A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace, Treatise · Chapter 9

A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace · Treatise · Chapter 9

p. 143CHAP. IX. Of the Covenant that God made with David.

THis Covenant of Grace was further manifeſted to David, to whom the Lord doth moſt aboundantly and familiarly make knowne the riches of his free-grace and love. And is this O Lord the manner of men? 2 Sam. 7. 19. Or as Junius readeth it, and that after the manner of men, O Lord God, that is, thou dealeſt familiarly with me, as a man dealeth with man,Amam: id que ſecundum conſuetudinem hominis ſeu hominum: (i) ac ſi amicus cum amico ageret, S…hingler. Huc adducit, Chald. foreign Et hoc, hic agendi modu… conveniens eſt filijs hominum. q d. ita …olet amicu… cum amico colloqui & familiariter animi ſui ſententiam depromere. Sept. foreign, &c. Em. Sa. Lex hominis. q d. ſic mecum agi…, ut ſolet h…mo cum amico. 1 Chron. 17. 17. And thou haſt provided for me according to the manner of men concerning this excellency, O Lord God, or, thou haſt provided for me this excellency, according to the manner of men. I ſee, for I provide for: for the Hebrews, when they have not compound verbes, doe uſe ſimple in their ſtead, Piſc. & aſpexeris me ſecundum rationem hominis (i) humanam [quoad] hanc excellentiam. Engl. according to the manner of high degree or great dignity. Sept. foreign.

p. 144The Authour of this Covenant is the LordHab. 1. 12. Deut. 34. 4. Sept. foreign, Joh. 18. 30, 37. Iſa. 26. 4. 1 Sam. 2. 2. Pſal. 18. 32. & 28. 1. & 2 Sam. 2…. 2, 32. Sept. foreign, … Sam. 23. 3. Sept. foreign. al foreign, 2 Sam. 22. 47. Iſa. 30. 29. The rocke of Iſrael, Pſal. 8…. 26. The rock of Salvation, Sept foreign.Hab 1:12Deut 34:4John 18:30John 18:37Isa 26:41 Sam 2:2Ps 18:32Ps 28:12 Sam 2:22 Sam 2:322 Sam 22:47Isa 30:29Ps 8:26 God, the God of Iſrael, the God that hath bound himſelfe in Covenant unto Iſrael, who doth watch over them, walk in the midſt amongſt them, is their ſhield and buckler, and ſtrong Tower of defence. The rocke of Iſrael, the everlaſting rocke, that is, the mighty, ſtable, and immutable foundation and defence of the faithfull, who flie unto him, and truſt in him. So God is called, the Rock of their Salvation, Deut. 32. 15. Pſalm. 95. 1. Sept. foreign, the rocke of their ſtrength, Pſal. 62. 7, 8. Pſal. 31. 3. Iſa. 17. 10. Sept. foreign, Pſalm. 71. 3. Pſal. 31. 3. Sept. foreign, the rock of my heart, Pſal. 72. 26. Sept. the God of my heart: and beſides him there is none other, Iſa. 44. 8. a rock of refuge or affiance, Pſal. 94. 22. Sept. foreign, Pſal. 18. 3. Sept. foreign Rock and Redeemer are put together, Pſalm. 19. 15. Rocke and Salvation, Pſal. 62. 7.

