The Ark of the Covenant Opened, Chapter 18

The Ark of the Covenant Opened · Chapter 18

p. 325CHAP. XVIII. Chriſt the Meſſenger or Angel of the Covenant.

THE fourth relation which Chriſt beareth in the Covenant of Grace, is, That he is the Meſſenger of the Covenant. Mal. 3.1, The Lord whom ye ſeek ſhall ſuddenly come to his temple, even the Meſſenger of the Covenant whom ye delight in. That this is ſpoken and meant of Chriſt, is acknowledged both by Chriſtian and Jewiſh Interpreters: It is alſo clear from the Text, that it can be meant of no other for the Meſſenger of the Covenant is he, before whom John the Baptiſt was ſent a Meſſenger to prepare the way, Mal. 3.1, Behold, p. 326I will ſend my Meſſenger, and he ſhall prepare the way before me. Luk. 7.27, This is he of whom it is written, behold, I ſend my Meſſenger before thy face, which ſhall prepare thy way before thee. Luk. 1.76, And thou Child ſhall be called the Prophet of the Higheſt: for thou ſhalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways. This is he who is the Lord, whom the people ſeek, and in whom they delight; he whoſe coming was much longed and looked for, by the people of God: this is he who ſitteth as a refiner, v. 2, 3. Now this can be no other but Chriſt: compare this with Luk. 2.25, 38. Iſa. 59.20. with Rom. 11.26. 2 Theſ. 2.8.

The word in the Original here foreign umalach haberith, the Meſſenger or Angel of the Covenant, as Arr. Mont. renders it; or the Angel of the Teſtament, as the Chald. Paraphraſt, with the (70), and Hieron read it; the Hebrew word, I ſay, is of a large ſignification, as foreign is in the Greek Language, and is uſed for any delegate, whether Meſſenger, Ambaſſador or Miniſter, employed for any effect, whether to declare or to act and effect any thing; and is applyed to, and uſed of men of created ſpirits, and of Chriſt; which ſhall appear in the opening of the name as it's applicable to Chriſt.

For the better underſtanding of this relation which Chriſt fuſtaineth in the Covenant: We ſhall ſhortly hold forth, 1. What the name Meſſenger or Angel of the Covenant doth import, as to the nature of the thing. 2. In what reſpects it is applicable to Chriſt. 3. Betwixt what parties he is a Meſſenger. 4. Whoſe Meſſenger he is; of one of theſe parties, or of both. 5. In what buſineſs he is a Meſſenger. 6. Somewhat of the properties of this Meſſenger of the Covenant, which commend his travelling in this employment.

And 1. the name Meſſenger or Angel doth import, 1. A delegation or Truſt: a Meſſenger is a Truſtee; it is a name of office or imployment, and doth neceſſarily import a Miſſion; therefore it is often joyned with ſending, See Mal. 3.1. Behold, I will ſend my meſſenger, and he ſhall prepare the way before me. Mat. 11.10, Behold, I ſend my meſſenger before thy face. 1 Kings 19.2, Then Jezzebel ſent a meſſenger p. 327unto Elijah, ſaying, &c. If it be asked, unto which of Chriſts offices doth this name relate? I anſwer, it doth in ſome reſpect relate to all his offices, becauſe his Meſſage is as large as his Miſſion and Unction, which includeth all his offices; but it doth more eſpecially relate to his Prophetical and Prieſtly Office, becauſe in regard of theſe mainly, he travelled betwixt the parties, and carried Meſſages and Reports hither and thither. 2. This name of Meſſenger doth import a ſubordination or ſubjection, in regard that he who ſendeth, is greater than he who is ſent, Joh. 13.16, Verily, verily I ſay unto you, the Servant is not greater than his Lord, neither he that is ſent, greater then he that ſent him. Mat. 8.9, For I am a man under Authority, having ſoldiers under me: and I ſay to this man, go, and he goeth: and to another, come, and he cometh: and to my ſervant, do this, and he doth it. And therefore it muſt be underſtood of Chriſt, in regard of his diſpenſatory employment and voluntary condeſcenſion, whereby he humbled himſelf to travel in the work of Redemption, Phil. 2, And took upon him the form of a ſervan. 3. This name of Meſſenger of the Covenant, doth import on the part of a Meſſenger, a travelling betwixt the parties of the Covenant, betwixt him who ſendeth Chriſt, and theſe to whom he is ſent, Iſa. 53.11, He ſhall ſee of the travel of his ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied. Joh. 16.28, I came forth from the father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the father. Joh. 14.2. I go to prepare a place for you. 4. This name imports correſpondence and intercourſe betwixt the parties, through the Meſſenger, and by his means and travel, 2 Sam. 11.22, 23, 25, So the meſſenger went, and came and ſhewed David all that Joab had ſent him for. And the Meſſenger ſaid unto David, ſurely the men prevailed againſt us: Then David ſaid unto the meſſenger, thus ſhalt thou ſay unto Joab, let not this thing diſpleaſe thee, &c. Joh. 17.6, 8, I have manifeſted thy name unto the men which thou gaveſt me out of the world: and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me. Joh. 13.3, And that he was come from God, and went to God.

2. Conſider next, in what reſpects the name Meſſenger is applicable to Chriſt with relation to the Covenant. 1. In p. 328regard of the power and truſt committed unto him in the matters of the Covenant; he is the Meſſenger of the Covenant, that is, the great Lord Ambaſſadour extraordinary, and Truſtee of Heaven, who repreſented his father, and who was Plenipotentiary, being perfectly inſtructed, and fully impowred to propound, treat and conclude in all matters pertaining to the Covenant, and the ſettlement of peace 'twixt God and man; and in this ſenſe the word is uſed, 1 Kings 16.7. and 17.4, foreign malakim Meſſengers, i. e. Ambaſſadours, and Iſa. 33.7. foreign melache, the Ambaſſadors of peace: thus Chriſt is the Meſſenger of the Covenant; this power and truſt is committed unto him, to repreſent his father, 2 Cor. 5.19, To wit, that God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf. Heb. 1.1, 3, God hath in theſe laſt days ſpoken to us by his Son. And to treat and conclude with us a Covenant in his name, Joh. 5.22, For the father judgeth no man: but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. Joh. 17.2, As thou haſt given him power oven all fleſh, that he ſhould give eternal life to as many as thou haſt given him. Mat. 28.18, All power is given unto me in Heaven and earth.

