TheCovenantofGrace

ByThomasBoston

AVIEW

OFTHE

COVENANTOFGRACE,

FROMTHE

SACREDRECORDS

WHEREIN

THEPARTIESINTHATCOVENANT,THEMAKINGOFIT,ITSPARTS,CONDITIONARYANDPROMISSORY,ANDTHEADMINISTRATION

THEREOFAREDISTINCTLYCONSIDERED

TOGETHERWITH

THETRIALOFASAVINGPERSONALINBEINGINIT,ANDTHEWAYOFINSTATINGSINNERSTHEREIN,UNTOTHEIRETERNAL

SALVATION

TOWHICHISSUBJOINED

AMEMORIALCONCERNINGPERSONALANDFAMILYFASTINGANDHUMILIATION,PRESENTEDTOSAINTSANDSINNERS

TableofContents

A VIEW OF THE COVENANT OF GRACE FROM THE SACREDRECORDS

HEAD.I.—ThepartiesinthecovenantOfthepartycontractoronHeaven'ssideOfthepartycontractoronman'ssideOfthepartycontractedandundertakenfor

HEADII.—ThemakingofthecovenantofgraceChristthekinsman-redeemerinthecovenantChristthesuretyofthecovenantChristthepriestofthecovenantInferencesfromthesecondhead

HEADIII.—ThepartsofthecovenantTheconditionarypartofthecovenantARTICLE1.HolinessofnatureARTICLE2.RighteousnessoflifeARTICLE3.SatisfactionforsinInferencesfromtheconditionarypartofthecovenantThesecond,orpromissorypartofthecovenantOfthepromisesingeneralOfthepromisespeculiartoChristThepromiseofeternallifetotheelect,consideredinthreeperiods

PERIODI:BeforeunionwithChrist—1.Thepromiseofpreservation—2.ThepromiseoftheSpirit

PERIODII.FromunionwithChristuntildeath—1.Thepromiseofjustification—2.Thepromiseofanewandsavingcovenant-relationtoGod—3.Thepromiseofsanctification—4.Thepromiseofperseveranceingrace—5.Thepromiseoftemporalbenefits

PERIODIII.Fromdeath,througheternity—1.Thepromiseofvictoryoverdeath

—2.Thepromiseofeverlastinglifeinheaven—Inferencefromthepromiseofeternallife—Noproperpenaltyofthecovenantofgrace

HEADIV.TheadministrationofthecovenantofgraceChristtheadministratorofthecovenantSinnersofmankindtheobjectsoftheadministrationofthecovenantTheendsoftheadministrationofthecovenantThenatureoftheadministrationofthecovenantChristthetrusteeofthecovenantChristthetestatorofthecovenantChristtheprophetofthecovenantChristthekingofthecovenantChristtheintercessorofthecovenant

HEADV.Thetrialofasavingpersonalinbeinginthecovenantofgrace

HEADVI.Thewayof instating sinners, personally and savingly, in thecovenantofgraceSinnersinstatedinthecovenant,byfaithorbelievingAfaithofthelawpreparatoryforthecovenantThefaithofthegospelinstatinginthecovenantThefaithofChrist'ssufficiencyThefaithofthegospel-offerThefaithofourrighttoChristThefaithofparticulartrustforsalvation

AViewoftheCovenantofGrace

PSALM89:3.—Ihavemadeacovenantwithmychosen;

1Cor.15:45.—ThelastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit

Asman's ruin was originally owing to the breaking of the covenant ofworks, so his recovery, from the first to the last step thereof, is owingpurely to the fulfilling of the covenant of grace; which covenant, beingthatwherein thewholemystery of our salvation lies, I am to essay theopeningof,astheLordshallbepleasedtoassist.AndthereisthemoreneedofhumbledependenceontheFatheroflights,throughJesusChristhisSon,forthemanifestationofhisSpiritinthismatter,thatwhereasthefirstcovenantisknown,inpart,bythelightofnature,theknowledgeofthissecondisowingentirelytorevelation.

It was from this covenant the psalmist, in the verse immediatelypreceding the first text, took a comfortable view of a glorious building,infalliblygoingupinthemidstofruins;evenabuildingofmercy:"ForIhave said, Mercy shall be built up for ever;" the ground of whichconfidentassertionis,inourtext,pointedouttobeGod'scovenantwithhischosen.Fromthetypeofthecovenantofgrace,namely,thecovenantofroyaltymadeuntoDavid,hesawabuildingupofmercyfortheroyalfamily of Judah, when they were brought exceeding low. From thesubstanceof it,hesawabuildingofmercyforsinnersofmankind,whowere laid in ruins by the breach of the first covenant. This is that newbuilding free grace set on foot for us; into which they that believe areinstantly thereupon received, andwhereonce received, they shall dwellforever;abuildingofmercy,inwhicheverystone,fromthebottomtothetop,fromthefoundationstonetothecope-stone,ispuremercy,richandfreemercytous.

OfthisbuildingofmercyIshalldropafewwords.

And, 1.Theplanof itwasdrawn fromall eternity, in thecouncilof theTrinity: for it is according to the eternal purpose purposed in JesusChrist,Eph.3:11.Theobjectsofmercy,thetimeandplace,thewayandmeans,ofconferringitonthem,weredesignedparticularly,beforemanwasmiserable,yea,beforehewasatall.2.ThebuilderisGodhimself,theFather, Son, and Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 3:9, "Ye are God's building." Allhands of the glorious Trinity are at work in this building. The Fatherchosetheobjectsofmercy,andgavethemtotheSontoberedeemed;theSon purchased redemption for them; and the Holy Ghost applies thepurchasedredemptionuntothem.ButitisspeciallyattributedtotheSon,

ontheaccountofhissingularagencyinthework:Zech.6:12,"BeholdthemanwhosenameistheBranch—HeshallbuildthetempleoftheLord:"ver.13,"EvenHeshallbuildthetempleoftheLord,andHeshallbeartheglory."3.Thefoundationwaslaiddeepintheeternalcounsel;beyondthereachoftheeyesofmenorangels.Paulconsideringit,criesout,"Othedepth!"Rom.11:33."Forwhohathknownthemindof theLordorwhohathbeenhiscounsellor?"ver.34.4.Itismorethanfivethousandyearssince this building rose above ground. And the first stone of it thatappeared,wasapromise,apromiseofaSaviour,madeinparadiseafterthefall,Gen.3:15,namely,thattheseedofthewomanshouldbruisetheheadof the serpent.Herewasmercy.Andmercywas laiduponmercy.Uponpromisingmercywaslaidquickeningmercy,wherebyourlostfirstparentswereenabledtobelievethepromise;anduponquickeningmercywas laidpardoningmercytothem;anduponthatagainsanctifyingandestablishing mercy; and at length glorifying mercy. 5. The cement isblood;thebloodofJesusChristtheMediator,whichisthebloodofGod,Acts 20:28. No saving mercy for sinners could consist, nor could onemercyliefirmuponanotherinthebuilding,withoutbeingcementedwiththatpreciousblood;butbyitthewholebuildingconsists,andstandsfirmforever,Heb.9:22,23,and7:24,25.6.Eversincethetimeitappearedabove ground, it has been going on. And many hands have beenemployed,toserveincarryingonthework.Inthefirstagesoftheworld,patriarchswereemployed in it,suchasAdam,Enoch,andNoah; in themiddle ages, prophets, priests, and Levites; in these the last ages, theapostles,andotherextraordinaryofficers,andordinaryministersof thegospel. Great has been the opposition made to the building from thebeginning, by Satan and his agents, both in the way of violence anddeceit; yet has it all along been going on still: And now it is come farabovemid-height; it isdrawingtowardsthetop,andthetimewhenthelaststoneshallbe laid thereon; for it isevident,weare faradvanced inthedaysofthevoiceoftheseventhangel,whereinthemysteryofGodistobe finished,Rev. 10:7. 7.Thecope-stonewillbe laidon it at the lastday:atwhattimethepromisewillreceiveitsfullaccomplishment,inthecompletesalvationofalltheobjectsofmercy,thentobeadvanceduntothemeasureofthestatureofthefulnessofChrist,"Eph.4:13.InthatdayourLordJesusChrist,thegreatbuilder,"shallbringforththehead-stonethereof with shoutings," even the last and crowning mercy, saying,

"Come, ye blessed ofmy Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for youfrom the foundation of the world." And then shall they dwell in thebuilding of mercy perfected, and sing of mercies for ever and ever. 8.Lastly,The foundationonwhich it stands, isa firmone. It isnecessarythatitbeso:forabuildingofmercytosinners,fromaholyjustGod,isabuilding of hugeweight,moreweighty than thewhole fabric of heavenandearth:and if it should fall, all is ruineda second time,withoutanymorehopeof relief.But it isa sure foundation,beingGod'severlastingcovenant:"Ihavemadeacovenantwithmychosen."

Inwhichwords,togetherwiththesecondtext,therearefourthingstobeconsidered.1.Thefoundationonwhichthebuildingofmercystands;towit, A covenant. 2. The parties-contractors in that covenant. 3. Themakingofit.And,4,Thenatureofit.

I.Thefoundationonwhichthebuildingofmercystands,isacovenant,adivinecovenant,asureone.Thefirstbuildingforman'shappinesswasabuildingofbountyandgoodness,butnotofmercy; formanwasnot inmiserywhenitwasa-rearingup.Anditwasfoundedonacovenanttoo;namely, on the covenant of works, made with the first Adam: but hebrokethecovenant,andthewholebuildingtumbleddowninaninstant.Butthis isanothercovenant,andofanothernature.Inthetype indeed,and shadow, it is the covenant of royalty with David, 2 Sam. 7:11–17;whichwasafoundationofmercytohisfamily,securingthecontinuanceofit,andthatasaroyalfamily.Howbeit, intheantitypeandtruth, it isthe covenant of grace, the covenant of eternal life and salvation tosinners,thespiritualseedoftheheadthereof,tobegiventheminthewayof free grace andmercy, Psalm 89:2, 4, 29, 36; and in which they arefreed from the curse, so that it cannot reach them, notwithstanding oftheir failures;but theLorddealswith themashischildrenstill, thoughoffendingchildren,ver.30–33;andallbythemeansofJesusChristtheSaviour, the mighty One, ver. 19. This is the foundation of the wholebuilding of mercy to sinners in their low estate, into which they werebrought by Adam's fall. The revelation, promulgation, and offer madeuntothesonsofmen,ofthiscovenantwhichlayhidinthedepthsoftheeternalcounsel,iscalledthegospel;thegladtidingsofanewcovenantforlifeandsalvationtosinners.

II.Theparties-contractorsinthiscovenantare,God,andhischosen,thelastAdam:foritisevidentfromthenatureofthethingsherespokenof,ver.3,4,andfrom2Sam.7:8,thatthesewords,"Ihavemadeacovenantwithmychosen,"aretheLord'sownwords.Bothheavenandearthwereconcernedinthiscovenant;foritwasacovenantofpeacebetweenthem:and accordingly the interests of both are seen to by the parties-contractors.1.OnHeaven'ssideisGodhimself,theparty-proposerofthecovenant,"Ihavemadeacovenantwithmychosen."Hewastheoffendedparty,yetthemotionforacovenantofpeacecomesfromhim;acertainindication of the good-will of the whole glorious Trinity towards therecoveryoflostsinners.TheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,theFatherofmercies,beholdingalostworld,hismercyseeksavent,thatitmaybeshowntothemiserable;butjusticestandsinthewayoftheegressand building ofmercy,without there be a covenantwhereby itmay besatisfied. Then saith the Father, "The first covenant will not serve thepurpose ofmercy; theremust be a new bargain: but the lost creatureshave nothing left, to contract for themselves; unless another take theburdenuponhimfor them, there isnoremedy in thecase: theycannotchoose such an one for themselves; Iwillmake a choice for them, andmake the covenant with my chosen." 2. On man's side, then, is God'schosen,orchosenone;fortheworldissingular.Thischosenone,inthetype,thecovenantofroyalty,isDavid;butintheantytipe,thecovenantofgrace,itistheSonofGod,thelastAdam,evenChristthechosenofGod,Luke 23:35. The truth is, such great things are said of the party withwhom this covenant wasmade, of his seed, and of the efficacy of thiscovenant, as can fully agree to none but Christ and his spiritual seed,vers. 4, 27, 29, 36, 37. The royal family of Judah, the house of David,never recovered their ancient splendour, after theBabylonish captivity;withaviewtowhichtime,thispsalmseemstohavebeenpenned.Theirkingdom is extinct many ages ago; and the grandeur of that family,according to the flesh, isquite sunk.But thepromisemade toDavid inthecovenantofroyalty,stillflourisheth,andwillflourishforeverinJesusChrist, the top-branch of the family of David.How then can it be, butthat, in the perpetual building of mercy, mentioned ver. 2, and theestablishingofDavid'sseed,andbuildinguphisthronetoallgenerations,ver. 4, Christ himself is chiefly aimed at? And indeed he only was themightyOne,fitforthevastundertakinginthiscovenant,ver.19:andhim

theFatherpointsouttous,ashiselect,orchosenOne,Isa.42:1.

III.Astothemakingofthiscovenantbetweenthecontractingparties:theFather made it with his own Son, I have made a covenant with mychosen, and that before the world began, Tit. 1:2. By their mutualagreement thereto, this covenant was completely made from eternity;evenasthecovenantofworkswiththefirstAdamwas,beforewewereinbeing. The original-text calls it cutting off a covenant; which phrase istakenfromthatancientusageofcuttingoffabeast,bycuttingitasunder,atthemakingofacovenant,Jer.34:17.Itintimatesthiscovenanttobeacovenantbysacrifice:whereintheparty-contractoronman'ssidewasthesacrifice, and divine justice the sword that cut it asunder, according toZech.13:7,"Awake,Osword,againstmyshepherd,andagainstthemanthatismyfellow,saiththeLordofhosts:smitetheshepherd."Andwithalit imports the inviolableness and pepetuity of the covenant made; nomoreforevertobedissolved,thanthepartsofthebeastcutoffonefromtheother,tobejoinedagainasformerly.

IV.Forthenatureofthiscovenant;therearefivethingsbelongingtheretowhichappearfromthetexts;namely,1.Thebeingofarepresentationinit. 2. The design for which it was set on foot. 3. That there are in it acondition;and4.Apromise;and5.Intowhosehandstheadministrationofitisput.

1.Thereisarepresentationtakingplaceinthiscovenant.Asitwasinthefirstcovenant,soitwaslikewiseinthesecond;theparty-contractorandundertaker on man's side, was a representative, representing andsustaining the persons of others. This appears, in that the chosenOnewithwhomthecovenantwasmade,iscalledthelastAdam:foritisplain,heissocalledinrelationtothefirstAdam,whowasthefigure(ortype)ofhim,Rom.5:14.namely,inthatlikeasthefirstAdamrepresentinghisseed in the covenant of works, brought sin and death on them; so herepresenting his, brings righteousness and life to them; as the apostleteachethatlargeinthatchapter.

2. The design of this covenant was life, the most valuable interest ofmankind. "The lastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit," towit, togivelifetohisseed.Soitisacovenantoflife,asthecovenantofLevi,atype

thereof,isexpresslycalled,Mal.2:5.Thefirstcovenantwasacovenantoflife too; but there is this difference, towit, that the firstwas for life inperfection to upright man having life before; the second, for life inperfectiontosinfulmanlegallyandmorallydead.Thepartiescontractedforinthissecondcovenant,wereconsideredasunderthebandsofdeath,absolutelyvoidof life;andthereforeutterly incapable toact forhelpingthemselves. They lay like dry bones scattered about the grave'smouth,before the parties-contractors; justice forbidding to give them life, butupontermsconsistentwith,andbecomingitshonour.

3.Theconditionofthecovenant,thetermsofthat life,agreedtobytherepresentative, is implied in that he was the last Adam, namely, to gothroughwithwhatthefirstAdamhadstuckin.Adam,inthecovenantofworks,stumbled in thecourseofhisobedience,and fell;andbyhis fallwasquitedisabledtobeginitanew:hetherebycameunderthepenaltyofthat covenant also, but was utterly unable to discharge it. So the lastAdamcomes intheroomof the first,notas the firstAdamstood inhisintegrity;forinthatcasetherewasnoplaceforasecondAdam;butashelayabrokenmanunderthefirstbargain.Andcominginhisroominthiscase, his business was to satisfy the demands of the first covenant, inbehalfofhisseed.Thesedemandswerenowrunuphigh,quitebeyondwhat theywere to innocentAdam: the penaltywas becomepayable, aswellastheprincipalsum.Whereforethefirstcovenantbeingingrossedinthe second, is declared broken; and the principal and penalty beingsummed up together, the clearing of thewhole is laid upon the last orsecondAdam,astheconditionofthesecondcovenant.

4.Thepromiseofthecovenanttobe,uponthatcondition,performedbytheparty-contractoronHeaven'sside,isimpliedinthesewords,"Ihavemadeacovenantwith"(intheoriginal,to)"mychosen;"thatis,"Ihavemadeacovenant,bindingandobligingmyselfbysolemnpromisetomychosenOne,forsuchandsuchbenefits,upontheconditionthereinstatedandagreedto."Comparethefollowingclause,"IhaveswornuntoDavidmyservant."Thenatureofthispromisewillbeinquiredintointhedueplace.

5.Lastly,Theadministrationofthiscovenantisputintothehandsoftheparty-contractoronman's side: "The lastAdamwasmadeaquickening

spirit."EachofthecontractingpartiesbeingGod,itwasnotpossiblethateitherparty should fail,or that the lastAdamshouldbreak,as the firsthaddone.WhereforethetimeofChrist'sfulfillingoftheconditionofthecovenantbeingprefixedbytheFather,GodtookChrist'ssinglebondforsufficient security, and thereupon constituted him administrator of thecovenant.Thosewhomhe represented,were consideredasbeingunderdeath,whichinthelanguageofthecovenant,isaveryextensiveterm:theSpirit and life were to be purchased by him, and did belong to thepromiseofthecovenant.So,uponthecreditofhisfulfillingtheconditionof the covenant in due time, the fulness of the Spirit, and eternal life,werelodgedinhim,tobecommunicatedbyhim:Rev.3:1,"ThesethingssaithhethathaththesevenSpiritsofGod."1John5:11,"Godhathgivento us eternal life: and this life is in his Son." John 17:2, "As thou hastgivenhimpoweroverallflesh,thatheshouldgiveeternallife."Thuswashemadeaquickeningspirit.

NowtheDOCTRINEofthesetextsthuscomparedandexplained,is,

That the covenant of grace for life and salvation to lost sinners ofmankind,wasmadewithJesusChristthelastAdam;andheconstitutedadministratorofit.

Inhandlingof thisweighty subject, I deem itnotnecessary to insist toprovethatthereisacovenantofgrace;thebeingofwhichisobviousfromthetexts,andmanyotherScriptures,suchas,Isa.42:6;49:8;and54:10;Heb.8:6;and13:20.Butthefollowingaccountofitshallberangedunderthesesixheads:namely,

1.Thepartiesinthecovenantofgrace.

2.Themakingofthatcovenant.

3.Thepartsofit.

4.Theadministrationofit.

5.Thetrialofasavingpersonalinbeinginit.

6.Thewayofinstatingsinnerspersonallyandsavinglyinit.

HEADI

THEPARTIESINTHECOVENANTOFGRACE

In all covenants, of whatsoever nature they be, whether covenants ofabsolute promise, or conditional ones, there must needs be distinctparties: for howbeit onemay decree, resolve, or purpose with himself,without another party; yet one's covenanting or bargaining, vowing orpromising,speaksanobligationthencearisingtoanotherdistinctparty.Accordingly, in the covenant of grace there are three parties to beconsidered; 1. The party-contractor on heaven's side; 2. The party-contractor onman's side; and, 3. Theparty contracted andundertakenfor.Ofwhichinorder.And,

I.OFTHEPARTY-CONTRACTORONHEAVEN'SSIDE

As it was the covenant of works in this point, so it is likewise in thecovenant of grace; the party upon the one side is God himself, and heonly.Therewasnoneedofanyothertoseetotheinterestsofheaveninthis covenant; and there was no other when it wasmade, beingmadefrom eternity, before the world began, Tit. 1:2. This is plain from thewordsofthecovenant,"IwillbetheirGod,"Jer.31:33.

ButwhetherGod isherein tobeconsideredpersonallyoressentially, isnot quite so clear. Some divines think, that the Father, personallyconsidered, namely, as the first person of the glorious Trinity, is theparty-contractor on heaven's side; others, that God, essentiallyconsidered, that is, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is that party-contractor.Buthoweverweconceiveofthatmatter,weareassuredfromtheholyoracles,thatthesethreeareoneGod;andjudge,that,according

to the Scripture, itmay be safely said, thatGod essentially considered,wastheparty-contractorinthepersonoftheFather.Herebyitisowned,that the Son and the Holy Ghost have their part in the covenant, onheaven'sside,asthepartyoffendedbyman'ssin;and,inthemeantime,apeculiaragencyinthisgreatworkofpowerandauthority,onthatside,isattributedtotheFather;asthereisuntotheSon,onman'sside.

Andthatoftheparty-contractoronheaven'ssidewemayconceivearightinthismatter,thesetwothingsare,inthefirstplace,tobetakennoticeof. 1. He from all eternity decreed the creation of man after his ownimage, and themaking of the covenant ofworkswith him, in time.Allthings brought forth in time, lay from eternity in the womb of God'sdecree; invirtuewhereof theyhavetheirbeing intime: forwhichcausethedecreeissaidtobringforth,asawomandothachild,Zeph.2:2.Andthe creationof angels andmen,with theprovidence about them,mademany lines in the volume of the sealed book of the decrees. God self-sufficientneededneithermannorangel:but,forthemanifestationofhisownglory,hepurposed frometernity to create them;andmoreover, toenterintosuchacovenantwithman,asoneshouldthereinrepresentthewholefamily;sovereignpleasuremeanwhiletakinganothermethodwiththeangelictribe:butwithalpurposingtogiveboththeoneandtheothera sufficient ability to stand in their integrity, if theywould. Thus, frometernity, the covenant of works, in all the parts and appurtenancesthereof, was before the eternal mind; though beingmade with a mereman,itcouldnotactuallybeenteredinto,tilloncemanwascreated.But,"KnownuntoGodareallhisworksfromthebeginningoftheworld,"Acts15:18. 2. He decreed also from eternity, to permit the first man, therepresentativeofthewholefamily,tofall,andsotobreakthecovenant,andinvolvehimself,andallhisposterity inruins.It isevidentfromthespotless holiness of God, and the nature of the thing, that the divinepermission was not the cause of man's fall; and from the necessarydependenceofthecreatureupontheCreator,thatwithoutit,hecouldnothavefallen.ButthesovereignLordofthecreatures,permittedthefallofmanforhisownholyends,purposingtobringaboutgoodfromit.

Now,God,thepartycontractoronheaven'ssideinthecovenantofgrace,istobeconsideredinthatmatterinathreefoldview.

1.HeistobeconsideredinitasanoffendedGod;offendedwithall thesins of all mankind, original and actual. Looking upon the children ofmen,thewholemassofmankindappearedintheeyesofhisglorycorruptand loathsome, the very reverse of his holiness: he saw them all goneaside,togetherbecomefilty,nonedoinggood,nonotone,Psalm14:2,3.In the first covenant, God contracted with man himself as a friend,withouttheinterpositionofaMediator:butinthesecondcovenantitwasnot so, and it couldnot be so; for in itmanwas considered as a fallencreature, a transgressor of the law, and an enemy to God; and it is acovenantofreconciliation,acovenantofpeace,forthosewhohadbeenatwarwithheaven.

2. But withal God is to be considered herein as a God purposeing anddecreeingfrometernitytomanifestthegloryofhisfreegrace, love,andmercy,inthesalvationofsomeofmankindlost.Accordingly,wearesaidtobesavedintime,"accordingtohisownpurposeandgracegivenusinChristJesus,beforetheworldbegan,"2Tim.1:9.Withoutsuchapurposeof grace inGod, there couldneverhavebeen sucha covenantof grace.ButthesovereignLordofthecreaturesoverlookingthefallenangelsastoany purpose ofmercy, entertained thoughts of love and peace towardsfallenmankind,purposing inhimself tomakesomeof themeverlastingmonumentsofhis freegraceandmercy,partakersof lifeandsalvation;andsosetonfootthecovenantofgrace.

3.Lastly,YetwearetoconsiderhimalsointhismatterasajustGod,whocannotbutdoright,givesinajustrecompence,andmagnifyhisholylaw,and make it honourable, Gen. 18:25; Heb. 2:2; Isa. 42:21. Upon themotion for extending mercy to sinners of mankind, the justice of Godinterposeth,pleadingthatmercycannotbeshewnthem,butupontermsagreeable to lawand justice.And indeed itwasneitheragreeable to thenatureofGod,nortohistruthinhisword,toerectathroneofgraceontheruinsofhisexact justice,nortoshewmercyinprejudiceof it.Now,the justice ofGod required, that the lawwhichwas violated, should befully satisfied and the honour thereof repaired by suffering andobedience:theformersuchasmightsatisfythepenalsanctionofthelaw,andthelatter,thecommandingpartofit.Thewhichbeingquitebeyondthereachofthesinnersthemselves,theybehovedtodiewithoutmercy,

unless another, who could be accepted as a sufficient surety, shouldundertakeforthem,asasecondAdam,comingintheirroomandstead,astheylayruinedbythebreachofthecovenantofworks.

Thus stood the impediments in the way of mercy to fallenman, quiteinsuperable to him, or any of his fellow creatures; and the covenant ofgracewasmadeforremovingthoseimpedimentsoutoftheway,andthatit might be the channel wherein the whole rich flood of saving mercymightflowfreely,forthequickening,purging,sanctifying,andperfectingof lostsinnersofmankind,whowereunder thebandsofdeathand thecurse,throughthebreachofthefirstcovenantbythefirstAdam.

Fromwhatissaidonthispoint,wemaydrawthisinference,towit,Thattheredemptionofthesoulisprecious.Thesalvationoflostsinnerswasagreater work than the making of the world: the powerful wordcommanded, and this last was done; but the former was not to becompassed,butwithmoreado.

II.OFTHEPARTY-CONTRACTORONMAN'SSIDE

Wehave seen, thatupon theone side, in the covenantof grace, isGodhimself.Now,upontheothersideisJesusChristtheSonofGod,withhisspiritual seed, Heb. 2:13, "Behold, I and the children which God hathgivenme:"theformer,astheparty-contractorandundertaker;thelatter,asthepartycontractedandundertakenfor:agoodreasonforhisname"Immanuel,whichbeinginterpreted,is,Godwithus,"Matt.1:23.

Theparty-contractorthenwithGod,inthecovenantofgrace,isourLordJesus Christ. He alone managed the interests of men in this eternalbargain:foratthemakingof itnoneofthemwereinbeing;nor, iftheyhadbeen,wouldtheyhavebeencapableofaffordinganyhelp.

Now,JesusChristtheparty-contractoronman'sside,inthecovenantofgrace,is,accordingtoourtexts,tobeconsideredinthatmatterasthelastor second Adam, head and representative of a seed, lost sinners ofmankind, thepartycontracted for.AndthushesistedhimselfMediatorbetweenanoffended justGod,andoffendingmenguiltybeforehim. Inwhichpoint layonemaindifferencebetwixt the firstAdamandthe last

Adam:forthereisoneMediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus;whogavehimselfaransom,"1Tim.2:5,6.Andsothecovenantofgrace,whichcouldnotbemadeimmediatelywithsinners,wasmadewithChrist the lastAdam, theirheadandrepresentative,mediatingbetweenGodandthem;thereforecalledJesustheMediatorofthenewcovenant,towhomwecomebybelieving,Heb.12:22,24.

The term Mediator is not, to my observation, applied in the holyScripture toanyotherexceptMoses,Gal.3:19, "The law—wasordainedbyangelsinthehandofaMediator."Andofhim,atypicalmediator,itisworthobserving, thathewasnotonlyan inter-messengerbetweenGodandIsrael;butinGod'srenewinghiscovenant,inawayofreconciliation,afterthebreakingofthetables,thecovenantwasmadewithhim,astheirhead and representative, Exod. 34:27, "And the Lord said untoMoses,Writethouthesewords:forafterthetenorofthesewordsIhavemadeacovenantwiththeeandwithIsrael."ThisrefersuntothegraciousanswermadetoMoses,prayer,ver.9,"Pardonouriniquityandoursin,andtakeus for thine inheritance." Ver. 10, "And he" namely, the Lord, "said,Behold, Imakeacovenant:beforeall thypeopleIwilldomarvels,"&c.Ver.28,"Andhewroteuponthetables"towit,thenewones,"thewordsofthecovenant,thetencommandments."Now,MoseswasaloneonthemountwithGodduringthewholetimeofthistransaction;andinittheLordspeaksofhimandthepeopleasone,allalong.

Forclearingof thispurposeanent theparty-contractoronman'sside, Ishall, 1.Evince, that thecovenantofgracewasmadewithChristas thelastAdam,headandrepresentativeofaseed;and,2.Shewwhyitwassomade.

First, That the covenant of grace, the second covenant,wasmadewithChristasthelastorsecondAdam,headandrepresentativeofaseed,towit,hisspiritualseed,appearsfromthefollowingconsiderations.

1. Covenants typical of the covenant of graceweremade or establishedwithpersonsrepresentingtheirrespectiveseed.Thusitwasinthetypicalcovenant in our text, the covenant of royalty made with David, anundoubtedtypeof thecovenantofgrace.In itDavidwasGod'sservant,havingaseedcomprehendedwithhimtherein,Psalm89:3,4.Hewasan

eminent type of Christ; who is therefore called David, Hos. 3:5,"Afterwards shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord theirGod,andDavidtheirking."Andthebenefitsofthecovenantofgracearecalled the sure mercies of David, Isa. 55:3. Thus was it also in thecovenantof theday andnight, (Jer. 33:20,) establishedwithNoahandhissons,representativesoftheirseed,thenewworld,Gen.9:9,"Behold,Iestablishmycovenantwithyou,andwithyourseedafteryou."Andthatthiscovenantwasatypeofthecovenantofgrace,appears,fromitsbeingmadeuponasacrifice,chap.8:20,21,22;andfromthesignandtokenofit, therainbow,chap.9:13,appearingroundabout thethrone,Rev.4:3;butespeciallyfromthenatureandimportofit,towit,thatthereshouldnot be another deluge, Gen. 9:11; the substance of which is plainlydeclared,Isa.54:9,"AsIhaveswornthat thewatersofNoahshouldnomoregoovertheearth;sohaveIswornthatIwouldnotbewrothwiththee,norrebukethee."Ver.10,"Forthemountainsshalldepart,andthehills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neithershall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hathmercyon thee."Andsuchalsowas thecovenantof the landofCanaan,made with Abraham representing his seed, Gen. 15:18, and afterwardsconfirmedbyoath,chap.22:16,17.InallwhichhewasaneminenttypeofChrist, the true Abraham, father of the multitude of the faithful, who,uponGod'scall,leftheavenhisnativecountry,andcameandsojournedamong the cursed race ofmankind, and there offered up his own fleshandbloodasacrificeuntoGod,andsobecamethetrueheiroftheworld,andreceivedthepromisesforhisspiritualseed;thesumwhereofisgivenbyZachariasinhisaccountofthecovenantwithAbraham,Luke1:72,"Torememberhisholycovenant:"ver.73, "Theoathwhichhesware toourfatherAbraham," ver. 74, "That hewould grant unto us, thatwe beingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,mightservehimwithoutfear,"ver.75,"inholinessandrighteousnessbeforehimallthedaysofourlife."And finally, thus itwas in the covenant of everlastingpriesthoodmadewithPhinehas,anothertypeofthecovenantofgrace.InitPhinehasstoodarepresentativeofhisseed,Numb.25:13,"Andheshallhaveit,andhisseedafterhim,eventhecovenatofaneverlastingpriesthood;becausehewas zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children ofIsrael." And therein he typified Jesus Christ, representing his spiritualseed in the covenant of grace: for it is evident, that it is inChrist,who

made the great atonement for sinners, the everlasting priesthoodpromised to Phinehas, hath its full accomplishment: his spiritual seedpartakingofthesameinhim;accordingtoPsalm110:4,"Thouartapriestforever."Rev.1:6,"AndhathmadeuskingsandpriestsuntoGodandhisFather."

Now,forasmuchasthesetypicalcovenantsweremadeorestablishedwithpartiesstandingthereinaspublicpersons,heads,andrepresentativesoftheirseed;itnativelyfollows,thatthecovenantofgracetypifiedbythem,wasmadewithChristastheheadandrepresentativeofhisspiritualseed:for whatsoever is attributed to any person or thing as a type, hath itsaccomplishmentreallyandchieflyinthepersonorthingtypified.

2.OurLordJesusChristbeing,inthephraseologyoftheHolyGhost,thelastAdam,thereasonhereofcannotbetakenfromthenaturecommontothe firstAdamandhim; forallmankindpartakeof that;but fromtheircommonofficeof federalheadshipandrepresentation, intherespectivecovenants touchingman's eternalhappiness; thewhich ispeculiaruntoAdam,andthemanChrist.Accordingly,Adamiscalledthefirstman,andChristthesecondman,1Cor.15:47;butChristisnootherwisethesecondman, thanashe is thesecondfederalhead,or therepresentative in thesecond covenant; as Adam was the first federal head, or therepresentative in the first covenant. Agreeable to which, the apostlerepresentsAdamastheheadoftheearthymen,andChristastheheadofthe heavenly men, ver. 48; the former being those who bear Adam'simage,namely,allhisnatural seed; the latter, thosewhopartakeof theimageofChrist,namely,hisspiritualseed,ver.49.AllthisisconfirmedfromAdam'sbeingafigureortypeofChrist,whichtheapostleexpresslyasserts, Rom. 5:14; and from the parallel he draws betwixt them two,namely,thatasbyAdam'scovenant-breaking,sinanddeathcameonallthat were his, so by Christ's covenant-keeping, righteousness and lifecometoallthatarehis,vers.17,18,19.Wherefore,asthefirstcovenantwasmadewithAdam,astheheadandrepresentativeofhisnaturalseed;so the second covenant was made with Christ, as the head andrepresentativeofhisspiritualseed.

3. As the firstmanwas calledAdam, that is to say,man; he being theheadrepresentativeofmankind,thepersoninwhomGodtreatedwithall

men,his natural seed in the first covenant; and, on the otherhand, allmenthereinrepresentedbyhim,do, inthe languageof theHolyGhost,gounder thenameofAdam,Psalm29:5, 11. "Surely everyman" in theoriginal it is, all Adam "is vanity:" so Christ bears the name of hisspiritualseed,andtheyontheotherhandbearhisname;aplainevidenceoftheirbeingoneintheeyeofthelaw,andofGod'streatingwithhimastheir representative in the second covenant. Israel is the name of thespiritualseed,Rom.9:6;andourLordJesusChristiscalledbythesamename, Isa. 49:3. "Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will beglorified;"asseverallearnedandjudiciouscommentatorsdounderstandit; and is evident from thewhole context, vers. 1, 2, 4–9. The truth is,Christ is here so called with a peculiar solemnity; for the original textstandspreciselythus,"Thouartmyservant;Israel,inwhomIwillglorifymyself:" that is, thou art Israel representative, in whom I will glorifymyself, andmake allmine attributes illustrious; as I was dishonoured,andtheydarkened,byIsraelthecollectivebodyofthespiritualseed.Andthisleadsustoanaturalandunstrainedinterpretationofthatpassage,Psalm24:6.This is thegenerationof themthat seekhim, that seek thyface,OJacob;"thatis,inotherwords,thatlongfortheappearing(Prov.7:15; Gen. 32:30.) of the Messias the Lord whom the old testamentchurchdidsoseek;apledgeofwhosecoming tohis temple. (Mal.3:1.)wasthebringinginofthearkintothetabernaclethatDavidhaderectedfor it,onwhichoccasion thatPsalmwaspenned.Accordingly it followsimmediately,ver.7,"Liftupyourheads,Oyegates,andbeyeliftup,yeeverlastingdoors, and theKingof glory shall come in."And in anotherPsalm penned on the same occasion, and expressly said to have beendeliveredonthatverydayintothehandofAsaph,1Chron.16:1,7,thatisthe expression found, ver. 11, "Seek his face continually;" justly to beinterpreted, agreeable to the circumstances of the main thing whichDavidthroughtheSpirithadinviewthatday,namely,thecomingoftheMessias.Thus,Christbears thenameofhisspiritualseed;andthey,ontheotherhand,bearhisnametoo:1Cor.12:12,"Forasthebodyisone,andhathmanymembers, and all themembers of that onebody, beingmany,areonebody;soalsoisChrist.

4.ThepromisesweremadetoChristasthesecondAdam,theheadandrepresentativeofhisseed:Gal.3:16,"NowtoAbrahamandhisseedwere

thepromisesmade.Hesaithnot,Andtoseeds,asofmany;butasofone,And to thy seed,which is Christ." I own, that here, even as in the textimmediately before cited, is meant Christ mystical, the head andmembers. It is to themthat thepromisesareheresaid tobemade;butprimarily to the head, secondarily to themembers in him; even as thepromiseoflifeinthefirstcovenant,wasprimarilymadetoAdamasthehead,andsecondarilytoallhisnaturalseedinhim.Thus,inthetypicalcovenant with Abraham, the promises of the earthly inheritance wereprimarily made to Abraham himself, and secondarily to his seedaccordingtotheflesh.AndevensothepromiseoftheeternalinheritanceplainlystandsmadetoChrist,Tit.1:2,"Inhopeofeternallife,whichGodthatcannotlie,promisedbeforetheworldbegan;"whentherewasnonebutChristtowhomthatpromisecouldbemadepersonally.Accordinglythe covenant is said to be made with the house of Israel, namely, theSpiritual Israel; yet are the promises of it directed, not to them, but toanotherperson,Heb.8:10,"IwillbetothemaGod,andtheyshallbetomeapeople."Thereasonofwhichplainlyappears,inthepromisesbeingmadetoChristastheirheadandrepresentative.Now,forasmuchasthesepromises belong to the covenant of grace,which is therefore called thecovenantsofpromise,Eph.2:12,itismanifest,thatiftheyweremadetoChristastheheadandrepresentativeofaseed,thecovenantofgracewasmadewithhimassuch;andhetowhomtheywereprimarilymade,wassurelytheparty-contractortherein.

5. Lastly, This federal headship of Christ, and his representing hisspiritualseedinthecovenantofgrace,appearsfromhissuretishipinthatcovenant, thebetter testament,whereof Jesuswasmade a surety,Heb.7:22.Now,hebecamesuretyfortheminthewayofsatisfactionfortheirdebtofpunishmentandobedience;andthattakingthewholeburdenonhimself,asforpersonsutterlyunabletoanswerforthemselves.Thiswillafterwards fall in to be cleared. Meanwhile, such a surety is a truerepresentativeofthepartyheissuretyfor,andonepersonwiththemintheeyeofthelaw.Hence,notonlyisChristsaidtohavebeenmadesinforus,2Cor.5:21,tohavehadtheiniquityofusalllaidonhim,Isa.53:6,and to have died for us, Rom. 5:8; but also we are said to have beencrucifiedwithChrist,Gal.2:20, tobemadetherighteousnessofGod inhim,2Cor.5:21,yea,toberaiseduptogether,andglorified,beingmade

to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph. 2:6, and to bemade alive in Christ, as we die in Adam, 1 Cor. 15:22. All whichnecessarilyrequiresthishisheadshipandrepresentationinthecovenant.

And thus it appears, that the secondcovenantwasmadewithChristasthelastorsecondAdam,headandrepresentativeofhisspiritualseed.

Secondly,Wearetoinquire,whereforethesecondcovenant,thecovenantofgrace,wassomade?And this shallbeaccounted for in the followingparticulars.

1.ThecovenantofgracewasmadewithChristasthelastAdam,headandrepresentativeofhisspiritualseed,thatinfinitelovemighthaveanearlyvent,evenfrometernity.ThespecialloveofGodtothespiritualseedtookventinthecovenantofgrace.Andthatloveandthatcovenantareofthesameeternaldate:asthelovewaseverlastingoreternal,Jer.31:3,sowasthecovenant,Heb.13:20;Tit.1:2.Butsincetheseedarebutofyesterday,the covenant of grace behoved to be like the covenant of works, ayesterday'scovenant,atime-covenant, if itwasnotmadewithChristastheir representative; it could not otherwise have been an eternalcovenant.Thepromiseofeternallife,whichisundoubtedlyapromiseofthecovenantofgrace,couldnototherwisehavebeenofsoancientadate,asbeforetheworldbegan,astheapostlesaysitis,Tit.1:2.Howcouldaneternal covenantbeoriginallymadewith creaturesof time,but in theireternal head and representative? Or how could an eternal covenant bepersonallymadewiththem,bywayofpersonalapplicationtothem,hadit not been from eternity made with another as their head andrepresentative?But in thismethodof infinitewisdom, free lovetookanearlyvent;notwaitingtheslowmotionofitsobjectscreepingoutofthewomboftime,inwhichmanyofthemliewraptup,eventothisday.Butasprincessometimesdo,byproxy,marryyoungprincesses,beforetheyaremarriageable,orcapabletogivetheirconsent;soGod,inhisinfinitelove,married tohimselfall thespiritualseed, inandbyJesusChristastheirrepresentative,notonlybeforetheywerecapableofconsenting,butbefore theywereatall.Thewhich theydoafterwards, in their effectualcalling,approveofbyfaith,andgivetheirconsentpersonallyto;andsothey enjoy God as their God, and God hath them as his people: John20:17, "I ascend untomy Father and your Father, and tomyGod and

yourGod."

2.Otherwise it couldnothavebeenmade at all a conditional covenantanswering the design of it. This covenant taking place only upon thebreachofthefirstcovenant,thegreatdesignofitwas,thatdeadsinnersmighthavelife,aswasbeforeobserved.Now,inordertothis,aholyjustGodstooduponconditions,withoutperformingofwhichthatlifewasnotto be given: and theywere high conditions, Psalm 40:6, "Sacrifice andofferingthoudidstnotdesire."1Thess.5:9,10,"JesusChrist,whodiedfor us, that—we should live." But how could an effectual conditionalcovenant for life be made with dead sinners, otherwise than in arepresentative?Dead souls cannot perform any condition for life at allwhichcanbepleasingtoGod.Theymustneedshavelifebeforetheycandoanythingofthatnature,beitneversosmallacondition:thereforeaconditionalcovenantforlife,couldnotbemadewithsinnersintheirownpersons;especiallyconsidering,thattheconditionsforlifeweresohigh,thatman at his best statewas not able to perform them.Wherefore, ifsuch a covenantwasmade at all, it behoved to bemadewithChrist astheirrepresentative,Rom.8:3,4.

3. It was so ordered, to the end it might be unto us poor sinners acovenantofgraceindeed.ItisevidentfromtheholyScriptures,thatthiscovenantwasdesignedforexaltingthefreegraceofGod;andthatitissoframed,astobeacovenantofpuregrace,andnotofworks,inrespectofus, whatever it was in respect of Christ: Rom. 4:16, "Therefore it is offaith, that itmightbeby grace."Eph. 2:9, "Not ofworks, lest anymanshouldboast."Andatthisrate,indeed,itisacovenantofpuregrace;andall ground of boasting is taken away from us; the Lord Jesus Christhimself, as representative, being sole undertaker and performer of theconditionsthereof.Butit isnotso, if it ismadewiththesinnerhimself,standingasprincipalparty, contractingwithGod, andundertakingandperforming the conditions of the covenant for life: for how low soeverthese conditions, undertaken and wrought by the sinner in his ownperson,aresupposedtobe,thepromiseofthecovenantismadetothem;and so, according to theScripture-reckoning, it is a covenant ofworks,Rom. 4:4, "Now to him that worketh, is "the reward not reckoned ofgrace, but ofdebt;" andbetwixtAdam's covenant and sucha covenant,

thereisnodifference,butindegree,whichleavesitstillofthesamekind.

4.Thismethodwastaken,thatthecommunicationofrighteousnessandlifemightbeinascompendiousaway,asthecommunicationofsinanddeathwas: "Asbyoneman'sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners; sobytheobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous,"Rom.5:19.ThecovenantofworkshavingbeenmadewithAdam,asa representativeofhis natural seed, upon the breaking thereof, sin and death arecommunicated to themall fromhimasadeadlyhead.Thisbeing so, itwasnotagreeable to themethodofdivineprocedurewithmen, to treatwith those predestinated unto salvation severally, as principal parties,eachcontractingforhimselfinthenewcovenantforlife;buttotreatforthemallwithonepublicperson,who,throughhisfulfillingthecovenant,shouldbeaquickeningheadtothem,fromwhencelifemightbederivedtothem,inascompendiousaway,asdeathwasfromthefirstAdam.Forhismerciesareaboveallhisotherworks.

5. Lastly, The covenant of grace was so made, that it might be a surecovenant;eventotheendthepromisemightbesuretoalltheseed,Rom.4:16. The first covenantwasmadewith amere creature, as a principalparty,andcontractor:andthoughhewasaholyandrighteousman,yetwashesofickleandunstable,thathefailedofperformingtheconditionheundertook;andsothebenefitofthepromisewaslost:whereforefallenmenwerenotatall fit tobeprincipalparties,orparties-contractors, inthenewcovenant,whereinthepromisewastobesure,andnottomissofanaccomplishment.Theybeingthenwhollyabrokencompany,nottobetrustedinthematter,JesusChristtheSonofGodwasconstitutedheadofthenewcovenant,toactfor,andinnameofthespiritualseed:andthattotheend,thecovenantbeinginthismannersureinpointofthefulfillingofthecondition,mightbealsosureinpointoftheaccomplishmentofthepromise. And this is the very hinge of the stability of the covenant ofgrace,accordingtotheScripture:Psalm89:28,"MymercywillIkeepforhimforevermore,andmycovenantshallstand fastwithhim."Ver.22,"Theenemyshallnotexactuponhim;"or,asothersreadit,andIthinkjustly, "The enemy shall not beguile him," namely, as he did the firstAdam.Theoriginalphraseiselliptical,q.d.Theenemyshallnotbeguile(hissoul,Jer.37:9.)inhim.

BeforeIleavethispoint,Iofferthefollowinginferencesfromit.

Inf.I.Thecovenantofredemptionandthecovenantofgrace,arenottwodistinct covenants, but one and the same covenant. I know that manydivines do express themselves otherwise in thismatter; and that uponverydifferentviews,someofwhicharenowaysinjurioustothedoctrineof free grace. But this I take to be Scripture truth, and a nativeconsequentof the account givenof the covenant of grace inourLargerCatechism, towit, "That thecovenantofgracewasmadewithChristasthe secondAdam, and in himwith all the elect as his seed:"Gal. 3:16."Now toAbrahamandhis seedwere the promisesmade.He saith not,Andtoseeds,asofmany;butasofone,Andtothyseed,whichisChrist,"Rom.5:15,totheend.Isa.53:10,11,"Whenthoushaltmakehissoulanofferingforsin,heshallseehisseed,heshallprolonghisdays,andthepleasureoftheLordshallprosperinhishand.Heshallseeofthetravailofhissoul,andshallbesatisfied,"&c.Sothecovenantofredemptionandthe covenant of grace are but two names of one and the same secondcovenant,underdifferentconsiderations.Byacovenantofredemptionismeant a bargain of buying and selling: and such a covenant it was toChrist only; for as much as he alone engaged to pay the price of ourredemption, 1 Pet. 1:18, 19. By a covenant of grace, ismeant a bargainwhereby all is tobehad freely: and such a covenant it is tous only, towhom thewholeof it is of freegrace;Godhimselfhavingprovided theransom, and thereupon made over life and salvation to us, by freepromise,withoutrespecttoanyworkofours,asthegroundofourrightthereto.

Toconfirmthis,consider,(1.)That,inScripturereckoning,thecovenantsfor life and happiness to man are but two in number, whereof thecovenant ofworks is one:Gal. 4:24, "These are the two covenants; theone from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage," namely,generatingbondchildren,excludedfromtheinheritance,ver.30.Thisisadistinguishingcharacterofthecovenantofworks;forsuchareindeedthe children of that covenant, but not the children of the covenant ofgraceunderanydispensationthereof.Thesetwocovenantsarecalled,theoldcovenant,andthenewcovenant;andtheoldiscalledthefirst,whichspeaks the new to be the second: Heb. 8:13, "In that he saith, A new

covenant,hehathmadethefirstold."This isagreeabletothetwowaysuntolife,revealedintheScripture;theonebyworks,theotherbygrace,Rom. 11:6. The one is called the law, the other grace, chap. 6:14. Theformer is the law-covenant with the first Adam representing all hisnatural seed;made first in paradise, and afterward repeated onMountSinai,withthecovenantofgrace:thelatteristhecovenantofgrace,madewith the secondAdam representinghis spiritual seed: 1Cor. 15:47, 48.(2.) It is evident, that the salvation of sinners is by the blood of thecovenant,whichisthebloodofChrist,Heb.10:29;1Cor.11:25.AndtheScripturementions thebloodof the covenant four times;butnever theblood of the covenants: therefore the covenant, the blood whereof theScripturementions,andoursalvationdependsupon,isbutonecovenant,andnottwo.Now,thatcovenantisChrist'scovenant,orthecovenantofredemption:foritwasthroughthebloodofithewasbroughtagainfromthedead;namely,invirtueofthepromisemadethereintobefulfilledtohimuponhisperformingtheconditionthereof,Heb.13:20.Anditisalsohispeople'scovenant,orthecovenantofgrace,Exod.24:8,"Behold,thebloodofthecovenantwhichtheLordhathmadewithyou."Itisexpresslycalled their covenant, Zech. 9:11, "As for thee also, by the blood of thycovenant, I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein is nowater." The words expressing the party here spoken to, being of thefeminine gender in the first language,make it evident, that this is notdirectedtoChrist,buttothechurch:sothecovenantisproposedastheircovenant.Andthespiritualprisonersaredelivered,invirtueofthistheircovenant,whichcertainlymustbethecovenantofgrace.Byallwhichitappears, that the covenant of grace is the very same covenant thatwasmade with Christ, in respect of whom it is called the covenant ofredemption.

Inf. 2. Like as all mankind sinned in Adam, so believers obeyed andsufferedinChristthesecondAdam.ForasthecovenantofworksbeingmadewithAdamasapublicpersonandrepresentative,allsinnedinhim,whenhebrokethatcovenant;sothecovenantofgracebeingmadewithChrist, as a public person and representative, all believers obeyed andsufferedinhim,whenhesofulfilledthiscovenant.Thisisthedoctrineoftheapostle,Rom.5:19,"Asbyoneman'sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners:sobytheobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous."Chap.

8:3,"GodsendinghisownSon,inthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsincondemned sin in the flesh;" ver. 4, "That the righteousness of the lawmight be fulfilled in us." 2 Cor. 5:21, "That we might be made therighteousnessofGodinhim."Gal.2:20,"IamcrucifiedwithChrist."Anditaffordsasolidanswerforbelievers,untothelaw'sdemandofobedienceandsufferingforlifeandsalvation.

3. Believers are justified immediately, by the righteousness of Christ,withoutanyrighteousnessoftheirownintervening;evenasallmenarecondemned,uponAdam'ssin,beforetheyhavedoneanygoodorevilintheirownpersons:Rom.5:18,"Asbytheoffenceofone,judgmentcameuponallmentocondemnation;evensobytherighteousnessofone,thefreegiftcameuponallmenuntojustificationoflife."Andthusbelieversare righteous before God with the self same righteousness which waswrought by Jesus Christ, in his fulfilling the covenant. The whichrighteousnessisnotimputedtotheminitseffectsonly;soastheirfaith,repentance, and sincere obedience, are therefore accepted as theirevangelicalrighteousness,onwhichtheyarejustified:butitisimputedtotheminitself,evenasAdam'ssinwas.

4.Thecovenantofgraceisabsolute,andnotconditionaltous.Forbeingmadewith Christ, as representative of his seed, all the conditions of itwerelaidonhim,andfulfilledbyhim.Whereforeallthatremainsofittobe accomplished, is, the fulfilling of the promises unto him and hisspiritualseed;evenasitwouldhavebeeninthecaseofthefirstcovenant,ifoncethefirstAdamhadfulfilledtheconditionthereof.

5. The covenant of grace is a contrivance of infinite wisdom and love,worthytobeembracedbypoorsinners,aswellorderedinallthingsandsure,2Sam.23:5.Oadmirablecontrivanceofhelpforadesperatecase!Wonderful contrivance of a covenant of God with them who wereincapableofstandinginthepresenceofhisholiness,orofperformingtheleastconditionforlifeandsalvation!Anewbargainforthereliefoflostsinnersmadeonthehighesttermswiththosewhowerenotabletocomeup to the lowest terms! Infinitewisdomfoundout theway, towit,byarepresentative. The love of the Father engaged him to propose therepresentation;andtheloveoftheSonengagedhimtoacceptofit.ThusGodhadone,withwhomhemightcontractwiththesafetyofhishonour;

andwhowasabletofulfilthecovenant,tothereparationoftheinjuriesdonetohisglory:andsinnersalsohadoneable toact for them,andtopurchase salvation for them at the hand of a holy just God. So a surecovenantwasmade,andafirmfoundationlaid,uponwhichGodlaidtheweight of his honour, and onwhich sinnersmay safely lay theirwholeweight:"ThereforethussaiththeLordGod,Behold,I lay inZionasurefoundation:hethatbelieveth,shallnotmakehaste,"Isa.28:16;"shallnotbeashamed,"Rom.9:33.

6.Lastly,Thewaytoenterpersonallyintothecovenantofgracesoastopartakeofthebenefitsthereof,untosalvation,is,tounitewithChristthehead of the covenant by faith. Being thus ingrafted into him, ye shallpartakeofall thathappinesswhich is secured toChristmystical, in theeverlastingcovenant:evenasthroughyourbecomingchildrenofAdam,bynaturalgeneration,yearepersonallyenteredintothefirstcovenant,soas to fall under that sin and death which passed upon allmen, by thebreachthereof,Rom.5:12.

III.OFTHEPARTYCONTRACTEDANDUNDERTAKENFOR

Asthepartycontractorandundertakeronman'sside,inthecovenantofgrace,wasarepresentative;sothepartycontractedandundertakenfor,was represented by him. And that these two, namely, the represented,andthosecontractedfor,areofequallatitude,isplainfromthenatureofthething:forthesewhomonerepresentsinacovenant,hecontractsforinthatcovenant;andthoseforwhomonecontractsinacovenantmadewithhimasrepresentative,arerepresentedbyhiminthatcovenant.Thusitwas in thecovenantof the firstAdam,whowasa figureofChrist theheadofthesecondcovenant.Init,thosewhomAdamcontractedfor,herepresented; and those whom he represented, he contracted for: herepresented his natural seed only, and for them alone he contracted:therefore thosewhom the secondAdamcontracted for,he represented;andwhomherepresented,hecontractedfor.

Now,thepartyrepresentedandcontractedfor,byourLordJesusChrist,in the covenant of grace, was the elect of mankind; being a certainnumber ofmankind, chosen from eternity to everlasting life; "childrenpartakersoffleshandblood,whichGodgavetoChrist,"Heb.2:13,14.In

their person he stood, making this covenant with his Father; in theirnameheacted,strikingthisbargainwithhim,asasuretytoobeythelaw,andsatisfyjustice.

AndthisIshall,inthefirstplace,confirm;andthenshallinquirehowtheelectwereconsideredinthiscovenantandfederalrepresentation.

First, That the elect were the party represented, or contracted andundertaken for, in the covenant of grace, appears from the followinggrounds.

1.Thepartywithwhomthecovenantwasmade,isinthetextcalledGod'schosen;asrepresentingandcontractingforallthechosenorelect:evenasthefirstmanwascalledAdamorman,asrepresentingandcontractingforallmankind inhiscovenant.For,as theapostle teacheth,Heb.2:11,"he—and they—are all of one;" not only of one nature, but also of onebody,towit,theelection;Christistheheadelect,Isa.42:1,theythebodyelect,Eph.5:23.Thereforetheygounderonename,principallybelongingtohim,andthentothembyparticipationwithhim.ThusheisalsocalledAbraham'sseed,asrepresentingallthespiritualseedofAbraham,thatis,theelect,Gal.3:6,"AndtothyseedwhichisChrist;"andtheseedofthewoman,asopposedtotheserpent'sseed;andunderthatnamealsotheelect are comprehended; they, and they only, being the party betwixtwhomandtheserpentwithhisseed,Godputstheenmity,accordingtothepromise,Gen.3:15.

2.ThosewhomChristrepresentedandcontractedforinthecovenantofgrace, are the heavenlymen: 1 Cor. 15:47, 48, "The firstman is of theearth,earthy:thesecondmanistheLordfromheaven.Asistheearthy,sucharetheyalsothatareearthy;andas is theheavenly,sucharetheyalsothatareheavenly."Now,theheavenlymen,belongingtoChrist thesecond man, are none other but the elect. For they are contra-distinguished to the earthymen, belonging to the firstman; to wit, allmankind taken into the first covenant inAdam: and therefore they arethe elect men, taken into the second covenant, in the second Adam.Again, the heavenly men are those who shall bear the image of theheavenlymanChrist,ver.49;andsucharetheelect,andtheyalone.And,finally, they are those to whom Christ is, in respect of efficacy, a

quickening spirit: for "as is the heavenly, such are they also that areheavenly."AsAdam'sdeadlyefficacygoesaswideashis representationdidinthefirstcovenant,reachingallmankindhisnaturalseed,andthemonly; so Christ's quickening efficacy goes aswide as his representationdidinthesecondcovenant,reachingalltheelect,hisspiritualseed,andthemonly:andifitdidnot,somewouldbedeprivedofthebenefitwhichwaspurchasedandpaidfor,bythesurety,intheirname:thewhichisnotconsistentwiththejusticeofGod.

3.TheywhomChristrepresentedandcontractedforinthecovenant,arehisseed,hisspiritualseed:Gal.3:16."NowtoAbrahamandhisseedwerethe promisesmade.He saith—and to thy seed,which is Christ." Psalm89:3,4,"IhaveswornuntoDavidmyservant.ThyseedwillIestablishforever." In the covenants typical of the covenant of grace, the partiesrepresentedweretheseedoftherepresentativestheyweremadewith,aswas cleared before: and in the first Adam's covenant, his natural seedwere the represented. Wherefore, in the second Adam's covenant, hisspiritual seed are the represented. Now, Christ's spiritual seed are theelect,andnoneother;fortheyarethosewhomhebegetswiththewordoftruth, Jam. 1:18. and are born again (1 Pet. 1:23.) unto him in theirregeneration;whomthereforeheseesashisseed,withhisownimageonthem,Isa.53:10.Theyarethetravailofhissoul,who,soonerorlater,are,allofthem,justified,ver.11.Theyaretheseedthatshallservehim,Psalm22:30;whichshallbeestablishedandendureforever,namely,inastateofhappiness,Psalm89:4,29,36.

4. Lastly, Christ was in the covenant of grace Israel-representative,accordingtothattext,Isa.49:3,"Thouartmyservant,OIsrael,inwhomIwillbeglorified."Now,Israelthecollectivebody,istheelect,Rom.9:6,"TheyarenotallIsraelwhichareofIsrael:"thereforetheelectweretheparty represented and contracted for in the covenant. So those whomChrist tookwithhim into thebondofhiscovenant,aredescribed tobetheseedofAbraham:Heb.2:16,"Forverilyhetooknotonhimthenatureofangels;buthetookonhimtheseedofAbraham:"orratherasitisreadinthemarginofourBibles,moreagreeabletotheoriginal,"Hetakethnotholdofangels,but,oftheseedofAbrahamhetakethhold."Theoriginalwordsignifies,totakeholdofathingrunningaway,orfallingdown;and

inthesamemannerofconstruction,itisusedofChrist'scatchingholdofPetersinkinginthewater,Matth.14:31.FallenangelsandmenwerebothrunawayfromGod,andsinkingintheseaofhiswrath:andChristwiththebondofthecovenant,takesholdofmen;butnotofthefallenangels;themheleavestosinkuntothebottom.AlltheseedofAdamwassinking,aswellastheseedofAbraham,whichisbutapartoftheseedofAdam,evensomeofallmankind:butChristisnotsaidtohavetakenholdoftheseedofAdam,thatis,allmankind;butoftheseedofAbraham,thatis,allthe elect, or the spiritual Israel, called the house of Jacob, Luke 1:33.Accordinglyitisobservable,thatthefirsttimethecovenantofgracewasheardintheworld,thediscoursewasdirectedtotheserpent,bywayofnarration, Gen. 3:14, 15; not to Adam, as the first covenantwas, chap.2:16, 17, that Adammight know, he was to come in here as a privatepersononly,andnotasapublicpersonwithhisseed.Andforthiscausealso, our Lord Jesus is not simply called Adam, or man; but the lastAdam,andthesecondman,whoseseeddiffersfromthatofthefirstman,as Abraham's seed from Adam's seed: but he is simply called Israel,without any epithet at all: andhis seed is plainly determined to be theelect,Isa.45:25,"IntheLordshallalltheseedofIsraelbejustified;"evenasinthefirstmanalltheseedofAdamwascondemned,Rom.5:18.Foras the first man was simply called Adam orman, because, in the firstcovenant, he was a compend of all mankind; he was all men in law-reckoning, they being all represented by him: so Jesus Christ was acompend of all Israel, that is, all the elect; he was all Israel in law-reckoning,theybeingallrepresentedbyhim.Andthuswehavethetruegroundof theuniversalityof thatexpression, Isa.53:6. "TheLord,hathlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall;" i.e.ofallIsraelthat istosay,all theelect.Thewhichisconfirmedbyaparalleltext,bearingthetype,whereofthishaththeantitype,viz.Lev.16:21,"AndAaronshalllaybothhishandsupontheheadofthelive-goat,andconfessoverhimalltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressionsinalltheirsins,puttingthemupontheheadofthegoat."ForasIsraelwasapeopleentertainedwithtypes,sotheythemselveswereindeedatypicalpeople.

Secondly, We are to inquire, how the elect were considered in thiscovenant and federal representation. And therein they came under athreefoldconsideration.

1. Theywere considered as sinners, lost, ruined, and undone inAdam;lost sheepof thehouseof Israel,Matt. 15:24. In the first covenant, thewholeflockofmankindwasputunderthehandofoneshepherd,towit,Adam; but he, losing himself, lost all the flock, and was never able torecoversomuchasoneofthemagain.Godhad,fromalleternity,putasecretmarkon someof them,wherebyhedistinguished them from therest,2Tim.2:19,"Havingthisseal,TheLordknoweththemthatarehis."And them also he saw among others, gone away from their pasture,wanderingaswaifsandstrays,apreytoeverydevourer:but,inordertotheirbeingsoughtout,andreturned,andkeptinsafetyforever,thenewcovenantwas entered intowith another shepherd, evenourLord JesusChrist: and they are put under his hand, as the shepherd of Israel. InAdam's representation in the covenant of works, the party representedwas considered as an upright seed, Eccl. 7:29; but in Christ'srepresentation in the covenant of grace, the party represented wasconsideredasacorruptsinfulmass,ladenwithguilt,underthewrathofGod and curse of the law. And who would have represented such acompany,puttinghimselfintheirroomandstead?Butfreeloveengagedour Lord Jesus to it. So the holy one of God represented wretchedsinners;thebelovedoftheFatherrepresentedthecursedcompany.

2. They were considered also as utterly unable to help themselves, inwholeorinpart;asbeingwithoutstrength,Rom.5:6.Theyweredebtors,butquiteunabletopayoffonefarthingofthedebt:theywerecriminals,but quite unable to bear their own punishment, to the satisfaction ofjustice: had it lain on them to have paid the debt, or borne thepunishment,theybehovedtohavesunkundertheloadforever.Soitwasnecessary they should have one to represent them, taking the burdenuponhimforthemall.

3.Lastly,Theywereconsideredwithalastheobjectsofeternal,sovereign,andfreelove,giventoChristbyhisFather.TheFatherlovedthem,John17:23,andthereforegavethemtoChrist,ver.6.TheSonlovedthem,Eph.5:2; and accepting of the gift, represented them in the covenant, as afather his own children, Isa. 9:6, "His name shall be called—Theeverlasting Father." Compare Heb. 2:13, "Behold, I, and the childrenwhichGodhathgivenme."Itwasowingtothisfreelove,andmeregood

pleasure, that they, and not others in the same condemnation, by thebreachofthefirstcovenant,wererepresentedandcontractedforbyJesusChrist, in thesecond; that theirnameswereput intheeternalcontract,while the names of otherswere left out. Theywere his Father's choice,andhisownchoice;sohebecametheirrepresentative.

Fromwhat is saidconcerning theparty representedandcontracted for,wemakethefollowinginferences.

Inf. 1.There isa sovereign freedomof the loveofGodappearing in thesecondcovenant,thecovenantofgrace.Anditappearsespeciallyintwothings,(1.)Inthattherewasalovetowardsfallenman,andnottowardsfallenangels,Tit.3:4,wherebyitcametopass,thatmen,andnotdevils,were takenholdof, represented,andcontracted for,byJesusChrist, inthecovenant,Heb.2:16.Doubtlesshecouldhavecontractedfortheone,as well as for the other: but sovereignty passed by fallen angels, andcaught hold ofmen; howbeit the formerwere, in their ownnature, themoreworthyandexcellentcreatures.Butinallthedispensationofgrace,there is no respect to creature-worth; all is owing to the mere goodpleasure of God, who hathmercy on whom he will havemercy. (2) Itappears in that there was an electing love ofmen; whereby it came topass, thatsomemen,andnotallmen,wererepresentedandcontractedforinthecovenant.Allmenwerealikebynature;andtherewasnothinginonemorethaninanother,torecommendhim:butfreelovepitchedonobjects altogether unlovely; and sovereign love pitches on some suchobjects,passingbyothersofthesamecondition:"Evenso,Father,forsoitseemedgoodinthysight,"Matth.11:26.Thevesselsofhonourandthevesselsofdishonourarebothmadeof the same sinful lump: amysterythatmustberesolvedintosovereignwillandpleasure,Rom.9:21"Hathnotthepotterpowerovertheclay,ofthesamelumptomakeonevesselunto honour, and another unto dishonour?" But say not, that thisdisparageth the federal representation of the second Adam, that herepresentedonlysomeofmankind,whereas the firstAdamrepresentedallmankind.Foras it ismore tobe surety foravast sum, foronemanwho neither hath, nor can give any thing at all wherewithal to pay hisdebt, than to be surety for a hundred such as have abundance of theirown; so itwasmore forJesusChrist to contractandundertake forone

sinner,thanforAdamtocontractforarighteousworld.Andstillitholdstrue,thatwheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound,Rom.5:20,for it is more by far to save one than to ruin many. Meanwhile thoserepresented by Christ in the second covenant, are "a great multitude,which noman could number," Rev. 7:9, even as "the stars of heaven,"Gen.15:5.Rom.4:18.

Inf.2.Thereisnouniversalredemption,noruniversalatonement.JesusChristdiednotforallandeveryindividualpersonofmankind;butfortheelect only. The contrary doctrine may consist with the opinion whichholds thecovenantof redemption,and thecovenantofgrace, tobe twodistinct covenants; the former made with Christ, and the latter withbelievers;theconditionoftheoneundertakenandperformedbyhim,theconditionoftheotherundertakenandperformedbyus.Accordinglythatopinionconcerningthecovenant,isreadilyembracedbyUniversalistsofdifferent denominations. But that doctrine is utterly inconsistent withthis account of the covenant, which doth at once overthrow universalredemptionoratonement,togetherwiththefederalconditionalityofourholiness,andgoodworks,inthecovenantofgrace.ForifthecovenantofgracewasmadewithChristasarepresentative,andtheelectonlywerethe party represented by him in it; then surely the conditions of thecovenant,hisdoinganddying,wereaccomplishedforthemonly;andhe-diedfornoother:aswhenonehathenteredintoabondofsuretyship,hispayment of that bond can never be reckoned a payment of their debt,whosenameswerenotinthebond,andwhomhewasnotsuretyfor.

Inf.3.andlast,Whoevertheybethatrejectthecovenantofgraceofferedto them in the gospel, and so perish; all God's elect shall infallibly beentered personally into it, and be saved. Like as all thosewhomAdamrepresentedinthecovenantofworks,havebeen,are,orshallbebroughtpersonally intothatcovenant,andsinanddeathpassuponthem,Rom.5:12;evensoallthosewhomChristrepresentedinthecovenantofgrace,have been, are, or shall be brought personally into this covenant, andpartakeofrighteousnessandlife,vers.18,19.OurLordJesushasfulfilledthe conditions of the covenant for them whom he represented; and itwould neither be suitable to the justice of God, nor to the wisdom ofChristthepartycontractingwithhim,thatheshouldrepresent,contract,

andfulfiltheconditions,foranywhoshallneverenjoythebenefitofthecontract.Wherefore,sincetherearewho,byapurposeofGodthatcannotbefrustrated,shall,withoutperadventure,bebroughtpersonallyintothiscovenant;andyewhohearthegospel,havingthemeansforcompassingthat end used towards you, do stand as fair for it as any; this mayencourage you to come toChrist, and takehold of the covenant.Bestiryourselves therefore, O sinners, to take hold of the covenant of grace,which is offered to you in the gospel; and come ye to Christ by faith,therebywindingyourselvespersonallyintothebondofthiscovenant,andthecommunionthereof.

OBJECTION."ButIfearIamnoneofthosewhomChristrepresentedinthe covenant of grace; how then can I take hold of it by believing?"ANSWER.Thoughyournamewere the firstname that theLambwrotedowninhisbookoflife;yetyounornomancanknow,thatitisthereatalluntilthatyouhavebybelievingtakenholdofthecovenant.2Pet.1:10,"Make your calling and election sure;" but first your calling, and thenyourelection.And,ontheotherhand,thoughyouwereamonsterofallmanner of wickedness, and had all the desperate marks of a castawayaboutyou,exceptthatoneonly,thesinagainsttheHolyGhost,younornomancanknowthatyouwerenotrepresented in thecovenant:Matt.12:31."Allmannerofsinandblasphemyshallbeforgivenuntomen:buttheblasphemyagainst theHolyGhost shallnotbe forgivenuntomen."Wherefore thatmatter is an absolute secret to you,which, in this case,youarenottomeddletodeterminein:for"thesecretthingsbelonguntotheLordourGod:butthosethingswhicharerevealed,belongontous,"Deut.29:29.Neitherdoesyourwarranttobelieveandtolayholdonthecovenant, any manner of way depend on it: for the reprobate have asgoodandfairarevealedwarranttobelieveandtakeholdofthecovenantofgraceastheelecthave,elsetheycouldnotbecondemnedforunbelief,and not taking hold of the covenant. Be what you will, since you arecertainlya sinnerofmankind,yourwarrant isuncontestable,accordingtotheword:"ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but haveeverlasting life," John 3:16. "This is his commandment, thatwe shouldbelieve on the name of his Son Jesus Christ," 1 John 3:23.Whereforebelieveye,andtakeholdofthecovenantforyourselves;soshallyeknow

your election, and your representation in the covenant, by the effectsthereof.

ThisdifficultycastinthewayofasinnersensibleofhisneedofChrist,tobeat him off from believing on Christ, is a dangerous device andtemptation of the devil. But do you repel it, saying, O enemy of mysalvation,itistrue,IdonotknowwhetherChristrepresentedmeornot,intheeternalcovenant;neitheramIobligednorconcernedtoknowit,inordertomytakingholdofthatcovenant:butonethingIknowassuredly,namely,thatthecovenant,inthefreepromiseoflifeandsalvation,uponthegroundofChrist'sobedienceanddeathallenarly, isheldout tome,even tome, tobebelieved, trusted to,andrestedupon,byme,evenbyme; and therefore I will believe, and lay hold on it; and, upon theinfallible groundof the faithfulnessofGod in thepromise, "Whosoeverbelieveth, shall not perish, but have everlasting life," I will assuredlyconclude,thatitshallbemadeouttome.