This Covenant was made in Chriſt, and Chriſt is more clearly manifeſted in this breaking forth of the Covenant, then in any of the former. As firſt, that he was God and man in one perſon; the Son of David, who ſhould come of his loynes, and yet Davids Pſal. 110. 1. Mat. 22. 42, 45. Act. 2. 34.Ps 110:1Matt 22:42Matt 22:45Acts 2:34Lord. The Lord ſaid unto my Lord, ſit thou on my right hand, untill I make thine enemies my foot-ſtoole. Then in reſpect of his humiliation and glorification, his ſufferings and exaltation. Thou wilt not leave my ſoul in grave, nor ſuffer thine holy one to Pſal. 16. 10. Act. 2. 26, 27. & 13. 36, 37. Pſa. 8. 6. & 22. 1 Heb. 2. 7, 9. Pſal. 110. 1.Ps 16:10Acts 2:26Acts 2:27Acts 13:36Acts 13:37Ps 8:6Ps 22:1Heb 2:7Heb 2:9Ps 110:1ſee corruption. Thou haſt made him for a little inferiour to the Angels, ſc. as concerning his ſufferings: Thou hast crowned him with glory and honour. Sit thou on my right hand, untill I make thine enemies thy foot-ſtoole. Alſo in reſpect of his offices, that he ſhould be both King and Prieſt; a King to rule and governe his elect, to bridle and ſubdue his enemies; I will declare the decree, Pſal. 2. 5, 6, 7. Heb. 1. 5. Act. 13. 32, 33. Pſal. 110. 2.Ps 2:5Ps 2:6Ps 2:7Heb 1:5Acts 13:32Acts 13:33Ps 110:2the Lord hath ſaid unto me, thou art my Son: I will ſet my King upon my holy hill of Syon. Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. A Prieſt after the order of Melchiſedech, confirmed by oath, annointed with the oyle of gladneſſe. The Lord hath ſworn and will Pſal. 110. 4. Heb. 5. 8. & 7. 1…. Pſ. 45. 7.Ps 110:4Heb 5:8Heb 7:1Ps 45:7not repent, thou art a Prieſt for ever after the order of Melchiſedech. God, even thy God hath annointed thee with the oyle of p. 145gladneſs above thy fellows, that is, above all Chriſtians, who are thy fellows, conſorts and partners in the annointing. To offer up himſelfe once for all a ſweet ſmelling Sacrifice unto the Father, for the ſins of his people. Sacrifice and burnt-offering thou Pſal. 40. 7, 8. Exod. 21. 6.Ps 40:7Ps 40:8Exod 21:6wouldst not have, but mine eare haſt thou boared, or digged open: that is, thou haſt made me obedient to thy voice: or mine eare haſt thou boared, as thy ſervant for ever. The Septuagint to make the ſence plainer, ſay, but a body haſt thou fitted to me, or prepared me: meaning that his body was ordained and fitted to be a Sacrifice for the ſins of the world, when other legall SacrificesHeb. 10. 5, 10.Heb 10:5Heb 10:10 were refuſed as unprofitable. Loe I come, or am come, ſcil. into the world, to give my ſelf a Sacrifice for ſin. In the volume, Heb. 10 10. Joh. 6. 38. Pſal. 2. 8.Heb 10:10John 6:38Ps 2:8or role of thy booke it is written of me, that I ſhould doe thy will; by the which will we are ſanctified, even by the offering of the body of Jeſus once. In reſpect of his kingdome, power, glory, dignity, dominion and rule or government. Aske of me, and I will Pſal. 72. 8, 11.Ps 72:8Ps 72:11givethee the Heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost Pſal. 89. 30, 37, 38.Ps 89:30Ps 89:37Ps 89:38parts of the earth for thy poſſeſſion. He ſhall have dominion from Sea to Sea, and from the River unto the ends of the Land. All Kings ſhall worſhip him, all Nations ſhall doe him ſervice. His ſeed ſhall be for ever, and his throne as the Sun before me. As the Moon it ſhall be eſtabliſhed for ever: And as a faithfull witneſſe Iſa. 53. 10. Heb. 2. 13. Pſ. 22. 23.Isa 53:10Heb 2:13Ps 22:23in heaven. His ſeed will I eſtabliſh for ever; that is, Chriſtians borne of God, which are called Chriſts ſeed and children, as Chriſt is called the everlaſting Father. Thou haſt aſcended up on high, Iſa. 9. 6. Pſa. 68. 18. Eph. 4. 8, 9.Isa 9:6Ps 68:18Eph 4:8Eph 4:9thou haſt led captivity captive, thou haſt taken gifts for men, that is, thou haſt given and diſtributed gifts among men, which are the Miniſters of the Goſpell, given for the good of the Church.Pſ. 89. 34, 35, 36. 2 Sam. 7. 28. Thou haſt told this goodneſſe unto thy ſervant, Pſal. 89. 24. My truth alſo, and my merciemercy ſhall be with him, Pſ. 132. 11. The Lord ſware unto David in truth, Pſ. 22. 1.Ps 89:34Ps 89:35Ps 89:362 Sam 7:28Ps 89:24Ps 132:11Ps 22:1

This Covenant the Lord made of his rich mercy and grace, which he confirmed by Oath, My mercy I will not make fruſtrate from with him, nor deale falſly againſt my faithfullneſſe. I will not profane my Covenant, nor alter that which is gone out of my lips. Once have I ſworne by my holineſſe, if I lie unto David. Once have I ſworne, as God ſpake once, Pſal. 62. 11. that is, unchangeably: for an oath cannot be revoked, there is no danger of inconſtancy. David himſelfe was a type, and did beare the perſon of Chriſt, and many things ſpoken of David, were more properly fulfilled in Chriſt the perſon typified, then in David: as, p. 146My God, my God, why hast thou forſak…n me. They parted my Mat. 27. 46. Pſal. 22. 18, 19. Joh. 19. 2…, 24. Pſ. 41. 9. Joh. 13. 18. Pſ 69. 21. Job 29. 28, 2….Matt 27:46Ps 22:18Ps 22:19John 19:2John 19:24Ps 41:9John 13:18Ps 69:21Job 29:28Job 29:2garments among them, and for my coat they caſt lots. They pierced my hands and my feet. He that eat bread at my table, hath lift up the heel against me.

The things promiſed in this Covenant particularly, above thoſe that were mentioned in the former breakings forth thereof, are

1. That God would be with him, whetherſoever he went, and2 Sam. 7. 9. Pſal. 89. 22, 23.2 Sam 7:9Ps 89:22Ps 89:23 make his way proſperous, and cut off all his enemies from before his face, that he might make him a great Name, like to the name of the great men upon earth. And thus the Lord delivered him from the hand of Saul, and all his enemies, who did oppoſe him that he ſhould not raigne, O ye ſons of men, how long will ye turn Pſal 4. 3, 4.Ps 4:3Ps 4:4my glory into ſhame? How long will ye love vanity, and ſeek after leeſing? Selah. Know ye, that the Lord hath wonderfully ſeparated to himſelf the man that is godly: the Lord will heare when I call upon him.

