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A42773 The ark of the covenant opened, or, A treatise of the covenant of redemption between God and Christ, as the foundation of the covenant of grace the second part, wherein is proved, that there is such a covenant, the necessity of it, the nature, properties, parties thereof, the tenor, articles, subject-matter of redemption, the commands, conditions, and promises annexed, the harmony of the covenant of reconciliation made with sinners, wherein they agree, wherein they differ, grounds of comfort from the covenant of suretiship / written by a minister of the New Testament. Gillespie, Patrick, 1617-1675. 1677 (1677) Wing G766; ESTC R3490 407,671 492

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The Ark of the Covenant Opened Or A TREATISE Of the COVENANT Of Redemption BETWEEN God and Christ as the Foundation of the Covenant of Grace The Second Part. Wherein is proved That there is such a Covenant The Necessity of it The Nature Properties Parties thereof The Tenor Articles Subject-matter of Redemption The Commands Conditions and Promises annexed The Harmony of the Covenant of Suretiship made with Christ and the Covenant of Reconciliation made with Sinners wherein they agree wherein they differ Grounds of comfort from the Covenant of Suretiship Written by a Minister of the New-Testament LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel 1677. TO THE READER THE two only things that should induce any one to give his Testimony and Recommendation unto Discourses that are published for publick use are the importance of the Argument treated on and the useful judicious handling of it in those Discourses Whatever else may be or usually is spoken unto on such occasions is a diversion from what ought to be intended and what is expected by all them who give such Prefaces the perusal But both these in the ensuing Discourses seem to be such and so stated as to render any Recommendation of mine in this way needless and superfluous For the Argument treated of being the Covenants of God with Christ the Mediator and with the Church in him there are none who have any acquaintance with Christian Religion or care of their own Souls but must and will acknowledg it to be of the greatest weight in it self and highest concernment unto them For the Doctrine hereof or the truth herein is the very Center wherein all the lines concerning the Grace of God and our own duty do meet wherein the whole of Religion doth consist Hence unto the understanding Notions and Conceptions that men have of these Covenants of God and according as the Doctrine of them is stated in their minds their Conceptions of all other sacred Truths or Doctrines are conformed And therefore as they who have right apprehensions and a true understanding of these things cannot in the use of diligence and the means appointed thereunto lightly mistake the Truth in any other point of weight in the whole compass of Religion so those who unhappily fall under misapprehension about them do generally either fluctuate in their own minds about all other Evangelical Truths or do corrupt and pervert the whole Doctrine concerning them And hereon also depends the regulation of all our intire Christian practise or Obedience as all will acknowledg who have any knowledg of these things It seems therefore altogether needless that there should be any new Recommendation of the subject-matter of the ensuing Discourses unto those who seriously mind their own Spiritual and Eternal concerns and as unto others it is to no purpose to declare the worth and nature of such Pearls unto them As for the manner of the Declaration or handling of these sacred Truths in the ensuing Discourses the known Abilities Piety Learning and Judgment of this Author with that leasure he had to add his last thoughts and considerations unto them are sufficient to give the Sober Reader an expectation of as much satisfaction as he is like to meet withal in endeavours of this nature I cannot therefore but judg that there is little need of this Attestation which I am desired to give unto this excellent and useful Treatise Howbeit that I may not seem wholly to condemn my self in what I do I must acknowledg that there were some reasons which induced me to comply with the desire of the worthy Publisher of it My long Christian acquaintance and friendship with the Author made me not unwilling to testifie my Respects unto him and his Labours in the Church of God now he is at Rest for whom I had so great an esteem whilst he was alive And whereas the whole Design and end of my self as unto others is to promote the knowledg of the truths of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the practise of them I knew not but that with some at least this occasional word might one way or other conduce unto that end I shall therefore briefly and plainly give an account of my thoughts concerning this Discourse which I have with some diligence and great satisfaction perused Very many learned and godly persons have laboured in the same subject unto the edification of the Church I intend them only who agreeing in the truth as to the substance of it may yet differ in some conceptions about it or the way of Explanation of it For it is not unuseful that the same truth especially that which is of so great importance as is what concerneth the Covenant be variously handled by many according unto the measure of the gift of Christ which they have received so whereas we know all but in part if we have as we ought to have a