2. This-name of Meſſenger of the Covenant, is applicable to him in regard of his pains and travel in the matters of the Covenant: I mean, in regard of his work as well as his truſt; and thus in regard of ſeveral pieces of his work and travel, he may be called the Meſſenger of the Covenant: 1. He is the Meſſenger who carried the Meſſage of a new Covenant, who travelled from Heaven to Earth with this Meſſage, to make a Covenant betwixt God and ſinners; he came expreſly for this one errant, Gal. 4.4, 5, But when the fulneſs of the time was come, God ſent forth his Son made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of Sons. 1 Joh. 5.6, This is he that came by water and blood, even Jeſus Chriſt, not by water only, but by water and blood. 1 Joh. 1.5, This then is the meſſage which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkneſs at all. And in this ſenſe the word is frequently uſed for an Expreſs, or one ſent for a particular Errant and purpoſe, Joh. 1.6, 7, There was a man ſent from God, whoſe name was John p. 329The ſame came for a witneſs, to bear witneſs of the light, that all men through him might believe. Mat. 11.10, For … is he of whom it is written, Behold, I ſend my meſſenger before thy face, which ſhall prepare thy way before thee. 2. He is the Meſſenger who did publiſh and intimate the new Covenant, and Gods gracious purpoſe in it, as that thing which was his errant in the World, he did it Authoritatively, others only Miniſterially, 2 Cor. 5.20, Now then we are ambaſſadors for Chriſt, as though God did beſeech you by us, we pray you in Chriſts ſtead, he ye reconciled to God. He is the chief Miniſter of the new Teſtament, others only by commiſſion from him, Iſa. 61.1, The ſpirit of the Lord God as upon me, becauſe the Lord hath annointed me to preach good ridings unto the meek, Heb. 8.2, 6, 10, A miniſter of the Sanctuary, and of the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. But now hath he obtained a more excellent miniſtry, by how much alſo he is the mediator of a better Covenant, which was eſtabliſhed upon better promiſes. For this is the Covenant that I will make with the houſe of Iſrael, after thoſe days ſaith the Lord, &c. Eph. 4.9.11, Now that he aſcended, what is it, but that he alſo deſcended firſt into the lower parts of the earth? and he gave ſome Apoſtles, and ſome Prophets, and ſome Evangeliſts, and ſome Paſtors and Teachers. Luk. 19.10, Eph. 2.17. Pov. 9.1, 3. So the word is taken for one that intimateth or bringeth word, and giveth notice of any thing, Joh 1.14. 3. He is the Meſſenger who doth interpret and declare the Meſſage of the new Covenant, who travelleth to be an Interpreter of the mind of God in that matter, Mat. 11.27, All things are delivered unto me of my father: and no man knoweth the Son but the father: neither knoweth any man the father ſave the Son, and he to whomſoever the Son will reveal him. Joh. 1.18, No man hath ſeen God at any time: the only begotten Son which is in the beſome of the father, he hath declared him. Rom. 3.25, 26. Whom God hath ſet forth to be a propitiation, through Faith in his blood, to declare his righteouſneſs for the remiſſion of ſins that are paſt, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I ſay, at this time his righteouſneſs: that he might be juſt, and the juſtifier of him … hith believeth in Jeſus. Luk. 24.17, And beginning at Moſes, and all the Prophets, he expounded unto them in all … Scriptures, the things concerning p. 330himſelf. Hence he is called a Prophet, Act. 3.22. And th… Prophet. Joh. 6.14. and 7.40. And in this ſenſe this word is taken, Job. 33.23, If there be a meſſenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thouſand, to ſhew unto man his uprightneſs. 4. He is the meſſenger, which acteth the Covenant upon the hearts of his people, effective & phyſice, I mean, the Meſſenger which attacheth the hearts of his people (as a Serjeant at Arms, that layeth hands upon a man) and bringeth them into the bond of the Covenant: the Meſſenger that never leaveth purſuit until he hath apprehended, Ezek. 20.37, And I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. Heb. 8.10, For this is the Covenant that I will make with the houſe of Iſrael, after thoſe days, ſaith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they ſhall be to me a people. Hoſ. 2.19, And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteouſneſs, and in judgment, and in loving-kindneſs, and in mercies. Ezek. 36, 27, And I will put my ſpirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my ſtatutes, and ye ſhall keep my judgments, and do them. Joh. 6.29, 37, Jeſus anſwered and ſaid unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath ſent. All that the father giveth me, ſhall come to me. So this word is uſed, 1 Sam. 19.11, 14, Saul alſo ſent meſſengers unto Davids houſe to watch him, and to ſlay him in the morning: And when Saul ſein meſſengers to David, ſhe ſaid, he is ſick. 5. He is the meſſenger which reporteth the Covenant, and the tranſactions with every Soul that receiveth this Goſpel, where, and with whom the treaty took effect; and where, and with whom the propoſal of the Covenant halted, Joh. 17.6, 7, 8, I have manifeſted thy name unto the men which thou gaveſt me out of the world: thine they were; and thou gaveſt them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatſoever thou haſt given me, are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and have known ſurely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me. So the word is uſed, Gen. 32.6, And the meſſengers returned to Jacob, ſaying, &c.