QUESTION.Butaretherenomarksorsignswherebyapoorsinnermayknowhimself tobeoneof thosewhowere representedbyChrist in thesecondcovenant,andwhosenamesheputinthebondofsuretishipthathegave tohisFather frometernity?ANSWER.Yea, thereare:but thentheyaresuch,asalthoughthehavingof themwillproveamantohavebeenrepresentedbyJesusChristintheeternalcovenant;yetthewantofthem will not prove a man not to have been represented therein,forasmuch aswhat one has not now, hemay come to have afterwards.And, under this limitation, I offer these two marks of the thing inquestion.

Mark1.Adeliberateandcordialcomplacencyinthecovenant.Asitwaswiththerepresentativefrometernity;soitisintime,inthatmatter,withthe represented, when once by grace they become capable of personalconsenting:thereisadeliberateandcordialcomplacencyinthecovenantbeingproposed,Psalm40:7,"ThensaidI,"ver.8,"thylawiswithinmyheart." The children of men discover themselves to be Adam's naturalseed,representedbyhiminthecovenantofworks,bytheinclinationandbent of theirhearts towards that covenant.There is such abias to thatcovenanthunguponthemindsofmennaturally,thatdoandlive,orworkand win, is the religion of all natural men, so far as they have any

practicalreligionatall:andtheycannotbebroughtofffromitbutbythepowerofrenewinggrace.EvensotheelectofGoddiscoverthemselvestobeChrist'sspiritualseed,representedbyhiminthecovenantofgrace,bytheir deliberate and cordial complacency in this covenant. The hearttouchedwithdivinegracesaysofit,"Thisisallmysalvation,andallmydesire," 2 Sam. 23:5. The new bias hung on their minds by renewinggrace,carriesthemtoaheartyapprobation,relishandlikingofthenewcovenantheldforthinthegospel;theyarewellpleasedwiththeparties-contractors, the representative and representation in it; the conditionsand promises of it; the administrator, the administration, and orderthereof. Inaword, the covenant is in their eyesa faultless contrivance;thereisnothinginittheywouldhaveout,andthereisnothingoutofittheywouldhavein.Sotheretheycastanchorfortheirownsouls.Butitisnot so with others: 1 Pet. 2:7, "Unto you therefore which believe he isprecious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which thebuilders disallowed, the same ismade the head of the corner;" ver. 8,"and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them whichstumble at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they wereappointed.

Mark2.TheimageofChristbeguntobedrawnonthesoul,togetherwithalongingfortheperfectingthereof;1Cor.15:48."Asistheheavenly,suchare they also that are heavenly." Ver. 49, "And as we have borne theimageoftheearthy,weshallalsobeartheimageoftheheavenly."LikeasallwhomAdamrepresented,whenheenteredintothecovenantofworksin paradise, do afterwards, every one in his time, personate Adam,lookingaslikehimaseverchildwaslikeafather,actingevenasheacted,asIshewedelsewhere:soallwhomChristrepresentedinthecovenantofgracefrometernity,dointimeputonChrist,Gal.3:27,personatinghim,and representinghim inanother sense,namely,bearinghis image, and"walkingevenashewalked,"1John2:6.ItisapromiseofthecovenanttoourLordJesus, Isa.53:10,"Heshall seehisseed," towit,asoneseesanew-bornbabe.Butdonototherssoseethemtoo?Yea,indeedtheydo.Satan andwickedmen see them, as rebels and traitors dowith grudgeandhatredseeanew-bornprinceheirtothecrown.Thegodlyseethem,as in that case theprincessesdowith a particular satisfaction see theirnew-bornbrother.But ourLord JesusChrist himself sees them, as the

king,thefatherofthebabe,doeswithapeculiarsatisfactionseehimashisownson,andhisownpicture.Meanwhile,asAdam'schildrendonotopenoutallatoncewhatofoldAdamisinthem,butbydegreesastheygrowup;but theyarestill longing for theperfectionthereof,whentheyshallbegrownmen,soChrist'schildrenarebutimperfectinthislifeasinthestateofchildhood;buttheyarelongingtoarriveat"perfection,atthemeasureofthestatureofthefulnessofChrist,theprincipleofwhichtheyhaveinthem,Eph.4:13.

Thusfarofthefirsthead,thepartiesinthecovenantofgrace.

HEADII

THEMAKINGOFTHECOVENANTOFGRACE

HAVINGconsideredthepartiesinthecovenantofgrace,wecomenowtotakeaviewofthemakingofthatcovenantbetwixtthepartiescontractingtherein.Andherewefindourselvesatthefountain-headofthesalvationoflostsinners,theoriginandriseofthegloriousplan,laidfrometernityin the secret council of the ever-blessed Trinity, for remedy of man'smisery.Andthisisamanifoldmystery,theseveralfoldsofwhichwearenotablefullytodiscover.WithGoditwasallonepiece,ifImaysophraseit;forwithallthingsaretogetherandatonce;andnotonethingbefore,and another after, aswithus.Howbeit,we cannot conceive of it but inparcels;firstonepieceofthemysteryandthenanother;andthatbecauseoftheweaknessofourcapacity,aswearecreatures;andmuchmore,asweare creaturesundermuch spiritualdarkness.Whereforewemustofnecessityaddressourselvestotheconsiderationofit inparcels;butstillremembering, we are in the eternal mystery, transacted in the eternaldecreeoftheholyTrinityallatonce,byoneeternalactofthedivinewill;inwhich,nevertheless,weareallowedtoconceiveacertainorder,sinceotherwisewecannottakeupthemystery.

Wehavealreadyseen,thattheFather,theparty-contractoronHeaven'sside,isinthatmattertobeconsideredasanoffendedGod;butpurposing

tomanifest the glory ofhismercy in the salvationof someofmankindlost;yetwithalasajustGod,whocannotbutgivesinajustrecompense:andalso, that JesusChrist, theparty-contractoronman's side, is tobeconsideredthereinasthelastorsecondAdam,representativeofaseed.Wherefore, first of all, we are to inquire, How Christ the Son of GodbecamesecondAdam?andthen,Howthecovenantwasmadewithhimassuch?theformerbeingasitwerepreliminarytothelatter.

First, How Christ the Son of God became second Adam? This wemaytakeupintwothings.

1.TheFatherwilledanddesigned, thathisownSon, the eternalWord,should, for the purpose of mercy towards mankind lost, take on theirnature, and becomeman.He saw that sacrifice and offeringwould notanswer the case; the debtwas greater than to be paid at that rate; theredemption of souls could not bemanaged but by a person of infinitedignity:wherefore, havingpurposed that thedarling attribute ofmercyshould be illustrated in the case of lostmankind, hewilled the humannaturetobeunitedintimetothedivinenature,inthepersonoftheSon.

And hereunto the Son, as the eternal Word, the second person of thegloriousTrinity,havingnonearerrelationtomanthanashissovereignLord Creator, readily agreed: Heb. 10:5, "Sacrifice and offering thouwouldstnot,butabodyhastthoupreparedme."—Ver.7,"ThensaidI,Lo,I come (in thevolumeof thebook it iswrittenofme) todo thywill,OGod."TheeternalWordconsentedtobemadeflesh,thatallfleshmightnotperish:heconsentedtobecomeman, to takeuntoapersonalunionwithhimselfahumannature,towit,atruebodyandareasonablesoul,accordingtotheeternaldestinationofhisFather.Thiswasaninstanceofamazing condescension.Thehighestmonarch's consent to lay asidehisrobesofmajesty,toclothehimselfwithrags,andbecomeabeggar,isnotto be compared with it. Nay the highest angel's consent to become aworm, is not to be named in one daywith the eternal Son ofGod, theFather'sequal,hisconsenting tobecomeman: for thedistancebetweenthe divine nature and the human is infinite; whereas the distancebetweentheangelicnature,andthenatureofwormsoftheearth,isbutfinite.

Now, theeffectof thiswas, thathereby theSonofGodwasconstitutedsubstantialMediator,orMediatorinrespectofnature,betweenGodandman.BeingfrometernityGodequalwiththeFather,hesostoodrelatedto heaven: and having from eternity consented to become man, he sostood related to earth: for though he did not actually take on him thenature of man until the fulness of time appointed by the Father; yet,forasmuch as he had from eternity consented to take it on, and it wasimpossiblethathisconsentshouldmisstotakeeffect,hewasrecokenedin law, to all intents and purposes thereof, as if he had actually beenincarnate. A type of this his substantial mediation was Jacob's ladder,whichwas"setupontheearth,andthetopofitreachedtoheaven,"Gen.28:12.AclearemblemofthedivineandhumannatureinChrist,throughwhom, as substantial Mediator, there was a way opened towards acommunication for peace between heaven and earth. Accordingly ourLord Jesus applies it to himself: John 1:51, "Hereafter you shall seeheavenopen,andthe"angelsofGodascendinganddescendingupontheSonofman;"towit,asonJacob'sladder,Gen.28:12.

2.TheFatherchosehimtobeheadoftheelection;tobethelastAdam,federal head and representative of such as sovereign pleasure shouldpitchupontobevesselsofmercy,andinrolledinthebookoflife;aheadandrepresentativewithwhomhemightmake thenewcovenant for lifeandsalvationtothem.

And to this also he readily agreed, consenting to be the last or secondAdam,headandrepresentativeof theelection; tosustain theirpersons,and transact in theirname: Isa.43:1, "Behold—mineelect inwhommysoul delighteth." Psalm 89:19, "I have exalted one chosen out of thepeople." 1 Cor. 15:47, "The secondman is the Lord from heaven." Thebreach between God andman was greater than to be done away by amere intermessenger, who travelling between parties at variance,reconciles themwith barewords. There could be no covenant of peacebetwixt God and sinners without reparation of damages done to thehonourofGodthroughsin,andwithouthonouringoftheholylawbyanexactobedience:butthesethingsbeingquitebeyondtheirreach,ChristtheSonofGodsaith,"Lo,Icome;Iamcontent to taketheirplace,andputmyselfintheirroomasasecondAdam."

Now,theeffectofthiswas,thatherebyhewasconstitutedlastAdam,orthe second man, 1 Cor. 15:47; and official Mediator, or Mediator inrespectofoffice,betweenGodandman,1Tim.2:5,6,"ThereisoneGod,andoneMediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus;whogavehimselfaransomforall."BeingcalledofhisFatheruntothatoffice,andhaving embraced the call thereto, he was invested with the office, andtreatedwithassuch,beforetheworldbegan,Tit.1:2.Andindeedhe,andheonly,wasfitforit.Thetwofamiliesofheavenandearthbeingatwar,therecouldbenopeacebetweenthembutthroughaMediator.Butwherecouldamediatorbefoundtointerposebetweensuchparties,whowouldnot either have been too high, or else too low, in respect of one of thepartiesatvariance?Manorangelswouldhavebeentoolow,inrespectofGod;andanunveiledGodwouldhavebeentoohigh,inrespectofsinfulmen,unable tobear intercoursewithsuchheavenlymajesty.WhereforetheSonofGod, thathemightbe fit tomediate; ashebeingGodequalwiththeFather,washighenoughinrespectofthepartyoffended;soheconsentedtobecomelowenoughinrespectofthepartyoffending,byhisbecomingman.

Secondly,Itistobeinquired,HowthecovenantwasmadewithChristassecondAdam?Andthisalsomaybetakenupintwothings.

1.TheFatherdesigneda certainnumberof lostmankind,as itwerebyname,tobetheconstituentmembersofthatbodychosentolife,ofwhichbodyChristwasthedesignedhead;andhegavethemtohimforthatend:Phil. 4:3, "My fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life."John 17:6, "Thine they were, and thou gavest themme." These were achosencompany,whomsovereignfreegracepickedoutfromamongtherestofmankind,onapurposeoflove,andgavetothesecondAdamforaseed;onwhichaccount theyare said tohavebeenchosen inhim,Eph.1:4;beinginthedecreeofelectionlaiduponhimasthefoundation-stone,to be built uponhim, and obtain salvation by him, 1 Thess. 5:9;whichdecree,asitrelatestothememberselect,isthereforecalledthebookoflife;beingasitweretherollwhichtheFathergavetothesecondAdam,thehead-elect,containingthenamesofthosedesignedtobehisseed,toreceivelifebyhim.

Now,ourLordJesusstandingas secondAdam,headof theelection, to

wit,suchassovereignpleasureshouldpitchupontobevesselsofmercy,did accept of the gift of theparticular persons elected or chosenbyhisFather:John17:6,"Thinetheywere,andthougavestthemme."Ver.10,"And thinearemine."Likeas the firstAdam, in themakingof the firstcovenant,stoodalonewithoutactualissue,yethaddestinatedforhimanumerous issue, tobecomprehendedwithhiminthatcovenant, towit,allmankind; thewhichAdamdid at least virtually accept: so a certainnumber of lost mankind being elected to life, God, as their originalproprietor,gave themtoChrist theappointedhead, tobehismembers,andcomprehendedwithhiminthesecondcovenant,thoughasyetnoneof themwere inbeing; andhe acceptedof the gift of them,beingwell-pleased to take them in particular for his body mystical, for which heshould covenant with his Father. And, in token thereof, he as it werereceived and kept as his own the book of life containing their names,whichisthereforecalledtheLamb'sbookoflife,Rev.21:27.

2.TheFatherproposedtohimassecondAdam,thenewcovenantforlifeandsalvationtothem,inthefulltenor,promises,andconditionthereof;treatinginhimwithallthoseparticularpersonsoflostmankindelecteduntolife,andgiventohim,evenashetreatedwithallmankindinAdaminthe firstcovenant.Thepromises thereinproposed,were indeedgreatand glorious; but withal the condition, or terms, on which they wereproposed,wereexceedinghigh.

Howbeit,asthefirstAdam,standingasheadandrepresentativeofallhisnatural seed, entered into the first covenant with God, accepting thepromisethereof,uponthetermsandconditionthereinproposed,whichhe engaged to fulfil; so ourLord Jesus standing as secondAdam,headand representative of the particular persons of lost mankind, by nameelected to life, and given to him as his spiritual seed, entered into thesecond covenantwith his Father; accepting the promises thereof, uponthe terms and condition therein proposed; consenting and engaging tofulfilthesame,forthem.Andthusthecovenantofgracewasmade,andconcluded, betwixt the Father and Christ the second Adam, from alleternity;beingthesecondcovenant,inrespectoforderandmanifestationtotheworld,thoughitwasfirstinbeing:1Cor.15:47,"Thesecondmanisthe Lord from heaven." Isa. 53:10, "When thou shaltmake his soul an

offering for sin, he shall see his seed." Tit. 1:2, "In hope of eternal life,which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Psalm40:6, "Sacrifice andoffering thoudidstnotdesire,mine earshast thouopened"—7,"ThensaidI,Lo,Icome"—8,"Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod:yea,thylawiswithinmyheart."

Now, Christ the second Adam, giving this consent, took upon him athreefold character, of unparallelled weight and importance; sistinghimself, (1.)TheKinsman-redeemer in the covenant, (2.)TheSuretyofthe covenant, and, (3.) The Priest of the covenant. The mediation ofChristdothindeedrunthroughthewholeofthecovenant.Andthereareseveral other parts of thatmediation,which respecting the promises ofthe covenant,dobelong to theadministration thereof.But these Ihavenowmentioned,dorespecttheconditionofthecovenant,andsobelongtothemakingthereof;underwhichheadweshallconsidertheminorder.

I.CHRISTTHEKINSMAN-REDEEMERINTHECOVENANT

OUR Lord Jesus Christ, the second Adam, giving his consent to thecovenant, as proposed to him by the Father, sisted himself Kinsman-redeemer inthecovenant:Job19:25,"IknowthatmyRedeemer liveth,andthatheshallstandatthelatterdayupontheearth."

Underthelaw,whenamanwasnotabletoactforhimself,toassertandusehisownright,one thatwasakin tohim,hada right toact forhim,coming in his room, and standing up in his right. And such a onewascalledhisGoel;whichproperlysignifiesaKinsman-redeemer.Hencethatwordissometimesrenderedakinsman;asNumb.5:8,"Ifthemanhaveno (Goel) kinsman to recompense the trespass unto."Ruth 3:12, "I amthy(Goel)nearkinsman:howbeitthereisa(Goel)kinsmannearerthanI." Sometimes it is rendered a Redeemer; as Prov. 23:11, "Their (Goel)Redeemerismighty."Isa.47:4,"Asforour(Goel)Redeemer,theLordofhosts is his name." One's acting in that capacity, is called doing thekinsman'spart,orredeeming,towit,byrightofkin,Ruth3:13;and4:6.Howbeit, such a onemight refuse to do the kinsman's part; as Ruth'skinsman-redeemer did, who resigned his right to Boaz, and in tokenthereofdrewoffhisownshoe,andgaveithim,Ruth4:6,7,8.

Now, Christ the second Adam saw sinners, his ruined kinsmen quiteunable to act for themselves. Not one of them all was able to redeemhimself,andfarlesshisbrother.Withal,theangels,nearakintotheminthe rational world, durst not meddle with the redemption; being surethey could not havemissed tomar their own inheritance thereby, norhavedeliveredtheirpoorkinsmenneither.Ifheshouldhavedeclinedit,and drawn off his shoe to them, or to any other of thewhole creation,therewasnonewhodursthaveventuredtoreceiveit,orhisfootinit."Ilooked,"saithhe,"andtherewasnonetohelp;andIwonderedthattherewas none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation," Isa.63:5.HetookonhimselfthecharacteroftheirKinsman-redeemer;andofhimassuchJobspeaks in the forecitedpassage,whichIconceive tobethus expressed in the original: "I know, my Kinsman-redeemer liveth:andthelatteroneheshallstandupuponthedust."InwhichwordsJobcomfortshimselfwith a viewofChrist ashisKinsman-redeemer living,eveninhisday,inrespectofhisdivinenature;andasthelatterorsecondone, (in opposition to the former or first, Exod. 4:8, 9; Deut. 24:3, 4.)namely,thelatterorsecondAdamRedeemer,inoppositiontotheformerorfirstAdamdestroyer;firmlybelieving,thattheoneunitingtohimselfahumannature,shouldassurestandupuponthedustoftheearth,anddothe kinsman's part for him; as the other, having the breath of lifebreathedintohisnostrils,stoodupuponit,andruinedall.

Now, there were four things the kinsman-redeemer was to do for hiskinsman, unable to act for himself; all which Christ the second Adamundertookinthecovenant.

1.Hewastomarrythewidowofhisdeceasedkinsman,toraiseupseedtohisbrother.HereofBoazwasputinmindbyRuth,chap.3:9,"IamRuththinehandmaid;spreadthereforethyskirtoverthinehandmaid,forthouartanearkinsman."Comparever. 10–13; chap.4:10;andEzek. 16:8. Ispreadmyskirtoverthee—andthoubecamestmine."Ournaturewasinacomfortable and fruitful condition, while the image of God impressedthereuponinAdam,remainedwithit;butthatimagebeingremoved,inthe spiritual death caused by his sin, there ensued an absolutebarrenness, as to the fruits of holiness, in ournature thus left.But ourKinsman-redeemer consented to marry the widow. Being to take to

himself a humannature he undertook to take on our humannature inparticular, takinghis fleshofAdam's family.Thuswas itprovided, thathisbodyshouldnotbemadeofnothing,norofanythingwhatsoeverthatwasnotderivedfromAdamasitsoriginal.Itwasalowmatchindeedforhim;andwouldhavebeenso,evenifthefamilyofAdamhadbeeninitsprimitivestateandsplendour:butnowitwasconsideredasinthedepthof poverty and disgrace. Yet, being necessary for our redemption, heconsentedthereto,asourKinsman-redeemer.Accordingly,inthefulnessoftime,hewasmadeofawoman,adaughterofAdam'sfamily,Gal.4:4,andsowasasonofAdam,Luke3:23–38.Thuswasafoundationlaidforthe mystical marriage of believers with him; which mystical marriagedothnotbelongtotheconditionandmakingofthecovenantproperlysocalled, but to the promise and administration of it, being a sinner'spersonal entrance thereinto.And thegreat end, in subordination to theglory of God, for which this more intimate union andmatch with ournaturewasgone intobyourKinsman-redeemer,was to render it againfruitful in the fruits of true holiness: andwithout it our nature had forever remained under absolute barrenness in that point, even as thenatureoffallenangelsdoth.

2.Hewastoredeemthemortgagedinheritanceofhispoorkinsman,Lev.25:25, "If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of hispossession,andifanyofhiskincometoredeemit,thenshallheredeemthatwhichhisbrothersold;"orrather,"thenshallcomeinhiskinsman-redeemer, that is near unto him; and he shall redeem that which hisbrothersold."OurfatherAdamwaxingpoorthroughthedeceitfuldealingofthetempterwithhim,quitesoldawaytheinheritanceofeternallifeforamorselofforbiddenfruit:andhischildrenwaxingpoorerstill,throughtheirownpersonalfault,hadsetthemselvesfartherandfartherfromit.Theycouldnothaveraisedamongstthemall,whatwouldhaveredeemedsomuchasoneman'spartof it.Howbeit,except itwasredeemed, theycould never have had access to it. Wherefore the second Adam, asKinsman-redeemer, took theburdenof the redemptiononhimself, andagreedtopaythepriceofthatpurchase;"dyingforus,thatwemightlivetogetherwithhim,"1Thess.5:10.

3.Hewastoransomhispoorkinsmaninbondage,payingthepriceofhis

redemption:Lev.25:47,"Ifthybrotherwaxpoor,andsellhimself,"ver.48,"Afterthatheissold,hemayberedeemedagain;oneofhisbrethrenmay redeemhim."Ver. 52, "Accordinguntohis years shallhegivehimagain the price of his redemption." Being sold in the loins of our firstfather,wewerebrought intobondageunderthecurseofthelaw.Soweare by nature the law's bond-men, and consequently slaves to sin andSatan,nevertohavebeenreleasedwithoutaransom,thefullworthofsomany souls. This ransom was stated in the covenant; to wit, that theKinsman-redeemer shouldgivehimself a ransom forhispoorkinsmen:andheagreedtoit,forpurchasingtheirliberty,1Tim.2:5,6.Theransomwasgreat,soulforsoul,bodyforbody;apersonofinfinitedignityforhispoorkinsmeninbondage.Butheconsentedtotakeonhimtheformofaservant,thathemightbesetfree;tohavehisearboredatthelaw'sdoor-post,thattheymightbedeliveredoutoftheirbondage.

4.Lastly,Hewastoavengethebloodofhisslainkinsmanontheslayer:Deut.19:12,"Theeldersofhiscityshallsendandfetchhimthence,anddeliverhimintothehandofthe(Goel)avengerofblood,thathemaydie."OurKinsman-redeemersawallhispoorkindredslainmen.Andthedevilwas themurderer,John8:44.Hehadministeredpoisonto themin theloinsoftheirfirstparent;yea,hehadsmittenthemtodeath,killedthemwithanarrowshotthroughtheeye.Butnoavengeroftheirbloodcouldbe found, till the secondAdam, as theirKinsman-redeemer,did, in thesecondcovenantundertaketheavengingofit.Meanwhile,themurdererhadthepowerofdeath,Heb.2:14;and"thestingofdeathissin,andthestrength of sin is the law," 1 Cor. 15:56. Wherefore there was nodisarminganddestroyingofthemurderer,withouttakingthestingoutofdeathwhichhehad thepower of.And thatwasnot to bedone, but byremoving the guilt of sin, whereby sinners were bound over to death:neither was this to be done, but by satisfying the law, whose awfulsanction of death strongly kept fast the guilt of death on the sinners.These were the iron gates to be broke through, ere the Kinsman-redeemer,theavengerofblood,couldgetatthemurderer.ButthemightyRedeemerundertook,byhisowndeathandsufferings,tosatisfythelaw;andbythatmeanstoremovethestrengthofsin;andbythismeansagain,to takeaway thestingofdeath:andsobyhisowndeath todestroy themurdererthathadthepowerofdeath;andthustoavengethebloodofhis

slain kinsman upon him, Heb. 2:14. So did Samson, a type of ourKinsman-Redeemer, avenge Israel of the Philistines their oppressors,pullingdownthehouseon thePhilistines,anddyinghimself todestroythem,Judg.16.

II.CHRISTTHESURETYOFTHECOVENANT

Christ the secondAdamconsenting to the covenant, sistedhimself alsosuretyofit:Heb.7:22,"BysomuchwasJesusmadeasuretyofabettertestament;"orrather,asothersreadit,ofabettercovenant.Asurety isonewhoundertakesforanother,obliginghimselfwhetherforpayinghisdebt, civil or criminal, or for his performing a deed.Thatwemay thenrightlyunderstandChrist'ssuretiship,it isnecessaryweconsider,1.Forwhom,2.Forwhathebecamesuretyinthecovenant.

First,ForwhomChristbecamesuretyinthecovenant.Ifindtwothingsadvanced on this head, namely, (1.) That he became surety for God tosinners; and (2.) Surety for sinners to God. To the first of these, theSocinians restrain Christ's suretiship, denying the second; and sooverthrowthefoundationofoursalvation.Butallorthodoxdivinesagree,inthatthesecondoftheseisthemainthinginit.Someofthemindeedmake no difficulty of admitting, that Christ became surety for God tosinners,aswellassuretyforsinnerstoGod,undertaking,onGod'spart,that all the promises shall be made good to the seed, even to all thatbelieve. There is no question, butGod's promises are, in respect of hisinfallible truth and veracity, most firm and sure in themselves, andcannotmiss tobeperformed:butwebeingguiltycreatures,areslowofhearttobelieve;andthereforedoneedwhatmaymakethemmoresureto us, or assure our hearts they shall be performed to us. And for thiscausehehathgivenushiswordofpromiseunderhishand in theholyscriptures,andanearnestofthepromisedinheritance,Eph.1:14;thesealof theSpirit,ver.13;2Cor.1:22: thesacramentalseals,Rom.4:11;yea,andhissolemnoathtoo,inthematter,toshewuntotheheirsofpromisethe immutabilityofhiscounsel,Heb.6:17.And ifJesusChrist is suretyforGodtous,itisnodoubtforthesameend.

ButIdoubtiftheholyscripturecallsChristasuretyinthatsenseatall.Intheforecitedpassage,Heb.7:22,theonlytextwhereinChristisexpressly

called a surety, it is evident, that his suretiship therein mentioned,respects his priestly office, wherein he deals with God for us; ver. 20,"Andinasmuchasnotwithoutanoathhewasmadepriest,"21.(—"byhimthatsaiduntohim,TheLordaware,andwillnotrepent,ThouartapriestforeveraftertheorderofMelchisedec)"ver.22,"BysomuchwasJesusmadeasuretyofabettertestament."ButhissuretishipforGodtous,cannotrelatetohispriestlyoffice,buttohiskinglyoffice,inrespectofwhichallpowerisgiventohiminheavenandinearth;andconsequentlya power to see that all the promises be performed to his people. Andthereforehissuretishipmentionedinthattext,isforustoGod,andnotforGodtous.Itisbutinothertwotextsonly,asfarasIhaveobserved,thatwereadofsuretishiprelativetothecasebetweenGodandasinner:andinbothofthem,thesuretishipisnottothesinner,butforhim.TheyarePsalm119:122,"Besuretyforthyservantforgood;"andJob17:3."Putmeinasuretywiththee."Theoriginalphraseologyorexpression,isthesameinthelattertextasintheformer;andthesameinthemboth,asinthecaseofJudah'ssuretishipforBenjamin,tohisfather,Gen.43:9;and44:32.Now,unlessthesacredoraclesgobeforeus,inproposingChristasasuretyforGodtous,Iseenoreason,whythebeingofsuchathingatallshouldbeyieldedtotheadversaries,whomakesuchapernicioususeofit. As for the comfort that might arise from it to us, the same is fullysecured, in that thewhole administrationof the covenant is committedintothehandofourLordJesusChrist;andheistheTrusteeandTestatorofthecovenantorcovenant-benefits;asshallbeshownindueplace.

But, without all peradventure, Christ the Mediator and second Adam,being surety in the covenant, for sinners to God; as the scriptures doabundantly declare: Psalm 89:19, "I have laid help upon one that ismighty." 1 Tim. 2:5, "One Mediator between God and men, the manChrist Jesus;" ver. 6, "Who gavehimself a ransom for all." 2Cor. 5:21,"Hehathmadehim tobe sin forus,whoknewno sin." Isa. 53:6, "TheLord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Gal. 3:13, "Christ hathredeemedus fromthecurseof the law,beingmadeacurse forus."Isa.53:5, "Hewas wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for ouriniquities." The covenant of grace was made with the spiritual seed inChrist the secondAdam, taking burden for themuponhimself as theirsurety.Andwithoutasuretyitcouldnothavebeenmadewiththem.For

theywereacompanyofbrokenmen,owingathousandtimesmorethantheywereallworth:andtheirwordinanewbargainforlifeandsalvationwasworthnothing; therecouldbenoregardhad to it inheaven.Therewasneithertruthnorabilityleftthemafterthefirstcovenantwasbroken.Beholdtheircharacterinpointoftruthorveracity,Rom.3:4,"LetGodbetrue,buteverymana liar:"andinpointofability,chap.5:6,"Whenwewereyetwithoutstrength,induetimeChristdiedfortheungodly."Thedemands in this covenant were high, and quite above their ability toanswer:and,besides, they themselveswere falseand fickle.Theybraketheirwordinthefirstcovenantwhenabletohavekeptit;howcouldtheybetrustedinthisnewbargain,whentheirabilitywasgone?Sotherewasanabsolutenecessityofasuretyfortheminit.AndJesusChristbecamesurety for them; so the new covenant, on which depends all theirsalvation,wasmade,andmadesure.

Solomontellsus,That"hethatissuretyforastranger,shallsmartforit:andhethathatethsuretiship,issure,"Prov.11:15.OurLordJesusknewverywell,theburdenhetookonhimselfinhissuretishipforsinners;thecharacterofthosewhomhebecamesuretyfor;andthathecouldhavenorelief fromthem;buthis love tohisFather'sglory,and the salvationofsinners, engaged him in it, being perfectly sure to smart for it, as willappearfromconsidering,

Secondly, For what he became surety in the covenant. Suretiship, inrespectofthesubject-matterofit,isoftwosorts.1.Thereisasuretishipforpayingone'sdebt:Prov.22:26,"Benot thouoneof themthatstrikehands, or of them that are sureties for debts." 2. A suretiship for one'sperformingofadeed:chap.20:16,"Takehisgarmentthatissuretyforastranger;andtakeapledgeofhimforastrangewoman;"that isofhimwhoissuretyforhergoodbehaviour;forshewillleavetheminthelurch.

Now,ourLord'ssuretishipforsinnerswasofthefirstsort.Christasthesecond Adam consenting to the covenant, sisted himself surety for thedebtoftheseedrepresentedbyhim.TheirdebtwasbyGod'seternalfore-knowledge, stated from the broken covenant of works, in the wholelatitude of the demands it had on them; and he became surety for it,strikinghandswithhisFathertopayitcompletely,And,

1.Hebecamesuretyfortheirdebtofpunishment,whichtheyassinnerswere liable inpaymentof,as theoriginalphraseth it,2Thess.1:9.Thatwasthedebtowingtothedivinejustice,forallandeveryoneoftheirsins,originaloractual.Thedemeritoftheirsins,asoffencesagainstaninfiniteGod,was an infinite punishment. Theywere liable to bear the pains ofdeath,inthefull latitudethereof;tosuffertheforceofrevengingwrath,tothecompletesatisfactionofinfinitejustice,andfullreparationofGod'sinjured honour. This was their debt of punishment: a debt which theythemselvescouldneverhavecleared,thoughpayingtotheutmostoftheirpower, through the ages of eternity. But this their debt Christ becamesuretyfor,obliginghimselftolaydownhislifefortheirswhichwaslostinlaw: Psalm 40:6, 7, "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire, mineearshastthouopened—ThensaidILo,Icome."John10:15,"Ilaydownmylifeforthesheep."Ver.18,"Ilayitdownofmyself;Ihavepowertolayit down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have Ireceived of my Father." Here is a suretiship that never had a match!DavidinatransportofgriefforthedeathofhissonAbsalom,wisheshehaddied for him2 Sam. 18:33;Reubenwill venture the life of his twosonsforBenjamin,Gen.42:37;andJudahwillventurehisownforhim,chap.43:9,whileyettherewashopethatallwouldbesafe:butourLordJesusdeliberatelypledgethhisownlife forsinners,whenitwasbeyondallperadventure,thepreciouspledgewouldbelostinthecause,andthatthedeathhewouldsuffer,wouldbeathousanddeathsinone.Somehaveoffered themselves sureties in capital causes, and embraced death, fortheircountryorfriends:and"peradventureforagoodmansomewouldevendaretodie.ButGodcommendethhislovetowardsus,inthatwhilewewereyetsinners,(andenemies),Christdiedforus,"Rom.5:7,8,10.

Now,inthesecondAdam'ssuretishipforthecriminaldebtofhisspiritualseed,therewasnotanensuringofthepaymentthereofonewayorother,only; as in simple cautionary: but therewas an exchange of persons inlaw; Christ substituting himself in their room and taking the wholeobligationonhimself.ThisthefreegraceofGodthecreditordidadmit,whenhemighthaveinsisted,thatthesoulthatsinnedshoulddie:and,adelay being withal granted as to the time of the payment, God thusmanifestedhisforbearance,celebratedbytheapostle,Rom.3:25.And,invirtueofthatsubstitution,Christbecamedebtorinlaw,boundtopaythat

debt which he contracted not; to restore that which he took not away,Psalm69:4.For,becomingsuretyforthem,totheendtheremightbelaida foundation, in law and justice, for exacting their debt of punishmentfromhim,thereguiltwastransferredonhim,Isa.53:6."TheLordlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall."Thiswaspointedat,inthelayingofthehandontheheadofthesacrificesunderthelaw,especiallyontheheadofthescape-goat,Lev.16:21."AndAaronshalllaybothhishandsontheheadofthe live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children ofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressionsinalltheirsins,puttingthemupontheheadofthegoat."Allthesinsofalltheelectwereatonceimputedtothesurety,andsobecamehis,ashisrighteousnessbecomesours,namely,inlaw-reckoning,2Cor.5:21."Forhehathmadehimtobesinforuswhoknewno sin; thatwemightbemade the righteousnessofGod inhim."And he himself speaks so of them, Psalm 40:12. "Mine iniquities havetakenholduponme;"as severalvaluable interpretersdounderstand it,accordingastheapostlegivesusdirection,determiningChristhimselftobethespeakerinthisPsalm.Heb.10:5,6,7.Hewasindeedwithoutsininherent in him; but not without sin imputed to him, till in hisresurrectionhegotuphisdischarge,havingclearedthedebtbyhisdeathand sufferings. Thenwas he justified in the Spirit, 1 Tim. 3:16, and soshallappearthesecondtime,withoutsin,Heb.9:28;thesinwhichwasuponhim,byimputation,thefirsttimeheappeared,beingdoneawayathisresurrection.ThisrelationofoursintoChrist, isnecessaryfromthenatureofsuretishipfordebt;inwhichcase,nobodydoubtsbutthedebtbecomesthesurety's,whenoncehehathstrickenhandsforit.Andhowelse could the lawhave justlyproceededagainstChrist?Howcouldourpunishmenthavebeen,injustice,inflictedonhim,ifhehadnothadsucharelationtooursin?Ifthelawcouldnotchargeoursinonhim,invirtueofhisownvoluntaryundertaking, it couldhavenoground in justice toinflictourpunishmentonhim.

2.Hebecamesuretyfortheirdebtofdutyorobedience;thewhichalsoisadebtaccordingtothestyleoftheholyscripture,Gal.5:3,"Adebtertodothewholelaw."Thelawasacovenantofworks,thoughitwasbrokenby them, and theyhad incurred thepenalty thereof, yet neither lost itsright,norceasedtoexactofthemtheobediencewhichatfirstitrequiredof man, as the condition of life. They were still bound to perfect

obedience, and on no lower terms could have eternal life, as our Lordtaught the lawyer forhishumiliation,Luke10:28,"Thouhastansweredright:thisdo,andthoushaltlive."Thepayingofthedebtofpunishmentmightsatisfyastothepenaltyofthebond;butthereisyetmorebehind,forhimwhowillmeddleintheaffairsofthebrokencompany.Howshallthe principal sum therein contained, be paid; namely, the debt ofobediencetothelaw,forlifeandsalvation?ThehonouringofGodcouldnotallow thequittingof it: and theywereabsolutelyunable topayonemite of it, that would have been current in heaven; forasmuch as theywerewithout strength,Rom.5:6,anddead in trespassesandsins,Eph.2:1,quiteasunfitforthedoingpart,asforthesufferingpart.ButChristbecamesuretyforthisdebtoftheirstoo,namely,thedebtofobediencetothelawasacovenant,whichwas,andistheonlyobediencetoitforlife;obliging himself to clear it by obeying in their room and stead, andfulfillingwhatthelawcoulddemandoftheminthiskind:Psalm40:7,8,"ThensaidI,Lo,Icome,Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod:yea,thylawiswithin my heart." Matth. 3:15, "Thus it becometh us to fulfil allrighteousness."Chap.5:17,"ThinknotthatIamcometodestroythelaw,Iamnotcometodestroy,buttofulfil."

And here also there was an exchange of persons in law, Christsubstitutinghimselfintheirroom,andtakingtheirobligationonhimself:invirtueofwhich,hebecamethe law'sdebtor for thatobedienceowingbythem;andthishehimselfsolemnlyowned,byhisbeingcircumcised,Luke 2:21, according to that of the apostle, Gal. 5:3, "I testify again toeverymanthat iscircumcised, thathe isadebtor todothewhole law."Forbecomingsuretyfortheminthispointalso,hetransferredonhimselftheirstateofservitude,wherebythelawhadarighttoexactthatdebtofhim,whichthey,uponthebreachofthecovenantofworks,wereliableinpaymentof.

For clearingof this, it is to be considered, that allmankindwasby thefirst covenant, the covenant ofworks, constitutedGod's hired servants;andactuallyenteredintothattheirservice,intheirheadthefirstAdam.And ina tokenhereof,weareallnaturally inclined in that character todealwithGod; thoughbythe fallwearerendered incapable toperformthedutyof it,Luke 15:19, "Makemeasoneof thyhired servants."The

worktheyweretowork,wasperfectobedienceto theholy law; thehiretheyweretohavefortheirwork,waslife,Rom.10:5,"Themanthatdoththosethings,shalllivebythem."Thepenaltyofbreakingawayfromtheirmaster,wasbondageunderthecurse,Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Butviolatingthatcovenantofhiredservice,theybrakeawayfromtheirLordandMaster:sotheynotonlylostallpleaforthehire,buttheybecamebond-menunderthecurse;stillobligedtomakeouttheirservice,and that, furthermore, in themiseryof a stateof servitudeorbondage,Gal.4:24, "Theseare the twocovenants; theone fromthemountSinai,whichgendereth tobondage."Their fallingunder thecurse inferred thelossoftheirliberty,andconstitutedthembond-men;asappearsfromthenatureof the thing, and instances of the cursed in other cases, asGen.9:25, "CursedbeCanaan;aservantof servantsshallhebe."Josh.9:23,"Nowthereforeye"(namely,theGibeonites)"arecursed,andthereshallnone of you be freed from being bond-men." The very ground beingcursed,(Gen.3:17.)fallsunderbondage,accordingtothescripture,Rom.8:21.

Now,Christsawallhisspiritualseedinthisstateofservitude;butunabletobearthemiseryofit,ortofulfiltheservice:andheputhimselfintheirroom, as they were bond-men; transferring their state of servitude onhimself,andsosistinghimselfabondservantforthem.

The holy scripture sets this matter in a clear light. That is a plaintestimonyunto it,Phil. 2:6, 7,8, "Whobeing in the formofGod—tookuponhimtheformofaservant—andbecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathof thecross."The formofaservantwhichhe tookuponhim,wastheformofabond-servant.Forsothewordintheoriginalproperlysignifies; being the same word that is constantly used in that NewTestamentphrase,whichwereadbondorfree,orbondandfree,1Cor.12:13; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:11; Rev. 13:16. and 19:18. And theapostleleadsustounderstanditsohere,tellingns,thatthisgreatsurety-servant became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ThewhichkindofdeathwasaRomanpunishment,calledbythem,theservilepunishment, orpunishmentof bond-servants; because itwas thedeaththat bond-men malefactors were ordinarily doomed unto; freemen

seldom,ifever,accordingtolaw.AndforasmuchashisbeingintheformofGod,denoteshisbeingveryGod,havingtheverynatureoressenceofGod; for the form is that which essentially distinguisheth things, andmakesathingtobepreciselywhatitis;andthisformis,accordingtotheapostle,thefoundationofhisequalitywithGodhisFather,whichnothingreallydifferentfromthedivineessence,canbe:thereforehistakinguponhim the form of a bond-servant,must necessarily denote his becomingreally a bond-servant, as really as evermandid,whowas brought intobondage,orastateofservitude.

TheFathersolemnlydeclaresthetransferringofourstateofservitudeonChrist,speakingtohimunderthenameofIsrael,aswasclearedbefore,Isa.49:3,"Thouartmyservant,OIsrael,inwhomIwillbeglorified."Asif theFatherhadsaidtohim,"Son,be itknown, it isagreedthatI takethee in the room and place of Israel, the spiritual seed, to perform theservicedueinvirtueofthebrokenoriginalcontract:Thouintheirsteadartmy servant;mybond-servant," as theword is rendered,Lev. 25:39,andelsewhere:"itisfromthyhandIwilllookforthatservice."Agreeablehereunto is theaccountwehaveofourredemptionfromthecurse,Gal.3:13.namely,thatitwasbyJesusChristbeingmadea"curseforus:foritiswritten,Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree:"thewhichChristdid,dyingonacross,thecapitalpunishmentofbond-men.

Behold the solemnity of the translation, Psalm 40:6, "Sacrifice andoffering thou didst not desire,mine ears hast thou opened." The wordhere rendered opened, properly signifies digged, asmay be seen in themargin of our Bibles: and so the words are, "Mine ears thou diggedstthrough;" that is, boredst, as it is expressed in our paraphase of thePsalmsinmetre,"Mineearsthoubor'd."Thishasamanifestviewtothatlaw concerning the bond-servant, Exod. 21:6, "Then his master shallbringhimuntothejudges;heshallalsobringhimtothedoor,oruntothedoorpost:andhismastershallborehisearthroughwithanawl;andheshall serve him for ever;" that is, in the language of the law, till death.ThisisconfirmedfromHos.3:2,"SoIboughthertomeforfifteenpiecesofsilver;"whichwasthehalfofthestatedpriceofabond-woman,Exod.21:32.Intheoriginalitis,"SoIdiggedherthroughme;"thesamewordbeinghereusedbytheHolyGhost,asPsalm40:6.Itisapregnantword,

whichisvirtuallytwoinsignification;andthesenseis,Iboughther,andboredhereartomydoor-post, tobemybond-woman:accordingtothelaw,Deut. 15:17, "Thou shall take an awl, and thrust it throughhis earunto the door, and he shall be thy servant for ever: and also unto thymaid-servant thou shalt do likewise." That the boring of her ear as abond-woman,wasnoways inconsistentwith theprophet'sbetrothingofhertohimself,Hos.3:3,appearsfromExod.21:8.

Josephwasaneminent typeofChrist,as theFather'sservant.And it isobservable, that he was first a bond-servant, and then an honoraryservant. In the former state, being sold for a servant, Psalm 105:17, hewas a type of Christ, a bond-servant in his state of humiliation;whosemostpreciouslifewasaccordinglysoldbyJudasforthirtypiecesofsilver,thestatedpriceofthelifeofabond-servant;Exod.21:32,"Iftheoxshallpush a man-servant; or maid-servant; he shall give unto their masterthirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned." In the latter state,beingmaderuleroverallthelandofEgypt,Psalm105:21,22;Gen.41:40,hewasatypeofChrist, inthatmosthonourableandgloriousserviceorministry,whichwasconferredonhiminhisstateofexaltation,whereinhewasconstitutedaservant,forwhoselawtheislesshallwait,Isa.40:1,4;Godhavinggivenhimanamewhichisaboveeveryname,thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,Phil.2:9,10.ThislatterserviceofChristbelongstothepromiseofthecovenant:buttheformer,towit,thebond-service, being his surety-service, belongs to the condition of thecovenant.Wherefore,risingfromthedead,havingfulfilledtheconditionofthecovenant,paidthedebtforwhichhebecamesurety,andgotupthedischarge,heputoff forever the formandcharacterofabond-servant,"androseandrevived,thathemightbeLordbothofthedeadandliving,"Rom.14:9.

Andhenceitclearlyappears,howtheobedienceofthemanChristcomes,invirtueofthecovenant,tobeimputedtobelieversforrighteousness,aswellashissatisfactionbysuffering:forthatkindofobediencewhichheperformed as our surety,was nomore due by him, antecedently to hiscontract of suretiship, than his satisfaction by suffering. It is true, thehuman nature of Christ, being a creature, owed obedience to God invirtueofitscreation;andmustoweitforever,forasmuchasthecreature,

as a creature, is subject to the natural law, the eternal rule ofrighteousness:butChrist'sputtinghimselfinastateofservitude,takingonhimtheformofabond-servant,andinthecapacityofabond-servant,performingobediencetothelaw,asitwasstatedinthecovenant,forlifeand salvationwas entirely voluntary.Obedience to the natural lawwasduebythemanChrist,byanaturaltie;butobediencetothepositivelaw,bindingtobecircumcised,baptizedandthelike,whichissupposedguilton the party subjected thereto, was not due, but by his own voluntaryengagement. And the obedience of a son to the natural law, he owednaturally: but obedience to that or any other law, in the character of abond-servant,andtherebytogaineternallifeandsalvation,heowednotbut by compact. The human nature of Christ had a complete right toeternallife,andwasactuallypossessedthereofinvirtueofitsunionwiththe divinenature; so that therewasno occasion for him to gain life tohimselfbyhisobedience.Wherefore,Christ'stakingonhimtheformofabond-servantandinthatcharacterobeyingthelawforlifeandsalvation,wereamerevoluntaryworkofhis,assuretyforsinners;whereinhedidthat which he was no otherwise. bound to, than by his own voluntaryundertaking. Now, forasmuch as the obedience of Christ imputed tobelievers forrighteousness, ishisobedienceof thiskindonly; there isacleargroundforitsimputationtothemaccordingtothecovenant.

And thus we have seen Christ's suretiship in the covenant to be of asuretishipforpayingone'sdebt;andwhatthedebtwaswhichhebecamesuretyfor.

Ifitbeinquired,WhetherornotChrist'ssuretishipisalsoofthenatureofsuretiship for one's performing of a deed? or, Whether Christ becamesurety in way of caution to his Father, that the elect should believe,repent, and perform sincere obedience? I answer, Though the elect'sbelieving,repenting,andsincereobedience,are infalliblysecured in thecovenant; so thatwhosoever, being subjects capable of these things, dolive and die without them, shall undoubtedly perish, and are none ofGod's elect: yet I judge, that Christ did not become Surety in thecovenant, inwayofcautiontohisFather, that theelectshouldperformthesedeeds,oranyother;andthatthatwayofspeakingdothnotsowellagreewiththescripture-accountofthecovenant.Because,

1. It doth somewhat obscure the grace, the free grace, of the covenant;whereas the covenant is purposely so ordered, as to manifest it mostillustriously,beingoffaith,thatitmightbebygrace,Rom.4:16.Forsuchasuretiship,orcautionaryfortheelect'sperformingofthesethings,mustneedsbelongtotheconditionofthecovenant,properlysocalled;asbeinga deed of theMediator, whereby he promiseth something to God, andengageth that it shall be performed by them: and so these thingsperformed by them accordingly,must be a part of the condition of thecovenant.Butthatsinnersthemselvesperformanypartoftheconditionofthecovenant,properlysocalled,cannotbeadmittedwithoutprejudicetothegraceofthecovenant:forsofarasweperform,inourownpersons,anypartofthecondition,therewardisnotofgrace,butofdebt;for"tohimthatworketh,istherewardnotreckonedofgrace,butofdebt,"Rom.4:4.Buttherewardiswhollyofgracetous,asitisofdebtuntoChrist;for"tohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonhimthatjustifieththeungodly,hisfaithiscountedforrighteousness,"ver.5.Chap.11:6,"Andifbygrace,thenisitnomoreofworks;otherwisegraceisnomoregrace."Supposeamanissuretyforathousandpoundsforhisneighbour,whoisthereupontohavearighttoacertainvaluablebenefit;andthatthismanabsolutelybecomessuretyforthewholesum,exceptingonlyanhundredpence;forwhichhundredpencealsohebecomescautioner,thatitshallbepaidbythe principal: it is evident, that the condition of this bargain is dividedbetweenthesuretyandtheprincipal,thoughindeedtheirsharesareveryunequal: but however unequal they are, as far as the hundred pencewhichtheprincipalpaysinhisownperson,doreach,sofarthebenefitisofdebt tohim.Orput the case,A surety engageth for thewholeof thesumpayable;and,besides,issuretyoftheprincipal'sgoodbehaviour;itisevident,thatinthiscasethegoodbehaviouroftheprincipalisapartoftheconditionofthebargain,aswellasthepaymentofthemoney;sincecaution for it is requiredbyhimwho is to communicate thebenefit.Atthisrate, theconditionisstilldividedbetweenthesuretyandprincipal;and the latter performs a part of it as well as the former: and so thereward is, in part, of debt unto him, as well as to the surety. Theapplicationhereoftothecaseinhandisobvious.Thesumofthematterlieshere: IfChristdid in thecovenantbecomeSurety inwayofcautionforhispeople'sperformingsomedeed;theperformingoftheconditionofthe covenant, properly so called, is divided betwixt Christ and them,

howeverunequaltheirsharesare:andiftheperformingoftheconditionisdividedbetwixtChristandthem,sofarastheirpartoftheperformancegoes, the reward is of debt to them, which obscures the grace of thecovenant.

2.AccordingtotheScripture,theelect'sbelieving,repenting,andsincereobedience, do belong to the promissory part of the covenant. If weconsider them in their original situation, they are benefits promised inthecovenantbyGoduntoChristtheSurety,asarewardofhisfulfillingoftheconditionofthecovenant.Andsotheyare,bytheunchangeabletruthof God, and his exact justice, insured beyond all possibility of failure:Psalm22:27,"AlltheendsoftheworldshallrememberandturnuntotheLord."Ver.30,"Aseedshallservehim."Ver.31,"Theyshallcome,andshalldeclarehis righteousnessuntoapeople thatshallbeborn."Psalm110:3, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." See Isa.53:10.with ver. 1; Ezek. 36:26, 27, 31;Heb. 8:10, 11. If it be asked, Towhom are these promises made, and the promises of the like naturethroughtheBible? it isevident, thatseveralof themaremadetoChristexpressly;andtheapostleanswersastothemall.Gal.3:16,"ToAbrahamandhisseedwerethepromisesmade.—TothyseedwhichisChrist."Andwhereas there are found promises wherein Christ himself is theundertaker, as John6:37, "All that theFather givethme, shall come tome;" they are not to be taken for Christ's engaging to his Father, ascautionerforadeedtobedonebytheseed:butthereinhespeakstomen,asadministratorofthecovenant,intrustedwiththeconferringonsinnersthebenefitspurchasedbyhisobedienceanddeath,andmadeovertohimbythepromiseof theFather:Matt.11:27,"All thingsaredelivereduntomeofmyFather."Ver. 28, "Comeuntome, all ye that labour, and areheavy laden, and I will give you rest." Luke 22:29, "And I appoint [ordispone]untoyouakingdom,asmyFatherhathappointed[ordisponed]untome."ThusfarofChrist'ssuretishipinthecovenant.

III.CHRISTTHEPRIESTORTHECOVENANT

As itwasnecessary forChrist the secondAdamhisdoing thepart of aKinsman-redeemer,thatheshouldbecomeSuretyinthecovenant;soitwas necessary to his performing ofwhat he becameSurety for, that heshould be a Priest. And accordingly, consenting to the covenant, he

becamethePriestofthecovenant,Heb.9:11,"ChristbeingcomeanHighPriestofgoodthingstocome."Apriestisapublicperson,whodealswithanoffendedGodinthenameoftheguilty,forreconciliationbysacrifice,whichheofferethtoGoduponanaltar,beingtheretocalledofGod,thathemaybeaccepted.Soapriestspeaksarelationtoanaltar,analtartoasacrifice,andasacrificetosin.

ThosewhomChristrepresentedinthecovenantbeingsinners,hebecametheir Priest, their High Priest, appearing before God in their name, tomakeatonementandreconciliationforthem:andthiswasthegreatthingthat the whole priesthood under the law, and especially the highpriesthood,didtypifyandpointat.Theirnaturewasthepriest'sgarmentshe put on, to exercise his priestly office in; the same being pure andundefiled in him: and in their nature he sustained their persons,representing them before God, as their greatHigh Priest. A lively typehereofwasAaron'sbearingbeforetheLord,thenamesofthechildrenofIsrael,thetwelvetribes,uponhistwoshoulders,intheshoulder-piecesoftheephod;thesenamesbeingengravenontwoonyx-stonessetthereinbydivineappointment,Exod.28:9, 10, 12: asalsohisbearing them in thebreastplate,beingengravenontwelvestonessettherein,ver.15–29.ThusAaronthehigh-priestwasallIsraelrepresentatively;anillustrioustypeofChrist thePriestof thecovenant, thespiritualIsraelrepresentative, Isa.49:3.

ThenecessityofChristthesecondAdamhisbecomingaPriest,appearsinthesefollowingthingsjointlyconsidered.

1. Thosewhomhe represented,were sinners: and there could not be anewcovenantwithoutprovisionmadeforremovingoftheirsin;andthatrequiredapriest.Thefirstcovenantwasmadewithoutapriest,becausethen therewas no sin to take away; the parties therein represented, aswellastherepresentative,wereconsideredasinnocentpersons.Butthesecondcovenantwasacovenantofpeaceandreconciliationbetweenanoffended God and sinners, not to be made but by the mediation of apriest,whoshouldbeabletoremovesin,andrepairtheinjuredhonourofGod:Zech.6:13,Heshallbeapriestuponhisthrone,andthecounselofpeaceshallbebetween themboth."Andtherewasnone fit tobear thatcharacterbutChristhimself.Nomanwasfit tobear it;becauseallmen

were sinners themselves, and such an high priest became us, as wasundefiled, separated fromsinners,Heb.7:26. It is true, theelectangelswere indeed undefiled; but yet none of them could be priest of thecovenant;because,

2.Sincouldnotberemovedwithoutasacrificeofsufficientvalue,whichtheywerenotabletoafford.Thenewcovenantbehovedtobeacovenantbysacrifice,acovenantwritteninblood;andwithoutsheddingofblood,therewasno remission,Heb.9:22.Therefore the typical covenantwithAbrahamwasnotmadewithoutthesolemnityofsacrifice,Gen15:9;thathemightknowthecovenanttobeacovenantofreconciliation,inwhichajustGoddidnotshewhismercy,butinawayconsistentwiththehonourof his justice. Now the sacrifices of beasts, yea, and whatsoever thecreaturescouldaffordforsacrificeinthiscase,wereinfinitelybelowthevalue.ButJesusChristbecomingapriest,gavehimselfasacrificetoGod,forestablishingthecovenant;andthatsacrificewasforasweet-smellingsavour,Eph.5:2,or,as theOldTestamentphrase is,aasavourof rest,Gen. 8:21, marg. The represented being sinners, were corrupt andabominable beforeGod; andhe as itwere smelled a savour of disquietfrom them, they being a smoke in his nose, Isa. 65:6; their sin set hisrevengingjusticeandwrathastir.ButthesacrificeofChristhimself,wasfittosendforthsuchasweetsmellingsavouruntoGod,asshouldquiteovercometheabominablesavourrisingfromthem,andlayhisrevengingjusticeandwrathtothemostcalmandprofoundestrest.

Thenecessityofasacrificeinthesecondcovenant,arosefromthejusticeofGodrequiringtheexecutionofthecurseofthebrokenfirstcovenant;whereby the sinner should fall a sacrifice forhis sin, according to that,Psalm94:23,"Heshallbringuponthemtheirowniniquity,andshallcutthemoffintheirownwickedness."Itwasanancientcustominmakingofcovenants,tocutabeastintwain,andtopassbetweenthepartsofit:andthatpassingbetween theparts, respected the fallingof the curseof thecovenantuponthebreaker:Jer.34:18,"AndIwillgivethementhathavetransgressedmy covenant, which have not performed thewords of thecovenantwhichtheyhadmadebeforeme,whentheycutthecalfintwain,andpassedbetweentheparts thereof;"orrather,moreagreeably to theoriginal, "Iwillmake themen thathave transgressedmycovenant—the

calfwhichtheycutintwain,andpassedbetweenthepartsthereof:"thatis,Iwillmakethemasthatcalfwhichtheycutintwain;Iwillexecutethecurseonthem,cuttingthemasunderascovenant-breakers,Matth.24:51.Now,thecovenantofworksbeingbroken,justicerequiredthisexecutionof the curse of it, in order to the establishing of a new covenant, tipcovenant of grace and peace. But had it been executed on sinnersthemselves,thefireofwrathwouldhaveburntcontinuallyonthem;butneverwouldsuchasacrificehavesentforthasavoursmellingsosweet,asto be a savour of rest to revenging justice; forasmuch as theywerenotonly mere creatures, whose most exquisite sufferings could not be asufficient compensation for the injured honour of an infinite God; butthey were sinful creatures too, who would still have remained sinfulundertheirsufferings.WhereforeJesusChrist,beingbothseparatefromsinners, and equal with God, consented in the covenant to be thesacrifice, onwhich the curseof the first covenantmightbe executed intheirroomandstead.

Thisis livelyrepresentedinthecovenantmadewithAbraham,inwhichhe was a type of Christ, Gen. 15. In that covenant God promised thedeliveranceofAbraham'sseedoutof theEgyptianbondage,andtogivethem the land of Canaan; a type of the deliverance of Christ's spiritualseed from the bondage of sin and Satan, and of putting them inpossessionofheaven,vers.13,14,16,18.Awfulwasthesolemnityusedatthemakingofthiscovenant.Thereweretakenaheifer,ashe-goat,andaram, each of them of three years old; typifying Christ, who was aboutthree years in his public ministry, ver. 9. These were each of them,divided in themidst, hackedasunderby themiddle;which typified theexecutionofthecurseofthebrokenfirstcovenenantonChristoursuretyandsacrificeforus,ver.10.Abraham'sdrivingawaythefowlsthatcamedownuponthecarcases,typifiedChrist'svictoryoverthedevilsallalongduring the state of his humiliation, and especially his triumphing overthemonthecross,ver.11.Andfinally,therewasasmokingfurnace,andaburning lamp that passed between the pieces; which signified therevenging wrath of God seizing on Christ the sacrifice, and justicetherewithsatisfied,ver.17.

3.Nosacrificecouldbeaccepted,butonsuchanaltarasshouldsanctify

thegifttoitsnecessaryvalueanddesignedeffect,Matth.23:19.AndwhocouldfurnishthatbutChristhimself,whosedivinenaturewasthealtarfrom whence the sacrifice of his human nature derived its value andefficacyasinfinite?Heb.9:14,"HowmuchmoreshallthebloodofChrist,who through theeternalSpirit,offereduphimselfwithout spot toGod,purgeyourconsciencefromdeadworks?"Hisblessedbodysufferingandbleeding to death on the cross, and his holy soul scorched andmeltedwithinhimwiththefireofthedivinewrath,bothinthemeantimeunitedtohisdivinenature,werethesacrificeburningonthealtar, fromwhichGodsmelledasweetsavour,totheappeasingofhiswrath,andsatisfyingofhisjusticefully.NotthatChristwasasacrificeonlywhileonthecross;but that his offering of himself a sacrifice, which was begun from hisincarnation in thewomb, thesacrificebeing ledon thealtar in the firstmoment thereof; and was continued through his whole life; wascompletedonthecross,andinthegrave:Heb.10:5,"Whereforewhenhecomethintotheworld,hesaith,sacrificeandofferingthouwouldstnot,butabodyhastthoupreparedme:"—ver.6,"ThensaidI,lo,Icome."Isa.53:2, "Whenweshall seehim, there isnobeauty thatwe shoulddesirehim."Ver.3,"Heis—amanofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief."2Cor.5:21,"Hehathmadehimtobesinforus."

4.Lastly,Therebehovedtobeapriesttoofferthissacrifice,thisvaluablesacrifice,untoGoduponthataltar;elsetherecouldhavebeennosacrificeto be accepted, and so no removal of sin, and consequently no newcovenant.AndsinceChristhimselfwasthesacrifice,andthealtartoo,hehimself alone could be the priest. And forasmuch as the weight of thesalvationofsinnerslayuponhiscalltothatoffice,hewasmadepriestofthecovenantbytheoathofGod,Heb.7:20,21.Ashehadfullpoweroverhisownlife,tomakehimselfasacrificeforothers;sohisFather'ssolemninvesting of him with this office by an oath, gave him access to offerhimselfeffectually;eveninsuchsortastherebytofulfiltheconditionofthecondition,andtopurchaseeternallifeforthem.

INFERENCESFROMTHESECONDHEAD

Ishallcloseupthishead,ofthemakingofthecovenantofgrace,withtwoinferencesfromthewhole.

Inf.1.Whatremainsforsinners,thattheymaybepersonallyandsavinglyincovenantwithGod, isnot,aspartiescontractorsandundertakers, tomakeacovenantwithhimforlifeandsalvation;butonly,totakeholdofGod's covenant already made from eternity, between the Father andChristthesecondAdam,andrevealedandofferedtousinthegospel,Isa.56:4, 6. I have no design hereby to disparage our covenantsmade fornationalreformationbyourgodlyprogenitors,andcommonlycalledthenational covenant, and solemn league and covenant, onwhichGod setthesealofhisgoodpleasureintheexperienceofmany.Theseandthelikearecovenantsofduties,consequentialenoughtothetakingholdofGod'scovenant of grace. Neither would I discourage any serious souls, fromtakinghold ofGod's covenant of grace, for eternal life and salvation tothemselves,withalltheawfulsolemuityofthemostexpresswords,yea,and ofwriting and subscribing itwith their hands;which is commonlycalledpersonalcovenanting.ButIwouldhavealltobewareofapracticalcorruptingof the covenantof grace, bymaking covenantsof their own,uponsuchandsuchterms,whichtheywillfulfilforlifeandsalvation.ThecarnalJewsmistakingthedesignofthegivingofthelaw,didsocorruptthecovenantofgrace; looking for lifeandsalvation,not for the sakeofthepromised seedalone,but for theirobedience, suchas itwas, to themoral and ceremonial laws. And thus many, thinking that eternalsalvation is proposed to them in theword upon the condition of faith,repentance, and sincere obedience to God's law, do consent to theseterms,andsolemnlyundertaketoperformthem:justbindingthemselvestosuchandsuchduties,thatGodmaysavetheirsouls:andsotheymaketheir covenant. And while they can persuade themselves, that theyperform their part of the covenant, they look for life and salvationthereupon.Thisdothquiteoverturnthenatureofthecovenantofgrace:for "to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but ofdebt,"Rom.4:4;and"if itbeofworks, then it isnomoregrace,"chap.11:6. The sinfulness of this practice is great, as overlooking Christ, thegreatundertakerandparty-contractorbytheappointmentoftheFather;andputting themselves inhis room, todo andwork for themselves forlife.Andthedangerof itmustneedsbegreat,as layinga foundationtobear theweightof theirsalvation,whichdivinewisdomsawtobequiteunabletobearit.Theissuewhereofmustbe,thatsuchcovenantersshallliedowninsorrow.Sotheapostledetermines,Gal.5:4,"Christisbecome

ofno effect unto you,whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye arefallenfromgrace."

Ourpart then, in thiscase, isonlyto takeholdofGod'scovenantmadealready,andofferedandexhibitedtousinthegospel.Thisholdistakenbyfaith;whichis, inScriptureaccount, thehandofthesoul,John1:12.Sotheoriginalexpressionplainlycarriesit,Isa.56:6,"Thatfasteninmycovenant." In which phraseology, the correlate word hand (expressedGen.21:18,)isunderstood;q.d.Thatfasten(theirhand)inmycovenant;thatistosay,"Whobythehandoffaithtakefastholdofmycovenant;"asAdonijah did of the horns of the altar, 1 Kings 1:50,wherein the samemannerofexpressionisused.AndthisyoudobytakingholdofChristinthe free promise of the gospel; believing that he is held forth to you inparticular, confiding and trusting in him as your Saviour, for yoursalvation from sin andwrath, upon the groundofGod's faithfulness inthepromise,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhim,shallnotperish,buthaveeverlasting life, for he is given for a covenant to you, Isa. 49:8; and toreceivehim,istobelieveonhisname,John1:12.

ThisisourmakingacovenantwithGodbysacrifice,whichismentioned,Psalm 50:5. The original expression is, That cut my covenant upon asacrifice; namely, by laying their hands in faith on the head of thesacrifice, thereupon cut down in their stead: and so ceremoniallytransferring their guilt on the sacrifice; but really and spiritually,approvingofthedeviceofsalvationbyacrucifiedSaviour,andfallinginwith itas themethodofsalvation for them.In thiswayofcovenanting,the freegraceof the covenant ispreservedpureandentire: for "tohimthat worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, hisfaith is counted for righteousness," Rom. 4:5. Here the honour of soleundertaker and party-contractor in the covenant, is, according to theFather'sappointmentlefttoChrist,theOnethatismighty,Psalm89:19.Here the secondAdambuilds the temple,withoutour layingone stonetherein in our own persons; even as the first Adam laid it in ruins,withoutourpullingdownonestoneofitinourownpersons:andChristbears the personal glory of the reparation, even as Adam the personalblameoftheruin,Zech.6:13.Andatthisratethesouldothintime,forher own part, give her solemn approbation of the covenantmade from

eternity, and a personal consent to what Christ from everlastingconsentedto inhername:evenastheprincessmarriedbyproxy inherchildhood,ratifiesallwhensheiscometoage,byreceivingherhusband.Like as all Adam's children, as such, taking salvation to heart, andthereforecovenantingwithGod,doineffectrepeatthecovenantofworksmadewithAdamtheirrepresentative;soall thesecondAdam'sseed,assuch,takingsalvationtoheart,andthereforecovenantingwithGod,do,in effect repeat the covenant of grace made with Christ theirrepresentative.Inthemakingofthecovenantbeforetheworldbegan,theFatherproposedtoChristassecondAdam,theirheadandrepresentative,thatheshouldtaketheburdenuponhimforthem,andbetheirKinsman-redeemer, theirSuretyfortheirdebtofpunishmentandduty,andtheirPriest; and Christ consented thereto from eternity. Amen, formy part,says the elect soul in time, in the covenanting day; it is infinitely wellordered:Iamalostsinner,adebtortodivinejustice,aguiltycreature;heis,withmywholeheartandsoul,myKinsman-redeemer,mySurety,myPriest:mypartof thepunishment incurred,andof thedutyowing, isavast and exceeding great part of that debt; butmy soul iswell contentwithandrests inthatmethodofpaying it:2Sam.23:5,"Hehathmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,"(Heb.Hehathputtomeaneverlastingcovenant)—"Thisisallmysalvationandallmydesire."TheFathersaidtoChrist as their representative,For thy sodoingand suffering, "IwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople."Amen,saidChristfrometernity,"Allminearethine,"John17:10.Amen,formypart,saystheelectsoulinthe time of personal covenanting. This heart of mine must have someGod,Imustbelongtooneorother;andtoolonghaveIbeenforanother:but now, timber of the house, and stones of thewall, bearwitness,mysouliscontentwith,consentsto,andrestsinthismethodofdisposingofme:namely,thattheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChristbemyGodinChrist,andIoneofhispeoplefromhenceforthandforever.

Thismanner of covenanting is inconsistentwith a purpose or desire ofcontinuing in sin; even as one's committing himself for cure into thehandsofaphysicianwhocuresinfallibly,isinconsistentwithadesiretokeephisdiseasehangingabouthim.Christbeing"madeofGoduntouswisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," 1 Cor. 1:30; itnecessarily carriesalongwith it, a takingofChrist foraProphet, anda

King,andLorduntous;as suchaonedothnecessarilyyieldhimself tothe physician's management. In it one joins himself to Christ as hiscovenant head, who also is the Administrator of the covenant; and sosubjectshimselftohisteachingandgovernment.Anditissuchawayofcovenanting,asnoprofaneperson,norhypocrite,continuingso,everdidorcanfallinwith.For,(1.)Itspeaksaheartcontenttopartwithallsin,wellpleasedwithChrist'swholesalvation,whereoftheprincipalpartistosave his people from their sins, Matth. 1:21; whereas unsoundcovenantersarealwaysoffendedwithsomeonethingorotherinChrist,chap.11:6.(2.)Itspeaksasoulcarriedoutofallconfidence in itself, itsownworking anddoing for life and salvation, andbottomedonlyuponChrist's doing and suffering for that end. And thus, such a covenanter,beingpoorinspirit,Matth.5:3,andrejoicinginChristJesus,andhavingno confidence in the flesh, Phil. 3:3, is distinguished from thepresumptuoushypocrite,whoseconfidence for lifeandsalvation iseveruponhisowndoingandworking,eitherinwholeorinpart;asalsofromthedespairingunbeliever,whohathnoconfidence,neitherinChrist,norinhimself thatheshallhave lifeandsalvation,howeverhemaybelievefirmly thatothers shall. So this faith, this covenanting, isquite anotherthing, than either the false faith of the presumptuous profane, andpresumptuoushypocrite,ortheno-faithofthedesperate,orthewaveringdoubter,whocanneverfixingreaterorlessermeasureofconfidenceinChrist, for salvation to himself; Jam. 1:6, "But let him ask in faith,nothingwavering: forhethatwavereth, is likeawaveof thesea,drivenwith thewind, and tossed."Ver. 7, "For let not thatman think that heshallreceiveanythingoftheLord."

Ifanythinkthistobeaneasywayofbelievingorcovenanting,eithertheymistakeit,ortryitnot.Tobelieveuponsomegroundweseeinourselves,isverynatural,buttobelievemerelyuponagroundinanother,namelyrighteousness in Christ, and faithfulness in God, while all in ourselvestends to make us dispair, is above the reach of nature. A consciencethoroughlyawakened,willconvinceasinner,thatitisamatterofgreatestdifficulty.

Inf. 2. Justifying faith, though it receives Christ in all his offices, asProphet,Priest,andKing;yetasitentersuspersonallyintothecovenant,

andjustifies,iteyeshiminhispriestlyofficeparticularly;namely,asthegreat highpriest,whohathmade atonement for sin, by the sacrifice ofhimself;asthesurety,whoundertookandcompletedthepaymentofthedebtofpunishmentandduty;andasthekinsmanredeemer,whohavingmarried our nature to the divine nature in himself, redeemed themortgagedinheritancewithhisownblood,gavehimselfaransomforus,todeliverusfromourspiritualbondage,andbyhisdeathdestroyedhimthathadthepowerofdeath;Rom.3:25,"WhomGodhathsetforthtobea propitiation, through faith in his blood."Chap. 5:11, "OurLord JesusChrist,bywhomwehavenowreceivedtheatonement."Thecomfortforawoundedconscience,sickwiththeguiltoftin,lieshere.Thisisthatofficeof Christ towhich the convinced sinner, standing trembling before thejustJudgeof theworld, liftshiseyesandmakeshisrecourseforsafety:for there, and only there, can one see a ransom, a righteousness, anatonement. In his prophetical and kingly office, he administrates thecovenant;butinhispriestlyoffice,heperformedtheconditionofit.Soitisthefoundationoftheothertwo.Itwasbythesacrificeofhimself,thatthewordandSpiritof thecovenant,wherebyhe teachethsinners,werepurchased: and thereby also he obtained his kingdom. And hisintercessionisfoundeduponhisoblation.Sohispriestlyofficeandthatconsideredparticularly inpointofhisofferinghissacrifice,doth,asthefoundationstone,beartheweightofthesalvationofsinners,andofthehonourofGodandtheMediatortherein.Whereforeitisnotstrange,thathisinvestiturewiththepriestlyofficewasconfirmedbytheoathofGod;asolemnitynotusedinthecaseofhispropheticalandkinglyoffices.

Andthusfarofthemakingofthecovenant.