continual sense of the imperfection of our knowledg none ought to be offended if they meet with some difference in Conceptions and Expositions about things of lesser moment among those who agree in the substance of what they do propose Perfect Harmony and Vniversal Agreement in all things is the priviledg only of the sacred Writers who were Divinely inspired But from the first day that the management of Religion was in the Providence of God entrusted with them who had not an infallible Guidance there is an apparent evidence of such differences as those we speak of amongst them all even the best and wisest of them We may therefore allow them all their just Commendation who have laboured diligently in the investigation of the Truth although some of them have not escaped various mistakes about it Nor is it spoken with any reflection on the endeavours of others who have written on this subject when I do freely declare my judgment That for Order Method Perspicuity in treating and solidity of Argument the ensuing Discourse exceedeth whatsoever single Treatise I have seen written with the same design as it also is entirely compliant with the Doctrine of the Gospel in what is assented in it Three things may be expected in discourses of this nature or however the subject requires that they may be attended unto 1. A diligent declaration of the Truth in and from its proper principles with a solid confirmation thereof 2. A practical improvement of the Truth so declared and demonstrated 3. A vindication of it from direct opposition against it or the corruption of it by a mixture of false notions and apprehensions about it especially such as wherein Christian Practise is nearly concerned Each of these the Reverend and Learned Author of the ensuing Discourse had an especial regard unto and how he hath discharged himself in them all will quickly appear unto every judicious and attentive Reader I am sure I shall not offend in wishing that others may find the same satisfaction in their perusal as I
store-house Christ given to them though they had a fair stock yet it was all in their own hand at adventure and the well head and fountain of life to them was placed in themselves or the streams were cut off from the fountain but to the weak believer the fountain of life and grace is placed in Christ Eph. 2.10 For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works Joh. 1.26 And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace 5. Nor was Christ an undertaker and Surety for the Angels that fell nor for Adam in his first Covenant state he gave no Bond nor came under any act of Suretiship for their standing Heb. 2.16 For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham God never said to them as he doth to the believer Psal 89.19 I have laid help upon one that is mighty 2. Learn hence to admire and study these eternal depths of love and wisdome that shine forth in Gods Covenant-transactions with Christ Eph. 3.18 19 That you may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledg This glorious mystery the Angels desire to search into though not so much concerned in it as we and shall not believers much more study it 1. The wisdom and knowledg that found out this way that was beyond the possible reach of men and Angels that lost man who was in as hopeless a condition as the Apostate Angels should be by a Surety by such a Surety undertaken for when Angels were passed by Heb. 2.16 2. The everlasting out-goings of that same eternal love which came forth in Covenant-transactions betwixt the Father and the Son when these objects of his love and eternal delight were not yet revealed nor knew any thing of it Prov. 8.23 to 31. What a wonder is this that the heart of God the delights of God should be taken up about such objects 3. The Soveraign graciousness and free preventing-grace of this Suretiship that Christ became Surety and undertaker and came to fulfil his Suretiship not sought for not sent for not so much as desired by us to undertake and act any thing for us Isa 65.1 I am sought of them that asked not for me I am found of them that sought me not I said Behold me Behold me unto a nation that was not called by my Name 4. The seasonableness of his sending the notice of this unto us the Lord provided a Physician before we were sick and sent him to us in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 Gal. 4.4 When fallen man was sick unto death when Justice with a fiery sword kept him out from happiness when he was running away and hiding himself at the voice of God Gen. 3.10 When the cure was desperate and the remedy impossible to our knowledg then came the news of a Surety to undertake for us in our low condition 5. The double tenure whereby the believer holds his pardon and life through Christs Suretishp by free-grace and by Justice Jam. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ The Covenant of Redemption has provided both that Free-grace should acquit wretched sinners and Justice also should discharge them for a full price laid down Christ hath said to Jehovah by his Covenant of Suretiship as Paul said to Philemon concerning Onesimus Philem. v. 18 19 If he hath wronged thee or owed thee ought put that on mine account I Paul have written it with my own hand I will repay it And this answers all that Law and Justice and the accuser can say and therefore the believer may well say with Paul 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 3. Learn how needful the knowledg and perswasion of Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us is Nothing is more necessary than to believe this 1. For the right understanding of our Debt to him who did so freely being under no necessity of nature and not desired by us undertake for us and put his soul in our souls stead a worthy study indeed and well becoming a believer to know what we owe to Jesus the Surety of the Covenant who spoke for us behind our backs when we were absent and who laid down his Bond for ours 1 Cor. 6.19 20 Ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which is Gods 2. For the establishing our hearts in the faith of our Salvation and compleat Redemption is there any thing can so establish the heart of a believer as to know that Christ is an undertaker for him he that can believe that Christ became Surety for him in the eternal Counsel of God cannot reasonably doubt but he will fulfil all his undertaking and that he shall be saved by his Surety-actings Rom. 5.8 9 10 But God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Much more then being now justified by his blood we shall be saved from wrath through him For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life 3. For silencing all the actings of unbelief in us and the perverse suspicious of our heart concerning Gods Covenant Good-will towards us all which do resolve upon some apprehensions of breach of the Covenant of Suretiship betwixt Jehovah and Christ for if that stand fast upon both sides what place is there for doubting and unbelief 2 Tim. 2.13 If we believe not yet he abideth faithful he cannot deny himself Rom. 3.3 4 For what if some did not believe shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect God forbid 4. Nothing more necessary for engaging our hearts in the study of faith and holiness and unto a walk becoming the redeemed of the Lord than the faith of Christs Suretiship Three ways does this engage unto holiness and becoming walking 1. Morally and by way of excitement and motive the faith of Christs Suretiship and undertaking for us is both an inviting and encouraging motive to be holy forasmuch as we are chosen in Christ to be holy and given to him to be made holy Eph. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy c. Joh. 17.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all one 2. By way of obligement Christs Suretiship doth oblige us and lay on Bonds and Obligations to this duty that we should believe and be holy and he who hath the faith of Christs Suretiship cannot but judg so 2 Cor. 5.14 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us
should be holy and without blame before him in love Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of children by Jesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will I say then his suppositis these and such like things being supposed God enters in a Covenant with Christ Quest 2. But supposing that it is decreed that divine justice shall be satisfied and that the truth of the threatning of the Covenant of works should be verified upon man offending or upon a sufficient surety supposing also that Christ is designed in the counsel of God unto this work of redeeming lost man by performing a satisfaction to the justice of God It is yet a question What needed the Covenant of Redemption or Suretiship betwixt God and Christ Might not the work have been done without any Compact Covenant or Agreement betwixt the Father and the Son Answ I shall only here give a short answer referring the more full and particular satisfaction of this question unto the latter part of this Chapter wherein I have purposed the handling of the particular ends and intents for which the Covenant of Redemption is necessary For present I say 1. It might suffice that God decreed and plainly revealed that the satisfaction which his justice will have for sin and which Christ has given was agreed betwixt them by a Covenant and so in respect of infinite wisdom which worketh by deep counsel and doth nothing without a reason it was necessary because God thought fit that it should be so he pitched upon this way But beside this 2. Whatsoever necessity was in regard of infinite wisdom that lost man should be redeemed sin should not be pardoned without a satisfaction that Christ should be our Redeemer and should come and give that satisfaction the same necessity also requires a Covenant betwixt God and Christ for carrying on that work in the way of Agreement so that if a Mediator a Saviour and Redeemer a Surety a ransom were necessary in regard of infinite wisdom which found out this Gospel-dispensation and new way of life then was a Covenant of Suretiship and Redemption necessary also in the same respect 3. The work of Redemption performed by Christ was such as could not be undertaken and performed without a Covenant for it required commanding and obeying sending and going asking and receiving working and rewarding all which import and suppose superiority and inferiority or subordination which could not be betwixt the Father and the Son who is equal with God Phil. 2.6 unless that by Agreement Compact Consent and Covenant the Son of God had humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross Phil. 2.8 The work of Redemption unto which Christ was designed in the counsel of God required several offices employments trusts and relations to be sustained by him whereof I hinted something in the foregoing Chapter which not being essential to the Son of God nor belonging to him by any natural absolute or immutable necessity upon supposal of the decree of God that the Son should do the work of Redemption