3. Betwixt whom doth Chriſt travel as Meſſenger of the Covernant? For a right underſtanding of this, we are to p. 331make uſe of theſe two neceſſary diſtinctions: 1. The Covenant may be conſidered, either as it's preached and offered generally to all who hear it, Act. 13.46, 47, Then Paul and Barnabas waxed hold, and ſaid, it was neceſſary that the word of God ſhould firſt have been ſpoken unto you: but ſeeing ye put it from you, and judg your ſelves unworthy of everlaſting life. Lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For ſo hath the Lord commanded us, ſaying, I have ſet thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou ſhouldſt be for ſalvation unto the ends of the earth. Mark. 16.15, And he ſaid unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the Goſpel unto every creature: Or it may be conſidered, as it is acted, and effectually fulfilled upon the hearts of the Elect, Act. 13.48, And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life, believed. Heb. 8. with Jer. 31. 2. This different conſideration of the Covenant, affords a diſtinction of the parties in the Covenant: the parties contracting in the Covenant preached, are God, and all within the viſible Church, Act. 3.25, Ye are the children of the Prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, ſaying unto Abraham, And in thy ſeed ſhall all the kindreds of the earth be bleſſed. Act. 2.39, 40, For the promiſe is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off; even as many as the Lord our God ſhall call. But the parties contracting in the Covenant, conſidered in that ſecond reſpect, as 'tis acted upon hearts, are only the elect people, upon whoſe hearts the law is written, and in whom God hath put his ſpirit, Jer. 31.33, But this ſhall be the covenant that I will make with the houſe of Iſrael; after thoſe days, ſaith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they ſhall be my people. Ezek. 36.27, And I will put my ſpirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my ſtatutes, and ye ſhall keep my judgments, and do them. Theſe things premiſed for clearing the point in hand, I lay down four Concluſions: 1. Chriſt is in ſome reſpect a Meſſenger betwixt God and all the viſible multitude to whom the Covenant is offered, and the Goſpel preached; therefore it's ſaid of him, That he is given for a light to the Gentiles, and for a witneſs to the people, even to nations, Iſa. 49.6. & 55.4, 5. Rom. 15.8, 9, 10, 11, 12. I ſaid p. 332in ſome reſtect; becauſe he did procure the Goſpel to be preached to all narions, and doth carry the Meſſage of the Covenant to multitudes, Rom. 10.18, But I ſay, have they not heard… yes verity, their ſound went into all the earth, and their words into the ends of the world. 2. Chriſt is in a more ſpecial reſpect, Meſſenger betwixt God and his few choſen people, becauſe he hath a Meſſage from God to act upon their hearts, that which is only externally revealed, commanded and offered unto others; and he hath undertaken for them, and for their receiving the Meſſage which he carrieth unto them, Joh. 6.37, 39, All that the father giveth we, ſhall come to me. And this is the fathers will which hath ſent me, that of all which he hath given me I ſhould loſe nothing, but ſhould raiſe it up again at the laſt day. Joh. 17.6, 8, I have manifeſted thy name unto the men which thou gaveſt me out of the world: thine they were; and thou gaveſt them me; and they have kept thy word. For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and have known ſurely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me. Act. 13.26, And whoſoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this ſalvation ſent. 3. Chriſt is a Meſſenger of the Covenant to many Hypocrites and Reprobates unto whom he bringeth the offer and Meſſage of the Covenant; not for their ſake and cauſe, but for the Elects ſake, with whom they are mixed here in ſocieties upon the earth, 2 Cor. 4.15, For all things are for your ſakes, that the abundant grace might, through the thankſgiving of many, redound to the glory of God. 2 Tim. 2.10, Therefore I endure all things for the elects ſakes, that they may alſo obtain the ſalvation which is in Chriſt Jeſus, with eternal glory. So that the Meſſage of the Covenant is preached to them by way of concomitancy, in reſpect that they are in theſe ſocieties, unto which the Goſpel is ſent for ſalvation to the Elect, Joh. 17.18, 19, 21, As thou haſt ſent me into the world, even ſo alſo have I ſent them into the world. And for their ſakes I ſanctifie my ſelf, that they alſo might be ſanctified through the truth. That they all may be one, as thou father art in me, and I in thee, that they alſo may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou haſt ſent me. 4. Chriſt is a Meſſenger to the multitudes unto p. 333whom the Goſpel is prepared, only for carrying unto them the commanding Will of God, which revealeth unto them their duty and obligation to receive the Goſpel, and to take hold of the Covenant, 2 Cor. 16.17, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye ſeparate, ſaith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. But Chriſt is a Meſſenger unto the Elect, not only for carrying unto them Gods Will of command, but alſo his Will of Counſel and Pleaſure, that is, the things which he hath reſolved to act upon their hearts, and to work in them, Heb. 6.17, Wherein God, willing more abundantly to ſhew unto the heirs of promiſe the immutability of his counſel, confirmed it by an oath. Eph. 1.9, Having made known unto us the myſtery of his will, according to his good pleaſure which he had purpoſed in himſelf. 4. Whoſe Meſſenger is Chriſt in this Covenant-relation? whether of one of the parties; or of both? Anſw. 1. In ſome reſpects he is only the Meſſenger of one of the parties, I mean, as the name doth import a Miſſion, Delegation and Subordination, ſo he is only Gods Meſſenger; becauſe Chriſt Mediator, the Angel of the Covenant, had his commiſſion only from God, and is to give an account of that honourable truſt and employment to him only, Iſa. 42.1, Behold my ſervant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my ſoul delighteth. Joh. 5.22, For as the father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son, &c. 1 Cor. 15.24, Then cometh the end, when he ſhall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the father. Yea, even in theſe things which he acteth upward (toward his father) as Meſſenger of the Covenant, put caſe his negotiating with God for his people, he hath his Miſſion and Delegation from God, for that ſpecial effect, Joh. 1.2, 24, As thou haſt given him power over all fleſh, that he ſhould give eternal life to as many as thou haſt given him. Father, I will that they alſo whom thou haſt given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou haſt given me. 2. In ſome reſpects he is the Meſſenger of both the parties; as namely, 1. In reſpect of the buſineſs about which he is employed; his Meſſage is about matters of huge concernment to both the parties of the Covenant; for his fathers honour, and his peoples happineſs, lay equally in the buſineſs about which he is employed, Joh. 17.2, 4, That he p. 334ſhould give eternal life to as many as thou baſt given him. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finiſhed the work which thou gaveſt me to do. 2. In reſpect of the travels of his ſoul in that buſineſs and Meſſage; he did it cordially, and condeſcendingly did he run the Errants of both the parties; he came his fathers Errant to us, and he went our Errant to his father, Joh. 13.3, Jeſus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God. Joh. 14.2, 12, I go to prepare a place for you, becauſe I go unto my father. Joh. 16.5, 28, But now I go my way to him that ſent me, and none of you asketh me, whither goeſt thou? I came forth from the father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the father. 3. In reſpect of his Ambaſſage and Agency; he was an Ambaſſador and Agent on Gods part; while he was here upon the earth, he was his Meſſenger, who came to declare and to confirm the Covenant, 2 Cor. 5.19, To wit, that God was in Chriſt, recanciling the world unto himſelf. Gal. 4.4, 5, But when the fulneſs of the time was come, God ſent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of ſons. And he is now our Agent, he is Meſſenger and Lieger in Heaven on our part, in regard of his conſtant reſidence there for our buſineſs, Heb. 9.24, For Chriſt is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven it ſelf, now to appear in the preſence of God for us. Act. 3.21, Whom the heavens muſt receive until the times of reſtitution of all things. 4. In reſpect of his correſpondency with both parties: he is correſpondent with God for his people, Joh. 17.8, 25, For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and have known ſurely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me. And theſe have known that thou haſt ſent me. And he is correſpondent with us for God, Joh. 6.38, 39, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that ſent me. And this is the fathers will which hath ſent me, that of all which he hath given me, I ſhould loſe nothing, but ſhould raiſe it up again at the laſt day. Luk. 12.32, Fear not little flock, for it is your fathers good pleaſure to give you the Kingdom. He is correſpondent betwixt the confederate parties.

