The Ark of the Covenant Opened, Chapter 22

The Ark of the Covenant Opened · Chapter 22

p. 453CHAP. XXII. Chriſt a Covenant of the people; or in what reſpects Chriſt is all the Covenant.

BEſides the many and various relations before ſpoken of, which Chriſt ſuſtaineth in the Covenant of grace, he is the Covenant it ſelf: for to him doth the father ſpeak, Iſa. 42.6, and 49.8, I will give thee for a Covenant of the people: things attributed in abſtracto, have a great ſignification, Rom. 1.7, The carnal mind is enmity, &c. Chriſt is called the peace, Micah. 5.5. And our peace, Eph. 2.14. This is more than the peace-maker, Col. 1.20. 'Tis all the tranſaction of peace, the whole buſineſs of reconciliation comprized in the Mediator, and acted by him. So here Chriſt a Covenant, is more than the Covenant-maker, or the Mediator of the Covenant; the phraſe imports two things: 1. The abridging and ſumming up of the whole Covenant in Chriſt Mediator; in whoſe perſon the two parties at enmity were united. I will give thee for a covenant of the people; that is, I make a gift of thee, to be to my people the ſummary and compend of all that bleſſed tranſaction and Covenant which I purpoſe with them. 2. It imports the commitment of the whole buſineſs (which God purpoſed to do with his people in the p. 454way of a Covenant) unto Chriſt the Mediator, to be managed by him: I will give thee for a covenant of the people, is a deſignation of Chriſts work, unto which he was called; and for the doing of which, promiſes of aſſiſtance are made to him in the words preceding theſe; as if it were ſaid, I ſet thee over the whole buſineſs of the Covenant between me and the people given to thee, that from beginning to end it may be managed by thee: Again, Chriſt is not only given for a Covenant, but for a Covenant of the people; that is, to be on the peoples ſide, and to deal for them: for the people alone are not capable of confederation with God, but Chriſt ſtands jointly with them, and is gifted of God to the people, to be given back again to God for their part of the Covenant, Pſal. 89.19. Heb. 2.13.

Hence let us conſider of theſe Propoſitions:

Chriſt is all the Covenant: or all this Covenant is comprized in Chriſt: or God by giving Chriſt, doth give the Covenant of the people with him.

Chriſt is the Covenant, 1. Originally and fundamentally: he is the original and root out of which the Covenant ſprang, and he is the foundation upon which it is grounded: the Covenant of grace took its riſe and being from Chriſt, Rev. 22.16, I Jeſus have ſent mine Angel to teſtifie unto you theſe things in the Churches: I am the root and the off-ſpring of David, and the bright and morning-ſtar. Iſa. 28.16, Therefore thus ſaith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a ſtone, a tryed ſtone, a precious corner-ſtone, a ſure foundation: he that believeth ſhall not make haſte. Judg. 14.14, And he ſaid unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the ſtrong came forth ſweetneſs. 1. He is the ancient foundation of that which was revealed of the Covenant from the beginning of the world: therefore God revealing this Covenant in Paradiſe, preſently after the fall, bottomed it upon Chriſt the ſeed of the woman, Gen. 3.15. And revealing it to Abraham, he grounded it upon Chriſt Abrahams ſeed, in whom all the families of the earth ſhould be bleſſed, Gen. 12.3. and 17.1, 2. 2. Chriſt is the eternal foundation of this Covenant, upon whom it was bottomed in the eternal decrees of God: hence our vocation and ſalvation are ſaid to be promiſed and given to us in him before the world began, p. 455Tit. 1.2, And in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promiſed befor the world began. 2 Tim. 1.9, Who hath ſaved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpoſe and grace, which was given us in Chriſt Jeſus before the world began. Eph. 1.4, According as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we ſhould be holy and without blame before him in love. 2. Chriſt is the Covenant primarily, and by propriety; as fire is hot for it ſelf, and all things hot for it, and by participtation: Becauſe with him was the Covenant made as the chief party; which believers it was made in ſubordination to him: with him it was made at the firſt hand; with us at the ſecond hand: with him it was made for himſelf; with us it was only made for him: therefore 'tis his Covenant by propriety; and ours only by participation: and therefore all the promiſes are made firſt to him, and fulfilled firſt to him; and all the acts of Gods love terminate firſt upon him, and come at us only in the ſecond room, and at the ſecond hand, Iſa 59.21, As for me, this is my Covenant with them, ſaith the Lord: My ſpirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, ſhall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy ſeed, nor out of the mouth of thy ſeeds ſeed, ſaith the Lord, from henceforth, and for ever. Pſal. 89.3, 33, I have made a covenant with my choſen; I have ſworn unto David my ſervant.—Nevertheleſs, my loving-kindneſs will I not utterly take from him, nor ſuffer my faithfulneſs to fail. Iſa. 53.3, And I will make an everlaſting covenant with you, even the ſure mercies of David. Eph. 1.3, Bleſſed be the God and Father of our Lord Jeſus, who hath bleſſed us with all ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly places in Chriſt. 3. Chriſt is the Covenant eminently, becauſe he is the chief bleſſing of the Covenant; there being not ſuch another promiſe and gift in all the bundle of promiſes contained in the Covenant; therefore is he ſpoken of by way of eminence, as being that tranſcendent gift of God, matchleſs effect of Gods love, beſides which there is not another the like, Joh. 4.10, 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. Joh. 3.16, For God ſo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoſoever believeth in p. 456him, ſhould not periſh, but have overlaſting life. He is the moſt precious ſtone in all the Jewel, Mat. 13.44, 45. All other things in the Covenant, Righteouſneſs, Life, Pardon, Peace, &c. are but the garniſh of this Jewel, Song. 5.10, My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefeſt among ten thouſand. He is the moſt ſweet and ripeſt Berry in all the cluſter of Promiſes which grow together in the Covenant; nay, he is the cluſter himſelf, Song. 1.14, My beloved is unto me as a cluſter of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. Rom. 8.32, He that ſpared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all; how ſhall he not with him alſo freely give us all things? He is the faireſt and moſt bright-ſhining ſtar in all that conſtellation, Rev. 22.16, The bright and morning-ſtar. He is the faireſt ſtone in all the building, none like unto him, Iſa. 28.16, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a ſtone, a tried ſtone, a precious corner-ſtone, a ſure foundation. 1 Pet. 2.4, To whom coming as unto a living ſtone, diſallowed indeed of men, hut choſen of God, and precious. Pſal. 118.22, The ſtone which the builders refuſed, is become the head-ſtone of the corner. He is the faireſt tree in all the garden of God, like the tree of Life in the midſt of Eden, Song. 2.3, As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, ſo is my beloved among the ſons. Rev. 22.2, In the midſt of the ſtreets of it, and of either ſide of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

4. Chriſt is the Covenant virtually, or equivalently: he is the juſt value of all the bargain: he is of as much worth as all that is promiſed and contracted to believers in the Covenant of grace; ſo that if the value of it were asked, how much is it worth? it could not be anſwered otherwiſe, than ſo, 'Tis of as much value as Chriſt is: and when the Promiſes are fulfilled to the utmoſt, they amount not beyond the giving of Chriſt to believers, 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. Col. 1.27, Which is, Chriſt in you the hope of glory. Col. 3.11. Chriſt is all.