there was a necessity of Consequence that there should be a Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship that by the Father's calling and command and by the Sons consent and agreement making up a voluntary Compact the Son of God might bear these offices and trusts and relations which otherwise he should not have born Isa 42.1.6 Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand Psal 2.7 I will declare the decree the Lord hath said unto me thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Heb. 5.5 6 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest but he that said unto him Thou art my Son to day have I begotten thee As he saith also in another place Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeo Quest 3. Whether did this Hypothetical necessity of God's entering in Covenant with Christ to pay a ransom or as others speak this necessity of consequence flow only from a finall cause to wit God's ends which he purposed in himself or from the efficient cause also to wit from justice in God that could not remit sin without satisfaction Answ 1. Concerning the necessity of God's covenanting with Christ in respect of the ends which he purposed in himself there is no question Which were 1. The supream end to glorifie his mercy and justice I mean his declarative glory that shines ad extra not the essential glory of God whereby he was infinitely glorious from eternity and should eternally be essentially glorious though neither Man nor Angel nor any other object of his glory had been created This is the glory spoken of in these Scriptures Prov. 16.4 The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Eph. 1.6 To the praise of the glory of his grace wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved 2. The subordinate end which also is a medium or means for advancing the supream end the Redemption and Salvation of his elect people to be brought about in such manner as might manifest and declare the glory of justice and mercy both in saving some not all and passing by others upon whom he had purposed to declare his justice and in saving these whom he purposed to redeem in such a way as justice might be satisfied and mercy also entreated Rom. 3.24 Being justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ Eph. 1.7 In whom we have Redemption through his blood the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace It is manifest I say that in regard of these great ends the Covenant of Redemption made with Christ was necessary God having purposed in procuring our Salvation to glorifie his mercy and justice a Mediator and Surety behoved to be engaged and there being in regard of infinite wisdom which determined it none so fit as the Son of God he must needs be engaged by his own consent and by a Covenant-agreement with Jehovah Q. But here is the question about the necessity of the Covenant of Suretiship in regard of the efficient cause to wit whether or not there was any necessity of nature or natural essential justice in God which required this way of Suretiship and Redemption necessarily in regard that he could not pardon sin without a satisfaction A. Concerning this question two reasons mainly prevail with me to be sparing in the agitation of it Pisc amica col cum vorst Lubbert 99. Error Vorst Par. in c. 2. Gen. 9. Ad Rom. dub 12. Brotb animed in Vorst Martin de Pers Christi Steg Photin p. 506 507. 1. The great difference of Judgment that is among the Orthodox in this point Several Learned men holding God's Justice in punishing and correcting sin to be so natural that he cannot but punish it
spring out of that fountain did grow out of that root for Covenant-grace is in God's dealings with us as sap is in the branch and water in the cistern but it is in his Covenant-dealings with Christ as sap is in the root and water in the fountain There is such a connexion betwixt these two Covenants as betwixt decree and execution deliberation and action promise and performance suretiship and satisfaction bond and payment c. for the Covenant with Christ was in the decree of God with us it is the execution of that eternal decree there it was deliberated and consulted here 't is acted there the promises were made the suretiship acted the bond given but in God's Covenant-dealings with us the promises made betwixt God and Christ are performed his act of suretiship satisfied and actual payment and satisfaction made of all obligements which he took on The connexion of the Covenants of Redemption and Reconciliation may be illustrated by a similitude or two It is as if a deed of favour were drawn for children and heirs not yet born and the whole conveyance setled how that deed of favour shall redound unto the benefit of children not yet born which in due time by the wisdom of the contriver takes place and becomes actually profitable to those for whom it was intended The Covenant of Redemption is the wise contrivance of this deed of favour to a seed given to Christ but not yet created and the Covenant of Reconciliation is the conveyance by which the favour intended for this elect people takes place Or as if a Marriage were concluded by a wise father betwixt his only son and a person wholly under his power at his disposing but now under-age not marriageable nor capable to give consent to such a contract as were drawn up but the knowledg of this is kept up from the bride a great while but at last the bridegroom makes proposals according to his fathers concluded contract and gains the brides heart and consent to the intended match this matter