thus_o reason_v that_o can_v be_v a_o justify_v righteousness_n in_o our_o present_n fall_v estate_n 1._o which_o be_v not_o perfect_a for_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v rom._n 3._o 20._o gal._n 3._o 10._o nor_o 2._o which_o be_v our_o own_o of_o our_o own_o work_n out_o rom._n 10._o 3_o 5._o nor_o 3._o which_o leave_v any_o place_n for_o boast_v ephes_n 2._o 9_o rom._n 4._o 2._o nor_o 4._o which_o be_v opposite_a unto_o grace_n rom._n 4._o 4._o and_o upon_o these_o account_n all_o evangelical_n work_n be_v exclude_v out_o of_o justification_n for_o they_o be_v imperfect_a they_o be_v our_o own_o subjective_o they_o will_v leave_v room_n for_o some_o boast_n if_o acceptance_n to_o life_n be_v upon_o these_o see_v it_o shall_v be_v by_o our_o give_v unto_o god_n also_o the_o way_n be_v opposite_a to_o grace_v for_o if_o the_o condition_n be_v never_o so_o small_a yet_o be_v perform_v the_o reward_n may_v be_v claim_v upon_o our_o act_n and_o so_o will_v be_v of_o debt_n not_o of_o gospel-grace_n rom._n 4._o 4._o the_o work_n of_o abraham_n and_o david_n after_o conversion_n be_v exclude_v out_o of_o justification_n vers_fw-la 2_o 3_o 6._o which_o argue_v that_o although_o evangelical_n obedience_n keep_v in_o its_o due_a place_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v and_o be_v opposite_a to_o it_o if_o introduce_v into_o justification_n so_o that_o gospel-grace_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o bare_a abatement_n of_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o in_o make_v a_o bargain_n with_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a but_o it_o stand_v in_o excuse_v we_o from_o a_o personal_a performance_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o admit_v jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v the_o law_n in_o our_o stead_n for_o the_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o one_o justifi_v by_o our_o own_o the_o other_o by_o another_o righteousness_n if_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o doer_n for_o life_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n which_o say_v rom._n 10._o 5._o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 6._o and_o of_o god_n vers_fw-la 3._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v out_o of_o ourselves_o in_o another_o in_o the_o free_a promise_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o be_v to_o be_v disclaim_v here_o phil._n 3._o 9_o rom._n 10._o 3._o the_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v by_o any_o of_o our_o personal_a performance_n give_v they_o the_o very_a place_n of_o work_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n which_o be_v anti-evangelical_a and_o introduce_v some_o merit_n as_o well_o as_o perfect_a work_n will_v have_v do_v the_o be_v enable_v by_o grace_n to_o they_o do_v not_o hinder_v merit_v any_o more_o than_o as_o one_o say_v my_o furnish_n a_o man_n with_o my_o tool_n to_o work_v with_o hinder_v his_o deserve_v a_o reward_n all_o ability_n that_o adam_n have_v in_o innocency_n be_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v be_v duty_n faith_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o that_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n but_o as_o such_o it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o justify_v nor_o as_o it_o work_v by_o love_n although_o it_o do_v so_o work_v gal._n 5._o 6._o nor_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o life_n as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o manifest_v but_o only_a as_o a_o mean_n for_o the_o apply_v christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n much_o less_o can_v any_o work_n of_o we_o be_v a_o part_n thereof_o the_o new_a creature_n avail_v to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n gal._n 6._o 14_o 15._o i._n e._n as_o a_o mean_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o it_o avail_v to_o justification_n to_o justify_v be_v to_o declare_v a_o person_n to_o be_v righteous_a the_o true_a god_n can_v pass_v a_o false_a sentence_n therefore_o we_o can_v have_v justification_n without_o have_v a_o righteousness_n this_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o act_n of_o we_o as_o faith_n repentance_n or_o obedience_n as_o be_v already_o manifest_v therefore_o it_o must_v be_v of_o another_o work_n out_o the_o very_a righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o and_o if_o his_o obedience_n be_v to_o the_o law_n may_v be_v call_v a_o legal_a righteousness_n yet_o as_o the_o same_o be_v apply_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o we_o a_o evangelical_a righteousness_n all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o evangelical_a work_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o use_n in_o justification_n that_o faith_n be_v of_o have_v they_o not_o the_o same_o place_n and_o office_n there_o that_o faith_n have_v i_o answer_v negative_o they_o have_v not_o for_o often_o we_o read_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n never_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o love_n in_o that_o business_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n not_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o be_v justify_v by_o love_n or_o work_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o