2. That he would appoint a place for his people Iſrael, and plant2 Sam. 7. 10. … Kin. 5. 3. 1 Chron. 20. 9.2 Sam 7:101 Chr 20:9 it, that they might dwell in a place of their owne, and move no more, nor be diſquieted any more by wicked people, as in former times. And ſo God gave Iſrael reſt from all their enemies round about, and ſetled them in peace and quietneſſe by the hand of David.

3. That when the daies of David were fulfilled, and he ſhall2 Sam. 7. 12, 1…2 Sam 7:122 Sam 7:1 ſleepe with his Fathers, he would ſet up his ſeed after him, which ſhould proceed out of his body, and he ſhould build an houſe or Temple for the Name of the Lord God of Iſrael. I purpoſe (ſaith1 King. 5 5. … Chron. 20 10 which is called an houſe of reſt, Pſal. 132. 8. 1 Chro▪ 28. 2. 2 Chro. 6. 41. and the Lords ſeat or habitation, Pſ. 132. 13 Pſ. 68, 17. 1 Kin. 8. 18, 19, 20.1 Kgs 5:5Ps 132:81 Chr 28:22 Chr 6:41Ps 132:13Ps 68:171 Kgs 8:181 Kgs 8:191 Kgs 8:20 Solomon) to build an houſe unto the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spake unto David my Father, ſaying, Thy Son, whom I will ſet upon thy throne for thee, he ſhall build an houſe unto my Name. And at the dedication of the Temple he maketh mention of this promiſe: The Lord ſaid unto David my Father, whereas it was in thine heart to build an houſe unto my Name, thou didst well, that thou wast ſo minded: Nevertheleſſe thou ſhalt not build the houſe, but thy ſon that ſhall come out of thy loyns, he ſhall build the houſe unto the Lord. And the Lord hath made good the word, which he ſpake. I have built thee an houſe to dwell in, an habitation for thee to abide in for ever.… Kin. 8. 13.

p. 1474. He promiſeth to be a Father to Davids ſeed, and take him2 Sa. 7. 14. Pſa. 132. 12. Pſ. 89. 26, 27.2 Sam 7:14Ps 132:12Ps 89:26Ps 89:27 for his Son. He ſhall call upon me, thou art my Father, my God, the rock of my ſalvation. And I will make him my firſt-born, higher then the Kings of the earth; that is, the Prince and chiefeCol. 1. 15, 18. Heb. 1. 2. Iuſt in inſtitut. l. 2. tit. …9. de baered. qualit & differ. ult.Col 1:15Col 1:18Heb 1:2 of the Kings, the moſt glorious and famous of all Kings. As Chriſt is called the firſt begotten of every creature, not that he was created before all other creatures, but becauſe he is the Lord, Prince and head of every creature, and hath dominion over all creatures: and ſo the heire of all things, as heire, is ſometimes put for Lord or owner, and pro haerede gerere, is, pro Domino gerere. Haeredes enim veteres pro Dominis appellabant.

5. That his houſe ſhould be eſtabliſhed and his Kingdome for ever2 Sam. …. 16. 1 Chron. 22. 16 Pſ. 89. 29. Pſa. 89. 36, 37. 1 Kin. 11. 38. And if thou hearken unto all that I command, &c. I will build the… a f…rme houſe, &c.1 Chr 22:16Ps 89:29Ps 89:36Ps 89:371 Kgs 11:38 before the Lord, even his throne ſhould be eſtabliſhed for ever. His ſeed will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the daies of Heaven. His ſeed ſhall endure for ever, and his throne ſhall be as the Sun before me. He ſhall be establiſhed for evermore as the Moon, as a faithfull witneſſe in the heaven: that is, his Kingdome ſhall be perpetuall and glorious. For although the Moone waxeth and waineth and ſeemeth ſometimes to be gone, yet it is continually renewed, and ſo ſtable: which is a fit reſemblance of the Church, which hath not alwaies one face or appearance in the world, though it be perpetuall. And though for the ſins of the people and Davids houſe, the ſtate of his Kingdome and houſePſ. 89. 30, 31, 32, 33.Ps 89:30Ps 89:31Ps 89:32Ps 89:33 decayed, yet God reſerved ſtill a root, till he had accompliſhed this promiſe in Chriſt.

6. That his houſe ſhould be as the Morning light, when the Sun2 Sam. 23. 4. Pſ. 132. 15, 16. Her victuals I will bleſſe, her poore I will ſatisfie with bread, Pſal. 18. 28. The Lord hath lightned my candle, that is, given me comfort, joy, proſperity after troubles. 2 Sam. 23. 5.2 Sam 23:4Ps 132:15Ps 132:16Ps 18:282 Sam 23:5 ariſeth, the morning I ſay without clouds, and as the graſſe of the earth with cleare ſhining after raine: that is, it ſhall ſhine with all light of glory and proſperity, and flouriſh or be green perpetually, as the herbes and graſſe which is refreſhed with ſeaſonable rain and heate.