5. Chriſt is the Covenant exemplarily, the very ſample and firſt pattern of the Covenant, and of the deſign of grace p. 457carried on by the Covenant, was in the union of the two natures in Chriſt the Mediators perſon: For conſider, I pray, the great deſign of favour carried on by the Covenant of grace, is an union of man with God, a reſtoring of man to the firſt ſtate of friendſhip with God, and in Chriſt Mediator; his perſon was the ſamplar and original pattern of all the buſineſs; to wit, 1. Of Gods infinite condeſcenſion and ſtooping ſo far towards a nearneſs, a union with man, Phil. 2.6, 7, Who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God: but made himſelf of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a ſervant, and was made in the likeneſs of men. 2. Of the unſpeakable exaltation of our nature toward an union with God, Heb. 2.11, 16, For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels, but he took on him the ſeed of Abraham. For which cauſe he is not aſhamed to call them brethren. 3. Of the union and conjunction of God and man, which is the reſult of Gods condeſcenſion, and our exaltation, and which is the ſummary of the ſecond Covenant, Mat. 1.23, Immanuel, which being interpreted, is, God with us. Rev. 21.3, And God himſelf ſhall be with them, and be their God. So then, Chriſt is the Covenant in this reſpect alſo, the firſt ſamplar of the union and agreement of the parties covenanting, Eph. 2.14, For he is our peace, who hath made both one. Zech. 6.13, And the counſel of peace ſhall be between them both.

6. Chriſt is the Covenant comprehenſively or ſummarily: he is the very compound or abridgment of the Covenant: in the Mediators perſon there is a little ſum of the whole Covenant: Conſider this, how the parties, articles, mutual ſtipulations, promiſes, properties and bleſſings of the Covenant, are all ſome way abridged in Chriſt, and ſummed up in his perſon. And, 1. Chriſt is all the parties of the Covenant of grace, or rather both the parties are comprehended in the Mediators perſon: he is both the parties in three reſpects; 1. Becauſe of the union of the two natures in his bleſſed perſon: he is God-man, God made manifeſt in the fleſh, 1 Tim. 3.16. Who took not upon him our nature in its primitive innocency and virgin integrity; But came in the likeneſs of ſinful fleſh, Rom. 8.3. He took upon him the nature of fallen man, but ſanctified for and by the union with the p. 458divine nature, Luk. 1.35. Heb. 7.26. And ſo he is both the parties, the Covenant being betwixt God and man, not innocent, but fallen man, yet believing and renewed man. 2. Becauſe the perſon who is Mediator, is upon both ſides of the Covenant: as being one with the Father and holy Ghoſt, he is on Gods ſide of the Covenant, 1 Joh. 5.7, For there are three that bear record in heaven, the father, the word, and the holy Ghoſt: and theſe three are one. 2 Cor. 9.13, Whiles by the experiment of this miniſtration they glorifie God for your profeſſed ſubjection unto the Goſpel of Chriſt. And as he is one with us, he is on our ſide of the Covenant, Heb. 2.11, 13, For both he that ſanctifieth, and they who are ſanctified, are all of one: for which cauſe he is not aſhamed to call them brethren.—Behold I, and the children which God hath given me. 3. He is not only upon both ſides of the Covenant; but he contracts for both the parties, carrying the relation of a party, both upward to God, and downward to us: he treateth and covenanteth for God with us; and he treateth and covenanteth for us with God, which upon the matter is to carry, as having the repreſentation and ſum of both parties in his perſon, 2 Cor. 5.19, To wit, that God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf. Heb. 2.13, Behold I, and the children which God hath given me. And as it is ſaid of Jacobs repreſenting the people that came out of his Ioins, Hoſ. 12.4, He found him in Bethel, and there he ſpake with us: So it may be ſaid of Chriſts repreſenting his people, for God ſpoke with us in him.

2. The ſum of all the articles of the Covenant is in Chriſt: Conſider, I pray, what is the ſum of the Articles; even this, I will be your God, and ye ſhall be my people: you find the articles of the Covenant frequently ſummed up in theſe two words, Ezek. 37.23. Rev. 21.3. Now this is in Chriſt Jeſus, 1. In regard of the conjunction of relations in him; to wit, God owning the people, and the people owning him; he being the only perſon in heaven or earth, who doth bear or is capable to bear the relation of God towards the people; and again, of the people towards God; for he is God with us, Mat. 1.23. He is God and the people united and owning one another; and in ſome things he doth repreſent and carry forth God to us as ours, 2 Cor. 5.19. And in p. 459other things he doth repreſent and carry in the people of God, and preſent them before him as his own people, Heb. 9.24. and 2.13. Eph. 2.6. 2. In regard of cauſality: (for although Chriſt be not the cauſe of Gods love to the Elect, but the effect thereof, Joh. 3.16: yet he is the cauſe of the effects and acts whereby it runneth forth towards us) Chriſt is the bottom of the relation betwixt God and his people: for by his taking a new Covenant-right unto God as his God and Father by Covenant, he is lay the foundation of Gods being our God by Covenant, and of our being the people of God by Covenant; which had never been, were it not for Chriſts new Covenant-right, Pſal. 89.26, He ſhall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my ſalvation. Gal. 4.6, And becauſe ye are ſons, God hath ſent forth the ſpirit of his Son into your hearts, crying; Abba, Father. Heb. 1.5, For unto which of the Angels ſaid he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a father, and he ſhall be to me a ſon. 3. In regard of conveyance, or of the manner and way how we have acceſs to this priviledg and Covenant-ſtate, to have God to be our God: God is our God in Chriſt, and we are Gods people in and through Chriſt: and without an exiſtence in Chriſt, and union with him, God is not ours, neither are we his, Eph. 2.12, That at that time ye were without Chriſt, being aliens from the commonwealth of Iſrael, and ſtrangers from the covenant of promiſe, having no hope, and without God in the world. For Covenant-relations, as well as bleſſings, come to us through Chriſt: we come to God in Chriſt, and God cometh to us, and becometh ours in him, 2 Cor. 5.19, To wit, that God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf. Heb. 7.25, Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them.