is all of a piece and every part of it connected with another but the first part is the work of the Covenant of Redemption betwixt Jehovah and Christ And the latter part is the work of the Covenant of Reconciliation betwixt God and Sinners Or as if a King upon paction with his Son should grant a fair Charter with many priviledges to persons who yet know nothing of the King's favour the actual communication of these priviledges being suspended till the King's Son actually own these persons for his Subjects and they actually own him for their Lord. The Covenant made with Christ is the fair Charter the Covenant made with us is the mutual owning betwixt the King's Son and the persons to whom the favours and priviledges of the great Charter of Redemption was intended CHAP. VI. Of the Grounds of assurance and comfort and supports of Faith resulting from the Covenant of Suretiship unto all those who are in the Covenant of Reconciliation and Grace I Shall shut up the Doctrine of the Covenant of Redemption and Suretiship with a collection of some grounds of comfort and supports of Faith which arise from it 1. That the original and foundation of God's Covenant-dealings with us is an eternal compact betwixt Jehovah and Christ and had not its beginning and rise from our first thoughts of that business when we begun to entertain the news of a Saviour and of Redemption by him it bred not in our breasts but was under deliberation betwixt God and Christ long before ever it entred into our hearts yea it was there transacted the heirs of Salvation were fore-ordained unto their lot and inheritance with them who are sanctified when the Captain of Salvation was destinate unto this work 2 Thes 2.13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth And it is only the manifestation of this to us and our consent to it that is of yesterday and but lately transacted Joh. 17.8 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 Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his will comfirmed it by an oath That by two immutable things in which 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 O how comfortable and strengthening is this to the weak believer that eternal Covenant-love Covenant-dealings and Covenant-relations and engagements begin at the head Christ fall first upon him and descend to his redeemed seed Eph. 1.3 4 Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world c. 2. That the same love of the Father and of Christ which now hath appeared and broken forth in drawing thee into this new Covenant-state Jer. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me saying I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee hath been in action for thee and about thee in eternity when thou wast not Prov. 8.23 31 I was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the earth was Rejoycing in the habitable part of his earth and my delights were with the sons of men How should that support faith and comfort and assure our hearts that the love of God and of Christ did provide a rich inheritance for us when we were not yet created and did provide a physician before we fell sick who had a Redeemer in readiness before the fall of Man which he foresaw who provided a Surety before he was needed to be in readiness to strike hands for our Debt that Christ spoke kindly for us when we were not present that he took our case in hand undesired that he undertook for us when we had neither being nor action nor vote nor knowledg of his undertaking 3. That our Redemption and Salvation hath so very little of our will in it and so much of Gods Will and that of Grace so much of his gracious Will or of the good pleasure of his Will Eph. 1.5 Being now by the Covenant of Suretiship the will of the Father and of Christ without our knowledg or consent or any act of our will Joh. 6.3 9 And this is the fathers 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 With 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am And there is now no more of our will in all the business but so much as is captivated bowed and carried
remission of their sins To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace 3. He removeth the mistakes and prejudices whereby the alienation betwixt God and man is hightned and continued and this by imparting the true mind of the parties to each other Eph. 4.21 If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus This is the nature and use of his prophetical Office which he executeth by his word and spirit causing light first to appear and then to shine into the hearts of his people The end of this Office and his exercising it after this manner is to promote his great design of reconciliation which is the end of his Mediation and this he doth by declaring the mind of the parties to each other removing mistakes which encrease alienation begetting a good understanding and thereby working a compliance betwixt the parties and in respect of this Office mainly he is called a Prophet Deut. 18.15 Acts 3.22 and by way of eminency the Prophet and that Prophet Joh. 6.14 and 7.40 and the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant who published and revealed it Mal. 3.1 and the Word John 1.14 Rev. 19.3 who revealeth the will of God whereof I have already spoken and a Witness or teacher and testifier of the will of God Isa 55.4 Rev. 3.14 and the Apostle of our profession Heb. 3.1 and the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Col. 2.3 2. Christ Mediator in his Priesthood travelleth 1. About Satisfaction 2. Intercession Isa 