Theſe gracious and free promiſes God made to David and to his houſe, and to the whole Kingdome of Iſrael, not for their righteouſneſſe, but of his manifold and great mercy. And as he promiſed them without conſideration of their deſert, ſo of his rich grace and love undeſerved, he made them good. For Davids houſe was not ſuch as it ought to be before God, they kept not promiſe & Covenant: but the Lord was mercifull and gracious, he did not forget his truth, nor ſuffer his mercies to faile▪ If his children p. 148Pſ. 89. 30, 31, 32Ps 89:30Ps 89:31Ps 89:32forſake my Law, and walke not in my judgements, if they breake 2 Sam. 7. 14, 15. 1 King. 11. 11, 12, 32, 33, 34, 36. Pſal. 132. 11, 12.2 Sam 7:142 Sam 7:151 Kgs 11:111 Kgs 11:121 Kgs 11:321 Kgs 11:331 Kgs 11:341 Kgs 11:36Ps 132:11Ps 132:12my ſtatutes, and keepe not my Commandements: Then will I viſit their tranſgreſſion with the rod, and their iniquity with ſtroakes: But my loving kindneſſe will I not take from him, neither will I falſifie my truth. True it is, the Lord did correct the poſterity of David for their ſinne with moderate correction, and for their profit, that they might be partakers of holineſſe: But even when it did not bud or come on according to that which ſeemed to be promiſed, the Lord was moſt faithfull in his promiſes: for it was their ſinne that kept them downe. And for this (ſaith the Lord1 King. 11. 39.1 Kgs 11:39 to Solomon) I will afflict the houſe of David, but not for ever: for the whole ſpirituall kingdome was reſtored in the Meſſiah. I will make the horne of David to bud, I have ordained a lampe Pſal. 132. 17, 18. 1 King. 15. 4.Ps 132:17Ps 132:181 Kgs 15:4for mine annointed: that is, I will make the Kingdome and power to encreaſe. For Davids ſake did the Lord his God give him a light in Jeruſalem, and ſet up his ſon after him, and eſtabliſhed Jeruſalem. Yet the Lord would not deſtroy Judah, for David his 2 King. 8. 19.2 Kgs 8:19ſervants ſake, as he had promiſed him, to give him a light, and to his children for ever. Great deliverance giveth he unto his King (he is the magnifier of ſalvations unto his King) and ſheweth mercy Pſal. 18. 51.Ps 18:51unto his annointed, to David and to his ſeed for ever.

7. That the Prieſts ſhould be cloathed with ſalvation, and thePſal. 132. 16.Ps 132:16 Saints with joyfullneſſe: that is, the miniſtration of the Prieſts ſhould be profitable and ſaving to the people, which ſhould be an ornament to them, as a garment of honour, and the people ſhould ſing cheerefully. The ſalvation of the perſon only is not here meant, but the conſervation of the miniſtery; as if it ſhould be ſaid, I will cauſe that the miniſtery of the Prieſts be ſafe, that it ſhall not be troubled with ungodly men, nor defiled with the filth of errour: and that it ſhall be effectuall in the minds of the godly, and many by the bleſſing of this miniſtery may obtaine eternall happineſſe. It may alſo be applied to the private ſalvation of the Prieſts, becauſe they ſhould be defended and protected from above, and adorned with bleſſings of all kind. Great and pretious are the promiſes which God hath given to Iſrael in this Covenant: as that God by viſible teſtimonies of his preſence would be pleaſed to dwell amongſt them, and not forſake them, that he would heare their prayers, when they prayed before him towards his holy Temple; that the Church and politie of Iſrael ſhould continue, p. 149that it ſhould be effectuall, and the people bleſſed with reſt, peace,2 Sam. 25. 5. Rom. 11. 29. Lam. 5. 19. Gal. 3. 20. 2 Sam. 25. 5. Sept. foreign. Pſal. 5. 4. foreign. Pſal. 23. 5. Iſa. 21. 5. Sept. foreign Pſ. 178. 19▪ Pſal. 132. 17. Judg. 20. 22. Gen. 14. 8. Sept. foreign. & 22. 9. foreign, Lev. 1. 7, 8, 12. Sept. foreign, Al. foreign. Prov. 9. 2. Sept. foreign. Aquin. foreign. Sym. foreign. Th. foreign. Joſh. 2. 8. Pſa. 50. 21. 1 King. 2. 3, 4. 1 King. 3. 6. 1 King. 8. 57, 58. 1 Chro. 28. 7. I will eſtabliſh his Kingdome for ever, if he endeavour to doe my Commandements. 2 Sam. 23. 5. Pſal, 78. 71. Pſal. 101. 1, 2. Hodie non imperavi, quia nemini bene ſeci.Rom 11:29Lam 5:19Gal 3:20Ps 5:4Ps 23:5Isa 21:5Ps 132:17Judg 20:22Gen 14:8Lev 1:7Lev 1:8Lev 1:12Prov 9:2Josh 2:8Ps 50:211 Kgs 2:31 Kgs 2:41 Kgs 3:61 Kgs 8:571 Kgs 8:581 Chr 28:72 Sam 23:5Ps 101:1Ps 101:2 joy and bleſſings of all ſorts ſpirituall and temporall.

