it was designed to fill them therefore it behoved to be without measure such a measure as cannot be comprehended by any other creature Joh. 1.16 Of his fulness do we receive Psal 133.2 It is like the precious oyntment upon the head that ran down upon the beard even Aarons beard that went down to the skirts of his garments Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord might dwell among them with Eph. 4.8 He led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men Joh. 5.26 For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself 3. Because God hath so contrived the business of Grace that no created thing can act without the spirit not Adam not the Angels not the holy humane nature of Christ that all creatures might be known to have no self-sufficiency but to be very depending things upon God and upon grace the assisting-grace of his Spirit that framed them and gave them being Mat. 3.15 And Jesus answering said unto him Suffer it to be so now for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness Rom. 11.36 For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever For a further clearing of this part of Christs Unction I lay down these four Positions 1. Concerning the Nature thereof that it was the same with the Unction of believers it was not one spirit which Christ received and another which believers receive grace in him and in them differ not in kind but in degrees See Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Psal 45.7 Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Rom. 8.9 11 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 But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you For Consider the Unction of the
and the people owning him he being the only person in heaven or earth who doth bear or is capable to bear the relation of God towards the people and again of the people towards God for he is God with us Mat. 1.23 He is God and the people united and owning one another and in some things he doth represent and carry forth God to us as ours 2 Cor. 5.19 And in other things he doth represent and carry in the people of God and present them before him as his own people Heb. 9.24 and 2.13 Eph. 2.6 2. In regard of causality for although Christ be not the cause of Gods love to the Elect but the effect thereof Joh. 3.16 yet he is the cause of the effects and acts whereby it runneth forth towards us Christ is the bottom of the relation betwixt God and his people for by his taking a new Covenant-right unto God as his God and Father by Covenant he is lay the foundation of Gods being our God by Covenant and of our being the people of God by Covenant which had never been were it not for Christs new Covenant-right Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me Thou art my father my God and the rock of my salvation Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee and again I will be to him a father and he shall be to me a son 3. In regard of conveyance or of the manner and way how we have access to this priviledg and Covenant-state to have God to be our God God is our God in Christ and we are Gods people in and through Christ and without an existence in Christ and union with him God is not ours neither are we his Eph. 2.12 That at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world For Covenant-relations as well as blessings come to us through Christ we come to God in Christ and God cometh to us and becometh ours in him 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them 3. The sum of the mutual stipulation is in Christ there are some mutual conditions and stipulations in this as in other Covenants But Christ may be well called the whole stipulation 1. Because 't is he who obtaineth the consent of both parties and receiveth in their Amen to that blessed transaction of friendship and union the consent of the one from everlasting Prov. 8.22 23 30. with 2 Tim. 1.9 Tit. 1.2 and of the other when we believe Joh. 6.37 Rev. 22.17 20. 2. Because the Covenant was given to him to be fulfilled on both sides by him it was fulfilled upon Gods side for he is the person which was sent to perform all that God had promised to his people Luk. 1.69 70 72 73 74 And hath raised up an horn to salvation for us in the house of his servant David as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham that he would grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear By him it was fulfilled upon our part for he is the person upon whom our help was laid even to perform whatsoever is required of us by the Covenant Psal 89.17 19 For thou art the glory of their strength Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. Because upon the matter Christ is the very thing which is mutually stipulated upon both sides Consider I pray God stipulates to give us Christ and that is the sum of what he stipulates Isa 55.3 4 Incline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live and I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people a leader and commander to the people And again we restipulate to give Christ to God for all that the Covenant requires of us 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Phil. 3.9 And be found in him not having mine own righteousness which is of the law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith For this is the nature of the Gospel-Covenant it craveth conditions and duties from us but filleth the hand with Christ wherewith to pay the masters rent and we do answer all that is craved with Christ which maketh the craving gentle Isa 60.17 I will also make thine officers peace and thine exactors righteousness 4. Christ is the sum of all the promises and blessings of the Covenant Isa 42.6 And give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles This doth appear 1. From the first discovery of this Covenant which had but one promise in it and that was the promise of Christ Gen. 3.15 The seed of the woman 2. This appears from Gods explicating the sum of the promises and Covenant when it was more explicitely held forth to be Christ gifted to his people Gen. 12.3 And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed Isa 55.3 4 And I will make an everlasting covenant with you even the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness to the people 3. This appears from the holy Ghosts accounting Christs coming to be the performing of the whole Covenant and promises Luk. 1.69 72 73 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant the oath which he sware to our father Abraham c. 5. Christ is the sum of all the properties of the Covenant not only because whatsoever these properties speak forth of the nature of that transaction that is to be found in him but also and chiefly because Christ is the foundation of all these properties as may appear by a short recapitulation of the particular properties thereof which are all comprised in Christ And 1. The freeness of the Covenant is comprised in him The Covenant of grace is free and indeed Christ is a free Christ or Christ freely given to his people is the sum of the free Covenant Joh. 3.16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever
When we value Christ out of love not out of necessity only as the manner of those is who come to him only in their exigency as men use Physicians Psal 116.1 I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplication 3. When the excellencies of Christ do affect the heart to take pains to seek him proportionably as we seek after other things Song 5.6 9 10 I opened to my beloved but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone my soul failed when he spake I sought him but I could not find him I called him but he gave me no answer What is thy beloved more than another beloved O thou fairest among women what is thy beloved more than another beloved that thou dost so charge us my beloved is white and ruddy the chiefest among ten thousand 4. When we are not easily offended at him Mat. 11.6 And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me Song 5.7 8 The watch-men that went about the city found me they smote me they wounded me the keepers of the walls took away my vail from me I charge you O daughters of Jerusalem if ye find my love that ye tell him that I am sick of love There is nothing that argueth more clearly a low esteem of Christ than a readiness to be soon and easily stumbled at him or something in his way with us or attending the way of seeking him and on the other hand nothing argueth a higher esteem of him than not to be easily offended at him let him do what he will yet will I go after him let me meet with what can be imagined which stumbleth others yet will I hold on my way is the thoughts and heart-language of one that valueth Christ above all Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him Vse 4. To teach us whatsoever things appertaining to this Covenant we cast our eyes upon to observe more of Christ in it for if we look upon it aright there is no part of the Covenant but we may behold Christ ingraven upon it he is the precious subject-matter of the whole and of every part of the Covenant whether they be 1. Things covenanted by God to us Christ is ingraven upon every promise and blessing and priviledg of the Covenant the righteousness and life whereunto we are restored are the righteousness and life of Christ Jer. 23.6 And this is his name whereby he shall be called The Lord our righteousness Gal. 2.20 Yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the fiesh I live by the faith of the Son of God 1 Cor. 1.30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Col. 3.2 3 Set your affection on things above and not on things on the earth For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God The Sonship the spirit the grace the title to God they are our partnership of Christs Sonship his spirit his grace his Covenant-right to God Rom. 8.17 And if children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together Gal. 4.6 And because ye are sons God hath sent out the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Or 2. Whether they be things re-stipulated by us to God as conditions of the Covenant or as duties of the confederate people upon every condition and duty of the Covenant Christ is ingraven the faith accepting Covenant-grace and blessings is the faith of the Son of God Gal. 2.20 The holiness and worthy walking whereunto we are called is that same thing whereunto we are chosen and created in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.10 and 1.4 Vse 5. For commending Christ to you 1. See the necessity of receiving Christ and of being in him without which we can have no right to the Covenant nor to any thing contained in it he is given for a Covenant if it were possible for you to receive all that is in the Gospel-offers and not to receive Christ all these things without him could not change your Covenant-state Eph. 2.12 If you continue without Christ you are still without the Covenant therefore is that expression so frequently used to denote one in Covenant with God they that are in Christ Rom. 8.1 2 Cor. 12.2 2. Learn the way how the confederate people should come to God it is not enough that we should come to God and bring Christ with us as a third person but we must also come to God as being in Christ as being one with him Joh. 15.2 And this is to come to God through Christ Heb. 7.25 3. Be perswaded to take him who is given of God for a Covenant of the people make Christ your own and you make all the bargain your own for he is the Covenant of the people and he is all saith the Apostle Col. 3.11 And whoso findeth me findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord saith he himself Prov. 8.35 We beseech you receive the gift which draweth all the Covenant along with it Joh. 1.12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name If you ask When do we receive Christ 1. When we receive the very bonds of the word and that which doth most cross our corruption and straiten the loosness and liberty of our flesh 1 Thess 1.6 And ye became followers of us and of the Lord having received the word in much affliction with joy of the holy Ghost 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 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 2. When we imbrace and kiss the promises that is when we love them dearly and welcome them kindly for the good that is in them for the things which they carry forth unto us Heb. 11.13 These all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off and were perswaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth So did those Worthies who obtained a good report through faith verso 390 3. When we find and receive something sweeter and better in the promises than salvation even Christ himself Song 5.16 His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely This is my beloved and this is my friend O daughters of Jerusalem A temporary may receive the word with joy and the promises of
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And 1. That it was not made with Christ God or considered as the natural only Son of God is manifest For 1. Christ God could not be under the Law 2. Nor represent man and take his Law-place 3. Nor can Christ God suffer and pay a price of blood 4. Nor could Christ God receive a Mission and Mandates he could not be a Messenger nor be sent if we speak properly 5. Nor to Christ God could there be promises made or any reward given c. These and many such instances may serve for establishing the negative part of this Assertion to wit that the Covenant of Redemption was not made with Christ God beside that this will receive further confirmation by establishing the affirmative part of the Assertion 2. The Covenant of Redemption was made with Christ God-man For 1. In this respect only Christ could make a party distinct from the other party covenanting to wit Jehovah it could not have been a Covenant except there had been two parties agreeing together Now Christ God the second person could not constitute a party covenanting distinct from God considered essentially as common to all the three Father Son and Spirit Joh. 10.30 I and my Father are one It was therefore Christ God-man that made the Covenant of Redemption 2. Christ had a will distinct from Jehovah's will only as he was God-man for as God his will is one and the same with his Father's will and undistinguished from it Joh. 1.13 Not of the will of man but of God Now where there is a Conant betwixt two there must be two wills else how can there be any agreement or consent of two for consent is an act of the will It follows therefore that the Covenant was made with Christ God-man since in this respect only there are two wills meeting consenting and agreeing on the same thing 3. In what respect only Christ had a will capable of howing yielding and obeying in that respect he is to be considered in the Covenant of Redemption whereby he voluntarily yielded to do these things which no natural necessity obliged him to 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 Now it is evident that Christ only as he was God man had a will capable of howing and yielding Mat. 26.30 Nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt for the will of Christ as God was not capable of bowing and yielding for who hath resisted his will Rom. 9.19 the Govenant therefore was made with Christ God-man 4. In what respect Christ was inferiour to God or subordinate to him and did receive offices trust mission commands c. and did obey In that respect only was the Covenant of Redemption stricken with him for by the tenor of that Covenant he did all these things Joh. 10.18 This commandment have I received of my Father And 6.38 39 For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me And this is the fathers will that hath sent me And it is manifest that in this respect only Christ as God-man is inferior to God Joh. 14.28 My Father is greater then I for Christ God is equal with his Father Psal 2.6 It follows therefore necessarily that the Covenant of Redemption was made with Christ God-man 5. In this consideration only as Christ is God-man the conditions and satisfaction performed by him are performed by one party and accepted by another in this respect only there is sending and coming asking and receiving commanding and obeying giving satisfaction and receiving it for if Christ be considered as God then there could be no performing and accepting of satisfaction for so the party giving and receiving sending and going working and rewarding being the same all satisfaction is taken away for the party the same every way cannot be the giver and receiver of the satisfaction so all distinction of parties is taken away and consequently all Covenant-dealings enervated 6. The Covenant of Redemption must be with Christ God-man in regard that the satisfaction required upon God's part to be performed by Christ and undertaken by him was such as might stand in Law for our sin Now it is not imaginable how the satisfaction of Christ God could meet with the curse of the Law of works that had gone forth against man Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law that we might receive the Adoption of Sons It rests therefore that it was a satisfaction undertaken by God-man in the Covenant of Redemption 7. In that consideration that Christ was Surety for his people and Mediator betwixt God and man in the same consideration was the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption made with him for he could not he a Surety in one respect and act himself unto it in another but it is plain Scripture that it was not Christ God that was Mediator and Surety but Christ God-man 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus Heb. 7.22 By so much was Jesus made surety of a better testament 8. In what consideration Christ did perform the Covenant of Redemption in the same respect he is to be considered as a party undertaker for no man can probably think that one party undertook and another performed but it is above question that Christ God-man did perform this Covenant and fulfil the conditions therein required 1 Tim. 3.16 And without controversie great is the mysterie of Godliness God was manifested in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of angels weached unto the gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory Gal. 4.4 But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the draw 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 I conclude therefore that with Christ God man was the Covenant of Redemption made Besides these arguments many more might be framed from the particular commands conditions and promises of the Covenant of Redemption which are competent only to Christ God-man and no ways to Christ God From this which hath been said of Christ considered as God and as God-man we may answer the question How the Justice of God can have a satisfaction from and by a person or party who is God Ans 1. If Christ God had been the party with whom the Covenant of Redemption had been transacted then indeed the party giving and the party receiving the satisfaction had been the same But the Covenant being made with Christ God-man a person different from offended God essentially considered so it is another party that makes the satisfaction than the party