3. The ſum of the mutual ſtipulation is in Chriſt: there are ſome mutual conditions and ſtipulations in this as in other Covenants. But Chriſt may be well called the whole ſtipulation: 1. Becauſe 'tis he who obtaineth the conſent of both parties, and receiveth in their Amen to that bleſſed tranſaction of friendſhip and union, the conſent of the one from everlaſting, Prov. 8.22, 23, 30. with 2 Tim. 1.9. Tit. p. 4601.2: and of the other when we believe, Joh. 6.37, Rev. 22.17, 20. 2. Becauſe the Covenant was given to him, to be fulfilled on both ſides by him; it was fulfilled upon Gods ſide, for he is the perſon which was ſent to perform all that God had promiſed to his people, Luk. 1.69, 70, 72, 73, 74, And hath raiſed up an horn to ſalvation for us, in the houſe of his ſervant David, as he ſpake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been ſince the world began: to perform the mercy promiſed to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he ſware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might ſerve him without fear. By him it was fulfilled upon our part; for he is the perſon upon whom our help was laid, even to perform whatſoever is required of us by the Covenant, Pſal. 89.17, 19, For thou art the glory of their ſtrength.—Then thou ſpakeſt in viſion to thy holy one, and ſaidſt, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. 3. Becauſe upon the matter, Chriſt is the very thing which is mutually ſtipulated upon both ſides: Conſider I pray, God ſtipulates to give us Chriſt, and that is the ſum of what he ſtipulates, Iſa. 55.3, 4, 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. Behold, I have given him for a witneſs to the people, a leader and commander to the people. And again, we reſtipulate to give Chriſt to God for all that the Covenant requires of us, 1 Cor. 1.30, But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom, and righteouſneſs, and ſanctification, and redemption. Phil. 3.9, And be found in him, not having mine own righteouſneſs, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Chriſt, the righteouſneſs which is of God by faith. For this is the nature of the Goſpel-Covenant, it craveth conditions and duties from us, but filleth the hand with Chriſt, wherewith to pay the maſters rent: and we do anſwer all that is craved with Chriſt, which maketh the craving gentle, Iſa. 60.17, I will alſo make thine officers peace, and thine exactors righteouſneſs.

4. Chriſt is the ſum of all the promiſes and bleſſings of the Covenant, Iſa. 42.6, And give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. This doth appear, 1. From p. 461the firſt diſcovery of this Covenant, which had but one promiſe in it, and that was the promiſe of Chriſt, Gen. 3.15, The ſeed of the woman. 2. This appears from Gods explicating the ſum of the promiſes and Covenant, when it was more explicitely held forth to be Chriſt gifted to his people, Gen. 12.3, And in thee ſhall all families of the earth be bleſſed. Iſa. 55.3, 4, And I will make an everlaſting covenant with you, even the ſure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witneſs to the people. 3. This appears from the holy Ghoſts accounting Chriſts coming to be the performing of the whole Covenant and promiſes, Luk. 1.69, 72, 73, And hath raiſed up an horn of ſalvation for us, in the houſe of his ſervant David: To perform the mercy promiſed to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant, the oath which he ſware to our father Abraham, &c.

5. Chriſt is the ſum of all the properties of the Covenant, not only becauſe whatſoever theſe properties ſpeak forth of the nature of that tranſaction that is to be found in him; but alſo, and chiefly, becauſe Chriſt is the foundation of all theſe properties; as may appear by a ſhort recapitulation of the particular properties thereof, which are all compriſed in Chriſt. And, 1. The freeneſs of the Covenant is compriſed in him. The Covenant of grace is free: and indeed Chriſt is a free Chriſt, or Chriſt freely given to his people is the ſum of the free Covenant, Joh. 3.16, For God ſo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoſoever believeth in him, ſhould not periſh, but have everlaſting life. Joh. 4.10, 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. Iſa. 42.6, And give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. Rom. 8.32, He that ſpared not his own Son: but delivered him up for us all: how ſhall he not with him alſo freely give us all things? Yea, 'tis in and for Chriſt that the Covenant is a free Covenant: for the ſame righteouſneſs, and life, and Covenant-bleſſings which are freely promiſed and offered to us, at the firſt hand were purchaſed by Chriſt, and a ſatisfaction given to the juſtice of God for them; and becauſe he payed a price for them, therefore they are free gifts to us: he p. 462made all Covenant-mercies free to us by Covenant, becauſe they were bought by him, in the Covenant that was made between God and Chriſt, Iſa. 53.10, 11, 12, Yet it pleaſed the Lord to bruiſe him: he hath put him to grief: when thou ſhalt make his ſoul an offering for ſin, he ſhall ſee his ſeed, he ſhall prolong his days, and the pleaſure of the Lord ſhall proſper in his hand. He ſhall ſee of the travel of his ſoul, and ſhall be ſatisfied: by his knowledg ſhall my righteous ſervant juſtifie many: for he ſhall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he ſhall divide the ſpoil with the ſtrong: becauſe he hath poured out his ſoul unto death; and he was numbred with the tranſgreſſors, and he bare the ſin of many, and made interceſſion for the tranſgreſſors. Joh. 17.4, 5, I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finiſhed the work which thou gaveſt me to do. And now, O father, glorifie thou me with thine own ſelf, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I do not ſay that Chriſt was the cauſe of Gods eternal tranſaction which he purpoſed in himſelf; but that he is the cauſe of theſe effects of Covenant-graces, which come freely to us for his ſake, who bought them with a great price, 1 Pet. 1.19, 20, 21, But with the precious blood of Chriſt, as of a lamb without blemiſh, without ſpot. Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifeſt in theſe laſt times for you who by him do believe in God that raiſed him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.