evangelical_n work_v to_o testify_v our_o faith_n obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v require_v not_o as_o condition_n but_o as_o effect_n and_o declaration_n of_o our_o justification_n thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v manifest_v as_o rom._n 3._o 7._o &_o 4._o 15._o a_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o thus_o not_o only_o open_a act_n but_o those_o that_o be_v secret_a when_o regular_a have_v a_o aptitude_n to_o evidence_n faith_n and_o that_o a_o person_n be_v justify_v even_o when_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o see_v paul_n speak_v of_o be_v justify_v before_o god_n by_o receive_v or_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n this_o be_v only_o by_o faith_n james_n speak_v of_o be_v justify_v by_o manifest_v to_o a_o man_n self_n or_o other_o that_o it_o be_v apply_v this_o be_v by_o evangelical_n work_v and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o thus_o by_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o person_n of_o abraham_n be_v declarative_o justify_v as_o it_o do_v show_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a vers_fw-la 18._o gen._n 22._o 12._o and_o not_o his_o work_n but_o his_o believe_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o righteousness_n jam._n 2._o 23._o if_o this_o be_v justification_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o paul_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n and_o he_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n there_o be_v justification_n declare_v by_o work_n as_o god_n act_v kind_o towards_o he_o so_o he_o act_v in_o a_o friendly_a way_n towards_o god_n he_o be_v a_o vain_a man_n that_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o faith_n that_o stand_v in_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o power_n of_o they_o upon_o his_o heart_n vers_fw-la 14_o 19_o 20._o that_o be_v a_o dead_a faith_n which_o do_v not_o profit_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o salvation_n which_o remain_v without_o work_n vers_fw-la 17_o 20_o 26._o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n which_o any_o be_v justify_v by_o but_o another_o thing_n that_o unfruitful_a faith_n which_o be_v blame_v here_o certain_o be_v as_o far_o from_o justify_v they_o as_o it_o be_v from_o save_v they_o and_o so_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n which_o paul_n insi_v upon_o for_o by_o that_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o that_o in_o order_n before_o work_n for_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o instant_n though_o they_o certain_o follow_v but_o the_o justification_n and_o faith_n which_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o and_o call_v to_o declare_v by_o work_n these_o be_v of_o a_o gospel_n stamp_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v full_o perform_v the_o law_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new-testament_n hence_o it_o become_v absolute_a to_o we_o if_o improper_o a_o duty_n a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o blessing_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o condition_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o a_o condition_n proper_o be_v more_o than_o a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la it_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o have_v a_o moral_a efficiency_n in_o it_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v right_a and_o upon_o which_o a_o man_n have_v a_o title_n to_o what_o be_v promise_v and_o without_o it_o none_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a promise_v in_o a_o covenant_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v great_a duty_n but_o nothing_o perform_v by_o we_o can_v be_v such_o
foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o the_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v found_v upon_o something_o in_o man_n his_o concreated_a ability_n and_o natural_a strength_n all_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n if_o he_o have_v stand_v and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v result_v from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o freewill_n and_o he_o fail_v all_o the_o fabric_n fall_v but_o the_o lord_n have_v establish_v another_o glorious_a covenant_n and_o this_o be_v build_v upon_o what_o be_v firm_a and_o of_o great_a strength_n even_o jesus_n christ_n this_o stone_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o zion_n be_v a_o try_a stone_n isa_n 26._o 16._o a_o sure_a foundation_n now_o the_o structure_n of_o our_o salvation_n will_v never_o fall_v because_o it_o have_v such_o a_o sure_a groundwork_n able_a to_o bear_v up_o the_o weight_n and_o stress_n of_o all_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o no_o other_o can_v be_v lay_v he_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o all_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o peace_n of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v promise_v that_o with_o abraham_n before_o his_o incarnation_n be_v confirm_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n gal._n 3._o 17._o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n and_o therefore_o that_o have_v in_o it_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n