the doing and suffering of so excellent a person who was God-man and so all these being acts so excellent and so undue except by voluntary condescension they must needs be such conditions as were part of the price payed by him 4. The obedience of Christ and all that he did in obedience to the Law being performed by him in the state of his humiliation in which he was whatsoever he was for us 2 Cor. 8.9 for your sakes he became poor all these must have respect of conditions of his Covenant with Jehovah which he performed for us Assert 7. The conditions of the Covenant of Redemption required from Christ and performed by him were meritorious that is they were not consequent conditions which denote only a connexion and order betwixt the thing promised and the condition required but they were antecedent conditions when the condition is the cause of the thing promised as in contracts of Justice where one thing is given for another So the conditions of this Covenant performed by Christ did by order of strict Justice and jure emptionis claim the reward that was promised and covenanted with him to be given to himself the head and to his elect people in whose stead he satisfied Justice by paying their debt with a price of blood hence it is that he craves the reward to be given and that in Justice for the work he had done Joh. 17.4 5 24 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold thy glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world Hence it is also that his Advocation is grounded upon Justice and he stands in Heaven Jesus the righteous 1 Joh. 2.1 who being now justified and acquitted of the debt that he took upon him by his bond of Suretiship whereby he was made sin and made a curse for us 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 3.13 He pleads now the merit of blood Assert 8. The condition of the Covenant of Suretiship is either more general and adequate or more special and forwal and accordingly we must answer the question when 't is asked what was the condition of this Covenant Answ 1. The general adequate condition of the Covenant of Suretiship can be no narrower than Christ's whole undertaking so that whatsoever he undertook to do whether in his own person or in his people for carrying on and perfecting the word of Redemption from beginning to end must be part of the conditions required at his hand whereof read Psal 40.6 to 11. compared with Heb. 10.5 to 11 all which may be summed up in six comprehensive heads 1. Christ's accepting the grand charge of this work of Redemption even the Mediatory office that was put upon him he receives the keys of the house of David the trust and weight of the lost but elect world and all the burthen and care of them is devolved upon him with this office Isa 22.22 24. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all tho vessels of flaggons 2. His taking out nature upon him and that not in its primitive virgin integrity but when it was at the worst it was a condition of this Covenant that Christ should humble himself to take on him the likeness of sinful flesh Rom. 8.3 that he should take the same nature that offended divine Justice even the same flesh and blood whereof the children are partakers and no other Heb. 2.14 3. His taking our Law-place was another condition not our nature only but our Law-place and room that is to put his Soul in our Soul's stead that the Law of God might reach him who otherwise could not be reached by the Law and that Divine Justice executing the curse and penalty of the Law might smite him as the guilty man being by his own consent and his bond of Suretiship become legally the debtor and sinner though not intrinsecally Gal. 4.4 made under the Law and made sin for us 2 Cor. 5.21 though he knew no sin 4. His acting our part not in a scenick but in a real manner he came upon the stage to represent our person and in our nature and Law-place he really acted our part and this was another condition required of him who perfectly obeyed the command of the Law and suffered the threatning thereof for us even all that Justice had threatned to inflict upon the offender and transgressour of the Law Gal. 3.13 he was made a curse for us Isa 53.5 the chastisement of our peace was upon him c. 5. His taking a new Covenant-right unto God his own Father and not to God only but to heaven and glory and all the New-covenant blessings whereby the Covenant-right and rites of his redeemed people might be consolidated in him as their head and whereby he might for ever carry their names and interests before his Father as being there represented by him Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father my God and the rock of my Salvation Heb. 2.11.13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren And again I will put my trust in him and again behold I and the children which thou hast given me And 9.24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us 6. His effectual application of the Redemption purchased by his Suretiship unto all his redeemed ones And under this I comprehend Christ's undertaking for the pouring out of the Spirit to send to them his Spirit to draw them to him to cause them to believe receive his Surety-righteousness to keep them in his favour and love to cause them to persevere to present them perfected and without spot to God Joh. 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testifie of me Joh. 12.32 And if I be lifted up from the earth I will draw all men unto me Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Joh. 6.39 40 And this is the Father's will that hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day And this is the will of him that sent me that
shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee A person in offices who had all judgment committed unto him who had power given him over all flesh Joh. 17.2 and all power in heaven and earth Mat. 28.18 this was he to whom all the honourable offices and absolute powers of his Father's house was promised that he might act and give orders and set up and put down and none to controul him Isa 22.22 24 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder so he shall open and none shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open And they shall hang upon him all the Glory of his Father's house the off-spring and the issue all vessels of small quantity from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flaggons 3. I say the Lord Mediator had all these offices and authorities by Covenant the Lord promised to him and covenanted with him to give him these offices for doing the work of Redemption therefore we read Psal 89. that Christ who there is called David is constituted a King by Covenant v. 3 4 and by what Covenant even by that Covenant whereby the help of God's elect people was laid upon him v. 19. and this was the Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption and in the same place we read of the standing fast of God's Covenant with him v. 28. even that Covenant whereby he was made higher than the Kings of the earth v. 27. And again we find the same Covenant whereby he had a lasting Kingdom sworn with him v. 34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David To the same purpose also there is an oath interposed with the promise of his Priesthood to shew that he was in that office by a more unalterable Covenant than that which was made with Levi Mal. 2.5 My covenant with him was of life and peace compared with Heb. 7.21 For those Priests were made without an oath but this with an oath by him that said unto him the Lord sware and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever The second kind of Promises made to Christ are such as relate to the gifts endowments and habitual furniture which was necessary unto the man Christ for performing this great work he had an instrumental fitness for this extraordinary work Isa 11.2 3 4 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and might the spirit of knowledg and of the fear of the Lord. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes neither reprove after the hearing of his ears But with righteousness shall he judg the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked And under this sort of Promises I comprehend 1. The Sanctification of our nature to be assumed by him and infusion of habitual Grace in the holy humane nature of Christ from the very first moment of his conception and of the personal union of the two natures Luk 1.35 Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Heb. 7.26 For such an high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separated from sinners and made higher than the heavens 2. The growth of Grace whereof the man Christ was capable who was made in all things like his brethren except sin we must therefore conceive of his growth to have been without sinful weakness and to have been in experience and in physical intention and bendedness of acts of obedience which the Law does not require in like degree from the young as from the old Luk. 2.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man Heb. 5.8 Though he were a Son yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered Zech. 6.12 Behold the man whose name is 〈◊〉 â—ranch and he shall grow up out of his place and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 3. The annointing in its fulness without measure and above his fellows whereby the man Christ was full of Grace and had a fulness for this work whereof no other creature was capable Psal 45.2 7 Thou art fairer then the children of men Grace is poured into thy lips therefore God hath blessed thee for ever Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Joh. 1.14 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And 3. 34 for God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him 4. The overflowings of his fulness whereby the Spirit and All-saving Grace being placed in him as in a Store-house and Treasure not for himself only but for his elect people did run down and flow out from the Mediator from Christ God-man as water from a fountain and fresh spring as dropping showers from full clouds Joh. 1.16 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace Col. 2.3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledg And 1.19 But it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell 5. The bodily inhabitation of the fulness of the God-head in him By vertue of that unconceivable mysterie of the personal union he had a personal fulness Col. 2.9 for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily The third kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ and covenanted to him were such as relate to his actual support in the execution of this office and performing of the work which he undertook for the man Christ being a creature needed more than habitual Grace and anointing with gifts for such a work there was a necessity that he should not act independently without influence from God And to this kind of promises may be referred the promises of heavenly influences to all the acts of his Mediatory-office and his Surety-obedience so that as the man Christ needed the Spirit and Influences these were ensured by Covenant unto him so that it was impossible that the man Christ could sin or come short in performing all his Father's pleasure as Adam sinned and fell short of the command having actual influences ensured unto him as well as habitual Grace hence he saith of himself Joh. 16.32 and 8.16 I am not alone it was impossâ—â—â— that he could be left alone of his Father and to him was the promise made Isa 11.12 The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him the Spirit and heavenly influences were his constant companions Isa 50.4 He wakeneth
and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed 5. The promise of glory a peculiar glory in heaven throughout eternity to the Lord Mediator and Redeemer to the Lamb that was slain who wrought this great and glorious work of our Redemption this glory he craveth as his wages Joh. 17.4 5 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do And now O Father glorifie thou me with thine own self This glory he eyed when he was at hard labour about the work Isa 49.4 5 Surely my judgment is with the Lord and my work with my God Though Israel be not gathered yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord and my God shall be my strength Heb. 12.2 Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross This glory was promised to him Zech. 6.13 He shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory Isa 22.24 And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his Father's house this glory is actually payed to him in heaven where the Lamb has a throne Rev. 22.3 But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it And 7.