2. The everlaſtingneſs of the Covenant is comprized in Chriſt: the Covenant is an everlaſting Covenant; and he is God everlaſting, yea, an everlaſting Mediator, who was ſet up from everlaſting, and ſhall endure to everlaſting, Iſa. 9.6, For unto us a child is born, unto us a ſon is given, and the government ſhall be upon his ſhoulders, and his name ſhall be called wonderful councellor, the mighty God, the everlaſting father, the prince of peace. Prov. 8.23, I was ſet up from everlaſting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. Heb. 7.25, Wherefore he is able alſo to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them. Yea, it is in, and through, and for Chriſt, that the Covenant of grace hath everlaſtingneſs in it; whether we conſider it as everlaſting, a parte ante: it could not have been p. 463an e…laſting Covenant in this reſpect, unleſs there had been an…r everlaſting party for the everlaſting God to deal … and there was not another party of this kind, but …; in whom grace was given to us, and promiſes of life … made to us before the world began, 2 Tim. 1.9. Tit. 1. …. 8.23. Or if we conſider the Covenant as everlaſting … parte poſt, Chriſt is the foundation of that, and it is … for Chriſt that the Covenant is an everlaſting Cove… … and becauſe he is given for a Covenant of the people, … everlaſtingneſs is given to that Covenant, Pſal. 89.… … 5, I have made a covenant with my choſen; I have ſworn unto David my ſervant: My covenant will I not break: nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Once have I ſworn by my holineſs, that I will not lye unto David. Iſa. 59.21, As for me, this is my covenant with them, ſaith the Lord; my ſpirit which is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, ſhall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy ſeed, nor out of the mouth of thy ſeeds ſeed, ſaith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. Iſa. 53.10, When thou ſhalt make his ſoul an offering for ſin, he ſhall ſee his ſeed, he ſhall prolong his days, and the pleaſure of the Lord ſhall proſper in his hand.

3. The order of the Covenant is compriſed in Chriſt: the Covenant is a well ordered Covenant: and the order of the whole treaty of reconciliaton, and of this Covenant-tranſaction, is ſummed up in Chriſt, in whom the parties meet together in this order, God coming down to us in Chriſt, and we coming up to God in Chriſt, 2 Cor. 5.19, To wit, that God was in Chriſt, reconciling the world unto himſelf. Mat. 1.23, God with us. Yea all things that are ordered and diſpoſed concerning Covenant-grace and bleſſings, are ordered in him, and for him, and by him: for the methods and ways of Gods diſpenſing and ordering Covenant-bleſſings, are through him, and in him, as the channel and conveyance thereof; and for him as the cauſe; and by him as the great Adminiſtrator who is over all that buſineſs for the managing thereof, Eph. 1.3, 4, 5, 6, Bleſſed be the God and father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who hath bleſſed us with all the ſpiritual bleſſings in heavenly places in Chriſt; according as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we ſhould be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predeſtinated p. 464us into the adoption of children by Jeſus Chriſt to himſelf, according to the good pleaſure of his will, to the praiſe of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph. 2.6, 10, And hath raiſed us up together, and made us ſit together in heavenly places in Chriſt Jeſus.—For we are his workmanſhip, created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we ſhould walk in them.

4. The ſtability of the Covenant is compriſed in Chriſt: the Covenant of Grace is a ſure Covenant, and he is a firm and ſure Chriſt, who fails not, and changes not, Heb. 13.8, Jeſus Chriſt is the ſame yeſterday, and to day, and for ever. Yea, he is the very ſtability of the Covenant of Grace, 2 Cor. 1.20, For all the promiſes of God in him are, yea, and in him, Amen, unto the glory of God by us. The ſure foundation upon which it is eſtabliſhed, Iſa. 28.16. Becauſe Chriſt is in the Covenant as a nail in a ſure place, and as a foundation and corner-ſtone which cannot be removed: therefore ſtability and firmneſs is in the Covenant, Iſa. 22.23. Becauſe the Covenant made with him is ſure, therefore the Covenant made with us is ſure, Pſal. 89.33, 34. And becauſe Chriſt is given for a Covenant of the people, therefore ſtability is given to that Covenant as an eſſential property thereof.

5. The perfection of the Covenant of Grace is compriſed in Chriſt: it is a perfect Covenant, and he is a perfect and compleat Chriſt; a Saviour made perfect, to be the author of a compleat Salvation to his people, Heb. 5.9. and to ſave to the utmoſt, Heb. 7.25. Yea, the Covenant is a perfect Covenant, becauſe Chriſt is in it, in whom we are compleat, Col. 2.9, 10. And in whom dwelleth perfect fulneſs, and all deſirable perfections. If Chriſt had not been in it, perfection had not been in it, nor ſhould that Covenant have been able to perfect us for ever, but it had left us as the firſt Covenant did: But becauſe God gave Chriſt for a Covenant of the people, therefore perfection is in it, and came to us by it, 1 Cor. 1.30, But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom, and righteouſneſs, and ſanctification, and redemption.

6. The ſatisfactorineſs of the Covenant of grace, is compriſed p. 465in Chriſt: it is a Soul-ſatisfying Covenant, and he is a Soul-ſatisfying Chriſt, 2 Sam. 23.5, For this is all my ſalvation, and all my deſire, although he make it not to grow. Song. 5.16, His mouth is moſt ſweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O Daughters of Jeruſalem. Pſal. 73.25, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I deſire beſides thee. Yea, Chriſt is the foundation of that ſatisfaction which the ſouls of the ſaints find by being within the Covenant of grace: he is the deſire of all nations, Hag. 2.7. It is in and for him, that it is ſatisfying: if Chriſt were not in the Covenant, the ſoul of a Saint could nevery ſay of it, This is all my deſire; but becauſe he is in it, therefore the ſpirits of men by imbracing it, find a ſatisfaction, Pſal. 16.2, 5, 6, O my ſoul, thou haſt ſaid unto the Lord, thou art my Lord: the Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: thou maintaineſt my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleaſant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage. And becauſe Chriſt is given for a Covenant of the people, therefore ſatisfaction is in it.