with_o the_o new_a indeed_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o special_a privilege_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o with_o we_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n to_o any_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o their_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v it_o be_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n if_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thus_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o and_o so_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n make_v way_n for_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o federal_a blessing_n by_o stand_v in_o manifold_a relation_n to_o the_o covenant_n as_o he_o stand_v between_o god_n and_o we_o as_o a_o middle_a person_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n so_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 9_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o wide_a breach_n that_o we_o can_v never_o have_v make_v up_o yea_o such_o a_o variance_n as_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o approach_n to_o god_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o treaty_n of_o peace_n much_o less_o to_o procure_v our_o own_o reconciliation_n sin_n raise_v such_o a_o enmity_n as_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v come_v near_o to_o he_o now_o the_o lord_n jesus_n interpose_v and_o take_v up_o this_o case_n undertake_v to_o compose_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o difference_n there_o be_v iniquity_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v our_o fruition_n of_o promise_a mercy_n but_o he_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o what_o end_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o testament_n satisfaction_n be_v make_v by_o he_o to_o divine_a justice_n to_o the_o full_a he_o answer_v all_o the_o demand_n of_o the_o righteous_a law_n and_o so_o wrought_v out_o reconciliation_n for_o we_o as_o he_o undertake_v for_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n so_o he_o be_v the_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 7._o 22._o jesus_n make_v a_o surety_n of_o a_o better_a testament_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o take_v our_o bond_n for_o that_o great_a debt_n which_o we_o have_v contract_v and_o be_v never_o able_a to_o pay_v it_o be_v now_o with_o we_o as_o with_o a_o poor_a man_n under_o a_o arrest_n for_o a_o vast_a sum_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v procure_v a_o able_a sufficient_a man_n to_o enter_v bond_n with_o he_o he_o must_v to_o prison_n without_o hope_n of_o be_v release_v any_o more_o so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o righteous_a god_n arrest_v we_o for_o infinite_a breach_n thereof_o it_o exact_v a_o great_a and_o yet_o most_o just_a debt_n at_o our_o hand_n which_o we_o be_v already_o bankrupt_n be_v never_o able_a to_o answer_v it_o require_v a_o debt_n of_o infinite_a suffering_n the_o just_a due_a of_o our_o sin_n which_o if_o lay_v upon_o we_o will_v sink_v we_o for_o ever_o for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n the_o lord_n demand_v a_o debt_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n universal_a righteousness_n unto_o life_n which_o we_o be_v never_o able_a to_o yield_v and_o now_o unless_o one_o able_a and_o sufficient_a will_v undertake_v and_o be_v bind_v for_o we_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o escape_v the_o prison_n of_o hell_n the_o chain_n of_o infernal_a darkness_n the_o everlasting_a wrath_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n under_o this_o misery_n we_o must_v have_v lie_v without_o hope_n of_o recovery_n this_o be_v our_o state_n upon_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o in_o this_o strait_a and_o distress_n one_o not_o of_o our_o procure_n but_o of_o his_o own_o grace_n offer_v it_o even_o jesus_n christ_n step_v in_o and_o become_v a_o surety_n for_o we_o to_o pay_v our_o ransom_n to_o answer_v our_o debt_n to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n he_o put_v his_o name_n into_o our_o obligation_n be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n gal._n 4_o 4._o yea_o he_o become_v god_n surety_n to_o we_o to_o free_v we_o from_o all_o doubt_n about_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o we_o he_o undertake_v and_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v lose_v nothing_o that_o be_v give_v he_o john_n 6._o 39_o but_o will_v raise_v in_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n i._n e._n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n for_o other_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o also_o unto_o condemnation_n but_o these_o unto_o eternal_a glory_n as_o he_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v all_o so_o he_o be_v the_o testator_n of_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 9_o 16_o 17._o where_o there_o be_v a_o testament_n then_o must_v also_o of_o necessity_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o testator_n for_o a_o testament_n be_v of_o force_n after_o man_n be_v dead_a nothing_o less_o than_o death_n itself_o be_v threaten_v upon_o the_o first_o transgression_n gen._n 2._o 17._o that_o must_v be_v endure_v