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them where there is a new Song sung unto the Lamb Rev. 5.9 10 And they sung a new Song saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth Yea and a crown and glory for his redeemed seed was part of the reward promised to him and for which he wrought Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me Luk. 12.32 Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom 2 Pet. 5.4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory The seventh kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these that relate to interest I mean the new contracted interests Covenant-interests that were promised to him as part of this agreement betwixt Jehovah and Christ Mediator out of which did spring all the new Covenant-interests and relations that we have to God And such were 1. The interest in God as his God by Covenant for to him was the great Mother promise of the Covenant made I will be his God Psal 80.26 He shall cry to me thou art my God This interest is bound up with him in the Covenant of Suretiship 2. The interest in God as his Father by Covenant to Christ was promised and with him was bound up a new Sonship and Covenant-title to God as his Covenanted Father Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me thou art my Father Heb. 1.5 I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son and these Covenant-relations and interests and the compellations arising from them we find Christ own and acknowledg Joh. 20.17 I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and to your God Hence he calleth us brethren children of the same Father who have one Covenant-relation with him to the same God Hell 2.12 I will declare thy name unto my brethren hence God is called the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. The interest of Saviourship for to the man Christ 't is promissed that Jehovah shall be the rock of his Salvation Psal 89.26 he shall cry to me Thou art my God and the rock of my Salvation hence he cryed Father save me from this hour Joh. 12.27 Jehovah was a Saviour to the man Christ from the things that he suffered as our surety he saveth the head and body therefore it is said Heb. 5.7 that he cryed to him that was able to save him from death 4. The interest of headship when Christ was given to be head of his body the Church he took upon him the man Christ the Mediator took upon him a new relation to God as his head which is founded and bound up in the Covevenant of Suretiship by which this comely order was established that Christ should be a head to his Church and God should be a head to the man Christ In this respect it is said that Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.23 and how As ye are Christs and all things are yours that is in a subordination to do service 1 Cor. 11.3 and the head of Christ is God the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ must be the head of Christ a head by union to which Christ is united by bonds of union not natural only but foederal Joh. 10.30 I and my father are one Joh. 1.1 And the word was with God a head by influence of Spirit and Grace to the man Christ who liveth by the Father Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father a head by way of order who is over Christ Mediator and to whom the man Christ is subject 1 Cor. 15.28 Then shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all things under him 5. The interest of hearing Prayer Psal 89.26 He shall cry unto me this is bound up among the Covenant-interests which he took upon him by his Suretiship and by this relation when Christ should humble himself to pray Jehovah promiseth to hear him and he hath hearing by Covenant as his seed also have it Isa 49.8 In an acceptable time have I heard thee Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me always Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up Prayers and Supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he feared These and the like interests and relations were covenanted to Christ and out of these Covenant-interests engaged unto him did our Covenant-relations spring The last kind of Promises made by Jehovah to Christ were these which relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship And the great and publick effects which it should produce in the whole frame of the creation for the elect redeemed peoples sake And such were 1. The promise of delivery of the whole creation from bondage and vanity unto which it was made subject for man's Sin and whereof the whole world is sick like a woman travelling in birth Rom. 8.20 21 22 For the creature was made subject unto vanity not willingly but by reason of him that hath subjected the same in hope Because the creature it self also shall be delivered from
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 He is Mediator applicationis seu intercessionis the person that still mediates and officiates before God on our behalf for fresh applications of all his purchase 11. Through him we receive all the blessings of the Covenant he receives them for us and Christ Mediator is constitute great Lord Dispensator and Theasaurer the head of the Church who receiveth blessings for the whole body and every member thereof 2 Tim. 1.9 According to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Psal 68.18 Thou hast received gifts for men He is Mediator receptionis the person who receiveth all the blessings of the Covenant at the first hand who is the store-house and fountain the person on whom all the acts of Gods love are first put forth Joh. 1.14 16 And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 12. Through him was the Covenant with us confirmed he sealed the new Testament with his own blood and interposed by his death to make the Covenant Gods irrevocable will of grace to us-ward Gal. 3.15 17 Though it be but a mans covenant yet if it be confirmed no man disannulleth or addeth thereunto And this I say That the Covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ the law which was four hundred and thirty years after cannot disannul that it should make the promises of none effect Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to manifest unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things wherein it was impossible for God to lye we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us He is Mediator confirmationis the person in whom and by whom the Covenant was confirmed 13. Through him is the Covenant a closed bargain as to the addition of our consent to it through him are our hearts ingaged to the bargain he travelleth with us to get our consent to it 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation Ezek. 20.37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Rev. 22.17 And the spirit and the bride say Come He is Mediator adstipulationis seu consensus nostri the person who interposeth for the subjection of our consent and to get our heart to say Amen to the Covenant and is therefore called the Apostle and High-priest of our profession or adstipulation Heb. 3.1 14. Through him is the Covenant held fast with all those who are once really engaged in it that it crumble not away as the first Covenant did but may stand firm and stable Psal 89.34 35 My Covenant will I not break nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Joh. 17.12 Those that thou gavest me I have kept and none of them is lost He is Mediator conservationis the person who conserveth and keepeth the peace betwixt the covenanted parties and makes the Covenant sure 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous And he is the propitiation for our sins From this that Christ is Mediator of the new Covenant Vse 1. This sheweth the misery of all those who are under the Covenant of works which is the state of all natural men Christ is not Mediator of that Covenant under which you stand you must either do for your selves or think of changing your Covenant state for Christs mediation doth not reach you so as you continuing in that condition can have any actual benefit by it Joh. 17.9 I pray for them I pray not for the world but for them that thou hast given me for they are thine Vse 2. This sheweth also the blessed state of believers who are in the Covenant of grace you are not come to the Mountain that can not be touched you may with boldness approach to God with your services and for obtaining blessings and directions from him you have a Mediator to deal for you if he be angry at any time you have one to put between you and his anger to speak for you when you dare not speak for your selves to procure blessings for you when you deserve none 1 Joh. 1.2 If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father Chap. 3. v. 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Vse 3. Since Jesus Christ is Mediator of the new Covenant then he must be imployed and acknowledged in all things pertaining to the Covenant Heb. 2.17 And in all things pertaining to God for if it be a business betwixt God and a man who is within this Covenant that falls within his office 1 Tim. 2.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus In all things he must be employed as Mediator and acknowledged and honoured as Mediator Joh. 5.23 That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father CHAP. VIII Of the Necessity of a Mediator and Reasons why this Covenant is established in the hands of a Mediator COncerning the necessity of a Mediator in the Covenant of Grace it is to be remembred Aquin. sum 1 part Q. 19. art 3. Estius in sent lib. 1. dist 33. Sect. 7. that we speak not of an absolute necessity of that which God could have done by his absolute power whether he could have restored man without a Mediator and have pardoned sin without a satisfaction nor of a natural necessity but we speak of an hypothetical respective necessity upon connexion of one thing with another In regard of the decree of God who having purposed not to suffer sin to pass utterly unrevenged neither yet to destroy all mankind in the punishing of sin and satisfying of Justice but to glorifie himself in such manifestation of his grace as should have satisfaction to Justice carried along with it In this respect it was necessary that a Mediator should be found who might do the work in this manner The Reasons shewing the necessity of a Mediator or Gods ends in establishing the Covenant in the hand of a Mediator are of three sorts according to three great
die But in the Mediator we see Gods face and know him savingly Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent 2 Cor. 4.6 To give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2. Without Christ the Mediator there could be no union betwixt God and man the distance was so great that the parties could not come near to one another Eph. 2.13 But now in Chrisi Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ 3. Without the Mediator there could not have been any communion with God union is the foundation of communion without Christ the Creature should everlastingly have lost the fruition of God Without Christ and without God go together Eph. 2.12 4. Without the Mediator we could never had any conformity with God we lost the Image of God but could never have regained it but in Christ it is restored more excellently 2 Cor. 3.18 But we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord. In a word without a Mediator no part of mans spiritual or everlasting good should have been brought to pass forasmuch as all the good which God had from eternity decreed to do to man was decreed to come to him in and through a Mediator hence we are said to be chosen and ordained unto adoption holiness obedience perseverance c. in and through him Eph. 1.3 4 5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiriritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 1 Pet. 1.2 Through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Christ But by establishing the Covenant in the hands of a Mediator mans good is advanced For 1. There is a foundation laid of a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam for there is much more of God manifested and revealed in Jesus Christ than was in the creation for now we may behold his face as in a glass 2 Cor. 3.18 throughout Christ who is the brightness of his Fathers glory Heb. 1.3 Therefore this is a better Covenant which hath better promises in it laid to our hand in a Mediator Heb. 8.6 2. Not only a higher happiness and a better Covenant in that respect but also through the Mediator there is a foundation laid of a better security for that happiness a surer Covenant and standing in it than was before a Covenant that cannot be disannulled as was the first this being established and ordained in the hands of a Mediator Gal. 3.15 17 19. Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Chap. 33. v. 20 21. A happiness that cannot be forefaulted Psal 89.33 34 35. 3. Through the establishing of this Covenant in the hands of a Mediator there is strength and height of confidence and consolation answerable to the security granted and the solid grounds of confidence and comfort that are laid in this Covenant the sum whereof is That all shall go well notwithstanding all things in us that speak the contrary because there is a Mediator in this Covenant 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Chap. 2. v. 17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people And truly if there had not been a Mediator in the Covenant of grace in whose hand it was ordained through whom it is established with us it had been as weak ineffectual and unprofitable to give righteousness and life as the first Covenant proved Vse 1. The necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant cleareth one of the main differences betwixt the Covenant of Grace and the first Covenant which was of Works wherein there was no Mediator nor need of a Mediator the parties being friends and in fitness to deal immediately Vse 2. From the necessity of a Mediator in this Covenant be convinced of your need of a Mediator 1. Let natural men be convinced of this you have none to deal for you you must stand or fall by your own righteousness without any mending of it you must do for your selves or be undone for there is no Mediator of that Covenant under which you stand you must do so or of necessity come to Christ the Mediator that you may partake in a better Covenant 2. Let believers be convinced of this It is not natural men only that need a Mediator to make their peace and to change their Covenant-state but you also need a Mediator 1. At all times before and after justification Rom. 5.6 10 For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life In making your peace and maintaining it before and in and after your conversion you will need a Mediator till you be in over the threshold of glory till you have put off the body of sin Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the father which sent me draw him Song 1.4 Draw me we will run after thee Luk. 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not 2. To all intents and purposes as well relating to your Covenant-state as to your duties not only for your persons to make your peace but also for your performances to procure their acceptance Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the altar having a golden censor and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne 3. In all things pertaining to God whatsoever you have to do if it be a thing that relates to God Heb. 2.17 That he might be a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God
mouth and in his carrying as Mediator there were many bright discoveries of this great mystery as we may read Mat. 3.16 17 And Jesus when he was baptized went up straight-way out of the waters and lo the heavens were opened unto him and he saw the spirit of God descending like'd dove and lighting upon him And lo a voice from heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Chap. 28. v. 28 Go ye therefore and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy-Ghost Joh. 14.16 26 And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you for ever But the comforter which is the holy-Ghost whom the Father will send in my Name c. And many like testimonies were from him manifesting this glorious mystery 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons or their ordered administration and working and the various and distinct acts of the Trinity in the work of redemption are brightly discovered in and by Jesus Christ the Mediator 2 Tim. 1.9 10 Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel But because these may be gathered from what hath been spoken of the Covenant of Suretiship or Redemption I shall only touch upon them in this place And 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the Covenant with Christ Mediator 1. He had a purpose to raise man through a Mediator Eph. 1.5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself according to the good pleasure of his will 2. He chose the Son for the doing this work and us in him Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 3. He makes a Covenant with the Son Psal 89.3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen and promises were given to Christ and grace given to us in him before the world began Tit. 1.2 2 Tim. 19. 4. God the Father appoints who shall be saved and gives them to the Son that all that were written in Gods book may also be written in the lambs book of life Joh. 17.9 Them that thou hast given me for they are thine Rev. 20.12 15. Chap. 21. v. 27. 