HEADIII

THEPARTSOFTHECOVENANTOFGRACE

THEpartsofthecovenantofgrace,beingthethingsthereinagreeduponbetwixt God and Christ the second Adam, are two, to wit, theconditionarypart,andthepromissorypart.Thesecomprehendthewholeofthecovenant,andofthemweshalltreatinorder.

Thefirstpartofthecovenant,namely,theconditionarypart.

Theconditionofacovenantorbargain,properlyandcommonlysocalled,is,thatpartofacovenantorbargain,upontheperformingofwhichone'srighttothebenefitpromisedis founded,andhispleafor it isstated,asbecomingduetohimforhisperformance,accordingto,andinvirtueofthe agreement between the parties. This is a federal condition, acovenant-condition,ortheconditionofacovenant;andwhatallmen,incommon conversation understand by a condition of a covenant orbargain.As for instance, thepayingof sucha sumofmoney for suchacommodity, according to the agreement between the parties, in theconditionofacovenantofcommerce,sale,ortraffic:theworkingofsuchapieceofwork,ordoingofsuchadeed,forsucharewardagreeduponbytheparties,istheconditionofacovenantofserviceonhire.

Besidesthis,thereisalsowhatiscalledaconditionofconnectionororderinacovenant;wherebyonethingnecessarilygoesbeforeanother,intheorderof the covenantwithoutbeing thegrounduponwhichone's rightand title to that other thing is founded.As in the former instances, thebuyer's receiving of the commodity, and the hireling's receiving of thereward, covenanted or bargained for, must needs go before theirprofessionorenjoymentof them;but it isevident, thatthatreceiving isnotthethinguponwhichthebuyer'srightandtitletothecommodity,orthehirling'srightandtitletothereward,isfounded:therefore,thoughitmaybecalledaconditionofconnectionintherespectivecovenants,yetitcannot,inanyproprietyofspeech,becalledtheconditionofthem.

Now,toapplythesethingstoourpurpose:intheorderofthecovenantofgrace, forasmuch as the having of the Spiritmust go before faith, faithbefore justification, justification before sanctification, holiness beforeheaven's happiness; thesemay be called conditions in the covenant ofgrace, to wit, conditions of certain connection; and this belongs to theestablished order of the promises of the covenant, which are

contradistinguished to the condition of the covenant. Howbeit suchconditionscaninnopropersensebecalledtheconditionorconditionsofthecovenantofgrace,morethanthebuyer'sreceivingofthecommoditycan be called the condition of the covenant or bargain of sale. But thecondition of the covenant of grace, properly so called, is, Christ in thefrom of a bond-servant, as last Adam, Representative, Kinsman-redeemer,Surety,andPriest,hisfulfillingallrighteousowing,invirtueofthe broken covenant of works, unto God by his spiritual seed: Matth.3:15,"Thusitbecomethustofulfilallrighteousness."

Forclearingofthispurpose,Ishall,(1.)Evincethistobetheconditionofthe covenant; (2.) Explain and unfold that righteousness, the fulfillingwhereofwasmadetheconditionofthecovenant.

First, To evince that this is the condition of the covenant of graceconsider,

1.Christ'sfulfillingallrighteousnessassecondAdamiswhattheFatherproposeduntohim,asthetermsonwhichhisseedshouldbesaved,anduponwhichhefoundedhispromiseofeternallifetobegiventhem;andnot anywork or deed of theirs: Isa. 53:10, "When thou shaltmake hissoulanofferingforsin,heshallseehisseed."Ver.11,"Heshallseeofthetravail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall myrighteous servant justifymany; for he shall bear their iniquities." Luke22:20, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed foryou." And the same is thatwhich Christ as the secondAdamdid frometernityconsentunto,undertake,andbindhimselffor;andwhichhedidintime,accordingtoagreementperform.Thushehimselfrepresents it,Matth.3:15,"Thusitbecomethustofulfillallrighteousness;"namely,asit becometh a person of honour and credit to fulfill his bargain. Luke24:26, "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?" towit, as oneoughttoperformtheconditionofacovenantorbargainhehasagreedto.

2.Thisistheonlygroundofasinner'srightandtitletoeternallife;anduponnothingelsecanhesafelyfoundhispleabeforetheLordforlifeandsalvation;Eph.1:7,"Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." Phil. 3:8, 9,"That I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own

righteusness—but—the righteousness which is of God by faith." Surelyupon the condition of the covenant fulfilled, one may found his pleabefore theLord for the benefits promised in the covenant: but nomanmayfoundhispleabeforetheLordfortheseonanyworkordeedofhisownwhatsoever,nonoton faith itself;butonlyonChrist's fulfillingallrighteousness: therefore no work nor deed of ours whatsoever, no notfaith itself, can be the condition of the covenant of grace properly socalled;butonlyChrist'sfulfillingallrighteousness.Thesinnerstandinginthe court of conscience, trembling before the Lord, flees in under thecovert of that righteousness fulfilled by theMediator, and dare opposenothingbutittothecondemningsentenceofthelaw,givingupwithallotherpleasforlifeandsalvation.BelievinginChrististhepleadinguponthatground,not thegroundof thesinner'splea: it saith, "MyLordandmy God" in the promise, upon the ground of Christ's fulfilling allrighteousnessallenarly,astheconditionofthecovenant.Ifanywillmakeitthegroundoftheirplea,theymustneedsproduceitasaworkofalaw,thatis,asadeeddonebythem,wherebytheyhavefulfilledandanswereda law, and whereupon they crave the benefit promised: which will,accordingtothescripture,befoundadangerousadventure,Rom.3:20;Gal.2:16;and5:4.

3. It isby this, and this alone, the salvationof sinnersbecomesadebt:thereforethisaloneistheconditionofthecovenant.Fortherewardisofdebttohim,andhimonly,whofulfillstheconditionofacovenant:tohimthat worketh, not to him that worketh not, but believeth, Rom. 4:4, 5.AndsoitisofdebttoChristalone,nottous;andthereforeitwashethatfulfilled the condition of the covenant; we fulfil no part of it. This isconfirmed from the primitive situation of mankind with reference toeternallife,inthefirstAdam'scovenant,dulyconsidered.Theconditionthereofwasperfectactiveobedience.And,accordingtothenatureofthatcovenant,ifthisobediencehadbeenfulfilledbyAdam,eternallifetohimandhiswouldthereuponhavebecomeadebttohim.Andthepleaofhisposterity for life, in that case, would not have been founded on theirpersonalobediencecomingafterthatfulfilment;sinceitwouldnothavebeentheperformanceofthecondition,butthefruitofthepromise,ofthecovenant:butitwouldhavebeenfoundedonthatperformanceofAdamtheir representative; forasmuch as, in the case supposed, itwouldhave

been the only obedience whereby the condition of that covenant wasfulfilled;andsotheywouldhaveobtainedlife,notforanypersonalworkor deed of theirs, but for the obedience of the first Adam theirrepresentative, towhichGoddidgraciouslymakethepromiseof life, inthefirstcovenant.

4.Faithandobediencearebenefitspromised in thecovenant,uponthecondition of it, as hath been already evinced; and, in virtue of thepromisesof thecovenant, theyareproduced intheelect: thereforetheycannot be the condition of the covenant. And elect infants are saved,though,theyareneithercapableofbelievingnorofobeying:howbeit,theconditionofthecovenantmustneedsbeperformed,eitherbythemselveswho are saved, or else by another in their stead. Therefore Christ'sfulfillingallrighteousness,whichistheonlyobedienceperformedintheirstead,mustbethealoneproperconditionofthecovenant.

5. Lastly, The covenant of grace doth so exclude our boasting, as thecovenant of works did not. This is clear from Rom. 3:27, "Where isboastingthen?Itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?ofworks?Nay:butbythelawoffaith."Butifanydeedorworkofoursbetheconditionofthecovenantofgrace,inwholeorinpart,ourboastingisnotexcluded,buthathplacetherein,asinthecovenantofworks;thedifferencebeingatmostbutinpointofdegrees:for,accordingtothescripture,itisworking,orfulfillingtheconditionofacovenant,thatgivesthegroundofboasting;forasmuchastohimthatworketh,therewardisreckonedofdebt:andlifebeingoforbyworks in the covenant ofworks, thoughnot in thewayof propermerit, but in the way of paction or compact only, this gave men theground of boasting in that covenant, according to the scripture.Therefore, so far as life and salvation are of or by anywork or deed ofours,as fulfillingtheconditionof thecovenantofgrace,ourboasting isnot excluded, but hath place therein, as in the covenant of works.Wherefore, since the covenant of grace is so framed, as to leave nogroundforourboasting,noworknordeedofours,butChrist'sfulfillingall righteousness, even that alone, is the condition of the covenant ofgrace:andour lifeandsalvationareneitherofworks,norbyworks, asfulfilling the condition of the covenant: Tit. 3:5, "Not by works ofrighteousness,whichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesaved

us."Eph.2:9,"Notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast."

God forbidwe should go about to justle faith and obedience out of thecovenantofgrace: thosewhodoso inprincipleorpractice,will therebyjustlethemselvesoutofthekingdomofheaven:Matt.5:19,"Whosoevershallbreakoneoftheseleastcommandments,andshallteachmenso,heshall be called the least in the kingdomof heaven;" that is, he shall betreatedashetreatedthatoneofthesecommandments,heshallbejudgedunworthyofthefellowshipofthatkingdom.FaithisnecessarysavinglytointerestusinJesusChristtheheadofthecovenant:andnonecanattaintoeternalhappiness,withoutactualbelieving,whoaresubjectscapableofit;norcananyattainitwithouttheSpiritoffaithindwellinginthem.Obedience is necessary, as the chief subordinate end of the covenant,beingthatwherebyGodhathhisgloryhedesignedtherein:andwithoutobedience begun here, none who are subjects capable of it, can seeheaven. But withal it is necessary, that they be kept in the place andstation assigned them in the covenant by the Father and the Son frometernity. By faith we personally embrace the covenant, consent to, andrest in the condition of the covenant fulfilled by Christ; and so arejustifiedandbroughtintoastateofsalvation:John10:9,"Iamthedoor;byme if anymanenter in,he shallbe saved."CompareJohn1:12;and3:16; and 14:6. By evangelical repentance and gospel-obedience, wetestifyourthankfulnesstoGod,andevidencethetruthofourfaith,andourbeingwithinthecovenant:1Pet2:9,"Yeareachosengeneration,aroyalpriesthood,anholynation,apeculiarpeople; thatyeshouldshewforth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into hismarvellouslight:"ver.10,"Whichintimepastwerenotapeople,butarenow the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now haveobtainedmercy."CompareRom.6:13.and12:1,2;1Cor.6:20.

This the prophet taught the Jewish church of old, Mic. 6:8, "He hathshewed thee,Oman,what is good; andwhat doth the Lord require ofthee, but to do justly, and to lovemercy, and towalk humblywith thyGod?" In the sixth verse, amost important question is put, concerningtheacceptanceofasinnerwithGod,howitmaybeobtained,"Wherewithshall I come before the Lord?" and several costly expedients for thatpurposeareproposedbythesinner,eventothegivingof"thefruitofhis

body for the sin of his soul," ver. 6, 7. But the prophet answers thatquestioninaword,tacitlyupbraidingthemwithgrossstupidity,intheirgroping for thewall in broad day-light, even as in the night: "He hathshewedthee,Oman,whatisgood;"thatis,whatisgoodly,valuable,andacceptable, in the sight of God, for that purpose, even for a sinner'sobtainingpardonandacceptancewithGod;namely, theMessias, JesusChrist sacrificed for sinners. This was what God had all along, by hisprophets,andbythewholeceremoniallaw,pointedouttothem,andsetbeforethem,asthegoodforthatpurpose, thattheymightbyfaith lookthereunto,andbesaved,Isa.45:22.And,inthestyleoftheHolyGhost,Christcrucifiediselsewherespokenofunderthesamenotion:2Chron.30:18,"ThegoodLordpardoneveryonethatpreparethhishearttoseekGod." Orig. "Jehovah the goodmake atonement for," &c. Psalm 85:12,"TheLordshallgivethatwhichisgood;"or,shallgivethegood.CompareJohn4:10,"IfthouknewestthegiftofGod,andwhoitis."Isa.55:2,"Eatye thatwhich is good."Compare John6:55, "My flesh ismeat indeed."Job34:4,"Letusknowamongourselveswhatisgood."Ver.5,"ForJobhathsaid,Iamrighteous."Now,beingthusacceptedofGod,whatdothherequireoftheeinpointofgratitude,buttodojustly,asoneacceptednot without a righteousness answering the demands of justice andjudgment: and to lovemercy, as onewho hath obtainedmercy; and towalkhumblywiththyGod,asonewhoisfreegrace'sdebtor?InthesamemannerofexpressiondothMosesaddresshimselftothepeoplesecuredof thepossessionofCanaanby theoathofGod,andbeing just toenterupon it,Deut. 10:11, 12, "Andnow, Israel,what doth theLord thyGodrequireof thee,but to fear theLord thyGod,"&c.?namely, inpointofgratitude,forhisgivingtheethatgoodland.

Inf. From what is said it appears that your life and salvation entirelydepend on your special interest in Christ's righteousness. If ye arepossessedofityoursalvationissecure;ifnot,salvationisfarfromyou.Ifyou were never so full of your own righteousness, works, doings, andsufferings,allisbutfilthyragsinthiscase,andcannotgiveyouarightortitletolife:andalthoughyoucanseenothingofyourowninyourselves,whichyoucanleantobeforetheLord,yetiftherighteousnessofChristisyoursinpossession,byfaith,yourlifeandsalvationarefirmasarock.

CASE.HowthenshallIknowthatChrist'srighteousnessisindeedmineinpossession?ANSW.TheLordhimselfgivesadistinguishingcharacterof such happy possessors, Isa. 51:7, "Hearken unto me, ye that knowrighteousness, the people in whose heart is my law." They that knowrighteousness, are, in the style of the Scripture, those whose it is,agreeabletothephrase,Matth.25:12,"Iknowyounot,"q.d.Yearenoneofmine,Iacknowledgeyounotasmine.Sothischaracterconsistsoftwoparts. (1.)They are such as acknowledgeChrist's righteousness as theironly righteousness in the sight ofGod, and look to it alone for life andsalvation, renouncing all their own righteousness: Isa. 53:11. "By hisknowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;" that is by theknowledgeoracknowledgementofhim,whichisbyfaith.(2.)Theyhavethe lawofGod in theirhearts.Therighteouspeople, righteousby faith,are a holy people. Theymake conscience of internal obedience; for theholy lawruleswithinthem,eventherewhithernoeyereacheth,buttheeyes ofGod and their own consciences. So they are distinguished fromhypocrites,whoare"likeuntowhitedsepulchres,beautifuloutward,butwithin full of all uncleanness." They make conscience of externalobedience too; for as the candle burningwithin the lanthornwill shinethroughit,sothelawofGodrulingintheheart,cannotmisstoruleinthelifeandconversation too:Matth.6:22, "If therefore thineeyebe single,thywholebodyshallbefulloflight."Andsotheyaredistinguishedfromtheprofane,whoseunholylivesdeclarethemtohaveneitherpartnorlotinthisrighteousness:Psalm24:3,4,"Whoshallstandinhisholyplace?Hethathathcleanhands."Andthelawisnotonlyintheirmindsbyitslight,todrivethemtoobedience;asinthecaseoflegalists,whoworklikeslaves;but it is in theirheartsandaffections,discovering to their soulsthebeautyofholiness;andsodrawingthemtoallobedience,andcausingthem to work like sons to a father. Their hearts are reconciled to thepurityoftheholylaw,andtheydelightinitaftertheinwardman,Rom.7:22, and would fain reach a full conformity unto it, saying from theheart,"Othatmywaysweredirectedtokeepthystatutes!"Psalm119:5.

Secondly,Tounfoldthatrighteousness,thefulfillingofwhichwasmadetheconditionofthecovenantofgrace,weshallviewitintheseveralpartsthereof. That righteousness, forasmuch as it was to be fulfilled in theroom and stead of sinners, was and must be stated from the law, or

brokencovenantofworks,which theywere lyingunder; for the law,orbroken covenant of works, was so far from being neglected in the newbargain,thatwhatsoeverithadtochargeupon,ordemandofthepartiescontracted for in the new covenant, was summed up, and set downtherein, to be fully cleared by Christ their surety contracting for them.Now,statingthatrighteousnessfromthence,itwillbefoundtoconsistofthree parts making so many conditionary articles of the covenant ofgrace:towit,holinessofnature,righteousnessoflife,andsatisfactionforsin.Ofthewhichinorder.

ARTICLEI

HOLINESSOFNATURE

THElawrequiredholinessofnatureasaconditionof life, inasmuchascondemningoriginal sin, saying"Thoushaltnotcovet," it concludedallmen to be by nature children ofwrath. ForGod being essentially holy,holy by necessity of nature, nothing can be so contrary to God as anunholynature;because,howbeitpersonsorthingsofalikenaturemaybecontraryinsomepoints,yettheycanneverbesocontraryonetoanother,as thoseofquiteoppositenatures.But theparties contracted for in thecovenant of grace, having their nature wholly corrupted, and beingincapabletopurifyit,ormaketheirheartclean,Prov.20:9;itisevident,they could by nomeans answer this demand of the law by themselves.Wherefore,forthesatisfactionofthelawinthispoint,itwassettledasaconditionary article of the covenant of grace, "That Christ the secondAdam,representingthem,shouldbeamanofaperfectlyholy,pureanduntaintednature,follyansweringforthemtheholinessandperfectionofnaturerequiredbythelaw.""Forsuchanhighpriestbecameus,whoisholy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners," Heb. 7:16. And thisarticlecontainstwoclauses.

I."Thathe,asthesecondAdam,shouldbeconceivedandbornholy,forandinsteadofthemcorruptintheirnature,conceivedandborninsin."TherewasaholynaturegiventoAdamastherootofmankind,tobebyhim kept and transmitted to his posterity, in the way of natural

generation.Andupon this ground, the law requires allmen to be bornholy, pronouncing themunclean and children ofwrath, in the contraryevent, Job 14:4; Eph. 2:3. But how could this demand be answered bysinners?Theyareborninsin:theycannotenteragainintotheirmother'swomb,andbebornasecondtime,withoutsin.No,theycannot:yetthelawwillnotbateof thatdemand for life.Wherefore it isprovided, thatChrist,asapublicperson,representinghisspiritualseed,shouldbebornperfectlyholy;that,whereastheybroughtasinfulcorruptnatureintotheworldwith them, he should bring a holy human nature into theworldwithhim.AndsohewasthelastAdam,1Cor.15:45,holyandundefiled,Heb.7:26,"thatholythingborn,"Luke1:35.Andtheeffectthereofwithrespect to that law-demand for life is, that all believers are, in law-reckoning,bornholyinthesecondAdam,evenastheywerecreatedholyin the firstAdam.Hence theyare expressly said tobe crucified inhim,Col.2:11,whichplainlypresupposeththeirbeingborninhim.AnditisinvirtueoftheirbeinglegallybornholyinChrist,whenhewasborn,that,beingunitedtohiminthetimeofloves,theyarereallybornagain,andatlengthperfected;evenasinvirtueoftheirbeinglegallydefiledinAdam,whenhesinned,theyareactuallyandreallydefiledintheirownpersons,coming into theworld: theholynaturebeingactually communicated tothem from Christ their spiritual head, in whom they were legally bornholy;evenasthecorruptionofnatureisactuallyconveyedtothemfromAdamtheirnaturalhead,inwhomtheysinnedinlaw-reckoning.

2.Theotherclauseis,"ThatChrist,asthesecondAdam,shouldretaintheholiness ofnature inviolateunto the end, for themand in theirname."The law,or covenantofworks, required, as a conditionof life, that theholinessofnature,giventomankindinAdam,shouldbepreservedpureandincorrupt.Butitwaslost:andputthecase,thatithadbeenrestored,theycouldnothaveretainedit,intheirownpersons,unstainedamidstsomanysnares.Wherefore, tosatisfy the law-demand in thispoint, itwasprovided,thatinthemanChrist,asapublicpersonrepresentativeofhisseed,theirnatureshouldbekeptperfectlyholyuntotheend,withouttheleast stainordefilement: Isa.42:4, "Heshallnot fail;"or, "he shallnotwaxdim,"orwrinkle,as theskindothwhen themoisture isexhausted.Therein the firstAdamfailed.Heshone inpurityofnature,ashecamefromtheCreator'shand:buthefailed,hewaxeddim;theholinessofhis

nature being exhausted by sin, all mankind in him lost their spiritualbeauty, and wrinkled. But now that the second Adam failed not, butpreservedtheholinessofhumannatureinhimunstained,notintheleastdarkened, even to the end of his life; the remains of the corruption ofnatureinbelieversarenotimputedtothem,Rom.4:8;butasdefiledasthey are in themselves, through those remains cleaving to them, yet inChristtheirbeautyisfresh,andnotmarredintheleast,accordingtothat,Cant.4:7,"Thouartallfair,mylove,thereisnospotinthee."

ARTICLEII

RIGHTEOUSNESSOFLIFE

THISalsothelawinsisteduponasaconditionoflife;andjustly:forGodgavetoAdam,andallmankindinhim,alawtobeobeyedinallpoints;notonlyinvirtueofthetieofnaturalduty,butinvirtueofthebondofacovenantforlife:butitwasneverfulfilledbythem.ThefirstAdambeganindeedthecourseofobedience;buthequicklyfellofffromit,withallhisnatural seed in him.Now, it being inconsistentwith the honour of thelaw,thattheprize,towit,eternallife,shouldbeobtainedwithouttheracewas run; it still insisted, saying, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep thecommandments," Matth. 19:17. Howbeit, we were weak, moveless,without strength for running that race. Wherefore it was settled asanother conditionary article of the covenant, "That Christ, as a publicperson, represented those whom he contracted for, should begin andperfect thecourseofobedience to the law inrighteousnessof life."Andaccordingly,hebecameobedientuntodeath,Phil.2:8.

The law,whichwas the rule of this obedience, exacted of him,was thesamelawofthetencommands,thatwasgiventoAdam,andbindingonusasunderit:forhewasmadeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,Gal.4:4,5.Itextendedtoalldivineinstitutionswhichthesecond Adam found in being, whether obliging men as men, or asmembers of the church of God on earth: even as the rule of the firstAdam's obedience, extended to the positive law touching the forbiddenfruit, which was in being when he was set to fulfil his covenant-

obedience.

That we may the more distinctly comprehend this article, it may beobservedtobearthesethreethingsfollowing.

1."Thathe,asthesecondAdam,shouldobeythewholelaw,inthenameof those he represented." This was a debt owing by them all; and wasrequiredof thembythe law,asaconditionof life:Gal.3:10."Cursed iseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookof the law to do them." But the answering of this demand was quitebeyondtheirreach.Man,bythefall,havinglostmuchofhisknowledgeofthe law,had lost sightofmanyof theduties required therein:howbeit,ignorance of the law excuseth no man. His heart was averse to andenmity against the law, Rom. 8:7. And he was without strength toperformthedutiesthereinrequiredofhim,chap.5:6.Sothatbyreasonof ignorance, aversion, and impotency in thatmatter, the obedience ofthewholelawwasnottobehadfromthem.Whereforeitwasprovided,that Christ, as their representative, should give obedience to thewholelaw for them; that both tables of the law, and each command of eachtable, shouldhave thedueobedience fromhim; that the lawbeing laidbeforehiminitsspiritualityandfullextent,heshouldfullyanswerit,ininternal and external obedience, in his mind, will, and affections, inthought,word, and deed; that he should conformhimself to thewholenaturallaw,andtoalldivineinstitutions,ceremonialorpolitical,soastobe circumcised,keep thepassover, tobebaptized, tobea servantoforsubject to rulers, pay tribute to whom it was due, and the like: in oneword,thatheshouldperformthewholewillofGod,signifiedinhislaw;so that with the safety of the law's honour, his peoplemight have life.WhatthefirstAdamfailedin,thesecondAdamwastodo.AndthisItaketo be represented unto us, in the case of the first and second king ofIsrael,towit,SaulandDavid,Acts13:22."IhavefoundDavidthesonofJesse,amanaftermineownheart,whichshallfulfilallmywill;"Gr."allmywills." Inwhich there isaplainviewtoSaul,whowaspartial inhisobedience to the will of God, (1 Sam. 15) and upon that score lost thekingdomforhimandhis.

2. "That every part of that obedience should be carried to the highestpitchanddegree."Thisthelawrequiredofthem,asaconditionoflife;as

ourLordhimself shewedunto the lawyer,Luke 10:27, "Thou shalt lovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysoul,andwithallthystrength,andwithall thymind;and thyneighbouras thyself."Ver.28,"Thisdo,andthoushaltlive."Butitwasademandtheycouldneverhaveanswered, since Adam had squandered away their stock of ability, andleft them without strength. They might as soon have reached up theirhandstothesuninthefirmament,sofarabove,ashaveattainedtotheperfectionofobediencedemandedofthembythelaw.Whereforeitwasagreed,thatChristshouldintheirnameobeythelawinthatperfection,beingmadeunderthe law,as theywereunder it,Gal.4:4,5; thateveryactionofhis shouldbear,notonlyagoodnessof thematter,butof themanner too, and that in perfection; that love to God and man shouldflame inhis holyhuman soul, to theutmost pitch requiredby the law;andsothatdebtowingbyhisseed,mightbeclearedbyhim,actingasapublicmanintheirname.

3.Lastly,"Thatallthisshouldbecontinuedtotheend,withouttheleastfailure in one jot of parts or degrees of obedience." This also was aconditionof life stated in the first covenant;Gal.3:10, "Cursed is everyonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelaw todo them."But itwasademand they couldbynomeansanswer;man'snaturebeing so vitiatedby the fall, that if a thousandhellswerelyinguponit, thebestonearthcouldnotkeepperfectlyrightonehour.Wherefore itwas agreed, that the secondAdamshould, in thenameofthoseherepresented,continueinallthingswritteninthelawtodothem,eventotheend;thatheshouldnotfailinhisbeguncourseofobedience,butruntotheendoftheracesetbeforehim;thatfromthewombtothegrave,hisheartandlifeshouldshineinperfectionofholiness.Allwhichhedidaccordinglyfulfil,beingobedientuntodeath,Philip.2:8.

ARTICLEIII

SATISFACTIONFORSIN

THEformertwowereintheconditionofAdam'scovenant:butthiswasnotinit;forwhiletherewasnosin,therewasnoplaceforsatisfactionforsin. But the new covenant behoved to be settled on the condition of asatisfactionforsin;becausethebrokenlaworcovenantofworks,insistedfor it as a condition of life to sinners, in virtue of its penalty by themincurred. Howbeit, it was quite beyond their power to answer thisdemandofthelaw.IfthentheMediatorwillhaveaseedbroughtfromthestateofdeath, intoastateof lifeandsalvation,hemustbuythemfromthe hand of justice, telling down a price for every soul of them, 1 Cor.6:20.Accordingly,allthesinsofeveryoneofthem,fromthefirstsintheyshouldbeconvincedandbornin,tothelastsintheyshouldexpirewith,being foreseen of God from eternity, were summed up as so manybreaches of the law or covenant of works: and it was made anotherconditionary article of the covenant, "That Christ, as a public person,should satisfy fully and completely for them all:" Isa. 53:6, "The Lordhathlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall;comparedwithLev.16:21,"AlltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressionsinalltheirsins."

Now,inthisarticletherewerethreethingsestablished.

First, "That Christ, as a public person, should satisfy for them bysuffering:"Luke24:26,"OughtnotChristtohavesuffered?"Sinnerswereliable to suffer for the satisfaction of justice: and nothing but sufferingcould be accepted, as a compensation of the injury done by sin, to thehonourofGod, intheviolatingofhisholy law.Thousandsoframs,andten thousands of rivers of oil,were at theMediator's command; all thesilverandgold,andthepreciousthingsoftheearthandseas,wereathisdisposal:butnoneofthesecouldbeofuseinthisbargain;theywereallofnovalueinatreatyfortheredemptionofthesoul,Mic.6:6,7,8;1Pet.1:18.Hisownsufferingcouldonlyavailhere.ThattheSonofGodshouldsuffer,wasindeedanamazingproposal;butitwasnecessary,inordertosatisfyforoursin.

Secondly,"Thatheshouldsufferthesamepunishmenttheyshouldhavesuffered in virtue of thepenalty of thebroken covenant ofworks;" andthat was death in its full latitude and extent. This appears from thepenaltyofthatcovenant,fromwhichthedebtofsatisfactionwasstated,"In the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die," Gen. 2:17;compared with Christ's dying for, that is, in the room and stead ofsinners, sooftenmentioned in theScriptures,Rom.5:6,8;2Cor.5:14,15; 1 Thess. 5:10.And it is confirmed from that the Scripture teacheth,thattheallforwhomChristdied,diedinhim,2Cor.5:14,"Ifonediedforall,thenwerealldead;"or,thenthealldied,towit,inhim;evenastheysinned,andbecameliabletodeath,inAdam.Sosaiththeapostle,"IamcrucifiedwithChrist,"Gal.2:20.

Forclearingthispurpose,twothingsaretobedistinguishedinthatdeathwhichwasthepenaltyofthecovenantofworks.1.Whatwasessentialtoit,wraptupintheverynatureofthethingitselfcalleddeathinthestileofthatcovenant.Andthatmaybecompromisedinthesetwo:(1.)Thecurse,(2.) Infinite execution; the former making the death legal, the lattermakingitrealandsatisfactory.2.Whatwasaccidentaltoit,arising,notfrom the nature of the thing in itself, but from the nature of the partydyingthatdeath.Andthisisoftwosorts.(1.)Thereissomethingarisingfromthenatureofthedyingparty,asheisamerecreature;suchastheeternity of the punishment and despair of life. (2.) Something arisingfromthenatureofthedyingparty,asheisasinfulcreature,orsubjectofinherentsin;suchastheextinctionofthesavingrelationbetwixtGodandthe soul, the divesting it of God's image, and the corruption anddissolutionofthebody.

Now,theessentialsofthatdeathweshouldhavesufferedinvirtueofthepenalty of the broken covenant of works, were laid, as a part of theconditionofthecovenantofgrace,onJesusChrist,tobesufferedbyhim,forus.Forhewas"madeacurseforus,"Gal.3:13,and"gavehimselfforus,anofferingandasacrificetoGodforasweetsmellingsavour,"Eph.5:2,thatis,asacrificeequallingtheinfiniteoffencearisingfromoursin;whenceheissaid,"byonesuffering"tohave"perfectedforeverthemthataresanctified,"Heb.10:14.Buttheaccidentalsofthatdeathwerenopartof theconditionof thecovenant laidonhim:norcould theyatallhave

place in him; since he was neither a subject of inherent sin, nor yet amere creature.Nevertheless, itwas still the samedeath thatwe shouldhave suffered; forasmuch as the essentials were the same. Thus thebodies of the saints, which are now weak and corruptible, shall at theresurrection be powerful and incorruptible, yet still the same bodies;sincethesequalitiesarebutaccidentaltoahumanbody.Sointhecaseofclearing of debt, though, the borrower could not pay it, but in a greatquantityofcopper-money,andthatadvancedbylittleandlittleforalongtime:whichwithalwouldruinhim:yet, ifhisrichcautionershouldpayallatonce, ina littlegold; it is evident, itwouldbe thepaymentof thesamedebt,providingonly that it fullyequalledthesumborrowed.Nay,confiningourviewtodeath itself,which is thegeneralpropernotionofthethinginquestion,letusputthecase,thattwomen,equallyguiltyofthesamecrime,arelaidunderoneandthesamesentenceofdeath;anditisexecuteonthemboth:buttheoneisbyamiracleraisedtolifeagain,the other lies and rots in the grave. It is evident in this case, that thedeath they died, is the same death, answering the very same estimatewhich the law made of the crime; and that therefore the death of theformersatisfiesthelaw,aswellasthedeathofthelatter,sothatitcannotreachhislifeagainforthatcrime:howbeit,itisnolessevident,thatthereis a huge difference between the death of the one and the other, inaccidentals,particularlyinthedurationorcontinuanceofit.Wherefore,we conclude, that as Christ gave the same active obedience to the lawwhichweshouldhavegiveninvirtueoftheconditionofthecovenantofworks;sohesufferedthesamepunishmentofdeaththatweshouldhavesuffered invirtueof thepenaltyof thatbrokencovenant: forasmuchas,whatever difference there was in accidentals, the essentials were thesame; itbeing laidonhim, in thenewcovenant, to sufferdeath forus,equalling the infinite offence arising from our sins, being fullyproportionatetotheestimatethelawandjusticeofGodhadmadeofourcrime.

Andthus,accordingtowhatissaid,twograndpointswereestablishedintheconditionarypartofthecovenant.

1."Thatthecurseofthelawduetousforoursin,shouldbetransferredon him as the second Adam, our representative; whereby he should

instantlybeamandeadinlawforhisseed."Eitherheortheybehovedtobearthecurse:foritiswritten,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswritteninthelaw."SinceGodhadannexedthethreateningofdeathtohisfirstcovenant,saying,"Inthedaythoueatestthereof,thoushalt surelydie;" the truthofGodsecured thecurse its takingplace,assoon as sin should enter. Now, they were not able to bear it, withoutbeingruinedthereby.Butthatitmightbeborne,andtheywithalsaved,itwasprovided, thathe shouldbe laidunder it, in their roomand stead;that as he was made sin for them, so he should also, in consequencethereof,bemadeacurseforthem,Gal.3:13.

The curse is the sentence of the broken law passed upon a person,bindinghimovertotherevengingwrathofGod,tothefullsatisfactionofjustice. So that awful and tremendous mystery lies here. Christ muststandbeforethetribunalof theholy law,asasinner;answerableforallthesinsofalltheelect,byvirtueofhisbondofsuretishipregistrateintherecords of heaven: and sentence must pass upon him, adjudging andbinding him over to suffer all that revenging wrath which their sinsdeserved. The Lamb ofGod said, "Lo, I come:" so itwas done, hewasmadeacurse forus. In tokenhereof,beingconvenedbefore theJewishsanhedrim, he was judged a blasphemer, and worthy of death; andcompearingbeforePilatetheRomangovernor,hewasbyhimsentencedtodie,andthatuponthecross.

Beholdthestupendousresultofthisawfultransaction,thetransferringofthe curse on Christ the second Adam! 1. Hereby he was made theseparatedoneoftheelectsociety,separateduntoevil,astheimmediateeffect of the curse is described,Deut. 29:21.Hewasmade the devotedhead,devotedtopay forall therest.Hewassetupas themarkagainstwhich all the arrows of revenging wrath should be aimed. He wasappointed to be the common receptacle of all the floods of vengeance,issuing from incensed justice towards the whole body of the elect, toswallow them up; here the current of all these was turned, that theyshould together flow in upon him. Hence he cries, Psalm 69:2, "I amcome into deep waters, where the floods overflow me." 2. Hereby hebecametheresting-placeofrevengingjustice,whereitwastoprey,tillitshouldbe satisfied to the full; Isa. 53:10, "Thou shaltmakehis soul an

offering for sin." In tokenhereof,when the officers came to apprehendhim, he said, "If ye seekme let these go their way." Justice leaves thechaseoftherebel-multitude,seekshim,andhimonly;sincehewasmadeacurseforthem.Thushewasdesignedtobethesacrificeforallhisseed,which the fire of revenging wrath should burn up, till it sent forth asweet-smelling savour, a savour of rest to the incensed justice of anoffendedGod.

2.Anothergrandpointestablishedhere,was,"Thatthecursetransferredonhim,shouldbeinfinitelyexecuteduponhimasthesecondAdam,ourrepresentative; whereby he should die really for his seed, to the fullcompensationofalltheinjuriesdonetothehonourofaninfiniteGod,byalltheirsins."Vainisthatcursewhichtakesnoteffect:asthecurseoftheholy law was not causeless, so it could not miss of coming on, in itsinfinite weight, for the satisfaction of justice. Now, had it so come onthem, they would have been eternally satisfying, but could never haveended their satisfaction. But coming on him, the church of God waspurchasedwithhisownblood,Acts20:28,and"thebloodofJesusChristhisSoncleansethus fromall sin,"1John1:7, the infinitedignityof thepersondying,makingtheexecutionofthecurseonhimuntodeathtobeinfiniteinvalue,fullycompensatingtheinfinitewrong,accordingtotheestimatemadeofitbylawandjustice.

Andhereitwassettledandagreed,"Thatthecurseshouldbeexecutedonthe whole man;" that being their due; and therefore that he should"become poor," and "not have where to lay his head," that he shouldsufferhuuger, forwantofmeat; thirst, forwantofdrink:thathisnameandreputationshouldbesunk,loadedwithvilereproachesandslanders;hisveryfriendsgoingabouttolayhandsuponhimasamad-man;thatheshould be accounted a worm and no man; a reproach of men, anddespised of the people: hiswhole lot in theworld afflicted, persecuted,and exceeding low; and that in end, being strippedof his garments, heshouldbehungupnakedbeforethesun,betweentwomalefactors,asiftheworstofthethree.

Moreparticulary,hereitwasstipulatedandagreedto,

1st,"Thatthecurseshouldbeexecutedonhisblessedbody;"forasmuch

astheirbodieswereliabletoit,asbeinginstrumentsofsinanddishonourto God: that he should be hanged on a tree, that all the world mightthereinreadtheangerofGodagainstthebreakingofthefirstcovenant,byeatingoftheforbiddentree;andhisbeingmadeacurseforus,sinceitiswritten, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree;" that the curseshouldgoover,anddeathpassthrough,everypartofthatblessedbody:thathisheadshouldbedisgracefullywoundedwithacrownofthornsputupon it; his visage marred more than any man; his back given to thesmiters; his cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; his face not hidfromshameandspitting;histonguemadetocleavetohisjaws;hishandsand feetpierced,nailed toa cross; allhisbonesdrawnoutof joint;hisheart like wax, melted in the midst of his bowels; his blood shed; hisstrengthdriedup;and that inend it shouldexpireanddie,beseparatefromhissoul,piercedwithaspear,andlaidinthedustofdeath.

2dly,"Thatitshouldbeexecutedonhisholysoul,inaspecialmanner;"forasmuchastheirsoulsweretheprincipalactorsinsin:thatheshouldundergothewrathofGodinit,beingallalonghislifeamanofsorrows,andacquaintedwithgrief:andthattowardsthelatterend,thereshouldbeanhourandpowerofdarkness,whereinthemaliceofmen,thepowerand rageofdevils, shouldbe jointly engagedagainsthim,making theirutmost efforts on him; and then the full floods of Heaven's revengingwrathshouldcomerollinginuponhissoul:thattheyshouldsooverflowit,astostrikehimwithsoreamazement,Allhimwithtrouble,loadhimwith heaviness, and overwhelm him with exceeding sorrow: that thereshouldbesuchapressureofdivinewrathonhisholysoul,asshouldputhimintoanagony,eventohissweatinggreatdropsofblood;andshouldbringoveritatotaleclipseofcomfort,andasitweremeltitwithinhim;thatso,whilehewasdyingabodilydeathonthecross,hemightdiealsoaspiritualdeath,suchasamostpureandholysoulwascapableof.

Herewasthedeathdeterminedinthecovenant,forthesecondAdamourrepresentative; a death in virtue of the curse transferred on him, long-lastingandexquisite, for the full satisfactionof revenging justice. (1.) Itwas long-lasting death.Hewas a-dying, in the style of the covenant ofworks,notonlyuponthecross,butallalongthetimeofhislife;thedeaththatwasthepenaltyofthatcovenant,workinginhimfromthewomb,till

it laid him in the grave. Wherefore he behoved to be conceived of awomanoflowestate;andborninthestableofaninn,noroomforhimintheinnitself;laidinamanger,nocradletoreceivehim;hisinfant-bloodshed inhis circumcision, as if hehadbeena sinner; yea,his infant-lifesoughtbyacruelpersecutor,andhismotherobligedtorunhercountrywithhim,andgotoEgypt.Returning,hebehovedtoliveanobscurelifein an obscure place, fromwhich nothing great nor goodwas expected,John1:46;andcomingoutofhisobscurity,tobesetupastheobjectoftheworld'sill-willandspite,obloquyandmaltreatment,tillbythehandof Jew and Gentile he was put to death on the cross. (2.) It was anexquisitedeath.Nopity,nosparing in it:but thecursecarried it to thehighest pitch. No sparing from an angry God, Rom. 8:32. No sparingfromwickedmenletlooseonhim,pushinghimlikebulls,roaringonhimanddevouringhimlikelions,andrendinghimlikedogs,whenoncetheirhourAndpowerofdarknesswascome,Psalm22:12,13,16.Notagoodwordspokentohiminthemidstofhistorments,bythosethatstoodby;but cruellymocked and insultedby them.Much less a gooddeeddonehim.Not a drink ofwater allowedhim, but vinegar offeredhim, in histhirstcausedthroughthefireofdivinewrathdrinkinguphisspiritsandmoisture.Nay,theveryfaceoftheheavenswaslowringonhim:thesunmust not give him its light, but wrap up itself from him in darkness;because"lightissweet,anditisapleasantthingtobeholdthesun."

Lastly, In this article it was established, "That he should suffer all thisvoluntarily, submissively, and resignedly, out of regard to thewrongedhonour of God." Accordingly, speaking of his life, he saith, "No mantaketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself," John 10:18, comparePsalm40:6,7,8.Thisthelawdemandedofthemwhomhesufferedfor,condemning all murmuring and impatience, and binding them toobedienceandsufferingconjunctly.Buthowcouldtheyhavesobornetheloadofrevengingwrath,whocannotbearasharpfitofthegoutorgravel,withoutsomedegreeofimpatienceintheeyeoftheholylaw?Whereforeit was provided, that Christ, as their representative, should bear theirpunishmentvoluntarily,andwithperfectpatienceandresignation: thathe should go "as a lamb to the slaughter," quietly resigning his humanwill to the divine will; and make his obedience in his sufferings, asconspicuousashissufferingsthemselves:that,inmidstoftheextremity

ofhistorments,heshouldnotentertaintheleastunbecomingthoughtofGod,butacknowledgehimholyinthemall,Psalm22:3:noryettheleastgrudge against his murderers; in token of which, he prayed for themwhilehewasonthecross,saying,"Fatherforgivethem;fortheyknownotwhattheydo,"Luke23:34.

Thusfaroftheconditionaryarticles.

INFERENCES FROM THE CONDITION ART PART OF THECOVENANT

Thus,aswehaveshown,stoodtheimportantconditionofthecovenantofgrace;andfromthencethefollowinginferencesarefairlydeducible.

Inf.1.Theredemptionofthesoulisprecious.Isitnot?Looktothepriceofthepurchase,theransomofsouls,asstatedinthecovenant;theholybirth,righteouslife,andsatisfactorydeathoftheSonofGod;andyemustconcludeittobeacostlyredemption.Turnhitheryoureyes,(1.)Yewhovaluenotyourownsouls.Seeheretheworthofthosesoulsyesell forathingofnought,forsatisfyingacorruptpassion,apangoflustofonesortoranother.Costlywasthegatheringofwhatye thusthrowaway.Ye letthemgoataverylowprice;butChristcouldnothaveoneofthematthehandof justice,butat thepriceofhispreciousblood.Yecannot foregothevanitiesofapresentworldforthem,norspendaseriousdayorhouraboutthem;buthe,afteralife-timeofsorrowsunderwentamostbitterdeath for them.What thinkye?Washe inconsiderateandtoo liberal inhismakingsuchabargainfortheredemptionofsouls?Hewasinfinitelyjust,whoproposedthecondition;andhewasinfinitelywise,whowentintoit.HewasaFatherthatexactedthisransomforsouls;andhewashisownSonthatpaidit.Beashamedandblush,tomakesolowanestimateofthosesouls,whichHeavensetsuchahighpriceon.(2.)Yewhohavecheap thoughts of the pardom of sin, and of salvation, correct yourmistakehere.Youfearlesslyrunoninsin,thinkingallmaysoonbesettorights again,with aGod forgiveme, havemercy onmy soul; so as youmay leap out of Delilah's lap into Abraham's bosom. O fearfulinfatuation!Isthemeanandlowbirth,thesorrowful life,andthebitterdeath of Jesus the Son of God, not sufficient to give men a just andhonourablenotionof thepardonof sin?Look into the conditionof the

covenantforpardon,writteninthebloodoftheLambofGod,andlearnthevalueajustGodputsuponhispardonsandsalvation.See,Osinner,thatitisnotwords,butdeeds;notpromisesandresolvestodobetter,butperfectionofholinessandobedience;notdrawingofsighsandsheddingof tears,but sheddingofblood;andnot thybloodneither,butbloodofinfinitevalue,thatcouldprocurethepardonofsin,andsalvation.AndifthouhavenotupontheebyfaithallthatrighteousnessChristfulfilled,tobe presented unto God for a pardon, thou shalt never obtain it.Particularly,yeareapttothinklightofthesinyewerebornin,andthecorruption cleaving to your nature; but know, that God does not thinklight of these. It behoved to be an article of the covenant, that Christshouldbebornholy,andretaintheholinessofhumannature inhimtotheend;elsetheunholybirthandcorruptnaturewederivedfromAdam,wouldhavestakedusalldowneternallyunderthecurse.(3.)Yethathavemean thoughts of the holy law, rectify your dangerous mistake by thehelpof thisglass.Yemakenobonesof transgressing its commands;yeneglectanddespiseitscurse:asitisalaw,yeshewnotsomuchregardtoitastothelawsofmen;andasitisacovenant,yelookuponitasoutofdate,being innoconcernhowitmaybesatisfiedforyou.Andshall thehonouroftheholylawlieinthedust,inyourcase?RatherthanitshouldsolieinthecaseofSodomandGomorrah,Godwouldhavethemlaidinasheswithfireandbrimstone.Yea,forvindicatingthehonourofthelaw,thiswholeworldshallbeburnttoashes,andalltheunholycastoutfromthepresenceoftheLordforever.Andinthecaseofthemthataresaved,GodwouldhavethecurseofthelawexecuteduponhisownSonastheirSurety,andthecommandsof itperfectlyobeyed inallpointsbyhimintheirname.Sure,ifyouarepossessedofanyshareherein,itwillbegreatandhonourableinyoursight,asitisinthesightofGod.

Inf. 2. The law is no loser, in that life and salvation are bestowed onbelieversinChrist.Itissofarfrombeingmadevoidthroughfaith,thatitis established thereby,as theapostlewitnesseth,Rom.3:31.Godwouldneverdispensehispardonsattheexpenceofthehonourofhis law;nordeclare one righteous, without the righteousness of the law beingfulfilled,eitherbyhim,or inhimbyanother,Rom.8:4.Wherefore, lifeandsalvationbeingdesignedfortheelect,thelaw'swholeaccountsofallithadtochargeonthemforlife,weretakenin;andaninfalliblemethod

was laid down for clearing them, the burden of the payment beingtransferred on Christ their surety. By this exchange of persons the lawhadnoloss.Nay,itwasmoreforthehonourofthelaw,thathewasmadeunder it, and satisfied it, in virtue of the claim it haduponhimby thesecondcovenant,thanifthey,beingmerecreatures,hadsatisfieditinallpoints. But the truth is, they being sinners, could never by anymeanshavefullysatisfiedit;thoughithadeternallypursuedthemandexactedof them, itwould never have had enough from them;whereas now, byChrist'stakingtheirdebtonhim,itwaspaidtotheutmostfarthing.

Inf.3.FaithhathabroadandfirmbottomtostandonbeforetheLord.The believer hath a strong plea for life and salvation, which cannotmiscarry;namely,theconditionofthecovenantfulfilledbyJesusChrist,even all righteousness: Having therefore, brethren, boldnesss to enterintotheholiestbythebloodofJesus—letusdrawnearwithatrueheart,in full assurance of faith," Heb. 10:19–22. The broken boards ofuncovenantedmercy, andmen's own works, which presumption fixethupon,cannotbut fail, since the lawadmitsno life forasinneron thesegrounds. But forasmuch as there a gift of Christ and his righteousnessproclaimed in the gospel is by the authorityofheaven,hewhoby faithreceiveth that gift, andmakes the same his only plea before the Lord,cannot miss of salvation: Rom. 5:17, "They which receive (Gr. the)abundanceofgrace,andofthegiftofrighteousness,shallreigninlifebyone, Jesus Christ;" where the abundance mentioned, relates not todifferentdegreesofthegraceorgift,buttotheoffence,asappearsfromver. 20: As if he had said, "Who receive the grace and gift ofrighteousnesswhichaboundbeyondAdam'soffencesaving themoutofthegulfofruinitplungedtheminto."FaithunitingasinnertoChristthehead of the second covenant, makes him partaker of Christ'srighteousness,asreallyaseverhiscovenant-relationtoAdammadehimpartaker ofhis guilt. Sohaving all thatChristwas, did, or suffered, forfulfilling the condition of the second covenant, to plead for life andsalvation; it is not possible the claim can miscarry, justice as well asmercy befriending the plea of faith, as a righteous thing with God, 2Thess.1:6,7.

Inf.4.lastly,AllwhoareinChristtheheadofthecovenantofgrace,and

sobroughtintoitpersonally,areinherentlyrighteous,orholy.Forlikeasthough Adam alone did personally break the first covenant by the all-ruining offence, yet they to whom his guilt is imputed, do thereuponbecome inherently sinful, through the corruptionofnature conveyed tothem fromhim; so, howbeit, Christ alone did perform the condition ofthesecondcovenant,yetthosetowhomhisrighteousnessisimputed,dothereupon become inherently righteous, through inherent gracecommunicatedtothemfromhimbytheSpirit.Soteacheththeapostleinthe forecited passage, Rom. 5:17, "For if by one man's offence, deathreignedbyone;muchmore theywhichreceive theabundanceofgrace,andof thegiftofrighteousness,shallreignin lifebyone,JesusChrist."How did death reign by Adam's offence? Not only in point of guilt,wherebyhisposteritywereboundovertodestruction;butalsoinpointoftheir being dead to all good, dead in trespasses and sins: therefore thereceiversofthegiftofrighteousnessmusttherebybebroughttoreigninlife, not only legally in justification, but also morally in sanctification,begunhere,andperfectedhereafter.

Accordingly, answerable to the three parts of the condition of thecovenant of grace, undertaken and performed by the second Adam, towit, holiness of nature, righteousness of life, and satisfaction for sin;therearethreecharacterstobefoundinallcapablesubjects,whobeingpersonally brought into the covenant, have the righteousness of Christuponthem,andimputedtothem.

Char.1.Theyareallbornagain,andsomadepartakersofanewandholynature:2Cor.5:17,"Therefore,"(namely,sincehediedforall,ver.15,)"ifanyman be in Christ, he is a new creature." Christ's being born holy,securedaholynewbirth to them inhim:so theyareallnewcreatures,"created in Christ Jesus unto good works," Eph. 2:10; new made inChrist, as sure as they were marred in Adam. And how can it beotherwise?Canamanbeingraftedinthetruevine,andnotpartakeofthesap and juice of the stock, that is, the Spirit and grace of Christ? No,surely:"IfanymanhavenottheSpiritofChrist,heisnoneofhis,"Rom.8:9.Or,can theSpiritandgraceofChristbe inany,andyetnochangemade on their nature, but it still remain unrenewed? No, indeed: "IfChristbe in you, thebody isdead,becauseof sin;but theSpirit is life,

becauseofrighteousness,"ver.10.Considerthis,yewhopretendtorelyontherighteousnessofChrist,butareveryeasyinthispoint,whetheryearebornagain,ornot;whetherthereisaholynaturederivedfromChristtoyou,ornot.Believe it,sirs, if itbenotso,yehavenosaving interest,part, nor lot in Christ's righteousness. Ye may on as good groundspretend, that howbeit the guilt of Adam's sin was imputed to you, yettherewas no corrupt nature derived fromhim to you; as pretend, thatChrist'srighteousnessisimputedtoyou,whileyetyearenotbornagain,your nature is not changed, by the communication of sanctifying gracefromChrist,untoyou.Deceivenotyourselves;yemustberegenerate,elseye will perish: for "except a man be born again, he cannot see thekingdomofGod,"1John3:3.

Char. 2. They are all righteous and holy in their lives; Isa. 60:21, "Thypeoplealsoshallbeallrighteous."Chap.62:12,"Andtheyshallcallthemtheholypeople."Howdidungodliness,unrighteousness, andprofanity,enterintotheworld,thewhicharenowoverflowingallbanks?Wasitnotbyoneman,byAdam'ssin,whichisimputedtoallmankind?Rom.5:12.Then be sure, if the second Adam's righteousness be imputed to you,holinessof lifewill comealongwith it: 1Cor.6:11, "Butyearewashed,but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified." Does sanctification then gobefore justification? No: but it hath a necessary dependence onjustification,andevidencethittotheworld,andtoone'sownconscience.Unjustified,unsanctified;andunsanctified,unjustified.DidourblessedSaviourcomeintotheworld,andinournatureleadaholyrighteouslife,thatmenmight live as they list?Nay, quite the contrary; even thatwebeingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemies,mightservehimwithoutfear, inholiness and righteousnessbeforehim, all thedaysof our life,"Luke1:74,75.IfthenChristlivedforyou,assuredlyyeshallliveforhim.Consider this, ye who are far from righteousness of life, living in theneglect of the duties either of the first or second table, or both. Yourungodly andunrighteous lifedeclares you tobe yet in your sins, underthe curse, and far from righteousness imputed. There is indeed arighteousnessofChrist;butalas!itisnotuponyou:yearenakedforallit,andstandexposedtorevengingwrath.

Char. 3.Theoldman is crucified in themall:Gal. 5:24, "They that are

Christ's,havecrucifiedtheflesh,withtheaffectionsandlusts."ThereforeI say toyou in thewordsof theapostle,Rom.8:13, "If ye liveafter theflesh,yeshalldie:butifyethroughtheSpiritdomortifythedeedsofthebody,yeshalllive."WhenourSaviourhungonthecross,hehungthereas representative of all that are his, with all their sins on him byimputation,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyedinhissufferingsforit, Rom. 6:6. He hung there as the efficientmeritorious cause of theirmortification,thatbyhisdeaththeymightdestroythepowerofdeathinthem;whichappearsnot inanythingmore, than in living lustspreyingontheirsouls:Hos.13:14,"Iwillredeemthemfromdeath:Odeath,Iwillbe thyplagues."SeeTit.2:14;Rom.6:6,7;Eph.5:25,26.Andhehungthere as the exemplary cause of theirmortification; so that allwho arehis, and have sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, arelikewisecrucifiedanddietosin,afterthesimilitudeofhiscrucifixionanddeath;beingcrucifiedwithhim,Gal.2:20;plantedtogether(withhiminthe likeness of his death, Rom. 6:5; the fellowship of his sufferingsmaking them conformable unto his death, Phil. 3:10.Will ye then liveaftertheflesh,notwrestlingagainst,butfulfillingtheluststhereof;livinginsinandtosin,insteadofbeingmortifiedtoit;andyetpretendthatthesatisfactionofChristisimputedtoyouforrighteousness?Trulyyoumayonasgoodgroundssay,thatthebloodofChristshedforyou,hathprovenineffectual; and that he hath so far missed of his aim and design insufferingforyou;orthathediedforyou,thatyoumightliveinyoursinwithout danger. These would make a blasphemous profession.Accordingly, your presumptuous sinful life and practice, is a course ofpracticalblasphemyagainsttheSonofGod,makinghimtheministerofsin;andevidencethyourpretensionstotheimputationofhissatisfactiontobealtogethervain.Nay,ofatruth,ifyehaveanysavinginterestinthedeathofChrist,youroldmaniscrucifiedwithhim,Rom.6:6;andyearedeadwithhim,ver,8;deadwithhimtosin,totheworld,andtothelaw.

(1.)IfyehaveasavinginterestinChrist'sdeath,yearedeadwithhimtosin:Rom.6:10,"Inthathedied,hedieduntosinonce."Ver.11,"Likewisealso reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin."While our LordJesuslivedintheworld,thesinsofalltheelect,astotheguiltofthem,hungabouthim, andmadehima "manof sorrows" all along;whenhewasuponthecross,theywroughtuponhimmostfuriously,stinginghim

totheverysoul,tilltheykilledhim,andgothimlaidinthegrave.Thentheyhaddonetheirutmostagainsthim,theycoulddonomore.Sodyingforsin,hedieduntoit,hewasdeliveredfromit:andinhisresurrectionheshookthemalloff,asPaulshooktheviperoffhishandintothefire,and felt no harm; rising out of the grave, even as he will appear thesecondtime,withoutsin.Wherefore,ifyedoindeedknowthefellowshipofhissufferings,ifyoureallyhavefellowshipwithhiminthem,deathwillhavemade itsway fromChrist the head unto you as hismembers; hisdeath unto sin cannotmiss towork your death unto it also. If you aredead indeedwith Christ, as ingrafted into him, sin hath got its death'swoundsinyou;thebondthatknityourheartsandyourluststogether,isloosed;andyewillbeshakingofftheviperousbroodofthemintothefire,inthedailypracticeofmortification.Butifyearenotdead,butstilllivinguntosin,itisaninfallibleevidenceyearenoneofthemembersofChrist:Rom.6:2, "Howshallwe that aredead to sin, live any longer therein?"Ver. 3, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into JesusChrist,werebaptizedintohisdeath?"

(2.)IfyehaveasavinginterestinChrist'sdeath,yearedeadwithhimtothe world: Col. 3:1, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those thingswhichareabove."Ver.3,"Foryearedead,andyourlifeishidwithChristinGod."Theworldhatedhim,andusedhimveryunkindlywhilehewasin it; andwhen he died he partedwith it for good and all, John 17:11,"NowIamnomore intheworld—Icometothee."Thequietest lodgingthatevertheworldallowedhiminit,wasagrave:andcomingoutfromthence,heneversleptanothernightinit.Hetarriedindeedfortydaysinitafter that;asmanydaysas the Israelites'years in thewilderness; theformer au exemplar, the latter a type of the Christian life, fromconversiontilltheremovalintotheotherworld;neverthelesshewasdeadtotheworldstill;heconversednowandthenwithhisown,butnomorewiththeworld.Now, ifyearehis,yearedeadwithhimuntotheworldtoo, invirtueofhisdeath;beingcrucifiedunto it,Gal.6:14.UnionwithChrist by faith lays sinners down in death, in Christ's grave; and soseparates between them and the world for ever: and withal, it raiseththemupagainwithChristintoaquitenewmanneroflife;nomorethatmanner of lifewhich they lived before their unionwith him, than thatwhichChristlivedafterhisresurrection,wasthemanneroflifehelived

before his death: Rom. 6:4, "We are buried with him by baptism intodeath:thatlikeasChristwasraisedupfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather, even sowe also shouldwalk innewness of life." If your title toheaven is indeed settled, by your receiving tire atonement, now is yourfortydaysbeforeyourascensionintoitnowareyenomoreoftheworld,althoughyoubeinit:yourtreasureandheartarenomorethere.Yeareno more indwellers in it, as natives: but travelling through it, as"strangers,comingupfromthewilderness,leaningonthebeloved,"Cant.3:5.

(3.)Lastly,IfyehaveasavinginterestinChrist'sdeath,yearedeadwithhim to the lawalso:Gal. 2:19, "I through the lawamdead to the law."Ver.20,"IamcrucifiedwithChrist."OurLordJesustookonournatureto satisfy the law therein: the whole course of his life was a course ofobediencetoit,forlifeandsalvationtous;andhesufferedtosatisfyitinwhatofthatkindithadtodemand,forthateffect:inaword,hewasbornto the law,he lived to the law,andhedied to the law;namely, to clearaccountswithit,tosatisfyitfully,andgetlifeandsalvationforuswithitsgoodleave.Hewas"madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,"Gal.4:4,5.Andwhenonceitfelluponhim,itneverleftexactingofhim,tillithadgottheutmostfarthing,andhewasquitefreewithit,asdeadtoit,Rom.7:4.Intokenwhereofhegotupthebond,blotteditout,yea,rentitinpieces,nailingittohiscross,Col.2:14.Now,Christbecamedeadtoit,dyingtoit inhisdeathonthecross:sothattheholinessandrighteousness of the man Christ did thereafter no more run in thechannelinwhichithadrunbefore,namely,fromthewombtohisgrave;that is tosay, itwasnomore,andshallbenomore forever,obedienceperformedtothelawforlifeandsalvation;thesehavingbeencompletelygainedandsecuredbytheobediencehegavefromthewombtothegrave."Wherefore,mybrethren," ifyebehis, "yealsoarebecomedead to thelawby thebodyofChrist,"whichbecamedead to iton thecross,Rom.7:4.Asyewillnotbelibertinesinyourlifeandpractice,beingdeadtosinand the world with Christ; so ye will not be legalists in your life andpractice neither, being also dead with him to the law as a covenant ofworks.Yourobediencewillruninanotherchannelthanitdidbeforeyourunion with Christ, even in the channel of the gospel. Ye will serve innewnessofspirit, infaithandlove.ThefrownsofamercifulFatherwill

beaterrortoyoutofrightenyoufromsin;loveandgratitudewillpromptyontoobedience.ThegrievingoftheSpiritofaSaviourwillbeaspringofsorrowtoyou;andhisatoningbloodandperfectrighteousnesswillbethespring-head of all your comfort before the Lord; your good works butstreams thereof, as they evidence your saving interest in these, areaccepted through them, and glorify God your Saviour. Ye will notcontinuetoserveintheoldnessoftheletter,asbefore;atwhattimethelaw was the spring of all the obedience ye performed; fear of thepunishment of hell for your sins, and hope of the reward of heaven'shappinessforyourduties,beingtheweightsthatmadeyougo,thoughforall themyouoftenstopped;yoursorrowsspringingfromyour illworks,under the influence of the law allenarly; and your comforts from yourgoodworks,underthesameinfluence;yebeingalivetothelawanddeadtoChrist.Rom.7:6,"Butnowwearedeliveredfromthe law, thatbeingdeadwhereinwewereheld;thatweshouldserveinnewnessofspirit,andnot in the oldness of the letter." If by faith youwholly rely on Christ'srighteousness,theholinessofhisnature,therighteousnessofhislife,andhissatisfactionforsin,howisitpossiblebutyemustbedeadtothelaw?forthelawisnotoffaith,Gal.3:12.Butifyouperformyourobedienceforlifeandsalvation,lookingforacceptancewithGodontheaccountofyourworks, yougo in awaydirectly opposite to thewayof faith, and eitheraltogetherrejectChrist'ssatisfyingofthelaw,orelseimputeimperfectionuntohis payment of the bond.And "Christ is becomeof no effect untoyou,whosoeverofyouarejustifiedbythelaw;yearefallenfromgrace,"Gal.5:4.

Thusfarofthefirstpartofthecovenant,namelytheconditionarypart.

Thesecondpartofthecovenant,namely,thepromissorypart.

Ineverycovenant,whetheritbeaproperorimpropercovenant,thereisapromise.And inaproper covenant, thepromissorypartanswers to theconditionary part; being an obligation which the party-covenanter towhom the condition is performed, comes under for some benefit to bebestowedinviewoftheperformanceofthecondition.Thisisthepromiseofapropercovenant,bindingonhimwhomakesit,providingthepartycontractingwithhimdohispart. Ineverysuchcase,where the thing islawfulandpossible,itbindsinpointoftruthandfaithfulness,byvirtueof

compact:insomecasesitbindsalsoinpointofremunerativejustice;towit,wheretheconditionperformedisproperlyequivalenttothebenefitpromised.

The covenant of grace,made betweenGod and Christ as the head andrepresentativeofhisspiritualseed,isapropercovenant.Andinitthereisapromissorypart,answeringtotheconditionarypartalreadyexplained:and it is God's part of the covenant, as the other was the Mediator's.Thereby God hath obliged himself to make the benefits thereincondescendedonforthcoming,upontheconsiderationoftheperformingof the condition. And forasmuch as the condition performed byChrist,was strictly meritorious of the benefits promised; the promises arebinding and firm, not only in respect of the truth and faithfulness, butalsoofthejusticeofGod.

Ofwhatweight and importance thepromissorypartof the covenant is,willappearbythefollowingconsiderations.

1. The covenant hath its name from this part of it, being called thecovenantsofpromise,Eph.2:12.Covenants,because,thoughstillinitselfbutonecovenant,yetfromitsfirstpromulgationinparadise,itwasoftenrenewed, as toAbraham,Jacob, the Israelites in thewilderness, and toDavid:andasoftasitwasreneweditwasrenewedinapromise.Thefirstcovenanthadapromiseoflife:yetitisnotcalledacovenantofpromise:on the contrary, the law, or that covenant, is opposed to the promise;thoughnotinitsuse,yetinitsnature,Gal.3:18,"Iftheinheritancebeofthe law, it is no more of promise." For the law's promise of life wassuspended on the condition of works, to be performed by menthemselves: whereas in the second covenant, life and salvation arepromisedtosinnersfreely,forChrist'ssake,withoutrespecttoanyworkoftheirsastheconditionthereof.

2.Thecovenantisdescribedtous,bytheHolyGhost,asaclusteroffreepromisesofgraceandglorytopoorsinners,inwhichnomentionismadeofanycondition:Heb.8:10,"Thisisthecovenant—Iwillputmylawsintotheirmind,andwritethemintheirhearts:andIwillbetothemaGod,andtheyshallbetomeapeople."Ver.11,"Andtheyshallnotteacheverymanhisneighbour, andeverymanhisbrother, saying,Know theLord:

forallshallknowme,fromtheleasttothegreatest."Ver.12,"ForIwillbemercifultotheirunrighteousness,andtheirsinsandtheiriniquitieswillIremember nomore." These promiseswith their condition, having beenproposedto,andacceptedbyChristassecondAdam,andtheconditionperformedbyhim;thecovenantcomesnatively, in thegospel, tobesetbefore us in them, to be by us received and embraced in and throughChrist,byfaith.Thusthepromisesarethecovenantbywayofeminency;evenGod'scovenant,whereinhehathboundhimselftoperformhispart,as theMediator hath alreadyperformedhis.And in this sense, indeed,the covenant of grace is not conditional, but consists of absolutepromises; that is, promises become absolute, through the conditionthereof actually performed already: but being considered in its fulllatitude, and in respect of Christ the covenant, and all the promisesthereof,areproperlyandstrictlyconditional.

3.ThepromisesofthecovenantarethepurchaseofthebloodofChrist;thefruitofhisfulfillingallrighteousness,inhisbirth,life,anddeath.AsthecursecamebythedemeritofAdam'ssin;sothepromisesareowingtothemeritofChrist'srighteousness;theyarethenewtestamentinhisblood, 1 Cor. 11:25. From the promise of the bread and water, (Isa.33:16.),tothepromiseofaseatwithhimonhisthrone,(Rev.3:21.),theyareallthepurchaseofhismeritoriousobedienceeventodeath.Justlyaretheycalledexceedingpreciouspromises,2Pet.1:4,asbeingthepriceofhisblood.Ofwhatunspeakableweightandimportancemusttheybe,thatcostsuchaprice,betweentheFatherandhisownSon!

4. The great design and end of the covenant is accomplished in theperformingofthepromissorypartthereof;andthatis,thegloryofGod,andthesalvationofsinners.ThegreatglorytoGod,andgracetosinners,springingupfromthewholeofthecovenant,meettogetherhere,namely,intheaccomplishmentofthepromises,asalltheriversmeettogetherinthesea.Thepromiseswerethegreatthingtheparties-contractorshadinview, when they entered into the covenant: it was room for them theFathersoughtbyhisproposalofthecovenant;andthatwaswhattheSonintendedtopurchase,byhisfulfillingthecondition.Theconditionofthecovenant is the foundation of the promises; the promises the glorioussuperstructurereareduponthatcostlyfoundation.Theadministrationof

thecovenant,issubservienttotheaccomplishmentofthepromises.Theconditionofthecovenantwasperformedonearth,inthespaceofaboutthirty-threeyears; thepromiseshavebeena-performingmore than fivethousandyearsonearth,andwillbea-performinginheaven,throughtheagesofeternity.

5. The happiness and comfort of all the elect, for time and eternity,depends upon the promises of the covenant. What keeps unconvertedelectpersonsfromdyinginthatstate,andsodroppingdowntohell,butthe promises of the covenant?Whatmakes grace overtake them,whentheyarefleeingfromit,butthepromise?Whatpreservesgraceinthem,like a spark of fire in an ocean, that it is not extinguished, but thepromise?Andwhatistheirsecurityandcomfortinthefaceofdeath,butthesamepromise?2Sam.23:5.

6.Thegloryof themanChrist,asMediator,dependsonthepromiseofthe covenant. This was the security, in the faith of which he lived onearth,aboutthespaceofthirty-threeyears,inaverylowcondition;andin end died an ignominious death: Psalm 22:4, "Our fathers trusted inthee:theytrusted,andthoudidstdeliverthem."Hepaidthepriceoftheredemptionofsinners,whileasyetmanyoftheredeemedwerenotborn,nay nor as yet are; and several of them imbrewed their hands in hisblood:butherestedonthepromiseofthecovenant.Hepleadeditwhenhewasjustenteringintotheswellingwavesofdeath,wherehewas,likeJonah, tobe swallowedup. John 17:5, "Now,OFather, glorifymewiththyself." And in the faith of the accomplishment of the promise, hecompleted his performance of the condition: "for the joy that was setbeforehim"inthepromise,he"enduredthecross,despisingtheshame,"Heb.12:2.

7.Lastly,Godhath sworn thepromiseof the covenant: "Ihavemadeacovenant with my chosen: I have sworn unto David my servant." Theapostletellsus,that"Godwillingmoreabundantlytoshowuntotheheirsofpromisetheimmutabilityofhiscounsel,confirmeditbyanoath,"Heb.6:17.Atendermanwillnotswearapromise,butinamatterofweight.Ofwhatunspeakableweightand importance thenmust thepromiseof thecovenantbe,whichtheGodoftruthhathconfirmedwithhisoath?

Now, for clearingof thispart of the covenant,we shall, 1.Consider thepromisesingeneral;and,2.Takeamoreparticularviewofthem.

OFTHEPROMISESINGENERAL

Astothepromisesingeneral,twothingsaretobeinquiredinto:1.Whatarethegeneralkindsofthem?2.Towhomtheyaremade?

I. As to the general kinds of the promises; considering the parties onwhom the promises of the covenant of grace have their direct andimmediateeffect,theyappeartobeoftwogeneralkinds.

1.SomeofthemhavetheirdirectandimmediateeffectonChristhimself,theheadofthecovenant;suchasthepromiseofassistanceinhiswork,and thepromiseof anameabove everyname.So in the first covenant,there were promises which were to have their direct and immediateeffect,onAdamhimself,andlookednot,butmediatelyandindirectly,tohis posterity, such of them, at least, as should have lived after thecompletefulfillingoftheconditionofthecovenant;namely,thepromisesof natural life continued in vigour and comfort, and of spiritual life infavour and fellowship with God, during the course of his probationaryobedience.

2. Others of them have their direct and immediate effect on Christ'sspiritual seed, comprehended with him in the covenant; such as thepromises of regeneration, of the new heart, and cleansing from thedefilement of sin. So in the first Adam's covenant, the promise of lifecontainedapromiseoftheholyconceptionandbirthofhisnaturalseed;inrespectofwhichthepromisewouldhavehaditsdirectandimmediateeffect,notonAdamhimself,butonhisposterity.

II.Thenextthingtobeconsidered,is,Towhomtheyweremade?Andwemaytakeupthispointintwothings.

First,Thepromisesofthefirstsort,namely,thosehavingtheirdirectandimmediateeffectonthepersonofChrist,weremadetoChristhimself.Ofthisnodoubtcanbemoved.Andtheyweremadetohimasheadofthe

covenant,thesecondAdam,therepresentativeofhisseed.Thisappearsfrom our text, wherein he is called the Chosen, the head-elect, andrepresentativeoftheelection,DavidGod'sservant;inwhichcapacity,thecovenantwascutoff,ormadetohim,bytheFather.Itisevident,thatallthepromisesofassistanceinhiswork,andofhissubequentreward,weremadetohiminviewofhisperformanceof thecondition:andthereforesinceheperformedthecondition,asheadofthecovenant,secondAdam,andrepresentativeofhisseed,thesepromisesweremadetohiminthatcapacity.