if_o ever_o sinner_n be_v recover_v unto_o a_o fruition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o matchless_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o i_o will_v die_v in_o their_o stead_n to_o save_v they_o from_o eternal_a death_n and_o thus_o he_o have_v turn_v it_o into_o a_o testament_n a_o new_a testament_n feeling_n it_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o he_o act_v for_o our_o obtainment_n of_o the_o blessing_n promise_v so_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n mal._n 3._o 1._o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o behold_v he_o shall_v come_v we_o shall_v have_v be_v without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o grace_n altogether_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v out_o after_o but_o come_v short_a of_o those_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o now_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o travel_v with_o these_o bless_a tiding_n he_o make_v a_o report_n of_o all_o the_o federal_a transaction_n between_o the_o father_n and_o he_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n he_o open_v all_o those_o soul-ravishing_a mystery_n and_o all_o those_o precious_a promise_n yea_o the_o way_n to_o our_o participation_n of_o those_o bless_a privilege_n and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o he_o seek_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o god_n in_o all_o those_o federal_a transaction_n so_o he_o be_v the_o wâ—tness_n of_o the_o covenant_n isa_n 55._o 4._o behold_v i_o have_v give_v he_o for_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o people_n when_o poor_a shall_v hear_v the_o tiding_n of_o covenant_n love_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v it_o be_v too_o good_a news_n to_o be_v true_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v incredulous_a here_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n thereof_o at_o least_o as_o to_o themselves_o now_o jesus_n christ_n condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o witness_n to_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o yea_o now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o do_v not_o throw_v up_o that_o office_n he_o continue_v still_o in_o this_o work_n and_o send_v down_o news_n from_o heaven_n thereof_o revel_v 1._o 5._o &_o 3._o 14._o he_o
work_n though_o in_o its_o execution_n and_o application_n it_o come_v after_o and_o presuppose_v the_o break_n of_o it_o as_o a_o heal_a balsam_n may_v be_v prepare_v before_o the_o wound_n be_v make_v and_o a_o salve_n before_o there_o be_v a_o sore_n although_o the_o apply_v thereof_o be_v afterward_o so_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v from_o eternity_n not_o actual_o with_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n but_o with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o as_o our_o great_a feoffee_n in_o trust_n though_o we_o then_o be_v unborn_a and_o have_v not_o a_o be_v corol._n 7._o hence_o the_o whole_a contrivement_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n alone_o see_v it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n no_o creature_n be_v then_o exist_v to_o have_v any_o hand_n or_o stroke_n therein_o there_o be_v none_o to_o counsel_n advise_v or_o persuade_v this_o way_n it_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o bosom_n of_o god_n and_o none_o but_o he_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o conclude_a of_o it_o and_o so_o he_o be_v alone_o to_o be_v magnify_v and_o extol_v therein_o a_o christian_a as_o one_o transport_v may_v cry_v out_o on_o this_o account_n as_o isa_n 25._o 1._o o_o lord_n i_o will_v exalt_v thou_o for_o thou_o have_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n thy_o counsel_n of_o old_n be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n now_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o our_o boast_n nothing_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o ourselves_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v in_o covenant_n grace_n see_v it_o be_v work_v towards_o as_o from_o all_o eternity_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n the_o eternity_n of_o our_o mercy_n be_v exclusive_a of_o our_o duty_n as_o any_o cause_n of_o his_o afford_v of_o it_o this_o put_v a_o glory_n upon_o covenant_n grace_n and_o love_n that_o it_o be_v ancient_a before_o the_o world_n begin_v corol._n 8._o hence_o there_o be_v stability_n be_v covenant_n mercy_n see_v that_o compact_n which_o give_v assurance_n thereof_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n say_v he_o psal_n 25._o 6._o remember_v o_o lord_n thy_o tender_a mercy_n and_o thy_o love_a kindness_n why_o for_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o of_o old_a the_o antientness_n thereof_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o urge_v for_o the_o obtainment_n of_o they_o we_o may_v have_v hope_n to_o receive_v what_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o early_o determine_v to_o give_v out_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a the_o apostasy_n of_o eminent_a professor_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n unto_o many_o sincere_a christian_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v if_o such_o glister_a