5. He appoints what measure of grace and glory every one of them shall have Eph. 4.7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Mat. 20.23 But to fit on my right hand and on my left is not mine to give but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father 6. He commits all Government to the Son for the Elects sake that he may do according to this appointment Isa 9.6 And the government shall be upon his shoulder Joh. 5.22 For the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgment to the Son 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 1. He consents to the Covenant Psal 40.7 Then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me 2. He engageth himself to take the Creature into union with his Person Heb. 10.5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me And to lay down his life according to his Fathers command Joh. 10.18 This commandment have I received of my Father 3. He undertakes to receive and keep and raise up at the last day all those given him by the Father Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Chap. 17. throughout 4. He undertakes the Government of the world and to Judg it at the last day Psal 2.8 Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father Joh. 3.35 The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand 3. The Acts of the Spirit 1. He undertakes to unite the humane nature to Christ by a miraculous conception Luk. 1.35 The holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the highest shall overshadow thee 2. To joyn us with God in one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit 3. To be a Spirit of Unction first to Christ and then to us through him Joh. 3 34 For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek 4. To act all our graces to blow upon them and to help our infirmities Song 4. last Awake O north-wind and come thou south blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out Rom. 8.26 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered 5. To shed abroad the love of God in our hearts Rom. 5.5 Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy-Ghost which is given unto us 6. To set a Seal upon our hearts and to bear witness of all the work of God in us Eph. 1.13 In whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that holy spirit of promise Rom. 8.16 The spirit it self beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God Now all these things are discovered and manifested to us in Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant CHAP. X. Of Christs Calling to the Office of Mediatorship THis being the Person who is Mediator of the new Covenant We come in the next place to speak of the Office And 1. Of Christs Calling to it 2. Of his qualification for it 3. Of his carriage in it And first we shall enquire after Christs Calling to the office of Mediatorship which we shall shortly dispatch by answering of these three Questions Q. 1. How came Christ to undertake this work A. He was called to it he did not intrude himself in the Mediators Office but was sent and employed in the work these things clear his calling to the work 1. Several of his Names import it Mal. 3.1 He is called the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant Because of his mission and Gods sending of him to do this work c. Isa 42.1 My servant and mine elect Because of his being called and employed by his Father he was called a Servant or chosen Officer formed for a special
waited on before he fulfil his promise What wonder that he will be waited on for the promise of Christ longer even till the fulness of time this being the greatest promise that ever he made to his people He will have the consolation of Israel waited for and redemption in Jerusalem looked for Luke 2.25 38. Before we proceed to speak of Christs unction and his qualifications for his Mediatorship refulting thence let us first make some use of this union of the two natures in Christ this great fundamental qualification of him for the Office of our Mediator that he is God and Man that for his due qualification he hath taken our flesh into his person therein to subsist In the union of the two natures in the Person of our Mediator 1. As it holds forth his condescending who stooped to be made manifest in the flesh 1. Let us admire and wonder at his love It was love that made him condescend it hath been and will be the admiration of Angels Luke 2.13 14 And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace good will towards men 1 Pet. 1.12 Which things the Angels desire to look into And how is it that we want affections and admirations Beside what I have before said these things wonderfully set out Christs love 1. That he would not entrust our Redemption to Angels but he would come himself and work it Heb. 1.5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee 2. That for the payment of our debt and in order to his being in a capacity to do so he would be in the same condition of clay with us a worm and not a man Psal 22.6 3. That he would not buy us at a base ransom but at a great price he would breathe out his life for us 1 Pet. 1.18 19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious blood of Christ 4. That he would condescend thus singularly to love man to love him so as that he loved not any other creature that sinned against him Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham 2. Let this raise up our hearts to thankfulness when we think of Christs Incarnation 1. This is the greatest demonstration of his readiness to save sinners the principal errand Christ had unto the world and in taking our nature was to save sinners Mat. 9.13 I am not come to call the righteous but sinnâ—rs to repentance You may therefore be assured of his readiness to receive such when they come unto him 2. This is the Fountain of all the promises of the Covenant of Grace the three greatest promises in all the Covenant flow from Christs Incarnation I will be your God I will give you my Son and I will give you my Spirit All these and all the rest too flow from this Fountain for neither the Father the Son nor the Spirit are given to us but through a Mediator and through his assuming of our nature Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 2. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out the exaltation of our nature Hence 1. Let us wonder what is man thus to be exalted the eighth Psalm is written for this end that we may wonder at mans exaltation not in Creation only but in Redemption as Vers 2 shews which is applied to Christ Mat. 21.16 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise how should this provoke to admiration that in our nature the fulness of the Godhead should dwell bodily Col. 2.9 2. Let us take Christs coming in the flesh and the exalting of our nature by the personal union with the Godhead for a pledg of the fulfilling of all other promises and granting all other mercies and salvation to us the root and body of the promises is come the branches will follow also 2 Cor. 1.20 For all the promises of God in him are yea and in him are Amen Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things This pledg was used by Isaiah as a confirmation from God and a ground of assurance for delivering the Church from Ashur Isa 7.11 14 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God ask it either in the depth or in the height above Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign Behold A virgin shall conceive and bare a Son and shall call his name Immanuel And shall we distrust him for granting any other petition or deliverance who hath granted the main one 3. Let us take boldness to come to God through Christs flesh the great Courtier in Heaven is of our kindred take courage and improve the favour and friendship that our brother hath in Heaven Heb. 10.19 20 21 22 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 his flesh And having an High-priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith 3. As the union of the two natures in our Mediator holds out his due qualification and fitness for his office 1. Behold in him a general fitness to receive each Person whose nature he beareth I say a fitness to receive them even all sorts of persons without exception there is none who needs him and cometh to him needs to distrust him 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 2. Let this encourage such as are afraid to draw near to God for union and reconciliation with him because of their estrangement from him through loss of his Image Lo he is willing to unite himself to thee and hath given assurance of it in his Son by vertue of his union with our nature Rom. 8.3 3. When we find difficulty to draw near to God or languishing in the life of our faith toward God Let us draw near to God the flesh of our our Mediator for influences and searn to come to God through the vail of his flesh Heb. 10.20 Jesus Christ is not strange he is near to us and his graces cannot be far off Rom. 10.6 8 Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into heaven The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach But it is with many and even with the most part as with the ten Tribes who pleaded kindred and blood to David yet
there were but two tribes that clave to him and being nearer in kindred would not be beaten from him 1 Kings 12.16 17. Some talk-lustily and bear themselves boldly upon Christ in words others are near of kin to him and will not be beaten from him CHAP. XIII Of the Mediators Vnction as it relateth to the separating of him for his Offices THE second part of Christs qualification for the Office of Mediatorship is his Vnction this was consequent unto his personal union so that as we called the union of the two natures in Christ Person the principal and chief qualification of him for this Office so we are to look upon his Unction as carrying in it divers qualifications which result from the former The Unction of Christ comprehends two things 1. The separating of him unto these excellent Offices of being Prophet Priest and King of his Church 2. The endowing him with the Spirit above measure with gifts and graces of the Spirit and assistances meet to enable him for the Work The first Part of Christs Unction is that whereby he is anointed to these Offices Christ Mediator is anointed to be Prophet Priest and King of his Church Concerning which we shall speak 1. Of the anointing 2. Of the Offices And first by this Unction as it relateth to his Offices for of his Unction as it comprehends his Furniture we are not now speaking but shall in the next place we may understand according to the various use of anointing among men and the Scripture purport of the Word 1. His Designation for these Offices in the Counsel of God Isa 42.1 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth So the word is used 1 Sam. 16.13 of Davids first Designation to succed in the Kingdom to Saul long before he came to the Government 2. The declaration of his being designed unto these Offices Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee So anointing is taken in the case of Gods declaring Jehu successor in the Kingdom 1 Kings 19.16 with 2 Kings 9.1 3. The separating of him or setting him apart for these Offices Psal 89.20 I have found David my servant with my holy oyl have I anointed him So the word is used 1 Chron. 29.22 1 Sam. 15.17 with Psal 105.15 4. The publick solemn investing him in these Offices with power and authority to exercise them Act. 10.38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him Luk. 1.32 And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David And it s from his anointing that Christ hath his name Joh. 1.41 We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ Luk. 9.20 The Christ of God 2. Concerning these three Offices of Christ we shall briefly touch upon 1. The necessity of them in our Mediators Person 2. The nature and use of them 3. The harmony and consent of these Offices in Christs person and in his execution of them And 1. The necessity of these Offices in our Mediator appeareth 1. From the evils under which we were lying man being under 1. Ignorance of God 2. Alienation from God Eph. 4.18 Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their hearts 3. Impotency to come unto him Joh. 6.44 No man can come to me except the Father which sent me draw him Necessary it was that our Mediator be a person that carrieth Offices which may reach these evils His prophecy and teaching meets with our ignorance of God for he is a teacher come from God Joh. 3.7 A Prophet by whom all his people are taught of God Jer. 31.33 Isa 54.13 His Priesthood and Sacrifice meets with our alienation and estrangement from God for thereby the distance is removed and a friendship bound up with God Eph. 2.13 14 18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ For he is our peace who hath made both one For through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father And his Kingdom meets with our impotency for thereby we are mightily wrought upon and determined so as our impotency proves no over-powering lett in the way of his grace Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people 2. It appears from the work which he came to do which required this conjunction of Offices in his Person 1. He came to reveal a new way of happiness and therefore behoved to be a Prophet Act. 7.37 A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me him shall you hear Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord 2. He came to purchase and acquire this new blessedness and therefore behoved to be a Priest to offer Sacrifice for it Heb. 9.15 And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions of the first Testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance 3. He came to make application of his purchase and therefore behoved also to be a King Heb. 5.9 And being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation untâ— all them that they him 2. The nature and use of these three Offices in our Mediator we find in some measure let out in the promises of the Covenant at least a chief and material hint at something of all the three Jer. 31.33 34 with Heb. 8. and 10. 1. Christ Mediator as a Prophet travelleth in begetting a right understanding betwixt the two parties that are at variance betwixt God and man and to this effect being intimately acquainted with all his Fathers secrets 1. He publisheth and declareth all the mind of God to his people especially in revealing the gracious purpose of God concerning the way and means of reconciliation Mat. 11.27 Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Eph. 2.17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off and to them that were nigh 2. He worketh the effectual knowledg of God and of his will in his peoples heart See 2 Cor. 4.6 For God who caused the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Luk. 1.77 79 To give knowledg of Salvation unto his people by the
Most part of the Popish Writers hold that Christ performeth the Office of Mediatorship not according to his Divine Nature but according to his Human Nature only as Man Orthodox Divines hold that Christ is Mediator according to both Natures and doth not execute that Office only as God nor only as Man but as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God-man For clearing whereof I shall premise a few things 1. The Question is not whether there be in the Mediator the concurrence of both natures in the unity of his Person for that is confessed by all But whether both Natures concur in the Works of Mediation or in the execution of that Office 2. Nor is the Question Whether the two Natures in Christ be distinct in their essence and properties and so in their operations for we yeild that the Human Nature doth that which pertaineth to the Humanity and the Divine Nature that which pertaineth to the Divinity yet so as the Natures being united in one Person so the operations concur to make up one Work of a Mediator the Human and Divine Natures concurring to produce one act or work of Mediatorship 3. Nor is the Question Whether all the Works of Christ the Mediator were the Works of both Natures For it is certain some of them were the Works of his Humanity some of his Divinity in respect of the thing done but Whether there were not a concurrence of both Natures acting jointly although distinctly in the performing of them 2. That Both Natures concur in Christs performing the Office of Mediatorship and what he doth as Mediator he doth as God-man may be confirmed by these reasons 1. According to what Nature Christ is the King Priest and Prophet of his Church accordingly he is Mediator for he carried these Offices as he was Mediator but according to both Natures Christ is King Priest and Prophet of his Church for according to the approved rule Names of Office which are given to Christ they agree to him according to both Natures therefore Christ executes the Office of Mediatorship as God-man according to both Natures 2. If the Godhead of Christ concurred with the Manhood in all the acts of Mediatorship then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but we find the Godhead interested in every act which Christ did or doth as Mediator It is evident from the several acts of each of his Offices from his Obedience Suffering Resurrection Intercession Heb 9.14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead works to serve the living God And 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 Eph. 1.19 20 According to the working of his 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 None of which could be performed by his Human Nature alone without concurrence of his Godhead True it is indeed we may conceive some Acts wherein the Humanity of Christ did not concur with his Divinity viz. Those that he wrought before his Incarnation but none wherein his Humanity acted without his Divinity It followeth therefore that Christ performeth this Office as God-man 3. If many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from the Deity of Christ as from the next proper formal and immediate cause then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediator as Man only but as God-man but many chief essential acts of Christs Mediation are from his Deity as the next proper formal immediate cause Ergo c. The Minor is proved by these instances The Incarnation of Christ is from the Deity which did assume the Humanity which when it was not could not assume it self The manifestation of God was a work truly divine which was from the Deity as the true cause though from the Humanity as an Instrument Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the bosom of the Father he hath declared him Matth. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father and no man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father fave the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Christ as Man teacheth as an Instrument and Christ the Word teacheth as Mediator the works of Authority and Power were all performed by the Divine Nature 4. If Christ as Mediator performed many divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone Then Christ performeth not the Office of Mediatorship as Man only but as God also But Christ as Mediator performeth many Divine acts which cannot be from his Humanity alone such as his rising from the dead which was by the power of his Deity Rom. 1.4 And declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurection of Jesus from the dead And 8.3 4 Who is he that condemneth it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Eph. 1.19 20 Christ as Mediator hath power and authority to forgive sins and send the holy Spirit to enlighten the understandings to soften the hearts of men and that not only meritoriously but efficiently which are the proper works of God Mar. 2.10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins Joh. 15.26 But when the Comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall testify of me And 16.7 But if I depart I will send him unto you 5. If none of the works performed by Christ as Mediator whether the works of Ministry that were performed by him in the Nature of man or the works of Authority and Power performed by the Divine Nature were performed without the concurring of the other Nature in Christ Then Christ performeth the Office of Mediator not as God alone nor as Man only but according to both Natures as God-man but the former is true Ergo c. The Major is proved by parts 1. The works of Ministry which were performed in the Nature of man and were the works of Christs Humanity such as were his death upon the Cross c. yet the Divine Nature was concurring in these not only to support and sustain the Human but the thing done had its efficacy dignity and value from his Divinity in that they were the works of him that is God It was the Son of God the Lord of life that died on the Cross but it was the Nature of Man not of God wherein he died yet it was the Divine Nature that did support him and gave worth to his sacrifice 2. The works of authority and power such as the remitting of sins
all Believers Rom. 5.1 2 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ By whom also we have access by Faith unto this grace wherein we stand and rejoyce in hope of the glory of God Eph. 2.14 For he is our peace who hath made both one 5. He keepeth intercourse and good correspondence betwixt his Father and his people that their trading with Heaven be not stopped Eph. 2.18 For by him we both have an access through one Spirit unto the Father And 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the Faith of him 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a word that signifies leading by the hand Heb. 10.19 Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus And 4.16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace 6. He taketh up emergent differences and removeth the incident breaches of Peace betwixt both parties Isa 53.12 And he was numbred with the transgressors and be bare the sin of many and made intercession for the Transgressors Heb. 9.7 Not without blood he which offered for himself and for the errors of the people 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word signifieth the infirmities to which the people of God are daily subject which would break the league of Peace were it not for the Mediators doing his Office to hold it firm And this he doth 1. As an Agent making his constant residence in Heaven that upon all occasions he may appear in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 2. As an Advocate pleading his peoples cause and shewing that satisfied Justice must be for them 1 Joh. 2.1 And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous Heb. 12 24 And to Jesus the Mediator of the New-Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 3. As an Intercessor praying for them Joh. 17 througout Rom. 8.34 Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 4. As a Solicitor presenting and promoting the Prayers and desires of his people to his Father Rev. 8.3 And another Angel came and stood at the Altar having a golden Censor and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden Altar which was before the Throne The fifth part of the Mediators work in executing this Office is to bring all those whom he hath engaged by this Covenant to the height of that blessedness which he hath appointed for them that as a Captain of Salvation he might bring many Sons to glory Heb. 2.10 which standeth in perfect and glorious conformity with Christ and in perfect and glorious communion with God 1 Joh. 3.2 But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is For accomplishing whereof Christ in executing the Mediators Office 1. He prepareth that happiness for them and a fit place where they may enjoy it for ever 1 Cor. 2.9 Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither hath it entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him Joh. 14.2 3 In my Fathers house are many Mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also 2. He keepeth this happiness for them when they can contribute nothing to keep it all this while that it is hid it is sure and reserved for them in Heaven 1 Pet. 1.4 To an Inheritance incorruptible and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judg shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto them also that love his appearing 3. He keepeth them for it for we have as much need of keeping as our Crown and Inheritance as we cannot keep it so we cannot keep our selves 1 Pet. 1.5 Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Luke 22.32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not 4. Christ Mediator in executing his Office he goeth before his people and breaketh the opposition that is in their way to Glory so that he leaveth them no Adversary to fight with but broken forces such as he hath routed and conquered Psal 68.18 Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led captivity captive thou hast received gifts for men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them with Eph. 4.8 Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high c. Yea he went before his people to take possession for them and in their names Heb. 6.20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred Joh. 14.2 I go to prepare a place for you 5. He maketh his people meet and fit for that glorious condition which is reserved for them for we need preparation being unpolished matter and unfit for such a house as Heaven is we must be made meet for it before we enjoy it Col. 1.12 Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light the Father doth this work by the Son it is the Mediators work immediately to make the Saints meet for their Inheritance Eph. 5.26 27 That he might sanctify and might cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word that he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Joh. 17.19 And for their sakes I also sanctify my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth he is the Author and finisher of our faith Heb. 12.2 6. When all his people are fitted and ready to receive what he hath prepared for them he will not then send any Ambassador to bring them but he himself in his own person will come and bring them home to the place of immediate everlasting injoyments of God which he hath prepared and will crown and perfect his work in all his people Joh. 14.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Col. 3.4 When Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in Glory Rev. 19.7 8 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 And to her was granted that
for our sins 2. Against the many challenges whether of an accusing-conscience or of the great accuser of the Brethren Rom. 8.33 34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that dyed yea rather that is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh Intercession for us 3. Against the more foul and gross stumblings of Believers for as much as it is also intended for the helping of these Luke 22 32 But I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not 4. Against the fear of their falling away from the blessed Covenant-state with which fear believers have often been buffeted Psal 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holy Spirit from me And 17.5 Hold up my goings in thy paths that my foot-steps slip not It is by Christ Mediation that we have establishment in Grace Joh. 6.39 And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up at the last day Rom. 5.10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 5. Against the manifold afflictions wherewith Believers are tossed here the Mediator was sometimes an afflicted man and went through much suffering and hath the feeling of these Isa 53.3 7 A man of sorrow and accquainted with grief He was oppressed and he was afflicted Psal 22 throughout 6. Against the many temptations of all kinds which occasion much heaviness to Believers 1 Pet. 1.6 Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations The Mediator had the experience of all sorts of temptations and now sympathizeth with his people like condition Heb. 2.17 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted And 4.15 For we have not an High-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin 7. Against the empty and needy condition unto which Believers are subject through the manifold wants wherewith they are daily pressed We have confidence through the Mediator to come-speed in every petition that is acceptable to God and profitable to us 1 Joh. 5.14 15 And this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us And if we know that he hear us whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him Joh. 14.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son 8. Against the fear of death which is terrible to nature Joh. 11.25 Jesus said unto her I am the resurrection and the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live c. 1 Cor. 15.26 The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death Job 19.25 For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth Joh. 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 9. Against the second appearing of Christ which is sometimes terrible without cause to believers and the last Judgment that shall be given concerning the everlasting interests of the creatures the Man Christ whom you have owned for your Mediator shall sit as Judg Act. 17.30 31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at but now commandeth all men every where to repent Because he hath appointed a day in the which he will judg the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained 2 Thes 7.10 And to you who are troubled rest with us When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints Then shall he perform a comfortable act of his Mediatorship Jude ver 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy c. And there is good ground for all Believers to be comforted from Christs Mediatorship if we consider 1. The person who Mediates 2. The Person with whom he Mediates 3. The Persons for whom he Mediates 4. The cause for which he Mediates 1. For the Person who Mediates Consider 1. His Graciousness with his Father O so great a Courtier with God as the Mediator is Joh. 11.41 42 Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me And I knew that thou hearest me alwayes and no wonder he be so being his Son his only begotten Son Joh. 1.18 His beloved Son Matth. 3.17 His obedient Son Phil. 2.8 2. His Greatness and absolute Power to do of himself whatsoever he Mediates for with his Father Matth. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth Joh. 5.21 23 26 27 For as the Father raiseth up the dead and quickneth them even so the Son quickneth whom he will That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that sent him For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself And Hath given him authority to execute Judgment also because he is the Son of Man Therefore he is called a Priest upon a Throne a Priest who is a King to command whatsoever he prayes for Heb. 1.3 and 8.1 Zech. 6.13 3. The oneness of his will with his Fathers which maketh sure the prevalency of his Mediation being sure to ask nothing but what is his Fathers will and all that he asks being his Fathers will as much as his how can it be ineffectual Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am 2. The Person with whom he Mediates Consider 1. His nearness of relation both to the Mediator and to the Persons for whom he Mediates He is Christs Father and our Father Joh. 20.17 But go to my brethren and say unto them I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God 2. His graciousness and affection both to Christ and to us he loveth Christ and he loveth us and therefore it is that he is as inclinable to hear Christ for his people as Christ is to mediate for them Joh. 16.26 27. At that day ye shall ask in my name and I say unto you that I will pray the Father for you For the Father himself loveth you because ye have loved me and have believed that I came out from God 3. In the Persons for whom he Mediates Consider 1. Our nearness of alliance with the Mediator Heb. 2.11 14 17 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren For as much then as