p. 3355. About what buſmeſs is he Meſſenger? and what is the ſpecial ſubject matter of his employment? Anſw. His Name and Covenant-relations do declare the buſineſs; he is Meſſenger of the Covenant, Legatus faederis, Mal. 3.1. His Meſſage is as large and broad as all things pertaining to the Covenant. Heb. 2.17, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High-prieſt in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ſins of the people. So that there is nothing which doth any way relate to the Covenant betwixt God and believers, which falleth not under this Covenant-relation; a ſum whereof may be comprehended under theſe three heads. 1. Whatſoever appertaineth to the making of the Covenant, he is Meſſenger betwixt God and his people for that effect; whether it be any thing which belongeth to the courting and wooing of his peoples hearts, by commending his father, and making offers of himſelf, and of his love unto them, Joh. 14.2, In my fathers houſe are many manſions; if it were not ſo, I would have told you. Joh. 15.1, I am the true Vine. Joh. 16.27, For the father himſelf loveth you. Joh. 3.16, For God ſo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. Joh. 10.14, 29, I am the good ſhepherd: my father which gave them me, is greater then all. Wiſdom cryeth, who will have Chriſt? Prov. 9.1, Wiſdom hath builded her houſe, ſhe hath hewn out her ſeven Pillars, &c. Joh. 7.37, 38, In that laſt day, that great day of the feaſt, Jeſus ſtood, and cried, ſaying, if any man thirſt, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the ſcripture hath ſaid, out of his belly ſhall flow rivers of living water. Mat. 11.28, Come unto me all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you reſt. Hoſ. 2.14, Therefore behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderneſs, and ſpeak comfortably unto her. Song. 2.1, I am the roſe of Sharon, and the lillie of the vallies. Or whether it be any thing which belongeth to the engaging the hearts of his people, in determining them by his grace, and acting the Covenant upon their hearts; he is Meſſenger alſo for that, to command Souls to engage with him, and to ariſe and go after him, and to forſake all for him, Ezek. 20.37, And I will cauſe you to paſs under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the Covenant. Ezek. 36.27, And I will p. 336put my ſpirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my ſtatutes, and ye ſhall keep my judgments and do them. Heb. 8.10, For this is the covenant that I will make with the houſe of Iſrael; after thoſe days ſaith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts, and I will be to them a God, and they ſhall be to me a people. Pſal. 45.10, Hearken, O daughter and conſider, and encline thine ear: forget alſo thine own people, and thy fathers houſe. Gen. 12.1.4, Now the Lord had ſaid unto Abraham, Get thee out of thy countrey, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers houſe, unto a Land that I will ſhew thee. So Abraham departed as the Lord had ſpoken unto him. Mat. 4.19, 20, And he ſaith unto them, follow me, and I will make you fiſhers of men. And they ſtreight-way left their nets and followed him. 2. Whatſoever appertaineth to the maintaining and preſerving of the Covenant and confederacy betwixt God and his people, Chriſt is Meſſenger for that and herein he doth; the part of the Meſſenger of the Covenant: 1. By travelling betwixt the parties for keeping up free acceſs betwixt them, and liberty to ſpeak with one another: for it is by him that God hath acceſs to ſpeak to our hearts, and that we have acceſs to him by frequent mutual Meſſages, the Meſſenger being a Courtier and Favourite with both the parties, Eph. 2.18, For through him we both have acceſs, by one ſpirit, unto the father. Eph. 3.12. In whom we have boldneſs and acceſs with confidence, by the faith of him. Heb. 1.1, 2, God who at ſundry times, and in divers manners, ſpake in times paſt unto the fathers by the Prophets, hath in theſe laſt days ſpoken unto us by his Son. 2. By travelling betwixt the parties for correſpondence and entercourſe, to maintain communion and a good underſtanding betwixt them, to the end that none of the parties engaged in the Covenant of kindneſs, become ſtrangers to one another through the want of converſe and correſponding. Chriſt is a Meſſenger betwixt them to maintain the peace and friendſhip, Joh. 16.16, A little while and ye ſhall not ſee me: and again a little while, and ye ſhall ſee me: becauſe I go to the father. Joh. 14.18, 19, I will not leave you comfortleſs, I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world ſeeth me no more; but ye ſee me: becauſe I live, ye ſhall live alſo. 3. He is a Meſſenger to maintain the Covenant betwixt God p. 337and his people, by travelling betwixt the parties with good reports, Heb. 12.24, 25, And to Jeſus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of ſprinkling, that ſpeaketh better things then that of Abel. See that ye refuſe not him that ſpeaketh, &c. Commending God to his people, and his love, and ſpeaking good of all his way with them, Joh. 10.29, My father which gave them me, is greater then all. Joh. 16.27, For the father himſelf loveth you, becauſe ye have loved me. Pſal. 25.10, All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto ſuch as keep his covenant, and his teſtimonies. And commending believers unto his father, and ſpeaking good of them, and for them, frequently behind their back, when they do not hear him, Joh. 17.6, 8, 25, I have manifeſted thy name unto the men which thou gaveſt me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gaveſt them me; and they have kept thy word. For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and known ſurely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me. O righteous father, the world hath not known thee, but I have known thee, and theſe have known that thou haſt ſent me. Jer. 31.20, Is Ephraim my dear ſon? is he a pleaſant child? for ſince I ſpake againſt him, I do earneſtly remember him ſtill: therefore my bowels are troubled for him: I will ſurely have mercy upon him, ſaith the Lord. Jer. 12.7, I have given the dearly beloved of my ſoul, into the hand of her enemies. Chriſt maketh both a good report of his father to his people here on Earth, and a good report of them to his father in Heaven; he putteth good conſtructions, not only upon his fathers way with his people, (which cannot reaſonably bear an evil conſtruction), Rom. 8.28, And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpoſe. But alſo upon his peoples way and walk, and duties to God-ward, a conſtruction and report of them, which they would ſtand in awe to give of themſelves; yea they are in hazzard to contradict this bleſſed Meſſengers report many a time, Joh. 14.4, 5, And whither I go ye known, and the way ye know. Thomas ſaith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goeſt; and how can we know the way?