shine_a star_n fall_v good_a lord_n how_o shall_v we_o stand_v but_o to_o help_v against_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v steadfast_a firm_a unmoveable_a it_o stand_v sure_a by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v grant_v to_o jesus_n christ_n from_o all_o eternity_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 9_o such_o eternal_a act_n of_o god_n be_v firm_a and_o stable_a abide_v for_o ever_o will_v secure_v against_o defection_n or_o fall_v away_o satan_n shall_v never_o utter_o prevail_v against_o they_o grace_n shall_v never_o utter_o be_v overthrow_v or_o extinguish_v have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o he_o have_v set_v his_o mark_n upon_o they_o and_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v he_o can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o world_n as_o he_o know_v they_o by_o number_n so_o also_o by_o mark_n or_o scal_fw-mi and_o when_o he_o make_v up_o his_o jewel_n not_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v his_o shall_v be_v want_v corol._n 9_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o bottom_n of_o consolation_n for_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o it_o be_v establish_v from_o all_o eternity_n o_o how_o may_v it_o fill_v they_o with_o comfort_n that_o their_o salvation_n stand_v by_o a_o eternal_a act_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v reveal_v alter_v or_o change_v yea_o by_o a_o covenant_n act_n wherein_o the_o fai_fw-mi hfulness_n of_o god_n â—s_v engage_v for_o the_o afford_v of_o it_o even_o by_o the_o father_n gift_n how_o often_o do_v jesus_n christ_n mention_v they_o as_o give_v to_o he_o joh._n 6._o 37_o 39_o joh._n 17._o 2_o 9_o 12._o as_o if_o he_o delight_v and_o glory_v in_o or_o boast_v of_o this_o give_a act_n how_o may_v this_o secure_v they_o against_o all_o fear_n of_o everlasting_a miscarry_v that_o they_o be_v give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n from_o all_o eternity_n for_o he_o will_v never_o forseit_v his_o father_n gift_n nor_o displease_v he_o so_o as_o he_o shall_v withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o they_o will_v be_v gift_n without_o repentance_n this_o eternal_a act_n will_v never_o be_v recall_v which_o may_v make_v for_o their_o everlasting_a consolation_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n what_o they_o be_v and_o how_o distinct_a have_v clear_v the_o covenant_n of_o grâ—â—_n as_o to_o the_o transaction_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n from_o eternity_n &_o as_o to_o the_o first_o revelation_n of_o its_o grace_n to_o the_o patriarchâ—_n as_o abraham_n and_o david_n etc._n etc._n before_o the_o incarnation_n wherein_o the_o great_a thing_n promise_v be_v that_o bless_a seed_n so_o as_o alâ—_n blessing_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o in_o he_o we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v first_o that_o dispensation_n which_o hold_v forth_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o jesus_n christ_n come_v under_o our_o obligation_n and_o by_o answer_v of_o it_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a covenant_n make_v at_o mount_n sinai_n second_o that_o dispensation_n whereby_o the_o special_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n which_o a_o the_o issue_n of_o his_o obedience_n be_v impart_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o new_a covenant_n the_o apostle_n compare_v these_o together_o iâ—_n diverse_a chapter_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrews_n and_o say_v of_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 8._o he_o obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n by_o bâ—_n much_o also_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v another_o testament_n viz._n that_o at_o mount_n sinai_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n ver_fw-la 9_o which_o the_o aaronical_a priesthood_n appeartain_v to_o that_o be_v worse_a but_o it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o his_o ministration_n be_v conversant_a about_o a_o better_a testament_n that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n on_o this_o account_n as_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o the_o opposition_n be_v not_o lay_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o with_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n but_o between_o that_o at_o sinai_n and_o the_o new_a the_o word_n for_o covenant_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d testament_n it_o note_v a_o disposition_n or_o declaration_n by_o way_n of_o will_n or_o promise_n and_o may_v be_v the_o act_n of_o one_o or_o more_o indeed_o the_o hebrew_n word_n berith_n be_v use_v jer._n 31._o 31_o 32._o and_o the_o same_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 8._o v._o 8_o 9_o 10._o but_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v that_o a_o testamentary_a disposition_n be_v intend_v by_o it_o gal._n 3._o 15_o 17._o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n by_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v turn_v it_o into_o a_o testament_n the_o blessing_n of_o it_o be_v now_o legacy_n absolute_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o new_a it_o will_v be_v necessary_a