53.12 Because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbred with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressor And about both these in order to Reconciliation which is the great business belonging to the Mediators Office 1. I say the nature and use of that Office relates to satisfaction for sin because by virtue of that Office principally he performs the great work of satisfaction for our sins by offering up himself a sacrifice to death after he had given perfect obedience to the Law Heb. 9.26 But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And this he did as our Surety he stood in the Elects room and Justice did strike him in their stead Isa 53.5 He was oppressed c. or rather according to the original he was exacted and answered that is God the Father required satisfaction for our sins and his Son as our Surety answered for us 2. Unto this Office belongeth his Intercession which is performed in the virtue of the satisfaction given by him to Divine Justice and the Sacrifice once offered up by him Isa 53.12 He poured out his soul unto death and made intercession for the transgressors Heb. 9.24 For Christ is not entred 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 And this according to the two parts of the High-Priests Office which were 1. The offering of sacrifice 2. The presenting of it in the Holy of Holies with prayer and intercession See Good● Christ set forth p. 12● 123. Rog. Cat. p. 2. p. 39. Gomar ad Heb. c. 3. that God would accept it for the sins of the people see Levit. 16. The excellency of this Priesthood of our Mediator was typified by Aarons Priesthood in these two parts of it and more eminently and excellently in Melchisedecks Priesthood which shewed also the continuance of Christs Priesthood for ever and the excellency of it above Aarons Psal 110. Heb. 5 and 7 chap. Concerning the nature and parts of this Office we shall only observe these three things 1. That Christ Mediator did and doth both the parts of this Office on earth and in Heaven but with this difference 1. On earth he eminently sacrificed and offered up himself Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Yet he interceded also Heb. 5.7 Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and suppl cations with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death and was heard in that he seared 2. In Heaven he eminently intercedes Heb. 7 25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Chap. 9.24 But into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us but he offereth up himself also by presenting the sacrifice and offering of himself which was once made Heb. 12.24 We are come saith the Apostle to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel 2. That all Christ's satisfaction and Priesthood would be ineffectual for our good if he did not continue in the exercise of it by his intercession in Heaven whereby he becometh the applying cause of salvation to us Heb. 5.10 11 Called of God an High-priest after the order of Melchisedec of whom we have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing 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 3. That the design carried on by this Office is the same as in the former to wit Reconciliation which is promoted through this Office 1. By his giving satisfaction to Justice 2. By his application of that satisfaction and making Attonement for the sins of his people The nature and use of Christs Kingdom I lay down in these Assertions 1. That it is Dispensatory Christ Mediator is a King appointed a Viceroy and Deputy-governour in subordination to his Father Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion John 5.23 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 a Kingdom which is to be rendered up again to him who gave it to him 1 Cor. 15.24 Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the father when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power His Kingdom as Mediator is not regnum naturale which he hath as God co-essential with his Father but regnum oeconomicum which he hath by donation and unction from his Father 2. That it is very large yea universal for it is all power in heaven and earth Matth. 28.18 and it reacheth to the upholding all things by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 It is over all the creatures Eph. 1.22 And hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Over all Mankind Dan. 7.14 And
And to meddle or to have dealing and commerce see Prov. 20.19 Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips Prov. 24.21 And meddle not with them that are given to change And indeed Christs Suretiship was a mixing and mingling with his people it was such a mingling with us as the like was never heard of a mingling of natures if I may use the word by a wonderful personal union two natures meeting in one person and yet remaining distinct and a mystical union whereby he is in us and we are in him a mingling of interests his interests are ours and our interests are his whereby in some respect he cometh in our place and we come in his place See Joh. 17.21 22 23 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 they may be one even as we are one I in them and thou in we that they may be made perfect in one 2 Cor. 5 1● 21 Therefore if any man be in Christ be is a new Creature For he hath made him to be sin for as who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Isa 5.8 For she was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus And his medling and dealing in our matters is such