well pleased with their services their obedience in every duty done in faith according to his will and their Praises and Prayers that is made acceptable with the Father by Jesus Christ He it is that bears the iniquity of their holy things obtaining the pardon of all their defects 1 Joâ— 1. 9. with chap. 2. 1 2. He mixes much incense with their prayers or adds it to their Prayers Rev. 8. 3 4. even the incense of the precious worth of his death and suffering being offered up in his Mediatorship a sweet smelling favour to God Eph. 5. 2. Thus the services of the Saints are presented to God acceptable by Jesus Oh then let the Saints learn to know where in whom their acceptation is not in themselves but in another even in Jesus Christ who is with the Father for them But thirdly Christ doth not onely make the services of Saints acceptable but he himself who knows their wants better then they presents their wants for them which I shall more distinctly speak unto when I come to shew you the manner how he mediates for his People And as he is all to the father for his people so 2 He is all from the Father to his people that is He mediates for and brings down all from the Father to his people 1 He mediates for the spirit and the holy Spirit is the fruit of Christs mediatorship a special word to direct us to the right way of obtaining a greater measure of the spirit of promise it must be by virtue of the mediatorship of Christ if ever we have it Joh. 14. 16. I will pray the Father and he will give you another comforter even the spirit of truth c. But the comforter the holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name c. Mark you friends the Father will send the holy Spirit the comforter in the name of Christ in his authority by virtue of his mediatorship Chap. 16. 7. if I go not away the comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you You heard chap. 14. 26. The Father will send the holy Spirit c. Chap. 15. 26. He is said to proceed from the Father but here Christ will send the Spirit and what doth this teach us but first the unity of the Father and Son in the work of sending the holy Spirit The Father the head and fountain from whence he proceeds and is originally sent the Son in way of mediatorship by virtue of office and so both Father and Son sends the Spirit So likewise it s the same Ephes 4. 8. Wherefore he saith When he ascended up on high he laid captivity captive and gave gifts unto men He ascended up on high that he might do it that is by virtue of his mediatorship So that Jesus Christ brings down the holy Spirit to his people 2 He mediates for and brings down peace to his people from the God of peace that so he may perform his legacy and promise when he went away Joh. 14. 27. Peace I leave with you my Peace I give unto you c. and chap. 16. 33. These things have I spoken to you that in me you might have peace c. And this he doth by sending down the Spirit of Peace working in the Gospel of Peace 2 Cor. 1. 2. Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Peace comes from God and Christ from God as the Father and fountain of Peace from Christ the mediator for peace 3 He mediates and brings down comfort and consolation for and to his people according to his Promise Joh. 14. 18. I will not leave you comfortless c. and the way by which he comforts his People is by sending the comforter the holy Spirit a fruit of his mediatorship to lead them into truth and apply it to them for their comfort 4 He mediates and brings down the grace of sanctification for and to his people It is the work of the Father by degrees to work a through sanctification in his people that they may be holy in body and in spirit and meet to Possess their holy inheritance Hence is that prayer of the Apostle 1 Thes 5. 23. And the very God of Peace sanctifie you wholly c. Now Christ prays that his Father would do it Joh. 17. 15 16 17. I pray that thou shouldest keep them from the evil of the world Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth So that the Lords peoples sanctification and universal conformity to his minde and will is a blessed fruit and effect of the Mediatory office of Jesus Christ 5 He mediates for and brings down the power and strength of upholding and persevering grace of performing duty of overcoming sin and temptations of holding on in the Lords way and holding out unto the end notwithstanding afflictions tribulations and persecutions that Saints meet with because of the word The Lord Jesus mediates for the strength of grace Joh. 17. 11. and now I come to thee Holy Father keep through thine own name those that thou hast given me v. 15. Luke 22. 31. 32. And the Lord said Simon Simon Satan bath desired to have you that he might sift you as wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Oh friends look to God for supporting sustaining supplying and renewing grace to be given down unto you through the mediation of Jesus Christ it s by him your strength is renewed continued and increased whereby you run and are not weary walk and are not faint 6 He mediates for and brings down the answers of all the Saints Prayers and a supply of all their necessities Joh. 14. 13. Whatsoever ye shall aske in my name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son Christ will do it that the Father may be glorified in the Son viz. the father will glorifie himself in and by the son in giving answers to his people by Jesus Christ Chap. 15. 16. that whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name he may give it you and 16. 23. Verily verily I say unto you Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you Phil. 4. 19. But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ Mark freinds God will supply the needs of his People but it must be by Jesus Christ as he is the Mediator of the New Covenant 7 And finally not to multiply any more particulars of this nature in this place Jesus Christ mediates for and brings down to his people all the blessings of the New Covenant of which he is the Mediator for on that account it is that he is the Mediator of the Covenant for the bringing down all the blessings of grace and glory that are contained in the Covenant and that is as hath been before proved all things which may tend to make them truely and eternally blessed
we need remission and in the new covenant it is administred to us according to the tenour therein exprest Heb. 8. 12. 1 Epist John 2. 12. and chap. 1. 9. In all which this blessing or blessed gift is clearly stated see Rom. 4. 6 7. Blessed is the man whose iniquity is forgiven and whose sin is covered Secondly Peace and reconciliation with himself is another blessing of the new covenant which the Lord gives to all his people and this peace is likewise first preached in the doctrine of the Gospel Hence it is that God saith Isa 57. 19. I create the fruit of the lips Peace Peace to him that is far off and to him that is near saith the Lord. And Christ sent his Disciples with the message of peace Luke 10 5. and the Apostles came preaching peace by Jesus Christ who is Lord of all Acts 10. 36. and this peace and reconciliation is applied and injoyed by faith Ephes 2. 13 14. Ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ for he is our peace Rom. 5. 1. Being justified by faith we have peace with God c. Thirdly The blessing of the Spirit is another blessing of the new covenant and truly included in that blessing promised to Abraham for there is nothing that tends to make the Saints truly and eternally blessed but it must be included in that blessing promised to Abraham without which persons could not be blessed therefore this of the spirit is reckoned as one of the blessings promised to Abraham and not the least neither Gal. 3. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith This is the great Gospel blessing and promise of Christ when he was to leave this world and go to the Father that he would send the holy spirit the comforter which promise believers now have a share in Isa 59. 21. As for me this is my covenant c. The refore let the Saints be encouraged to expect such a portion of his promised Spirit as may concur to the effecting of Gods covenant 4. The adoption of sons by the same spirit is another blessing of the new covenant for out of Christ men are strangers enemies but in Christ friends Sons and daughters to the Lord God Almighty Oh friends here is a blessing and a blessed priviledge the Lord hath given to his people in this new covenant John 1. 12. To as many as received him to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to as many as believe in his name 1 John 3. 1. Behold what manner of love is this which the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God and if Sons then Heirs Heirs of God and Joynt-Heirs with Christ Rom. 8. 17. Oh learn to improve this priviledge and this interest in and relation to the Lord. 5. An interest in great and precious promises both of grace and glory This the Lord gives in this covenant to all his people 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises c. Oh the great and precious promises relating both to grace and glory that God hath interested his people in in this covenant every New Testament Promise is a branch of the Covenant and must be performed Promises of pardoning and purging and supporting and preserving grace Promises of the kingdom and the glory that is yet to come this hath God promised in the new Covenant and given his people an interest in the godly have the promises of this life and of that which is to come Oh Therefore let them learn to acquaint themselves more with the promises and more to prize them and to live by faith in the expectation of Gods faithfulness in performing of them for they are his peoples portion till they come to enjoy the Promised possession 6. Free access to the throne of grace as Sons and Daughters in the name of Christ a great and precious favour too little prized and improved by the Lords people God delights to have his children come to him and call upon him in the spirit and faith of sons this is the Lords gift and it is marvellous that he should admit such worthless worms to come to him with acceptance Oh let us learn to prize it and improve it it s a new Covenant mercy that which none can claim a right in but believers It s their priviledge it s their duty let them therefore know it and be incouraged to come with boldness to the throne of grace Never a carnal man in the World can claim a right to this as a new Covenant mercy Psalm 50. 16. To the wicked God said What hast thou to do to take my covenant into thy mouth c. Let not the Lords people be found negligent in this work nor undervaluing it as a low and legal thing but know it is a high and precious priviledge be ye therefore faithful in the improving of it 7 Outward comforts of this life are given in as new covenant mercies although the great promises on which the covenant is established are spiritual and eternal and not such on which the old covenant was established yet the new covenant is not altogether without the promises of this life Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come See Matth. 6. 33. and Luke 12. 31. your heavenly father knoweth that ye have need of these things and all these things shall be added viz. added in with and to the kingdom It s true our Lord hath not promised great things in this life to his people but food and cloathing Therefore having that which God hath promised let us be therewith content for we brought nothing with us into this world and it is certain we shall carry nothing out And let us learn to enjoy all our mercies as handed to us in the new covenant upon the account of Christ and improve all for God not bestow it upon our Iusts but be faithfull in answering Gods precious ends in imbracing such worthless worms in such an inriching covenant as this is in which both grace and glory are included 3 I shall come to shew you the nature of this new covenant which is thus established by Christ 1 It is a free covenant Oh the freeness of Gods love in this covenant this covenant is free 1 Either as relating to God the Author or 2 Relating to man the receiver First relating to God it was free his own councel and purpose of grace freely conceived it in himself and brought forth by and of himself Such was the freeness of the love of God in this covenant that nothing could put a stop to him notwithstanding he foresaw what man would be and do yet this put no stop to the free coming forth of this covenant all the parts of it are free His doing for working
particular proposed namely 2. To prove that Jesus Christ is the middle person between God and man or the Mediator of the new covenant for proof see not onely the text which is full and clear but likewise chap. 8. 6. he is said to be the Mediator of a better Covenant that is of the new covenant which is established upon better promises c. and chap. 9. 15. And for this cause he is the Mediator of the New Testament c. and 1 Tim. 2. 5. There is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus Thus you see the truth lieth clear That Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the new covenant a truth of very great and special concernment for the Lords people to be acquainted with and established in it being the enemies design and great endeavour to ruine faith in this truth and hath gon very far in the work with many at this day 3. The persons for whom he is a Mediator and the matter for what and that not onely 1. Generally for men There is one God and one Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2. 5. But secondly and more particularly and especially he is a Mediator of the new covenant so that then he is a Mediator for those included in the covenant between the Father and Christ I have before shewed that the covenant is made with Christ and in him with and for all the elect and chosen of the Father so that he mediates 1. For and in behalf of those given to him by the Father in order to the work of conversion and coming in to own the grace of the covenant My beloved friends I do believe that there is never a sinner converted from the evil of his way but it is by vertue of the Mediatorship of Jesus Christ at the right hand of God John 3. 3. Christ saith Except a man be born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God So the word in the Greek from above and Jam. 1. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights And truly the work of conversion and faith in Jesus is a good work Therefore it s added ver 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth It is such a gift as he that hath it not must be damned it is a fruit of the spirit that is the earnest of our iâ—â—eritance the evidence of things not seen I suppose that none of knowledge and conscience dare deny but that all good is by vertue of Christ God gives it by him and that in way of Mediatorship It s true some there are who are so bold as to deny faith and conversion to be the gift of God that they would have to be beaten out of their own brains But as it is a gift from â—eaven so it is by vertue of Christs being there To deny this is to deny salvation by Jesus Christ for if saith and salvation be not by vertue of Christ his Mediatorship with the Father then salvation may be obtained without a Mediator and this absolutely destroys the Gospel and salvation by Jesus Christ But the new birth is a heavenly birth that is a birth from above Hence it is the Apostle saith Gal. 4. 26. Jerusalem which is above is free which is the Mother of us all and Psalm 87. speaking prophetically of the new covenant and of Jerusalem that City which is above and the flowing in of the Gentiles saith ver 4. 