here_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o worse_a covenant_n and_o what_o be_v this_o better_a testament_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o answ_n 1._o the_o worse_a covenant_n be_v that_o conditional_a divine_a grant_n of_o blessing_n upon_o the_o obedience_n require_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o that_o old_a covenant_n which_o be_v make_v amount_v sinai_n this_o be_v undoubted_o it_o which_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n do_v belong_v to_o which_o the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n be_v compare_v with_o as_o be_v manifest_a heb._n 7_o and_z 8_o and_o 9_o chapter_n it_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o the_o father_n in_o the_o day_n when_o he_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n heb._n 8._o vers_fw-la 9_o and_o therefore_o undeniable_o it_o be_v the_o sinai_n covenant_n for_o than_o that_o be_v make_v with_o they_o exod._n 19_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o three_o month_n when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n the_o same_o day_n they_o come_v to_o the_o
look_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o and_o venture_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n for_o the_o gain_v a_o freedom_n from_o sin_n and_o every_o gracious_a frame_n this_o be_v duty_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v presumption_n as_o be_v a_o stand_v out_o against_o a_o divine_a call_n there_o be_v a_o ground_n for_o put_v forth_o direct_v act_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n for_o all_o grace_n want_v when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o present_a discern_a by_o a_o reflexive_a act_n that_o gracious_a qualification_n be_v enjoy_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o outgo_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o promise_n to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v afford_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v to_o exercise_v faith_n upon_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o promise_n only_o upon_o a_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n in_o ourselves_o this_o be_v to_o ground_v our_o faith_n rather_o upon_o something_o of_o our_o own_o than_o upon_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o free_a promise_n it_o be_v to_o subject_v the_o absolute_a promise_n and_o make_v they_o depend_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v call_v conditional_a as_o to_o their_o efficacy_n and_o usefulness_n whereas_o the_o truth_n lie_v the_o contrary_a way_n for_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o and_o that_o run_v altogether_o upon_o absolute_a promise_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o be_v call_v conditional_a promise_n be_v stream_n flow_v thence_o and_o branch_n of_o that_o tree_n they_o must_v be_v reducible_a to_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o so_o be_v real_o absolute_a in_o themselves_o only_o as_o a_o quicken_a mean_n to_o our_o seek_v after_o the_o blessing_n of_o they_o they_o be_v represent_v sometime_o as_o if_o they_o be_v dispense_v out_o in_o a_o conditional_a way_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o confine_v himself_o to_o that_o way_n for_o when_o israel_n be_v destitute_a of_o commendable_a qualification_n have_v fail_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o weary_v he_o with_o their_o sin_n yet_o he_o turn_v their_o eye_n upon_o a_o absolute_a promise_n isa_n 43._o 25._o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o thy_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n 5._o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o evidence_a interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o clear_v up_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v thas_o to_o their_o eternal_a condition_n the_o lord_n can_v make_v a_o save_a change_n i._n e._n such_o as_o have_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n infallible_o in_o connexion_n with_o it_o in_o the_o open_n of_o any_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v from_o absolute_a grace_n the_o beget_n of_o faith_n or_o first_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o any_o be_v by_o a_o absolute_a promise_n for_o what_o condition_n can_v there_o be_v in_o any_o soul_n before_o first_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o frustrate_v and_o make_v void_a the_o undertake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n or_o that_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n which_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o have_v any_o qualification_n which_o have_v salvation_n certain_o promise_v to_o it_o the_o lord_n say_v ezek._n 36._o 26._o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n what_o precedent_a qualification_n be_v here_o but_o stonyness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o so_o uncleanness_n before_o the_o sprinkle_n ver_fw-la 25._o here_o then_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o first_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n herein_o be_v so_o supernatural_a and_o transcendent_o glorious_a as_o they_o be_v evidence_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n come_v in_o such_o power_n for_o the_o