Thepromisesof thiskind thenweremade toChristonly.And thatwasthepeculiarhonourputupontheheadofthecovenant,inthepromissorypart; as itwashispeculiarburden to fulfil the conditionarypart.Sohehaththenamewhichisaboveeveryname,andisanointedwiththeoilofgladness above his fellows. In the election, whereof he is the head, heshines above the rest, as the sun in hismeridian brightness above thetwinkling stars. He is the Benjamin at God's table with his brethren,whosemessofpromisesinthecovenantisfivetimessomuchasanyoftheirs;theJoseph,whowasseparatedfromhisbrethren,infulfillingthecondition of the covenant, and hath a double portion in the promisedlandmadeovertohim,asthefirst-bornamongstmanybrethren.

Nevertheless, as the honour and prosperity of the head redound to themembers,theirinterest,inrespectoftheirunionandcommunion,beingajointinterest;sothegloryandhonoursettledonChristbypromise,areaspringofgraceandglorytohismembers,anenrichingtreasure, theirgloryandcrown.Heisthatheadofgoldwhichputsagloryonthebody:andtheointmentpoureduponthehead,cannotmisstogodowntotheskirtsofhisgarments.Andhence is, (1.)Thecontinualcryofprayerbythe whole company of the faithful, for the accomplishment of thepromisesmadetotheMediator,Psalm72:15,"Prayeralsoshallbemadeforhimcontinually." It isevident thatpsalmconcerns theMessias.ButprayermadecontinuallyforChrist!howcanthatbe?Why,tilltheworld'send,thatcryinprayershallneverceaseamongthefaithful,Thykingdomcome,Matth.6:10.ItbeganwithAdam'sembracingthepromisebyfaith,wascarriedallalongthetimeoftheOldTestament;andnowithathbeensoundingintheNewTestamentchurchmorethansixteenhundredyears,

andshallnotceaseuntiltheconsummationofallthings.(2.)Hencealsothe joyful acclamations of praise, by the same company, for theaccomplishmentofpromisestotheMediator.Whensoeverthereappearsanysuchaccomplishmentmade,itismatterofjoytothechurch;andthemorethereappearsofit,thejoyisthemoreincreased.Thusthechurchhath a song upon the fulfilling of the promise of the gathering of thenationsuntohim, Isa. 12:1; of this victoryoverAntichrist,Rev. 19:1; ofthe calling of the Jews, ver. 6. And when, the end being come, all thepromisesmade to him shall be accomplished, that will afford them aneverlastingsongofpraise.

Secondly, The promises of the other sort, namely, those having theirdirect and immediate effect on the elect, aremade to Christ primarily,andtothemsecondarily:first,tothehead;then,tothemembers,throughhim.

1.Thepromiseshaving their immediateeffecton theelect,aremade toChrist immediately, primarily, and chiefly. God hath in the covenantpromisedgraceandglory, all thatpertains to life andgodliness,untoaselect company ofmankind: but the promise of all these was first andchieflymadetoChristtheirhead;sothathehathnotonlyaninterestinthese promises, but the chief interest in them. This appears by severaldocumentsfromthewordcfGod.

1st,Theapostletestifies,thatthepromisesweremadetotheseed,whichisChrist,Gal.3:16.Andthepromiseshespeaksof,are,promisesof theblessings,of theSpirit,ver.14;of the inheritance,ver.18; thepromisesreceivedthroughfaith,ver.14.EventhesearemadetoChristtheheadofthebody.ThisisconfirmedbythosepassageswhichshewGod'scovenanttobemadewithChrist,and in themeantimeexplain itbyapromiseofthehappinessofhisseed,Psalm89:3,4;ver.28,and29,ver.35,and36.Andwhatismorenatural,thantomakeapromisetoafatherinfavourofhischildren?

2dly,Our Lord Jesus is constitute the heir of all things, (Heb. 1:2.), invirtue of thepromise of the covenant, "Iwillmakehimmy first-born,"Psalm89:27.Now,ifChrist,asthesecondAdam,beheirofallthings,byhis Father's promise, the promises of all things are made to him; and

consequently,thepromiseofeternallife,comprehendingallhappinesstohispeople,ismadetohiminthefirstplace.SoChrististhefirstandchiefheir;andtheyaresecondaryheirsinandthroughhim.Hence,inviewofthegreatpromiseofthecovenant,"IwillbetheirGod,"ourSaviourhaththat endearing expression, "I ascend untomy Father and your Father,andtomyGodandyourGod,"John20:17,compareRom.8:17."Andifchildren,thenheirs;heirsofGod,andjointheirswithChrist."

3dly,As in thecovenantofworks,Godpromised life toAdam'snaturalseed; upon condition of his perfect obedience; which is evident fromdeath'scomingonthembyhisdisobedience:sointhecovenantofgrace,he hath promised life to Christ's spiritual seed, upon condition of hisobedience; for "as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all bemadealive,"1Cor.15:22.ButthatpromiseoflifeforAdam'snaturalseed,wasprimarily made to Adam himself, while as yet none of them were inbeing;and theywere topartakeof itonly throughhim, towhomitwasmade as their representative. Therefore the promise of life to Christ'sspiritual seed,wasmade chiefly to Christ himself; and to themonly inandthroughhim.Accordinglywearetold,thatthepromiseofeternallife,upon which the hope of believers is built, was made before the worldbegan, Tit. 1:2. And to whom could it be then made immediately andprimarily,buttoChristtheheadofthecovenant?

Lastly, These promises contain a part of the reward made over in thecovenant to Jesus Christ, "who, for the joy that was set before him,endured the cross,"Heb. 12:2. A great part of which joy lay here; "Heshall see his seed, the travail of his soul," Isa. 53:10, 11. All of thesepromises were the price of his blood to him, the purchase of hisobedienceanddeath;thereforecalledtheNewTestamentinhisblood.Towhomcouldtherewardbechieflypromised,buttohimwho,performingthe condition, wrought the work? Unto him therefore it was of debt,namely in virtue of the promise, which made it due to him upon hisperformingthecondition.Theblessingsof thecovenantwhichcomeontheelect,arecertainlytobeconsideredasarewardtoChrist,aswellasafreegifttothem.Andconsideringtheminthefirstoftheseviews,thereisnomoreabsurdityinthepromiseofthenewheart'sbeingmadetoChrist,thaninaphysician'smakingapromisetoafathertocurehislamechild,

when he hath given him security for his fees: in which case, the childcannot look on the promise asmade to himself at all, but secondarily,throughhisfather,whowastheparty-contractor.

This is a point of considerable weight, and serves both to inform ourminds, and direct our practice; for the following inferences from it arenative.

(1.) The promises of the covenant are not made to the believer's goodworks;buttoChrist'sworks,andtotheworkingbelieverinhim.Untothebeliever theyareabsolutely free,andnotofdebt;and thereforearenotmadetohisworks;for"tohimthatworketh,istherewardnotreckonedof grace, but of debt,"Rom.4:4.There is indeed a comely order of thepromises,wherebythepromiseofpurityofhearttotheelect,goesbeforethepromise of their seeingGod inheaven; the promise of humiliation,beforethatofliftingup;whereuponitisdeclaredintheadministrationofthecovenant,thatthepureinheartshallseeGod;thattheywhohumblethemselves,shallbeliftedup:andthus"godlinesshathpromiseofthelifethatnowis,andofthatwhichistocome,"1Tim.4:8.Butthefoundationofallthesepromises,whetherofthingsthatareourduty,orourprivilege,whattheyalldependuponastheirpropercondition,istheobedienceofChristallenarly;theybeingallmadetohiminthefirstplace,thelatteraswellastheformer.

(2.)The first gracewhereby thedead elect arequickened, andmade tobelieve and unite with Christ, is conveyed to them in the channel of apromise,aswellasthegracefollowingfaith:Ezek.36:27,"IwillputmySpiritwithinyou."Foralthoughintheirnaturalstatetheyarenotcapableof a believing pleading of the promise; nor have they, at that time, apersonal saving interest in the promises; yet the Lord Jesus knoweththem that are his, and forwhom the promisesweremade to him; andhavingtheadministrationofthecovenantinhisownhand,hecannotfailof seeing to theaccomplishingof them, in theappointed time.Howbeitthey,beingdeadintrespassesandsins,cannotconsulttheirowninterest;yethehavingthechiefinterestinthepromises,willnotneglecthisowncause,butwillseethemexactlyaccomplished.

(3.)Thewaytobepersonallyandsavinglyinterestedinthepromises,for

timeandeternity,istounitewithChristbyfaith;"forallthepromisesofGodinhimareyea,andinhimamen,"2Cor.1:20.Wouldyefainknowhowthegreatandpreciouspromisesmaybecomeyours?Why,theyareallhis;theyareallmadetohim.Takehim,andtheyareyours:evenashewhomarriestheheiress,hatharighttoherportion,andallthebillsandbondswhereinanyofitiscontained.

(4.)Whenthroughdeadnessanddarknessofspirit,whetherarisingfromsomeconscience-wastingguilt,orotherwise,yourfaithofthepromiseisfailed,andyoucannotagain fastenyourgripeupon it,becauseyoucansee no good in you; embrace Christ again, and the promise in him;notwithstandingofyourseenandfeltsinfulnessandutterunworthiness;andbynomeansstandofffromthepromiseuntilyoubeinbettercase;but say with the Psalmist, "Iniquities prevail against me: as for ourtransgressions, thou shalt purge them away," Psalm 65:3. For as thegoodness in youwas not the ground of the promise; so the evil in youdothnot overturn it, andmake it of none effect. The foundationof thepromisestandssureinChrist,whateveralterationstheframeandcaseofa believer's spirit do undergo. It is established as the moon, (Psalm89:37.),whichisstillthesameinitself,notwithstandingofthevarietyofitsappearancestooursight,onewhilewaxing,atanothertimewaning.

(5.)Thetruewaytopleadthepromises,istocometoGodinthenameofChrist, and plead the fulfilling of them to us for his sake: John 16:23,"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you."Matt.21:22, "Believing,yeshall receive."Dan.9:17, "OourGod,—causethyfacetoshineuponthysanctuarythatisdesolate,fortheLord'ssake."ToaskinChrist'sname,believing,istopresentone'sselfbeforetheLord,asamemberofChrist,joinedandcleavingtohimoffereduntousinthegospel; and for the sake of the head, to implore the free favour of thepromise,relyingonhismerit forobtaining it.This is the importof thatpassage,Gen.12:3,asitrelatestoChrist,"Intheeshallallfamiliesoftheearth,"towit,thatshallbeblessed,"beblessed;"orrather,astheoriginalwordproperlysignifies,bemadetokneel,namely,toreceivetheblessing;allthatareblessed,beingblessedinChrist,Eph.1:3.ComparePhil.2:10.ThisisthemethodinwhichGoddispenseththefavoursofhispromise:2Sam.7:21, "For thyword'ssake,andaccording to thineownheart,hast

thou done all these great things." Compare 1 Chron. 17:19, "For thyservant'ssake,andaccordingtothineownheart,hastthoudoneallthisgreatness;"i.e.forthesakeoftheword,thyservant,theMessias:forasboth these passages are a narration of the very same thing, there is nomannerofdifferenceatallbetweenthemintheoriginal,savethatwheretheonehaththyword,theotherhaththyservant.

(6.)Believersmayherebystrengthentheirfaithoftheaccomplishmentofthe promises to them.Whatever easy work some have, inmaintainingtheirpresumptuoushopesof themercyofGodtoeternal life;whilenotseeing the heinous nature of their sin, they build their hopes onsomething in themselves, rather than upon the free promise of thecovenantinChristJesus;yetuntotheseriousgodly,nosmalldifficultyinbelieving doth arise, from the joint view of the greatness andpreciousnessofthepromises,andthegreatnessoftheirsinsandoftheirunworthiness.Hence they are ready to say, Can ever such promises bemadeouttosuchaoneasIam?Andtrulythereisnothinginthemthatcanfurnishananswertothisgravecase.Buthereisasatisfyinganswertoit:ThepromisesareallofthemmadetoChristchiefly,eventohimwhopurchased them with his blood; and justice requires that they beperformed to him: and being performed to him, theymust needs havetheir effect on all his members, for whom, because in themselvesunworthy, hemerited them. So the soulmay say,However unworthy Iam,yetHeisworthyforwhomGodshoulddothis.

2.Thepromiseshavingtheir immediateeffectontheelect,aremadetothemselves secondarily, in and through Christ. As he hath thefundamentalandchiefinterestinthem,sotheyhaveaderivedinterestinthemthroughhim.TherewasfrometernityalegalunionbetweenChristand them in the covenant; whereby their debt became his, and thepromisesmadetohimbecametheirs.Asupontheonehand,"TheLordlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall,"Isa.53:6;so,ontheotherhand,"gracewasgivenusinChristJesusbeforetheworldbegan,"2Tim.1:9.Intimethere is a real mystical union made between him and them, upon histaking possession of them by his Spirit, and dwelling in them by faith.Theformerconstitutedarightforthemuntothepromises,inChristthehead; the latter vests them with a right thereto, in their own persons,

throughhim;asbeingactualmembersofhisbody.Inrespectoftheone,eternallifeissaidtobepromised,andgracesaidtobe"givenus,beforetheworldbegan,"Tit.1:2;2Tim.1:9;inrespectoftheother,believersarecalled"theheirsofthepromise,"Heb.6:17;"partakersofhispromiseinChrist,"Eph. 3:6; and the "promise is given to them that believe,"Gal.3:22.

Thus itappears, thatthesepromisesaremadetoChrist'sspiritualseed,aswell as tohimself; thoughprimarily tohimas the representative,onwhomthefulfillingoftheconditionwaslaid;andbutsecondarilytothemas the represented, whowere to receive the benefit. And hence arisethanother difference, namely, that, properly and strictly speaking, thepromiseswereconditionaltoChrist,buttheyareabsoluteandfreetous;evenasthepromiseoflife,inthefirstcovenant,wasconditionaltoAdam,whichwouldhavebeenabsolute tohisnatural seed, theconditiononcebeing fulfilled. Thus Christ's merit and the free grace of God, meettogetherinthecovenant:justiceisfullysatisfied,andgracerunsfreely,inthatchannel;thepromisesbeingallpurchasedatthefullrate,butnopartofthepriceadvancedbyus.Henceweobtainpreciousfaith,withallothersavingbenefits,throughtherighteousnessofGod,andourSaviourJesusChrist, (or rather, the righteousness of our God and Saviour JesusChrist), as the proper condition of them all, 2 Pet. 1:1. And in themeantime,God "blotteth out our transgressions for his own sake," Isa.43:25;and"all things thatpertainunto lifeandgodliness,aregiven(orgifted)untous,"2Pet.1:8.

OFTHEPROMISESPECULIARTOCHRIST

HAVINGspokenofthepromisesingeneral,wecomenowtotakeamoreparticular view of them; and first of the promises peculiar to Christhimself.Thesearemany,butmayallbereduced to threeheads; towit,thepromiseofassistance,ofacceptance,andofrewardofhiswork.

First, Our Lord Jesus had a promise of assistance in his work: Psalm89:21,"Minearmshallstrengthenhim."Havingundertakentheworkofour redemption, he hadhis Father's promise, thatwhen it came to the

settingto,hewouldstrengthenandupholdhimingoingthroughwithit,Isa. 42:1–4. And in the faith of this covenanted assistance, he wentthrough the hardest pieces thereof, chap. 50:6, "I gavemy back to thesmiters, andmycheeks to them thatpluckedoff thehair; Ihidnotmyfacefromshameandspitting."Ver.7,"FortheLordGodwillhelpme."Accordingly, in his heaviness in the garden, "there appeared an angelunto him from heaven, strengthening him," Luke 22:43. And thispromisedassistancewasthetokenofhisFather'sgoodpleasure in,andlikingofthework,whileitwasa-doing.

Secondly, He had a promise of the acceptance of his work when oncedone; of the acceptance thereof, as a full discharge andperformanceofthe condition of the covenant, intitling him to the promised reward.Henceinviewofthesureperformanceofhisworktheacceptancethereofwas,athisbaptism,proclaimedby"avoicefromheaven,saying,Thisismy beloved Son, in whom I amwell pleased,"Matth. 3:17. And it wasrenewedathistransfiguration,alittlebeforehispassion,chap.17:5.Untothispromiseofacceptancebelongsthepromiseofhisresurrection,andofhisjustification.

1.Thepromiseofhisresurrectionfromthedead:Psalm16:10,"Thouwiltnot leavemysoul inhell;neitherwilt thousuffer thineholyOne toseecorruption;"whichisexpoundedoftheresurrectionofChrist,Acts2:31.God,byraisingChristfromthedead,didineffectdeclarehisacceptanceoftheworkbyhimperformed.Itevidencedthedebttobefullycleared,thathewholaidhimupintheprisonofthegrave,didbringhimoutofitagain;sendinghisangelto"rollawaythestonefromthedoor"ofit,andsotodismisshimlegally.Forthusitwasagreedinthecovenant,thatasChristshouldgivehimselftothedeath,forthesatisfactionofjustice:sothe Father should bring him again from the dead, in respect of thatsatisfactionmadebyhisblood,Heb.13:20.

2.Thepromiseofhisjustification:Isa.1:8."Heisnearthatjustifiethme."The accomplishment of which is observed by the apostle, 1 Tim. 3:16,"Godwasmanifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit."Our Lord JesusChrist having no personal sins to be pardoned, needed no personaljustification;butashewasthesuretyoftheelect,andhadtheiniquitiesofthemalllaidonhim,itwasprovidedinthecovenantasjust,that,the

work he had undertaken being performed, he should have an officialjustification.Havingpaid thedebt,hehadbypromisea full andampledischarge thereof,under thehandandsealofheaven.Andhere lies thegreatsecurityofhispeopleagainstthelaw'sdemandofsatisfactionfromthem.

Lastly,Hehadapromiseofagloriousrewardtobeconferredonhim,asaproper merit of his work done, there was a joy set before him in thepromise,forwhichheenduredthecross,despisingtheshame,Heb.12:2.Neverwastheresuchaworkwrought;andneverwastheresucharewardpromised.Untoittherebelongsafivefoldpromise.

1. The promise of a new kind of interest in God, as his God and andFather: Psalm 89:26. "He shall cry unto me, thou art my Father, myGod."OurLordJesushadGodtohisFather,byeternalbirth-right:butthere was a new relation constituted between God and Christ as thesecondAdam,headof thecovenant, foundeduponhisundertakingandfulfilling thecovenantcondition;wherebyhebecameheirofGodashisheritage,accordingtothatoftheapostle,Rom.8:17,"HeirsofGod,andjointheirswithChrist;"namely,withChristas theprimaryheir.Forbyhisobedienceuntodeath,hepurchasedtheenjoymentofGodasaGodand Father. I do not say, he purchased it for himself; the man Christneedednot todo that, forasmuchashehad it, invirtueof thepersonalunionofthetwonatures:buthepurchaseditforsinners,whohadlostallsavinginterestinGod,butcouldnotbehappywithoutit.

2. The promise of a glorious exaltation, to be the Father's honoraryservant,primeministerofheaven,asgreatadministratorofthecovenant:Isa.52:13, "Behold,myservantshalldealprudently,heshallbeexaltedand extolled, and be very high." Chap. 49:8. "I will give thee for acovenant of the people." In fulfilling the condition of the covenant, hetook upon him the form of a bond-servant, and humbled himself evenuntothedeathofthecross:whereforeGodalso,accordingtothepromiseofthecovenant,hathhighlyexaltedhimtotheprimeministryofheaven,andgivenhimanameas great administrator of the covenant,which isaboveeveryname;thatatthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,Phil.2:7.8,9,10.Thenature,vastextent,andimportanceofthispromise,willafterwardsbeunfolded,whenwecometo treatof theadministrationof

thecovenant,invirtuethereofputintheMediator'shand.

3.Thepromiseofaseedandoffspring,numerousasthestarsofheaven:Isa. 53:10, "He shall see his seed." Gen. 15:5, "So shall thy seed be;"namely,"asthestarsoftheskyinmultitude,"Heb.11:12:eventhewholemultitude of the elect, all of them to live by his death, and to bear hisimage,asachilddoththatofhisfather.Heconsentedtosufferthepangsofdeath;buttheyweretravailingpains,toissueinanumerousbirth.Hewasasacornofwheattofall intotheground,anddie;butthepromisesecured to him, on that condition, his bringing forthmuch fruit, John12:24. It is in pursuance of the accomplishment of this promise, thegospelcontinuestobepreachedfromagetoage;forasmuchas,invirtuethereof,"asmanyasareordainedtoeternallife,shallbelieve."

4.Thepromiseofhisinheritingallthings,asprimaryheir;Psalm89:27,"Iwillmakehimmyfirst-born."Sotheapostlesays,Godhathappointedhimheirofallthings,Heb.1:2.AndChristhimselfdeclareshisbeingputinpossessionaccordingly,Matt.11:27,"Allthingsaredelivereduntomeof my Father." Thus he hath by promise suitable treasures for thesupporting of the dignity conferred on him. But of this also moreafterwards.

5. Lastly, The promise of victory and dominion over all his, and hispeople'senemies:Psalm89:23,"Iwillbeatdownhisfoesbeforehisface."He was to encounter with Satan, sin, and death, in the quarrel of thedesignedheirsofglory;andnosoonerwasheengagedagainstthem,butthe wicked world of men began a war with him too: but he had hisFather'spromise, forvictoryanddominionover themall: that,howbeitheshouldgetthefirstfall,anddieinthebattle,yethisdeathshouldbethedestructionofSatan'sdominion,sin'spower,anddeath'sbandsoverhispeople;andthatwhosoevershouldgoabouttosupportthattotteringinterest, should fall under him: Psalm 110:1, "The Lord said unto myLord,Sitthouatmyrighthand,untilImakethineenemiesthyfootstool."

And thus far of the threefoldpromisepeculiar toChrist himself, in thecovenant.

OF THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE TO THE ELECT,

CONSIDEREDINTHREEPERIODS

THE promises common to the elect,made in and through Christ untotheminthecovenant,arealsomany.AparticularenumerationofthemIintendnot, thougheveryoneof themismoreprecious than thegoldofOphir: but it would be profitable for serious Christians, as they readthrough theOld andNewTestament, tomark them in their bibles, fortheir spiritual treasure, stored with such variety, as affords what issuitableforeverycasetheycanbein.Theyareallcomprehendedin,andmay be reduced unto this one, to wit, the promise of eternal life: forwhichthetwofollowingtextsmaybeviewed.

Tit. 1:2, "In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promisedbeforetheworldbegan."

1 John 2:25, "And this is the promise that he hath promised us, eveneternallife."

In which words, three things for our purpose offer themselves to beobserved. 1. The great and comprehensive promise of the covenant ofgrace, the sum of all the promises therein, to sinners; namely, thepromiseoflifeeternal:thatistheorderofthewordsintheoriginal.Thecovenantisacovenantoflife,designedforrestoringdeadsinnerstolife:andsothepromiseofitisapromiseoflife.Andthatlifeiseternal.2.Thedateofthispromise,beforetheworldbegan.Whileasyettimewasnot,andthefoundationoftheworldwasnotlaid,itwasmade,andeternallifetherebysecuredtotheelect.3.Thepartiesconcernedinit.Themakerofthe promise was God that cannot lie; whose promise therefore mustneedstakeeffect.And,byspecialappropriation,itwastheFather:itwasHEthatmade it:ver.24, "Yealsoshall continue in theSon,and in theFather."Ver.25,"Andthisisthepromisethathehathpromisedus,"&c.The party it wasmade to, is, (1.) and chiefly, Jesus Christ, the secondAdam,headofthecovenant:forthereisnonecessitytorecedefromtheproper signifition of the word here used, which is promising, to acatachrestical one, to wit, purposing: since the promises weremade toChrist, Gal. 3:16. And he really was before the world began, andconsequently then capable of having a promise made to him. (2.) Theelect inhim.Hehathpromisedus,namely,us legally inhimbefore the

world began; that is the elect who apply and plead the promise then,whentheybelieve.

Andhenceariseththistruth,viz.ThegreatandcomprehensivepromisetoChrist's spiritual seed, in the covenant, is thepromiseof life eternal,madefrometernitytoChrist,andtotheminhim.

Foropeningof thispromiseof thecovenant,weshallview it, (1.)Moregenerally,(2.)Moreparticularly.

I.Inthegeneral, itspeakstwothings,towit,all truehappinessandtheeverlastingnessofthathappiness.

First,Itcomprehends,asthematterthereof,alltruehappiness.Forlifeisusedforhappinessintheholylanguage,1Sam.25:6.SoJohn4:50.Andit issoused in thestyleofbothcovenants:Rom.10:5,"Themanwhichdoththosethings,shalllive(i.e.behappy)bythem."Hab.2:4,"Thejustshalllive(i.e.behappy)byhisfaith."Thedamnedhavealifeinhellthatwill last forever:but, inthestyleoftheHolyGhost, theyneversee life,theyaredeprivedofeternallife;becausetheirlifeisnotahappylife,buta miserable one. It is evident from the writings of the prophets andapostles, that the death threatened in the covenant of works,comprehendedallmisery, in thisworldand in theworld to come; and,consequently,thatthelifethereinpromised,comprehendedallhappinessintimeandeternity.Forasmuchthenasthelifepromisedinthecovenantofgrace,wasdesignedforretrievingthelosssinnerssustainedbythefall;it must needs, in its comprehension, go as wide as the death whichtherebytheybecameliableunto.Fromallwhichweconclude,thatGod,inpromisinglifetotheelectinChrist,hathpromisedthemallhappiness:whichaccordinglygoesunderthenameoflifesimplyintheScripture,1John5:12, "He thathath theSon,hath life."And thus thecovenant-lifeextendstoallwelfareofthewholeman,andtoallthemeansbywhichitiscompassed.

1. The covenant-life extends to all welfare of the wholeman, soul andbody; the latteraswell as the former.And therefore from the covenantour Lord proves the resurrection of the body, against the Sadducees,Matth.22:31,32.Thoughthesoulistheprincipalpart,itisnottheonly

part,thereinprovidedfor.Invirtueofthecovenant,"thebodyisfortheLord,andtheLordforthebody;"aswellasthesoulisforhim,andheforit, 1Cor.6:13.As thebodyhad its share in thedeath threatened in thefirstcovenant;soithath,andshallhaveitsshareinthelifepromisedinthe second. Since the price of the Redeemer's blood was paid for thebodiesofhispeople,inhisfulfillingtheconditionofthecovenant;thelifesecuredinthepromisemustextendtothem,aswellastotheirsouls.

2.Itextendstoall themeansbywhichthatwelfare is tobecompassed,begun,advanced,andperfected:"WhetherPaul,orApollos,orCephas,ortheworld,or life,ordeath,or thingspresent,or things tocome,allareyours," 1 Cor. 3:22. For the securing of the benefit itself by promise,secures all the means by which it is to be brought about. Hence thecovenant descends even to the bread and the water, necessary for thesupportofnaturallife,Isa.33:16.

Secondly, The promise comprehends the everlastingness of thathappiness. It is not only life that is promised, but life eternal, life forevermore,Psalm133:3;which, fromthemoment it isgiven,shallneverbeextinguished,throughtheagesoftimeandeternity.InthestyleoftheScripture,eternallifeisnotrestrictedtothestateofgloryinheaven.Butthelifecommunicatedtoasinner,inthefirstmomentofhisunionwithChrist,iseternal:itistheeternallifepromisedinthecovenant,accordingto the Scripture, John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son, hatheverlastinglife."Seechap.5:24;1John5:11,12.Hence,fromthepromiseof the covenant, "The just shall live by faith," the apostle proves theperseverance of the saints, Heb. 10:38. A plain evidence, thatperseverance in grace, in this our state of imperfection, is apart of theeternallifepromisedinthecovenant,aswellasheaven'shappiness.Andthusthecovenant-lifeextendstothatwhichnowis,andthatwhichistocome,1Tim.4:8.

1.Itextendstothe lifethatnowis intheworld.Andthis isthateternallifebegunintheseveralpartsthereof,withrespectbothtosoulandbody.If men measure happiness by the smiles and frowns of commonprovidence,nomanindeedcanbecountedhappybeforedeath.But thesacredoraclesteachustotakeourmeasuresofitanotherway,towit,byapersonalsavinginterestinthecovenant;anddopronouncethemhappy,

whoseGodistheLord,whateverbebetweenthemandthegrave,Psalm144:15.Sothereispromisedinthecovenant,happinessbeguninthislife,both as to soul and body; the happiness of the way to the kingdom;salvationhappilybegun,andinfalliblytobecarriedon.

2.Itextendstothelifethatistocomeintheotherworld.Andthatisthesameeternallifeconsummatedandperfected,inrespectbothofsoulandbody, inheaven.There thepromiseof thecovenant is to receive its fullaccomplishment; ofwhichbelieversnowhave the earnest,which isnotonlyapartofthethingspromised,butanassuranceofthewhole.

II.Foramoreparticularviewofthepromiseofeternallifetotheelect,itmaybeconsidered in threeperiods: (1.)Before theirunionwithChrist;(2.) From their union with Christ, until death; and, (3.) From death,througheternity.Oftheoperationofthepromise,inthefirstandthelastof these periods, we know but little; and indeed notmuch of it, in themiddle period. For it is like a river issuing from a hidden spring, andrunningfarunderground;thenrisingaboveground,andrunningon,tillitgoforthintotheocean.Thehiddenspringfromwhencethepromiseofeternallifetotheelectissuethforth,isGod'sfreegrace,whichwasgivenus in Christ Jesus, before the world began, 2 Tim. 1:9. It runs underground,undiscernibleeventothepartiesthemselves,tillthemomentoftheirunionwithChrist, ineffectualcalling; thenrising, it runson,as itwere,aboveground,invisiblestreams,untildeath;andthereafter,itrunsfullandperspicuousthroughtheagesofeternity.Weshalltakeaviewofthegreatlinesofthepromise,intheseitsseveralperiods.

PERIODI

BEFOREUNIONWITHCHRIST

Ifweconsiderthepromiseofeternal lifetotheelect,asstandinginthecovenant, and as accomplished to them, and having its effect on them,before their union with Christ, we may perceive two great lines in it;namely,apromiseof theirpreservation,andapromiseof theSpirit.Ofwhichinorder.

I.THEPROMISEOFPRESERVATION

Thepromiseofeternal life to theelect, in thecovenant,comprehendsapromise of their preservation, till the happy moment of their spiritualmarriage with Jesus Christ, wherein they shall be settled in a state ofgrace:Ezek.16:6,"AndwhenIpassedbythee,andsawtheepollutedinthine own blood, I said unto thee when thouwast in thy blood, Live."Heb."Isaidtothee,Liveinthyblood;"asseveralapprovenversionsdoread it. In this illustrious passage of scripture is shewed, under thesimilitudeofanexposedoroutcastinfant,thenaturalstateandwretchedcondition inwhichGod found Israel, and findsall theelect; the formerbeingatypeofthelatter.Thereisatwofoldpassingbythiswretchedout-cast, and these at two verydistant times, intimatedby theHolyGhost.Thefirst,onthedayshewasbornandcastout,ver.4,5,6.Thesecond,after she was grown, and become marriageable; at what time she wasactuallymarried, vers. 7, 8. The former refers to the timeof the elect'scomingintotheworldintheirnaturalstate,notonlyasbornintoit,butas beginning to act in it as rational creatures; the latter, to the timeprefixedintheeternalpurpose,when,bymeansofthelawinthehandsofthespiritofbondage,theirbreasts,asitwere,arefashioned,intheworkofconviction;uponwhichensuestheirspiritualmarriagewithChrist.Buthowistheout-castpreservedintheinterval,thatsheperishethnotinherwretchedcondition?Why;thoughnohandwaslaiduponher,yetawordwasspoken,whichsecuredherlifeinacasenaturallydeadly.Atthefirstpassing by her, in the day shewas born and cast out,God said to her,"Live in thyblood:" that is, "Notwithstanding that thouart lying in theopenfield, inthyblood,thynavelnotdressed,sothat,accordingtothecourse of nature, thy blood and spirits must quickly fail, and this thybirthdaymustbethydying-day;yetIsayuntothee,Live:thoushaltnotdie in that condition, but grow up in it, being preserved till the happymomentofthedesignedmarriage."Andthisisthepromiseoftheelect'spreservation in theirnatural state.And ithath twogreatbranches;onerespectingtheirnaturallife;anotherrespectingtheirspiritualdeath.The

Firstisapromiseofthecontinuationoftheirnaturallife,tillsuchtimeastheybemadepartakersoflifeinChristJesus.Godhassaidit;theyshalllive,thoughinthebloodoftheirnaturalstate.Soit isnotpossiblethey

shoulddiebeforethattime,whateverdangerstheyarebroughtinto;eventhough a thousand should fall at their side, and ten thousand at theirrighthand;for,bythepromiseofthecovenant,thereisanunseenguardabout them, todefend them. It is invirtuehereof, thatall alongduringthetimetheyareinthatstate,theyarepreserved,whetherinthewomb,orcomingoutofit,orinallthedangersofinfancy,childhood,youth,orwhatsoeveragetheyarriveattherein.This is it that,so longastheyareunconverted, doth so often bring them back from the gates of death;returningtheminsafety,wheneitherbydiseases,orotheraccidents,theyarepasthopeintheirowneyes,andintheeyesoffriendsandphysicians.Though the elect thiefwas, inhis natural state, nailed to the cross; yetdeathhadnopower tocomeathim,soas toseparatehissoul fromhisbody, till such timeashewasonceunited toChristby faith, andmadepartakerofanewlifeinhim.The

Second is a promise of keeping the grave-stone from off them in theirspiritual death. The grave-stone is the sin against the Holy Ghost, theunpardonable sin; which, on whomsoever it is laid, makes their case,from that moment, irrecoverable, that thenceforth they can never risefromspiritualdeathtolife:Mark3:29,"HethatshallblasphemeagainsttheHolyGhost,hathnever forgiveness."Butalthough theelect in theirnatural state, being dead in sin as well as others, may, through theactivityofreigningandraginglusts,sorotintheirgraves,astobemostabominable in the eyes of God and all good men; yet, because of thepromiseofthecovenant,itisnotpossiblethatthatgrave-stoneshouldbelaidonthem.Thereisaninvisibleguardsetontheirsouls,aswellasontheirbodies:andsoitisinfalliblyprevented,asmaybelearnedfromthatexpression of our Saviour, Matt. 24:24, "Insomuch that (if it werepossible) they shall deceive the very elect." While they are Satan'scaptives,hemaydrivethemtoaprodigiouspitchofwickedness.SodidhewithManasseh,andPaul:but,asfarashehadcarriedthem,hecouldnotcarrythemforwardthatstep.

Thispromiseoftheelect'spreservation,asitiswiththerestfoundedontheobedienceanddeathofChrist;wherebyeternallifewaspurchasedforthem, and consequently these benefits in particular, failing which theywouldberuinedforever:so it isakinto,andseemstobegraftedupon

the promise of assistance made to Christ in the covenant; by which adivine support was insured to him, during all the time the sins of theelect, and thewrathofGod for them, should lie uponhim.Andat thisrate,thecaseofthehead,andofthemembers,wasjointlyprovidedforinthecovenant

II.THEPROMISEOFTHESPIRIT

THEpromiseofeternal lifetotheelect,comprehendsalsoapromiseoftheSpiritof life tobecommunicatedtothem,andeachoneof them,atthe nick of time, prefixed in their cases respectively, in the eternalcouncil;thatis,thetimeappointedtobethetimeoflove,thedawningofthedayofgracetothem,howeverlonganddarktheirnightmaybe.Thispromiseisfound,Isa.44:3,"IwillpourmySpirituponthyseed."Ezek.36:27,"IwillputmySpiritwithinyou."TheelectofGodbeing,evenastherestofmankind,deadinsin,throughthebreachofthefirstcovenant,couldnotberecovered,butthroughacommunicationoftheSpiritoflifeto them: but that Spirit they could not have from an unatoned God.Wherefore,inthecovenant,Christundertooktofulfilallrighteousnessintheir name, thereby to purchase the Spirit for them; upon which wasmade the promise of the Spirit, the leading fruit of Christ's purchase;calledthereforetheFather'spromisebywayofeminency,Luke24:49.IntokenhereofthegreatoutpouringoftheSpiritwasatChrist'sascension;whenhe,asourgreatHighPriest,carriedinthebloodofhissacrificeintothemostholyplacenotmadewithhands,Acts2.Foras the firewhichwas set to the incence on the golden altar, the altar of incense wasbroughtfromoffthebrazenaltar,thealtarofburnt-offeringinthecourtof the temple; so the Spiritwhich causeth dead sinners to live, issuethfromthecrossofChrist,whosufferedwithoutthegate.

Now,of thepromiseof theSpirit thereare twochiefbranches;namely,thepromiseofspiritualmorallife,andthepromiseoffaith.

1.Thepromiseofspiritualmorallife, invirtuewhereofthesoulmorallydeadinsin,israisedtolifeagain,throughtheSpiritoflifecommunicateduntoitfromheaven.Thisisthebeginning,theveryfirstoftheeternallifeitself promised in the covenant. It is the lighting of the sacred lamp ofspirituallifeinthesoul,whichcanneverbeextinguishedagain,butburns

forevermorethereafter.Thispromisewehave,Isa.26:19,"Thydeadmenshall live."And itbelongs to thepromiseof theSpirit; as appears fromEzek.37:14."AndshallputmySpiritinyou,andyeshalllive."

Theeffectofitisthequickeningofthedeadsoul,bytheSpiritofChristpassively received:Eph.2:5, "Whenweweredead insins (God,ver.4.)hath quickened us." This is the same with the renewing in effectualcalling,wherebyweare enabled to embraceJesusChrist,mentioned inour Shorter Catechism on that question. And it is fitly called by somedivines,thefirstregeneration,agreeabletothestyleoftheholyScripture:John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power tobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname:"ver.13."Whichwereborn,notofblood,norofthewilloftheflesh,norofthewillofman,butofGod."Sinners intheirnaturalstate liedead, lifeless,andmoveless; they can nomore believe in Christ, nor repent, than a deadman can speak orwalk: but, in virtue of the promise, the Spirit of lifefromChristJesus,at thetimeappointed,enters intothedeadsoul,andquickens it; so that it is no more morally dead, but alive, having newspiritualpowersputintoit,thatworelostbyAdam'sfall.

2.Theotherchiefbranchof thepromiseof theSpirit, is thepromiseoffaith; towit, thatChrist's spiritual seedshallbelieve inhim,comeuntohim,andreceivehim,byfaith:Psalm110:3,"Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower;"andPsalm22:31,"Theyshallcome."Godhathpromised, that, upon the shedding of the blood of his Son, for thesatisfactionofjustice,thereshallspringupintheearth,afterthatcostlywatering, a plentiful seed, to the satisfying of his soul, Isa. 53:10. Andtherefore, whoever they be that believe not, all those who wererepresentedinthecovenant,shallinfalliblybebroughttobelieve,asourLord himself upon the credit of this promise, doth declare, John 6:37,"AllthattheFathergivethme,shallcometome."Now,thisalsobelongstothepromiseoftheSpirit;whoisthereforecalledtheSpiritoffaith,2Cor.4:13,asbeingtheprincipalefficientcausethereof,Zech.12:10.

Theeffectofthispromiseisactualbelieving,producedbythequickeningSpirit in thesoul, immediatelyoutof thespiritual lifegiven to itby thecommunicationof himself thereto: John5:25, "Thedead shall hear thevoiceof theSonofGod;" comparedwith chap. 1:12, 13;2Cor.4:13.As

receiving Christ passively, the sinner that was spiritually dead, isquickened;sobeingquickened,hereceivesChristactively.ChristcomesintothedeadsoulbyhisSpirit:andsohe ispassivelyreceived;evenasone,havingapowertoraisethedead,comingintoahouse,wherethereisnonebutadeadman;nonetoopenthedoortohim,nonetodesirehimtocomein,nortowelcomehim.ButChristbeingthusreceived,orcomein, thedeadsoul isquickened,andby faithembracethhim;evenas therestorerofthedeadmantolife,wouldimmediatelybeembracedbyhim,andreceiveathousandwelcomesfromhim,whohadheardhisvoiceandlived.WhenChrist,inthewombofhismother,enteredintothehouseofZacharias,andshesalutedElizabeththemotherofJohntheBaptist,he,thebabeinElizabeth'swomb,leapedasattheentranceoflife:sodoththesoul, inactualbelieving,atChrist's coming into itbyhisSpirit.AsGodbreathedintothefirstmanthebreathoflife,andhebecamealivingsoul,whowasbeforebutalifelesspieceoffairearth;thatis,Godputaspirit,asoul,intohisbody,whichimmediatelyshowedintheman's,breathingathisnostrils:soJesusChrist, inthetimeofloves,putshisSpirit intothedead soul, which immediately shews itself alive, by believing, receivingandembracinghim,knownanddiscernedinhistranscendentglory.Andthus the union betwixt Christ and the soul is completed; Christ firstapprehendingthesoulbyhisSpirit;andthenthesoulthusapprehendedandquickened,apprehendinghimagaininthepromiseofthegospelbyfaith.

Now,thepromiseoftheSpirit,inbothbranchesthereof,isgranteduponthepromiseofaresurrectionfromthedead,madetoChrist;anditissointerwoventherewith,thatthereisnoseparatingofthem.Thepromiseoftheresurrection,liketheoilonAaron'shead,runsdowntotheskirtsofhisgarments,inthepromiseofquickeninghismemberstoo.HereintheScriptureisveryplain,Isa.26:19,"Thydeadmenshalllive,togetherwithmydeadbody shall they arise."Eph. 2:5, "Evenwhenweweredead insins, hath quickened us together with Christ." Our Lord Jesus, in theeternalcovenant,becametheheadofadeadbody,towit,ofthebodyofelectsinnersdead insin;andthat to theendhemightrestore it to life.Andbeinglegallyunitedwiththatbody,thatsodeathmighthaveaccessto spread itself from it unto him in due time, he had the promise of aresurrection, both for himself and his members, made unto him. The

appointed time being come, death drew together its whole forces, andmadeanattackupontheheadofthebody,whichaloneremainedalive.Itstung him to the heart upon the cross, and laid him too in the dust ofdeath:andsoithadthemalldeadtogether,headandmembers.Thustheconditionofthecovenantwasfulfilled.Now,thepromisecomesnext,initsturntobefulfilled,particularlythepromiseofaresurrection:namely,that, death having exhausted all its force and vigour on the head, heshouldberaisedagainfromthedead;andthatasdeathhadspreaditselffromthemembersintothehead,solife, initsturn,shouldspreaditselffrom the head into the members, they together with his dead bodyarising. It was in virtue hereof, that the spirit or soul that animatedChrist's body, andwhich he yielded up upon the cross, (Matth. 17:25,)shewedbyhisbreathingouthislastthere,(Luke23:46,Gr.)wasreturnedagain intohisblessedbody;whereuponhecame forthoutof thegrave.Anditisinvirtueofthesame,thattheSpiritoflifereturnsintothedeadsoulsoftheelectagain;uponwhichtheyliveandbelieve.Thetimeofthereturn of the Spirit, both into the head and into the members, wasprefixedinthecovenant,respectively;sothatasitwasnotpossibleChristshouldbeheldinthegraveafterthreedays;evensoitisnotpossiblethatthe elect should be held in the bonds of spiritual death, after the timeprefixedfortheirdelivery:Hos.6:2,"Aftertwodayswillhereviveus,inthethirddayhewillraiseusup,andweshallliveinhissight."

Andthusthepromiseofeternallifetotheelectworksinthisdarkperiodof their days; which dark period ends here. It appears now, and runsabovegroundeverafter.

PERIODII

FROMUNIONWITHCHRIST,UNTILDEATH

CONSIDERING the promise of eternal life to the elect, as it isaccomplishedto,andhathitseffectonthem,fromtheirunionwithChristuntildeath;thegreatlinestobeperceivedtherein,arethepromises,1.Ofjustification; 2. Of a new and saying covenant relation to God; 3. Of

sanctification; 4. Of perseverance; and, 5. Of temporal benefits. Of thewhichinorder.

I.THEPROMISEOFJUSTIFICATION

THE promise of eternal life to the elect, comprehends the promise ofjustification,tobeconferredonthem,andeachoneofthem,beingunitedtoChrist through theSpirit.This is foundIsa.53:11, "Byhisknowledgeshallmyrighteousservantjustifymany,"Chap.45:15,"IntheLordshallalltheseedofIsraelbejustified."Itistheleadingpromiseofthisperiod:and the effect of the accomplishment thereof, is, that the soul, legallydeadunder the sentenceof the law,or curseof thebroken covenantofworks,iscausedtoliveagainaccordingly;asitiswritten,"Thejustshalllive by faith,"Rom. 1:17.And this is the beginning of that lifewhich isreceived fromChristby faith,and ismentionedJohn5:40, "Yewillnotcometome,thatyemighthavelife."Chap.6:57,"Hethateatethme,evenhe shall live by me." There is a life received from Christ before faith,wherebyoneisenabledtobelieve;ofwhichwehavealreadyspoken:andthereisalifereceivedfromChristthroughfaith,accordingtoJohn20:31,"That believing yemight have life through his name." And this last is,accordingto theScripture,eternal life too:chap.5:24,"Hethathearethmyword, andbelieveth onhim that sentme, hath everlasting life, andshallnotcomeintocondemnation;butispassedfromdeathuntolife."

TheelectofGod,lyingunderthebreachofthefirstcovenant,weredeadinlaw,asbeingunderthecurse.Theycouldnotberestoredtolifeintheeyeofthelaw,butuponthefulfillingoftherighteousnessofthelaw;thewhich they not being able to do for themselves, Christ in the covenantundertook to do it for them; and thereupon was made the promise oftheir justification. This promise taking effect upon their believing, thecurse is removed, and they are actually and personally justified. Thustheyarerestoredtolifeintheeyeofthelaw:whichkindoflifereceivedbyfaith,iseverlasting;forasmuchas,accordingtothecovenant,thecursecanneverreturnuponthem, forshorteror longer time:Isa.54:9,"AsIhaveswornthatthewatersofNoahshouldnomoregoovertheearth;sohaveIswornthatIwouldnotbewrothwiththee."

Of the promise of justification there are two branches; namely, the

promiseofpardon,andofacceptance.

1.Thepromiseofpardonofsin,wherebytheguiltofeternalwrathisdoneaway: Heb. 8:12, "Their sins and their iniquities will I remember nomore."The sins of the elect being, in the eternal covenant, imputed to,andlaidonChrist;whobecominglegallyonewiththem,transferredtheirdebt on himself, and undertook to pay the same; a promise wasthereuponmadeofpardontothem,andeachoneofthem.Now,assoonastheyaremysticallyandreallyunitedtohimbyfaith,bymeansofthatunion theyhavecommunionwithhim inhis righteousness:whereuponhis perfect satisfaction is imputed to them; and, upon the account of italone, and not any deed of theirs whatsoever the free promise isaccomplished, and thepardon actually bestowedon them, according totheeternalagreement:Eph.1:7,"Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace."

Hereislifefromthedead;apardonputintothehandofthecondemnedman,disarmingthelawofitscondemningpower,anddeathofitssting,astohim:causinghimtoliftuphisheadfromofftheblock,andgoawaywithacclamationsofpraiseoftheKing'smercy,andhisSon'smerit.Anditiseternallife:forallhissinspast,present,andtocome,arepardoned,as to the guilt of eternalwrath; a formal remission of these of the twoformerkindsbeinggranted,andanotimputingoftheseofthelattersort,astothatguilt,beingsecured;astheapostleteacheth,Rom.4:7,"Blessedaretheywhoseiniquitiesareforgiven,andwhosesinsarecovered."Ver.8,"BlessedisthemantowhomtheLordwillnot imputesin."AndGodwill never revokehis pardons, chap. 11:29, "For the gifts and calling ofGodarewithoutrepentance."

2. The other branch of the promise of justification, is the promise ofacceptanceoftheirpersonsasrighteousinthesightofGod;accordingtothat, Isa. 42:21, "The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake."ComparedwithMatth.3:17,"ThisismybelovedSon,inwhomIamwellpleased;" and Eph. 1:6, "He hathmade us accepted in the beloved." AholyrighteousGod,whosejudgmentisaccordingtotruth,cannotacceptsinners as righteous, without a righteousness, even a perfectrighteousness. They that are truly righteous in law, can never pass forrighteous,butforunrighteousintheviewofhispiercingeye:"Forinthy

sight,"saysthePsalmist,Psalm143:2,"shallnomanlivingbejustified;"to wit, "by the deeds of the law," or inherent righteousness, which isimperfect, as the apostle expounds it, Rom. 3:20. But our Lord Jesushaving in the covenant undertaken to fulfill all righteousness for them,whoofthemselvescouldfulfilnorighteousness;apromisewasthereuponmade, to accept them as righteous upon the account of his surety-righteousness, which becomes truly theirs through faith, and that by adouble right. (1.) By right of free gift received: inasmuch as Christ'srighteousness being made over, in the gospel, as Heaven's free gift tosinners, the gift is by faith actually claimed and received; whence it iscalledtheGIFTofrighteousness,(Rom.5:17,)revealeduntofaith,(chap.1:17. namely, to be believed on, and so received. (2.) By right ofcommunionwithChrist: inasmuchas sinnersbeingunitedwithhimbyfaith, have thereby communion, or a common interest with him in hisrighteousness, Phil. 3:9, "And be found in him, not having mine ownrighteousness,whichisofthelaw,butthatwhichisthroughthefaithofChrist." Upon these grounds, the holiness of Christ's nature, therighteousness of his life, and the satisfaction made by his death andsufferings, being the constituent parts of that righteousness, are,accordingtotruth,imputedtothebeliever,orlegallyreckonedhis:and,upon the account thereof precisely, he is accepted ofGod as righteous,being "made the righteousness of God IN HIM," 2 Cor. 5:21; therighteousnessofGodbeing"UPONallthatbelieve,"Rom.3:22.

Hereislifetothesoul,righteousnessuntojustificationoflife,chap.5:18;aneverlastingrighteousness,Dan.9:24;agarmentthatneverwaxethold,isneverrent,nay,norsullied;butalwayscontinuesinitsoriginallustre,from the moment that it is put on. Wherefore the life must needs beETERNAL, grace must needs reign through that "righteousness untoeternallife,"Rom.5:21;forbeingonceputon,isneverputoffagainforonemoment,intimenoreternity.

Now, the promise of justification, in both branches thereof, is graftedupon the promise of justificationmade to Christ. The condition of thecovenantbeing fulfilled, thehead is justified, according to thepromise;andthenthemembers inhim.First, theMediatorgetsuphisdischargefor the whole debt; and then they, pleading it by faith for their own

behoof,aredischargedintheirownpersons.

II. THE PROMISE OF A NEW AND SAVING COVENANT-RELATIONTOGOD

The promise of eternal life to the elect, doth also comprehend thepromiseofanewandsayingcovenant-relation toGod,which they,andeachoneofthem,beingjustified,shallbebroughtinto:Hos.2:23,"Iwillsay to themwhich were notmy people, Thou artmy people; and theyshallsay,ThouartmyGod."Dyingbothmorallyandlegally,throughthebreachofthefirstcovenant,theyfellunderarelativedeathtoo;wherebytheblessed relationbetweenGodand themwasdissolved: and it couldnotbeconstitutedagain,whiletheylayunderthecondemnatorysentenceofthelaw.ButuponChrist'sundertaking,inthecovenant,tobringinaneverlasting righteousness, the price of the redemption of all savingbenefits,thispromisewasmade.WhereforetheybeingcometoChristbyfaith, united with him, and justified through his righteousness, whichthey partake of in him; God meets them there, even in Christ theappointed meeting-place; and there, with the safety of his honour, hetakesthembythehand,andjoinsthemagaininasavingrelation.Thustheyhavearelative life,accordingto that,Psalm30:5,"Inhis favour islife." The which life is eternal: forasmuch as the relation is for everindissoluble;thebondofthesecondcovenantbeingsomuchsurerthanthebondof the first, as the secondAdam'sundertakingwas surer thanthefirstAdam's.

Now,ofthispromisetherearethreechiefbranches;namely,thepromiseofreconciliation,ofadoption,andofGod'sbeingtheirGod.

1.ThepromiseofreconciliationbetweenGodandthem:Ezek.37:26,"Iwill make a covenant of peace with them, it shall be an everlastingcovenant."TheywerebysininastateofenmitywithGod;ontheirpart,therewasarealenmityagainstGod;onGod'spart,alegalenmityagainstthem,suchasajudgehathagainstamalefactor,whomnotwithstandinghemaydearlylove.ButJesusChristhavingundertaken,inthecovenant,to expiate their guilt, by the sacrifice of himself, the Father made apromiseofpeaceandreconciliationwiththemthereupon.HencewearesaidtobereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,Rom.5:10;inasmuch

asbyhisdeathandsufferingshepurchasedourreconciliation,whichwaspromisedontheseterms.

Now, this promise is accomplished to the justified sinner: beingpardoned, he is brought into a state of peace with God, as saith theapostle,Rom.5:1,"Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGod."Godlaysdownhislegalenmityagainsthim,nevertobetakenupagain.Andmorethanthat,hetakeshimintoabondoffriendship;sothatheisnotonlyatpeacewithGod,butisthefriendofGod:James2:23,"AbrahambelievedGod,anditwasimputeduntohimforrighteousness:andhewascalledthefriendofGod."

ThispromiseisgrafteduponthepromiseofacceptanceandjustificationmadetoChrist.ForhissacrificebeingacceptedaswellpleasingtoGod,andhedischargedofthedebthebecamesuretyfor;thereconciliation,aswell as the pardon, of those united to him by faith, natively followsthereupon: 2 Cor. 5:19, "Godwas in Christ, reconciling theworld untohimself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." Eph. 1:6, "He hathmadeusacceptedinthebeloved."Ver.7,"Inwhomwehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins."

2.Anotherbranchof thispromise, is thepromiseof theiradoptionintothefamilyofGod:Hos.1:10,"Itshallbesaiduntothem,YearethesonsofthelivingGod."Andthis ismorethantheformer;asit ismoretobeone's son, than to be his friend. We have before declared, how allmankindwas,bythefirstcovenant,constitutedGod'shiredservants;andbythebreachofthatcovenant,bondservantsunderthecurse:andhowChristtransferredthatstateofservitudeofhisspiritualseedonhimself.Now,uponconsiderationofhistakingonhimtheformofabondservantforthem,thepromiseoftheiradoptionintothefamilyofGodwasmade.Hewas"madeunder the law, to redeemthemthatwereunder the law,thatwemightreceivetheadoptionofsons,"Gal.4:4,5.

Andbeingjustifiedbyfaith,andreconciledtoGod,itisaccomplishedtothem:forasmuchasthenChrist'sserviceisimputedtothem,andawayisopenedwithal for theiradmission into the familyofGod, through theiractualreconciliationtohim:Rom.5:1,"Beingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist."Ver.2,"bywhomalsowe

have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand." John 1:12, "Asmany as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons ofGod." Then are they taken as children into the family of heaven: GodbecomestheirFatherinChrist;andtheyhissonsanddaughters,toabidefor ever in his house, John 8:35. And so they have a right to all theprivilegesofthathighrelation.

Now, thispromise isgrafteduponthepromisemadetoChristofanewkind of interest inGod as his Father; according to that, John 20:17, "IascenduntomyFatherandyourFather."ForbytheSpiritofadoptionwecall God our Father, in the right of Jesus Christ our elder brother,spiritualhusbandandhead.

3.ThelastbranchisthepromiseofGod'sbeingtheirGod:Heb.8:10,"IwillbetheirGod."Thisismorethanreconciliationandadoption:itistheheightoftherelationtoGod,whichasinfulcreaturecouldbeadvancedunto.TheywerebynaturewithoutGod,Eph.2:12:butforasmuchastheSonofGoddid, in thecovenant,undertake togivehimself for them, intheirnatureperfectly to satisfy the law, inhisholybirth, righteous life,andexquisitedeath;aransomofinfinitevalue,quitebeyondallcreatedthingswhatsoever,graces,pardons,heavens;therewasmade,uponthatconsideration,apromiseofGod'sgivinghimselftothem,astheadequatereward of that service; which being performed by the Mediator, thisrewardwaspurchasedforthem.HenceGodsaithtoAbraham,Gen.15:1,"Iamthyexceedinggreatreward."

Now, to the believer being justified, reconciled, and adopted into thefamily of God, this heritage falls, in accomplishment of this promise,Rom.8:17,"Andifchildren,thenheirs;heirsofGod."Gal.4:7,"Andifason,thenanheirofGodthroughChrist;"Godhimselfbeingtheheritage.He becomes their God: they have a right to him, and are possessed ofhim, as their own property; a property which the thought ofmen andangelscannotfullyreachthecontentsof.NotonlyarealltheworksandcreaturesofGod,intheheavens,earth,andseas,theirs,1Cor.3:22,"Allare yours;" but himself is theirs: which is more than all that, as thebridegroomismorethanallthemarriage-robes,orhislargepossessions.Alltheattributesaretheirs;hisinfinitewisdomtodirectthem,hispowertoaffordthemprotection,his justicetomakeall thebenefitspurchased

byChristforthemforthcomingtothem,hisholinesstotransformthemintothesameimage,hismercytopityandsuccourthem,hisgracetodealbountifullywiththem,hisfaithfulnesstofulfilallthepromisestothemintheirtime,andhisall-sufficiencytorenderthemcompletelyhappy.Heistheirs in all his relations; their Shepherd, Provisor, Protector, King,Husband,Head,andwhatevermaycontributetotheirhappiness.AllthepersonsofthegloriousTrinityaretheirs:theFatheristheirs,theSonistheirs, and theHoly Spirit is theirs: Isa. 54:5, "For thyMaker is thinehusband, theLordof hosts is his name:" (Heb.) "Thymakers are thinehusbands;JehovahSabaothishisname."

This richpromise is graftedupon thepromisemade toChrist of anewkindofinterestinGodashisGod:John20:17,"IascendtomyGodandyourGod."Godbeing theMediator'sGodbypurchase,hebecomesourGodinhim.Christhavingperformedtheconditionofthecovenant,fallsheirtothegreatheritage;andwefalltoitalsoinhim,beingheirsofGod,joint-heirswithChrist,Rom.8:17.

III.THEPROMISEOFSANCTIFICATION

IN the promise of eternal life to the elect, is comprehended in likemanner the promise of their sauctification:Ezek. 11:19, "Iwill take thestonyheartoutof their flesh,andwillgivethemanheartof flesh:"ver.20, "That theymaywalk inmy statutes." See Joel 3:17, 21;Heb. 8:10.ThroughthebreachofthefirstcovenanttheylosttheimageofGod:theirwholefacultiesweresodepraved,thattheycouldneitherdo,speak,northinkanythingtrulygood,andacceptabletoGod:they,werebynaturealtogetherunholy;unclean, loathsome,andabominable, intheirnature,heart,andlife.Anditwasquitebeyondtheirpowertomakethemselvesholyagain:formendingoftheirnaturecouldnotaffectit; itbehovedtobe renewed, Eph. 4:23. And the curse of the law lying upon themextinguishedall saving relationbetweenGodand them;andsoblockedup all saving communication with heaven: for it barred, in point ofjustice, all sanctifying influences from thence; these being the greatestbenefit they were capable of, as assimilating the creature unto Godhimself,orrenderingitlikehim.ThecursefixedagulfbetwixtGodandthem,sothatsanctifyinginfluencescouldnotpassfromhimuntothem;more than theirunholydesires andprayers couldpass from themunto

him.Sothe fallenangelsalwayswereandthedamnednoware,beyondallpossibilityofsanctification,orofreceivingsanctifyinginfluencesfromheaven;therebeingnoremedytoremovethecurse,neitherfromtheone,norfromtheother.AndinthiscaseallAdam'sposterityhadlainforever,hadnotJesusChrist,astheheadoftheelect,undertakeninthesecondcovenant to remove that bar, to fill up that gulf, and to found a newsaving relationbetweenGodand them, throughhisownobedienceanddeath. But upon that undertaking of the Mediator, the Father did bypromiseinsuretheirsanctification;thatChrist'speopleshouldbewillinginthedayofhispower,inthebeautiesofholiness,Psalm110:3;andthataseedshouldservehim,Psalm22:30.

And this promise, the promise of sanctification, is indeed the chiefpromiseofthecovenantmadetoChristforthem:amongtherestofthatkind,itshineslikethemoonamongthelesserstars.Sanctificationistheverychiefsubordinateendofthecovenantofgrace,standingthereinnextto the glory of God, which is the chief and ultimate end thereof. Thepromise of it, is the centre of all the rest of these promises. All theforegoing promises, the promise of preservation, the Spirit, the firstregenerationorquickeningof thedeadsoul, faith, justification, thenewsavingrelationtoGod,reconciliation,adoption,andenjoymentofGodasourGod,dotenduntoitastheircommoncentre,andstandrelatedtoitasmeanstotheirend.Theyareallaccomplishedonsinners,ondesigntomake themholy.Andall the subsequentpromises, even thepromiseofglorification itself, are but the same promise of sanctification enlargedandextended:theyarebutassomanyraysandbeamsoflight,shootingforthfromitasthecentreofthemall.

This appears from the scriptural descriptions of the covenant, in thepromissorypartthereofrespectingtheelect:Luke1:73,"TheoathwhichheswaretoourfatherAbraham."Ver.74,"Thathewouldgrantuntous,thatwebeingdeliveredoutofthehandsofourenemiesmightservehimwithout fear,"ver.75, "Inholinessandrighteousnessbeforehimall thedays of our life."Here is the oath or covenant sworn toAbraham, as atype of Christ; wherein his seed's serving the Lord in holiness, is heldforthasthechiefthingswornuntotheMediatorbytheFather;andtheirdeliverancefromtheirenemies,asthemeansforthatend.SeeHeb.8:10,

11,12,whereGod'swritinghislawintheirhearts, issetonthefront,asthe first thing in the divine intention, though the last in execution, asappears by comparing the 10th and 12th verses. This matter is alsoevidentfromthenatureofthething.ForthegreatthingSatanaimedatinseducingourfirstparents,wastheruinoftheimageofGodinthem,thatsomankindmightbenomorelikeGod,butlikehimself:andthemysteryof God, for the recovery of sinners, is then finished, when holiness isbroughtinthemtoperfectioninheaven,andnottillthen.

Fromallwhichonemayplainlyperceive,thatthesanctificationofallthatshall see heaven, is secured in the covenant, upon infallible grounds,beyondallpossibilityoffailure:andthattheunholyhavenosavingpartnorlotinthecovenant;andthatthelessholyanymanis,thelessisthecovenant-promiseaccomplishedtohim.Forthesanctificationofsinnersisthegreatdesignofthatcontrivance:itisthatwhichtheFatherandtheSon, lookingthereintothem,hadchiefly intheirview:andthepromisethereofisthecapitalpromiseofthecovenant,respectingthem;beingasitwerewritteningreatletters.

Now, at the time appointed for every one in the eternal council, thispromise is accomplished.The sinner being justified by faith, and takeninto a saving relation to God, being reconciled, adopted, andmade anheirofGodthroughChrist,issanctified.Thebarbeingremoved,thegulffilledupastohim,hissavinginterestin,andrelationtoaholyGodbeingestablished; the communication between heaven and the sinner isopened,andsanctifyinginfluencesflowamain,tothesanctifyingofhimthroughout.

Thisis,bysomedivines,calledthesecondregeneration,agreeabletotheScripture: Tit. 2:5, "He saved us by the washing of regeneration, andrenewingof theHolyGhost;"comparedwithEph.5:26,"Thathemightsanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water." 2 Cor. 5:17, "If anymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature;"namely,being"createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks,"astheapostlehimselfexplainsit,Eph.2:10.Andasinregenerationtakenstrictlyforthequickeningofthedeadsoul,andcalled the first regeneration, new vital powers are given; so inregeneration taken largely for the formingof thenewcreature inall itsparts and distinct members, which is called the second regeneration,

there are new qualities and habits of grace infused: and it is the samewith the second renewing,mentioned in ourShorterCatechism, on theheadofsanctification,"wherebywearerenewedinthewholeman,aftertheimageofGod."

Thematterlieshere.ThesinnerbeingbyfaithunitedtoChrist,throughthe communication of the quickening Spirit fromChrist unto him, andthereuponjustified,reconciled,adopted,andmadeanheirofGod;thereisameasureofeverygrace,even theseedsofall savinggraces,derivedfrom,andcommunicatedoutofall-fulnessofgraceinthemanChristthehead,untothesinnerasamemberofhis,bythesameSpiritdwellinginthe head andmembers.Hereby theman is not only a spiritually livingcreature, but an all-new creature, sanctified wholly or throughout,renewed in thewholeman, after the image ofGod. For the immediateeffectofthatcommunicationofgracefromChrist,mustbethesealingofthepersonwith the imageofChrist; forasmuchashereceivesgrace forgrace inChrist, as thewaxdothpoint forpoint in the seal. So that therestored image of God is expressed on us immediately fromChrist thesecond Adam, who is the image of the invisible God: even as Eve wasmade after God's image, being made after Adam's, according to Gen.2:18,"Iwillmakehimanhelpmeetforhim;"marg.asbeforehim,thatis,inhisownlikeness,asifhesatforapicture.Compare1Cor.11:7,"He,"(towit, theman) "is the imageandgloryofGod:but thewoman is theglory of theman." Ver. 8, "For theman is not of the woman: but thewomanoftheman."And2Cor.8:23,"Ourbrethrenarethemessengersof the churches, and the glory of Christ." And thus our uniting withChrist,throughtheSpirit,byfaith,issuesinourbecomingonespirit,thatis, of the samespiritualholynaturewithhim;as really asEvewasonefleshwithAdam,beingformedofhim,ofhisfleshandofhisbones,Gen.2:23; to which the apostle alludes, in thematter of themystical unionbetween Christ and believers, Eph. 5:30, "For we are members of hisbody,ofhisflesh,andofhisbones."

This is the scripture-account of the matter: according to which, thesanctificationofa sinnerhatha special relation toJesusChristandhisSpirit;dependswithalonourrelativestateinthedivinefavour;andsoisno less a mystery than our justification. As the depravation of human

naturehathalwaysbeensomanifest,thatitcouldnotescapeobservationin the world; so, in all ages, men have been aiming to discover andcompassthecurethereof,inarightusetheyapprehendtheycouldmakeof their rational faculties. The issuewhereof hath always been, at best,but an outward show and semblance of sanctification, going under thenameofmoralvirtue,havingnospecialrelationtoJesusChrist,andhisindwellingSpirit;butsuchasitis,madethefoundationofmen'srelativestateinthefovourofGod.AndsincetheworldbytheirwisdomknewnotGod;itisnotatallstrange,theproduceoftheirwisdom,inthematterofsanctification, or assimiliation to his image, lies so wide of the truesanctificationacceptabletohimdiscoveredinhisword.Truly it is thereonlywecanlearnthemysteryofthesanctificationofasinner.Andthereitisrevealed,thatthatgreatworkiswroughtbytheSpirit,onthesoulsofmeninastateofunionwithJesusChrist,andafterbelieving,Eph.1:13,"IN whom also AFTER that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holySPIRITofpromise."ItnecessarilydependsonourunionwithChrist, inthatwearesanctifiedINChristJesus,asmembersofhisbody,1Cor.1:2,created INChrist Jesusuntogoodworks.And faith is the instrumentalcauseofoursanctification,being,Wearesanctifiedbyfaith,Acts26:18:for thereby it is, that "of his fulnesswe receive grace for grace," (John1:16.)thewhichiscommunicatedtousbyhisSpirit,whoglorifieshim,byreformingusafterhis image,bymeansof that communicationofgracefromChristuntous:John16:14,"Heshallglorifyme:forheshallreceiveofmine,andshallshewituntoyou."So"beholdingasinaglassthegloryoftheLord(Christ),wearechangedintothesameimage,fromglorytoglory,evenasby theSpiritof theLord,"2Cor.3:18.Thusonebeing inChristismadeanewcreature;forasmuchasheissuchastockaschangesthegraft into itsownnature;"Therefore ifanymanbe inChristhe isanewcreature,chap.5:17,"ForasmanyofyouashavebeenbaptizedintoChrist, have put on Christ," Gal. 3:27. It dependeth also upon ourjustification, and reconciliation with God; inasmuch as the blood ofChrist,withwhichwearesanctified,accordingtothescripture,(Rev.1:5;1 Pet. 1:2; 1 John 1:7,) is effective of our sanctification, as it is themeritoriouscausethereof:andsothesanctifyingvirtueof thatpreciousblood, proceeds from its atoning virtue; it sanctifies us, because itjustifiesandreconcilesustoGod;Heb.9:14,"HowmuchmoreshallthebloodofChrist,who,throughtheeternalSpirit,offeredhimselfwithout

spot toGod,purgeyourconscience fromdeadworks toserve the livingGod?"Wherefore,saiththeapostle,1Thess.5:23,"AndtheveryGodofPEACE sanctify you." In like manner, it pre-supposeth our adoption;inasmuchasitisuponourbeingadoptedintothefamilyofGod,thatwereceive the Spirit of his Son, conforming us to his image as our elderbrother,whichis theverythingwhereinoursanctificationdothconsist:"Forwhomhedidforeknow,healsodidpredestinatetobeconformedtothe image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among manybrethren,"Rom.8:29."Andbecauseyearesons,GodhathsentforththeSpiritofhisSonintoyourhearts,crying,Abba,Father,"Gal.4:6,"Wearechanged into thesame image,evenasby theSpiritof theLord,"2Cor.3:18.AnditstandsinthesamerelationtoGod'sbecomingourGod,Ezek.16:8,"Iswareuntothee,andenteredintoacovenantwiththee,saiththeLordGod, and thoubecamestmine."Ver. 9, "Thenwashed I theewithwater:yea,Ithoroughlywashedawaythybloodfromthee,andanointedtheewithoil."

Butalthoughinthisworkofsanctification,thereiscommunicatedoutofthe all-fulness of grace in Christ, a measure, and that a predominantmeasureofeverygrace:yetitisnotafullmeasureofanygrace.Henceitcomes topass, thathowbeitweare thereby renewed in thewholeman,yetwearestillunrenewedinthewholemantoo;towit,inrespectoftwogeneral parts, thence called the renewedpart, and theunrenewedpart.For this communicationof grace, beingof grace for grace inChrist,wearetherebyrenewedineveryparticularpart indeed:butthemeasureofnoneofthesegracesbeingfullinanysoulwhilehere,wearenotwhollyrenewed in any such part; but there are remains of corruption stillindwellingineverysuchpart,inthemind,will,andaffections,andinthebody by way of communication with the unrenewed part. Thus twocontrary principles, to wit, grace and corruption, are in the sanctified;beingtogetherinsuchsort,thatineveryparticularpartwheretheoneis,theotheristherealsobyit:evenasinthetwilight,lightanddarknessareineverypartofthehemisphere.Allwhichthescripturedothabundantlydeclare.Forwhatwehaveof thisgraciousworkuponus,whilehere, isbutinpart; it isnotperfect,1Cor.13:9,10.Thoughthereisanewmanputon,thereisanoldmantobeputoff,Eph.4:22,24.Thereisfleshaswellasspiritinthebest,Gal.5:17;whothereforedolookforthbutasthe

morning,Cant. 6:10; or as thewordproperly signifies, as thedawning:yet,asthedawningdiffersfromdarknight,theydiffertherebyfromtheunsanctified,inwhomthereisnolight,Isa.8:20.(Heb.nodawning.)SeeRom.7:14–24.Phil.3:21.

Howbeit,forasmuchasitisapredominantmeasureofeverygracethatisthus communicated: thiswork of sanctification doth issue in a state ofdeathontosin,andastateoflifeuntorighteousness.

1.Itissuethinastateofdeathuntosin,orinmortification.ForbymeansofthatcommunicationofgracefromChristthehead,thoughitisnotfull,theOLDman of sin gets his deadlywound. The reigning power of thewholebodyofsinsisdestroyed:inasmuchasareigningprincipleofgraceistherebysetupisthebeliever;andthat"hisseedremainethinhim;andhecannotsin,becauseheisbornofGod,"1John3:9."Sinshallnothavedominionoveryou:foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."Andtotalpollution,ordefilement,throughsin,isbythesamemeanspurgedoff; inasmuch as the restored image of God makes one really andpersonallypureandclean in thesightofGod,as faras itgoes:Tit.3:5,"Hesavedusby thewashingof regeneration,andrenewingof theHolyGhost." Compare Col. 3:10, "And have put on the new man, which isrenewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him." Andthusoneisputintoastateofdeath,inrespectofhisunrenewedpart,Col.3:3,"Foryearedead;Rom6:11,"deadindeeduntosin."Thewhichstateofdeath is suchasacrucifiedman is in,whobeingnailed to thecross,shallnevercomedowntillhehavebreathedouthislast;Gal.6:14,"Theworld is crucified untome, and I unto the world." Rom. 6:6, "Our oldmaniscrucifiedwithhim."