This Covenant that God made with David is everlaſting, that is unchangeable: becauſe the gifts and calling of God is without repentance. His word ſhall be eſtabliſhed for ever in Heaven: and though the courſe of the promiſe be interrupted for a time, it ſhall bud, and ſpring, and bring forth fruit.

It is alſo a well ordered Covenant in all things, fitly marſhalled, diſpoſed or ſet forth as an army in comely order, orderly addreſſed, prepared, ſetled, furniſhed, directed, firme and ſure: that is, the good things promiſed were all prepared and in readineſſe, and ſhould be performed in comely order, and fit ſeaſon. But the ordering of this moſt deſired and ſaving Covenant, was in the power and pleaſure of God, both in reſpect of his houſe, the Kingdome, and the whole Church of Chriſt, who had faithfully promiſed, and would effectually make good in his own time, whatſoever he had ſpoken.

And it is a ſure Covenant faithfully to be kept and obſerved: a Covenant that God doth remember, taketh heed unto, and will make good for his mercy ſake. For the Lord is faithfull, and will not deny himſelfe, though we be inconſtant, unfaithfull and apt to ſtart aſide.

The condition of this Covenant is, that they ſhould walke in the wayes of the Lord, and keepe his watch; take heed to the charge of the Lord their God, and keepe his ſtatutes and his Commandements, and his judgements, and his teſtimonies; to walke before the Lord in truth, with all their ſoules. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our Fathers that he forſake us not, nor leave us: That he may bow our hearts unto him, that we may walke in all his wayes, and keepe his Commandements, and his Statutes, and his Lawes, which he commanded our Fathers. Particularly, He that ruleth over men, that is, the Iſraelites, must be juſt, ruling in the feare of God. And thus it is obſerved of David, That he f…d Jacob and Iſrael according to the integrity of his heart, and guided, or led them by the diſcretion of his hands; that is, with moſt prudent and diſcreete adminiſtration managed he them. This was that which David promiſed, I will ſing of mercy and judgement to thee, O Lord, will I ſing: I will doe wiſely in the perfect way, oh, when wilt thou come unto me. The Prieſts they muſt juſtly p. 150and holily adminiſter their office. Let the Prieſts be cloathed Pſal. 132. 9.Ps 132:9with righteouſneſſe: The Prophet ſpeakes not ſo much of the righteouſneſſe of their perſons, but of their office: the firſt is a great ornament of the miniſtery, the other more neceſſary in reſpect of the body of the Church; ſc. that they fullfill their miniſtery, teaching ſound and incorrupt doctrine, exhorting, admoniſhing, comforting, ſacrificing, and performing all other offices and ſervices which the Lord commanded. The whole body of the people, they ſhould walke in holineſſe, ſing of the praiſes of God, and give up themſelves unto God as an holy people, zealous of good works.

As for the execution of this Covenant; Firſt, David did fight the warres of God, and the Lord was with him, and did proſper2 Sam. 7. 2. 1 Chro. 17. 2. 1 Chro. 23. 25. 2 Sam. 5. 9, 10, 12. 1 Chro. 1…. 1, 3. and 16. 1, 2, 3, &c. Pſ. 132. 1, 2, 3. A…xia animi ſollicitudine.2 Sam 7:21 Chr 17:21 Chr 23:252 Sam 5:92 Sam 5:102 Sam 5:121 Chr 1:11 Chr 1:31 Chr 16:11 Chr 16:21 Chr 16:3Ps 132:1Ps 132:2Ps 132:3 him, untill his enemies were ſubdued, and the people had reſt and peace from them that were round about them.

2. He prepared a place for the Arke of the Lord at Jeruſalem, and ſet it there. David prepared a place for the Arke of the Lord, and pitched for it a tent: And he gathered all Iſrael together to bring up the Arke of the Lord unto his place which he had ordained for it. Remember David, and all his afflictions; how he ſwore unto God, and vowed a vow unto the mighty God of Jacob.

3. He ſet the courſes of the Prieſts in their offices, and the Levites2 Chron 8. 14. and 29. 25. 1 Chron. 23. 28, 29, 30. 1 Chron. 24 1, 2, &c.2 Chr 8:142 Chr 29:251 Chr 23:281 Chr 23:291 Chr 23:301 Chr 24:11 Chr 24:2 in their watches, for to praiſe and miniſter before the Prieſts every day, and the Porters by their courſes at every gate. The office of the Levites was under the hand of the ſonne of Aaron, for the ſervice of the houſe of the Lord in the courts, and chambers, and in the purifying of holy things, and in the worke of the ſervice of the houſe of God, &c. So David and the Captaines of the Army 1 Chro. 25. 1, 2.1 Chr 25:11 Chr 25:2ſeparated for the miniſtery, the ſonnes of Aſaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun, who ſhould ſing prophecies with Harpes, with Viols, and with Cymbals. He appointed alſo diviſions of Porters of 1 Chro. 26. 1….1 Chr 26:1the chiefe men, having the charge among their brethren, to ſerve in the houſe of the Lord. And of the Levites, Abijah was over the treaſures of the houſe of God, and over the treaſures of the dedicate things. And Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treaſures of the dedicate things, which David the King; and verſ. …6.the chiefe Fathers, the Captaines over thouſands, and hundreds, and the Captaines of the Army had dedicated.