6. Chriſt is the ſum of all Covenant-bleſſings: they are all abridged in him, Col. 3.11, But Chriſt is all, and in all: 1. Eminently: becauſe he is the chief bleſſing of the Covenant: he is the marrow and fatneſs of the whole bargain, Joh. 4.10, 14, 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. But whoſoever drinketh of the water that I ſhall give him, ſhall never thirſt: but the water that I ſhall give him, ſhall be in him a well of water ſpringing up into everlaſting life. Joh. 3.16, For God ſo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. 2. Comprehenſively: becauſe in him, as in a ſtore houſe, all Covenant-bleſſings are treaſured up, Col. 2.9, For in him dwelleth all the fulneſs of the God-head bodily. Joh. 1.14, 16, And the word was made fleſh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father) full of grace and truth. And of his fulneſs have all we received, and grace for grace. 3. Ʋltimately: becauſe he is that Covenant-bleſſing for which the whole bargain is ſought after, and all other things are but ſought for him, Mat. 13.44, 45, Again, the kingdom of p. 466heaven 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. 4. Virtually: becauſe when God giveth Chriſt, the whole Covenant is reckoned to be performed, Luk. 1.72, To perform the mercy promiſed to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. 5. Conſequentially: becauſe all other Covenant-bleſſings follow him, as acceſſories follow any principal thing, Rom. 8.32, He that ſpared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all: how ſhall he not with him freely give us all things? Prov. 8.35, For whoſoever findeth me, findeth life, and ſhall obtain favour of the Lord.

Ʋſe 1. If Chriſt be all the Covenant, or the ſum and marrow of all which God hath given to his people by the Covenant of grace; this ſpeaketh ſad reproof, 1. To thoſe who ſeek ſomething elſe; the ſtrength of whoſe indeavours is laid forth upon ſomething inferiour, ſomething beſide the chief good, Iſa. 55.2, Wherefore do ye ſpend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which ſatisfieth not? hearken deligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your ſoul delight itſelf in fatneſs. To ſuch belongs that warning, Iſa. 50.11, Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compaſs your ſelves about with ſparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the ſparks that ye have kindled. This ſhall ye have of mine hand, ye ſhall lie down in ſorrow. 2. To ſuch as ſeek and follow after ſome thing more than Chriſt, who is all the Covenant; ſure there are not a few, who think they have not a full bleſſing in Chriſt; Chriſt alone, without other things of this world, cannot content them, Gen. 30.1. This evil under the ſun hath reached ſome of thoſe who have been within the Covenant of Grace, Gen. 15.1, 2, After theſe things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a viſion, ſaying, Fear not Abram, I am thy ſhield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram ſaid, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, ſeeing I go childleſs, and the ſteward of my houſe is this Eliezer of Damaſcus? To ſuch belongs that warning, Jer. 45.5, And ſeekeſt thou great things for thy ſelf? ſeek them not: for behold, I will bring evil upon all fleſh, ſaith the Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou p. 467goeſt. 3. It ſpeaks reproof to thoſe who ſeek ſomething leſs than Chriſt: there being among thoſe who are not of the worſt ſort of people, whom life and ſalvation could ſatisfie: a creaated heaven without Chriſt could anſwer their deſires after happineſs, Mat. 19.16, And behold, one came and ſaid unto him, Good maſter, what good thing ſhall I do, that I may have eternal life? Something of this alſo may overtake the children of Grace among their fevers and fits of diſtempers, Mark 9.5, 6, And Peter anſwered, and ſaid to Jeſus, Maſter, it is good for us to be here: and, let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moſes, and one for Elias. For he wiſt not what to ſay, for they were ſore afraid. Such ſhould remember Peters words at another occaſion, Joh. 6.68, Then Simon Peter anſwered him, Lord, to whom ſhall we go? thou haſt the words of eternal life. Which import, that a created Heaven would not be ſignificant, if Chriſt were not there: ſee alſo Pſal. 73.25, Whom have … in heaven but thee? and there is none upon the earth that I deſire beſides thee. 4. It ſpeaks reproof to thoſe who wrangle about circumſtances, to the prejudice of Chriſt the ſubſtance and marrow of the Goſpel-Covenant: thoſe who ſeek ſome things of Chriſt to the prejudice of other things of Chriſt, that be the more weighty matters of the Goſpel: as put caſe, Forms to the prejudice of ſubſtance: Order to the prejudice of edification: Uniformity to the prejudice of union, &c. And this, whether by extolling of the higheſt and moſt weighty things of Chriſt, to the prejudice of other things which are alſo his Ordinances: or by the depreſſing and decreeing of other more ſubordinate things of Chriſt, and circumſtantial, to the prejudice of the weightieſt matters of the Goſpel: for although no Ordinance of Chriſt be a little one, and to be ſet at nought; yet without controverſie there be ſome of them more weighty than others.

Ʋſe 2. For diſcovery how far we fall ſhort in practical giving to Chriſt his own place in the Covenant: There be very few, even of thoſe who dare not knowingly ſlight Chriſt, who yet do give him his own room in the Covenant. Conſider it but a little: 1. He is the root and original of the Covenant: have you acknowledged and imployed him as ſuch? have your ſoul-tranſactions with God, been grounded upon p. 468Chriſts tranſactions with him? or have you not in point of Soul-covenanting with God, dealt as if the Covenant had its firſt riſe then, when it firſt entered in thy heart? Conſider, I pray, where you have pitched the original riſe and foundation of that bleſſed tranſaction. 2. He is the principal party with whom the Covenant was made at the firſt hand: do you always give that place to Chriſt? do you put him foremoſt? or do you not rather drudg him after you? I fear, nay I doubt not, we deal in many things with God as if we were the principal party covenanting: in matter of Goſpel-promiſes, as if we were the principal Creditor, to whom a performance of theſe things were due: and in matter of Goſpel-commands, as if we were the principal Debtors from whom a performance of Duty could be expected. 3. Chriſt is the chief bleſſing of the covenant: have you ſought him as ſuch? or hath any other bleſſing of the Covenant had his room in thy heart? have you ſought life and ſalvation in the promiſes, as the chief bleſſing contained in them? or have you ſeen ſomething in the promiſes better and more deſirable than theſe, even Chriſt, who is in every promiſe, and is the beſt thing in the promiſe? 4. He is valuable above all things elſe contained in the Covenant: he is the full price of the whole bargain; have you put this value upon him? have you made him your all, your treaſure for which you treated in this bargain, and bought the field? 5. He is the ſamplar and firſt copy of the Covenant: did you ever conſider how the peace and union was firſt made in his perſon? have you followed that bleſſed copy, to have this your Covenant with God, the Divine Nature coming down to you, and you brought up to meet with God in Chriſt, and with him, and in him to have myſtical union? 6. He is the ſum of the Covenant: have you ſtudied this compend well? how to reduce all the Covenant to Chriſt, to find it all in him, and to make all the Covenant praiſe him?