2. It issuethalso in a stateof lifeunto righteousness, or in vivification.ForbymeansofthesamecommunicationofgracefromChristthehead,one is enduedwith infusedhabitsof grace, the immediateprinciplesofgracious actions: the law is written in his heart; and his heart iscircumcisedtolovetheLord.Andthusheisputintoastateoflifeuntorighteousness, in respect of his renewed part; being "dead indeed untosin, but alive untoGod, through JesusChrist our Lord,"Rom. 6:11. Sosaith the apostle of himself: Gal. 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ:NeverthelessI live."Andthisstateof life issuch,asaman is in for the

commonactionsof life,who isnotonlyquickened,but risenand comeforthofthegrave;Col.2:12,"Yearerisenwithhim,throughthefaithoftheoperationofGod."Rom.6:4,"ThatlikeasChristwasraisedupbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkinnewnessoflife."Anditisaneternallife;forthegracecommunicatedfromChristtothebeliever,for that effect, "shall be in him a well of water springing up intoeverlastinglife,"John4:14.

Now, this death unto sin, and life unto righteousness, spring from ourcommunionwithChristinhisdeathandresurrection.Theselasthaveinthemapowerandvirtuetorenderhismysticalmembersconformabletohiminthem.Theyhaveapowerandvirtue,tocauseinthemadyinguntosin, as Christ died for sin, a violent death, lingering, and painful, yetvoluntary;andarisingfromsintoanewmanneroflife,continuedduringtheirabodeinthisworld,andperfectedinglory;evenasherosefromthedead to anewmannerof life, continued till his ascension:Philip. 3:10."That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and thefellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."Rom.6:4,"Thereforeweareburiedwithhimbybaptismintodeath:thatlike asChristwas raisedupby the gloryof theFather, even sowealsoshould walk in newness of life." Ver. 5, "For if we have been plantedtogetherinthelikenessofhisdeath:weshallbealsointhelikenessofhisresurrection."SincethereisinAdam'ssinanddeath,amalignantvirtue,conforming his natural offspring unto him therein, to their defilement;why should it be thought strange, that there should be such a benignvirtue in the death, and resurrection of Christ the second Adam,conforming his mystical members unto him therein, to theirsanctification?for"asinAdamalldie,evensoinChristshallallbemadealive,"1Cor.15:22.ThedeathandresurrectionofChristhavethisvirtue,inasmuchashediedandroseagainasapublicperson,andmeritedthisconformationofhismysticalmembers tohis image,Rom.6:4–12,Eph.3:5,6.Andtheyhavethiseffect,as theyareappliedtousby theSpirit.Forthecaseofourjustificationandsanctification,ismuchlikethatofthedeliveringonewhoisaprisonerfordebt.Whenthesurety'spaymentofthedebt is legally applied to theprisoner, by the judge sustaining it asclearing his debt; in the moment of that application, the prisoner islegallyfree;heisnomoreaprisonerinpointofright,thoughstillinthe

prison,untilthatonesentbythejudge,applyittohimreallybyopeningtheprison-doorstohim,andsettinghimatliberty.EvensothedeathofChrist, andhis resurrection, consideredas theevidenceofhis completesatisfaction,beinglegallyappliedbyGodtheJudge,toasinner,uponhisbelieving; they have an immediate effect on him, constituting him in ahappy relative state, in justification, and new relation to God as hisFriend, Father, and God; so that he is thereby free, even from thedominionandpollutionof sin, inpointof right, aswell ashe is in factfreedfromtheguiltof it:beisbythatapplicationlegallydeaduntosin,andaliveuntoGod:Rom.6:10,"Forinthathe"(towit,Christ)"died,hedied unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God." Ver. 11,"Likewisereckonyealsoyourselvestobedeadindeeduntosin;butaliveuntoGodthroughJesusChristourLord."Now,thecursewhichstoodasalegalbartosanctifyinginfluences,inrespectwhereofthestrengthofsinisthelaw,1Cor.15:56,beingthusquiteremovedbythelegalapplication,of the death and resurrection of Christ to the believer; the Spirit dothreally apply the same death and resurrection to him, conforming himpersonallythereto,throughthecommunicationofgracetohim,outofthefulness of grace in Christ the head;withoutwhich there cannot be anysuchconformation,according to the statedmethodofgrace revealed inthe scripture.And thus theyhave amediate effect onhim, constitutinghimreallyandpersonallyholy, insanctification:Rom.8:2,"ForthelawoftheSpiritoflife,inChristJesus,hathmademefreefromthelawofsinanddeath."Col.2:12, "Buriedwithhim inbaptism,whereinalsoyearerisenwithhim."1Cor.12:13,"ForbyoneSpiritareweallbaptizedintoonebody."John15:4,"Asthebranchcannotbearfruitofitself,exceptitabide in thevine:nomore canye, exceptyeabide inme."Therewasadouble sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifices, called the blood of thecovenant,Exod.24.First,itwassprinkledonthealtar,foratonementandreconciliationwithGod for Israel, ver. 6.Andnext, itwas sprinkledonthepeople,fortheirpurification,ver.8;itspurifyingvirtueflowingfromitsatoningvirtue.Accordinglythereisadoubleapplicationorsprinklingof the blood of Christ, thereby signified: one for our justification andreconciliationwithGod;mentionedHeb.12:22,"Yearecome"—Ver.24,—"to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that ofAbel," namely, in that it speaks formercy and pardon, whereas Abel'sspokeforvengeance:andthenanother,foroursanctification;mentioned,

1 Pet. 1:2, "Through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience, andsprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." And this is the only truesanctificationofasinner,havingaspecialrelationtoJesusChristandhisSpirit.

Now, the branches of the promise of sanctification aremanifold: for itspreads as wide as the commandments of the holy law, which, in thestationithathinthegospel-covenant,areallturnedintopromises.Thuswhereasthecommandis,"KnowtheLord;"thepromiseis,"Theyshallallknowme,saiththeLord,"Jer.31:34.Thecommandis,"Comeuntome,"Matt. 11:28; and it is promised, "They shall come," Psalm 22:31. Thecommandis,"LovetheLord,"Psalm31:23;itispromised,"TheLordwillcircumcisethinehearttolovetheLord,"Deut.30:6.Itisthecommand,"FearGod," 1 Pet. 2:17; and it is promised, "Iwill putmy fear in theirhearts,"Jer.32:40.Wearecommandedtobemeek,humble,andlowly,Matt. 11:29;and it ispromised, Isa. 11:6, "Thewolf shalldwellwith thelamb,—andalittlechildshallleadthem."Andthusitisinallothercases,thewholecommandmentsofthelawinthisstationbeinginlaidwiththegospel-promises,asappearsfromHeb.8:10,"Iwillputmylawsintotheirmind,andwrite them in theirhearts:and Iwillbe to themaGod,andtheyshallbetomeapeople."

Butthechiefbranchesarethesetwo;towit, thepromiseofrepentance,andthepromiseofactualgraceandstrengthforallholyobedience.

1. One chief branch of the promise of sanctification, is the promise ofrepentance. Not that legal repentance, which goes before saving faith,being common to the elect and reprobate; but that evangelicalrepentance,whichisdescribedinourcatechisms,theseedsofwhicharesaid, in theLargerCatechism, tobeput into theheart insanctification;andsofollowssavingfaithandjustification,intheorderofnature:Ezek.36:31,"Thenshallyerememberyourownevilways,andyourdoingsthatwere not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for youriniquities."Psalm22:27,"All theendsof theworldshall rememberandturnunto theLord."Zech. 12:10, "They shall lookuponmewhom theyhave pierced, and they shallmourn for him." The whole spiritual seedwere, bymeans of the breach of the first covenant, lost sheep, even asothers.Adam left them as somanywaifs and strays,wandering on the

mountainsofvanity,readytobecomeapreytotheroaringlion,whogoesabout there,seekingwhomhemaydevour:Isa.53:6,"Allwe likesheephavegoneastray:wehaveturnedeveryonetohisownway."Allofthemhad lost theway, andnone of them could find it again.Theyhad goneawayfromGod,andcouldnotreturn.Theyhadturnedtohimtheback,andnottheface,andhadbecomesoinflexible,theycouldnotturnabouttohim,andtotheirduty.Theyhadlosttheireyes,andcouldnotdiscernthewaytoreturn:"todogoodtheyhadnoknowledge,"Jer.4:22.Theyhadlostthepoweroftheirlimbs,andcouldnomorereturn,thoughtheyhad known the way, than "the Ethiopian can change his skin, or theleopardhisspots,"chap.13:23.Andtheyhadwithallosthearttoreturn:God being to them an un-atoned God, his face set against them, theycould not bear to approach him. So they never would have turned,althoughtheyhadbeenable;buteachofthemwouldhavesaid,"Thereisnohope.No, "for Ihave lovedstrangers,andafter themwill Igo,"Jer.2:25.Wherefore, had not theMediator interposed, they had wanderedendlessly:hadnot JesusChrist taken thedesperate case inhand, therehad never been a returning sinner of Adam's family, a true penitent, aheartkindlysoftenedinsorrowforsin,norturnedinhatredagainstsinas sin, more than there is among the fallen angels. But uponconsiderationofthesecondAdam'swalkingwithGod,thewholewayofobediencetothelaw,whichtheywentofffrom;havingwithallaidonhimthe iniquities of them all; there was made a promise of giving themrepentance, that "he shouldgather together inone, the childrenofGodthat were scattered abroad," John 11:52. In performance of whichpromise,afterhisascensionintoheaven,itwasfound,thatGodhadalsototheGentilesgrantedrepentanceuntolife,Acts11:18.

Now, when one is justified by faith, and new-related to God, as hisFriend, Father, and God, he is sanctified, and brought to true andevangelical repentance,according to thispromise.Beingcome toChristby faith, he comes back unto God by him in repentance, Heb. 7:25.Whenceit iscalledrepentancetowardGod,whichistheendwhereuntofaith towardourLordJesusChrist is themeans,Acts20:21.Then, andnottillthen,itis,thattheheartisseta-goingintruegospel-repentance,pleasingtoGod,andacceptable inhissight;accordingto theScripture:Ezek.16:62,"AndIwillestablishmycovenantwiththee."Ver.63,"That

thoumayest remember and be confounded, andnever open thymouthanymorebecauseofthyshame,whenIampacifiedtowardthee."Chap.20:42,"AndyeshallknowthatIamtheLord,whenIshallbringyouintothe landof Israel."Ver.43, "And there shall ye rememberyourways,—andyeshall loatheyourselves."Chap.36:25,"ThenwillIsprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean."—Ver.26,"AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou."—Ver.28,—"Andyeshallbemypeople,andIwillbeyourGod."Ver.31, "Thenshallyerememberyourownevilways,—andshall loatheyourselves."Forthenitis,thattheloveofGodtothesoul,whichlayhidbefore,dothshineforthmoreorlessclear;andbeingdiscernedbyfaithaccordingly, warms the heart of the sinner with love to God again,accordingtothat,1John4:19,"Welovehim,becausehefirstlovedus."Andthatlovemeltsitintorepentanceforsin,asinthewomanwho,beingforgivenmuch, lovedmuch: and shewed her love, by her washing ourSaviour'sfeetwithtears,Luke7:37,38,47.ThehardheartisthenlaidonthesoftbedoftheloveandfreegraceofGodinChrist;andthewordofthelaw,inlaidwiththegospel,fallsonit,saying,"Break,fortheLordisgracious;" Joel 2:13, "Rend your heart,—and turn unto the Lord yourGod: forhe isgraciousandmerciful,—andofgreatkindness."And this,likeahammer,breakeththerockinpieces.Thepartybeing,asisbeforedeclared, renewed in thewholeman,put intoa stateofdeathuntosin,and lifeuntorighteousness, thenewnaturevents itself inan ingenuousandthoroughturningfromsinuntoGod, inheartand life.BybelievingthesinnerreturnsuntoGodasaportion,whereintorest:inrepentinghereturnsuntoGod as aLord andMaster,whomhe is to obey.He turnsfrom sin unto God, coming back as a runaway servant to his master,returning to his place and duty in the family. And he returns withblushing and tears.He is filledwith sorrow and shame for offending agoodandgraciousGod.Hisheartisturnedagainstsin,inhatredofit:hehates itnotonlyasahurtful thing, thatwouldruin'him:butasa filthyand loathsome thing, thatdefileshim.He loathes it, as theabominablethingthatGodhates;asthedeformityofthesoul,theveryreverseofthegloriousholinessofGodexpressed inhis law.He loatheshimself for it;callshimself foolandbeast, forhisentertainingit;smitesonhisbreast,asifhewouldbruisethatbreastitwasbredin;andsmitesonhisthigh,asifhewouldbreakthelegsthatcarriedhiminthewayofit,Luke15:20,21,and 18:13; Jer. 31:18, 19. And he returns with full purpose of, and

endeavours after new obedience; with a heart inclined to keep God'sstatutes always, even unto the end, Psalm 119:33; and filled withcarefulnessinthatpoint,vehementdesireofit,andzealforit,2Cor.7:11.

Theotherchiefbranchofthepromiseofsanctification,is,thepromiseofactual grace and strength for all holy obedience; whereby one may beenabled acceptably to perform obedience, in all and every act ofmortificationordyingunto sin, andof livingunto righteousness; todoevery duty that is required of him, and to bearwhatsoever affliction islaiduponhim:Psalm22:30,"Aseedshallservehim."Zech.10:12,"AndIwillstrengthenthemintheLord,andtheyshallwalkupanddowninhisname."Hos.14:9,"ThewaysoftheLordareright,andthejustshallwalkinthem."Ezek.36:27,"AndIwillcauseyoutowalkinmystatutes,andyeshallkeepmyjudgments,anddothem."And,Deut.30,theroot-promiseofsanctification,incircumcisingthehearttolovetheLord,isinthefirstplace proposed, ver. 6; and then follow both the branches thereoftogether, towit, thepromiseof repentance,andofactualgrace fornewobedience,ver.8,"AndthoushaltreturnandobeythevoiceoftheLord,anddoall his commandments."GodplantedAdamanoble vine,madehimasagreentreefullofsap,forbringingforthallfruitsofholiness;butbreakingthefirstcovenant,heandallmankindinhimwitheredanddied,underthecurse;uponwhichensuedanabsolutebarrenness,thatnofruitof holiness could be expected from them more. But the second Adamhaving engaged to satisfy the law, by bearing the curse; there wasthereuponmadeapromiseofraisingthemupagaintowalkinnewnessoflife.Anditisperformedintheirhabitualsanctification,wroughtinthemimmediatelyupontheirunionwithChrist:forthoughsanctificationdothintheorderofnaturefollowjustification,andthenewrelationtoGodasaFriend,Father,andGod;yetinrespectoftime,itistogetherandatoncewith them: in the same moment that a sinner is justified, he is alsosanctified.Butevenwhenwearehabituallysanctified,throughthehabitsofgrace infused intousby theSpirit;wearenotofourselves, that is tosay,merelyuponthatstock,withoutnewcommunicationsofactualgraceby thesameSpirit,able tobring forthany fruitofholiness:evenofourgraciousselveswecandonothing,asourSaviourteacheth,John15:4,5.Andtheapostleprofesseth,inhisownname,andinthenameofallothergraciouspersons,2Cor.3:4,"AndsuchtrusthavewethroughChrist to

Godward." Ver. 5, "Not thatwe are sufficient of ourselves to think anythingasofourselves;butoursufficiencyisofGod.For,"saithhe,Philip.2:13,"itisGodwhichworkethinyou,bothtowillandtodo."Andthisisnomorestrangeinthedispensationofgrace,thanthat, innature,freshseed sown in good ground, yet cannot spring up, and bring forth fruit,withoutwarming andmoistening influences from the heavens; or, thatwehaveapowerofnaturalmotion,andyetcannotactuallymoveafinger,withoutacommonprovidential influenceof theSpiritofGod, in,orby,whomweliveandmove,Acts17:28.Whereforethepromiseisextended,as we have said, unto actual grace and strength for the acts of holyobedience; and is somade forthcoming to believers in their actual andprogressivesanctification.

Andthussuchasufficientprovisionandallowanceofgraceismadeinthecovenantforbelievers,asthatitispossibleforthem,eveninthislife,toperform obedience to the law of Christ, the ten commandments, theeternalruleofrighteousness,inallthepartsthereof,acceptably:sothatthereisnocorruptionsostrong,butonemaygetitacceptablymortified;nor does the Lord require any duty so difficult, but one may get itacceptablydone;noristhereanytrialorafflictionsoheavy,butonemayget it acceptably borne. If it hadnot been so, ourLordwouldnothavemade doing whatsoever he commands, the distinguishing mark of hisfriends,John15:14.Theapostledothindeeddeny,thatwearesufficientofourselves;butwithalhe teacheth, that there isa sufficiency forusofGod,2Cor.3:5.So theLordhimself taughthim, inhisowncase,chap.12:9, "Mygrace is sufficient for thee."Without itwere so,Christ's yokecouldnotbeeasy,norhisburdenlight,Matt.11:30.Nay,theywouldbeliketheyokeandburdenofthelawasacovenantofworks,grievoustobeborne,chap.23:4.Buthiscommandmentsarenotgrievous,1John5:3.Itwasnovainboastingtheapostleused,whenhesaid,"IcandoallthingsthroughChristwhichstrengthenethme,"Philip.4:13.NorwasEpaphrasout, in supposing that theColossianbelieversmight "standcomplete inallthewillofGod,"Col.4:12.DavidhadGod'sowntestimony,astofactin thatmatter,Acts 13:22, "I have foundDavid, aman aftermine ownheart,whichshallfulfilallmywill."

This bears no prejudice to the doctrine of the imperfection of the

obedience of the saints in this life, maintained by orthodox divinesagainst the papists and other perfectionists; which, as it is abundantlyevidentfromtheHolyScriptures,hathalsoaconcurringtestimonytothetruththereof,inthebreastsofalltheseriousgodly,towhomitisgivenbytheSpirit todiscerntheholinessofGod, thespiritualityof the law,andthecorruptionoftheirownnature.ButIampersuaded,that,throughthesleightofSatan, thatdoctrine is, as several otherprecious truths are, astoneofstumblingtomany,throughtheirnotadvertingtotheprovisionandallowanceofgracemadeinthispromiseofthecovenant;andthatbythismeansmany apoor sinner is snared and ruined, and thehandsofmany saints weakened in the practice of holiness; to the greatdisadvantageofthecauseofholinessintheworld.

Tobreak that snare,andset thismatter inaclear light, thereare threethingscarefullytobedistinguished.

1.Distinguishbetweenperformingobedience,inallthepartsthereof,andinallthedegreesoftheseparts.Thelatterindeednomancan,atanyrate,do in this life,James3:2;Eccl.7:20.But the formerevery truebelievermaydo,yea,andactuallydoth,sofarasthesepartsareknowntohim,asappearsfromthetextsabovealleged.Inconfoundingofthesethereliesasnare. "The best ofmen," say crafty sinners, "do inmany things comeshortoftheobediencerequiredofthem:andbutsodowe."Now,thatthesaintsdocomeshortofthedegreesofeverypartofobediencerequiredofthem,isverytrue:butthattheycomeshortofanyofthepartsthemselvesknowntothem,whichisthecaseofthecraftysinnerseekingshelterforhis sin here, is false. And herein the former do really distinguishthemselves from the latter; as David showed himself of another makethan Saul, by his fulfilling all God's will, in the several parts thereof,which Saul did not, Acts 13:22. It is here as in the case of a family,consistingofpliablechildren,andrefractoryservants.Themasterofthefamilyprescribesseveralpiecesofworktobedonebythemall:andhisgrown children,who bare perfect skill of their business, to do them allexactlyaccordingtohismind;andthusglorifiedsaintsobey:theyoungerchildren who are learning to work, do, out of regard to their father'scommand,indeedputhandtoeveryoneofthem,buttheycandononeofthem exactly; even so it is with the saints on earth; but the refractory

servantsputhandtosomeofthem,butquiteneglectothersofthem,andthis is themannerof thewickedandslothfulservant,whoseeksshelterhereforhissloth,andhispartialityinobedience.

2.Distinguishbetweenperformingobedienceperfectly,andperformingitacceptably.Noman canperformobedienceperfectly in this life,Philip.3:12;buteverytruebelieverperformsobedienceacceptably:Acts10:35,"Hethat fearethhim,andworkethrighteousness isacceptedwithhim."Inconfounding these there isasnare.Thecraftysinnersaith, "There isnonethatperformsobedienceperfectly:andIamsureIdomanythings,thoughindeednotall."Now,thattruebelieversdonotperformobedienceperfectly,isverytrue;butthattheydonotperformitacceptably,whichisthecaseofthecraftysinner,asnotuniversal,andthereforenotsincere,inhisobedience,isaltogetherfalse.Theywhoaremastersknowverywellhow to make this distinction, in their domestic affairs. If a child, orpliableservant,shewarealgood-willtoobeytheirorders,theywillacceptoftheirwork,thoughitisnotdone,ineverypoint,astheywouldhaveit;so,iftherebefirstawillingmind,discoveredinsincereendeavours,itisacceptedofGod for the sakeofChrist, according to thatamanhath,2Cor.8:12.Butifaservantshallquiteneglecttoputhandtoathingwhichheisperemptorilyorderedtodo,becausehecannotdoiteverywaysoasthemasterwouldhaveitdone;thisisconstruedtobeacontemptofthemaster's authority. And what other account can men imagine will bemadeinheavenoftheirconduct,ininstancesofplainandunquestionableduty,which theyquiteneglect;andof sin, that they indulge themselvesin?

3.Distinguishbetweenabilityinourselvesforperformingobedienceinallthepartsthereofacceptably,andabilityforitinChristtobefetchedinbyfaith.Neithersaintsnorsinnershavetheformer,2Cor.3:5;butalltruebelievershavethelatter:theyhavesuchabilityinChristtheirhead,Col.2:10,"Yearecompleteinhim,"Philip4:13,"Icandoallthings(throughChristwhichstrengthenethme."Anditisinthegospelofferedtoall,sothatwhosoeverwill,mayhaveit:Matth.11:28,"Comeuntome,allyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest."Ver.29,"Takemyyokeuponyou."Ifadiscreetmastercommandhisservanttogoanddoaparticularpieceofwork, itwillnotexcuse theservant'sneglect, thathe

wanted instruments necessary for it; because he will reckon, that hisbidding him do the work, did suppose his allowing him instruments,withoutwhich it couldnotbedone;and that the servantought tohavecalled for them. But here lies a ruining snare to many. "We can donothingofourselves,"saythey:andhereuponthesluggardputshishandin his bosom, and does nothing; but, having laid his head on this softpillow,hesleepstodeathonthebedofslothandcarnalease.Othatmenwouldopen their eyes, and see through thispieceof ruiningdeceit!Nomanshallbeabletoexcusehimselfhereby,fromtheperformanceofholyobedience in all the parts thereof.Nay, this his conductwill bring himunder a double guilt; one, of neglecting what it was his duty to do;another,ofdespisingthegraceofferedhim,toenablehimthereto:andsohe will be condemned, not because he could not obey, but because hewould not. God hath never been a hard master to mankind, reapingwherehedidnotsow;buthathalwaysmadeasuitableallowanceofgraceandstrengthtothemforhiswork.Inthecovenantofworks,onlyperfectobedience could be accepted at the hands of the covenant-people; andtherewasaconformableallowanceofgraceandstrengthconform,madetotheminit.Godmademanupright,abletoobeythelawinperfection.And the law justly insists for perfection of obedience still, upon theground of that provisionwhichwasmade for it, though it is now lost;beingthatitwaslostbyman'sownfault.Inthecovenantofgrace,whichis adapted to our fallen state, sincere obedience may be accepted,notwithstanding of imperfections attending it. And accordingly, in itthereismadeaprovisionandallowanceofsuchasufficiencyofgraceandstrength, as thereby every piece of obedience required of the covenant-peoplemaybedone,eveninthislife;thoughnotasitshouldbedone,yetsoasitmaybeaccepted:accepted,Isay,notforitsownsakeindeed,norfor theworker's sakeneither;but forChrist's sake, inwhosename it isrequiredtobedoneandofferedtoGod,asaspiritualsacrifice,acceptableto God by Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2:5. This is evident from the forecitedpassages,2Cor.3:5,and12:9;Philip.4:13.Butwithal,thissufficiencyofgrace and strength for that effect, is not lodged in the covenant-peoplethemselves; but in Christ their head, in whom they have it, as thebrancheshaveasufficiencyofsapandjuiceinthevine,fortheirbringingforth fruit in the season: Isa. 45:24. "Surely, shall one say, in the LordhaveIrighteousnessandstrength."2Tim.2:1,"Thoutherefore,myson,

bestronginthegracethat is inChristJesus."Andit is fetchedintothesoul by faith, believing the promise: Jer. 17:7, "Blessed is theman thattrusteth in the Lord." Ver. 8, "For he shall be as a tree planted by thewaters."Psalm28:7,"Myhearttrustedinhim,andIamhelped."Andsoevery command of Christ in this covenant, supposeth an allowance ofgrace and strength, sufficient for the performing of it in an acceptablemanner.Accordingly,thedeclarationofgracestandsonthefrontofthetencommandments,Exod.20:2,"IamtheLordthyGod."Ver.3,"Thoushalthavenoothergodsbeforeme,"&c.Ifthelawcametouswithoutthegospel, we might have some excuse for not doing what we arecommanded;yetnotsostrong,butthatitwouldbeoverthrown,asinthecase of pagans, Rom. 2:12. But since, with the commands of the lawrequiringobedience,thegospelalsocomestous,shewinghowwemaybeenabled to obey them acceptably, and offering us that ability in ChristJesus; we are inexcusable in that matter: the plea of the wicked andslothfulservantisrejected;andheiscondemned,notonlyfornotgivingobedience,butforrefusinggraceandstrengthofferedhim,toenablehimthereto.

Wherefore,letusfirmlybelievethispromiseofthegospel-covenant,thatwemaygiveobediencetothecommandsofthelaw:forwherethereisnohopeofperformingacceptablywhatisrequired,therecanbenosuitableendeavoursafterit.Iftheheartishopelessinthatmatter,thehandswillcertainlyhangdown:andtheissuemustneedsbe,eitheraceasingfromthedutyaltogether,orelseaveryfaintpromisethereof,unacceptabletoGod.Butthefaithofthispromisewillremovethecoverofsloth,animateto every good work, and bring in grace and strength for all holyobedience; "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let uscleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfectingholinessinthefearofGod,"2Cor.7:1.

SinceGodhathnotgiventothechurchthecommandofsanctificationtobe obeyed,without the promise of sanctification to be believed; but hethathathsaid,"Washye,makeyeclean,"hathsaidalso,"Iwillsprinkleclean water upon you, and ye shall be clean;" noman hath ground toimagine, that he doth so much as endeavour to comply with the truedesignof thecommandof sanctification,whodothnot firstbelieveand

embracethepromiseofsanctification;butfallstoworkwiththenitreandsoapofhis own faithful endeavours, towashhimself clean. Sucha onemistakesthetrueintentandimportofthecommandofsanctification,asitstandsintheBible;andthatasfarasthecommandofadiscreetmasterwould bemistaken by a foolish servant,whobeing bid to go anddig aparcelofground,shouldthereuponfalladiggingitwithhisnails,neverlooking after a spade, mattock, or any other instrument proper to digwith.

Now,thepromiseofsanctification,whichitsseveralbranches,isgrafteduponthepromiseofaresurrectionmadetoChrist.Fortheconditionofthecovenantbeingfulfilled,heastheheadwas,accordingtothepromise,broughtagainfromthedead,andlivesuntoGod,deathhayingnomoredominionoverhim:andinvirtuehereofagain,hismembersarebroughttorepentancefromdeadworks,anduntonewnessof life.Hencewearesaid to be begotten again, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from thedead, 1 Pet. 1:3; forasmuch as we are raised with him (Col. 3:1.) untonewnessoflife,(Rom.6:4,5.),accordingtothepromise,Is.26:19,"Thydeadmen shall live, togetherwithmydeadbody shall they arise:—Theearthshallcastoutthedead;"namely,inthefirstplace,theheadChristJesus, the first-born from the dead, Col. 1:18, and then his mysticalmembersafterhimintheirorder.CompareHos.6:2,"Inthethirddayhewillraiseusup,andweshallliveinhissight."

Thusfarofthepromiseofsanctification.Follows:—

IV.Thepromiseofperseveranceingrace.

The promise of eternal life doth in like manner comprehend the theperseverance ingrace tobeconferredonall thecovenant-people,beingjustified,new-relatedtoGod,andsanctified;sothat,beingoncebroughtintothestateofgrace,theyshallneverfallawayfromittotallynorfinally.This promise we have, Jer. 32:40, "And I will make an everlastingcovenant, with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do themgood;butIwillputmyfearintheirhearts,thattheyshallnotdepartfromme."Heretheyaresecuredonbothsides;thatGodwillnevercastthemoff,andthattheyshallneverdeserthim.Andthatthisbenefitisincludedinthepromiseofeternallife,isclearfromtheapostle'sadducingthislast

to prove it, Heb. 10:38, "Now the just shall live by faith." Such is themaliceofSatan,andtheadvantagehehadagainstthesaintsinthislife;so manifold are the snares for them in the present evil world; such atender bud of heaven is the implanted grace of God in them, and socorrupt,fickle,andinconstantaretheheartsofthebest,whilehere;that,if theirperseverancehadnotbeen securedbypromise in the covenant,butmade theconditionof thecovenant,and left to themanagementoftheirownfree-will,theywouldhavehadbutasorryrestorationofitintothestateofgrace;asmuchasiftheyhadgotasparkoffiretokeepalivein themidstofanocean.At thatrate theymightallhaveperished;andJesus Christ, notwithstanding of the shedding of his blood for them,mighthaveeternallyremainedaheadwithoutmembers,akingwithoutsubjects.ButthegloryofChrist,andhissalvationofhisredeemed,werenot left at such uncertainty. That perseverance which the first Adamfailedof,andwasmadetheconditionofthesecondcovenant,thesecondAdamdidundertakeintheirname:andthereuponwasmadethepromiseof their perseverance. And he having accordingly persevered unto theend,inobediencetothelawforthem,beingobedienteventothedeath,itwaspurchasedforthem.ThusChrist'sperseverance inobediencetothelaw,tilltheconditionofthecovenantwasperfectlyfulfilled,isthegroundinlawuponwhichtheperseveranceofthesaintsisinfalliblysecured,invirtueofthefaithfulnessofGodinthepromise.

Now, thispromisebegins tobeperformed to them,as soonas theyareuniteduntoChrist;anditgoesonallalong,untiltheirdeath,whentheyenterintoglory:yea,strictlyspeaking,deathisnotthelast,butamiddletermoftheirperseverance;afterwhichitproceedsfarmoreillustriouslythan before. Upon their union with the second Adam, being savinglyinterestedinhisobediencewhichheperseveredinuntotheend,theyareconfirmed, that they can no more fall away: even as the first Adam'snaturalseedwouldhavebeenconfirmed,uponhishavingcompletedthecourseofhisprobationaryobedience,and fulfilling theconditionof thecovenant ofworks. Themysticalmembers of Christ do then obtain theformer, as the reward of his continued obedience; as in the othersupposedevent,Adam'snaturalseedwouldhaveobtained the latter,astherewardofhiscontinuedobedience.

Thepromiseoftheperseveranceofthesaints,seemstobegrafteduponthe promise of assistance made to Christ in his work. The Fatherpromisedtohim,thathewouldupholdhim,soasheshouldnotfail,Isa.42:1,4.Thewhichpromisebeingmadetohimasapublicperson,carriesalongwith it the preservation and support of hismembers, in all theirtemptations,trials,anddangersofperishing;ensuringthesafeconduct,asofthehead,soofthemysticalmembersthroughthisworld,tilltheybeoutofthereachofdanger.

Now,ofthepromiseofperseverancetherearetwochiefbranches.

1. A promise of continued influences of grace, to be from time to timeconferredonthem,beingoncebroughtintoastateofgrace:Isa.27:3,"Iwill water it everymoment." Their stock of inherent grace would soonfail, if they were left to live upon it, without supply coming in fromanotherhand:ofitselfitwouldwitherawayanddieout,ifitwerenotfed,Luke 22:32; John 15:6. Innocent Adam had a larger stock of inherentgracethananyofthesaintsinthislife,andyethelostit.ButthegraceofGodinbelieverscannotbesolost:for,invirtueofthepromise,therearecontinued influences secured for them; namely, preserving influences,wherebygracegiven,iskeptfromdyingout,thatastheyaresanctifiedbyGod the Father so they are preserved in Jesus Christ, Jude 1, excitinginfluences, whereby the grace preserved beginning to languishing, orbeing brought low by the prevailing of corruption, and temptation isstirred up and put in exercise again; and strengthening influences,wherebythegraceexcited,isincreased,andgathersmorestrength,totheovertoppingofcorruption,andrepellingoftemptation:Hos.14:7,"Theyshallreviveasthecorn,andgrowasthevine."Accordingly,theirfaithisneversufferedtofailtotally,butispreserved,excited,andstrengthened;andallthegraceswithit,andbyit.Andthisisbroughttopass,throughthecommunicationofnewsuppliesofgracetothem,bytheSpirit,fromChrist their head, from which all the body having nourishmentministered, (namely, through the supply of the Spirit, Phil. 1:19),increasethwiththeincreaseofGod,"Col.2:19.

2. The other chief branch of this promise, is a promise of pardon,continued pardon for the sins of their daily walk; whereby emergentdifferences betwixtGod and them, come to bedone away from time to

time,sothatatotalruptureisprevented:Jer.33:8,"Iwillpardonalltheiriniquities."Howbeitthejustifiedhave,astotheirstate,noneedofanewformalpardon,butonlyofamanifestationoftheirformerpardon;sincethepardon given in justification, is never revoked, thoughbymeans oftheirafter-sins theymay lose sightof it: yetas to theirdailywalk, theyhave great need of a formal pardon; forasmuch as they are dailycontractingnewguilt:John13:10,"Hethatiswashed,needethnot,savetowashhisfeet."Forhowbeitnosinsofthejustifiedcanbringanymoreundertheguiltofeternalwrath;nevertheless theydobringthemundertheguiltof fatherlyanger,Psalm89:30–32.Andtherefore theyneedtoprayeveryday,"OurFather,forgiveusourdebts."

Thispardon isgiventhem,upontheirrenewedactingsof faith inJesusChrist, and of repentance towards God; yet not for their believing andrepenting,butforChrist'ssake,evenasthefirstpardonisgiven,1John2:1,2,and1:7.ApplyingthebloodofChristafreshtotheirsouls,theyareanewmovedtorepentance,turningfromtheirsinswithhatredofthem,sorrow,shame,andself-lothingforthem.Lookingbyfaithonhimwhomtheyhavepierced,theymourninrenewedrepentance;andsoreceivethispardon.Foralthoughrepentancedothnotgobefore,butfollowsafterthepardonofsininjustification;yetnotonlyfaith,butrepentancealso,goesbeforethepardonsgiventothosealreadyjustified:1John1:7,"Ifwewalkinthelight,asheisinthelight,wehavefellowshiponewithanother,andthebloodofJesusChristhisSoncleansethasfromallsin."Vers.9,"Ifweconfess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and tocleanseus."Thereforeweareorderedtopraythus,"OurFather, forgiveusourdebts,asweforgiveourdebtors,"Matth.6:9,12.;toteachallthechildrenofGod, that if theywouldhave theirFather's forgiveness, theymustinthefirstplaceforgiveothers:whichisyetmoreclearlyintimated,Luke11:4,"Andforgiveusoursins;forwealsoforgiveeveryonethatisindebted to us." But the matter is not so stated, with respect to thepardon of sin in justification; but that pardon is the spring of ourforgiving others, Matth. 18:32, 33. For our hearty and acceptableforgivingofothers,proceeds fromtrueChristian love toourneighbour;and that flows from love toGod; thewhich is kindled in our hearts byGod's pardoning grace to us, Luke 7:47; Eph. 4:32. The reason of thedifferencelieshere,theunjustifiedsinnerisundertheguiltofrevenging

wrath,whichseeksnottheamendment,butthedestructionoftheguilty:wherefore till once it is removed, there can be no true evangelicalrepentance,noacceptableamendment,inthesinner;thesebeingreallyarestorationofhimtolife,incompatiblewithalegaldestinationofhimtodestruction. But the justified saint is only under the guilt of fatherlyanger,whichseeksnotthedestruction,buttherecoveryandamendmentoftheguilty:andthereforeitisnotremoveduntilherepent,turningfromhis sin unto God in an acceptable manner; and that is the veryamendmentGodseekethinshewinghisangeragainsthim,asinthecaseofDavid,andofPeter.

And thus are the saints caused to persevere in grace, both real andrelative. The promise of continued influences secures not only thepreservation,buttherenewedexerciseoftheirgrace,particularlyoftheirfaith and repentance: and the promise of continued pardon to thembelievingandrepenting,securestheremovaloftheguiltoffatherlyanger.TheSpiritofChristeverdwells in them,andsocontinuesan inviolablebond of their unionwith him; and dwelling in them, he recovers themwhentheyarefallen,stirsuptheholyfireofgracelyinghidwithashesofcorruption.Then thewitheredhandof faith is again stretchedout; andthemanbelievesthepromiseofthepardonofguiltofeternalwrath,astoallhissins;thismeltshisheartinkindlyrepentance;andsohebelievesthepromiseofcontinuedpardon,astofatherlyanger,withrespecttothesins the causes of God's present controversy with him, and obtainspardon accordingly. By these means, matters are always kept fromcomingtoatotalrupture.

V.THEPROMISEOFTEMPORALBENEFITS

In the fifth and last place, the promise of eternal life to the elect,consideredinthisperiod,comprehendsapromiseoftemporalbenefitstobeconferredonthem,andeveryoneofthem,beingunitedtoChrist;andthatinsuchmeasure,asGodseesmeetforhisowngloryandtheirgood.This promise stands imbodied with the spiritual promises in thecovenant,Ezek.36:29,"Iwillalsosaveyoufromallyouruncleannesses,andIwillcall for thecorn,andIwill increase it"Hos.2:22, "Theearth

shallhearthecorn,andthewine,andtheoil,andtheyshallhearJezreel."Indeedthisisnottheprincipalthingcontainedinthepromissorypartofthecovenant:butitisanecessaryadditionthereto;asthepresentstateofthe saints, while in this world, doth require, Matth. 6:33. And thusgodliness,astheapostleobserves,1Tim.4:8,hathpromiseofthelifethatnowis,andofthatwhichistocome.

WhenGodtookmanintothefirstcovenant,bemadeprovisioninit forhistemporalaswellasforhisspiritualandeternalwelfare.Hegavehimarightto,anddominionoverthecreaturesintheearth,sea,andair;givingandgrantinguponhimfullpower,soberlytousethem,andtodisposeofthem,forGod'sgloryandhisowncomfort:andthislordshiptobeholdenofhimassovereignlordofall,firmandirreversible,bythetenorofthatcovenant, as long as he should continue in his obedience; but to beforfeited toall intentsandpurposes, incaseheshouldby transgressionbreak the covenant,Gen. 1:28, and 2:16, 17. Butman continued not inthishonour:hebrakeGod'scovenant,andsofell fromthathisrightto,and dominion over the creatures. By his transgression he forfeited lifeitself; and consequently lost his covenant-right to all the means andcomfortsoflife.Andinthisconditionareallnaturalmen,withrespecttothesethings.Theyhavenocovenant-righttothemeansandcomfortsoflife, whatever portion of them they are possessed of. All the right thatthey have to them, is a mere providential, precarious right; such as acondemned man hath to his food, during the time his execution isdelayed at the pleasure of the prince. This is a most uncertain anduncomfortable holding: nevertheless it so far avails, that they are not,properly speaking, violent possessors of temporal benefits; having justthesamerighttothemastotheirforfeitedlife,whileitisleftthembythedisposalofprovidence.Whereforetheworstofmenmaylawfullyeatanddrink, and take the benefit of other necessaries of life, whatever Satanmaysuggesttothecontraryinthehouroftemptation;yea,theyoughttodo it,and theysinagainstGodegregiously if theydo itnot;becausehehathsaid,"thoushaltnotkill."

But the secondAdamhavingundertaken to bear the curse, and to giveperfectobediencetothelaw,inthenameofhisspiritualseed;therewasthereuponmadeapromiseofrestoringtothemtheforfeitedlife,withall

the means thereof; and particularly, a promise of the good thingsrequisiteforthesupportandcomfortoftheirtemporallifeinthisworld,tillatdeaththeybecarriedhometoheaven.Andtheperformanceofthispromise to them, is began immediately upon their unitingwith Christ:then their covenant relation to the first Adam is found to be lawfullydissolved; the forfeiture is taken off; and a new covenant right to thecreatures is given them: 1 Cor. 3:22, 23, "All are yours; and ye areChrist's."Anditgoeson,allalongtilldeath;somuchofthistheirstockbeingfromtimetotimeputintotheirhands,asthegreatadministratorseesneedfulforthem.Andwhetherthatbelittleormuch,theydofromthatmomentpossessitbyanewtitle:itistheirsbycovenant.

Now, this promise is grafted upon the promise made to Christ of hisinheritingallthings.Fortheythatarehis,arejointheirswithhim,Rom.8:17, to inherit all things too through him, Rev. 21:7. The estate andhonour which the first Adam lost for himself and family, by hisdisobedience in breaking of the first covenant, was, in the secondcovenant,madeoverbypromisetoChristthesecondAdam,forhimandhis, upon the condition of his obedience. The which obedience beingperformedthewholeancientestateofthefamilywasrecovered,togetherwith the honours thereunto belonging. The ancient dominion wasrestored, in the person of Christ as second Adam: and all hismysticalmemberspartakethereofinhim.ThisthePsalmistteacheth,Psalm8:4,"Whatisman,thatthouartmindfulofhim?andthesonofmanthatthouvisitest him?" Ver. 5, "For thou hast made him a little lower than theangels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour." Ver. 6, "Thoumadesthimtohavedominionovertheworksofthyhands;thouhastputallthingsunderhisfeet."Ver.7,"Allsheepandoxen,yea,andthebeastsof the field." Ver. 8, "The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, andwhatsoeverpasseththroughthepathsoftheseas."Thoughthereishereamanifest view to the first Adam and allmankind in him, as they werehappily and honourably stated at their creation; yet we are infalliblyassured by the apostle, that this passage ismeant of Christ the secondAdam. Heb. 2:6, 7, 8, 9, and his mystical members in him, ver. 6.Accordingly,Abrahamhadthepromise,thatheshouldbetheheiroftheworld; and he had it through the righteousness of faith, i.e. therighteousnesswhichfaithapprehends,Rom.4:13.Now,Abrahamwasa

typeofChrist,andthefatherofthefaithful,whoareallblessedashewas.ThereforethispromisewasprimarilytoChrist,throughtherighteousnessby him wrought; secondarily to his members, through the samerighteousnessapprehendedbyfaith.

This promise of temporal benefits, carries believers' possession of thesame,asfarastheirneedinthatkinddothgo,Phil.4:19.Ofwhichneed,not they themselves, but their Father, is the fit judge, Matt. 6:32.Accordingly, there are two chief branches of the promise, namely, apromiseofprovision,andapromiseofprotection.

1. A promise of provision of good things necessary for this life; uponwhichtheymayconfidentlytrustGodforthem,whateverstraitstheyareatanytimereducedto:Psalm34:10,"Theyounglionsdolack,andsufferhunger:buttheythatseektheLord,shallnotwantanygoodthing."Theirmeat and drink are secured for them in the covenant; thewhich beingperceived by faith, cannotmiss to give them a peculiar relish, howevermeantheir farebe,as toquantityorquality: Isa.33:16, "Breadshallbegivenhim,hiswatershallbesure."Theyshallbefed,thoughtheybenotfeasted:Psalm37:3, "Verily thoushaltbe fed."Theyshallhaveenough,theyshallbesatisfied,Joel2:26.Andevendaysoffamineshallnotmarthat,theirsatisfaction:Psalm37:19,"Inthedaysoffaminetheyshallbesatisfied." And as sleep for their refreshment is necessary too, thepromisebearsitalso:Prov.3:24,"Thoushaltliedown,andthysleepshallbesweet."Theyneedclothing;andprovisionismadeastoit:Matt.6:30,"IfGod so clothe the grass of the field—shall henotmuchmore clotheyou,Oyeoflittlefaith?"Havingmadethem,bycovenant,anewgrantoflife, andofabody,whicharemore thanmeatandclothing,hewillnotrefusethemthese lesser thingsnecessary for thesupportof thegreater.Ver. 25, "Is not the lifemore thanmeat, and the body than raiment?"Thusourfallenfirstparents,havingbelievedandembracedthepromiseof life, had, with the new grant of life, food and raiment provided forthem,asisparticularlytakennoticeof,Gen.3:15,18,21.Ablessingalsoon their labours is promised, and success in their lawful callings andaffairs, Isa. 65:21, 22, 23. In aword, the covenant bears, thatGodwillwithholdnogoodthingfromthemthatliveuprightly,Psalm84:11.

2.Thereisalsoapromiseofprotectionfromtheevilthingsthatconcern

this life: Psalm 91:10, "There shall no evil befal thee." Ver. 11, "For heshall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."Togetherwiththebreadandthewaterprovidedbythecovenantforthemto live on, the munitions of rocks are secured to them for a place ofdefence, where theymay safely enjoy them, Isa. 33:16. The same Lordwho is a sun to nourish them, will be a shield to protect them, Psalm84:11.Hewillbeawalloffireroundaboutthem,tocherishthem,andtokeepoff,scare,andfrightawayalltheirenemies,Zech.2:5.Thecovenantyields a broad covert for the safety of believers; Psalm 91:4, "He shallcovertheewithhisfeathers."Thecovertofthecovenantisstretchedoutovertheirbodies;overtheirhealth,topreserveit,whileitisnecessaryforGod'shonourandtheirowngood,Prov.3:7,"FeartheLord,anddepartfrom evil;" ver. 8, "It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thybones;"over their lives,as longasGodhasanyservice for them in thisworld: so in sickness they are carefully seen to, Psalm41:3, "Thouwiltmake all his bed in his sickness;" their diseases healed, and theyrecovered,Psalm103:3,4.Andtheyaredeliveredfromenemiesthatseektheir life, Psalm 41:2. Yea, when death rides in triumph, havingmadehavoconallsidesofthem,asbyswordorpestilence,theyarefoundsafeunderthecovertofthecovenant,Psalm91:6,7.Thiscovert isstretchedover their names, credit, and reputation: Job 5:21, "Thou shalt be hidfromthescourgeofthetongue:"eitherthetonguesofvirulentmenshallnot reach them; or they shall not be able tomake the dirt to stick onthem:orelse if they shallbepermitted tomake it stick forawhile, thecovertofthecovenantshallwipealloffatlength,andtheirrighteousnessshallbebrought forthas the light,andtheir judgmentas thenoon-day,Psalm37:6.It isstretchedovertheirhousesanddwelling-places:Psalm91:10, "Neithershallanyplaguecomenigh thydwelling." Itgoesroundabouttheirsubstance,makingahedgeaboutallthattheyhave,Job1:10.Yea,andthereisalapofittocastovertheirwidowsandchildren,whentheyaredeadandgone:Jer.49:11,"Leavethyfatherlesschildren,Iwillpreservethemalive,andletthywidowstrustinme."

Thusfarofthepromiseofeternallife,consideredinthesecondperiod,towit,fromunionwithChrist,untildeath.

PERIODIII

FROMDEATH,THROUGHETERNITY

ITremainsthatweconsiderthepromiseofeternallifetotheelect,asitisaccomplished to, and hath its effect upon them, from their death, allalong through eternity. And so the great lines of it are two; to wit, apromiseofvictoryoverdeath,andapromiseofeverlastinglifeinheaven.AndthesethingsIshalltouchmorebriefly,havinghandledthematlargeelsewhere.

II.THEPROMISEOFVICTORYOVERDEATH

Thepromiseofeternallifecomprehendsapromiseofvictoryoverdeath,tobeconferredonallandeveryoneofthespiritualseed,intheencounterwiththatlastenemy:Isa.25:8,"Hewillswallowupdeathinvictory,andtheLordGodwillwipeawaytearsfromoffallfaces."Afterthewearisomemarch, and the reiterated fights of faith they have in their passagethrough the wilderness of this world, they have to pass the Jordan ofdeath, and to fight the last battle with that enemy. But the victory issecuredontheirsidebypromise;ofwhichtherearetwochiefbranches,towit,apromiseofdisarmingdeath,andapromiseofdestroyingit.

1.Thereisapromiseofdisarmingdeathtothedyingbeliever;sothatitshall at no rate be able to reach him a ruining stroke: Hos. 13:14, "Odeath, Iwill be thy plagues;" namely, by taking the sting quite away, 1Cor.15:55.Whensinenteredtheworld,deathfollowed;andsinfurnisheddeathwith an envenomed sting,wherewith tokill the sinner, both soulandbodyatonce;theholylaw,withitscurse,fixedthisstingindeath'shand;havingfirstsopointedit,thatitcouldnotmissofdoingexecution.ButChrist,thesecondAdam,havingundertakentobearthecurse,andtodie in the room and stead of his people; there was thereuponmade apromiseofdisarmingdeathtothem:sincetheSuretysufferingthepainsof death armedwith its sting, the principal beloved to be liberate fromsuffering the same thing over again. And thus the covenant securesbelievers fromdeath's harm.Yea, it so alters thenature thereof, that itmakes it a quite new thing to them fromwhat itwas originally.Hencedeath is found in the inventory of the saints' treasure, 1 Cor. 3:22,

"Whetherlife,ordeath,orthingspresent,orthingstocome;allisyours."Notonlyislifetheirsbythecovenant,butdeathistheirstoobythesametenor.Andindeedas it isnew-framedbythecovenant, it isofexcellentusetothem,bringingthemintoastateofperfection,andeverlastingrest,Heb.12:23;Rev.14:13.

This promise is grafted upon the promise of victorymade toChrist, asappearsfromtheforecited,Isa.25:8.Heencountereddeath,armedwithits sting, on purpose to disarm it to his people: he received the stingthereofintohisownsoulandbody,thattheymightbedeliveredfromit.Wherefore the promise of victory over deathmade to him, secures thedisarming of it to them. And as the promise makes them safe, in theencounterwith that lastenemy:so the lively faithof itmay in thiscasedeliverfromfear.

2. There is a promise of destroying death to the dead believer, by aglorious resurrection at the last day;Hos. 13:14, "Ograve, Iwill be thydestruction."Whendeath entered into theworld by sin, then came thegrave, as death's attendant, to keep fast his prisoners for him, till thegeneraljudgment:andthusthegraveservesdeath,inthecaseofallwhodieinastateofenmitywithGod.ButChrist,thesecondAdam,havinginthesecondcovenantengagedtogo,intheroomandsteadofhispeople,death'sprisoner,intothegrave,andtheretolietilltheirdebtshouldbefullypaid;therewasmadethereuponapromiseofagloriousresurrectiontohismembers,wherebytheyshallbeputoutof thereachofdeathforgoodandall,atthelastday:for"thenshallbebroughttopassthesayingthatiswritten,deathisswallowedupinvictory,"1Cor.15:54;andthenshalltheytriumphantlysing,"Odeath,whereisthysting?Ograve,whereisthyvictory?"ver.55.Andthusthecovenantsecurestheforminganewof their dissolved bodies, the return of their departed souls into them,and their coming forth of their graves glorious, immortal, andincorruptible.Inthefaithofwhich,thesaintsmaywithcomfortconsiderthe grave as but a retiring place, fromwhence after a while they shallcomeforthwithunspeakablejoy.

This promise is grafted upon the promise of a resurrection made toChrist,Isa.26:19,"Thydeadmenshalllive,togetherwithmydeadbodyshall theyarise."Thepromiseofa resurrectionbeingmade tohimasa

public person, itmust take place also on hismysticalmembers,whosefederal head he was. Hence the Psalmist says, his flesh should rest inhope,namely,inthegrave,inhopeofagloriousresurrection,becausetheholyoneJesuswasnottoseecorruption,Psalm16:2,10,withActs13:35;thereby teaching, that Christ's resurrection would insure his gloriousresurrection,asamemberofthemysticalbodybyfaith.Andindeedthereis such a connection between Christ's resurrection and the happyresurrectionofthesaints,thattheystandandfalltogether:1Cor.15:16,"Forifthedeadrisenot,thenisnotChristraised."

II.THEPROMISEOFEVERLASTINGLIFEINHEAVEN

THEpromiseofeternallifedoth,inthelastplace,comprehendapromiseofeverlasting life inheaven,tobeconferredonallandeveryoneof thespiritualseedafterdeath:Dan.12:2,"Andmanyofthemthatsleepinthedust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life." ThiswasmoresparinglyrevealedundertheOldTestament,thanundertheNew,2Tim.1:10.Yetwasit,eventhen,soclearlyrevealed,thatalltheholypatriarchslived and died in the faith of it, Heb. 11:13–16. The fathers beforeAbrahamsaw it in thepromiseof theseedof thewoman,whichwas tobruisetheserpent'shead:andfromAbraham,theysawitinthepromiseofCanaan.Butnowby thegospel, this lifeand immortalityare set inafull light.By thebreachof the first covenant that lifewas forfeited, theheavenly paradise lost to Adam and allmankind; in tokenwhereof, hewasturnedoutof theearthlyparadise.But thesecondAdam,having inthe second covenant, undertaken the redemption of the forfeitedinheritance,therewasanewpromiseofitmadeinfavourofhisseed:andtheyareinvestedwithanindefeasiblerightthereto, inthefirstmomentoftheirunionwithChristbyfaith;howbeittheyarenotinstantlyputinpossession thereof.Andwhen theydo come to thepossession, it is notgiventhemallatonce,butattwodifferentperiods,indifferentmeasures;according to the two chief branches of the promise thereof, namely, apromiseoftransportingtheirsoulsintoheavenatdeath,andapromiseoftransportingthemsoulandbodythitheratthelastday.

1. There is a promise of transporting their souls separate from theirbodies,intoheaven,theretobeholdandenjoythefaceofGod.Anditisaccomplishedtothemimmediatelyaftertheirdeath.Itwasmostplainly

declared and applied by our Saviour to the penitent thief on the cross,Luke23:43,"To-dayshaltthoubewithmeinparadise."Butitwasinthefaithofit,thatthecovenantwastoDavid,eveninthefaceofdeath,allhissalvation,andallhisdesire,2Sam.23:5;and thatPaulhadadesire todepart,knowingthathewastobewithChristuponhisdeparture,Philip.1:23. And it is in the faith of the same, that thewhole churchmilitantdothgroanearnestly,desiringtobeclotheduponwiththehousewhichisfromheaven, that is, theheavenlyglory,2Cor.5:2. Indeedthecurseofthefirstcovenantdid,uponthebreakingofthatcovenant,falltotheirlot,as well as to the rest of mankind; and that curse would natively haveissued in cutting them asunder, as covenant-breakers, and appointingthemtheirportionwiththehypocrites;butthatbeingexecutedtothefullonChristtheirhead,tothepartingasunderofhisholysoulandbody,itcanoperatenomoreonthem.Wherefore,howbeitothersdieinvirtueofthe curse, separating their souls and bodies, the one to the place oftorment, theother to thegrave, till the lastday;yet theydonot sodie.Being redeemed from the curse, Gal. 3:13, they shall never see suchdeath,John8:51.But theydie inconformity toChrist theirhead,beingpredestinatetobeconformedtohisimage,(Rom.8:29),whoisthefirst-born from the dead, Col. 1:18. and the first fruits of them that sleep,whicheverymanistofollowinhisownorder,1Cor.15:20,23.That,asinthecaseofthehead,sointhecaseofthemembers,asdeathcameonbysin,sinmaygooffbydeath.InvirtueoftheircommunionwithChristinhisdeath, theunionbetwixt their souls andmortal bodies isdissolved;theirsoulsdismissedinpeaceintotheheavenlyglory,theretoremaintillsuchtimeastheirbodies,laiddowninthegrave,come,invirtueoftheircommunionwithChrist in his resurrection, to put on incorruption andimmortality.

Thispromise isgrafteduponthepromiseofacceptancemadetoChrist,whenbeshouldmakehissoulanofferingforsin.Inconfidenceofwhichacceptance,dyingonthecrosshecommendedhisspirit,orsoul,intothehandsofhisFather,Luke22:46;andtoldthepenitentthief,hewastobethatveryday inparadise, though then itwas towards theeveningof it,ver.43.ThewordsinwhichhecommendedhissoultohisFather,wereDavid's, Psalm 31:5, "Into thine hand I commit my spirit;" therebyintimating, that the reception of the souls of his dying people into the

handsoftheFather,dependsonthereceptionofhissoulintothem.Forhis soul was, in virtue of the covenant, so received, as a public soul,representing the souls of the whole seed; whence David speaking ofChrist,saith,"Thouwiltnotleavemysoulinhell,"Psalm.16:10,withActs2:31. Wherefore in the promise of receiving Christ's soul, wascomprehended a promise of receiving the souls of all his mysticalmembers.

2.There isapromiseof transporting them,soulandbody, intoheaven,theretobeeverwiththeLord;whichistobeaccomplisheduntothematthelastday:Dan.12:2,"Andmanyofthemthatsleepinthedustoftheearth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame andeverlastingcontempt."Ver.3,"Andtheythatbewise,shallshineas thebrightnessofthefirmament;andtheythatturnmanytorighteousness,"(or rather, they thatdo righteously,of themany), "as the stars for everandever."Whereasthemanymentioned,ver.2,andcomprehendingall,are there divided into two sorts, in respect of their future state, in theeventoftheresurrection:thehappypart,beingthefirstsortofthem,isdesigned ver. 3, from their present state in this life, thewise, and theythat do righteously; that is, inNewTestament language, the righteous,Matt. 13:43, and they thathavedonegood, John5:29, inopposition tothefoolish,andtheythathavedoneevil.Thosehavingcomeforth,untothe resurrection of life, John 5:29, shall shine as the brightness of thefirmament,andasthestarsforeverandever:yea,theyshallshineforthasthesun,inthekingdomoftheirFather,Matt.13:43.Thisisthehighestpinnacleofthesaints'hopes;whereinthey,intheirwholeman,shallhavethewholeofeternallifeinitsperfection.Manhadaconditionalpromisehereof, in the covenant of works; but the condition being broken, thebenefitpromisedwaslost;heaven'sgateswereshutagainstAdam,andallhisnaturalseed.HowbeitChristthesecondAdam,havingundertakentofulfil the condition of the second covenant, which was stated from anexactconsiderationofthedemandsthatthebrokenfirstcovenanthadonhisspiritualseed;therewasanewpromiseofitmadeintheirfavour;andit absolute.And tohis fulfillingof that condition, both themaking andperformingof thispromiseareowingallenarly.Noneother'sworksbuthiscouldeverhaveavailedtoreducetheforfeiture,andpurchaseanewright:andhisworksdo it soeffectually, that theysecure theputtingall

his seed inactualpossessionof thepurchased inheritance; so that theyshallreigninlifebyone,JesusChrist,Rom.5:17.

Thisisthepromiseofthecovenant,whichisthelastofallinperforming;asbeing theconsummationofall therest,not tobeaccomplisheduntilthemysteryofGodbefinished.TheOldTestamentsaintsdiedinthefaithof it; and it is not as yet performed to them: nay, the New Testamentsaints have died, and still must die, in the faith of it; not having itperformed to themneither, till itbeatonceaccomplished to thewholeseedtogether,attheendoftheworld.Thusthispromiseremainstobeanunseen object of faith to the church militant; and to the churchtriumphant too,whose fleshmustrest inhope till thatday,Psalm16:9.Butbecausethetermprefixedforperformingthereof,is,inthedepthofsovereign wisdom, for reasons becoming the divine perfections, set atsuch a distance; there have been some signal pledges given of it, toconfirmthechurch'sfaithinthecase.SuchwasthetranslatingofEnoch,soulandbody,intoheaven,inthepatriarchalperiod;Elias,inthetimeofthelaw;andourblessedSaviour,inthetimeofthegospel.

ThispromiseisgrafteduponthepromiseofagloriousexaltationmadetoChrist;bywhichwassecuredtohimhisascension,insoulandbody,intoheaven, and entering into his glory: Luke 24:26, "Ought not Christ tohavesufferedthesethings,andtoenterintohisglory?"Boththesewerenecessary in respect of the covenant: his suffering was necessary, inrespect of the condition thereof, which behoved to be fulfilled by him;andhisentering intohisglorywasnecessary, in respectof thepromisethereof, which behoved to be fulfilled unto him. Now, Christ ascendedandenteredintoglory,asapublicperson,asaforerunnerenteringforus,Heb.6:20.Andthereforethepromise,invirtueofwhichheascendedandentered into it,comprehends theascensionandgloryofallhismysticalmembers, who are therefore said to sit together in heavenly places, inChrist Jesus,Eph. 2:6.And then, andnot till then,will thepromisebeperfectly fulfilled tohim,whenall themysticalmembersarepersonallythere,togetherwiththeirhead;whenthewholeseed,perfectlyrecoveredfromdeath,shallreignthere,togetherwithhim,inlife,forevermore.

Andthisshallsufficetohavebeensaidhereofthepromiseofeternallife,inthelastperiodthereof.

INFERENCEFROMTHEPROMISEOFETERNALLIFE

Thus we have opened the promise of eternal life to the elect, with theeffectsthereofonthem, in itsseveralperiods; towit,beforetheirunionwith Christ; and then, from their union with Christ until death; andfinally,fromtheirdeath,througheternity:thewholespringingoutofthepromises peculiar to Christ himself. For as these last were fulfilled, inpreservingtherootofJesse,notwithstandingofthevariouschangesthatfamily did undergo, inwhich itwas often in hazard of extinction, untilsuch timeasChrist sprangoutof it, as a rootoutof adryground, Isa.11:1, 10; and 53:2; and then, in carrying him up, and carrying himthroughinhisworknotwithstandingof the loadof imputedsinthat layuponhim,andtheoppositionhemetwithintheworld,andthepowersofhell,engagedagainsthim,Isa.49:8;and1,7,8,9;andfinally,inraisinghimfromthedead,takinghimupintoheaven,andglorifyinghimthereforeverandever,1Tim.3:16.Evensothepromiseofeternal lifetotheelect, included therein, is fulfilled, in preserving them in theirunconvertedstate,tillsuchtimeastheyareunitedtoChristbyfaith:andthen, in carrying them up, and carrying them through, in favour andcommunionwithGod,duringthewholetimeoftheircontinuanceinthisworld,notwithstandingofalltheoppositionfromthedeviltheworldandtheflesh:andlastly,inraisingthemupatthelastday,andreceivingthemsoulandbody,intoheaven,theretobeeverwiththeLord.

Andnow,fromthewholeofwhathathbeensaidonthatpoint,wededucethe following inference, that all the benefits of the covenant of gracebestowed, or tobebestowedon sinners, are the suremercies ofDavid,Isa.55:3.Thismaybetakenupinthesethreethingsfollowing:—

1. They are all of them mercies, pure mercies, without respect to anyworthinessinthereceivers.Theyallarefreegracegifts;forthecovenantistousacovenantofgrace,fromthefirsttothelast:Eph.2:7,"Thatintheagestocome,hemightshowtheexceedingrichesofhisgrace,inhiskindnesstowardsus,throughChristJesus."Ver.8,"Forbygraceareyesaved,throughfaith:andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod."Thereceivingofbelieversintoglory,is,afteralltheirworking,asmuchoffreegrace,asisthequickeningofthem,whenbeingdeadinsin,theycoulddo

nogoodworkatall.Theyhavetheirfaithandtheirworks,theirgraceandtheir glory, their temporal and their eternal good things, all of themequallyof freegrace: for theyareall secured to them in,and flow fromthe promise of the covenant made before the world began; and arefoundedonagroundwhichtheyhadnomannerofhandinthelayingof.

2.They all are themercies ofDavid, that is, of JesusChrist theSonofDavid.Hisobedienceanddeathare thealone channelwherein the freegraceofthecovenantruns,bringingalongwithitallthosemercies,Eph.2:7.Itistotheholinessofhisnature,therighteousnessofhislife,andthesatisfactionmadebyhisdeath,theyareallowing:foruponthesealone,and upon nothing in us, whether before or after conversion, is thepromiseofeternallifefounded.Ourbelievingthroughgrace,whileotherscontinue inunbelief;ourseeingGod inglory,whileothersarecast intoouter darnness; the bread we eat, and the water we drink, in this life,together with the hidden manna we shall eat of, and the rivers ofpleasuresweshalldrinkof,inheaven;areallequallythepurchaseofourRedeemer'sblood.

3.Lastly,Theyareallofthemsuremercies.Whatofthemthesaintshavealreadygot, theycouldnothavemissedof;andwhatof themtheyhavenot as yet received, is as sure as if they had it in hand, 2 Sam. 23:5,"DavidperceivedthattheLordhadconfirmedhimkingoverIsrael;"andthat upon this ground, "for his kingdomwas lift up on high," 1 Chron.15:2.Now,Saul'skingdomwasliftuponhightoo;andyethelostit.ButDavidhadhiskingdomby thecovenant;Saul,notso:hence the formerseeing the promise begin to be accomplished, rightly concluded, that itwouldholdontillitwasfullyperformed;notwithstandingthatthelatterfellfromhisexcellency.Uncovenantedmerciesaretotteringmercies;butthe covenant-mercies are sure. The former may flow plentifully for awhile,andyetat lengthbequitedriedupforever;butthespringofthelatter being once opened, will flow for evermore without interruption.The promise is infallibly sure, and cannotmiscarry: it is sure from thenatureofGodwhomade it;even fromhis infallible truth,and fromhisjusticetooinrespectofChrist,2Thess.1:6,7.

Thusfarofthesecondpartofthecovenant,namely,thepromissorypart.

NOPROPERPENALTYOFTHECOVENANTOFGRACE

Apenalty is no essential part of a proper covenant. It is but accidentalonly,arisingnotfromthenatureofacovenant,butfromthenatureofthecovenanters, who being fallible,may break either the condition, or thepromise:inwhichcaseapenaltyisannexed,tosecuretheperformanceofthe condition on the one side, and of the promise on the other.Wherefore,sincethepartycontractingonman'sside,onwhomit laytoperform the condition of this covenant,was infallible; aswas the partycontractingonheaven'sside,onwhomitlaytoperformthepromiseofit:therewasnoplaceatallforapenaltythereof,properlysocalled;astherewas none in the first covenant, but upon one side. In the secondcovenant,theFatherandtheSonabsolutelytrustedeachtheother.UponthecreditoftheSon,theFatherreceivedalltheOldTestamentsaintsintoheaven, before the price of their redemption was paid; and upon thecreditof theFather, theSon,nearly seventeenhundredyears ago,paidthefullpriceoftheredemptionoftheelect,whilevastmultitudesofthemwerenotasyetborn into theworld, andmanyof themarenot even tothisday.

Itistrue,thepartiescontractedforarefallible:butthentheperformingoftheconditionofthiscovenant,assuch,dothinnocaselieuponthem;Christhaving taken itentirelyonhimself,andaccordinglyperformed italready.While they continue in theirnatural state,withoutChrist, theyarepersonallyinthecovenantofworks,notinthecovenantofgrace.Andbeing once become believers in Christ, the promise of the covenant ofgracestandsalwaysentiretothem,notwithstandingofalltheirfailures;and must needs stand so, in virtue of the condition of the covenantalreadyperformed,andjudiciallysustained,asperformedbyJesusChristforthem.Andthoughtheyarefallibleinrespectoftheiractions,aslongastheyareinthisworld;yetfromthemomentoftheirunionwithChristby faith, theyarenot fallible in respectof their state: theycannomorefallfromtheirstateofgrace,thanthesaintsinheavencan.Hence,evenin their case, there is no place for the curse, or eternalwrath, the onlypenalty by which they should lose their right to the promise of thecovenant. They are indeed liable to God's fatherly anger andchastisements for their sins: but forasmuch as by these there is no

intercisionoftheirrighttothepromise;andthattheyarenotvindictive,butmedicinal;theycannotbeaccountedaproperpenaltyofthecovenantofgrace,howevertheymaybeimproperlysocalled;butdoreallybelongtothepromissorypart,andadministrationofthecovenant,Psalm89:30,31, 32, 33, 34; Isa. 27:9; Heb. 12:5, 6, 7. Where the condition of acovenant is fully performed, and legally sustained as such, in favour ofthepartywhoistoreceivethebenefitpromised,itisevidenttherecanbenomoreplaceforaproperpenaltyofthecovenantonthatside:andsoitishereinthecaseofbelievers.

And thus we have dispatched the third head, namely, the parts of thecovenant.

HEADIV

THEADMINISTRATIONOFTHECOVENANTOFGRACE

ITremainsnowtoconsidertheadministrationofthecovenant.Andsincethesalvationofsinnersdothentirelydependonthiscovenant;andthatallthedispensationsofGodtowardthem,forcarryingonandcompletingthatgraciousdesign,areregulatedaccordingtoit:andsincewithalitisinitselfthedeepestsecret,beingacompactenteredintobetwixttheFatherandtheSon,beforetheworldbegan:itisaltogethernecessary,thattherebe an administration of it,whereby itmay be rendered effectual to theend for which it was made. And hereof we will have a view, byconsidering,1.Thepartyonwhomtheadministrationofthecovenantisdevolved;2.Theobjectof theadministration;3.Theendsof it; and,4.Thenatureofit.Ofallwhichinorder.

I.CHRISTTHEADMINISTRATOROFTHECOVENANT

SUCH is the nature of the thing, the weight and importance of thisadministration,thatnonewhowasnotfittobeaparty-contractorinthecovenant, could be meet to be intrusted therewith. Wherefore theadministration of the covenant was devolved upon no mere man nor

angel,butontheLordJesusChrist, thesecondAdamandhehathitbythecovenantitself,asarewardofhiswork.Itwasthereinmadeovertohimbypromise;particularly,by thepromiseofagloriousexaltation, tobe the Father's honorary servant, primeminister of heaven,mentionedbefore,andnowtobemorefullyanddistinctlyunfolded.ItwasforthiscausethelastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit,assaiththetext,1Cor.15:45,withwhichweshallcomparethepromise,

Isa.49:8,"Iwill—givetheeforacovenantofthepeople."

ThesearetheFather'swordstoChristthesecondAdam,thegreatsurety-servant, chosen tomake reparationof the injurydone to thehonourofGodbythespiritualIsrael,ver.3;thelightoftheGentiles,ver.6,whichisnoneotherbuthe,Luke2:32;Acts13:47;whoseappearingintheworldmadetheacceptabletime,thedayofsalvation,asintheprecedingpartofthis8thverse,comparedwith2Cor.6:2.Andtheyareapromisemadetohimofarewardofhiswork,infulfillingtheconditionofthecovenantbyhis obedience and death: for they are immediately subjoined to thepromiseofassistancetherein;Iwillpreservethee,(namely,inthecourseof thy obedience, doing and dying, so that thou shalt not be utterlyswallowed up of death, but swim through these deepest waters safeashore,)andgivetheeforacovenantofthepeople;orsimply,ofpeople.NotthatChristwasnevergivenforacovenantofthepeopletillherosefromthedead;nay,hewassogivenimmediatelyafterthefall,Gen.3:15:but that it was always upon the view, and in consideration of hisobedienceanddeathhewassogiven;andthathewasathisresurrectionandascensionsolemnlyinvestedwiththatoffice.

