The nature, properties, blessings, and saving graces, of the covenant of grace : opened and applied, in LII sermons, on 2 Samuel xxiii. 5

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ur THE

{ture,Properties,Bles-
iNGs^aiid SavingGraces,

O F T H E

O VENA NT of GRACE,
Opened and Applied,

I N

I S E R M O x> S,

On 2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
cached at New-Mills in Loudon.

that zealous and faithful Minilter of the Gofpel*

JO HN NE VA Y, Miniiter there,

n the Time of Scotland's pureft Reformation.

., lr; the Author's own Hand, in a very fair A
)t9 from which this is printed. Never before pul

To which is added,
) Letters, written by the Author to his

Parifhoners when he was in Hoii.

- - ■

{ lv. \. Incline y:ur Ear, and come unto me j bear, and your
'ball live j and I ivill make an everlajiing Covenant ivitb you,
iefuri Meagre t of David.

\xv. 14. The Secret of the Lord is witlj them that fear
'illjhevj them bis Covenant.

GLASGOW:
in the Year, M DCCXLVIII,

f Price Bound Eighteen Pence. ]

i

A I*V ER'TISEME

tv

THAT there is in the Hands of tli
usher, Thirty-nine excellent Sefti
upon ChrifPs Temptations, preached
fiir )R, at fills : The

if the Publifher finds fuitnbJc Encourac.
in what he hath already publifhc
willing to communicate to the Uk 1
Publick alfo.

To the Right Honourable,

JOHN,

Earl of Loudon, Lord
Maitchline, &c.

Right Honourable,

SINCE the following Sermons upon the
Covenant of Grace, were preached in
your Lordfhip's own Parifh Church of
Loudon at New-Mills, at that Time when
your noble and honourable Great-G rand-Fa-
ther, the Earl of Lou don, not only as a princi-
pal Peer of the Nation, but alio as Lord high
Chancellor of Scotland, was fuch an eminent
Inilrument, in the Lord's Hand, toeilablifh in
ation, both in Church and State,- the pur-
veformation that ever was eftabliihed in
any particular Nation under the
•lent Difpenfation; and that the fervent /

accord-

vi T*o the Read:r.

with him, no Fountain opened to the Houfe of David,
and Inhabitants of Jerufalem, for Sin and for Unclean-
nefs, Zech. 13. i. no Sanflificatioi of the Spirit, no Be-
lief of the Truth, 2 Theff. 2. 13. no regenerating Grace,
no Victory over Satan, the World, and indwelling Sin,
no Reftoration to the Likenefs ana* Image of God, no
Communion and Fellowfhip with God in Time, nor En-
joyment of him to Eternity : For, if the Covenant of
Redemption, or, Suretiftiip, had not been entered into
betwixt the Father and the Son from Eternity, God had
never entered into a Covenant of free Grace and Recon-
ciliation with Man, thro' Chriit Jefus ; fmce the firit is the
Foundation and Eilabrifhment of the lait ; and then, the
World had never known the great Myflery of Godlinefs,
God manifefled in the Flefb, juftified in the Spirit, feen of I
Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the World,
received up into Glory, 1 Tim. 3. 16. and the wonderful
great Love that the Father hath bellowed upon the elect
World, that they fhould be called the Sons of God, \John
3. 1. And fince this new and living Way (in the Cove-
nant of Grace) whereby God brings many Sons into Glo-
ry, is wholly out of free Grace and undeferved Favour,
it may juftly be the Wonder of all the Godly in Time^
and the Admiration of the general Ailembly and Church
of the Firft-born in Heaven, to all Eternity.

Many excellent Treatifes have been written upon the
Covenant of Grace; yet there are fo many great Myfte-
ries to be found therein, that there is Hill need of a fur-
ther Difcovery thereof; and therefore, all that hath been
faid on this excellent Subject by others, doth not in the
leaft make what is treated on by the reverendAuthor, in the
following Sermons upon the Covenant of Grace, the lefs
ufeful ; elpecially confidering that manyThingsin them are
in a more plain, eafy, diltincl, and edifying Method, and
more adapted to weak Capacities (whofe Knowledge can-
not comprehend and take up what is written in learned
Treatifes on this Subject) than any that I know of: And,
befides this,there is fuch a great Depth of the infinite Wifdom, ,
Lo*e, and Mercy df God to fallen Man, in the Covenant
of Grace, that no Man can find out the fame to Per fee /

tion

Ta the Reader. xil

tion, Job vi. y. For, altho' all that ever hath been writ-
ten upon this pleafant Subject were put in one Volume,
it might juftly be hid of it, as the Queen of Sbeba faid
of the Wjfdom and Rfches of Solomon, that the one Half
was not to!d, i Kings 10. 7.

• As rhe folio v ing Sermons are very plain and ea(y, {o
they are very found, folid, and edifying; not with the in-
ticing Word's of M n\< Wiidom, but in Demor»ilrat!on of
the spirit and Powc, zCor. 2 4 and the Doctrines th&eiij
advancedVery clearly proven from the Word of God.

T^he famous Author is of the fame Judgment with other
orthodox Divines, in afle ting that the Covenant of Grace
is conditional, and that Faith is the alone Thing required
as the Condition thereof: This makes the pubtilhing of
thefe excellent Sermons the more neceffary at this Time,
when thefe two old Ant in tnt an Errors, viz. That Faith
is fiot the Condition of t')e Co-vcnant of ' Grac, and that
/ffhance is of the EJJencc of Fat! h, aie revived by fome
Preachers, and too well believed by fome People, who
it appears by their Practice) do not, with the noble
Bercans, Ails 17. 10, 11. try thefe Tenets by trie Rule of
holy Scripture, but take them as Truths upon the Au-
thority of their Preachers : Now, fince thefe Errors are
pubhckly taught and defended, I muit crave the Reader's
Patience, till I (hew m> Opinion in Oppcfition to them both :

I. Concerning Faith being the Condition of the Co-v,
of Grace : L~ft f mould be miilaken, as a Favourer of
that legal Doctrine of -Papiih and Arm
tribes Salvation, in Whole or in Part, to Man's Frce-wiil
or Good-works, I do cheariully own, chat f'aiih. is nei-
ther the efficient nor meritorious Cau*e of Man'* Salvati-
on ; for, (1.) The efficient Cnu-e or ivJan's Salvation is
only the Free-Gr.ice of God alone, who lov^
14. 2. jultifie^ K and giv :er of

Liie freely, without Money, an J ivichoat
6. and 22. 17. If a. 55. 1. (2.) The formal Condition
of the Covenant of Grace, as it is the Covenant of Sureti-
fhip, made betwixt the Father 2

concerning the Son's ranfoming, redeeming, purchafmg,
and baying cf the -Elect World, to be a peculiar Pe

b 2 tn

iut the certain Affui
of the Mind, a^ I the Spirit of God, that

w hat the Lord hath promikd to Believers in general, ilia 11
Jbe made out to the Perfon% felf in particular, P/a/. ]
> 4. 16. Da?:. , And this I

Which is called, by ibme, the Faith of Adherence, is ac-
ceptable with the Lord, where the Faith of Afiuraoce is
wanting; which appears from the following Initr.ces of
il, who had Faith but not AfTirance; as, (x.) Thefe
who hid the we.ik Handi, the feeble Kne^s, and the .
fearful Hear: j who were exhorted to be ilrong, and en-
couraged with Ctod's Purpofe concerning it he
wou'g come and fjve them, If a. 353. (2 ) Th./e, v%ho,
:hev walked in Darknefs, and hid no Li^hr, were
exhorted to truft in the Lord, and to (lay upon their God,

life, who was under
Darknefs and '['error, thro' the wnoie Tract of his Time,
Pfa/m 88. throughout. (4.) >'ira}b\ who Cried to th'c
Yj. rd in the Lime of his Trouble, reefed to be carafo t
i .as troubled ; io that his Spirit was overwhelmed ;
yes kecped waking, and was made to complain,

and would be favour-
able no more, &rV. P/al. -12. (5.) The Le-
per, that came to Chrilt., and worfhipped him, faying,
Lord, if thou Ttilt tl;pu canft make me clean, M atth. 8. 2.
(6.) The Man who brought his Son to Chrilt, to be dif-
poifefTed of the dumb Devil, who cried out, and faid
with Tears, Lor J, I believe, help tbou mine Unt
Mark 9 24. (7.) We read that Chrift delivers fome,
who, /or Fear of Death, were all their Life ti
t;> Bondage, Hib. z. 1 5. This puts it out o.* Doubt, tnat
fome thai! obtain eternal Life at the F.nd of Time, who
, in all tfielr Life time, had the Aflurance

r thefe Inltancef, are a pUin C
of this Antinomian Error, that AlTurar.ee is of the
::h : And, it the Expedience of the

:his Matter,
upon due J be found, that it is with many

Cafe, with the four

e of the great Famine of

Sama-

To the Reader. xi

Samaria, refolved to enter upon the moil poflible Way of
. faving their Lives, without the Aflurance of the Event,
till Time evidenced it, 2 Kings 7. 3, 4. And, as it was
with Ejiber, when fhe faid, Efiber 4. 16. So will I go in
unto the King, and if I perijh, I perijb : And as it was with
Jcbt when he faid, Chap, 13. 15. Though be Hay me, yet
will I ttuli in him.

As this Doctrine, That AJfurance is of theEJJence of Faith,
is falfe, being contrary to the Word of God, fo it is very
dangerous ; for, thereby, every Perfon, tho' never fo
godly, who wants Aflurance of Salvation, muft be judged
to be in a State of black Nature, fince every Perfon is in
a natural State, till once they have faving Faith in Being :
And this is a mod harfh and unwarrantable Cenfure, to
pafs upon fuch as are exerciied unto Godlinefs, yet toffed
with I empefts and not comforted, Ifa. 54 11. becaufe
they are under various Doubts and Fears, concerning
their Intereft in Chrift ; and fuch as are vainly puffed up ,
by their flefhiy Mind, with an imaginary Aflurance,
which, according to this Doctrine, they attained unto at the
very firft breathing of Faith upon their Souls; which is
neither according to the Law and the Teflimony, nor
yet builded upon the Foundation of the Apoftles and Pro-
phets, Jefus Chrift himfelf being the chief Corner-Stone,
Ifa. 8. 20. Eph. 2. 20. mud be judged the only Saints
upon Earth ; and the Doctrine that denys that Faith in
any Senfe is the Condition of the Covenant of Grace,
is no lefs dangerous; for, if this were granted, it would
undeniably follow, that People may be faved without
Faith, tho' they never believe in the Lord Jefus Chriil ;
and that the Condemnation of fuch as perilh under the
Light of the Gofpel, is not founded upon their dying in
L:. belief, and not believing upon the only begotten Son
of God : I heartily wifh, that fuch as belong to the Lord,
may be delivered from fuch dangerous and falfe Doctrine.
Bui, good Reader, to detain thee no longer, I muft
tell thee, That the Reverend Author of the following Ser-
mons, was Minifter at New- Mills in Loudon; where thefe
Sermons were preached, in the Time of Scotland pureft
Reformation ; where his Name and Memory is yet fa-
b 4 voury,

.t to be ; for, befides his Sou ndru

n his Conversation,
.literial Function, he was alfo very zea-
fediofl, which were con-
trary to S. led Work of Reformation; of
which, thefe following are a few Inllanccs : (i.) \.
the Earl of CaUpdery and Major General Middltlon, cru-'
elly perftcuted the well-afteited People in the Weft of

ciences, becaufe
'they would not j^n in the Duke of Hamilton* unlawful
Engagement ot War againll E
feft Breach of the 5ol<
i'everal ocr. S and wt

h of
• ecution o1
.enant Eng
(2 ) When, in ^ ting up th(

Malignant . Throne, as iupreme

and St '651, did ratify and ap-

prove the publu of bringing tfiejcflly ex-

cluded Malignant* again, into o.^er

and Trull, in Judicatories and Armies, he was one of •

who faithfully witnei
lad Courfe | 3 ) After

kedTyrram, Cba les II. broke Covenant with
Man, by overturning the whole covenanted Work 0
formation, and impofed the Oath of Allegiance, in \\
the Snprerr: eluded, h<

unlawful Oath, wa5 banifhed I
nions 1

After he was g
the Pla , he it'll n

ftor to his
which

muns up;,

.1 written wjjh bi

5t$ the Read xiii

As it is hoped, that the following Sermons will he very
acceptable to all the Godly into whofe Hafrds they come,
fo, more efpecrally, to the Pariihoners of Loudon, ir. .
Parim Church they were preached, and for whole Ule
they were lent from another Nation, by as faithiu' \
nifter as ever laboured among them ; frcm
Hand- write and original Manufcript they are pri
and the Lord's Providence of preserving them, and bring-
ing them to the Publick, after they were for a longTime,
loft from the Parifh of Loudon, ought to be acknowledged
with Thankfulnefs.

That the Lord by his BlefTing may make the following
Sermons uleful for the Information, Strengthning, Edifi-
cation, and Comfort of many of the Lord's People, is tne
earned Deiiie of,

Ghrtfiian Reader,

pland, J an. ")

Vb, 17+8. $

Thripland, Jan. 1 ftncere FrienJ,

6r

Wi lliam Young.

croftick upon theName ofMr.]o\\

MOST famous and renowned Seer,
A Pallor, who cid Burden bear :
S uch Zeal for Truth inflamed thee,
— To wr.nefs for ithfully ;

E nduring unjuft Banifhment,
R acher tnan pie-ife iii Government,

I n what was unlawful for thee,
• ding to Supremacy ;

t dead, doth raife tb;

rant now can banifh thee;
3.0'xt from fuch Monfters free,
vur'd thy all to win the Prize, >

Earth delpij C

/here true Comfort lies.

A

JOHN' tjlorton B

James Brown Baillie.
Jamei Richmond Bailiie.
John Ma Ton jun Wtra

s Smith jun. Weaver.

{; Smith Weaver.
Richmond inn. Weaver.
Ja'v,fs R.chmond We3\

John Brown Maltman.
n Taylor,
mg Shoe-maker.

ei.

I ter.

Allan nth.

Archibald Jamiel'on Portioner.

^el Smith.
James Mncltel Portioner.
Aird Merchant.

.ierchant.
Portioner.

odburn Shoe- maker,
Dee Carrier.
! chran Fle/her.
Richmond Shoe-maker,
b Servant.

! rber.

ht.
-on Shoe-maker,
right.

ell Officer.

kor Tanner.

John ' t

j.,hn
John P
Thorn

Stephen Tom nee.
Janet Boi U
John FinJay I\r t
Jam<

John Borland Ten
John Fin i

John Thorn fon T :
J >hn Morton T n
J tmes Morif-m Tenant.
I Morton M
nder N'fbet Tenant,
ioirer. ,
Hugh Campbe;l Servant.
ah Tenant.

Tenant.
Robert Nifbet Tenant.
Hugh Aird T
Hugh Mair Tenant.
Hugh Camp'
John Walker Portioner.
Jarrus Small Servant.

m Millar Tenant.

Thomas Mu> U
J4mes Adam Wr'ght.
Brown Sen

}imec ' -int.

Tenant.

Campbell.

aid Guthry Weaver.
i N'.fbet Millar.
Mfbet Smith.
i Mafon Wright.

SUBSCRIBERS NAMES, x^

Robert Wood burn Shot-maker.
Elizabeth Nilbct.
John Young Weaver.
Thomas Lejmont Wright.
Robert Tod Weaver.
Hugh Paton Tenant-
Robert Paton Tenant.
| Alexander Thoml'on Weaver*
John J^ckfon Tenant.
John Campbell Tenant.
William Muckle Tenant.
William Wilfon Tenant.
James Mitchel.
James Brown Tenant.
John Smith.
Archibald Campbell.
John Thomfon.
John Lambie Servant.
Thomas Morton Portioner.
Andrew Aird.

Parijh of Galjlon.

GEORGE Nifet Portioner.
George Hunter. Miller,
es Campbell Portior.er.
Hugh Mair Tenant.
Jonn Lambie Maltman.
William Lambie Weaver.
John Leacock Portioner.
William Leacock Portioner.
John Richmond Portioner.
John Nifbet Coupar.
George Mair Merchant.
Alexander Mitchel Portioner.
Alexander Morton Smith.
Mair Merchant.
nderfon Portioner.
J hn Hodge.

h Muir Tenant.
Law Portioner.

Patifo ©f Finnic k.

1 OHN Howie Tenant.
«' St \ !.en Torrence.

ner, 12 Cop.

i Alexander Marfhal

Parifo of Maucbiine.

OHN Adam W
Alexander Brow ..
Matthew R
Alexander Richmond.

Parijb of Sorn.

\ OHN Henry Portio.
J J 'hn Cowan Servant.
John Henry.

J hn Richmond Portioner.
William Henry Weaver.
Barbara MfGechen.
James Richmond Portioner.
George Richmond.

Parijh of Evandale,

ANDREW Hamilton P
Michael Cochran Portion,
J hn P.ryfon Shoe-maker, j

John Borland.
ohnFjirieM-rchant inu5/j
n Coo.

Parij7j of Eaglcjharr.,

I OHN Young Tenant.
J J tmes Orr Ten
Kobe! Orr.

J .hn Barn^ Workman.
Janet Paterl

And re v. ;ant.

Alexander Young.
James Young jun.
James Young
Robert P3tet:
John
Andrew

RefcL
Michael Reid jo<,

. >ung.
John Orr.
William Young.

S U I E S.

Margaret Young jgn.

M.ii£arrt I

Andrew (

Jam

John Y»

Arthu- -.int.

John int.

Hugh M >nt£omerie '1

|ohn Orr S
Robert Voi

William \' int.

William Gilmor Tenant.
William Bryfon Tenant.
Peter Wa'l

Andrew Wflfon T.-nant.
Andrew Young Tenant.
Mafgare' Young.
James Parle Servant.
Andrew Young Tenant.
John Turner Servant.
James Young Tenant,
ung.

\vm Tenant.

nor Tenant.
Williai

James '
James A.

■ i Tenant.
John Reid T

-!:nt.
rt Montgomi i

^upningham.

ck.

Ifafd P '

. 1 jun.

Rr)bert Fult'urd Fl
John Clark. Weaver.

W

Alex

ylor.
Andrew Faulds i
Robert Howie.
William M •
Robert Reid.

^ner, is
Co;

WILLIAM BRYSON Tenant

John R
John R
Robt

Rob-rt Grai|

Andrew Cra'g T.nrtnt.

John Brown Shoe -maker, 12

Con I
Andrew Bi
John Faui.

Alexander ^ lot,

Jame

Andrew Gilmor Tenant.
Jam en Oilm
John I

Connel Weaver.
iM Craig M

ipar.
int.

nant.

• r Weaver in .

• Coal-grieve ,C

SUBSCRIBERS NAMES, xvii

Parijh of Kitbryde.

JOHN Granger.
Andrew Lindfay Tenant.
John Pvu fief Tenant.
Janet Struthers.
John P.iterfon Tenant.
James Granger Portioner.
James Dalgleilh Tenant.
n Tenant.
ant.
Chriltopher Ruffel Servant.
William Riddel Weaver.
Rob.rr ■

James Strutherb Tenant.
James A
Tame

William Lindfay Farmer.
William Lindfay

ifqn.
John Crawrurd Portioner.
William Wilfon Weaver.
James Strang Portioner.

Warnock Tenant.
Gavin Semple jun.

ler Lindfay Tenant.
ruthers Servant.
William Park Poitioner.
John Park.

Alexander Lindfay Servant.
Robert Fleming Portioner.
John Orr Tenant.
William Burns Workman,
John Arneil Weaver.
John Lindfay Miller.
Robert Young Tenant.
Chriflcpher Crawfurd.
James Wilfon Portioner.
John Bruning Portioner.
Alexander Dalgleifh Servant.
Robert Strang Merchant.
William Strang Portioner.
James Young Tenant.
John Struthers Shoe-maker.
Andrew Strang.
Andrew Lindfay Portioner.
James Strang Tenant,
i Craig Tenant.

Robert Sudderland.
John Allan Weaker.
William Hood Weaver.
Andrew Gilmor Portioner.
James Hamilton Shoe-maksr.
James Smith Weaver.
John Ruffel.
William Strang.
Robert Naifmith.
John Fleming Mafon.
John Paterfon Portioner.
John Reid Merchant.
Robert Dalgleifli Taylor.
James Dykes jun.
Robert Wardrop Tenant.
William Graham Portioner.
James Alexander Portioner.
Alexander Aikenhead Tenant.
Agnes Craig Servant.
Archibald Park Portioner.
John Jackfon Weaver.

Reid Tenant.
Andrew Allan Tenant.
William Barr Tenant.
James Smith Tenant.
John Marshal.
Alexander Young Portioner.
James Jackfon.
James Pollock Portioner.
John Wilfon Portioner.
Thomas Watt Mafon.
Alexander Pollock Weaver, n
Jean Pollock.
Katharine M'Alafter.
John Bows Tenant.
John Mather.
Stephen Ruilel Portioner.
John Wilfon Tenr.nt.
Andrew Ruflel Si

.th.
John Wat!
John Lyon
John Sham

WUliam W

SUn [BERS VES.

and G or bah.

ADERCookT
hal.

in.

Dyer.

d Wright.

. m Thomfon Porti
\ander Secular Mafon.
Cordiner.
William Shiels Land -labourer.
Chapman,
in Land- labourer.
Jamts W/lfon Ma ion.

m Currie Land-labourer.
Thomas Graham.
John Campbell Hammer-man.
John Reid T

Cunningham Weaver.

City of G/jfgow.

ANDREW LockhartMtrcht
James WaUon Stay-maker,
B >yd Stay-maker.
s Porter Heel -maker.
John Vv*ilf>n Servant.
Patrick M'Adam Servant.
James Provan Servant.
David Stiang Merchant.
Thorn a :ng-makcr.

iiner.
iiner.
John Wright Indw

Her.
•her.
.
Andrt

George (
Joh» Ca

Ligbtburn.

Tmvn and P i

C-nt.

William M:llar W
John Naifmi'.h Shoe-maker.
■ Torrence Sh>e-maker.
John Warn

William B -;er.

James Naifmith Sh
I Robert Coupar Wright.
John Robertion Weaver.
Urns Wood-cutter.
William B-own Smith.
Francis Dividfon Weaver.
Jean Wilfon.
Thomas Paterfon Shoe-n,

William Adam.

Parijh of Leadhillu

THOMAS Telfer Miner.
John liner.

Miner.
William Gemnw!.
James Rowan M
Lauren

William Dcnholm M
James S
William Lot

John Richard Portioner in M.
kirk.

Tinnahill Stationer in
^ nock.
Robert Armour Bonnct-mekcr

SE. 'NS

( < )

SERMONS

O N
2 S A Mil E L xxiii. i, 2, 3, 4, 5.

2 Sam. xrxlii. 1.

5 ^ f A*/* be the laft Words of David : David the
Son of Jej/e fa id, and the Man who was raifed
up on high, the anointed of the God of *Jacob% and
the fweet Pfalmijl of Ifrael^ faid, &c0

DA V I D 1 in hh Time was fn many and va-
rious Cafes; fometimes, in the Depths, and
crying out of them, Pfal. exxx. 1. other-
whiles Deep calling unto Decf, bu: he r^ot
able to call ; for all the Waves aid Billows

>■ him, Pfal. xlii. 7. at another Time,
fet on a Rock, and bis Goings eftablijhed, PfaL xl. 2. but
while he thought that bis Mountain p , God hid

Facf, aid be was troubled, PfaL xxx. 7. lornetimrs,
he wa> forely ftraitned, fear <w

I ancther 1 lme, the lor

8. of that fame Pfalm
the Wilde me fs, and Oivi
; ctherv. .

SERMON I.

liverance from all his Enemies, Plat, xviii. Title of the
, foinetimes, refolving to <ivalk in his Houfe w

ci. 2. a: another Time, he findeth
his Houfe not fo with God : Now; he Cometh to his laft
Reckoning, about iiis publick Calling, and about his
peribnal and domeilick Carriage alfo, he is feeking the
Shore, and out of his Sea of Troubles, and Depths of
fad Excrcife, he cometh to Land upon the Plank of the
fure and everlafting Covenant, and maketh a Song for
altogether, once for all, he fingeth a fweet Requiem to
bis Soul.

In this Scripture, we have, firft, the Preface, in which
we have, i. This holy Man defcribing himlelf, ver. I.
2. His Warrand, for what he fpeaketh and fingeth,
z, 3. 3. He reflecteth upon his publick Admi-
niltration, and readeth a Lecture to Rulers, ver. 3, 4.
4. He reflecleth rfjbon his Houfe, Court, and Family,
and rinde:h them not fuch as they mould have been ;
fo he rolleth himfelf upon, and taketh hold upon the
well-ordered Covenant, that fo he might come to 2. Soul
ver. 5. 5. He taketh notice of the Sons of Be-
/in/, who lived without Yoke; who either would never
enter in Covenant, or made no Bones to break it ; he
defcribeth their wretched Manners, and woeful End,
v/r. 6, 7.

Doer. t. From the Preface, <ver. 1. where thefe Words

are called the I a (I Words of David \ it is this, That the

Words nf holy Men are to be obferved and remembered.

The Spirit doth record the lalt Words of David, and

lie fingctn iwcetly in them ; the laft Words of Jacob, in

dix. and of Mofes, in Deut. xxxiii. Stephens, in

v .1 . particularly in -ver. 59, 60. efpecially, ChrilVs

vVords before his Death, Luke xxiii. 34. praying

for his Enemies, and in <ver. 43. on the Crofs giving a

Kingdom, J olm xix. 26, 27. taking Care of his near

thirfting more to have the Work

of Redemption perfected, than for bodily Refrefhing ;

50. of that chap, that precious Word, It is

nd that Word, in Matth. xxvii. 46. My God,

1 forjakenme? and that laft Word of

all,

bit i S a m u E L fcxiii. i.

all, fpcken with a loud Voice, in Luke xxiii. 46. Father,
into t by Hands 1 command m\ Spirit; he went not away in
a Cloud; and then his 'all Words afcer h:^ Relurreclion,
ard before his Afcer.fion, Luke xxiv. from ver. 4 a. till
near the End of that chap, and hi oui Hea-
ven afcer bis Aictrrfior., Re<o. xxii. 1 6? H. The lalt

f boly Men are mofb Becaufe

jv are near and have a quick Seen: of Kea\
-djtjfjyi- '5- with vii. 5 j, -6. 2^'. L«fl Words leave beft
n, //£j xx. 33. 5//. Then, :VIen may fpeak moil
. impartial felrimonies.
:. Agninlt. thoie who are nothing moved with th*
rds of holy iVlen, either firit, or lalt; even Jc(epb*s
r.ren were fuch once, in (ten. xxxvii. 19. IJbmael oft*
ner, though but once rtcoded, Gen. xxi. 9. Such were
the Epicureans, and Stoich, Acts xvii. 18.

Ufe 2. Study the Golpel, and Iiilen to it ; lay if up in
the Heart, and obey it from the Heart, Rom. vi. 17.
There you have the lail Words of Chriit, Htb. i. 1. and
his confirmed Teihment, Kb. ix. 16, 17.

Doct. 2. From David": Parentage reported by him-
felf, God/y Men neither are, nor need to d of their

poor Beginnings.

The Son of JeJJe was of fmall Accounr with T
I Sam. xx. 30, 31. fo was he alfo with Doevy 1
9. and with Nabal, 1 Sam. xxv. 10. Da*vid himfetf ^to,
when he came to reckon wi;h God, thought little of
.Houfe or Kindred, 1 CI ron.w'w. 16. So did Gid
vi. 15. Vet David here fingexh of hi:
c a rife, he was of the holy Patriarchal Seed,
his Rile was, there was in it the higher Commcndai
of the LordTs free Favour, I Cforon.xt'iX. 14. 3. Hi
not in Danger to be puffed up bj
uie to be; fee it in Saul, comparing *
xx. 30. but David knew it well,
at his heji Eft ate, is ai

1 new that Chriit wis to ip. i
Root, I/a. xi. 1,— 10. liii. 2.

4 S E R M O N T.

gatoR Pride in thole that cannot hear of their
iings and Extractions ; Pride breeds For-
. it breeds Dildain.
z. It may be of profitable Ufe, often to remem-
ber our poor Beginnings; the Holy Ghoft calleth us often
/' tbe Syrian ready to perijh, Deut. xxvi. ^. to
the Pit iv bene e ive are digged, 1/ai. li. I. our
wretched natural Etlate, in the Similitude of a wretched
Infant, Ezek. xvi. 3. 4.

DoCT. 3. The Godly take notice of raifing Mercies, from

gber*
So did Hannah in her Song, 1 Sam. ii. 8. fo doth Mary
in her's, Luke i. 48. and this fame David, P/al. ex'ui. 7,8,
they do, I. Becaufe, fuch are higheii Favours.
2. In the Thought of thefe raifing Favours, they remem-
ber their fometime low Eitate, which make them the
more fweet. 3. The Meditation on thefc, is an Help to
that holy lifting up of Heart, fuch as J tbcjhapbat had,
2 Cbron.xv\'\. 5, 6. 4. The not obferving of thefe, ma-
keth the worie Men, Deut. xxxii. 15. Jejhurun toaxed
xnd kiciedi not only Uzziab, after he was helped to
be llrong, bis Heart was lifted up, 2 Cbron xxvi. 15, 16.
bat even good Hezekiab, forgetting how the Lord r
him up, bfs Heart alfo came to be lifted up, 2 Chen, xxxii. 25.
• U/e 1. We hive had many raifing Mercies, fuch as //:
.id, in Deut. xxvi. 19. God made us bigb above all Na-
ime and Praife ; from a very low Eftate ; we
have reafon to blame our unsuitable Walking, for any
Tiling which hath, or fhall befa} us.

Ufe 2. VV ho would duly prize raifing Mercies of what-
r kind, would be frequent in the Meditation of the
tate from which they have been raifed ; it will keep
c Mercy high in Eftimation.
r. 4. From the Defignation which David taketh
inted of the God of Jacob; 4
if tbe true Melfiah, tbe great anointed One ;
•
it is, godly Men when upon their Reckoning,
hould t.ike nopce of their Calling, and
. ir Station i as well as, how thej

ricd

on 2 Samuel xxiii, i. 5

ried in it: This Anointing was the Way how Kings were
fet apart for that Office, fo it was a Ceremony by which
Prieits and Prophets were fet apart. It is of good Ad-
vantage befide the Duty, to remember how we entered
in a Station and came by it; fo did Solomon, 2 Cbron. i.
8. Jeremy in <bap. i. 5, II. Paul, Gal. i. I. For,

1. God expecleth Service of us, not only as Men, but .as
Men of fuch a Calling, 2 Sam. xii. 7. Ezek. iii. 17.

2. The Thought of our being culled of God, if ferious,
it will both engage and encourage us the more in the
Service. 3. The takir.g of fome Callings, and Way of
being engaged in them, doth ferve much to the Com-
mendation of him that calleth.

^ U/e 1. Some may hive a Challenge (or little remem-
bering how they were called to be Chriitians ; other-,
how called to be Ministers, when there hath been little
Suitablenefs in the one or other, to iome lingular Appear-
ing* of God in thefe Callings.

Ufe 2. Learn we one ana other, to remember our Cal-
ling, how we came to be drawn out of the common M
and to be fet apart for Gcd : Remember how even a^ Cnri-
ftians, we are called with a holy Calling, 2 Jim. i. 9, how
we ought to ix a Ik war I by cf it, 2 Theff. i. I I
hard to the r.lark, for the P/iz of this high Calli'.g, P
iii. 14. -

DoCT. 5. Godly Men look upon all their fignal and : '
Faz':urs, as coming from God as in Covenant w/th tlym.

So much in the Expreffion, the Gcd of Jacob\ Co

hlofes giveth Aflurance of Help and Conduct to I/>\

\ i. 30, 31. from this, the Lord your G>;d ; (o doth

ua commend the Favours (hewed to ffraelt rt was

Lord your God that did fo and f 0 ; and Nehemiah i. c.

plcadeth upon this Score, that he was a 6

"int. h is £ood both pleading for, and Holding our
Mercies fo by Covenant. 1. So they are ^rct:y coming
from the Promife, the Covenant is ci Proiniie. 2. So
they are made moft fure, even fworn by him for wp.oin
it js impofiiDle to lie, Heb. vi. 18. 3. They are 1
bundant, the Lord himfelf is firlt given; where any Gift
is received by Covenant, he is the Reward,
A 1

S E R M () N L

Ufe I. Hence is feen the Sin and Mifery of thofc, that
never look to God, as a God in Covenant with them ;
they cannot expect that which is promifed in Hag.
to be free of Fear, or to nave the Spirit remaining in
them; they may grip after, or receive a Mercy, but cm
plead no Intertii in Jehovah as the God of the
Pjal lix. 10.

Ufe 3. Let all who profefs rhemfelves Chrifti
ther in Recognition of the olJ, or
Merc: r looking unto, ;ng for C

their God by Covenant, <»ccofding to the -
Lord's People in Ifai. xxv. 9.

Doct. 6. tie caiieth hirnielf the fv
, the Pon." nd'ing cf tJ

/ Man to ft arc
Glory, is 90

7tne commend bit.-
So ootn Paul hirnielf, 1 Cor. xv. 10.
but it mult be, 1. To fct forth the L(
more, t the Grace of G

are called to far™ forth lis Virtues and Prat
ii. 9. 2. In tne C\:lc of Vindication, Paul
to glory. 3. For the encouraging of others, io in
Ia'vl 16. Cutne and bear all ye that fca>

^t the'Lo/d hmth done for my Sou/. j
this fometimes, will help to engage our I
both more unto Praii'e, and to all Chriftian Performances.
1. Againit bailard Humility, which cat.
ulnefs to God in thofe who have
Favour.-, but do conceal them, contrary to the Practice of
the Saints, --who ?nake mention of t:
Praxes "f the Lord, according to ail
a:, Jxni. 7.

: raih to cenfure either a5 witlcfe or vain-
: .cannot conceal the £reat and
>gs of God be tf owed on them,

■ ces which they have found ; ; Dot hut

Job xxxii. 1
ho make (

on 2 Samuel xxiii. i. 7

Doct. 7. From fweet Pfalmiit, not fo much for the
Singing and Mufick in them, though David was good of that
Art, 2 Chron. vii. 6. Amos vi. 55 as for the Matter.

So the Pfalms are a fweet Scripture, in Pfal. xcv. 2.
it is, make a jo\ful Xoife with Pfalms ; when he is (peak-
ing of the Days of the Gofpel, as ma£ be gathered by
comparing <ver. 7. of the PfaJm, with Heb. iii. 7. and in
Jam. v. 13. Is any Man merry , or of a right Frame of
Spirit, let him fing Ffalms. 1. There is much of Chriit
in them, particularly in Pfal. ii, xvi, xxii, xlv, lxxii,
ex, 2. There are many fweet Experiences in them,
fomething for every Cafe. 3. The \ery Stile and Phrafe
is pleafant. 4. More Teilimonies cited out of the Pfalms
in the New Teftament, than almoft out of any other
ok ; and Chrifl coth cite the Book of the Pfalms twice,

xxix. 42. and xxiv. 44.
U/'e 1. Againft thofe who have Pfalms fweet for nothing
: for the Tune in Singing, and their Shortnefs in
Reading.

Ufe 2. Search this Scripture, and delight more in it ;
the iweet Singer made many of thefe fweet Songs, and
there is much fweet Matter in them, (1.) For Contem-
plation. (2.) For Practice. (3.) There is a Glafs in them
of Saints Cafes and Experiences, Temptations, Wreft-
lings, Victories.

Doct. 8. He is called the Jweet PfalmiH of Ifrael,
the Obfervation is, That Pjalms were made both then, ar.d
are now to le ufed for the publick Edification of the Church,
1 Chron. xv. 19. and xvi. 4, 5. with Eph. v. 19. and Col.
iii. 1 6. yea in Pfal. c. 1 2. the Gentiles are commanded, to
come before his Pre fence with Singing.

Now, that Singing of Pfalms is a Gofpel Ordinance, may
be further proved thus, 1. In the Places cited to the Epbe-
fans, and Col-jfians, the very Titles of the Pfalm* in the
Bao'c of Pfalms, and other fcriptural Songs are exprelTed ;
Pfalms are Mit/morim; Hymns are Tebillrm ; and fpi ritu-
al Songs are Shirim. 2. Chrifl after he had inftituted
the Supper, and fo put an End to the legal Supper,' yet
put he not an End to Singing, but with his Difciples,
he fung an Hymn before he 'went out to the Mzunt of Oh

A 4 uth.

8 S b K M O N I.

Matth. xxvi. 30. and Mark xiv. 26. 3. The Pfalm
ilru&ion and Admonition, and Singing, Col. iij
the firit two Ends a:\d Ufes are moral and perpetual,

not the third? in Epb. v. 19. there is in the Or:,
ral binging, and Pfalming it with Grace in the tfeart
doth quality the Singing as to its Principle and prin-
cipal Qualification, but not exclude vocal Singing

xcv. |, 2. which prophefieth of the Djvs of the
Gc'oel, we are appointed in ail our folemri
to come before him with Singing; either then \vc mutf
ling the Pfalms, and other fcriptural"Songs or the D
mutt be altogether negleftcd ; we have not Men
dinary, and of the extemporary Gift in that Thing ; nor
may we admit Songs made by Men in the VVorlhip of
God, more than their Homilies or Sermons; neither is it
like, that the Spirit cf the Lord would take us ctf from
infallible Scriptures, fuch as Pfalms and other fpiriul
Songs, rind fend us to wait on the Gifts of fallible *
erring Men. 5. The Singing of Pfalms i
the pure$ Times of the Church; it is recorded in -
xvi. 25. that Paul and Silas Jang Praifes to GW in
Prifon ; the Word may be better rendered, theyfzng Hymns to
Cod: And in all the Times of Persecution under Heathen
Emperors, their great and frequent Exercife was Singing of
Pfalms, who were moll zealous Chriftians.

U/e 1. This is for the eliablifhing you in the Faith of
this Truch, that Pfalms-Singing is a Gofpel Ordinance,
and to be continued in the Church for publick Edificati-
on of the fame: It was both prophefied of in the Old
iment ; beifde the Places cited, compare J/'ai. Ivtf. 7,
8. wi:ii Rom. x. 14, 15. it fpeaketh clearly of rhe i'
of iiie Gofpcl, and it is faid there, n</ub tht J

: ; and is commanded an<J pradifed in
tie New.

2. This is then for Confutation of thofe who are
nganitf Singing 0f Pfalms in the Days of the
but upon leveral Accounts; fome for the U
lhof%with whom tl;ey are to join: To tb< .
1. That as in :; and Drinking at the Lc

Supper, who eat and drink unworthily, do eat and drink

to

on 2 Samuel xxiii. i . 9

to themfelves, not to the Prejudice of their fellow Com-
municants, and fo they fuffer for it, i Cor. xi. 29, 30. So
it is of thofe that fing not with Underflanding, nor with
Grace in their Hearts. 2. Others, for that they think
that Singing of Pfalms, and other Scriptural Songs, isnot
a Gofpel Ordinance: To thofe I fhall endeavour to give
Satisfaction, by fome brief Anfwers to their Objections,
or Exceptions. (1.) Some fay, they are not the Word of
ill exprefly required in Col. iii. 16. Anfnv. They
e endued by the Spirit of Chrift, as by the Spirit he
preached in the Days of the Old Teftament, 1 Pet. iii.
18, 19. fo he penned Scripture alfo. (2) They fay,
L)avia\ Pfalms are not named. Anfw. Ail the Pfalms
were not his, and we affirm, that other fcriptural Songs are
to be fung as well as they ; and further we fay as to that,
that neither Chrift nor his Apoftles, citing either the Bool^
of Pfalms, or naming particular Pfalms, 60 cite them by
(his Name always; oftner not fo, compare Luke xx. 4*.
with xxiv. 44. and Acls xiii. 33. (3.) This Singing re-
quireth that the Singer be filled with the Spirit, Epb. v.
18. what Need of that if we have our Words taught:
Anf-w. \lt. They are spiritual Songs, id. There are fpi-
ritual Ends in Singing, Teaching, and Admonifhing, and
fpiritual Rejoicing. (4.) All the Word is required there
to dwell, fo not fcriptural Songs only. Anpw. All the
Word, it is true, but in its feveral Ufes. 2d. Every Word
not fo titled. (5.) Pfalms were annexed to the Temple,
committed to the chief Mufician. An/hv. \ft. All ot
them ha^e not that Tide, not the half of them. zd.
Some clearly belong unto the Gofpel, Pfal. Ixxiv. 7. and
xliv. 17,— 23. compared with Rem. viii. 36. which (peak
of a Time when there was ao Temple. 3d. They are
not to be rejected now, for that the inftrumental Mufick
which was pedagogical then, more than Prayer, becaufe
of the Incenfe. (6 ) Why (tinted Pfalms more than dint-
ed Prayers? Anf<w. They are dinted by the Lord, and
hie Ordinance dorh not ftraiten. (7.} The Pfalms are old,
and thefe Songs mull be new, Re*v. xiv. 3. Anjhv. New
Songs in the Revelation, are much of them taken out of
the Pfalms, Rev. iv. 1 1 . and v. 9, 1 2. and xv. 3, 4 and *ix.

>•

io S E R M O N II.

5. 2/ The nc , and the new Creature,

make the new S< . that are in Chrijl are nru

tuns, 2 Cor. v. 17.

SERMON II.

2 Samuel xxiii. 2, ;, 4.

7^<r Spirit of the Lord /pake by mi , 6 bw* fjf

my Tor. :
The God of Ifrael fa'id, the fpah tn

He that ruleth muft be j;i : : the Fear

of L
And he /bail be as the Light of the Morning, when the -c

rifethy even a Morning without Clouds ; as the tt

Grafs /fringing out of the Edi

Rain.

"ITT E have now this holy -Man, after he hath defcribed
* * himfelf as beth Prophet and King, <uer. 1. bring-
ing forth his Warrand which he had to be a Prophet, in
vcr. 2. The Spirit of the Lord fp^ rd

tvas in my Tongue : He was rai fed up on high and appoint-
ed of God unto this, as well as to the other Office.

Doct. I. The Spirit of God f poke b, f o/d, *

<wbo 'were cither Prophets or Penmen of Script u

So we read, that this David fpake by the HolyGhoft,
Mark xii. 36. and Ef:iast in Arts xxviii. 25. and all that
wrote Scripture, did it as they were moved or earned by
the Holy Gholt, 2 Pet. i. 21. This is clear, 1. They
fpoke of the Things of God, which none could know
but the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. ii. 11. 2. From that Pow-
er which the Word hath upon the Spirits of Men, Heb.
iv. 12. a piercing Power, to the dividing afunder cf Scul
end Spit it. Joints a v; and that it is a Difcerner

of the thoughts and Intents of the Heart : It is evident th?.t
it is of divine infpiration, according to 2 Tim. iii. 16.

3. .From

on 2 S a M DEL xxiii. 2,3,4. It

5. From this, that they are impartial, and write down
tneir own Faults, as well as of others, Mofes, David,
4. The very Stile of what is fpoken in Scrip-
tare, fpeaketh it to be divine.

\ all thofe \* ho receive the Word as the
Word of Man, and not as the Word of God, contrary
"to 1 "TbcJ. ii. 15. And againil all that call in quefiictfi
the Authority of the Scriptures.

c Spirit from God, for he is

\o gi-ie the Hoij Ghofl to thofe that ajk him, Luke xi.

1 ;. that >ou may read, htar and believe the holy Scrip-

with the fame Spirit by which they were enditedi

ached and fpoken, is the Word

bile it is nuritten ; Jo it is

z Mouth of

Mouth of all

Is iii. 18.

\\. Becaufe it was infpired to be communicated ; Chrift

evealed in Paul% that he might preacn him. 2- He

nfpireth giveth Utterance, ASs ii. 4. Preaching is

by Demohitr'ation of the Spirit, 1 Cor. ii. 4. and fuch a

. the Spirit is given, that others may be

ed.

;. Againft thofe who profefs Refpedl to the Word

n, but have none oc but little Refptcr. for the Word

preached. Let them remember and confider that Scrip-

Ifa. Jix. 21. where the Covenant is, for putting

.' departing from the Mouth.

Z. Learn to receive the Word preached, as the

of God. It ii io, f Faith, R:m. x. 8.

/rd of the Spirit, 1 Pei. iii. 1 9. a Piece of th<

' God/in rfs, I Tim. iii. 16.

.ateth h»s Call and Comaiiition to be
ael /aid, at. J the Rock of lfrael ftake
to me; and then his LtiTon as a King ; He that
Sing in the Fear of God.
Doer. I. From the Firli, / and a

ready
at which 1

So.

12 SERMON II,

So Mofes, to perfuade the Obedience of the Covenant,
in Dtut.v. 12. doth preface thus, Hear, O
Lord our God made the Covenant : and Aiaph, in
I. 7. bringeth God fpeaking thus; Hear, O my People,
and 1 will /peak, O Ifrael, and 1 will tejiify againft thee,
J am God, even thy God: This twofold Confideration may
well prevail, 1. Becaufe he is Supreme, and of fun
Authority. 2. He is juft and right in all that which he
requireth, or for which he chargeth, Demi, xxx\'\. 4.
3. As our God, and in Covenant with us, he hnth bought
us with a dear Price, and, he careth fv>r, ?.n^\ will own us.

Ufe I. Againft thofe that flight any CLarge which they
have given them from the preached Word ; not receiv-
ing, or not regarding it; they fay r.s much, as that either
the Lord is not God, or not theirs, or both. He that is
of G§d hearetb God's Words, John viii. 47.

Vfi 2. As often as we come before the Lord to hear
his Word, and to receive Commandments from him, let
the Thought of thefe two imprefs us greatly, that he is
God who fpeaketh, and the God of lft at I.

Doct. 2. This alfo Jbould weigh much with us, in per-
fuading us to arfixer the Lord's Call, that he is the Rock of
Ifrael.

God is a Rock indeed ; He is the Rock, Deut.xxxn. 4. but
Chrift was the Rock of Ifrael, 1 Cor. x. 4. in feveral Re-
fpcels, I. For a Foundation, Ifa. xxviii. 16. with Rom.
ix. 33. 2. For Refuge, Ifa. iv. 6. with Heh. vi. 18.
3. For Shadow, Ifa. xxxii. 2. 4. For Defence
xxxiii. 16. 5. He is the everlaiting Rock, tbi F
jfges, as fome read that Word, in Ifa. xxvi. 4. /
Lord Jehovah is evo la fling Strength. 6. He is the Rock
of the Heart and Portion for ever, even when Heart and
Strength faileth, Pfal. Ixxiii. 26. 7. A Rock to follow
his People in the Wildernefs, 1 Cor. x. 4. 8. A Rock to
his People, againfl which the Gates of Hell Jh all not pre-
njail, Mat. xvi. 1 8. Ought not the Confideration of thofe
make us willingly nc^tpt of his Charge, and go under
the Bond of the Covenant with him ?

Ufe 1. Againft thofe who either fetch their Waters of
Confolatipn, or build their Hopes upon any Rock befides

this

on 2 Samuel xxiii. 2, 3, 4. 15

this Rock of Ifrael ; no Rock is like him, 1 Sam. ii. 2*
2. It is againlt thofe who come not to his Charge, not-
withstanding all the Advantages which they may have in
and from, and with hiin, as a Rock.

Vie 2. Study to know him fo to be the Rock of his
People, as to improve and make ufe of him as i'uch ; letl
he come to be unto you that Rock of Offence and Stone of
Stumbling, Rom. ix. 33. and l Pet. ii. 8.

Doct. 1. From the Leffon and Law prefcribed to him,
Woo give 4ui Lefjons to others, muft take out Leffons for them-
/elves; vabo give Orders to others under them, mull be ready
to take Orders frcm him thai is fbovt them.

Such a Prophet and King was David: See the Watch-
man's Leffon, Ezek. iii. 17. and the King's, Deut. xvii.
16. to the End of the chap. The Reaions are, 1. All
Power and Authority is under Authority ; and they may
fo do with better Reafon than rhe Centurion did, Mat.
viii. 9. 2. Power ordinarily breedeth Forgetfulnefs of
the fuprerrre Power. 3. It is a Shame for any to teach
others their Duty, and not to teach themfelves, Rom. ii.
21. 4. Mini ft era of che Gofpel have themfelves to fave
as well as others, 1 Tim. iv. 16. and Kings had need to
live Chriftians, who muft die as Men, Pfal.lxxxn. 7.

V/e 1 . This reprovech all thofe who are fet over others,
and are not as buiy to take out and leara their own Lef-
fon, as to give out and teach Leffons unto others.

Vfe 2. Let Superiors be as buiy to pay Duty to God
their Superior, and to the pubiick Ituerefr, as they are
b fy to exact Duty from their Inferiors, who yet are their
Brethren, over whom they ought not to exalt themfelves,
according to that Law, in Oeut. xvii. And M millers
would be as bufy to preach the Word in, a^ :o preach it
out; to print it within, before they vent it abroad.

Doct. 2. In this Party that mult take out the Ltffoa

and the Defcription which the Holy Ghoft giveth him*

He that luleth over Men, we have this Obiervacion, That

the H:lf Gboft is no Leveller, be is for one above another,

Ruler over

■■h is made Ruler, liding in the fecond Chariot,
•ver all the Land of Eg t , Gzn. xiL ^z, 43. and So,

*~~ 'Mill '

i.| S E K M O N IT.

Imd chief Officers, that hire rule "eopV:

i.'i. 10. ar.d Duty is to be payed bv Infer
Super

This is cleared thus i. Even in the State of Inn';cency.
ie Man bad continued therein, there w
a natural Dependence of the Wife on her i-Lffhind,
and of Children upon their Parents, though ho
-us. 2. Even Difparity of A
rience, would probably have bred Rererence to one
than to others. 3. Societies could not Hand by
mere Parity ; Man is born a focial Creature. 4. Amongtt
even good Angels there appeareth fome Order, Col. i. 16:
as well as amongft evil, Mat. y j. Sup;

periority and Subjeclion not fo fuitable to innocei.
ture. Sin hath made it necefTary, as Medicines are.
1. Againft Anaha^tiilical Fancies of levelling:
is nothing to the Proof of it, that where mention is made
of Man's Dominion over the Creatures, no mention of
his ruling over Men, Gen. 1. 26. For (1.) There is Do-
minion for a Man's private good only ; ruling over Men
is not fo. (2.) Though all Men have Reafon, all have.
not the like Meafure. (3.) It is not cro's to Nature, to
be under Subjeclion by Choice for our good. (4.) Servi-
tude had its Rife from Sin, not all Subjeclion.

Ufe 2. Be inrtructed unto cheerful Subjection to lawful
Powers, from this, as the Ordinance of God, Rom. xiii.
1, 2. Magiftracy is the Ordinance of God, not Tyran-
ny : And next, Jet all learn to be fatisfied with their Lot
and State in the World, be it bond or free, of Degree
higher or lower, 1 CV. vii. 20, 21.

Doct. 3. To Rulers here is a Laiv given ; fo Rulers mufl
be ruled by Law, and not rule their Brethren ivitb Rigour,

Lev it. xxv. 43,-46.

Judges mult judge right eoufly, not only hetivixt a
' and his Brother, but btt-jjixt a Man and a Stranger, Deuf.
i. 16. He mutt make the Law of God his Rule, ar.d njt
exalt bimfelf above his Brethren, Dut. xvii. 18, 1 9, 20.
So Rulers mull not be abiolute, (J us) For, 1.

Such a Sovereignty is one of God's Attrioutes, 1 am is
his Name ; Cod, and none elf. 2. As Princes rei^n by

Chrift,

on 2 Samuel xxiii. 2, g, 4. 15

Chrift, Pr<?<L\ viii. 15. fo they fhould reign for him, not
themfclves. 3. Princes are by People, Man's Cre?ture,
I Pet, ii. 1 3. fo fhould be for the People, not themfe.ves :
They were made for People, not People for them. 4. The
End of Magiliracy is not to fet up a Creature to rule at
will, but to be a Minifter of God for good to People ;
to be a Terror, not to gor.d Works , but to evil, Ro?n. xiii. 3.
5. U Man's Will were the Rule, then fhould we have no
certain Ruleat all, nor yet a known Rule.

1. Againfl that Turtfb, abfolute, and arbitrary
Power, to which moil of Potentates do now pretend and
exerce.

Ufe 2. O pray for fuch Rulers as may be content to
be ruled, and not be like the Princes, that removed the
Bawd, Hrf. v. 10. God will pour out his Wrath on fuch
like Water.

Doct. 4. The ejfential and a bf a lately neceffary Property
of a Ruler, is, that he be jufl.

He muft decree Juftice, Prc<v. viii. 15. He muft tho-
roughly execute Judgment betwixt a ?>'ian and his Neighbour,
.Jer. vii. c;. He mull: execute the Judgment of Truth and
' Peace in the Gates, Zech. viii. 16. Injultice is condemned,
Pfal.\x^jJ\\. 2. by the Lord, and the unjuft Man is an A-
bomination to the jufl, Prcv. xxix. 27. That Rulers mud
be jult, appeareih thus, 1. The Nature of his Office,
and of that Ordinance, is, to give unto every Man his
Due. 2. They are called Gods, fo fhould remember they
judge for God, 2 Cbron. xix. 6. 3. Who fee not to the
Rights of others, do betray their own. 4. To d?Jujlict
and Judgment, is more acceptable to God than Sacrifice,
Prov. xxi. 3. 5. Judging faithfully is that which efta-
blifheth Thrones, Prov. xxix. 14. and the Land too, ver.
4. gf that chap.

1. Hence the Reafon of fo many Thrones and
States overturned becaufe of Injuftice, and that Throne of
Iniquity, Pfal. xciv. 20. and Seat of Violence, Amos vi. 3.

Ufe 2. As Rulers fhould learn their Duty from this, fo Peo-
ple fhould pray to the Lord, that he woald raife up fuch
Ruler!, as may rule in Righteoufnefs and Equity ; fo as
they are called Gods, they may be like him, Pjal. xcviii. 9.

Doer.

j 6 SERMON II.

Doct. 5. Magijlrates and Rulers fhould rule in the Fear
bf God.

So they fhould be fuch as fear God, Men of T,ufh, ha-
ting ( , Excd. xviii. 21. The Fear of
fhould be upon them, 2 Chron. xix. 7. they fhou'
Lord in their Station *wiib Fear, Pjal. ii. 11. 1. Becaufe
the Fear of God fliould rule and reign in every Ci
2. Very hardly can a Judge be jufl becwixt ivlan and Man,
rendering to every one their Dues, if he be not holy,
and one that rendereth to the Lord his Due. 3. N<;ne
can be a qualified Judge without Wifdom, and //
of the Lord is the Beginning of true Wifd.m. 4. The true
Fear of God would eat up all the Fears and Hopes, which
ordinarily make Judges partial; and it would curb and
cure corrupt ArFections.

Ufe I. This is againlr the Election and Admifiion of
profane Men to be Magi ft ra tea. Holinefs in the Scrip-
tures is required, as the neceflary Qualification of a Ma-
giftrate, as well as of a Minifter.

Ufe 2. Rulers fhould regulate their Laws, and all
other Rules, with this one Rule, the Fear of the Lord.
This fhould be to them the all-ruling Law.

In <ver. 4. We have two Encouragements to the jufl
and holy Ruler: one is, That he mall have a clear and
comfortable Condition, He /hall he as the Light of the
Morning iv hen the Sun rtj.:>jy a Morning without Clouds.
2d. That he fhall be of a growing prolperous Condition,
as the tinder (rmfs9 fpringing out of the Earth, hy clear /fi-
ning after Ruin.

.0 the Firft, The juft and holy Ruler, he hath it
prumifed unto him a very clear and comfortable Life.
Such had SoLmon : He judged the People with Rightecuf/:rjj9
and in his Days there ivas /Ibundanct oj Peace, Pjal. Ltxii.
It is true, that Pfalm is fpecially underllood of
Chrilt and his Kingdom, but it had no fmall Accomplifh-
ment in Sohmcn and his Kingdom: That it may be well
fo, take thele Grounds, (1.) A clear Confcience. (2.) In-
feriors doing Reverence to them as to Fathers. (3.) Ju-
ftice puts Things in Order, fo cleareth : But Injuftice doth
jumbie, fo puts Thingi in Confufion. (4.) Light 1.

' for

on 2 Samuel xxiii. 2, ?, 4.

for thofe that are righteous, BfaL xcvii. I I. (5.) Where
Righteouihefs and Holinefsare, there the Lord command'
eth a Blefling. In ^*a\ xxxi. Z3. when the Lord bringeth
back the Captivity, it is promiled, that this Speech (hall
be ufed, 7 he Lord blcfs thee, O Habitation of Juftice, and
'a in of Ho line fs!

U/e i. The Reafon of the cloudy and unclear Con-
dition of the Land ; the Reafon is, amongli other Things,
from this, that Rulers have not been juft and holy ; many
leaping on the Threfhold, and filling their Matters Houfes
with Violence and Deceit: This makelh the Day of
Wrath, a Day of Trouble and Diftrefs, a Day of Wafte-
nefs and Defolation, a Day of Darknefs and Glocminefs,
a Das of Clouds and thick Darknefs, Zepb. i. 9, 15.

Ufe 2. Who defire a bright Morning upon this King-
dom, let them pray for fuch Rulers, as may entitle and
enjoy this Promife: Alas! good Men are rare, more pre-
cious than fine Gold ; even a Man is more precious than the
goldtn Wedge of Ophir, Jja. xiii. 12. No Wonder that
good Rulers be rare.

As to the Second, The juft and holy Rulers have this
Promife, that they mall be of a growing profperous Con-
dition ; as the tender Grafs fpringing out of the Eart'
clear Jhining after Rain. So Solomon keeping the Charge
of the Loro his God, and walking in his Ways, ojc. hath
the Promife to profper in all that which he ihpuld do,
and whitherfoever he turned him, 1 Kings ii. 3, 4. f<3 in
1 Chron. xxii. i 3. fo Afay becaufe he fought the Lord,
The Lord ga<ve him Reft on every Side, and he built arc.
pered: and in Prov. iv. 18. The Path of the juft is /
Jhining Light. Reafons of this are, (1.) It is a jutf 1
with God, that it mould be fo, and it is promifed it
be fo, 2 Chron. xv. 2. The Lord will be with ti.
•with him. (2.) Though Innocency be often preyed upon,
yet by the Promife of God it is the belt Guard againft
Violence; the Innocent Jhall ftir up himfelf againft the Hy-
pocrite, Job xvn. 8. and in Job xxii. 19. The Innocent laugh
the wicked to font 9 becaufe their own Subftance is not cut
but the Remnant of the wicked the Fire con/umeth, ver. 20.
and in ver. 30. of that fame chap* it is promifed, That the
B

1 8 S E R M O N III.

Lord <u - d of the Innocent. (3.) RightC-

ouinels and Holinels doth put States in a right Complexi-
on ; To lie ^row. (4.) Ruling and Judg-
ing for the Lord, doth engage the Lord to be for thofe
that do io.

Uft 1. Hence may be judged, on what to charge bad
SucccfTes, which this Land hath had now of a long Time,
in a great part upon this, that Governors have not been as
at the firft, not holy and juil as they mould have been;
vea we would needs have vlen in Places of Power and
Truit, who were notorioufly profane : This we have to
mourn for.

2. What we want of Comfort from the Govern-
ment of Men, make it out by Faith, from the Govern-
ment of Chrift. He guideth all well, and will do all
Things well in his Covenant Adminiftrations : He will
ride prolperoufly, P/al.xlv. 4. In his Da>s fhall the righ-
teous flourifh, Pfal. Ixxtf. 7. He reigning will be a hi-
ding Place, If a. xxxii. 1,2. He will reign and profper,
Je>. xxiii. 5- and execute Judgment on the Earth.

SERMON III.

I M u E L xxiii. 5.

th God\ yet he bath made
h me an evetiajiing C

TH E Kirg and Prophet David hath been with
Thankrulnefs rtmemberiog the high Dignities the
Lord had railed him unto ; both to be a Prophet and
King, and the Orders of Heaven given unto him, for his
age in the fame, in the Verfes preceding. In this
he falleth upon Search and Enquiry into his Ellatt ;
and he findtth his Houfe not in a Condition or Carriage
Tunable to his eithe- Rtceits or Engagements; upon which,
to get fon;e Stajfc to h;s Heart, he turneth in to the ever-

lailing

on 2 Samuel xxiii. y. 19

lading Covenant, and againft both Sins and Troubles pre-
sented unto him, he comforteth himfelf, that God had
made with him an everlafting Covenant, ordered in all
Things and fure : He taketh ic for all his Dcfire and Sal-
vation, though his Houfe fhouid not grow: He is trie lefs
troubled, if the main Anchor hold, the Covenant Inte-
reft be made, and ft a rid fure.

Intending by the Lord's Help, to fpeak from this Text,
to the Covenant of Grace, I fhaii firft fpeak to David*s Cafe
and Carriage in the general, as it may be gathered from
the Text, and after come to fpeak of that well-ordered
Covenant, to which he hath Refuge. As to the firft, we
have thefe two, i. His Search of his Condition and Cafe.
2. The Verdict which he pafTeth, or that which he find-
eth upon cesrch.

As to the firft, His Search into his State and Conditi-
on, he hath been confidering how highly the Lord had
honoured him; and now he cometh to examine, what
Suitablenefs, or Unfuitablenefs to (o high Favours, was
to be found in him and his Houfe before the Lord.

Doct. I. Believers, in their Search of their State ana
Condition, Jhould compare their prefent Caje and Carriage,
with their former Receipts.

So Jacob remembereth all the Mercies and the Truth
which the Lord had fhewed unto him, and findeth him-
felf unworthy, Gen. xxxii. 10. And Ezra, in chap. ix. 13.
he reckoneth both the Lord^ Rods and the great Deliver-
ance : And there is good Reafori for this, 1. The Lord,
when he reckoneth with his People, he doth reckon with,
them principally upon the Score and Account of Mercies,
fo in Ezek. xvi. 5, 6. None Eye pitied thee, and when I
pafjtd b i thee, and jaw thee polluted in thine oven Blood, I
J aid unto thee, when thou waft in thy Blood, live ;
faid unto thee, when thou waft in thy Blood, It
2 Sam. xii. 8, 9. with the fame David, 1 gate thee thy
MafteSs Houfe, and thy Mafter s Wives iai mt and

gave thee the Houfe of Ifrael and J udah, and if that had
been too little, 1 would have moreover given unto ihet
and fuch Things ; wherefore haft thou dejf:, :.mand-

merit of the Lord. 2. Who re^d their Obligation.
B 2

2o SERMON III.

Col. i. io. to 'walk worthy of tie Lord^ will find this fpe*
daily included, to walk worthy of his Mercies. 3. Sin-
nitig, even againft common Mercy, is a great Aggrava-
tion of Sin, againlt the Riches of common Goodnefs,
Rom. ii. 4. 5. and fuch Sinning doth bring on the more
fh.ip and lc vere Judgments, Amos iii. 2 Y,u ottlj have I
Families of the Earthy therefore 1 will pu-
nifh \:u for ali your Iniquities.

i. Reproof to tnofe that level not their Walk to
the Rule of Mercies which they have received ; they have
not u ilked of Love, and of their large Receipts: They
may have juft Challenges from Deut. xxxii 6. Do ye thus
requite and, frcm Je>\ ii. 5. W 'hat Iniquity have

you fund in mc? An J we will rind a threefold Plague at-
tending that Way, (1.) A fhamelefs and defperate Oppo-
fing of God ; and how dangerous that is, let any j jdge.
(2.) A growing Hardnefs of Heart. (3 ) Treafuring up
Wrath.

2. Be exhorted to be much in the fearching out and
pondering of your Mercies, that the Wrongs in your Walk
m>v be the better taken up: Begin even at that, how God
at firtf. made Man but a little lower than angels, Pfa. viii.
$. and m iketh him fearfully and wonderfully, from Day
to Day, Pfal. exxxix. 1 4. how he bringeth Food out of
irth, and Wine' which maketh glad the Heart of
Man, Pfal.zw. 14, 15. how he grantcth Life and Fa-
vour, and by his Vifitation prefervetti our Spirits, Job x.
12. how in him we live, move and have our Being, Ajls
xvii. 2$. Then remember all his good Providences, and
above all, his Covenant Mercies, and all the fpiritual
herewith he hath blefTed us in Chrilt Jefus.
Then lit down and reckon what Meeting you have given
.

% in their Search, would bring their
Ruh ••, iv Aether all be conform to what
,hen to us.
I fearcheth whether it was fo witrf himfelf and
/here he profeflcth that he would medi-
tate on God's Precepts, and fo have Refpect unto his
and in ver. 59. that he thought on

his

on 2 Samuel xxiii. fi 2 r

his Ways, and turned his Feet unto his Tejlimonies. In Jam.
i. 25. there is commanded the looking Into the perfect
Law of Liberty, and continuing therein ; and in IJa. villi
20. lfrael is commanded to go to the Law and to the 7e-
ftimony: Believers would look unto this, for, i. If they
will not judge themfelves, God will judge them by it,
Rom. ii, 12. 2. It is a true and perfect Glafs, as it is
compared to it, Jam. i. 2f. 3. Ail other Rules are ei-
ther imperfedl or crooked; fuch as, Reafon, Cuilom,
Example. 4. If we do not draw up our Charge fully,
according to Law,, how fruli we have a full and Con-
fcience-fatisfying Difcharge ?

Ufe I. Hence it if rnanifeft what the Caufe is, why
many do never come to a true and clear Eilimate of their
Eitate ; they do either reckon wilhout the Law, or not
punctually with it.

bfe 2. All you who look to give an Account of your
Srewardfhip, (and you know not when it may be faid un-
to you, as to the Man in Luke xvi. 2. Give an Account of
thy Steward/hi p> for thou mujt be no longer Steward) La-
bour (1.) To know the Law in all its Dimenfions. O it
is exceeding broad, Pfal. cxix. 36. (2.) Exan ine fir ici-
ly all thy Ways according to the itrict Rule, confidering
ferioufly whether thy Life doth exa&ly quadrate and a-
gree with the fame.

Doct. 3. The right Eflimate of our Ell ate, is, to take
it up, not as it is in the World, or before Men, but as it ii
<uith and before the Lord. My Hou/t is not fo with thet,
faith David.

We would examine, whether our Walk hath been with
God, as Enoch and Noah their Walk was, Gen. v. 24. and
vi. 9. whether before God, as Abraham his Walk was.
Gen. xxiv. ^.o. compared with Gen. xvii. I. whether we
have walked after the Lord, as the Commandment is,
Deut. xiii. 4. There is fpecial good Reafon for thus
doing. 1. We are only countable to him, Rom. xiv. 12.
and we mull every one give Account of himfelf. 2. Jf
we have no better than Man's Tellimony and Ablblution,
it may beguile us: They know not our fecret Sins, and
Cannot know our Hearts; and Affections may blind and
£ 3 niiflcad

22 SERMON III.

miflead them in their Judgment. 3. If we be right with
and before God, we cannot readily be wrong befon
who are truly godly, ana have the right Decerning: But
though we be right in the Eyes of the bell difcerning
Men, we ma) be wrong in the Eyes of the Lord. 4. Our
eternal Eltate will be meafurtd according to that which
is here ; and it is to be with him for ever, 1 The/T. iv. 1 7.
So it is necefTary, both that we be with him here, and
that we know ho»w we are with him.

Ufe I. Hence is dilcovered their Madnefs, who in the
a and Care of their Eltate, never either get, or la-
boured to get, above that, to have thejr State and Cai'c
here judged, and approved before Men, and of Men.

Uje 2. Let all wile Chriftians try how it is between
them and God; and not truit their own Hearts in this
Search ; for it is deceitful above all

[Hall know it (1.) By the Word ; what the Word
faith of ic, fuch it is. (2.) Know it in three Particulars,
i/L What of Chriii is in it. zd. What and how
there is in it for God. 3./. How it is with us as to
er ?
Doct. 4. A Cbriflimn that hath a Family in the Search-
ought to fearcb boiv it is ninth his H'u.'e.
ua did 100k to and engage his Houfe to the Lord,
15. fo did Abraham before him, Gen. xvrii.
io. and David after him, Pfal.ci. 2, — 7. So much was
particularly commanded, Dent. x\. 20. David here hath
fcarching, how it was with his Houfe. The fame
Duty doth ly on all Mailers of Families, I. Becaufe
of the general Obligations which \y upon us, both to
God and our Neighbour. 2. Becaufe or" the nearer Re-
lation, and fpecial Truft. 3. U the Work and Worfhip
of God be .: to in Families, how can it go well

with the Chu;^

1. Kcpioof to thofe, who if they do any Thing,
in the Point of Search and Care, for fecunng their own
fpiritual State, lit down fatisfied, as it there were no
other Thirg to be done ; and nevrr look after the State
of their Family or Pofteritj, how it is or ihall be with
them. It is a bad Token of a Man's own Eitate, to be

negleclive

on 2 Samuel xxiii. 5^ 23

negleclive of thofe, with whom the Lord hath truflcd
them.