3. Whatſoever appertaineth to the repairing of the Covenant, or to the renewing and eſtabliſhing thereof, in the caſe p. 338of any breach betwixt the parties, he is a Meſſenger for that: he is the repairer of the breach, and doth declare himſelf the Angel of the Covenant, 1. By taking up emergent differences betwixt God and his people, that they may not controvert about them, but may rather have ſatisfaction in him, Iſa. 53.12, And he was numbred with the tranſgreſſors, and he bare the ſin of many, and made interceſſion for the tranſgreſſors. Heb. 9, 7, But into the ſecond, went the High-prieſt alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himſelf, and for the errors of the people. For as our High-prieſt, he makes offering for the errors of the people: for all the differences ariſing betwixt God and his people, are taken away alone by his travels. 2. By renewing the Covenant-kindneſs, and love, and engagements, he travels as a Meſſenger, and cannot reſt after breaches and differences betwixt his father and his people, or betwixt himſelf and them, until the wonted kindneſs be renewed, and till it be betwixt God and his people, as it uſed to be, 1 Joh. 2.1, 2, And if any man ſin, we have an advocate with the father, Jeſus Chriſt the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our ſins. Jer. 2.2, Go and cry in the ears of Jeruſalem, ſaying, Thus ſaith the Lord, I remember thee, the kindneſs of thy youth, the love of thine eſpouſals, when thou wenteſt after me in the wilderneſs, in a land that was not ſown. Iſa. 54.8, In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlaſting kindneſs will I have mercy on thee, ſaith the Lord thy Redeemer. Ezek. 16.60, Nevertheleſs, I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will eſtabliſh unto thee an everlaſting covenant.