5. Of Zion it shall be said This and that man was born in her that is Jerusalem which is above from thence is the work wrought thence is the spirit given If I go away saith Christ I will send the spirit and he wil convince the world of sin of righteousness and of judgement John 16. 7 8. It s the spirits work to convince of sin c. that is to effect by the doctrine of the Gospel the whole work of conversion And the sending of the spirit is a fruit of Christs Mediatorship If I go not away the comforter will not come but if I go away I will send him and I will pray the Father and he will send you another comforter c. The Mediatorship of Christ and the doctrine of the Gospel concurs together and the spirit that is a fruit of Christs Mediatorship as well as the doctrine of salvation and is given to conversion in the preaching of the doctrine of the Gospel This I would learn of you received ye the spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith Gal. 3. 2. So that it is evident that Jesus Christ is a Mediator of the new covenant in behalf of unconverted ones for their conversion and work of faith that they might come to know the grace given to them in Christ and so come to receive the grace prepared for them Luke 23. 34. Then said Jesus Father forgive them they know not what they do 2 He is a Mediator for all his people believers to whom the covenant is revealed or made known he is with the Father for them He is between God and man viz. His people That is it the Apostle saith 1 John 2. 1. If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous c. Heb. 9. 24. He is now in the presence of God for us that is for his people believers if they sin he is their Mediator and Advocate Quest But what doth he mediate for for his people Answ In brief he is all to his Father for his people and brings down all good from the Father to his people he makes both the persons and services of his people acceptable with the Father and makes the Fathers goodness and will acceptable to and with his people This is the sum of all from whence every branch flows But more particularly as he mediates to the Father for his people so 1. He presents their persons and makes them accepted though they are poor and wretched in themselves yet to the Father they are lovely in his son a word of singular consolation for poor Saints who live in the sight and sence of their own poverty Matth. 3. 17. And lo a voyce from heaven saying This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased God is not onely well pleased with Christ but he is well pleased in him with all his poor people and that is it Christ saith Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matth. 5. 3. Jesus Christ is a Mediator for such and they are made accepted in the beloved Ephes 1. 6. Thus through the Mediatorship of Christ the persons of his people are accepted of the Father and so they stand in an acceptable justified state with God 2 Their services are by virtue of the Mediatorship of Christ accepted with God he is not onely well pleased with their persons but he is likewise
to him and rest upon him for salvation to come to him as to the Mediator of the New Covenant to come to him as your Lord and King to submit to him in all things To come to him so as to expect all good from God by him both in respect of grace and glory Thus are believers come to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant The third Part or Branch is that this is a high and glorious attainment To be come to Jesus Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant is a high and glorious attainment it is so However Satan hath prevailed over many poor souls of late to make them slight this heavenly attainment and to trample underfoot the man Christ Jesus and the blood of this Covenant yet know friends that you that are come to Jesus have attained to a high degree of favour with God Quest Wherein doth the heigth of this attainment appear Answ 1. It is high in comparison of what they came to in the old Testament and that is it which is particularly mentioned in this place We are not come to mount Sinai c. But to mount Sion to Jesus c. A more blessed Covenant a better Mediator a better Priesthood better Promises all is better in this day of grace in this covenant of Reformation 2 It s high being compared with the state of all others that are not come to Jesus They are low they must perish and be damned The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it But he that believeth on the name of Jesus Christ shall be saved There is no other name given under heaven among men whereby they must be saved but by the name of Jesus Acts 4. 12. 3 It is high in it self For first it hath given them â—n interest in and relation to a high God Who ever are come to Jesus they are come to God as a father and stand related to him as children They are come to great and precious priviledges and interested in great and precious Promises They are Come to the spirits of just men made perfect and to an innumerable company of Angels and to God the judge of all They are come to fellowship with the Father Son and Spirit to fellowship with Saints and Angels Here is the high attainment indeed of those that are come to Jesus 4 It is an high Attainment in that they are come into the way that will undoubtedly bring them to the kingdom to the everlasting life glory and blessedness promised in the covenant and mediated for by Jesus Christ This is the high attainment that all that are truly come to Jesus have attained Here is the standing and state of believers that are come to Jesus whatever the world thinks of them what ever Pharisees and Hypocrites think of them what ever the devil endeavours to perswade them to think of themselves yet they are come to Jesus c. Now I shall come to speak a few words in way of application to the whole and I shall have done Use 1. A word of trial whether you are indeed come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant As its a truth of very great concernment so it very much concerns you to take a view of your own souls and spiritual states whether you are come to Jesus yea or nay I know every one will be ready to say yea I am come to Jesus I make no question of that when the truth is there are but few in comparison that are truly and savingly come to him Quest How shall we know may some say whether we are come to him or no Answ Those that have come to Jesus have seen a need of him and a worth in him above all the world besides They have left all for him and do account their own righteousness as a filthy cloath as dung and dross all their own wisdom to be foolishness and their own strength to be but weakness they loath themselves in their own eyes in the sight and sence of their own vileness and they are made willing to have all in Christ and to follow him apart from all their vanities and beloved lusts through all difficulties they meet withal Oh! how few are there that are thus come to Jesus Christ It s true the world is come to him in their own fancies and imaginations but it is but a cheat and delusion They are ignorant of him and strangers to him and enemies in their minds by wicked works and indeed and truth will none of him They will steal murder and commit adultery c. and yet come and stand before God as if they were his rebell against him and trample his blood and ordinances under their feet and yet pretend themselves Christians This is the common state and cheat of most in the world Use 2. Of consolation to believers The comfort is they are come to Jesus The consolation lieth mainly in these two things 1. They are come to the Mediator of the new Covenant 2. They are come to a high and glorious attainment 1 They are come to the mediator of the new Covenant A ground of sound and assured comfort for all true believers Quest But some will say wherein lieth the consolation of this estate that we may improve it for our comfort Answ It lieth in many things but I shall at present mention these two 1. Assured acceptation with the Father 2. Assured application of pardon of sin and all that is good for them 1 Assured acceptation with the Father and that both in respect of Christ himself and of his people in him Here is a ground of comfort indeed for all that in truth come unto God by him They may come with boldness there is assured acceptance persons services in him accepted as hath been before proved onely let the saints now improve it and apply it for their comfort Your persons accepted though in your own eyes poor wretched creatures your Mediator he is pure and perfect a fit Mediator for such poor impure creatures as we are See Heb. 7. 