Ufe 2. All who defire to fecure their own fpiritual and
eternal Filate, wouhi look carefully into their Houfes
and Families, and take care of all thofe under their
Charge and Trull ; remembering and considering that
Word, in Prov. xxvii. 23. Be thou ddige-it to knoiv the
State of thy Flocks, and u, look well to thy Herds.

Come we now to the Verdiel, which he pafTeth upon
the Search, even that Things were not right vn his Houfe,
Although my Houfe be not Jo with Cod.

Doct. I. Moll perfcl Men, upon ferfcus Search, will
find that Matters are not p right betwixt tbejn ahd Gcd as
they ought to be.

David upon Search fometimes flnderh innumerable E-
vils compaifir.g him, iniquities taking hold on him, and
moe than the Hairs of his Head, P/aL xl. 1 2. at another
Time, he fincleth the Iniquity of hi* Heeis CGmpaffing
him about, Pfal. xlix. 5. That Bejievers upon Search will
find much wrong, it cometh from this, 1. From the vSpi-
rituality and Perfection of the Law, and too much of
that which is carnal in them, Rom. vii. 14. 2. From
that of Sin which doth dill dwell in them, Rom. vii. 17.
3. From the many and divers Ways how Things may be
wrong, either in the Defecl and fhort coming, or in the
•over-reaching and Superfluity, or by Daubings and Di-
ftempers, or by manifold Temptations, readily in the belt
Works.

Ufe 1. If it be thus, where is Merit of which the Pa-
pijl doth boaft, where are the Works of Supererogation?

Ufe 2. Believers may not ever call in queition, much
lefs cait their Intereft, becaufe of Unaniwerablenefs,
fhort-comings, or any Difcovery of Sin and manifold
Infirmities : The belt of the Saints have upon Search
found it no better with them ; yet have not call, away
their Confidence for all that.

Doct. 2. Even in befl ordered Families many Things may
:metimes ami,s ; yea, and it may be, fome grcjjer Itiinas
than in ether Families not fo well looked to.

B 4 Here

SERMON Til.

>k well to his

Ci I. i nere he

eel Heart :

I h thifl I ext

n his
Mily,
I m\ in Ab >acyS%

I

The Re • :. is a gre

Dcmj to gbi .non may curb

an^ reil rain Sin, it cannot cure it;

i that. 3. Even that which remained of Corrup-
tion m pan when 'hey come together, may
kmoje a Flame. 4. A Difordcr in the Head o! a Fa-
mily, may be punifhed by the Permifiion of oth

be, greater Diforders in the Family, 2 Sam. xii.
IP, 11, 12.

Ufe I. VVe may not rafhly caft Families out of our
Charity an J Prayer©, though iome foul and fearful Things
fall out in them : Such Things have fallen out in goaly
Families.

Ujc 2 \s it is the Duty of Heads of Families to fee
to thtniiuvt-b, that they walk orderly, and examplary
in that w.ic. is good; fo there is Reafofl €0 pray much
for gedly Families, efpeciaily the Heads of them, that
DOthicg v:iihonourabie to God may be found in them, in
theic looie Ti

Doer. 3. "There muft be found and cl< Hon of

Wrongs done , or oj that nubicb is nvrofr^. e can

uke Hold on the Covenant, or improve it to our Com-

fort. Daiid fonna I hings wrong here with his Houfe,

befor d in to the Covenant: So in Ztcb, ix. 1 1.

muft find themfelves P Pit, where

is tn Water, before they hive Benefit by the Bl^d of the

Cown^it ; in . lutth. xi. 28. They mult be labouring^ as

is heavy / iden; and, in Luke xix. 10. Tney muft

be ft\f loit The Reafons of this are, 1. There

coming to Chrilt, until a ivlan be weary of felf, and

willing to come out of him felf: And this cannot b«

wunout Conviction that he is in the wrong Clofe.

2. There

on 2 Samuel xxiii. 5. 25

2. There is no coming to the Covenant, without a com-
ing to Jefus; and there will be no coming to him, until
he be prized; and there will be no prizing of him, till
the Soul be humbled, Prov. xxvii. 7. 3. There can be.
no clofing with Chrift in a Covenant, until there be a
WilJingnefs to give a Bill of Divorce to every Sin ; and
Sin muft be made bitter to the Soul, before it part with
it. 4. It is natural to Men to blels themfelves in their
Way, and to dream of Self-fufficiency ; this being, they
will not look towards a Covenant; but found Conviction
of their Wrongs will beat them thro' thofe vain Confi-
dences, and make them glad to turn in to the Cove-
nant.

i'fe 1. This is againft unhumbled Sinners coming to
take Hold of the Covenant; they who are not fuffici-
et.tly convinced of their Wrongs, and yet dare, and do
prefun.ptuoufly, pretend to an Jntereil in the Covenant,
they but deceive their own Souls.

life. 2. Lex all who are fufficiently convinced of their
Wrongs, do, as David doth here, turn in to the Cove-
nant, as to a ilrong Hold. But fome have their Doubt,
that they were never duly humbled: To fuch I anfwer,
(1.) God calleth for Sincere Humiliation, but hath not
let a Mcaf re. (2.) The Lord humbleth greatly fome;
fuch as thofe that are naturally proud, fuch as have been
notorious Sinners, fuch as he defigneth for great Services ;
^«ot fo others. (3.) Satan raifeth the Storm, and iu-
creafeth Fears with fome, more than with others ; which
maketh the Humiliation feem to be greater. (4) The
Lord knoweth the Strengh of every one : So all are not
tempted alike, nor any above Meafure. (5.) That Mea-
fure of Humiliation is fufficient, which obtaineth the Ends ;
which are, 1/?, Sin loathed and left. 2V, An abfolute
Need of Chrift feen. $d, Chriit highly eiteemed, and
the Soul made willing to receive him.

Doct. 4. From this, that notwithflanding he found
Things all wrong, yet he refolveth to fhelter and fave
himfelf ip and by the Covenant, the Point is, Sin ought
not to kinder J elf -loft Creatures from taking Hold of the Cove-
nant.

So

2f> k> r, k .u u in in. err.

So doth Samuel teach the People, in I Sam. xii. 20.
Te have d^e all dnrfs, yet turn not away f om

he Lord: And, in <uer. 22. a very encourag-
ing Reafon is g'ven, The Lord <-jj ill not for fake his People,
is great Nameys Sab* btcaufe it hath p:eafed the
Lord to make you his People: And, in I/a. lvi. 3.
neither the Son of the Stranger, nor the Eunuch, are
excluded from taking Hold on the Covenant; the Rea-
fons are, 1. The Covenant was not made to (hut out, but
to take in, humbled Sinners. 2. The Covenant Righ-
teoirnefs is a gifted, not wrought for, Righteoufnefs.
3. Tnere are two great Articles, or Claufes in the Cove-
nant, which may anUer all Objections to the contrary ;
One is in la. lv. 1, 7. Qome, buy without Money, and

without Price, and the Lord nxi/l abundantly pardon.

The other is in Ho/, xiv. 4. hwill beal their Backflidings,
and hvt them freely. 4. The Faith of God mult not be
of none Effecl, Rom. iii. 3. And Chrift is an Advocate for
Six, 1 John ii. I.

Ufe I. Reproof to thofe, who, becaufe of Sin feen,
wijl not, they fay that they dare not come : See that
pretended Un worth inefs be not Pride : Suppofe never
any was fo great a Sinner, God can make new Patterns,
1 Tim. i. 16.

Ufe 2. See your Refuge, who have your Souls in Dis-
order: Let not not Sin hinder you: Believe, and take
Hold: Hearts fixed on Chrift, will find Virtue from
Chrift, both to kill Corruption, and to quicken unto Ho-
linefs.

S E R-

( *7 )
SERMON I.

ON TH E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

Which is of a Covenant in G;:neral; and of
the Two Covenants, the Covenant of
Works, and the Covenant of Grace.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5*.
j4l though my ffou/i be n:t fo with Cod; vet he hath made
with vie an evert afling Covenant, welt ordered in ait Things
and Jure ; for this is ail my Salvation, and all my Dejire,
although he make it not to grow.

IN this fad Time, wherein Foundations are either de-
ftroyed, as in PfaL xi. 3. or out of Courfe, as in
Pfai. lxxxii. 5. when Difpenfations do threaten, as in
Jer. xvii. 3, 4. that the Subftance and Treafures of the
Lord's Mountain fhall be given to the Spoil, andZion to be
madetodifcontinue from her Heritage ; and the Lord him-
felf doth threaten, as in EzeLxx'i. 27. 1 <w ill overturn, over-
turn, overturn, until he come ivho/e Right it i s ; that is,
until MeJJiah the Prince get Poficrffion, and have Right
done to him : In this reeling Time, wherein nothing is
certain, it were good, and tor the great Advantage of
the People of God, to make one Thing certain, even
Intereft in him who is laid in Zion for a Foundation, a Stone,
a tried Stone, a precious Corner-Stone, a fure Foundation,
I fa. xxviii. 16. The Father hath laid this Foundation,
this Stone, in a Covenant : He hath given him for a Co-
venant

28 S E T

menant • > \ if] fcven

Eyes upon it, It is

fuchar! •
-

I] laid

in a Covenant, this

lure*

I , Pro v. vui.

J2. Htrt is the //'<?•?£ fl '// the Pnfoners

pe are to tur*% in t ie itor.ri'. h. ix. II, 12.

It is Chriit in a Covenant, <zu^ ;j / j en the Af-

Lam\ who wiil never want /even

Shepherds, end eight principal Men, to be raijed againd

him, Mic v. 5.

It is of this Covenant I intend to fpeak from this
Text; A Covenant i&elf or dered, to which David turned
in, when the Th:ngs of his Houfe were in Diforder, and
to which we fhould turn in, in the Difordersof the lime.
Of t. i; Covenant I propound and purpoie to lpeak, if
the Lord wiji, to thefe ten tic

I. VVhat a Covenant, and this Covenant is.

II. How it is a Covenant, that is rnade, and well
made, concluded and ended.

III. Who made if.

IV. The Parties engaging and engaged, and all that
have Interetf in this Covenant.

V Of the Condition of it.

VI. Of the Properties

VII. Of the Bltflligs of the fame.

VIII. Of the Way and Means liow thefe Bleffings are
conveyed.

IX. Of the great Duties required in and by it.

X. Of the Danger and deiperate Eftate of thofe who
lay not Hold on it.

The I. Thing to be fpoken to, is, what a Covenant
is, and whar this Covenant is. As to the Firfl of thefe,
a Covenant is an Agreement betwixt Parties, by Promife
and Engagement, upon certain Conditions and Articles:
60 there be civil Covenants, fuch as that betwixt J a cob
and Laban, Gen. xvii. 44. betwixt Zcdekiab and the

King

On the C Covenant. 29

King of Babylon, Ezek. xvii. 16. But this Covenant i«
facred, a Covenant made by Sacrifice, Pfal. 1. 5. There
are two Words which chiefly expreis the Nature of this j
Qovenant, in ics Name : One is, its Old Teltament Name,
Beritb, coming from a Word v.hich iignifieth to chooTe
or cut in Pieces ; for in making Covenants they ufed to cut
the Sacrifice in Twain, and to pais between the Pieces;
which did exprefs a Curfe upon the Covenant Breaker : .
See for this, Gen.xv. 10. iS. and Jer. xxxiv. 18. The
other is the New Teitanicnt Name, where it is called a
Teftament, Ajdmn, in Luke xxii. 20. where the New
Telfament is the New Covenant, and Heb. vii. 12. the
better Teftament is the better Covenant : The Word
figBifieth a bii'pofnion or Legacy ; it holdeth forth an
Agreement betwixt God and Man, wherein the Riches
of Cnriii, and the great Things of Salvation and eternal
Life, are difponed to Man upon Condition of believing
and receiving Chrift for Righteoufnefs.

U/e 1. Of this; fith this Covenant, from its Name, is
a Bargain of free Choice, upon certain Articles, all who
have a Mind to it, mull choofe it upon the Terms in
which it itandeth j they muft enter in it, fo as they bind
themielves with a Curfe not to break it : The Curfe by
Confent is to the Breaker: To enter into a Covenant,
and into a Curfe, in that reiptcl, is ore Thing, Neb.
x. 29. And making of a Covenant, is the cucting of a
Covenant, P/al. lxxxix. 3. who break it, fhali, accord-
ing to the Curfe, be cut in Pieces, cut afunder, in
Luke xii. 46. cut in Twain.

Ufe 2. Is the Name and Nature of this Covenant a
Difpofition by Will ? Seek to have and hold it of free
Wiil and good Pleafure : Seek to have and hold it, as
ratified by Teftament, by the Deathv of the Teita.or,
Heb. ix. 16. Take all the Legacy, from Remiflion of
Sins to eternal Life ; and be content to be at the great Le-
gator's Difpofal. This Covenant then is by the firiiNaine
a Bargain, the beft Bargain ; and by the fecond it is a
fure Bargain, ratified in a Teftamenc, and by the better
Teilament. Further, that you may know what this Co-
venant is, know this, that the Lord hath made two Co-
ve i.-

30 SERMON I.

venants with Man : The fir It in the State of Innocency,
Gen. ii. 16, 17. wherein Life was promifed to Man, upon
Condition of Obedience, and Death threatened upon his
Difobedience. This may be called the Law, or Cove-
nant of Nature; by Nature written on the He^rt,
Rom. ii. 15. or the Law fimply : Ye are nai widtr the
Law, in Rom. vi. 14. is, ye are not under the Co-
venant of Works, or the Law and Covenant of Works;
becaufc the Condition of this Covenant is Doing,
Rom. x. 5. and Gal. iii. 12. There be five Things
in it, 1. A Man is perlunally bound in it, as Adam
The Soul thatfinneth (hall die, Ezek. xviii. 4. 2. It re-
quireth perfect Obedience, fo in Deut. xviii. 13. Thou
Jbalt be per f eft with the Lord thy *->od. 3. It mull be
with all the Heart and Strength, Mark. xii. 30. 4. Jt
niUil be perpetual, all the Days of a Man's Life, Deut.
v. 29. 5. It is taken on, and to be performed in a Man's
own Strength, under the Pain of a Curfe, and eternal
Death. This is not the Covenant which is David's Re-
fuge in my Text : Of it now it cannot be faid, as Heze-
hah faid of the Promifes, By thefe 'Things Men five, and
in thefe is the Life of Mens Souls, Ifa. xxxviii. I 6. Nay,
this Law now worketh Wrah, and is found unto Death,
Rom. iv. 15. and vii. 10. Yet the Law if. holy, and the
Commandment is holy, and jujl and good, Rom. vii. 12.
The other Covenant is the Gofpel Covenant, called the
Gofpel, Rom. I. 16. The Covenant of Grace, called /£*
Grace cf God which bringeth Salvation, Tit. ii. II. The
Covenant of Peace, Jfa. liv. 10. and Ezek. xxxvii. 26. The
Wo; d of Reconciliation, 2 Cor. v. 19. Ch rift's Teftament,
his New Tellament in his Blood, Luke xxii. 20. The
Condition of this Covenant is Believing, John iii. 16. It
is of this Covenant that the Text is meant ; An everla-
fling Covenant, well ordered in all Things and jure ; which
was nude with David as a Type of Chrilt, and yet made
with Chriit before it was made with David; for he was
t'rte Root as well as the Offspring of David, Rev. xxii. 1 6.
Thefe two Covenants were typified by Sarah and Agar, Gal.
iv. 22,» 23, 24. the one gendreth unto Bondage, tne other
to Liberty. More particalarly, let us confider thefe two

Cove-

On the Gospel Covenant. 31

Covenants in thefe Things wherein they agree, and then
in thefe Things wherein they differ.

As to the fir ft y they agree in feveral Things, 1. Tn
the fame Author; the fame Lord Jehovah made both:
This is againft an old Herefy of the Manickees, who
made two Beginnings, one good, another evil ; this iait
they made the Author of the firft Covenant, and the firft
of the fecond. Now there cannot be two Beginnings
more than two Gods: And the Covenant of Works was
good, and the Law is ftiil holy and good. 2. The Par-
ties are the fame, God and Man*. 3. The high and laft
End of both is the fame, the glorifying of God. 4. The
Reward is and was for Subilance the fame, eternal Bief-
fednefs. 5. Both conditional; Conditions were and are
required in them. Life was never promifed, fo as that
Men mould live at Pleafure : No Covenant leaveth either
of the Parties free. 6. Both did require a per feci Righ-
tcoufnefs, Rem. iii. 31. with 1 Cor. vi. 9. where all un-
righteous Perfons are excluded Heaven. Man is requi-
red in both to be perfeel; compare Gen. xvii. 1, with
Deut. xviii. 13. 7. Both were made unchangeable in
this, they mull be fulfilled; cpmpare Jer. xxxiii. 20.
with Matth. v. 17. and they" are damned that fulfil it
not, Rom. viii. 3. 8. Both bind under a Curfe, Deut+
xxvii. 26. 1 Cor. xvi. 22.

Ufe 1. There is need that all (ludy to know thefe Co-
venants; and under which of them they are; for though
they agree in many Things, yet the one of them now is
Only unto Life, having in it that Law of the Spirit of
Life which is in Chriit Jefus, Rom. viii. 2. the other is
unto Death.

JJfe 2. Matter of Rejoicing to thofe who have not
now to come to Mount Sinai, which genderetn unco
Bondage, but are come unto MouBt Zion; as is txpref-
fed in Hcb. xii. 22. to that EUate wherein the Spirits oi
jufl Men are made perfeel, ver. 23. that is, to this new
and better Covenant, wherein there is perfeel Righteouf-
I indeed that Righteoufnefs of God, Rom. in. ii, 22.

Come we now to confider the Differences of the two
Covenants, 1. They differ in the Condition vvhic^

rcq..

SERMON I.

require ; the one requireth Doing, Gal. iii. 12. the other
Believing, Ads xvi. 31. yet Faith is commanded in the
Law, (1.) As to the Act 6i 'Fruiting and Dependence
on God: The Light of Nature doth teach all Creatures
this Dependence, PfaL cxlv. 1 5. The Eyes of all <wait up-
on thee. (2 ) As to the Act of Perfuafion, that God will
be plea led if his Will be done. (3.) As to the A 61 of
AfTurance of the pro mi leu Life, upon the Performance
of the Condition. But Faith of a Redeemer and of his
Love, was neither revealed, nor required in the Cove-
nant of Works. Faith as a Piece of Holinefs was requi-
red in the Covenant of Works, not as an Inftrument re-
ceiving and applying Chrilt for Rightejufneb : Yea,
though Works be required in the Goipel, as in Mai. v.
16. that our Light mould fhine before Men, and in Tit.
ii. 12. that we fhould live foberl,, righteouJly\ and gidfy,
in this prejent World: but Works are not required in the
Gofpel for Righteoufnefs, as in Deut. vi. 25. but for e-
videncing the Truth and Reality of Believing, Jam. ii.
Ijr, 18. they are not required to be performed in our
own Strength, but through Chrift ftrengthening us, PhiL
iv. 13. Nor in the fan*? Order as in the Covenant of
Works; there they were' to be fijft performed, then the
Promile to be looked for ; but in the Covenant of Grace,
Believing muit go firft, and good Works follow after;
the Obedience is of Faith, Rom. xvi. 26. And they who
firft believe, muft in the next Place be careful to main-
tain good Works, Tit. iii. 8. The frcond Difference in
the Covenant of Grace, there is a Mediator, and Jefus
is he, Heb. ix. 15. and xii. 24. not fo in the Covenant
of Works: As to that Place, in Gal. iii. 19. where the
Law is faid to be ordained by Angels in' the Hand of a Me-
diator ; by the Mediator was meant Mcfts ; or if Chrilt,
then it is to be remembred that the Covenant published on
Mount Sinai was not a Covenant of Works, but a Cove-
nant of Grace, difpenied in Types and with legal Ter-
rors: So the Law was made a Schoolmafter to lead us to
Chrift, Gal. iii. 24. and that Book of the Covenant had
' the Blood of the Covenant with it in a Sign, Excd. xxiv.
as (0 that which is faid in Htb. viii. 7, 8. that the

Covenant

On the Gospel Covenant. 33

Covenant on Mount Sinai is faid not to be fauldefs; it
is meant, not every Way fo clear and perfect as the fecond
and better Covenant. Third Difference, in the one, Man
is left to -his own Strength, in the other, Help is laid for
him upon one that is mighty, Pfal. Ixxxix. 19. Fourth
Difference, In the one, the Reward would have been given
of Works, but in this other, the Reward is given of mere
Grace, Rom. iv. 4. Fifth Difference, Jn the one, ihould have
been but a Righteouf.efs inherent, and of a Mao ; bin in
the other, is the Righteoufneis of God, and that imputed.
Sixth Difference, The Covenant of Works was to be bro-
ken, but this Covenant of Grace is to Hand for ever.

Ufe 1. The Mifery of thofe who are not yet entered
in this new and better Covenant: It may be known from
that \^hich hath been faid of the Differences; they are
left qjfc themfelves, they have no Mediator nor Helper,
they ara|pnder the Curfe, and muft both count and pay
to the utmoit Farthing.

Ufe 1. Encouragement to thofe that are within this
fecond Covenant: They are under the better Covenant,
and they have every Way tr.e belt Advantage, as will be
feen in the Progrefs. ChrihVs imputed Righteoulnefs is
a fair and white Covering ; his Fulnefs is a rich Trea-
fure; he is made Wifdom, Righteoufneh,Sanclificationand
Redemption, 1 Cor. i. 3c. He is made all Things to the
Believer.

Here the Queftion may be moved, feeing the two Co-
venants are fo different, can any be under them both?
Anjkv. By no Means; for they who are under Grace are
not under the Law, Rom. vi. 14. It is further urged, if
Believers be not under the Law but under Grace, what
have they then to do with the Law, what Need have they
to regard Works, or to care how they live ? Chrift is
made San&ihxation unto them : Thus doth the Libertine
and Antimmian fay.

To thefe I anfwer ; and fo to the Queition, 1. Believ-
ers are not fo under the Law, as the Hand writing or Or-
dinances againft them ; fo it is nailed to the Crols of
Chrift, Col. ii. 24. 2. Not under the Law, fo as to
count with it to the utmoit Farthing; a willing Mir.
C *nd

34 SERMON!

and, according to that which a Man hath, is accepted
in the Golpel Obedience, 2 CV. viii. 12. 3. They are
not under the Curfe of the Law: Chriit was made a Curfe
for them, to deliver them from that Curfe, Gal. iii. 10,
13. 4. They are not under it, as a Covenant to get
Righteoufnefs thereby, but as a holy Commandment and
Rule of Obedience ; for it is an everlailing Rule of Righ-
teoufnefs: It is yet the Rule to the new Creature, Gal.
vi. 15, 16. as well as it was to Adum in the State of In-
nocency : Believers are ftill under Law to Chriil, 1 Cor.
ix. 21. under him, as King and Lawgiver, Jam. iv. 12.
For the Proof of this, that under the Gofpel, we are
obliged to the Obedience of the Law, as it is a Com-
mandment: Confider, (1.) That in Mattb.xv. 17. Cbrift
came not to deftroy the Law, but to fulfil it. (2) In his
Conflict with Satan, he made ufe of the Law, Iflatth. iv.
7, — 10. {3 ) He did keep the fame Rule in Obedience,
which he prefcribed to others ; fo the Exhortation to Ho-
linefs is propounded in thele Terms, that the fame Mind
mould be in Believers which was in Chriit., Phil. ii. £.
If it be laid for our Juitification, I anfwer, not only fo,
but for Example alfo, Johnx'm. 14, 15. 1 Pet. ii. 2r,
22, 23. both in Doing and Suffering. (4.) Under the
Law, is one Thing ; Conformity to it is another : Not to
itudy this lait, were to go crofs to the Light of Nature.
(5.) Paul doth profefb himfelf to be under Law to Chriit,
1 Cor. ix. 21. even his inner Man to be under it, Rom,
vii. 22, — 25. (6.) To take away the Law were to un-
king Chrilt; no Law no King, Luke xix. 14. (7.) The
keeping of the Law is preferred to all external Preroga
tives : Circumcifion is nothing, and Uncircumcifion ii
nothing, but the keeping of the Commandments of God.
1 Cor. vii. 19. (8.) Duties in the New Teftament arc
prefled from the Authority of the Law, 1 Cor. ix. 8, 9.
and xiv. 34. and in Epb. vi. 2. as a royal Law, Jam. ii
8. (9) Paul by the Spirit calleth the Law ipiritual.
Rom. vii. 14. good, holy and juil, in the 12. *ver. of thai
fame chap, that it is good if a Man ufe it lawfully, 1 Jim
i, S. (10.) It is Antichrifi^s Name, that he is a Jawlef;
Man 2 Thejff. ii. 3. No Chriitian then fhouk

pretenc

On the Gospel Covenant. 35*

pretend to be without Law. (n.) Not to be fubjedt to
the Law, it goeth under a bad Character in the Phrafe
of the Holy Ghoft; it is only the carnal Mind, and Wif-
dom of the Flefh, that is not fubjec* to Law; it is En-
mity againlt God, Rom. viii. 7. If it be faid, that they
walk after the Law, as it is written in the Heart, not as
in the Book of Scriptures, I anfwer, if}. The Law writ-
:en in the Heart, if not according to that which is writ-
:en in the Book, it mult not be looked unto, I/a. viii.- 20.
:here is no Light in it. 2d. Chrift maketh no fuch Di-
[tinftion : The Law written in the Volume of the Book,
ind upon the Heart, are one, Pfal. xl. 7," 8. 3d. What
is upon the Heart, can be no perfect Rule: The Heart
is cieceitrul, fo hath need of a Touch ftone, Jer. xvii. 9.

Ufe 1. Again it Antinomianiftn and Lihertinijm : It m..y
juickly come .0 that, to make Sons of Belial', which is
without a Yoke; it were becaufc Grace aboundeth, to
make Sin abound much more; contrary to Rem. vi. 1, 2.

U t 2. Let as many a? believe, follow after Holinefs;
knowing that the Law now is the Law of Chrift, fo ful-
fil it, Gal vi. 2. that it is the perfect Law of Liberty,
Jam. i. 25. yet fo as it is Chilli's Yoke, Luc a vwy cuy
ifoke.

C 2 S E P

i 3° ;
S E R M O N II

O N T H E

GOSPELCOVENANT:

As the Old and New Covenant; how
the fame, and how they differ.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.

Although my Houfc be not fo with God; yet he hath made

rlajhng Covenant y well ordered in all Things

I hre ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,

although he make it not to grow.

WE have heard of the two Covenants, the Cove-
nant of Works, and the Covenant of Grace,
and wherein they agree, and how they differ. Now
the Covenant of Grace, albeit it be one and the fame
it falJeth into or under a twofold Consideration, as the
Old, and as the New Covenant, by reafon of the old
and new Difpenfationsof the fame. Of thefe two Difpen-
iations we read in Jcr. xxxi. 31, — 35. Behold the Day*
ccmc, faith the Lord* that 1 11 ill make a New Covenant
with the Houfe of Ifrael, and <with the Houfe of J udah,
not a. the Covenant that 1 made with their Fa

in the Day that J took them by the Hand, to bring
out of the Land of Egypt ', which my Covenant they
ugh I was an Hi f band unto them, faith the Lord
Covenant that 1 will make with tin
ft Days, faith the Lord, I wil
pu

On the Gospel Covenant. 37

put my Law) in their inward Parts, and write it in their
Hearts, and will be their God, and they jhali be my People ;
and they Jball teach no more every Man his Neighbour, and
every Man his Brother, faying, know the Lord, for they
Jhali all know me, from the leaf} of them to the greatefl of
them, faith the Lord, for I will forgive their Iv.iquity, and
remember their Sin no more. Of theie two Covenants doth
the Apoille reafon, Heb. viii. from <uer. 6. to the End of
that chap, citing the fame Scripture.

Of thefe two Covenants, fo called, New and Old,
becaufe of the divers Diipenfations, we propound thefe
two Things, 1. To clear unto you, how thefe two are
but one and the fame Covenant of Grace, 2. How and
in what Refpeft they are different Dffpenfations.

As to the firji, we lay down this as a certain Truth,
that the Covenant of Grace was one .and the fame in
Subltance ; that from Adam, and the Promife made to
him in Paradife, unto Noah, from Noah to Abraham,,
from Abraham to Mofes, from Mofes to David, from Da-
*<id to Chrifl, with that Covenant made with Chrifl in
Eternity, and declared by him and his Apoilles to the
World's End : This fnall appear if we compare I/a. xlii.
6. where Chrifl is given for a Covenant to the People,
and for a Light to the Ge?itiles, with Eph, ii, 12, 13.
where the fometimes far- oft People are made near by the
Biood of Chrift: And the Apoille Paul, in Jcls xxvi.
22. profefTeth he preached no other Thing in preaching
the Gofpel, but that which the Prophets and Mofes laid
ihould come; and, in Eph. ii. 20.*bcrh Jew and Ge?:tile
is built upon the fame Foundation of tne Prophets and
Apoitles, Jefus Chrifl himfelf being the chief Corner
Stone; and the Apoille John, in his 1 Eftji. i. chap, and
i.ver. faith of Chrill and the Gofpel Covenant. Thar
which was from the Beginning. For further Proof of
this, confide r firfl, How the fame fubftantial Things are
common to both, 1. The fame Original and Fountain,
God's free Love and Choice, in Dent. vii. 7, 8. with
Eph. i. 5. 2. The fame great Promifes ?nd Eleflings,
3od their God^ and ours, Lenjit. xxvi. 12. with 2 Cor.
n. 16. Forgivenefs of Sin theirs and ours, Pfat. xxxii.
C a 1,— c.

30 O H, IV JV1 V ]N 11.

1,-5. with £c<w. iv. 6. the fame Adoption, Jtr, iii. 19.
with Gal. iv. 5. the fame Condition of the Covenant,
1/fK. Faith, /&/£. ii. 4. with Rom. iv. II. where the Kigh-
teoufnefs is by Faith : Unbelief did of old cut them off
as well as now, Rom. xi. 20. 3. The fame Spirit then
and now, the Tame Spirit of Faith, 2 Cor. iv. 13. that
of John vii. 39. is either meant of the extraor..
Gifts of the Spirit, or more than ordinal c pou-

red forth. 4. The fame Rule of Life, an .
Reward, I/a. xxxiii. 2. with Jam. iv. 12. the
giver, and the fame Salvation, Luke ii. 30, 32 el
Life was then prom i fed as well as now, an t
Salvation, Ifa. xlv. 17. God was their God after |
then, as well as now, JMattb. xxii. 32. 2. Conhaer,
and it (hall be found that there was the fame CJ
then and now; they the Jfrael of God, and lo we,
vi. 16. they our Fathers, and we their Children,
x. 1. being of the fame Faich, we are the Children of
Abraham, Gal. iii. 7. 3. They had the fame I -

ched unto them, which we have pi i:u us,

Heb. iv. 2. 1 Pit. iii. 18, 19, 20. wnere the GoJjX
preached by the Spirit of Chriir. in the Days or
As to that, in Rom. i. <ver. 2. where the Gofpel i
to have been promifed by the Prophets, it is meant, only
in Reipect of the more full Declaration of it ; but the
Do&rine of free Grace was, as to the Subitance, the
fame. 4. It will be found that there was and is but the
fame Covenant, from Acls iii. 25. where the Jt
dealt with to embi^ce the Gofpel Covenant, by this Ar-
gument, becaufe they were the Children of that Cove-
nant which God made with Abraham. As to that which
may be objecled, from Heb. viii. the new Covenant is
only another Covenant, in the Manner of Adminiftra-
tion; as we may hear further, when the Difference!
come to be opened : Only now we fay, The Old an^
New Covenant are like Rebecca veiled, and the lame
unveiled. The former is vuiihed, only in Ret
Shadows; it ftandeth in the Subitance : ^re it i:

, that it was broken, as it was broken by Unbelief
fo may the New Covenant be broken: So there

Diffcreni

On the (jospel Covenant. 39

Difference as to that, more than in this, that both then
and now, many were in it externally only. As to that
which fome have dreamed, that the Fathers in the old
Difpenfation had a mixed Covenant ; it is manifell, that
neither was nor could be. ifl. It is clear, they had no
Mixture of the Works of the Law in the Point of Ju-
ftification ; for to Abraham Faith was imputed for Righ-
teoufnefs, Rom. iv. 9, — 11. id. As the temporary Pro-
miles were to them Types of better Things; fo the
Land of Promife, a Type of that Reit prepared for the
People of God, Htb. iv. 9. 3:/. Temporal Bief&ngs then
promised do not prove either another Covenant in Sub-
nance, or a mixed Covenant ; becaufe the New Cove-
hath temporal Bie (Tings alfo covenanted in it, Mat.
vi. 33. and 1 Tim. iv. 8.

LJ' 1. This is againit thofe who put the Fathers, and
thole who lived under the old Difpenfation of the Cove-
nant, only under a Covenant for temporal Things: The
Happineis of the Gentiles will be no other, than to fie
dototti with Abraham, Ifaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom
of Heaven, Mat. viii. 11. and in 1 Cor. x. 1, 2, 3, 4.
they did eat the fame fpiritual Meat, and did all drink
the fame fpiritual Drink with us.

2. If the Old Covenant and New be the fame,
then the Scriptures of the Old Teilament are not to be
rejected, but to be fearched and improved, to the End for
which they were written, Rom. xv. 4. for our Learning;
confidering how they were alfo written all by the fame
Spirit, 2 Tim iii. 15, 16. who is but one and the fame:
Confidering alfo, in the third Place, how they are noc
only profitable, as other Scriptures, but necefTary for con-
vincing of the Jewi\ and laftly, How not only the Do-
ctrine of the Gofpel was confirmed from chence by Chrift
and his Apollles, but they are a great Part of that Foun-
dation, on which Chriitians mult be built to the World's
End ; for the Fo indition is of the Prophets, as well as
of the Apollles, Eph. ii. 20.

life 3. It is the Wifdom then of Chriitians ; to hoi J
faft old Truths, the old Path, and the good
for one, Jer. vi. 16. Stumhling from the ancient Paths,
C4 to

4o SERMON n.

Ik in Paths, a Way not caft up, is condemned, in
15. In 2 Pet. i. 12. is commended Eliablifh-
ment in th< i'ruth ; and in the Rpilt. of J ude%

vir. 3 there is recommended to thefe who have I
in the common Salvation, an earneit Contending tot the
delivered to the S >ew Opinions do

not nuke new Men, but nounfh old Corruptions.

Let us go now and fearch into the Differences of this
old and new Difpenfation ot the Covenant : Though this
Old and New Covenant be the fame in Subllanc .

fFerer.ccs: F'vji Difference,
'^d by God th . or by the

at the New was begun to be p'lbiifh-
ed" by the I coming in the Fie(h ; an

confirmed' by thole that heard nun, Heb. ii. 3. the Me-
diator in the GL Difpenfation was by the Man and Ser-
. Deut. v. 27. and. lieb. iii. 5. .But in the New,
we have our o.'eiTed Lord Mediator, Hcb. ix. 15. and xii.
24 >ue Sc/r over his orivn Houfe% ILb. iii. 6.

>od for the bette. Covenant, in this Re-
fpect : We have had the Son eclaring the De-

7. O blels him, tha't we have
been refej J imes, and to the Fulnefs of

Time, wherein Chritt bimfelf came to be Meifenger of
the Covenant, according as was prophefied, Mai. iii. I.
.c been referved to the Times of the 1 a it Dil-
lon of the Covenant; after which there will be no
neA ' ;. 1 .

fed the Lord to try ft us,

both with the better Difpenfation and Di e had

need neglect not fo great a Salvation,

nd the better Difptnfations we have,

the grea:. our Sin in neglecting tlum.

The nee is, that the old Difpenfation was

more bardenfome than the new: So, 10. calletk^

it a Yoke, which neither they nor their Father? were
able to bear: It put choie who lived under it, as Chil->
dren under Tut yea, in Bondage, under ;

ements «. f the World, Ga/' iv. 2, 3. They h id coft-J
ly Sacrifices, as is to be ken in the Book of Leviticus ;\

On the Gospel Covenant. 41

1 and tedious Journeys, from the utmoft Parts of the Land,
every Male thrice in the Year to Jerufalem, Deut. xvi.
16. They were under Reftraints as to Meats, tied to the
Obfervation of Days and Months, Col. ii. 16, 20, 21.
But in the New, the Yoke is eafy, and the Burthen light;
the Service not fo toilfome, and the Help fuiHcient ; few-
er Sacraments, and thefe not coftly ; no Days but the
LordVday Sabbath ; and fuch as Providence and our Ne-
ceflity (hall call for, no carnal but fpiritual Ordinances.

U/e 1. We ought then fo to notice and acknowledge
this our dearly purchafed Liberty, by Handing faft in it,
refilling all Temptations which may draw us back again
to carnal Ordinances, or to the Ordinances of Men; for
if the Lord hath fet us free of his own Law of Ceremo-
nies, it were molt abfurd for us to think of being fubjedt
to a new ceremonial Law, deviled by Men, remember-
ing that Word, in Matth. xv. 9. In <vain do they kvorfhip
me, teaching for Do8rir.es the Commandments of Men.

life 2. beeing thus the Lord hath removed the heavy
Yoke, and fet us at Liberty, we mould evidence our Li-
berty in being a more free-hearted and willing People, in
the offering up of fpiritual Sacrifices, as in 1 Pet. ii. 5.
and in ver. 16. of that chap. As free, and not ufing cur-
Liberty as a Cloak of Malicicufnefs; doing Service to God
with Gladnefs and Singlenefs of Heart, as in Acls ii.
46. If we do not fo, we may be charged, as Ephraim
was, Hof xi. 3, 4. 1 taught Ephraim to go, taking them by
their Arms, but tbey knew not that I healed them, I drew
them <with the Cods of a Man, and nxith Bands of Love.

The third Difference, The old Difpenfation was more
dark, but the new is more clear : There were the Sha-
dows, but here we have the Body, Heb . i. 5. The Light
is now as of the Sun, a marvellous Light, 1 Pet. ii. o.
The Gofpel is a bright Revelation of the Myftery, which,
was kept fecret, Rom. xvi. 25. now revealed to his holy
Apoftles and Prophets by the Spirit, Eph. iii. 5. Eternal
Life in the old Difpenfation was but rarely hinted, Pfa.
Xvi. 11. and xvii. 15. and Dan. xii. 2. It was fhadowed
by Reit in Canaan, and eternal Death by Exclufion from
thence, Fjal. xcv. 11. Chrift's Perfon and Offices were

not

^2 O i^ IV 1V1 W .N 11.

not To fully fet torch in Prophecies, lfa. ix. 6. and in,
: So his i ,-/. xiv. 18.

His Kingdom by D i. 31- H>s

prophetical Office by ut. xviii. 18. J

by the Sprinkling of Biood, Exod. xxiv. 7, 8. Sanctih-
cation by many

thefe Points of precious and iv. ill ..re made

fo plain, as they who run may read them: 1. Be<
all that which was to be done is finifhed by Ghr>
ferirg up himfelf. 2. The Church was the) in Minori-

al. iv. I, 2. but now it is come to more perfe* 1
3. This Honour was referved to Chrilt, as the great Pro-
phet, and the Light of the VVorid, John i. 9.

Ufe 1. Take notici vjercy, this unfpeakable

Mercy, which is in the fo clear and oright M .mfcltation
of the Gofpel; remembering th it Word in
I 7. That many Prophets an us Men have defired fa

jee thofe "Things which ixe fee, and have n w, anj

to hear the Thing: r have heard, and have not

; and that, in Jdbn xiv. 22. how the Lord is pie 1-
fed to manifeit himfelf to us and not to the World :
Abraham himfelf has no more but a far off Sight, and
yet he rejoiced, John viii. 56. The Performance of the
greater Promifes all were referved for, our Time; iuch
a* that, in lfa. xi. 9. The Earth to be filled
ledge of the Lord, as the Waters eo<ver the Sea ; that, il

26. When the Light of the Moon fhali be .. -
of the Sun, ana f the Sun /ball be (even fold* as

the Light of fe*ut in the Day that the L

ch cf his l e $ti oke c

•, and that, in Jer. xxxi. 34. when there lhall be
lefs need of teaching fundamental Truths; but all jball
Lot d from the haft to the g yea
2 Is t fie New Covenant To clearly difpenfed ?
■11 and diilircl Knowledge of C
in tb< r, and of all Covenant Truths ; we ihould

not b< n in Underlranding, 1 C

■ 1 and fro nvith ever)
cf Doe? tine ; which is forbidden in Eph. iv. 14. If we do
not itudy to be rooted and fettled in the Kaowledge of

Truth,

On the Gospel Covenant. 43

Truth, we will be reckoned an ongft cl-ofe that love
Darknefs rather than Light, John iii. 19. Ignorant and
unfettled Souls are in a very dangerous Eicate, the God
o; this World hath blinded them, 2 Cor. iv. 4. The un-
learned and unliable ivreft the Scriptures to their own De-
:izny 2 Pet. iii. 16.

3. The greater the Light, and the brighter the
Manifeitation be, it calieth /or more exadt Walking as
ildren of Light, and of the Day, 1 TbeJJ. v. 5, 6.
; xiii. 1 3.

nee, There is a more effeclual
Working in the New th n was in the Old : There was
.kneis in the O'J ; it made nothing perfeel, Meb. vii.
iS, 19. but the bringing in of" a bet:er Hope doth, ibid.
lure of the Spirit then which is new,
■1 vii. 39. Jefs of the Spirit of Adoption, of that Spi-
rit of Sons, Gal. iv. 6, 7. a lure of Faith alfo
then than now, Gal. iii. 23. and iefs of Comfort and Joy,
xvi. 24.

:here is no Ground of pleading Excufe,
from the Saints Fallings and in the old Difpen-

n of the Covenant.

2. We flbbuld leek to be more filled with the Spi-
rit, as in Eph* v. 18. 2 Tim. i. 7. that Spirit of Power,
Love, and of a found Mind, to open your Mouths wide,
t he may fill you with Grace more abundantly, as is
promifed, Pjal. Ixxxi. 10. that you may be the more a-
bundantly fruitful : To tl lorn much is gz<ven of him much
U be nqu'ued, Luke xii 48. More efpecially exprefs the
Power, 1 //. In fubduing Corruptions, zd. In bearing
Afflictions, yi. in Growth to a perfect Man, to the
Meafure of tne Stature, of the Fuinefs of Chriit, Bpb.
iv. 13.

T; e fifth Difference, The Old Difpenfatio*i was only
to one People ; the New is unco all. He is not now the

d of the Jews only, but of the Gentt
iii. 29. For the Space of near two Thoui s the'

was only jn Jfrael: The Lord did not enlarge
ihe J ent and itretch out the Cords at rlrit, 1. Etc
of his good Pleafure, Matth. xi. 26. 2. To make his

Gr.ce

44 SERMON III.

Grace the more glorious, Rom. xi. 32. and Chrift the
more eminent, Jfa. Jxvi. 1 9.

Ufe 1. We may not for this be high-minded; remem-
bering that of Rom. xi. 18. we may not boaft againft the
Branches, fometimes as evil as any, 1 Cor. vi. 11.

Ufe 2. Give up yourfelyes to Gofpel Grace, Jit. iit
11, 12. or fee the Hazard, Vengeance in Aiming Fire
againft them that obey not the Gofpel, 2 Jhijf.\.%. and
then be thankful, and glorify this Word of the Gofpel,
as they did, in A/Is xiii. 48.

The Jixth Difference, The one was for a Time, until
the Time of Reformation, Heb. ix. iq. the other is e-
verlafting, Rev. xiv. 6. and the Ordinances of it ever-
lafting, Mattb. xxviii. 19, 20. 1 Cor. xi. 26.

Ufe 1. 'Againft thofe who dream of another Gofpel-way,
and that above Ordinances: Let them remember, how,
after the Coming down of the Holy Ghoft, Ordinances
were continued ; and confider that Threatning, Gal. i. 8.
againft them- that would bring another Gofpel. Ordinan-
ces will be ever needful, while we are here a People of fo
much Infirmity, and fo many Necefiities: Needful alfo
for the Performance of that great Duty, the honouring
of the Son, John v. 23.

SERMON

( 45 )

■'■■■■ ■■- I II I . I -.

SERMON III.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVENANT:

How the Covenant is made, and of the
Author of the fame.

i Samuel xxiii. 5*.
Although my Houfc be not fo with God; yet he hath made
with me an everlajling Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and fure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
although he make it not to grow.

HAVING fpoken of the Covenant in general, of
the two Covenants alfo, both of Works and
Grace, and of this lail, both as Old and New ; I come
now to the II. Head propounded, that the Covenant is
not now to be made, but is already made, ended and
concluded : He hath made with me an ever la ft hg Covenant ;
That which I mail fay to this, I fhall deliver it in two
Doclrines.

Doct. r. All the Good which Believers do receive '., it is
all conveyed to them by Covenant.

So God made his Covenant with Noab, Gen. vi. 18.
and remembered him, Gen. viii. 1. He eftablifhed a Co-
nant with I/rael, to heard their Groaning, and redeem-
ed them, Exod. vi. 4, 5, 6. He redeemed them alfo from
the Babylonijb Captivity, out of the Pit wherein w-s no
Water, by the Blood of the Covenant, Zech. ix. 11.
And all that Good which is in the Goipei Redemption,

is

4<5 S E R M O N III.

is in Performance of the Promife and Remembrance of
the holy Covenant, in Luke i. 72. The Reafons why th«
Lord would deal thus with Men, to give all Things idler
and greater co them by Covenant, were, 1
might be the better known, efpecially in his Faithful-
nefs : It is a Part of his Name in Re-v. xix. 11. Il-
ls faithful and true, who in Righteoufnefs makctii
Now, it is belt known in keeping of Covenant: So in
Deut. vii. 9. Know the Lord thy God, he is God, the faith-
ful God, iv ho kcepeth Covenant ; fo, in Rom. xv. 8.
Cnnft was a Minifter of Circumcifion for the Truth of
God, to Confirm the Promifes made to the Fathers.
2. To feparate his People for himfelf : He doth fet apirt
his People for himfelf, Pfal. iv. 3. He became the Lord
their God by Covenant, and fo did feparate tht m from
other People, Lev. xx. 24. He^made them fo, a peculiar
Treafure to himfelf, Exzd. xix. 5 A People near him,
Pfal. cxlviii. 14 3. He doth thus bring tiiem under a
Bond, the Bond of a Covenant, Ezek. xx. 37. to enfure
and keep them firmly adhering to himfelf, and to make
them abide with him, Hof iii. 3. for he knows how un-
ftedfaft, and bent to Backfliding we are, Hof. xi. 7.
4. To minifter to all that take hold on his Covenant the
ftronger Confolation, Heb. vi. 17, 18. by two immutable
'Things in vuhich it is impojjible that God fhould lie. 5. That
it might be much every Way to the Glory of God,
1 Chron. xvii. 24. David prayeth^ that it may be elta-
blilhed; that the Lord of Holh be the God of /
even a God to lfrael, for this End, tnat his Name may
be magnified for ever : And, in 2 Cor. i. 20. All the Pro-
mijes are Tea and Amen in Chrifi Jefus, to the Glory of God
by us. 6. He will have his People to be in Covenant
with him, that he may put high Honour on them : So-,
in Deut. iv. 7. No Nation fo great as his People, by hav-
ing God fo nigh unto them : And, in Deut. xxvi. 18, 19.
the Lord, by avouching them to be his covenanted Peo-
ple, made them high above all Nations which he had
made, in Praife, and in Name, and in Honour. 7. That
fo he might honour the Son, who is the Mediator and
Mefienger of the Covenant: The Father hath a great

Defiffu

On the Gospel Covenant. 47

£)efign in the Covenant, for the honouring of the Son,
John v. 23. 8. So to loofe and difengage us from all
other Covenants, whether made with oid Lovers, Hjf. ii.
5, 19, 20. or with Heil and Dtath, Ifai.xxviu. 18.

XJfe I. Magnify Mercy in this, that the Lord hath
been pleafed to communicate every good Thing to us, in
this gracious Way of a Covenant: Salvation, and all that
which leadeth unto it, is by Covenant; the Lord might
have cafl fome Kindnefs to us, in Way of common Pro-
vidence, as to other Creatures; but "he would not do fo,
but give his People every Thing by a fpeciai Covenant :
In this a fourfold Mercy, each of them more wonderful
than another, (i.) The Condefcendence of Love. (2.)
The fexuring an Intertft in God to poor wretched Sin-
ners. (3.) Abundant Confolation. (4.) The Freenefs
of the Grace by which all is difpenfed.

life 2. Is all difpenfed by Covenant ? We muil fee to
this, that we be in Covenant: If we would have any
Thing difpenfed, we mult confent to the Bargain, where-
in, (1.) The Lord bccometh our God. (2.) He giveth
Chrift, and then, (3.) With him all Things freely, Rom.
viii. 32.

Ufe 3. Labour to be fenfible of our Loofenefs and Un-
fledfaltnefs : The Lord faw a Neceflity of binding us in
the ftraiteit Bcrnd with him, (1.) Wre have need to be
drawn, John vi. 44. and, (2.) To be bound by ftraitefl
Bonds, Jer. xiii. I, — 11.

U/e 4. Is all good to be communicated to a Believer
by Covenant? Ex peel all good only in that Way, in the
Way of the Promife: Call for every good in that Way,
from the Lord, upon the Bo:;d which he hath given thee;
and then itudy to know this Covenant aright, and to
walk worthy of it: They that fear the Lord, the Lord
will mew them his Covenant, Pfal. xxv. 14. All the
Paths of the Lord will be Mercy and Truth to them
that keep his Covenant, ver. 10. of that Pfalm. David
prayed by the Covenant, that the Lord would have Re-
fpecl unto it, when the dark Places of the Earth are full
of the Habitations of Cruelty, Pfal. Ixxiv. 20. To clofe
tkis, all you that have clofed in Covenant with God, and

know

48 SERMON III.

know that all your good cometh unto you by a Covenant
of Grace, Let your Cmverfation be as becometh the G of pel
of our Lord Jefus Chri/I, according to Phil. i. 27.

Doct. 2. From this Head: 7 hi s Coven ant ', by which
every good is conveyed unto us, it is a Covenant already
made, agreed upon, concluded and ended in Eternity, in the
well-ordered Decree.

The Word is fettled in Heaven, Pfal. cxix.fc89- Arid it
fball be as the Dass of Heaven, Pfal. Ixxxix. 28, 29. But
as it is revealed to Man, it is To made, that it is eltablifh-
ed, Gen. x/'ii. 7. and it is confirmed, Dan. ix. 26, 27. It
is not now to be made, but to be declared, Pfal. ii. 7.
to be remembered, Pfal. iii. 7. and to be kept, Neb. i. 5.
The great Grant of Heaven and Happinefs is drawn up
and written, yea, and pailed the Seals too. That it is
not now to be made, I do demonilrate thus, 1. It is in
the Text, an everlafting Covenant ; and, in Pfal. ciii. 17,
18. from everlatting to everlalting is that Mercy, which
is held forth and offered therein. 2. It was made with
Chrift in Eternity, as may be gathered from Prov. viii.
22, 23. where Chrift, under the Name of Wifdom, is
brought in faying, The Lard poffeffed me in the Beginning
of bis Ways, before his Works of old : I was fet up from
everla/iing : And from Mic. v. 2. where Chrift is defcri-
bed to be the Ruler, whofe Goings forth were of old,
even from everlafling: And the Father faith of him, long
before he came in the Fleih, that he had given him for
a Covenant, Ifai. xlii. 6. 3. He who was and is the true
and faithful Witnefs, faid fo much on the Crofs, It is f-
tiifbed : All is now done and ended, John xix. 30. The
Forerunner is already entred into Heaven for us, Heb. vi.
20. O ! this blefled Bargain is fo made, that it could not |
have been better made : Men neither mould nor cad ei^
ther add unto it, or take any Thing from it. It is fo \
made, as it cannot be ranverfed again.

Ufe 1. Hence Comfort and Stay to fainting and per-
plexed Souls; there is a precious Cordial in this, the
Covenant is not now to be made, it is well made, and
made ready alio, (1.) It is a Cordial for thole who tra-
vel with the Senfe of Unworthmcfs : The Covenant is

made*

On the Gospel Covenant. 49

made, and when it was made, it was made without Re-
fpect either to Worthinefs or Unworthinefs. (2.) For
thofe who are forely ihaken with frequent Doubtings and
Unbelief: The Covenant is made, may heai thofe Di-
flempers: It is made in Faithfuinefs ; and he that made
it will not fuffer his Faithfulnefs to fail, Pfal. Ixxxix. 33.
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful, he cannot de-
ny himfelf,#2 Tim. ii. 13. (3.) Againft Backflidings :
The Covenant was a Bond made; p.tfl lofing or loofing,
before that we could forfeit it ; yea, there is an ever
finding Article of this Covenant, for healing of Back-
flidings, Hof. xiv. 4. (|.) As of Comfort, fo of Caution
to every Chriftian: The Covenant was made without
them, yet not ii> every Refpect to be made good without
them.

V/e 2. Seeing the Covenant is fo made, as it cannot

be made void in itfelf, every one mould look well to it,

that it be not made void as to them; or that by their

Carriage they declare it was never made with or for them.

Now, there are feveral Ways, whereby People make this

Covenant as not made, or made void to them. ijl. If

they do not willingly receive it, and write their Name

down in it: As many as receive it, they have a rich and

fair Privilege and Power, even to become the Sons of God,

John i. 12. id. Much more if they reject it: It was a

dreadful Guilt of the Pbarifces, in Luke vii. 30. They

rejected the Counfel of God againft themfelves. 3^. All

they who undervalue it, who eltecm it not of worth, how

can they have Ufe of it? Who fee not' a Treafure in it/

will never dig for it ; fo it cannot be but void to them.

$th. They that reft not fatisfied with it as it is made, but

ire picking Quarrels with it, upon Search it will be

found, that all the Errors and Herefres of this Time are

b many Quarrellings with and Contradictions to th'i

tenant, as it is made, and well made; but they would

lave it made otherwife. But who are they that find

7ault, as the Apoitle chaflengeth all Difputer;

O. IV bo art thou that replieji again jl God, take

pon them to amend any Thing of this witty L

0 much to ihe II. Head, That the Covenant li

D

;i

5o SERMON III.

The II I. Head propounded to be fpoken to, was, The
Author of this gracious Covenant : David faith, he hath
made a Covenant: The God of lfrael, the Rock of lf-
rael, in ver. 3. and in this, 5. iter. Although my H

with God, yet he, that is, God, hath made the Co-
nt.
Doct. I. That God is the Author of this bleffed Cove-
nant.

It is of divine Extraction, and doth not favour of the
Earth at all: It is a divine Plot ; there was never any
like unto it -, all the three rerfons of the blefiTed Trinity
were about the making of it : They all held the Counlel
in Eternity, in eternal Wifdom, did draw up the Agree-
ment in the Draughts 6f everlalting Love, and did de-
fign the flowing forth of everlafling Mercy and infinite
Goodnefs:. The Father fo loved the World, that he de-
creed to fend the Son: The Son fo loved the Father and
loll Man, that he agreed to be fent : The Love of the
eternal Spirit was fuch, that he engaged to anoint and
abundantly to furnifh him that was fent : The Father pre-
pared a Body for the Son; the Son put on that Body, and
took it in, into the Unity of his Perfon, the fame Per-
fon with his Godhead ; and the Spirit did pour upon him
the Oil of Gladnefs above his Fellows. The Fatner faid,
\e9 O Sword, againft the b*an that is my Fellrw: The
Son faith, Behold 1 come, I delight to d) thy Will', and
the Spirit did write this Law within his Heart. O My-
itery of Mylleries! This is a molt divine Myltery, how-
ever we cannot wade through this Deep, this is a Truth
paffrd and beyond all queilion, that the God of ail Grace
is the Author of this Covenant of Grace: He made it
at firii, or rather revealed it, as it was made in Eternity,
it one Promife, that is, The Seed 0/ the Woman Jhall
thy Head, that is, thy Head, O Satan, who hided
If in the Serpent, Gen. iii. 15. Who but God could
have made it fo, that the Seed of the weak and now van-
oman fhouid overcome fo mighty and fo craf-
)ev\\ ? Who but God, upon the Breach of one Co
venant, would have made another witl broken Man, anc
ovenant, which never Ihould be broken? Whc

On the Gospel Covenant. 51

but God would have prevented his backward and broken
Enemy, with the Offer of fo Uefied a Bargain ? He made
the Covenant with Noab% Qtn. vi. iS. with xikrabam^
Gen. xvii: I. with Ifaae, uer. 2!. of that chap. with J a-
cd, Gen. xxv. 10. and with Dawid and Sole vxxix.

3- 3 5 j 3 6- aRd it is he who maketh the new Covenant with
. xxxi. 31. and, Ez.t h z6- Now, that

Cod is tne Author, and only Author of rhis Cove
appeareth thus, 1. It is of Things which Fieih and Blood
-h. xvx. 17. 2. We were, and by
re ftill are, Enemies in <yur Mind, £V. i. 21. and
would never thought of Reconciliation and Means of
3. God, as his Name is, fo is he. He is firft
and Jail, Ren;, i. II. He loveth firit, 1 ^^ iv. io. and
,t, John xv. 16. 4. There is fuch a Depth
. Jom in the Contrivance, that ro creared Skill
could ever have reached it; Angels ftoopi.ig down defire
fo look into it, 2 Pet. i. 12. 5. The Bond of the Co-
venant is fuch, as none could bring a Soul under, but
God alone: It is the Bond of the Spirit, Epb. iv. 3. and
then a Bond upon the Spirit and Confcience or* I
6. God was fo offended, that the Offence was in fome
fort infiniTe, again ft an infinite Majefty : And who could
have found out the Meiin of Satisfaction, if himielf had
toot done it? So, in Job xxiii. 34. he faith to his Meflen-
gers, the Interpreters, deliver fuch a Soul from going
down to the Pit, for I have found a Ranfom.

Ufi 1. If God alone made the Covenant, and he was
the flrft Mover in it, and the whole Devifer of ir, then,
ift. The Covenant is free; it v/as and is of free Favour:
Man's Moyen or Merit, neither any Thing that could be
forefeen in Man, can challenge any Part of a procuring
Caul'e in it: He that doth all Things of and ior hi
I did this great Thing : So alfo,

U/e 2. If God unchangeable be the Author of this
Covenant, then it is unchangeable: There is no Variable*
lefs in God, no more than in that his eterr. 1, nor

n that which is gone out of his Mouth ; n al-

er it, Pfal. Ixxxix. 34. The Principles on \
r'verlaftmg Covenant is founded, are immutable Thi
D x

5z SERMO N III.

3. If God be the Author of the Covenant of
Grace* it may Hay the Heart of the doubting Chriitian ;
who, becaufe both of Sin and l<rowardne(s, thinketh
with himfdf, that he can never have any Part in that
precious Covenant, becaufe of utter both Unworthinefs
and Unwillingnels fo to take hold on it, as to fubmit to
the Terms of it: Let fuch confider, that as the Lord did
move firil in and for a Covenant with Man, it bred in his
Breaft, fo they may expect he will through it: He will
caufc them draw near whom he choofeth ; and, who
,hoofe him he hath firfl chofen them ; and further, let
them look in what State, wretched Sinners when he^en-
tereth into Covenant with them, were.

4. Wonder and praife for this, that the Lord Je-
hovah made the Covenant, the Party offended, fo great
a Party, that flood in no need of Man : It is he that de-
vifed the Covenant of Peace, and fueth for Peace ; and
when one Covenant is broken, he maketh a better: Go
to him with all the broken Covenant Work, he can beA
amend it.

SERM

On the Gospel Govenant. 5*

SERMON IV.

O N T H E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

Of the Parties in the Covfn ant : And,
,i; of Christ the chief Party,
Believers a Party with Him.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.

Although my Houfe be not Jo ivith God; yet he i

with me an everlajling Covenant, well orde

!ure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my D
although he make it not to grow.

I Proceed now to fpeak of the Parties engaged, and of
all that have Interelt in this Covenant: And the fnir.
Party engaging with God, and engaged unto him i
: Covenant, is Chrift the eternal Son of God : This Cove-
nant for the Redemption of loll Man did begin vvil
Beginning, betwixt the Father and him: So in 1/h. *!ii.
6. The Father faith to the Son, / have calid t
Right toufn eft, and will hold thine Hand,
thee, and gin;e thee for a Covenant of the People.
Father by Covenant hath fet him as King, as his
Inpon Zion, his holy Hill, and hath covenanted to give
mm the Heathen for his inheritance, and I of the

jEarth for his PoiTeflion, Ffal. ii. 6, 8. Chriit is the prin-
:ipal Seed, with whom the Father entereth in Covenant,

i. ver. 13, 14, 16, ij. That this may i
>ear, confider, 1. Chriit hath the Prerogative of the mit
D 3 burn,

54 S E R M O N IV.

bom, Htb. i. 5. and .x. 26, 27. And the Cover

nam was and is chiefly with the firil-born. 2. The Cure
Mercies or .re his, and with him, ASls xiii. 34

35. and thefe are the Covenant Mercies I/a. lv. 3
3. As the hrit ,£/*/« was the chief Party in trfe Covenant
orfcs, i: was made with him frit, and in him with
his Seed, Rom. v. 12. To with the lafl Adam, (o called,

1 Cor. xv. with him, and in him with all hi?
fpiritu*! Seed. 4. All that w r can be re

in a Covt \: the Father a

Sen. in Ifu. liii. 10, |i. t

an Offering for Sin, and the Fata

he ill a i 1 fee his See J, and the Travel of hi
and that the Pleaiure of the Lord ih ul profper

.
have 1 r, ou

with the^Sacrifice of he boreth I

jt is r : . He prepare; h a Body far

;n anfwere

ibt to do t .
G d. 5. All the Pro nufes arf
The Lor. lis God, and then our C > >d , \.

nd then, cur Father: So ne teacheth us, in Jc
xx. 17. All the Promifes are Yea and Amen 1

2 Cor. i. 20. And chief Promifes are only no
fuch as that, Pfui. ex. 2. Phil. i\. 9, 10, 11. H

lers, firft to nim, and tlien to us, ace
.:ljre, that of his Fulnefs we may receive,
16. The Mother Promife, Chat God will be his G
made to him, P/'al. lxxxix. 26. and J ■

to u-

his Undertaking, full made to him, /
in him the Redemption and For^iveneis o(
£;./.'. i. 17. The fame may be laid o\
fes of Dominion and Victory, P
xvi. 11. of Kingdom and Glory, Phil. n. 9, i( :
Luk .\id of the bleflld Refurrc

th John xi.

. .ring of this Mat:er, it i
criptures, that there were ar.d are ftanding^^B
. betwixt th(

On the Gospel Covenant. 55

ther giveth fo many to the Son, and he draweth them
. tLat they may come, and the Son maketh them welcome,
and in no wife will call them out, y^/vi.37,44. The Fa-
ther giveth them to the Son, and the Son giveth to them
his Words, John xvii. 6, 8. The Son never parts with
them until he raife them up at the Jail Day, John vi. 39,
40. But come we to the Articles of Agreement hetwixc
the Father and the Son, in the Covenant of Redemption :
More particularly, the 1. Chrift is appointed unto this
Work, anointed to it, Ifa. Ixi. 1. fent and fealed unto it,
John vi. 27. ordained unto it before the Foundation of
the World, 1 Pet. i. 20. and he did accept and engage,
Heb. r. 4, 5. anp! x. 7. 2. A fpecial ConunirTion from
God to r.im, to execute and bear a threefold Oftke, in
order to this Work ; that of a Prophet, J+lm xii. 49.
or a Prieil, John x. 18. and of a King, Pfol. li. 6. And
he fubmiuetii to all that which is laid on him, and un-
dertaketh all: The Lord opened his E not

JJious, neither turned he away back, but gave hi*
k to the Sm;ters, {ffc. I/a. 1. 5, 6. He laid down his
Life freely, when none couid take it from him, John x.
17, 18. Being found in fajbion as a Man, he humbled him-
feif\ a fid became obedient unto Death , even the Death of the
Cift Phil. \\. 8. 3. I< of great Promifes made to the
Sou. \ft. Of the Spirit for Furniture and fufiicienc'Qua-
vtions, I/a. xi. 1, 2. zd. For all neceilary Help, Ifa.
. 4, 6. 3</. For good Succefs and Speed, Ifa, Iv. 5.
4th. Particularly, that he fhould be an all-conquer 1
King, Pjal. ex. t, 2. and Mic. iv. 3. $th. The Promife
that both he and thofe given him mould be glorifu
xvii. 5, 24. thefe Prayers are according to Prom:
e 4. Article is of Covenant relations, eltablifhcd be-
twixt God the Father and the 9on. ill. God not only eiL
tially, or rather personally, is a Father, but by Cover
a Father to Chrift, Eph. i. 3. idly, He is in fame Seofc
:he Covenant, Ifa. xlix. 8. Mic. v. 5. He itandeth tor
God to Man, and for M;;n to God, an Umpire betwi.ee
bo:h. 1. He is the Meifenger of the Covenant,
1. 2. He is the Witnefi in it, given for a Wuhl
lv. 4. The faithful awi irue Witncfs, Re<u. rie

D 4

S6 SERMON IV.

tvitnelTeth to all the Truths of Scripture, particularly t&
theie Truths which he fealcd with his Blood, to his
the Son of Gcd, and King of his Church. 3. He
it the Surety, tie Surety or the better Covenant,
vii. 22. He is Surety for God, and for that Kingdom

1 it is his Pleasure to give to Believers, Lukexw. 32.
and he is Surety for us to the Father, (1.) To p
our Debt. (2.) To anfvver for our Behaviour. (3.) So
to give us new Hearts, and to write his Law in

xxxvi. 20. with Jtr. xxxi. 33. to caufe us walk in
the Lords Statutes, £ -. and to put bis

in our Hearts that we (hall not depirt from him,
xxxii. 40. (4.) He is Mediator, Heb. xii. 24. that can
lay Hands upon both ; in fume fort, he can engage both ;
he is the Fellow of God, Zecb. xiii. 7. and Man'
or Kinfman, Job xix. 25. He is the great Kecc
who bringeth the Lord down to a Treaty, and Man up
to the Terms of it ; and in that Work he is a Serv
both, lfu?x\iu 1. and lii. 13. and .. 28. (5.)

He is a Tellator, Heb. ix. 16, 17. No Biood cou.c
firm the Covenant but his, Heb. x. 4. compared wit
xiii. 20. (6 ) He is a common and puoiic;*: Peri.
a Reprefentative of many, and, in lome Senfe, ail the
Pai ty ; for fee how he cotneth in, Heb. ii. 13. Bi
and the Children njuhicb God bath given me : where he i%
he will have his Servant to be alio, Jo
He is the princely Leader and Commander of his 1'

v. 4. (8.) It cannot be told in how many Cove-
nant-relations Chrift ltandeth for God and for his Peopic,
the Light of the World, the Life of Men, the Rcm

', the Sun of Righteoufnefs, the Head, the Hui-
Father and Brother, £sV.
Ufe I. Is Ci.rilt the great Party in the Covenant, and
the great Undertaker; put him to do what he hath un-
lay help on him, as the Father hath laid it,
ix 19. Lay all on him, and employ him in all
tenant relations, under which he ltandeth both to
God and us.

2. la Chrift Undertaker and Surety ; put him not

.me in his Engagement, either by not receiving, or .

On the Gospel Covenant. 57

refufing his MefTage, or not admitting of his Treaty;
who do fo, make him no true Witnef3, and the Gofpel
no real Thing; but eiteem of it, as in 2 Pet. i. 16. a
cunningly devifed Fable: But the Truth is, the greateft
Things that ever were, or fhall be, are all in this his
Gofpel Covenant : The Glory of Juftice and Mercy, Hell
and Heaven, all the good Things in Time, and all the
great Things of Eternity.