as hath laid the whole weight of them upon him Isa 9.6 For unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given and the godei● went shall be upon his shoulder And hath drawn on an everlasting co●●●erce eommunion and exchange of commodities Betwixt him and his people 2 Cor. 6.16 18 For ye are the temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them and I will be their God and they shall be my people And will be a father unto you and ye shall be by sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty Again 2. This word signifieth to engage See Jer. 30.21 For who is this that engageth his heart Arr. Mont. reads it Dilatavit alii obligavit accommodavit Hierom qui applicet cor And in this sense Christs Sureriship is the enlargement of his heart to a voluntary engagement for his people unto which there was no necessity lying upon him 'T is the offering of himself willingly to undertake for them Heb. 10.9 Then said he Lo I come to do thy will O God Joh. 10.11 18 The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep No man taketh it from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to bay it down and I have power to take it again Joh. 18.8.3 This word signifieth also to be Surety to undertake because he that becomes Surety for another doth so mix with him that in some respect he is substitute in his place and room so 't is frequently used Gen. 43.9 I will be surety for him of my hand shalt thou require him if I bring him not unto thee and set him before thee then let me bear the blame for even Gen. 44. ●2 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father saying c. Prov. 6.1 and 11.15 and 22.26 Isa 38 14. Bsal 119.122 which is well rendered by the learned Expositors spende side jube pro servo t●o be furety for thy servant In this sense also Christ is the Surety who did undertake for his people that what should be required of them he should answer for it and what should be wanting of their account the burden and blame of it should lie on him as J●●●lh spoke in the place dited See Joh. 17. throughout 4. This word signified to give pledges which is a kind of Suretiship Isa 36.8 Now therefore give pledges I pray thee to my master the king of Assyria and I will give thee two thousand horses if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them 2 Kings 18.23 Da vadem sponsionem fac Hence cometh that word Arrhabo which is originally an Hebrew word and came from Phenica into Greece as is observed by Grotius Grotius in 2. ad cor c. 1. v. 22. that which we call the earnest and arles of any bargain 2 Cor. 1.22 Who hath also sealed us and given the earnest of the spirit in our hearts In this sense also Christ is made Surety of the Covenant he who gave himself pledg and hostage for his people he who not only did undertake and give bond but also put his person in prison until the Debt of his people should be paid and until all things promised in their name were made good he being the pledg which lay for the whole price Isa 53.8 He was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation for he was cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of my people was he stricken Rom. 8.32 he that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all 5. This word signifieth to strike hands for so were Covenants made and Sureties engaged Prov. 22.26 Be not thou among them that strike hands to wit side ju●enad as Mont. supplieth and the LXX renders it by the same Greek word that 's used Heb. 7.22 give not thy self 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as a Surety and in this sense also was Christ made a Surety of the Covenant he did strike hands with God he did Covenant with us and for us by striking hands with God Psal 40.7 Then said I Lo I come Isa 59.21 As for me this is my covenant with them saith the Lord My spirit which is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth and for ever The Greek word used for a Surety Heb. 7.22 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spensor side jussor I do not read elsewhere in the new Testament though the LXX use it sometimes for aneut the Hebrew word that signifies a Surety Prov. 6.1 and 17.19 and 20.19 Whether we take it to be from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appropinquo or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prope or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spondeo prom to which comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in manibus it seemeth to import the nearness of the Surety and the Debtor and to answer well the Hebrew word Christus nobis conjunctissimus propinquns ridimens By natural mystical and voluntary relations Brinst of the Mediator p. 115 c. which importeth mixing together it importeth that Christs Suretiship made him near to us and did mix him and us by a conjunction of blood for by it he plighted his faith and truth to take on our nature and our condition in law and so became our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