p. 1514. He made preparation for the houſe of God, exhorted the Princes, and encouraged his ſonne Solomon unto the work. I have 1 Chro. 28. 11, 12, 20, 21. 1 Chro. 29. 2, 3.1 Chr 28:111 Chr 28:121 Chr 28:201 Chr 28:211 Chr 29:21 Chr 29:3prepared with all my power for the houſe of my God, gold for veſſels of gold, and ſilver for them of ſilver, &c. Moreover, becauſe I have delight in the houſe of my God, I have of mine owne gold and ſilver, which I have given to the houſe of my God, beſide all that I have prepared for the houſe of the Sanctuary. And the verſ. 7, 8, 9.Princes of the families gave for the ſervice of the houſe of God, five thouſand talents of gold, and ten thouſand pieces, &c. And they with whom pretious ſtones were found, gave them to the treaſure of the houſe of the Lord. And the people rejoyced when they offered willingly; for they offered willingly unto the Lord with a fit heart.

5. God gave Solomon a large heart for wiſedome and underſtanding, to goe in and out before the people. Behold, I have done 1 King. 3. 12, 28.1 Kgs 3:121 Kgs 3:28according to thy words; loe I have given thee a wiſe and an understanding 2 Chron. 1. 7, 12.2 Chr 1:72 Chr 1:12heart, ſo that there hath been none like thee before thee, neither after thee ſhall ariſe the like unto thee.

6. The Lord magnified Solomon in dignity, in the ſight of all1 Chro. 29. 25.1 Chr 29:25 Iſrael, and gave him ſo glorious a Kingdome, as no King had before him in Iſrael. And the King gave ſilver and gold at Jeruſalem 2 Chron. 1. 1…. & 9. 27. 2 Chron. 9. 22. ver. 23.2 Chr 1:12 Chr 9:272 Chr 9:22as stones, and gave Cedar trees as the wild figge trees, that are aboundantly in the plaine. So King Solomon excelled all the Kings of the earth, in riches and wiſedome. And all the Kings of the earth ſought the preſence of Solomon, to heare his wiſedome that God had put in his heart. And they brought every ver. 26. 1 Chron. 28. 11, 12, 13. 1 King. 6. 1. 2 Chron. …. 1….1 Chr 28:111 Chr 28:121 Chr 28:131 Kgs 6:1man his preſent. And he reigned over all the Kings from the river, even unto the Land of the Philiſtines, and to the border of Egypt.

7. Solomon built the Temple upon the Mount Mo…iah, the place appointed and appropriated by the Lord, according to the patterne ſhewed unto him by his father David. So Solomon began to build the houſe of the Lord in Jeruſalem, in Mount Moriah, which had been declared unto David his Father, in the place that David prepared in the threſhing floore of Ornan the Jebuſite.

8. Alſo he dedicated the houſe of God, bleſſed the people, praiſed God for his goodneſſe, prayed unto the Lord that his eyes… Chron. 6. …, 20, 21, &c. might be open towards this houſe day and night, even toward this place, whereof the Lord had ſaid, that he would put his name p. 152there, that he would hearken unto the prayer, which his ſervants pray in that place. This prayer of Solomon the Lord anſwered firſt by ſignes of acceptation: for when he had made an end of praying, fire 2 Chron. 7. 1, 2.2 Chr 7:12 Chr 7:2came downe from Heaven, and conſumed the burnt offering and the ſacrifices: and the glory of the Lord filled the houſe, ſo that the Prieſts could not enter into the houſe of the Lord, becauſe the glory of the Lord had filled the Lords houſe. And then the Lord appeared to Solomon 2 Chron. 7. 12, 13, 16.2 Chr 7:122 Chr 7:132 Chr 7:16by night, and ſaid to him, I have heard thy prayer, and have choſen this place for my ſelfe to be an houſe of Sacrifice. And I have now choſen and ſanctified this houſe, that my Name may be there for ever: and mine eyes, and mine heart ſhall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walke before me, as David thy Father walked, to doe according Verſ. 17, 18.unto all that I have commanded thee; and ſhalt obſerve my Statutes and my Judgements, Then will I eſtabliſh the throne of thy Kingdome according as I made the Covenant with David thy Father, ſaying, Thou ſhalt not want a man to be ruler in Iſrael.