Uje 3. Eiteem highly of this Treaty of Peace, above
all the Treaties which ever were, that could neither be
begun or perfe&ed but by fuch and fo great a Mediator.
O ! the Redemption of Souls is precious, and it had ceaied
for ever, had lie not undertaken it, PjaL xlix. 8.

Ufe 4. Comfort : The Bargain tranfafted betwixt the
Father and the Son, it is not of Yefterday, but ar. e
nity Bufiqefs: So, the Changes of Time will make no
Alteration in it: And further, however Matters i\ and
betwixt tiie Believer and God, to his Apprehenfion ; if
he plead Right and Intereft in Chriit, all will be well ;
for the Covenant betwixt the Father and Chriit cannot DC
broken; and Chriit taketh in all his Party with him.

But now, though Chriit be the principal Party, and
Chriit myitical the whole Party ; yet the Elecl alio are,
in molt proper Senfe, a Party irf the Covenant, and are
both feen and engaged as fuch, how foon they come to
believe: They were g;ven to Chriit in Eternity, but are
not actually entered into Covenant, fuch as are come to
Years, until ti.ey believe: As to Infants Covenant Inte-
reit, we intend to i'peak afterwards. Our Point now to
be opened unto you>Js, not only Chriit is a Party in the
Covenant, but his People alfo. 1 he Lord made this Co-
venant, in the old Difpenfation thereof, with his People,
Deut. iv. 23. The People are warned not to forget the
Covenant which he made with them ; and his Peopie are
faid to enter in Covenant with him, Dcut. xxix. 10, 12.
and, in Pfal. 1. 5. the Lord doth call his People :.-..
him, as thcfe who have made a Covenant with him by
Sacrifice: He covenanteth, in the vifible Cow

at make vjfible Profeflion ; but, with his chok
a more particular Way. Now, that this Covenant is

1

58 SERMON IV.

made not only with Chriil, but with his People alfo, ap
peareth from thefe Grounds, i. The Covenant made with
Chriil was froii : The Grace given by tliat in

Jefus Ciirilt, was before the World be n. i. 9.

But there i* a Covenant made in Time, of which it is
faid, ye Jland this Day, l)eut. xxix. 10. 2. ChrifJ is a
Teftator in the Covenant; fo ihtre mull be a Party in
the Covenant, to which the I ch ne d

queath by his De.ith is left, Heb. ix. 16. 3. The Cove
nant is made with fuch as ihirll and have no Money,
]fa. Iv.w. 1, 2, 3. Thefe n

Chriil ; for he had a Price in his H c dowr.

in the Bargain, when he boug pith a Price,

1 Cor. vii. 23. 4. The Covenant of Grace is mad;; With
the fame Party, with whom tJ mt of Wo;

made; the firit was ma.de wit > was the fecond

compare Gen. ii. 16, 17. with Gen. iii. 15. And it couic
be no other ways ; when ic of Peace, it muf

be v\ith one that was at Enmity. 5. It is .. ade witr
thoic that receive the Seals of it ; are Believ

ers, Rom. iv. 1 !. they are Seals of the Righteoufnefs o
Faith,. 6. We are bour; Qaut ; t: ere fori

it was nude with us, Pfal. xxv. 10. So breaking of Co
venant is charged upen the People of Ccd as their Sn
Lenj. xxvi. 15. 7. if i: . .th us

then no promife were mace o as ; fo Unbelief in us wen
no Sin ; but Unbelief is charged a^ a Sin on tho;.
delpifcd the pleafant Land : Jt is laid, they believed no
his Word, Pfal. CVf. 24. anJ, in Rom. xi. 20. ic
us, that becaufe of Unbelief they w< n off.

From Gal. iii. 16. The C
not to thi s of many, but as of one ;

thy Seed, v.

Seeds, doth only exclude th
can;ai, not th< Sted, Rot \ 3. not th

Children of the Promifc
are c -cd. 2/. In that very Scripture th

\m% fo not with Ciirilt only
ed, ILb. ii. 13. in an*
her with hi a.

a

On the Gospel Covenant. 59

Ufe 1. This may raife in the World, efpecially beget
in us, great Wonder and Admiration, that the King of
Glory mould ever have made with as, who dwell in
Houfes of Clay, iuch a Covenant, with bafe and guilty
us, fo unwortny and unprofitable Wretches as we are.
There was great Love in Jonathan to David, I Sam. xx.
17. and in David to Jonathan, 1 Sam. i. 26. winch laid
the Fecundation of" a Covenant betwixt them. But great-
er Love in this Covenant: David looked on it as a Pre-
;t too high for him, to be a Kind's Son m Law,
t How much hrgher ii it to be made
of God, and joint Heirs with Chriii ? As in Rem.
7. to be made Kings and Pn rod, Rev. u

5, 6. that when we are :noit vile, the Lord fhojld (pread
irt of his Covenant over us, and cover our i\a-
Is, Jo as we become his, Exck. xvi.^8. and he ouxs.

tscendence of Love An that! Poor
to be made a Bride, the Lamb's, Wire f Rev. x
Abraham was itrange;\ ith tr,eie Things wh<

Lord I q iiim concerning them, in Gen. xvii. 3.

Ik fill on in which his Carriage theie

Things might be expr< <Xcd, 1 . ng Aftonifbi

2.- Mucn pf Seif-abalement. _reat Thankful-

nefs. 4. His Subrnifiion and ; i himielr to be

at the Lord's Diipoial : So rred up to great

Wondering, in the Confi.

in 2 Sam. v ii. 18, 19, 20. ) Lv>d God, and

is my Hmfe that ? And

.as, yet a final I Thi^r I God; but

Ifo of thy :
to come: And is / :? &c.

.: we cou'd fit down and wou.de Digni-

ty and fair c by this * ( \ )

Going to the Throne, Heb. x. 22. (2 ) Infirinints
born witn, Numb, xxiii. 21. (3 ) Di
as are followed \

: rotection, Pfal. xci.
in all , 1 to God, with

( v) ^ '

, De-

6o SERMON IV.

vils, and to the lift Enemy D . xvi. 20. Pfa.

xxvii. 1. and, 1 Cor. xv. 55, ^6.

Ufe 2. All who define Salvation, and have not yet
come under the Bond of this Covenant, let them haite
to do it: Be no more Stranger ;hcre be too ma-

ny of that Sort, wL break

thefe Bands af under t and cap 'V Cords j .

And they be but few, if any, that can fay wi:h the
Church, as in Pfa!. xliv. - upon us, yet

have <ivc not forgo! ten thee, ' i//ly in

thy Covenant ; However, now, let all «vho love Bieifed-
nefs, yield themfelves, and give the Hand, as the Word
is, in 2 Chrov. xxx. 8. Give themfelves up to God in a
Covenant. (1.) J'~dge yourfelves, with the Prodigal, in
Luke xv. 19. unworthy of ec the leait Room in

the Lord's Houfe. {2 ) Break Covenant with old Lulls
and Lovers ; for no Man can fenue two Maflers, Matth.
vi. 24. Old Things ?r: 'ay* #"d all Things become

new, 2 Cir. v. 17. (3 ) Yieid to the Terms of the Co-
venant: We mull take Laws, not give them; deny our-
selves and take up our Crofs daily, Luke ix. 23. (4 } We
muft make this Covenant bv Sacrifice, and tne Sacrifice
is Chrilt, Pfal 1. 5. with Ht&.ix. 16. (5.) We mult
come u\ and enter cheerfully, liflening to the free Offer,
Jfa. lv. 23. and be quickened with that good Entertain-
ment promifed, in John vi. 37. and never go out again ;
for it is a Marriage Covenant, and the Be:rothing is for
ever, Hof. ii. 19.

Ufe 3. Keep this Covenant; fo (hall you be a peculiar
Treafure unto God, Exod. xi>:. 5. In other Thin
iee to Covenant Rights, much more in this: For keep-
ing it, (1.) Know it well. (2.) Improve it in all Plead-
ings; in the Cafe of Diftrefs and Danger, Gen. xxxii. 8,
9. 2 Cbron. xx. 6, 7. (3.) In the Cafe of Repentance,
i. 6. (4) Of Defertion, Pful xxii. 1. and, (5.)
Even in the Gale of Soul Defection, Jer* iii. 3, 4. (6 )
AggravateSin by it ; and when tempted, ufe it as a Curb;
Breach of Covenant the worli of Adulteries, Ezek. xvi.
38. (7.) J£tnploy the Cautioner; deiire him, with He-

zekiah,

On the Gospel Covenant. 61

xekiab, If a. xxxviii. 14. to undertake ; and, with David,
in PjaL cxix. 2 2; to he Surety for thee.

JJfe 4. Comfort and AfTurance : He who hath thus ta-
ken us in, will not turn us out: Free Love did take us
in, and Faithfulnefs will keep us in, 1 Cor. i. 8, 9. Tho'
Things of this Covenant be great, above our Worth, yet
feeing they are promifed, they are not fo great as to be
above our Hope.

SERMON V.

O N T H E

GOSPEL CO VENA NT:

How it is particular with some, and not
generally, with all.

2 S a M uel xxiii. 5-.
'Although my Houfe be not fo with God", yet he hath
with me an everlaflingCoveiiant, well ordered in all Things
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvationy and all ?ny Defire,
although he make it net to gr:

TH A T I may yet more fuUy open and declare the
Party with whom this Covenant is made, David
in the Text faith, *Ihe Lord hath made He

looketh upon it as a fpecial Favour, that the Lord had
made the Covenant with him ; importing that he had no-,
dealt fo with^every one. The Point is, the Covenant of
Grace is not made generally with all and every one, nor
indefinitely with any, but it is a particular Covenant,

made

made with fome. It was made with Abraham and his
made with Zs'on, and thofe td
be born in fa v was

called and r silica by : u art

miney I unes written in

tlieth his own Sheep by N
t. 3- He hath fome, whom he from Eternity lov-
ed i ouilis, whom he hated, Rem. ix. i amb
hath a ln>-.k of Life, in v. Inch all then were
and arc written, rhat are given him or the Pal
xiii

lay, i . Tl>at God hath an univerfal and like
Goodwill to all at there was an univerfal At-

tonement mude for all. 3. An universal Covenant made
4. Once an univerfal Reconciliation of all.
11 have fufficient Means and Power to re;
accepr Chrift offered in the Gufpel. 6. They dilunguifh
betwixt Chriit's purchafing of Redemption, and the Ap-
plication ol ; (o as they make that more large,
and of greater Extent than this. They make his Pur-
chafe to be of a poflible Salvation only of all ,• which
might well ftand with the perilling of all : VVe hold the
contrary in all thefe; and particularly, that the proper*
Party in the Covenant of Grace, is not generally all, nor
indefinitely any, but fome particular Perfons, on whom
the Lord hath been pleafed to (hew fome fpecial Love ;
and wiiom particularly he hath committed to the Son,
that he might fave them.

And we prove this our AfFertion by thefe Reafons, ift.
The Party covenanting with God, are eyprefly faid to
be given to Chrift, as they are diftinguifhed from others;
they are thofe whom the Father hath given him, John
vi. 37. given them out of the World, John xvii. 6. to
whom he giveth the Words which the Father gave unto
him, and they receive them, and know fureiy that Chriit
is the Saviour, fent and come forth from God, <ver.
for whom he prayeth, and not for others, <w. 9. that
fhall not be loft, but be with Chrift for ever, beholding
his Glory, <vrr. 12, 24. Chrift is trufted with them,
with particular Sheep, who infallibly fhall believe, Job

x. 11

On the Gospel Covenant. 63

.11. And the Caufe of their not believing is particu-
arly exprefTed, for chat they were none of his Sheep,
>cr. zG. 2d. They whom Chriit h.iteth, as he did Ejau9
^lom ix. II, 12. Thefe whom he <w ill not know, Matth. vii.
,ofe whom he will lepirate from the Sheep, and
et at the left Hand as Goats one Day, Mattb. xxv. 32.
With thofe God or Chrift did never enter in Covenant;
oil he knoweth his own, Jeb* x. 1 1, 14. He ioveth ther*,,
J ' jhn Xiii. I. and will not lofe them, 'John vi. 37, 39.
yi. Many do never fo much as hear or the Covenant of
Lrrace, and it were nor fuitable to the Wifdom and Ju-
[lice of God, to purchafe a Redemption for ali, and >et
to fufFcr many Thoufands to die ignorant of it. 4th.
Such an Opinion doth indeed. make void and null, yea,
ind thick dead ali the Covenant-relations of Chnft: 1c
would be a ftrange thing, a King, and no Subjects; an
Hufbind, and no Wife; a VVitnefs, and no AHurance; a
Shepi erd, and no Sheep; a ^Waiter, and no Scholars; a
Teftator and Teirament, confirmed with the Biood of
God, and nene to receive the Legacy ; an Advocate, and
none to plead for to any Purpoie, Cffr. This were, be-
fide other Abfurdities, to fallen upon Chriil a blind Bar-
gain. 5/tf. Jt were againft all Reafon and Juitire that
the Ranfom fhould be payed, and the Capnve not loofed;
it is againft both Law and Gotpei:' When tne Sum of
Money is given for the Ranfom of Life, Exod. xxi. 30.
the Pcrfon is to go free: The ranfomed of the Lord mult
be let go, that tney may return, and come to Zion with
iSongs, If a. xxxv. 10. They that are redeemed with the
precious Blood of Chriit, 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. they are re-
deemed, fo that they have their Faith and Hope in God,
wr. 21. of that chap. 6tb. This Opinion of the Arme-
nians is contrary to the lind of Chr fit's Death, anc
cacy of the fame by his Biood confirming the
He is not only made Wifoom and Rig
San&ification and compleat Redemption, 1 Qr. i. 30
gave him del f for the Church, that he might (41
leanfe it, with the Warning of Water by t
that he might prefen: it to lumfelf a glonou

.ving Spot or Wrinkle, or any fuch Thing, 1

64 S E R M O N V.

Ihould be holy and without Blemifh, Epb. v. 25, :.
The Redemption which is through his Biood bringeth
Forgivenefs of Sins, Col. I. 14. and, in Tit. u. 14.
/ gave himfelf for us, tbat be might redeem us from
all Iniquity, and purify unto himjelf a peculiar People, zea-
lous of giod Works. -]th. Thefe only are redeemed, who
were typified by IfraePs Redemption; and they in Ifa.
li. 11. are only they who (hall come to Zion with Ting-
ing, and everlaiting Joy upon their Head. Stb. All
they whom Chriil redeemeth, he redeemeth from S:n
and a vain Converfation, 1 Pet. i. 18. that they being
dead to Sin might live unto Righteoufnefs, 1 Pet. n. 24.
And he redeemeth them from an evil World alfo, GaL
i. 4. gib. The very Words, Reconciliation, Redempti-
on, and Surety, do fpeak aloud againir, and condemn this
their Opinion ; for none of thofe who are reconciled, re
deemed, and for whom Chriil ftandeth Surety, can pe.
ri(h. They cannot then fay that the Reconciliation was
univerfal. lotb. The whole Difpenfation of Grace is to
particular Perfons ; fo the Covenant of Grace cannot be
but to particular and definite Perfons: If Election, effe-
ctual Calling, Juftification, Adoption, San&ification, auo!
Glorification, be all of particular and certain Perfons,
how can Redemption be general and indefinite ?

U/e 1. Againit the Arminian Error of univerfal Re-
demption, which is grounded upon the milinterpreted
Words, All, and, the World. For clearing the Miitakes
which Men raife to themfelves from thefe Words, confi-
der, (1.) It is acknowledged that there is an infinite
Worth in the Blood of Chrift, infinitely more than of
Gold and Silver, or fuch corruptible Things ; it is very
precious, 1 Pet. i. 18. His Blood is in fome Refpedl the
Blood of God, ASs xx. 28. The Blood of him who
was and is God blelfed for ever: It was worthy to be a
Price for all and every one, if it had been made fo ;
and upon this Ground the Gofpel is preached to every
Creature, Mark xv\. 16. (2.) The Arrogance and Pre-
emption of the Jews, who pleaded a fole Intereft iii
the Mefliah, gave Occafion to thofe general Expreflions,
not to Jews only, but to all others whom he Ihould call.

fe-1

On the Gospel Covenant. 6c-

{3,} It would be carefully diuinguilned, betwixt Man's
Duty and God's Purpofe: Exhortations, Commandment*
• Threatnings, do (peak our Duty, and the neceffary Con-
nexion betwixt Faith and Obedience, with Salvation, and

ail ; YPf/,0V,Xof the fame- (-»•) This Particle,
All, and the Word, World, are taken divers Ways in
Scriptures. The World is gone af:er him, in John *ii
19. is meant of none but the Generality of the P
of Judea In Luke xvii. 27. dcftrbyed them all, i
meant of all and every one, for eight Perfons were fa-
red; the World and whole World is fometimes put for
the Centre, only, 1 John li. 2. fometimes, for the wick-
ed only ; Be not conformed to this World. Rom xii 2 The
whole World lieth in Wickednefs, 1. John v. 10. Sometimes
for the MeJTtah his World, John fii. ,6. An! 1 (Til do th
fignify all Sorts of Men : Of hi, Fulnefs have (all) <&
receded; it is we of all Sorts, John i. 16. (r ) If we
compare Prophecies and Predictions with the fulfilling of
<nem, we (hall find that by the general Expreflion (AM
none were meant or intended but the Elect : So in Joel
I. 28 / -will pour out my Spirit on all FleJI, ; in Ads »., T
18. It is but upon Men of divers Tongues and Languages

Z ™9',.OnlKr0f -hUCchap- {6) Th« Scripture fpeaketh
he moral Obligation of all that live under the Gofpe!
bnd according to the Judgment of Chanty, as Paul do^
-ray for dlPhi. i. 4. and perfuadeth himfelf of the
:Jea.on of the Thgalonians, , Theff. i. 4. and in 2
• »3- So is that Word to be expounded, in 2 Pet
»me are faid in that Place to have denied the Lord that
ought them when they were only, in the Judgment of

£ Vi^M* bC °Vhe Number cf £hc " Wd
'nes. (7.) Ail Men are bound to believe the infailibl-
oonexion of he^ two> v.z Qf Faitfc an/s ; 'b-

cording to the Tenor and Channel in which the V
il runneth, JaJXVl. %l. Believe on , he lord J efu.O.

oveth of this Connexion, which doth occanon many
>mes fuch general Expreffions. (8.) The MivtuTe Tf
J good and bad, Ele£ and Reprobate i, 7fuffiS»r
round for the general Propofal unto all '

66 S E R M O N V.

As to particular Scriptures, on which they build their
Opinion, I (hall name but fome few ; in difcufling where-
of, their other Arguments may be the more eafily
an (we red.

The Firft is that in John iii. 16. God fo loved the World:
The World, fay they, is all the World; bat we fay,
it is only the iVIeiliah his World ; and that Love
is no general or conditional Love. i. It is a non-fuch
Love, John xv. 13. 2. There is no Love of Chrift in
Scripture, but that which is effectual : In Ho/ ii. 19. it
betrotheih for ever; it is a Love which maketh them
whom he loveth more than Conquerors, Rom. viii. 37.
fuch as wafheth and cleanfeth his Church, fo that
he prefenteth it a glorious Church, Eph. v. 25, 26, 27.
Such a Love as giveth everlafting Confolation, and good
Hope through Grace, 2 Tbef. ii. 16. Such a Love as
maketh them all whom he loveth, Kings and Priefts,
Rev. i. 5, 6.

As to that, taken from v. chap, of the Romans, I an-
fwer, in that chap, it is fometimes (all) and by it is meant,
all Believers; and fometimes many are the all: Many is
put for all ; Death patted on all Men by the firft Adam,
ver. 12. And yet through the Offence of one, in ver. 15.
it is only faid that many are dead: And though in <ver.
18. it be faid, that the free Gift came upon all Men to Ju->
Jlifi cation of Life; yet it is meant only of thofe who re-
ceive the Abundance of Grace, and Gift of Righteoufnefs,
<v?r. 17. And they who are called (all Men) in <ver. 18
are called only many, in ver. 19. 2. From the whole
Parallel, of the fecond Adam with the firft, it cannot be
denied, but the Righteoufnefs of the fecond Adam muf
be as effectual unto that to which it is appointed, as thi1
Sin of the firft Adam was to its End ; and feeing Chrift'
Righteoufnefs is not of Effect to all and every one, vf
may certainly conclude it was not intended for all.

As to that, in 1 Cor. xv. 22. As in Adam all die, f
Chrijl /ball all be made alive ; thefe all are fuch as havj
iiot their Faifh in vain, ver. 17. and who fhall not
rift, ver. 18. So not all and everyone; for they a
1 v. who \\Ave. not their Hone in this Life alone.

iv f

On the Gospel Covenant. 6j

As to that Scripture, i John ii. i. the whole World, is

, meant of fuch a World as have Chrifl an Advocate; and

fo an IntercefTor for them in Heaven ; and they for whom

he is Ir/terceffor, He favetb to the uttermofi, Heb. vii. 25.

As to that of 1 Tim. iv. 10. where it is faid, that the
jiving God is the Saviour of all Men, efpecially of them
that believe; the Anfwer is, the Place is not meant of
Chrifl the Mediator; but of God in external Providen-
ces and Salvations; unto which Believers have the better
Right and Ground of Expectation.

To conclude this, as (all) is often put for many ; fo'
fometimes many is put for all the Eleft, Mattb. xx. 28.
where we have it told us, that Chriit came ineo the
World to give his Life a Ranfom for many.

Ufe 2. Seeing the Covenant is a particular Covenant,'
we mould try whether our Names be particularly within
it; whether our Names are to be read within it. O!
it is a happy Thing to be fo particularly within
it : Happy is that People whofe God is the Lord, Pfa. cxliv.
15. Such Jhall dwell on high, their Place of Defence /ball '
be the Munition of Rocks, Bread /ball be given them, and
their Waters /ball be fure, Ifa. xxxiii. 1 6. Many never
try whether they be under the old Hufbar.d, the Law, or
efpoufed to the new, to Jefus Chrilt, who are got within
this particular Covenant: They have good Ground and
fair Advantages of pleading ; fo, as in Jer. xiv. 20, 21,
22. We acknowledge, O Lord, our Wickednefs, and the Ini-
quity of our Fathers, for ave have finned again/} thee ; do
not abhor us, for thy Name^s Sake, do not difgrace the Throne
f thy Glory ; remember, break not thy Covenant fwith us, Sec.
£nd, as in Ifa. Ixiv. 8, 9. But now, O Lord, thou art our
father, <we are the Clay and thou our Potter, and ive all
%re the Work of thy Hand: Be not wroth very fore, O Lord%
uither remember Iniquity for ever ; behold, fee, we befeech
hee, we are all thy People; they have one on whom they
pay hang their VefTels of greater and fmaller Quantity,
^ Nail in a Jure Place, Ifa. xxii. 23. Try now whether
'ou be within this particular Covenant, by tfcefe Marks.
Tirfl fure Mark is, U in the Faith, then are we within
he Covenant; and this may be known, that we are in
E z the

the Faith, as in 2 Cor. xiii. >. i. If we have believed
ion is not in ourielves, and have been content
to have Ri^titeoufncts from another, a gifted and impu-
ted Righteouine.fs, not being iike thefe, Rom. x. 3, 4.
who would nut be fubjed to the Rigiiteoufnefs of (Jod.
t. U after fome fore Ljw work we came at Jail to be-
lieve Salvation to be poflible, and that God had provided
the Way. 3. That this Way was by Jefus Chrilt, and
there was no other Name under Heaven to be faved by,
but his A&siv. 12. 4. If thou haft* come to Jefus,
to reft upon him, as a iufficient Saviour. 5. U thou be-
iieveil the Efficacy of ChnrTs Blood for thy particular
Redemption. 6. Thou mayit try thy being within this
ular Covenant by Faith, if thy Faith be purifying
thy Heart, Ads xix. 9. and working by Love, Gal. v. 5.
cond Aire Mark that we are within this particular
Covenant; if we be careful to keep Covenant with him,
who is ever mindful of his Covenant, made with his Peo-
ple, Pfal. ciii. 17, 18. with Pfal. iii. 5, 9. A third,
\i our Covenants with. Sin be broken, the Bill of Di-
vorcement be given to our Idols; if we have renounced
all the hidden Things of Difhoneity, 2 Cor. iv. 2. A
fourth, If we have chofen him, in our Opinion, as high
above all, the chiefelt of Ten Thoufand ; counting all
Things but Dung, compared to him, Phil. iii. 8. and
then choTen him as our Beloved ; to give him the Flower
of ail our belt Affections : He is the only One whom our
Soul ioveth, Can. i. 7. And chofen him as Lord alfo,
to obey him in all his Ways, as in P/al. cxix. 106. fworn
ourfeJves particularly to him and his Ways. A fifth, if
we be much in making Die of him as a Mediator; afk-
:ng and pleading for that which we want in his Name;
and that by Covenant.

Ujc 3. They who after Search fhall find themfelves to

be within this particular Covenant, they have Reafon to

ice much, and to be very thankful to the Lord, that

he hath maoe a Difference betwixt them and many of

the Worlu her know him not, or have but verjr

t with nim ; yea, put ^Difference

nd many, who otherwise were of better;

Quality

On the Gospel C - nt. 69

Quality and Qualifications: Chriii did give Thanks for
this, in behalf of his Difcipies, Matt:, xi. 25, 26. /
thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, becatife
thou haft hid the fe Things from the Wife and pmdiv.i
baft revealed them unto Babes ; . Father, hecauft it

fh feemed good in thy Sight: And lliould we. net then give
Thanks for ourfelvt

S E R M O : VI

ON T H B

G OSPELC O V E N A X T

And of Children a Party v,

Parents in the Coy?

rre ; for this is

it not t: g

IT7E have fhewed you, how Chrift i-s a prir
W Party in the Covenant, and how Believers alio
e a proper Party in the Covenant ; foi
vd Place, tha: we fpeak of the C
)w they are a Purt^

:, and their Jntereft in the fame, b
1 particular Covenant, and the 1
tenant.

70 btJIMUN VI,

DoCT. I. Infants, at \eaft fome of them, not only may
be, but are within //" t of Grace and Redemption ;

they, as fitch, are amongfl thofi that were from all Eterni-
ty ginjix :

en in Jeroboam's Child there was fome good Thing
found towards the Lord, * Kings xiv. 13. Of Jeremiah
the Lord f itn, chap. i. 5. of that Book, Before J

.' in the Belly, .1 knew thee, and before thou came ft forth
of the Womb, 1 fanclified thee : And our blefled Lord faith
of little Ones, in Matth. xviii. 10. that their Angels do
alwiys behold the Face of his Father in Heaven; and,
in Luke i. 15. it is faid of John the Baptiit, that he
jb?uld be filed with the Holy Ghoft, even from his I '
Womb; and, in Rom. ix. II. the Lord faith of Jacob,
before he was born, that he loved him, <ver. 13. Now,
that young Children may be, and fome of them are,
within the Covenant of Redemption, may further appear
from thefe Reafons, 1. Mercy is promifed to CI
in Oppofition to the vifiting their Sins; Mercy to
fands of them that love him, Exod. xx. 6. 2. The
Seed of the righteous are pronounced blefTed, Pfal. xxxvii.
26 No mourning for the dead, without Hope; not for
dying Chiidien then, 1 Thejff. iv. 13. David faid of his
dying Child, 1 fhall go to him: It is like he had Hope
of his eternal well-being ; and it were hard on the one
Part, to condemn all thefe Children whom Herod cauied
to be kiTeJ. Matth, ii. 17. Rachel weeping for thefe
Children, and not comforted, is comforted and command-
e to refrain from weeding, in Jer. xxxi. 15, 16. which
pphed as well in Matth. to the bringing back
at leaft of fome of them by a blefled Refurre&ion, as o;
the Children from Captivity in Jer. 4. The Lord com
th his Love often to that Love which Parents bea.
to Chiidren, Pfal ciii. 13. And to that tender Lovi
which a Mo' her beartth to heT lucking Child, If
15. So it is like that fome Children come under his ipe
cial Love. See alfo how he fets himfelf forth as a irj
dandling the Child on her Knee, Jfa.lxvi 12, 13. A\ 1
Hen which gathereth her Chickens under her Wings, Mm
xxiii. 37. 5.; He commandetl* that Children be : c:>

t

On the Gospel Covenant. 71

cd in his Name; compare Matth. xviii. 5. with Mark ix.
41. 6. He faith, of fuch is the Kingdom of God;
which Kingdom, in Mark x. 14. though it be meant of
the vifible Kingdom in the vifible Chuich, yet Chnit's
taking them in his Arms, and bietfing them, in <ver, 16.
of that chap, doth give good Ground to think that they
did belong to the invifible Kingdom aifo. 7. There are
Promises of Salvation made to whole Hou!esy as to Za-
cbeus his Houfe, Luke xix. 9. And to the Jaylor his
Houfe, in dels xvi. 34. And there is no Reafon why
Children fhouid be excluded from thefe Promifes, when
often they are the greater Part of the Houfe. 8. While
the Covenant is made with Man and his Seed, under tnat
Expreluon, and not under the ExprefEon of Sons and
Daughters, both in Gen. iii. 15. and xvii. 7. it were ir-
rational to exclude little Children from being a Part of
that Seed.

U/e 1. From this, there is Ground of Comfort to be-
lieving Parents, concerning their Children dying Infants;
though they may not dive into the Deeps of Election, yet
or>ce they have it clear from Scriptures, that Children
may be, and not a few are, of the Election ; and then
they have Grounds of better Hope concerning their
Children fo dying, than Unbelievers have; the Cove-
nant being made in a more fpecial Way with them and
their Seed.

U/e 2. If fome Infants may be, have been, and are
of the invifible Body, then it mull be a Sin to exclude
and cut them off from the viiibie Communion with the
Body ; the Door of the vifible Church and Kingdom be-
ing wider than that of the invifible. Qkjeti. It cannot
be known who are thefe individual Tnfants: It isanfwer-
ed, that no more can Men at Age be certainly known :
It becometh us to hold the Promifes, and to edhere to the
Tenor of the Covenant ; and the Lord will gire as much
Clearnefs in that Secret, as he leeth good and neccflary ;
and in Experience it hath been found, that rare Evioen-
ces of the Grace of God have appeared in L
efpecially at Death, before they have come to th
which commonly are accounted and called of E
&4

SERMON VI.

'>oct. 2. From the other Branch ; Infants, if any look
j gently into the Scriptures, will
una undoubtedly to be wider the external and infible Gof
v/, fo a Pa -y will clearly be found

>bers of the vifble Church,
The Covenant with his People, as even to the external
Difpenfatiun of it, not only of the Spirit within, but the
rds put in the Mouth ; it is promifed that they fhall
mi depart out'of the Mouth of the rlrft Preachers or Pa-
. nor out of the Mouth of their Seed, or their Seeds
Hk. si. The perpetual Covenant in
♦.hat Mace, as it could not be without their Seed, fo it
bclongeth I ua as well as to themfelves: Now,

(his Pr©trii en to the Gentiles alio and their Seed ;

-ntre is no D ffcrence :.o.v betwixt Jew and I ;

[ cfbt iv .'/sever calleth on the Name of tie
, R:m. x. II, 12 There is now neither
'■ Uncircumcijion, Barbarian,
nor free ; but Chrifl is all and in all9 Col.
lii. II. Tiie Biefling of Abraham is clearly ours, if ue
compare 'yen. xvii. 7, 19. with Gal. in. 14, 17. And it
itirmed to u* in Chriil, fo as it cannot be difanulled,
xv. 8. 2 Cor. i. 20. The Covenant made with
ahamt was made with Refpecl to his fpiritual Seed,
Gen. xvii. 4, 5. compared with Rom. iv. 16, 17. , More
particularly, tiom this, that the Covenant was made with
David SlvA his Houfe, we prove thdt Infants were ever,
at d ftill are, within the external vifible Covenant; and id
. to this, we would remember, 1. That the Scrip-
tures are not alike full and clear in every Point or* Tiuth.
ta of Doctrine may be difficile to be under-
„ and yet true: So much is faid of the
e Order of Melchizedeck,
v. 11, 12, 15, 14. and oi Things in PauPs

Pet. iii. 16. 3. In queftior.ed Cafes it is bell
and that is followed with leaft,
lice < v of God, and the Believer's

JnterelL 4. C< arly drawn from Scnpturel

1 be recko and one fingle Tcilimony

On the Gospel Covenant. 73

c. The Queftion is not fo considerable, about the Age at
which Perfons are to be baptized, as is of this, the Church
Memberfhip of Infants, whether they have an Intereit in
the vifible or external Covenant, or not ?

Thefe Things being premifed, our AfTertion is, that
Infants are within the Covenant, and Members of the
vifible Church ; and we prove it thus, 1/?, They are in
the Scriptures called, and pafs under the Name of Difci-
ples: So we read, in Acls xv. when the Queition is about
Circumciiion, <ver. i. this Yoke may not be laid on the
Difciples, wr. 10. thefe were young Ones of eight Days
old. in Le<v. xxv. 41, 42. the Man and his Children,
they are called the Lord'* Servants; and they are Sub-
jects too ; they cannot be excluded from being a Part of
thefe Kingdoms of the World that fhali become, and in
a great Part have become Chriit's, Rev. xi. i£. The
Lord iloth not only reckon Children under thefe Relations,
but can make them capable of the fame, zdiy, It Infants
were once Members of the vifible Church, tney mull be
*ver fuch : That they were once fo, is clear,- from Deut.
.. <uer. 10, 11, 12. where little Ones are numbered
ngft the Pany covenanting with God ; and, in 1 Cor.
\ 1, 2, 3. the fame Baptifm and Communion fpiritual
then, wiuch we have now. The Church of the
1 not taken down in the ElTemials of a Church ;
fuch as Church Memberihip is, Rom. xi. 17, 19, 22, 24.
Church Membership doth not belong to the Covenant of
Works, which knoweth no Mercy to Sinners; nor to
the ceremonial Law ; it was before Circumciiion, which
is but a Seal of that Covenant which maketh one a Mem-
ber of trie Church. 3 <//>-, Were Infants no Church Mem-
bers now, then the Children of the Jews now mould be
fliort of thefe Privileges which they had in the old Dif-
penfation of the Covenant; for, in Gen. xvii. 12, 1 }. the
Child of eight Days old was reckoned within the Cove-
nant, and received the Sacrament and Seal of Circumci-
fion . juld be a great Scar unto them from turn-

ii CJ Jtuns; but the Lord hath put no fuch Bar in
li - r '• v : ' , To be a Member of the Church, is
uo carnal but fpiritual Privilcdge, Rom. iii .1, 2. It hath

much

74 SERMON VI.

much Advantage every Way, the Adoption and the Glo-
ry doth pertain to that, Rom. ix. 4. and to be without
the Pale of the Church, is a molt dreadful Cafe : It is
to be without God, and without Hope, in Eph. iv. n,
w. 26. 5 '£/)', When Infants in the
oki Teftament had their uuqueltionable Right to Church
Memberfhjp, it was upon tne Account of the Covenant
of Grace ; the Circunicifion of the Heart was even then
promifed, Deut. xx'x. b. aftd in <vtri 11, 12, 13, 14.
compared with Rom. x. 5, — 10. doth clearly ihew that it
wa;i the fame Covenant then and now: And, in Rom. iv.
11. Circumciiion is a Seal of the fame Righteouinefs by
Faith, which is now preached in the Gofpei. 6:b/y, Mercy
is entailed by a moral perpetual Law, to Thousands of
them that love God : So then, Children cannoc be exclu-
ded from that Mercy, which is expreiled to be more large
than his Severity : In his Severity of Jultice he would
have every Male killed, Numb. xxxi. 17. but, in Pfalm
cxii. 2. ^he Generation of the upright Jball be bleffed*
jtb/y, Either it muft be faid that Infants belong to the
World, and to Satan's vifible Kingdom, or to Chrilfs}
Kingdom ; there is not a third State : Satan is the Prince
of this World, Johnxu. 31. the wicked are there; but
Chnft hath chofen his own out of the World, John xv.»
19. who are not wirhin, they are lb without, as Go<}
judgeth them, 1 Cor. v. 12, 13. Ail that are converted,,
they are turned from the Ponxer cf Satan unto God, Ad}
xxvi. 18. All who are tranfhted, are tranjlated from tbq
Power of Darkn.fs into the Kingdom of the dear Son of Godl
Col. i. 1 3. 8:/A, The old and new Covenant are eflen*
tially the fame; fo the efiential Privileges mull be th*
fame. There is nothing that can now be pleaded againffl
Children, as to their Incapacity of the Meaning of Bapl
tifm, which might not have been pleaded againit them
as to tneir Incapacity of Circumcifion, and the fpiritual
Meaning thereof, gtb/y, The denying of Church Mem-
berfhip now to Infanrs, were not only to put a Stumbling]
Block in the Way of the Jeivs, but of unconverted Gem
tilts alio ; when it (ha.ll be told them, that though the^
themfclvts be taken in into Covenant, their Chiidrel

mill

On the GospeL Covenant. 75

mud be looked upon flill as Pagans. lothly, They cannot
be denied to be Church Members, to whom the Prorai-
fes belong ; but the Promifts Belong to the Children of
Believers : So doth Peter preach, Acts ii- 39. The Promife
is unto you and your Children; and upon this he groundeth
rheir being baptized ; compare <ver. 38. with 39. 1 itbjy,
If the Children be holy, then are they within the Cove-
nant; but it is fo, in 1 Cor. vii. 14. they are federally
holy. It is objected, it is meant there a legitimate Seed :
It is anfwered, 1. A holy Seed is never fo taken in Scrip-
tures: It cannot be proved that it is fo taken, in Mai. ii.
1 5. 2. It is in the Place held forth as a fpecial Privilege ;
but that were but a common Privilege. 3. If the Holi-
neis were meant there only as to a legitimate Seed, then
amongit Unbelievers there were no legitimate Seed.
izthly, Chrift was angry at thofe that kept back little
Ones from him : So no queftion, he pleadeth a Covenant
Intereft in them, in Matth. xix. 14. Jefus faid, fuffer
little Children, and forbid them not to come unto me, for of
Jueb is the Kingdom of Heaven ; and, in ver. 15. He laid
bis Hands on them; and, in Mark ix. 36, 37. Having ta-
ken a little Child and fet him in the midfl of them, be laid,
vubofever /ball receive one of jueb Children in my Name,
receive! b me: There he profelTeth great Refpedl to Chil-
dren; and, in Mark x. 13. when the Difciples rebuked
thofe that brought young Children to Chriit, to be touch-
ed by him, it is faid, in ver. 14. that when Jefus faw it,
he was much difpleafed, and faid unto them, Suffer little
Children to come to me, and forbid them not, for of fuch is
the Kingdom of God : So it is alfo reported, in Luke xviii.
15, 16. and he addeth, in ver. 17. That vjkofcever jhall
not receive the Kingdom of God as a little Child, fiall in no
vuife enter therein: From thefe Things it may be gather-
ed, \fl. Seeing he took .them in his Arms, and would
have them received in his Name, and did account the
receiving of them a receiving of himfelf ; and he would
have all that received the Kingdom of God, receiving it
as little Children, being docibie and humble; who can
think but Chriit allowed them a Place in his Hou/e and
viable Kingdom ? It is ihamelefs Boldnefs, to aflert that

Chnii

/

76 SERMON VI.

Chriit took Children in his Arms, and did all the things
mentioned, only to make Lmblems of them. 2J. If my
will reafon, that all that which is faid, doth only evince
that they belong to C brill's invifible Kingdom, to that
which is above . >yeth nothing as to their Church

Membership in Chrift's viiible Kingdom, it is anfwered,
{1.) If the Kingdom of Heaven doth belong to them,
much more aie they to be allowed a Place in tiie viiible
Kingdom of Omit. (2.) Theft" very being known to
belong to cne invifible Kingdom, doth in itfelf give Right,
and make them Members of the viiible Kingdom. {5.)
Chriil reproveth the Difciples forbkiJing them to come
to him iore, it v. \ J is a Duty now, to

admit them. If it h m not been a Truth revealed, that they
did belong to Chnit ingdom, it had not been

the Difciples Duty to admit them ; nor had tbey been re-
buked for the Neglect of that Duty ; and it is not to'be.
fuppofed that he would have rebuked them, for that
which they were not bound to know, %ri%. that they
were Members of his invifible Kingdom, and belonged .
to h'is fecrec Election, before all J ime. 1
Lord never took a Privilege from his Church,
cy from his beloved People, unlefs he put fome better in
the Place of it : Now, if cannot be denied but the Church
Memberfhip of Infant?, in the old Difpenfation of the
Covenant, was a fpee o fmall Mercy;

and it cannot be fhewed what is g'ven to the Children of
Believers under the Gofpel, in the Place of it : Chrift
was Head of his Church in the old Dilpenfation, as well
as in the new ; an ceconomical as well as a fpiritual Head ;
and in both Refpe&s, he had the Members both of his
viiible and myitrcal Body : So, if this Infant Church Mem-
berfhip hath no better thing which can be inltructed to
be come into the Place of it, it may be concluded that it
is not abrogated, but doth, rtill continue. \+tblyt They •
who were Members of the Jciuijb viiible Church, were
Members alio of the catholick vifibie Church: In
were Members of the one ; fo then they were Members
alfo of the other : Now, what did ever belong to the
Members of the catholick I hutch, a> fuch, doth

belong

On the Gospel Covenant. 77

belong to them in all Ages ; To in this Age alfo : For the
catholick vifible Church is the fame in all Ages, the fame
as to its Eflentials ; for by one Spirit we are all baptized
into one Body ; as faith the Apoftle, 1 Cor. xii. 13. whe-
ther we be yews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free,
and h are been all made to drink in one Spirit; and, in
ver. 20. There are many Member S\ but one Bod,. I
The Commandment for Education of their Children
doth bind Parents now, as well as of old; compare Gen.
xviii. 19. with Eph* vi. 4. where they,. are forbidden to
provoke their Children, but to bring them up in the
Nurture and Admonition of the Lord : Now, whether
we look to the Commandment given to the Fathers, it
is not without the Promife; and C fubmitting

themfelves to that Commandment, are thereby entitled
to the Promife; and fubjecling themfelves to the Disci-
pline of the Houfe, they do thereby declare them
to be of the Houfhold, fo to have the external CI
Memberfhip. \6tbly9 To conclude this Point, o:
Certainty of Infants Church Memberfhip, and Interest
in the Gofpel Covenant, now in the Days of the Gof-
pel : The Church Privileges now were narrower than in
the old Difpenfation of the Covenant ; which is contrary
to the Nature of the Gofpel Difpenfation, and to the
Tenor of the Prophecies of the laft Days

3 E R-

C 78 )

SERMON VII

ON T HE

GOSPEL COVENANT:

Wherein, by Way of Inference and Ufe,
fhort Vindication and Plea for Infant
Baptism.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5:.

Although my Houfe be not fo with Cod\ yet he hath made

with me an everlafting Covenant, well ordered in all Thing.

and fit re ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Dejire\

although he make it not to grow.

HA V I N G at fome length, in our laft Sermon,
proved unto you, that Infants are Members o:
the Church, under the new as well as under the old Dif-
penfation of the Covenant ; and fo, that they have Inte-
reft in the Covenant, as a Party together with their Pa
rents, 1 go now to the Application and Ufe of this greai
Point.

Ufe 1. If Infants, as hath been proved, have a Cove
nant Right to Church Memberfhip, then have they
Right to be entered and pofleffed of this Privilege ; and
fo, a Right to Baptifm; for under the Gofpel there i
no other lifting, initiating, and engaging Sign appointei
of God; the Anabaptijls themfelves cannot refufe, i
Children by Covenant be Members of the vifible Church
but they mud be received and declared to be fuch ; an<
there is no other Way of declaring this, but by Baptifm

Th

On the Gospel Govenant. 79

rhe Covenant in the old Teftament and new is the
ame ; Children have (he fame Relation to the Covenant
ow, which they had then ; why then mould they no;
>e efteeemed to have the fame Relation to the Seal of
he Covenant ?

It is objected, 1. From Rom. ix. S. They which arc
he Children of the Flefh, thefe are not the Children of
jod; but the Children of the Promife are counted for
he Seed ; and, Epb. ii. 3. by Nature all are the Children
>f Wrath. An) wo. ift. It is not by Nature that infants
ire Church Members, but as Children of the Promife.
id. The Objection from thefe Places, if it had any
Ground, were as ftrong againft thofe that are come to
Age, as well as againil Infants.

It is objected, 2. That Children are not capable of
tfie Ends of Baptifm, fuch as Repentance and Remiffion
jf Sins, which is by Faith. Anfw. ift. They are capa-
ble of the lifting Sign. zd. Capable of being engaged
by the Parent who had Power fo to do. $d. Capable at'
much as due Child circumcifed was of Circumcifion.
wfr. Capable of the Signification, afterwards: It was Sa-
tisfaction to Peter, in John xiii, 7. What I do thou know eft
tot now, but thou Jbalt know hereafter ; A Right lealed of.
mi Inheritance to a Child, though it be not of prefent
Ufe to him,' yet it is for his Advantage that his Name
i>e in it ; fo in Baptifm there is the Right to the Inheri-
tance fealed ; the Parent hath the prefent Comfort, the
Child mall have it afterward; in the mean Time, hi*
Name is as it were in the Writ : Though the Child: en'
which were brought to Chriil underftood not what good
there was in Chriit's laying his Hands on them and blef-
Gng them, yet none will think it was ufelefs to bring
them to Chrift for that End; yea, he can iandlify from
the Womb, hath Ways of teaching little Ones, which
we know not.

It is objected, 3. Baptifm is a Sacrament, wherein
the Party baptized cometh to be engaged to the Lord ;
the Infant cannot engage himfelf, and the Parent cannot
engage for another; every one mud anfwer for his own
Soul ; The Soul that fi>.*.rth /bail die, not the Child for

the

8o S E R M O N VII.

the Father, nor the Father for the Child, Ezek. xviii. ii
3, 4. Anfiv. ifi, Circumcifion was an engaging Sacra-
ment alio ; the Child now can do n# much in being bap-
tized, as to Self and Soul-engaging, as the Child of old
could do when circumcii'ed. id. The Parent may very
lawfully engage his Child to God ; he hath Power to do
it, 1. From the Light of Nature he hath fuch Interctt in
and Power over the Child, that he can make Covenants
for them, efpecially when it is for their good and after-
Advantage: He can engage the Child to Men that are
lawful Superiors; how much more to God as only fu-
preme, and that for their ipiritual and eternal Good ?
2. The Parents Power over the Child is clear from Scrip-
ture Light, (1.) Take an Inftance of Parents Power over
their Children, in the Matter of Vows, Numb. xxx. 5.
if the Father difallow, none of the Vows or Bonds where-
with the Soul is bound (hall (land. (2.) And more par-
ticularly, to this Purpofe of engaging their Children in
Covenant with God, fee Deut. xxix. 10, 1 1, 12, 13. you
find there Parents engaging for their little Ones.

It is objected, 4. That Parents cannot either them-
felves perform their Chiidrens Duty, nor can they make'
their Children perform the Duty themfelves: Who can1
make a Soul engaged to take the Lord for their God ? I

Jt is anfwered, ifl. The Promife and Engagement in
in the Infants Name, which he is bound to perform
when he cometh to Age: Parents are to employ and ufe
the Power and Authority of a Parent, and all their bed
Endeavours, by teaching and nurturing, tffr. id. Parents
do promife in the Child's Name, that he (hall do, under
Pain of forfeiting the Mercy which is promifed ; i'o nei-
ther is the Miniiter nor Parent binding the Vow upon the
Child, binding him to Perjury, while both do but engage
him to his Duty.

It is objected, 5. If a Child may receive the Sacra-
ment of Baprifm, why not the Sacrament of the Lord't
Supper r Is not the one as neceflary as the other ? And
may not Chrift fecretly convey Grace by the one, as well
as bv the other ?

On the Gospel Covenant. 81

Anfuo. ifi. God hath appointed the one to be received
by Infants, not fo the other, zd. Infants are capable of
being warned, not fo of eating and drinking, $d. The
tffe of Baptifm is once to enter ; an Infant can be entered ;
but the Ufe of the other is to remember Chriit's Death:
An Infant is not capable of that. q.th. There is. a fpecial
Law againft Infants partaking of the one, r Cor.&\. 28.
Let a Man examine himflf and fo let him eat of that Bread
and drink of that Cup ; there is not fuch a Law or Baf
againll their partaking of the other. *

It is objected, 6. If it was the Will of Chrift that
Children (hould be baptized, how came he to leave fo
great a Point of Truth fo exceedingly dark ? It he had
minded any fuch Thing, it is more than probable, that
he would have fet it down more clearly in the Scriptures.
It is anfwered, ift. It is only dark to thole that cannot
or Will not draw Concluiions from clear PremiiTes. Ana-
baptifls do fay that all Church-members mould be admit
ted by Baptifm : And the Scriptures fay, that all the In-
fants of proffcffing Believers are Church- members. Again,
all Difciples ought to be baptized ; but Infants are Dif-
ciples,. as we cited from Ads xv. 10. It was then out of
Controverfy : There was a great Stir and Controverfy
amongft the Jezvs turned Chriltians, for the W..nt of
Circumcifion, Acls xxi. 21. But if Church- rDembenhip
bad been taken from them, we wouid have heard more
}f it. zd. Aibeit fome Points of Truth be hard to be
inderftood, they are not the lefs true for thac, fuch as,
he Doctrine of the blefTed Trinity, and of the Saobath.
j</. Church-raemberfhip of Infants was fixed for many
^ges, by a ftanding Ordinance not repealed ; fo it needed
lot new Explanations.

It is objected, 7. That grofs Ignorance, and much
l,oofeneis and Profanenefs, are the Consequents of Infant
Japtifm ; whereas if they were not baptized until they
ould render a Confefiion of their Faith themfelvts, and
>e of a convincing Carriage to the whole Church, both
hefe might be much evited.

It is anfwered, 1//. It was foretold by old Simeon, thac

efus (hould be for the Fall, as well as for the Riling of

F many,

82 S E R f[ O X VTT.

ii. 34. So we fhould think no flrange
Thing of it, to fee it To. zd. All this might have been

ed with as great Shew of Reafon againlt Circum- '

cilion. 3 /. What Hurt can there be imagined to be in

to be in ChrilVs School even from our Infancy ?

of Profelvtes, though c i re umci fed, was

lo good as the Cafe ot Children, though they

were not a until they came to be able to engage

5//;. There may be afterward a perional

■\ Children, and folemn too; which may be

p both to Ignorance and Profanenefs : The Scrip

turc j'oth allow that, though no Re-baptization. 6tb.

< private Baptiim (which they allow) will

neither be lo engaging to the Perfon, nor fuch a Curb

10 Profanenefs^ tipecially when Perfons of Age are dip

ped, and fo baptized naked : Thefe are fome or the chief

Exceptions which the Anabaptijh have againit our Infant

Bjptifm. ^

But, that we may more fully vindicate this precious
Truth, I fhalJ bung forth iome Arguments againft their
Way. (1 ) They cannot produce one Word of Scripture
that can clearly prove this Ailertion, that believing Pa
rents Ihould delay the Baptifm of their Children until
they come to iuch an Age. (2.) The Scripture is' clear
for this, that tVJen are 10 be baptized, how loon they be-
Difciples, Atattb. xxviii. 19, 20. Go teacb, is go
inaLc hem Difciples; and then baptize. In Ads ii. 38,1
41. Tkey that gladh received the Word nxere baptized the\
, in Acts viii. 12, 13, 14, 36. How foom
^cd, that is, profeffed their Believing, theyi
baptized, both Men and Women, and SI
too, and the Eur.ucb alio, <ver. 37, 38. PauP
not delayed, in Aits ix. 18. immediately
one Preaching, and the Scales falling from his Eyes,
he was baptized: So the Jaylor's Baptifm was not delay-
ed, in that i ;me Hour of the Night he and all his were
v;iitway, A&s xvi. 33. And who can fay
re were no Children there, or that the)
come to Age made long Confeffions of theii
. not to delay either our own or Children:

Baptifm

On the Gospel Covenant. 83

Baptifm, uotil we be fettled in fome particular Church
State: Who are baptized, they are entered Members of
the catholick vifible Church, all baptized into one Body,
whether J ' enx> or Greeky bond or free, i Cor, xii. 13.
(3.) By tiieir Way all comech to' an Uncertainty ; it is
not known whe^ Wen (hall be full Difciples, and firft
converted, and effeclually called ; and then it cannot be
known whether trie Work hath been real; and then it
will be long, may be, before the Profeflion be fatisfying .
to all the Members of their little Church, and it may
not be received until it be fuch as may fatisfy all. (4.)
They wrefl that Scripture, in Matth. xxviii. while they
fay that none muit be baptized but they who are convert-
ed by publick Preaching; for chough the ordinary Mean
of 'Conversion of thofe that are c6*me to Age, be the
Preaching of the Word ; yet holy Education, and Read-
-ipiures, and Praying, are Means fanchfied of God
for Converfion ; and Infants are mnde Difciples by a
Covenant Right and Interett, before they can either hear
or underltand Preaching. (5.) Again it their Dipping we
fav, 1. It is a palpable Tranigreffion both of rhe fecond
Com .andment, it being an Ordinance without a War-
rant ; and fixth and feventh, endangering Health, and
difcovering Nakednefs : As to that which they bring for
their Ground, ASis viii. that Philip with the Eunuch went
down into the Water ; it is'eafily anfwered, they went
down from the Chariot into the Valley where the Water
was. 2. Enon was but a little Brook, though in John
iii. 23. it be faid, theie was much Water: It was Out
touch in companfon of other more dry Places. 3. As
to that which they ground upon the Word Baptizing, as
if it fi^nified Dipping only i the contrary is clear from
Scriptures: The Word fignifieth W'afhing, in Mark vii-
4., 8. the Wafhing of Cups, Pots, brazi and

Tables; and the Thing fignified by Baptifm, which is
Forgivenefs of Sin, and cieanfing from all Iniquity, it is
expreffed in Scriptures by waiting and U moil

frequently. In I/a. xTi'v. 3. we have pouring forth of
iter. In Ezek. xxxvi. 25. 1 will [prink
And, in \ Cor. vi. 11. Such

F 2 ' h*

ff4 SERMON VII.

{bed. In Tit. iii. 5. we have the ocvt/^
' . . x. 22. we have the Heart.
.7 Confcience : And, in 1 P*/. i. 2. we
have the V 2?iW 0/ 7efi*s. 4. Suppofe

Dipping there, it was but occafional, by the Heat, not
to be followed in colder Climates. 5. Who will think
that one Man, John Baptift, would be able to dip
ic Multitudes th it came to him to be baptized ol
him in JorJ*n% or that the Apoltles could have dipped
the Thoufands whom they converted in one Day ? 6
Chrift hath not appointed the Meafure of Water in Bap
more than the Meafure of Bread and Wine at the
Communion: Men mull not eat themfelves full, and
drink themfelves drunk, to expreis their Faith of the
Fulnefs of Chrift: No more mult they drown themfelves
in Water, to expreis their Faith of their Burial with
Chrift. ft is neither God's Way to contradict his moral
Commandments with Ordinances, nor to tie himfelf to
work Miracles for Self-prefervation : We (hall not need
to reckon forth all the woful Opinions which are involv
ed in that Opinion of Anabaptifm^ nor the woful Confe
queots which follow on Dipping or Delay of Baptifm
bu: this is found a Truth, Error doth never go alone;
hardly will there be found any one Anabaptiji% who
tainted with no more Error, than the Delaying of the
ifm of Children till they come to Age. So much to
the Jirft Application and Vindication of Infant Baptifm.
1 have a Covenant Right to Church-
membenh;p, and be a Party in the Covenant, jointly with
ihen Parents fhould bring up their Chil
fur God, and canfecratc them to him. The Lord
1 would do fo, fo teach them as hi
I command them, and his Houfhold after him, to
i. 19. And the Lord chargeth
Sons, and their Sons Sons, Deut. iv
7. ic is laid upon them, that they
tly, fet them on, and bear them id
pon them, all the Words which the Lord
limit be diligent Intruding
Ircn in their breeding for Go J, a bringing of

them

On the Gospel Covenant. 85

them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord,

Eph. vi. 4. Doclrines fhould be dropped on them, as the

final! Rain upon the tender Grafs, as in Dent, xxxii. 4.

Parents mull do their Duty, though it be not in Parents

Pains, as to this, more than in the Succefs of the publick

Miniftry, i Cor. iii. 6, 7. Planting and Watering will

not do it, if God give not the Increafe ; yet in doing

the Duty the Bleffing is to be expected. It h the greateit

^Honour of Children, to be brought up for God ; it is

both their Honour, and, many Times, their Happinefs,

that they be not like wild Gourds, as degenerate Plants

of a ftrange Vine, like them in Jer. ii. 21. nor like

AiTes Colts, Afles ufed to the Wilderoefs, -jer. 24. of

that chap. Ah ! what a Torment will it be to Parents,

L at the great Day, or in Hell, to hear cheir Children cur-

liing them for their bad Education? And, on the contra-

j ry, what a Joy and Crown unto them, when they .

be able to Jay in fome Sort to God, Behold J and the

Children whom thou haft given ?ne ; when they can bring

their Children in their Hand to Chriit, as thefe whom

they had confecrated unto him, and brought them up |

from being Children ? Parents fhall do well to engage

their Children early, according to that in Pro*v. xxii. 6.

ylrain up a Child in the Way wherein he fhould go, and

when he is old, he will not depart from it.

;. Children, whom Parents have, according to
theirPlace and Power, engaged to the Lord, would ftudy
by all Means to improve that Covenant mice by their
Parents for their Good : It hath been the Way of the
Children of believing Parents in former Time.- : See J a-
"s Prayer, in Gen. xxxii. 9. O God of my Father Abra-
ham, and God of my Father Ifaac. He raaketh XJCe, for
lengthening of his Faith, of the Covenant made with
lis Fathers; in which he did p'ead Jntereft ; and the
Lord doth allow Cnildren to do io. Hear what A
nent the Lord uieth with J acoh, to perfuade him to go
lown into Fgypt, Gen. xlvi. 3. J am the God
ear not to go dzwn to Egypt. Confider alio that Place in
r/a, li. 1, 2. where the Lord'* People are called up, to look
nto the Rock whence they were hewen, and to the Hole cf the
F 3 Pit

86 S E R M O \" VI II.

Pitv digged \ to Ijdk to Abraham their F

Children thus looking may have a double Claim ; one,
by their own Faith, which cleareth up unto them
Covenant-Right; another, by and fiom the Cc .
made with their Fathers.

To conclude this, let Children of Believers, in n
on to this their Covenant inu o that

which was done by Parents in their ;./. Improve

all that which is in the Covenant, for walking z
ably and fuitably to that Engagement. 3^. Look \
themfeives, that they for lake r.ot the Covenant cf thcii
fathers, as they did, in Deut. xix. 25. So they mighi
with Efauy in lib. xii. 16.
brinci; a double Curie on themfeives.

SERMON VIII.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVENANT

How the Co t of Grace i

CoNDITl ONAL

2 Samuel \

WE come now to the V. Thing propounds
cerning this Covenant, and
on of this Covenant : and in fpeakm^ to

On the Gospel Covenant. 87

fpeak to thefe two, 1/?. That it is conditional, id. What
,that Condition is. Firft then, we fay, as the Covenant
of Works was conditional, Hjppineis covenanted, upon
fome Condition to be performed by Man, viz. Perfect
Obedience to the holy Commandement ,* fo the Cove-
nant of Grace is conditional : in it the more fure, ^nd
great Salvation is promifed, upon Condition of Believe-
ing, and Receiving Chrift for Righteoufnefs.

WThile we call the Covenant of Grace conditional, we
may not underlland it in the moil Uriel Senfe, Condition,
as of Parties alike able to perform the Condition each
for their own part; but conditional, fo as the Bargain cannot
Hand, unlefs the Condition be performed. It is as if a
Parent uiLde the Covenant with the Child, upon the do-
ing of fuch a Thing, to gi\e him fuch a Reward, yer the
Father performeth the Condition in and by the Child ;
yet the Bargain holdeth not unlefs the Condition be perfor-
med : Yet fince the Father doth perform the Condition, no
Ground of pleading Merit ; all is fsee : So that is true,
lit. That the Lord laveth us, not without our feivts; we
are to work out our Salvation in Fear and Trembling,
Pbil. ii. 12. And yet, id. We are fo faved, as all Boaii-
ing is excluded, Rom. iii. 27. The Lord doth both work
Faith and all our other W orks in us ; he that ordaineth
the peace, I/a. xxvi. 12.

This Gofpei Covenant is fo propounded, as it appear-
eth clearly to be thus conditional : fo, in Matt. xi. 28.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden , and
1 will give you Reft ; that which \s promifed is Soul Reil;
the Condition" is clear, come all that labour arid are hea-
vy laden : coming to Chnfl is the Condition, and fo
coming as molt fenfible of our Need of him. In If a. lv i.
Ih every one that thirtieth, come ; come and kiiy nx .
Money ; and 1 vjill make the eveylajltng Covenant ik:
even the fure Mercies of David, ver. 3. There muft not
only be a lillening to the Bargain, but a coming to Jefus,
the buying up of his Ware, the Receiving, Fating,
Drinking, and (o Partaking of his Fuln,eis, in Rev. xxii.
17. Theie is both Coming and Taking called for; and
Men muft be willing to the Bargain, and thiriting after ir.

For

S3 SERMON VIII.

For the more full Under/landing of this Point, thef*
: 'ninos mull be opened and proved, i//. That the
Covenant of Grace is conditional, fo as no Good promif-
ed in it can be exp.eled, unlets the Condition be per-
formed. 2d. That the Covenant of Grace b^ing thu$
conditional, doth not hinder it from oeing a Covenant
of orace. that is, a free Covenant: all is given in it
molt freely; Chrift, and with him all things Pom. viii.
32. Whojoever will, may take of the Hater of i
Aei . xx;i 17.

As to tnc F fit That the Covenant of Grace is conditi-
onal, it is proved thus, \ft. The Lord did never promife
Life abfoluiely to any Creature : Some Froruifts are in-
ok e abfolute, fuch as that, in I/a. xliii. 25. /, ev-
en I am He tl~at blotieth out thy T a"fg> cjjions fo>- mine ouun
S.ike, a>:d will not rrmmhc \ a. id that, in Ezek.

21, 2 2 I bad »;ine Holy Name: 1 do not

this for your Sakesy O Houfe of Ifrael, but for my Holy Name's
Sake: Yet ever, in thefe both Chrift: and Faith are inclu-
ded. God hatn fet forth Chrift for a Propitiation through
Faith in his Bloud, to declare his Righteoufneis, for the
Remillion of bins which are p,ift, Rom. iii. 25. And in
Heb. ix. 22. Jefus is Surety of the better Teftament, fo
for all that which is left in Legacy, and Remiflion of
Sins with tne firifc. 2d. The very Name and" Nature of a
Covenant doth fignify an Agreement upon Conditions :
confider Gen. xxi. 23, 24, 31, 32. betwixt Abraham
and Abimelecb\ and in Gen. xxxi. 48. to 54. betwixt La*
ban and Jacob. And in the Covenant made with Abra-
ham by the Lord, from <ver. 7. to 15. There are very
clear Conditions expreflld, efpecially that he receive the
Promife in that Seal, and he and his Seed be confecrated
to the Lord. 3/ The Covenanted mercy is promifed up-
on Condition, in Deu'. vii. 12. And as the Covenant
is a Covenant of Promifes, Epb. ii. 12. fo it is of Com-
mandments: The Loid hath commanded his Covenant
for ever, PfaL cxi. 9. What is that, but that he hath
ppmmauded the Conditions to be performed ? 4/0. We
read oi the Bond or the Coven nr, 1 will bring you into
fhe Bond of the Covenant; £z:.k. xx. 37. The Lord

caufeth

On the Gospel Covenant. 89

caufeth his People to cleave to him as a Girdle, that they
be to him for a People, that is, keeping Touches wich
him, and for a Name, and for a Praife, and for a Glory,
Jer. xiii. 11. $th. While we read either of keeping of
Covenant, as in Pfal. xxv. 10. or of breaking Cove*
nant, as in Jfa. xxiv. 5. They have broken the everlafling
Covenant ; it is meant of the Conditions of the Covenant.
$th. The word Covenant is, not only in the Scripture
Phrafe, to be underftood of that which God promifeth, as
in Gen. xvii. 7. but of that which God requireth alfo,
wer. 9. of that Chap. Yea, in this lafi Consideration,
it is moll earneffjy urged, and affented to, Excd. xxiv.
3, 7. Thus we have proved that the Covenant of Grace
is conditional. If it be further afked, why it was that
the Lord would make it fo ? I anfwer, 1/?. It was for the
Glorifying of Grace before we enter into Glory, <hat
we might fhew forth his Virtues or Praiies, who hath
called us out of Darknefs into his marvellous Light, J.
Pet. ii. 9. id. To juftify the way of free Grace, and
to flop the Mouth of Murmurers, when, how free foever
it be, yet it is fo difpenfed, as God may reckon with
Men upon the Point of keeping or breaking Condition;
fo in EzeL xviii. 25. the Lord proveth his Ways equal,
and the Way of thofe that contend with him unequal; and
in, Matt. xx. 13. he can well plead that he doth no
Man wrong, when he ftandeth to and keepeth his Agree-
ment. %d. The Condition wrought in the Saints, is the
better and fhonger Ground of Confolation, concerning
the Certainty of the Bargain.

life 1. All who have entered this Covenant, would
firil remember that it is conditional, and then labour to
keep Condition, as they defire to partake afluredly of
the Blefling ; For, fee in what Lhannel it runneth,
2 Chron. xv. 2. The Lord is with you while ye are with
him ; And, in 2 Tim. iv. 7. 8. There is, firft, the Fight-
ing of the good Fight of Faith, finilhingof the Courfe,
and the keeping of the Faith ; and then the Crown of
Righteoufnefs is to be given. All Believers are warned
to look well to themfelves, and to fear left a Promife be-
ing left unto thejn of entring into the Lord's Reft, left any

of

$>o SERMON VITI.

of them fhould item to come fliort, H6.iv. i. And, in*
2 Pet. ii. 10, they are charged the rather to give Dili-
gence to make their Calling and Election fure.

It is objected againit this Doctrine, I. This Covenant
is a Tcilamert,in IJcL ix. 15, 1 6, 17. What Condition is
there, or can there be in a Ttilament ? 1 anfwer, that
it is called, and is a Teftament ; from thence is proved
its inviolable Surenefs ; but it doth not exclude the Con-
dition ; for, in <ver. 15. the Condition is exprefled, the
Promife of the Inheritance, as it is by means of Death ;
fo there mult be a receiving of the Redemption of the
Tranfgrefions. Chriil's Will or Teftament, that they whom
the Father hath given him mould be with nim to be-
hold his Glory, John. xvii. 24. is, no otiier than a
With and Prayer for thofe vvnich believe on him, wr, 20.

It is objected, 2. There are abloKite Promifes made
to us in this Covenant; fuch as that, in Ezek. xi. 19. /
twill put a new Spirit within you, and I will take the
flony Heart out of their Fhjhy and will give them an
Heart of Flelb ; and, in Ezek. xxxvi. 25. A new Heart
alfo iv ill J give you, and a neiv Spirit will I put within
you, and I will take away the J tony Heart out of your
Flfo, and I will give you an Heart of FLfh. I anfwer,
I . Even thefe, as they are made to us, are made in Chriil ;
All the Promifes are Yea and Amen in Cnriit Jefus,
2 Cor. i. 20. 2. The Covenant is of Lite and Petce, Mai.
ii. 5. fo it mull be conditional : See the Qualifications and
Conditions required in the Perfon, Mat. v. from <ver. 3,
to 10. Whodefire Life mutt mortify the Deeds of the Bo-
dy through the Spirit, Rom. \\. icre mull be a
Believing with the Heart unto Righteoufnefs, and Con-
feflion made with the Mouth unto Salvation, Rom. x. 10.
and in wr. 13. there is neceflarily required of all that
would be faved, a calling upon the Name of the Lord.
3. The Condition is the Lord's Work, it is rather properly
in the Covenanter, than in the Covenant; the Lord doth
firft fit the Party, and then engage them.