6. Let us a little conſider the properties of the Meſſenger and Angel of the Covenant, which do commend his travels in that buſineſs, and may hold forth a pattern to all the inferiour Meſſengers of the Covenant, and Angels of the Churches. 1. He is a faithful Meſſenger, and true to the truſt committed unto him; one who varied not, and departed not from his commiſſion in a tittle, in any thing of his fathers will, and the welfare of his people (I do not ſay, the will of his people; for though he be very condeſcending to ſatisfie them, yet he not holding his commiſſion of them, he is conſtrained, p. 339for their good, to croſs their will ſometimes, that he may be faithful to him who appointed him) Heb. 3.1, 2, Wherefore holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, confider the Apoſtle and High-prieſt of our profeſſion, Chriſt Jeſus, who was faithful to him that appointed him, as alſo Moſes was faithful in all his houſe. Joh. 6.38, 39, 40, For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that ſent me. And this is the fathers will which hath ſent me, that of all which he hath given me, I ſhould loſe nothing, but ſhould raiſe it up again at the laſt day. And this is the will of him that ſent me, that every one which ſeeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlaſting life: and I will raiſe him up at the laſt day. A Meſſenger who kept cloſe to his inſtructions. 2. He is an active diligent Meſſenger, who did never deal with a ſlack hand in any matter of the Covenant, whether committed unto him by his father, or wherein he was employed by his people; his heart did lay ſo much to the buſineſs, that it is impoſſible he ſhould not be active and ſtirring in it; yea, his Soul-travelled ſo diligently in that truſt, that he could take no reſt until it was done, Iſa. 53.11, He ſhall ſee the travel of his ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied. Joh. 17.4, I have glorified thee on earth: I have finiſhed the work which thou gaveſt me to do. Yea, ſo careful was he of that Meſſage, that it made him forget his refreſhments and his reſt, as appears in his unwearied pains for converting the woman of Samaria, even while he was wearied with his journey, Joh. 4.6, Yea it was refreſhment to him to be about that buſineſs, Joh. 4.34, Jeſus ſaith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that ſent me, and to finiſh his work. Yea, it made him ſome way forget his relations here on earth; Luk. 2.49, And he ſaid unto them, how is it that ye ſought me? wiſt ye not that I muſt be about my fathers buſineſs. Mat. 12.46, 49, 50, While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren ſtood without, deſiring to ſpeak with him. Behold, my mother and my brethren, for whoſoever ſhall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the ſame is my brother, and ſiſter, and mother. 3. He is a ſwift Meſſenger, who in all the matters of the Covenant which are committed unto him, loveth to make good diſpatch: he is commended for this, Mal. 3.1, And the Lord whom ye ſeek, ſhall ſuddenly come to p. 340his temple, even the meſſenger of the covenant whom ye delight in. And we may take notice of it in the word of the Prophet; Iſa. 18.2. though ſpoken in another ſenſe. O ſo ſwift a meſſenger and ſpeedy as he was, when he was ſent to lay down his life! Luk. 19.28, And when he had thus ſpoken; he went before, aſcending up to Jeruſalem, &c. he made haſte to die. Joh. 13.27, And after the ſop, Satan entred into him: then ſaid Jeſus unto him, That thou doeſt, do quickly. And he made haſte to ariſe again, Joh. 20.1, 12, The firſt day of the week, early, yet when it was dark. He made haſte to ſhew himſelf to his friends after he roſe, Joh. 20, and Luk. 24, and he maketh haſte to come again to his people, Joh. 14.3, 18, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again. I will not leave you comfortleſs, I will come to you foreign, come unto you. 4. He is an Accurate reporter of the Meſſage which he beareth; a Meſſenger who never failed to bring a return of his errant, both upward to God, and downward to his people, Joh. 13.3, Jeſus knowing that the father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God. Joh, 14.2, 3, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto my ſelf, that where I am, there ye may be alſo. 5. He is a Meſſenger who was hugely mortified (if I may uſe that word) and denyed to his own honour and credit; for all the while he travelled up and down here, about the Meſſage of the Covenant, he did not regard how he was uſed, ſo that his Meſſage were taken off his hand, Heb. 12.2, Who for the joy that was ſet before him, endured the croſs, deſpiſing the ſhame, and is ſet down at the right hand of the throne of God. Mat. 20.28, Even as the Son of man came not to be miniſtred unto, but to miniſter, and to give his life a ranſome for many. Joh. 4.9, 10, Then ſaith the woman of Samaria unto him, how is it that thou, being a Jew, askeſt drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jeſus anſwered, and ſaid unto her, If thou kneweſt the gift of God, and who it is that ſaith unto thee, give me to drink; thou wouldſt have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Ʋſe 1. Take heed how you receive and entertain the Meſſenger of the Covenant, Heb. 12.25, See that ye refuſe not him p. 341that ſpeaketh: for if they eſcaped not, who refuſed him that ſpake on earth, much more ſhall not we eſcape, if we turn away from him that ſpeaketh from heaven. Heb. 3.1, Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, conſider the Apoſtle and High-prieſt of our profeſſion, Chriſt Jeſus, &c. This is the more of your concernment, 1. Becauſe the entertainment and uſage given unto the Meſſenger of the Covenant, redoundeth upon him that ſent him, whether you uſe him honourably or diſreſpectively, Joh. 12.26, If any man ſerve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there ſhall alſo my ſervant be. If any man ſerve me, him will my father honour. Luk. 10.16, He that heareth you, heareth me: and he that deſpiſeth you, deſpiſeth me: and he that deſpiſeth me, deſpiſeth him that ſent me. 2. Becauſe great weight is laid upon the unworthy uſing of the Meſſenger of the Covenant, inſomuch as no ſin nor aggravation of ſin carrieth li…e ſtreſs as is laid upon it, Joh. 3.36, He that believeth on the Son, hath everlaſting life; and he that believeth not the Son, ſhall not ſee life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. Joh. 15.22, If I had not come and ſpoken unto them, they had not had ſin: but now they have no cloak for their ſin. 3. Becauſe that uſage that is given to the Meſſenger of the Covenant, is hugely reſented, whether it be good or evil, Joh. 1.11, 12, He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Mat. 10.41, He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, ſhall receive a prophets reward. 4. Becauſe no ſin hath been more ſpeedily and ſeverely revenged, than the ill uſage of this Meſſenger, Mat. 21.41, They ſay unto him, he will miſerably deſtroy thoſe wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other Husbandmen, which ſhall render him the fruits in their ſeaſons. Mat. 22.6, 7, And the remnant took his ſervants, and entreated them ſpitefully, and ſlew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth, and he ſent forth his armies, and deſtroyed thoſe murderers, and burnt up their city. Luk. 19.14, 27, But his citizens hated him, and ſent a meſſage after him, ſaying, We will not have this man to reign over us. But thoſe mine enemies, which would not that I ſhould reign over them, bring hither, and ſlay them before me.