26. For such an High-priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens And here is the Christians comfort that their High-priest their Mediator is holy and he is accepted for them into heaven it self there to appear in the presence of God for them 2. Their Prayers granted and whatsoever their Mediator sees good shall be given them Be encouraged to believe this God will nay he must keep nothing back from his people that may be for their good for they have a faithfull tender powerfull prevalent and holy Mediator with the Father for them Quest Wherein lies the prevalency of Christs Mediatorship Answ Not onely in his near relation to the Saints and so his love and faithfulness to them but in the excellent worth of his blood that pleads prevailingly and must have no denial Ephes 5 2. and likewise his near relation to him to whom he mediates that is his Father He
Joh. 1. 2 3. Ephes 3. 9. Col. 1. 15 16. Heb. 1. 2. That this word was made or manifest in flesh Joh. 1. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16. And so was truly man of the seed of David according to the flesh Rom. 1. 3. Act. 2. 30. Rom. 9. 5. The true Messiah promised in the Old Testament Gen. 3. 15. Gal. 4. 4. Joh. 1. 45. Gen. 12. 3. Gal. 3. 16. That he humbled himself and became obdient even to the death of the Cross for our sins Phil. 2. 7 8 9. 1 Cor. 15. 3. was raised from the dead Luke 24. 6 7. 1 Cor. 15. 3 4. and is ascended into heaven to the Father Joh. 20. 17. Acts 1. 10 11. and made Lord and Christ Acts 2. 36. head over all to and for the Church Ephes 1. 20 21 22 23. 3 Concerning the holy Spirit That the holy Spirit is of God Gen. 1. 2. Isay 61. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 12. Numb 24. 2. 1 Sam. 10. 10. 11. 6. 19. 20 23. Job 27. 3. Matth. 3. 16. Proceeds from him Joh. 15. 26. And is eternal Heb. 9. 14. present in all places Psal 139. 7 8 9. and admits of no cessation from the Father and the Son though of distinction in which he is one of the Three which distinction is safe enough to be retained and all that are to be baptized are first to be taught the knowledge of and faith in Father Son and holy Spirit Matth. 28. 18 19. 4 Concerning man That God made man upright Gen. 1. 26 27. Ecles 7. 29. but he fell from that estate into an estate of sin and death Gen. 3. 6 7. Rom. 10. 12. 5 Concerning mans recovery That is by faith in Iesus Christ crucified raised and ascended and not by any fancy whatsoever Joh. 6. 39. Acts 13. 38 39. Rom. 3. 22 23 24 25 26. Ephes 1. 6 7. Col. 1. 21 22. Rev. 1. 5. 6 Concerning faith Faith is to believe the truth and faithfulness of God in his word Rom. 4. 3. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. and that he is able and will perform it Joh. 10. 28 29. Rom. 4. 20 21. Ephes 3. 10. Heb. 7. 25. 1 Cor. 10. 13. 1 Thes 5. 24. 2 Thes 3. 3. 7 Of the object of justifying faith Jesus Christ crucified as the gift of God to and for sinners is the object of faith Joh. 3. 16 36. 6. 29 47. Acts 26. 18. Rom. 3. 24. 1 Joh. 3. 23. And in and by Christ the Father is likewise the object of faith Joh. 5. 24. 12. 44. Rom. 8. 33 34. 1 Pet. 1. 21. and not the light within or any other fancy whatsoever 8 Concerning the ground of faith The goodness power wisdom and will of God made manifest in Christ and declared in the Scriptures of truth is the ground of faith Exod. 34. 6. Psal 34. 8. 36. 7. Gen. 17. 1. 2 Chro. 20. 6. 14. 11. Dan. 3. 17. Rom. 4 20 21. Ephes 3. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 12. Joh. 20. 31. 14. 6. Heb. 10. 19 20 21. 9 Of hope That hope is an unseparable companion of faith 1 Cor. 13. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 21. and when faith believes the truth of God declared in his word and the life that is in Jesus then comes in hope hoping for an interest in that grace and glory Acts 24. 15. Rom. 8. 24. 15. 4. Col. 1. 5. 23. Tit. 3. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 13. This of hope is an acceptable grace Psal 33. 18. 149. 11. It is the applying part of faith Heb. 6. 11. 1 Thes 5. 8. 1 Tim. 1. 1. Tit. 2. 13. So that the justifying faith of the New Covenant is when a soul truly believes the truth of God in his word and the life that is in Iesus Christ crucified hopes for an interest in this grace and cleavs to and trusts in the Lord. 10 Concerning works That works do undoubtedly accompany faith and that true faith is of a working purifying nature and that faith which is without works is a dead faith Acts 15. 9. Gal. 5. 6. Ephes 2. 10. 4. 17. to 32. Tit. 3. 8. Jam. 2. 17. 22. and that those works should be according to the mind of God in Scripture and not mens own fancies which leads to the 11. 11 Concerning the Scriptures That the Scripture is the true and faithfull word of God and is so to be believed Psal 93. 5. 111. 7. 119. 138. Joh. 5. 39. 1 Cor. 14. 37. Rom. 1. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21. And that all believers actions are or ought to be ordered according to the Scriptures Isay 8. 20. 2 Tim. 3. 14 15 16 17. 2 Pet. 1. 19. 12 Concerning the Mediatorship of Christ That Jesus Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God in the performance of his great office and work of mediatorship for and in behalf of all his people Rom. 8. 34. Ephes 1. 20. Col. 3. 1. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Heb. 1. 3. 7. 25. 8 1 6. 9. 15. 24. 10. 12. 12. 2 24. 1 Pet. 3. 22. 13. That Jesus Christ shall assuredly come again from heaven at the time appointed Acts 1. 11. 3. 20 21. and shall raise the dead and judge the quick and dead 1 Cor. 15. 51 52. Joh. 5. 28. 1 Thes 4. 16. 2 Tim. 4. 1. Matth. 24. 30. and take to himself his great power and reign Rev. 11. 17. 14. That the Saints shall live and reign with Christ in eternal life Matth. 19. 29. 25. 34 46. Luke 12. 32. Isay 35. 10. Rev. 20. 4. 21. 4. and the wicked shall live in eternal misery Matth. 25. 41. Rev. 6. 15 16 17. 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. 15. That the Covenant God made made with Abraham through faith in which he became the father of many nations viz. all belivers Gentiles as well as Jews was the Gospel Covenant Gen. 15. 5 6. 12. 3. 17. 4 5. 22. 18. 18. 18. Acts 3. 25. Rom. 4. 11 13 14 16 17 18. Gal. 3. 8 14 17 18. 16. That the Covenant by virtue of which infants in the Old Testament ministration had a right to be Church members or to ordinances was not this Covenant but that of circumcision which was one and the same with the law from mount Sinai the Covenant made with the children of Israel when God brought them by Moses out of Egypt and was a subservient Covenant added for that ministration till the seed was come to which the Gospel Covenant was made and is done away Gen. 17. 10. to 14. with Joh. 7. 22. Gal. 5. 2 3. 3. 19. Rom. 2. 25. 17. That who ever brings in Church members on the Old Testament membership makes null and void the Gospel covenant Rom. 4. 14. 2 Cor. 5. 16 17. Gal. 4. 21 to 31. 3. 19 29. 18. That Gods foreknowledge and choice in electing some men and women to salvation in Christ was before the beginning of the world Ephes 1. 4. Rom. 8. 29. 2 Tim. 1. 9.