It is objecled, 3. Even from this, that the Lord doth
take all on himfelf, and leaveth us nothing to do ; as
appearcth from the Place above-cited, Ezek. xxxvi. 25,

26, :

On the Gospel Covenant. 91

26, 27. where, not only the new Heart ispromifed, but
new Obedience alio ; for it is promifed, that he will
caufe them walk in his Statutes ; and, in Heb, viii. 10.
This is the Covenant that I will make with the Houfe of
Ifrael in thefe Days, I will put my Laws in their Mind,
and write them in their Hearts, and I will be to them
a God, and they fhall be to me a People.

It is anfwered, I. The Condition is not antecedent to
God's making of the Covenant, but to the Believer's being
actually within it. 2. The Lord doth fo undertake all, as
he will both have us doing our Part, and caufe us do it ;
whence we have thefe Commandment*, Jer. iv. 4. Cir-
cumcife you ft Ives to the Lord; and that, in Ezek. xviii.
31. Cali away all your Tran/greJ/ions, and make you a new
Heart, and a new Spirit; and that, in Eph. iv. 23. Be
renewed in the Spirit of your Mind. 3d. Sinful Inability doth
not take away moral Obligations ; Believers are under
Gofpel Ties to Obedience : The Goipei doth indeed grant
Pardons, but not Difpenfations to Sin; yea, and as Gof-
pel Commands give Strength to obey, fo they lay orr Bonds
for Obedience.

It is objected, ^th. When the Covenant of Grace is
made conditional, what eife is it but to confo;und, and
make it the fame with the Covenant of Works ?

It is anfwered, the being conditional will not make it
the fame, unlefs it were the fame Condition. But it is
urged further, to believe, in Confcience of a Command-
ment, is legal, fo to believe, becaufe and as it is com-
manded. Anf. There be evengelical Commandments,
as well as legal ; iuch as that great one, Mark. i. 2J.
Repent and believe the Go/pel; and that, in Rom. vi. 12.
compared with <ver. 14. Let not Sin reign in
Bodies, that ye/hiuldobey it in the Lulls thereof, for ye are
>ier the Law but under Grace ; and in Phil. ii. 12
13. Work out your Salvation in Fear and Trembling ; for
it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do. It is
further urged, to make the Covenant of Grace thus con-
ditional, were to bring the free Spirit of Jefus
Bonds. It is anfwered, Not under any Bond of Coi.ilrainr,
but of a Uta Promife ; by which he is not fo u

Del

92 SERMON VIII.

Debtor to us, as to himfelf ; yet, concerning his Sons,
and the works of his Hands, the Lord doth allow Believ-
ers to command him, I/a. 45. 11.

It is obje&ed, §tb. If the Covenant of Grace be con-
ditional, how can it be everlafting ? the breaking of tfae
Condition makes it fail. Atif. 2d. The Condition is not
always required to be in aclual Performance, and lb ex-
plicit, id. It is not (aid, the itrongert Faith muit be, or
none at all : Abraham'.* Faith is not a Foot of Mealure for
every Believer. 3^. Chritl's Faithfulnefs is Surety for our
being faithful ; io the Covenant will not Fail.

2. Go to now, and try your Eftate by conditional
Promifes : fo ar#yoa commanded to examine, try, and
prove your ftlvts, whether you be in the Fwith or not,
2 Cor. xiii. ^. So, wheiber you have the Condition or
not, whether we have the right Love or not ; which is
not in Word and in Tongue, but in Deed and in Truth ;
fo we may know ourfelves to be of the Truth, and af-
fure our Hearts before God, 1 John. iii. 18, 19. Seek
out the conditional promifes, and be rtill examining whe-
ther you have the Condition : abioluce Promifes do hold
forth the Caufes of Salvation, the conditional Promifes
do fhew us the Perfons that ihall be laved. The abfolute
Promifes give good Ground for Clofing and Adherence,
and for constant Dependance ; but the conditional Pro-
mife,when the Condition is found, doth beget and itrength-
ea AiTurance: when the Lord faith, I will do it for my
own Sake, that is abfolute : Believe, and thou fhalt be
faved, that is conditional. But it may be afked, Doth
not the Lord both call us to believe, and minitier Com-
fort to us by abfolute Promifes? I anfwer, it is true, we
may caft ourfelves fometimes upon abfolute Promife?,
when we are dark, as to finding in our felves the Con,
dition required in the Covenant. Bur, id. The true and
folid Comfort from thefe abfolute Promifes, is only where
Faith and other Graces are wrought. 3/ We would not
feparate thefe two; when Temptations drive us from
conditional Promifes, the others may ferve for a fafe Re-
treat. Now, this Trial we have been preffing, is no
legal way of Trying, ifweconfider that Scripture, in

1 Pet.

On the Gospel Covenant. 93

z Pet. i. 5, to 9. The trying by Marks, adding to Faith
Virtue, and to Virtue Knowledge, &c. in <ver.8. It is
faid, If thefe things be in you and abound, they make
you that ye fhail neirher be barren nor unfruitful in the
Knowledge of theLord Jeius Chnit ; that is Gofpel Work
indeed.

As to the fecond, The making of the Gofpel Covenant
conditional, it doth no way prejudge that free Grace
which is held forth in the Covenant: this is clearly af-
ferted in Epb. ii. 8, 9. Where it is faid, by Grace ye
are faved, and not of your felves, not of Works, leit
any man mould boaft ; and yet it is told us there, that
it is through Faith. It may be further cleared by Reaicu
thus, id. Both the Condition, and aJl that is in the Co-
venant, do flow from the lame Purpofe of free Grace
given in Chrift Jefus, before the World began. 2 Tim.
i, 9. All promiies are but fo many Manifeftations of nis
purpofe of Grace, Tit. i. 2. So the Lord did purpofe to
give Faith firft, and then Life. The Condition then doth
only fhew us in what Order and Channel we may expect
the flowings out of free Grace, 2d. All the conditional
Promiies are Promifes of the Gofpel, fo of Grace : the
Law is not of Faith, Gal. iii. 12. So not of Grace. The
Law doth not command this Faith ; for then it fhould
hold forth Chrift : the Commandments of the Law are
now a killing Letter, 2 Cor. iii. 6. They kill and cure
mt. The moral Law is a School- Matter to Chrift, oc-
casionally onelv. The ceremonial Law had the Gofpel
in it ; the Words of Faith give Life, they are Spirit
Life, John. vi. 63. 3^. Faith, which is the Condition,
it doth receive all from Grace moft freely, and without
Price ; both Juftification, Sanctification, and Glorifica-
tion, ^th. This Condition is not, nor ever was, a Caufe
Influencing God to give either Grace or Glory ; it is re-
quired as antecedent to Life. 5//^. Evangeiick Con-
ditions wrought by Grace, and Gofpel Free-Grace, do
well agree, 'and are confiltent one with another, as miy
appear, in John. v. 24. Hearing of the Word, and Be-
lieving on God, are well confident with the free Gift
of eternal Life; and, in Acls, xiii. 38, 39, Free I

giventfi,

94 S h K M O N VIII.

givenefs, and free Juitification, are fo confident with
Relieving, that they could not be without it ; and, jn
Rom. iii. from ver. 27. to 3 1 . We will find the Law of
i;h working fo, to the fetting up of free Grace, that
it excludeth all Bo. tiling. 6th. All the Ads of Grace are
in God but one fimple Acl of that Good-will towards Man;
{o one of them cannot be prejudicial to another: It is an
acl of Grace, that it pleafed him to make the Covenant
conditional, and upon fo eafy a Condition ; and then a-
nother aft of Grace, that he himfelf (h juIJ work the
Condition ; this can be no Hindrance to other Ads of
Grace which follow after.

Vfe 1. Let this confute the Antinomians and others,
who under Pretext of making the Covenant free, do break
the Condition, and fo the Bond of the Covenant : They
cry up (lill free Grace ; but, fhall they under Pretext of
that, fet themfelves free from Righteoufnefs, which is
the woful Eltate of thofe under the Law? If we believe
the Apottle Paul, Rom. vi. 20. For faith he, while ye
were Servants to Sin, that was under the Law, ye were
free from Righteoufnefs; we have told you, and proved
it, that the Do&rine of the conditional Covenant is molt
confident, and doth well agree with the Doctrine of
free Grace.

Vfe 2. Magnify the Grace of God in this conditional
Covenant ; There is much Grace of God appearing in the
now Condition of the Covenant. 1 //. If we compare it with
the Condition of the fir ft Covenant, Doing, even Doing
all and every Jot, under the pain of a Curfe ; Believing
is more eafy ; for that alfo was to be done in a Man's
own Strength, this by the Strength of that mighty One,
on whom all the Help is laid, idly, There is much Grace
in the Condition that now is. [ mean, Faith; becauie it
both draweth all from free Grace, and holdeth all of it,
and it fetteth all that which is in the Man on Work, to
fet forth the Glory of free Grace, both in putting every
Grace to work, and gathering a Rent of Praiie from the
fame. $<lly9 It lets a man fee a daily Need of Grace, both
for maintaining it felf, and inabling a man to keep Con-
m and Covenant with God : Thefe Things will be
more clear when we come to (hew what this Condition

S E R-

( 95 )

S E R M O N IX.

O N T H E

GOSPRLCOVENANT:

Of Faith, the Condition of the Covenant
of Grace.

2 S a M u E L xxiii. 5-.
Although my Houfe be not fo with God; yet he hath made
with me an c^erhfingCovcnzrA. red in all 7

and jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
although he make it not to gr n

WE have fpoken to that point, how this Gofpel Co-
venant is conditional : followeth now to be fpoken
of that which is the Condition of this Covenant, even
Faith. So the Doclrine is, Faitb is the Condition cf the
Ncn.u Covenant, or Covenant of Grace : So it h put down
in that Comjpend of the Gotpel Covenant, John. in. 15.
God fo loved the World, that he gave his only t
Son, that vjhofoever helieveth on him fhc-uld not p<rijh
but have everlajling Life : Believing, there, is the Con-
dition on which everlafting Uife is to be given ; and in
Rom. iv. 16. Therefore it is of Faith, that it might be
by Grace ; and in Rom. x. 9, 10. If thou (halt confefs
with thy mouth the Lord Jefus, and (halt believe in thine
heart that God hath raifed him from the Dead, thou
flialt be faved ; for with the Heart iWan bclieveth unto
Righteoufuefs, and with the Mouth Confeflion is

96 SERMON IX.

unto Salvation : So the Preaching of the GofpeJ, in ASls
xiv. 27. is called the opening of the Door of Faith ; and
in Rom. xvi. 26. Obedience to the Golpel is called the'
Obedience of Faith ; and in 1 Pet. i. 9. the Salvation
of oar Souls is called the End of Faith : So Faith is the
aldne Thing required as the Condition of the Covenantof
Grace. This may be further cleared by thele Reafons.
1/?. The Bleflings promifed in this Covenant are not at-
tainable in our ielves, but in Chrift Jefus ; and Faith is
that which fetcheth all from him : In him is Life, and
the Life is the Light of Men, John. i. 4. In him is that'
Fulnefs which we mud receive, <ver. 16. And the receiv-j
ing is by Believing, <vcr. 1 2. of that Chap. The great I
Privilege: And fo leiTer Privileges alio are given to as ma-!
ny as believe on his Name : and, in 1 John. 5. qjer. 12,
13. He that hath the Son hath Life, and he that hath
not the Son of God hath not Life : Thefe "Things have I
written to you that believe on the Name of the Son of
God, that ye may know that ye have eternal Life, and
that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God : So
for fetching Life, and all that is in the Son, Faith i
great Engine. 2c//>. Faith was made the Condition of
the Gofpel-Covenant, becaufe that of Works was now*
impoffibie ; it is now made weak through the Flelh, Rom. I
viii. 3. The Law now cannot give Life, Gal. iii. 21.
Works are now dead and corrupt Things; from which the
Conscience is to be purged, before we can ferve the Li-
ving God, Heb. ix. 14. But Faith is poffible, becaufe
God can give it, and he giveth it freely, Phil. i. 29.
And there is a Spirit of it given alfo, 2 Cor. iv. 13. 3^/y.
Faith is and was made the Condition of this Covenant,
that it might be by Grace : It was and is God's End, in
this Covenant, to manifeit Grace, to get the Praife and
Glory of his Grace, Ejsb. i. 6. And to take away all
Glorying from Flefh; that no Flefh mould glory in his
Prefence ; but he that glorieth ihojld glory in the Lord.
i. 29, 31. Now, the only fitted Thing to advance
this Dcfign, is Faith ; fo, in Rom. iv. 16. It was by Faith
that it might be by Grace ; and if by Grace, it is then
no more of Works, otherwiie Grace is no more Grace,

Rom. xi'«

On the Gospel Covenant. 97

'Rom, xi. 6. \thly, Faith was made the Condition of the
Covenant, for this End, that all the Bit flings of the Co-
venant might be made fure, fure to ail the Seed, even to
all that mould have the Faith of Abraham, Rom. iv. 16.
Believing giveth Eilabliihment, 2 Chron. xx. 20. $thly,
Faith doth not only make all the Bieffings of the Cove-
nant lure, but it hatn a iufficient Aptneis to make us Par-
takers of all the Bleflings of the Covenant; fo, in Afls
x. 43. Through Believing Remiflion of Sins is receiv-
ed, in Rom. iii. 29, 30. Juftiflcation is by and through
"Faith; and, in Rom. iv. 13. Abraham was, and Believ-
ers are, made Heirs of the World, through Faith ; and
in Rem. viii. 32. together with Chriit ail Things are
given fredy ; and Faith alone is for receiving of free
Gifts. In 2 Cor. i. 24. Stability, which is no fmall Blef--
fing, is by Faith : By Faith, faith the Apoftle, ye fland;
andf in Gal. rri: "14. The Prumife of the Spirit alfo is
received by Faith : So Faith receiveth all the great
Things which are in the Covenant.

Ufe 1 . Blefs the Lord for his marvellous Kindnefs, in
that he hath appointed fuch a Condition of the new and,
better Covenant ; io fweet and poffible, the Birth of Hea-
ven, the Eftabiifher of. the Heart, Director of the Way.

Ufe 2. Make Vie of this Faith, both in making and
improving of this Covenant: As to the Grit, the making
of this Covenant, Faith doch, (1.) Difcover as a Beam of
olivine Light, on the one Hand, the happy Eitate of thofe
that are in Covenant with God ; as in PfaL cxliv. 15.
Happy is that People <whoft Cod is the Lord: And then, on
;he other Hand, it difcovereth the Mifery of thofe thac
ire not in Covenant with him, without Chrift, — Strangers
rrom the Covenants of Promtfe, having no Hope, and with- •
jut God in the World, Eph. ii. 12. not a People of God,
Tuch as have not obtained Mercy, 1 Pet. ii. 10. (2 ) Faith
►vorktth Senle of the loft Condition, and lets a Man on
Work, as for his Life, to break his Covenant with Sin,
Satan, and Self, and all his Covenants made with Hcli
ind Death. (3.) Faith revealeth nr(t to the Ear, and
ifter to the Heart, the Offers of Righteoufnefs in the
JufpeJ, Senfe of the poor Creature'* Condition, in much
G Ncceflity

98 SERMON IX.

Neceflity and Want ; and then, the joyful Sound of Gtf-
fpcl Peace begets an Eftimation of tne Grace which is '
offered ; and then, Eiieem breeds earned Defires ; like
that of the Hart panting after the Water Brooks, PfaL
;i 2. The Spirit of Faith fcattereth tome Seeds then;
fo the Defire of the Soul is to the Lord's Name; the
Soul's Defire will be working by Night and Day in feek-
ing God, as in I/a. xxvi. 8, 9. (4.) Faith having De-
fires kindled in the Soul, it doth reveal the Lord's Wil-
lingnefs to enter in Covenant with ielf-loit Sinners; hold-
ing forth fuch Scriptures as thefe, Prov. i. 22, 23. How
long, ye Jimple Ones, wilf ye love Simplicity ? Turn you at
my Reproof ; behold, I at/7/ pour out my Spirit unto you, I
w ill make known my Words unto you ; and, I/a. lv. 1. Ho f
every one that tbirjletb, come ye to the Waters, and be that
bath no Money, come ye, buy and eat, yea, come, buy Wine
and Milk without Money, and without Price ; and that, in
Matt b. xi. 2S. Come all ye that labour and are heavy I a den y
tome unto me, and I will give you Re]} ; and that, in Jer.
iii. 4. Wilt thou not from this Time cry unto me, my Father ?
Ami that, in Ezek. xxxiii. 11. As I live 4 faith the Lord
God, I have no Pleafure in the Death cf the wicked, but
that the wicked turn from his Way and live ; turn ye} turn
ye from your *vit Ways, for why will ye die, O Hou/e of
IfraelP and, (c.) Together with thefe Scriptures, in hear-
ing the Word preached, it amufeth the Creature, whert
it heareth Minifters, as Ambaffadors of Chrift, befeech-
ing them in ChriU'b Stead to be reconciled to God, 2 Cor.
V. 20. (6.) It puts the Soul to a moil ferious Confuje-
ration of the Invitations and Encouragements ; fo, a Man-
to lit alone, as it were, and Hell and Judgment in his
Sight, Death and Life fet before him; and then to liiten
to t»ia; which is faid, and to him that fpeaketh from
Heaven ; and whether there be any Word for him, a
fell loll Sinner; whether there be a Call for him to that
Marriage of the King's Son, Mattb. xxii. 2, 3. And he
fmdeth nothing in himfelf, that any Way is fuitable co
io honourable a Match : Faith, in this Cafe, telieth the
I, that the Bridegroom feeketh no Tocher, but bring-
eth with him the Dowry, bringeth with him all Riches,

all

Oh the Gospel Covenant. 9$

II neceflary Ornaments, yea, and all Things, which may
ire Satisfaction, Solace and Security. In this Cafe, it
*]] make a Man ponder and deeply meditate on fuch a
enpture as that, in HrJ. n. 19, 20. / <v:ili betroth thee
nto me for e*ver , yea, J ivlti betroth thee unto me in Rigb-
r, and in Judgment, and in loving Kindnefi, and in
Mercia 3 / vciil c*vtn betroth thee unto me in Faithfulnefs.
j.) Now, the Soul finding NecelTity prtfting on the one
Jand, Chrift inviting on the other, and the Marriage
nd-Terms- thereof every Way anfwering its Neecs and
)efires; and Faith alfo reveajir g how Believing is all
Tat which is required, and how it is commanded undef
le higi.eit Pain ; how the covenant is conditional, and
aith tiie Condition, it maketh oit after Chrift, receiv-
th, embraceth, refleth on him, is fa listed with him ; and
acn rehgneth itfeit to him, and to his Dominion and
)ifpofal : It findeth his Yoke eafy, his Dominion fweet,
is Service realonable, Matth.xi.zg. Rom. xii. I. 1 John
. 3. (8.) Upon this the Bargain is clofed, the Cordi-
on is fulfilled, and who do fo come into' JeK»s, he nvtff
1 no tuifi cafl out, John vi. 37.

As to the Second, we muir make Ufe of this Faith in
le improving of this Covenant; ar d Faith is of mar-
ellous Use in this Work: 1. It will put a iVLn not
fter a doling in Covenant, to fearch whether the cj
ath been right and full, but upon a Work, how to fe-
ure and enfure it more and more, ay ana uiuii the Heart
e aflured before God, as in John, 1 Epifl. chap. iii. v&.
9. until the Sou! come to tnat lull Ailuraiice, Heb. x.
2. 2. It improveth this biclled Bargain, by taking the
oul to the Throne, that it may get Grace .or Htip in
"ime of Need, HA), iv. 16. And it will make a
hat hath now taken on with Jefus, 00:= what

infwer cometh from its Beloved, P/al, lxxxv. S. And if
o Anlwer, it will enable to wait o;;, as a Servant on hii
Handmaid looking to the hand ef her Mi-
reb, PfaL exxiu. 2. If ihe Anlwer be dark, it will
ut ti.e >up|;]icant to feek Light, that in the Lord's Light

) lee Light, according to Pjal. xxxvi, o. 1:
khlwer be a ieeming Slight, or flianiciul i
G

S E R M O N IX.

not fuffer the Soul to take a Denial, but put it to wreftle
r in the Pra&ice of the Cavaa-
\ from <ver. 21, — 29. 3. TKe
k of Faith, after that it bath engaged Soul:
J, will be to teach Men that great Leflbn, how to
walk with God. \ft. It will (hew chat all Duties arc
.'e to thole that believe, Mark ix. 33. zd. It turn-
he By€ to covenanted Strength, to that Spirit ol
>th in Chi ill, lfa. xi. 2. and Grace iufficient, 2 Cor.
■ <r;t promiied, and ready to be given
iim, Luke xi. 13. 3/ It fets the Kye tc
cxix. 66. \th. It fets up God and his
Glory for the Ejad, 1 LVr. x. 3 1 . fo God ever in the Eye.
cfb. It is a Buckler againll Temptations, the Sbit/d of
16. 6/A. It encourageth the Man in
the Ways of God, as either enlarging the Heart, PfaL
. or holding out the Reward, thb. xi. 25.
Comfort of H<;pij, to all thofe who have this
:i:ion; they may be fure of that which the Lord
mifed, eternal Life.
4. Is Faith the Condition of the Covenant of
e ? Then woe to them that have no Faith ;
. already, John iii. 18. Hell is their
. Luke xii. 46.

of Faith always, efpecially in thefe

Cafe?/ 1 Of Sin, for Reconciliation, 1 John ii. 1. 2

Want of Grace, Gal. iii. 14. 3. In the

; away, 2 f/w. iv. 18. 4. For every Du«

i ;; :ii Fajch, as the Condition of the Covenant
,od over us ? Let it be our Defire and daily -
. to fit him up and honour him: He bath J j-

t JJjenjj forth his Prmi/t, lfa* xliii.
on high in your Eftimation, Jet him
Praife ; he is fo in him (elf,

xv. i 1 (2) Cviunt ic highest Honour to be ins,

j's Servant, PfaL cxvi

m the Things of God greateit, his publick

5. (4 ) Stand for him in declining Times ;

fuch

On the Gospel Covenant. ioc

fuch are well noticed of him, Ezek. xliv. 15, 16. They
that kept the Charge of the Sanctuary, when tte People
of Ifrael went aitray from the Lord, are allowed to come
near him^and to minilter nnto him. (5.) Rett on him
in ail greateit Straits; fo did David; wriat Time, faith
he, I am afraid, ] tull trufi in thee, Pjal. Ivi. 3. A^ain,
in Pjal. lix. 9. Becaufe of his Strength will 1
thee, for God is my Defence. (6.) Pat vounelves under the
Authority of every Word of his, until you t.-envb'e at
it; fo (hall the Lord regard ycu, Ifa. I*vi Look

well to the keeping of you : God will deal with

them, as they have dealt with hi:*!, who defpife the
1 in breaking the Covenant, Esuk. xvi. 59. [S.) Li

:• r.ijbie pfUnwortfeinefs, and b»
ing it before the Lor. /did, 1 (

Bat for further and better {Jndtrt\av. :
Myitery, how Faith is the Condition of the Covei
1 uld be remembered, that thoagh Faith be not an-

tecedent in the Decree, forefeen Faith, it s they call it,
■ , in that Confederation, no Motive to Go.u to make
the Covenant ; yet it isanteceJent to our adlual
in Covenant with God : This is manireii, for, 1. If 1
Were confequent to the Covenant made witn us, then Ju-
stification fhould be before our effectual Calling, cor-
to that Order fet down by the Holy Ghoit, in Row. vin.
30. Whom be did prede/finate, them be call
called, them l>e a-, 2. It is apparent from !

ture, that Faith muit go before our being ad..
ged in Covenant with God : Do bu: conlider theie Pi
Rom. iii. 22. Tie Rigbteoufnefs of Gcd ii
unto all, and upon all tht
ana, in ver. 25. Cbrifi is Jet forth to be a I >
through Faith in bis Blood ; and, Phil. iii. 9. we con
have Righteoufnefs through the Faith

} njuhicb is of God by Faith; and, Gal. ii. i

• the Faith cf J ejus (
i in 'J efus Cbriji, that :v.e might hi
3. The brazen Serpent
thrill, in John iii. 14, 15. none were healed tili
ooked to it, Numb. x.xi. 9. So in /
G 3

SERMON '

unto mr, all \e Ends of the Earth, and be ye faved. 4,
By that Opinion, which maketh Faith cor.fequent to oiir
being in Covenant with God, Chritt ihould be actually
ours before we be juitif.ed, which cannot be. 5. Oar
Righteuuinefs is by Imputation, whiie the Righteoutnefs
of Chriil is imputed to u^ ; new, thi^ Imputation
before Believing ; fo, in Rom. iv. 3. the Scripture faith,
Abraham believed God, a>id it «u r Rigb-

tejj ; and Gal iii. 6. the mg is re. .

E-ven as Abraham believed God, and it nxas con
for Right cufn(fs. 6. Ir .

actually before the. , then v. id. cut I jf

fhould ple.fe G< d ; but that is impoiTibie, as wuntlLth
the ApolUe, in Htb. xi. 5, 6.

I. A^ain.t the Ar:tinomiansy who affirm, th t we

tuaiiy in Covenant before we believe: And they

Chriil is not ours but by an Act of God imputing

lighteoufnefs unto u>. It is anfwered, this Act i<

neither prior in 'i jme, nor ieparaced from tn.it Ac: of

Grace which worketn Faith ii

Faith to ac.fr. They location were by

Faith, antecedent and not comeuuent, then as Faith in:
ciealeth, Intereil in Chnlt fhouid be increased. I: i
arifuereo. 00 the Intereit indeed comet b to be more and
more cleared, but not increafed ; for Faith doth not ju-
ftify, as an Act itronger or weaker, but as an Inilrumenl
apprehending the Oujecl Ghrilt. They lay furta.
JuiHfication were fo by Faith, then Fakh ceafirtg, Juiti
jication ihould ceaie. It is anfwereu, That there is never
a total Ccilation of Faith, in that Perfon who hath beet
once julliiied. 2. Though Faith doth ceafe as to fom<
Aft*, yd c^e Marriage Knot is not iookd.

Uj'e 2. Who defire to have their Intereil fecured, mul

not reft in the Covenant as made with Chriit in Eternity

but labour once to have Faith, and then to ad u; oj

aey can never be actually pofftfled of and in thi

Covenant, and great Things wnich are in it.

And, to cloie and conclude all thi?, it would be fur
ther remembered, that it is not the Habit of Faith tha
juflifieth the Sinaer, nor is'it the Condition of the [

it

On the Gospel Govenant. 103

riant ; but Faith, as acting, and as an Inftrument appre-
hending Chrift: So, in Gal, ii. 20. there is a Jiving by
the Faith of the Son of God : So are Acls of Life ex-
erted and brought forth ; and, 1 Thefl. i. 3. we have the
Work of Faith ; and, in 2 Cor. v. 7. walking by Faith.
This is and mult be, iff. Becaufe Faith by acting doth
receive the Promife, and Privileges in it, John'x. 12.
receiveth and embraceth them, Hch. xi. 13. Faith is the
Hand which is put forth, zdly, Habitual Righteoufnefs
was not the Condition of the Covenant of Works; nei-
ther is habitual Faith the Condition of the Covenant of
Grace. 3^, Living by Faith the Life of Jullificaticn ;
and that cannot be without acting Faith. 4/^/y, No
Qualification in ourfelves is the Condition : Habits are
Qualifications within.

Ufe 1. This isagainft thefe who make Faith fo a Con-
dition, as not an Jnftrument ; as it is a Habit within the
Man, and not acling upon Chrift: They turn the Cove-
nant legal, who make any Thing within the Man, jufti-
iy the Man, or any Thing proceeding from the Man or
performed by him: Faith doth neither juftify as a Habit,
or as any Aft or Work of ours, but as an Inftrument ap-
prehending Chrift and his kighteoufnefs.,

Ufe 2. Let all then who defire once to be, and for ever
to abide in Covenant with God, actually and comfortably,
not only act Faith at firft for Juftificaticn, which is paf-
fed in one Act, but be acling it daily, for cleaning up
and fecuring their Intereft ; for Life is in thefe Actings.

S E -R-

( io4 )

S E R M 0 N X.

ON THE

GOSPELCOVENANT:

Firft Property of the Covenant, it is free.

2 S A M U E L XXlfi. 5".

Ai 'though my Hoafi be not fo with Goi
riant, well
and 'vation, and all my D

ail :ake it not to grow.

\\T E come now to the V[. Thing propounded concer-
* * ning this Covenant of Grace ; it is concerning the
Properties thereof: Some are in the Text, an wet i

\nt} ordered in all Things, and Jure \ but comparing
this with other Scriptures, this Covenant, in ail h*th
feven Properties ; each whereof doth commend it more
than another : The firft Property thereof is, that it is a
free Covenant. The fecond, it is a mod uniting Covenant,
and maketh the Parties joined therein of neareit Rela-
tions. The third, it is an everlafting Covenant. The
, it is a well-ordered Covenant. The fifth, it is a
molt fure Covenant. The fixtb, it is a holy Covenant.
The (comtby it is a mod full Covenant.

Let us bt*in at the firft, on which we lay down this
Affertion, that the Gotpti Covenant is a moll fret Cove-
nant: This is not the fmalleft Excellency of it, that it ig
/ree, and whofoever will, is or may be free to enter into
ir. The Covenants amongtt Men are not fo free ; Par-
ties

On the Gospel Covenant. 103:

ties do make them, each with others, for their own Be-
nefit ; whether they be Covenants of indemnity, as that
was betwixt Abimekch and Iiaac, Gen. xxvi. 28, — 32. or
of pofitive Advantage, as that betwixt the Sons of Ja-
cob and Hamor, Gen. xxxiv. 20, — 24. But the Covenant
which the Lord maketh with his People, is mod htt :
So, in Gen. xvii. 2. the Covenant of God with Abraham
is molt free: / will make it, faith the Lord, between me
and thee, and 1 will multiply thee exceedingly : Behold, how
it is free, and :or Abraham\ Advantage, no Price is
fought; and, in Deut. vii. 7, 8. the Lord fheweth to his*
People, that he did not fet his Love upon them, nor chufe
them, becauie they were moe in Number than any Peo-
ple, nor becaufe they were feweft of all People, but be -
caufe the Lord loved them ; and, in 1 Sam. xii. 22. The
Lo?d -a; ill not for Jake his People, for his great Name's Sake,
becaufe it had pit a fed the Lord to make them his People ; and,
in Job xxi i. 2. Can a Man be profitable unto God, as he
tb«t is wife may be prof table to himfelf? By which it is e-
vident, that the Lord doth not make his Covenant for felf
Advantage. In Ifa. xlii. 6. the entering in Covenant
with Chnll was an Acl of free Favour ; ht called him in
Righteoufnefs, and molt freely did engage himfelf to
hold his Hand, and to keep him, and to give him for a
Covenant of the People, and for a Light to the Gentiles :
And when the Decree is declared, and the Covenant is
preached, the Offer of the Mercy, and of all the Riches
that are in it, is made mofl free ; fo runs the Invitation,
in Re<v. xxii. 17. Let him that is athirfl come, and whofo-
ever will, let him take of the Water of Life freely ; and, in
Jfa.lv. 1, 2. the Mercat is proclaimed molt free: Ho f
every one that thirfteth, come ye to the Waters, and he that
hath ?.o Money, come ye, buy and eat ; yea, come, buy ffine
and Milk without Money, and without Price : IV here fore do
ye fpend Money for that which is not Bread ? And, in ver.
3. Encline your Ear, and come unto me, hear and your Soul
Jhall live ; and 1 will make an e*uer lofting Covenant with
you. You fee the Propofal of it is molt free : More par-
ticularly, if we go through all the great Tilings of the
Covenant, we will find them all diipenfed molt freely.

1. That

106 SERMON X.

I. That firft great Bleffing of the Covenant, oar Election,
that is moil free ; fo, we arc faid to be cbofen in Cbrijl before
the Foundation of the World, fo, before we could merit
any Thing, Epb. i. 4. fo, that Work is free, and in Re-
ipeft thereof the Covenant is moft free. 2. The effectual
Calling of thofe that come to Jefus is molt free ; no Re-
ipeft of Perfons in it, no Worth :ncfs in the Party, 1 Cor,
i. 26, 27, 28. Ye fee your Callings Bret brer, how that mt
many wife Men after the Fffb, not many mighty, not many
nobie are called : But God hath cbofen the fool;//? Things of
{be World y to confound the wife : And God hath cboftn the
weak Things of the World, to con fund the mighty ; and baft
things of the World, and Things which are defpifed, hath
God chofen ; yea, and Things which are notf to hning to
nought Things that are. 3. J unification is moll free; rwe
are jullificd freely by his Grace, thro* .emption that

is in Jefus Chrijl, Rem. iii. 24. 4. Both it and Sanclifi-
cation is free, Rev. xxi. 6. / will give unto him that is
athirjl of the Fountain of the Water of Life freely. 5.
Adoption is moft free, fo according to that in Ho fa, cited
in Rom. ix. 25. he calleth them his People which were not
his People, end her beloved which was not beloved; and in
Epb. ii. 19. it is of free Grace that we are of the Houf-
hold of God, if we look to the Thread of that chop.
especially from the 8. ver. downward, where aJl our Sal-
vation is of Grace: Chrift and all Things are freely gi-
ven us of God, Rom. viii. 32. and 1 Cor. ii. 12.

For the more full clearing of this Truth, tha: the Co-
venant of Grace is a moll free Covenant, it appeareth
thus, \(i. In refpeel of the Parties taken in into Covenant,
fallen Men, not fallen Angels : He took not on him the
Nature of Angels, but he took on him the Seed of Abra-
bam, Heb. ii. 1 6. Then fome Nation, not others
Pfal. clxvii. io, 20. Then fome of a Nation, fome of
a City, of a Family, and not all, Jer. iii. 14. Poor,
and weak and foolim, &c. And not the rich, migh-
ty, and the wife : Sometimes the Child, and not the
Parent ; the Wife, and not the Hufbind ; one Neigh-
bour, and not another : See for all this the above cited
Pkce to the Ctnintbians, and Mattb. xxi v. 40, 41. the

blind

On the Gospel Covenant. 107

blind and halt, and Beggars from the Streets, Maftb.
xxii. 10. Publicans and Harlots, Mattb. xxi. 31. Chief
finners, 1 Tim. i. 15, Even Perfons out of whom have
been call feven Dcviis, Mark, xvi. 9. There is by Na-
ture no Difference, Rom. iii. 23. We ba<ve all fitmtd
and come jhsrt of the Glory of Gcd : Yet the Lord, by
his free Choice, or difptnfing his Favours, doth wrong to
no Man, Matth. xx. 13. zd. This Covenant is frct9
in Refpeft of its Fountain and Caufe; it dorh not rife from
either Worth or Will in us, but from the good Pleafure
and free Love of God ; confider E%ek. xvi. from *ver. 1,
to 15. and there wiil appear twelve Ads or Articles of
free Love, all melt freeiy flowing out from God. {1.)
We were bu: | gs, many paffing by, and none pi-

tying ; he did not fo. (2.) We were in mod vile and
wretched Condition, in which none would have regarded
■s. (3) He Hood ftill and looked on us : O ! marveiloos
Look, wonderful Condefcenfion, much Tendernefs, Heat
of Love : He was overcome with Love then, as in Can.
vi. 5. He will have the Love wherewith the Father hath
loved him to be in his beloved Ones, and himfclf to be
in them ; fo endeth his Prayer in Jobnxvii. 26. (4.) A
Time of Loathfomneis of the Perlon is made a Time of
Love ; fo it was in thofe that were called, in Acls ii. 13,
37. Mockers converted, and, in A8s ix. 1, 2, 3. xhe Man
breathing out Threatning and Slaughter againit the Di(-
ciples of the Lord. (5.) It is made a Time not of /ingle
but multiplied Love, a Time of Loves; a marveilous
Word, it giveth Ground and Matter to the converted
Sinner to fing :hat Song of Loves, P/a. xiv. fo called in
the Title of it. O ! it is a great Love, wherewith God,
<v:bo is rich in Mercy, bath loved us, Epb. ii. 4.. (6.) He
covereth our Nakednefs, our filthy Nakednefs, that it ap-
pear not, Rev. iii. 18. He bringeth forth the bell Robe,
Luke xv. 22. (7.) He entereth in Covenant with the
poor wretched Creature. (8.) He maketh this wretched
Creature his own ; fo thou becamejl mine : He foundeth a
particular Intereft in the felf-lott Sinner by this Cove-
nant. (9.) He not only covereth the Nakednefs in Ju-
ration, Lut he waiheth in the Laver of Regeneration,

and

108 S E R M () N X.

and in a daily Work of Santtification. (10.) tie anoint-
eth, poureth forth his Spirit, fo en ibleth to Duty, and
maketh Services favoury and acceptable, (ir ) He deck-
cth the poor Creature, as a Bride with rich Ornaments,
and maketh her perfect in Beauty, through the Comelinefs
which he puts upon her. (i 2.) He procured Renown, and
a Name to this Foundling, through this Beauty which he
did impart and communicate. 3<//y, This Covenant is
difcovered to be mod free, if we cor.fider who did full
move in it ; he choofed, loved, fought us firit, not we him,
/fa. Ixv. 1. / am found if v not. John

XV. 1 6 Ye ha*vt not c bo fen me, but I have € bo fen you ; and,
in 1 John iv. 19. He loved us f-ff not u
he loved us fijft, fo he l&vttb to the End, John xiii. I.
and will make it appear that he is not the hrit Loather,
/fa. 1. I. and Jer. iii. 1. \tbly, It will appear to be a
free Covenant, from the Manner how it is adminiitred :
The Gofpel, and Means of Salvation, are fent to fonr*,
and not to others; fome, where the Gofpel corneth, ns
called, and not others; and all the Conveyance of
in a free Gift, betwixt the Father and the Son : It is fo,
in Pfal. ii. 7, 8. AJk, and I ixill give thee; and, in
v. 15. all the Redemption-work is a free Gift, call
Grace of God, and tbe Gift by Grace.

The Condition is fuch as hindereth not the Freenefs ;
yea, there is aClauie put in, whereby the Breach on the
Believer's Part is made a Trefpais, and not a Forfeiture,
Pfal. lxxxix. 28,-38. And another, for healing Back-
flidings, and loving freely, after backflidings, as well as
before, Hrf xiv. 4. $ttly9 The Freenefs of this Cove-
nant appeareth alfo, from the Meafure and Grcatnefs of
the Price and Mercy: There is as much laid out for a
few Perfons, as might have faved a thoufand Worlds if
it had been fo intended. To give Egypt for a Ranfom,
and Ethiopia and Seba for a People, as in I fa. xliii. 3.
ia nothing to be compared with the great Price of Re-
demption, 1 Pet. i. 19. there is an over plus of Love, in
fome Refpeft ; though, 111 another Refpecl, nothing lefs
could do it. 6///y, The Freenefs of this Covenant ap-
peareth in the Performance, in pardoning freely all Sort

of

On the Gospel Covenant. 109

of Sin, Mic. vii. 18. Iniquity, Tranfgreffion ; and in
performing Truth and Mercy to thofe who do not keep
' Covenant with him ; with thofe who many Times be-
lieve not, 2 Tim. ii. 13. giving eternal Life freely, Rom.
vi. 23. which is called the Grace of Life, 1 Pet. iii. 7.
If now the Reafons be afked, why the Lord would
have his Covenant thus free, and all Things free in it ?
1 anfwer, 1. For the greater Door of Hope to thofe, who
are much preiTed and born down with the Senfe of their
own Unworthinefs : If they had not a free Covenant to
come unto, they might readily defpair ; but this, that
Grace is not only abundant, but abundantly free, and
that the Covenant is hee, and Ch.iit, and all in it a free
Gift, it will make fuch as deiire Union and Communion
with God in Jefus Chrill liilen r.nd look up, though they
were giving up the Gholt. 2. It is the Glory of Grace,
that it be freely communicated : The Favours of Men
are but mercenary, but the Favour of God is i'o free, as
no Fie fli may glory before it, 1 Cor. i. 39. The Lord
doth all Things for his Name : He did lead his People^ to
make to him/elf a glorious Name, I/a. Ixiii. 14. He doth all
Things to the Praije of the Glory, of his Grace ; Now, no-
thing ferveth more to the Glory of Grace, than that i%
is free, and diipenfed without Price. 3. The Lord would
have it free, that it might be fure to the Seed, to keep
them, as is fajd, from a Forfeiture, Rem. iv. 16. 4. He
would have it free, that they might be the more inexcu-
fahle for ever that reject it, when their Confcienccs thrill
tell them, they had the Offer of Mercy, as freely made
to them, as to others ; Chrift would have gathered them,
but they would not : Ah! how deep mall the Challenges
of free Grace, of free Love, and of a free Covenant <>o ?
The Defpifers of the Gofpel will never be able to aniwer
them.

U/e i. Here is the Fountain opened, from which we
may and muft draw and fetch all the Good of which we
Hand in need: A free Covenant, this rnaketh tne WtrlJ,
even all the Wells of Salvation fo open, the *
is rolled away : All who will may come to th
and drink of the Water of Life freely j free L

fjee

no SERMON X.

free Mercy, in a free Covenant. How frc* a Mercat
is that, a throng Mercat for a Life Time, and Jailing till
a Man's Jaft Day ? It will make him find Mercy in that
/f, 2 Tim. i. 18. It will lait Through-
out al! Eternity: O! look upon this C \ Iree,
and come unto it as fuch ; Tney but hfrVoiu Chrift, who
bring their Penny hire or black Money to him or to his
Mercat: All his Ware may be had free, and without
Price: There will be much Debt in Heaven, but no Me-
rit ; all the Debt will be of free Grace : Grace is and
will be ever the Sinner's Gain, but no Gain to Chrilt ;
Chrilt through Grace (tor he is the firil and great Gift
of Grace) he will be the Believer's Gain and Advantage,
in Life and Death, and throughout all Eternity : All
they have, or fhall have, is and ihall be from free Grace,
from a moil free Covenant of Gr;ce. This Grace, whe-
ther we look upon it as the Father's, who hath begotten
us to a lively Hope through Grace and abundant Mercy,
2 Pet. i. 3. and calleth Men through Grace, Gal. i. 15.
or whether we look upon it as the Grace of our Lord
Jefus Chriit, 2 Cor. xiii. 14. or as ihe Grace of the Spi-
rit; for he alio is the Spirit of Grace, Heb. x. 29. the
Grace is always free, elfe it could not be Grace; all that
the beft of Chriftians are, it is by Grace ; fo faid Paul
of himfelf, in I Cor. xv. 10. By the Grace of God 1 am
nvbat I am.

Vfe 2. Hence may arife great Comfort, and good En-
couragement to Souls, that are call down wit un them-
felves, in and from the deep Senfe of their Unworthi-
nefs : The great and good Things of tne Covenant, con-
pared with our fmali and bad Drlervtngs, may ieem to
be above their Hope; but the Freenefs of the Covenant
doth bring them down, and near unto their Sig.it: The
Freenefs of a Covenant, ;»rjd more ablolute Proiniies, are'
for Souls that are deeply humbled; but conditional Pro-
mi fes are for thole that are lecure and lazy, and for the
Joofe and carnal Heart : It is no fmaJl Skill to divide the
Word of God, the Word of Truth aright, 2 Tim. li. 15.
Who do raifapply, whether Preachers or Hearers, they
poifon and kill: However, this Freenefs of a Covenant

is

On the Gospel Covenant. iii

is like good News from a far Country to a fick ami fink-
ing Soul.

Ufe 3. Is the Covenant of Grace a Covenant of free
Grace ? Let all who do profefs themfelves to be within the
Covenant, exalt free Gr*ce : We have heard how the
Lord's great Defign in this World, and in the World to
come, is, that he may have the Glory of free Grace :
Should it not then be the Studv and great Work of Be-
lievers, to give him the Glory of the fame, and to be-
ever finging that Song, in Pfui. cxv. 1. Not unto us, O
Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Na?ne give the Praife and
Calory, for thy Mercy and thy Truth's fake ? Many have
reafon to acknowledge with Paul, t Tim. i. 14. that the
Grace and free Mercy of their Lord hath been exceed-
ing abundant unto them, with Faith and Love which is
in Chrift Jefus ; why then fhould he not have the
Glory of rich and tree Grace? All that which Men or
Angels have found of it, are but fome Drops or Bedew-
ings, caft abroad from that fair and full River in Chrift
Jefus; O! the Robes, the Crowns, the Glory of Grace?

Ufe 4. Is this Covenant, a Covenant of freeft Grace,
the Freenefs of it may ferve exceedingly to humble us:
The Freenefs of Gr^ce made that poor Woman, in Luke
Vii. 44, 45, 46. fit very low, and in much Love at the
Feet of Chrift ; and the Freenefs of Grace, made Paul
keep a watchful Eye over Self, and ever cry it down,
while he laid, / live, net I, Gal ii. 20. / laboured, but
not I, but the Grace of God which was with me, I Cor.
xv. 10. TheKindnefs of free Love kiileth high Thoughts:
How lovely and humbling fhould free Love be to us,
which doth notice us who are bat as Dogs, and dead
Dogs, and, many Times, Dogs returning to their Vomit f

Ufe 5. Would we be like God in Freenefs, liberal
Souls devifing liberal Things, as in I/a. xxxviii. 8. love him
freely, the Saints alfo, and all Men freely ; mew Love to
chofe that cannot recompense us, as we are taught by
Chrift, in Luke xiv. 12, 13, 14.

U/e 6. Let the Freenels of the Covenant, and of the
Mercy in it, engage us deeply in Love tc n in-

genuous or honeit lpixiced Man will be much taken

iree

its SERMON XL

fret- Kindnefs, efpecially if it be great Kindnefs ; he will
not know how to requite ; and ihall not then the non-
iuch ana f re til Love of Jelus draw many Lovers to hi.*,
when this free Love is immediate, freih from the Foun-
tain, yea, and iuch as nothing can itup it? Ah! this

be a cold World, that cannot be won with the
and free and warm Love of Jelus.

S E R M O N XL

O N T H E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

Of the fecond Property of it, a moft ftrait
and uniting Covenant.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Houfe he not fo with God; yet he hath made
with me aneverlafling Covenant % well ordered in all 'Things
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Dejirc,
although he make it not to grow.

WE proceed now to open to you the Excellencies of
this Covenant: rl he Excellencies of it may be
feen in its Properties; we have tpjken to one, the Free-
nefs of it, an^of Grace in it; now foiloweth the fecond.
Tne fecond Property of the Gofpel Covenant, it is a
moil Itraitly bound and molt compact Covenant, a moil
ilriclly binding and nearly uniting Cpvenant : It is fo
itraitly bound and compact, one Piece of it with another,
that nothing can come .between, nothing can ieparate or
jooie the Knot, Rom. viii. 35. WU% or what, jhtll fepa*

ran

On the Gospel Covenant. 113

rate us from the Love of Chrift? It is as ftraitly bound as
jthe Wifdom of God could devife Promifes, deep Engage-
ments, Oaths, Suretyfhip: More to this, when we come
to fpeak to the Firmnefs and Surenefs of the Covenant :
That which we have before us now, is to fpeak to this,
How it is a ftrongly and nearly uniting Covenant: It
doth fo unite the Parties engaged in it, that it bringeth
them to the greateft Nearnefs, and under neareft Rela-
tions : This Covenant maketh a People near God ; fo
they are faid ro be, in an eminent Way, Pfal. cxlvjii.
14. and maketh God near them, fo nigh as cannot be
exprefled, Deut. iv. 7. fo nigh unto them in all Things
they call unto him for. There is no Covenant, nor Co-
venant-relation amongft Men, that can make fuch Near-
nefs: Not that Covenant of Peace amongft Men can
make fuch Nearnefs; like that in Gen. xxxi. 51, 52. be-
twixt Jacob and Laban there were Heaps, and Pillars be-
twixt them, and they were now to be removed far one
from another; nor can any Covenant of Peace with Man
be fo nearly uniting as this Covenant of Peace is, which
maketh both the Covenant inviolable, and each of the
Parties in within another's Bofom. There are Covenants
alfo of Commerce, as that betwixt Solomon and Hiram
King of Tyre, i Kingsix.2j, 28. that did unite but Ships,
and Men only in fome common earthly Employment}
but this Covenant doth drive fuch a Trade with Heaven,
that it uniteth, in a manner. Heaven and Earth, bring-
eth down Heaven in;o he Heart of a Man, and taketh up
the Heart of a Man into Heaven, and maketh him fit to-
gether in heavenly Piace? with Chrift Jefus. There is alfo
a Covenant of Amity and Friendihip amongft Men; but
often it is ill founded, as that of Jeho/bafhat with Ahab%
2 Cbron. xviii. 3. What was the mod of it, fuppdfe the
Profeffion real, but, I am as thou art, and my Horfesas
thy Horfes, one Creature joined with another for a little
Time ? But quickly both Men and Horfes are fcattered,
and they are parted by Death : But here is a Handing
Friendihip* which Death itfelf cannot diflbive. There
is alfo a very folemn Covenant betwixt a King and Peo-
ple, 2 Kings xi. 17. in Joafh his Days, but there was not
H fo

n4 SERMON XI.

fo itrait Union and Nearnefs in that Covenant as made it
!ait an Age ; by the Counfel of his Princes or Nobles he
broke Covenant, i. With God, falling away to Idolatry,
and 2. With the People, in caufing itone an innocent
the Son of him who fet the Crown on his Head,
on. xxiv. 17, i3, 20, 21, 22. But this Covenant is
of fo near Bonds, as rime will not abolilh the Relation;
ok fuch Bit dings, as Eternity itfelf will not wear out the
Remembrance of them. There is, laltly, a Marriage
nant, that maketh the nearelt Bond amongtt Crea-
ture?; it is called the Covenant of God, Pro<v. ii. 17.
by the Wife is made the neareft Companion, Mai.
rv tvua'tn btcome one Fhfo, Matth. xix. 5.
but even there may be a loofing of that Bond, by For-
nication or Death: But there is a Marriage here, of
nearer Conjunction, which admitteth of no Divorce or
DiiTolution : There is here a (trailer Bond and nearer
n than in any, yea^ and all Relations. Union with
Chriit in this Covenant hath the Relation of a Friend,
molt eminently: Tits is my Friend, faith the Spoufe of
Chrill her Hufband, Cant. v. 16. And there is a Friend
that witl /tick clojjer than a Brother, Pr&v. xviii. ver. ult.
The Relation of a near Kinfman, who had the Right of
Redemption : My Redeemer, Goel, in the Hebrew, Job
25. is my near Kinfman : The Relation of a Feather ;
he is the ever la fling Father, I/a. ix. 6. The Relation of
a Brother ; he is not ajhamed to call us Brethren, Heb. ii.
11. The Relations of Hufband and Wife, Bridegroom
and Bride, Eph. v. 25. Rev. xxi. 9. of Head and Mem-
bers, Eph. w^o. not only one L* dy, but one Soul, Chrift,
a> it were, the Soul or" our Souls, living within us, Gal.
ii. 2C. There are two marvellous Expreflions, holding
mels of this Covenant Union; the one is
ii 1 Cor. vi. 17. He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit ;
he other is that in John xvii. 21, 22. fuch an One-
nefs as is betwixt the Father and the Son; fo thrift and
the Believers come to have but one Name; his Name it
r, and their Name is the fame,
1 . 6. compared with Jer. xxxiii. 16. Yea, the
of Believers is called Chrift, 1 6V. xii. 12. There

are

On the Gospel Covenant. 115

are many Similitudes in Scripture, which do exprefs this
near Union; fuch as is of the Building and the Founda-
tion, I Pet. ii. 4, 5. To njjkom coming as to a living Stone,
p alfo as lively Stones are built up a spiritual Hcu/e; and
more lively, by the Similitude oi a Graff with a Tree ;
fo we read of the Gentiles, a wild Oiive Tree graffed, in
Rom. xi. 17. (o, in Rom. vi. 5. there is a Planting toge-
ther in the Likenefs of ChriiVs Death and Refurre&ion ;
and our bleffed Lord faith of himfelf in John xv. 1. /
am the true Vine, and m; Father is the Hujbandman ; Every
Branch in me, cjfr. Let us confider the Nearnefs in this
Refeinblance; and firft, in D.ffimilitudes, 1. In the na-
tural Graffing, the better Graff is put in the worfer Stock,
contrary in this Ccverjant Grafting. 2. Living Graffs are
planted in the ordinary GrafEng, in a living Stock; but here
dead Branches in a Life-giving Stcck. 3. The Graff bring-
cth forth Fruit after its firft and old Kind ; not fo in the
Spiritual; Fruit is brought forth after the Kind of the
Stock; yea, the Stock doth quite change the Kind of
the Graff: They who were dead are quickened, Eph. ii.
1. By being in Chrift they come to be new Creatures-,
2 Cor. v. 17. and to be filled with the Fruits of Righte-
oufnefs, which are by Jefus Chrift, unto the Glory and
Praife of God, Phil. i. 1 1. But now come we to the Si-
militudes, \fl. In both thefe Graftings, the Graff or
JBranch, is cut off from one Stock, and planted in ano-
ther. 2dly, In neither can the Branch bear any Fruit,
if it be not, and abide not in the Stock ; there is neither
Life nor Fruit out of the Stock ; fo it is in this, ^n John
xv. 4, 5. Our Lord iaith to his Difciples, Abide in me,
and I in you ; as the Branch cannot bear Fruit of .
except it abide in the Vine, no more can ye except \e abide
in me : I am the Vine, ye are the Branches ; he that abi-
deth in me, and I in him, the fame bringeth forth much
Fruit, yily, Neither of the Graffs can graff cnemfelvea
in ; the Hufbandman or Gardiner muft do it : So, in Ram
v. 6. they do not plant therr.ielves, but are planted, la
2 Cor. iv. 13. there is a Spirit of Faith neceffary for this
Work. 4^/y, In both there is an Union ; .he GisfTs is
made one with the Stock ; fo the Branch be in

Chrift,-

1 1 6 SERMON XL

Chrift, John xv. 2. yea, Chrift cometh to dwell in them,
and they in him, that are made fo one with him, John
vi. 56. }tbfy9 In both, the Branch hath Communion
with the Stock ; fee it in the fpiritual Engrafting, Epb.*\.
3. where we have the Believer blefted with all fpiritual
Bleflings in Jefus Chrift: They have Nourishment and
Growth in him, Col. ii. 19. and Epb. ii. 21. by the Sup-
ply of his Spirit, PM} i. 19. And from this Communi-
on and Nourifhment, they have their Fruit alfo, as ap-
ptareth from the Place cited, John xv. 5. their Support
and Subfilknce, Rem. xi. 18 yea, and FeIlow(hip with
him, both in his Death and Refurreclion, Rom. vi. 5.
and Phil. iii. 10. 6/Z7y, The like Things do hinder
Growth in both, and Thriving, (1.) Unfixednefs and
Wind-waving, Epb iv. 14, 15. when Men are toiTed and
carried about with every Wind, they cannot tnrive in
their Stock. (2 ) Unfoundnefs in the Graff, Guile and
Hypocrifies, 1 Pet. ii. 1, 2. (3.) Suckers growing up at
the Root, which fpend the Sap, when, what Men have,
they fpend it upon their Lufts, Jam. iv. 3. (4 ) Mofs-over-
growing, either of Slothfuirefs, contrary to Heb. vi. 12.
or Earth on the Boll And Branches, earthly-mindednefs.
(5.) A barren Soil, when the Believer liveth under dead
Ordinances.

But, more plainly to exprefs this Covenant union and
Nearnefs, I (hall lay it before you in thefe two, 1. It is
the Nearnefs of a Marriage Covenant. 2. It is a fpiri-
tual Nearnefs, and of one Spirit. As to the 1. That
there is a Marriage Nearnefs in it, is clear from Hof. ii.
19, 20. where the Marriage is fuch, as taketh away all
Impediments; for it is in Righteoufnefs, to give it to
raofe that have Need of it : It is in Judgment ,well ad-
vifed ; there will be no Rueing of the Match: It is in
loving Kindneib, great both Condefcenfion and Bounty;
and then it is in Mercy , ForgivenefTes aie with him, that
:ay be both feared and loved : And it is in Faithful*
nefs ; all Prornifes will be kept ; and then all fpiritual
ings, even the great Blcfling, to know the Lord \
Bleflings alfo will be given in Dowry.
union, yet further, to commend

the

On the Gospel Covenant. 117

the Neamefs of that Bond, there be thefe four Things,
iff. Great Neamefs, two are made one Fiefh, Gen. ii. 24.
{zd. The moft fall Communion that can be of one Crea-
tine with another in this Life: They are Fellow-helpers
indeed ; his Body and his Fulnefs are Believers, Epb. i.
23. And his Fulnefs is theirs, John i. 12. 3^. There
is entire Love, 1. To the Perfon. 2. Love in all Con-
ditions and Changes; fo, in Deut. xxxii. 10. Defarts and
wafte howling WildernefTes do not abate but increafe this
Love. 3. It is fuch a Love, as will be fatisfied with no-
thing but Love again : Let him kifs me with the Ki/fis of
his Mouth, Cant. i. 1. And he refts in his Love, and joy-
eth over hi- Bride with finging, Zeph. iii. 17. 4. There
L mutual Delight; where neareft Communion, there will
be the greateft Delight; (laying with Flaggons, and com-
forting with Apples, Cant. ii. 5. and a lifting under his
Shadow with great Delight, ver. 3. of that chap. There
is Heart ravifhing in it, Cant. iv. 9. holy Wondering :
Hozu excellent is thy losing Kindnefs ! P/al. xxxvi. 7. Sa-
tisfaction as with Marrow and Fatnefs, Pfal. Ixiii. 5.

As to the fecond, this Covenant Neamefs it is fpintual,
it maketh thofe that are joined to the Lord, one Spiric
with him, 1 Cor. vi. 17. thus, iff. The Soul is united
to Chriit by his Spirit, zdiy, The Soul doth exercife
all its Spirits and Faculties upon him ; Defire longeth,
Hope looketh out after him, Will clofeth with him, and
Love and Joy embrace him. 3 <//>•, The Soul is fatisfied
with him, and her Breafls fatisfy him at all Times, ac-
cording to Prw. v. 19. qjhly, The Heart cometh to be
bound to him, and to live upon him and his Prom.fes.
$/£/?, This near Conjunction, though it be fpiritua), it
is mod real ; it is not in Thought and Apprehenfion, but
of real Effects, Life and Growth. Cthly, Jt is a total
Union, the whole Believer with whole Chnft, and this
made and maintained by the Spirit; for, lit. He work-
eth by the Word, efpecially the Word of Promife, fo as
it hath Effects upon Mens Spirits, fuch as it could not
have without the Spirit of God. zd. The Spirit of God
doth work fo, as he worketh and taketh Men ofF the old
Root, and fwayeth them towards Cnriit id. He in-
H 3 clineth

n8 SERMON XL

clineth fweetly yet forcibly, or rather effe&ually, the
Will to clofe with the' Promile. Now, the Reafens of
this ilrait Bond and Neamefs, this near Conjunction in '
the Covenant, are, (i ) The Lord's Love doth fet hiui
on to ihib. (2 ) He knowcth that Believers could noc well
fubiilt without this Nearnefs, that they could not have
any comfortable Life or Being without it. (3.) Chriil
having married fir ft our Nature, and taken it in into the
neareft Union, even into one Perfon with hirnfeif, it doth
engage him to iiudy the ne .n cwry

Other Way.

Uf- 1. If this Covenant bringerh thofe engaged in it in-
to the neuitii
{o very ne.-.r them; then the'r Sin mult be very gn

;h is the Brea<
the Breav

yei, of a near God by

Cov- rjiiic fo DC

: a ipintu
ever) wilful Sin is fpintu which the Lord's

holy Spirit is vexe >. Jt is a provoking of

the Lord to his Rxe, t n :o Jeaiou-

fy, 1 Kifigs xiv. 22. the provoking of the L>es of his

i. 8. Even the Sin of bodiiy VVhoiedom
a gr it is every Way againft this near Conjunc-

tion, while the Body which mould be fo one with the
Lord, as that it mould be a Temple to the Holy Gholt,
is m.ie one with a Harlot; the Members of Chriit are
made Members of a Harlot, 1 Cor. vi. 15, 16, 19. And
then Whoredom doth aifo take away the Heart from the
Lord, according to that in Hof.xw. 11. Whoredom and
■c do take . f. How un-

natural and abominable would tiiey be to Men, who did
all Relations? How much more abominable may
we think are many, who by Baptifm were feaied, as in
Covenant with God, but break ail Bonds, even the Bonds
of all the belt Relations we have told you?

Ufe 2. Is this Covenant of Grace, a Covenant of
is with God ? then you who have not yet en-
tered in it, make JLJfe of this as a Motive and Argument

to

On the Gospel Covenant. ii)

to quicken your Refolution to engage in it: Jt is a Co-
venant which maketh a People near Gcd, and God neur
iftem : It maketh Souls to be in the neareil Conjunction
w^h Chrift that can be imagined, yea, more than can be
thought ; none tan know it but they that come to be
within it: Who then would not be ambitious to be v. •
in it? On the other Hand, they who are come t-_
within it, would never reit latisried with themfeives, un-
til they get into this Nearnefs, and (traitelt Con j unci
with Chriit.: To be in Chriit, is ro be of the Blood roy-
al of Heaven; to grow up in him, is to grow up to
Glory: And to be ever vsich him, is He..
Joy and Happinefs, i Th

Ufe 3. Is this Covenant a Covenant of fo many near
Relations? then ail who are engaged in it, ihouid ti a
fuitably and anfwerabiy unto thefe Relations, as c
Children, Brethren, Servants, Subj\c"b; then as a loving
Wife, as dear Friends: They mould read and confider
the Duties of all the belt and neareil: Relations, gather
them all together, and ilretch themielves to the yondmotfc
in them, and ware all tneir Love and Labour in them
on Chriit, and think all but too little for him.

Ufe 4. Is the Covenant that which maketh Believers
of fixh Nearnefs to God, and to his Son Jefus Chrj
and to be under all, even nearell Relations to him? then
their Sin muft be very great, and their Attempt very
bold, who do perfecute the Saints, Perfons (landing in
fo near Relation to God : What, will they touch the Ap-
pie of the Lord's Eye? Zech. ii. 8. Will they pluck the
Lambs from his Bofom, If a. xl. 11. and pull tne Crown
from his Head, lfa. Ix i. 3. and rent the Seal from his
Heart? Cant. viii. 6. Ah! the mad Perfecuters of the
Saints on Earth do not think upon their Relation to thdr
Head now crowned in Heaven, who doth reckon him-
felf perfecated when his Saints are perkcuttd, in Acls
4. Precious in his Sight is the Death and Sufferings
Saints, PJaL cxvi. 1 5.

5. This, that the Covenant doth bring Believers
to luch Nearnefs with Chriit, and under the Dond of ib
y Relations, then, their Reading of their Relati

H 4 to

i2o S E R M O N XL

to him may comfort them againft all the World's under-
valuing of thtm, againft all the Contempt and Scorn
call upon them by proud Men, yea, and againft all th<j
Threatnings of the Powers of this World ; all that th*y
can do unto them will not break one of thefe mod ho-
nourable Relations: They are made Kings and Priejls unto
God, Ren), i. 5, 6.

U/e 6. Believers alfo, from this, that they ftand in Co
near and many Relations to the Lord, and his Chrift, by
frequent Thoughts on thefe Relatione, they may be kept
from many Temptations: They may (a.y within thein-
felves, Shall I break fo many Bonds? And they muft
break all Relations, before they break thefe, Maith.

x. 37.

U/e 7. They are fearfully far from God, who are

not within this Covenant, gone to a far Country, Luke

xv. 13. and being far off, they mail perifli, Pfa. lxxiii.

37, 28.

SERM

( 121 )

S E R M O N XII.

O N T H E

GOSPELCOVENANT:

And on the third Property, the Eternity
thereof.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5*.
Although my Houfe be not Jo with God ; yet he hath made
with me an ever I a/ling Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
although he make it not to grow.

FOLLOWETH now to be opened and laid before
you, the third Property of this Covenant, the Eter-
nity of it : David faith concerning it in this Text, The
Lord hath made vcith me an everlafting Covenant. The
Point is, This gracious and glorious Covenant of Grace
is an everlafting Covenant. So, when the Lord doth in-
vite Souls to engage in it, he calleth it an everlafting Co-
venant, in lfa. Iv. 3. Incline your Ear and come unto me ,
hear and your Soul Jh all Hue, and I will make an ever-
lafting Covenant with you, even the Jure Mercies of David :
-And when he fpeaketh of the Renewing of the Covenant
with them, after the Captivity, he faith, I voill make an
everlafting Covenant vcith them, that I will not turn avjay
from them to do thtm good, but I vuill put my Fear in t
Hearts, that they Jhall not depart from me : And fpeaking
clearly of the Days of the Gofpel, he promifeth unto

his

lit S E R M O N XII.

his People, that David his Servant Anil be King over
them, his Servant Daiid ih;»li be tneir Prince for ever;
no other can be meant by David their King and Prince,/"
Ezek. xxxvii. 24. 25. but tj Prince, Dad.

ix. 25, 26. -iiid in wr. 26. of tnat xxxvii. of Ezekiel,
the Lord laith, moreo i been promising them,

that he would bring the m ,0 t..eir own Land again; and
he iddeth a Moreover, tliat he would make a Covenant
of Peace with them, ar d that it mould be an everialting
Covenant, and that he would let his Sanctuary amonglt
them lor evermore. In the New leilamenc alfo, in hieb.
xiii. 20. it is callea the everlaltmg Covenant, where the
God of Peace Dringeth Chrift back from the dead, thro*
the Blood of the everlalling Cover

Furthermore, the Eterniry of this Covenant is expref-
fed in the Scriptures, comparatively with the Covenant
made with Noah, that the Waters fhould never drown
the Earth a^ain : So, in /fa. liv. 9, 10. the Lord faith,
Ibis is as the Wat ess of \ me ; for as I have f'vjom

that the Waters of Noah Jball no more go over the Earth,
fo have I /kvorn that I would net be wroth with thee, njr
rebuke thee : For the Mountains Jball depart, and the Hills
be removed, but my Kindnefs /halt not depart from thee, net'
ther jhall the Covenant of my Peace be removed, faith the
Lord that hath Mercy on thee : And, in Jer. xxxiii. 20, 21.
it is compared with the Covenant made with the Day
and with the Night ; where he iaith, If you can break my
Covenant of the Day, and my Covenant of the Night, a fid
that there Jbzuld not be Da) and Night in their Sea [on, t
may alfo my Covenant be broken vuith David my Servant,
and vuith the Levites the Priefis my Minijltrs : And posi-
tively, the Covenant made with David for ever, which
hath its Accomplifhment in Chriit, as is clear, Luke i. 32,
33. is called a Covenant of Salt, 2 Chron. xni. 5. that
i.s, upon the Matter, an everlaltmg Covenant, iuch as
cannot be corrupted or fail.

This Covenant is called everlafting, 1. In Rcfpccl of
the Decree, and as it wab rn<ide with Chriit; io :;.e Co-
.int Mercy is from everlaiting to everlalting, Pfal.
ciii. 17, 18. So, in Jit. i. 2. eternal Life was prom;U

by

On the Gospel Covenant. 123

by God that cannot lie, before the World began, z. This
Covenant is eternal and everlaiting, in Reipec~t of its
fountain, the Kindnefs and Mercy of God, I/a. liv, 10.
and that everlafting Love, Jer. xxxi. 3. 3. In Refpecl
of the certain and conflant Propagation to the Seed ; fo,
Jn Gen. xvii. 7. the Lord faith to Abraham, 1 nmll
blifo my Covenant between me and thee, and thy Seed after
thee in their Generations, to be an ever lading Covenant ;
and to the fpiritual Seed alfo, in Ifa. lix. 21. As for me9
ant vsith them, fo'uh the Lord, my Spirit
that is upon thee, and my Words 1 have put in thy ' i
jball not depart out of thy Mouth, nor out of the Mouth of

d, nor out of the Mouth of thy Seed^s Seed, fat
Lord, from henceforth and for ever ; The Words contain a
Promife from the Father to the Son. 4. It is everlait-
ing, in Refptft of its Continaar.ee, Pjal. xc. 1. Led
thou hall been our Dwelling-place in all Generations : Who
ever do truly enter, and give up themieives to God in a
Covenant, taking him to be their God, and giving them-

away to h;m; that Covenant will never be 1
ken, as the Covenanter to be turned off: Once in this Co-
venant, and for ever in it : Other Covenants hive an
End, wherher they be betwixt Nations or Men, in their
particular Relations; but Death, which puts an End ty
other Relations, {hall not put an End to this.