bring you into the bond of the Covenant Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them Heb. 8.10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Psal 45.10 Hearken O daughter and consider and encline thine ear forget also thine own people and thy fathers house Gen. 12.1.4 Now the Lord had said unto Abraham Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a Land that I will shew thee So Abraham departed as the Lord had spoken unto him Mat. 4.19 20 And he saith unto them follow me and I will make you fishers of men And they streight-way left their nets and followed him 2. Whatsoever appertaineth to the maintaining and preserving of the Covenant and confederacy betwixt God and his people Christ is Messenger for that and herein he doth the part of the Messenger of the Covenant 1. By travelling betwixt the parties for keeping up free access betwixt them and liberty to speak with one another for it is by him that God hath access to speak to our hearts and that we have access to him by frequent mutual Messages the Messenger being a Courtier and Favourite with both the parties Eph. 2.18 For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the father Eph. 3.12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Heb. 1.1 2 God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the Prophets hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son 2. By travelling betwixt the parties for correspondence and entercourse to maintain communion and a good understanding betwixt them to the end that none of the parties engaged in the Covenant of kindness become strangers to one another through the want of converse and corresponding Christ is a Messenger betwixt them to maintain the peace and friendship Joh. 16.16 A little while and ye shall not see me and again a little while and ye shall see me because I go to the father Joh. 14.18 19 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more but ye see me because I live ye shall live also 3. He is a Messenger to maintain the Covenant betwixt God and his people by travelling betwixt the parties with good reports Heb. 12.24 25 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then that of Abel See that ye refuse not him that speaketh c. Commending God to his people and his love and speaking good of all his way with them Joh. 10.29 My father which gave them me is greater then all Joh. 16.27 For the father himself loveth you because ye have loved me Psal 25.10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies And commending believers unto his father and speaking good of them and for them frequently behind their back when they do not hear him Joh. 17.6 8 25 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me O righteous father the world hath not known thee but I have known thee and these have known that thou hast sent me Jer. 31.20 Is Ephraim my dear son is he a pleasant child for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy upon him saith the Lord. Jer. 12.7 I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies Christ maketh both a good report of his father to his people here on Earth and a good report of them to his father in Heaven he putteth good constructions not only upon his fathers way with his people which cannot reasonably bear an evil construction Rom. 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose But also upon his peoples way and walk and duties to God-ward a construction and report of them which they would stand in awe to give of themselves yea they are in hazzard to contradict this blessed Messengers report many a time Joh. 14.4 5 And whither I go ye known and the way ye know Thomas saith unto him Lord we know not whither thou goest and how can we know the way 3. Whatsoever appertaineth to the repairing of the Covenant or to the renewing and establishing thereof in the case of any breach betwixt the parties he is a Messenger for that he is the repairer of the breach and doth declare himself the Angel of the Covenant 1. By taking up emergent differences betwixt God and his people that they may not controvert about them but may rather have satisfaction in him Isa 53.12 And he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9 7 But into the second went the High-priest alone once every year not without blood which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people For as our High-priest he makes offering for the errors of the people for all the differences arising betwixt God and his people are taken away alone by his travels 2. By renewing the Covenant-kindness and love and engagements he travels as a Messenger and cannot rest after breaches and differences betwixt his father and his people or betwixt himself and them until the wonted kindness be renewed and till it be betwixt God and his people as it used to be 1 Joh. 2.1 2 And if any man sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins Jer. 2.2 Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem saying Thus saith the Lord I remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a land that was not sown Isa 54.8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Ezek. 16.60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant 6. Let us a little consider the properties of the Messenger and Angel of the Covenant which do commend
Suretiship for thereby he plighted his promise and faith to God that he would undertake the bringing about of this conjunction and God plighted his faith to him that he should do the business and that this work should prosper in his hand Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Isa 53.10 And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand 4. From his Suretiship proceeds a mystical relation betwixt him and his people whereby he is the head and they are the members he is the vine and they the branches he is the king and they are his subjects he is the husband and they are his bride and wife 1 Cor. 12.12 For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ Col. 1.18 And he is the head of the body the Church who is the beginning the first born from the dead that in all things he might have the pre-eminence Joh. 15.5 I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit Rev. 19.7 For the marriage of the lamb is come and his wife hath made her self ready Psal 45.10 Forget also thine own people and thy fathers house c. Yea if any relation can be more near and mystical that also is the result of his Suretiship See Gal. 2.20 I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me 1 Cor. 6.17 But he that is joyned unto the Lord is one spirit Joh. 6.57 As the living father hath sent me and I live by the father so he that eateth me even he shall live by me Joh. 17.23 I in them and thou in me that they may be made perfect in one Think it not strange then that Justice should smite Christ for the transgressions of his people there being such nearness of relations and conjunction betwixt the person offending and the person suffering Grot. de satisfact cap. 4. and vaâ—â—â— max. lib. 6. c. 5. See Mr. Râ—â—â— on the Covenant pag. 2. c. 9. for even among men we find one man suffering for another upon the account of these and the like relations 1. Upon natural relations do not parents and children and kinsmen often justly suffer with and for one another Exod. 20.5 For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me Josh 7.24 And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan the son 〈…〉 and the silver and the garment and the wedg of gold and his sons and his daughters and his oxen and his asses and his sheep and his tent and all that he had and they brought them unto the valley of Achor c. 2. Upon Legal relations doth not the husband pay the wives debt doth not the heir suffer for his predecessor and the person to whom he is heir doth not the hostage and pledges given suffer for them who gave them doth not the Surety suffer for the Debtor because these are but one party in law Prov. 6.1 2 My Son if thou be Surety for thy friend if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger thou art snared with the words of thy mouth thou art taken with the words of thy mouth Prov. 11. â—5 He that is Surety for a stranger shall smart for it and he that hateth Suretiship is sure 3. Upon foederal relations do not people suffer for and in their confederates Ezek 16.37 Behold therefore I will gather all thy lovers with whom thou hast taken pleasure and all them that thou hast loved with all them that thou hast hated I will even gather them round about against thee and will discover thy nakedness unto them that they may see all thy nakedness Ezek. 30.8 And they shall know that I am the Lord when I have set a fire in Egypt and when all her helpers shall be destroyed 4. Upon mystical relations whether in the body natural doth not one member suffer for another doth not the head pay for what the hand acted or in the body politick and civil do not princes and people often suffer for one another 1 Sam. 12. last But if ye shall still do wickedly ye shall be consumed both ye and your king 1 Chron. 21.17 And David said unto God Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbred even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed but as for these sheep what have they done let thine hand I pray thee O Lord my God be on me and on my fathers house but not on thy people that they should be plagued Or in the Church and body politick and Ecclesiastical do not pastors and people often suffer for one another Ezek. 3.26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth that thou shalt be dumb and shalt not be to them a reprover for they are a rebellious house Rev. 2.5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove my candlestick out of his place except thou repent How much more may it stand with justice to smite Christ and to put him to suffer for his people having in him a complication of all these relations towards them and of all kind of relations that can import and express nearness conjunction union and oneness with them he also being willing to suffer for his people and absolute Lord of his own life Joh. 10.17 18 Therefore doth my father love me because I lay down my life that I might take it again No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I receieved of my father Now the consideration of this point how Christ came under an act of Suretiship for his people to wit Brinst of the Mediator pag. 123 c. by a free consent and agreement betwixt God and Christ in a Covenant whereby God willingly made him the Surety and he willingly made himself the Surety this I say doth exceedingly commend this grace of God in the satisfaction made by Christ the Surety of the Covenant especially in these things 1. It was grace and favour in God that he was pleased to dispence so far with his own Law as to admit of satisfaction by a Surety and not to stand upon the rigour thereof which requires that the same soul that sinned might suffer and die and no other for him Gen. 2.17 But of the tree of the knowledg of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Gal. 3.10 Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law
grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light 2. Why should broken men and diver Debtors think to pay this Debt or to perform their duty without the help of their cautioner do you not often attempt this to make amends to God for your faults and to be more forth-coming in your performances even you alone without Christ your Surety Joh. 15.4 5 Abide in me and I in you as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self except it abide in the vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing 2 Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Rom. 10.3 and 9.31 But these did better who would do nothing without their Surety Isa 38.14 Mine eyes fail with looking upward O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 110.32 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge mine heart Be surety for thy servant for good let not the proud oppress me Phil. 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me 3. Why do you question and suspect the Covenant of God and the grounds of faith and assurance granted therein is there not a Surety in the Covenant which shall make it stand fast and in whom it shall stand fast with you so that there is no ground left for doubting and fears that it may be shaken Psal 89.28 35 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore and my covenant shall stand fast with him Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lye unto David Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us 4. Why do you lean upon any thing and seek relief from that which God hath not made the Surety of the Covenant why do you take caution from your own hearts for any thing commanded in the Covenant can your resolutions be caution and Surety to God for you can your stock of gifts or grace be Surety for your performance of any thing commanded or set as a condition in the Gospel Nay sure they cannot 1 Cor. 1.13 as the Apostle saith These were not crucified for you these never became Surety to God for you and if so wherefore do you trust in them and lean upon them Vse 3. For tryal whether Christ hath undertaken and come under an act of Suretiship for you This being among Gods eternal secrets and immutable counsels it is to be found out by the effects thereof whereby God hath shewed to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel Heb. 6.17 Then 1. If you be in the Covenant of grace or if you be reached by any of these qualifications by which he describes those persons who are comprehended in his Testament then hath Christ undertaken for you for he is Surety of the new Covenant and better Testament Heb. 7.22 and 8.6 And consequently hath undertaken for all those who are comprehended in it Isa 56.6 Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it and taketh hold of my covenant Joh. 13.8 Jesus answered him If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me Joh. 15.2 15 16 And every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Henceforth I call you not servants for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth but I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known unto you Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the father in my name he may give it you Joh. 17.6 7 8 2. If he hath acted the Covenant upon your hearts according as it is commanded in the Gospel and according as it s foretold that he will fulfill it effectually in his people then hath he undertaken for you and hereby you may know it for a certainty Jer. 31.33 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 11.19 And I will give them one heart and I will put a new spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh Ezek. 36.26 A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and I will give you an heart of flesh Joh. 6.37 All that the father giveth me shall come to me and him that cometh to me I will no wise cast out 3. If Christ hath taken your name out of the Law-writ and curse and hath put your name in the Gospel-writ and written you blessed in that little book or pronounced you such by any thing contained in it then hath he undertaken for you Rom. 4.7 8 Saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Gal. 3.9 13 29 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us and if ye be Christs then are ye Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise 4. If you can go out of your selves and find in your heart to engage him for you and to lay the weight of your eternal interests upon him your righteousness and salvation and of all things commanded in the Gospel in order to these then hath he undertaken for you for he doth not give such a heart to any but to them for whom he came under an act of Suretiship Phil. 3.3 For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Isa 38.14 O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me Psal 119.32 35 122 I will run the way of thy commandments when thou shalt enlarge my heart Make me to go in the path of thy commandments for there in do I delight be surety for thy servant for good Vse 4. The Doctrine of Christs Suretiship doth confirm many articles of our faith As 1. The particularity and freeness of election for if Christ had the Elect given to him by a Covenant and did from eternity undertake
that to be of force through his death as a valid Legal right that they also may now possess and injoy with him Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they may be where I am And in Heaven he appears for us and upon our account in the force of the Testators death Heb. 17.23 24. 3. The Testator who before possest the inheritance upon his own right and title does now possess the inheritance by a title super-added to that to wit upon our account as our Attorney as one representing the Elect and having wrought for their heaven Joh. 17.4 and come to heaven to be vested with a possession in their name and for their account for now he appears in heaven in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 And by the Testators being in Heaven God hath made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph. 2.6 And he as a fore-runner is for us entered Heb. 6.20 4. The Testator surrogates his spirit in his absence and after his death to see his Will executed in all points and to give real and actual possession of his Testament-blessings unto those to whom he left them Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father he shall testifie of me and Joh. 16.7 8. Which accordingly is fulfilled and our possession quo ad exequnta is ascribed to this Executor surrogate by the Testator and doing his will in his name 1 Cor. 6.11 But ye are washed but ye are sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the spirit of our God the Executor of the Lord Testators will Vse 1. This Covenant-relation does exceedingly magnifie the riches of the grace and love of Christ Jesus the Testator 1. That the king immortal 1 Tim. 1.17 should become a man subject to mortallity Heb. 2.17 2. That he should act any thing in contemplation of mortality and be a Testator even he who was to see no corruption Psal 16.11 with Act. 2.31 Joh. 13.1 3. That he who could not see corruption yet never theless should die and give up the Ghost for conveying a title and possession of life and immortality to his people Gal. 2.20 Vse 2. Let the friends and Legators of this blessed Testator know that your holding is of absolute grace and of the meer pleasure of the Testator your right and title is testamentary and you have your mercies by Christs will of favour you are Legatories and he is the Testator Joh. 5.21 The Son quickeneth whom he will And yet you are not left at uncertainty for there is nothing sure to changeable creatures but what is pure Grace and hangs upon the free will of God and the motions of his heart 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 Mal. 3.6 For I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed You may say to him as he said to his father upon your account Mat. 11.25 26 I thank thee O father And even so father because so it seemed good in thy sight Vse 3. Comfort to believers in Christ whose names are written in this Testament 1. That our Lord Jesus died not untested and without a plain declaration of his Will to whom he left his goods and what the things be which he left unto them Act. 13.34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead now no more to return to corruption he said on this wise I will give you the sure mercies of David Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Joh. 13.1 Now before the feast of the passeover when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the father having loved his own which were in the world he loved them unto the end Joh. 15.11 13 14 15. and 16.33 2. That your right is testamentary the Covenant betwixt God and Christ being turned unto a testament betwixt him and you the blessings thereof are the absolute will of the Testator Joh. 14.27 Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid Joh. 