This giving, according to the scripture-phraseology, imports a divineconstitutionorsettlement.Soitissaid,ver.6,"Iwillgivetheeforalightto the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation unto the end of theearth;"i.e.Iwillconstituteorsettheeforalight:evenasGodset(Heb.gave) the sun andmoon in the firmament of the heaven, to give lightupon the earth, Gen. 1:17. Thus the people making or appointing acaptain, are said to give a head or captain, Numb. 14:4; Neh. 9:17.Wherefore,togiveChristforacovenantofthepeople,istoconstituteormake him the covenant; whereby the people, any people, Jews orGentiles,maybecomeGod's people, and receive all the benefits of that

covenant-relation to God. This then speaks Jesus Christ to be theordinance of God for the reconciliation of sinners to God, and theirpartaking of all the benefits of the covenant: even as the sun is theordinanceofheavenforlighttotheworld,untowhoselightallhavefreeaccess;thoughinthemeantimeitdothnotenlightentheblind,northosewhowillneedsliveindarkness,becausetheyhatethelight.Thishonourwas secured to him in the promissory part of the covenant, inconsiderationofhisfulfillingtheconditionarypartthereof.

Now, that Christ is by the authority of heaven constituted ormade thecovenant, imports these two things. (1.)He is constitutedadministratorof the covenant: as he had the burden of purchasing the promisedbenefits, sohehath, thehonourofdistributingandconferring themonsinners. Thismeaning of the phrase appears from the followingwords,declaringtheendofthisconstitution;to"establishtheearth,tocausetoinherit the desolate heritages;" ver. 9, "That thou mayest say to theprisoners,Goforth."Seechap.42:6,7.(2.)Thewholeofthecovenantisinhim:so thathe thathathChrist,hath thecovenant, thewholeof thecovenant;hethathathnotChrist,hathnosavingpartorlotinit.Thisisthenative importof thisunusualphrase,occurringonlyhereandchap.42:6,and is confirmedby the followingwords, toestablish theearth.Acovenant is an establishing thing.When the first covenantwas broken,thefoundationsoftheearthwere,sotospeak,loosened,thatitcouldnomore stand firm, until Christ was given for a covenant, to establish itagain: he bore up the pillars thereof, in virtue of the new covenant inhimself.Andifhisadministrationofthecovenantwereonceatanendonthe earth, the earthwill stand no longer, but be reduced to ashes. Thesayingconcerningthesacramentalcup,"Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood," 1Cor. 11:25, is somewhatakin to theexpression in the text,andservestoConfirmthesensegivenofit.Foritsurelybears,(1.)Thatthe sacramental cup is the ministration of the New Testament tobelieving receivers; so that receiving the one in faith they receive theothertoo.(2.)ThattheNewTestamentisinChrist'sblood;sothattheircommunionofthebenefitsofthetestament,isbytheircommunionofthebloodofChrist,1Cor.10:16.

Now, fromthese texts compared, it appears,That theadministrationof

thecovenantofgrace isdevolvedonJesusChrist thesecondAdam, forthat endmadeaquickening spirit, having thewholeof the covenant inhim.

This constitution, lodging the administration of the covenant in theMediatorChristJesus, isatoncesuited to thegloryofGod, thecaseofsinners,andthehonourofChristhimself.

1.ItissuitedtothegloryofGodtheoffendedparty.InthefaceofJesusthe administrator, shines forth the glory of theGod of the covenant, 2Cor. 4:7. His spotless holiness, and tremendous justice, appear there;togetherwithhismatchlesslove,freestgrace,andtenderestmercy.GodisinChristreconcilingtheworldtohimself,withthesafetyofhisglory;giving forth his peace and pardons freely, without any merit of thereceivers, and yet not without sufficient satisfaction to his justice, andcompensationofhisinjuredhonour;asfromathroneofgrace,stablishedupon justice satisfied, and judgment fully executed, the firm basesthereof.

2. It is suited to the case of sinners, the offending party. In Christ theadministratorofthecovenant,theyhavetodowithaGod,whoseraysofmajesty,thattheguiltyarenotabletobehold,arevailedwiththerobeofa spotless humanity. An inviting sweetness appears in the face of theadministrator, "fullofgraceand truth,"John1:14. InhimtheymayseetheirsalvationsodeartotheGodthatmadethem,thathehimselfwouldputon theirnature, toestablish,byhisownblood,acovenantofpeacebetweenheavenandthem.He is trueman,of thesamefamilyofAdamwith themselves; unto whom they may confidently draw near, joiningthemselvestohimastheheadofthecovenant:andwithal,heisthetrueGod,undoubtedlyabletomakethecovenanteffectualfortheirsalvation,notwithstandingalltheirunworthiness.

3.ItissuitedtothehonourofChristhimself,thepeace-maker,whohathit as the reward of his work. Joseph, being sold for a bond-servant,behaved himself with all meekness, patience, faithfulness in that lowcharacter;thewhichwasafterwards,byall-rulingprovidence,abundantlyrewardedwithhonour,inhisbeingadvancedtobetheprimeministerofthekingdomofEgypt,having theadministrationof thewholekingdom

committedtohim,Psalm105:17–22.HereinhewasatypeofChrist.TheLordJesusdidvoluntarilysubmithimselftotheloweststepofreproachanddisgrace,takinguponhimtheformofabond-servant,andhumblinghimself in that form, even unto the death of the cross; and that toperform the condition of the covenant, for the glory of God, and thesalvation of his people: and therefore he was exalted to the highestpinnacle of honour, being advanced to the prime ministry of heaven,havingtheadministrationofthecovenantputintohishand,rulingoverallunderhisFather;wherebyisgivenhimanamewhichisaboveeveryname, whether ofmen or angels, "all things being put under his feet,"Philip. 2:7, 8, 9;Eph. 1:20–23. In respecthereof, he is often called theFather's servant, namely, his honorary servant: and his honour in thatcharacter isoftenpromisedtobemadeverygreat, Isa.49:6,and52:13,14,15;Zech.3:8,with6:12,13.

AndforasmuchastheeverlastingcovenantwillcontinuetobethegroundandruleofGod'sdispensationstowardshispeopleforevermore;bytheconstitutionlodgingtheadministrationofthecovenantinthepersonofChrist,heistoenjoythathonouranddignityforeverandever.For"untotheSonhesaith,thythrone,OGod,isforeverandever,"Heb.1:8.Evenofhiskingdomwhich is givenhim, that is,hismediatorykingdomandadministration there shall be no end, Luke 1:32, 33. The time comesindeed,whereinhewill"deliverupthekingdomtoGodeventheFather;presenting tohimat the lastday, thewhole church, andeverymemberthereof,broughtbyhisadministration,accordingtohiscommission,intoastateofperfection.Andthencomeththeend,1Cor.15:24,namely,theend of the world, but not the end of his administration: for beingconstituted administrator of the covenant, "there was given himdominionandglory,andakingdom;andhisdominionisaneverlastingdominion,which shall notpass away," (as theworld shall, 1Cor. 7:31),"and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed," (as all the fourmonarchieshavebeen),Dan.7:14.

AndthuswehaveseenChristtobethepartyonwhomtheadministrationofthecovenantisdevolved.

II. SINNERS OF MANKIND THE OBJECT OF THEADMINISTRATIONOFTHECOVENANT

Theobjectoftheadministrationofthecovenant, is,sinnersofmankindindefinitely:thatistosay,Christisempowered,bycommissionfromhisFather,toadministratethecovenantofgracetoanyofallmankind,thesinners of the family of Adam without exception: he is authorized toreceive them into the covenant, and to confer on them all the benefitsthereof, to their eternal salvation; according to the settled order of thecovenant. The election of particular persons is a secret, not to bediscovered in the administration of the covenant, according to theestablishedorder thereof, till such timeas the sinnerhave received thecovenant, by coming personally into it. And the extent of theadministration is not founded on election, but on the sufficiency ofChrist'sobedienceanddeathforthesalvationofall;neitherisitregulatedthereby,butbythe fulnessofpower inheavenandearthgiventoJesusChrist,asarewardofhisbecomingobedientevenuntodeath.

Forconfirmingthistruth,letthefollowingthingsbeconsidered.

1. The grant which the Father hath made of Christ crucified, as hisordinanceforthesalvationoflostsinnersofmankind.InthecaseoftheIsraelites in the wilderness, bitten by fiery serpents, God instituted anordinancefortheircure,namely,abrazenserpentlifteduponapole;andmade a grant thereof to whosoever would use it for that purpose, bylookingtoit.Nobodywhosoeverthatneededhealing,wasexcepted:thegrantwasconceivedinthemostampleterms,Numb.21:8,"Itshallcometopass,thateveryonethatisbitten,whenhelookethuponit,shalllive."Soallmankindbeingbittenbytheoldserpent,thedevil,andsin,ashisdeadly poison, left in them; God hath appointed Jesus Christ theordinance of heaven for their salvation. There is a word of divineappointment passed upon a crucified Christ, making and constitutinghimtheordinanceofGodforsalvationofsinners;andGodhathmadeagrantofhimassuch,towhomsoeverofAdam'slostracewillmakeuseofhimforthatpurpose,bybelievingonhim;inthewhichgrantnoneoftheworld ofmankind is excepted. All this is clear from John 3:14, 15, 16,"AndasMoseslifteduptheserpent inthewilderness,evensomusttheSon of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him, should notperish,buthaveeternallife."ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonly begotten Son, thatwhosoever believeth in him, should not perish,

buthaveeverlastinglife."Now,theadministrationofthecovenantbeingsettled in pursuance of this grant therein made for a reward of theMediator's obedience, the object of the former canbeno less extensivethanthatofthelatter.

2.TheMediator'scommissionfortheadministration,isconceivedinthemost ample terms; and he is clothed with most ample powers withrelation to that business. It carries his administering the covenant, notonlytothemeek,thepoor,thebroken-hearted;buttothecaptives,blind,bruised, prisoners, bond-men and broken men, who have sold theirinheritance and themselves, and can have no hope of relief but by ajubilee,Luke4:18,19;withIsa.61:1,2.Whatsortofsinnersofmankindcanoneimagine,thatwillnotfallinundersomeofthesedenominations?Christisindeedgivenforacovenantofpeople;notofthisorthatpeople,but of people indefinitely. "All power is given him in heaven and inearth," Matth. 28:18. So there are none on earth excepted from hisadministeringthecovenanttothem.Heisempoweredtosavetheguiltylaw-condemnedworld,byadministeringittothem;"ForGodsentnothisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld;butthattheworldthroughhimmightbesaved,"John3:17;forasmuchasheistheordinanceofGodfortakingaway the sinof theworld, chap. 1:29; thoughmany towhomheoffers the covenant, do refuse it, and so are not saved eventually.Accordingly,fromthisfulnessofpowerheissuesforththegeneralofferofthegospel;whereinallwithoutexceptionaredeclaredwelcometocomeand suck of the full breasts of the divine consolations in the covenant:Matth. 11:27, "All things are delivered untome ofmyFather."Ver. 28,"comeuntome,allyethatlabourandareheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest."Chap.28:18,"Allpowerisgivenuntomeinheavenandinearth."Ver.19,"Goyethereforeandteachallnations."Mark16:15,"Preachthegospeltoeverycreature."

3.Heexecuteshiscommissioninanunhamperedmanner,administeringthecovenant toany sinnerofmankind:Prov.8:4, "Untoyou,Omen, Icall,andmyvoiceistothesonsofman."Theobjectofhisadministrationis not this or that party of mankind, under this or the otherdenomination;butmen,anymen,sonsofmenindefinitely.Sothegospel,inwhichheadministersthecovenant,isgoodtidingstoallpeople,Luke

2:10,afeastmadeuntoallpeople,Isa.25:6,thoughmany,notrelishingthe tidings, never taste of the feast. Accordingly, he commissioned hisapostles for that effect, in terms than which none can imagine moreextensive,Mark16:15,"Goyeintoalltheworld,andpreachthegospeltoevery creature." The Jews called man the creature, as being God'screaturebywayof eminence: soby every creature ismeant everyman.There are in the world, somemen, who, by reason of theirmonstrouswickedness,arelikedevils;thereareothermen,who,byreasonoftheirsavagenessseemtodifferbutlittlefrombrutes:butourLordsaithhereineffect, "Be what they will, if ye can but know them to bemen, ask noquestionsaboutthemonthishead,whatsortofmentheyare:beingmen,preachthegospeltothem,offerthemthecovenant;andiftheyreceiveit,givethemthesealsthereof:myFathermadethem,Iwillsavethem."

4.Ifweinquire,whotheyaretowhomChriststandsrelatedasaSaviour?or, whose Saviour he is, according to the scripture? we find, thatconsidered as an actual Saviour, saving actually and eventually, he isindeedonlySaviourofthebody,Eph.5:23;butconsideredasanofficialSaviour,aSaviourbyoffice,heistheSaviouroftheworld,1John4:14;John4:42.Thusonehavingacommissiontobethephysicianofasociety,inthephysicianof thewholesociety,byoffice;andsostandsrelatedtoeverymanofthem,ashisphysician:howbeit,heisnotactuallyahealerto any of them, but such as employ him. Though some of that societyshould not employ him at all, but on every occasion call anotherphysician;yetheisstilltheirphysicianbyoffice:thoughtheyshoulddieoftheirdisease,beingaversefromcallinghim;yetstillitistrue,thathewas theirphysician, theymighthave calledhim,andhadhis remedies;anditwaspurelytheirownfault,thattheywerenothealedbyhim.Evenso our Lord Jesus Christ hath Heaven's patent, constituting him theSaviour of theworld; by the authority of hisFatherhe is investedwiththatoffice:andwheresoeverthegospelcomes,hispatentforthateffectisintimated,1John4:14,"Andwehaveseenanddotestify,thattheFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld."Wherefore,noneofusshallperishforwantofaSaviour.JesusChrististheSaviouroftheworld;heisyourSaviour,andmySaviour,beourcasewhatitwill:andGod,inandbyhim,istheSaviourofallmen,speciallyofthosethatbelieve,1Tim.4:10.HenceChrist'ssalvationisthecommonsalvation,Jude3.:andthegospel

is the grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men, Tit. 2:11, marg.ChristthenstandsrelatedasaSaviourbyofficetotheworldofmankind;heistheirSaviour:andheissorelatedtoeveryoneofthem,assinners,lostsinnersofthatsociety,1Tim.1:15,"ChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners."Luke19:10,"TheSonofmaniscometoseekandtosavethat which is lost." Let no man say, "Alas! I have nothing to do withChrist,norhewithme;forIamasinner,alostsinner."Nay,uponthatvery ground there is a relation between him and you. Since you are asinnerofmankind,Christ isyourSaviour: forhe isbyofficeSaviourofthefamilywhereofyouareabranch.Ifyouwillemployanotherthanhim,orpineawayinyourdisease,ratherthanputyourselfinhishand,yedoituponyourperil:butknowassuredly,thatyouhaveaSaviourofyourown,chosen of God for you, whether you employ him or not. He is by hisFather'sappointmentthephysicianofsouls:yearethesick;andthelesssensible ye are, themore dangerously sick; there is a valuable relationthen betwixt Christ and you, as such, Matth. 9:11, 12. He is the greatburden-bearer, thatgives rest to them that labourandareheavy laden,Matth. 11:28; Psalm 55:22. Ye labour, spending your labour for thatwhich satisfiednot: and are ladenwith iniquity, evenheavy laden; andnothing the less so, that ye are not duly sensible thereof: there is arelation thenbetwixtChrist and you, on that very score.Now, ifChriststands related to the world of mankind-sinners, as their Saviour, thentheyaretheobjectofhisadministrationofthecovenant.

5.Lastly,Ifitwerenotso,thentherewouldbesomeexceptedpersonsoftheworldofmankind-sinners,forwhomthereisnowarrant,morethanfordevils,totakeholdofthecovenant,bybelievinginChrist:contrarytotheconstantvoiceof thegospel,John3:16;Mark16:15.Forsurely theyhavenowarranttotakeboldofthecovenant,towhomtheAdministratorisnotempoweredtogiveit.Whichoftheworldofmankind-sinnerscantheseexceptedpersonsbe?Notpagans,andotherinfidels,whohearnotthegospel:forhowbeit,inthedepthofsovereignwisdom,thatwarrantisnot intimated to them; yet it doth really extend to them; as includedunderthatgeneralterm,whosoever,John3:16.Andifitdidnotextendtothem,thecovenantcouldnotlawfullybepreachedandofferedtothembyministersofthegospel;morethanacriercouldlawfullygoandproclaimandoffertheking'sindemnitytothosewhohavenoconcerninit,butare

excepted out of it. Theministerial gospel-offer is undoubtedly null andvoid, as far as it exceeds the bounds of the object of Christ'sadministration of the covenant; as being, in so far, from one or morehaving no power to make it. Neither are any who hear the gospelexcepted:forthenottakingholdofthecovenantbyfaithinChrist,isthegreatsinandcondemnationofallwho,havingthegospel,dosoentertainit,Prov.8:36;John3:19;Mark16:16.Butitcouldnotbethesinofsuchpersons;becauseitcanneverbeone'ssin,nottodoathingwhichhehathnowarrantfromGodtodo.Muchlessarethenon-electexcepted:foratthatrate,notonlyshouldtheirunbeliefbenoneoftheirsin;buttheelectthemselvescouldneverbelieve,tillsuchtimeastheirelectionwere,inthefirst place, revealed to them,which is contrary to the statedmethod ofgrace: for none can believe in Christ, till once they see their warrant;forasmuchasthatwarrantisthegroundoffaith.

Wherefore we conclude, that sinners of mankind indefinitely are theobjectofChrist'sadministrationofthecovenant;thatheisempoweredtoadminister it to you, and every one of you, whatever you are, or havebeen; and that you must either take hold of the covenant for life andsalvation,orperishasdespisersofit,sinceyehaveheardthegospel.

III. THE ENDS OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THECOVENANT

Theendsoftheadministrationofthecovenant,whichmakethebusinessoftheAdministratorassuch,arethesethree:towit,(1.)thebringingofsinners into the covenant; (2.) the management of them therein,accordingtoit,inthisworld;and,(3.)thecompletingoftheirhappiness,accordingtoit,intheotherworld.

1.Thebringingofsinnerspersonallyandsavinglyintothecovenant,Isa.49:5,"Andnow,saiththeLordthatformedmefromthewomb,tobehisservant,tobringJacobagainuntohim,thoughIsraelbenotgathered,yetshall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord." Though the covenant wasconcludedfrometernity,whenwecouldneitherconsentnordissent;yet,bytheconstitutionthereof, it isprovided, that,eventotheendof time,any sinner of the race of Adam, who shall believe, his receiving andembracingthecovenantbyfaith,shallbeasgoodandvalidtoenterhim

intoit,asifhehadpersonallysubscribeditatthemakingthereof,John3:16.Thusitisleftopentomankind-sinners,thattheymaycomeintoit,taking place therein under Christ the head; and so become personallyconfederate withHeaven, to their eternal salvation. And there is roomenoughwithinthecompassoftheinfinitenameofthesecondAdam,forallofustosubscribeourlittlenames.Wherefore,notwithstandingofallthathavealreadysubscribed,inthatname,saying,"IamtheLord's,"i.e.theLordChrist's, Isa.44:5,sinceEve firstsetdownhernamethere,bybelieving thepromise first,whereby she then commenced, and actuallywasthemotherofallliving,Gen.3:20;yetthevoiceofthegospelstillis,and will be even to the end, "And yet there is room," Luke 14:22. FortypifyingwhichNoah'sarkwas,bytheappointmentofHeaven,madealllittle rooms, Gen. 6:14, called in the margin there, nests. Now, theMediatorisauthorisedtotreatwithsinners,rebelstoGod,andsubjectsof Satan's kingdom, tobring themover toHeaven's side again; and forthateffect toadministerthecovenantuntothem,topropose it tothem,andgatherthemintothebondthereof.Wherefore,havinggoneforthonthaterrand,hetestifieshisearnestnessinthework,Matth.23:37,"HowoftenwouldIhavegatheredthychildren!"anddeclareshimselfthedoorofthesheep,John10:7,9.

2.Themanagementoftheminthecovenant,accordingtoit,duringtheircontinuance in this world. When sinners are, by the Mediator'sadministration, brought within the bond of the covenant, they are notthenceforthtrustedwiththemanagementofthemselvesandtheirstock:but their stock being lodgedwith him, they are put under his hand astheirsolemanager, thechiefShepherdandBishopofsouls,untowhoseoversightthestraysoncereturnedarecommitted,1Pet.2:25.Whatevertheyneed,theymustreceivefromhim:heistodispenseallthebenefitsofthecovenant,ofwhateverkind,untothem.Aretheytobejustified?heistopassthesentence,"Thysinsbeforgiventhee,"Matt.9:2,6.AretheytobebroughtintoanewsavingrelationtoGod?heistogivethempowertobecomethesonsofGod,John1:12.Aretheytobesanctified?heistowash,sanctify,andcleansethem,John13:8;Eph.5:26;andtogivethemrepentance,aswellasforgivenessofsins,Acts5:31.Aretheytobecausedtopersevere?heistokeepthem,andtoaccountforeachoneofthemtohis Father, John 17:12. Are they to be seen to in all their temporal

concerns?Thecareofthemallliesuponhim,1Pet.5:7.HeisourJoseph,whohathallthestoresofthecovenantinhishand:andofhimGodhathsaid,asPharaohsaidtohisfamishingpeoplecryinguntohimforbread,"GotoJoseph,"Gen.41:55.Moreover,theymustreceivealltheirordersfromhim,touchingtheirdutyinallpoints.Theymustreceivethelawathismouth; since it is by him God speaks unto them, according to theconstitution of the covenant: forwhich causeGodhath given a solemncharge to all the covenant-people, saying, "This is my beloved Son, inwhomIamwellpleased:hearyehim,"Matt.17:5.

3. And lastly, The completing of their happiness, according to thecovenant, in the other world: Eph. 5:27, "That he might present it tohimselfagloriouschurch,nothavingspotorwrinkle,oranysuchthing."Itisthecomfortofbelievers,thatJesusChristadministersthecovenantin thisworld;so thatwhateverpart thereof theymaybedriven to, theycanneverbedriventoanypartuntowhichhisadministrationdothnotextend.Howbeit, themost glorious part of his administration takes itsplace in the other world: for it is in heaven, that the promises of thecovenant have their perfect accomplishment: the which makes heavenhometobelievers."O!butthepassagebetwixtthetwoworldsisadark,dangerous,andgloomyone!WhocanwithouthorrorthinkoftheJordanof death, and the darksome region of the grave!" But withal, God'scovenant-peopleshouldremember,thattheirLordhathbusinessinthatpassage,aswellasoneithersideofit.Thelineofthecovenantisdrawnthrough it,making a path bywhich the redeemed safely pass. So therealso is thesceneofChrist'sadministrationof thecovenant;hehath thekeysofhellandofdeath,Rev.1:18.Itisgreatweakness,tothinkthathedothonly, as itwere, standon theother sideof the river,directing thebelieverinhispassage,andreadytoreceivehimwhenhecomesashore:nay,it liesonhim,asadministratorofthecovenant,eventogointothewaterwiththepassenger,totakehimbythearm,andgoingbetweenhimandthestream,tobreaktheforcethereofuntohim,andtobringhimsafeashore:Psalm23:4,"ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwill fearnoevil; forthouartwithme."IntheIsraelitespassingover toCanaan, the arkwent first into Jordan, andwas last in comingout,beingtheretillallthepeoplewerepassedcleanover,Josh.chap.3:4.ThearkbeingatypeofChrist,asCanaanwasofheaven,thisteachethus,

that our Lord Jesuswill have business in the passage between the twoworlds,aslongasthereisoneofhispeopletopassthatway;andthathisadministrationtherewillneverbeatanend,untilthelastmanwithinthebondofthecovenantissafelylandedontheotherside.Thisdone,heistoadminister thecovenant to themtherealso, completing theirhappinessby a perfect accomplishment of all the promises thereof unto them.AsJesusistheauthor,soheisthefinisherofourfaith,Heb.12:2.InwhichtextsthereisanallusiontotheracesfamousamongtheancientGreeks,whereintherewasonethatopenedtherace,ranit,andwentontheheadofalltherest;anotherwhowassetonathroneattheendoftherace,andgave the prize to such aswon it. In the spiritual race, Christ acts boththeseparts.Asperformeroftheconditionofthecovenant,inthecourseofhisobedience,whereinheenduredthecross,despisingtheshame,heis the author of our faith, or the chief leader, expressly called theforerunner,chap.6:20,inbringingmanysonsuntoglory,goingontheirheadascaptainorchiefleader,chap.2:10.Then,asadministratorofthecovenant, he is the finisher of our faith, or the perfecter that gives thecrowntotherunners,andissetdownattherighthandofthethroneofGod.Andthusitishisbusinesstoputthecrownofgloryontheheadsofthosewhombyhisgracehehathmadeconquerors.FromhishandPaulexpected it, 2Tim. 4:8, "Henceforth there is laidup forme a crownofrighteousness,which theLord, the righteous Judge," towit, Christ, thejudgeoftheworld,"shallgivemeatthatday."Tohimitbelongstogranttotheovercomerstositwithhiminhisthrone,Rev.3:21.AndthereforeIcannot help thinking, that the text, Matt. 20:23, may safely be readwithoutthesupplement,"Tositonmyrighthand,andonmyleft,isnotminetogive,but forwhomit ispreparedofmyFather."Sotheparticlebut is used exceptively, 2 Cor. 2:5, for save, Mark 9:8. The fulness ofpowergiventotheMediator,comprehendsallpowerinheaven,aswellasin earth: accordinglyheprepares theplace forhis severalpeople inhisFather'shouse,having thewholeathisdisposalasadministratorof thecovenant.Andheistoadministerthecovenanttothem,notonlyattheirfirstentrance into theregionsofbliss,butallalongthroughtheagesofeternity, being to remain the eternal bond of union and mean ofcommunicationbetwixtGodandthesaintsforever,Heb.7:25;Rev.6:17.

Andthesearetheendsoftheadministrationofthecovenant.Follows,

IV. THE NATURE OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THECOVENANT

Thenatureofthisadministrationoffersitselftoourview,intherelationsChrist hath to the covenant as he is administrator thereof. We havealreadyseen,howthatChristbecametheMediatorofthecovenant,bothsubstantial and official; and have observed, that his official mediationruns through thewholeof the covenant; andwehave takennoticeof athreefold relation of his unto it, namely, his being 1. The Kinsman-redeemer in it; 2. The Surety of it; and, 3. The Priest, the sacrificingpriest,ofit;thewhichpartsofhismediation,respectingtheconditionofthe covenant,dobelong to themakingof it.We shallnowconsiderhisother relations thereto, bearing those parts of his mediation, which,respectingthepromisesofthecovenant,dobelongtotheadministrationofit.Andtheyarethesefive.1.HeistheTrusteeofthecovenant;2.TheTestatorofthecovenant:3.TheProphetofthecovenant;4.TheKingofthecovenant;and5.TheIntercessorofthecovenant:eachofwhichisasyllableof thenameabove everyname, givenhimof theFather, as thereward of his work. And in viewing these in order, the nature of theadministrationofthecovenantwillplainlyappear.

I.CHRISTTHETRUSTEEOFTHECOVENANT

OurLordJesusasadministrator,is,inthefirstplace,theTrusteeofthecovenant;havingthecovenant,andallthebenefitsthereof,committedtohis trust: Col. 1:19, "For it pleased the Father, that in him should allfulnessdwell."Thisgreatestofall trusts, toogreat foranymeremanorangel,ourblessedRedeemerwasperfectlyqualified for; andsowas setoverthehouseofGod,themostpreciousthingsthereofbeingputunderhishand.Whatissealedupfromthehighestangel,hehathaccessto;heistrustedto loosetheseals, forheisworthy,Rev.5:2–5.Aholy jealousGodputnotrustinhisservants,andhisangelshechargedwithfolly:fortheywere fallible; therewas a possibility of their betraying their trust,Job4:18.ButitpleasedhimtotrusttheblessedJesus,thatinhim,asaninfallibleadministrator,allfulnessshoulddwell.

This high trustwas a necessary prerequisite of the administration: andtherefore, upon his engagement to fulfil the condition of the covenant,reputed in heaven as sure as if it had been actually performed, all thebenefitsofthecovenantwerenotonlymadeovertohiminpointofright,butweredeliveredoverintohishandinactualpossession,thathemightdispense them to sinners, according to the method therein stated andagreedupon:John3:35, "TheFather loveth theSon,andhathgivenallthings intohishand."Matth.11:27,"All thingsaredelivereduntomeofmyFather."Ver. 28, "Comeuntome, all ye that labour, and are heavyladen, and Iwill give you rest."Hence itwas that he enteredupon theadministrationofthecovenant,longbeforehisincarnation;evenassoonas there was any place for the administering thereof, which was inparadiseafterthefall:thoughthesolemnityofhisinvestitureandtakingpossession,wasreserveduntohisascensionintoheaven,whenthemanChristwassetatGod'srighthand,Gen.3:8,15;withPsalm68:18;Eph.1:20–22.

Thus the fulness of the covenant is in him: and this trust makes theunsearchable riches of Christ, not to be particularly inventoried by us,sincetheyareunsearchable.But,agreeabletowhathathbeensaidbefore,weshall,foropeningthereof,markthefollowingthings:—

1. The unseen guard of the covenant is under his hand. There is givenuntohimallpowerovernaturalandspiritualthings,tomanagethesamefor the preservation, protection, and restraint of those sometime to bebrought into the covenant; while yet they are strangers from it, andneitherperceivetheguardaboutthem,northecommanderthereof:John5:22, "The Father—hath committed all judgment unto the Son." Hos.11:3, "I taughtEphraimalso to go, taking themby their arms, but theyknewnotthatIhealedthem."Sometimestheyare,duringtheirstateofblindness, ineminenthazardof their lives,andnarrowlyescape,beforethestreamof strong temptations threatening to carry themquiteaway;andyet the forceof these isbrokenonewayorother,andtheybroughtback from the very brink of ruin; and they never truly know, whosedebtors theyare for these things,norsee the love-design in them,untilconvertinggracehasreachedthem;andthentheyhearthecaptainofthatguardsayingtothem,ashesaidtoCyrus,Isa.45:5,"Igirdedthee,though

thouhastnotknownme."Sothemountainwasfullofhorsesandchariotsoffire,forthedefenceofElishaandhisservant;whileyettheservantsawnoneforthem,butagainstthem,untiltheLordopenedhiseyes,2Kings6:17.

2. The quickening Spirit of the covenant is in him,whereby to quickendead sinners, and cause them to live. The Spirit of life behoved to bepurchased for sinners, otherwise there was no life for them. Now, thefulness thereof is purchased, and actually lodged in the Mediator,according to the covenant. Hence Christ proposeth himself to deadSardis,ashavingthesevenspiritsofGod,Rev.3:1;andsaithtotheJews,John5:25,"ThedeadshallhearthevoiceoftheSonofGod;"thatis,deadsouls shall be quickened, and being quickened, shall believe. The firstAdambeingmadealivingsoul,wascapabletocommunicatenaturallife;butnotbeingmadeaquickeningspirit,hecouldnotrestorelifeoncelost:butthelastAdamwasmadeaquickeningspirit,torestorespirituallifetosinners dead in trespasses and sins. So, in Christ as the Trustee of thecovenant,isthefountainoflife.Adam'ssinputoutthelightsofthewholeworld; and his natural offspring were all left by him as somany blindcandles:butthesecondAdamismade,andsetup,aflaminglamptolightthemagain;andasmanyofthemasittoucheth,doinstantlyflametoo:andcouldtheyallbuttouchit,andnoneareforbidden,theyshouldallbelighted again, and shinewith the light of spiritual life, partaking of theSpiritoflifeinChristJesus.

3. The righteousness of the covenant is in him, whereby to justify theungodlythathavenorighteousnessoftheirown.Hencehisnameis,"TheLordourrighteousness,"Jer.23:6.RighteousnessofmanbeforetheLordwas quite worn out: there was nothing of that kind left upon any ofAdam's children, "as it iswritten, there is none righteous, nonot one,"Rom.3:10.ButJesusChristhaving,inhisbirth,life,anddeath,wroughtouttherighteousnessofthenewcovenant,broughtitin,andpresenteditunto his Father, Dan. 9:24, with Lev. 16:15. And it was sustained andaccepted as the new-covenant righteousness, for justifying all thatbelieve; and was lodged with the worker thereof, intrusted with it asAdministrator of the covenant. Hence he is said to be made unto usrighteousness, 1Cor. 1:30, namely, by a divine constitution, even as he

wasmade the covenant.And intimationhereof ismadeunto sinners inthegospel,foragroundoffaith,Isa.45:24,"Surely,shallonesay,intheLord have I righteousness," Heb. Only in the Lord (concerning me hehathsaid)isrighteousness.TheyarethewordsoftheLordJesusChrist,narrating the divine constitution concerning himself. Compare ver. 23;withRom. 14:10, 11.Wherefore, the gospel is called theministrationofrighteousness,2Cor.3:9;andhisministers,ministersof righteousness,chap.11:15;hebeingintrustedwiththenewcovenantrighteousness,fortoadministerittosinners,untojustificationoflife,asthephraseis,Rom.5:18.

4.ThenewcovenantrighttoGodisinhispersonasMediator:andheisactuallypossessedofthefulnessoftheGodhead,asheisadministratorofthecovenant,tocommunicateofthatfulnesstoallthatshallbelieve,Col.2:9,"ForinhimdwellethallthefulnessoftheGodheadbodily."Ver.10,"Andyearecompleteinhim,whichisthehead."OurLordJesus,astheeternalSonofGod,hadanaturalindefeasiblerighttothefulnessoftheGodhead: but as the second Adam, he took out a new right thereto,purchasingthesamebyhisobedienceanddeath;andassuch, it isnowlodgedwithhim,tobecommunicatedbyhim.Andthusthepeaeeofthecovenant, peace with God, is in him, Eph. 2:14; the sonship of thecovenant,theadoptionintothefamilyofGod,isinhimasthefirstbornamong many brethren, Psalm 89:27; with John 1:12; the covenantinterestinGodasone'sownGod,isinhim,John20:17.Andtoobtainalltheseinone,letthesinnerbutreceiveChristbyfaith,andhehaththem;fortheyareallunderhishandastrusteeofthecovenant,yea,inhimasthestorehouseofthecovenant.

5.ThecovenantfulnessoftheSpiritofsanctificationisinhim,wherebytomakesinnersholy:Col.1:19,"ItpleasedtheFather,thatinhimshouldallfulnessdwell."John1:16,"Andofhisfulnesshaveallwereceived,andgrace for grace." Having purchased the same with his own blood, it islodgedinhimasadministratorofthecovenant,inrespectofwhichheissaid tobemadeuntoussanctification,1Cor. 1:30.Thereforeoutofhispiercedsidecamethereforthbloodandwater;bloodtoremovetheguiltofsin,water towashawaythedefilement thereof.Sohe is the fountainopened for sin and for uncleanness: not a vessel of that water of

purification, which, how full soever, would lack as much as it shouldcommunicate;butafountain,alivingspringofit,tosupplytheneedsoftheunclean,withoutanylackinitself:"ForGodgivethnottheSpiritbymeasureuntohim,"John3:34.WhereforethereisinhimsuchafulnessoftheSpiritofholiness,asis,bytheinfiniteefficacythereofsufficienttosanctifythewholefamilyofAdam,andeventheworstofthem.Thereisafulnessofallgrace inhim, tobecommunicated for the repairingof thelostimageofGodinus.Thereisgraceenoughinhimtomeltthehardestheart into evangelical repentauce, Acts 5:31, to mortify the strongestlusts,Gal.5:24,andtoquicken,andtostrengthenuntoholyobedience,2Tim.2:1.

6.Theestablishinggraceofthecovenantisinhim,wherebytocausethemostfickleandinconstant,onceinhim,topersevereuntotheend:Jude,ver. 1, "Them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved inJesusChrist."Heisconstitutedtheheadofinfluencesforallhismysticalmembers,whicharetohavetheirnourishmentministeredfromhim,Col.2:19. The giving out of continued pardons, necessary for them in thistheir state of imperfection, is also in his hand, as the Trustee of thecovenant,"exaltedtobeaPrinceandaSaviour,togiverepentanceuntoIsrael,and forgivenessof sins,"Acts5:31.Thushe is fully furnished forpreservingtheminastateofgrace,havingafulnessofgraceinhimselftocommunicate unto them, suitable to all their exigencies, whether inrespectofthepower,oroftheguiltoftheirsin.

7. The temporal things of the covenant are all in his hand,whereby toprovidefor,andaffordprotectiontohispeople,duringtheircontinuancein thisworld. In the covenant therewasmade to him a promise of hisinheritingallthings,asthefirst-bornofthefamilyofHeaven;andinhisperson as the last Adam, the ancient dominion over the creatures wasrestored,asweheardbefore.Now,ashe is theTrusteeof thecovenant,theheritageoftheworld,andallthingstherein,isactuallydeliveredoverintohishand:sothathe isnotonlyLordof theworld inpointofright,but in fact; having the power of all therein, from the smallest rag forcoveringofnakedness,eventothecrownsandsceptres.Thishehimselfwitnesseth,Matt. 28:18, "All power is given untome in heaven and inearth." Chap. 11:27, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father."

Hence to encourage his impoverished people in their building of thesecond temple, he saith, Hag. 2:8, "The silver ismine, and the gold ismine,"namely, togive themtowhomIwill.Andthat theseareChrist'swords,appearsfromver.6,comparedwithHeb.12:26.Accordingly,fromPsalm24:1,"TheearthistheLord's,andthefulnessthereof,"theapostleclears believers' right to the creatures, 1 Cor. 10:25, 26.And thus he isfully furnished for affording all manner of provision to his people, intemporalthings:andallprotectionfromwhateverdangerstheycanbeinwhilehere.Thesun,moon,andstars,theearth,sea,andair,withallthatinthemis,areunderhishandastheTrusteeofthecovenant;andhecandisposeofthemallfortheendsofthecovenant,asthegloryofGodandthewelfareofhispeopledorequire.

8.Thecovenant-fulnessofpoweroverdeathandthegraveisinhishand,whereby to disarm death of its sting, and bring about a gloriousresurrection."I,"saithhe,"havethekeysofhellandofdeath,"Rev.1:18.Deathgoesthroughtheworldasamightyconqueror,whomnoneisabletoresist;thegravefollows,andnonecankeepbackitsprey,norcauseittogiveitupagain.ButtheMediatorhathaneffectualcheckuponthemboth.Theyarenotabsolutepotentates,asmightyastheyare:thereisoneabovethem,towhoseorderstheymustpreciselystick.Deathmayindeedenter in within the boundaries of the covenant, and carry off thecovenant-peopleaswellasothers:butattheborderitmustdropitssting,andenterwithoutit;forthepowerofdeathisnowinChrist'shand,andhewillnotsufferittoentertherewithit.Andthetimecomethwhereinhewill say to thegrave,Giveup:and then thebars thereofwillbebrokenasunder, the gates thereof fly open, and it will deliver up to him itslodgers; for he is intrusted as administrator of the covenant, with fullpoweroverdeathandthegrave.

9. Lastly, The eternal consummate happiness of the covenant is in hishand,wherebytorenderthesoulsofhispeoplehappyimmediatelyafterdeath, and then soul and body together happy at the last day: for allpower in heaven is given him. The Father hath made him the greatrepositoryofeternal life, thefountainfromwhenceitshallstreamforthtoalltheheirsoflife;andthedispensingofitisintrustedtohim:1John5:11,"Godhathgiventouseternallife:andthislifeisinhisSon."John

17:2, "As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should giveeternal life to as many as thou hast given him." Wherefore his dyingpeople do in faith commit their souls to him, as Stephen, Acts 7:59,"Saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And at the last day hepronounceththesentence,andsolemnlyreceivesthemintothekingdomofheaven,Matth.25:34.

AndthusChrististheTrusteeofthecovenant.

II.CHRISTTHETESTATOROFTHECOVENANT

Inthenextplace,ourLordJesus is theTestatorof thecovenant,as theapostleteacheth,Heb.9:15–17.Bytheconditionarypartofthecovenant,Godhadacompensationofthewrongdonetohisglorybysinners:andby thepromissorypart,Christhadunsearchableriches tocommunicateuntothem,wherebytheymightbemadehappy,andbeing todie in thecause,accordingtohiscovenant,hetimelymadehistestament,asadeedof conveyance thereof unto them; turning the promissory part of thecovenantrespecting lostsinners, intoatestament intheir favour,1Cor.11:25,"Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood."

Henceitappears,thatthisbelongstotheadministrationofthecovenant,committed unto him, for making sinners partakers of the covenant-benefits; yea, and that it is the first and fundamental act of that hisadministration, laid as a foundationof all theother acts thereof,whicharebutsomanymeansofexecutingthetestament.UpontheMediator'sundertaking to fulfil the condition of the covenant, the Fathermade tohim a disposition of the covenant-benefits contained in the promissorypart:andthebenefitssodisponed,wereactuallydeliveredover intohishand,astheappointedtrusteeofthecovenant,aswehavealreadyseen.Now, he having them all thus in his hand, hathmade a disposition ofthemtopoor sinners,bywayof testament,Luke22:29, "And Iappointuntoyouakingdom,asmyFatherhathappointeduntome."Or,"andIdisponetoyou,asmyFatherdisponedtome,akingdom."Thewordhereused, signifies to dispone; and hath in it the notion of a federal orcovenantdisposition,anda testamentarydisposition too.Of the formersortwasthedispositionmadebytheFathertoChrist,namely,afederaldisposition;asbeingmadeonamostonerouscause,aconditionproperly

socalled,towit,hismakinghissoulanofferingforsin:anditcanbynomeansbea testamentarydisposition,since"wherea testament is, theremustalsoofnecessitybethedeathofthetestator,"Heb.9:16;thewhich,it isevident,couldhavenoplace inthecaseof theFather.Of the lattersort is the disposition made by Jesus Christ to sinners, namely, atestamentary disposition, which, of its own nature, is a deed orconveyanceofgraceandliberality,withoutconditionsproperlysocalled:and forasmuch as sinners were under an utter disability to performconditionsproperlysocalled,itwasthereforenecessaryfortheirbehoof,tomakeitatestamentarydispositionortestament.

For clearing of the nature of this testament, which is of so greatimportanceforalltoknow,whohaveanyconcernfortheirsalvation,weshall consider, 1. Themaking thereof; 2. The legatees; 3. The executor;and,4.Thelegacies.

First, As to the making of Christ's testament, it is first of all to beobserved, that though the covenant was indeed from eternity, thetestamentwasnotso.ForChristmadehistestamentasadministratorofthecovenant;whichadministrationhedidnotenteruponbutintime.Hewas from eternity the trustee of the covenant,which grand trustwas anecessary prerequisite of his administration: yet forasmuch as hiscommencing testator of the covenant was an act of his administrationthereof, there could be no place for it until there was place foradministeringthecovenant,whichtherewasnot,tilloncethecovenantofworks was broken. And hereto best agreeth the nature of a testament,whichisnotsimplyawill,butawilldeclared,testified,andsignifiedbyword or writ, or some one or other external sign pleadable by thelegatees,inordertotheirobtainingofthelegaciesbequeathed.

Christ's testament, which for substance is but one, is yet twofold, inrespectofdifferentcircumstanceswherewithithathbeenvested;namely,theoldorfirsttestament,andthenewtestament,2Cor.3:14;Heb.9:15.

Christ's old testament is the declaration of the last will of our dyingSaviour,touchinghisunsearchableriches,confirmedbyslainsacrificesofdivineinstitution,sealedwiththesealsofcircumcisionandthepassover,andenduringinthechurchtillthefulnessoftime,andthemanifestation

ofhimself to Israel in the flesh,Heb.9:20;Rom.4:11; 1Cor. 5:7;Luke16:16.Thishis testamentwasoriginallymadebywordofmouth;whichkindoftestamentiscalledanuncupativetestament:butitwasafterwardscommittedtowriting;sothattherewasnotonlyawordofthetestamenttobeheard,butabookofthetestamenttoberead,bythelegatees,Heb.9:19,20.Andsowehave itawrittentestament, inthatpartof theholyscripturecalledbythenameoftheOldTestament.

Christ'snewtestamentisthedeclarationofthesamelastwillofourdyingSaviour,touchinghisunsearchableriches,confirmedbyhisowndeathonthecross,sealedwiththesealsofbaptismandtheLord'ssupper,andtocontinueforevermore,1Cor.11:23,24,25;Matth.28:19;Heb.7:12,16,17. This alsowas originallymade byword ofmouth, in the time of hispublicministry, wherein he declared hiswill anent the great salvation,which,as theapostleobserves, at firstbegan tobe spokenby theLord,Heb.2:3.Anditwasinlikemannerafterwardscommittedtowriting:andwehaveittooawrittentestament,inthatpartoftheholyscripturecalledbythenameoftheNewTestament.

IfwelookfortheoriginaldateofChrist'soldorfirsttestament,wefindhistestamenttobeofadateasearlyasthenatureofthethingcouldbear,beingmadeinparadise,onthedayofAdam'sfall,inthecooloftheday,Gen.3:8,otherwisecalledthetimebetweenthetwoevenings,Exod.12:6,thatisbetweenthreeandsixo'clockintheafternoon.Atthewhichtime,ourLordJesusdid,inthepromiseoftheseedofthewomantobrusetheheadof theserpent,whichshouldbruisehisheel,Gen.3:15, signifyhisdeath,anddeclarehiswillforthebenefitsofhispurchasetheiraccruingtosinnersthereby.AndthatdayIjudgetohavebeenthesixthdayofthecreation, the same day wherein man was created; reckoning that thescripture teacheth, thatAdam lodgednotonenight inhonour, as somedo, agreeable to theoriginal, readPsalm49:12.Theywho cannot thinkthat theevents recorded fromGen.3:7, to theendof the thirdchapter,were crowdedwithin the compassofoneday,mayweigh therewith theeventsrelatingtothedeathofChrist,whicharerecordedLuke22:66,totheendchap.23:1–33;John19:1;Matth.27:27,28;John19:2,5,9–15;Matth.27:24.Allwhichthingsweredone inthespaceofhalfaday: forChristwascrucifiedabouttwelveoftheclock,Luke23:44–46.

Some, through an unwillingness to think of their death, do put off themaking of their testaments unto a death-bed: but so very willing wasChrist,thesecondAdam,todieforus,thathesethishouseinorder,andsopreparedhimselffordeath,thatverydaywhereinthefirstAdamfell.Thebusinessof thegreatKing,and thebusinessof the ruinedworldofmankind, requiredhaste.Thewhole fabric of theworldwasbyAdam'sfallsounhinged,thatitwashasteningtoatotaldissolution,andmankindabout toperish in theruins; till thesecondAdamwent in,andboreupthepillarsthereof, invirtueofhisdeathtoestablishtheearthagain,Is.49:8. Wherefore in paradise he made his testament in a few words,containingadispositionofthebenefitsofthecovenant,infavourofpoorsinners, Gen. 3:15, and typically went in under that weight of wrath,whichwaspressingdownall: and sohe established the earth again. Inthisformitwas,thattheyofthefirstagesoftheworldhadthetestament.ButitwasrepeatedandrenewedtoAbraham,towhomthepromisesweremade, Gal. 3:16, comprehended under the name of the covenants ortestaments of promise, Eph. 2:12. As also to Israel in the wilderness,whom Moses sprinkled with blood, "saying, This is the blood of thetestament," Heb. 9:19, 20. And this was Christ's old testament, uponwhichallthatbelieved,fromAdamtoChrist,builttheirfaith,andhopeofobtaining the legacies left therein; though it was upwards of fourthousandyears,fromthefirstmakingofthetestament,untothedeathoftheTestator,bywhichthenewtestamentwasconfirmed.

Now,theapostlesaiththat,"atestament isof forceaftermenaredead:otherwise it is ofno strengthat allwhilst the testator liveth,"Heb.9:7.WasChrist'stestamentthenofnoforceallthattime?Yea,itwasofforce;and that bymeans of a pre-confirmation, being confirmed before, Gal.3:17.Theconfirmationofatestament,inthesenseoftheholyscripture,isby thedeathof testator;as theapostle, in the forecited text, teacheththeHebrews. And in scripture-reckoning, therewas a twofold death oftheTestatorhere: one typical, another real. In respect of the former oftheseChristwas theLambslain fromthe foundationof theworld,Rev.13:8,havingdied typically in the sacrifices thenoffered,Gen.3:21, andthereafter all alongunder theOldTestament.Andby that death of theTestatorwasthepre-confirmationofthetestament:sothatfromthedayitwas firstmade, itwasof force, for the legateesobtaining the legacies

thereinbequeathed;forasmuchasitwasthenalsoconfirmed.Whereforethe apostle observes, that, in full consistency with that known maximanenttestaments,Heb.9:17,above-cited,"Neitherthefirsttestamentwasdedicated without blood," ver. 18. What the apostle means by thededicationofthetestament,willbeplain,ifitisconsideredthatwhatourversionof theBiblecallsdedication, is, in thescripture-useofwordssorenderedtherein,nothingelsebutanenteringon,orafirst,ornewusingofapersonorthing, towhattheyweredesignedfor: insomuchthatthevery dedication of the temple was no more but that, as appears bycomparing2Chron. 5:13; chap. 6. and 7:1,with4. 5.Whereforeby thededication of the testament, must be meant the legatees beginning toclaimandobtaintheirlegacies,uponthetestament.Andthis,theapostlesaith,wasnotdonewithoutthetestament'sbeingconfirmedbyblood,ordeath: thewhich, though really the blood or death of beasts sacrificed;yet, according to the apostle's reasoning, were reckoned the blood ordeathoftheTestator,theybeingsacrificedastypesofhim.

And hence it appears, that whatever have been the differentcircumstances wherewith the testament in different periods hath beenvested; the Old and New Testament, nuncupative and written, are forsubstancebuttheonetestamentofJesusChristthesameyesterday,andto-day,andforever,Heb.13:8,havingthesameforceandeffectforfullremissionofsinandeternalsalvation, legaciesclaimedandobtainedbyfaith, in virtue of the testament, Acts 15:11; Rom. 4:13: only, whatwasfirst declared by word of mouth, the same was thereafter written. Thelegacies at first bequeathed in general comprehensive terms, wereafterward particularly nominated: and in the New Testament they aremore clearly expressed than in the Old. The former was a copy of thetestament, fitted for the timesbefore the testator reallydied: the latter,fitted for all times thereafter, to the endof theworld; and thereforenoothercopyistobeacceptedafterit.

Secondly,Itistobeinquired,Whoarethelegatees,thepartiesinwhosefavour the testament was made, and who may, in the method of thetestament, claim and obtain the legacies therein bequeathed? Christ'smakinghistestament,beingthefundamentalactofhisadministrationofthecovenant,aswehavealreadyseen;thelegateesinthetestamentmust

needsbe the sameas theobjectsofhis administrationof the covenant,thatistosay,sinnersofmankindindefinitely:forifChristisauthorizedbytheFathertoadministerthecovenanttosinnersindefinitely,andhathaccordingly made his testament for that effect; surely none can beexcepted out of the testament, that are not excepted out of hisadministration. Therefore the apostle lays down, for the foundation offaith,tothosewhohadevenimbruedtheirhandsinthebloodoftheLordofglory,theirinterestinthepromise,Acts2:39,"Forthepromiseisuntoyou,andtoyourchildren,andtoallthatareafaroff,evenasmanyastheLordourGodshallcall."Towhomsoeverthenthegospelcomes,wemaywarrantablysaythepromiseistoyou,andtoyou,andeveryoneofyou;eventhepromiseofthetestament:andyehaveaccesstoclaimitbyfaith,as your own legacy, your ownmercy, Jon. 2:8. And all the argumentsadducedontheheadoftheobjectofChrist'sadministration,whichneednottoberepeatedhere,doprovethis.

Anditismostagreeabletothenatureofthething.InChrist'stestament,thelegateesarenotexpressedbytheirnames,asintestamentswherethetestatorhathhischildrenandfriendsabouthim,towhomhe leaveshislegacies: but it is here as in the case, wherein some of the children orfriends of the testator are not come into the world at the time of themakingof the testament;whomust thereforehave their legacies left tothemundersomegeneraldesignation.Multitudes,multitudesofChrist'slegateeswerenotbornwhenhedied;andmultitudesofthemhavenottothisday seen the sun:nay,whenChrist firstmadehis testament, therewere but two persons in the world. Therefore the legatees have beenexpressed in it under a general designation, as those of such a family.Now,thisgeneraldesignationofthelegateesinChrist'stestament,isnotactualbelievers,thatis,suchashavealreadybelieved:foractualbelievingisthelegatees'claimingofthelegaciesleftthem;wherebytheyareputinpossessionthereof;thewhichclaimmustofnecessityhaveafoundationinthetestamentprioruntoit.Andindeedthetestamentisthegroundoffaith.Therefore itwasmadebefore therewasoneactualbeliever in theworld, beingmade in paradise, and there recited in the hearing of ourguiltyfirstparents,who,uponthehearingofit,Gen.3:15,believed,andsowereputinpossessionoftheirlegacies.Andthuswillitbetotheendoftheworld:faithwillcomebyhearingofthetestament,Rom.10:17;Gal.

3:2. Neither is it the elect: for howbeit in them only is the testamenteffectual,yet it isnottothemonlythelegaciesareleft;theyarenottheonlypersonsinwhosefavourthetestamentwasmade.Forelectionbeinga secret not to be known by us, until once we believe, cannot be theground and warrant of believing, or embracing the testament, andclaiming the legacies.Besides,at that rate,unbelieverscontinuingso tothe end, could not be justly reckoned refusers and slighters of Christ'stestament, as having no portion nor concern in it, more than fallenangels.ButthegeneraldesignationofthelegateesinChrist'stestament,ismankind sinners indefinitely: to those of the family ofAdamare thelegacies left, to be claimed and possessed of them by faith: Prov. 8:4,"Untoyou,Omen,Icall,andmyvoiceistothesonsofman."Rev.22:17,"Whosoeverwill, lethim take thewaterof life freely." John6:37, "Himthatcomethtome,Iwillinnowisecastout."

Putthecase,thatarichmanshould,fortheloveandfavourhebearstoaparticularfamily,leavehissubstancetothembytestament,tobedividedamong them: in this case, it is evident, that however numerous thatfamilybe,allandeveryoneofthemarethisman'slegatees,howbeittheirnamesarenotparticularlyexpressedinthetestament;andtheyneednomoretocleartheirclaim,eachtohisshareofthelegacy,butthattheyareofthatfamily.Andupontheexecutors'makinglawfulintimationtothatfamily,that,suchatestamentbeingmadeinfavourofthem,theycome,claim, and get their legacies, in the method of the testament: it ismanifest,thatallofthem,whoaccordinglycomeandmaketheirclaim,asmembersofthatfamily,willobtainashareofthelegacy:butincasetherebeanyofthem,whowillnotcomeandmakeanyclaimthereto,theywilljustlylosethebenefitthereof,andmaydieofwantforallthelegacythatwaslefttheminthattestament.OurLordJesusChristhasmadesuchatestament:thelostfamilyofAdam,isthefamilyconstitutedhislegatees:and the gospel is the lawful intimation made to them, to come to theexecutor and receive their legacies. All that believe get the legacy; allunbelievers lose it, and perish under thewant thereof; and they perishwithoutallexcuse.Theycannotpretend,thattherewasnothingleftthembythetestator;whichisthecaseofthefallenangels:noryet,thatitwasnotintimateduntothem;whichisthecaseofthosethatneverheardthegospel. But they perish, because, howbeit there was a rich legacy left

them, yet they undervalued the testator's kindness, and would nevercomeandclaimitby faith.Hencethebenefitsof thecovenantofgrace,eveninrespectofunbelievers,arecalledtheirown,namely, invirtueoftherighttheyhavetothembythetenorofChrist'stestament:Jon.2:8,"Theythatobservelyingvanities,forsaketheirownmercy."Accordingly,totheelderbrotherintheparable,Luke15thefathersaith,ver.31,"Son,all that Ihave is thine."So chap. 16:12, "If yehavenotbeen faithful inthatwhichisanotherman's,whoshallgiveyouthatwhichisyourown?"that is, "the trueriches,"ver. 11.Andtheir ruin is lodgedat thedooroftheirunbelief, innotcomingtoChristtoreceivethem,John5:40,"Andyewillnotcometome,thatyemighthavelife."Christ'spromisesinhistestamentare tomankind-sinners,as thepromiseofCanaanwas to theIsraelitesinEgypt,indefinitely,thosenotexceptedwhosecarcasesfellinthe wilderness, Exod. 6:6, "Say unto the children of Israel, I am theLord."—ver. 8, "And I will bring you in unto the land concerning thewhichIdidswear."Thuswasthereapromiseleftthemofenteringintothe rest of Canaan: and those who believed it, got the possessionaccordingly;thosewhobelievednot,didloseit.Andtheyfellshortofit,not because it was not left to them; but because, though it was left tothem,aswellastothosethatentered,yettheybelieveditnot.Sosaystheapostle,"Theycouldnotenterinbecauseofunbelief,"Heb.3:19.Andthiswasno imputationon the faithfulness ofGod: for even inpromises, aswell as in covenants, there is a necessity of amutual consent unto thesame thing; the party to whom the promise is made, his acceptancethereof being necessary to complete the obligation on the promiser tomakeiteffectual:becausenonemakingapromiseofabenefittoanother,can in reason be thought either to bind himself thereby to obtrude hisbenefitontheotheragainsthiswill;oryettogiveupwithit,asathingtobeabandonedbyhimatanyrate.Now,tothisverypurposetheapostlemakesuseofthatcaseoftheIsraeliteshavingthepromiseofCanaanleftthem, and yet coming short of it through unbelief, Heb. 4:1, "Let usthereforefear,lestapromisebeingleftusofenteringintohisrest,anyofyoushouldseemtocomeshortofit."Ver.2,"Foruntouswasthegospelpreached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profitthem,notbeingmixedwithfaithinthemthatheardit."CompareExod.6:9,"AndMosesspakesountothechildrenofIsrael:buttheyhearkenednot."

Thirdly, It is to be inquired, who is the executor of the testament? Intestamentsamongmen,thetestatorandtheexecutorarealwaysdifferentpersons:anditmustneedsbeso,becausethetestatordyingcannotliveagaintoseehiswillexecuted;thereforeoneormore,wholivewhenheisgone,mustbenominatedforthatpurpose.Butherethatreasonceaseth.JesusChristcouldwellbetheexecutorofhisowntestament,andneedednottoappointanyothertoseetothatmatter.HewastheLordoflifeanddeath;and itwasnotpossiblehe shouldbeholdenofdeath,Acts2:24.Thoughhewasreallytodie,toconfirmhistestament;yethewasquicklytoriseagain, fortheeffectualexecutionthereof:accordinglytheapostleobserves,thathewasdeliveredforouroffences,andwasraisedagainforour justification,"Rom.4:25.Andhe lives for evermore.Evenwhenhewasinthegrave,hewascapableofexecutinghistestament,beingGodaswellasman,havingalifewhichcouldnotbelost,nonotforamoment;namely, the divine life. And the executing of it then, when the humannaturewasinthestateofdeath,wasmuchthesameashisexecutingofitbeforehehadactuallyassumedthehumannatureatall.

AndthatJesusChristreallyistheexecutorofhisowntestament,appearsfromhisbeingconstitutedbytheFatherAdministratorof thecovenant,todispensethebenefitsthereofasgreatStewardofthehouseofheaven;and from the acts of his administration, both in this life, and in thatwhichistocome:forheitisthathathinhishandtheconferringofgrace,bothrealandrelative,onsinners;andtheconferringofgloryonsaints:thewhicharetheexecutingofhistestament,aswellastheadministeringofthecovenant:theformerbeingsubordinatedtothelatter.Meanwhileitcannotberefused,thatheexecutesitbyhisSpirit,andemploysgospel-ministers in the matter. Wherefore, whosoever would have any savingbenefit by Christ's testament, or would partake of the legacies thereinbequeathed, must come to himself to receive them; since he is theExecutor of his own testament. And therefore the constant call of thegospeltoperishingsinners,istocometoChristforlifeandsalvation;andthecomplaintonthosewhoforsaketheirownmercy,is,thattheywillnotcometohim,John5:40.Andthewholelifeofbelieversmustbeacomingtohim,1Pet.2:4,thatis,alivingbyfaithinhim,Gal.2:20,wherebytheymaybedailyreceivingofthelegacies,accordingtotheirexigencies.

Fourthly,Inthelastplace,itistobeinquired,WhatarethelegaciesleftinChrist's testament, topoor sinnersofmankind,his only legatees? Inthegeneral,thereislefttothemthereinwhatissufficienttomakethemhappy for timeandeternity; evenall thebenefits of the covenant tobereceivedbyfaith.TheseareChristhimself,andallthingsinandwithhim,Rom.8:32.Andthegeneralclauseofthetestamentis,"Accordingtoyourfaithbeituntoyou,"Matt.9:29.Itbeingbeyondourreachfullytoreckonup the particulars, it shall suffice to point at a few things, as thecomprehensive legacies, leftbyJesusChrist inhis testament, tosinnersofmankindindefinitely.

Legacy 1.Hisowncomplete righteousness, to coverusbefore theLord;hencecalledthegiftofrighteousness,Rom.5:17,asbeingmadeovertousinhis testament, tobe receivedby faith; inwhich sense it is said toberevealeduntofaith,thatis,tobebelievedortrustedon,andsoreceivedandputon,chap.1:17.Dyingpersonsarewonttoleavesuitsofmourningto their poor friends: but our dying Saviour left to all his legatees, thegarments of salvation, the robe of righteousness, Isa. 61:10; beautifulgarments,chap.52:1;whiteraiment,Rev.3:18,asasuitofrejoicing:forthat,thoughhewasdead,heisalive,andlivesforevermore.OurfatherAdam left us naked, to our shame: yet needwe not go naked, nor ourshamebeseen.For,bythesecondAdam'stestament,sufficientclothingis left to our father's broken family; even the robe of his ownrighteousness:andnothingremains,butthatwereceiveitashislegacytous, andput it on.AholyGod cannot admitus intohispresence inourspiritual nakedness: the law requires us to appear before him inunspotted holiness of nature, and perfect righteousness of life, as thecondition of life; andwithal,with a satisfaction to justice, by suffering,because we have sinned. But how can we make such an appearancebeforehim?Wecanbynomeansputourselves in sucha condition,byany thingwe cando or suffer. Yet is our case not hopeless.Wehave agood friend, the Lord Jesus Christ, who hath left us by testament theholinessofhisnature,wherewithhewasborn; the righteousnessofhislife, even all the good works he wrought in obedience to the tencommandments,duringhislifeonearth;andthesatisfactionmadebyhisdeath,andsufferingsfromthewombtothegrave:hehathmadealltheseoneundividedgiftofrighteousness,andbequeathedthesametousinhis

testament, tobe receivedby faith.Bymeanshereof, themostwretchedsinner of us all may be beautified in the sight of a holy God, havewherewithtoanswerallthedemandsofthelawforlife,andobtainafullpardonandacceptancewithGodasrighteousinhissight.Howshallweescape, if, never claiming this legacy, we trample on the Testator'skindness?

Legacy2.Hisnew-covenantinterestinGod,wherebytorenderushappy:Heb. 8:10, "I will be to them a God." Our father Adam left his wholefamilywithoutGodintheworld,Eph.2:12.Thiswasanunspeakableloss,aruiningloss:allmiseryintimeandeternitywaswraptupinit.Itwasaloss that could never have been compensed: and to us it wasirrecoverable.ButJesusChristhath recovered forus the lost covenant-interestinGod,andbequeathedittousinhistestament.Thisisalegacyfullbeyondourcomprehension.Whocanconceivefullywhatisinthat,"Iwill be yourGod?"Surely all blessedness is in it, for timeandeternity:Psalm144:15,"HappyisthepeoplewhoseGodistheLord."Hereinisleftyou peace, and reconciliation with God, John 14:27; adoption into thefamilyofGod,2Cor.6:16,17,18;yea,thatyeshallhaveGodforyourownGod,yourownheritage,inajoint-heirshipwithChrist,Rom.8:17:allthepersonsoftheGodheadtobeyours;theFathertobeyourFather,theSonyourSaviour,theHolyGhostyourSanctifier:andalltheattributesofGodtobeemployedforyourhappiness.NothingonChrist'spart,nothingonGod'spart,standsbetweenyouandallthis:nothingcanmakeyoucomeshortof itbutunbelief.Thatnew-covenantinterest inGodispurchasedby the blood of the everlasting covenant; it is given over unto Jesus asAdministratorofthecovenant;andheagainhathmadeitovertoyoubytestament. And what remains, but that ye come to the Executor, andreceiveyourlegacy,byfaith?Alas!thatanyshouldbefoundwhohavenohearttoit.

Legacy 3.His Spirit of grace,we somuchneed.Hear thewords of thetestament,Prov.1:23,"Turnyouatmyreproof:behold,IwillpouroutmySpirituntoyou."ChristhaththesevenspiritsofGod,evenafulnessoftheSpirit inhimself,tocommunicate;andhathmadeoverthesame,byhistestament, to sinners of Adam's race: withal, as Executor of thetestament, he hathmade intimation thereof, declaring himself ready to

give theSpirituntoall thatcome tohimaccordingly:John7:37, "Jesusstood and cried, saying, If anyman thirst, let him come untome, anddrink."Ver.38,"Hethatbelievethonme,asthescripturehathsaid,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwater."Ver.39,"Butthisspakeheofthe Spirit, which they that believe on him, should receive." O suitablelegacyforAdam'schildren!Hereislifeforus,lifeforourdeadsouls:forhis Spirit is the Spirit of life, loosing the bands of sin anddeath,Rom.8:2.Howshalldeadsoulslive?OurLordhimselfanswersthatquestionatlarge,John6;shewinghimselftobethelife-givingbread,thatgivethlifeuntotheworld,ver.33;thatitisbyeatingthisbreadsoulsshalllive,ver.57;thatthequickeningSpiritisinit,ver.63;andthatitistobeeatenbyfaith, ver. 35, 63, 64. Whither then should the soul go for life, but toChristasexecutorofhisowntestament?ver.68.ForaswederiveddeathfromthefirstAdam,sowemustderive life fromthesecondAdam,elsewecannothaveit,ver.53.Hereisregeneratingandsanctifyinggraceforus,wherebyournaturesmaybechanged,Ezek.36:26,theimageofGodrepairedinus,throughgracereceived,answeringtothegraceinthemanChrist,asthewaxtotheseal,John1:16;forallthisworkeththeSpiritofChrist in those who believe, Eph. 1:13. Here is made over to us gracewherebywemaybeenabledtotrueevangelicalrepentance,Zech.12:10;Ezek.36:31,towalkinnewnessoflife,ver.27,andtomortifythedeedsofthe body, Rom. 8:13. Here is bequeathed unto us enlightening grace,wherebywemaydiscernourduty:fortheSpiritistheSpiritoflightanddirection,John16:13;excitingandstrengtheninggrace,whichcomesbythe supply of the Spirit, Phil. 1:19; Eph. 3:16; comforting grace, in alltrialsandafflictions,forheistheComforterabidingforeverwhereoncehecomes,John14:16;andestablishinggrace,wherebythesinneronceinChrist,isforeverkeptfromfallingaway,eithertotallyorfinally,ver.17,1John 2:27. In a word, Christ having left us the Spirit of grace in histestament,allgracesuitabletoourneedsliesopentous.Whereforenonethathearthegospelremaindestituteofgrace,butbecausetheywillnotcometoChristforit.

Legacy 4. A suitable portion of the good things of this life, as infinitewisdom sees needful: Psalm 37:3, "Thou shalt dwell in the land, andverilythoushaltbefed."Christinhistestamenthasdisponedtosinnersakingdom, even the kingdomofGod, and added those things thereunto,

Matt. 6:33. His testament is suited to all our needs, even in temporalthings; he hath seen to our provision and protection, according to thepromises made thereanent in the covenant. These promises primarilymadetohimself in theeternalcovenant,hehathbyhis testament,as itwere,indorsedtous,tobemadeforthcomingtoallwhobyfaithembraceit,andclaimthemuponit.WhereforebelieversmaygotoChristfortheirdaily bread, aswell as for spiritual benefits; pleading the testament fortheone,asfortheother.AndtoreceivethebreadandthewaterinvirtueofChrist'stestament,willbemoresatisfyingtoaChristianintheexerciseoffaith,thanallthefulnessofworldlymencanbe;forasmuchasatthatratetheyhavethemasthepurchaseofthepreciousbloodoftheTestator,andhisFather'sblessingtherewith.

Legacy5.Anunstingeddeath:John8:51, "Ifamankeepmysaying,heshall never see death."Men in their testamentsmake provision for thecomfortable life of their legatees; but they can leave them nothing tomakedeathsafeandcomfortabletothem.ButinChrist'stestamentthereisspecialprovisionforhislegateesindeath,aswellasinlife:andinthefaith thereof, the saints have welcomed the grim messenger, dyingcomfortably in the faith of the sealed testament, Heb. 11:13. Our LordJesusbeing toencounterdeatharmedwith itssting,and that in its fullstrengthgivenitbythebrokenlaw,wasperfectlysureofthevictory:somakinghis testament,he left itasapartofhis lastwill, thatsinnersofAdam'sraceshouldbefreefromthestingofdeath,throughfaithinhim.A precious legacywhich he couldwell bequeath, because purchased byhis own death; and which he can and will make effectual, since thefulness of power over death and the grave is in his hand, and he isexecutorofhisowntestament.Howlamentable is it, thatmenknowingtheymustdie,shouldslightthetestament,andthekindnessoftheirbestfriend,appearinghere,wherenoneelsearecapabletohelp!

Legacy6.Andlast.Everlastinglifeontheothersideofdeath:John6:58,"Hethateatethofthisbread,shallliveforever."Christ'stestamentlooksnotonlytothis,buttheotherworld:initisprovisionmadenotonlyfortime,butforeternity:hehathdisponedinitakingdom,thekingdomofheaven, as an everlasting inheritance for the legatees,Luke22:29.Thiscomprehendsthehappinessofthesoulinitsseparatestate;theglorious

resurrectionof thebody at the lastday; and the completehappiness ofsoul and body together, from thenceforth, and for evermore. Theimportance thereof who can express? But whatever is in it, it is in thetestament made over to sinners of mankind: and whosoever of themcometoChrist for it,shall,uponthegroundofhis faithfulness,withoutallperadventureobtainit.

These are the comprehensive legacies of Christ's testament. To entermoreparticularlyintothedetailofthem,therewouldbenoend.Yehavethebookofthetestament,botholdandnew,amongyourhands:readitdiligently; and that as Christ's testament, as indeed it is: and in everypageyewillperceiveoftheunsearchableriches.Withalrememberthatitnearly concernsyou,andeveryoneofyou,asparties legatees inwhosefavour it was made: since ye are men, sons of men, Prov. 8:4. Thetestamentislawfullyintimatedtoyou,bothbythepreachingoftheword,andbyputtingacopyof it,aBible, inyourhands.Andyearecalled tocometoChrist,asexecutorofit,byfaithinhim,toreceiveyourlegacies.Happywillyoube,ifyeanswerthecall.Butifyedonot,itwillbe"moretolerableforTyreandSidonatthedayofjudgmentthanforyou:"foritwill aggravate your condemnation, that not onlywere all these legaciesleftyouinChrist'stestament,butthesamewasintimateduntoyou,andyewere called to come to the executor to receive them,but yebelievednot,yewouldnot.

ThusfarofChristtheTestatorofthecovenant.

III.CHRISTTHEPROPHETOFTHECOVENANT

Thecovenantbeinganeternaltransaction,whichnocreaturehadaccesstobewitnessunto;thebeingthereofwasanabsolutesecrettothewholecreation: and, in that itwas amystery of themanifoldwisdomofGod,Eph.3:10,nocreaturewassufficienttounfoldthenaturethereof.Uponthewhichaccounts,theapostlecalls itthewisdomofGodinamystery,even the hiddenwisdom,whichGod ordained before theworld, 1 Cor.2:7. And thence appears a necessity of constituting a prophet of thiscovenant: and that none but a divine person was fit to be the originalprophet thereof; and this so much the more, that, by reason of thespiritualblindnessofthepartiesuntowhomitwastoberevealed,amere

objective revelation could not be sufficient in the case: for "the naturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod;fortheyarefoolishnessto him; neither can he know them, because they are spirituallydiscerned,"ver.14.WhereforeJesusChristwas,asadministratorof thecovenant, constituted the Prophet thereof; being he of whom, by theapostle's testimony, "Moses truly saidunto the fathers,AProphet shalltheLordyourGodraiseupuntoyou,ofyourbrethren,likeuntome,Acts3:22.Andwhosoeverelsewereatanytimeprophetsthereof,healonewastheoriginalprophetofit,John1:18,"NomanhathseenGodatanytime;the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he bathdeclaredhim."