Goal our kinsman Job 19.25 our nearest of kindred who had the right to redeem us Lev. 25.25 Ruth 3.9 The Latin word sponsor according to the opinion of Divines Jurists and Humanists signifieth one who engageth for another Sponsor proprie est qui pro alio satisfactionem spondet vel de ea caver Pareus Commen in Heb. 8.6 Again sponsor est qui sponte pro alio promittit sponsores sunt quicunque spondent maxime pro aliis sive rogati sive non rogati sive solem●i stipulatione sive nuda receptione intercedant quibus spondentibus pecuniae cuipiam creduntur aut aliquid denique promittitur Calv. Lexic Jurid in voce sponsor Cicer. ad attic Lib. 1. And it cometh from spondere quasi sponte dicere dare ac promittere therefore also he is called ad-promissor Fide jussor dicitur qui pro alio fidem suam obligat et fide sua id est periculo suo esse Jubet quod alius debet Calv. Lex Jurid in voce fide jussor Again fide jussor est autor credendi alium aliquid daturum facturumve sua fide suoque periculo promittens Ulpian in tract de fide jussore And in this sense Christ is Surety of the Covenant that is he who willingly engaged and undertook for the parties especially for us he that put in his faith and obligation for ours and had God trust us on his Credit and reckon our Debt upon his account and wherein we fail let it be on his peril But that we may a little more particularly consider the nature of this relation and Suretiship of Christ 1. The end and use of Suretiship among men was no doubt the establishment of a firm security to be ground of faith and trust as the Jurists tell us dum curant homines ut diligentius sibi cautum sit Justinia● instit tit de fide jussor And it is not to be doubted but in the purpose of God the Suretiship of Christ was intended as a ground of trust confidence and security betwixt himself and the people for whom Christ did undertake that sinners might be induced to give him credit and that he might have a responsal party to deal with man being a broken unbelieving creature who could neither trust God nor was to be trusted by him See Heb. 6.17 18 Wherein God willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an outh that by two immutable things in which it was impossible for God to lye we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us Psal 89.19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one and saidst I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have exalted one chosen out of the people And so the Surety of the Covenant is that person upon whose account trust and confidence is betwixt the parties Covenanting and in whom it standeth fast 2. If we consider the Suretiship 1. It imports an obligement for another and is to be reckoned among Contracts and Covenants and therefore the Lawyers say Fustinian ib. Calv. lex jurid fide jussor non fit nisi per stipulationem and they reckon it among contracts and stipulations Prov. 22.26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands or of them that are sureties for debts And indeed Christs Suretiship is relative to a Covenant betwixt him and the Creditor whereby he came under this relation whereof we have spoken elsewhere on this subject Chap. And shall hint something further ere we pass it over 2. It imports a voluntary obligation as I have shewed in expounding the word The law cannot force and compel any man to be Surety for another though it may constrain him for his own Debt Christs Suretiship was a most free voluntary act on his part for he was not under any obligation of law nor under any necessity of nature to put his name in our bond or to satisfie for our Debt Joh. 10.18 No man taketh it my life from me but I lay it down of my self I have power to lay it down and I have power to take it again this commandment have I received of my father Heb. 10.5 7 Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not but a body hast thou prepared me then said I Lo I come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God Phil. 2.7 But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men 3. It imports not only a voluntary obligation for another person but also union of parties and assumption of the condition of that person in the laws sense so that the Surety and the Debtor are ●ut one party in the law Therefore ●ay the Jurists fide jussor proprie di●itur debitor Christ by his Suretiship he did not only take our nature upon him but he took our condition upon him it 's said of him that he was made under the law Gal. 4.4 He put his name in our bond that the law might reach him for our Debt 4. It imports a communion betwixt the Debtor and the Cautioner whereby as the Debt of the principal Debtor becometh the Debt of the Surety and affecteth him so also the satisfaction and payment of the Surety and his discharge and relief becometh the satisfaction discharge and relief of the principal Debtor Christs Suretiship imports not only an union of parties and conjunction of interests and condition with his people but also a communion with debtful broken man resulting from his bond of Suretiship whereby as upon the one part our Debt became his intirely as the Jurists say of all Sureties Singuli in solidum tenentur so upon the other part his satisfaction and discharge becomes ours 2 Cor. 5. last For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Gal. 3.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us for it is written Cursed is every one that hungeth on a tree 5. It imports a commutation surrogation or substituting of one in the room of another and so Christ was substitute in our stead and room as Judah was in Benjamines 1 Pet. 2.21 Because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps Rom. 4. last Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification Rom. 5.8 But God commended his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Gen. 44.33 Now therefore I pray thee Let thy servant abide in stead of the lad a bond-man to my Lord and let the lad go up with his brethren 6. It imports a conjunct obligation both of the Surety and of the Debtor to the Creditor Nam fide jussorum obligatio est