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 3. That there is force and strength in his latter Will by vertue of his death that we can bring his Will as a valid deed of Law now after his death and can plead it with God Heb. 9.15 17 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 For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth 4. That he hath left one to execute his Will that the Testator wants not an Executor of his Testament Joh. 14.26 But the comforter which is the Holy-ghost whom the father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Joh. 15.26 But when the comforter is come whom I will send unto you from the father even the spirit of truth which proceedeth from the father he shall testifie of me Vse 4. For Exhortation both to consider of the design of Grace that lyes wrapt up in this Covenant-relation and to search into the experimental knowledg of the vertue and efficacy of Christs being the Testator of the new Covenant 1. I say study the design of grace which is wrapt up in this Covenant-relation as it super-adds a new title to Covenant blessings as it declares the absolute freeness of Covenant-mercies as it ratifies Christs will of grace and as it makes way for our possession of the things bequeathed unto us in Christs Testament wherof we have spoken 2. Search I say after the experimental knowledg of vertue of Christs Testatorship 1. Quo ad executionem in the force and efficacy of it that through the Testators death his Testament hath been executed and fulfilled as to thee Heb. 9.17 For a testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilst the testator liveth Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy covenant I have sent out thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water 2. Quo ad executa in the latitude of his Legacies that nothing disposed and bequeathed to believers in Christs Testament hath escaped thee that no part of his goods which is the portion of his people be wanting with thee 2 Pet. 1.5 And besides this giving all diligence add to your faith vertue and
14.8 Ephraim shall say What have I to do any more with idols Gen. 12.1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram Get thee out of thy countrey and from thy kindred and from thy fathers house unto a land that I will shew thee 2. Try it by your consenting to the mutual tye which the Covenant bringeth with it for it doth not only hold forth what God will be to you but what you must be to him it obligeth you to be the Lords as well as it maketh him yours Hos 3.3 It saith Thou shalt not be for another man so will I also be for thee If then you consent as willingly to be Christs as to have him made yours by this reciprocation and eccho of affection and ingagement to him you may know your being in him and so in the Covenant Rev. 22.17 20 And the spirit and the bride say come and let him that heareth say come Surely I come quickly Amen Song 2.16 My Beloved is mine and I am his 2 Chron. 30.8 Now be ye not stiff-necked as your fathers were but yield your selves unto the Lord and enter into his sanctuary which he hath sanctified for ever and serve the Lord your God that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you 3. Try it by your subjection and submission to Christ for they that are in Christ they do not only consent to be his but there is a subjection of their consent unto him as unto their Head Husband Lord and King as Wives and Subjects do in their Covenants with their Husbands and Kings 2 Cor. 9.13 The subjection of your consent There must be a through compliance with Christ in all his offices and in every part of each of his office for we must not comply with Christ as a Priest only but also as a witness a leadeer and commander of the people Isa 55.4 since he is given for these ends as well as for the former Neither must we submit only to that part of his Priesthood whereby he offered sacrifice and slight his internession Heb. 5.1 7. and 9.24 26. Nor only to the external part of his Prophetical and Kingly offices by subjecting our selves to ordinances as the manner of formal hypocrites is but to the soveraignty of his inward teaching and ruling also Jer. 31.33 34 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will he their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying Know the Lord. Nor to his inward teaching and ruling only as despisers of Ordinances pretend but to the external administration of his Covenant by Ordinances of worship and government also so long as his tabernacle is with men which must be till Christs giving up the kingdom Rev. 21.3 22 23. with Ezek. 43.11 4. Try it by your satisfaction with and acceptation of the whole bargain without division diminution addition or alteration of any clause in it Isa 55.3 Jer. 31.32 c. Those who are in Christ and so within the Covenant of Grace do not divide the promises of the Covenant from the condition and commands thereof neither do they reject any thing which God hath put in that bargain but on the contrary they close with it as it stands in the offer of the Gospel without bogling and skaring at the reservation of the cross and with a soul-satisfaction found in the offer 2 Sam. 23.5 saying with David this is all my desire And Psal 16.5 6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee 5. Try it by your accounting duties your priviledg which other men account their burden 1 Joh. 5.3 For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous Mat. 11.30 For my yoke is easie and my burden is light By your experiencing that holy facility in duties which springeth from love to Christ and delight in God 2 Cor. 5.14 For the love of Christ constraineth us because we thus judg that if one died for all then were all dead Whereby it cometh to pass that the very work of believers is wages and hire in their hands that I say is demonstrative of one being in Christ and so of a new-Covenant-estate 6. Try it by your equal endeavours after holiness and heaven after conformity unto Christ and communion with him if thy endeavours after sanctification be as vigorous as after salvation if thou wouldst as gladly be made holy as be in heaven if thou desirest as really to be made like Christ as to have fellowship with him this speaketh thy being in him and if so thy being in the Covenant 2 Cor. 7.1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filâ—hiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 1 Joh. 3.3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure 7. Try it by your being humbled and provoked to holiness by the knowledg of your being in Christ and your reflections upon this great priviledg with humbling admiration for after this manner hath it wrought upon Gods children Rom. 3.27 Where is boasting then it is excluded by what law of works nay but by the law of faith Ezek. 16.36 That thou mayest remember and be confounded and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done saith the Lord God 1 Tim. 1.13 14 Who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and injurious But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief and the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Joh. 14.22 Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not unto the world 8. Try it by your superlative valuing of Christ the weakest faith which is precious doth value Christ above all 1 Pet. 2.7 To you therefore which believe he is precious Prov. 3.15 She is more precious than rubies and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her Christ is superlatively valued 1. When Christ alone without all other comforts is looked upon as enough when the soul taketh satisfaction in this portion Psal 73.25 Whom have I in heaven but thee and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee Psal 16.5 6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places yea I have a goodly heritage When the soul reckons it self eternally made up in him and blesseth it self in him Lam. 3.24 The Lord is my portion saith my soul therefore will I hope in him 2.
acceptance of his work p. 101. 6. Those that relate to his reward for his work p. 104. 7. Those that relate to Interest p. 107. 8. Those that relate to the whole design and intent of his Suretiship p. 108. Chap. V. The harmony of the covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the covenant of Reconciliation and Grace made with sinners They agree together 1. In their rise from Free-grace p. 113. 2. In their design the redemption of lost people p. 114. 3. In that Christ is the grand Instrument of both ibid. 4. They are both commensurable with Gods election of the parties with whom he made the Covenants p. 115. 5. The principal ends of both are the same ibid. 6. The advantage of both redounds to us the honour to the Lord. 7. There is exchange of places between Christ and his redeemed seed in both p. 116. 8. In many properties free gracious sure p. 117. They differ 1. In their rise one came from grace in both parties the other not p. 117. 2. In the property of Eternity 3. The parties are different in one Jehovah and Christ in the other Father Son and Spirit and lost sinners p. 118. 4. The covenant of Redemption is equal that of Reconciliation unequal p. 119 5. In the covenant of Redemption there was no Mediator in that of Reconciliation there is 6. The Promises of the two Covenants are different p. 120. 7. Threatnings are annexed to the covenant of Reconciliation 8. The commands and conditions of them are different p. 121. 9. The covenant of Redemption tarried not for our consent to make it an actual covenant the other does p. 122. The two Covenants are conjoyn'd together by a five-fold connection 1. By an inseparable connection p. 123. 2. By an infallible connection 3. An insuperable connection p. 124. 4. By a secret and hidden connection 5. By a beautiful connection p. 125. Their connection illustrated by a Similitude p. 127. Chap. VI. The grounds of comfort resulting from the covenant of Suretiship to those who are in the covenant of Reconciliation 1. The original of Gods covenanting with us is an eternal compact between Jehovah and Christ p. 128. 2. The same love of the Father and Christ now drawing thee into the New Covenant hath been in action for thee in Eternity 3. Our Redemption and Salvation hath little of our Will and much of Gods gracious Will in it p. 129. 4. By the covenant of Suretiship the fountain of life and salvation lay out of our selves in Christ 5. By the covenant of Suretiship our Rights and Charters the Promises are in a surer hand than our own p. 130. 6. By the covenant of Suretiship Christ and the Believer are in a manner in one Writ p 131. 8. By the covenant of Suretiship all the hard conditions lay upon Christ p. 135. 9. That in the covenant of Suretiship the Believer is undertaken for by both the parties Jehovah and Christ p. 136. 10. The Believer is in a sure and confirmed Estate p. 137. 11. Whatever Christ did in that Covenant it was for us and we did it in him p. 138. 12. By that Covenant besides all other Attributes the Justice of God is for the Believers salvation This 1. Is an argument to answer all temptations from our frailty inconstancy c. p. 140. 2. Admire and study the depths of Love in Gods Covenant p. 142. 3. Learn how needful the knowledg and perswasion of Christs Suretiship for us is p. 143. 4. Nothing more necessary to engage our hearts to study faith and hololiness p. 144. Chap. VII Concerning the Mediator of the New Covenant and 1. Of his Name what it signifies p. 145. Christ called Mediator on a four-fold account 1. In respect of his Person 2. Office 3. Fitness and qualification 4. His actual interposing p. 147. 1. Through him was the Covenant first moved 2. Through him was the business begun and ended in the Councel of God 3. Through him were we represented in his transaction with his Father p. 148. 4. Through him God did strike hands with us 5. Through him the Covenant is fulfilled 6. Through him came the news of it 7. Through him is the Mystery made manifest in the hearts of his people p. 149. 8. He paid the price to Justice for us 9. Through him is peace made 10. Through him the blessings of the Covenant are applyed to us 11. Through him we receive these blessings p. 150. 12. Through him was the Covenant with us confirmed 13. Through him are our hearts engaged to the bargain p. 151. 14. Through him is the Covenant made firm and stable Uses 1. The misery of those under the covenant of Works 2. The blessedness of Believers under the covenant of Grace 3. Since Christ is Mediator he must be employed and acknowledged p. 152. Chap. VIII Concerning the necessity of a Mediator and the reasons why the Covenant is establish'd in the hands of a Mediator of three sorts p. 153. 1 Respecting Gods Glory 1. The glory of his Honour 2. The glory of his Wisdom 3. The glory of his Goodness p. 154. 4. The glory of his Justice p. 155. 2 Reasons respecting Christ 1. In respect of his Offices King Priest and Prophet ibid. 2. His Power 3. In respect of the dependance we have on him 4. In respect of his sole working the whole business p. 156. 3 Sort of reasons respecting the creatures good negatively and affirmatively Negatively 1. Without the Mediator we could have had no saving-knowledg of God p. 156. 2. No union between God and man 3. No communion with God 4. No conformity to God Affirmatively 1. A foundation is laid for a higher happiness to be recovered in Christ than was lost in Adam p. 157. 2. There is a better security of that happiness 3. Solid grounds of Consolation Uses 1. This clears one difference between the covenant of Grace and that of Works wherein was no Mediator p. 158. 2. From the necessity of a Mediator be convinced of your need of a Mediator p. 159. 3. Carry it as those that need a Mediator p. 160. Chap. IX Concerning the person of the Mediator of the New Covenant p. 161 called 1. The Word of God p. 162. 2. The brightness of his Fathers glory p. 163. 3. The express Image of his Fathers person p. 164. 1. Christ hath in him a glorious resemblance of the excellency and Attributes of the Father 2. It is by Christ that all those Excellencies of God are revealed to us p. 164. Three things in God are discovered in Jesus Christ. 1. The Attributes of God Wisdom Goodness Mercy Power Soveriagnty Justice Holiness All-sufficiency Patience Faithfulness Majesty p. 166. 2. The distinct subsistences of the persons of the Godhead p. 171. 3. The distinct Offices of the three Persons 1. The Acts of the Father plotting and making the covenant with Christ Mediator 2. The Acts of Jesus Christ undertaking 3. The Acts of the Spirit Chap. X. Concerning the