p. 342But beſide theſe things relating to the danger of ſlighting the Meſſenger of the Covenant, Conſider further; 1. It is your own buſineſs about which the Meſſenger of the Covenant is travelling with you, Luk. 19.10, 42, For the Son of man is come to ſeek and to ſave that which was loſt. Saying, if thou hadſt known, even thou, at leaſt in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. Joh. 5.40, And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. The honour of his Meſſage and travels ſhall be his own and his fathers; yet the profit and advantage of it ſhall be yours, Joh. 17.2, As thou haſt given him power over all fleſh, that he ſhould give eternal life to as many as thou haſt given him. 1 Tim. 1.15, This is a faithful ſaying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jeſus Chriſt came into the world to ſave ſinners, of whom I am chief. 2. Conſider, there is a limited ſet-time for the Meſſage which he carrieth, Mark. 14.7, But me ye have not always. I mean, there is not only a time ſet unto Chriſt by his father, at which his travelling as Meſſenger of the Covenant ſhall expire, Joh 13.1, Then Jeſus knew that his hour was come that he ſhould depart out of this world unto the father. 1 Cor. 15.24, 25, Then cometh the end, when he ſhall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the father; when he ſhall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. For he muſt reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet: But the Meſſenger of the Covenant hath alſo ſet a time to you all, until which he will tarry for your anſwer, whether ye will take hold of the Covenant or not, and after which he will tarry no longer for it, Joh. 12.35.36. Then Jeſus ſaid unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you: walk while ye have this light, leſt darkneſs come upon you: for he that walketh in darkneſs, knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. Luk. 13.7, Then ſaid he unto the dreſſer of his vineyard, Behold, theſe three days I come ſeeking fruit on this Fig-tree, and find none; cut it down, why cumbreth it the ground? We have not this Meſſage ſetled upon us by inheritance, nor by Life-rent-taxes. 3. Conſider, that the Meſſenger of the Covenant maketh ſhorteſt ſtay and abode, where his Meſſage, the offer of the Covenant is ſlighted, and gets not an anſwer, p. 343Act. 13.46, But ſeeing ye put it from you, and judg your ſelves unworthy of everlaſting life; Lo, we turn to the Gentiles. Mat. 21.41, They ſay unto him, he will miſerably deſtroy thoſe wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which ſhall render him the fruits in their ſeaſons. Mat. 10.13, And if the houſe be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be unworthy, let your peace return to you. Rev. 2.5, Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the firſt works, or elſe I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candleſtick out of his place, except thou repent. Song. 5.5, 6, I roſe up to open to my beloved, and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with ſweet ſmelling myrrh upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himſelf, and was gone. 4. Conſider, that there is a time coming, when the Meſſenger of the Covenant, and his Meſſage cannot avail you, if you let go the ſeaſon and opportunity of Grace, 2 Cor. 6.2, For he ſaith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of ſalvation, I have ſuccoured thee: Behold, now is the accepted time: Behold, now is the day of ſalvation. Heb. 4.7, Again he limiteth a certain day, ſaying in David, To day, after ſo long a time; as it is ſaid, To day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb. 12.17, For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the bleſſing, he was rejected, for he found no place of repentance, though he ſought it carefully with tears. Luk. 13.25, 26, When once the maſter of the houſe is riſen up, and hath ſhut to the dore, and ye begin to ſtand without, and to knock at the dore, ſaying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he ſhall anſwer and ſay unto you, I know you not whence you are. Then ſhall ye begin to ſay, we have eaten and drunk in thy preſence, and thou haſt taught in our ſtreets. 5. Conſider, that the Meſſenger is to make re-report, to him who ſent him, what ſucceſs he had for his travel, and who did receive his Meſſage, Joh. 17.6, 7, 8, 25, I have manifeſted thy name unto the men which thou gaveſt me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gaveſt them me, and they have kept thy word: Now they have known that all things whatſoever thou haſt given me, are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and have known ſurely that I came p. 344out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me. O righteous father, the world hath not known thee, but have known thee, and theſe have known that thou haſt ſent me. O bethink your ſelves in time, what ſhall be reported of your entertaining the Meſſenger of the Covenant, and the things which he propoſed unto you; ſhall that be told of you in Heaven which hath been told of many, Joh. 1.11, He came unto his own, and his own received him not? Joh. 5.40, And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Joh. 12.37, But though he had done ſo many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him. Joh. 15.23, 24, He that hateth me, hateth my father alſo: but now have they both ſeen, and hated both me and my father. Luk. 7.30, But the Phariſees and Lawyers rejected the counſel of God againſt themſelves, being not baptized of him. Pſal. 81.11, But my people would not hearken to my voice, and Iſrael would none of me. Mat. 22.5, 6, But they made light of it, and went their ways, one …o his f…rm, another to his merchandiſe: and the rem…unt took his ſervants, and intreated them ſpitefully, and ſlow them. Mat. 23.37, O Jeruſalem, Jeruſalem, thou that killeſt the prophets, and ſtoneſt them which a…e ſent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Iſa. 49.4, Then I ſaid, I have laboured in vain, I have ſpent my ſtrength for nought, and in vain. Mat. 11.17, And ſaying, we have piped unto you, and ye have not danced: we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. Shall the Meſſenger of the Covenant have no good report to make of you, like that which he made of his Diſciples? Joh. 16.27, For the father himſelf loveth you, becauſe ye have loved me, and believed that I came out from God. At leaſt, let him have that to ſay of you, that he roported of Ephraim, That you have lamented the frowardneſs of your own hearts under all his pains and travel, Jer. 31.18, I have ſurely heard Ephraim bemoaning himſelf: thou haſt chaſtiſed me, and I was chaſtiſed: as a bullock unaccuſtomed to the yoak &c.

Ʋſe 2. Suffer me from this Covenant-relation of Chriſts, to exhort you, 1. To employ him in that which is his truſt: he is the Meſſenger of the Covenant; if there be any thing which you have to do with God, relating to the p. 345making, maintaining, or renewing a Covenant with him, there is a meſſenger appointed for negotiating in that matter, and one who is willing to be employed by you, Mat. 20.28, The Son of man came not to be miniſtred unto, but to miniſter. Joh. 6.37, All that the father giveth me, ſhall come to me: and him that cometh to me, I will in no ways caſt out. Heb. 2.17, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High-prieſt in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the ſins of the people. 2. Beware that you uſurp not his employment, neither intrude upon it; take heed that you attempt not to ſend any Meſſage to God, and not by the Meſſenger of the Covenant, Heb. 12.29, For our God is a conſuming fire. See that you go not any errant of the Covenant without him: See that you ſend not your prayers and other performances to God, or any Meſſage without him, in their own ſtrength, or by the hand of another Meſſenger, beſide the Angel of the Covenant, Rev. 8.3. And another angel came and ſtood at the altar, having a golden cenſer, and there was given unto him much incenſe, that he ſhould offer it with the prayers of all ſaints, upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Joh. 16.23, Verily, verily, I ſay unto you, whatſoever ye ſhall ask the father in my name, he will give it you.

3. Acknowledg Chriſt in this Covenant-relation, and in the execution of it: That ever you heard of the Covenant; that it hath been declared, revealed, and interpreted to you, you are debtors for that to the Meſſenger of the Covenant: if he had not travelled in that buſineſs, you had never heard of it. Eph. 2.17, And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. Mat. 13.11, Becauſe it is given unto you to know the myſteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. Much more you are his Debtors, if the Covenant be acted upon your hearts, Heb. 8.6, 10, But now hath he obtained a more excellent miniſtry, by how much alſo he is the mediator of a better covenant. For this is the covenant that I will make with the houſe of Iſrael after thoſe days, ſaith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they ſhall be to me a people. Mat. 16.17, p. 346And Jeſus anſwered and ſaid unto him, Bleſſed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: for fleſh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is in heaven. Joh. 17.6, 8, I have manifeſted thy name unto the men which thou gaveſt me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gaveſt them me; and they have kept thy word. For I have given unto them the words which thou gaveſt me, and they have received them, and have known ſurely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didſt ſend me.