Hitherto things ſucceeded proſperouſly, the King going before, the people followed with joy and cheerfulneſſe, and the bleſſing of God accompanied them. But when they turned aſide, and forſooke the ſtatutes and commandements, which the Lord had ſet before them, and went and ſerved other Gods, and worſhipped them, then the Lord afflicted the houſe of David, and the houſe which he had ſanctified for his name, he caſt out of his ſight, and made it a Proverbe and a common talke among all people, and an aſtoniſhment to every one that paſſed by.

In this Covenant therefore the internall efficacy and outward adminiſtration is to be diſtinguiſhed: or ſome things are abſolutely promiſed, or if upon condition ſo as God will make good the condition; others are conditionally promiſed, ſo as they take not effect, becauſe the condition was not made good. In the firſt ſence, God promiſed a Sonne to David, who ſhould ſit upon his throne, and build an houſe unto the Lord God of Iſrael: He promiſed alſo to eſtabliſh his throne for ever: but that tooke not effect in Solomon, but in Chriſt, who came of the loynes of David, and in whoſe hand the ſpirituall Kingdome was eſtabliſhed for ever-more. I will establiſh thy ſeed for ever; and I will build thy Pſal. 89. 5. Verſ. 30.Ps 89:5throne from generation to generation. If you ſeeke for corporall ſucceſſion in the ſtock of David, it failed together with the Kingdome: but this eternity is to be found in Chriſt, who builded a p. 153Kingdome, that ſhall never fade; an heavenly and ſpirituall Kingdome, which ſhall not ceaſe, before things that are in Heaven doe periſh and vaniſh away, that is, never; not earthly and corporall, which is ſubject to change and alteration. In this ſence2 Sam. 23. 5.2 Sam 23:5 David ſaith, This was all his Salvation, and all his deſire, although he made it not to bud, that is, he reſted in this alone, that God would effect and make good his promiſe; not for their righteouſneſſe, (for Davids houſe was not ſuch as it ought, kept not Covenant with God) but for his great names ſake. In the ſecond ſence many things were promiſed, which never tooke effect, and yet God is faithfull and true, becauſe the condition was broken. To the ſpirituall houſe of David, ſo to ſpeake, was promiſed pardon of ſinne, adoption, comfort, joy, and an heavenly inheritance; all this was made good, for God freely called them by his Spirit, and by his power kept them by faith unto Salvation. Though the houſe of David loſt the Kingdome and government in Iſrael, yet God preſerved his poſterity untill Chriſt came, in whom the throne of David was eſtabliſhed for ever: for this was abſolutely promiſed. But the temporall glory of Davids houſe, and the peace of Iſrael was changed, becauſe they changed the ordinances, neglected the charge, and brake the Commandements of God. If his ſonnes forſake my Law, and walke not in my Pſal. 89. 31, 32▪Ps 89:31Ps 89:32judgements: If they prophane my ſtatutes, and keep not my Commandements; Then will I viſit his tranſgreſſions with the rod, and his ſin with ſcourges. If ye turne away, and forſake my ſtatutes and my Commandements, 2 Chron. 7. 19, 20, 21, 22.2 Chr 7:192 Chr 7:202 Chr 7:212 Chr 7:22which I have ſet before you, and ſhall goe and ſerve other gods and worſhip them, Then will I pluck them up out of my Land which I have given them, and this Houſe which I have ſanctified for my Name, will I caſt out of my ſight, and will make it to be a Proverbe and a common talke among all people. And this Houſe which is most high, ſhall be an astoniſhment to every one that paſſeth by it, ſo that he ſhall ſay, Why hath the Lord done thus to this Land, and to this Houſe? And they ſhall anſwer, Becauſe they forſooke the Lord God of their Fathers, which brought them out of the Land of Egypt, and have taken Sep. foreign.hould on other gods, and have worſhipped them, and ſerved them, therefore hath he brought all this evill upon them. Davids heart was not perfect with the Lord in the matter of Ʋriah, and for that cauſe the ſword of God never departed from his houſe. When Solom…n waxed old, and gave his heart to pleaſure, his outlandiſh p. 154wives inticed him to Idolatry: and the Lord rent ten tribes from the houſe of David. In after times the houſe of David fell away more and more, the Prieſts neglected the charge of God, and the people grew prophane, obſtinate, impenitent: and then the Lord abhorred his people, was wroth with his heritage, and gave his glory unto the enemies hand. Jeruſalem was laid waſt and deſolate, the Temple burnt with fire, the Princes led captive and made tributary, the aged were deſpiſed, the young men made ſlaves and bond men, maidens d…floured, and children daſhed againſt the walles. They were ſlaine with the ſword, burnt up with famine, languiſhed through oppreſſion, miſery and ſorrow, had in contempt and deriſion daily, but there was none to pittie or comfort them. Nevertheleſſe, the promiſe of God was firme and ſure to all the ſeed, in reſpect of the things abſolutely promiſed, for the infidelity of man cannot make the faith of God of none effect.