19. That the effectual work of conversion and faith is a special work of grace wrought by the Spirit of Christ in the ministration of the Gospel Joh. 5. 21. 25. Rom. 9. 15. 2 Cor. 4. 6. Ephes 2. 5 6 8. Heb. 8. 8. 10. 10. 16. 12. 2. 20. That God hath a people that he owns in his unchangeable covenant that shall be kept by him and never fall away for this we have 1 The word of God Joh. 10. 28 29. 13. 1. Rom. 8. 29 30. Phil. 1. 6. Col. 3. 3 4. Heb. 12. 2. 1 Joh. 3. 9. 2 The Covenant of God Psal 89. 33 34. Jer. 31. 31 32 33. 32. 40. Heb. 8. 8. 3 The oath of God Psal 89. 35. Gen. 22. 16 17 18. Isay 44. 9 10. Heb. 6. 17 18. 21. That the Saints are to expect manifold tribulations while they are here in the spiritual warfare both within and without and through many tribulations to enter into the kingdom Jam. 1. 2. 12. John 16. 33. Acts 14. 22. 1 Cor. 10. 13. 22. That perfection is by the New Covenant of Gods grace in Christ Heb. 7. 19. 10. 1. 23. That this perfection is of two degrees the first is a perfection of justification and sanctification in way of imputation obtained by faith in Christ Rom. 5. 1. Acts 13. 39. Rom. 4. 5 6 7 8. 1 Cor. 1. 2. The second is personal righteousness holiness and glory begun here and shall be perfected at the coming of Christ and the resurrection and not before 1 Cor. 13. 9 10 11 12. Phil. 3. 20. Col. 3. 4. 24. That Jesus Christ is faithful in his house as a Son and hath left absolute rules for his people to walk by in the new Testament in their imperfect state till his coming again from heaven and that there is no need for the Saints to go back to the old Testament as from mount Sinai or to mens inventions or their own imaginations for Gospel rules to walk by Matth. 28. 19 20. Acts 3. 22 23. Heb. 3. 5 6. and whoever so doth dishonors Christ and commits a dangerous sin Job 5. 22 23 Acts 3. 22 23. Luke 19. 14 27. 25. That the Church of Christ according to the Scripture will admit of a two fold distinction 1 All the elect of God the first born whose names are written in heaven unto which all true believers are come and out of which there is no salvation Heb. 12. 22 23. Ephes 5. 25 26. 2 Particular congregations constituted according to Gospel order i. e. united to Christ their head by faith and each to other by love agreeing together to walk in all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in the new Covenant of his grace Acts 2. 41 42. 1 Cor. 11. 2. 2 Thes 2. 11. and it s the duty of all believers thus to walk Job 15. 14. New Covenant Duties I come now to the more particular and distinct stating of the duties of the Covenant and rules left by Christ for his people to walk by till his second coming as they are exprest and implyed in the new Testament 1 Of general Gospel duties for all Saints as believers 1. REpentance from dead works and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is a special duty of the New Covenant Heb. 6. 1. Matth. 3. 2. 4. 17. Mark 1. 15. 16. 16. Luke 24 47. Joh. 3. 16. 36. 6. 29 47. 8. 24. 20. 31. Acts 2. 38. 10. 47 48. 8. 36 37. 16. 33 34. 2. Baptism with water in the name of Father Son and Spirit or in the name of the Lord Jesus after believing Matth. 28. 18 19. Mark 16. 16. Acts 2. 38. 41. and 8. 22 37 38. and 10. 47 48. and 16. 33 34. 3. To walk holyly in all manner of conversation and godliness being thereunto called 1 Pet. 1. 15. 2 Pet. 3. 11. Levit. 20. 7 26. Psalm 93. 5. Luke 1. 75. Rom. 6. 19 22. 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Thes 3. 13. and 4. 3. 7. 4. To shine as lights in the world Luke 12. 35. Phil. 2. 15. Prov. 4. 18. 5. To cast away and depart from the most profitable and the most beloved sin or lust Matth. 5. 29 30. and 18. 8 9. Mark 9. 43. Isai 30. 22. Hose 14. 8. 6. To be humble and self denying a special new covenant frame of spirit and desireable duty to be prest after by every new man in Christ Matth. 5. 3. and 16. 24. and 18. 3 4. Luke 14. 10 11. and 9. 23. and 17. 10. Rom. 12 16. Psalm 34. 18. Isai 57. 15. and 66. 2. 7. To take Christ for our pattern 1 In meekness and humility Matth. 11. 28. Phil. 2. 5 6. 2 In love and services Ephes 5. 2. John 13. 13 14 15. Matth. 20. 26 27 28. 3 In obedience John 4. 34. and 15. 10. 1 John 2. 6. 4 In purity and holiness 1 Pet. 1. 15. 1 John 3. 3. Heb. 7. 26. 5 In patient suffering for him when called to it Acts 14. 22. Heb. 12. 2 3. 1 Pet. 2. 21. to 25. and 4. 1. 8. To walk worthy of that high and holy calling wherewith and whereunto we are called Ephes 4. 1 17. Phil. 1. 17. Col. 1. 10. Tit. 3. 14. 9. To be instant in prayer 1 Thes 5. 17. Matth. 7. 7 8. Luke 18. 1. and 22. 40. Rom. 12. 12. and this to be performed 1 Private Matth. 6. 46 2. with other believers Matth. 18. 17 20 3. without vain repetitions or much speaking Matth. 6. 6 8. and is to be made first for all Saints Ephes 6. 18 2. for all men 1 Tim. 2. 1. 10. To love God and Christ above all Matth. 10. 37. Luke 10. 27. Psalm 18. 1. and 116. 1. Cant. 1. 2 7. and 3. 1 2. To fear God with a son-like scar above all Luke 12. 5. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 12. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 17. Nehe. 5. 15. Psalm 5. 7. and 34. 11. and 111. 10. Isai 8. 13. Jer. 10. 7. 12. To love the Saints with a true love for the sake of Christ Rom. 12. 9 10. John 13. 34. and 15. 12 17. 1 Thes 4. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 22. and 4. 8. 1 John 2. 10. and 3. 11 14 16 17 18 23. and 4. 7 8 11 16 20 21. 2 epist 5. 13. To love enemies and pray for them and not to hate them Matth. 5. 44. Luke 6. 27 28 33. Rom. 12. 14 20. 14. To take heed and beware of coveteousness Matth 6. 19 20. Psalm 10. 3. Luke 12. 15. and 16. 9 10 14. Acts 20. 33. 1 Cor. 5. 10 11. and 6. 10. Ephes 5. 5. Col. 3. 5. 1 Tim. 6. 10 2 Tim. 3. 2. and not to lay up treasure in earth but in heaven Mat. 6. 19. 20. 15. To be watchful A great Gospel duty much neglected Mat. 24. 42. 25. 13. 26. 41. Mark 16. 33. 35. Luke 21. 36. 1 Cor. 16. 13. Col. 4. 2. 1 Thes 5. 6. 1 Pet. 4. 7. Rev. 3. 3. 16. 15. 16. To seek