Ʋſe 3. For tryal, whether you be in the Covenant of Grace, or not: whether you have taken hold of the Covenant: as the Prophet ſpeaks, Iſa. 65.4. Know it by this, if thou art in Chriſt, thou art in the Covenant: if thou haſt taken hold of him, thou haſt taken hold of the Covenant, Joh. 1.12, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the ſons of God, even p. 469to them that believe on his name. Eph. 2.12, That at that time ye were without Chriſt, being aliens from the commonwealth of Iſrael, and ſtrangers from the covenant of promiſe, having no hope, and without God in the world. To be without Chriſt, and to be ſtrangers to the Covenant of promiſe, are equivalent: if the Covenant be given, Chriſt is given: and if Chriſt be given, the Covenant is given: for you are in ſo far in the Covenant of Grace, as you have any thing of Chriſt in you, Col. 1.27, To whom God would make known, what is the riches of the glory of this myſtery among the Gentiles, which is Chriſt in you, the hope of glory. 2 Cor. 13.5, Examine your ſelves whether ye be in the faith: prove your own ſelves. Know ye not your own ſelves, how that Jeſus Chriſt is in you, except ye be reprobates? If you have no right to Chriſt, then none to the Covenant: try therefore your ſtanding: ſinners where are you? under the firſt husband, or married to another? are you in Chriſt or not? and conſequently in the Covenant of Grace, or without it? Rom. 7.4, Wherefore my brethren, ye alſo are become dead to the law by the body of Chriſt, that ye ſhould be married to another, even to him who is raiſed from the dead, that we ſhould bring forth fruit unto God.

Try this, 1. By your divorcement from Idols, and all other lovers; this Covenant breaks all former ingagements, whether they have been to luſts or to creatures: henceforth if thou be in Chriſt, and ingaged with him through this Covenant, all theſe former ingagements muſt be ſo far caſt looſe, that hatred muſt be to luſts inſtead of former love, Gal. 5.24, And they that are Chriſts, have crucified the fleſh, with the affections and luſts. Mark. 9.43, And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands, to go into hell, into the fire that never ſhall be quenched, where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, &c. And half a love to the creatures, or limited, ſubordinate, ſecondary, regular, ſubmiſſive love to them, inſtead of old heart ingagements, Ezek. 36.25, From all your filthineſs, and from all your Idols will I cleanſe you. Pſal. 45.10, 11, Hearken, O daughter, and conſider, and incline thine ear: forget alſo thine own people, and thy fathers houſe. So ſhall the king greatly deſire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord, and worſhip thou him. Joſh. 24.23, Now therefore put away, ſaid p. 470he, the ſtrange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the Lord God of Iſrael. Hoſ. 14.8, Ephraim ſhall ſay, What have I to do any more with idols? Gen. 12.1, Now the Lord had ſaid unto Abram, Get thee out of thy countrey, and from thy kindred, and from thy fathers houſe, unto a land that I will ſhew thee.

2. Try it by your conſenting to the mutual tye which the Covenant bringeth with it: for it doth not only hold forth what God will be to you, but what you muſt be to him: it obligeth you to be the Lords, as well as it maketh him yours, Hoſ. 3.3. It ſaith, Thou ſhalt not be for another man; ſo will I alſo be for thee. If then you conſent as willingly to be Chriſts, as to have him made yours; by this reciprocation and eccho of affection and ingagement to him, you may know your being in him, and ſo in the Covenant, Rev. 22.17, 20, And the ſpirit, and the bride ſay come, and let him that heareth ſay come.—Surely, I come quickly, Amen. Song. 2.16, My Beloved is mine, and I am his. 2 Chron. 30.8, Now be ye not ſtiffnecked as your fathers were: but yield your ſelves unto the Lord, and enter into his ſanctuary, which he hath ſanctified for ever: and ſerve the Lord your God, that the fierceneſs of his wrath may turn away from you.

3. Try it by your ſubjection and ſubmiſſion to Chriſt: for they that are in Chriſt, they do not only conſent to be his, but there is a ſubjection of their conſent unto him, as unto their Head, Husband, Lord, and King; as Wives and Subjects do in their Covenants with their Husbands and Kings, 2 Cor. 9.13, The ſubjection of your conſent. There muſt be a through compliance with Chriſt in all his offices, and in every part of each of his office: for we muſt not comply with Chriſt as a Prieſt only, but alſo as a witneſs, a leadeer and commander of the people, Iſa. 55.4, ſince he is given for theſe ends, as well as for the former: Neither muſt we ſubmit only to that part of his Prieſthood, whereby he offered ſacrifice, and ſlight his interneſſion, Heb. 5.1, 7. and 9.24, 26. Nor only to the external part of his Prophetical and Kingly offices, by ſubjecting our ſelves to ordinances (as the manner of formal hypocrites is): but to the ſoveraignty of his inward teaching and ruling alſo, Jer. 31.33, 34, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, p. 471and will he their God, and they ſhall be my people. And they ſhall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, ſaying, Know the Lord. Nor to his inward teaching and ruling only (as deſpiſers of Ordinances pretend), but to the external adminiſtration of his Covenant, by Ordinances of worſhip and government alſo, ſo long as his tabernacle is with men, which muſt be till Chriſts giving up the kingdom, Rev. 21.3, 22, 23. with Ezek. 43.11.

4. Try it by your ſatisfaction with, and acceptation of the whole bargain, without diviſion, diminution, addition, or alteration of any clauſe in it, Iſa. 55.3. Jer. 31.32, &c. Thoſe who are in Chriſt, and ſo within the Covenant of Grace, do not divide the promiſes of the Covenant, from the condition and commands thereof; neither do they reject any thing which God hath put in that bargain: but on the contrary they cloſe with it as it ſtands in the offer of the Goſpel (without bogling and skaring at the reſervation of the croſs): and with a ſoul-ſatisfaction found in the offer, 2 Sam. 23.5, ſaying with David, this is all my deſire. And Pſal. 16.5, 6, The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: thou maintaineſt my lot. The lines are fallen to me in pleaſant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage. Pſal. 73.25, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I deſire beſides thee.

5. Try it by your accounting duties your priviledg, which other men account their burden, 1 Joh. 5.3, For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous. Mat. 11.30, For my yoke is eaſie, and my burden is light. By your experiencing that holy facility in duties which ſpringeth from love to Chriſt, and delight in God, 2 Cor. 5.14, For the love of Chriſt conſtraineth us, becauſe we thus judg, that if one died for all, then were all dead. Whereby it cometh to paſs, that the very work of believers is wages and hire in their hands; that I ſay, is demonſtrative of one being in Chriſt, and ſo of a new-Covenant-eſtate.