Hence we learne, two things are to be conſidered in the Covenant, 1. The perſons in Covenant according to the externall adminiſtration, or according to the effectuall purpoſe and internall adminiſtration. 2. The good things promiſed not only temporall, but ſpirituall. For they are either ſuch as are abſolutely neceſſary to ſalvation, or ſuch as concerne the welfare of a Chriſtian, his peace, joy, chearfull and conſtant walking with God without offence, and ſuch like. To the firſt ſort, the promiſes of the Covenant are made ſincerely, but conditionally, If they doe well they ſhall be accepted; if they conſent and obey, they ſhall inherit the good things of the Land. To the other being effectually called, all other promiſes are made abſolutely, or at leaſt ſhall abſolutely be made good, becauſe God will give them to doe what he requireth. Effectuall calling is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that ſheweth mercy. It is wrought freely, effectually, certainly, but when, where and as the Lord will, not conditionally, nor according to promiſe to this or that perſon. God promiſeth he will preſerve his Church, and uphold the ſeed of David: but to this or that perſon God hath not promiſed, that he ſhall be brought home, or gathered to the flock. The Covenant made preſuppoſeth man called, and taking hold of the Covenant, it doth not promiſe that he ſhall be effectually wrought upon, and powerfully drawne to lay hould upon the promiſe. Faith is the gift of God, which he giveth as p. 155he pleaſeth: but to the believer he aſſureth all other neceſſary good things, with continuance in faith, according to his free Covenant.

Of good things ſpirituall there be two ſorts, as was ſaid, ſome abſolutely neceſſary, as faith, repentance, pardon of ſinne, perſeverance, eternall life, and theſe are all moſt certainly promiſed, and aſſuredly conferred. And though Juſtification and eternall life be conditionall, promiſed unto and ſo beſtowed upon the unfained beleever: yet may they be called abſolute, becauſe God giveth to the man in Covenant every thing neceſſary to Salvation. Other things are good in themſelves and profitable, as joy and chearfulneſſe of heart, deliverance from ſcandalous and reproachfull evils, wounding conſcience, and grieving the Spirit. And theſe are not promiſed, nor evermore beſtowed upon the faithfull. David may be an inſtance hereof; He was not preſerved from ſinne-waſting conſcience, and ſtaining the ſoul, but was recovered from the danger thereof. To repent of the ſinne, and to be pardoned of free grace, was neceſſary to Salvation, God therefore vouchſafed this ſure mercy unto him. To be kept from falling was not of that neceſſity, God therefore ſuffered him to fall to cure pride of heart, make him know himſelf, and magnifie the riches of his grace in his recovery.

This is evident from this, that in the Covenant as the Lord promiſed mercy, which he performed, ſo he threatned judgement, and deſtruction againſt them that did diſobey, if they perſiſted obſtinate and would not returne. And therefore both in ſhewing mercy, and inflicting puniſhment, the Lord dealt according to promiſe. Sometimes when the houſe of David ſinned, the Lord ſpared them, but then he gave them hearts to humble themſelves, and ſo the judgement was prevented. Thus ſaith the Lord▪ Ye have forſaken me, therefore have I alſo left you in the 2 Chron. 12. 5, 6, 7, 8. Sept. foreign. Sept. foreign.2 Chr 12:52 Chr 12:62 Chr 12:72 Chr 12:8hands of Shiſhak. Then the Princes of Iſrael, and the King humbled themſelves, and ſaid. The Lord is juſt. And when the Lord ſaw, that they humbled themſelves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, ſaying, They have humbled themſelves, therefore I will not destroy them, but I will ſend them deliverance ſhortly, and my wrath ſhall not be poured out upon Jeruſalem by the hand of Shiſhak. Nevertheleſſe they ſhall be his ſervants: ſo ſhall they know my ſervice, and the ſervice of the verſ. 12.Kings of the earth. And becauſe he humbled himſelf, the wrath of the p. 156Lord turned from him, that he would not deſtroy him altogether. And alſo in Judah the things prospered. Sometimes the Lord poured his wrath upon Judah and Jeruſalem, according as he threatned, but he let them goe on in the ſtubbornneſſe of their hearts, untill they had filled up the meaſure of their iniquity, and till there was no remedy. So he gave them into the enemies hand, and ſuffered his Name to be polluted amongſt the Heathen, when he had tryed by all meanes to bring them home, but they would not repent. The Kingdome of David was for ever eſtabliſhed, and God preſerved a Church and people unto himſelfe, according to his good pleaſure, for this was abſolutely willed and foretold, but performed according to promiſe of free grace and love. Thus God is ſerious in all his Promiſes and Commandements, according as he is pleaſed to give them: and effectually brings to paſſe his own purpoſe of grace, according to that which he hath promiſed. With this promiſe they preſſe the Lord in their captivity, Why dost thou forg…t Lam. 5. 20. 21. Sept. foreign. Pſal. 80. 4. Pſal. 126. 1, 2. Pſal 4. 7.Lam 5:20Lam 5:21Ps 80:4Ps 126:1Ps 126:2Ps 4:7us for ever, and forſake us ſo long time? Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we ſhall be turned: renew our dayes as of old: Turne us, O God, or reſtore us, to wit, from ſorrow to joy, from captivity to liberty: cauſe thy face to ſhine, that is, to be light, chearfull, comfortable: and we ſhall be ſaved.