20. A covenant of peace Ezek. 37. 26. a Holy covenant Luke 1. 72. This covenant we shall consider 1. as it lay in promises so it was from the beginning Gen. 3. 15. the Lord speaking of the enmity that he would put between the seed of the woman and the seed of the Serpent said It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel In these few words is held forth the suffering of Christ and his conquest over the serpent and his seed the substance of the covenant of grace This covenant we finde again renewed in promise to Abraham Gen. 12. 3. In thee shall all the Families of the earth be blessed chap. 22. 18. and in thy seed shall all the Nations of the earth be blessed This seed to whom the promises were made was Christ Gal. 5. 16. And this is the covenant the Apostle saith God made with Abraham in Christ Gal. 3. 17. which the Law could not disanul where you may note by the way that this covenant is mentioned by the Apostle as distinct from the law that was another covenant yet such a one as could not disanual this Again this covenant we have in promise Jer. 31. 31. 32 33. Heb. 8. 8 9. I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God c. And chap. 32. 40. I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from them to do them good but I will put my fear in their hearts that they shall not depart away from me In sum This is the Covenant of Grace that God now owns his people in a Covenant of Grace and Peace in Jesus the blessing of Abraham writing the Law of faith love and the fear of his name in their souls by his singer the holy spirit interesting them in grace here and assurance of glory hereafter by vertue of which they are made willing faithfully to live to him here and patiently to wait for the glory that shall be revealed And in this covenant are none of God owned but the true seed viz. Christ and such as are in him Gal. 3. 29. If you are Christs then are you Abrahams seed and heirs according to the promise And this covenant as it s written in the hearts of believers without which in the Gospel account they are none of his so is it written in the scriptures of truth by the same spirit and the spirit in believers works them and guides them to the truth of God in scripture for by this means viz. the scripture it is all first received and afterwards by degrees increased so that it s none of the spirit of Christ that leads a way from and besides the law of Christ in Scripture so that the law written in the heart guides to the law of Christ in scripture and makes souls willing to walk according thereunto Isay 8. 20. This is the covenant that gives grace and peace faith and love strength and perseverance even blessedness comes in with this covenant both as to grace and glory This is the everlasting Covenant that is by blood by vertue of which poor Prisoners are delivered out of the pit wherein was no water Zach. 9. 11. The second particular I minded was Why they are called first and second old and new covenants Answ 1. Because they are distinct covenants as hath been proved 2. Because the old covenant as it relates to matter of work in the ministration of it was first we leave things as in the eternal counsel of God there being no first or last there in respect of time but as it s brought forth to us so its first and second first and last old and new now the first or old covenant was first promulgated after the creation to Adam in Paradice before his fall In the day thou eatest thou shalt die Here was the first covenant wherein was no discovery of Christ and grace but do and live transgress and die And although the old covenant in Scripture is taken from Mount Sinai yet here is the beginning of the work And it was there added because of transgression that sin might appear out of measure sinfull Gal. 3. 19. Rom. 7. 13. chap. 5. 20. The law entred that the offence might abound c. viz. The offence that came in by the breach of that covenant in Paradice See vers 13. 17 18. Yet secondly as it was given from Mount Sinai as a ministration so it was first or the old covenant the other lay full in promises and virtually was in being yet not given forth as a ministration nor could it be till the death of the testator so that on this account that from Sinai was the old and first and this from Mount Sion the perfection of beauty the new and second even the new covenant of everlasting love peace and life as the old and natural man was first so the old covenant sutable to that estate was first and as the spiritual man is second so is the spiritual covenant second so then that was not first which was spiritual but that which was natural and afterward that which was spiritual 1 Cor. 15. 46. So that the first covenant had relation to the old estate of man and gathered in the natural seed the second to the new estate of man in Christ and gathers in onely the spiritual seed Here is a mystery too high for the carnal heart the old and natural man blessed are those that are truly interested in this grace Oh the heighth and depth of the unsearchable wisdom of God how are his judgements unsearchable and his wayes past finding out Well I hope you will remember this that the old man and the old covenant was first and the new covenant and the new man is second and the carnal seed were in the first and the spiritual seed are in the second 3. What is or wherein lieth the difference between the first and second covenant Answ 1. Negatively not as hath been and is commonly understood by many good men onely in the administration so making the old and the new to be one and the same covenant by reason of which a cloud of darkness hath been cast upon the Gospel and covenant of grace by reason of which many precious souls have laid short of the consolation of the Gospel Covenant and have erred from the rules thereof But the difference between the two Covenants lieth mainly in these ten things 1. In the matter of them 2. In the manner of Administring 3. In the Righteousness 4. In the seed 5. In the Mediator 6. In the Promises 7. In the ministry and Priesthood 8. In the Tabernacle and Ordinance 9. In the ends 10. In that the one is the type the other the substance 1. In the matter as hath been minded already and this difference lieth either first in the matter as it was first given to Adam in Paradice wich was one and the same in nature with