AndinthischaracterChristwasconstituted,(1.)TheMessenger,(2.)TheWitness,and(3.)TheInterpreterofthecovenant.

1. In the capacity of Prophet, he was constituted theMessenger of thecovenant,Mal.3:1, tobringthegoodtidingsof that treatyofpeace intotheworld;andnotonlyso,but,by theauthorityofheaven, toproclaimthe treaty tosinners, tooffer themthebenefit thereof,and todealwiththem to accept, by coming into it personally. A covenant surely ofunparalleledweightandimportance,thathadsuchamessengerthereof.

2. In the samecapacityhewas constituted thewitnessof the covenant,Isa.4:4,"Behold,Ihavegivenhimforawitnessofthepeople."Godknewtheworldtobeaguiltyworld,whoseconscienceswitnessedthedemeritofdeath;andthatthereforetheywouldbeveryslowtobelievethegoodnewsfromheaven,touchingthecovenantofpeace:andforthiscausehewouldgivethemonecompetenttowitnessthetruththereof;andpitcheduponJesusChristforthateffect.HewasasonofAdam;sothemorefittoattestituntomen:hewastheeternalSonofGod;andthereforenotliabletoerrorormistakeinhistestimony:hewasaneye-witnesstotheeternaltransaction;andsohecouldspeakonthematterthatwhichhehadseenwith his Father, John 8:38. He came down from heaven where thecovenant was made, unto earth, in favour of which it was made:whereforehecouldwitnessintheearthwhathehadseeninheavenaboutit,chap.3:31,"Hethatcomethfromheaven,isaboveall."Ver.32,"Andwhathehathseenandheard,thathetestifieth."Inhimwehaveatwofoldwitness,which is full evidence in law,He is the amen, the faithful and

truewitness,Rev. 3:14. In himwe have thewitness ofman; in respectwhereof he is the faithful witness: and the witness of God; in respectwhereofhe is the truewitness, even truth itself.CompareJohn8:18, "Iamonethatbearswitnessofmyself;"whereChristbeingadivinewitness,in respect of hisGodhead, is said to bearwitness of himself, as amanappearing in theworld, revealing the covenant. And in respect of boththese,heistheAmen,whosewitnessconfirmsanddeterminesthetruthofthelaw.

3.Heisinthesamecapacityconstitutedtheinterpreterofthecovenant,Job 33:23, to teach it unto men. We are not only slow to believe thecovenant,but it ishardforustounderstandit.It liessofarbeyondthereach of our natural understanding, that we cannot understand it in asavingmanner,unlesstheSonofGodhathgivenusanunderstanding,(asupernaturalone),thatwemayknowhimthatistrue,1John5:20.Andwhosoevershallsounderstandit,mustbeall taughtofGod,John6:45,that is, of Jesus Christ, ver 46. So he is by the Father constitutedinterpreter,andgreatteacherofthemysteryofthecovenant:andallthechildrenofthecovenantmustbehisdisciples,andlearnofhim.

NowChrist'sadministrationofthecovenant,astheprophetthereof,maybetakenupinthesethreethingsfollowing.

1.His intimating andoffering the covenant to sinners, byhisword, forbringingthempersonallyintoit.ThishedidfromthetimeofAdam'sfall,isnowdoing,andwilldoevenuntotheendoftime,thatthemysteryofGodshallbefinished.HebegantheOldTestamentdispensationthereof,inperson.Appearing inhumanshape,withhisownmouthhegave thefirstnoticeofthecovenantthatevertherewasintheworld,andmadethefirstofferofitinparadise,Gen.3:8,15.Hecarrieditonbyprophetsandordinaryteachers,whomhecommissionedforthateffect,andfurnishedwithgifts for thework.Theformerof theseheemployedtowrite inhisname,aswellastospeaktherein,inthatmatter:andbybothhespoketosinners,intimatingandofferingthecovenantuntothem,bytheirmeans;whetherthroughthewordwrittenorspoken.Andthushemanagedthatwork, to the salvation of those who believed, in the patriarchal agesbeforeandafter the flood;andall along the timeof theJewishchurch,fromMosestotheendofthatdispensation.ThenhealsobegantheNew

Testament dispensation in his own person. Having by his incarnationbecomeman,heappliedhimselftothiswork.Thoughhewasborn"kingof theJews,"Matt.2:2,andmanyof themwouldhavehadhimtohavemountedtheirthrone,John6:15;yethechoosedrathertoappearinthecharacterofaprophet,andbetakehimselfuntotheworkoftheministry,fortopreachthegospel,andintimateandofferthecovenanttoperishingsinners;andsohewasaministerofthecircumcision,Rom.15:8.Ofhimin this capacity particularly, Solomon, that king-preacher, was a type,Eccl. 1:1.And thisalsohedid,andstilldothcarryonmediatelyandbyproxy, especially afterhis ascension intoheaven; and thatpartlybyhisapostlesandotherextraordinaryofficers,whomheemployedtowrite,aswell as to speak, in his name; and partly by ordinaryministers of thegospel,tobecontinuedinthechurchtotheendoftheworld,Eph.4:11,12,13.Thusheisnowadministeringthecovenantuntous,byputtinghiswrittenwordof theOldandNewTestament inourhands,andsendingmeninhisnametopreachthegospeluntous.Bythesemeanshespeakstosinners,intimatingandofferingthemthecovenant:andsohecarrieson the work, to the salvation of those that believe, and renderingunbelievers inexcusable, 2Cor. 5:20;Rev. 3:22; Luke 10:16.Whereforetheofferofthecovenantmadetousinthegospel,ishisoffer:andthoughthewordissenttousbymen,theyarebuthisvoiceinthematter,heisthespeaker.Then"seethatyerefusenothimthatspeaketh,"Heb.12:25.

2.Hismaking the intimation and offer of the covenant effectual to theelect, by theSpirit, 1Pet. 1:12, "By them thathavepreached the gospelunto you, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven." The greatProphet of the covenant can effectually teach the most unteachablesinnersofmankind;causinglightnotonlytobreakforthinadarkworld,byhisword,butindarkhearts,byhisSpirit:forthefulnessoftheSpiritof light is in him, and he hath eye-salve for the spiritually blind, Rev.3:18. He knoweth who are his, in whose name he contracted with theFather,andreceivedthepromiseoftheSpirit:and,soonerorlatter,hesoenlightens them, that he rescues them from under the power of theirspiritual darkness, and renders the administration of the covenanteffectualtothem,howeverineffectual itbetoothers,Col.1:13.Andthishedoth,bybringinghiswordtothemwithpower,throughtheefficacyofhisSpiritopeningtheireyes.Inthefirstplace,byhisSpiritactingupon

them,asaSpiritofbondage,hesetshomeontheirconsciences,theholylaw in the commands and curse thereof, as of divine authority, andbindingontheminparticular.Herebytheyareconvincedoftheirsinandmisery,seeingtheirsinasheniousinthesightofGod,andhiswrathduetothemfortheirsin:theyarefilledwithremorse,terror,andanxiety;aremade to pant for relief, feel an absolute need of. Christ and hisrighteousness, and despair of relief by any other way, Acts 2:37, and16:29,30.Andthen,bythesameSpiritactingwithinthemasaSpiritoflife, and communicated unto them from himself, in the word of thegospel,hesetshomeontheirheartsandconsciences,thegloriousgospelinitsfreepromiseoflifeandsalvationtosinnersthroughJesusChrist,asit stands in the holy scriptures; clearing and demonstrating the sameuntothem,tobethe infalliblewordof theeternalGod,andhiswordtotheminparticular:1Thess.2:13,"Yereceiveditnotasthewordofmen,but(asit is intruth)thewordofGod."Chap.1:5,"Forourgospelcamenotuntoyouinwordonly,butalsoinpower,andintheHolyGhost,andin much assurance." This demonstration of the Spirit is that whichimmediatelyclearethtothemthegroundoftheirbelievinginparticular;assaiththeapostle,1Cor.2:4,5,"Mypreachingwas—indemonstrationoftheSpirit,andofpower:thatyourfaithshouldnotstandinthewisdomofmen,butinthepowerofGod."Anditisaninternalattestationoftheword of the gospel unto them, distinct from the clearest external orministerialattestationofit;accordingtothesayingofourSaviour,John15:26, "The Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shalltesttfy ofme." Ver. 27, "And ye also shall bear witness." By the powerhereof,getting,bywayofspiritualsight,John6:40,aknowledgeofChristin his transcendent glory and excellency, exhibited to them in the freepromise of the gospel, they are infallibly brought to believe. The Spiritthusapplying thewordof thegospel to them, theygreedily embrace it,andapplyittothemselvesbyfaith;asmaybeseenintheseconverts,Acts2:38, "ThenPeter saidunto them, repent,andbebaptizedeveryoneofyouinthenameofJesusChrist,fortheremissionofsins."Ver.39,"Forthe promise is unto you." Ver. 41, "Then they that gladly received hisword,werebaptized."

3.Lastly,HisteachingandinstructingthembyhiswordandSpirit,fromthenceforth, as children, of the covenant, his own disciples. Thewhole

plan of salvation is laid down in the covenant, being a mystery of themanifold wisdom of God, whereof there is still more and more to belearned:andChrististhegreatProphettoteachit.And"thesecretoftheLord iswith them that fear him; andhewill shew themhis covenant,"Psalm 25:14. The saints, by reason of the remains of darkness in theirmindswhilehere,areapttolosesightofthepartiesinthecovenant:butthe great prophet is to shew them the Father, and tomanifest himselfunto them,by theSpirit.The conditionof the covenant, theMediator'sownrighteousness, thesolegroundofall theirhopes,cannotbekept inview,butbymeansofthelightoflifefromhimself.Andinhislightonlycan they have a believing view of the promises and privileges of thecovenant.Thedutiesofthecovenant,whereoftheexceedingbroadlawofthe ten commands is the rule, are many; and though they be clear inthemselves,yetaretheyoftensodarkandperplexedtous,thatwecannotdistinguishbetweensinandduty:butthechildrenofthecovenanthavean infallible teacher,whom theymayconsult inall cases, andofwhomtheymay learnhow to steer their course in everypoint; and "themeekwillheguideinjudgment,themeekwillheteachhisway,"Psalm25:9.

Thedarkness brought onmankindby sin, nothing but the grace of thenew covenant can effectually dispel. The true light is a benefit of thatcovenant,purchasedbythebloodofChrist,andlodgedwithhimamongtherestofthebenefitsofhisgreattrust:andhehaththedispensingofit,as the great Prophet of the covenant. To him then must we have ourrecourseforlightinallcases,whetherwebeunderthemidnightdarknessof a natural state, or under the twilight-darkness of the presentimperfection of a state of grace: yea, in themid-day light of glory, theLambisthelightoftheheavenlycity,Rev.21:23.

AndthusChrististheProphetofthecovenant.

IV.CHRISTTHEKINGOFTHECOVENANT

The covenant of grace is a matter of so vast importance, both to thehonourofGod,andthegoodofsouls;andofsuchadiffusiveandgeneralconcern to mankind, that the administration thereof required oneinvested with kingly power and authority for that effect. And thedispositionoftheparties,objectsoftheadministration,togetherwiththe

natureofthethingitself,whichconcernstheinnermanchiefly,andthedisposal of the choicest of Heaven's favours, at once laid aside thegreatest ofmen, and the highest of angels, as nomore fit to bear thatoffice, than to produce another world out of nothing. Wherefore theFather's choice in thatmatter natively fell on his own Son, the SecondAdam:andhewasmadeKingofthecovenant.

God as Creator of the world, is King of the same, by an original,underivedright:andsohehaththesupremepowerover it,ofwhichhecan no more divest himself, than of his being. This is the essentialkingdom, common to the three persons in the glorious Godhead, theFather,theSon,andtheHolyGhost.

But the kingdom of the covenant, whereof we speak, is a derived,delegatedone,whichtheMediatorChristholdsofhisFather,bythetenorofthecovenant,fortheadministrationthereof;asisdeclared,Psalm.2:6,"YethaveIsetmyKinguponmyholyhillofZion."Now,thegreatdesignofthatadministration,istogathertogethersinnersofmankindintoonebody,under thebondof thecovenant;and tomake themhappy, in theenjoymentof theprivileges thereof, ingraceandglory, thewhichbody,the church, is the kingdom of the covenant, a kingdom that was to bewon,andraisedoutoftherebel-worldofmankind,lyinginwickedness;andwhereof Christ was, by his Father, constituted the alone King andHead.

Insubserviencytothiskingdom,thekingdomofprovidencethroughouttheworldwasalsocommittedtohim,beingmadetheheadoverallthingstothechurch,whichishisbody,Eph,1:22,23,hewasappointedtorule,notonlyoverhiswillingsubjects,butinthemidstofhisenemies,Psalm110:2.Themanagementofthewheelofprovidence,throughoutthewholeworld,wasputintothehandofZion'sKing.IntothesamehandthattheFather hath committed the government of the church, he hath alsocommittedthegovernmentof theworld: forthere isnoexception."TheFatherhathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon,"John5:22,"allpowerinheavenandinearth,"Matth.28:18.Soheis"Lordoflords,andKingofkings," Rev. 17:14, and "by him kings reign—princes rule, and nobles,evenall the judgesof the earth,"Prov.8:15, 16.Thisheadshipover theworldwasnecessarytohisadministrationofthecovenant,asheadofthe

church; necessary for compassing the ends thereof. Being vestedtherewith,hesetsupandpullsdown,intheworld,asheseesmeetforthegreat purposes of the covenant: and of what use this is, in theadministrationthereof,maybe learnedfromIsa.43:14,"Foryoursake"(namely, for the sake of the church) "I have sent toBabylon, and havebroughtdownall theirnobles,andtheChaldeans."Ver.15,"Iam—yourKing."ThustheKingandHeadofthechurchmanagethallthingsbyhisprovidence, as well without as within the church; though in a verydifferent manner, because in a very different relation, as to his ownpeople, and to strangers. Thewhichwas typified inDavid,who for thebenefitofhisownkingdom,thekingdomofIsrael,wasmade"theheadoftheHeathen,"Psalm18:43.ForDavidsmotethePhilistines,andsubduedthem,2Sam.8:1, and the "Moabites." ver. 2, "and theSyrians," ver. 6,"and all they of Edom became David's servants," ver. 14, "And DavidreignedoverallIsrael,andDavidexecutedjudgmentandjusticeuntoallhispeople,"ver.15.

Now, the chief acts of Christ's administration of the covenant, as he isKingthereof,arethese.

1.His appointing ordinances of his kingdom, both for bringing sinnerspersonally into the covenant, and for confirming and strengthening thecovenanted; as also officers of his kingdom, to administer theseordinances inhisnameandauthority.Both theoneand theotherweredifferent,undertheOldTestament,andundertheNew;whichhathmadetwodifferent formsof external administrationof the covenant; theold,which ispassedaway,and thenew, thatwill continue to theendof theworld: but bothwere from the same authority, and for compassing thesamegreatdesignsof the covenant, agreeable to thedifferent times forwhich they were appointed; and are all of them to be found in thescripturesoftheOldandNewTestament,thebookofthemannerofthekingdom. Itwas the sameLord Jesus, the angel of the covenantwhichspake toMoses in themount Sinai, Acts 7:38, who instituted the newtestament church and ordinances, and "gave some apostles, and someprophets,andsomeevangelists,andsomepastorsand teachers; for theperfectingofthesaints,fortheworkoftheministry,"Eph.4:11.12.TheSaviour,King,andLawgiverofthechurch,areone,Is.33:22,"TheLord

isourLawgiver,theLordisourKing,hewillsaveus."

Emitting his royal proclamations into the world, by the hand of hismessengers, in thegospel;bearing, thatwhosoeverwillcomeuntohim,andunitewithhimastheheadofthecovenant,byfaith,shallbereadilyreceivedintoit,andhavearighttoalltheprivilegesthereof,inhim:Mark16:15,"Goyeuntoalltheworld,andpreachthegospeltoeverycreature."Ver. 16, "He thatbelievethand isbaptized, shallbesaved."Therein thecovenant is published, and offered in his name to every sinner ofmankind unto whose ears this voice reacheth: and they are called,commanded,andchargedtocomeintoit,andsubmittohisroyalsceptre.Hiscallandofferistheirwarranttocome:hiscommandobligeththem,that they cannot refuse, but in rebellion and disobedience against hisroyal authority. The promises are set before them indefinitely, thatwhosoeverwill,may,bybelieving,applythemtothemselves.Theking'sproclamation meddles not with the secrets of the eternal election, toreveal them. But the promises of the covenant, infallibly to beaccomplisedinsome,are,inChrist'stestament,asindorsedtosinnersofmankindindefinitely, tobefulfilleduntoallandeveryonewhoshallbyfaithembracethem:andtheproclamationmakeslawfulintimationofthetestament,Thisintimationistheappointedmeansofbegettingfaith,andof bringing sinners into the covenant thereby; for faith cometh byhearing, Rom. 10:17. And it is made effectual to some, by the Spirit,throughthegraceofthecovenantsecuredbypromiseforthem.

And hence it is, that the covenant being thus administered to allpromiscuously, there is an use of conditional phrases in theadministration thereof: though in the covenant itself there are noconditions,properlysocalled,butwhatwerefulfilledbyJesusChrist inhisownperson.Thewordof thecovenantcomingwithalikewarranttothe elect and the non-elect; to them who certainly will believe, and tothemwhowillcontinueintheirunbelief;theadministeringofitequallyto both in the gospel-proclamation, must needs be by proposing thepromisesindefinitelyastopersons;thewhichmustatlengthberesolvedinto conditional phrases. So it is proclaimed in the ears of all, "I willbetrothetheeuntome,"and"IwillbetothemaGod."Andonebelievesandappliesthesame;andheisthereuponunitedtoChrist,andinstated

in the covenant to all saving purposes: another who hath as good arevealedwarranttobelieveastheformer,yetbelievesnot;andsocomesshort of the promise. Now, to speak alike to those who will thusdifferently entertain the words of the covenant, it follows of course, toresolve themintosuchexpressionsas these, "BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved:"and"Hethatbelievethshallbesaved,hethatbelievethnot shall bedamned."Meanwhile the covenant itself is adifferentthingfromtheformoftheexternaladministrationofit.

3. Effectually subduing the elect to himself, through the power of hisSpirit so managing the word, that it operates on them like a sword,piercingtheirsouls,conqueringtheirnaturalaversionandobstinacy,andmakingthemwillingtoyield,andembracethecovenant.Rev.1:16,"Outofhismouthwentasharptwo-edgedsword."Whatthatswordis,andbywhat a strong arm it is wielded in this case, may be learned from theapostlecallingit"theswordoftheSpirit,whichisthewordofGod,"Eph.6:17;andwhattheeffectofitis,beingmanagedbythat"armoftheLordrevealed,"isdeclaredbythePsalmist,Psalm110:3,"Thypeopleshallbewillinginthedayofthypower;"andbytheprophet,Isa.44:3,"Iwillpourmy Spirit upon thy seed;"—Ver. 4, "And they shall spring up."—Ver. 5,"Oneshallsay,IamtheLord's."Christcommunicatestothem,andeveryoneofthem,atthetimeappointedintheeternalcounsel,theSpiritandgraceofthecovenant,thereinsecuredforthembypromise:andtherebytheyarequickened,enabled,anddeterminedtobelieve.Andwhereashefinds them prisoners of hope, he opens the house of their bondage,breakingtheyokeofsin,death,andthedevil,fromofftheirnecks,byhisSpiritapplyingtothemhissatisfaction.Thewhichhasthatmightyeffect,inasmuchas then the lawhath full satisfactionas to them;and the lawbeingsatisfied,thestrengthofsinisbroken,andthestrengthofsinbeingbroken, the sting of death is taken away; and the sting of death beingtakenaway,thedevillosethhispoweroverthem;andSatan'spoweroverthembeing lost, thepresent evilworld,which ishiskingdom, canholdthem no longer. Thus are they separated from the world lying inwickedness,andconstitutedmembersofthekingdomofChrist;deliveredfrom the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God'sdearSon,Col. 1:13.And fromthenceforth, though theybe in theworld,yettheyarenomoreofit;butstrangersandpilgrimsinit,trueandlively

membersoftheinvisiblekingdomofChrist;asocietytowhichtheworldisanimplacableenemy,John15:19,"Yearenotoftheworld,butIhavechosenyououtoftheworld,thereforetheworldhatethyou."AndhereinChristdoth,inaspecialmanner,shewhimselfaKingmightyinbattle,bythepowerofhisgraceovercomingthemostperverseandrebellioustoacordialsubmission,andrescuingthemfromthebondageanddominionoftheirenemies.

4.Gathering themandotherswith themtogether intoavisible church-state,Gen.49:10,"Untohimshallthegatheringofthepeoplebe."Thusiserected the visible church or kingdom of Christ in theworld; a societyseparate from the visible kingdomof the devil, and professing faith in,andobediencetoChrist,outwardlybearinghisbadge,andthesignsofhiscovenant.Among them is theordinaryseatof theadministrationof thecovenant, the ordinarymeans of salvation, and offers of grace. In theirland the voice of the turtle is heard, and the singing of birds, in thepreachingof thegloriousgospel;while there is a lastingwinteroveralltheworldbesides.TheyhavetheBible,andsabbaths,theministryoftheword, and the holy sacraments. Among them is to be found thecommunion of saints, and a church-government, instituted forcontrollingtheunruly,suppressingsinandwickedness,andencouragingan orderly walk. And they have the privilege of heaven's protection;insomuch that the church shall be defended, and her enemies sorestrainedandconqueredbyherKing,thatsheshallcontinuewhiletheworldstands,maugrealloppositionthathellcanmakeagainsther:Matt.28:20,"LoIamwithyoualwayevenuntotheendoftheworld."

5. Lastly, Ruling and governing his true and kindly subjects agreeablyunto the covenant, by which his royal prerogative is stated, and theirprivileges are secured, Isa. 9:6, "The government shall be upon hisshoulder." Of this his government there are several acts, the chief ofwhicharethesefollowing.

1st,Hegivesthemthelawsofthecovenant;notonlyintimatingthesameunto them externally by his word; but teaching them internally by hisSpirit, writing them upon the tables of their hearts, and leaving anindeliblecopyof themaffixedthere:Heb.8:10,"Iwillputmy laws intotheirmind,andwrite them in theirhearts."These lawsof thecovenant

arenootherbut the lawsof the tencommandments,originallygiventoAdam in his creation, and at his transportation into paradise andsettlementthere,vestedwiththeformofthecovenantofworks;andnowuntobelievers inChrist, standingwithout that form, in the covenantofgrace as the eternal rule of righteousness, whereunto they are to beconformed by the grace of the covenant; the effectuating of which iscommitted by the Father to Jesus Christ as administrator thereof. Andaccordinglyhecarries iton,byhiswordandSpirit, inasuitableness totheir nature as rational agents, and to their state; making these lawsknown to them,as the ruleof life,untowhich they standboundby theauthority, andmatchless love ofGod their Creator andRedeemer; andwithalincliningtheirheartsuntotheobedienceofthesame.

2dly,He gives them the rewards of the covenant in the course of theirobedience: Psalm 19:11, "In keeping of them there is great reward."Heputshispeopleindeedtoworkandlabour;butnottolabourinthefire,andforvanity,astheservantsofsindo:theyaretoworkandlabour,liketheox treadingout thecorn,whichwasnot tobemuzzled,but tohaveaccessatonce toworkandtoeat.TheservicenowdonetoZion'sKing,hatharewardinthislife,aswellasarewardinthelifetocome.Bytheorderofthecovenant,thereisprivilegeestablishedtofollowduty,asthereward thereof; the which order is observed by the King in hisadministration. Accordingly, he proposeth the privilege of comfort, toexcite to thedutyofmourning,Matt.5:4, "Blessedare they thatmournfor they shall be comforted:" the special tokens of heaven's favour, toexcite unto a holy tender walk, John 14:21, "He that hath mycommandments,andkeepeth them,—shallbe lovedofmyFather,andIwilllovehim,andwillmanifestmyselftohim."Inlikemannertoexcitethesameholyobedience,heproposeththefullrewardinthelifetocome,1 Cor. 9:24, "So run that ye may obtain." Rev. 3:21, "To him thatovercomethwill I grant to sitwithme inmy throne." And so certainlydoth he accomplish the promise of the reward of both kinds, that hispeoplemay be assured "their labour is not in vain in the Lord," 1 Cor.15:51: for faithfulness is the girdle of his loins; and, in dispensing theprivilegestohispeopleuponthebackoftheirduty,hedothbutobservethestatedorderofthecovenant.Notthattheorderofthecovenantisineveryparticularfirst—duty,thenprivilege:nay,itisfirst,privilege;next,

duty; thenprivilege again; and so forward, till privilege andduty comebothtoperfectioninheaven,nottobedistinguishedmore.Wetousifitwereotherwise! truly, if itwereotherwise,we couldneitherbebroughtinto the covenant, nor kept within it in life: for how shall one at firstbelieve, till once he is privileged with the quickening Spirit? and howshall a fallen saint renew his faith and repentance, till once he isprivilegedwithnew influencesofgrace?John15:5, "Withoutmeyecando nothing." But here lies thematter, the leading privilege bringing induty,therefollowsfurtherprivilegeonthebackofduty,accordingtotheorder of the covenant: and these further privileges are the rewards wespeak of. And the scripture calls them rewards, even in respect of thesaints:becausetheyaregiventoaworkingsaint,onthebackofhiswork.Howbeittheyareasfarfromthenatureofareward,strictlyandproperlysocalled,thewhichontheaccountofone'sworkisofdebttohim,astheleadingprivilegesare,thatproducetheworking:butboththeoneandtheother are equally the reward of Christ's work, in the most strict andpropernotionofreward.

3dly,Heministers unto them the discipline of the covenant, in case oftheir disobedience. The discipline of the covenant is fatherlychastisement, which their state of imperfection in this life makesnecessary to their welfare: and therefore it is secured for them in thecovenant,Psalm89:30, "Ifhischildren forsakemy law:"ver.32, "ThenwillIvisittheirtransgressionwiththerod."Ver.33,"Nevertheless"—ver.34,"MycovenantwillInotbreak,noralterthethingthatisgoneoutofmy lips." It belongs to the promissory part of the covenant, andparticularly to the promise of sanctification: forasmuch as it is notvindictive, but medicinal; being an appointed means of advancingholinessinthem.Hechastensforourprofit,thatwemightbepartakersofhisholiness,Heb. 12:10.And thus it serves topurge iniquity, and totakeawaysin,Isa.27:9;namely,inthatasafiremeltingdownthepaintand varnish of the defiling objects in the world, in our sight, and as alooking-glass shewingusourpollution, itoccasionsandexcitesusuntowashing in the only laver of the blood of Christ, by faith. Now, theadministeringofthedisciplineofthecovenantiscommitteduntoZion'sKing,John5:22,"TheFatherhathcommittedalljudgmentuntotheSon."Rev.3:19,"AsmanyasIlove,Irebukeandchasten."And,astothenature

ofit,itcomprehendsallmannerofstrokesupontheirworldlysubstance,name, employments, and relations; all manner of bodily afflictions,diseases, andpains, incident to sinful flesh; evennatural death itself, 1Cor. 11:30, 32; and generally, all outward strokes which any of thechildren of men are liable to, Eccl. 9:2, "All things come alike to all."Moreover, it comprehends spiritual strokes, such as desertion, God'shidinghisfacefromthem,withdrawingthelightofhiscountenance,theirlosing somemeasure of their graces and comforts,woundings of spirit,horrorsofconscience,wherebytheymaybebroughttotheverybrinkofdespair: so that, howbeit the casting them into hell is not within thecompassof thedisciplineof the covenant, yet the castingakindofhellintothem,makingthemtoroarbyreasonofdisquietnessofheart,Psalm38:1,iswithinthecompassofit.And,whatisworsethananyofallthese,itcomprehendstheirbeingharassedwithhorridtemptations,andsetupasmarksforSatan'sfierydarts,Eph,6:16,thehardeningoftheirhearts,Isa.63:17,andtheirbeingsufferedtofallintoonesin,andthatagrosssintoo,forthepunishmentofanother,asinthecaseofDavidandPeter.Allthesethingsarewithinthecompassofthedisciplineofthecovenant;andbelievers are particularly and directly threatened with them, in case oftheirdisobedience,tomovethemtobewareofit:yea,andtheyareofteninflictedbyZion'sKingonhisbelovedsubjects, that,by thesemarksofhisdispleasureagainsttheirsin,hemaycorrectthem,makesinbittertothem,andstirthemuptorepentanceandwatchfulness.Andtheworstofthemall, even the very hardening of their hearts, and the punishing ofonesinwithanother,are,by thesovereigngraceof thecovenant,madeeffectual for these holy ends: the which grace opening the heart inrenewedrepentance,godlysorrowforsinbreaksforththemoreforcibly,aswatersdowhichhavebeenlongdammedup.Thusthesebitterwaters,running in the channel of the covenant, become healing waters: thesesharpswordsare,by thecovenant,beaten intoploughshares;andthesepiercingspearsintopruning-hooks.Ofthisdisciplineofthecovenant,allthesubjectsofChristinthisworlddopartake:andtheymustbeunderit,tilltheyarriveatperfectionintheotherworld,Heb.12:6–8.

4thly, He gives them the pardons of the covenant; the pardoning ofcrimes committed against the laws of God, being one of the royalprerogativesofZion'sKing,whom"GodhathexaltedtobeaPrinceanda

Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins," Acts5:31. He gives them the first pardon, removing the guilt of revengingwrath, in their justification; and he gives them also the subsequentpardons, removing the guilt of fatherly anger, upon their renewing theactings of faith and repentance, as was observed before. The Fatherhavingcommittedall judgmentunto theSon,hehath thedispensingofHeaven's favours, according to themethod and order of the covenant;andtheyarenotonlyconferredforhissake,butbyhishand.

5thly,Heaffordsthemthedefenceofthecovenant,whileinthislifetheyare amongst their enemies, Psalm89:18, "For the Lord is our defence;andtheholyOneofIsraelisourking."Satanistheirenemy,amalicious,subtile, andpowerful enemy: butChrist is their friend, and takes themunderhisprotection.He loves themdearly, as thepurchaseofhis ownblood, themembers of his ownmystical body, andbearinghisFather'simage:he is infinitelywise,andcanoutshoot thedevil inhisownbow:andheisthestrongerman,whocanbindthestrongman.Theworldjoinsissue with Satan in opposing them; but shall not prevail to ruin them,neitherby forcenor fraud: for greater ishe, than the godof thisworldand all his dominion, 1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, and have overcomethem:becausegreater ishethat is inyou, thanhethat is intheworld."Theirworstenemiesarewithinthem,namely,theremainsofcorruption,which,inthedepthofsovereignwisdom,arenotexpelledduringthislife;butleftfortheirexerciseandtrial,andforthediscoveryofthepowerofthegraceof theirKing.Andhemanifestshispower, inkeepingalive inthemthespunkofholyfire, inthemidstofanoceanofcorruption;andcausing it tomakeheadagainst thesame,until itquitedry itup:Rom.7:24,"OwretchedmanthatIam,whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath!"Ver.25,"IthankGod,throughJesusChristourLord."Hehasalltheirenemiesinchains,thattheycanactnofurtheragainstthemthanheseesmeettopermit:andathispleasureherestrainsthem,boundingthem by his power, as to the kind, degree, and continuance of theirattacks,Psalm76:10,"Theremainderofwrathshaltthourestrain."

Lastly, He authoritatively completes the happiness of the covenant inthem.He purchased it for them as a Priest: he reveals it to them as aProphet:butasaKing,hedoth,inthewayofauthority,puttheminfull

possessionthereof,Matth.25:34,"ThenshalltheKingsayuntothemonhis right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdomprepared for you from the foundation of the world." And by the sameauthorityhewillpasssentenceagainsthisandtheirenemies,havingfullyconqueredthem,ver.41.Andsohewillcompleteforeverthepeaceofhiscovenant-subjects.

ThusfarofChrist'sadministrationofthecovenant,asheisKingthereof.

V.CHRISTTHEINTERCESSOROFTHECOVENANT

Asforperformingtheconditionofthecovenant,JesusChristbecamethepriest, namely, the sacrificing priest of it, as hath been said in the dueplace: so, for the administration of the covenant, he became theintercessor,namely,theintercedingpriestofit.Christ'sintercessiondidnot take itsplace in themakingof the covenant.The love andgraceofGodmadethemotionforanewcovenantfreely:andthebreachbetwixtGodandsinnerswasofanothernature,thantobemadeupbyasimpleintercession; the which might have moved mercy, but could not havesatisfied justice, that, requiringasacrifice forsin,couldnotbesatisfiedby pleading, but by paying a ransom:Heb. 9:22, "Without shedding ofbloodisnoremission."NeitherdothChrist'ssacrificingtakeitsplaceinthe administration of the covenant: there is no need of any newsacrificing there; "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever themthataresanctified."chap.10:14.Buthissacrificingnativelytookitsplacein themakingof the covenant, and fulfilling the condition thereof; andhisintercession,intheadministrationofthecovenant,andfulfillingthepromisesofit.Accordingly,fortheadministrationofthecovenant,heistheintercessorthereof:Rom.8:34,"ItisChristthatdied,yearather,thatin risen again,who is even at the right hand ofGod,who alsomakethintercessionforus."

And indeed there was need of an intercessor for that effect: since aninfinitelyholyGod,andsinfulcreatures,couldneithercometogetherintoa state of peace, nor continue in it, with the safety of God's honour,withoutanintercessor.WhereforeJesusChristbeingappointedthereto,is, in that character, "entered into heaven itself, now to appear in thepresence of God for us," Heb. 9:24, to manage the business of the

covenantforourbehoof;willingthemeritofhissacrificetobeappliedtoallthoseinwhoseroomandsteadhedied,andthatforalltheintentsandpurposesof thecovenant in their favours,according to themethod laiddownandstatedtherein.Andthishisintercessionisalwayseffectual,ashe himself testifieth, saying unto his Father, John 11:42, "I knew thatthouhearestmealways.Whenceitappears,thattheobjectofitisnotofequallatitudewiththeobjectoftheadministrationofthecovenant,andofhisactingintheotherrelationsbelongingtothatadministration;butthatitisrestricteduntothosewhomhe,assecondAdam,representedinthe eternal transaction. And this is very agreeable to the nature of thedivine contrivance for the salvation of sinners; in which the eternalpurpose hathmade a difference of persons, according to sovereignwillandpleasure:thisbeing,asitwere,oneclauseintheconstitutionoftheadministration,peculiarlyinfavouroftheobjectsofelectinglove.Sotheintercessorhimselfteachethus,John17:9,"Ipraynotfortheworld,butfor them which thou hast given me:" ver. 20, "For them which shallbelieve onme." Ver. 24, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hastgivenme,bewithmewhereIam."

Now, Christ administers the covenant as intercessor thereof, thesefollowingwayschiefly.

1.Effectuallyprocuring,byhisinterestinheaven,theactualinbringingofhis elect, at the time appointed, into a covenant-state of union,communion,peace,andfavourwithGod:John17:20,"NeitherprayIforthese alone, but for them alsowhich shall believe onme through theirword:"ver.21,"Thattheyallmaybeone,asthou,Father,artinme,andIinthee;thattheyalsomaybeoneinus."Theyarebynatureinastateofenmity with God, even as others: but through Christ's intercession thepeace ismadebetweenHeavenand them.Hepurchased it for thembythebloodofhissacrifice;itwaspromisedtohiminthecovenantonthatscore; and by his intercession he actually obtains it unto them. Hisintercessionisthespringthatputsallthewheelsinmotion,thatareseta-going,inthetimeofloves,forbringingoneoutofthestateofnature,intoastateofgrace.Providencemanagethfavourablytowardstheconversionoftheman;thewordpowerfullyaffectshim,whileonothersitfallslikerainonarock,runningoffasfastasitcomeson;thebusinessofeternal

salvation is closely laid to heartwith him; the law doth its office uponhim,andsodoththegospelalso in its turn:andthesethingsceasenot,until he is brought into a new state, and is become a new creature.Whencedidallthistakeitsrise!Why,themanhadanunknownfriendinthecourtofheaven,whospokeforhimtotheKing:andallthisisthefruitofthatintercessionmadeforhim.

2. Appearing for them, and in their name taking possession of heaven,andalltheotherbenefitsofthecovenant,whichtheyhavearightto, invirtue of their new covenant state: Eph. 2:6, "And hath raised us uptogether, andmade us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."Heb. 6:20, "Whither the forerunner is for us entered." That momentwhereinasinnerentersintothecovenantbybelieving,hehatharighttoall;forifchildren,thenheirs,Rom.8:17.Howbeit,inthecaseofmostofthe childrenofGod, thepossession seems tobedelayed long after thattime.Butitistobeconsidered,thatpossessionmaynotonlybetakenbyamaninhisownperson;butalsointhepersonofanother:thusonemaybyhis attorney takepossession of an estatewhichhenever saw; and aminor, by his representative,may be possessed ofwhat it is not as yetmeettogivehimintohisownhand.So,howbeit,thebeliever'spossessionof all in his own person is indeed delayed: yet in this respect it is notdelayed one moment after his believing in Jesus Christ: for hisintercessoractsforhiminthematter.Whatshouldhinderthismannerofpossessiononemomentafterbelieving?Forthecovenantofpromisesisanundoubted right; the sinner, though on earth, doth by faith plead itbefore God in heaven; and Christ is there, as his representative andintercessor, to take possession in his name. Wherefore every believershall justly reckon himself, though having nothing, yet possessing allthings,2Cor.6:10,andcompleteinhim,Col.2:10.

3.Maintaining thepeacebetweenGodand themwhile theyarehere inthisworld.Havingpurchasedtheirpeacewithheaven,bythesacrificeofhimself, and by his intercession brought them into a state of peace, hedothnotleaveittothemselvestomaintainit.Ifitwereso,itwouldsoonbe at an end. There are somany failures on their part, while they arecompassedwiththebodyofsin,thattheirownconscienceshavewhereofto accuse them every day; and the devil is an incessant accuser of the

brethren:butChristintercedesforthem,tothepreventingalwaysatotalrupture betwixt heaven and them; however theymay for their sins fallunderGod'sfatherlydispleasure:uponthegroundofhissatisfactionforthem, he answereth all accusations against them, and takes up allemerging differences between them and their covenanted God: 1 John2:1, "Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewith theFather,JesusChristtherighteous:"ver.2,"Andheisthepropitiationforoursins."Hereuponthe apostle triumphsover all their accusers,Rom.8:33, "Who shall layanythingtothechargeofGod'select?It isGodthatjustifieth:"ver.34,"Who is he that condemned? It is Christ that died, who also makethintercessionforus."WhereforetheirstateofpeacewithGodisinviolablymaintained; though, for theircorrection, theymay indeed lose thesightandsenseofitforatime.HavingoncebecometheirfriendinChrist,hemayindeedseverelychastisethemfortheirfaults,butheneverbecomestheirenemyagain,eveninthewayoflegalenmity,farlessinthewayofrealenmity,Rom.8:1;Isa.54:9.

4. Procuring them access to God, and acceptance with him,notwithstandingoftheirimperfections,whileinthislife.Saintsonearthneverwantbusinessinthecourtofheaven.Yetbeingsinful,theyareinthemselves unfit to come into the presence of the King. But theIntercessorofthecovenantintroduceththem,procuringthemaccessbyhis interest in the court; "For through him we have an access by oneSpirit unto theFather,"Eph. 2:18.Andby thismeans they are allowedaccess with boldness, chap. 3:12. He makes their persons accepted,notwithstandingofthesinfulnesscleavingtothem:theyareacceptedinthebeloved,chap.1:6.Andinhimtheyhaveanaltarthatsanctifiestheirgifts,Heb.13:10.Sothattheirspiritualsacrifices,howbeittheywantnottheir blemishes, yet are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2:5.Theirprayersmadeinfaith, thoughsmellingrankof theremainsof thecorruption of nature, yet being perfumed by the Intercessor with theincenseofhismerit, are accepted inheaven, andhavegracious returnsmade them, Rev. 8:4. Their doing service, and their suffering services,which howsoever costly, could not be accepted for their own worth,because imperfect, are through his intercession accepted, as beingwashed,andmadewhiteinthebloodoftheLamb,chap.7:14.

5.Lastly,Obtaining their admittance intoheaven, in thedue time; andcontinuingtheirstateofperfecthappinessthereforeverandever:John17:24,"Father,Iwillthattheyalsowhomthouhastgivenme,bewithmewhereIam."OurLordJesusChristwasbyhisFatherconstitutedapriestforever,Psalm110:4.Nevertheless,afterhishavingonceofferedhimselfasacrificeonthecross,heofferethnomoresacrifice.Thereforehemustbe, not a sacrificing Priest for ever, but an interceding Priest, as theapostle explains it, Heb. 7:25, "He ever liveth tomake intercession forthem."Now,thespiritsofjustmenbeingmadeperfectimmediatelyafterdeath, there is no more imperfections about their souls morallyconsidered,Heb.12:23;andaftertheresurrection,therewillbenomoreimperfectionabout theirbodiesneither, 1Cor. 15:53.Theeffect thenofChrist's intercession for ever, must be the everlasting continuation oftheirhappystate; theirIntercessorexternallywillingthecontinuanceofthesame,onthegroundoftheeternalredemptionobtainedforthem,bythesacrificeofhimself.TheinfinitemeritofhissacrificewillbeeternallypresentedbeforeGodintheholyplace,whileheshallappearthereinournature continually: and this will be the everlasting security for thecontinuationofthesaints'happiness.ThewhichhappinessissuingfromthemeritofhissacrificeastheirPriest,willbecommunicateduntohimas their Prophet and their King: for these his officeswill never be laidaside.AsheisaPriestforever,soofhiskingdomthereshallbenoend,Luke1:33,andtheLambwillbethelightoftheheavenlycity,Rev.21:23;the saint's communion with God there, being still in and through theMediator,inamanneragreeabletotheirstateofperfection,chap.7:17.

And these are the chief acts of his administration of the covenant, asIntercessorthereof.

Thusfarofthefourthhead,namely,theadministrationofthecovenant.

HEADV

THETRIALOFASAVINGPERSONALINBEINGINTHECOVENANTOFGRACE

WEhavenowopenedthedoctrineofthecovenantofgrace,intreatingofthepartiesinit,themakingofit,thepartsofit,andtheadministrationthereof:itremainstomakesomepracticalimprovementofthewhole,inthisandthefollowinghead.

If one seriously considers the covenant of grace, as that on which thesalvationofoursouldepends,hecanhardlymisstoputthequestiontohimself,WhatinteresthaveIinthatcovenant?Thereisnoquestionbutyouhaveacommoninterestinit,bywhichyouaresufficientlywarrantedtocomeintoit:butthatyoumayhave,andyetperish;foreven"childrenofthekingdomshallbecastoutintoouterdarkness,"Matt.8:12.Butthequestionis,Whetheryehaveasavinginterest init,beingactuallycomeinto it, or not? The covenant is indeed brought unto you, in theordinancesof thegospel:butareyoubrought into thecovenant,unitedwiththeheadthereof,ChristJesus?Ithathbeenadministeredtoyou:buthave youby faith takenhold of it?Youhave received the sacrament ofbaptism,thesealof thecovenant, in therightofyourparents;buthaveyoupersonallyembracedthecovenantinsincerity?Thetwocovenants,ofworks,andofgrace,dividethewholeworldbetweenthem:everymanisunderoneofthetwo;andnomancanbeunderbothatoneandthesametime, in respectofhis statebefore theLord,Rom.6:14.Under the firstcovenantstandsanumerousparty,inthefirstAdam,headofthatbrokencovenant,derivingsin,death,andthecursefromhim:underthesecondcovenant stands a party, in the second Adam, head of that fulfilledcovenant, deriving life and salvation from him. These parties will bejudged,eachaccordingtothecovenanttheyareunder:sotheformerwillbecondemned, invirtueof thecurseof thecovenant inwhichtheyare;and the latterwillbeeternallysaved, invirtueof thepromiseof life, inthecovenantwhereintheyare.Inthemeanwhilethereisaccessforthoseof the first covenant to leave their party and covenant, and to join theparty in the second covenant: but death will block up that access.Wherefore it is the interest of the one aswell as of the other, to knowwhichpartyandcovenanttheybelongto.Andfortrialhereof,Iofferthefollowing marks, signs, or characters of those who are savingly andpersonallywithinthecovenantofgrace.

I.Theyaresuchashavefledforrefugefromthecovenantofworks;that

have come into the covenant of the second Adam, as refuges from thecovenant of the first Adam. For that is the character of the heirs ofpromise,Heb.6:17,18.Thoughtimewaswhentheylivedateasewithinthedominionofthecovenantofthelaw;yetGodhathsetfiretotheirnestthere,thattheyhavefoundthemselvesunabletodwellanylongerwithintheboundariesof thatcovenant.MountSinaihathbeenaltogetheronasmokeroundabout them;and the trumpetof thecurseof the lawhathwaxedlouderandlouder,tillitmadethemtohearitonthesideoftheirrighteousness and best works, where they were deafest; and it hathcausedthemexceedinglytofearandquake,asacursedenouncedagainstthem in particular: Rom. 7:9, "When the commandment came, sinrevived,andIdied."Ithathchasedthemfromallthestartingholesaboutthatmountain,andleftnoplacewithintheboundsofthatcovenantsafetothem:notonlyhasitchasedthemoutoftheirprofanecourses,butalsooutofallconfidenceintheirgoodworksanddutiesofwhatsoeverkind;tofleefortheirlifeintothecovenantoffreegrace,astheslayerintothecity of refuge; what things were gain to them, counting these loss forChrist,Phil.3:7.

II.Theyaresuchascordiallyapproveof,andacquiesceintheplanofthecovenant,assuitedtothehonourofGod,andtotheircaseinparticular:lookinguponitaswellorderedinallthings,2Sam.23:5.Whosoeverdulyconsiders the corruption brought into man's nature by the fall, willplainlyperceive,thatthemethodofsalvationlaiddowninthecovenantofgrace,istheveryreverseoftheinclinationofcorrupthumannature:sothat nothing less than the powerful efficacy of divine grace canbring asoulunto a cordial approbationof it, andacquiescence in it:whereforeourLordpronounceththemblessed,whosoevershallnotbeoffendedinhim,Matth. 11:6.Naturalmenmay indeedshape the covenant, in theirownapprehensions,intosuchaform,astheymayhaveaverygoodlikingof it.Theymayapprehend it asa covenantdesigned tomakemeneasyand happy; while in the meantime it allows them, at least in someinstances, tobeunholy: as a covenantwherein throughChrist'smeans,they may obtain acceptance with God by their good works,notwithstandingof their illworks.But inall this theyare in lovewithacreature of their own fancy, not with God's covenant of grace. Let thecovenantbesetbeforetheminthelightoftheholyscripture,andviewed

bytheminthat light;theywillbesuretodislike it,andpickholes in it.Letthedesignofthecovenantbefairlydiscovered,asbeingtoexaltGod'sfreegraceontheruinsofallexcellencyleftwithman;tomakeChristall,andmannothinginhisownsalvation;theproudheartcannotawaywiththat,cannotsubmittotherighteousnessofGod,Rom.10:3.Theefficacyofit,inworkingoutsin,separatingbetweenthesoulanditsdearestlusts,oncefairlyappearing;naturalmenfleefromit,asifonecrieduntothem,Thereisdeathinthepot.Letthemseriouslyenterintothethought,howitissuitedtothehonourofGod,andthedivineperfections;andhowitissuitedtotheirrealsafetybeforehim:andtheycannotseehowitisso.TotheJewishwisdomitisastumbling-block,adeviceinconsistentwiththedivine perfections: the Grecian learning pronounceth it foolishness, amethodofsalvationunsafetobetrustedto:onlytheeyeoffaithdiscoversit to be the power of God, and the wisdom of God; safe for guiltycreatures,andhonourableforaholyGod,1Cor.1:23,24.

III.Upon thediscoveryof thecovenant to them,asmade frometernitybetweenGodand the secondAdam, andoffered to them in the gospel;theywillsatisfythemselvesintheircovenanting,withheaven'sdraughtofit,sofarastheyunderstandit;andtheywillnotgoabouttoadduntoit,nor todiminish fromit;butwill standto the termsofGodandChrist'smaking,Acts9:6,"Lord,whatwiltthouhavemetodo?"Theywillputablank in the Lord's hand, for their part; as content if all within thecompassofthecovenant,withoutputtingintheirexceptions,ordesiringamendmentsandalterationstobemadeintheirfavour.Theyarecontentof the laws of the covenant; as well as of the privileges of it; of thedisciplineofthecovenant,aswellasoftherewardsofit;oftheconditionofthecovenantasfulfilledbyChristalone,aswellasofthepromisesofittobe fulfilled to them;andof thepromiseofsantification,aswellasofthe promise of justification and glorification. Hence the covenant, asrevealed in the gospel, is by theHolyGhost called a hearing, Isa. 53:1,marg. that is, a thing to be heard and received by faith, as a voice isreceivedandheardbytheear,accordingtothat,chap.55:5,"Hear,andyour soul shall live." It is the natural disposition ofmankind, to speakrather than to hear: for we aremore ready to declare our ownwill byspeaking, than to receive thewill of another byhearing.Wherefore thegospelbeingthedeclarationofthewillofGodforoursalvation,onlytobe

heardandreceivedbyfaith,andthereforecalledthehearingoffaith,Gal.3:2,thereisneedofthepowerofgrace,tosubduethehearttothehearingthereof,andtostopthemouthfrommakingproposalsofourowninthatmatter.

IV. The love ofGod inChrist is habitually predominant in them:Prov.8:17,"Ilovethemthatloveme."Greatwasthelovetothemappearinginthe covenant. The parties-contractors about them acted therein from aprinciple of free, and yet greatest love. From thence sprung the firstmotionforacovenantoflifeandsalvationuntothem:thenceitwastheFatherwascontenttogivehisSonforthem;theSonwaswellpleasedtobecomeman,andsufferdeathforthem;theholySpirittotakethemforhis habitation, to quicken, sanctify, and perfect them. The love of Godproducedtheproposalofthegreatandpreciouspromisesintheirfavour,upontermsconsistentwithhisjustice:ChristassecondAdam,outoflovetothem,acceptedoftheseterms.Andwhentheeternaltransactionwas,in the gospel, by the demonstration of the Spirit, opened and broughthometotheirsouls;thisloveshoneforthtothem,soastheybelievedit.AndthatbelievedloveofGodinChristkindledintheirsoulsasuperlativelovetohimagain:1John4:19,"Welovehim;becausehefirstlovedus."And therefore,although that their love isnotalwaysalikevigorous,buthathitswaxingsandwarningsaccordingtotheincreaseanddecreaseoftheir faith; yet, since their faith never altogether fails, Luke 22:32, itneverfailsaltogetherneither,fromthemomentthatitiskindledintheirhearts. And it is an active principle in them, constraining them toobedience,2Cor.5:14,givingthechiefroomintheirheartandaffectiontoGodinChrist,thattheirsoulsaith,"WhomhaveIinheavenbutthee?andthereisnoneuponearththatIdesirebesidesthee,"Psalm73:25.Itmakesittobetheirgreatestcaretopleasehim,andtobeacceptedofhim,2Cor.5:9;andtheirgreatestfear,tostirhimuporoffendhim,Can.3:5.Itmakesdutyagreeabletothem,asamatterofchoice:1John5:3,"Thisis the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and hiscommandmentsarenotgrievous."Anditrenderstheremainsofsin,thebodyofthisdeath,aheavyburdenwhichtheylongtobedelieveredfrom,Rom.7:24.

V. Jesus Christ the head of the covenant, is their bead with their own

consent.Withheartandgood-willtheyhavetakenhimfortheirhead,forallthepurposesofthecovenant;andtheystandtoit,nottoalter,ifthechoicewere tomakea thousandtimes.Those towhomtheFather from'eternitychooseChrist forahead,do, in thedayof theirconversion,byfaithapprovethechoice,makingitoveragainpersonallyforthemselves;whencetheyaresaidtoappoint themselvesonehead,Hos.1:11.Andasoftenastheyreiteratetheiractsoffaith,whichtheymustliveby,theydoupon the matter reiterate their choice. Being sensible of what theysufferedbythemiscarriageofAdamtheirfirsthead,ChristisprecioustothemasasecondAdam.Theycomeintothecovenant,andabidealsoinit, under his wings allenarly; expecting no benefit of it, nor by it, butthroughhim.Andtheyhavetakenhimastheirheadforgovernment,aswellastheirheadfornourishmentandsupport.Theyhavedeliveredupthemselvesuntohim,toberuledbyhim,aswellastobesavedbyhim;tobegovernedbyhislaws,andnotbytheirownlusts,aswellastobesavedbyhisgrace,andnotbytheirownworks.

VI.The conditionof the covenant fulfilledby JesusChrist, is the alonegroundoftheirconfidencebeforetheLord,astoacceptancewithhim,oranybenefitofthecovenanttheylooktopartakeof.AcrucifiedSaviouristhefoundationlaidinZion,forsinnerstobuildon:andbelievingonhimis the soul's building upon it, 1 Pet. 2:6. If men build on anotherfoundation,theybuildonthesand,andtheirconfidenceshallberootedout:if,beingdrivenofffromallotherfoundation,theybuildnotonthisneither,theymustneedsperishasthechaffwhichthewinddrivethaway.Tobelieve,orbuildonChrist'srighteousnessbyhimfulfilled,canimportno less thanone's trustingon it forhis salvation.Whether this trustbestrongorweak,itmustbe:elsefaithisnot,buildingonChristisnot;butthesouliskeptinastateofwavering,inoppositiontothestayingofitbyfaith on Christ, Jam. 1:6. Now, he that is within the covenant, takesChrist'srighteousnessashisalonegroundofconfidencebeforetheLord:for the covenant shews not, nor allows any other: nothing save JesusChrist,andhimcrucified,1Cor.2:2.Hehathsomemeasureofconfidenceforlifeandsalvation,uponthatground;wherebyheisdistinguishedfromthedesperate,faithless,andunbelieving:andwhatconfidencehehathforlife and salvation, he hath upon that ground alone; whereby he isdistinguished from the presumptuous, formalists, and hypocrites. And

boththesethingsarejoinedinthebeliever'scharacter,Philip.3:3,"AndrejoiceinChristJesus,andhaveno"confidenceintheflesh."

VII.Thepromisesofthecovenantareasatisfyingportiontotheirhearts.They are indeed sensible they have many wants; but then they see asmuchinthecovenantaswouldsupplythemall;thattheyneednotgotoanother door for supply: they are persuaded there is asmuchwater inthatwellaswouldquenchalltheirthirst,iftheycouldbutgettheartofdrawingit.Thusthecovenantisalltheirsalvation,andalltheirdesire,2Sam.23:5.Thisdiscoveryofthecovenantisnotowingtonature,buttothatgracewhichshewssomuchworthintheonepearl,asmakesamancontenttosellallhehath,togainit,Matth.13:46.Butnomanwillcomeintothecovenant,untiloncehegetit:forwhowilljoinhimselftooneinamarriage-covenant,orcontractofservice,withwhomhecannotseehowto live?Faithdiscerns in the covenantnotonlya refuge,but aportion,Psalm142:5,elsethemanwouldnevercomeintoit.Andnonewhohaveonce got this discovery, will remain out of the covenant, Psalm 9:10,"Theythatknowthyname,willputtheirtrustinthee."SeeJohn4:10.Iftheworthof thetreasurehid inthe fieldof thegospel,beperceived,allwillgofortheobtainingthereof,Matth.13:44,45;allwillbecountedlossand dung for the excellency of it, Philip. 3:8. Certainly themen of theworlddonotseethisinthecovenant:itisbutanemptyhungrythingintheirblindedeyes.Thecovenantis,inthegospel,heldouttotheminthebreadthandlengththereof:butitdoesnottakewiththem:itisfarfrombeing all their desire: after all, as if they had seen nothing that couldsatisfy,theystillcry,"Whowillshewusanygood?"Psalm4:6.Thetruthis, the heart of man can never see enough in the covenant for to restsatisfiedwith,tillgracegiveitanewset,andcontractitsendlessdesires:for that which the unrenewed heart is most set upon, there is noprovisioninthecovenantfor,butagainstit.

VIII.TheSpiritofthecovenantisinthem;andthatisanotherspiritthanwhatthemenoftheworldareactuatedby,Numb.14:24;Ezek.36:27,7"Iwill putmy Spirit within you." The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of thecovenant,purchasedbythebloodof thecovenant, lodgedinthefulnessthereof inChrist theheadof the covenant, and communicated in somemeasure to all the covenant-people. And that Spirit may be known by

thesethreecharactersthereof.

1.TheSpiritofthecovenantisaSpiritofholiness.Thegreatdesignofthecovenant,nexttothegloryofGod,wasthesanctificationofsinners,Luke1:74,75.Allthelinesofthecovenant,fromthefirstofthemuntothelast,meet in that as their centre. There is a display of exact justice, in theconditionofthecovenant;ofrichgraceandmercy,inthepromisesofit:of greatest faithfulness and power, in the administration of it: butholinessgoesthroughthewhole,andeverytheleastpartofit.Whereforeit is called the holy covenant, Dan. 11:30. Who then can reasonablyimagine, that the unholy arewithin this covenant? that the servants ofsin,whetherprofane,or formalists, strangers to thepowerofgodliness,whomnobandsofholinesswillhold,canbewithinthebondoftheholycovenant?No,suretheyarenot;theyhavenottheSpiritofthecovenant.The Spirit of the covenantmakes the covenanted initially holy; and topress toward the mark, to wrestle, long, groan, and pant for theperfection of holiness, Philip. 3:14. It makes a vein of holiness runthrough their wholeman; their whole life; their thoughts, their words,theiractions; theirdealingswithGod,andtheirdealingswithmen.Thecovenantwaserectedonpurposetodestroytheworksofthedevil:itwasaconfederacyenteredintobytheFatherandtheSon,forrootingsinoutof theheartsand livesof thechildrenofAdam; for restoring thedivineimageinthem;andforbringingthemagaintoaperfectconformitytothemorallawofthetencommandments,fromwhichtheyfellinAdam.Forthisendwastheconditionofitperformed,thepromisesofitmade,andtheadministrationthereofcommittedtotheholyJesus:1John3:8,"Forthispurpose theSonofGodwasmanifested, thathemightdestroy theworks of the devil."Wherefore, whosoever partake of the Spirit of thecovenant,partakeoftheSpiritofholiness:Gal.5:18,"IfyebeledbytheSpirit,yearenotunderthelaw."Ver.16,"WalkintheSpirit,andyeshallnotfulfilthelustoftheflesh."

2.TheSpiritofthecovenantisaningenuousfreeSpirit,Psalm51:12.Itisthespiritofsons,notofslaves;offreemen,notofbond-men,Rom.8:15.Thereissomeobediencetotheholylawgivenbyunbelievers,themenofthe first covenant, as well as by believers, the men of the secondcovenant:and theeyesof theworldcanperceivenodifferencebetween

theobedienceofsomeoftheformersort,andofthoseofthelattersort;howbeitthereisavastdifference,whichisseenbytheall-seeingeye.Arethesewithin the covenant,prayingpersons?Soaremany,whohavenosaving part nor lot in it, Isa. 58:2. Are they men of temperance andsobriety,justiceandhonesty,candourandfaithfulness,menofblamelesslives? So are several others besides them, for all that anyman can see,Phil.3:6.Thusfar theyagree.But there isavastdifferenceof thespirittheyareactuatedby,whichmakesamightyoddsinthemannerandkindof their obedience. Unbelievers are actuated by a spirit of bondage,suitabletotheirstateofbondageunderthecovenantofworks,Gal.4:24,25.Aslavishfearandaservilehopearetheweightshunguponthembythatcovenant,causingthemtogo:sinisavoided,dutyperformed,notoutof lovetoGodandholiness,butoutof lovetothemselves.Believersareactuated by the Spirit of adoption, suitable to their state of adoption,underthecovenantofgrace,ver.26.GodistheirFather:andtheyservehimas sons, not as slaves,Mal. 3:17.Christ is their elder brother,wholoved them,andgavehimself for them:andhis loveconstrains them,2Cor.5:14.TheHolySpiritdwellsinthem,hathquickenedthem,renewedthem,making thempartakers of the divinenature, 2Pet. 1:4. So sin isavoidedascontrarytotheirnewnature,dutypursuedasagreeabletoit.TheirfaithoftheloveofGodinChristhathbegotteninthemlovetoGodagain,foranewprincipleofobedience,1Tim.1:5.ByfaiththeytrustonChrist, and on him alone for life and salvation: and this at onceundermines in them the slavish fear of hell, and the servile hope ofheaven; so that these are so far from being their only motives toobedience, that they cannot be their predominant motives; nay theycannotbeatallinthem,butasenemiestotheirfaithandlove,2Tim.1:7;1John4:18.Yetwithal, it istoberemembered,that it isnotslavishforsaintstofearGod's fatherlyanger,andtherebytobestirreduptoduty,Psalm 119:120; Heb. 11:7; nor to hold the way of duty, in hope of theenjoymentofGodinthatway,andthetokensofhisfavour,John14:21,and in the end perfect happiness in heaven; all through Jesus Christalone,1Cor.15:58.Ourneedofthesethingsforincitementstoduty,doindeedargueour childish state, for therewill benoneedof these fearsandhopesinheaven;butbynomeansaslavishstate.Neitherisitatallslavish,tohavetheheartfilledwithareverentialfearanddreadofGod,upon the consideration of his tremendous justice, and wrath in hell,

against the miserable objects thereof; and to be stirred up to dutythereby,Matt.10:28;Heb.12:28,29.Tolookthereunto,andmoveawaytowardsGodinthewayofduty,withfearandtrembling,isveryagreeabletothestateofthosewhohavebyfaithreceivedakingdomthatcannotbemoved;butarenotyetascendeduntoheaven:whoareindeeddrawnupoutofthefearfuldepth;butarenotasyethaleduptothetopoftherock,thoughthestrongchainofthecovenantissoaboutthem,thattheyshallnever falldownagain.For inheaven theaweand reverenceofGod,onthatscore,willbeperfect,Isa.6:1,2,3.Butitisslavishforsaints,tofeartheir being cast into hell for sin; and servile, to hope their obtainingheavenfor theirgoodworks.Andyet thatslavish fearandservilehope,maycreepinuponthechildrenofthesecondcovenant,andmovethemto duty: because their faith isweak,much of the oldAdam remains inthem, and it is not easy for them, though dead to the law in point ofprivilege,tobedeadtoitinpointofpractice.Buttheseimpuremixturesof selfishness in theirdutieswillbehumblingunto them:and theywillloath themselves, for that theyactnot, in theirobedience,withmoreofthe free spirit and son-like disposition. And their will in that case isacceptedthroughChrist.

3. The Spirit of the covenant is a Spirit of sympathy regulated by thecovenant. There is a commonness of interest, and thence a mutualsympathy, among confederates. And this sympathy among theconfederates of Heaven, regards both the head and the people of thecovenant.

(1.)TheyhaveanativeandkindlysympathywiththeGodandheadofthecovenant.Itistrue,hisessentialglorycanneverbeliabletodiminution;norcanhiseternalrestinhimselfbeintheleastdisturbed,bywhatsoevermenorangelsmaydoorsuffer:and themanChrist isnowbeyond thereachofsuffering.Nevertheless,hisdeclarativegloryintheworldhathitstimes of shining clear, and of being under a cloud. Now, as he hath asympathy with them, in all their concerns, their distresses and theirenlargements,theirjoysandtheirgriefs,Isa.63:9;Luke15:6;whichisavery tender sympathy, insomuch that the touching of them is thetouchingoftheappleofhiseye,Zech.2:8:sotheyalsohaveaverytendersympathywithhim,intheconcernsofhisglory.Theyaregladandrejoice

in the prosperity of his kingdom, Acts 11:23, 24. They pray for itcontinually, Psalm 72:15: and contribute their endeavours, in theirstationstoadvanceit,Phil.1:21,"FortometoliveisChrist."Theyhaveafeeling of the indignities done to his Majesty, as done to themselves,Psalm 69:9, "The reproaches of them that reproached thee, are fallenuponme."And they aremourners for the sins of others, aswell as fortheirown;ontheaccountofthedishonourtheydotoGod,becausetheykeepnothislaw,Psalm119:136.Thechildrenofthecovenantwillneitherbeopposersof thekingdomofChrist,norwill theybeneuters;butwillputtheirshoulderstotheworkoftheirLord,tohelpitforward,accordingto their vocation: and without such a public spirit, in greater or lessermeasure, no man shall be able to prove his saving interest in thecovenant: for so hath our Lord himself determined the matter, Matt.12:30,"Hethatisnotwithme,isagainstme:andhethatgatherethnotwithme,scatterethabroad."

(2.) They have a native and kindly sympathy with the people of thecovenant:fortheyaremembersoneofanother,Eph.4:25.Thegraceofthecovenantdisposethmentobelovingandbeneficialtomankind,butin apeculiarmanner toholymen; to "dogoodunto allmen, especiallyunto themwho are of the household of faith," Gal. 6:10. The commonbondofthecovenantengageththeminpeculiarloveonetoanother;evenas in thatbondtheyare thecommonobjectof theworld'shatred.TheybearthesameimagewithChristtheircommonhead;andthatimagewillrecommendallwhobearit,untoonethatiswithinthecovenanthimself,sofarashecandiscernit.Whereforetheirloveisalovetoallthesaints,Eph. 1:15. And hence ariseth the sympathy which every true ChristianhathwiththechurchofChristthroughouttheworld,andwiththeseveralmembers thereof known to them; their joint interest in the covenantchallengethit; forbythecovenantthere isanearrelationamongthem;and from theirunionunder the samehead, results their communion, 1Cor.12:12,26.Thereforeaspiritofselfishness,wherebymen'sconcernisallswallowedupintheirownthings,leavingthemnosympathywiththechurch and people of God, is a shrewd sign of a graceless state. Howmuch more, a spirit of reigning enmity against religion, and theprofessors thereof:where religion,andwhat concerns it,makemen thespecialobjectsoftheirenmity,spite,andresentment?Anhabitualcourse

ofthis isnoneofthespotsofGod'speople;butitdeclaresmentobeoftheworld,John15:19,"Ihavechosenyououtoftheworld,thereforetheworld hateth you." The Spirit of the covenant will carry men quiteanotherway;since, takingholdof thecovenant, theyhaveembarked inthesamebottomwiththosewhoseheadChristis,andwhohavedeclaredwaragainstthedevil'skingdom.Tothemtheywillsay,"Wewillgowithyou;forwehaveheardthatGodiswithyou,"Zech.8:23.

IX.Inthelastplace,Thelawsofthecovenantareintheirhearts,namely,the laws of the ten commandments, the eternal rule of righteousness,Heb.8:10.Thatlaw,inallitsparts,isacopyofthedivinenature,whichinregenerationistranscribedintotheheartofeveryonebroughtintothecovenant: and thewhole of it iswritten there, though everypart is notwrittenalikeclear,noranypartperfect.AsistheimageofGodrestoredinus,soisthelawwritteninourhearts:insanctificationthereisanewman created;which speaks a perfection of parts, though there is not aperfectionofdegreesintheseparts,Eph.4:24;2Cor.5:17;1Cor.13:12.Thismaybetakenupinthesefourthings:—

1.They approveof thewhole law, so far as it is known to them:Psalm119:128,"Iesteemallthypreceptsconcerningallthingstoberight."TheyloveGod:andeverypartofthelawisalineofhisimage:whereforelovingthelawasexpressingtheimageofhisholiness,theymustneedslovethewhole law; since there is nothing in it but what is a transcript of thatholiness. And as the head of the covenant is in their eyes altogetherlovely,Cant.5:16,thelawsofthecovenantbeinglikehim,mustbesotoo.Whydonotunbelieverslovetheholylaw,butbecausetheydonotloveaholyGod?Rom.8:7.ButbelieverslovingaholyGodinChrist,mustlovethe lawalso, since in it the imageofhisholiness isexpressed.Theholylawcondemnsmanythingsinthem;yea,everythingoftheirs,sofarasitismorallyimperfect:andsotheydothemselves,consentinguntothelawthat it is good, chap. 7:16. It condemns every sin; every one's mostbeloved sin, the evil he ismost easily led aside into; and for that verycause theunrenewedhearthates the law.But thegraceof thecovenantmakesamanto leavehiscomplaintonhimself; toapprovethe lawandcondemnhisownlustcontrarythereto:Rom.7:12,"Thelawisholy;andthecommandmentholy,andjust,andgood."Ver.14,"ButIamcarnal."

2.Theyhaveaninclinationofhearttowardsthewholelaw,sofarastheyknowit:Psalm119:5,"Othatmywaysweredirectedtokeepthystatutes!"Thereisinthemafixedprinciple,whichliesthesamewaywiththeholylaw;bendingawayfromwhatthelawforbids,andtowardswhatthelawdirectsunto.True,thereisacontraryprincipleinthemtoo,whichfightsagainst it; but so do they against that contrary principle, breathing,longing and Iusting for the complete victory over it, and for fullconformitytotheholy law,Gal.5:17.This isanewsetofheartgiveninthenewbirth;exertingitself,notinlazywishesforconformitytothelaw,butinaresolutestruggleforit,enduringtotheend.Hence,

3. They will habitually endeavour to conform in their practice to thewhole law, so far as they know: Psalm 119:6, "Then shall I not beashamed,whenIhaverespectuntoallthycommandments."Ifthelawiswritteninone'sheart,hewillwriteitoutagaininhisconversation:andasanctifiedheartwillcertainlymakeaholylife;Matt.6:22,"Ifthineeyebesingle,thywholebodyshallbefulloflight."Whereistheefficacyoftheholycovenant,ifmenmaybewithinthecovenant,andyetlivelikethosethat are without it? Nay, but to whomsoever the grace of God hatheffectually appeared, it will have taught them effectually to denyungodliness,andworldlylusts,andtolivesoberly,righteously,andgodlyinthispresentworld,Tit.2:11,12.Ifthegraceofthecovenantbringyounottodutiesofpiety towardsGod,youhavenosavingpart in it. Ifyouare brought unto these, but withal left at liberty from the duties ofrighteousnesstowardyourneighbour,thatyoudonotloath,butdaretobe unjust in smaller or greater matters; you are yet "in the gall ofbitterness,andinthebondofiniquity:"Luke16:11,"Ifyehavenotbeenfaithful in theunrighteousmammon,whowillcommit toyourtrust thetrue riches?" If you are brought forward unto both these, and yet notsober,butleftslavestoyoursensualappetitesandfleshlyaffections,youarenobetter:for"theythatareChrist's,havecrucifiedtheflesh,withtheaffectionsand lusts,"Gal. 5:24.Butwhosohave fled to the covenantofgrace in Christ for life and salvation, and withal are honestlyendeavouringconformitytothewholelawintheirpractice,they,howbeitinmanythingstheymisstheirmark,doshewthemselvestobewithinthebondoftheholycovenant,andoughttotakethecomfortthereof,asthedivineallowancetothem:2Cor.1:12,"Ourrejoicingisthis,thetestimony

ofourconscience,thatinsimplicityandgodlysincerity,notwithfleshlywisdom, but by the grace ofGod,we have had our conversation in theworld."

4. Lastly, Their souls lie open towhat of the laws of the covenant theyknownot.They are content to know them,desirous tobe taught them,thattheymayconformuntothem:Psalm119:26,"Teachmethystatutes."There aremany sins of ours hid unto us; because there ismuch of thelawsofthecovenantwedonotdiscern.Andhypocritesdonotdesiretoknowthewhole law: theyarewillingly ignorantof some things thereof,becausetheyhavenoinclinationtoentertainthem.Butthesincere,beingcontent to partwith every falseway, and to take upon them thewholeyokeofChrist,hatingsinascontrarytoGod'snatureandwill,andlovingdutyasagreeablethereto,doofcourselieopentothefurtherdiscoveriesofsinandduty:theycometothelight,John3:21.Theysay,"ThatwhichIsee not, teach thoume," Job 34:32, "Searchme,OGod, and knowmyheart:tryme,andknowmythoughts.Andseeiftherebeanywickedwayinme,andleadmeinthewayeverlasting,"Psalm139:23,24.