In the next Place, if it be afkeo, how if cometh to
pafs; and what may be tjie Realons, that this Coven anc
is and cannot but be everlaiting. It is anfweied, \fl. Be-
caufe the Author of it is unchangeable : So doth the
Lord reafon, in Mai. iii. 6. I am not changes
ye Sons of Jacob are not confirmed: So often to the (
nant Promiles is fubjoined, Saich the Lord, that is, Jeho-
vah: So, in Jer. xxxi. where he fpeaketh of the Cove-
nant, from vcr. 30, — 38. in every Verie, and to every
Article, you have. Saith the Lord, or, Thus faith the Lord':
And, in Rem. xi. 29. The Gifts and Calling of God art

At Repentance. The Covenant of Grace is buil: up-
on the Lords unchangeab;e Purpoie, which ue hau with-
in himfeif from all Eternity, not upon the Libe:

9t of him thi m that

>iCtb%

124 SERMON XII.

runneth, but of God that /bewitb Mercy, Rom. ix. 16.
The Lord faveth us, and calleth us with an holy Calling,
not according to our Works, but according to his own
Purpofe and Grace, which was given us in Chrift Jefus
before the World began : Now, that Purpofe is unchange-
able ; yea, the Covenant of Works is unchangeable to
thofe who abide under it ; the Breach of it condemneth
all thofe that are condemned, though none that are fav-
ed are faved by it ; for, in the Covenant of Works, Life
was promifed upon Condition of Obedience to be perfor-
med by the changeable Creature in his own Strength ;
but it is not fo here: This Covenant was made by the
Lord with his chofen, ?fd. lxxxix. 3. with David as a
Type, but with Chrift a> the proper Party; for he is the
mighty One, on whom all the Help is laid, in <ver. 19.
of that PfaJm. 2d. Chrift hath purchafed an eternal Re-
demption, Heb. ix. 12. by his own Biood entering but
once into the holy Place, he hath obtained eternal Re-
demption for u^ ; and, in Dan. ix. 24. Chriit's Errand in-
to the World was to finifh Tranfgreflion, to make an End
of Sin, to make Reconciliation for Iniquity, and to
bring in everlafting Righteoufnefs ; fo the Covenant could
not but be everlafting. 3^. Chrift is a Prieft for ever,
after the Order of Melchi&deck, Heb. v. 6. And he liv-
eth for ever, to make Interceffion for all that believe on
his Name, and fo to ir.ve them to the uttermoft, Heb. vii.
25. This maketh thofe for whom he interceedeth, to con-
tinue ever in Favour with God ; fo the Covenant to be
everlafting and unchangeable to them. \th. The Cove-
nant is everlafting and unchangeable to Believers, becaufe
they have the eternal Spirit, daily working in them, and
renewing them by Repentance, repairing Breaches, and
recovering Decays, bringing them back, and reclaiming
them from their Wanderings; fo cauiing them of new to
take hold of Repentance. O! they are in a dreadful
Cafe, who being once enlightned, and have tafted of the
heavenly Gift,, and have been made Partakers of the
Holy Ghoft, and have tailed the good Word of God,
and the Powers of the World to come ; it will be impof-
fible for them, if they ia\\ away, to renew them by Re-
pentance,

On the Gospel Covenant. 125*

pcntance, feeing they crucify to themfelves afrefh the
Son of God ; thefe were never within the everlafting Co-
venant. $tb. The Things.which are covenanted are ever-
lafting; fuch as Mercy, ifenduretn for ever, Pfa. cxxxvi.
i> 2, j, &c. Forgivenefs of Sin j- that which is once for-
given* he remembereth no more, Jer. xxxi. 34. And
Peace, it is to be given always to thofe that aflc it, 2 Thejf.
lii. 16. And Conization alfo is everlafting, 2 ^keff li.
16. And Joy alfo; it is fuch as no Man (hall take from
them, John xvi. 22. And then the Life which is promi-
fed is eternal Life, A&s xiii. 48. 6th. It is everlafting
on our Part alfo, as to our Engagement ; we take on for
no lefs than a perpetual Covenant : See Jer. ]. 5. Come,
and let us join ourfehes unto the Lord in a perpetual Cove-
nant, that jhall not be forgotten, jth. Both the Freenefs
of the Covenant, and the near Conjunction with Chrift
therein, do give good AiTurance for the Eternity of it.

Ufe 1. Hence a Ground of everlafting Confolation to
all who are really within this Covenant : Let the World
change never fo much, let them be robbed and fpoiled
never fo much, they cannot be poor, nor of an uncer-
tain Lot and Inheritance; the Lord is unchangeably theirs,
by an everlafting Covenant : Abraham is dead, yet God
is the God of Abraham, he liveth with God, for he is
the God of the living, Matth. xxii. 32. And the Chil-
dren of Abraham, even as many as are the Children of
Faith, as the Apoftle calleth them, Gal. iii. 7. they may
plead by Virtue of the everlafting Covenant, as thefe in
lfa. Ixiii. 16. Dwbtlefi thou art our Father, though Abra-
ham be ignorant of us, and Ijrael acknowledge us not ; thou,
O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer, thy Name is from
everlafting : His Name is in his Covenant, he is mani-
fefted in it. There is exceeding Comfort to dead and de-
ferted Souls ; neither Defertion, nor Death, nor often In-
firmities will iiffolve the Bond of this everlafting Cove-
nant ; yea, nor Sin itfelf : It is not fo old as this Cove-
nant, nor as that Wifdora that devifed this witty Inven-
tion, which was fet up from everlafting, Prov. viii. 12,
23. Thefe Words may quicken the dead, in Pfa. lxxxix.
2$. My Mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my

Covenant

126 SERMON XII.

Covenant Jhall Jland fad with him ; a nd, in <uer. 29. His
Seed alfo at;// I make to endure for ever, and his Throne as
the Days of Heave*; and that* in Pfal. cili. 17, 18. The

>>g to ever lading upon
them that far him, and his Righteoufnefs unto Childrens
Children \ and then, thefe Words may quicken, in the
Ca(e of Defer tion, in P/al ciii. 9. The Lord avill not chide
fir ever ; and that, in Lam. iii. 31. The Lord will not cad
off for e-j 1

Ufe 2. There is from this, in the next Place, Matter
of high Praife, and hearty Thankfulnefs to God ; not
only for that after we had broken Covenant, he was plea-
fed to enter in Covenant, yet once more with us; but
that he would make fuch a Covenant with us, as might
not be fo broken as nulled by us, even an everlaiting Co-
venant, that the Lord mould be to his People an everlaft*
ing Light, in If a, Ix. 19. that 'is Praife worthy indeed;
Mercy, and Covenant Mercy, to the third and fourth
Generation, is much; to a thoufand Generations, that is
more: O! but that, in Pfal. Jxxxix. 2. Mercy /ball be
huilt u/> for ever ; that is Mercy that cannot be prized or
praiied enough : Who can duly efteem or think upon
that Word, everlafting Covenant? There are in it not
only Wells of Confolation, but Wells of Salvation, from
which the Believer now and eternally may draw with ex-
ceeding Joy ; when the Lord Jehovah is and becometh
our Strength and Song, when he becometh our Salvation,
as he doth by this everlaiting Covenant, then may we
with Joy draw Water out of the Wells of Salvation, and
fay, Praife the Lord, call upon his Name, declare his Doings
among the People, make mention that his Name is exalted,
If*, xii. 2, 3, 4.

Ufe 3. Believe this, that this Covenant is everlafting:
It is not eafy to get it believed; there is fuch feeming
Delay of Promiies, fo many Changes of Difpenfations;
and then, we are fo ready to meafure God by ourfelves:
It is not eafily believed that, in Ifa. Iv. 8, 9. that the
Lord's Thoughts are not our Thoughts, nor his Ways our
Ways', and that, as the Heavens are higher than the Earth,
fo his Ways are higher than our Ways, and his Thoughts

thai*

On the Gospel Covenant. 127

than our Thoughts: If this were believed, we would not
njeafure the Lord's everlafting Covenant by our Time-
turning and variable Thoughts: Let us give all Diligence
then, to maintain the Faith of the everlafting Covenant,
by looking to its Rife, everlafting Love ; to its Founda-
tion, a Rock of Ages ; to its AfTurance, F^ichfulnefs
that cannot fail ; and to its End, the Glory of the ever-
lafting King, and eternal Life with the King of Glory:
If we did maintain well the Faith of this Point, it would
maintain, yea, and revive our Hope and Comforts.

Uje 4. Is the Lord's Covenant of Grace made with
iis, an everlafting Covenant ? We would learn after his
Example to |?e conftant and perpetual in our Covenants,
both with God and Man : We have been honoured above
many Nations, to be engaged folemnly with God; and
•with our Neignbour Nations, in Leagues and Covenants:
In this Hour of Temptation, we would fee to the keep-
ing of them ; no Authority on Earth can loofe thefe
Bonds; we would look upon Covenant breaking as a
great Sin, the Sin of Heathens, into which they are on-
ly found, when they are given up to a reprobate Mind,
Rom. i. zS, 31. It is a Sin for which the Lord doth often
plague People molt fignally : Remember the Breach of
Covenant with the Gibtonites, z Sam. xxi. i. — 10. com-
pared with Jojb. ix. <ver. 3. to the End of that chap. And
that of Zedekiah with the King of Babylon, EzeL xvii.
1 1,-22.

Ufe 5. All who are not yet engaged in this Covenant^
let this Confideration quicken your Refolution to engage
in it, it is an everlafting Covenant, and bringeih eve
lading BJeflings and BlelTedneis with it : In the Thing-;
of this Covenant is Continuance, and we (hall be faved.
If a. Ixiv. 5. Men ieek Liferent Tacks, aod long Leafes,
but here is an everlafting Inheritance: Things of Eter-
nity are only worthy the Thought of a rational, much
more of a Chriftian Man ; luch as is the Meat which en
dureth to evelalting Life, which the Son of Man giveth 1
for him hath the Father fealed, John vi. zy the better
and enduring Subftance, Heb. x. 34. That Inheritance in-
corruptible, undefiled, and that fadetb not awaiy l Pti. i. 4.

i28 SERMON XII.

All thefe arc in this everlafting Covenant : Make hafte
then to enter into it, you that have not yet entered it,
and you that hate entered it, mind much everlafting
Things.

Ufe 6. There is Matter of Fear and Trembling to all
that engage in this Covenant : The Bargain is not of
Time Things, but of Things everlafting; the Matter i*
of everlafting Concernment; it is either of everlafting
Life, or everlafting Death. On the one Hand, if we
do not engage in it, or do not engage rightly, there are
for Hypocrites everlafting Burnings, lfa. xxxiii. 14. On
the other Hand, to thofe that give themfelves up in the
Integrity of their Hearts, to this Covenant, there is e-
verlafting Kindnefs, lfa. liv. 8. And when by Covenant
they are made free from Sin, and become Servants of
God, they have their Fruit unto Holinefs, and the End
everlafting Life, Rom. vi. 22. If our Thoughts be feri-
ous of and upon our everlafting Concernments, which
do ly in this everlafting Covenant, there will be fo much
Fear of God, as will make us little regard the Fear of
Man ; it will make us ftudy with David, both to have
God on our Side, and to take our Part with them that
help us; and then we will not fear; for what can Man
do unto us ? Pfal. cxviii. ver. 6, 7. In the Son of Man
there is no Help, for his Breath goeth forth, and his
Thoughts perifh, Pfal. cxlvi. 3, 4. And there is not
great Hurt, either if we confider how the Lord pleadeth
in that Scripture, lfa. Y\. 12, 13. /, rJen 1 am be that
comfortetb you, who art thou that fbould be afraid of a
Man that fhall die, and of the Son of Man which fhall bi
made as the Grafs, andforgettefl tbe Lord thy Maker, that hath
ftretcbed forth the Heavens, and laid the Foundation of the
Earth, and baft feared continually every Day, becaufe of
the Fury of the Opprefjor, as if he vjere ready to dejiroy ?
And vuhere is tbe Fury of the Oppreffor?

Ufe 7. Are we taken in into an everlafting Covenant ?
We (hould not be much troubled with Things which fall
unto us in our Time and Lot: We fhould not reckon
Time fo much to be ours as Eternity ; our Days are but
as a Shadow chat declineth ; but the Lord in Covenant

with

On //v^ Gospel Covenant. 125^

with us endureth for ever, PfaL cii. 11, 12. He is the
jjnme, And his Ytars baue no End, <ver. 27. Neither yet
(hould Promiies delayed perplex us; our God in Eterni-
ty, and in tnis cverJaiting Covenant, ti^th Time enough
to perform them, as apptareth irom I/a. xl. 27, 2S.

S E R M O N XIII.

O N T H E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

On its fourth Property, the well-ordered

C O V EN A N T.

"EL xxiii. 5.
Although my Houfe be not Jo with Cod % yet he hat'
with me an ever Things

although he make ;.

WE proceed in this krge Field, the Excellency of
this new ard better Covenant ; and it appeareth
yet more in its fourth Property, which is expreiied i
Text, in thefe Wcr ;

The'Point is, This everLlhng Cc a well-or-

dered Coven, nr, well and rightly ordered in every He-
lped ; To well, a! or ever (hall be able,
jultly to find Fault wi i: n)a.
1 be force v the. Lord
in the whole Device, Parts, and Prog-
the inure clear Procedure upon t hi .
you chut it is fo. Secondly, Why it \i
I

f: SERMON XIII.

As to the fi>flt the Covenant is well-ordered, as to it*
being ordained and decreed : The Lord's Counlel deter-,
m.neth all Things, and hath determined all Things which
n.late to tnis Covenant, A8i jv. 28. For, I. It was
decried in Eternity ; nothing there to byafs the Couniel
decreed in God, and wichin himfelf ; there was no itrange
God with him in that Work: He was alone in the con-
triving or this Covenant for his People, who was alone
in leading of his People, Deist, xxxii. 1 2. it was, 2. Of
Things prepared; (o, Things well advifed: So the Pi'al-
miit, in Ravifhment of Spirit, cryeth out, in Pfal. xxxi.
19. Of hoiv great is the Goodnefs which thou hafi laid up
for them that fear thee? In I/a. lxiv. 4. ^ince the Begin-
ning of the Hrorldy Men have not heard9 nor perceived by
the Ear, neither hath the Eye feent O God, befides thee>
what he hath prepared for him that ivaiteth for him ; and,
in Luke ii. 30, 31. Chnit the Salvation is prepared. 3.
It is well ordered as to the Decree, whether as to the
particular Perfons, which were of free Choice, or to the
Ipecial Ends, the Manifeftation of his Glory, both in
IViercy and Juftice; though the Lord be not bound to
give account of any of his Matters, Job xxxiii. 13. leit
of all his Decrees; yet his Covenant is fo well ordered,
as to Perfons and Ends, as God fhj.ll be jultified by the
now greateft Wranglers, in that Day when the Decree
fhall be more folly declared. 4. Jt is well-ordered a*s to
the Decree, in Refpecl that by it, all Things belonging.
to thi: Covenant are rightly ranked and mart"halleo>. It
is the Prefumption of fome, that they take upon them
to murfhal the Decrees of God at their Pleafure; and
fometimes contrary to that which is revealed in the^
Word ; but not only one Day it ftnll be fully known
that the Decree is well-ordered ; but all who will not wil-
fully /hut their Eyes, may fee all Things lie in their Or-
der and Rank well digeited: The Ftther hath his Place
and Power ; the Son his Place and Office ; and the Holy
Spirit his Place and Work ; the Law its Place, and the
Gofpel its Place.

Seconder, It is well-ordered, as to the Parties engaging
and engaged in this Covenant: As to that Counlel con-
cerning

On the Gospel Covenant. 131

cerning.it, in and amongft the Perfons of the bleiTcd
Trinity ; the Father (tnde:h, the Son is fenc, the Holy
Ghoft fafaJeth. The Father calieth, the Son obeyeth,
aid the Holy Ghcit enablech : The Father prepareth a
Body, the Spirit anoinreth : The Father fitft covenant-
th with ChriR, > and then with the Elect in him ; and
the Elect give up themfelves to God in Chrift : God co-
ven .intern with Chrift and his fpirituai Seed ; and Believ-
ers do covenant for themselves and their Se^d. God
m:-.de the Covenant with Man, a broken Debtor; and
thrift is Cautioner, and the Holy Ghoit writeth the Law
in 'the Heart. Man in his loft Condition, the fit tell Par-
ty for God, as the Objecl of free Grace, for tne Mani-
feftanon of his Glory : God the moil and only fit for
Man, to raiie and recover him from his broken State;
and Chrirt alone che only Btteft Party to be trufted with
fo great an Undertaking : God and Man, thro1 Breach
of the firft Covenant at infinite D [lance : Chrift, God
and Man in one Penan, oily the fit Party to make the
Peace : So none can fay but as to the Parties, this is a
well-ordered Covenant.

Thirdly, As to the Bieflings covenanted, it is well- or-
dered aifo ; for, i . Chrift is given, and then together
with him all Things are given freely, Eo?n. viii. 32.
2. The Holy Spirit is firft given, and then the Fruits of
the Spirit. 3. To one mis lVleaiure is given, to another
that. 4. Firft, Rerniffion of Sin, then Renovation.
5. Firft, Grace, and then Glory. 6. The Promife firft,
and then the Duty. 7. Firft given to Chrift, and then
given back by Chrift; for he giveth a good Account of
all thofe who the Father giveth into him. 8. Firft that,
the comprehenfive BleiOng, that the Lord will be our
God ; next, that honourable Bleftedneis, that we fhall
be his People.

Fourthly, It is well ordered, as to its Manifcftation
and Way how it is m de known. 1. Chrift is the great
Meffenger of the Covenant; he decJareih the Decree:
He did of old by his Spirit in the Days 0 after-

ward by the Prophets. %2 He came h*m!elf in proper
Peri on, and made theMyftery more plain. 3. He mdtfe
1 2 Men,

132 5 h K M U N Alll.

Men, not Angels, to be his ordinary AmbafTadors: H<
would have the Treafure in earthen Veffels, that the Ex-
cellency of the Power might be of God^nd not of" Man
iv. 7. He would give Pallors after his own Heart,
which mould feed them, not with Wind but with found
Knowledge and Underilanding, Jer. in. 15. He hath
committed to M-:n like ourfelves, the Word of Recon-
ciliation, 1 Cor. v. 19. as molt fit Inilruments to deal
with Men. 4. He hath appointed the Spirit as princi-
pal Teacher, the Anointing that teacheth all Things,
11. 27. He teachetn by the Word, and fealeth*
both the Initruclions, and ail the true Difciples to thr
of Redemption, Eph. iv. 30.

Fifthly, It is well ordered as to the Ends of it : The
two chief Ends of it, 1. The Glory of God ; he made
all Things for himfelf and for his Glory ; for the Praife
and Glory of his Grace was this Covenant made, Eftk
i. 6. It was fuft made for his Glory, and that in ho-
nouring the Son ; for he willeth all Men to honour the
Son, John v. 23. But, 2. He made it for fiving us
from our Sins, and then for the working out to us a great
Salvation. Now, if his fir ft End had been to fave hi*
People, there might have been more Ground of Fear
and Doubting; once, becaufe of Unworthinefs ; and}
next, becaufe of unanfwerable Carriage: But when the*
firft and chief End is the Glorifying of his Grace, andj
our Salvation is only in Subordination to that, we r.ted
not fear that the Lord will fail of either: Chriit the fi:(H
Party, and we in him, and God's Glory the chief End ;1
and our Salvation in it maketh hopeful Work tor a weak!
Believer^ and a well-ordered Covenant, as to all Accounts;!

Sixthly, It is a well-ordered Covenant, as to the Se-^
curity : Even Balaam did think God's Word Security-
good enough, Numb, xxiii. 19. God is not a faan, faith;
he, that he Jhou d lie, nor the bon of Man, that he jhould
repent', hath he faid and fh all he not do it, or hath hi
, and jhall he not make it good? But here there i*
than a Word, as is clear from Heb. vi. 13,-19.;
there is a Promiic, and an Oath; and when God could

On the Gospel Covenant.

'■33

fwear by no greater, he fware by himfelf; and together
with this Oath, there is the Immutability of his Coun-
fd ; fo, two immutable Things, in either of which it
was impoflible that he fhould lie. Further, as to the Se-
curity, it is well-ordered; for, i. The Party that broke
the firlt Covenant is not trailed with this ; there is a Re-
fponfal Party found, who is to be burdened both with
Debt and Duty, the eternal Son of God ; fo Help is
laid upon one that is mighty. 2. There are mutual
Bonds given by the Father to tne Son, Ifa. xli. 10. Fear
thou not, for I am njjitb thee ; be not difmayed, for I am thy
Cod, I will flrengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I
tvtU uphold thee with the right Hand of my KigLtecu
and by the Son to the Father, that be wfll make his Soul
an Offering for Sin, Ifa. iiii. 10. and undergo much b^ul
Travel, ibid, fo as be fhall not fail mr be difc cur aged,
La. xhi. 4. 3. The Holy Ghoft giveth the Earneil-
Penny of the Bargain ; he is the Earneli which feaieth
the Bargain in the He^rt, 2 Cor. i. 22. and v. 5. He is
the Hoi) Spirit of Promife, which feaieth Believers, and
is to them the Earned of the Inheritance, Eph. i. 13,
14. More of this in the next Property.

Seventhly, It is well ordere3 as to the Rewards of it,

I. They are very rich ; fo we have the great Recom-

pence of Reward, Heb. x. 35. and it cannotbut be fcreat,

when the great God himfelf is it, Gen xv. 1. But chey

are very free, they are all of Grace, it is given upon.

the Account of Believing, not Working, Rom. iv. 4, 5.

2 They are fure; to him that foweth Righteoufnefa fliail

be a fure Reward, Prov. xi. 18. 3. There be Rewards

of all Sorts, temporal, fpiritual, and eternal. 4. They

[are very wifely diipenfed; fomuch in Hand as may keep

Ifrorn Difcouragement ; and then fo much laid up, as

Inuy keep ail Grace in Exerciie, efpecially Faith, Hope,

land Patience, and quicken Endeavour. So much to the

|fir;t Point, that the Covenant is well ordc

As to the fecond Point, how it cometh to pafs that ft
lis i'o, and why it cannot be otherwife, you may take and
ponder thefe Reafons, \(l. Becaufe of infinite
did both find it out, and order it: Difo; .
1 3

i34 SERMON XIII.

iroin Wart of Wi felon to order Things, fo as Men c?q
rot fet up rigat Ends, do not chufe nor follow right
Means, do not manage rightly all Advantages; but none
of thefe Things were or could be incident to infinite
Wifdoro, which did make and order this Covenint ; the
only wile God doth order all Things, and to the beil
Advantage, 2d. Becauie ol infinite Power ; fome Things,
albeit tnev be woJl-advifed, and well ordered in Counsel,
fall in Diiorder, bec.ufe of Want of Power to
Tilings t.i pafs in th:ii Order in which they have been
deviled ; but there is ho luch 'l hing incident to him,
as he is wonderful inCounfe), To ne :nt in work-

ing, I/a. xxvni. 29. So, he is mod able to bring ail
Things to pafs, in that Order in whicn h
ed them : His Coun/el jhall ft a /id, and tin
Heat to all Generations. $d. Bee changeable^

nek ; there- J*, an Imrnatabiljy of his CounfeJ : The Kea-
fon of manifold Unorder: often, n> ih« L.giuneis and In-
conitancy of thoie that h.i lanageinent of them 3

they ac of one Mind to Ddy, and of another To
row; but, to the eternal and unchangeable God, therd
is no fuch T:»ing incident, there is no Va - wittt

him, nor Shadow of turnirg, in Jam. 1. 17. He
ind, and <who can tun bim? and what bis SeitS
reth even i. 9 Job xxiii. I3. \th. t\\\ I

were known to him from the Beginning, ACisw. 1 S.

I could well order them: Diforders in Affairs do Jl
often come from this, that Thing, do often tall iq which I
could not be forefeen ; nothing of that Sort could berafji
the noble Conrnver of this Covenant ; he is a God of I
Knowledge, 1 Satn. ii. 3. 5/A. He futech, and die tvel
reft in great Tranquillity ; he hath, and ever had, lo per-1
feet a Peace within himielf, as nothing could d
him in his Thoughts or Counfei* ; The great Dilorderj
whicli are Teen and fall out in Counieis and c
flow from the Pillions and Perturbations which are
Creatures; but there was do fuch Thing in this h<
flayed Contriver of this Covenant of Peace, btb I |

;int could not be but a well ordered Cove
cauie infinite Love and Aicicy, and molt leader £1 *

On the Gospel Covenant. 135

fion, had the Management of it: Thefe could not but
order all in it to the beit. Advantage of the flirty, in
whofe Behalf it was contrived ; and if any Diforders
fhouid fall out in finful Man, Love that covereth a Mul-
titude of Sins, even amongft Men, 1 Pet. iv. 8. would
much more cover them, when God who is Love, 1 John
iv. 16. doth hide them ; his Mercy and Companion would
compofe and cure them.

Ufe 1. It the Covenant be thus ordered and well or-
dered in all Things, in the Caufes and LfFecls of >t, in
its Contrivance aiid carr)jng on, in its Invention and
Execution, in the Author and Parties, and Things in i;,
both a* promiied and performed ; then we mould In down
and admire this witty Invention; Man hath fo.ind many
Inventions, wicked Inventions, Eccl. vii. 29. with which
they nave provoked God to Anger, and after which they
have gone a whoring, Pjal. cvi. 29, 39. and for which
tr.e Lord hath taken Vengeance, Pjal. xcix. 8. But tr.is
witty Invention of divine Wifoom, Prov. viii, 12. into
which the Angels dehre to look, and itooping down do
look, 1 Pet. i. 12. and of which the Man, that was
caught up to the third Heavens, cryeth out, in Rom. x\.
33. Of the Depth of the Riches, both of the W'ifdom and
Knowledge of God ! Hoiv wifearchahle are his Judgments^
and his Ways fafi finding out ! O Lftind and admire, one
while the Author, another while the Party, and then the
Bargain; wonder one while at the VVifdom, another
while at the Love; and in every Relpect at its goodly
Order.

Ufe 2. If it be thus ordered in all Things, then is ic
high Preemption in any to change its Order ; efprcially
in the gre--t Things of the Ccuuiel and Decrees of it,
which they do, who make Election to hang upon fore-
feen Faith and Works: The Rife of it was nothing in
the Creature, but ibvercign good Pleafure in God, and
abfoiute Power; fuch as the Potter hath over the Clay;
he hath Mercy on whom he will, Rom. ix. 18, 21. Infi
nite Mercy confidereth notning in the Object but Mifery ;
and it isagainit both thefe that cry up Nature, and decry
Grace; and thofe who under Pretext of advancing free
1 4 Grace,

ut I

S E R M O N tltl.

Grace, do loofe the Bond of this Covenant which is to
l rice ; and all who fet up Min's free Will, fo as
they i in power it, upon the Matter, to break and did
ail trm goodly Order.

manifold Comfort this, that the ever-
lafting Covenant is fo well-ordrrtd in all Ihings; once,
the good Order of it doth fpeak the Eternity of it, D.f-
order bnngeth DiiToIution: Next; theie is no Objei
from Unwoj Inefs, or turning again to Fol-

ly; no Dou from rhei *ht oe .inlwercd

:ng up che Covenant in its due Order: The ordi-
nary Dif^uietings of Chri.; e in vert in
Order of the Covenant; they would put that whicn is
lait firft, Sandification before Justification, and Peace be-
fore Believing, a nd Si^ht before Faith, contra-
ry to i Cor. i. 30. and v. 7.

.irion to ail who are Chriftians indeed,
ij: to the Order of it, (1 ) That Repentance, in
fome Refped, go bel though they cannot

be well leparated one hem the bthe'g in Time, in the Or-
der of Nature the out goc other; not only
the Law-work before the Gofpel-work, and the Spirit of
Bondage before the Spirit of Adoption come, uu: fome-
thing of fenfibie Gofpe! repentance before. Felt believing.
(2 ) Suffering mud go before Reigning; it was fo witu
Chrift himfelf, and he would have all his Difciplts know-
ing that it mull be fo with thetn, Luke xxiv. 46
Matth. x. 24 There mull be firft the Fighting of trie
good Fight of Faith, 1 Tim. vi. 12. and 2 Tim.iv. 7, 8.
life 5. Seek all to be within this well ordered Cove-
nant; and then feek the Things which "re promifrd, in
the right Order, and by .dfing the Means which are com-
manded therein.

But if ai:y defire to be within, and to know chem-
feh'e3 to be within this well-ordered Covenant, (1.) None
that remain and refolve to be filthy, either are, or are
like to be within it. (2 ) There is but one Way of in-
fallible knowing of ourfelves to be within, the Witnefs
of the Spirit, Uom. vii;. 15. his immediate Witneffing;
yet, (3) There is a Way more ordinary of kne

this

On the Gospel Covenant. j^j

this by Effects and Marks, the Holy Ghoft mining on
them, i. Generally, who ever iludy to order their CW
verfation arigut, according : in PfaL J. 23. i"

they do it ferioufly and fincerely, they are within
well-ordered Covenant. 2. If the Lord hath made good
unto us any Article of the Covenant of Grace, then are
we within, and it was mace with us : Tne Covenant is fo
ordered, that all the Articles are linked together; fo,
who ever truly hath one of them, hath all of them :
. then, 1//, Hall thou been taught fo to know the
Lord, ab to loath thyielf, EzeL xvi. 60, 61, 62. and
chap, xxxvi. 25, 26, 27, 31. zdly9 Halt thou the true
Fear of his'Name, Pjahxxv. 14. or a Defire unto it,
. i. 11. . ju .iave ic given thee to take

hold of the Cov in If a. Ivi. <uer. 4, js t

Pjal. lxv. 5. and ii >afure to live by Faith, Hab.

i. 4. 4'-;,, [f the Lord hath made thee his Servant,
as David makctb hio Claim, PfaL cxvi. 16. providing
in this Service, we walk fo before the Lord, as we be
perfect, Gen. xvii. 1. that is, \ti. Our. Hearts given i:p
to him. 2/ Jf they be hoc in the Service, Aumb. xxv.
11, 12. pure Zeal. 3/. tt we be conltant in it, Jer.
xxxii. 40. 4/v. If v\e have a waning Heart in
Service, as in Hcb. vi. 15. we may conclude ourfelves
to be within cms well oidered Covenant.

S E

( '33 )

S E R M O N XIV.

ON THE

GOSPKLCOVENANT:

On the fifth Property, the Sureness of the
Covenant,

2 Samuel xxiii. 5-.

Although my Houfe be not fo wii ,; ma ie

with me an ever I aj}ing Covenant, well irdtred in all 1
and jure ; for. this is all my Salvation, and all my Defirc%
nit hough he make it not to grow.

WE come now to a fifth Property of this Covenant,
it is in this Text alfo ; it is a (utt Covenant,
*Tbe Lird hath made nvhb me an ever/ailing Covenant, or*
tiered in all Things and jure : All that is in it is made
very fure; in J/a. Iv. 3. this everhfting Covenant is ex-
pounded ro be the fare Mercies of David ; and thefc are
expounded, in Ads xiii. 4. holy, fure, as the Word bear-
eth. in Pfal. xix. 7. it is called the Teilimony of the
Lord ; and the Holy Ghoil there dotn bear witnefs to it,
that it is very fure. In I fa. liv. 9, 10. it is as fure ai
the fvvorn Covenant with Noah, that the Waters ihall ne-
ver drown tne World again ; more firm and fure than
.ind Mountains; and, in Jer. xxxiii. 25, 26. it is
as iuie as the Covenant made with the Day and N
even tlm Covenant made with Dniid% the Lord's Ser-
vant, that i:, with Cunit, and with jhe Seed of Abra-

ham, I

On the Gospel Covenant. 139

}>am, Ifaac, and Jacob, that is, aii Believers : All the
Promiles of this Covenant, they are molt fare; they are
Yea and Amen in Chrift jeios, 2 CV. i. 20.

The great Point of Truth then, which is now to be
opened unto you, is this, That the Covenant is a moil
iue Covenant.

1. It ib moil fnre, as it i: a Bargain: It is both the
belt and iurtrft Bargain that ever v> . s : ift. It i? of molt
certain, fure, fubfoaitnaJ Things, in Heb. xi. I. Faith is
et or ^ubfr^er.ce, of Things hoped for, and the
Evidence, a convincing Evidence, cf 'Things not
Faith feeth Subuar.ce a real Being and Sub-

G (fence, of tj.e Thing promifed \ io it hath and h
ali the Things of tue Covenant as molt lure, zd/y, ft
is a Bargain molt free; mm to

1 his own, Matth. xx. 15. It was by
Grace, tor mis very Kr:d, that it might be fure to all the
Seed, kern. iv. 16. Jt dependeth on nctiiing in
or any Creature, to make ir changeable. 3*7)', It js
made io fure, a> it cat nor be altered; it cannot but be
a iianding and immutable Bargain; for it fta:.deth upon
two in. mutable Things, in which it was and is fmpoiiibie
that God mould lie, Htb. vi. 1 5. */*a. the Immutability of
his Couniel, and tnat confirmed by an O.un, uer. 17.
j^thl., It is the keMt of infii iom upon eternal

Deliberation, lo it cannot bu: be i.ire: Ti

.'d flandith for eier, and the Thoughts of his Heart
to all Generations, F [fa/. xxx:ii. 11. $My, B^tn the near
Union, which is made by this Covt . i the Eter-

nity of it, and its being well ordered in ail I
theie do certaialy conclude the Ftrmneft and Stability of
this Covenant. 6t!:L, JuQice, Truth and Merc
all agreed together, and jointly engaged to:
ven and Salvation; the Bargain then mult be very fure:
. ers may plead for De.iverance novv, upon the Ac-
count of the L< /. xxxi. 1.
See the Gronnd, 1 John i. 9. If <we confefs our Sins, he
is juit and faithful ft forgi-ve us cur Sins, und to t
us from nil Unt . «.o. 1 1 .
he pkudeth upw»n the Account oi Irucn, n ...1 as o

\

■

140 SERMON XIV.

tender Mercy : With 'Jerries f>om

me, O Lord : Let thy

me: See ti ' Ixxxv. 9,

■ u'h arc p. ufnefs and Peace have

i Rigbteouf-
fiefs /hi svholePro-

grefs or this Cov v and Sure-

nefs of it. 1. It was a Word ipoktn, a Wurd gone out
of the Lord's Li ver alter, Pfal.

Jxxxix. 34. 2. it is a Word written, ; itten to

r gteat 1 ■
as a /• l. Now it is that more

fure Word of Prophecy, 2 Ptt. i. 19. And if Pilate itood
to his Writ, and woi. . (for he faid, «t

/* / hanjc • tat the Lord

%viIJ pais from his larter, the Covenant of

Grace ? fife Join x:x. 22. 3 He hath not only fpoken

and written ir, orn unto ic; io, in Pfal.

K. 35. He

HHo0/ lie unto David : His Shearing once- by his Hoi i-

nce for ever: And, in Htb. vi. 17. it i

t abundant 1 . /0 the

Heirs of Promife the Immu

it by aft Qath ; aj&d, in ver. 1 3 when Uod made Promife
to Abraham, becaui'e he couid fwear by no greater, he
by jiimfclf: l\o*t it being thus fwofn, who can
doubt of its Sureneh r 4. This Bargain, and all in ic,
it is ie.led wiih Sacraments, which are Seals of that
Righteouinefs which is by Fa iv. 11. Ic is a

Law now iealed among the Dilciples, Ifa. viii. 16.
Chrift the Mediator was lea led, when he was fent to
perfeel this Bargain, John vi. 27. and B. iev*rs in it are
iealed unto the Day of I iv. 30. it is

row fealed and confi.med with Blood, H.-b. ix. 16, 17,18.
and with that Blood he hath entered within tne \
Now, can a Bargain fo iealed and confirmed fail but it
muft be fure? 5. I he-e is an Earaeit of this Bargain
given and received ; and this Earneft is the Earneit of
the Spirit in the Hearts of Believe; 1. 22. and

this Earoett is too great to be ioied, the Lord will not,

nay,

9

On the Gospel Covenant. 14 r

nay, cannot lofe it ; fo the Bargaiu cannot fail but be a
fare Bargain.

venant is mcft fure, as to all the Articles
and Conditions of it. C is one engaged for

n all before us; there is Hep iaid upon one that is
. hey, Pjal. IxxxiX. 19. 2 per-

formed bv us, tl ere : e of thi^ Covenant, that

it fha!I be wrougl s pre mi fed, that tr.e

Law (hail be written in our Hearts, yea, it is e.\pr<.(ly
told .us, that be wotketh a n us, Ija. xxvi.

12. ytt), Thee is no Ciauie of Forfeiure in this new
Covenant againit a Believer, in the failing of the Con-
dition ; fee and con Oder, Pjal. Irxxix. from <ver. 28, to
38. where it is laid, that the Lord will .. ^y for

i for evermore, and, that his Covenant (hall .
fait with him: It is faid indeed. If bis Children foeak
■Covenant, be tvi/J utfit their 'TratifgnJJijns with the Red,

liquifies nuitb Stripe: ;
KinUr.efs he will not utterly take aujay, nor
fulnefs to fail; yea, there is an exprefs Article in it, for
healing Backflidings, Hof. xiv. 4. and that if we fin we
have an Advocate v.ith the Father, 1 John. ii. 1.

3. It is mod fure, in Refpecl of hnn that made the
in ; what can be required in a Party, to make him
♦Refpoofal, that is not abundantly and infi ve ail

that we can. think, in him who mnketh this iure Cove-
nant, and giveth all the beft AfTurance that ne will keep
it? 1 ft. He ha:n Power enough, he is God almighty,
God all-fuffjcient, as tne-W0rd importeth, ^»en. xvii. 1.
zdl,% He hath Truth and Fail

true and faithful God, and he bringeth out this Attri-
bute often, to found AfTurance, that he vwil keep Pro-
mise, 1 C,r. i. 9. and x. M. 1 Yl
13. and titb. x. 23. Ai.d ChniVs Name is, Hi ■
faithful and true, Rev. xix. II. $dl\f He h

ce of it, GooJ-will towards Man; lo did
the Angels fmg, Luke ii. 14. Man kind'
Apoifle, 7/7, ni. 4. yej, God is Love, r
felf, b%t in his Covenant-relation to loft Sium
iv. 8.

4 It

14* S E R M O N XIV.

4. U is iure aifo, in RefpecVof unworthy us the
Party taken Jtr. xxxii. 40. the Proinne 1

ik ill ma ,/ / n.vi It,

1 ivifl put
hey /ball not depart f> ,m me :
ri he Lord not only makes all his owr; . bjt on

our /: vi. 39, 40. Thi$ is the

Fat >r>'s Will% ov/ \t me% that >jj - he

I /b,uld ■ ai/e it up

rn at the 1 is the If ill f him that

every one - tb the Son, and be-

lit veib on him g Life, and J will t ai/e

bim laft Da ; ..rid, in vfr, 44. So Man can come

un.'j m1 t draw him, and I iviil raife him

fall Daj; and, in <ver. 54. IVhofo eatetb my Fhjb
and diinketb my Blood, hath eternal Life, and I 'will r.ii/'e
: By ail which it appeaieth, that
Chrilt will never part with that Party that is given hira
of the Father, until he rna'r'e their Part go-ju, and raife
them up at the I aft Day; and, J ud: 24. he will never
part with the.». until he prefent them before the Prefence
of his Father's Glory, with exceeding Joy ; and thence-
forth, they Jh all be for ever with I r. iv. 17.

bfe t. Tnis is againil the Unbelief of many, who
may be dear to Geo, ye: a L>oubtings, 'being

of iittle Faith, when the Wind is boiilerous, Mat. xiv.
3 1 . is not tre Covenant .enani? Js it not a lad

i hing, that fo few do believe the Report of the Gof-
pel ? as the Complaint is, in lfa. /hen :ne Pro-

miles are fo lure, how is it that Chri&ians ic'this Time
can forbear to embrace them, no: rejoice in the Hope of
them, and not be comforted in nice of

them ? It faith no le:s, than that miny in iheir Hearts
do call in question the Truth and Certainty of them :
Though the Lord hath fpoken, fworn, written, and feal-
ed them, this is to put the Lord out of all Credit, and
fo to dishonour him exceedingly. But it may be objec-
ted againit this Sureneis of the Covenant, that which is
faid 1:1 Numb. xiv. 34. where kvoiv my

Breach of Promt fe> and EziL XV i. 59. / 'will deal <u\-

thet ;

On the Gospel Covenant. 143

ihee even as thou had done, which ha(i dej 'piled the Oath,-
in, breaking the Covenant, and, in 7,ech. xi. IO. / took my_
Stajfy even Beauty, and cut it a/under, that J may break
toy Covenant vj.hich I had made with all the PeoiL. I ne
Anfwer, Ail Uiat which is hid in thefe bcriptures, i" no-
thing againfl thefewho are realty within the Covenant:
Hypocrites would have God bound, and themfeives look-;
the Lord tedeth them, that the Covenant wa~ conditional ;
fo they breal^ng he was not bo and ; he might well deal
with them as they had dealt with him ; and that which
id call and account Breacn of Promife, was none
at all, on his Part, tut*an Act of holy juitice.

Ufe 2. Hence doth arife fweet Comfort and ftrong
Coniolation to Believers : The Covenant is moil lure, cA\
I the Promifes are lure: Though they be of great Things,
and we moll unworthy, yet they arc jftfre: Though they
be of good Things, and we evil and unthanktui, yet
they are free, and io moil fure ; they are as fure as the Wif-
dom, Power and Fcuchfulnels of God can make them x
though the greater! and bed Things of this eveil .iLng
Covenant be far off, yet they are moft iure.

Ufe 3. Let Believers make it their Work then, to
build ftrongly on this fure Covenant: It is a ilrong and
fure Foundation, when all other Things do fa.i, even
Heart and Strength do fail, PjaL lxxiii. 26. (t will be a
Rock to the Heart, God in a fure Covenant. It is ut-
terly a Fault in Believers, who have this lure Covenant,-
to faint when they fall under croio I)j , aoiht

not become them to fay, as Gideon did, - i. 1 3.

Jf the Lord be with us ; why then is all this befallen us P
It doth not become them to Fay in their Hafte, anu in
the Senfe that David Lid it, in PjaL cxvi. 1 :
Men are Liars', much lefs to lay o'.ap.

XV. 18. Wilt thou be altogether unto me as a Liar, at
Waters that fail? The forgetting that the Covenant is
fure, maketh fuch ill advifed Thoughts', and unac
Speeches: We ought not to jacige or God's Puipofe, by
prefent Difpenfatioio, but by h.s Promiies; the ugh we
cannot anfwer ali Objections, we fhould hold fait tins
GoncJufion, that the Covenant rs moil fure, and be\

I

i44 SERMON XIV.

which is faid, in Z3/,*//. cxix. 89, I jtr, C

.leilion and Doubt be, m the Hearts oi
, How lhall wc be Covenant and

ire iu c: Amiuft io m.iny not only Uncertainties,
ty Appearances, now c .n we Lave a firm Be
lict in tin.- . 1. Such Di,| are no

I lung, 1 Cor. x. 1 j. The Saints in f> mer limes,
^uc to the fc.xercile of F
lore ever they were put in P

twr' *>* / af, 1 lJtt.

v. 9. 2. The .teem we have of the iVomifes,

e ever the lurcr of them: U the Promi
exceeding great and precious in our Accounr,

, given us, 2 Pet. i. 4. 3.
Hi near, at luch a Time, ihe King fr.ting
ble, as in Cant. i. 1 2. Bring him into I ioufe,

1. Chrift in thee will be • of Glory,

4. .Be uie to keep the Oil of Grace burning,
and the Lamps trimmed ; Ci to confirm

Mi, and to perform his Promifes, in an
n we arc not expecting him and his Salvation.

4. Is the Covenant thus molt lure? Then we
I the Things of the Covenant above ail the un-
n \'a in ties of a deceitful World, in 1 Tim. vi. 17.
: the World are called u.
are caiieu, ib they are: Great Hopes or thole Things
uncertain, fo c!id Balaam find tnem ; yea, and the
Poffeffion or tliL Things is very uncertain ; fo did

Human fir:, ream of the King 1 his fup-

: Dream : As theie is a Wneel
;r Boolo, the Courfe
; 1.1. 6. 10 a.l lobiun^ry and worldlv i hin
tunu tithing is ;

, d by Covenant ;

.-»/, Pro<v. xi. iS. Anu how .
be iure, but oy this fure .ith of God

e made of none Effect, even Unbe-

lief, Rim. iii. 3. nor by the Law i'romife be

m^eie

On the Gospel Covenant. 145"

made of none EfTccl, Gal. hi. 17. Why then fhould Vve
be like thole, in Jtr. ii. 8. who obferve lying Vanities
and forfake their own Me rev r

Covenant a lure Covenant, and of the
fure iricrc.es of David? Then the Surenefs thereof
ftiould lay an Ooiigitioii on all mat are within it, to en-
iare aii and their belt Services to God in it. Areour Hearts
thereby allured before God? as in 1 John in. 19. then
we ought to en fure our Hands to Goa, firit wa(h ihem
in louucency, PfaL xxvi. 6. anu then make thein ready
to every good V\ ork, lit. \\\. 1. and to enlure our Feet
(o to him, by turning our Feet unto his Testimonies,
Pjal cx;x. 59. praying to him always, as in Pfal. xvii.
hold up our Goings in his Paths, that
, not ; yea, and to e.;fure our whole Man
io him, as in Horn. xii. 1. we are jequircd to 00: Ve
fhould prefect our Bodies a living Sacr 6ce, boiy and ac-
ceptable unto God, which ia cui jeafonabie Service:
Yet, while we are devoting and enfuring ourielvcs, alt
we can unto tUt Lord, we mufl remember that w^
do nothing without a Surety ; (owe are to emplc
fus to be Surety for us. The great Surety of the better
mefit, Hib. vii. 22. who inaketh all fure, will make
ut> lure alios even lie who is himfeif fattened a$ a
in a furjjtflace, I/a. \ .-. .i. 23.

o. Is this Covenant a fure Covenant ? Then, as
it conden:;.. .eptick Seeker:, and tne

Indifrerencv, and ail who turn Religion into an Uncer-
. and make this Covenant looh qj fo

it mould put evciy protefnng Believer to enueavour
fureiy within it, and to make it affuredi 1, and

to h^e his Aifurances weli groundcu .; p well

cieare^by cert . .:es.

U/t J . ovenant luce to every true Believei ? much

more H it lure with Chi

See w: ;e Lord hath g en rne

Ixii. 8, 9. 7*he Lor*.
by the Arm of 1
thy Corn to be Meat ,

K

SERMON XV.

Stranger Jball not drink thy Wine, for which thou haft la-
boured', bu: they that have gathered it Jball eat it, and
toe Lord; and, Jer. xxxii. 41, 42. Tea, 1 <iv ill re-
joice over them to do them good, and I will plant them af-
juredly in this Land with my whole Heart, and my -whole
Soul; for, thus faith the Lord, like as I have brought all
this great Evil upon this People, fo will 1 bring upon them
all the good which I have promt fed; and, in Mic. ii. 1 2,
I 3. I will furely affcmble, O Jacob, all of thee
Breaker is come up before them, their King Jball pafs before
them, and the Lord on the Head of them : Sure, thete Pro-
mifes iook to the Gofpel Church.

Ufe 8. Is the Covenant and Promifes thus fure ? Be-
lieve them afiuredly, and weary not in waiting for them;
be not fecure, tor no fccure Soul can be fure that theyfare
within this Covenant; but wait patiently, and keep his
Way, P/a. xxxvii. 7, 34. yet groan earnellly, Rom. viii. 23.

SERMON XV.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVENANT:

On the fixth Property thereof, the Hon
of the Covenant.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5*.
Although ?ny Houfe be not fo with God\ yet he hath made
' me an everlafling Covenant, well ordered in ail Things
and fure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Dejire,
although he make it not to grow.

A

M O N G S T other Excellencies of the Covenant,
the Holinefs thereof is none of the leaft ; fo we

come

On the Gospel Covenant. 147

ome to fpeak of it as the fixth Property of the Cove-

:ch a? will commend it much to every holy Heart.

The Point is, This Gofpel Covenant, or Covenant of

■enant : It is not only (o called by

:ne old Dispensation of it, in chap. xi. 28.

vhen he fj f ih?.t great Periecuter .

ie faith of iiim, that his Hi art /ball be

nt ; and, in <ver. 30. that he Jhall haze indignation

int, frnd have Intelligence with them

hat for Jake the holy Covenant ; bat it is io called by Za-

1 alio, in the new Teftamenr, Lukex. 72, 73. while

keth the railing up of Chnft, as an Horn of Sal-

. to be the performing of the Mercy promifc^: to

•hers, and the remembering of ihe holy Cove-

fware to Abraham.

Covenant is a holy Covenant, 1. In Reipecl of

he Author of it, he that hath contrived and commanded

hi- C< his i\amc, P/a.cxi.

lights about the Throne, when they

im the Loi e the Lo;d God al-

igbt, fay-

ly : O! 1 e Lord, and the Co-

:' his Hoiinefs

loiom oi i :n the Son

<er, John xvii, 11. It is from him,

Pfal. xvi.

the Holy Ghoft, and I As Grace

olineis are united in God, lo are trey in this Co-
of Grace, z. J: i

. they mud

ne(s unto them, ou: he 1- 1
30. They con

crifice, Pi ,

i
are eibblithed a
yea, hLlineji to the Lot J,

148

SERMON XV.

is holy, in Refpett of the Promiles ; they are holy Pro-
mifes, fo they are called, in Pfal. cv. 42. where it is
(aid, He remembered his holy Promt (e, and Abraham his
Servant: The Lord, when he promifeth, he fpeaketh in
his Holinefs, P/al. Ix. 6. and he fweareth by his Hoii-
nefs, Pfal. lxxxix. 35. So, his Holinefs is deeply enga-
ged in his Word of Promife, and fo in the Covenant of
Promifes. 4. The Covenant is holy, in Refped of its Con-
dition, which is Faith : It is not only called holy, but rnolt
holy Faith, in Jude 20. Faith is both a pure and pu-
rifying Grace, Aclsxv. 9. and it is very holily appoint-
ed to be the Condition of the Covenant. 5. It is a ho-
ly Covenant, in Refped of the holy Commandments:
The Gofpel Covenant hath its Commandments, and they
are holy Commandments, 2 Pet. ii. 21. both thefe which.*
are more properly Gofpel Commandments, luch as are
the Commandments for Believing and Repenting, for
Loving and Honouring of the Son, and all other Com-
mandments, which are now made Gofpel Command-
ments: So the old Commandment is made a new one,
John xiii. 34. to love one another, a new Motive, as*
Chrift hath loved you: See alio, 2 John 5. and the Pie-
cept and Motive to Holinefs is the fame in the new I
tament which was urged in the old ; which we may find,
by comparing Lev. xx. 7. with 1 Pet. i. 15. In tne onei
Place it is faid, Be ye holy, for I am the Lord your God\ \
in the other, Be %c holy9 for 1 am holy. 6. It is a holy
Covenant, becaufe of the holy Calling in which we are
flated thereby? we are holy Brethren, when made Par- 1
takers of the heavenly Calling, Heb. iii. 1. God hath!
not called us to Uncleannefs, but unto Holineis, 1 Thejf.
iv. 7. and, in 2 Tim. i. 9. we are called with an holy
(Calling ; and by this Calling we muft be feparate, and
touch no unclean Thing, 2 Cor. vi. 1 7. 7. It is a holy Co-
venant, in Refped of its holy Effects, and its ErTed Ho-
linefs; it maketh a People, the People of God's Holi-.i
nefs, Ifa. lxiii. 18. It is a cleanfing Covenant; fo it is
promifed, in Exek. xxxvi. 25. Them will I fprinkU clean
Water upon you, and ye /hall be clean, from all your Fil-.
t hi nefs and from all your Idols will 1 cUanfe you.; Promi-

fetj

On the Gospel Covenant. 149

fesare very ufeful for Cleaning, 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having the/e
Fromifes, let us cleanfe ourfehes from all Filthinefsof the Tlejh
and Spirit, per feeling Holinefs in the Fear of God; and by
the great and precious Promifes vce are made Partakers of
the divine Nature, having efcaped the Corruption that is in
the World through Luft, 2 Pet. i. 4. 8. The Covenant is
proved to be holy, from the twofold End of it; one is,
that thereby we may have a Right to partake of the ho-
ly Things of God : None under the Law could partake
of the holy Things, but they who were feparated unto
God by a Covenant, feparated from Heathens, Ezra vi.
21. And under the Gofpel, holy Things are not to be given
unto Dgs> Matth. vii. 6. The Man who prefuined to
eat of the Supper, and had not the Wedding Garment,
Matth. xxii. 12. he is bound Hand and Foot, and call
into utter Darknef?, ver. 13. of that chap. The other
is, that we may have FeJlowfhip with God and his
Church ; the Gofpel is preached and the Covenant decla-
red for that End, 1 John i. 3. and there can be ro Pep
lowfhip had with God without Holinefs; for without
Holinefs none (hall fee him, here or hereafter, Heb. xii.
14. By all thefe it may appear, both that this Covenant
is, and cannot but be a holy Covenant.

Uje 1. Hence we may know the Reafon why many
are unwilling to enter into this Covenant, though it be
a Covenant of fo many and rare Excellencies, and hath
\ many great and unfpeakable Things in it: There is one
at which they fear, and it is, the Holinefs of it : The
Heart of the Sons of Men, by Nature, beareth an Enmi-
ty at Holinefs; it is no Wonder then, if they do malign
this holy Covenant : It is indeed of many great and pre-
cious Promifes; yet becaufc there is a Yoke in it, albeit
it be a very eafy one, they cannot digeil nor fubmit unto
it. It is Itrange, that Men ihould fear fo much at Holi-
nefs: If the Beauties of it were feen, and the Bleflednefs
to which it leadeth were believed, Men would think a
Man blind and mad, that would not run after it; but
for Antipathy there can be given no Reafon but Will:
Men will not come under the Bond of the Covenant,
who yet think to part|,ke of the Bleffings of the

K 3 but

J

1 5o S E R M 0 N XV.

buc they will be deceived ; none ever fh.sll tafte of {he
better Bleflings of it, who come not
and Bond of it.

2. Let as m iiiy as defire to be cleared, wh
they be within this Covenant, try it by tfiib Mark: If
they have engaged in it as a holy Covenant, a I
nant which doili engage them to Holint.
Tove the Holinefs of the Covenant as well as the
pinefs of it: They would go

is in themfelves, or whether ch og of it at

all in them : For Trial of this,
required in Covenant Holinefs, fuitabie to this he
venant. (i ) In Holinefs there is a Sv .
Lord doth fet apart the godly Man for h
3. Tne Man that enrtreth into tf alt fet

fcimfelf apart for God, and look upon I ;

the Commandment, ,r 2 Cor. vi. 17. is for r
Jeparatc, and t^uch

and, in <ver. I 8 / will be a Father w.:
ye Jkall be my Sons and l)aug'r.tevs,Jiii
(2.) In Holinefs there mult be up of ol

unto the Lord, a devoting and conlecrating of ou
to him ; fo we read, in 2 Chron. xxx. 8. Be not
but y':eld yew/rives to the Lord; and of the Con
ens, that firlt they give themfelves to the Lord, and then
to the Apollles his Servants, by the Will of God, 1
viii. 5. And David, rn rial. cxix. 38. maketh his Pro-
fefiion, that ne was devoted to the Lord's Fear; and, in
AJic. iv. 13. in that Gain confecrated to the Lord, is un-
>od Ptrfons as v. ell as Things: So, in Holinefs, Chri-

muft yield their Necks to the Yoke, ard give up

theini Jves to his Command, who is King of this Cove- ,

hant, and to the Rule of the holy Commandments of

the Lord (3 ) In Holinefs, there mult be Habits of

Grac* [ Lr.rcd in the Soul; fo, there mull be a receiving

which is in Chnft, Grace for Gr-ce,

the pouring forth of the Spirit: Chriiti-

... : ns indeed, that is, the anoint-

.21. and this Anointing abideth in

and teacheth them all | 1 John ii. 27.

Thence

On the Gospel Covenant. 151

Thence cometh that entire Sandtification, for which the
Apoftle prayeth, i Theft, v. 23. (4.) Thofe Habits of
Grace, which are the Root of Holinefs, mull be
exercifed, *hey mud appear in Practice, and fo be-
come Fruits of the Spirit, as they are called, Gal. v.
22, 23. As he who hath called them is holy, fo they
mail be holy in all Manner of Converfation, 1 Pet. i.
15. They mud fet themfelves in, and fet forward in
i Way, which is called a Way, and a Way, the moft
excellent Way, that Way of Holinefs, I/a. xxxv. 8. and
their S;udy mull be, to be undented in that Way, PfaL
More particularly, this Covenant Holinefc,
v.h the holy Covenant requireth, this Holinefs of all
, is, and ought to be, 1. In Duties of Re-
ligion, and all fpiritual Exercifes, and that in a holy
ner, with holy Fear, holy Defires, holy and pure
Zeal, high and holy Rejoicing. 2. This Holinefs mud
appear alio in more common Aflions ; the Merchandize
anu tae Hire mufi be Holinefs to the Lord, I/a. xxiii.
18. upon the EdJs of the Horfes there mull be Holinefs
to the Lcra ; and the Pots of the Lord's Houfe mult be
the Bowls of tne Altar; yea, every Pot in J ' eru/a-
lem and J udab muit be Holinefs to the Lord, Zecb. xiv.
20, 21. Andy m a Word, whether we eat or drink, or
whatfoever we do, all mull be done to the Glory of God,
1 Cor. x. 31. It is not every Shew of Holinefs which
will amount to this Covenant Holinefs. You may further
try Covenant Holinefsby theie Marks, i/L It is the Ho-
linefs of Truth, in Epb. iv. 24. you read it true Holi-
nefs ; but it is Holinefs of Truth, fuch as is joined with
Truth, and found in the Way of Truth. 2. It is fuch
as fetteth up God, both as the Pattern and Meafure j
who mind it, they will ftudy to be holy as he is holy,
1 Pet. i. 16. to purify themfelves as he is pure, 1 John
iii. 3. $d. It will not be only for Religion and Duties
of the firit Table, but for Righteouinefs in dealing with
Men, and for all the Duties of the fecond Table : So
the Apoftles, when they go about to juitify themfelves
in their Carriage amongit the TbeJ/alonians, 1 Efiti. chap.
ii. vcr. 10. they fay, Te are Witnejfes, and God al/o, bow
K 4 bo/i/j,

i

i5'2 S E R M O N XV.

and jufily and unb lame ably % nve b:

liolily, but juJtr
ly ; and, in Tit. ii. iit 12. Golpel Grace, which bring-
cth Salvation, doth not only teach to live godly towards
God, but righteouflv towards Man. 4//;. Golpel Holi-
nefs, it hath right and holy Ends before it, I
the Glory of God, 1 Cor. x. 31. and fuch a profiting of
many, as may conduce unto, and help (ojward
vation, wr. 35. oj char eh

ing of the boclrine of God our Sftviom in ell i
Tit. ii. 10. Our doing, in all Things, Ibould be fuch,
God in all 1 hingi may be glorified thiough Jefus Chnlt,
1 Pet. iv. 11. 5// Covenant Holm \ in

and with it, born fanctified Light and holy Feelings; it
difcovereth the Lojtthfomnefs of Sin, the and

other Excellencies of Gra£e; and then it makech the
Body of Death aru} Burthen o.' Corruption ti L-n-

libly, as the A pottle Paul doth evidence in his own Ex-
perience, Rem. vu. 24. Contraries are fo cleared up jy
their Contraries.

Ufe 3. There is Ground of fo'id Comfort to thofe,
who have* or labour to have this Covenant liomeis, in
many Refpe&s, (1 ) They have an Evidence that they
are within this holy Covenant, while they bear the Badge,
and wear the Livery of it. (2.) Thereby they are in
the Way which cieareih up a Titie to all the great Things
which are in this Covenant of f'romiles; for though tue
Promifes be free, yet they are performed to thole who
have performed the Condition, Faith, ihewing it bv their
Works, as in James ji. 18. Who hath the right Know-
ledge of Faith, mult ihew out of a good ConvcHation
his Works, with Meeknefs of Wifdom, James iii. 13.
Who walk before God, itudying to be perfect, they have
eir Title cleared up, to that Al!-fufficiency which is in
God, Gen. xvii. 1. even as many as are going on to Per-
fection ; which is all the Saints can reacn here, H.-b. vi.
It Things which are behind^ and
tea ic'i are before, and

pr. ii. 12, 13- (3.) In tnat

U wiefs, the^ have thatgrt:at anv

On the Gospel Covenant. 155

Thing, Communion with God, even thru Fellow fhip
with the Father, and with the Son, i Jobni. 3. Com-
munion cannot be but where there is Conformity ; in Ho-
line Is there is Conformity with God.

1. Hence is discovered the Madnefs of thofe, who
are loofe and profane in their Principles and Practi-
ces; they have no Part nor Portion in this holy Cove-
nant; they have no Title or Right to the great or good
Thwg> in it: How can they exped the Bit-flings ot the
Covenant, who not only (land aloof from the Way in
which theie BiefTings come down, but er/pole, hate, and
perfecute all thole that walk in it? There is a Genera-
tor, it is in Mattb.xx'm. \ 3. Jhut up the Kirgd^n
of Heave* agai»>i Men, for they neither go in thtmjel<oes%
at are tntrittg to go in ; Theie are
other 5 aho, w . their pernicious Way, who
be reckoned with as Haters of th !s holy Covenant, and
of the Way of Holinrfs that is in it ; they may expect
setter Word from God, than thofe Men had, who
excufed themielves from coming to the Wedding, and
mace light of it, Matrh. xxii. 3, 5. than that, in Luke
xiv. 24. None of tbffe Men Jhi.Ii tafie of my Supper ; and
no better Dealing, thnn that in \ia*t-\ xxii. 7. Deflroy
thefe Murderers, and burn up their City ; the Lord Will
deal with them as with Murderer
^^Hta^Js this Covenant holy ? then there is the greater
Sin to break it : It wili prove a Snare to a Man who de-
voureth that which is holy, Pro*&. xk. 25. The Lord
looketh upon it as treacherous Dealing, and as an Abo-
mination, to profane the Hoiinefs which ne loveih, Mai.
ii. 11. And what is the Hoiinefs in that Place, but the
Covenant Hoiinefs, the Relations of a holy Covenant ?
U/e 6. Is it a holy Covenant? then it is inviolable:
Man ought not to violate it; but Lnough he fhould, the
Lord will not ; he will as loon violate tfnd quit his Ilo-
linels, as he will violate and quit his holy Covenant: He
hath ipoken in his Hofinels, and iworn in his Holineis,
and will net pah from his Word, nor fuffer that to fail,
which hath grne\jr>rth out of his Lips, Pjal. lxxxix. 33,
34. He will not b;eak his Covenant.

n

154 SERMON XV.

Ufe 7. Ib the Covenant holy? then, (1.) Fetch all
Holinefs from it ; f

tion, and tfcere is the Spine or Holii -Inch

Fountains 1 \\\ make Rivers flo% forth

out of our Be.! '39- (2 ) Let it be our

great Work to praciife Uolioefs, even to I in the

Fear of God, as in 2 Cot .\u. 1 . And take ti.de «ju
ing Motives to the u

neis is and was the End for which we were taken in inio
Covenant; fo, in Ifa. xJiii. 21. / /int-

$d for myjelf, they (hall Jl , 1 /V/.

ii. 9. we are by Covenant made a cbefen General i //, a
royal Priefibood, an holy Nation, a peculiar Peojle^ that we
may jbe<w forth the Praifes of him «n called us out

of Darknefs into his -is Light: And how (hall

thefe Praifes be fhevved forth, but by the mining Light of
Holinefc ? Mattb. v. 16. our Light fo mining be/ore Men,
as they may lee our good Works, and glorify our Fatner
which is in Heave::. 2. Holinefs is thcChrifljan1
ry, and Perfection : V
27. but a holy Church, as it is there,

Me? What doth the A pottle wifli to the C*nn/biam+
when he wifheth Perfedron to them, 2 EpiA. xiii. 9.
but their perfecting of Hoiinefo? 2 CV. vii. I. 3. Ho-
linefs is our Evidence that we are the Children ot God:
is Chrift declared to be the Son of God, by the Spi-
rit of Holinefs, Rom. i. 4. And fo mail we alio when
we are renewed ; our new Man is created in Ri^hte-
oufnefs a. id Holinei^, Eph. iv. 24. 4. Hplinefs is the
Life of God, Eph. iv. 18. and the Life of Chriit, 2 Cor.
iv. 10. 5. Covenant Holinefs is a walking witn God,
and in great Nearnefs with him: The Covenant makerh
a People ne ir God ; and the Lord will be fanclified of
all that come near him, Lev. x. 3. 6. The great Light
and Grace c: thefe Time, mould engage us to Holinefs,
Rom. xiii. 1 1. yea, and tne Profaneneis of many ihould
do fo . ii. 1 y. 7. The Separation which will

be at the iait L>>.\ , fhould perfuade Holinefs now, Mattb.

■ 33-

S E R M.

( '55 )

S E R M O N XVI.

ON THE

G 0 S P K L C O V E X A NT:

On the (eteptl rrv thereof, the Fulness

or the Covenant.