6. Try it by your equal endeavours after holineſs and heaven; after conformity unto Chriſt, and communion with him: if thy endeavours after ſanctification, be as vigorous as after ſalvation; if thou wouldſt as gladly be made holy, as be in p. 472heaven; if thou deſireſt as really to be made like Chriſt, as to have fellowſhip with him; this ſpeaketh thy being in him, and if ſo, thy being in the Covenant, 2 Cor. 7.1, Having therefore theſe promiſes (dearly beloved), let us cleanſe our ſelves from all fil…hineſs of the fleſh and ſpirit, perfecting holineſs in the fear of God. 1 Joh. 3.3, And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himſelf, even as he is pure.

7. Try it by your being humbled and provoked to holineſs, by the knowledg of your being in Chriſt, and your reflections upon this great priviledg with humbling admiration: for after this manner hath it wrought upon Gods children, Rom. 3.27, Where is boaſting then? it is excluded: by what law? of works? nay: but by the law of faith. Ezek. 16.36, That thou mayeſt remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more, becauſe of thy ſhame, when I am pacified toward thee, for all that thou haſt done, ſaith the Lord God. 1 Tim. 1.13, 14, Who was before a blaſphemer, and a perſecutor, and injurious. But I obtained mercy, becauſe I did it ignorantly, in unbelief: and the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant, with faith and love, which is in Chriſt Jeſus, Joh. 14.22, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifeſt thy ſelf to us, and not unto the world?

8. Try it by your ſuperlative valuing of Chriſt: the weakeſt faith which is precious, doth value Chriſt above all, 1 Pet. 2.7, To you therefore which believe, he is precious. Prov. 3.15, She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canſt deſire, are not to be compared unto her. Chriſt is ſuperlatively valued; 1. When Chriſt alone, without all other comforts, is looked upon as enough, when the ſoul taketh ſatisfaction in this portion, Pſal. 73.25, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I deſire beſides thee. Pſal. 16.5, 6, The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and my cup: thou maintaineſt my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleaſant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage. When the ſoul reckons it ſelf eternally made up in him, and bleſſeth it ſelf in him, Lam. 3.24, The Lord is my portion, ſaith my ſoul, therefore will I hope in him. 2. When we value Chriſt out of love, not out of neceſſity only, as the manner of thoſe is, who come to him only in their exigency, p. 473as men uſe Phyſicians, Pſal. 116.1, I love the Lord, becauſe he hath heard my voice, and my ſupplication. 3. When the excellencies of Chriſt do affect the heart to take pains to ſeek him, proportionably, as we ſeek after other things, Song. 5.6, 9, 10, I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himſelf, and was gone: my ſoul failed when he ſpake: I ſought him, but I could not find him: I called him, but he gave me no anſwer. What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou faireſt among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou doſt ſo charge us? my beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefeſt among ten thouſand. 4. When we are not eaſily offended at him, Mat. 11.6, And bleſſed is he, whoſoever ſhall not be offended in me. Song. 5.7, 8, The watch-men that went about the city, found me, they ſmote me, they wounded me: the keepers of the walls took away my vail from me. I charge you, O daughters of Jeruſalem, if ye find my love, that ye tell him that I am ſick of love. There is nothing that argueth more clearly a low eſteem of Chriſt, than a readineſs to be ſoon and eaſily ſtumbled at him, or ſomething in his way with us, or attending the way of ſeeking him; and on the other hand, nothing argueth a higher eſteem of him, than not to be eaſily offended at him; let him do what he will, yet will I go after him; let me meet with what can be imagined, which ſtumbleth others, yet will I hold on my way; is the thoughts and heart-language of one that valueth Chriſt above all. Job 13.15, Though he ſlay me, yet will I truſt in him.

Ʋſe 4. To teach us, whatſoever things appertaining to this Covenant we caſt our eyes upon, to obſerve more of Chriſt in it: for if we look upon it aright, there is no part of the Covenant but we may behold Chriſt ingraven upon it; he is the precious ſubject-matter of the whole, and of every part of the Covenant, whether they be, 1. Things covenanted by God to us; Chriſt is ingraven upon every promiſe, and bleſſing, and priviledg of the Covenant: the righteouſneſs and life whereunto we are reſtored, are the righteouſneſs and life of Chriſt, Jer. 23.6, And this is his name whereby he ſhall be called, The Lord our righteouſneſs. Gal. 2.20, Yet not I, but Chriſt liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the fieſh, I live by the faith of the Son of God. 1 Cor. 1.30, p. 474But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom, and righteouſneſs, and ſanctification, and redemption. Col. 3.2, 3, Set your affection on things above, and not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Chriſt in God. The Sonſhip, the ſpirit, the grace, the title to God, they are our partnerſhip of Chriſts Sonſhip, his ſpirit, his grace, his Covenant-right to God, Rom. 8.17, And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Chriſt: if ſo be that we ſuffer with him, that we may be alſo glorified together. Gal. 4.6, And becauſe ye are ſons, God hath ſent out the ſpirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Joh. 1.14, 16, And the word was made fleſh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the father) full of grace and truth. And of his fulneſs have all we received, and grace for grace. Or, 2. Whether they be things re-ſtipulated by us to God, as conditions of the Covenant, or as duties of the confederate people; upon every condition and duty of the Covenant, Chriſt is ingraven: the faith accepting Covenant-grace and bleſſings, is the faith of the Son of God, Gal. 2.20. The holineſs and worthy walking whereunto we are called, is that ſame thing whereunto we are choſen and created in Chriſt Jeſus, Eph. 2.10. and 1.4.

Ʋſe 5. For commending Chriſt to you: 1. See the neceſſity of receiving Chriſt, and of being in him, without which we can have no right to the Covenant, nor to any thing contained in it: he is given for a Covenant: if it were poſſible for you to receive all that is in the Goſpel-offers, and not to receive Chriſt, all theſe things without him could not change your Covenant-ſtate, Eph. 2.12, If you continue without Chriſt, you are ſtill without the Covenant: therefore is that expreſſion ſo frequently uſed to denote one in Covenant with God, they that are in Chriſt, Rom. 8.1. 2 Cor. 12.2.