Andthismuchshallsufficetohavespokenonthefifthhead,namely,Thetrialofasavingpersonalinbeinginthecovenantofgrace.

HEADVI

THEWAYOFINSTATINGSINNERSPERSONALLYANDSAVINGLYINTHE

COVENANTOFGRACE

BYthemarksandcharactersgiven,itappears,thattheyarebutfewwhoare personally and savingly instated in the covenant of grace, incomparisonofthosewhoarestrangerstoit:butweareallowedtoofferitto strangers; to invite and call them who are without the covenant, tocome into it,andso tocompel themtocome in,Luke14:23.Here thenarethegladtidingsofthegospel:thereisacovenant,whichwasenteredintofrometernitybetweenGodandChristthesecondAdam;acovenant

ofgrace,madeinfavourofsinnersofAdam'srace,ruinedbythebreachofthecovenantofworks.Initthereisfullprovisionforyoursalvation;torelieveyoufromalltheruiningeffectsofthebrokenfirstcovenant,andtorender you completely happy. The condition of this covenant is indeedhigh;beingscreweduptoapitchbythedemandsofthelawandjustice:yetthereisnothingonthatparttodiscourageyoufromthecovenant;foryour inabilitybeing foreseen frometernity, itwas laiduponone that ismighty, to perform it; and now it is already performed and fulfilled toyourhandbythatmightyone,ChristJesus.Only,thepromisesremaintobefulfilled.Sotheburdenoftheconditionisoverwithoutyou;andyearecalledtothebenefitofthepromises.Andthatyemayhavethemoreclearaccessthereto,theadministrationofthecovenantisputintothehandofthesameChristJesus;andheisintrustedwithallthepromises,tofulfilthemsinners.Hehathbeguntofulfilthemtoallwhohavetakenholdofthe covenant; and is ready to fulfil them to all who yet shall take holdthereof.Forthatendhehathmadehistestamentofthesepromises,andconstitutedsinnersofmankindhislegatees;thatwhosoeverofthemwill,maycome,claim,andtakethewateroflifefreely,Rev.22:17.Thewholeofthecovenantisinhim.InhimisGod,theparty-contractoronheaven'sside,2Cor.5:19.hehimselfistheparty-contractoronman'sside:andinhimareallbelieversreally,andalltheelectlegallyandrepresentatively.In him is the condition of the covenant, and that as fulfilled: he is theLordour righteousness, Jer. 23:6. Inhimare all thepromises yea, andamen,2Cor.1:20,allmeetinginhim,aslinesofacircleintheircentre;andsureandstedfast,nowiseliabletomisgive,asdidthepromiseofthecovenantofworks in the firstAdam.Andheasakinghathemittedhisroyal proclamations, bearing, that whosoever will come into him, andunitewithhimasheadofthecovenant,shallbetakenintoit,andhavearighttoalltheprivilegesthereofinhim,andthroughhim.

Thusthecovenantisbroughttoyou,andsetbeforeyouinthegospel;sothatyemustneedsbeeitherreceiversorrefusersofit.Refuseitnot:thatis dangerous beyoud expression. Take hold of it; for it is your life.Sinners, ye are under the covenant ofworks,where there is no life, nosalvationforyou:butthedoorofthenewcovenantisopeneduntoyou:come,enterintoitwithoutdelay.Flee,andmakeyourescapeoutofthedominionofthelaw,thecovenantofworks,yewerebornunder,andare

livingunder:andthatcaninnowisebedone,butbyyouracceptingandembracingthiscovenantofferedtoyouinthegospel;totheinstatingofyoupersonallyinit,toallthepurposesoflifeandsalvation.

Sinnersinstatedinthecovenantbyfaithorbelieving

To clear your way into the covenant, it is necessary to shew, by whatmeansitisthatasinnerembracethandisinstatedinit,effectuallyuntosalvation.Andthis,inoneword,isbyfaith,orbelievingonJesusChrist:Acts 16:31, "Believeon theLordJesusChrist,and thoushaltbesaved."Thecovenantofgrace isheld forthuntoyou:Godsaith toeveryoneofyou,"Iwillmakeaneverlastingcovenantwithyou,eventhesuremerciesofDavid:"andtoclosethebargainwithyou,andstateyoupersonallyinit,toallintentsandpurposesofsalvation,allthatisrequiredofyouistohear,thatis,tobelieve;"Hear,andyoursoulshalllive,"Isa.55:3.Hethatbelieveth,iswithinthecovenantofgracepersonallyandsavingly:hethatbelievethnot, isstillunderthecovenantofworks,wherethefirstAdamlefthim.Faithisthehandwherebyonetakethholdofthecovenant,signsit for himself, and closeth the bargain for his own salvation. It is themouthwherebysinnersconsenttothecovenant,thatGodbecomestheirGod,andtheyhispeople.Althoughwhileyearewithoutthecovenant,theworkingof perfect obedienceunder thepainof the curse is requiredofyou;andmorethanthat,sufferingalso,eventothesatisfactionofjustice;andboth these, in virtueof thebroken first covenant: andwhenyeareonce brought within the covenant, obedience to all the tencommandments,andsufferingofthedisciplineofthecovenantincaseofyour failures, are required of you, in virtue of the new covenant ye areenteredinto:yettoenteryouintothecovenant,andinstateyouinituntosalvation,nothingisrequiredofyou,butthatyebelieveonChrist.Onlybelieve,Mark5:36,istheconstantdoctrineofthegospelinthispoint.Dowhat you will, and believe not, you remain in a state of damnation:whatever isdone,ornotdonebyyou,believe,andyouare ina stateofsalvation.Ifyoushouldsayitwithyourlipsathousandtimesover,thatyouacceptof the covenant; if you should comeunder themost solemnand awful bond and engagement to be the Lord's, expressly taking thesameuponyouinprayer,orotherwise;ifyoushouldwriteyourcovenant,and subscribe it with your hand; and should take the sacrament of

Christ'sbodyandblooduponit,toconfirmall:yetifyoudonotwiththeheartbelieveonJesusChrist,youembracenotthecovenant,youmissthesavinghold of it, and remainwithout the savingbondof it.And if youshouldthismomentwiththeheartbelieveonChrist,havingnoaccesstospeak,pray,write,orcommunicate:yetthemomentyoubelieve,youarepersonally and savingly instated in the covenant, never to fall out of itthroughtheagesofeternity;GodisyourGod,andallthepromisesofthecovenantareyours:thoughyouhadmissedthegripeofthecovenanttenthousandtimesbefore:inthatcaseyouhaveitfirmandsure:Mark16:16,"Hethatbelievethandisbaptized,shallbesaved:hethatbelievethnot,shallbedamned."

AndthatbelievingonChristshouldbetheappointedmeansofenteringsinnersintothecovenantofgrace,isveryagreeabletothenatureandendofthatgreattransaction.Thewhichappearsbythesetwoconsiderationsfollowing.

1.Herebythegraceofthecovenantispreservedentireinthedispensationof thecovenant;andby thatmeans thepromise ismadesore toall theseed,Rom.4:16.Faithiscontradistinguishedtoworks,asgraceistodebt,chap.4:4,5.Ifanyworkordoingofourswerethatuponwhichwewereinstated in the covenant, and got the right in the promises; then thecovenant and benefit thereof would be of debt to us, contrary to thedeclaredendanddesignofthatmethodofsalvation,whichistoexaltthefreegraceofGod,andtocutoffallboastingfromus,Eph.2:8,9.Butthenatureoffaith'sefficacyinthebusinessisadaptedtothatendanddesignof the covenant; in as much as it is a grace, not giving, but purelyreceiving;takingallfreelyfromChrist,withoutmoney,andwithoutprice,layingthestressofthesoul'sacceptancewithGodwhollyonwhatChristbathdoneandsuffered;andentirelyrenouncingalldoingsandsufferingsofourowninthatpoint.Andthusthepromiseissuretous:forwhereasthepleaofanyworkofourswouldbeaveryuncertainone;faith'spleaisever sure and stedfast, as grounded allenarly on what Christ hathwrought.

2.Herebythesinner'senteringintothecovenantisbyunitingwithChristtherepresentative,withwhomitwasmadeasparty-contractor;whichistheScipture-accountof thematter,John10:9, "Iamthedoor:byme if

anymanenter in,he shallhe saved:"and so theunityof the covenant,and the representation in it, are preserved. If men entered into thecovenantsomeotherway,asbytheiracceptingproperlycalledtermstothemproposed,andpromisingforthemselvestheperformanceofthem:in that case the representation in the covenant is marred; and therewould be in effect as many covenants of grace as there are personsembracingitatdifferenttimes;atleast,Christ'scovenantwouldbeone,and ours another distinct therefrom; the contrary of which is beforeevinced from theScripture.But the covenant of gracebeingmadewithChristassecondAdam,inthenameofallsuchasshouldbehis;itplainlyfollows,thattheonlywayofone'senteringpersonallyintoit,mustbebybecominghis,standingrelatedtotheheadofthecovenantasourhead:andit isbyfaith,andnowork,norconsentofoursdifferingfromfaith,thatweareunitedtohim,andbecomemembersofhisbody,Eph.3:17.How do we all enter personally into the covenant of works, so as topartake of the curse in it? Is it not through our becoming, by naturalgeneration, branches of the first Adam, the representative in thatcovenant?Herebyeveryoneofus ispersonallyentered,and instated inthat covenant, before we are capable to approve or disapprove of thesame,toconsenttoit,ordissentfromit.Evensoweenterpersonallyintothe covenant of grace, so as to partake of the benefits in it, by ourbecomingbranchesof the secondAdamthe representative therein:andthatisthroughfaith,insubjectscapableofactualbelieving.Itisbybeingingrafted into Christ we come to partake of the covenant and benefitsthereof.Andhenceitis,thatinfants,notcapableofactualbelieving,norof knowing what the covenant is, yet having the Spirit of faith, arepersonallyenteredintoit,andinstatedinit; forasmuchasthatSpiritoffaith is effectual in them, to a real uniting themwith Christ.HereuntoagreesGod'sgivingChrist fora covenant; that inhimpeoplemayhavethe covenant, and all the benefits thereof. As God, in making thecovenant, took Christ for all, for the condition, and for the parties toreceivethepromises;hebeingthesecondAdam:sosinners,inacceptingandembracingofthecovenant,aretotakehimforall; thewholeofthecovenant,thepartiesandpartsofittoobeinginhim,forasmuchasheisGodaswellasman,secondAdam.

Andthusitappears,thatunitingwithChristtheheadofthecovenant,isa

sinner's formal entering into the covenant: thewhich unitingwith himbeingbyfaithonhim,itisevidentthatitisbybelievingonChristasinnerembraceth, enters into, and is instated in the covenant unto salvation.Wherefore reach Christ by faith, and ye reach the covenant: if yemisshim,yemissthecovenant,inpointoflifeandsalvation.Butherearisethaweightyquestion,towit,

QUEST.What is that believing, bywhich one uniteswith Jesus Christ,and so enters into the covenant of grace? ANSW. The clearing of thispointbeingsonecessarytodirectsinnersintheirwayintothecovenant,for their eternal salvation; we shall, for what now remains, addressourselvestotheconsiderationthereofonly.

Andtobeginwiththeword,bywhichtheHolyGhostexpressethwhatwecall believing, whether in the Old or New Testament; whosoever shalldulyconsidertheimportofit,inthescripture-usethereof,willfind,thatit is just trusting, trusting a word, person, or thing. And hence thescripture-phrasesofbelievingto,andbelievinginthatis,trustingto,andtrusting in; the former, phrases, however unusual with us inconversation, yet ordinary, both in the Old and New Testament,according to the originals. It is the trusting aword, as to a report, Isa.53:1. In hiswords, Psalm 106:12. It is the trusting a person; so, in thestyleoftheHolyGhost,theIsraelitesbelievedintheLord,andinMoseshisservant,Exod.14:31.Hebelievednotinhisservants,Job4:18,thatis,aswereadit,heputnotrustinthem.Anditisthetrustingathingtoo:so, in the same style, Job39:12, "Wilt thoubelieve inhim," towit, theunicorn,"thathewillbringhomethyseed?"i.e.Wiltthoutrustinhim,thathewilldoit?Deut.28:66,"Thoushaltnotbelieveinthylife;"thatis,asweread it,Thoushalthavenoneassuranceof thy life;no trust in it,because no certainty about it. The phraseology is the same in theNewTestament, as being brought into it from the Old, only in a differentlanguage.AndtakingthemeaningoftheHolyGhostinthismatter,fromthewordswhichheteacheth,aswearedirected,1Cor.2:13,weconclude,That faith or believing, so expressed by him in the Scripture, is, in thegeneral,trusting,thetrustingofaword,andofaperson,andthing,heldforthinthatword.

Now, there is a twofoldword tobebelievedor trustedof all thosewho

wouldenter intothecovenantofgrace inasavingmanner;namely, thewordofthelaw,andthewordofthegospel.Thebelievingoftheformerisafaithofthelaw;thebelievingofthelatter,afaithofthegospel:ofwhichinorder.

AfaithoftheLawpreparatoryforthecovenant

Thefaithofthelawisnotindeedsavingfaith:forthelawisthewordandministration of condemnation, and not of righteousness; as speakingnothingofaSaviour,anatonement,oranimputedrighteousness,2Cor.3:9.Nevertheless, it is anecessary antecedent thereof, according to thestatedorderof thedispensationof thecovenant.The faithof the law islike the hearing of the strong wind, the feeling of the earthquake, andseeingof the fire; inwhich though theLordwasnot,yet theyserved toprepareforhearkeningto"thestillsmallvoice,"inwhichhewas,1Kings19:11,12.Accordingly,thefaithofthelawistheworkoftheSpiritofGod,aswell as the saving faith of the gospel; thoughwrought in a differentmanner.The formerheworks as aSpirit of bondage, convincingof sinandmisery,bythelaw,Rom.8:15,withJohn16:8.ThelatterheworksasaquickeningSpirit,enlighteningthesoulintheknowledgeofChrist,bythegospel,2Cor.3:17,18.

Whosoeverthenwouldenterintothecovenantofgrace,mustinthefirstplacehaveafaithofthelaw:forwhichcause,itisnecessary,thatthelaw,aswellasthegospelbepreacheduntosinners.Andthatfaithofthelawconsistsinabeliefofthesethreethings.

1.Byitamanbelievesthatheisasinner.Theholylawpronouncethhimguilty: and he believes the report of the law concerning himself inparticular; his heavy and sorrowful heart, by this faith, echoing to thevoiceofthelaw,guilty,guilty!Rom.3:19.Thewhichfaithrestsnotonthetestimony of man, whether spoken or written; but is a divine faith,foundeduponthetestimonyofGod,inhisholylaw,demonstratedbytheSpiritofbondage,tobethevoiceoftheeternalGod,andthevoiceofthatGod to him in particular. And thus he believes, (1.) That his life andconversationissinful,displeasingandhatefulinthesightofaholyGod,according to thedivine testimony,Rom.3:12, "Theyare all goneoutoftheway, theyare togetherbecomeunprofitable, there isnone thatdoth

good,nonotone."Heisconvinced,thatheisgoneoutofthewayofGod,andwalking in thewayofdestruction; that thenumberofhis errorsofomission and commission he cannot understand; and that all hisrighteousness,aswellashisunrighteousness,areasfilthyragsbeforetheLord.(2.)Thathisheartisfullofmischiefandiniquity,accordingtothedivine testimony,Jer. 17:9, "Theheart isdeceitful aboveall things, anddesperatelywicked."Thelawshiningintotheheart,discoversdiversluststhere, which he little noticed before; and pressing the unholy heart,irritatesthem:andthussuchamysteryofiniquitywithinhisbreastopenstohisview,ashecouldneverbeforebelievetohavebeenthere.Rom.7:3,"Iwasalivewithoutthelawonce:butwhenthecommandmentcame,sinrevived,andIdied."(3.)Thathisnatureisquitecorrupted,asonedeadintrespassesandsins,accordingtothedivinetestimony,Eph.2:1.Totheverdictofthelaw,"Whocanbringacleanthingoutofanunclean?"Job14:4,hissoul,bythisfaith,echoesback,unclean,unclean!"Iwasshapenininiquity,andinsindidmymotherconceiveme."Heisconvincedhisdisease ishereditaryandnatural:andthat thereforehisnaturemustberenewed:thatotherwise,henotonlydoesnogood,butcandonogood.Inalltheserespects,hebelieveshimselftobeanobjectloathsomeinthesightofGod;loathsomeinhisnature,heart,andlife.

2. By it aman believes, that he is a lost and undone sinner, under thecurseof the law; liable tovengeance,according to thedivine testimony,Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcoutinuethnotinallthingswritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Hecannomorelookuponthecurseassomestrangething,belongingonlytosomemonstersofwickedness,andnot tohim: for theSpirit of theLord, as a Spirit of bondage, applies itclosely to him; as if he said, thou art the man. And like one undersentenceofdeathpronouncedagainsthim,hegroansouthisbeliefofit,underthepressurethereof,Luke15:17,Iperish.

3 Lastly, By it aman believes his utter inability to recover himself.Hebelieves, that he cannot, by anydoings or sufferings of his, remove thecurseof the law fromoffhim;according to thedivine testimonyofourbeing without strength in that point, Rom. 5:6; nor change his ownnature,heart,andlife,soastorenderthemacceptabletoGod;accordingtotheinfallibletestimony,Jer13:23,"CantheEthiopianchangehisskin,

ortheleopardhisspots?thenmayyealsodogood,thatareaccustomedtodoevil."Heis,inhisowneyes,asinthesightofGod,aspirituallydeadman;legallydead,andmorallydead,astheapostletestifiesofhimselfinthatcase,Rom.7:9.

This is the faith of the law. And the effect of it is a legal repentance,wherebyasinnerisbrokenandbruisedwithfearandterrorofthewrathofGod;grievesandsorroweth forsin,asa ruininganddestructiveevil;and therefore reallydesires tobe freed from it;despairsof salvationbyhimself; and seriously looks out for relief another way, Acts 2:17, and16:29,30.ThusthelawisourschoolmastertobringusuntoChrist;andthefaithofthelaw,makeswayforthefaithofthegospel.Notthateitherthis legal faith, or legal repentance, is the condition of ourwelcome toChristandthecovenantofgrace:ouraccesstoChristandthecovenantisproclaimedfree,withoutanyconditionsorqualificationsrequiredinus,to warrant us sinners of mankind to believe on Jesus Christ, as wasshownbefore.Buttheyarenecessarytomoveandexciteus,tomakeuseofourprivilegeoffreeaccesstoChristandthecovenant,insomuchthatnone will come to Christ, nor embrace the covenant, without them ingreateror lessermeasure.Evenas ifaphysicianshouldcauseproclaim,thathewillfreelycureallthesickofsuchaplace,thatwillemployhim:inwhichcase,itisplain,nonewillemployhim,butsuchasaresensibleofsomemalady they labour under; yet that sense of amalady is not thecondition of their welcome to that physician; nor is it requisite for hiscuringthem,butfortheiremployinghim.

Now,incallingyoutoembracethecovenant,yearecalledindirectly,andby consequence, to this faith of the law, namely, to believe that ye aresinnersinlife,heart,andnature;lostandundone,underthecurse;andutterlyunabletorecoveryourselves.Yetitisnotsavingfaith,nordothitinstateone in the covenantof grace; that ispeculiar to anotherkindofbelieving:ofwhichinthenextplace.

Thefaithofthegospel,instatinginthecovenant.

Saving faith, which unites to Christ, is the faith of the gospel. For thegospelonlyistheministrationofrighteousness2Cor.3:9.Itisinitthattherighteousness,offaithisrevealeduntofaith,revealedtobebelieved

on, Rom. 1:17. It is the alonewordwhich gives sinners the notice of aSaviour,of theatoningblood, and thenewcovenant in thatblood;andthereforeistheonlywordbywhichsayingfaithisbegottenintheheartofalostsinner.Inthewordofthegospel,theLordandSaviourChrist,withallhisbenefits andcovenant, is; and that tobebelievedon, as appearsfromRom10:6,7,8,9.Sothat,thewordofthegospel,beingreceivedbybelieving,wehaveChrist,andhiscovenant,withallthebenefitsthereof:savingfaithbeingindeedtheechoofthequickenedsoul, tothewordofgracethatbringethsalvation;atrustingofthewordofthegospel,andtheperson,towit,theSaviour,andthething,thereinheldforthtous,tobebelievedonforsalvation.Mark.1:16,"Believethegospel."Is.53:1,"Whohath believed our report?"Gal. 3:2, "The hearing of faith." This is thatbelieving,bywhichweareunitedtoChrist,enteredintothecovenantofgrace, and instated therein unto salvation. Thewhich believingmay beexplainedinfourparticulars;(1.)ThefaithofChrist'ssufficiency;(2.)Thefaithofthegospel-offer;(3.)ThefaithofourrighttoChrist;and,(4.)Thefaithofparticulartrustforsalvation.Soputtingthe

QUESTION,What is thatbelieving,bywhichI,a lost sinner,under thecurseof the law,mayunitewithJesusChrist,andsoenter into;andbeinstatedinthecovenantofgrace,tomyeternalsalvation?WeANSWERthereto directly in these four particulars, by way of direction in thismomentouspoint,whereonsalvationdepends.

1.ThefaithofChrist'sSufficiency

Inthefirstplace,youaretobelieve,thatthereisafulnessofsalvationinChrist for poor sinners. This is the constant report of the gospelconcerninghim,Eph.3:8,"ThatIshouldpreachamongtheGentilestheunsearchablerichesofChrist."Heb.7:25,"Heisabletosavethemtotheuttermost,thatcomeuntoGodbyhim."InthewordofthegospelChristis held forth as an able Saviour; able to savemen from their sins, andfrom the wrath of God. His merit is a sufficient sconce against thetempest of fiery wrath, which incensed justice is ready to cause to flyforthagainsttransgressors:Isa.32:2,"Amanshallbeacovertfromthetempest."HisSpiritissufficienttosanctifythemostunholy:1Cor.6:11,"Andsuchweresomeofyou:butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butye are justified in thenameof theLord Jesus, andby theSpirit of our

God."Therighteousnessbefulfilledastheconditionofthecovenant,issovaluable in itself, and in the eyes of his Father, that it is sufficient toprocure justification, sanctification, and all other saving benefits tosinners,whointhemselvesdeservedeathanddamnation:sothattheyarehappywhoareinhim;theyshallneverperish,buthaveeverlastinglife,being eternally secure under the covert of his righteousness, as asufficientdefence.Believestthouthis?

This is the general faith of the gospel, which being without particularapplication, dothnot unite the sinner toChrist, nor enter him into thecovenant;andmaybe found inreprobatesandfallenangels,beingonlyan assent in general to the truth of the doctrine of the gospel, Matth.13:20, 31, and 8:29. But by the nature of the thing, it is necessarilyprerequisitetoafaithofparticularapplication:forImustfirstbelieveasayingtobetrueinitself,beforeIcantrusttoitformypart:Imustfirstbelieveathingtobegoodinitself,beforeIcanbelievethatitisgoodforme.

ButwherethefaithofthegospeliscarriedforwardtounitingwithChrist,theeffectofthisgeneralfaithisveryvaluable,aswellasnecessary.Andthat is, an high esteem of Christ and his covenant, an ardent desire ofunion and communion with him, a longing for his righteousness, as ahungryman longs formeat, or a thirstyman for drink. Theman seesindeed, that he has no special interest in Christ and his righteousness;buthewouldfainhaveit:allissaplesstohimwithoutit;hissoulwithinhimcries,givemeChrist,orelseIdie:andheiscontenttopartwithallforhim,andto takehimforall.This is taughtus in theparablesof thetreasurehidinthefield,andofthepearlofgreatprice,thefindingoutofwhichmovestosellall,andtobuythem,Matth.13:44,45,46.

Howbeit this esteem and desire of Christ is different from that whichfollows upon the soul's union with Christ, when once faith hath takenpossessionofhimandhis benefits, andhath got a viewofhis intrinsicsupereminentworthandvalue:thewhichismentioned,1Pet.2:7;Psalm73:25. The true spring of all this esteem and desire, is the principle ofself-preservation, and the view of Christ as suited to that end. Themerchantmanisseekinggoodlypearlsforhisownenriching;andseeingthattheonepearlwillanswerthatdesign,heisrestlesstillhehaveit.The

poor sinner is hotly pursuedwith the law's curse,which is still ringingdeathanddamnationinhisears.Inthemeantime,hegetsadistantviewofthecityofrefuge;andthereforehemakesforwardtoitwithallspeed:but what makes him run, but life, life, precious life, that he may notperish?Verily, he cannot be expected to act froma generous principle,beforeheisunitedtoChrist:John15:5,"Withoutmeyecandonothing."Butlethimnotfear:heiswelcometoChrist,evencomingtohimfromnohigher principle. The truth is, the Lord Jesus, by his Spirit, sets theprincipleofself-preservationastir,beingathinginitselfgood;andusethit as a mean to hasten sinners unto him. This is evident from thecomplaint,John5:40, "Andyewillnotcome tome, thatyemighthavelife."CanoneimagineourLordwillrejectasinnercomingtohimforlife,whenhecomplainsthatsinnerswillnotcometohimforthatend?

II.Thefaithofthegospel-offer

IN the next place, you must believe, that Jesus Christ, with hisrighteousness,andallhissalvation,isbyhimselfofferedtosinners,andtoyouinparticular.Thisistheplainvoiceofthegospeltoalluntowhomitcomes,Isa.55:1,"Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,comeyetothewaters,andhe thathathnomoney;comeye,buyandeat,yea,come,buywineand milk without money, and without price." Rev. 22:17, "Whosoeverwill,lethimtakethewateroflifefreely."Prov.8:4,"Untoyou,Omen,Icall, andmy voice is to the sons ofman." But alas! few believe it: yea,nonewillbelieveittopurposetilltheSpiritoftheLordmakeitplaintothem, and persuade them by an inward illumination. Many securesinners hear the gospel, and are glad of the offer: but they discern notChrist's voice in it. They hear it not, as the word of the Lord Christhimselftothem;butasthewordofmen:henceithathnodueauthorityupontheirconsciences;sotheypassitoverlightly.Thuswerehisoffersofhimselfentertained,whenmadebyhisownmouth,buthenotdiscernedas the eternal Son of God, and Saviour of the world. So, in thecongregation of Nazareth, all bare him witness, and wondered at thegraciouswordswhichproceededoutofhismouth.But theysaid, isnotthisJoseph'sson?Luke4:22.Andinalittletheyroseup,andthrusthimoutofthecity,ver.29.Again,whenthevoiceofChristisdiscernedintheofferbytheconvincedsinner;thenthesinnerisreadytoconclude,thatit

istoothers,butnottohim.Unbeliefsaith,butourbonesaredried,andour hope is lost, we are cut off for our parts, Ezek. 37:11. They cannotbelieve, that so good news from heaven concerns them, or that such aword is directed unto them. And thus men not believing God in therecordgivenofhisSon,thatheis,withallhissalvation,offeredtothem,domakehimaliar,1John5:10.

Butwheresavingfaithisa-working,thewordofthegospel-offeris,bytheHolySpirit,applied to thesoul inparticularwithpower,as thewordoftheLordhimself,andnotofmen;wherebythemanisassured,thatitisthevoiceofChrist,andtohiminparticular:whereuponheapplies it tohimselfbybelieving:1Thess.1:5,"Forourgospelcamenotuntoyouinword only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in muchassurance." Chap. 2:13, "The word of God, which ye heard of us, yereceiveditnotasthewordofmen,but(asitisintruth)thewordofGod,which effectually worketh also in you that believe." This is altogethernecessary; insomuchthatwithout it therecanbenoreceivingofChrist,forasmuchasotherwisethesoulcanseenosolidgroundandfoundationoffaith,foritisevidenttherecanbenoreceivingaright,wherethesinnerdothnotbelievetheoffertobetohiminparticular.Andherebeginstheapplicationoffaith,anapplicationtendingtounionwithChrist.

Wherefore,ifyouwouldunitewithChrist,andsoenterintothecovenantofgrace,sistyourselvesbeforetheLordascondemnedsinners,underthecurseofhislaw;andhearandbelievethewordofhisgospel,asdirectedtoyoucondemnedandcursedsinnersinparticular.Sowillitcomeuntoyou, as the rising sun, to one sitting indarkness, and in the shadowofdeath;orastheofferofapardon,tooneundersentenceofdeath.Andletnotyourheartmisgiveyoubyunbelief;butfirmlybelievetheoffertobemadebyChristhimselfuntoyou,as it is inverydeed, Isa.55:3, "Hear,and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant withyou."

Buthereitisnecessarytoremovethefollowingobjections.

OBJECTION 1.ButChrist isnow inheaven,andIhearnovoice fromthence:howthencanIbelievethathehimselfisofferinghimselftome?ANSWER.ThoughChristisinheaven,yetheisspeakingfromheavento

us; howbeit not by a voice sounding through the clouds, yet by a voicesounding in the gospel: Heb. 12:25, "See that ye refuse not him thatspeaketh—that speaketh fromheaven."Andnot only is his voice in theword of the gospel, but he himself by his Spirit is in it, as the apostleteacheth,Rom.6,7,8.Thenceitis,thatitisaquickeningwordtodeadsouls:John6:63,"ThewordsthatIspeakuntoyou,theyarespirit,andtheyarelife."Itisthelivelyseed,whereofthenewcreatureisformed,1Pet.1:23.JesusChristdidonce,byavoicesoundingthroughtheclouds,speakawordofconviction,Acts9:4,5.Buteveninthatcase,thewordofthe offer of himself was remitted to the preaching of the gospel by amessengertheretoappointed,ver.6.AndthevoiceofChristsoundinginhiswrittenword,ismoresurethanavoicesoundingthroughtheclouds,2Pet.1:18,19.Thisvoiceinthewordisthestatedgroundoffaith,withwhichfaithmustcloseforsalvation:Rom.1:16,"ThegospelofChrist:itisthe power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth." Ver. 17,"ForthereinistherighteousnessofGodrevealedfromfaithtofaith."Andthereisnotruesavingfaith,whereitisnotreceivedastheveryvoiceoftheLordhimself, 1Thess.2:13.Thereforeyoumust receive thewordofthegospel,asthewordofChristhimself,asinverydeeditis.

OBJECTION2.ButChristinthewordofthegospeldothnotnameme:how then can I believe that he offereth himself, his righteousness andsalvation, tome in particular?ANSWER.Neither doth he name you inthewordof the law,whether in the commands thereof, or in the cursethereof.Howdoyoucometobelievethatyouareasinner?Isitnot,that,the commands of the law being directed to allmen, you conclude andbelieve, that, you being of the number of mankind, they are thereforedirectedtoyouinparticular,aswellastoothers?Andhowcomeyoutobelievethatyouinparticularareunderthecurseofthebrokenlaw?Isitnot,that,sincethelawdenouncethitscurseagainsteveryonethat,beingunderit,breaksit,Gal.3:10;Rom.3:19,youdoconcludeandbelieve,thatitcursethyou,forasmuchasyouareoneofthesebreakersthereof?Now,youhaveassufficientgroundtobelievethattheofferofthegospelistoyouinparticular;forasmuchasitismadetoall,withoutexception,untowhomthegospelcomes,Rev.22:17;Isa.55:1.Itisorderedtobemadetoeverycreatureunderheaven,Mark16:15:andhowsinfulsoeveryouare,youareoneof thesecreatures.Christ'svoice isuntomen,sonsofmen:

andbewhatyouwill,youareoneofmankind-sinners:andthereforetheoffer istoyouinparticular,Prov.8:4.Accordingly,wearewarrantedtoapply the general offer to every one in particular; and every one iswarranted toapply it tohimself:Acts 16:31, "Believeon theLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved."

OBJECTION3.Butalas!IfearIwantthequalificationsdeterminativeofthosetowhomthegospelofferisparticularlydirected.IdreadthatIhavenotasyetgotaduesenseofsin:andourLordsaysexpressly,"Theythatbewholeneednotaphysician,but they thataresick. Iamnotcometocalltherighteous,butsinnerstorepentance,"Matth.9:12,13.Thegospel-offerrunsintheseterms,"Ho,everyonethatthirsteth,come,"Isa.55:1,"Come untome, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,"Matth. 11:28,"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely," Rev. 22:17. ButwhenIviewmyowncondition,IverymuchfearIhavenotasyetreachedthatthirstafterChrist,andthatwillingnesstotakehim,whichthesetextsspeakof;andthatIcannotbeaccountedonetruly labouringandheavyladen: how then can I believe that Christ offers himself to me inparticular?ANSWER.Itismostcertaintruth,that,unlessyouhaveaduesenseof sin,unlessyou thirstafterChristandhis righteousness,unlessyoubeheavyladenwiththefeltburdenofsin,andwillingtotakeChriston any terms, you will never take him by a true faith. Nevertheless,whateverqualificationsyouhave,orhavenot;yet ifyouareasinnerofAdam's race, (and I hope you doubt not that), Christ is offered to you,together with his righteousness, and all his salvation, Prov. 8:4; John3:16; Mark 16:15. For howbeit there are indeed certain qualificationsnecessarytomoveyoutotakeChrist;yettherearenoneatalltohamperthegospel-offer:butChrist is reallyoffered toyou,be inwhatcaseyouwill; so really, that if you do not believe it, and thereupon receive anofferedSaviour,youwillbedamnedfornotbelieving,Mark16:16.

It isundeniable, the less thatsinnersaresensibleof theirsins, theyarethefartherfromrighteousness;theydothemoreneedChrist,andarethemoretobecalledtorepentance.ThisisevidentfromthewholetenoroftheholyScripture,andfromtheverynatureofthething.Andthereforeitis sinners in thegeneral,andnotsensiblesinnersonly,whoaremeant,Matth.9:12,13.Evenasitissickpeopleingeneral,comprehendingeven

those of themwho are so delirious, as to think nothing ails them, thatneedaphysician;andnotthosesickonly,whoaresensibleoftheirstateand hazard. This is the plain literal sense of that passage, from whichthereisnonecessitytodepart:andthedepartingfromitisattendedwithamanifestinconvenience.

Neither is the thirstmentioned, Isa. 55:1, to be restricted to a graciousthirst,athirstafterChristandhisrighteousness.Forsomeatleastofthethirstingones,towhomtheofferistheremade,are"spendingmoneyforthatwhich is not bread, and their labour for thatwhich satisfiethnot,"vers. 1,2.But it isevident, thatsinnersdulysensible,whoare thirstingafter Christ and his righteousness, are not spending their money andlabour at that rate; but, on the contrary, for thatwhich alone is bread,and satisfieth, namely, Jesus Christ the true bread which came downfromheaven.Whereforethethirsttheremeant,mustneedscomprehend,yea, andprincipally aimat, that thirst after happiness and satisfaction,which being natural, is common to allmankind.Men painedwith thisthirstdonaturallyrun,forquenchingthereof,totheemptycreation,andtheirfulsomelusts:andsothey"spendmoneyforthatwhichisnotbread,andtheirlabourforthatwhichsatisfiethnot;"findingnothingtherethatcansatisfythattheirappetiteorthirst.Now,tomeninthiswretchedcaseisthegospel-offerofthewatersoflifemade:Christisofferedtothem,asbread, fatness, what is good, and will satisfy that their painful thirst,whichotherwisewillneverbequenched,ibid.

And as little is the solemn gospel-offer, Matth. 11:28, restricted to acertain set of men endowed with some laudable qualifications, goingunderthenameoflabouring,andbeingheavyladen;thewhichdoindeeddenote the restlessness natural to the sinful soul of man, spending itslabour for thatwhich satisfiethnot, Isa. 55:2.Our fatherAdam left hiswholefamilywithaconsciencefullofguilt,andaheartfullofunsatisfieddesires. Thus we naturally having a restless conscience, and a restlessheart, the soul as naturally falls a labouring for rest to them. And itlaboursinthebarrenregionofthefierylaw,foraresttotheconscience;and in the empty creation, for a rest to the heart. But after all, theconscienceisstillheavyladenwithguilt,whetherithasanylivelyfeelingthereof,ornot;andtheheart isstillundera loadofunsatisfieddesires.

Soneithertheone,northeother,canfindrestindeed.Thisisthenaturalcaseofallmen.Andtosoulsthuslabouringandladen,JesusChristcalls,thattheymaycometohim,andhewillgivethemrest;namely,arestfortheirconsciences,underthecovertofhisblood;andaresttotheirhearts,intheenjoymentofGodthroughhim.TothisinterpretationweareledbythestyleoftheScripture,thephraseologyoftheHolyGhost,bothintheOldandNewTestament;thewhichmaybeviewedinthefollowingtextscompared,towit,Eccl.10:15;Hab.2:13;Isa.55:2,and1:3,4;2Tim.3:6,7.

Finally,as for thewillingnesswhichyouareafraidyouaredefective in,surely,inallothercases,hethatsaith,Whosoeverwill,lethimtakesuchathing,will,accordingtothecommonsenseandunderstandingofsuchwordsamongstmankind,bereckonedtoofferthatthinguntoall,andtoexcludenonefromit;howeveritmaybearanintimation,thatitisnottobeforcedonany.Whythenshouldthismanuerofspeech,Rev.22:17,bethoughttolimitthegospel-offertoacertainsetofmen?

Whereforeweconclude,thatChristlaysnobarinthewayofanyofyou:donotyeputbarsinyourownway,andthencomplainyecannotgetoverthem.For,accordingtotheholyScripture,itisinfallibletruth,thatChristis offered to you, and every oneof you, inparticular: believe it, else yemakeGodaliar,1John5:10.

III.Thefaithofourrighttochrist

Furthermore, you must believe that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of theworld,andyourSaviour inparticular,byhisFather'sappointment,andhis own offer: and that, by the same appointment and offer, hisrighteousness,theconditionofthecovenant,andeternallife,thepromiseofthecovenantareyours;yours,Imeannot,inpossession,but,inrightthereto;sofarasthatyoumaylawfullyandwarrantablytakepossessionof the same, and use them as your own to all intents and purposes ofsalvation,John4:42,"WeknowthatthisisindeedtheChrist,theSaviouroftheworld."2Sam.22:3;andLuke1:47,"mySaviour."Donotthinkthistoomuchforyou:itisnomorethanwhatisnecessarytosayingfaithinChrist.Ifyoubelieveonly,inthegeneral,thatChrististheSaviouroftheworld,butbelievenotthatheisyourSaviourinparticular;whatdoyou

believe more than devils do? They believe him to be Jesus a Saviour,Mark 1:24. If you would go beyond them, youmust believe he is yourSaviour; and consequently, that his righteousness and salvation areyours,inthesensebeforeopened:forwhereChristisgiven,withhimarefreelygivenallthings.Andprayconsider,howcanyetakehimorreceivehimasyourSaviour, ifheisnotyoursindeed?Amanmayfraudulentlytakepossessionofwhathedothnotbelievetobehisbyright:butnomancan fairly and honestly claim and take possession of what he doth notbelievetobehisown.Certainly,GodmustfirstgiveChristus,beforewecanreceivehim: for"amancanreceivenothing,except itbegivenhimfrom heaven," John 3:27. Giving onGod's part, and receiving on ours,here,arecorelates:and the former is the foundationof the latter.Now,God'sgiftissufficienttomakeathingours.Thereforebelievefirmly,thatChrist isyourSaviour inparticular; thathisrighteousness isyours,andeternallifeyours.

QUESTION. But how can I, a poor sinner, by nature under the curse,believethatChristismySaviour,thathisrighteousness,andeternallife,are mine? ANSWER. You may firmly believe it, because you have thewordandtestimonyoftheeternalGoduponit,inhisholyGospel.Whatisthegospel,whichtheapostlesweresent,inthenameofGod,totestify?TheapostleJohndeclaresit,1John4:14,"Wetestify,thattheFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld."IsnotJesusChristthen,byoffice,whateverheisintheevent,Saviouroftheworld?andifheisso,andyouareoneofthatworldofmankind,ishenotthereforeyourSaviour?Whythenwillyenotbelieveit?Godsetthesunintheheavenstobealighttotheworld: anddonot you therefore judge, that youhave a right to thelightof that sun, aswell as the rest ofmankind; andaccordinglyuse itfreely,toworkorreadbyit,asyourownbyGod'sfreegift?JesusChristalsoisthelightoftheworld,John8:12;givenforalighttotheGentiles,Is.49:6:andfaithappropriateshim,saying,TheLordismylight,andmysalvation,Psalm27:1.Now,youareamemberof thesesocieties, towit,theworld,andtheGentiles:thereforeheisyourlight,thatis,givenforalight toyou.Willyou takeChrist'sownwordupon it?youhave itJohn6:32, "My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven." If yourneighbour give you bread, you will reckon his gift thereof sufficient tomakeityours;andsoeatofitfreelyasyourown.Ifyourprinceshallgive

youahouseorland,whichhehathanunquestionablerighttodisposeof,youwouldreckon themtrulyyoursbyhisgift;andwould freelygoanddwell inthathouse,andpossessthat land,asyourown.Howis it then,thatwhentheFathergivesyouhisChrist,yetyouwillnotbelievethatheisyours,nortakepossessionofhimasyourown?Why,thetruthofthematterlieshere:youbelieveyourneighbour,youbelieveyourprince;butyou believe not yourGod, in his holy gospel, butmake him a liar, notbelievingtherecordthatGodgaveofhisSon,1John5:10.But,whetheryouwillbelieveitornot,it isatruth,thatChristisyourSaviour:andifyouwill not believe it now, to your salvation, youwill undoubtedly seeyourmistakehereafter;whenperishing, youwill be convinced that youperish,notbecauseyouhadnotaSaviour,butbecauseyouneglectedtomakeuseofhim.

Inlikemanner,therighteousnessofChrist isyours,namely,thatwhichhefulfilledastheconditionofthecovenant.ItisyoursbyHeaven'sgift,being given you with himself: and therefore it is called the gift ofrighteousness,Rom.5:17. It is a testamentarygift,madeover toyou inChrist's testament,wherein sinners ofmankind,without exception, arethelegatees,ashathbeenalreadycleared.Eternallifeisanothersuchgiftor legacy: so it is yours too. And you have the record, testimony orwitness,ofGodhimselfuponit,thatitisgivenyou,1John5:11,"Andthisistherecord,thatGodhathgiventouseternallife:andthislifeisinhisSon."IsnotGod'sownrecordasufficientgroundforbelieving?willyouventuretodisbelieveitonanypretencewhatsoever?Hereyouhavethatrecord,namely,thatGodhathgiventouseternallife.ItmaybeyouwillimaginethatitrelatesonlytoactualbelieversinChrist,oratmosttotheelect;andusethatforadefenceofyourunbelief.But,Iprayyou,consideritisthegroundandwarrantforalltobelieveonChrist,andtolayholdoneternallifeinhim;beingthewitnessofGod,whichhehathtestifiedofhisSon,tobereceivedbyalltowhomthegospelcomes,ver.9:butthatGodhathgiveneternallifetoacertainselectsetofmen,cannever,inreason,bedeemedtobeawarrantforallmentobelieve.Moreover,thegreatsinof unbelief lies in not believing this record: but it doth not lie in notbelieving that God hath given eternal life to actual believers, or to theelect;forthemostdesperateunbelieversbelievethat,insomuchthattheirbeliefofitaddstotheirtorment;butitliesintheirnotbelieving,thatto

mankindsinners,andtothemselvesinparticular,Godhathgiveneternallife. This is what flies in the face of the gospel of God, which is theproclaimed deed of the gift and grant of Christ and all his benefits, tosinners ofmankind, declaring the grant thereof to bemade them, andcallingthemtotakepossessionofthesameastheirown,Isa.9:6,"Untousachildisborn,"(thewordsignifiespresentedborn,astohisrelationshavingaparticular interest inhim;asMachir'schildrenwerepresentedtoJoseph,and laidonhisknees,Gen.50:23,andRuth'ssontoNaomi,Ruth.4:17),"untousasonisgiven."John3:16,"Godsolovedtheworld,that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him,should not perish, but have everlasting life." 1 Cor. 1:30. Christ Jesus,who of God is made unto us (namely, by legal destination) wisdom,righteousness,sanctification,andredemption.

And thus you see you have an infallible ground for this act of faith,namely, the testimony of God that cannot lie. Wherefore, as ever youwouldbeunitedtoChrist,andsoinstatedinthecovenant,believefirmlythatChrist isyours,andhisrighteousnessyours,andeternal lifeinhimyours.

Thisisamorecloseapplicationoffaiththantheformer,andarisethfromit; for thusonebelieveth the efficacyof thedivineappointment, andofthe gospel-offer. If God appoints Christ a Saviour to you, with hisrighteousness and eternal life, and Christ offers himself to youaccordingly;surelytheeffectofthatappointmentandoffermustbe,thattheyareindeedyours,tobeusedbyyou,asyourown,foryoursalvation.If you believe that appointment of the Father, and the Son's offer, youmustneedsbelievethis:foriftheybereal,andnotludicrousdeeds,theycertainlyconveytoyouarighttoChrist,hisrighteousnessandsalvation:sothat,invirtueofthem,thesemustbeyours,tobewarrantablyclaimedand used by you as your own, for the purposes of salvation. It is notdoubted,butmen'sdeedsofgift,andtheiroffers,realandnotludicrous,doconveysucharighttothepartiesinfavourofwhomtheyaremade.Ifa friend of yours, having a sum ofmoney lying in a neighbour's hand,should,especiallybyadeedinwritingunderhisownhand,appointandordain that suma gift to you, to relieve youout of a certain strait; youwouldmakenoquestionbutyoumightgoandclaimit,andtakeitup:if,

havingthesuminhisownhand,heshouldofferittoyou,asagift,youwouldmakenoquestionbutyoumighttakeittoyou;and,inbothcases,use it asyourownbyyour friend'sappointmentoroffer.Andshallnotthe Father's ordinances and appointment, and Christ's offer, be asefficacious?Whythenwillyounotbelievethisitsefficacy?whywillyenotbelieve,thatChristwithhisrighteousnessandeternallifeareyours?

Truly,thebelievinghereofistheverynextsteptothesoul'sunitingwithChrist:andthereforeitisproposedtothesinner,asthenearestmeanstobringhimcloseuntoGodinChrist,Hos.14:1,"ReturnuntotheLordthyGod,"heisthyGod,thouhastarighttohim,return,comeeventohim,takepossessionofhimasthineownGod:Accordingly,thesinnercomingunto him by faith, comes on this very ground, Jer. 3:22, "Behold, wecome unto thee, for thou art the Lord ourGod." Ver. 23, "Truly in theLordourGodisthesalvationofIsrael."AsHagar'seyeswereseasonablyopenedtoseeshehadawellbyher,whenshehadgivenuphersonfordead; sowhen the sinner lies in his death'swounds from the law, in awork of conviction, the spirit of faith opens his eyes, by means of thegloriousgospel,inaworkofsavingillumination,sothatheseeshehathaSaviour, a righteousness, and salvation. And then he presentlyapprehendsorgripsthesameashisown.Thustheprodigalfirstbelievedthathehadyetafather,andafather'shouse,wherethereisenoughandtospare;andthenarisethandgoethtohim,Luke15:17,18.

OBJECTION 1. If it be true, that Christ is my Saviour, that hisrighteousness,andeternallifeinhim,aremine;thenImaybeeasy,Iwillcertainlybesavedwithoutanymoreado.ANSW.Thatisbutacavil,bestsuiting thosewho,being indifferentaboutChrist and salvation, think itnot worth their pains seriously to consider such things. One trulyimpressedwiththematter,anddulyconsidering,beingoncebroughttobelievethis,wouldrathersay,"Then,sinceChristisreallymySaviour,hisrighteousnessandeternal lifemine;Iwill takehimtome,IwillreceiveandrestonhimasmySaviour,Iwillrelyonhisrighteousness,andlookfor eternal life inhim:why should Ibe lost for ever, since Ihavea fullSaviour?why should I gonaked, since Ihave a complete righteousnessmadeovertomebyheaven'sgift?whyshouldIdie,whenIhaveeternallifeinChrist?"Putthecase,youdidseeamanatthepointofstarvingfor

wantofbread;and,outofkindnessandpitytohim,youshouldappointandordainmeat forhim,outof yourownstore, forpreservationofhislife;andwithalshouldcarryittohim,andsetitbeforehim,saying,Ha,thereismeatIandmyfatherhaveordainedforyou,eat,andwelcome.Ifthatmanshouldsay,Oh!Imaynottakeit,foritisnotmineown;wouldyounottellhim,thatyourgift,appointment,andofferofittohim,makesit his, so that, with a good conscience, hemay freely eat it as his ownbread?butshouldhethenreply,andsay,Whythen,ifitismine,withoutanymoreadoIamsecuredfromstarring;Ineednotatallbeatpainstotakeandeatit;wouldyounotreckonhimeithermad,orbutjestingwithyou,notsensibleofhishazardofstarring?Theapplicationisobvious.Itisnotmeatbeingone'sown,sothathemayuseitfreelyassuch,thatwillkeephimfromstarring:hemusttakeandeatit,andsouseitashisown,ifhewouldhave thatbenefitby it.Evenso it isnotChristbeingyours,with his righteousness and salvation, thatwill save you: youmust takepossessionofhim,andmakeuseofhimasyourown,forsalvation,ifyouwouldbeactuallysavedbyhim.Thereisawidedifferencebetwixtathingbeingoursinsimplerightthereto,anditsbeingoursinpossession.ItisintheformerwayonlythatChristisyoursbeforeunitingwithhim:andifyou do not improve that, by receiving him, and taking possession, youwill perish eternally for all it: Heb. 4:1, "Let us therefore fear, lest apromisebeingleftusofenteringintohisrest,anyofyoushouldseemtocomeshortofit."Luke16:12,"Ifyehavenotbeenfaithfulinthatwhichisanotherman's,whoshallgiveyouthatwhichisyourown?"

OBJECTION 2. But Christ a Saviour, his perfect righteousness, andeternallife,arethingssoexceedinggreatandprecious,andIamsoverysinful and unworthy, that it is mighty hard for me to believe they aremine.ANSW.Yea,here indeed lies a greatdifficulty of believing;whenonce a sinner's eyes are opened, to see the transcendent excellency ofChrist,theexceedingsinfulnessofsin,andhisownutterunworthiness:adifficulty not to be surmounted, but by the effectual operation of theSpirit of faith, causing one to believe, according to the working of hismighty power, Eph. 1:19. But for your help consider they are yours bymere free gift;which is so far from requiringanywork in the creature,that it excludes all respect thereto.Christ himself is theFather's gift toyou,John4:10,and6:32.Hisrighteousnessisagifttoo,Rom.5:17.And

soiseternallifeinhim,1John5:11.Now,whatisfreerthanagift?Andthen,howbeittheyareindeedagiftfarbeyoudwhateveryoucouldhaveexpected,yettheyarenottoogreatforaninfiniteGodtogive.Inmakingthisgift,heactednotaccordingtothedignityofthepartyinwhosefavourit wasmade; but according to himself, his own greatness andmajesty.Meanwhile,thoughthegiftisquiteaboveyourdignity,yetitisnomorethanwhatyourneedrequired.Iflesscouldhaveansweredyournecessity,thereisnogroundtothink,acrucifiedChrist,theSonofGod,wouldhavebeenpreparedforyou.Ifyoudobutsupposeit,youmarthatexpressionofmatchless love, John 3:16, "God so loved theworld that he gave hisonlybegottenSon."Wherefore,arguewithyourselfinthismanner:"Thegiftisindeedunspeakable,butnolesscanservemyneed;ifChristbenotmine,Imustperish:sincethereforeGodhathsaidit,thathehathgivenmeChrist;andthegiftisnotabovehimtogive,andnolesscanservemyturn;Imustandwillbelievethatheismine,withhisrighteousnessandsalvation."

IV.Thefaithofparticulartrustforsalvation

Finally, You must wholly trust on him as your Saviour, and in hisrighteousnessasmadeovertoyou;andthatforhiswholesalvationtoyouinparticular,uponthegroundofGod'sfaithfulnessinhisword.Andthisis that saying faith, or believing on Christ Jesus, by which a sinner isunitedtohim,andpersonallyenteredwithinthecovenantofgraceuntosalvation:Acts16:31,"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved." Psalm 2:12, "Kiss the Son lest he be angry, and ye perish:—blessed are all they that put their trust in him."AndPsalm37:40, "Heshallsavethem,becausetheytrustinhim."Rom.15:12,"InhimshalltheGentiles trust." Compare Isa. 11:10; Rom. 1:17, "Therein is therighteousness of God revealed from faith to faith;" or, "Therein is therighteousnessofGodbyfaith,revealeduntofaith,"towit,tobebelievedor trusted on. See Philip. 3:9: Gal. 2:16, "We have believed in JesusChrist,thatwemightbejustified."Acts15:11,"Webelieve,that,throughthegraceoftheLordJesusChrist,weshallbesaved."1Thess.2:13,"Yereceiveditnotasthewordofmen,but(asitisintruth)thewordofGod."1Cor.2:5,"Thatyourfaithshouldnotstandinthewisdomofmen,butin

thepowerofGod."This,accordingtothescripture,isasinner'sreceivingand resting upon Christ for salvation, as saving faith is defined in ourCatechism: and this is indeed believing, and nothing but believing,accordingtothescripturaluseofthatword.

1. I say, this is the scriptural receiving and resting on Christ. It is thereceivingofhim in senseof theholyScripture: John 1:12, "Asmanyasreceivedhim,tothemgavehepowertobecomethesonsofGod,eventothemthatbelieveonhisname;"wherethereceivingofChristisexplainedby believing on his name. God hath appointed Christ Saviour of theworld,andyourSaviour.youhearthesamepublishedinthegospel;andyou accordingly believe that he is your Saviour by his Father'sappointment,andhisownoffer;hereuponyoutrustonhim,andonhimalone,forsalvation,andallthatyouneedforyoursalvation.Isnotthisareceivingofhimforyourpart inthecharacterofaSaviour,whereinhisFather sent him forth to you? Is it not a taking of him to yourself, asofferedtoyou?OurLordcomplainsoftheJews,John5:43,thatwhereashe came in his Father's name, they received him not, to wit, in thecharacterwhereinhewassent,namely,astheMessias,theSaviouroftheworld,andtheirSaviour, trusting inhimthatbewouldsave them.Thisplainlyappears tobe themeaning, ifonecomparesherewith thewordsthereimmediatelyfollowing:"Ifanothershallcomeinhisownname,himwill ye receive:" q. d. Ye will believe him to be theMessias, and yourSaviour, and trust onhimaccordingly, thathewill save you; thewhichhas been often verified in that unbelieving people. Moreover, this isrestingonChristinthescripture-senseofthatmannerofexpression:Isa.26:3,"Thouwiltkeephiminperfectpeace,whosemindisstayedonthee:becausehe trusteth in thee."And indeedonecannotdevisewhatwayapersoncanrestonaword,orasoulorspiritcanrestuponaperson,butbytrustingthem,ortrustinginoronthem.Itissaid,2Chron32:8,"Thepeople rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah."What way canoneimaginetheydidso,butbytrustingthem?Chap.14:11,"Helpus,OLordourGod;forwerestonthee."Howcouldtheydoso,butbytrustingonhimfortheirhelp?

2.Thisisbelieving,inthescripturaluseofthatword,which,inourentryon the question under consideration,we established from the scripture

itself.Foritisatrustingof,ortrustinginaperson,namely,JesusChrist,andGodinhim,thepersonalobjectofsavingfaith,Acts16:31;atrustinginathing,namely,therighteousnessofChrist,theultimaterealobjectoffaith, Rom. 1:17; and a trusting in a word, namely, the record andtestimonyofGod,thewordofthepromiseofthegospel,theproximateornearest real object of faith, ibid.; and all this for the great purpose ofsalvation.Andthenit isnothingbutsuchbelieving:forthusfaithisnotexplained away into, but is a thing quite distinct from the nature of awork,asthescripturecontradistinguishethworkstofaith.

Wherefore we conclude, that this trust is that believing on Christ, bywhich the soul is united to him, and savingly instated in the covenant.And for opening of it, we shall take notice of these five things plainlyimportedinit.

1. This trust imports, not only a willingness, but a sincere and honestdesiretobedeliveredfromsinandwrath;adesiretobesanctified,aswellas to be justified; to be delivered from the reigning power, pollution,practice,and inbeingof sin,aswellas fromtheguiltof it; according tothatoftheapostle,Rom.7:24,25,"Whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthis death; I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord." For it is atrustingonChrist,notforthehalfofhissalvation,towit,salvationfromwrathonly,whichisallthetrustofmany,beingbynomeansdesiroustopartwithsin;butforthewholeof it,namely,salvationfromwrath,andsalvation from sin too,which is the principal part thereof,Matth. 1:21.Now,amanmayindeedfearthatfromone,whichhedothnotdesire:butnobodytrustsinoneforwhathedesiresnot.Faithisabelievingwiththeheart,Rom.10:10.ThewholesalvationofChrististhebeliever'schoice;itistheendhedesirestocompass:andthetrustof faithisexertedasthemeanstocompassthatend.

2.ArenouncingofallconfidenceinallthatisnotChrist,orinChrist,asto the matter of salvation particularly. In this trust is overturned self-confidence,law-confidence,creature-confidence;andthesoulbuildsonaquite new ground: Phil. 3:3, "We rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have noconfidence in the flesh."Jer. 16:19, "TheGentiles shall comeunto thee,and shall say, surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and thingswherein there isnoprofit."For it isa trustingwhollyonChristandhis

righteousness,atrusting,orabelievingwithalltheheart,Prov.3:5;Acts8:37.Atthisratethebelieveriscarriedofffromtheworksofthelaw,tothe blood of Jesus, for his justification; and carried out of himself too,unto the Spirit of holiness in Christ, for his sanctification: beingpersuaded, thatnodoingnorsufferingofhisown,canprocurehimthepardonof,oratonefortheleastofhisguilt;andthatheisnotabletrulytomortifyonelust,moresoastopurgeawaytheguiltofonesin,Matth.5:3;Isa.45:24.

3.Aheartyapprobationoftheplanordeviceofsalvationaccordingtothecovenant,manifested in the gospel, as suited to the divine perfections,andtothecaseofsinners,andtheirowninparticular:1Cor.1:23,"WepreachChrist crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto theGreeksfoolishness;"ver.24,"Butuntothemwhicharecalled,bothJewsandGreeks,Christ thepowerofGod,andthewisdomofGod."Withoutthis,nomanknowingwhatGodis,whatsinis,andwhatistheworthofhisownsoul,willeverventurehissalvationuponit;butone'strustinghissalvationandhisrighteousness,speakshimtobewellpleasedtherewith,aswhatonemaysafelytrustto,eveninthesightofaholyGod.Andthisis thatrejoicing inChristJesus,whichmakesan illustriousmark inthebeliever'scharacter,Phil.3:3.

Withal it bears three things. (1.)An eyingofChrist in thismatter, as acrucified Saviour, who hath fulfilled all righteousness, according to thestatedconditionofthecovenant,1Cor.2:2.ItisnotChristintheeternalglory he hadwith his Father before theworldwas, that faith fixeth itsviewon,while thesoul inthiscasestandstremblingbeforeaholyGod;butChristtheSonofGodmademan,comeintheflesh,beingbornholy,leadingalifeperfectlyrighteous,andatlastdyingonthecross,tosatisfythedemandswhichthelawhadonpoorsinners.Itlooksuntohimliftedup on the cross, as those who were bitten by the serpents in thewilderness looked unto the brazen serpent lifted up on the pole, Isa.45:22;Numb.21:8;John3:14,15.Thereforeitiscalledfaithinhisblood,Rom.3:25,hisrighteousness,whereofthesheddingofhisbloodwasthecompleting part, being the spring of the believer's hope. (2.) A realpersuasion of the sufficiency of Christ's righteousness to save sinners,andus inparticular, fromsinandwrath;toanswerforusbeforeaholy

justGod,intheeyeofhisholylaw;andtoprocureforuseternalholinessand happiness. There is no saving faithwithout this: Christ's ability tosave must be believed, and that with application to your own case inparticular,Matth. 9:28, "Believe ye that I am able to do this?" And inorderhereunto, faitheyesChrist'srighteousnessastherighteousnessofGod,andthereforeofinfinitevalueandefficacy,Phil.3:9;1John1:7.Thereasonwhythegospel,andnootherdoctrinewhatsoever,isthepowerofGod unto salvation of sinners, is, because therein is revealed therighteousness of God unto faith, Rom. 1:16, 17, and that is the onlyrighteousness,suitedatoncetothedivineperfectionsandourcase.(3.)Anacquiescing in thatwayof salvation, forourselves inparticular.Thebelieverhathacordiallikingofit,forthewayofhissalvation,asperfectlysafe,beingthepowerofGod,andthewisdomofGod,1Cor.1:24.Hissoulpronounceththemsafeandhappy, thatare in it,hedesires forhisownparttobefoundinit;andispersuadedhewouldbesavedifhewereinit.Thus faith acted in thewoman diseasedwith an issue of blood,Matth.9:21,"Shesaidwithinherself, ifImaybuttouchhisgarment,Ishallbewhole."Andthusitactethinallbelievers,determiningthemtothatway,andtothatwayalone, fortheircase inparticular.Andhereunbelieversarealwaysunsettled.

4. A betaking one's self unto Christ and his righteousness alone forsalvationfromsinandwrath.Thisisdonebythistrusting.Forthesinnerbelieving that Christ is his Saviour, and that his righteousness ismadeover to him by free gift; and withal, that this his Saviour, with hisrighteousness, is sufficient to save him from sill and wrath; dothaccordingly trustonChrist andhis righteousness forhisownsalvation,andsobetakehimselfthereto:evenasabeggaroncehaving,andwithalbelievinghimselftohaverichesandwealthmadeovertohimbyafriend,leavesofftobeg,andforhismaintenancetruststothatwealthallenarly;and thereupon betakes himself to it. It is true, that wealth being acorporalthing,towhichthereisabodilymotion,thebetakingone'sselftheretoisnotthesamethingwiththetrustingtoit;howbeittheformerisa native consequent of the latter: but Christ and his righteousness, asrevealed unto faith, being things purely spiritual, to which there is nobodily motion requisite, that we may betake ourselves to them; thetrustingandbetakingone'sselfthereto,areoneandthesame.Sobythis

trust,thesoultakespossessionofChristandhisrighteousness;anduseththesameasitsown,tothepurposeofsalvation.Byitthesinnerbetakeshimself as a condemned man, unto Jesus Christ as the propitiatorymercy-seatthroughhisblood,affordingsafetytotheguiltybeforeaholyGod:andby it thesinnerbetakeshimselfasasickman,unto thesameJesus as the physician of souls having the fulness of the Spirit ofsanctification inhim, tobe communicated.Accordingly faith is calledacomingtoChrist,John6:35;afleeingforrefuge,asoneinhazardofhislifebyapursuer,Heb.6:18;and isoftenexpressed,asPsalm2:12,byawordwhichproperlysignifies,toretireasintoashadow,Judg.9:15,orasthechickensdounderthewingsofthehen,Ruth2:12,"TheLordGodofIsrael, under whose wings thou art come to trust;" properly to retire.CompareMatth. 23:37, "Howoftenwould I have gathered thy childrentogether,evenasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings!"

5.Lastly,This trustof faith importsanaffiance,confidence,or trustonChrist and his righteousness, that he will save us from sin and wrath,according to his promise set before us in the gospel; "Whosoeverbelieveth in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Isa. 25:9,"Wehavewaited forhim,andhewill saveus."Heb.3:6,"Whosehousearewe, ifwehold fast theconfidence." Isa.50:10, "Lethimtrust in thenameoftheLord,andstayuponhisGod."Andthatthistrustoffaithisthus particular, is evident also from the nature of the thing. Forwhosoevertrustsinapersonforanything,hathapersuasionofthesamedegreeof firmnesswiththetrust, thatthatpersonwilldothatthingforhim.Andforasuretokenofthis,wherethepartytrustedfails,thepartytrustingisashamedandconfounded;asbeingdisappointedinthatwhichhe trusted he would do for him.Wherefore, since the trust of faith isneverdisappointed, the scripturedoth therefore assureus, thathe thatbelievethonhimshallnotbeconfounded,1Pet.2:6.norashamed,Rom.10:11. The which doth sufficiently intimate, that he that believeth onJesus Christ for salvation, doth trust that he will save him: otherwisethere couldbenoplace forhisbeing confoundedor ashamedwhatevershould be the event of his trust. Accordingly the trust of faith doth, inproportion to the firmness thereof, establish and fix the heart, Psalm112:7,"Hisheartisfixed,trustingintheLord:"andhereofwehaveaplaininstanceinPaul'scase,2Tim.1:12,"Iamnotashamed,forIknowwhom

Ihavebelieved,"margor trusted.Agreeablehereunto, faith is called ineffectabuildingonChrist,asuponafoundationthatwillbearourweight,Isa. 28:16,with 1Pet. 2:6. It is called a leaninguponhim,Cant. 8:5; astayingonhim,Isa.26:3;arestingorrelyingonhim,2Chron.14:11,and16:8. as upon one thatwill bear us up; a looking unto him, Isa. 45:22,havingoureyesuponhim,2Chron.20:12,asonefromwhomwelookforlife and salvation; and finally, believing on him, 1 Pet. 2:6, as one bywhomweshallbesaved,Acts15:11.

The sinner being shaken out of all confidence for life and salvation inotherthings,stayshimselfbyfaithonJesusChristandhisrighteousness;trusting on him, that he shall have life and salvation through hisrighteousness.Itistrue,indeed,thisparticulartrustandconfidencemaybeassaultedwithmanydoubtsandfears:butthesearethingsthatfaithhathtoconflictwith,as itsopposites;andthestronger that faith is, thelesstheyprevail;theweakerit is,theyprevailthemore:Matt.14:31,"Othou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" It is indeed of verydifferentdegreesindifferentpersons,andinoneandthesamepersonatdifferent times:but if you removeall trust and confidence inChrist forone's own salvation, from faith, the very nature and essence of it isdestroyed.Foratthatrate,thesinner,whoseconfidenceinthefleshforhissalvationisrazed,havingnoconfidenceforitinChristneither,isleftquite unsettled and wavering, like a wave of the sea, or a reed in thewater: and where then is faith's building, leaning, staying, relying andresting the soul on Christ? James 1:6, "Let him ask in faith, nothingwavering: forhethatwavereth is likeawaveof thesea,drivenwiththewind,andtossed."Ver.7,"ForletnotthatmanthinkthatheshallreceiveanythingoftheLord."Butthebelievingsinner,findinghisconfidenceinthe flesh razed, doth, by believing, cast the anchor of his trust andconfidenceonChristJesusandhisrighteousness,confidingandtrustingthathewillsavehim.Andhoweverhemayindeedwaverinthatmatter;being tossed with doubts and fears about his salvation, weakening theactings of that his confidence; and sometimes prevailing so far, as tocauseanintermittingoftheexercisethereof:yet,eveninthatcase,underall that tossing, he doth not waver like a wave of the sea, that hathnothing to fix it;butonly likea shipatanchor.Hisconfidence isneverquiterootedout,astothehabitthereof;butwillagainexertitself:andin

that respect every believer, as a real "partaker of Christ, holds thebeginningof his confidence stedfast unto the end,"Heb. 3:14.And thistrust and confidence is what our reformers called assurance, anddescribedfaithby.

OBJECTION1.Sinceitisnottrueofallwhohearthegospel,thattheyshallbesaved;therecannotbe,inthecaseofeveryoneofthem,agroundonwhichthisparticulartrustmaybewarrantablyfounded.ANSWER.Allandeveryoneofthem,notwithstandingthat,haveasolidgroundfor it,evenfortrustingonChristandhisrighteousnessfortheirownsalvationinparticular.AndthatistherecordandtestimonyofGodinhisgospel,that "whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlastinglife,"John3:16.Thetruesenseofwhich,asappearsfromwhatissaid,is,thatwhosoevershallhavethistrustandconfidenceinChrist,shallnotbedisappointed,butshallcertainlybesaved.HerethenisthefaithfulnessofGodinhisword, for the foundationof this faithofparticular trust:andtruefaithisalwaysbuiltonthatfoundation.Itiscertainindeed,that,intheevent,manytowhomthegospelcomeswillnotbesaved:butthen,itis as certain, that thosewhowill not be saved,will not believeneither;thatis,theywillnotcomeuptothisparticulartrustandconfidence,wehavedescribedfromtheword,Isa.53:1,"Whohathbelievedourreport?andtowhomisthearmoftheLordrevealed?"Howbeit,atthisratetheyhaveafirmgroundofparticularconfidence.Iftheywillnotbelieveforallthis,theirruinisofthemselves,theywillperishwithoutexcuse:andtheirunbelief will be the great ground of their condemnation. Jesus Christ,withhisrighteousnessandsalvation,issofarmadetheirs,bytheFather'sappointment,andhisownoffer,thattheymaylawfullyandwarrantablytrustonhimastheirSaviour,eachoneforhisownsalvation.Iftheywillnotbelieveit,ornottrustonhimaccordingly;theydo,bytheirunbeliefanddistrust,dishonourtheFatherandhisSon,andmostjustlyperish.

OBJECTION2.ManytrustinChristastheirSaviour,withaparticularconfidencethathewillsavethem;andyetaregrosslyignorant,profane,or formal hypocrites; and therefore not true believers, nor united toChrist. ANSWER. The apostle speaking of faith unfeigned, 1 Tim. 1:5,doth suppose that there is a feigned faith. And indeed such trusters inChrist have it: but as for this trust which we have described from the

word,itisascertaintheyhareitnot,asitiscertainthattruefaithpurifiestheheart,Acts15:9,andtrulysanctifies,chap.26:18.Assuchtrusterssay,that they receive Christ, and rest on him alone for salvation, embrace,accept,andconsenttohiminthegospel-offer:evensotheysay,thattheytrustonhim.Butthistrustonhimtheyreallyhavenot.For, first,Theytrustnotonhimforhiswholesalvation;nay,asforthechiefpartthereof,to wit, salvation from sin, they are by no means reconciled thereto:wherefore it may well be an object of their fears and aversion; but itcannotbeanobjectoftheirtrustSecondly,Theytrustnotonhimaloneforthesalvationtheyreallydesire:theydonottrustonhimwithalltheirheart;butpartly tohim, andpartly to their owndoingsand sufferings,betwixtwhichand theSaviour theirheart isdivided.This is clear fromMatth. 5:3, "Blessed are thepoor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdomofheaven."Lastly,TheirtrustisnotgroundedonthefaithfulnessofGodinthefreepromiseofthegospel;butreareduponsomeoneorothersandyfoundation: Isa. 53:1, "Who hath believed our report?" Matth. 7:26,"Everyonethatheareththesesayingsofmine,anddoththemnot,shallbelikenedontoafoolishmanwhichbuilthishouseuponthesand."

Andthushaveweshown,whatisthatfaithorbelievingbywhichasinnerunites with Jesus Christ, and so enters savingly into the covenant ofgrace.WhyGodhathappointedittobethemeansofunionwithChrist,maybelearnedfromRom.4:16,"Thereforeitisoffaith,thatitmightbeby grace;" ofwhich before.Here I shall only observe, that this trustingwhollyonChristandhisrighteousnessforhiswholesalvation,isanaptmeansor instrumentofunion,betwixtChrist thepartytrusted,andthesoul trusting on him; forasmuch as the soul is therein so carried forthuntohim,thatfromthatmomentitisthereby,asitwere,whollytostandor fall with him; as the superstructure with the foundation; the leanerwith the leaning-stock; the thing relying, resting, staying upon anotherthing,with thestayorbaseonwhich it is laid.Wherefore, theobjectoffaithbeing infallible, theythatthustrust intheLord,shallbeasmountZion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever, Psalm 125:1.TherebytheyareunitedtoChrist,andbeingunitedtohim,arepersonallyinstateduthecovenanttotheireternalsalvation.

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TheCovenantofGracebyThomasBoston,Copyright©2019

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