2 S A M TJ E L XX Hi. >.

rjh my Hwfe be not Jo wit/? God ',•• yet he hat'
inant% id el
and this is all my Salvation, at. . Defn et

although be make it not to grow*

WE proceed to the feventh and laft Property of the
Covenant, which is, that it is a full ar^ perfect
Covenant: All Things are in it ; there is nothing want-
ing that may compleat it ; David calleth it all his Salva-
tion, and all his Deiire. For clearing of this Truth,
I. h appeareth from Scripture Expreilions ; in Jer. xxxi.
14. it is that which fatiateth the Soul of the Prielis with
Fatnefs, and the Souls of God's People with Goodnefs
and, in *ver. 2$. it fatiateth the weary Soul, and re;.
eth every forrowful Soul ; it is that by which
Nakedneis is covered, and they come to he tJ
Ezek. xviii. 8. and that which in <vtr* 14. mak
Beauty perfect, through a Cornel inc: rd

putteth upon the mained Soul : It is that whereby
Grace is made to abound, fo as the Chrii ,ys

having all >y in ail Things, may abound in every

good M

\j6 S E R M O N XVI.

good Work, 2 Cqt. ix. 8. It is that which miketh a Man
compleat in him, who is the Head of aii Principality
and Power, Co/, ii. 10. So there is in it, Per feci ion. Sa-
tisfaction, Compleatnefs, All fuffiu^ncy : Moreover, m
it grow eth that Free of Li KM.ii. 2. In it do fpring

up thefe Wells of Salvation, in Ifn. xii. 3. In it )
Feait of fat Things, a Kealt of Wines on the Lees, of
fat Things full or Marrow, and of Wines on the Lees#
well rtfined, lfa. xxv. 6. In and from it is that River,
"which maketh glad with its Streams the City of God,

xlvi. 4. In it there are not only the Fviches of
common Goodnefs, which fhould lead to Repentance,
Rom. ii. 4. but tne Riches of Grace, Eph. i. 7. the Rich-
es of Glorv, <u9r. 18. tne exceeding Riches of the Grace
of God, in his Kindnefs towards us in Chnit J?fu>,
ii. 7. the unfearchable Riches of Chrirt, Epb. \'\\. 8. In
it is that Treafure hid in the Field, for Joy whereof a
Man felleth all that which he hath, in Mattb. xiii. 44.
that Pearl o{ great Price, <ier. 46. In a Word, it is that
which m: keth ail Th ngs curs, whether Paul,
Cephas, or the World, or Life, or Death, or Things pre-
fent, or Things to com?; and it maketh us Chrili\ and
Chriit is Goo's, 1 Cor. iii. 21, 22, 23. 2. Compare thrs
Covenant, and the Thing* then of, with ail other Cove-
nants and Things; all Things are empty Nothings in
Comp?rifon, Vanity of Vanities, all is Vanity, Cove-
n n.s amongfl Men are of no more Worth than them-
felves; Men in their beif. Elhte are Altogether Vanity,
Pjal. xxxix. 5. The Covenant of Works is fo far from
being full, as now being weak through the Fiefh, it can

or give no Satisfaction, Rom. viii. 3. and the old
JDirpenfation of this Covenant was nothing fo full as the
new : There was then a Figure for tne lime, in which
were offered both Gifts and Sacrifice?, which couid not
nuke him that did the Service perfect, as pertaining to
the Confcierce, heh. ix. 9. the Law then was butu Sna-

f the good Things to come, llih. x. I. but Chriit
rig in the Fulnefs of Time, made the Difpenfation
v. 4. and Epb. i. 10. 3. The Fulnefs of this
Covenant appeareth from the other Properties of the Co-
ven

On the Gospel Covenant. 157

venant ; for, if it be a moil nearly uniting Covenant,
that which bringeth a Soul in neareit Conjunction with
God ; and then an everlaiiing Covenant, and a moil free
Covenant, not depending on Worthiness or Unworthinefs
in Man ; and if it b~- a holy Covenant, welt-ordered in
all Things, and fure, as we have proved it to be ; then
it cannot but be a full, perfect, and mod complea; C
nant. 4. It we coniider the Original and Rile of this *
.Covenant, we will eafily conclude that it is a very full
Covenant ; for it did fpring from an eternal and infinite
Love, which neither hath Btim nor Bottom: None is
able to meafure the Dimenfions thereof, the Height, the
Breadth, the Depth, the Length of it, p-illeth Knowledge,
Eph. iii. 18. yet fo much of it may be known, as may
help a Man forward to be filled with all the Fulnefs of
God, wr, 19. And another Fountain and Spring, from
which this Covenant did flow, was a full Fountain indeed,
an infinite Wifdom : It hath fuch a Depth in it, that it
nude hiin \ caught up to the third Heaven, and

he;,rd unfpeakable Woid , which it i? not lawful for a
Man to utter, 2 Ccr. xii. 2, 4. cry out with much Ad-
miration and Aftonifhinent, in Rom. xi. 33, 34, 35, 36.
O / the Depth of the Riches both of the Wifdom and Know-
ledge of God ! Hoi*: unfe arc habit ate his Judgments,
his Ways paft finding out ! for who hath known the Mind
of the Lord, or nxho hath been his Counfeihr, or ivho hath
fir 0 given unto him, and it /hall be recompenfed to him a-
gain ! For of him, and though him, and to him are all
Things. Ii that be not a full Covenant, and Cuj>pieatly
perfect Covenant, which hath been contrived by the in-
finite Wifdom of God, what Covenant can be perfeel ?
5. It muft be granted ro Le a full Covenant, i: we con-
iider that which is engaged on Goo's Part, even All-fuffi-
ciency, in Gen. xvii. 1. God is all fufficient, and his
All fufncJency is in this Co\enant to tl < 3eiiever enga-
ged particularly, \fi. For his enabling to the perform:
ing ot every Duty ; fo, in Ex.ek. xxxv*. 27.
jut my Spirit ^within you, and cat *y Sta-

tutes: This Prornife performed wii! make ihe Lhnftian
able to do all Things, through Cfcriit itiengthning him,

/

.v. 13. 2/. His A1J fufiiciency 13 engaged to

up, becaufe the Loid is Vole to hold hi.n up; for his

Covenant engaged to hold
him u| fficiency is alio engaged to the

8. tor
.1 to be ti

trd, Gen. xv. 1. 6. It is a full
that Chrill is given unto us for this
( 3. he is given t

inherit defolate Heritages: H

trill ; it hath p should

, Col. i. 19. even that < . Inefs of

. Id dzvril in him boa i. 9. And

ced in hii d Ufe,

I

ch we
for Sancti-
rs have both hu ~tanon un-

i. 30. and ar^ d in him, 1 Cor.

i. 2. and he f , Biood

e Conscience from dead \ 0 ferve the

b. ix. 14. There is a Fulnefs a .To in
ion : He i enant

our Redemption, 1 Cor. i. 30. And he ,
the utterm ' erne to God by him. Heb vn. 25.

And lallly, all the Fulnefs th t is for

Communication, it, by

Virtue of his Headthip, Eph. iv. 15, 16. and Col. ii. 19.
jtk. It is a full Covenant, in Refpecl of the Prom
they are full Be may fuck

and be fatisfied with,
:ed with

ifes are full of Chriit, am
in them, the Mother Promife, as y

Promife ; be expref-

IV full it is: So is the Promife of Pardon in

I ny/z ice vjosPhL v^ovlmami. i^y

Ir. 7. / wr// abundantly pardon, or multiply to par-

1 : And the Promife cf Righreouiuefs is full, I/a. xxxiii.

He fi]leth'Z/^» with Righteoutnefs ; hegivetn himic.f

be our Righteoufnefc, j er. xxiii. 6. And Tor Kno?v-

ge, it (hail iill the Earth, as Waters cover the Sea,

1. *i. 9. and for Life, in John x. 10. Chriii came,

it his ov\n might have Life, and that they might have

more abundantly ; and the Promiie for Gr^ce, it is

y ful there is botfT Abundance cf it,

d of the Gift of kightooufnefs ; and, in 2 Cor. ix. 8.

; and the Pre •:.

alio, to be ex. a River, If a. xJvijf. 18.

d Ixvi. 12. and in J 6. ;he i:

bundance, both of Peace and 1 ru h; and the Promiie

r Joy is full alio, in Jc -• it is pr

ciples, that .
vers, that they (ball be filled with Joy and Peace in

. iv. 1 3.

n them, they fhall be gJ
iy : And for tei
fficien 1 we confider thefe Scriptures, 1

8. G
i/es of is to

me: And there art 1 icular

romifef concerning fucn
erd Jball give t

of good
16. the i j nd

Joney cut 0/ th*

rid Healing cf V $■/?. Full, in to its

)apacu on of Fen on s and Things,

irace and Glory, and every good 1 it, P/aL 1

txxiv. 11. aJ

3- And t 1 are

Wthin it \\. 39 j r€ek9

'arban ian are in ,r is

uly wi be in and within it.

ulnels in this Covenant, a and free,

Cor. xii. 13. for rich and poor, blind, h

Luht

,

^> h K M () IS XVI.
\iv. 21 . This Coven. m: i> the ChriiHan's Cat hoi
ton ; k ferveth fur ail Cu ; ic is for

Darki i. 1. 10. Comfort in Afflictions,

6. Si

out ol i Cor. X. 13. 1 o:/;. It is lull, as to

(Jon 1. It ib full is a Grace ; it bring

lith. x. zi. z. b uli »n its Wo, .
live by 11, mt lame chap, it j

anks, and vvritt.ii down Limit for all. 3. i .11
be molt full, A/1ilh it lhall be tunvd into
h is full, in kelpeti of that Obedient.

26. It makeih Ooedience evangelica.ll)
io the Doer perfect, and compleat in all I
God, Co/, iv. 12. 12/3. It is lull, in Rcipect o; Heart i
faction; it anfwereth all the De fires ol the BeiitveM
ab here, of which more in the next: The ivlouch e
be opened lo wide, but there is in this Covenant to fill
ir. 13/^. Jt is full, in Refped of theRewaid which it
bringefh ; it giveth good Meat u re, preilca uown, iha-J
ken together, and punning over, as tne Exprcllion is, ioj
Luke vt. 3S. a lull Reward, 2 John 8. where it (hail be
given, bou!s will be filled ; then will be a full bightfl
Fuinefs of Joy, and Enjoyment to the full: Every \ ef-j
fel will be full, yet lull a Filling at the Weii-head t
whence will be molt refrefliing and ravilhing Deiightsj
flowing forth for ever from him, who liiieth all in all,1
liph. i. 23.

Ufe 1. Would you know why many are fo bent andj
bufy about and upon other Bargains, and fo exceedingly-
.dive of this fo full and ali-fuflicient Bargain? Aht
tney know it not; they are Merchants, with tne Ballan-;
ces of Deceit in their Hand, like them, in IL/. xii. 7.
tins maketh them foliovv after Vanity and Lies, P
2. If they knew what Fuinefs and Sutbiuctiun were in
this Bargain, they would quit all other Bargains, and en-
gage in this: O that Men were Jiitening tu that Word,
in If a. Iv. 2. IVbdtfore di r for that

ii not Bread, and your Labour for that <whicb Jatisfiitb mt ?
Ah ! it is not only abfurd and unreafonabie, but a fenflefs
Fradicc.

Ufi

On the Gospel "Covenant. \6\

JJfe 2. Is this Covenant fo full a Covenant ? Minifters
tould iludy to know its _ fulnefs, that they may preach
md' commend it as luch to People; and People fhould
tudy to know and believe it to be fuch: it was Paufs
Matter of humble Gioriation, that he had. fully preached
he Gofpel of Chrilt, by tne Power of the Spirit of
Ooa, Rom. xv. 19. and as it was his Deiire, fo he was
JIured, in <ver. 29- of that chap, that when he fhould
:ome to Rome, he mould come in the Fulnefs of the Blef-
fing of the Gofpel of CbriH : Alas ! the little Knowledge
>f the Fulnefs of the Covenant ; the not Preaching, and
lot Knowing it fully, doth make both this, and other
Reformed Churches cry out, my Leannefs, my Leannefs!
Vliniilers ot the Letter, and not of the Spirit; and Peo-
Die reiling in the Letter, and not feeking in to know that
Fulnefs which is in Chrifl and his Gofpel Covenant,
nake a fad Vifage of the vifible Churches.
Ufe 3. If this Covenant be fo full, and all Fulnefs be
it, wnat a Sin and Madnefs muit there be in thofe,
vho care not for it, do not fufneiently prize it ; whether
hey be of the Sort, who are or think themielve?, full
without it, as the Corinthiaus thought themfelves to be
vitnout Paul and his Preaching, 1 C,r. iv. 8. Many do
atisfy themfelves, with that any Good, Pjal. iv. 6. and
?rize not that only and chief Good, which is in the Light
jf God's Countenance ; or of that Sort who have wiiful-
y refufed :o enter to it ; chufmg rather to feed on Hufks
vith Swine, than upon the hidden Manna, or of thofe
>vho have formally entered into it, but fhamefully flip-
ped from it ; triey have drawn back ; and the Lord hath
no Pleafure in them, who ever they be, who flight this
rull Covenant ; they mew a Madnefs in forfaking their
Dwn fo great a Mercy.

4. If this be a full Covenant, then we fhould la-
bour to improve it to tne full ; and that (hall be, if we
abour to be filled with ail the Fulnefs of God, accord-
ng to that, in Eph. iii. 19. and it we come in the Uni-
:y of the Faith, and ot the Knowledge of the Sou of
God, unto peneft Men, unto the Meuiure of the Sta-
:ure of the Fulnefs of Chrift, according to Eph. iv. 15.
L And

\62 S E R M O N XVI.

And then if wc walk fuitably to a fall Covenant, the
fall Furniture and the full Reward that ii in it: TTffc
we (hall do, if we be like unto Caleb, of whom it h
faid, in Numb. xiv. 24 that he had another Spirit than
the Men of his Generation ; which he did evidence by
this, he followed the Lord fully: And if we be full oi
Mercy and good Fruit?, without Partiality and Hypo*
crify, Jam. iii. 17. filled with the Fruits of Righteouf
nefs, Phil. i. 1 T.

5. Is this Covenant every Way fo full ? then it
is worthy to be fufTered for, even to the Lois of al!
Things; for, all Lofles are abundantly made up in its
FuJneis: Paul thought and found it fo ; for to him to
live Chrift was, and to die all his Gain ; and, in Phil.
iii. 7, 8. what Things were Gain to him, thefe he count-
ed Lofs for Chrift ; yea, doubt left, faith he, and I count
all Things hut Lofs, for the Excellency of the Knowledge oj
Chrift J ejus my Lord, for whom I have fujfered the Lofs oj
all Things, and do count them but Dung, that 1 may win
Cbri/t : He thought Godlinefs with Contentment great
Gain, 1 Tim. vi. 6. What can a Chriilian lofe, that thall
not abundantly be made up unto him in Jefus Chrift ?

Ufe 6. Is the Covenant of Promifes fo full a Cove-
nant, and all the Promifes fo full ? then we mull loofc
upon the Promifes as abundantly full, and fuck out of
them abundantly of that Life and Peace which is in
them. There be fome that enlarge Promifes, and ftraic-
en Precepts; they make the Promife to have more in ft
than ever God put in it, a Liberty to fin ; and the Pre-
cepts to have iefs in them than that which the Lord hath
pi. iced in them, as if they did only bind to fome gene-
ral and free Performances : There be others, in the
Hour of Temptation, liraiten the Promifes, and enlarge
the Precepts; but the Lord approveth of neither: The
Precept is full, and mult have the Promife for Perform-
ance ; mife is molt full to all that do mind
the Condi.*

Lie 7. If the Covenant be thus full, then it mini-

flreth to us Ground of full Afmrance, and next of full

fort, and abounding Confolation ; and then, in the

third

On the Gospel Covenant. 163

third Place, for full Furniture and abundant Provifion*
Whereby we may be furnifhed to every good Work ;
there is no Want to them that fear God ; the young Lions
do lack and fuffer Hunger ', but they that feek the Lord Jball
not want any good Thing, Pfal. xxxiv. 9, 10. There is a
Rock in it, for allured Confidence; Wells of Salvation
for Joy; Treafures that cannot be exhausted, for Pro-
vifion ; and covenanted Help and Strength, for every
Duty.

But it is objected, If the Covenant be To full, how is
it that they who are within it have fo many Wants?
The Saints had them, 2 Cor. ix. 12. And Paul, Phil.
ii. 25. And then, how is it that there is fuch Weaknefs
as to fpiritual Performances in the Saints ?

Jnfw. to the firlt, ifl. They want no goofi Thing.
id. They want often, becaufe they afk not in Faith,
Matth. xxi. 22. 3^. They want, that they may not
want Exercife. 4/0. That they may the better experi-
mentally know the Fulnefs of Chrift and his Covenant.
As to the fecond, I fay, (1.) Here is not the State of
Perfection, 1 Cor. xiii. 9. (2.) Weaknefs is not from
any Defect in the Covenant/ but from the not acting
Faith fully on it.

L 2 S E R«

( i*4 )

S E R M O N XVII.

=

O N T H E

GOSPEL CO VENA NT:

And of the Fulness of the Covenant, in
David's Eltimation.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
jlh hough my Houfe be not Jo with God; yet he hat/;

ig Covenant, well ordered in all Things
hire ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
although he make it not to grow.

WE have been fpeaking of the Fulnefs of the Co-
venant in general : And now we (hall fpeak to
the Fulnefs of it in David's Apprehenfion, as it is ex-
prefled by him in the Text, where he faith of it, For ^
this is all my Sahvatizn, and ail my Defere, though he make
it net to grow ; He found himfelf in no good Condition ;
but he fatis'ficd himfelf with this everlafting Covenant,
ordered in all Thing.- and fure ; as having in it all his
Salvatien and all his Defire; though as to his outward
Condition Matters fhould not grow to be better. From
this Eltimation which David had,

Doct. 1. IV ho ivou/d give a right Vtrdi£i of the Co-
venant, muh r great and good Things in it, even all
jation, and all Dejtres, and Things deferable.
It cannot be told how great, and how good, and how
.blc Things there are in it ; as may appear from that

which

On the Gospel Covenant. 165

which hath been faid, and further from thefe Scriptures,
Pfai. xxxi. 19. Of how great is thy Goodnefs which thou
haft laid up for them that fear thee, which thou hap
ugbt for them that truft in thee before the Sons of Men f
This Goodnefs will be bed known by Tailing, PfalS
xxxiy. 8. In Pfai. xxxvi. 7. David cryeth out, IJ zu
excellent is thy loving Kindnefs, O God, therefore the Chil-
dren of Men put their Tru/i in the Shadow of thy Wi?igs :
And, in Jfa. Ixiii. there are loving Kindnefles, great
Goodnefs, Mercies, and Multitude© of loving Kind-
nefTes, ver. 7. And in Jfa. Ixiv. 4. there be Things
of which Men have not heard fince the Beginning of the
World, and which the Eye hath not feen ; and, in 1 Cor.
ii. 9. Things which never have entred into the Heart of
Man: And here it is, all Salvation, and all Defires :
The Point is, That they who defire either to enter, or
to abide in this Covenant, or to give a right Vcrdidi of
it, mull take a full View, as David doth here, of ail
the great Things in it. 1. That they may the befter
know the Things freely given them of God, and fo im-
prove them, 1 Cor. ii. 12. 2. That they may be the
more able to commend it to others, and draw them to
the right View and pondering of the fame ,- to draw in
the Sons of Strangers, to buiid up the Walls of Jerufa-
lem, and their Kings to minifter to her, /fa. ix. 10;
and to heip forward that great Work, in Zech. viii. 23.
when ten Men Jhall take hold, out of ail Languages, even
Jhall take hold of the Skirt of him that is a few, faying,
we will go with you, far we have heard that God is with
ycu ; yea, and to invite one another, as in Cant. iii. 11.
Co forth, O ye Daughters of Zion, and behold King Salo-
mon with the Crown, v)herewith his Mother crowned him
in the Day of his Efpoufals, and in the Day of the Gladnefs
of his Heart. 3. Such viewing of the great and good
Things of the Covenant, will make the Yoke of the
Covenant very eafy : And it is indeed fo, if we believe
our Lord's TelHmony of it, Matth. xi. 29. and his ";
mony who lay in his Bofom, 1 John v. 3. and Da
who was his Type, he faith, that in keeping of th

L 3 great1

1

1 66 SERMON XVII.

great Reward, Pfal. xix. 1 1. Yea, it will make the
greater! CrofTes, and moft bitter Reproaches, to be moil
eafily digefted, Hcb. xi. 26. Who fay with thofe in Mai.
iii. 14. // is vain to ferve God, have not viewed nor pon-
dered the great Things of the Covenant. 4. The fre-
quent viewing aud deep Confideration of this Fulnefs of
the Covenant, and cf all the great Things in it, keepeth
the Fountain in fight, fo the Soul humble, and the Lord
in good Refpccl. 5. The ferious Thought of thefe is
an excellent Support to Faith, even then when the Soul
is brought very low, if we btlieve that Promife made to
Jacob, and in him to all the Sons of the Covenant, in
Gen. xxxii. 12. that the Lord will furely do us good,
and that well experienced Truth, in Rom. viii. 28. that
all Things vuork together for good to them that love God.
6. By fuch viewing often, we do in Part enjoy, and have
great Encouragement, to every Duty : To flight fuch
Confiderations, and Reprefentations of the Fulneft of
Gocdnefi which is in the Covenant, is a wearying of
God, which is no fmall Sin, I/a. vii. 13.

Ufe I. It is no Wonder that many ltand aloof from
this Covenant, and are my to engage in it ; and after
they feem to have engaged, they flip off from it. They
never did take one ienous Look of the great Things
which are in it ; they have never thought that all Things
were in it, or that which is more than all Things die.

Ufe 2. We would do with the Covenant of Promifes,
as Abraham did with the Land of Promife, in Gen. xiii.
17. walk through it in the Length, and in the Breadth
of it; we fhould not fatisfy ourfelves with far off Sights,
like that which Mofes had of the Land from the Top of
Pijgah, Deut. xxxiv. 1, 2. but labour to have near Hand
Sights, deep and narrow, molt earneflly prying and
fearching Looks; fo fhall we be able to know it ourfelves,
and to give a right Verdift of it to others; for com-
mending it to them, as David doth in this.

Doct. 2. The Covenant thus made and vievued by Da-
it vuas fo him all his Salvation, and all his Defire.

He did fee Salvation in it, his Salvation in it ; and
then, ail his Salvation in "it, yea, and all his Dcfite in it.

So,

On the Gospel Covenant. 167

So, Believers fhould, i. See Salvation in the Covenant,
the great Salvation, Heb. ii. 3. Strength of Salvation,
Pful. cxl. 7. the Grace which is in the Gofpel bringeth
Salvation, Tit. ii. 11. Chrift in the Gofpel is called by
old Simeon, in Luke ii. 30. God's Salvation. Zechary •
calleth him the Horn of Salvation, Luke i. 69. He is
fo a Saviour, that he is Salvation : He maketh a thorough
Work of it : And then, the Believer fhould make the
Covenant his Salvation ; he fhould plead particular Inte-
reft in it, take hold of it, as holding out Salvation par-
ticularly to himfeif ; but the third is the fpecial Thing,
to make it ail his Salvation. The Covenant to the Be-
liever is his one Thing, and his all Things. Firfi, His
one Thing, on which he pitcheth and reiletn. \jL There
is but one God and Lord ; and fo, but one latisfying Por-
tion, idly, The Soul is but one, and it mull have one /
Thing to reft upon: When it is divided amongft many
Things, it is neither Mailer of itfelf, nor of them ; it
Cometh to be like a River cut out into many Channels,
which runneth dry. $d/y, The Nature of Grr.ce alfo
is, to confine the Soul to one Thing ; it is from one, and \
turneth about the Soul to that one again ; where Grace
ruleth not, there will be a feeking out of miny Inven-
tions, Eccl. vii. 29. And then, th* fame Covenant to the
Believer is his all Things, i/r*. In God made his. id. He
feeth all Things in Ch;iit, ana under his Hand. $d. He
feeth all Things made fure in the Promi'e, even all Sal-
vations, whether they be external, ipiritu \]9 or eternal.
And, lailly, the Covenant to the Believer is ail his De-
fire. (1.) His Defire is afrer no other Thing, either in-
tcnkly, or any Way but in Subordination. (2 ) There
is nothing commenfurate, or commenfurable, to the De-
fire of a Man, but that which is in this full Covenant.
(3.) The Believer hath his Defires moderated and mould-
ed to the Tenor of the Covenant, and to the good Will
cf God therein. (4.) There is really all Good in the
Covenant, which a Man can rationally defire, as well as
the chief Good j there is that which the Lord ittth good,
and that fhould fatisiy us ; for the Lord knoweth bell
what is good.

L 4 V/e

FS E R M O N XVII.
Ufe I. Againft thoft who neither make this Covenant,
nor Chrift in it, cither theirone Thing, or their all Things:
Their Heart is divided, and is poured out upon many
Things, like Water fpilc upon the Ground, that cannot
be gathered up again : They have many Dcfires, but few
or none here away ; their Defire is not to the Name of
God, or his Salvation.

Ule 2. Learn to make this Covenant, you that are
Believers, to make it all your Salvations, all the great
Salvation, the Beginning of it ; for therein you have the
Author of it, Hc6. v. 9. the Progrefs of it ; for tnerein
alfo is the Way of Salvation ; tne Devils do know and
acknowledge fo much, though no whit the better of it,
Atts xvi. 17. And then, in the End and Perfection of
it, which is both kept for you, and you are kept for it,
by the Power of God, 1 Pet. i. 5. And then, all your
other Salvations, from Fears, or from real Danger?, from
' Sin and Temptations, from Wants, Persecutions, and all
Sorts of Tribulations; from an evil World, and from
him that ruleth in the Darknefs of this World, from,
your predominant Evil, and all our other Evils, and from
Death, our kit Enemy.

3. Learn to make this Covenant all your Defires;
for there are in it all defi-able Things: Chrift is in it,
and he is altogether lovely, Cant. v. 16. it may be ex-
pounded as well, he is all Defires. He is the Peace alfo,
every Way our Peace, Eph. ii. 14. and fo, the Peace of
Defires: He giveth Satisfaction, and fo puts them to a
Kelt. It is no eafy Work, to make Chrift all our De-
fires. (1.) Chrift mud be well known, even that he is
all in all, Col. iii. if. nnd that all Fulnefs dwelleth in
him. (2) Our Defires muft be regulated according to
thatwh.cn is written in'the Word. (3.} We muft know
the Way of Faith, whereby we may fetch all our De-
fires from that covenanted Fulnefs which is in him.
(4 ) We muft reft fatisfied with all that which he dif-
penfeth, as believing it to be belt.

Doct. 3. Datid maketb the Covenant all his Defire and
Sa/va.'ion, in Relation either to his JHoufe, -though he make
it not fo grow to any better Condition than it was ; or. though •

he

On the Gospel Covenant. 169

he make not the. Covenant grc~x\ in the Effects more favour-
able to him, and his Houfe i both thofe turn all to one and
the fame Thing and Meaning.

The Point is, How ill foever it be with a Believer in
his outward Condition, and though it fhould not grew
better ; yet he fhould make the Covenant all his Salva-
tion, and all his Defire. We fhall take up this in two
Branches, i. A Believer, when it goeth worft with his
Houfe, and worldly Eftate, he mould reft fatisfied with
the well ordered Covenant. 2. Though after Prayer,
and the Ufe of other Means, whether fpiritual or exter-
n.l, Things ihould not come to a better Condition, yet
he mould make the everlailing Covenant all his Salvation,
and all his Defire.

As to the flrft, It is very probably thought, at this
Time, David's Houfe and Family was in no good Con-
dition, when he uttered thefe Words: Interpreters do re-
* fer them to that fad Time, wherein Amnon did defile his
Sifter Thamar, and Abjahm for this did kill his Brother
Amnon, 2 Sam. xiii. tower. 15. and from ver. 2 1, to 30,
But rather, they being amongft his laft Words, they
take in all the Diforders which had been in his Houfe ;
fo, /ib/ahm\ Rebellion, and his other Villanies, and
Adonijah his Rebellion alfo : He knew he was bound by
Covenant to look to his Family, that it fhould have been
well ordered, according to the well ordered Covenant,
and he had engaged to do his beft, Pfal. ci. ver. 2, 6, 7.
Now, while he doth reflect upon all that had been done
in his Houfe, he findeth Things in his Houfe not fo as
they mould have been ; yet he will not part with nor pafs
from his Interell in the Covenant for all this : Ah
my Hou/e, faith he, be not fo nxitb God, yet he hath made
ivith me an enjerlr.f: it* g Covenant. The Point is, Although
Things either in our Houfe and Cafe, do not anfwer ei-
ther our Engagements or Expectations, yet we muft not
quit our Intereft in the well-ordered Covenant; though
tnere be both finful Diforders, and domeftic

Believers are even in that Cafe allowed to make
the Covenant all their Salvation and all their D

cauie Duty may be done by Parents and Heads of

lam

i7o SER M O N XVII.

Families, and yet thefeDiforders and crofs Things fall out.
2. Though by fome too palpable Negletts many fuch
Things come to pafs, every Failing of Duty doth not
make a Forfeiture in the Covenant. 3. Though even
thefe Diforders in a Family come as Punifhments for
other Sins, yet Repentance being, the Rod laid on for
fuch Sins doth not take away the Covenant Right. 4. If
the Covenant at any Time (hould be made all the Salva-
tion of the Believer, more efpecially it (hould be then
made fo, when there is no Salvation feen, but that which
is in it, nothing but Dtftruction cryed upon Dtftrudtion ;
and then made all his Delire, when his Defires, as to
other Things, are much croflVd and crufhed. 5. Becaufe
in the worit Times and Cafe that a Believer can be in,
if he can but turn, in a right Way, to this well-ordered
and everlafting Covenant, (here will be found abundant-
ly enough for the working out of all Salvations, and fa-
tisfying of all Defires.

As to the fecond, It is out of queftion, David had
many Prayers to God, and ufed every lawful Mean and
Expedient, to have Things growing to a better Condi -
r tion in his Houfe, yet could not get them to the right
Order that he defired ; yet, notwithftanding of this, l.e
ftill pleadeth his Covenant Right: So, the Point is, Chri-
ftians, after they have ufed Means, and continued long
in the fame, with very little or no Succefs, fo as the
Houle doth not grow to any better Condition ; yet they
may not for that pafs from their Covenant Intereft in
God; but, even in that Ca.e, and lb much the rather,
place all their Salvation, and all their Defire, in the
well-ordered Covenant, \fl. Becaufe there is no other
Way, in which we can expeft any Thing; there is no
other Door to go to. idly, Though we be tied to ufe
Means, the Lord cannot be tied unto them, but of Plea-
fure and good Will; efpecially as to the Time and Manner
how he dial) be pleafed to anfwer and blefsour Endeavours.
It nay be our Duty, according to the revealed
Will of God, which God in his fecret Will hath decreed
never to grant; yet, feeking of God in that Thing, is
not, will not be in vain: 1c is enough, the Lord accept

both

On the Gospel Covenant. 171

bpth the Perfon and Prayer made with Submiffion and Sin-
cerity, and gratify the Petitioner another Way. 4";(y>
Although there be growing Succefs, in following the
Means for a long Time; yet, when it cometh, it will a-
bundantly over-balance all the W refilings, Griefs and
Sorrows: The Lord delayeth fometimes, that he may
pay with Intereft.

Ufe i. We may not think it lirange to fee in the Fa-
milies of faithful Men, who make Confcienee to teach
their Children, and thofe of their Houfe, as Abraham
did, Gen. xviii. 19. yet fometimes great Diforders falling
out: How fad an Example have we of this, in David's
Family here, and Jacob**} (1.) Envy amongll his Sons,
which grew to fuch an Height, that they firit. would have
i, and then fold him, who was their Brother, and
the dearly beloved of their Father, Jofeph-, after that,
Reuben going up to his Father's Bed ; and before that,
Simeon and Levi their Soul Treachery, Covenant break-
ing, and Murder. The Reafons are, partly, from that,
Grace is not from Education, but from a higher Rife
aud Fountain; and partly alfo, from Satan's Malice
againft good Men ; for thefe Patriarchs were holy Men*

U/e 2. This reproveth thofe Chriftiam, who, upon
Things not anfwering their Undertakings, and Covenant
Engagements to God, in themfelves or their Relations,
fit down as difcouraged ; yea, and begin to call in que-
stion their Covenant Intereft, efpeci ;liy in thefe two or
three Cafes, (1 ) If Sins, againlt which they have deep-
ly engaged themfelves, break out in themfelves or Fa-
milies, and Relations, under their Power. (2.) If, upon
thefe Sins, other Sins which they have formerly commit-
ted, be read by them in legible Characters. (3.) \i%
' after the Ufe of allowed Means ; there is little or no Ap-
pearance, that Things (hall come to be better with them ;
was it not fo with David and his Houfe? Had he not
engaged for his Houfe and Family ? And, can it be
nt, but he who fo folemnly dedicated his Hcufe,
as he made a Pfalm at the Dedication thereof, witnefs,
Pjal. xxx. in the Title thereof, but that he prayed often for
us Houfe ? And, did he not read his own Sin, and'

the

1 72 SERMON XVIIL

the Lord's Threading by Nathan the Prophet, upon all
Diforders ? z Sam. xii. <ver. 10, 1 1, yet, for ail
tfys, he doth not turn away, but turn into the Covenant,
and hath his Plight anchor oft there : There is no Rea-
son then, why Believers in the like Cafe ftv;uid do other-
wife, though Engagements be broken, and they are vifi-
ted with a Rod, on which they re"ad their Sin, and
Means have not the wifhed Succefs.

3. Let all true Believers, in their hardeft and Jeaft
promifiiig Cafe, even then when ail is in Diforder,and there
is little or no Hope of Things growing to the better ; yec
turn in to the everJailing Covenant, and make it even all
their Salvation then, and all their Defire then ; for, then
there is nv ft Need, and there is no better Way can be ima-
gined ; and we know not when it may pleafe the Lord to
the promiied Succefs. It is our Part, to turn in by Re-
ifcce, and to take hold on the Covenant by Faith, and
both to tiult Goc, and to wait for the Succefs.

S E R M O N XVIIL

ON TH E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

On the Blessings of the Covenant, how

they are all in Promises.

* el xxiii. j.

/{[though my H

: all Things
and , Dtfire%

alt: it not to gn

w

E have fpoken to the Properties of the Covenant,
and the iaft was, that it was a full Coven

moll

On the. Gospel Covenant.

oft full in David's Senfe and Experience: Now, I in-
nd to (hew you, if the Lord will, that it is full of
leffings.

So, I come to fpeak of the VII. Head propounded
f this Covenant, and it is, of the Bleifings of the Co-
enant, the great and good Things which come by it;
e are blefled with all fpiritual Blellings in Chnit Jefus ;
nd fo, by this Covenant, Epb. i. 3. And Godlineis hath
he Promifes of the Life that now is, as well as of that
vhich is to come, 1 Tim. iv. 8. So, the Covenant doth
tot only give a Right unto, but it doth actually blefs
hofe that are within it, with temporal Bleffings alfo.
The flrft Thing I intend to fpeak of, in Relation to thefc
31eiTmgs, is, concerning where they lie, and the Channel
n which they are conveyed, and that is, the Promife.

The Point of Dcftrine is this, that all thcBiefSn,.
:he new Covenant, they are lodged within, and they come
down unto us, by the Promife : So the Covenant is cal-
led the Covenant of Promife, Epb. ii. 12. and ft is or-
dinarily expreffed, in the old and new Teilament, by the
Name of Promife, or Promifes; fo, in ?jal cv. 42. He
remembred bis boly Promife, and Abraham his
he remembred his Covenant made with Abraham: Chn .
of the Promife, Rom. ix. 8. are the fame with the Chil-
dren of the Covenant, A£ls iii. 25. lot Rom. ix. 4. the
Covenants and the Prcinifes the fame. In fpeak:.
this Way of the Promife in which all Covenant Bieffings
do come unto us, Fir ft, I fhall fhew you a little of tne
Excellency of this Way. Secondly, Why the Lord was
pleafed to convey all the Bleilir.gs of the Covenant in
this Way. Thirdly, The great Advantages which are by
having our Mercies thus in the Promife. Fourthly, Our
Duties which ought to be minded and followed upon this

* I A

Account. j

As to fir ft ', The Excellency of the Promife, we gather

it, 1. From the Titles and Epithets which the Holy
Gholt giveth unto it in the Scripture ; fo we have it cal-
led a good Promife ; fo doth Solomon call it, in 1 I

"viii. 56. while he blefl~th the Congregation, and .
Thanks, faying, B left d be the Lord, that bar

174 S E R M O ^ mil.

unto >rg to all that he promifei

hath not fai. his good Promij

pr ami led by the Hand of M vant ; evei

Word of God is good: So Hexekiah did elteem the Woi
of Threatning good, in If a. xxxix. 8. but the Word i
the Promife hath thofe good and comfortable Words :
it, Zech. i. 13. 2. It is called a holy Promife, in th,
above cited Place, Pfal. cv. 42. It is fo holy, as nor
can find any Fault with it ; it is of thefe Words, whici
in Pfal. xii. 6. are called pure Words, as Silver tried il
a Furnace of Earth purified feven Times, holy and ir
violable ; it is both pure and purifying : Promifes are c
a very cleaning Virtue. 3. It is called gracious; whe
eife were thefe gracious Words, which proceeded froi
the Mouth of Chriit, in Luke iv. 22. but Words of Pre
mile ? The Text he was preaching upon, has a Bundle 0
Promifes in it; compare <ver. 18. of that chap, with lfc
)xi. I. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, becaufe th
Lord hath anointed me to preach good Tidings unto the meek
■'. feut me to bind up the br»L:n heart edf to yroclair.

Libtrty to the Captives, and the opening cf the Prifon t
them that are bound ; and, in <ver. 2. to proclaim the accep
table Tear of the Lord, and the Day of Vengeance qf ou>
God, to comfort them that mourn, &c. That which is faic
of him, in Pfal. xlv. 2. that Grace -was poured into hi
Lips; how came it to be poured forth, but in graciou
Promifes, and gracious Workings of the fame ? 4. Th«
Promife is free ; all that which cometh by it, is a free
Gift, a free Pardon, Rom. v. 15, 16. the Promife ma
keth us Children of the free Woman, Gal. iv. 23. and
in uer. 26. ferufalem which is from abonje is free, <whicl
is the Mother of us all; God is Debtor to none, but al
his Promifes are free. 5. This Promife is fure ; and fun
to all the Seed, Rom. iv. 16. fo it is often called the Oatl
which was made to the Fathers, the Oath to the Father?
Deut. vii. 8. the Outh to lfaact Pjal. cv. 9. the Oatr
which he fware to our Father Abraham, Luke 173. Thi:
fure Promife is no other than thek Mercies oi Ds

Iv. 3. 6. The Promifes are rich 1 gi
Chrift's Riches which he giveth, the Riches of Grace

Eph

On the Gospel Covenant.' 175

Epb. i. 7. are they not the Riches of the Promife ? The

Riches of his Glory, Rom. ix. 23. and his Riches in

Glory, Phil. iv. 19. are they not all by the Promife ?

nd who are they, who are rich in Faith, Jam. ii. 5.

but they who are enriched by thefe Promifes? 7. In

1 2 Pa. i. 4. they are called exceeding great and precious

i Promifes; they are great, and exceeding great, even the

I greateit and moil precious Promifes : They rouft then be

tnoft excellent Things: They have the greateft Things

1 of Heaven and Earth, of Time and Eternity in them,

;j and one of the Lord's Promifes is of more Worth, and

j much more precious, than whole Heaven and Earth is,

I Natth. v. 18. He hath magnified kii Word above all .

r Name; fo faith tire Pfaimilf, in PfaL exxxviii. 2. what

I is chat Word, buc the Wprd of Promife? It is the Word

I of Truth in that Place, ajd fo, of the Promife. 8. They

are faithful and true Promifes ; they are all Yea arid

Amen in Chriil Jefus, 2 Cor. i. 20. Never one of thefe

Promifes, but they fhall come to pafs; they are mace

by him who is the true God, Jer. x. 10. and he who

is the Undertaker for them, is the true and faithful Wit-

nefs, "Rev. iii. 14. If any of thefe, much mere if all

the£e be confidered, none will deny but there is an Ex-

celiency in the Promife.

As to the Jecond, Why the Lord hath been pfeafed to
convey all the Bleflings of the Covenant by the Promife,
1. He would put no more Trull in Man after the Breach,
of the firft Covenant; he had appointed (his to be an
everlalting Covenant; fo, he would have it built upon
an everlalting Foundation ; fuch is the Promife, the lure
Promife. 2. He would have the Covenant a molt en-
gaging Covenant, and molt ample; fo it is by the Pro-
mife ; for it is of free Love, and to all who will take
hold in it. 3. He would have it fo drawn up, and dif-
penfed, as no Flelh might glory in his Prefence : So, it
by the Promiie, they come unto it as broken Debters,
by Real ft of Sin; and they are made by it everlalting
Debters of free Love. 4. He would have all the Blei-
fings conveyed in and coming along thereby ; to kee;
•wn in a perpetual Dependance on him, waiting upon

Proi

76 S E R M O N XVIII.

rromifes. 5. I Jc would have them coming all along in thl
Promife, for the Glory and greater Manifeitation of his If el
Grace; when thereby it is made evident, that nothinJ
can be challenged as due by Debt. 6. He would havJ
all by the Promife, that the Communication of all theicl
good Things might be the more Tweet; for the Lore
loveth well both to endear himfelf to his People, and tcl
endear them to him. 7. He would riave all the Blefiingal
coming by the Promife, for the exercifing of Faith and
Patience; for it is by Faith and Patience that the Pro-
mifes are inherited. 8. He would have it by the Pro-
mife, that thereby he might manifeft. both his VVifdom
and Power, Goodnefs, and Truth : O ! what Wifdom
doth there appear in the Way found out for Vent of
Promifes,' and in the Order in which they are perform-
ed? How great Power is feen in performing them, much
gi eater than that which appeared in making of the
World ; and, what and how great Goodnefs is feen flow-
ing out from temporal, fpiritual, and eternal Bieifings!
How many Sorts of KindnefTes, how manifold Mercies,
preventing, pardoning, renewing, relieving, comforting,
and confirming KindntfTe.^! And then, how much of his
Tiuth is feen co be performed, in the performing of his
Prom iles ! The performing of them is called tne perfor-
ming of his Truth and iVlercj, Mic. vii. 20. By them,
Truths have been performed, which were kept fecret
from the Foundation of tne World ; Truths which have
been looked upon as buried ; Truths, which have feem-
cd very impoffible to be fulfilled ; Truths, againft which,
both Senfe and Reafon have pleaded ftrongly ; Truths,
which have lufFcreu much Contradiction from tne World ;
Truths, ag.unlt wmch Satan hath raifed many Times
much' Unocuef, even in the Heart of true Believers;
and Truths at fuch a Time, when it hath been leail ex-
pected. .: in the moil feafonable Time. 9. He
would have it by "romife, to manifeft ail the Excellen-
cies of the Promife of which we have fpoken, and ex-
cellent Ufe of them; fo to the third.

As to the third, The Advantages which Believers have
or may have by this, that all the Bl. . . f the Cov<

nant

On' the Gospel Covenant. 177

• rant come in the Way of the Promife, they are very
ny ; fuch as, i. Receiving Covenant Blefiings by Pro-

] mile, Chnir. is firit received ; for he is the Rrft promifed
rift. 2. He is the Root of all the Promifes. 3. He
is the Performer of them all. 4. Receiving Covenant
Blefiings in the Way of the Promife, the Spirit is receiv-
ed aMb, for he is the Spirit of Promife, Epb. i. 13.
5. Bieflings coming in the Way of Promife, there is the
more ready Accefs to them, specially it being propound-
ed indefinitely, and in the Nature of it free. 6. The
Promife is not to him that worketh, for then it fhould
be reckoned as Debt; but it is of Grace, Rom. iv. 4.

7. In this Way of Promife, the, furniture and Strength
is put in ohe Believer's Hand, before any Duty is called
for at his Hand ; it is not fo in the Covenant erf Works.

8. In the Way of Promife, the Believer may plead, not
only at Mercy's Bar, but at the Bar of Juitice alio ; for,
t-hough the Believer cannot make God a Debtor, yet
God can make himfelf a Debtor to a Believer by his
Promile ; yet fo as the. Lord is rather a Debtor to him-
felf than to u* : bee 1 John i. 9. He is faithful and jufl
to forgive us cur Sins. 9. That the Bleflings come in
the Way of the fworn Promile, it maketh them assure
as any Thing. 10. That they come in the Way of
God's Promife, every BiefTing we receive, here, is an
Earneft-penny of all that is in the Promife; for, though
there be many particular Promifes, yet they are all but .
as one Promife: Promifes have every Way as near Con-
nexion as Commandments. 11. The Promifes make a
Man Partaker of the divine Nature, and to efcape the
Pollutions of the World through Lull, 2 Ptt. i. 4. 12.
The Promifes are for every Cafe; All-fufficiency, and
Grace fufficient, will help even in worft and moll difficil
Cafes. 13. Even the hilt Promife will make a Man
Conqueror of Hell, Death, and the Devil ; even that,
in Gen. iii. 1-. Many Duties will help a Man little, if
the Confcience tell him, one Duty be neglected, or one
nfcefTary Circumitance of a Duty: But, one Pronv
rightly apprehended, may take a Man to Heiven, r

he have no more: Abel had no more Promifes but one,
M

SERMO

yet by Faith he pleafed God ;
and unfpeakablfl /Advantage ?
Bleilings are by Way of Promife, they are of free Grace,
not only to undeferving bat ill deferving Creatures; and
how great Advantage may they have from this Confide-
ration, who are ready todefpair? 15. That they are
by Promite, thev come in the molt alluring Way, and
fo are molt acceptable, and, in a Sort, double Favours.
1. Are the Promifes To excellent Things? How
blamt-worthy are they who undervalue them, who think
them neither good nor gracious, great nor precious, nei-
ther fure nor irue, neither rich nor free ? How many are
they, who neither believe God's Word nor Oath? So
much they declare, by their not receiving Proriiifes, not
retting on them, nor fatisfied with them; they believe
no more of Gcd than they fee; they do not reckon
themielves the richer for having never fo many Promi-
fes ; it is fomething in Hand they feck; and ytt% that
fomething is nothing, no fare or abiding Thing.

Vie 2. How dreadful is their Cafe wno are yet under
the Covenant -of Works! as to any Blefling which they
can -ex peel they can have no Ground upon which they
can alTuredly look for any real fpiritual Bleffing, not be-
ing the Children of the Promife ; they are at all the con-
trary Difadvantages, contrary to the Advantages which
Believers have; for, with the Blefiing they can neither
receive Chriii nor his Spirit: Though the Promife* be
generally propounjjpd, none have Accefs to them, but
they who are willing to quit the old Hufband, the Law.
and to be married to the new, even to Jefus, in the Pro-
mife, to quit that Righteouineis whicn is of the Law,
and to be fubjecl to the Righceoumefs of God. He hath
nothing to enable him to do, and the Law is a fore
C raver ; and all his Duties, not wrought by the Promife,
will prove naught, and of no Profit to him at all; they
are not performed in Chnft.

U/e 3. Are all the Bleffings of the Covenant brought
home to us by the Promife ? How thankful (h6uld we be
to God, that hath chofen for us in every Refpedt fo good
a" Way of conveying Bleflings to us; that by fo u

he

•

On the Gospel Covenant. iyy

he would have*he Blefling'i more fweet and more fure to
us ? He would To the more engage himfelf to us, and us to
be more engaged to him ; that ne wouid»Co give all, that we
(hould be ioie Debtors to him for alj-; Vlh^t he would dif-
penfe them fo, as ever to keep us in Dependence and Ex-
pectation of more : He would have all our Mercies in a
Friend\Hand, ready to be given upon Demand, io a&
it mould be no more but aflc and thou (ha.lt have ; a(k
and I will give thee; fo with Chriif., the Prince of the
Covenant, Pfal. ii. 8. and fo with all within this Cove-
nant, Matth.vn. 7. O! how thankful ftould we be,
that the Biefiings of the everlafting Covenant do nGt de-:
pend on Things to be done in Time, or to be perform-
ed by Man ! They are aiJ of them the Iflue and Product
of a Tree Prbmife, of great and precious Promifei> : They
come to U5, all of them, as preventing Mercies, and as
fo many. Evidences of the precious Thoughts, which
God in his free Love had of us in Eternity, as fo many
Manifeitations of his Wifdom^ Power, Holiness, Good*
nefs, and Truth.

XJft 4. This is for Confutation of that Doctrine,
which maketh all the Biefiings of the Covenant to come
and run in another Channel, even in that of forefeen
Faith or Works ; fo as theie mould have fome cafual In-
fluence on him that promifeth : h is of Faith, that it
might be by Grace, Rom. iv. 16. And it is by the Pro-
mife, that it might be by Faith ; for Faith hath no
other Thing to take hold on but the Promife. Such
Doctrine as maketh Covenant Biefiings hang upon any
Thin^ in the Creature, would rob the Chnitian of all
the fair Advantages, which the Believer hath by the
Promifes, and Bleffings coming in their Way.

Ufe 5. It is for Reproof of many weak Chriftians, who,
though they believe that all the Biefiings of the Cove-
nant come, and mud be conveyed unto them by the Pro-
mife ; yet they often feek their Peace, as it were, by the
Works of the Law ; while they many Times fufpend
their Comfort, and fometimes even their coming to the
Promife, until they find fomething in thcmfeJves, as
they call it, fuitable to the Mercy ; but it is, in effect,
M 2

SERMON XVIII.

:pon the matter, themfelvcs worthy of the Mercy :|
So they will net come to the Promife.without a Price in
their Hand: Ah! this were to change the Tenor and
e of the Covenant of Grace, in fome Sort, into |
a Covenant of Works again.

• U/e 6. Arc all the Blellings of the Covenant convey-
ed unto us by Promifes ? Then it (hall be our Wifdom
to provide ourfdves well, and to 'treafure up unto our-
felves good Start of thefe rich and free,^ both great and
precious Promifes: So we may come to be more rich
than if we had all the Gold, and precious Things of
both the Indies. There will be Need of much Care in
this, and of no little Art alio, I mean, the Art of
Faith, (i.) There would be rreafured up general Pro-
mi ie?, fuch as thefe, / 'will be thy Shield, and exceeding
treat Re~vard, Gen. xv. i. / aw God all-fujficienty Gen,
fure/y do thee gtod9 Gen. xxxii. 12. with
that, in Rom. viii. 28. All Things work together for good
t God-, and that, in Heb. xiii. 5. / ivill
never forfake ; and before all thefe, that Promife, of
which 1 intend to fpeak, as the Sum of all Promifes, /
ivill be thy God. (2.) Treafure up thefe Promifes, which
are for fecuring our fpiritual Eitare, fuch as thefe for
the Pardon of Sin, for Sanclification, and Perfeverknce;
particularly thefe three great and new Covenant Texts,
Jer. xxxi. froiri >ver. 31, to 38. xxxii. from <ver. 37, to
:xxvi. from trir. 24, to 31. And you may

r and add to thefe, the many great and precious

, i fes made to Chrift and his Church, which are fcat-
tetcd in lfaiab\ and other Prophets. (3.) Treafare up

< uiar Promifes made to particular Cafes, more fpe-
cially to the Cafes of Affliction or Temptations, inward
or outward. (4.) You may treafure up, in the latt Place,
PWfeiUfcs fur temporal BlefTin

E.R M.

( i8i )

SERMON XIX.

ON T H E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

On the Sum of Cov r Blessings in

. Mother Promiie, / e your God.

i Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Hovfe be not fo with God\ yet he hat

with me an ever tufting Covenant . Things

an 3 far? • for this is alt my Solvation, an
although he make it not to grow.

WE have told you, that all the Bleflings of the new
Covenant do lie in, and are conveyed unto us,
by Promifes: Now, before I come to fpeak more parti-
cularly of the Bleflings of the Covenant, in their parti-
cular Promifes, I pre fen t unto you, in one Promiie, the
Sum of all the Bleflings of the Covenant: It is in a
fhort but moll yea aJi-compreheniive Word, / vcill be
your God. This is our great Charter, and our Lord's
great and h\\f but moil free Obligation: All Bleflings
are in it ; as, on the other Part, and ye Jhall he my Peo-
■ \\ the Christian his Duties are fummed up in that.
The Doctrine is, This. if i BLJJing of the Come-

and alt the Blejjitigi of the Covenant are comprized
in it, that the great Lord hath been f lea/cd U
a to his Pt
So, in Exod. vi. 7. / iuill take you to m
and 1 will be to you m God. In Jer. xxxii. 38

VI n

i82 SERMO N* XIX.

Jball be my People , and I will be their God', and, in EzeO.
xxxvii. 27. My Tabernacle alfo /hall be with them \
J will be their God, and they Jball be my People ; and, in
2 Cor, vi. 16. / iv ill dwell in them, and walk in them,
and I will be their God, and they Jball be my People ; The
great Enagagement, and greatell BiefGng is this, J will
be their God.

For clearing this, I (lull, Firit, more generally open
this great Treafure unto you; and after, more particu-
larly ihevv you, how great Things are in it.

As to the Firit, This is the great Promife, the Mother
Promife, which hath all other Promifes and BieiBfigs, as
it were, in its Womb : It is the Promile of Promife
I. Becaufe of All-iufficiency in it; if the Lord be God ,
to a People, he will be all Things to them : Thefe are
but poor Promifes, in companion-, that of Balach "to Ba-
laam, Numb. xxii. 17. I will promote thee to -very great
Honour, and I will do what/oe-ver thou fayft unto me \ and
that of Herod to the Damfel, in Mark vi. 23. and that
of the Devil to Chriit, in Matth. iv. 9. half a King-
dom ! yea, and all the Kingdoms of the World, what
are they to this? There is much in that of Exod. xxxiii.
1 9. 1 will make all my GoodmJ's pafs before thee. O ! bu;
there is much more in this, the Father ours, 2 Ccr. vi.
18. the Son ours, Hcf. ii. 19, 20. the Spirit ours, 1 John
iii. 24. all Things ours, 1 Cor. iii. 21. 2. There is
Propriety in this Word, a Propriety in God. O! there
is much in that Word, my Lord and my God, 'John xx. zS.
My Beloved is mine, Cant. ii. 16. God e<vcn oar on.: ■
J)j all bit Js us, Pial. Ixvi. 7. 3. There is infinite Good-
will in it, I will be your God: What Expreflion of Good-
will is there, or can there be, like unto that? jt hath
all Goodwill in it, it hath the Engaging of all that is
in God to be ours. 4. There is no Promife th;.
give Satisfaction to a Believer ; nay, nor all the Promi-
fes together, without this one,' that God will be his
*God : Nothing will fill his Heart or Eye but this, the
:er could lay, in Jud± t away

■

On the Gospel Covenant. 183

As to the Second, more particularly, to Hie w you what
there is in this great Promife, / will be your God; take
it thus, I. Who have him their God, they have
one God : It is the Proclamation, in Dtut. vi. 4. Hear,
O J/rael, the Lord our G:d is one Lord: He is (o one, as
there is none befide him, lfa. xliv. 8. Ibtrt it none elfe,
and none like him, lfa. xlvi. 9. There is no other G>jd that
can deliver as he doth, Dan. iii. 29. Many Benefits in
this, Mi. So he is the true God, Dtut. iv. 35. id. As
fuch, he is one Fountain of all our Good. 3^. He is
but one Lord and Mailer ; and none is able to lerve two
Mailers. >\th. As one, he is the alone Soul's Rock,
called the Hock of ljrael, 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. none hrjtd**
him, and no Rock like him, I Sam. ii. 2. And the Soul's
Reit, PfaL cxvi. 7. yh. The only macchlefo Ore in
keeping Covenant, 1 Kings viii. 23. and terrible to Co-
venant Breakers, in Deut. xxxii. 39, 40, 41.

2- He is an all-fufficient God, Gtn. xvii. 1. He giv-
cth to eat l'ufficiently, and durable Cloathing, lfa. xxiii.
rS. He fatiateth the Scul with Fatnefs, and his People
with Goodne/s, Jer. xxxi. 14. Our Sufficiency is not only
of and from him, 2 Cor. iii. 5. but Aii-firfnciency i.
Things, 2 Cor. ix. 8. And it cannot be otherwife ; tor,
1//. He is felt- fufficient ; fo, he may eafiiy i'ufrice us.
All Good which is fcattered in the Creatures, is
eminently in him, and infinitely mo/e, and all united.

Lie is and hath to difper.fe all fpiriiual Good, I
ble to immortal Souls, t^hlj, The Mappinefs de/igned
tenant, requireth no iefs than an all fufficient
Good. $tbty, h is his Cole Prerogative, to be an uni-
verfal Good, anfwering all Needs, VVine, Bread, Miik,
and Honey, lfa. Iv. 1, 2. and communicating all Good,
Gtn. xv. 1. and Deut. xxviii. 11, 12. And, to make up
all LofTes, 2 Chron. xxv. 9. And to do, and work what-
ever he pleafeth, to the perfecting of his Work ; not
can oppofe him in his Way, Zech. iv. 7.

3. Th»s is a wonderful and rich Advantage, that all
they, to whom the Lord communis All (utiici-

ency, he doth it wonderfully ; He giveth Grace
And withhaldetb no good Thing, PfaL lxxxiv. 11.
M 4

i?4 SERMON XIX.

and doth gocd, Pjal. cx\x. 68. His Name is, that h]
doth fiill givi mote Grace, James iv. 6. ifl. He glVQtil
freely, Rom. viii. 32. idly, Moil liberally, and upbraid |
cth not, James i. 5. ^dl\t Conttantly, as an ever flow-
ing Fountain, and Well of living Waters, Jer. ii. 13]
And if any afk, how he cometh thus to communicate iol
freely and fo fully, 1 anlwer, \H. His good Pleafure, itl
pleaieth him fo to do. 2d. So he feeketh to ihew forth!
his own Praife, and to advance the gie«it Defign of glo-l
rifying his Grace, J/a. xliii.^21, and xliv. 23. 3^. In
the Covenant the Lord hath promiied to communicate
of his Goodne^. 4/^. AH true GGodnefs is in it
ture communicative of itfelf.

4. To whom the Lord is God, he communicate
his Goodn-jf* mpft certainly, becauie he doth it in
dently, and from himfelf ; for >J him, and throug

veil as to him, Rom. xi. 36. This he
lifett, in many and divers V\ ]n the

lb, in Deut. xxxii. 10. H
:\ and in ( howling, Wilde rnifsx in

I 2. The Lord alone did L ivas no

d<witbhim\ an* xli. 17, 18. If

e.e is none, and :

del will not fu. )en Risers in high

Places, and Fountains in i

make the /•' .t Pool of t dry Lands

, Means, all is
from iiim, for without h can do nothing; it is

his Bleiiing that roaketh them w Hag* 1 6.

without him, much loan ana little brought in; eating,
and hot enough: The pro'; :d, and th<

giving Fruit, the Heavens their Dew, and the Ground
its Increafe, is all from him.

traordinary Means do evidently prove tins, Biead from
Heaven, Exod. xvi. 12, 15. ans, iuch as

Priefts Rams Mono, J oft. vl

with his three hundred Men, Juig. v>i not lb\c

to reach the End. 4/".., 1

ncan£dorat}Ie Ti&ir.g in : &a/rel gf

.

On the Gospel Covenant. 185

Meal, and Cruize of Oil, 1 Kings xvii 14. the Pot of
kOil, 2 Kings iv. 2. to 8. $thlyy When the fame Mean,
(hall have divers Eftecls ; the fame Bread, one mall eat
and not have enough, Hof. iv. 10. others eat and are fa,-
tisfied, Joel ii. 26. If it be afked, why he worketh fo
independently ? I anfwer, \(l. When he wotketh by
Means, many Times either his Glory is vailed, or he is
robbed of it, and he will have none (baring with him ir\
that, I/a. xlii. 8. zd. He will have it known th:it he is
not tied to ivieans. 3*/. lie woaJd have the Bleiflngs the
more comfortable, by making them immediate, all as
Gifts from the Prince's own Hand, Ezek. xvi. 11. Sal-
vations brought forth by his own Hand, Deui. xxxiii. 26.
5. As the Lord is a God unto all whole God he is;
fo r.e is a God over them, to rule them ; and there are
manifold Advantages and Bieffings, in that they are weil
ru.ed, over whom and to whom God is Governor, P/'a.
xxii. 28, 29, 30, 31. Chnit God over all, Rom. ix. 5.
maketh a blefTed Condition : He will fo make thofe who
are his People high above all Nations, in Name, in
Praife, and in Honour, Deut. xxvi. 19. and will be above
their Enemies, even in that wherein they deal molt proud-
ly, Exod. xviii. 11. The Lord's People have many Be-
nefits, by having God over them : iff. They have him
fo, a Deliverer from other Lords, Ifa. xxvi. 13. and
from all their Enemies, Luke i. 74, zd/j, One fubduing
them to himfelf, their Will to his Will. O! it is well
when it is fo ; and fubdaing all their Iniquities, Micab
vii. 19. idly, In guiding, directing, and leading, them,
P/'a. xxv. 9, 12. Ifa. xxx. 21. and .ilviii. 17. He lead-
eth with much Companion, I/a. xl. it. Now, it is a
blefTed Thing to be thus under his Co.unfel and Conducl:
\ft. If it be otherwife, Men are in a wotul and cu;:
Cafe, under the Power and Guiding of Satan, A*
18. ftr<ving divers Luffs, Tit. iii. 3. or, which is the woiifc
of Curfes, given up and over of God, Rom. i.
zd. The;y are under an Impoifibility 0/ ruling ana guid-
ing themielves ; they can go ailray .like Sheep, but can-
not return unleft the Lord fcek them, f,., 176.
. ir Way is not in themttlve. ; it is not in M

Z86 SERMON XIX.

reft his own Steps, Jer. \. 23. ^d. If God quit the
Guiding, there will be none elfe to guide, lfa. ii. 1 *.
4/A. A* in following his Couniel and Conducl, they may
find Reft for their Souls, Jer. vi. j6. So in not follow-
ing it, no Peace at all ; to Peace to the :•
Ija. xlviii. 22. and Ivu. 21.

6. There are manifold Bleflings and great BleiTednefs
in this, that People have the Lord to be their God , he-
will be a God ftill owning and pleading Intereft in tiiem ;
fo, in lfa. xliii. 1. i , thou

art mine ; and, in EztL xvi. 8 Y.
and ent red into a Coia \th the Lora

and thou becamed mine ; and, in G*rht. viii. < 2. he la it h,
My Vineyard which is mine is before me : O! there be rich
Bleflings in this: ill. There >nc to own us as

he doth ; noce bur their own Advantage, and our Hurt.
zdly, None will own us to particularly, and with io
much Refpeft: He owneth his People as his Inheritance,
I/a. xix. 25. his Church as his Vineyard, lfa. xx\
as his peculiar Treafure, Exod. xix. j. $dly, He
cth fo,. as that he will piead the Caufe or' his People
thoroughly, in Jer. I. 34. 4^/y, He owneth fo, as
never to difown again, never to give a Bill of Divorce-
ment, lfa. 1. 1 . his Betrothing is for ever, Hcf. ii. >ver.
20, 21.

Ufe 1. Comfort from this, that the Lord communicat-
ee his All-fufficiency to all thofe to whom he is God.
O! it is a rich Advantage, that the covenanted All-fuffi-
ciency is made comm anicable to Creatures ; it is but lictie
that is here communicated, to that which (hall be: (1.)
Here, by Creatures and Senies, there, immediately
the Lord to the Soul. (2 ) Here, the Oojeci, if com-
municated to the full, would d ftlty, not fo
there. (3} Here, Senfe or V otnech Mr
there Fuinefs breeds Delight,

Here, Graces do not act ever fully ; there, no

Ceffanon, Interruption, nor ihort conn: Good

here is but in the Promiie and the Seed; there, in Ju!l
Communication. (6) H^r^, Thoughts are hardly raif-
i ..:o good ; there, all will be city Wo Here,

Mercies

On the Gospel Covenant. 187

I M/rrcics are neither fully known nor improved; therc^'
known, enjoyed, and worn as Crowns. (8.) Here, all
Defires have not Things proportioned unto them 5 there,
Defires fhall be fully aniwered and proportioned, fo as a
'Man (hall defire nothing but what he hath, and want no-
thing of that which he defireth. (9 ) Here, nothing focer-
tain but it may be lofed, in whole or in part ; there, no Lofc
at all. (io.-) Here, Communication is by Creatures and
Ordinances; there, all immediately from God himfelt.
U/e 2. The Mifery of thole that have not the LorJj

<o be their God ; they have not one God to feuie upon ;
their Heart is divided amongft many Things ; and fo is
their Lot call as uncertain amongfl thefe many Things;
but the Believer's Lot is both more certain and more
fweet ; he hath but one God, as one Rock to reft upon,
out of which, he fucketh Honey, Deut. xxxii. 13. one
and ever running Well, from which he may ever fetch

t both his Necefiaries and all his refreshing Comforts; he
hath but one Heart, Jer. xxxii. 39. looking to one Ob-
ject, that ne may be faved, I/a. xlv. 22, he pleadeth,
and may well plead forth all his Mercy from God, as
the one and only God, Jfa. xxxvii. 20. (1.) They who
have not the Lord to be their God, they can never have
Contentment, becaufe they never can have Sufficiency ;
their many gods are fo far from being fufHcient for all
Things, that chey can be fufficient for nothing ; but, O !
the fweet Contentment and Satisfaction the Soul hath,
which hath the Lord to be their God ; they may chide
their Souls from all difquieting Thoughts; why ? God
is their God, they fhall yet praife him, PfaL xlii. 11.
They may be ns iorrowful, yet always rejoicing ; as
poor, yet making many rich ; as having nothing, and
yet poflefling all Things, 2 Cor. vi. 10. They have
learned, or may come to learn, that great Lei{bn, in
iv. 11. in every Eftate to be content : They are the
happy'People indeed, whofe God the Lord is, Pfit. xxxiii.
12. But, if any th;n!< it is not feen fo, let fuch remem-
ber, 1. The Time of full Enjoyment is not come. z.
They muit not judge the Saints by the outward Eftate
only, but by the inward -alfo. 3. Believers have more

Satisfnf

188 S E.R MO N MX.

Satibfa&ion in littie, than others in much, l\ . . .»

1 6- 4. When they are under greatdt Neceflity, the)

ye it to be the only bell. (2.) They who have noi
tilfi Lord their God, as they ufe to depend on Mean:
iind Internments, Co whin, thefe are away, their Hope is
£one; but, who have the Lord to be their God, they
are. not diicouraged in the .disappearing of Mean*: See
Jbrabam in his great Strait, Gen. xxii. J 4. He called the
I lace Jebovabjireh, from (lis Experience of the Lord's
Ending out the Means ; In tbt Mount of the Lord, faid
he, it Jhall be jeen : See Habakkuk alfo, in chap. Hi. 17.
I §. Jlth^ugh the Fig Tree bhjjbm not, and there be no Fruit
in the Vine, — )et I nvill rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in
the God of my Sahation: The Believer knoweth that the
Lord can fave by himfelf, Ho/', i. 7. he feeth God in
every Mean, and taketh all as coming from himfelf;
yea, as he expe&eth aH from him, fo he taketh him for
all, faying and finging with the Pfalmift, in Pfal. Jxxiii.
25. IV bom have I in Heaven but thee? and in Earth I
have de fired none be fide thee. (3.) Woful is their Cafe,
that have not the Lord to be their God ; thty are under
ill Guiding, like matlerlefs Men, or ill ferved for a
Mailer. O ! but Believers that know how weak and
foolifh they are; and, together with this, know all the
Evils, of their Heart, they will prize the Tutory of the
Covenant as much as all the Bleiiings of the Covenant,
to have Chrift ruling and reigning over them. (4.)
Dreadful is and (hall their Cafe be, who have not the
Lord to be their God, fo as to own them in their greateit
Diftrefs ; nay, which is worfe, even then to difown them
when they plead moil an lnteretl, Mattb. xxv. 12. and
Luke xiii. 2$> 26, 27. O ! but it will be well with thofe
that have the Lord their God; God will know their
Souls in Adverfmes, Pfal. xxxi. 17. and own them in
that Day when he mail make up his Jewc

3. Are all Covenant BlefFngb fummed u]

10 have u,e Lord 10 be our Goj? then,'(i.,
would fi/ive w .re of this one B -effing fur
ar.d this yie m^y do, I. Jf we put away iirange gods,
9, 2.1. . , . v altered

# On the Gospel Covenant. !8$

in the Covenant, and will but kifs the Son, i Cor. i. 30.'
with Pfal. ii. 12. 3. If we will but yield oiMe^ves to
God, as in 2 Chron. xxx. 8. 4. If in our Carriage we
will ftiil remember that, in \ Cor. vi. 19, zo.-thar ye
ure not your &ivn, but bought tv'ttb a Pricey and thftt, n*
2 Cor. vi. 17, 1 8. to touch no unclean Thing, (2) And
more particularly, we would try and fearch whether the
Lord be our God, and we taken him to be f 0 ; know it,
I. By taking him as he offereth himfelf upon his own
Terms. 2. If we come to apprehend him with much
Senfe of Emptinefs, Unworthinefs, and Sinfuinefs. 3.
If we have taken him to be our God, of free Choice,
and with a very willing Heart. 4. If all our Portion
and Stock be in him, and all is but as Dung to mm,
Phil. iii. 8. 5. If there be a cleaving to him with Pur-
pole of Heart, Acls xi. 23. and we purpofe to abide with
him, Hof. iii. 3. 6. If there be a Throne for him in
the Heart, nniverfal and unlimited Obedience. - ii
there be a Spirit of Grace and Supplication, Zech. xii.
10. that Spirit of Adoptioa, which teacheth Men to cry,
-Jbba Father, Rom. viii. 15. 8. If there be fancVififcd
Crofles. 9. If fpiritual. Comforts be chiefly of Price.
.io. If we be on the Lamb's Side, Rev. xiv. 1. efpecially
know if the Lord be your God, by this, whether you
have fubmitted to him as Governor ; this may be known,
*/?. If you have come;7 to ^ willing Subjection : N
-grieve that are ijnder his Scepter, unlets it be for this,
*bat they are not more under it. id. If thou believe,
that not only to doing of Service, but in doing if,
there is great Reward, Pfal. xix. 11. you love not io
much the Service for the Reward, but the Reward for
the Service, yi. If the Obedience be universal, if the
jPleature, Profit, or Life of any Sin be flood for, he is
not acknowledged as Lord. 4/^. If the Heart go be-
yond the Reach of Flefh and Blood* and be fwayed far
beyond its own Inclination, as in Exek. iii. 14. the Pro-
phet goeth in Bitternefs and Heat of his Spirit, the Hand
-of the Lord is ilrong on him. $th. If Peace be com-
aianded, x. In crois Difpenfations, Lev. x. 3. 2. in

i9o SERMON XX.

delayed Prom Jfcs, Mic vii. of thriving Adverfaries, Pfi
xxxviii. 13, 19.