4. Be requeſted to take notice and to liſten what Meſſage the Meſſenger of the Covenant bringeth to you: it is the Meſſage of a Covenant, of a good and ſure bargain, that you would join your ſelves to the Lord, and take hold of his covenant, Iſa. 56.4, 6. Whereunto, if you would but liſten, it ſhould prove a life-giving motion, Iſa. 55.3, Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your ſoul ſhall live: and I will make an everlaſting covenant with you, even the ſure mercies of David. Joh. 1.38, 39, They ſaid unto him, Rabbi, (which is to ſay, being interpreted, Maſter) where dwelleſt thou? he ſaith unto them, come and ſee: they came and ſaw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day. It's a Meſſage of peace; you need not ſtare at it, nor be afraid of what we have in commiſſion, 2 Cor. 5, 19, 20, 21, To wit, that God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf, not imputing their treſpaſſes unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambaſſadors for Chriſt, as though God did beſeech you by us, we pray you in Chriſts ſtead, be ye reconciled to God: for he hath made him to be ſin for us, who knew no ſin, that we might be made the righteouſneſs of God in him. Luk. 2.10, 14, And the Angel ſaid unto them, fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which ſhall be to all people.—Glory to God in the higheſt, and on earth peace, good will towards men. Iſa. 60.17, For braſs I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring ſilver, and for wood braſs, and for ſtones iron: I will alſo make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteouſneſs. It's a Meſſage of love, of the Fathers love, and of the Sons, 1 Joh. 3.1, Behold, what manner of love the father hath beſtowed upon us, that we ſhould be called the Sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, becauſe it knew him not. Joh. 15.13, p. 347Greater love hath no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. It's a Meſſage of Marriage-love, of a match propoſed to your Souls, Pſal. 45. Song. 1, &c. Come and hear Chriſt, commend Chriſt; come and hear the Meſſenger of the Covenant commend the bargain, commend the Covenant, commend God, commend Heaven and the lot of Saints; and it became him well to do ſo, his praiſe is ſavoury even in his own mouth, Joh. 6.48. and 8.14, 23, 24. and 10.11, 29. and 14.2. and 15.1. Song 2.1. Prov. 9.1, &c. with Song 3. laſt.

5. Be perſwaded to receive the Meſſenger himſelf: if it were poſſible to receive his Meſſage, and not to receive himſelf, that could not avail you; conſider with your ſelves, 1. What huge unkindneſs it were not to receive ſuch a Meſſenger, who hath travelled ſo far, and through ſo much hardſhip, and for this one errant, To make offer of his love to you, Joh. 13.1, Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. Song 5.2, Saying, open to me my ſiſter, my love, my dove, my undefiled, for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. 2. Conſider, how unexcuſable before God this one act ſhall make you, and how much it ſhall leave upon your ſelves, and bind upon your ſelves your own blood and damnation, Joh. 15.22, If I had not come and ſpoken unto them, they had not had ſin; but now they have no cloak for their ſin. Joh. 5.40, And ye will not come to me that ye might have life. Joh. 3.19, And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkneſs rather then light, becauſe their deeds were evil. 3. Conſider what high and excellent priviledges the receiving of the Meſſenger of the Covenant bringeth with it. See Joh. 1.12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Rev. 3.20, If any man hear my voice, and open the dore, I will come in to him, and will ſup with him, and he with me. Joh. 14.23, Jeſus anſwered, and ſaid unto him, if any man love me, he will keep my words; and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Iſa. 56.7, Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my houſe of prayer: their burnt-offerings, and their ſacrifices ſhall be p. 348accepted upon mine altar: for mine houſe ſhall be called an houſe of prayer for all people. 4. Conſider how near God hath brought Heaven and Salvation unto you, by the Meſſenger of the Covenant: it is even come down to meet you, and brought to your dore to knock for entry, Rev. 21.3, 4, And I heard a great voice out of Heaven, ſaying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men; and he will dwell with them, and they ſhall be his people, and God himſelf ſhall be with them, and be their God; and God ſhall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Luk. 10.9, And ſay unto them, the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Iſa. 46.13, I bring near my righteouſneſs: it ſhall not be far off, and my ſalvation ſhall not tarry: and I will place ſalvation in Zion, for Iſrael my glory. Rom. 13.11, And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of ſleep: for now is our ſalvation nearer then when we believed. 5. Conſider, that the Meſſenger of the Covenant is the jewel and precious ſtone of that ring; he himſelf is the chief thing that is in the Covenant, and much better than Salvation and Heaven, Mat. 13.44, 45, Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treaſure hid in a field, the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof, goeth and ſelleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant-man, ſeeking goodly pearls, &c. 1 Pet. 2.7. Ʋnto you therefore which believe, he is precious. 6. Conſider, that he deſireth no more ſatisfaction for all the travel of his Soul in this Meſſage, but that he may ſee ſome fruit of his travel, through his peoples receiving his Meſſage, and making the Meſſenger of the Covenant welcome; and it is a pity to refuſe him ſo reaſonable a deſire, Iſa. 53.11, He ſhall ſee of the travel of his ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied. Luk. 19.41, 42, And when he was come near, he beheld the city and wept over it; ſaying, If thou hadſt known, even thou, at leaſt in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. 7. Conſider, that if you receive not the Meſſenger of the Covenant, you miſs the whole bargain, for he is all the Covenant, Iſa. 42.6, And I will give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.

6. By all means take heed how you entertain the Meſſenger of the Covenant, 1 Cor. 10.9, Neither let us tempt p. 349Chriſt, as ſome of them alſo tempted, and were deſtroyed of ſerpents. If you uſe him kindly, he will indeed deal well with you, and be eaſily entreated, Exod. 23.20, 22, Behold, I ſend an angel before thee to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee in the place which I have prepared. But if thou ſhalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I ſpeak, Then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adverſary unto thine adverſaries. Rev. 3.20, Behold, I ſtand at the dore and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and ſup with him, and he with me. Joh. 14.23, Jeſus anſwered, and ſaid unto him; If any man love me, he will keep my words: and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Luk. 24.29, But they conſtrained him, ſaying, Abide with us, for it is towards evening, and the day is far ſpent; and he went in to tarry with them. But if you provoke him and ſlight him, O you had need to beware of him, he will not bear with it, Exod. 23.21. Iſa. 61.2, 3. 1 Cor. 16.22.