Testament For it was ministred then on life and death and was through mans weakness a ministration of death and not of life So that I understand all those expressions to relate to those heads or Particulars when the Scripture saith That the Law is abolished and done away that believers are dead to it delivered from it are not under it and that the Bond woman must be cast out with her son And yet believers are not without law to God but under the law to Christ yea and that under the moral law But as given from mount Sion ministred forth in the hand of Christ not in the hand of Moses for if we take it from Moses we must be Moses Disciples But if from Christ as given forth on the Gospel account then we are Christs Disciples indeed and receive it in power from Christ the minister and mediator to live to God according to it not for righteousness unto justification But Jesus Christ having fulfilled all its righteousness having born the curse for us It s a Rule of righteousness of conversation to the honour of him that hath done all for us in point of justification to eternal life And so it s become a law of love a royal law of liberty to all that are by faith in the new covenant and a law to which every believer is in bounden duty to Jesus Christ to own as his precious rule of life to honour him by as it is given forth by him in the Gospel and no otherwise Quest 6. Is not faith and repentance 〈◊〉 old covenant work if so does it not declare the covenants to be one and the same Answ There was faith and repentance annext to the old covenant but not that faith and repentance which is required in and wrought by the new covenant There was faith required to believe the truth of God in that covenant 2 Chron. 20. 20. Deut. 1. 32. Isa 7. 9. And secondly there was repentance also required and accepted in that ministration Isa 1. 16 17 18. Ezek. 18. 30. Repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruine vers 31. Cast away from you all your iniquities whereby you have transgressed against me and make you a new heart and a new spirit for why will ye die O house of Israel Hence Ahabs repentance was accepted it being legal sutable to that covenant 1 Kings 21. 27 28 29. But neither this saith nor repentance was the new covenant faith or repentance but the old for there was the shadow in the old of every thing in the new as hath been already minded Now the difference between the Old and New Testament faith and repentance lieth principally in these two things 1. In the work 2. In the ends 1. In the work under the Old Testament was required faith and repentance but it did not work it This was the Language of the old Covenant If ye will not believe ye shall not be established Isa 7. 9. and this was the Old Testament call to repentance Repent and turn your selves make you a 〈◊〉 heart and a new spirit For why will ye die O house of Israel The new covenant requires faith and repentance and works it likewise 〈◊〉 hath been already proved writes the law of faith in the heart and this is the Language of the new covenant I will take away the stonie heart and give a heart of flesh and I will put my spirit in you and cause you to walk in my statutes Ezek. 36. 26 27. 2 As it differs in the work so also in the ends and that in two things 1. The old covenant faith was not their righteousness nor was it imputed to them as their righteousness but they were required to believe that they might do the covenant and that was their righteousness Deut. 6. 25. and this shall be your righteousness if ye observe and do all these commands the old covenant repentance was for the avoiding of destruction by the sword and cutting off out of the Land of Canaan Isa 1. 16 17 18 19 20. Ezek. 18. 32. Wherefore turn your selves and live ye The new covenant faith and repentance leads to Jesus who is our righteousness hence the new covenant righteousness is called the righteousness of faith Rom. 4. 13. and his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 4 5. which was not in the old covenant but a righteousness of works not that faith doth justifie But 1. as its the work and all the work on mans part in order to justification and is likewise the gift of God Ephes 2. 8. And second as it believes the truth of God on the Gospel account as the eye and hand of the soul to eye and apply Jesus Christ crucified who is our justification and our life A second end of the old covenant faith repentance was that they thereby might have a life in the outward land the blessing of life in the land of Canaan as hath been already proved But the faith and repentance of the new covenant is in order to and receives an interest in eternal life John 5. 24. and 6. 47. Thus the old and new covenants differ in their faith and repentance Hence it is that the Apostle saith Gal. 3. 23. before faith came we were kept under the law shut up unto the faith that should afterward be revealed And again the law is not of faith Gal. 3. 12. That is did not hold out justification by faith in Jesus as the new covenant doth And yet notwithstanding there was new covenant faith and repentance in those that were for eternal life even under the law though not of the law But as the new covenant was administred then in promises types and prophecies so there was a remnant then that had the faith of or in the new covenant Abraham longed to see the day of Christ and he saw it and rejoyced And the truth is that the old covenant never brought eternal life to any for if there had been a law given which could have given life then verily righteousness should have been by the law Gal. 3. 21. So that that which we are to understand in these Scriptures that the law is not of faith and before faith came c. is plain Faith was not come as now it is and that on three accounts 1. As the new covenant was darkly administred therefore was their faith very low and dark at the highest it must be on Christ to come ours is on Christ already come and the work done by him 2. It was mix'd with the old covenant and therefore attended with fear but we have not received the spirit of bondage to fear again Rom. 8. 13. 3. It was not brought forth into a ministration though darkly administred through the old covenant but now the ministration of the new covenant is the ministration of justification by faith in Christ onely and that without the law Rom. 4. 21. Quest 7. I â—here not an outward part