S E R M O N XX.

ON THE

GOSPRLCOVENANT

On Repentance, the firft: Blessing of th<
Coven ant.

1 Samuel xxiii. 5.

Although my Hcufe be not fo> with God; yet he hath matk

with me an ezvrla/tingCwenaiit, well ordered in all Thing:

and fnre ; for this is ail mx Salvation*, and all my Defire

although he make it not to grow.

HAVING fpoken tothe Bleflings of the Covenant
in general, as they are fummarily comprehended
in tnat great and Mother Promife, / nvill be your God ;
1 proceed unto the particular Blefftngs thereof. And I
begin at Repentance, for it is the firft gracious Work
and EfFed of free Grace which appeareth in the felf-Ioft
Sinner; in this is Converfion, and effectual Calling:
Repentance is the firft Thing called for in the Gofpol
Call, Mark i. i c. and it is the firft Gofpel Blelfing which
the exalted Prince giveth, Acls v. 31. It was that which
John preached, Nlattb. iii. 1, 2. and it was that which
the Apoftles firft took notice of in the Converfion of the
Gentiles, Acls xi. 1 8. that the Lord had gixen them Re-
pentance unto Life, It is prophefied of and promifed in
the old Teftament, as a Spirit of Mourning, Zech. xii. 10.

I in-

On the Gospel Covenant. 191

I intend not to fpeak either of this, or any other
Covenant Bleffing, directly and to the full, but onJy as
they are excellent Bit-flings, and covenanted B !e flings :
\fi, Of their precious Worih. zdl , Of our Right by

^Promife, and io by Covenant unto them.

As to this Repentance, you know it is a precious
Grace, which the Covenant of Works cannot give : It
is a Gofpel Grace, a Gift from the exalted Prince,
whereby, a Soul made fenfible of Sin and Mifery, upon
fome Difcovery of the Mercy of God in the Mediator,

, turneth from Sin, with a holy Hatred and Indignation

' againft it, and godly Sorrow for it, unto all Righteouinefs.
I In all fpeak of it only under the Notion of Goipel-
mourning for Sin ; which will bring neceifarily with it,
Gofpel-turning from it.

1. Then, this Gofpel mourning,, or, Repentance, is
an excellent Covenant Blemng ; yea, there is a Bleiied-
nefs in it, in Mattk. v. 4. Bl-JJed are they that mown:

• No mournful Condition will make a Man happy, unieis
he have this Gofpel mourning. The Excellency of it is

!: feen, tfl. In the gracious and bieffed Eitate into which
it bringeth a SouJ, by a marvellous Change from the
worfe to the better, as, Fir/1, It bringeth a Man from
a State of Darknefs into a State of Lignt, of marvellous
Light, 1 Pet. ii. 9. Secondly, From the Power of Satan
unto God, A8sxxv\. 18. And, Thirdly, From the Power
of Darknefs into the Kingdom of the dear Son of God^.
Col. i. 13. 2. The whole biefled Trinity hath a Hand
irr this Work, and a gracious Dealing about this re pe cit-
ing and mourning Soul: God giveth Repentance unto
Lite; the exalted Prince giveth it, and the Holy Spirit
worketh it : And then, while a Soul is under this Lxer-
cife, God is very near with his Comforts ; lo, in Iia. xl.
1,2. Comfort ye, comfort ye my People, fpeak comfortably
to J erufaUm: And, in lfa. Ixi. 1, 3. Chriit is anointed
to preach good Tidings to the meek, to bind up the h ■
hearted, to proclaim Liberty to the Captives, and the opin-
ing of the*Prifon to them that are bound, — to appoint uuts
$hetn that mourn in Zion, to ginje unto them Beaut \ for /ljbes+
the OH of Joy for mourning, r/j varment of Pruife for a

v5;

SERMON XX.

it is one of God's Names, andl

be comforted* \ donunA

rocy of this Blefling, the!

nd mourning Frame, tppearcth in tins, that]

the Loid ioveth to dweli with lueh; To, in Ifa. Ivii. i^.l

igh and h) at inhabitetb E'

in the high and hcly Place A
is of a contrite and humble Sp:
of the humble % an i to tfuiitt tie Heart of\
the e 4. In this, that the Lord promillth |

unto it great Joy; fo, in Pfal. exxvi. 5, 6. 'They that '
Jo<w in Tears /hall reap in Joy: He that th aml\

<U>eepetbt bearing previous Seed, Jhall doubt /e/s come again
ing his Shi th him; and, in Ifa.

IO. The ranfomed of the Lord Jhall return, and come
to Zion witb Songs, and everla/fing Joy upon their Heads,
rail obtain Joy aid Gladnefs, and Sorrofiv and Sigh-
ing Jhall fly away : The Place hath Reference to the
Days of the Gofpel, and to Gofpel Work ; and, in Luke
vi. 21 . Biffed are ye who weep now, for ye Jhall langh 3
and, in John x\'\. 20, 24. it is promifed unto fuch, that
their Sorrow Jhall be turned into Joy, and that their Joy
Jhall be Jull : Beiides, Knowledge is promifed to fuch as
are meekned by Repentance, Pfal. xxxv. 9. and Protec-
tion: When there is a decreed Deitruftion, who figh and
cry for the Abominations are marked and preferved,
E%ek. ix. 4. The Hearing of Prayer is alio promifed
to iuch us humble tnemfelves, and turn from their wick-
ed Ways, 2 Chron. vii. 14. and, in Pfal. xxxiv. 17, 18.
iuch cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out
of all their Troubles: The Lord is nigh unto them that
are of a oroken Heart, and faveth fuch as be of a con-
Spiric. 5. The Excellency of this BJcfling may be
ieen and taken up, from the Plague and Mifery of
mxrary, that woful and curfed Impenitency : Ah f
fc-hat a i'L-gue is there in that impenitent Heart, which
trealureth up Wrath, Rem. ii. 5. a Heart that cannot re-
as the Word beareth, a Heart hardned from God's
Ifa. Ixiii. 17. 6. The Excellency of it may ap-
pear from the Rarity of it, and Difficulty richer to attain

or

On the Gospel Covenant. 193

or maintain it, and Satan's great Malice againft it, either
ping Men altogether from it, or teaching them to
feign and counterfeit it. 7. Its Excellency is feen from
the excellent Fruits of it, fuch as, \ji. Soft&efs and Ten-
dernefs of Heart, fuch was in Jofiah. 2d. Precious Com-
munion with God : Tne Lord can have no Communion
th Souls, how long they abide in Darkncfs ; bit when
I they come to the Light, he that dwelleth n Light doth
dwell with them, 1 John i. 5, 6, 7. 3^. Burden bear-
t ing with others, who have felt the Pangs of the new
\ B-rth, will be very companionate towards thofe that tra-
vel of the like Pain. \ib. Watchfulnefs againli Sin for
afterwards.

U/e 1. Hence may appear the Folly and Mifery of
thole who will chafe to abide rather in the State of Sin
and Impenitency, than to come under this rare Covenant
Blefling, Repentance unto Life; they chufe rather that
Laughter which is Madnefs, Ecci ii. 2. than that Repen-
tance which is unto Salvation, AQs iii. 19.

U/e 2. Ye would fet about to get this Grace, who
may know that you never had it ; and to have the live-
ly Exercife of it, you that have it : To the firft I Jay,
they mull labour, (1.) To fee a Need of Repentance,
and not be like thefe, in Luke xv. 7. (2.) They would
fuffer the Word pafs upon them, both in the Law- work
unto Conviction and Terror, and in the Goipcl-work
unto Heart piercing and melting : They would liften to
the Preaching of Repentance, and improve their Bap-
tifm unto Repentance ; for it is the Baptiim of Repen-
tance, Mark i. 4. (3 ) They would efpecially go to
Chriit , who is the exalted Prince for the fame End that
he may give Repentance. To the fecond Sort I lay,
you that defire to maintain a lively Exercife of Repen-
tance, (1.) You fhall do well to meditate much, and
exercife Faith upon the Death of Chriit, that \ou may
have Fellowfhip with him in his Death, iq.

fo, mourn, for him whom you have pierced, Zccb. xii. 10.
(2.) You would join yourfelves much in Company with
thofe that walk mournfully before the Lord,
14. though fometimes the Temptation may (dy, ic is in
N vain.

194 S E R M O N XX.

vain. // is better to go into the Houfe of Mourning, than f*c

aft in g, Eccl. vii. 2. faith Solomon. If'eef

p, faith Paul, Rom. xii. 15. (3

Mourn with and for Zicn, I/a. Ixvi. 10. That will not

only bring forth Joy in its Seafon, but maintain within

-oul a mournful and tender Frame of Heart.

er of Thankfulnefs, to thofe that have
the mourning and tender Heart, though they cannot
command always a weeping Eye. (1.) 'lean are no ne-
cefUry Part of Repentance. (2.) In many, they are
rather compiexional than from Grace; fo, they are to
be found molt in thefe of moil tender Complexions, Chil-
dren, Women, old Perfons. (3.) Who are recorded in
Scriptures to have had moil ot Tears, had more than
ordinary Exercife ; fo it was with Datid, Peter, Mary
Magdalen, or in extraordinary Times, Judg. ii. 4, 5.

Ufe 4. If Repentance be fo rare a Gift, and mourn-
ing for Sin be fo rich a Bleffing, and Work of the Spi-
rit ; then, they are worthy to be reproved, who look
upon Mourners for Sin as Men of no Spirit, ot of bafe
Spirit, and yet will count them Perfons of great and
good Spirit, who fljed Tears of Defpite and Revenge :
Sure the Righteous are of an excellent Spirit; and in
this mourning Spirit there is Excellency ; for, in it, 1. A
Man exalteth God highly in his Mercy, and in the
Riches of his Grace. 2. He exercifeth much of the
precious Graces of Faith and Love: In it, 3. He over-
cometh much Sin and Corruption. 4. He is Mailer of
himfelf, and converfeth with God in it. 5. He purifi-
eth himfelf thereby. 6. He is (Irongeft fo, againfl Sa-
tan and his Temptations.

As to the Second, That this Repentance and Gofpel-
mourning is a covenanted Blefling, and promiled in the,
new Covenant, I prove it thus, 1. From Scripture, it is
prophefied and promifed, in Jer. 1. 4, 5. in the Gofpel
Days, it h faid of the Children of Ipael, and Children
of J udah, that they mail go and weep, go and feek the
Lord their God; and this they fhall do, when they are
to join themfelves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant.
In Ezek. xx. 43. it is prophefied and promifed, that

they

. ' On the Gospel Covenant. 195

they fhall remember their Ways and Doings, and loath
themfeives; and, in Ezek. xxxvi. 26. it is promifed, that
the Lord will take away the iiony Heart out of their
Flefh, and give them an Heart of Flefh; and, in Zecb.
xii. 10. a Spirit of mourning is promifed in and with
that Spirit of Grace and Supplication; and, in Acls xi.
l8. Repentance is by a Gift and Grant: And, though
k will be found of iome, that they fhall never get Re-
pentance ; and it may be laid of others, it will be a
great peradventure, if God ever give it unto them,
2 Tim. ii. 25. yet the Lord will keep it back from none
that lee a Nted of it, and are earneil to have it. 2. It
is a certain and furely covenanted BitfTing, becaufe it is
the great Defign of the Covenant, and the End of ChrifVs
Exaltation, in Acts v. 31. 3. This Repentance cannot
come any other Way but by Grace, and a free Promife ;
fo, by the Covenant of Grace : There is nothing for it
in the Covenant of Works, Exek. xx. 11. and xviii. 1.
And next, who are yet abiding in black Nature, they
will never think upon it; iuch are all Fools, and they
make a Mock of Sin, Prov. xiv. 9. And Hypocrites
may well howl likeBeaits for Corn and Wine; but they
will be dill rebelling againft the Lord, Ho/, vii. 14. they
may well be cut to the Heart, Ads v. 33. but they will
never be pricked and pierced in a kindly Way, until
the Gofpel come with the Spirit of Promife. 4. It is
promif«d, that, under the Gofpel, there fhall be a pure
Offering offered up unto God, from the riling of the
Sun even to the going down thereof, Mai. i. 1 1. and a
contrite and broken Heart is amongft the firlt in thefe
Oblations and Sacrifices, Pfal. Ii. 17. 5. The great B!ef-
fing of Conversion is promifed, in lja. i. 27. Zion Jhall
be redeemed with J udg?nent^ and her Converts <ivitb Rigb-
Yecu/hefs : And the Work of Repentance is not only that
jch advanceth the Work of Converfion, but the whole
almoft of it ; at lealt, it endeth in it, liepent and be
*vtrted, AclsYu. 19. 6. Looking on Chriit as pierced by
us, and ■> pierced for us, is promifed, in Zecb. xii. iq»
and that caufeth bitter Mourning ; fo, Gofpel Repen-
tance, and that Sorrow which is afier a godly Sort, 2 Or.
N 2 vii- i

1 5 6 S E R M O N XX.

vii. 9 7- Multiplied Pardons are promifed, in lfi. Iv.l
■\ is, I will multiply to pardon :]
• bat much is forgiven!
Soul, will make abund.nt Weeping, as in that!
the Sinner who wafhcvi Ch rift's Feet with herl
Tears, and \uped tr.em with the Hairs of her Head,]
, to 47. 8. Comforts are promifed ;[
j'pL-1-mournir.n ; for it is the only Subjccl capable of I
ling, and Relioring of Comforts,]
ts pre i. 18. \e?., chritt was anointed and

(em inco the World to comfort fuch, Ifa. Ixi, 3. If there I
none inch as had Need of his Confolations, he
fhould want a great Part of his Errand into the World.
Ufe 1. Terror to thole that live without this Cove-
nant, and are not (o much as thinking to take hold on
it : They, abiding fuch, cannot rationally expeel to have
any Thing of this great Bletfing of Repentance given
unto them, to have any Thing of this Gofpel mourning :
They can do nothing but harden their own Hearts, as
Pharaoh did, ExoJ. vii. 13, 22, iyc. both harden their
Hearts, and lliffea their Necks, as did Zedekiah, from
turning unto the Lord, 2 Chron. xxxvi. 1 3. yea, they will
make their Hearts as an Adamant-ilone, left thejt mould
hear the Law, and the Words which the Lord fendeth
unto them, Zrch. vii. 12. Though the Word be like as
a Fire, and like a Hammer which breaketh the Rock
in Pieces Jer. xxiii. 39. it hath no Power with fuch
Men, neitner (hill it prevail with them, fo much as to
fee a Need of Repentance.

2. Be inftrucled from this, to fetch all your Mourn-
ing tor Ski, and Gofpel- repentance, from the Covenant
ot Grace: If we know it aright, we will never think
to have it another Way, or to fetch it from another
larcer: And that you may know it, take it thus, (1.)
Jt is. a godly Sorrow; it is after a godly Manner, and
er a tfodly Sore, 2 Cor. vii. 9, 11. a Sorrow, chiefly
>unt, that God is wronged and difhonoured.
(2 ) It muft be a Sorrow, looking at Chrilr. ; u Mourn-
ii g, which anfeth from ferioos looking at him, and the
ongi which we have done to him, hrlt and lall, 1.

For

On the Gospel Covenant. 197

For our undervaluing of his Blood and Perfon. 2
cadfe of our finning againft the Word of his Grace, (o
: called in A3s xx. 32. How often hath he theieby moil
■ companion at ely and tenderly invited us to his Grace,
Mercy, and Peace, and we have flighted the Offers? O!
this fhouid wound us deeply. 3. Becaufe of our finning
againft the Seals of his Grace: Did he not engage and
1 meet us early with his Love ? Hath he not often admit-
ted us unto his Table as Friends ? and that we mould
i have lifted up our Heel againft him, how mould it grieve
; us! 4. For that we have finned againft the Imereft of
I Chrift, which he hath in his Church and Members, in lb
Appearing for him and nis Peop.'e; and fome per-
,<g him in his Members, as Paul did, ASis ix. *ver.

4, 5, 6. 5. For that we have finned againft his kind

Lherly Chaftifements ; lb did Ephraimbemaan him-
felf, that he (hould have been as a Bullock unaccuilorned
I to the Yoke, when the Lord chaftifed him, jer. xxxi.
.18. 6. For that we fhouid have finned fo much, and (o
miferably requited and rewarded bim for hi* manifold
BieiTings bellowed on us, and the great Things which he
hath both done and fuffered for us. (3.) Our Gofpei-
mourning (hall be known to be true, if it be a great and
bitter Mourning, i. For the Bitternefs of Sin, Jer. n*.
19. 2. Under the Bicternefs of Wrath, as hiding God
writing bitter Things againft us, y^xiii. 26. 3. Bitter, as
for the greater! Lofs, more than of an only Son. 4. Bitter,
becaule of the bitter Cup which our Sin maoe Chrift to
drink, PfulAxxx. 21. 4. Right Gofpel-mourning hath
much of that Brokennefs of Spirit in it, which maketh
us fit Patients for Chrift the Phyfician, Pju-I. cxlvii. 3.

5. I: mull have, not only a Dillike, but a perfect Ha-
tred of Sin, a Hatred of it, more than or the Devil;
and no Hatred of the Devil, or of any Thing elfe, but
for it ; fuch a Hatred as may have joined with it a Self-
loathing. 6. There mull be a kindly parting, or rather,
a departing from it, with a holy Indignation, and a
turn ng to the Ways of God, with great Delire, and
moll earned Delight.

Vje 3. Comfort to weak and much tempted Chriftians,

who have Satan, while he tempteth them to defpair,

N \ iueeeitinor

198 SERMON'-

fuggefting this unto them, you fhall never get Repen-
tance: May not Chriftians, from that which is faici, re-
ply unto him, N n, thou art a Liar, [ take hold
on the everlalting Covenant ; and Repentance is a cove
nanted Bleiiing ; why may I not be as free to exped a
free Gift as others ? Is not Chriil an exalted Prince for
this very End, to give Repentance to fuch an one as 1 am ?
Ufe 4. Reproof to thole, who think to fetch Repen
tance, and Golpel mourning, from their own weak and
vain, yea, and unclean Hcirts ; and that they can do
this when they will, anJ upon this do delay it: Ah ! it
is not in their Power, nor can they have of ther
a Heart unto it, though it were in their Offer, and fo,
as it were, in their Hand, Prov. xvii. 16. Ah! there
is no Strength nor Skill in us to compafs or command
fuch a Blefling ; and therefore we fhould be fo far from
delaying* Repentance, that we fhould halten to it, upon
thefe Confiderations, (1 ) We are commanded fo to do,
and to do it infiantly and peremptorily ; To Day if we
bear his Voice \ we mult not harden our Hearts, Pfai. xcv.
7. but we muft feek the Lord while he may be found, and
call upon him while he is near, Ija. Iv. 6. (2.1 There it
too much Time fpent already ; we mould be now reck-
oning, as in I Pet. iv. 3. The Time pad of our Life may
fuffice us to have wrought the Will of the Gentiles. (3.)
Delay doth make it both difficil and dangerous, Prov.
i. 24, 27. and Rom. ii. 4, 5. (4.) Repentance is a
fo it fhould be taken, when it is offered. (5.) Repen-
tance would be not only embraced, but carefully exerci-
fed, becaufe it would make all our other Works the
more eafy.

S E R

( 199 )

S E R M O N XXL

O N T H E

GOSPELCOVENANT:

On Forgiveness of Sin, the feconcl Blessing
of the Covenant.

2 S a if u E L xxiii. 5.
\^h my Honfe be not fo with God; yet he hath

with me an ever I afeing Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defer e^
although he make it not to grow.

WE go now to the feconcl Blefling, and great Blef-
fing of the Covenant, Forgivenefs of Sin: Re-
pentance is unto Remiflion of Sins, Mark i. 4.

In fpeaking to this, I propound thefe three Things,
Firft, To mew you what this Forgivenefs of Sin is.
Secondly, How great and excellent a Blefling it is.
Thirdly, How it is a promifed and covenanted Blefling.

As to the flrft, What this Forgivenefs of Sin is ; know
it, 1/?, By the Names which the Holy Ghoft giveth unto
it : The Hebrew Name beareth, the taking orf of a heavy
Burden ; and who come to be fenfible of Sin, will find
it a heavy Burden, until it be lifted off: The Greek
Name of it beareth, the difmifHng or letting of a guilty
Man go, Jetting him pafs free ; and is not that a Mercy
and Blefling indeed ? idly, Look to the Scripture Phra-
fes which do exprefs it. 1. Pardoned Sin is laid to be
covered : BleJJed is the Man <whofe Sin is covered, P/aI.
N 4. xxxii.

2oo 5LKMUN X\I.

XXXii. i . Sin maketh naked ; but Forgivenefs of Sin dotll.'
cover both the Sin and the Sinner. 2. It is faid to b«l (0
blotied out: Sin is a Debt, running upon the (core ; bul

jvenefs doth b'ot it out; fo, in 7/a.xIiii. 25. /, *<wM>

/ am hiy thai hLttetb out thy Tranfgrfjfions for mine 0<ii»l*>:

3. It is faid not to be imputed nor charged upor.l \

the Sinner, when it is once pardoned, Pfal. xxxii. 2l:.iC

4. It is faid to be fcattered as a thick Cloud, I/a. xliv.lk

but oin unrepented cove.e'h and darkneth the Soul,lv

ck Cloud, and coverall, as it were, God withli

a Cioud, that Praye* cannot ah, Lyn. iii. 44.!^

but Sin, when it is once pardoned, the Cloud is dillipated.lc

5. it is u\d to be caft behind the Lord's Back ; io, He-\\
zeiiab, in I/a. xxxvijj 17. doth profefs io much, tnatl
the Lord had call all hi, Sins behind his Back: It is!
dreadful, [C Lord doth let the Iniquities of Men!

re his Face, and their fecret Sins in the Lghtof hisf
Countenance, as in Pjal. xc. 8. but when Sin is for
it is t-ien as if it were oil behind nis B^ck. 6. It is
to be caft in the Depths of the St a, Mic. vii. 19.
fo it is put far away out of fight, and no more to be
looked after. 7. It is faid not to be feen by the Lord ;
neii it is, as if it were not at all, Numb, xxiii. 21.
8. It is faid to be taken away, as, if they were ioaght
for never fo much, there mall be none of them ;
by molt diligent Search, they fhal] not be found, J er. 1.
20. 5 >7i, You may kno^v what Forgivenefs of Sin is,
by ChriJfs Work about it, r. They are laid and charg- |
eo upoa him, and he beareih them, La. liii 6, 1 1 . and
I Pet. ii. 24. 2. He payed for them, and laid down a
Price, 1 Cor. vi. 20. fo, he came to be a Propitiation for
them, 1 John ii. 2. 3. He did purge and cleanfe us
from them, He/>.\.$. with Rev. i. J, 4. He took thtm
av\ 1. 29. and 1 John iii. 5. and put them away :

. i thefc do but amount to the taking awjy of the Guilt
and Dominion, but not of the Indwelling of Sin.

U/et I. Againft Papifls, who aflert a Forgivenefs of

the Fault, and not of the Punifhment: If the Guilt be

fully taken away by a free Pardon, the Soul is not, can-

I any more be liable to Punjfhnient. 2. Againft Lhe

• " On the Gospel Covenant, 201

4 vomzans, who afiert fuch a Forgivenefs, as that Man-

* tht ieby (hall neither be any more under Wrath, nor yet

; able to fin : Pau/f after he was juftifled, fo had his Sin

• pardoned, knew well that Sin dwelt in him, and a whole
1 Body of Death, Rom. vii. 17, 24.

Ufe 2. Comfort to the doubting Chriilian : Free For-
givenefs doth take Sin away, fo as if it had never been, in
Refped of any Obligation to eternal Wrath : It is fo
J blotted out, and not imputed, as it fhall not condemn :
I There is no Condemnation to thofe that have their Sins
j once pardoned ; once pardoned is for ever pardoned j
j once put out of fight is never to be looked after by the
j Lcro, fo as to be punifhed.

A3 to the fecond, This Forgivenefs of Sin is fo rich
and rare a Biefling, that it is called the BlerTednefs of a
Man, Rom. iv. 6, 7, 8. The Excellency of it may be
taken up thus, 1. Fron> its Author, Jefus, the fame that
giveth Repentance, giveth Remiflion of Sins alio; he
was exalted to give both. 2. From its Fountain, Grace.
\ft. Mere Grace, Tit. ii. 11. zd. Rich Grace, Epb. i.
7. id. Free Grace j for he hath Power to take Ven-
geance : He is ftrong, the ftrong God, and yet gracious,
Exod. xxxiv. 6. 4//?. Favour lhewed unto us, and we
are fpared ; but Chrift was not fpared, He /pared not his
own Son, Rom. viii. 32. 3. From its Comprehenfivenefs:
It is fo compreheniive a Biefiing, as all Blefiings in it:
It is the firft and great Biefling of the Covenant, which
bringeth on and foi ward all the reft, E%ek. xxxvi. from
wr. 25,— -3 1. the Knowledge of Salvation cometh by
Remiflion of Sins, Luke i. <uer. 77. and in Luke xxiv. 47.
Repentance and Remiflion of Sins are put down as the
whole Sum of the Gofpel : And, in Jfls x. 43. all the
good which Chriitians get by believing, is put down un-
der that one Word, Remiflion of Sins. 4. If the Evil
Sin, from which free Forgivenefs doth deliver a Man,
be weli confidered, Remiflion of Sin will be found, and
acknowledged to be, a rich and excellent Biefling: Sin
is a grc^t Evil, Hi. M it be confidered how it is againft
God, the greateft Good ; againft his Being, Attributes,
and Image ; and againft his Ordinances and Friends ;

and

202 S E R M O N XXL

and of a very provokin. even of the Lord tol

Jealoufy, Dtut. xxxri. 2; | it did Lie!

upon Chrift. 3V. how in itfelf it is moH. evil, only!
tvil, and inclining the e in which it il, tol

every Evil : All its • evil ; no:ning is evil but]

by it; whether evil I XX viii. 49.

or evil Men, 2 Tim. iii. 13. It is Co evil, that it maketji
the whole Creation to gruan under it, Rom. viii. 21, 22.
4th. How evil it is, and how much Evil it doth to Man,
(1.) It defileth him. (2.) It debifeth him. (3.) It fe-
parateth him from God, I/a. Jix. r, 2. which no other
Thing can do to a Believer, Rom. viii. 35. (4.) It keep th
back many good Thing? is the Inlet

of all Woes, Dcut. xxviii. 26, : ea, and the very

Founder of Hell. (6.) It maki :jns evil, which,

when it is taken out of the way, may prove very goodl
Pfal. 119. 71. yea, it maketh j ^gs evil, a Table

a Snare, and that which mould have been for Mens Wel-
fare a Trap, Pfal. lxviii. 22. yea, it maketh Bleffings to
be curfed, Mai. ii. 2. O tnen, if Sin every way be to
evil and curfed a Thing, Forgivenefs of Sin mud be a
rich and excellent Bleifing. 5. If we confidsr the Qua-
lities of this Forgivenefs, we will yet find fomeching fur-
ther to commend it to us in its Worth. 1//. It is moft
free ; fee lfa. xlviii. 9,11. For m\ Name's Sake will 1 defer
mine Anger t for mine own Sake> even for my own Saie, I
will do it ; fo, in Rom. v. 16. the free Gift, <vi*. of For-
givenefs, is of many Offences unto Juihfication. zd. It
is a full Forgivenefs ; when the Lord forgiveth one Ini-
quity, he forgiveth all Iniquities: The Lord is good,
and ready to forgive, and plenteous in Mercy, full of
Companion, and plenteous both in Mercy and Truth,
Pfal. lxxxvi. c, 15. He forgiveth all Iniquicies, and
healeth all Difeafes, Pfal. ciii. 3. 3^. There is in this
Forgivenefs, Mercy and Pardun, even to Backfliders ;
fo, in J er. iii. 22. Return, O backfiding Children, and /
ivi II heal your Backflidings ; and, in EzeA. xxxiv. j6. The
Lord will feek that which was loft, and bring again that
which was driven aw<iy, and will bind up that wbicb
'was broken^ and fliengtben that which was Jick ; and, in

Hof

On the Gospel Covenant. 223

lpf. xiv. 4. / will heal their Backflidings, and love t
ffeely ; and, in P/'a. cxlv. 14. The Lcrd upholdetb all that
fall , and raifetb up thofe that are bouved dozvn.

Vie 1. Is Forgivenefs of Sin the great Bieffing, fuch
as bringeth along all other Bleffings with it ? then, they
are in a woful and curled Eitate, that have nothing of
k; yea, have their Iniquity fewed up and fealed up in a
Bag againit them, in worie Senfe than Job had them,
$bap. xiv. 17. Without Reconciliation, there can be no
Bieffing, and without Remiflion no Reconciliation : The
HeArt condemning, Sin reigning, Bleflings curfed, and
Curies multiplied ; fuch is or may be, the Cafe of thole
who have nut their Sins forgiven : O dreadful State !

2. Is Forgivenefs fo excellent a Bieffing r let us
all leek it eameitly, with all our Delire : They are but
Fools, who think to have or hold any Bieffing without
it, to have it a Bieffing indeed : We would feek this For-
givenefs, not only before, and in o^der to Juftiiication,
but after we are juftified; for, (i.) Though Forgivenefs
of Sin put us in J unification, into a Cafe of Non-con^-
demnation, yet it doth not put us in a Cafe of Impecca-
bility, thai is, of not beirig able to fin. (2.) Though
Pardon of all Sin be meritorioufly purchafed by ChrifTs
Death, and though it lland virtually in the fure Promife;
yet no Sin can be a&^ally pardoned before it be com-
mitted, nor until it be repented. (3.) Remiflion may be
confidered, either as to Obligation to eternal Wrath, or
as to freeing from temporary Rods : Though Pardon free
altogether from the firir., not fo from the lair.: So, there
will be need of feeking new Pardon, that we may be
freed or kept free of thefe. (4.) There will be need of
the renewed Senfe of the Pardon of old Sins, becaufe
even the Remembrance of thefe may be bitter ; yea,
they may rife up upon us, like Ghofts of dead Men, to
fright us, and become terrible.

U/e 3. Be thankful for this excellent Bieffing, you
that hajye it : The Lord's Name and Glory is proclaim-
ed in it, Excd. xxxiv. 6. and defigned in it, Epb. i. 6.
and for it the Soul and all that which is within the Saint*,
hath bleffed God, P/a.cii'uz, 3. Knowthat Sin is pardoned,

(1.) By

2o4 SERMON XXI.

(i.) By keeping of and walking in his Covenant,
mi. 17, 18. (2 ) By much Love to Jefus, and a high!
Elttern of him, Luke vii. 47. as having found botn pu-f
nfving and Peace to their Conferences by hig BloodJ
13 ) Ey dying to Sin, and its Mortification, Rom. viii. 1 3.
and xi. 26, 27. (4) Mourning for Chrilt pierced, ZecbA
'O. (5 ) Wiliiugneis to forgive, Mattb. vi. 14. andl
32, 33. (6.) Fret, full, and not forma! Confeilion,
1 John i. 9. even of moil fecret and bell beloved Sin^ ;
particularly, of fclf-jatUfying, fecret Unbelief, and fpi-
ritual Pride. (7 ) A boly i ear, the cleanfing from all '
Fiithincis, ;:nd pc.-fe£ting Holinefs in tne Fear of dod,
go together, 2 Cor. vii. 1.

Uje 4. Is Pardon of Sin the greateft good ? then be-
ware of Sin, a.1 u»d oi every Degree
0/ Sin, which looktth toward the unpardonable Sin, iuch
as finning agamit great Light, and wilful and malicious
fining.

As to the third Thing propounded, as this Forgivenefs
of Sin is a rich and excellent Blefling, io it is promifed
and enfured by Covenant ; fo, it is a covenanted Blelfing :
We have this very ciear, 1. From Scriptures; it is writ-
ten mod amply in his Covenant Name, wherein he pro-
claimed his Goodnefs tc Moles, in Exod. xxxiv. 7. He
keepeth Mercy for Thoufands, and forgiveth Iniquity,
7>anfgreflion, Sin; fo, in Mir. vii. 18. Wno is a God
like unto thee, that pardoneth Iniquity, and pafleth by
the Tranfgreflion of tne Remnant of his Heritage? He
retaineth not Anger for ever, becaufe Jie delighteth in
Mercy : it is promiied clearly, while the Lord promifeto.
to heal Backfiidjngs, Jer. iii. 22. tnat is a compleat For-
givenefs: But, molt clearly it is put down amongtl the
hrfl and chief Articles of the Covenant, in Jer. xxxi.
34. 1 <ix ill forgive their Iniquity, and remember tbeir Sin
no more ; and, in Jer. xxxiii. 8. 1 will cleaufe them from
all tbeir Iniquity nv hereby t jey have finned again/} me, and I
nvi 11 pardon all their Iniquities vj hereby they have finned, and
by tbey have tranlgreffcd again/} me ; and, in Ezei.
xxx vi. 25. Then <u,ill 1 fprinkle clean Water upon you, and
ye f ball be clean, f?jm all your Filtbinefs, and from all
your idoh will I cUanfe you; and, in <ver. 29. of that

chap.

• ' On the Gospel Covenant. ' 205

c bap. I will alfo fa<ve you from, all your UncleanneJ/es ;
There is a Pardon of Sin in thefe Promifes, as well as
purifying. 2. It appeareth that Forgivenefs of Sin is
and mult be a covenanted Mercy, from thefe Reaions,
\fl. The Covenant is a Covenant of Mercy, and it is
the Flower of Mercy : God in the Covenant is the Fa-
ther of Mercies, 2 Cor. i. 3. and pardoning Merc} is
the firft Mercy- 2^/y, The Covenant is a Covenant of
Grace, wherein tne Lord lecketh the Praife of his Grace ;
and there is nothing to commend free Grace more, than
a tree Pardon to rebel Sinners: This is it which will
make Chrift to be admired in the Saints throughout all
Eternity, 2 TbeJ/l i. 10. $JJyt The Lord hath found a
Ranfom, Job xxxiii. 24. He hath get Payment and
Satisfaction, therefore he mufl let the Debtor go free.
£tbly9 The Covenant is for Salvation ; and there was i a
Way to fave Sinners, but by Forgiveneis of Sin : If Sin
be not taken away, who can be laved ? $tbty% It w
and is Chrill's Office, to put Pardons to Sale, in the
great Proclamations, I/a.h. 1. and Johnwix. 37. He
felieth without Money; and it is the Minifter's Work
to invite People to come and receive Pardons, while they
are to befeech them to be reconciled to God, in 2 Cor.
; v. 20. 6thly> There is both enough of Mercy in God ;
he is rich in Mercy, Epb. ii. 4. and infinite Love, Eph.
iii. <ver. 17, 18, 19. fo, Goodwill to fhew it; and then,
in Chriit a Power and Capacity to bellow it on whom he
will: The Son quickeneth whom he will ; and the flvR
Quickening is in pardoning Mercy, John v. 21. The
Saints may evenreafon from the Power of Chrift, as well
as his Goodwill; fo, in Rom. xi. 23. they fhall be graf-
fed in, for God is able to graff them in again ; and, in
Rom. xiv. 4. they fhall be holden up, for God is ab'e to
hold them up : This is the new Covenant Realoning,
have we once a Promife, then may we reafon from hss
Power. Jtbfy, Grounds of allured Hope of pardoning
Mercy, are held forth in the Lord's mod earneft Ways
of cxpreffing hirafelf, in his Defire to have Peop.e re-
conciled and pardoned, i/i. His free Promife. zH. His
fure Oath, Emk. xxxiii. 1 1# 16. 3/ Wc find him plead-
ing

so6 SERMON XX!

ing, lju. v. 4. Mic. vi. 3. and appealing bo:h to them

fclvi>, and to «J1 th< Places. +tb. Af

- a Man wifiiioj . ixxxi

1 3. $th. kim> .ii. 17

'Quarrelling for Unknulr.els, f obn v. 40. yta, foi

Seli-murJe? r Sinners,

not fir, ding ;n t to deiboy

them >all 1 gi^t Hof. xi. 8

Lavir.g out his Name, all lull of Meicy, in Exoa\
jcxxiv. 6, 7. And then, waiting to be gracious, //a
18. tyb. It is good Ground of Aflurance of Forgivc-
neis from God, when ne layeth fo great a Burden on us,
to forgive one another, even until ieventy Times ievtn,
hlatth. xviii. 22.

Ufe 1. Is Forgivenefs of Sin a covenanted Blefling,
proinifed and enfured by Covenant is Comior*

and (lay to thofe doubting Souls, who can hardly be per
fuaded t6 thin^ that the Lord is or will be their God,
becaufe of their many and great Sins: Let iuch confider
what hath been faid of this free Forgivenefs, how it is
promifed, and enfured by the Oath of God in a fealed
Covenant, and confider ierioufly thefe two Scriptures^
that in La. i. t 8. Come now and let us reafon together y
though your Sins be as Scarlet, they Jhall be as white as
Snow ; though they be red as Crim/on, they Jhall be as Wool\
and that other Place, in Amos v. 12. / know your mani-
fold Tran/grcjfions, and your mighty Sins, &c. yet, in <ver.
15. If Men will but hate the evil, and love the good,
there is a may be that the Lord will be gracious; and
then, let fuch confider further thefe Grounds of Encou-
ragements, (1.) God doth make his Plantations in Wil-
der nefies, lja. xli. 19. fo, Grace is often poured forth
on thofe, that are moil gracelefs. (2.) The belt are by
Nature, and as to the Seeds of Bvil in them, as evil as
they ; they have that Body of Deatn in them, Rom. vii.
*4~ (3-) Free Love is infinite and boundiefs ; the Apo-
itle, in Rom. xi. 33. cryeth out, O the Depth of the Riches!
And, in Eph. in. 17. he givcth unto it, a "Height, a
Depth, and a Breadth, and Length, which pafleth
Knowledge. If old Things which the Lord hath done

will

On the Gospel Covenant. 207

Mil not found Aflurance, the Lord hath promifed to do
1 new Thing, lfa. xliii. 18, 19. So, it is no good Rea-
soning, Never Mercy hath been fhewed to To gieat a Sin-
jner, therefore it (hall never1 be. (4.) Free Love hath as-
much Reafon for the worft of Sinners, as for the ieiVevii,
t,hat is, none at all bat good Pleaiure : He blotteth out
Tranfgrej/ions for his ovun Sake, lfa. xliii. 25. Chrift doth
not marry a Soul, either for its Worth, or for a Portion.
(5.) The greater the Sinners, the Lord hath the greater
Glory, the more defper ite-like the Dileafe, the greater
Commendation to the Phyfician ; and Jo, there is Advan-
tage for the Glory of God by the Patterns and Copies
I ca it in fuch Cures ; as may be gathered from Pja. xxxiv.
c, 6. and 1 Tim. i. 16. O ! this is the greaceft Ground
of Comfort: So doth the Hcly Ghoiliio^cl it furUa, this
Forgivenefs of Sin; fo, in lfa. xl. I,. 2. Comfort ye %
comfort ye, fpeak comfortably: What is the great Matter?
fhevj jferuialttn, and my People ', that they Aave received
double for all their Sivs; and, in Luke vii. 48. And he
faid unto her that wept abundantly, Thy Sins are for-
given thee; and, in Nlatth. ix. 2. Scn% be of good cheer ,
thy Sins be forgiven thee.

JJfe 2. Is Forgivenefs of Sin the great Bleffing of the
Covenant of Peace? then, there is no Peace without it:
Not by hiding of Sin ; there is no hiding from God,
though Men dream fo, yob xxii. 13, 14. with Pfa. xciv.
7. much iefs by denying of Sin ; Gehazi could not efcape
fo, 2 Kings v. 25, 27. nor by excufing of Sin, Adam and
Eve could not efcape fo, much Jejs by fatisfying- God
for it : Thoufands of Rams, ten thoufands of Rivers of
Oil, nay, ncr the giving of the firil born, will do it,
A//V. vi. 7.

Ufe 3. Seeing it is promifed and enfured by Covenant,
we fhould ftrive to be made Partakers of it: Thus, (1.)
By fearching and acknowledging Sin, Lam. iii. 40. and
yer. iii. 12, 12. (2.) By confefiing and judging our-
felves for it ; fo did Ezra in Name of the People, chap.'
ik. 6. and' the Prodigal Son, in Luke xv. 18, 19. (3.)
By bringing Chrift as an Undertaker, and the Price of
Redemption,- to the Father. (4) By quiting both all

Pur-

S E R M O N XXII.

Purpofe to Sim, with repenting Epbraim, Ho/, xiv. 4, q|

/hall not fa*ve us, and Epbraim jhall
ba<ve I to do any more'nuith Idols? And alio all reg :.rd tcl
Sin il Ixvh 18.

Vie 4. Seek it by Covenant, and hold it, by holdingl
fait the Covenant : It is a Covenant Blefling, and all who!
delire to partake of the Bit-flings of the Covenant, mufti
hold fail the Bond of it : The one cannot be without che|
other, the Prom if e and the Duty; fo, in Gen. xvii. I.
am God all fuflicicnt, nva< U ard be thou ferfeSl ;|

and, in Exek. xx. 37. we hr.ve the People brought intol
the Bond of the Covenant ; and from ver. 40, — 45. wel
have very rich and abundant Bieilings.

SERMON XXII.

O N T H E

GOSPEL COVENANT

On the third Blessing of the Covenant,

the IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS of Clirift.

7 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Hnufe be not fo with God\ yet he hath made
with me an everlaftin^ : , well ordered in all Things

and fure ; for thh is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
although he make it not to grow,

FO L L O W E T H, in the third Place, thec third and
great Blefling of the Covenant, the Righteoufnefi
oi Chrilt imputed unto us: There are two Scriptures

which

On the Gospel Covenant. 209

Ivhich da mod plainly exprefs it; the firil is of that, in
I Cor. i. 30. where it is told us, that Chriit Jefus of
iCJo'd is made unto us Wifdom, Righteoufnefs, £ffr. while
it is laid, he is made unto us Righteoufnefs, the Mean-
ing is, that his Righteoufnefs is by Covenant made over
unto us, and fo imputed unto us. The other PJace is
that, in 2 Cor. v. 21. where it is faid, that God made
Chriit who knew no Sin, to be Sin for us, that we might
be made the Righteoufnefs of God in him : Where we
have thefe two Tilings,, one, That Chnil willingly came,
as he vvas appointed of the Father in the Sinner's Room;
fo, all the Sins of the Eleci were charged on him, and
impuced to him, that fo the Righteoufnefs of God which
is in him, that i^, his own Rjgbteoufnefs, might be im-
puted and made over unto, us.

In opening this M> itery, Ipropound thefe three Things
to be fpoken to. Firjl, What this imputed Righteouf-
nefs is, and how it is carried on. Secondly, Of the Ex-
cellency of this great Bleffing, the having of the Righ-
teoufnefs of Chriit. imputed unto us. Thirdly, How this
is promifed, and fo is a covenanted Bleffing.

As to the Jtrft, know, 1. That in this imputed Righ-
teoufnefb of Chriit doth formally Hand the J unification
of a Sinner, as it doth inftrumentally (land in Faith ;
for Faith doth receive the Gift of Righteoufnefs, as it is
called, in Rom. v. 17. and fo receiving it, cometh to be
imputed, or, reckoned, the Receiver's Righteoufnefs ;
fo, while it is faid, in Rom. iv. 9. that Faith was reckon-
ed to Abraham for Righteoufnefs, it is to be underitood
of the Righteoufnefs of Chriit, received by Faith; fo,
Chriit is nv«de our Juftification with God. 2. Know,
that this Juftification, or, to be juftihed, is- a Law Word,
proper unto and ufed in a judicial Procefs, whtm a Judge
in the Place or Judgment giving Sentence, pronounceth
the Party tree: So, here, the Sinner is empannelied be-
fore the Lord as Judge : He pleads, firft, guilty ; after,
he bringeth in the Hand of Faith a Raniom, which the
Lord receiving, he doth abfolve the Sinner, and pronounce
him free: So, by Chrifl and hit Righteoutneis, which is
the Ranfom, all lhat believe, they are juftihed from all
O Things

SERMON XXII.

which they could not be juftified by the Lawl
39. Now, this Juititication of the Sinrarl
n of Sins, of which!
we have fpoken, and in this imputed Righteoufnefs orl
Chriit ; which Righteoufnefs, as it is his, it doth Jlandl
both in his fulfilling of the Law, and in his fufTering ofl
all that which was due to us for the Breach of the fame;!
both which make up but one complete Obedience, evenl
that Obedience unto Death, in Phil. ii. 8. all <"hich
imputed to the believing Soul. 3. Know and confider.l
particularly, How this great Matter is brought]
about, in and by thefe Steps, ift. The Sinner is fuppo-
\cd to be a felf-condemning Sinner ; wicked and unre-
ng Sinners, that believe not, they are condemned I
:v, John'xw. 18. yea, all that come ever to have
.n this imputed Righteoufnefs, mud once judge and |
condemn thcmlelves ; they mull fee themfelves condemn-
\y the Word and Law of God. zdly, By the
Lght of their own Confcience. 3^/v, By the Offer ofl
the Gofpel, which they ha^e for a long or fhorter Time
led. ^tbl)\ By the Example of all thofe who have
more readily run unto and received the Promife. id.
This felf judging and felf-condemning Sinner cometh to
ifibie, that he cannot pofftbly help himlelf, and'
appeareth no Help from Heaven, but that h'cu
.1 to do with a Sin-revenging God. 3^. The N<
a Covenant, with a refponfal Cautioner, come and
prize him, in which it is told, that the Sins of felf loit
Sinners are all charged upon Chrifl, even of as many as
ill believe on his Name; that he hath come into the
mer's Room, and hath been made Sin, and a Sacrifice
for It is revealed to the fame Sinne'r, that af-

tKat Chrift came in his Room, the Law patted upon
m, which he fausfied to the full, and fo payed all the
Di ' the Hand- writing of Ordinances that

.\rcii--naili?:g it to his Crofs, Col. ii. 1 4. $tb.
) him in the Gofpel, ti\at by Co-
il and the Father, it was agreed,
\.i he mould offer up his Soul for Sin (and in
ion thereof) he ihould fee bis Seed, and Tra-

On the Gospel Covenant. 212

his Sou/, and fo he fatisfied, I/a. Yin. 10, 1 1.
Thar whofoever by Faith fhould confenc to this Bar-
his Payment fhould be ccunred theirs, and his pur-
J Righteoufnefs made over unto them. jth. The
poor Sinner, taking notice of all this, and of the well
jd Covenant, in all the Articles thereof, and of
j Chrift in the Heart of it,, as Mediator and Surety, he
jtaketh hold on it by Faith, and cafteth himfelf on Chrift
for Righteoufnefs ; then his Defire is to write down his
-, as Confenter' to the weli-contnved Covenant, and
j up himfelf to Chrift, not only as jefus, but as
Lord aifo. %tb. When it is, the Father as Judge pro-
ribunceth the Sinner frtet feeth no Iniquity in him, for
he hath pardoned it, and accepteth him in the beloved,
Eph. i. 6. for he findeth him in him, wholly and com-
pletely'covered with hie eider Brother's Garment, the .
fair Robe and white Linnen of his Righteoufnefs, who
is now made qf God Righteoufnefs, to the repenting and
believing Sinner : He is now found of God in Chrift, not
having his own Righteoufnefs, which is of the Law, but
that which is through the Faith of Chrift, the Righte-
oufnefs which is of God by Faith, Phil. iii. 9. And lb,
the Righteoufnefs of God, fo called in Rom. iii. 5, 21,
22. doth become that Righteoufnefs of the Saints, Rev.
fcix. 8. thus ChrifVs Righteoufnefs imputed, makcth us
in Covenant fenfe, the Righieoufnefs of God.

Ufe 1. Terror to thofe that are without the Covenant
of Grace, who have not fo much as entered into it:
They have no Interett in this gifted and imputed Righ-
efs of Chrift ; their Sins, for any Thing that ap-
peareth, have not been charged upon Chrift, he did not
bear them upon himfelf and upon his Body for them,
as he doth for Believers, 1 Pet. ii. 24. They muft bear
them for themfelves, and yet will never I bear

them: O intolerable Burden! they I und naked

in that Day of their appearing before God, naving no-
thing of that pjre and white, of that fine linnen, which
•is the Righteoufnefs of the Saints.

nere is ftrong and exceeding great Confolation

lor Believers, that ChriiVs Rightcoutneis is imputed

O 2 unto

213 SERMON XXII.

unto them : They are thereby juitified before God ; and
if he juftify, wno then can condemn them ? Rom. vfii.
Mich as are fo juilified, need not fear to be
judged of Ni:.n, or of Man's Day, i Cor. iv. 3. For,
(1.) All the Law fuitf, which a Believer is bound to an
Utr, they mull be at God's Initance; and if he pafs
from the Purfuit, who can follow it ? (2.) No Court
in this World can alter or reduce a Decreet which is paf-
fed in the Court of Juilification, which is held by the
iHoit High : There is no higher Court, unto which any
may appeal. (3.) The Sentence pronounced in this
Court, both as to itfelf, it is fo juit, and as to the Judge,
it is irrevocable: It is an abfolutory Sentence, upon
good Payment and Satisfaction made ; and it is a Sen
tence pronounced by that Mercy which endureth for ever.
3. Is it of God this imputed Righteoufneis ? And,
is Jem* Chriit made to be all our Righteoufneis by Co-
venant ? Then, Believers would learn to go to God, in
the Order prefcribed in the Word, as hath been fhewed
you; not only at the firit, but in all their Heart-con-
demning Cafes ; and they would learn to expect the Sen-
tence from him alone; for he is the alone Judge ; who
is that one Lawgiver, able to fave and to deiiroy, Jam
iv. 12. we mult not liiten fo much to what Men fay or
judge of our State or Cafe, yea, nor that which our owo
much darkened and often mailed Heart doth fay, but to that
which theLord thejudge doth fay and judge ; now, he faith
and judgeth, as he hath declared himfelf in his Word.
As to the fecond Thing propounded, The Excellency
of this Covenant Bleffing, the imputed Righteoufneis of
Chriit, you may take it up, l. Comparatively, there is
no Righteoufnefs like it ; for, i/i. All that moral Righ-
teoufnefs, of which we read fo much in fome civilized
Heathens, it was nothing but a Shew and Shell of R'igh-
teouinefs, and, as one faith of them, their bell Works
were but glittering Sins, zd/y, That Righteoufnefs which
Adam had in the State of Innocency, and might have itill
kept, if he had kept the Covenant of Works, it was and
could be no other but the Righteouinefs of a Creature,
and that very changeable ; but this is an unchangeable

Righ-

On the Gospel Covenant. 213

Jffcighteoufnefs. idly, That Righteoufnefs of Angels,
Uhjch they had in their firft Creation, was nothing corn-
sparable to this; it was but the Righteoufnefs of a Crea-
. |:bre ; but this is the Righteoufnefs of God, as you (hall
Jbear. \tbly, Much lefs is that inherent Righteoufnefs
Jivhich is in us comparable to it; for it is both impure
and imperfect; all our Right eoufnejfes are as filthy Rags,
and an unclean Thing, efpecially being compared with this
imputed Righteoufnefs, Jfa. Ixiv. tier. 6. O! this Righ-
teoufnefs is a moil perfect Righteoufnefs, and unfpotted,
jit being the Righteoufnefs of him who is the Lamb with-
out Spot, i Pet. i. 19. Come we, 2. To confider the
pofitive Excellencies of this great Covenant Blefling, the
imputed Righteoufnefs of Chrift. 1/?. From the Names
of it, it is called the Righteoufnefs of God, 2 Cor. v.
21. the Righteoufnefs of Faith, Rom. ix. 30. the Righ-
teoufnefs which is by Faith of Chrift, Phil. iii. 9. and
jointly, the Righteoufnefs of God and our Saviour Je-
fus Chrift, 2 Pet. i. 1. It is not the Righteoufnefs of a
mere Creature, but the Righteoufnefs of him, who is
the eternal Son of God, of him who is God-man in one
Perfon : O! that mud be an excellent Righteoufnefs:
And then, it is a Righteoufnefs received, applied by that
mod excellent and precious Thing, Faith; and then, it
is the Righteoufnefs of Chrift, a Righteoufnefs of his
purchafing and preparing: O! excellent Righteoufnefs.
zd. From the Qualities of this Righteoufnefs, 1. It is a
pure and unfpotted Righteoufnefs, the pure and fine Lin-
nen. 2. This Righteoufnefs, if any may be fo called,
is like the great Mountains ; it is infinitely great ; it can
neither be meafured in its Dimenfions, nor weighed in
its Worth. 3. It is a healing Righteoufnefs, that Sun
of Righteoufnefs, arifing with Healing under his Wings,
Mai. iv. 2. 4. It is the bed Part of that Armour of
Righteoufnefs, 2 Cor. vi. 7. 5. It is an everlafting Righ-
teoufnefs, Dan. ix. 24. ^d. The Excellency of this Righ-
teoufnefs appeareth in its Effects, 1. It is the Propitiati-
on for our Sins, 1 John ii. 1. It is that which maketh
our Peace with God ; it is to us, our elder Brother's
Garment, which maketh his and our Father favour a
O 3 Savour

a 1 4 E R M O N XXII.

r of Rell in us. 2. It is that wbich breedeth thai:
inward Peace and Quiemefs within ; the Work of RigK

■ Righteoufnefs %

it Word be
ft was that which on1
]y makcth theje Anfwers of a good Confcience toward
God, "1 Pet. iii. 21. 3. This Righteoufn'vfs bringet
forth Joy, for where Righteoufnefs and Peace go before
Joy doth undoubtedly follow, Rom.x'w. 17. 4
Righteoufnefs is unto L: 17. who receive th'

Gift of Righteouinefs, (hall reign in Life by one Jefu
Chrift: It is that which bringetij forth that Crown ol'
Righteoufnefs, which the Lord the' righteous Judge fhal
give at th Tim. iv. 8. 4//'. The Excellency oil

this Righteoufnefs appeareth in Satan's Malice again it it:'
There is no Point of Truth more contradicted than this,
of free Judication by the imputed Righteoufnefs of
Chrili: 1 , Artninian^ Socinian, Quaker, and al-

moit every other Herctiekt is againil it, one Way or other.

jllency of it appeareth in this,
made the Suhitance of the whole Gofpel ; for, in 1

ed the Min
exceedeth i

imputed Rig! ot Chrift fo ex-

cellent a Blefling, as it is that, which only will make us
(land in Judgment, when th<. (hall not be able

to (land? Pial. i. 5, 6. It is that only which will cover
us, fo as our Nakednefs may not appear before God,
Rev. iii. 1 3. Then, how fool ifh .are they who feek to
patch up a. Righteoufnefs to themfelves, of fomethmg
from themfelves ? It was a poor Shift, that of our flrft
Parents for covering of Nal rig-tree Leaves:

Any Covering without this will be no better ; yea, it
will be much worfe, now, in the Days of the Gofpel,
to go about to eflablifh our own Righteoufnefs, with the
Days, who had Zeal without Knowledge,
Rom. x. z. 3. Much more fooliili and mad are the;
thin iiew of Righteoikiu.

pocr rdly appear

.1 of IJyj

' ' On the Gospel Covenant. -15C

_• J Iniquity, Matth. xxiii. 28. They juftifythemfilves before
i :«, but God knoweth their Hearts ; and that which is
bly efleemed amongfl Men, is Abomination in the Sight of
IE*, Luke xvi; 15.

Ufe 2. Is this lb excellent a Bleffing? then, defire it
:h : Blejfed are toey who hunger and thirfl after this
hteoufnefs, for they /hall bm filled, Matth. v. 6. i
on this Robe, this Armour ; put on the Lord Jefus for
\ Righteoufnefs ; fo is that Word to be ur.deiftood, in Ri
.14. Defire to be found in him, with Paul, in P
9. not having your own Righteoufnefs, which is of the
w, but that which is through Faith of him; yea, 1
in him, and have no Confidence in the Fltfi, ver. 3.
of the Tame chap. Yea, with David, in Pfal. lxxi. 16.
you would make mention of his Righteouinefs, and of
his only : Make uie of it in all your Appearings before
God ; it is your elder Brother's Gamier;:, the pure and
white, the fine Linnen, which is the Righteouinefs of
the Saints, Rev. xix. 8.

As to the third Thing, That this imputed Righteouf-
nefs is a promifed and covenanted Righteouinefs, appear-
eth thus, \fl. Becaufe it is called the Gift of Righteouf-
nefs, in Rom. iii. 17. Now, all fpirituai Gifts are efpe-
cially by the Promife; this gifted Righteoufnefs is efpe-
cially meant, in that Place, John iv. 10. If thou knewe/l
the Gift of God, Chrift and his Righteoufnefs is that
Gift ; and, in that Place, 1 Tim. vi. 2. where the faith-
ful are faid to be Partakers of the Benefit : This is the
firii and great Benefit, which was in the Promife made
to the Fathers, zd. This Righteoufnefs is promifed in
that Name which he taketh to himfelf, in Jer. xxiii. 6.
it is enunciate Promife-wife : This is his Name whereby he
Jball be called, the Lord our Righteoufnefs ; which Name
is alfo promifed to the Church, to the Lord's Jerufalem,
in the Days of the Gofpel, This is the Name wherewith
Jhe Jball be called, the Lord our Righteoufnefs : So, this
high and happy Name is fo Chriit's, as it is imputed to
Churth ,* he fpreadeth it as his Banner, and fhe wear-
eth it as.her Crown, in Jer. xxxiii. 16. ^d. Chnft him-
is given for a Covenant to his People, lja. xiix. 8.
O 4 He

KIT.

He is promifed to be given fo, as to eftablim the Earth;
and the People of God on the Earth are only erhblrfhed|
'by this Righteoufnefs. ^tb. It is promifed directly, in
Dan. ix. 2 (hall bring in an ever lading Right e*

oujnefsy fo make an End of Sin and Reconciliation t

$th. Chrift is by Covenant made our Righteouf-
nefs, and we are made tie Righteoufnefs of God in bims
I Cor. i. 30. and 2 Cor. v. 21. So this Righteoufnefs is
njnade fure by Covenant on both Hands. 6/ '
we proved unto you, and are yet fur her to (hew you,
it is covenanted, and the Righteoufnefs is by Faith.

Ufe 1. Againft thofe who feek Righteoufnefs by Works,
or as by the Works of the Law : They are in the wrong
Way ; Righreouinefs is a gifted Righteoufnefs, and by
the Promife ; and it is every Way the better that it is
fo ; it is the more free, the more fure, the more perfect,
and the more perpetual : It it is utterly a Fault in many
true Chriftian.% who, by their Carriage and Ext
do declare that they would ftill have fomething of their
own to be mixed in, as a Price with this pure and un-
:ed Righteoufnefs of Chrift.

i here is from hence ftrong Confolation and
good Hcpe to Believers, as to Aifurance of Righteouf-
nefs, and JuliifiC.ition before God : It is promhed afTu-
redly; it is a fpecial Article of the everlalting Cove-
nant, which is ordered in all Things and fure, that the
ccoufnefs of Chrift is theirs, and fhali be made
forthcoining to them: How m :y they rejoice in this,
^e R;ghteoafnefs? So, he is and will be made
Redemption, even complete Redemption, and every
Thil oeedful and conducible thereunto.

Ufe 3. If the imputed Righteoufnefs of Chrift be a
covenanted Biefting, then all who delire to have it, and
to wear it as a Garment, which may hide the Shame of
their Nakednefs that it appear not, they mull go to
Chrift in a Covenant, that they may have it: And, in
order to this, (1.) Tney mult judge and condenyi them-
fclves, as urworthy of Mercy and Favour. (2) Flying
out of the: ,ey muft fly to Jefus for Refuge, for

which is fet before them, lUb. vi. iS. (3)

They

On the Gospel Covenant. 217

icy muft accept of a free Gift. (4.) They mail be

fabject to this gifted Righteoufnefs, to which 7/rWwouid

not iubmit, Ram. x. 3. (5) They ought to improve

this imputed Righteoufnefs, not only as their ftrongeft

Defence againtt Temptations, which would ieparatc

them from the Love of God, but for their bold Accefs

to God, for all Things of which they lland in Need:

When they have put on Chrifl and his Righteoufnefs,

how boldly may they rtep forward? for, 1. There is no-

that can be laid to their Charge, for God hath ju-

d them, Rom. viii. 33. 2. If there be any after

ings; they have an Advocate with the Father,

I John II. I.

S E R M O N XXIII.

O N T H E

G 0 S P E L C O V E N A N T:

On the fourth Blessing of the Covenant,
Sanctification. 1. In general.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
e he not fo with Gzd; yet he hath
with rl afl in g Covenant, well ordered in all Things

hire ; for this is all n, and all my J J

: Sough he make it not to grow,

FO L L O W E T H now the fourth and great Bleffing,
of the Covenant, even our San&ification. For
the more fuli and clear opening of this, 1 propound thefe

three

218 SERMON XXIII.

three Things, Firfi\ Wh.i: .ficdtion is. Secondly.

How excellent and great a BJefling -rdi'y, Hpw

it is promiLd, and To i

to the fi it is of our

Concernment to know it ; f<. I ha J g look likt

tificalion, which are not it : There are many who
are like whited Sep. «d appear beauti-

ful outward, b ..'lens Bones,

and of all Unclean: '. xxiii. 27. Sanclification

is a rare Piece 10. The Work-

man/hip of GoJ% ere a: U is ii verily ex-

prefled in Scripcuu . may ^ell gather what

it is. i. It is called a new C 2 Cor, v. \y. Jf

any Man ke in Chrift% he is 2. Jt is cal-

led the new Birth, ? n be born a-

gain, he cannot fee the Kr cJ ; fo faid our blef-

led Lord to Nicodemus ; xtion ; To, in Tit. iii.

5. Baptifm is calleJ er of Regeneration; it is

the Seal of San&ification, as well as of J unification.
3. It is exprelTed by Renewing, and moil inward as well
as outward Renovation ; fo the Commandment is, in
Rom. xii. 2. Be ye transformed by the renewing of .our
Mind ; and Obedience is given to that Commandment by
thofe, who, as it is in Col. Hi. 10. haw put on the new
Man, which is renewed in Knowledge, after the Image of
him that created him ; and the Commandment, in Eph.
iv. 23. is, Be ye renewed in the spirit of your Mind. 4.
It is expreflcd by the greatell Changes ; fo, from Dark-
nefs to Light, from the Power of Satan unto God, Aelsxxvi.
I 8. from the Power of Darknefs into the Kingdom of his
dear Son, Col. i. 13. by fuch a Chang*, as cbangeth us
into the fame Image of the GL r.ord, from Glory

to Glory, in 2 Cor. iii. 1 8. 5. The EfTett of this blefTed
Change and new Workmanihip, is new Obedience; Obe-
dience to the Fait.1, . to the Doctrine of Faith,
Rem. i. 5. and the Obedience of Faith, fet forward by
the Spirit and Grace of Faith, Rom. xvi. 26. Obedience
unto Righteoufnefs, 16. So the Law ctometh to
be written in the Heart, whereas before there was an
Enmity to the Law, Rom. viii. 7. in Place thereof, there

cometh

• ' On the Gospel Covenant. 219 \

^ometh to be a Delight in the Law as to the inner Manr
Rem. vii. 22. and the outward Man is alfo yielded to
G*6d ; yea, the whole Man, as. of thofe who are alive
4rom the dead, Rom. vi. 13. By this Work of San&i-
lication, there is a Difpofition and Inclination in the
Heart, Mind, and Will, to do what is commanded ; and
the Heart thus ftamped, doth fway and turn about the
whole M^n to the Work and Ways of Obedience and
cation; fo as all who fee the Man, may clearly
difcern him to be a changed Man, by his Life and Con-
yerfation.

Ufe 1. By this fhort and general Defcription of San-
<fti heat ion, manyy may, if they will be at the Pains to
fearch, find themfelves very far fhort, both of that Affe-
ction and Perfedlion, which is required in it: Ah! how
many are they who have nothing to be feen upon them,
but the rude Draughts of old Nature ? which is, upon
the Matter, no better than the Image of the Devil: Ah !
there is no iuch Change to be feen in them, as we have
been fpeaking of; old Things are not paffed away.

Uje 2. If Sandtification be fuch a Work as hath been
defenbed, what mean we that we look fo lightly upon it ?
AlTure youdelves, it is no eafy Work; let us go fet up
then, and make earneft Work of it. (1.) Search and
try, what v\e have or want of it; or if we have any
Tning of it at all. (2.) Make it our Work and Bufinefs
to have it, and to encreafe it: The Way of it is light-
fome, if it were once well entered into : The Entrance of
the Commandment giueth Light, PfaL cxix. 1 30. All the
Ways of Vrifiqtn are Pkajantneffts, and all her Paths are
Peace y Prov. iii. 17.

As to the fecond, Sanclifkation is a great and a molt ex-
cellent Bleffing; it will make a holy Man not only bleffed
in himfelf, but a Bleffing to others, Gen. xii. 2. The Pour-
ing forth of the Spirit or Sanclifkation is laid to be the
Pouring forth of a Bleffing, fuch a Bleffing, as fhali make
thofe on whom it cometh down, to grow up as Grafs, and
as Wiilo*ws by the Water Ccur/es, Ifa. xliv. 3, 4. It is
fuch a Bleffing, as is the blcffed Fruit of ChriirA Refur-
n ; according tc that, in Acts iii. 26. God ha

rafed

22o S E R M O N Will.

d up his Son Jefus, \ , in turning

■\ fverx one of you ties : It harh, in iome

eel, all chefe fpiritual Bleifings in it, Eph. i. U
wherewith God hath Welled as in Chrift Jefus: More
particularly, the Excellency of Holinefs, and how ex-
cellent a BlelTing it is to thofe that have it, may appear
from thele Tilings, i. It doth conform us to God, re-
newing U5 to hi Jin ige ; and that puts a great Excellen-
cy upon the Saints ; it maketh them the excellent of the
Eartn, P/al. xvi. 3. and the Glory of thrift; 2 Cor. viii.
23. not only Preachers are llch. but all chat are fancli-
fied in Chrift Jefus. 2. Holinefs is that which maketh
God delight in a Soul, with the Love of Complacency.
The Lord taketh Pleafure in t fear him, P/al.

cxlvii. II. He taketh Pleafure in his People, and will beau-
tify the meek with Salvation, P/al. cxlix. 4. And it ma-
keth the fandified Soul delight in God, from a felt and
feen Suitableneis in itfelf to God ; this maketh the Soul
go to God with exceeding Joy, as in Pfal. xliii. 4. It
maketh the Law of God the renewed Soul's not only De-
light but Delights, Pfal. cxix. 92. and in <ver. 143. of
that Pfalm, it maketh not only Pro miles but Command-
ments the Sinner's Delight. 3. This Holinefs, efpecial-
Jy if it be a thorow Sancufication, it will breed Peace ;
it is the Work of the God of Peace, 1 Thejf. v. 23. It
is he that fanclifieth wholly, and doth preferve the whole.
Spirit, Soul and Body blamelefs, unto the coming of our
Lord Jefus Cnriit. 4. It will make Souls live the Life
of God ; before, they are alienated from it, Eph. iv. 18.
And they fay unto God, as in J oh xxi. 14. depart from us,
ive will not ha<ve the Knowledge of thy IVaxs. 5. The
Excellency of it may be known, from the little Worth
of thofe that want it; the Heart of the wicked is little
Worth, Prov. x. 20. And from the many fad Hours
which the godly have, for their Want of it, and in their
Wreftlings with the Body of Death, Rom. vii. 24. 6.
They who are holy are fo blefled, that they are a Blef-
fing to all round about them : The lfrael of God is a
BlefTmg in the midft of Lands, where ever it is, were it
in Egypt or /iffyria, Ifa. xix. 24. and, in Ezek. xxxiv.