accomplish_n the_o very_a end_n which_o the_o promise_n be_v appoint_v to_o and_o there_o be_v such_o sparkling_n of_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o impression_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n hereby_o that_o without_o have_v recourse_n to_o any_o other_o promise_n which_o be_v call_v conditional_a they_o may_v read_v or_o see_v their_o personal_a interest_n in_o a_o absolute_a promise_n by_o its_o efficacious_a application_n or_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o by_o their_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v they_o may_v discern_v their_o share_n in_o it_o and_o see_v all_o gracious_a qualification_n be_v beget_v or_o first_o wrought_v by_o a_o absolute_a promise_n why_o shall_v not_o that_o give_v evidence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o after_o sanctify_a frame_n beside_o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o some_o person_n even_o to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n ezek._n 36._o 21_o to_o the_o end_n jer._n 31._o 31._o and_o be_v expression_n of_o the_o determinate_a will_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v evidence_v for_o the_o chief_a intendment_n of_o promise_n be_v to_o give_v assurance_n how_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n stand_v towards_o person_n under_o they_o the_o lord_n be_v ever_o speak_v to_o they_o therein_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o your_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n will_v i_o remember_v no_o more_o ezek._n 36._o 28._o heb._n 8._o 12._o this_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o they_o and_o though_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v out_o of_o covenant_n may_v fancy_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o delude_v themselves_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v real_o speak_v thus_o to_o believer_n who_o be_v undoubted_o under_o it_o so_o sometime_o the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v evidence_v by_o such_o word_n or_o promise_n as_o these_o isa_n 41._o 10._o be_v not_o dismay_v for_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n ezek._n 34._o 31._o i_o be_o your_o god_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n isai_n 44._o 22._o i_o have_v blot_v out_o as_o a_o thick_a cloud_n thy_o transgression_n and_o as_o a_o cloud_n thy_o sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o divine_a spirit_n oftentimes_o make_v such_o a_o powerful_a application_n of_o such_o promise_n and_o make_v such_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o love_a kindness_n and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o he_o give_v it_o clear_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n be_v speak_v to_o it_o therein_o and_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n or_o of_o satan_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v evidence_v the_o lord_n be_v so_o shine_v upon_o his_o own_o grace_n as_o then_o a_o soul_n usual_o can_v discern_v these_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o reflection_n upon_o faith_n or_o other_o grace_n that_o now_o give_v the_o evidence_n but_o faith_n receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n 6._o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o fill_a soul_n with_o consolation_n in_o the_o sad_a condition_n and_o under_o the_o most_o try_v dispensation_n jeremiah_n be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v of_o the_o jewish_a captivity_n procure_v by_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o space_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o despair_n and_o utter_v despondency_n and_o to_o comfort_v they_o against_o all_o their_o trial_n he_o not_o only_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o return_n but_o prophesi_v of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o its_o be_v put_v into_o a_o absolute_a form_n jer._n 31._o 31._o therefore_o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v of_o comfort_a use_n against_o the_o sad_a trial_n that_o sin_n itself_o may_v bring_v we_o under_o the_o apostle_n turn_v their_o eye_n upon_o those_o two_o immutable_a thing_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n heb._n 6._o 18._o as_o those_o which_o the_o lord_n appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o usher_v in_o strong_a consolation_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o when_o the_o condition_n of_o sinner_n seem_v most_o despicable_a and_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o saint_n be_v most_o out_o of_o sight_n yet_o than_o they_o may_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o absolute_a promise_n and_o look_v unto_o the_o lord_n therein_o for_o all_o grace_n and_o supply_v that_o be_v want_v chap._n fourteen_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v conditional_a promise_n some_o may_v inquire_v what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o those_o call_v conditional_a promise_n or_o when_o and_o in_o what_o case_n be_v they_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o answ_n 1._o some_o of_o they_o be_v of_o discover_v use_n what_o a_o extensiveness_n there_o be_v in_o divine_a grace_n suitable_a to_o all_o the_o worst_a condition_n