is the onely son the beloved son and you know how far an onely beloved son may prevail with his Father and not onely so but he is our Father likewise my Father and your Father saith Christ and the Father himself loveth you and therefore there is no question of prevailing for every good thing 2. There is assured application of the pardon of sin Christs sacrifice did purchase pardon but as he liveth in heaven a Mediator he applieth pardon by the purchase I saith Christ have given my life and blood for this poor sinner and therefore oh Father let him have pardon he shall have remission of all his sins 1 John 1. 9. and 2. 12. Therefore let it be your work beloved friends whose hearts are approaching to him to be by faith applying pardon and remission to your selves dayly for I know that you dayly need it and what ever is good for you believe it shall be done for the Father loves you and is as willing to do for you as your Advocate is to ask nay as you your selves can be to receive therefore no doubt of receiving what is good for you Onely here lieth the case your Father and mediator sees that to be good sometimes which you cannot see to be so and that makes you to dislike and it may be sees that would hurt you which you are willing to have and so denies you of it 1 In a word for the improving of the consolation of this doctrine call to minde the former truths viz. 1 The persons for whom he mediates 2 For what he mediates 3 The advantages that come thereby And make application to your souls and see if it fill not your hearts with all joy and peace in believing c. 2 Remember that it is a high and glorious state you are come unto above that under the law above all hypocrites formalists or notionists that trample underfoot this precious state In a word above all people in the world there is no higher estate attainable in this world then to come to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant and therefore Rejoyce in the Lord and again I say rejoyce and bless his name that hath brought you hither you are come to God to Christ to Angels to Saints to grace and shall come to glory 3 Improve this precious priviledge to the utmost come to God in the name of Jesus come with boldness to the throne of grace c. Let not thy imperfections and unworthiness keep thee back remember in all thy approches to God that Jesus the mediator is with him for thee and be even liveth to make intercession for thee be encouraged therefore to improve thy interest in this Mediator who will never fail thee nor forsake thee Object Oh! But may some poor souls say I am a sinner and am affraid and oft times to look up and am much discouraged by reason of the sinfull nature and the evil that doth attend me what may I do in this case Answ So much the more need man of a Mediator and so much the more need to be looking up and improving thy interest in heaven and know he is a Mediator for those that are sinners burthened with sin therefore let not that discourage thee from looking up to Jesus but rather look the more to him Object I know not oft times how to pray nor what to pray for as I ought Answ He knows what thy wants are and will pray for thee he is thy Mediator and he gives his spirit to intercede for thee with sighs and groans which cannot be uttered Rom. 8. 26. Therefore go to God in the name of Jesus be not discouraged but seek there and what ever you pray for let it be in the name of your Mediator In truth I do believe that the Lords people have failed much in this matter and to be much looking to God in our Mediator would be the way to prevail much with God John 16. 23. Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name he will give it you And above all take heed that ye be not ensnared by the adversary to turn your back upon this blessed Mediator that is in heaven for his people This I may say is the last and the great snare of the devil at this day to destroy faith in this great truth of the Gospel and to prevail on poor creatures to turn their back on Christ Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant Tremble at this abomination be it under never so glorious a pretence And lastly let this be a word to invite and engage poor sinners to come in to Jesus to this Mediator to this covenant a high and glorious estate Oh let not any poor souls content themselves in any estate short of this short of Jesus the Mediator is nothing but death Consider what your souls need is and that he invites all burdened and heavy laden sinners to come to him Oh therefore away to Jesus there is love there is life there is pardon there is peace and in a word the perfection of all good but short of him there is nothing but wo and misery and death indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish on every soul that doth evil New Covenant Principles OF Gospel or New Covenant principles of Truth necessary to be known and believed by all the Saints for their being established and standing stable and sound in the Faith 1 Concerning God THat God is in his being Heb. 11. 6. Psal 46. 10. Isay 43. 12. And that there is but one God who is the Father of all 1 Cor. 8 4. Ephes 4. 6. Deut. 6. 4. That this one God is a Spirit John 4. 24. Who made all things by Jesus Christ Joh. 1. 2 3. Heb. 1. 2. Ephes 3. 9. Col. 1. 15 16. and that he is infinite in power wisdom grace and glory Gen. 17. 1. Psal 147. 5. Exod. 34. 6. Holy just eternal by his Spirit present in all places John 24. 19. Isa 5. 16. Lev. 19. 2. 20. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 15 16. Isa 45. 21. Heb. 3. 5. Isa 40. 28. Deut. 33. 27. Rom. 1. 20. Psal 139. 7 8 9. That his glorious majesty is in heaven 1 Kings 8. 30. Psal 11. 4. Eccles 5. 2. Dan. 2. 28. Matth. 5. 16. 45. 48. 6. 1 9. 7. 11 21. 10. 32 33. 12. 50. 16 17. 18. 10 19. Mark 11. 25 26. John 20. 17. Heb. 9. 24. 1. 3. 8. 1. And this one God is distinguished into Father Word and holy Spirit which three the word being understood the divine nature the fulness of the God head that dwelt in Christ is this one eternal infinite God Job 1. 1. Joh. 15. 26. 1 Job 5. 7. 2 Concerning Jesus Christ That Jesus Christ is truly God Is 9. 6. Rom. 9. 5. 1 Jo. 3. 16. and that from eternity with God Joh. 1. 1. filled with the divine fulness Col. 1. 19. 2. 9. the eternal Word and Son by whom all things were made