Office of the Mediator and 1. Of his calling to it p. 174. 2. By whom he was called by God the Father p. 175. 3. When he was called to it 1. In respect of his designation to the Office it is Eternal p. 176. 2. In respect of his Furniture for and being invested in his Office it is in time p. 177. Use 1. Wonder at Gods eternal Love in calling Christ and his voluntary submission to it Use 2. To establish our faith in the prevalency of Christs Mediation ibid. Use 3. Shews the necessity of receiving the Mediator Use 4. Is comfort to Believers Chap. XI Of Christs qualification for the Office of Mediatorship and 1. Of his taking our nature upon him p. 179. Where 1. Is to be considered the reality of it p. 180. 2. His condescending-love in it p. 181. 3. The exaltation of our Nature p. 183. 4. How Christ taking our Nature is the great qualification of him for his Mediatorship p. 185. 1. He must be God for man could not satisfie for sin p. 186. 2. He must be Man because he must stand in our stead and be one with us c. p. 187. 3. The reasons why he must be God and Man in one person p. 188. Chap. XII Several Questions resolved concerning Christs taking our Nature upon him Why God the Father or the Holy Ghost took not our Nature but the Son p. 189. 2. Why must the Son of God be not only Man but the Son of Man the seed of the Woman p. 191. 3 Why did not the Son of God take Adams nature in Innocency but when it was corrupted p. 192. 4. Why must our Mediator be born of the seed of Abraham and when p. 194. 5. Why must our Mediator be made under the Law p. 195. 6. Why was the Son of God born of a Virgin and not a married Woman p. 196. 7. Why is Christ made Man in the fulness of time and not sooner nor later p. 197. The Vses p. 198. Chap. XIII Of Christs Vnction another qualification of him for his Office the first part of which is his Anointing to these Offices of Prophet Priest and King p. 201. The necessity of them in him p. 202. The use of them in our Mediator p. 204. 3. The concurrence of them for the end of his Mediatorship p. 209. Vses p. 215. Chap. XIV The second part of Christs Vnction viz. as it relates to his qualifications for the work 1. Of his Vnction in general p. 221. 1. It was the same with the Vnction of Believers p. 224. 2. It was without measure p. 225. 3. As to the time of his Vnction it was from the first Vnion of his two Natures 4. The extent of his Vnction it reacheth to all the parts of his Mediatorship p. 226. Vses of it p. 227. Chap. XV. Of the Requisites in a Mediator which are eminently in Christ and 1. Of the Requisites of fitting him for his Trust as 1. A Mediator must be a person that must have interest in both parties 2. He must be trusted by both parties 3. He must be well affected to both parties p. 230. 4. He must have power over both parties 2 Requisites relating to the managing such a work As 1. He must be a condescending person p. 231. 2. He must be Mollifying p. 232. 3. He must be Affable p. 233. 4. Meek and long-suffering p. 234. 5. Merciful and tendr-hearted p. 235. 6. He must be potent enough to compass his undertaking p. 236. 7. Faithful to the interest of both parties in the Mediation p. 238. 8. He must be a wooer of both the parties to bring them in friendship together p. 239. 9. Couragious to undergo difficulties and oppositions p. 240. Some other properties in our Mediator qualifying him for his wrk not found in any other Mediator as 1. His Oneness with both parties between whom he mediates p. 242. 2. He never declines the work of Mediation for any 3. He is always at hand and ready p. 243. 4. A perpetual Mediator p. 244. Several Vses ibid. Chap. XVI Of Christs execution of the Office of a Mediator 1. He doth it according to both Natures proved by six Reasons p. 151. 2. Christ hath executed this Office ever since the beginning of the World p. 255. 3. Jesus the Mediator executeth his Office as well in his estate of Exaltation as Humiliation p. 257. A Question whether the Angels have any share in Christ Mediation Answered p. 259. The execution of Christs Mediatorship reduced to five Heads p. 262. 1. To prepare a way for mans covenanting with God p. 263. 2. To bring the Elect within the bond of the Covenant p. 264. 3. To enable whom he bringeth into the covenant of Grace to perform the Duty of the Covenant p. 266. 4. To keep them from falling away from that blessed Estate p. 207. 5. To bring them to the height of that blessedness he hath appointed for them p. 269. Chap. XVII Grounds of comfort and supports of Faith arising to Believers from Christs Mediatorship 1. To those who are convinc'd of enmity betwixt God and them and desire Reconciliation p. 272. 2. To Believers who are come to God through him p. 273. 3. It reacheth to all the evils wherewith Believers can be afflicted ibid. Grounds of comfort if we consider 1. The Person who mediates he is one with the Father 2. The Person with whom he mediates his relation to the Mediator and the persons he mediates for p. 277. 3. The Persons for whom he mediates our nearness to the Mediator and to God by him 4. The cause for which he mediates the righteousness and honourableness of it p. 278. Chap. XVIII Of the Relations that Christ sustaineth in the covenant of Grace viz. A witness of the Covenant 1. The Witness witnessed p. 299. 2. The Witness witnessing 1. An Eye-witness p. 302. 2. An acting Witness 3. He did declare all he saw heard and acted about it p. 303. Three Mysteries declared by him 1. The mysterie of the Gospel-covenant p. 304. 2. The mysterie of Christ p. 305. 3. The mystery of the Gospel-righteousness and the way of justifying Sinners p. 306. Several Mysteries in this Righteousness 1. The imputation of it 2. In the Instrument viz. Faith 3. In the imputation of it with reference to the Persons to whom it is imputed 4 Christ is the witness of the Covenant who confirmeth the truth of all that is contained in it p. 307. Viz. Commands Promises Conditions Threatnings Predictions and Exceptions p. 308. 5. Uses of this p. 313. Chap. XIX Another Relation Christ bears in the Covenant viz. the messenger of the Covenant p. 325. Where 1 The import of the name Messenger or Angel of the Covenant p. 326. 2 In what respects it is applicable to Christ p. 327. 1. In regard of the trust committed to him in the matters of the Covenant 2. In regard of his pains and travel in it p. 328. 3 Betwixt whom doth Christ travel as
betwixt the parties through the Messenger and by his means and travel 2 Sam. 11.22 23 25 So the messenger went and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for And the Messenger said unto David surely the men prevailed against us Then David said unto the messenger thus shalt thou say unto Joab let not this thing displease thee c. Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world and they have believed that thou didst send me Joh. 13.3 And that he was come from God and went to God 2. Consider next in what respects the name Messenger is applicable to Christ with relation to the Covenant 1. In regard of the power and trust committed unto him in the matters of the Covenant he is the Messenger of the Covenant that is the great Lord Ambassadour extraordinary and Trustee of Heaven who represented his father and who was Plenipotentiary being perfectly instructed and fully impowred to propound treat and conclude in all matters pertaining to the Covenant and the settlement of peace 'twixt God and man and in this sense the word is used 1 Kings 16.7 and 17.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 malakim Messengers i. e. Ambassadours and Isa 33.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 melache the Ambassadors of peace thus Christ is the Messenger of the Covenant this power and trust is committed unto him to represent his father 2 Cor. 5.19 To wit that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself Heb. 1.1 3 God hath in these last days spoken to us by his Son And to treat and conclude with us a Covenant in his name Joh. 5.22 For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son Joh. 17.2 As thou hast given him power oven all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him Mat. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and earth 2. This-name of Messenger of the Covenant is applicable to him in regard of his pains and travel in the matters of the Covenant I mean in regard of his work as well as his trust and thus in regard of several pieces of his work and travel he may be called the Messenger of the Covenant 1. He is the Messenger who carried the Message of a new Covenant who travelled from Heaven to Earth with this Message to make a Covenant betwixt God and sinners he came expresly for this one errant Gal. 4.4 5 But when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law to redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of Sons 1 Joh. 5.6 This is he that came by water and blood even Jesus Christ not by water only but by water and blood 1 Joh. 1.5 This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you that God is light and in him is no darkness at all And in this sense the word is frequently used for an Express or one sent for a particular Errant and purpose Joh. 1.6 7 There was a man sent from God whose name was John The same came for a witness to bear witness of the light that all men through him might believe Mat. 11.10 For 〈◊〉 is he of whom it is written Behold I send my messenger before thy face which shall prepare thy way before thee 2. He is the Messenger who did publish and intimate the new Covenant and Gods gracious purpose in it as that thing which was his errant in the World he did it Authoritatively others only Ministerially 2 Cor. 5.20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us we pray you in Christs stead he ye reconciled to God He is the chief Minister of the new Testament others only by commission from him Isa 61.1 The spirit of the Lord God as upon me because the Lord hath annointed me to preach good ridings unto the meek Heb. 8.2 6 10 A minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry by how much also he is the mediator of a better Covenant which was established upon better promises For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord c. Eph. 4.9.11 Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth and he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Luk. 19.10 Eph. 2.17 Pov. 9.1 3. So the word is taken for one that intimateth or bringeth word and giveth notice of any thing Joh 1.14 3. He is the Messenger who doth interpret and declare the Message of the new Covenant who travelleth to be an Interpreter of the mind of God in that matter Mat. 11.27 All things are delivered unto me of my father and no man knoweth the Son but the father neither knoweth any man the father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the besome of the father he hath declared him Rom. 3.25 26. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through Faith in his blood to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God To declare I say at this time his righteousness that he might be just and the justifier of him 〈◊〉 hith believeth in Jesus Luk. 24.17 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all 〈◊〉 Scriptures the things concerning himself Hence he is called a Prophet Act. 3.22 And thâ—â— Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 And in this sense this word is taken Job 33.23 If there be a messenger with him an interpreter one among a thousand to shew unto man his uprightness 4. He is the messenger which acteth the Covenant upon the hearts of his people effective physice I mean the Messenger which attacheth the hearts of his people as a Serjeant at Arms that layeth hands upon a man and bringeth them into the bond of the Covenant the Messenger that never leaveth pursuit until he hath apprehended Ezek. 20.37 And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant Heb. 8.10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts and I will be to them a God and they shall be to me a people Hos 2.19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever yea I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness and in judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies Ezek. 36 27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments
and do them Joh. 6.29 37 Jesus answered and said unto them this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent All that the father giveth me shall come to me So this word is used 1 Sam. 19.11 14 Saul also sent messengers unto Davids house to watch him and to slay him in the morning And when Saul sein messengers to David she said he is sick 5. He is the messenger which reporteth the Covenant and the transactions with every Soul that receiveth this Gospel where and with whom the treaty took effect and where and with whom the proposal of the Covenant halted Joh. 17.6 7 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me So the word is used Gen. 32.6 And the messengers returned to Jacob saying c. 3. Betwixt whom doth Christ travel as Messenger of the Covernant For a right understanding of this we are to make use of these two necessary distinctions 1. The Covenant may be considered either as it 's preached and offered generally to all who hear it Act. 13.46 47 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed hold and said it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken unto you but seeing ye put it from you and judg your selves unworthy of everlasting life Lo we turn to the Gentiles For so hath the Lord commanded us saying I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles that thou shouldst be for salvation unto the ends of the earth Mark 16.15 And he said unto them go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel unto every creature Or it may be considered as it is acted and effectually fulfilled upon the hearts of the Elect Act. 13.48 And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed Heb. 8. with Jer. 31. 2. This different consideration of the Covenant affords a distinction of the parties in the Covenant the parties contracting in the Covenant preached are God and all within the visible Church Act. 3.25 Ye are the children of the Prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers saying unto Abraham And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed Act. 2.39 40 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call But the parties contracting in the Covenant considered in that second respect as 't is acted upon hearts are only the elect people upon whose hearts the law is written and in whom God hath put his spirit Jer. 31.33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and will be their God and they shall be my people Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and ye shall keep my judgments and do them These things premised for clearing the point in hand I lay down four Conclusions 1. Christ is in some respect a Messenger betwixt God and all the visible multitude to whom the Covenant is offered and the Gospel preached therefore it 's said of him That he is given for a light to the Gentiles and for a witness to the people even to nations Isa 49.6 55.4 5. Rom. 15.8 9 10 11 12. I said in some restect because he did procure the Gospel to be preached to all narions and doth carry the Message of the Covenant to multitudes Rom. 10.18 But I say have they not heardâ— yes verity their sound went into all the earth and their words into the ends of the world 2. Christ is in a more special respect Messenger betwixt God and his few chosen people because he hath a Message from God to act upon their hearts that which is only externally revealed commanded and offered unto others and he hath undertaken for them and for their receiving the Message which he carrieth unto them Joh. 6.37 39 All that the father giveth we shall come to me And this is the fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing but should raise it up again at the last day Joh. 17.6 8 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me and they have received them and have known surely that I came out from thee and they have believed that thou didst send me Act. 13.26 And whosoever among you feareth God to you is the word of this salvation sent 3. Christ is a Messenger of the Covenant to many Hypocrites and Reprobates unto whom he bringeth the offer and Message of the Covenant not for their sake and cause but for the Elects sake with whom they are mixed here in societies upon the earth 2 Cor. 4.15 For all things are for your sakes that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God 2 Tim. 2.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elects sakes that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory So that the Message of the Covenant is preached to them by way of concomitancy in respect that they are in these societies unto which the Gospel is sent for salvation to the Elect Joh. 17.18 19 21 As thou hast sent me into the world even so also have I sent them into the world And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they also might be sanctified through the truth That they all may be one as thou father art in me and I in thee that they also may be one in us that the world may believe that thou hast sent me 4. Christ is a Messenger to the multitudes unto whom the Gospel is prepared only for carrying unto them the commanding Will of God which revealeth unto them their duty and obligation to receive the Gospel and to take hold of the Covenant 2 Cor. 16.17 Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you But Christ is a Messenger unto the Elect not only for carrying unto them Gods Will of command but also his Will of Counsel and Pleasure that is the things which he hath resolved to act upon their hearts and to work in them