2. Learn the way how the confederate people ſhould come to God: it is not enough that we ſhould come to God, and bring Chriſt with us as a third perſon; but we muſt alſo come to God as being in Chriſt, as being one with him, Joh. 15.2. And this is to come to God through Chriſt, Heb. 7.25.

p. 4753. Be perſwaded to take him who is given of God for a Covenant of the people: make Chriſt your own, and you make all the bargain your own: for he is the Covenant of the people, and he is all, ſaith the Apoſtle, Col. 3.11, And, whoſo findeth me, findeth life, and ſhall obtain favour of the Lord, ſaith he himſelf, Prov. 8.35. We beſeech you receive the gift which draweth all the Covenant along with it, 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. If you ask, When do we receive Chriſt? 1. When we receive the very bonds of the word, and that which doth moſt croſs our corruption, and ſtraiten the looſneſs and liberty of our fleſh, 1 Theſſ. 1.6, And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the holy Ghoſt. 2 Cor. 10.4, 5, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of ſtrong holds: Caſting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it ſelf againſt the knowledg of God; and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Chriſt. 2. When we imbrace and kiſs the promiſes, that is, when we love them dearly, and welcome them kindly, for the good that is in them, for the things which they carry forth unto us, Heb. 11.13, Theſe all died in faith, not having received the promiſes, but having ſeen them afar off, and were perſwaded of them, and embraced them, and confeſſed that they were ſtrangers and pilgrims on the earth. So did thoſe Worthies who obtained a good report through faith, verſo 390 3. When we find and receive ſomething ſweeter and better in the promiſes than ſalvation, even Chriſt himſelf, Song. 5.16, His mouth is moſt ſweet, yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jeruſalem. A temporary may receive the word with joy, and the promiſes of the word; but how? for ſalvation that is in them: but the believer finds ſomething in them better than Salvation, Joh. 6.68, Then Simon Peter anſwered him, Lord, to whom ſhall we go? thou haſt the words of eternal life. Pſal. 73.25, 26, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there in none upon earth that I deſire beſides thee. My heart and my fleſh faileth: but God is the ſtrength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

p. 4764. Since God giveth Chriſt for all the Covenant, be you perſwaded to take him for all, and to make uſe of him for all, 1 Cor. 1.30, But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom, and righteouſneſs, and ſanctification, and redemption. 1. To fulfil all the promiſes of the Covenant to you; for in him they are yea, and in him they are all Amen, 2 Cor. 1.20. 2. To fulfil and perform the condition of the Covenant in you; to determine your wills to believe, Joh. 6.37, All that the father giveth me, ſhall come to me. Song. 1.4, Draw me, we will run after thee. Joh. 12.32, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 3. To perform the duties in you, which the Covenant requireth of you, Phil. 4.13. Joh. 15.5. Eph: 2.10.

Ʋſe 6. For comfort and encouragement to believers. 1. Comfort your ſelves in the bargain which you have made, upon this ground, Chriſt is in the Covenant; yea, he is given for a Covenant of the people, and therefore all ſhall be well, and all ſhall be ſure and firm, Iſa. 22.23, And I will faſten him as a nail in a ſure place, and he ſhall be for a glorious throne to his fathers houſe. Zech. 10.4, Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nails Iſa. 3.10, Say ye to the righteous, that it ſhall be well with him: for they ſhall eat the fruit of their doings. Comfort your ſelves, 1. Againſt your being ſhort of other men in worldly-injoyments, Chriſt is given you for a Covenant, but not unto them: O wonder at it! and be comforted, with him who ſaid, Lord how is it that thou wilt manifeſt thy ſelf to us, and not unto the world? You can own Chriſt, they cannot, Pſal. 67.6, And God, even our own God ſhall bleſs us. Pſal. 73.26, My fleſh and my heart faileth: but God is the ſtrength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 2. Comfort your ſelves againſt all ſnares, dangers, tentations, and ſtorms that can blow againſt you in your way to heaven, Chriſt is in the Covenant, and that ſhall be your ſafety; as the diſciples were ſafe at ſea againſt greateſt tempeſts, becauſe Chriſt was in the ſhip with them, Mat. 8.13, to 28. Conſider, he is imbarked with you, and ſhall bring you to land, 1 Joh. 4.4, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: becauſe greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 3. Comfort your ſelves againſt all your wants p. 477and weakneſſes, and all the miſeries of your preſent condition; Chriſt is given for a Covenant of the people: and though you be fooliſh, he is wiſe, 1 Cor. 1.30, But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom. Though you be weak, he is ſtrong, Pſal. 89.19, I have laid help upon one that is mighty. Mat. 12.29, Or elſe how can one enter into a ſtrong mans houſe, and ſpoil his goods, except he firſt bind the ſtrong man, and then he will ſpoil his houſe? Though you be faithleſs, he is faithful, 2 Tim. 2.13, If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himſelf. Though you be nothing, Chriſt is all, Col. 3.11. Whatſoever is wanting in you, is abounding in him; and if you abuſe not the grace of Chriſt by turning it into wantonneſs, it is all one if it be betwixt you: its as good and much better it be in him than in you: for if he be given to you, all comes with him, 1 Cor. 1.30, But of him are ye in Chriſt Jeſus, who of God is made unto us wiſdom, and righteouſneſs, and ſanctification, and redemption.

2. Believers in Chriſt, you who have received him who was given for a Covenant of the people, take courage and boldneſs to God-ward in all that you have to do with him: For, 1. Having received Chriſt for a Covenant of the people, you may pray and deal confidently with God, as though Chriſt did beſeech God by you, Iſa. 45.11, Thus ſaith the Lord, the holy one of Iſrael, and his maker, Ask me of things to come, concerning my Sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 2. You have gotten Chriſt, and therefore nothing ſhall be denied you, Rom. 8.32, He that ſpared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all: how ſhall he not with him alſo freely give us all things? 3. You have received more than you know of, Joh. 14.4, 5, 20, And whither I go ye know, and the way you know. Thomas ſaith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goeſt: and how can we know the way?—at that day ye ſhall know that I am in my father, and you in me, and I in you. You have all the Covenant, if you have him. 4. You have received more than you want, a greater thing than ever you ſhall be capable to need or want hereafter; for how great ſoever your wants be, you cannot conceive them to be ſo great as Chriſt, who p. 478is given to you, Phil. 4.19, But my God ſhall ſupply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Chriſt Jeſus. 2 Cor. 9.8, And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye always having all ſufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

FINIS.