On the Gospel Covenant. 221

6. the Lord hath promifed to make his People, and all
he^Places round about his Hill, a Blefling ;• and he vs- ill
:aufe the Shower to come down in his Seafon , there,
aith the Lord, (hall be the Showers of Blefling : Thefe
ft-ho have not this Holinefs, are not fo ; their Throats
are open Sepulchres, Pfal, v. 9. \hey are Children that
are Corrupters, Jfa. i. 4. they are like that Girdle mar-
red, which was profitable for nothing, Jer. xiii. 7. De-
struction and Mifery is in their Ways, Rim. iii. 16. ail
are the worfe of them that are in their Company. 7.
To the holy and clean all Things are clean ; unto the pure
all Things are pure, Tit. i. 1 5. 8. Holinefs is the moil ex-
cellent Blefling, becaufe all Promifes, which have all the
Bleffings in them, are annexed to it : Bodily E x ere ife pro-
fit etb little, but Godlinefs is profitable unto all Things, hav-
ing the Prom if s of toe Life that now is, and of thai which
is to come, 1 'Jim. iv. 8. 9. In Holinefs there is Perfec-
tion, and where that is, there cannot but be very great
Excellency : Compare thefe two Scriptures together, Mat.
V. 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which
is in Heaven is per feci ; and l Pet. ). 16. Be ye holy, for
I am holy \ and you may eaiily perceive how Holinefs
and Perfection pafs for one. 10. The Excellency 6f Ho-
linefs may appear from the Excellency of the Fountain
from which it ipringeth, moft excellent Grace : That
fame Grace which bringeth Salvation, teacheth Men to
deny Ungodlinefs, and worldly Lulls, and to walk and
live foberly, righteouily, and godly, lit. ii. 11, 12. Con-
fider a little, how excellently this Grace hath wrought
Sanclification, in bringing about Salvation. » if. Man
had wilfully lott himfelf ; he forfook God that made him,
fo I may apply that Word, in Deut. xxxii. 15. and light-
ly efteemed the Rock of his Salvation : God made Man
righteous, but he fought out many Inventions, Eccl. vii. 29.
The Lord might have then faid concerning loft Man, as
in Rev. xxii. 11. He that is unjuft, let him be unjuit Hill ;
and, he that is filthy, let him be jilt hi fiill; but his Grace
would not fuffer him lo to do. zd. Sin made Man loath-
fom, Prov. xiii. 5. it made him fo loathfom, as no Eye
would have pitied him, Ezik. xvi. 5. yet Grace had Re-

fpedk

S E R M O HI.

fpecl unto him. ^d. No Man could ever have cleanfed
himfelf ; as he was ungodly, fo was he without "all
Strength, in Rom. v. 6. and there was no other could
clean fe him : ( :cd the Fountain, both for Sin1

and Uncleannefs, Zech. xiii. i. and fo it did bring in Ho-'
Iinefs, by that Blood which cieanfeth from all bin,
I John i. -.

U/e l. Hence the Happinefs of thofe which are in
'Covenant with God ; they are a holy People, and fo, a
People of great Excellency ; they are a moil bleficd Peo-
ple, for they have Hoiinefs, the moll excellent Bleffing ;
they are Partakers of God's Hoiinefs, and fo, of the ci-
vine Natyre; compare Heb. xii. 10. with 2 Pet. i. 4.
they bear the Image of the fecond Man, who is Lord
from Heaven, 1 Cor. xv. 47, 49.

Vfe 2. Hence alfo may be feen the curfed and mifera-
ble Ettate of thofe who are profane: If Hoiinefs be a
rare and excellent Bleffing, what a curfed Thing mutt
Profariencfs and Ungodlinefs be? It is Satan's black
Image, HelPs Livery ; not only a moil filthy Thing, but
Filthinefs it/elf. Hoiinefs hath Beautie>, Pfal. ex. 3.
O ! but Sin hath an ill favoured Face to a fpiritual and
rightly difcerning Eye ; Purity bringeth Peace, but there
is no Peace to the wicked ; they are like the troubled
Sea, when it cannot reit, whofe Waters calf, up Mire
and Dirt, I fa. Ivii. <ver. 20, 21. Hoiinefs is its own Re-
ward ; but Profanenefs, when the Confcience cometh to
kentd, will be a Torment, and Hell enough to

have it.
3. If Hoiinefs be fo excellent, and the mod ex-
cellent Blemng ; then, all who defire to be blefled, would
follow after this Hoiinefs ; even though it leem to fly
from them ; they mull purfue hard after it, fuch is the
Import of that Word, Heb. xii. 14. the Soul that over-
takes it, will not complain, albeit for a Time he be kept
out cf Heaven ; yea, nor yet though he mould be flript
naked of outward Bleflings : They are well cloathed
who arecloathed with Humility and Hoiinefs ; and they
are wejl fed, who have it their Meat and Drink to do
the Will of their heavenly Father.

;

On the Gospel Covenant. 223

'life 4. If Holinefs be of iuch Excellency, chat it is
!ie<jlory of the World, how mefchant Wretches mod
hey be that perfecute Holinefs? Sach labour to rob the
vtforld of all its Excellency ; thzy would be ei:temed
Enemies of Mankind, and unworthy to behoid the Light,
[Rat would endeavour to darken the Sun, and to pull
ft out of Heaven ; but they are greater Enemies to Man-
kind, that would banilh Holinefs out of the Earth : None
but will think it was a norrid Sin, to fpic in the Face of
the holy one Jefus, when he was found as a Man : O f
but it is v.orie to call Reproaches upon, and to fpU in
the Face of Holinefs itieif, and to do what Men can to
deface the Image of God in every Place; this do the
Perfecuiers of Holinefs.

As to the third, This Holinefs, as it is an excellent
Bleffing, fo it is promifed, and a covenanted Blefli
neither the Herb of Grace nor of Holinefs gro-.vech in
Man's Garden, but it cometh from above, from the
ther of Lights, Jam. i. 17. The Point I am now to
clear unto you, is, That Holinefs ;s a covenanted Blef-
fing. There are many fair and fure Promifes for I
fee that Promife, in Exod. xix. 6. Ye Jhall be unto me a
Kingdom of Prieffs, and an hoi; Nation: The People, even
when they were called unto and moft engaged unto Holi-
nefs, it was promifed and told unto them, / am the Lord
which fanSlify you, Lev. xx. 7, 8. So in Lev. xxii. 32. thefe
two are joined together, / will be hallowed among the Chil-
dren of Ifrael, I am the Lord which hallow you ; yea, it is A
promifed, in Dtut. xxviii. 9. that the Lord Jhall a.
a holy People to himfelf \ and, in I/a. iv. 3, 4. all tn;
written among the living in Jerufalem, (hall be called
holy, and fnall be really made fo, and how the Lord
himfelf will wafh away the Filth of the Daughters of
Zion : Then compare y^r.xxxi. 33. and xxxii. 40.
Hib. viii. ' jo. and x. 16. It is promifed, chat the Law
ihall be put in the Heart and inward Parts, and written
there; apd that the Fear of God (hail be put in the
Hearts of his People; and m Ezek. xi. 19. .
put a new Spirit within them; and in Exek. xxxv;
he will fprinkle clean Water on them, and they (1

clean,

SERMON XXIII.

clean, and that from all their Idols he will cleanfe them,
r. 25. that he will give them a new Heart, and pui a
new Spirit within them; yea, and he will put his Spirit
within them, and caufe them walk in his Statuces ; i/*r.
26, 27- And in Zeph. iii. *ver. 9, 13. it is prornifed, that,;
he will turn to the People a pure Language, and that
they (hall not do Iniquity, nor fpeak Lies; and, in Zecbl
xiv. 20, 21. it is prornifed, that there is a Time coming,
that it (hall be written on the Bells of Horfes, Holinefs
to the Lord ; and that every Pot in J erufalcm and J u-
dab mall be, Holinefs to the Lord. For further Clear-
ing of this, remember, 1. How we were redeemed from
all our Enemies, that we might ferve God with Holinefs,
Luke i. 7 j. 2. We were both chofen and called unto
this, Epb. i. 4. and 1 Tbejf. iv. 7. 3. If all Things
which pertain to Life and Godlinefs be prornifed, thea
undoubcedly Holinefs is prornifed ; fo, it is not only pro-
rnifed, but the Things are given, 2 Pet. i. 3. 4. It is
for the Honour of God, that his People be holy ; he will
fee to hi> own Honour, that his Name be not polluted,
Ezek. xxxvi. 20, 21. the glorifying of himfelf is his
great Defign with his People, lfa. xliii. 21. 5. The
next End of the Covenant, is, Communion with his Peo-
ple; and if he will have that, they muft be made holy ;
there is no Communion without that. 6. God hath
fworn to this Holinefs; it is an Article of the fworn Co-
venant, fworn to the Fathers. Luke i. 73, 74, 75. and
he hath engaged his Holinefs, in that Outi or the Cove-
nant, Pfa. Jxxxix. 35. and our God is faithful, as to this
very Work of Sanclification, 1 Tbejf. v. 23, 24. 7.
Chrift did give himfelf for us, for this End, to redeem
us from all Iniquity, Tit. ii. 14. and by Covenant he is
made Sanclifkatiou to us, the Fountain of it, 1 Cor. i.
30. with Zecb. xiii. 1. 8. It was both for our Sakes,
that he fan&ified himfelf, John xvii. 19. that of his Ful-
nefs we might receive, and Grace for Grace, John i. 16.
and he hath prayed for our Santtification, John xvii. 17.
and continueth both to pray for this Thing to us, and to
offer up our Prayers with much Incenfe, Heb. vii. 25.*
andTcW viii. 3. 9. Sanctification is all that Work which

On the Gospel Covenant. 225

i- the Covenant he is to perform ; and we may be fure
e v^ill not neglecl his Work. As he is the Holy Spirit,
>he is the Spirit of Holinefs, Rom. i. 4. And Sanclifi-
ation is the Work of the Spirit, 2 Thejf. ii. 13. 10.
\y the Covenant, we ihall be a People made ready for
yod' Luke i. 17. and a Bride, adorned for our Ha/band
thrift, Re*v. xxi. 2. and none of tfj »e without

holinefs; fo, if the one be promiied, the other is alfo
>romifed.

U/e 1. This may comfort the Hearts of the Lord's
People exceedingly, when they are . :ch with

:he Commandment: Holinefs is p^c: Ho'inefs

>f God is engaged for the perfeel > in every

Believer: It is our Millake, many Time?, and the Ground
of many difquieting Thoughts, we trunk the Reward is
ihe Lord's ; but Holineis is our WTork : It is true, it mult
be our Work; yet fo as it is to be wrought in us by a
higher Hand, I/a. xxvi. 1 2. O Lord, thou haft <zv
fill our Works in us : Holinefs is promiied, and the S
of Holinefs: He is alfo the Spirit of Promife, L
13. all our Strength for Duties lieth in the Promife;
and the Promife will make coven ameg! Strength i
coming : When our Strength faileth, we may ever run *
in to that Promife, in EzeL xxx
rit within yr>ny nr.d cr.ufe you to \y Statutes.

U/e 2. This is againit finking Diicoumgerrie.its, when
no Goodnels nor Holinefs is feen ; le: > the Pro-

mifo : The Lord hath not only promiied to pour out
r on the thirity, but Flo :und,

v. 3. and to make WiidernefTes O'oiTom abun
ly, I fa, xxxv. 2. There be three Encour foments
The Largenefs of Grace in this pouring forth, upon all
Flefh, Sons and Daughters, old and young, \,
(2.) The Freenefs of it ; all is to be had
and Price, I/a. lv. 1, 2. (3.) ChriiPs Re
it out, as out of a full and ever
giveth even the Well with the W
the Holy Spirit like a Well of 1
of their Delly, John vii. 38, 39. B
ed by the doubting Chriitian, Thefe
P

226 SERMON XXIII.

long to thofe that are actually within the Covenant
But the Anfwer, (i.) It is true, the full Performance a
thefe Things will only be found by them who come un
der the Bond of the Covenant; but, (2.) The Promif.
in Jcel, is not only to thofe that are called already, bu
to as many as the Lord mall call ; and effectual Calling
is alfo promifed, as you heard in the Doctrine of Re
pentance.

Life 3. Is Holinefs and Sanetification promifed ? then
we mould take hold on the Promifes, both for the Be
ginning, Progrefs, and Perfecting of this Work : Take
hold on Chrilt, as by Covenant made Sanetification to us
and on the holy and blefled Spirit, as the Worker o:
Sanetification : Make ufe of Pomifes for cleanfing your
felves from all Fikhinefs, 2 Cor. vii. I. Ad Faith on
the Promifes for Heart-purifying, Ails xv. 9. employ
the Lord, according to his Promife, in Deut. xxx. 6. to
circumcife your Heart to Jove himfelf ; and Love will
make you delight in doing his Will ; and this is his Will,
our Sanetification. Employ him alfo to fubdue Iniquities
under you, according to the Promife, in Mic. vii. 19
Employ him alfo for renewed Strength, according to the
Promife, in Ifa. xl. 31. the Caufe why we have lb little
Holinefs, we are too little in fetching it from the Pro-
mife ; we pump dry Citterns.

S E R.

( 227 )
■y ' ' * '

S E R M O N XXIV.

O N THE

OSPEL COVENANT:

•Q3n the Parts of Sanctificati ok; and i. of

MORTIFICATIO N.
01

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Houfe be not fo with God; yet he hath made
with me aneverlafting Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and fure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
although he make it not to grow.

SA N C T I F I C A T I O N is our great and daily
Work ; but, blefled be our God, it is fo ours, as it
is firft his own in us: We have fpoken to it in general ;
we intend now to fpeak more particularly to it ; and,
firft, to the Parts of it, which are thefe two, Mortifica-
tion, and new Obedience : Of the firft at this Time :
For opening and giving you fome Light in this alfo, we
(hall, Firft, Shew you what this Mortification is.
Secondly, How excellent a Work it is; and fo, what a
rich Bleffing they have who have it. thirdly, How this
Part of San&ification is promifed ; and fo, how it is a
covenanted Bleffing.

As to the firft, for underftanding of it, I premife thefe

Things, I. fn the firit Converfion, though the Change

be of the whole Man, a Change of all the Parts and

Powers of a Man, fo as it goeth through them all ; yet

P 2 it

2*8 SERMON XXIV.

it is not of the whole Man wholly ; there remaineth i
every Part and Power of the Man, an unrenewed Par
there arifeth a daily Strife and Comba
betwixt the renewed and unrenewed Part, which are ca
led Flefh and Spirit ; and it is, becaufe thefe two ar
contrary one to the other, that they do lull one again
the other, Gal. v. 17. 3. This Work of Mortification
then, is to take the Spirit or the renewed Man's Part
andno beat down, not fo much the Body, as the Bod#
of Death in us; to fight againit it, and to be fubduinj
it, till our dying Day. More particularly, ) ou may knov
what this Mortification is, by the feveral fcriptural Expref
fions concerning it: It is, i/L The deftroying of thi
Body of Sin, in Rom. vi. 6. which is called the Body o
Death, Rum. vii. 24. id. It is expreffed by putting on
the old Man; fo, in Eph. i v. 2. we are commanded tc
put off, concerning the former Converfation, the old
Man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful Lulls
to put off the old Man with his Deeds, Col. iii. 9. 3*/.
It is expreffed by mortifying the Members on Earth
every Sin, fuch as Fornication and Uncleannefs, isfc
which are as fo many Members of the old Man, Col. iii.
5. ^th. It is expreffed by crucifying; fo, in Gal. v. 24
it is told us, that they who are Chriit's, have crucified
the Flefh, that is, the unrenewed Part, with the Affec
tions and Lufts thereof, yh. It is expreffed by burying
labouring to have the old Man not only crucificc], but
buried, by Chrift, and with him; fo, in Rom. \\. 4. Be-
lievers are faid to be buried with Chrift, by Baptifm in
his Death: The like Expreflion we have, in Col. ii. 12.
6th. It is expreffed by a Companion of purging of Trees,
and lopping off of luxuriant Branches, 'John xv\ 1, 2.
ytb. It is expreffed in rougher Terms, in Matth. v. 29,
30. by the plucking ou.t of the right Eye, and cutting
off of our Right-hand, and calling them from us. $th.
It is expreffed fo, as it mult be a daily Work, until we
come to the Race's End; by laying afide evesy Weight,
and the Sin which doth fo eafily befet us, Hcb. xii. 1.
we mufl kep a fpecial Eye on it : Whence we may ga-
ther, that this Work of Mortification is no eafy Work;

and

On the Gospel Covenant. 229

ad that it is not done all at once ; but that Sin, \fi. As
were, hath a Wound, in the Love of it, which is its

ife; fo as that which Men do they allow not, Rom. vii.

t. zdly, It cometh to be weakned in the Strength of

, which is the Law; when the Believer feeth the Law
litisfied, fo as it cannot flrike on hjm, 1 Cor. xv. 56.

dly, When it hath prevailed long, it cometh at laft to
'|>e much fubdued ; and fo the Believer to be much freed,

1.) From that Law and Dominion of Sin, Rom. viii. 2.

nd vi. 14. (2.) From the prevailing Practice of it, fo

s tr.ev begin to ceaie from Sin, 1 Pet. iv. 1.

Vie i. Againit thofe who give themfelves cut as Stu-

lents of Hoiinefs and Sanctiflcation ; but think little or

lothing of this Work of Mortification; which itandeth

% the crucifying of the Flefh, and keeping under the

of Deatn ; fo, in the flaying of Sin at "the Root,

:.ve not to this Day itudied that great Leffon, of

jying to Sin, and to live no longer therein, Rom. vi. 2.

[they have not made it their Work to put out the Life of

Srin, which ftandeth in the Love of Sin.

Ufe 2. It is of all our Concernment, to try whether
we have any Thing of this Work in us : And, for your
Clearing in this, I ilia.ll propound to you, firft, Marks
of unlound Mortification, and after of the found. As
to the firft, you may take thefe as Marks of unfound
Mortification: (1.) They have little or no Mortification,
who eiteem highly of worldly Excellencies: He was no
mortified Man, who eiteemed highly of his Babylonf%
which he had built for the Houfe of the Kingdom; of
which he faid, that he had built it by the Might of his
Power, and for the Honour of his Majefty, Dan. iv. 30.
Nor yet were the Difciples well mortified, when there
was a Strife amongft them, which mould be greateft,
Luke xxii. 24. Ah ! this were to know Things after the
Flelh, which Paul would not do, 2 Cor. v. 16. (2.)
Where there is much Difcontentment with their Lot,
though they be provided of Thmgs necefTary : So it was
with IfraeJin the Wildemefs ; they had Manna, called
the Corn of Fieaven, and Angels Food, Pfal. lxxviii.
24, 25. yet they were not fatisfied \ they murmured and
P 3 wept,

230 SERMON XXIV.

wept, faying, IV ho Jhall give us Fle/b to eat ; we remem^^
ber the Fijb which we did eat in Egypt \ — the CucumbeMf".

\ebns% and the Leeks, &c. But now our Soul is <iW.|« '
away, and I her} is nothing left but this Manna, AWr1-1'
xi 4, 5, 6. Many, again, think the ftollen Waters fweel* [
Prov ix. 17. (3) Where there is a Heart cleaving i|W
the World, there is little or no Mortification ; fuch Jl:'e;c
make Gold their Confidence, which Job would not dlt^
chap. xxxi. 24. who are like the Horfe-leech's twl^-J i;
Daughters, which cry, give, give, Prov. xxx. 15. thil^!
fwallow down Riches, Job xx. 15. It is" juil that trl-^
Lord caufe fuch Men vomit them up again, as is threal*110
ned in that Place. (4.) When Men are immoderate i|^:
their Affections, ftill in Diftemper, or confufed ;
neither they themlcives nor others can well know whs
they would be at; they are like the troubled Sea; an
far from that Moderation which is commanded, in Phi
iv. 5. when they have not learned that great Leffor
which Paul proielTcth he had learned, in the 12. ver. o
that chap, while he faith, / know both bow to be abafed
and bow to abound ; every where, and in all Things, I at\
infirufied, both to be full and to ke > ungry, both to abound
and to juffer Need. (5.) They have no right Mortifica
tion, who have Confidence in the Flefh, that is, in Self, o
Nature's Strength, in Gifts, or Parts, external and carnal
or common Privileges: There isnotrue Mortification, bu
where all Boafting is excluded, and all Glorying a fee
the Flefh : The Lord will have all the Saints brought ft
low, they muit rejoice in Chritt Jefus, and have no Con
fidence in the Flelh, Phil. iii. 3. (6 ) There is little
Mortification, where there is much Envying and Strife
fu uo i» Paul reafon, 1 Cor. iii. 1, 3. he could noi
.. unto them, as unto Men fpiritual but carnal
./ carnal, faitii he, < as there is among

vvu Envying, and Strife, and Divijicns, are ye noi
carnal and walk as Men? (3 ) It is great Sign ol
little or no Mortification, when People or Perfons can-
not bear a Reproof ,* the) not with Meek ne is the
ingrafted Word, which is able to iave their Souls, J am.
i. 21. (8.) It is a Token or little or no Mortification,

when

On the Gospel Covenant. 231

- when a Temptation taketh fpeedily ; fo it is faid of the

1 foolifh young Man, He goeth flraigbtvjay after the Whore,

; as a Fool to the CorreBion of the Stocks* till a Dart (trick

th rough his Liver , and as a Bird baftetb to the Snare, and

^tknovueth mt that it is for bis Life, Prov. vii. 2 2, 23.

1 hen the Remembrance of old Sins, doth fet Men on

-. Fire to luft after them of new; fo, in Ezek. xxiii. 19. it

i faid of Ifrael, that Jbe multiplied her Whoredoms, in cat-

. Kg to Remembrance" the Days of her Youth, vjherein fbg

J had playd the Harlot in the Land of Egypt. (9.) It is a

::: Token of little Mortification, when our Lufts are ftrong,

at and do ordinarily difturb us, while we go about hoiy

a Duties : It is true, Satan doth envy hoiy Duties much,

1 and he will be at Jofhua his Right hand, when he is a-

W bout them ; yet, if Men be ferious about holy Duties, it

:i will be a very unmodified, and ftrongly flirring Corrup-

:.. tion, which will or can ordinarily difturb and impede

I the Soul in the Exercife of Worfhip. Take, on the other

II Hand, fome Marks of found Mortification. (1.) If the
( more of Corruption difcovered, doth increafe the Con-
flict, and ftriving againft it ; efpeciaily, if there be al-
ways an Eye kept upon the Idol and predominant Sin,
and the Strength of Battle be, as it were, poured forth
againft it. (2) If there be much of full and free Self-
denial ; ib Paul, when he knew by the Holy Ghoft, that
in every City Bonds and Afflictions did abide him : he Came
to fo much Self-denial, that he faid, but none of t ho fe
Things move me, neither count I my Life dear to myfelf fo
that I might finifh my Courfe with Joy, Acls XX. 23, 24.
And, in Phil. iii. 7, 8. he faith, But what Things were
Gain to me I counted Lojs for Cbrid ; yea, doubtlefs, and I
count all Things but Lojs for the Excellency of the Know-
ledge of Chrifi J efus my Lord, for whom I have fuffered
tbe Lof of all Things, and do count them but Dung, that
I may vein drift; and, in 2 Tim. iv. 6. he prorefTeth a
Readinefs to be offered up ; that was, to teal the Truth
with his Blood: But, in one Place he is marvelloufly
down in Self-denial ; it is in Rem. ix. 3. where he pro-
fefieth he would wilh himfelf accurfed from Chrift, for
his Brethren, his Kinfmen according to the Flefh ; where

P 4 he

SERMON XXIV.

he preferred the publick Good of the Church, and Glo-
ry of God, to his own Confolation and Salvation, if
Other wife it a e advanced. (3 \ )i there be a

conftant holy Frame of Heart, and Evennefs in our
Chrilban Walk ; if there be a. walking in the Spirit,
and no Fulfilling of the Lulls or tne Fklh,' Gal. v. 16.
And then, that fixed Ht cviii. 1. (4) When

a great Love and Defire after the Word ; fo, a good Sto-
mach to our Meat, 1 Pet. ii. 1. a Defire of the fincere
Milk, the moil fpiritual Food. (5.) If a Chriitian ccmc
' to be aihamed, not only of inameful Ways, but of
(hort-comings; when he thinketh that he knoweth no-
thing as he ought to know, 1 Cor. viii. 2. and is aiham-
ed, that when tor the Time he had been at Schou
might have been a Treacher, he had need that one teacn
him which be the firil Principles of the Oracles of God,
Htb. v. 12. (6.) When the Stirrings of Corruption are
not fo iirong in and under Temptation, as fometimes
they have been ; or, if after the Temptation is over, the
Stirring cometh to be lefs than ever it was. (7.) \i there
be nothing of that Longing, and Heart hankering after
the Objects which were wont to be Snares to us, when
we are dead as to the Remembrance of them, or the re-
membering of them aoth net affect us, mucn leis infect
us; we are not Lke thefe who in Amos viii. 5. do fay,
ne<w Moon be g ve may fell Corn,

and the Sabbat b> that we may if heat? (8.) If

we have fweet and quiet Contentment in evdry Cafe, fo
have Le rned Pau!\ Lefibn, Phil. iv. 1 1.

The pcond Thing propounded, was, That" Mortifica-
tion was a rare, rich, and excellent Bxihng : It ii of kin,

Dt of cr.e fame Frame a: with the

are poor of Spirit, and mourn, i

all or ti.it Sort are pronounced bleifed by our bJeifed
Lord: But, that it is an excellent lileliing, this M
cation, it cioth appear further thus, 1. From the wofui

e of Souis that want it ; ueir Iniquities t
agaioft them, as in Pfal. lxv. 3. S

which is a very dangerous Cafe, Rom. vi.

^^ev are jn Satan's Snare, taken and held captive

^ of

On the Gospel Covenant. 233

JfTnm at his Will, 2 Tim. ii. 26. 2. In Mortification
thftre is the Exchange for the better ; the new is given,
and the old taken away. 3. There is in Mortification
a Victory, and there is a Joy in that, 1 Cor. xv. 57.
there is a Joy, as in dividing of the Spoil, Jfa. ix. 3.
4. Such as are much in the Work of Mortification, have
much precious Communion with God ; the Lord dwel-<
leth with fuch contrite ones, Jfa. Ivii. 15. 5. This hath
the Promife of Life ; if through the Spirit we do mortify
the Deeds of the Bcdy <we jhall li<ve, Rom. viii. 13. 6. In
Mortification we fight the Lord's Battles ; fo, are with
him, and Hand tor him ; and the Promife is, if we be
with him he will be with us, 2 Chron. xv. 2. 7. Mor-
tifiqation, by cutting off Superfluities, and moulding our
Defires to our Eitates, it caufeth Christian Contentment,
which is a rare and rich Jewel of the Chriilian. 8. Ic
h the pruning Knife to the Vine, which caufeth the
greater Fruiu'ulnefs, John xv. 2.

Uje 1. Hence is difcovered their Folly and Mifery,
who do not fet about this b!efled Work of Mortification ;
thty nourifh their Hearts, as in a Day of Slaughter,
J am. v. 5. they fpare their Sin, and are cruel to their
o.vn Souls; it is worfe in their Choice, than with thofe
m Mat. xviii. 8. for there, there feemeth at lead fome
Lofs, which yet is none at all, to enter into Life halt
and maimed ; but here it is a MadneG, not to part with
that whicn is worft, and will prove our worft, that we
may partake of Heaven.

Ufe 2, All who love excellent Things and Works, Jet
them love this Work much: It is hard to Flem and
Blood ; but Fleili and Blood will not enter into the King-
dom of God : It is painful, but profitable ; the peaceable
Fruit of Righteoufncis doth come thereby : It is ilrange
to fee fome fo much taken with outward Mortifications,
in that voluntary and iuperllitious Humility, neglecting
ciy, foretold by the Apollle, in Cal. ii. 23. and will
not, do not, fall in Love with true Mortification.

third Thing propounded, was, That Monificacicn

was promifed, and fo was a covenanted BlefSng; This

:, 1. From Scriptures, in which, Heart circumci-

c34 SERMON XXIV.

lion is promifed, Deut. xxx. 6. The purely purging away
of the Droi's, and taking away of our Tin, If a. i. 25
The purging away of Blood, by the Spirit of Judgment
and Burning, Ifa. iv. 4. Saving us from all our Un-
cleanneiTes, Ezek. xxxvi. 29. In the Promife, to fubduc
our Iniquities, Mic. vii. 19. Jn the Promife of Chriil's
faving from and taking away of Sin, Matth. i. 21. John
i. 29. In the Promife, that Sin fhall not have Dominion
over us, Rom. vi. 14. 2. This appeareth from the Sym-
bols and Sacraments thereof in the old and new Teila-
ment, Circumcifion and Baptifm : Circumcifion is annex-
ed to the Promifes, fo is Baptifm. 3. From that Oath
made to the Fathers, of being delivered from all our
Enemies; and that cannot be without Mortification. 4.
From the End of Chriil's Death, which was to redeem from
all Iniquity, and to purify unto himielf a peculiar People
zealous of good Works, TiL ii. 14. 5. From his Vidlory
and Conqueil ; all his Enemies mult be fubducd under him,
Pfa. ex. 1 . and Rev. vi. 2. and his greateft Enemies are and
muil be fubdued, in this Work of Mortification. 6. From
the Power of the Gofpel, and Nature of the Word ; fo, in
2 Cor. x. 4, 5. // is mighty through God, to the pulling down
of firing Holds, calling down Imaginations, and every high
Thing, which exalteth it/elf againli the Knowledge of God,
and bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience
of Chrift : And of the Word it is laid, in Heb. iv. 12.
that it is quick and powerful, and /harper than any two
edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing a f under of Soul
and Spirit, and of the Joints and Marrow ; and that it
JS a Difcerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart ;
fo, very much fitted for this Work of Mortification.

Ufe 1. Matter of Terror to thofe that are not within
this Covenant: They being under the Power of Dark-
nefs, and of Sin and Satan, are like to die in that Prifon,
and Bondage, as the greateft Slaves under Heaven ; they
are like to take all that their Superfluity of Naughtinefs
with them unto Hell, Jam. i.#iz. They have no Title.
to the Promife for Heart-circumcifion, or any Thing of
this gracious and precious Work of Mortification.

U/e

On the Gospell Covenant. 235

Uje 2. Hence, Matter of unfpeakable Comfort to
thofe who have entered in, and given up themfelves unto,
this Covenant of Grace: Though they find a Body of
Death ftirring mightily within them, and their Corrup-
tions too flrong for them, as David faid of the Sons of
Zeruiab ; there i^ no Caufe of Difcouragement, how long
there are fo many Promifes of Mortification, whereby
Viclory is allured unto them: This was the Triumph of
Chriit. in his Afcenfion, He led Captivity captive, PfaL
Ixviii. 18. with Epb. iv. 8. and what were the chief Cap
•tivities, which he led captive ? were they not Sin, and
Death, and Satan ? The chief Captivity is Sin, fo as Be-
lievers are held captive mod by it: Though it were no
more but the Iniquity of their Heels, it doth even compafs
them. Pfa. xlix. 5. O! but Chrift hath led that Captivity
captive, and is daily a leading it in the Work of Mortifica-
tion : Believers, in their ftriving againft Sin, though they
fliould refill unto Blood, need not be difcouraged ; Vic-
tory over Sin is promifed by the Father, undertaken by
the Son, and wrought by the Spirit.

Ufe 3. Seeing Mortification is a covenanted Bleffing,
and it both cometh and is wrought by, and in the Strength
of the Promife ; hence appeareth the Folly of thofe, who
know no otner Mortification, but by outward Penances,
in not fparing the Body of Fleih, and the Body of Death
nourilhed thereby, in the Opinion of Merit and Self-
Righteoufr.efs.

Ufe 4. So then, when we find ourfelves of fmall and
little'Strength to debate with our ftrong and mighty Cor-
ruptions, we mould turn in to the Promifes, by which
Mortification is promifed, and Victory afiured unto Be-
lievers, Grace fufficient in the Conflid, 2 Cor. xii. 9.
and complete Viclory in the End : Yet, after a partial
Viclory, or Viclory in Part, Sin may rife again ; but it
will be deiboyed by little and little ; the Lord doth by
them, as he did promife to do with the Canaanites, Exod.
1. 30. dri>ze thtm cut by little and little.

S E R M.

S E R O N XXV.

GOSFKLCOVENAxXT;

On the lecond Part of

New-Obedience.

yet he hat1
and J ail my D

WE come now to fpeak of the other Part of Sali-
fication, commonly called new Obedience, or, the
Vivifkation of the new Man : Of cms I (hill fpeak briefly
in thefe Three, ifi, What it is. zd/y, How excellent a
Blefling it is. $d?yy How it is a promifed, and a fpecial
covenanted Blefling.

As to the itf, fn Scripture this is varioufly exprefled,
and from thefe Exprcflions we may gather what it
By walking with, before, or after God, Gen. vi. 9. and
1. Deut. xiii. 4. By walking in the Ways, Paths,
and in the Law and Commandments of God, Deut. xxiv.
9. Ifa. ii. 3. Luke i. 6. 2. By ferving the Lord with the
whole Heart, Deut. x. 12. and in Newnefs of Spirit,
Rom. vii. 6. 3. It is exprdTed by fearing the Lord/*
1 Sam. xii. 14, 24 the fearing of him and his Goodnefs,A
... 5. 4. By living to God, and Newnefs of Life/

Gal.

On. the Gospel Covenant. 237

Gal. ii. 19. and Rom. vi. 4. 5. By putting on the new
Man, which after God is created in Righteoufriefs and
true Holinefs, Eph. iv. 24. 6. Very frequently, by obey-
ing of the Lord and his Commandments, Doit. xi. 27.
and Obedience to Chriit, 2 Cor. x. 5. 7. Ordinarily, it
paffeth under the Name of Sanclification, 1 1he/f. iv. 3.
and 1 Pet. i 2. and Holinefs, Luke i. 75,. perfecting rlo:-
linefs in the Fear of God, 2 Cor. vii. 1. So this
Obedience is a bringing forth of Fruit unto Gov ,
unto HolineG, Rom. vi. 22. and vii. 4. Fruits of R
aufnefs, Phil. i. 11. More particularly, there is lequi-
red unto it, \(l. The new Creature, 2 Cor. v. 17. If any
Man be in Chrift% he is a new Creature. 21. There muft
be new1 Principles of Motion and Working, the Spirit of
Chrift,. the Spirit of Life which is in him, Rom. viii. 2.
and that Faith and Love which are in him, 2 Tim. i. 13.
id. There muft be freih and daily Supply of the -
Phil. i. 19. ^th. A Gofpel-like Converfation, fuch
as becometh the Gofpel, Plil. i. 27. O! there is
much required unto this;, more Exactnefs than the
now dim Light of Natuie doth teach, thoiigk that
which may be known of God, .Rom. i. 19. even that he
is a Spirit, and muft he worjhipped in spirit, and that which
remairfeth of that other Principle of common Equity, in
Luke vi. 31. As ye would that Men Jhould do to you, do ye
alio to ibcm Ukeivife, may Jead a Man a very great
Length ; yea, more of lively Obedience than in the Co-
venant of Works is required ; and more than could be
required of Men who lived under the old Difpenfation of
the Covenant, by Reafon of the now greater Light, and
more of the Spirit poured forth : The ExprtiTio i.% as to
the Exalt nefs of this Obedience required, go very
Jn Eph. v. 1 5 . walking circumfpedtiy, it is to the lop ot
a Duty ; and then, the Fruits of the Chriitirin it .
only be meet for, or worthy all the moil real
Repentance, Luke iii. 8, worthy of hia
iv. 1. byt worthy of the Lord unto all pleafing, 1
10. In 1 Pet. i. 1$. Holinefs is required, as
ly, and 1 John iii. 3. the Purifying of ourit \
is pure, not only all muft be new, but a daily I
and there in a ferious Endeavour to come up to the Pat-
tern,

238 SERMON XXV.

tern, in the moft exacl Conformity, that is attainable in
this Life.

Ufe i. Hence it may be eafily difcerned in how great
Miitake many who bear the Name of Chrittians are, as
to this Holinefs and new Obedience : It cometh in by a
new Creation, much more excellent than the firii, and
is carried on by Omnipotency, and rare and rich Com-
munications; and it groweth up with its Top to Heaven ;
yea, it doth come from Heaven, and travelieth thither
every, D<ay, Phil. iii. 20.

Ufe 2. Let us learn then to make this Sanclification.
(1.) Our great Study, that we may know it. (a.) Our
great Work, to praclife it. (3.) Our greateft Ambition,
to reach Perfection in it: Let old Things pa is away,
2 Cor. v. 17. and all Things become new; every Day
new Warnings, new Purpoies, new Endeavours; and in
all thefe, new Drawings at the Well, and Fetchings of
Grace from that Fulnefs which is in Jefus Chnft, John
i. 16. that ic-f may gronjo up to be an holy Temple in the
Lord, Epb. ii. 21. a Habitation of God through the Spirit,
ver. 22. of that chap.

As to the id. ThisSan&ification or new Obedience, is
a rare and excellent Blefling ; fo, in P/al. cxii. 1. the
Man is pronounced blefled that feareth the Lord, and de-
l.'ghteth greatly in his Commandments, and in Pfa. cxix.
I . Blejjed are the undefiled in the V/ayy and in Matth. v.
8. Bltffed are the pure in Heart \ for they Jh all fee God:
O! walking with God is a moft excellent Thing; to
bear the Image and Impreflions of God, and Chrift, and
to walk in the Spirit, Gal. v. 25. and in the Newnefs of
the Spirit, Rom. vii. 6. it cannot be told what Happinefs
there is in it: For demonftrating this, confider, 1. The
many general Promifes which arc made to it, Deut.
xxviii. from ver. 1, to 1 4. Bleflings in the City, and in
the Field, in the Fruit of the Body, and Fruit of the
Ground, Bleflings in all our Ways, Victories over Ene-
mies, Eltablifhment as a holy People to the Lord him-
felf, and fetting us up above Enemies. 2. Particular
Promifes, fuch as, 1/?. A holy fecure and fafe Condition;
fo doth Zophar preach unto Job, chap. xi. of that Book,

V

On the Gospel Covenant. 239

Jf Iniquity be put far away, and Wickednefs dive// not in
the Tabernacle, then Jhall thy Face be /if ted up without
Spot', there Jhall be Stedfa/lne/j and no Fear, <ver. 15, 15.

and m <ver. 18, 19. Security, becaufe then is Hope, a

Reft in Safety, lying down, and none to make1 afraid,
many Suiters, fffr. id. The Promife, not only of Suffi-
ciency, but of a plentiful Condition, Lev. xxv. 19,
2 1 . The Land Jhall yieid her Fruit, and ye /ha// eat your
Fill,—* Bleffing in one Year that mould Jail for .thres
Years; and, in Ma/, iii. 10. the Pouring forth qf a Blef-
Jing is promifed, more than there was Room to receive
it. $d. The Promife of a Bleffing to the Seed and OfF-
fpring ; the Mercy is to Thoufands of them who Jove
God, and keep his Commandments, in Deut. v. 10. and
in Ifa. xlviii. 19. the Seed to be as the Sand, and the
Off-fpring like theGravel thereof, theirName not to be cut
off,nor to be deftroyed from before the Lord. ^th. Freedom
from Difeafes and Plagues, Exod. xv. 26. and great De-
liverances from Tribulation, in the remembering of nis
Covenant, Deut. iv. 30, 31. and remarkable and com-
plete Victories over Enemies, the driving out of all their
Enemies, Deut. xi. 22, 23. $th. Promifes of fpiritual
Bleffings, fuch as, 1. The Love of God, and Fellowfhip
with him; to be a peculiar Treafure and Kingdom of
Priefts unto him, Exod. xix. 5, 6. 2. True fpiritual Li
berty ; where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty ;
and fuch is this Spirit of Sanftification, 2 Cor. iii. 17.

5. Sound Peace and fpiritual Joy, great Peace have thty
which love God^s Lav:, and nothing Jhall offend them ; and
David rejoiced at the Word, as one that findeth a great
Spoil, PJal. cxix. 162, 165. 4. A great Reward, even
in doing of the Commandments, Pja. xix. II. 5. There
is Hearing of Prayer promifed to fuch; If ye abide in
me, and my Words abide in you, faith Chrill, ye Jhall ajk
what ye will, and it Jhall be done unto you, John xv. 7.

6. There is Perfeverance promifed ; fuch are fo ordain-
ed to br^ng forth Fruit, as their Fruit may remain. 7.
All Happinefs is promifed to fuch ; yea, and that great
Happinefs of eternal Life : B/eJfed are they that keep J wig
ment, and he that doth Rigbteoufntfs at all Times, Pja/.

cvi.

j

240 S E R M O tV.

cvi. 3. The Happinefs is not in knowing, but in doing
of the Will of God ; if ye know tbefe Things , happy art
ye if xe do them, If a. xiii. 17. Chriii is the .<
ternal Salvation to all that obey him, Heb. v. 9. and, in
Rev. XXii. 14. Th.y are blcjfed that do his Commandment s ;
fo, they have a Right unto the Tree of Life, and ma
in through the Gates into the City. 6. The great Excel-
lency ot this Sandificaiion, is in that threefold and great-
eft Good, \(l, The glorifying of God; Let your Light
fo Jhine before Men, faith our Saviour, in Matth. v. 16.
that th?y may fee your good Works, and glorify your Fa
which is in Heaven, idly. The profiting and edifying of
our Neighbour ; fo our Neighbour is pleaied for his Good
to Edification, Rom. xv. 2. $dly, The edifying of our-
felves, both in Faith and Love, Eph. iv. 16. Judever. 20.
Ufe 1. The Madnefs and VoWy of thofe, who, as they
have chofen, fo they reit fatisfied, with the old puddle
Way of Sin ; they do not only prejudge themfelves of
manifold Blefiings, but of Bleflednefs itfelf ; it is to be
found in no other Way in this Life, but in the Way of
Holinef*, in this Way of new Obedience: This is that
Way, and a Way, the mod excellent of Ways, Ifa.
xxxv. 8. It is a walking with God, like Enoch, Gen. v.
22. a walking in Chrifl, Col. ii. 6. and in the Comforts
cf the Holy Gholt, Acls'w. 31. and in the Way of
Beace, Luke i. 79.

2. Chule then this new and living Way, which
is once fprinkled with the Blood of Chritt, confecrated
through che Vail, that is, his Flefh, Heb. x. 20. and
then paved with Love ; for indeed, it is ChrilVs Chariot*

. ich he manifeileth much Love, Cant. iii. 10. and

decked with many thining Ornaments: There are many

rwuch nd ravifhing Beauties in Holinefs, Pfal.

! chufe this Obedience of Faith, Rom. xvi. 26.

this Obedience unto Righteoufnefs, Rom. vi. 16. it is

la Sacrifice, 1 Sam. xv. 22. Blind Obe-

:c to God (I mean in regard of Succefs or Reward)
is better than to obey. Man without G6d's Warrant, upon
ali fe ^ges: Obedience is our Life, Deut. xxx.

ic, 10. fhju'd it not be our Love, then ?

On the Gospel Covenant. 241

! life 3. All then, that deilre not Snares and Judgments
> be rained down upon them, but manifold Bteffings,
t them choofe the way wherein Bleiungs do fall ; it is
1 the gracious Street of Obedience, the beautiful Ways
f Holinefs : All who love Excellency, love Holinefs ;
be Righteous is more excellent than his Neighbour, Prov.
ii. 26. but the Heart of the Wicked is little worth, Prov.
. 20.

As to the third Thing propounded, this San&iflcntion
nd new Obedience is promifed, it is a covenanted Blef-
tng ; fo, in I/a. lviii. i i. it is promiftd to the Believer,
hat the Lord Jh a II guide him continually % • — and that he
kail be like a watered Garden, and like a Spring of Wa-
er, whofe Waters fail net ; It" is pi omifed to the People
)f God, in Jer. xxx. 9. that they Jball fer-ve the Lord their
^od, and Dawd their King ; whom the Lord was to raife
up unto them, that is, Chrifl: And, in Ezek. xi. 19, 20.
it is promifed, that he wilfi^ut a new Spirit in his Pec-
tie, and that he will take the ftony Heart out of their FJsjbt
and give them an Heart of flejb ; that they may walk in
his Statutes, &c. And, in Ezek. xxxvi. 27. it is promifed,
that he will put his Spirit within them, and caufe them,
walk in his Statutes, and that they (hall keep his Judgments
and do them : Further, for demonftrating of this, confidcr
thefe grounds, 1. As hath been (hewed, theSpiiit is pro-
fmifed, even the pouring forth of the Spirit, Pro<v. i. 23,
and Ifa. xliv. 3. and this is to San&ifi 'cation and Obedience,
I Pet. i. 2. 2. Faith is promifed ; and it is unto Obe-
dience, Rom. xvi. 26. 3. By the Covenant we are plant-
ed in Chrift ; and he is a flippy Vine, John xv. 5. and
a quickening Spirit, 1 Cor. xv. 45. 4. It is promifed,
in that great Promife, whereby the Law is to be. written
in the Heart. 5. It is fwern, in the Covenant nvide
with the Fathers; for, the end of that deliverance, is,
ferving of God without Fear, in Holinefs and Righteou/nefs,
Luke i. 73, 74, 75. 6. if it were not promifed, it could
not be; for, without Chrift we are able to do nothing,
John 15. 5. we are not fujficient of our fe I've s to think any
thing as of ourfelves, 2 Cor. 3.5. It is God which work-
tth in us, both to will and to do, Phil. 2. I 3. 7. The great
d. End

242 SERMON XXV.

End of Redemption, and of ChrifTs Purchafe is, to make
us a People zealous of good Works, Tit. 2. 14. 8. The
great Thing which the Lord feeketh and promifeth him-
felf in the Covenant, is, Praife, and Glory, and Honour,
Jer. 13. 1 1. And this his End cannot be attained but by
the Hoiinefs of his People ; (o it is they (hew forth the
Praifes, or Virtues of him who hath called them out of
Darkncfs into his marvellous Light, 1 Pet. 2. 9. and this t
muft be by the Promife, or it cannot be.

Ule l. Is Hoiinefs and new Obedience a covenanted
Blefiing ? Then they who defire to practife Holincfst
mult not go to tiie Covenant of Works to pradlife it, to
fetch their Help from thence : Hoiinefs cannot be fetched
now from that Fountain or Quarter j for, 1. Though
Actions good for the Matter may be done, from that
which remaineth cf that Covenant written upon the Heart
by Nature ; yet no Action formally good can proceed
from thence, for it cannot ^ome but from a corrupt t
Fountain, and cannot but have fome crooked Defign in "
it. (2.) Kohnefs is by the hearing of Faith, not by the
Works of the Law, Gal. 3. 2. the Promife of the Spirit
is received through Faith, ver. 14. 0f that chap. And
the Gofpel only is the Miniftration of the Spirit, a Cor.
iii. 8. (3.) We are Saints only by calling, 1 Cor. i. 2.
and our calling is by the Gofpel, 2 Tbeff. li. 14. we are
fenctified in Chrift Jefus, in that fame 1 Cor. i. 2. it is
he that fanclificth and cleanfeth his Church, with the
wajbing of Water, by the Word, that ht may prefent it to
himfelf a glorious Churchy not having Spot or Wrinkle, or
any fuch Thing, that it Jbould be holy and without filemifi,
Eph. v. 26, 27. (4.) San&ifkation is a new Creation
and Workmanfhip, Eph. ii. 10. and iv. 24. fo it is not,
nor can now be, by any Thing of the old Work; the
Law now is weak through the Flefh, Rom. viii. 3. (5.)
Who are under the Law, and remain fuch, cannot re-
ceive the Spirit : The World cannot receive the Spirit of
Hoiinefs, more than that Spirit of Truth, John xiv. 17.
for he is one and the fame Spirit. (6.) The Covenant
of Works, even while it was in its Strength, did rather
fuppoie Hoiinefs than work it : Man was farit made holy

after

On the Gospel Covenant. 243

titer God's Image ; and then the Covenant for Holinefs
as made with him. (7.) The Ho;y Ghoft, who is now
e only Worker of Holinefs, is a Spirit of Grace, Zecb.
10. Outward Reformation, without him, is rather
int than Renovation: The Law is now for Re-
raint of Trarjfgrtulon, Gal.iii 19. As to that, in Heb.
29. that of being fanclified by the Blood of the Cove-
nant, is to be underflood only of being fanclified facra-
hentally, as in Exod. 24. 7, 8. And, to clofe this, if
esipw Obedience and Holinefs be not by the Covenant of
•Jyorks, but by the Promife ; then there can be no Merit
MBit: We may, of all that we do, or can do, fay, as
bDavid iaith, in 1 Chron. xxix. 16. all cometh of the
iiLord's Hand, all is his own; and, as Paul reafoneth,
t ; Cor. 4. 7. <wbo maketh thee to differ, what hajl thou,
what thou didjl not receive ?

I Ufe 2. Try our Juftihcation by our Sanclification :
Salvation is known by the wajhing of Regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghojl, Tit. iii. 4, 5. Some deny all
:ertain Evidences but by Revelation; but, (1.) We have
Scripture to the contrary ; David taketh that for a fure
evidence, that he fhall not be alhamed, when he hath
refpedt to all the Commandments, Pfal. cxix. 6. Chrift
giveth this as a fure Evidence that Men sre his Difciples,
if they love him, and keep his Commandments, John xiv.
15. and if they love one another, John xiii. 35. and
John, in his 1 Epiit. ch. v. ver. 13. doth give ground
to think that Men may afiuredly kne bave eternal

Life, and that they believe on the Sc (2.) To

hold this opinion were to blafphenn >rk of the

Spirit as dark, contrary to 1 Cor. ii. 1 2. the Spirit of God
is given us, that we may knew the Tivngs which are free-
ly given us of Gcd : It is true, Election is lit Re-
demption is more clear, and Sanclii. yet more
clear, being a Work within us : The C
Chrift, the Father of Glory, giveth the Spirit of U .
and Revelation in the Knowledge of him, Eph. i. 17.

Take riien thefe Marks of true Sanctifkation, 1. If it
be univerfal, if one exercifeth himiclf always
Confcience void of Offence toward God ana toward men,

Q_2

:

244 s E R M O N XXV.

Aft. 24. 16. If entire Satisfaction be their Study, as
was the A pottle's Prayer, 1 Theft v.* 23. 2. If there 1
a driving in, and Handing it out, as the woi

beareth, Heb. xii. 4. 3. It there be a watching, n
only againft Sins, which ilain the proieflion, fuch as d
ingagainit the Truth, 2 Cor. xiii. 8. but more fecret Sin
Pfal. xix. 1 2. 4. If our Works be all wrought in Go<
John iii. 21. and for him, and to his Glory, Rom. xi

6. and 1 Cor. x. 31. 5. It loveth not only God-fellov
(hip, fuch as that, in 1 John i. 3. but Saint-fellowih
alio, Pfal. cxix. 65. 6. It is very fenfible of War,;
Weaknefles, and I in perfections : There will be 'many
Wifll, like that, in VfaL cxix. 5. Of that my Wa

3 fap th\ Statutes : It maketh a man poc
of Spirit, A/rf/. v. 3. it will make a Man far from tr
Conceit of his own Perfection, Phil. iii. 12, 13

7. It will choofe all Afilidlions rather than Sin, Heb. x
2;, 26. 8. It wih (eek the Things of Chrift more tha

>n, even the Honour of the Son, whom the Fath<
defireth to have honoured, John v. 23. 9. True Hoi
nefs will be jealous of itfelf ; fo, bringing the Soul t
frequent Examination, P/a/\\v. 4. 10. It will be pre
voked, not only to Duty, by the forwardnefs of other:
as fometimes the Zeal of fome will provoke many, 2 Coy
ix. 2. but alfo by the ilownefs of others ; there will be i
a holy Heart a holy Shame at the mort-coming of other*
which wili quicken them.

3. Seek, all that love life, this Newnefs of Life

fo the new Way, in new Principles, for new Ends, am

unto new Degrees, from Holinefs to Holinefs, as well a

from Faith to Faith, Rom. i. 17. If it be afted, Hov

mail true Holinefs be known from Changes wrought ii

moral Men ? Anf<w. 1. Changes in fuch are not wrough

but by a long Progrefs : True Holinefs may -be botl

truely and quickly wrought. 2. Moral Men work no

cither from the Faith of Commandment or Promife

contrary is in Believers. 3. In fuch Men^no Change

e, only fome general Change. 4. Such do al

let up themfelves to be their own End. 5. Tho

do fome good Things, they do them not with De

ligh

On the Gospel Covenant. 245

ighc ; though fometimes they may feem to do them free-
y, in the Strength of a Gift, or from a Habit and

torn.

S E R M O N XXVI.

ON THE

"3 0 S P E L C 0 V E N A N T :

pf fanclifying and laving Graces, i. Of
Knowledge.

ti

e,

I
1 Samuel xxin. 5-.

gh my Houfe be not fo with Cod ; yet be hath
with me an ever I a fling Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defiret
Wplthcugh he make it not to grow.

WE have fpoken to the Parts of Sanclifkation : Let
us now confider the Graces which are exercifed
in it ; which are as fo many Diamonds and precious
fStones, fhining in the fame with a glorious Luitre to a
discerning and fpiritual Eye: As San&ification, in the
general, is a great and covenanted Bit (Mug, fo is every
e that appeareth and is exercifed in it.
I begin at Knowledge, not that which is natural, which
diilinguifheth a Man irom a Beait, and hath its own Ex-
cellency ; but that fpiritual Knowledge, which comcth
down from the Father of Lights, Jam. i. 5, 17. which
is called trfe Knowledge of the holy, Pro. xkx. 3. which
hath this Exccliency, it giveth Life to them that have it,

a 3 em.

M6 S E ON XXVI.

Eccl.\\\. 12. I dge of Salvation, Luki

-opound thefc two T
:y of this Biefling. zdh> How
prom; Biefling.

; Knowledge is a rare and ineft
mabl

firable and excellent T. .:an knew no rt

Temptation for Mm, than to be as God, knowing goo
and evil, Gen. iii. 5. This Knowledge is to be receive
rather than choice Gold ; it is better than Ruok
all Things that can be defired, Prov. v.ii. 9, 10. 7*<
Knowledge of the htly is Undei and only .

the Name of it, Prov. ix. 10. // is the Light
I dge of the Glory of the Lord, which jhincth in i
of Jefus ChrilK 3 Cor. iv. 4. More particularly,
up the Excellency of this Knowledge, in ihtfo Thing
I. It is the mod 0 omprehcnfive K;ioule ge, of all the
\v hich is mod needful to be known, that is, the Knowlcdg
i's Self. It is true, God onl
doth btjtt know what is in Man, John ii. 25. He
'.art, and trieth the Reins, Jcr. vil 10. i.
>,n of the Ai
tth them i So the Spirit 1

is the Candle or the Lord, i ill the Jn.v

thefieily, Prov. xx vhen enlightened wit

this divine Ki ■ th both the Things c

the Spirit of < .Vi^n's own Spirit, 1 Co.

ii. 10, 11, .2. This is an excellent Knowledge, and a
Kno\v.'rdy,e ti. ul, to know God and ouriclve

to knovv bitri, 10 as we may admire and adore h*m; an

Ives, fo as to abhor ourielves, with [,

Dull ant! vccllency of this Knowledg

ge of God; 10, when we .ire laid c

be r< v* of God, we are faid to be r<

ed in Knowled 1. 10. 3. Jt is indeed th

ul, and the Light of the Body ; it maket

1 the Lye tingle, and Soul and Body full of Ligh

which is a blefied I d the contrary pats a Ma

in a woful btate, Luke ii. 54, 4. Othe* Knowledge

of God, and hath its own XJle; were it but that Know

iedg

On the Gospel Covenant. 247

ledge in all Manner of Workmanfhip, Exod. xxxi. 2, 3.
much more the Knowledge of thefe which are called li-
beral Arts and Sciences ; but all that is nothing to this,
which giveth and is eternal Life, J oh. xvii. 3. 5. There
is nothing but Mifery without this; the Man that hath
not this Light, cannot but (tumble, J oh. xi. 10. Ht
walketb in Darknefs, and knoweth not whither ht goeth ;
yea, there is a Horror that attendeth even this common
Darknefs, Gen. xv. 12. much more this fpiritual Dark-
nefs. 6. The Excellency of this Knowledge is, that it
fatisfieth ; there is no other Knowledge that can give a
Man Satisfaction ; for he that increaieth Knowledge in-
creafeth Sorrow, Eccl. i. 18. A Sight of God as a Fa-
ther, in this, it will fuflice us, John xiv. 8. 7, It is the
moil inward penetrating Knowledge into that which is
within the Veil, and that which is at the right Hand of
God, where Chrift is; it is of the Truth as it is in Je-
fus, Eph. iv. 21. 8. This Knowledge iayeth the Foun-
dation for Faith; fo, in 2 Cor. iv. 13, 14. the Spirit
and Acting of Faith, is founded upon Knowledge, that
he which raifed up the Lord Jefus, (hall raife us up alfo
by Jefus. 9. Tftere are great Things promifed to this
Knowledge, which do greatly commend it in its Excel-
lency :# i/A Temporal Things; fo, in Prov.iii. 13, 16.
Wifdom and Underftanding being the fame with the
Knowledge I fpeak of : It is faid of her, Le?:gth of
Days is in her right Hand, and in her left Hand Riches and
Honour; and, in Pro<v. xxiv. 14. The Knowledge of W%f-
dom fhall have a Reward when it is fund ; and the Ex-
peclation /hall not be cut off'; and, in Pfal. xci. 1 4. Tht
Lord will fet them on high, that have known his Name,
id. Spiritual Bleflings are promifed unto it, Grace and
Peace is multiplied through the Knowledge of Ccd, and of
our Lord Jefus, 2 Pet. i. 2. yl. Eternal Life and Hap-
pinefs: It is faid of Wifdom, or, Knowledge, that fhe is
a Tree of Life to them that lay hold on her, and that happy
are they who find her, Prov. iii. 18. and, in John xvii. 3.
. 4 Life eternal, to know the Lord to be the only true
Cod, and Jefus Chrift whom he hath fent.
0.4

a48 S E R M O ■ VI.

i. If there be fuch an Excellency, an All-excel-

in thu Knowledge ; then, how miierable are hey

who want iti (i ) They want that of God's Image,

e none of it at all ; tney
. '.eugc of God, they may quit their
Part of God, for they lav in their Hearts, there is no
xiv. i, 2, 4. (2 ) They have nothing of the
Lite of God in them ; fo, the Undertlanding darkened,
om the Life of God, go together,
~re itill under the Power of S;
who are in Dai. fj xxvi. 18. there is a Power of

Darknefs, u well as of Satan, Col. i. 13. both 1

(4.) Want of this Knowledge is a fpe-
ciai Groana of God'* Controverfy, Hoj. iv. 1. especially
iD a Land where the Ligiit fhineth, in J udab God mould
be known, Pja. lxxvi. 1. (5.) Want of this Knowledge
a down as a Mark or Reprobation, 2 Cor. iii. z.
Tnty are of t...' Number of thoie that are loit, to whom
the Gofpel is hid; The God of this World bath blinded
th'ir Eyes. (6 ) buch are Men, for whom the Venge-

of eternal f-ire is appointed ; fo, in 2 Ihcjf. 1
When Jefus Chrijt Jhall be repeal d from Heaven ivitb bis
mighty Angels, he will take Vengeance in flaming tire un
1 that knoiv not G <d.

. Knowledge be fo excellent a Thing,
how great mult their Sin be, who make it their Work
to deprive ti»e People of the Means of Knowledge? not
only in Popery, where the Bible is made a lealed Book,
in an unknown Language, and Ignorance is made the
Tvi o\ potion; but in fome leformed Churches,

at ti fo called, either, (i.) By ketpkng in an ig

j ; like thclV in lfa. hi. 10. 1 i. or,
(2.) up a not fent Miniftry, like thete, 1 Kin.

3i.contrai x. 15. (3.) Crying down the

try. (4.) Cutting oft Minifters
nee b a great Part of Ju-

ac his Perfecunon. (5.) By a vail Tole-
ration 01 fcrror and damnable Herefies. (6)« By bear-
ing down the Oramance ol Discipline, which is of iln-
'gular Ufe for the IncreaUng of Knowleoge. {7} By

the

On the Gospel Covenant. 249

the bearing down the Office of Teachers, Catechifts, or
Lecturers. (8 ) By foofe Reins given to carnal Libert/
ana Profanenefs.

Ufe 3. It is the Duty then, and fhould be the Study,
of ai! who love rare Bieflings and Bleffednefs, to feek
carneiily after this Knowledge ; we fhould cry after
Knowledge, and life up our Voice for Undemanding,
leek her as Silver, and fearch for her as for hid Trea^
feres, Proa;, ii. 3, 4. O! feek this Knowledge, which
only doth put the true Difference betwixt Men and Beafts,
Pial. xxxii. 9. the Want of it maketh Men more brutifh
than tne unreafonable Creatures, Ifa. i. 3. To help you
in this Study, ufe thefe Means, (1 ) Study Holinefs, fo
Knowledge (hall be eafy, Prov. viii. 9. and xiv. 6. it
is too high for a Fool, Prov. xxiv. 7. (2.) Deny carnal
VVifdom : There is more Hope of a Fool, than of a
Man wife in his own Conceit, Prov. xxvi. 12. The VVif-
dom of God faith, If any >'• an feemeth to be wife in this
World, let him become d Pool that he may be wife, 2 Cor.
iii. 1 3, (3 ) This mud be fought from God in Prayer,
and fearching of Scrprares; they are.profitabie for Do-
ctrine, cjfe. 2 77m. iii. 16. (4) We fhould go to Teach-
ers, and to thofe who are wife, and of belt Underrtarrd-
ing : The Prieit's Lips fhould keep Knowledge, and Men
fhould feek the Law at his Mouth, Mai. ii. 7. He is a
Scorner, who will not go to the wife, in Proof, xv. 12.
(5) We mull ftidy Humility and Sobernefs ; with the
lowly is WiiUom, Prov. xi. 2. Every Man ought to think
foberly of himfelf, according to his Meafure, Rom. xii. 3.
(6 ) Pradbfe what we know ; and that is the Way to in-
creafe Knowledge ; fo, in John vii. 17. If any Ma .
do his Will, he /hall know of the DoSlrine. Take alio
tneie Evidences or fgund and Paving Knowledge, t. There
be a Care to have it increatea, by Hearing, Read-
ing, Prayer, and Meditation, Prov. i. 5. Pfal. 1. 2. 2-
To have it experimental, Htb.x.z^. bringing all home to
^art, Commandments, Promiles, Threatnings. 3.
- Dcties, but of them as the Will of God,
to be 1 . John xiii. 17. with 1 Thejf. iv 3. 4. It

will

250 S E R M () N XXVI.

will be a humbling Knowledge, Prou. xxx. 2. Augur was '
very humble, though he had iiigh KnowIeJge ; but (he
Knowledge that is not laving puffjth up, 2 Cor. viii. 1.

5. It is of Things necefLry, of wholefom or healing
Words, even of ihe Words of our Lord Jefus Chnit,
and of the Doclrine which is according to Godlineis,
I Tim. vi. 3. not of profane and vain Siblings, Oppofi-
tions of Science falily lo calied, <ver. 20. of th it chap.

6. True Knowledge is of a changing Faculty and Powtv ;
it changeth a Man into the fame Image, from Glory to
Glory, as by the Spirit of thr Lord, 2 Cor. lii. iS.

As to the tecond Thing propounded, This excellent
Knowledge is a covenant* : ft is prom i fed as a

fpecial new Covenant Bicfiing. 1. We have general, but
very clear Promjfes concerning it; fo, in lfa. xi. 9. The
Earth Jball be full of the ge of the Lord, as the

Waters cover the Sea: The like \> promifed, in Hub. ii.
14. The Earth Jball be filled njuith the Knowledge of the
Glory of the Lord', and, in lfa. 11. 2, 3. in the Gofpel
Days it is promifed, that many (hall encourage one an-
other to go up to th ■ ui of the Lord, upon aflu-
red Confidence of fuch a Teaching, as (hall bring forth
fui table Practice: 1 is promifed, in Mic. iv. 2.
And in lfa. liv. 13. it is promifed that all the Children
of Zion fhall be taught of the Lord ; and in lfa. liii. 1 1.
fuch a Knowledge is promifed, as by which the Lord Je-
fus, who is the Father's ri Servant, (hail juftify
many; and, in Jer. xxiv. rJ promifeth to give
his redeemed P« art to know him ; ano, in Jer.
3TXXJ. 34. that the, Jball teach no won ' :-ihis Neigh-
• hour, and 1 u his Brother, faying, knouu the Lord ;
for they Jball all kkonu me, from the lead of them to the
greate/t cj thtm, faith the Lord une is repeated
and made ufe of by the A pottle, in tLb. viii. 11. 2. We
have particular Prom rning particular Per-
sons, whom nc will U xxv. 8. and the
week, Ant. 9. and the fimpie, Prov. ix. 4. 2d. Concern-
ing the Things which he will teach them, his Covenant,
Pjal. xxv. 12, 14. his Fear, a Heart to fear him, Jer.
xxxii. 59. all Truth, John xvi. J 3. and all Things,

1 John

On the Gospel Covenant.. 251

1 John v. 20. the Scriptures, and Chrift's Voic l in them,
John x. 4. $d. Concerning the Manner of his Teach-
ing, by writing his Law in the Heart, Jer. xxxi. 33.
pouring forth of his Spirit, Prov. i. 23. by the Spirit
abiding, 1 John li. 27. and bringing all Things to Re-
membrance, John xiv. 26. \th. Concerning the Effect
of his Teaching, it lhall be fuch a Teaching, as it fhall
guide his own in the Way in which they mould go, Pja.
xxxii. 8. and have an eafy Work of it, Prt*v. xiv. 6.
For further Confirmation of this Truth, that Knowledge
is a covenanted Blefling, and that it fhall be certainly
given to all thefe that will afk after it, take thefe Grounds
of AiTurance, \ftt It is a Part of God's Image which we
have loll, unto which we muft be renewed, if God will
have us, Epb. iv. 23. Col. iii. 10. idly, If it come not
from the Promife, we cannot have it at all; being not
v in our Uncierltandings darkned, but Darknefs kfelf,
v. 8. $J/yt By Covenant v\e are Children of Light ;
fo Light mult be given us, as may be gathered from the
fame Scripture. \thly, The Covenant is a Marriage Co-
venant ; and fo, there will be revealing of Secrets be-
twixt Chrift and his Bride; fo, in Jobnxv. 15. Chrift
faith to his Difciples, Henceforth 1 call you not Servants,
f'jr the Servant knmveth not vjhat his Lord doth ; but 1
have called ycu Friends ; for all Things that I have heard
of my Father I have made knovun unto you. $tbly, Know-
ledge is the Feud of the Soul, and Pallors are promifed
to diftribute this fo neceflary Food ; it was to Job more
'than fo, chap, xxiii. 12. 6r^lyt Heaven is promifed ;
and this Knowledge is one of the necefTiry Keys by
which it is opened, Luke xi. 52. Jtbly, Sanguification
cannot be without it ; for, it is by the Truth, John xvii.
17. without it the Heart cannot be good, Prov. xix. 2
The Want of it, maketh great Boldnefs of Sin, even to
the crucifying of the Lord of Glory, 1 Cor. ii. 8. even
Zeal without it is naught, Rom. x. 2. Stbly, Chriit was
anointed to be a Prophet for this End, that he might
teach his People Knowledge, Deut. xviii. 15. I/a. Jxi. 1.
1. Reproof and Terror to thefe. who have the
Means of Knowledge, but have none of the Knowledge

of

252 SERMON XXVI.

of this Sort: (i.) Thefe unworthy Perfons, who f v
unto the Lord, as in Job xx\. 14. Depart from us, for Jr
n»4 defire not the Knowledge of thy Ways ; thefe are ivife <wt
to do e<viJ> but to do good they have no Knowledge, Jer. 1
22. (2.) Thofe who fnit gather, and then utter vain
Knowledge, and fhen fill their Bellies with the eait Wind,
whofpenri their Time and Wits in fearching after Things
which will not profit, but increafe to more Ungodlineis,
2 Tim. ii. «6. Such alio as intrude into thole Things
which they have not feen, being vainly puft up by their
flemiy Minds, Col. ii. 18. (3.) Thofe who fatisfy them-
felves with Book and Head knowledge, but have nothing
of that Heart-knowledge, which lheweth itfelf in a ho-
ly Conv\trfation : Books are to be made ufe of; it feem-
eth that the Apoftles did fo, 2 Tim. iv. 13. but Men,
whether Minifters or Chriitians, wouid not reft there;
leatt increasing Knowledge they increafe Sorrow, Ecci. i.
18. remembering withal, that which is in Eccl. xi. 12,
I 3. Of making many Books there is no End; and, much Study
is a Wearinefs of the Flejb ; but the Sum of all is, to fear
God \ and keep his Commandments ; All Knowledge which
is not directed to the Practice of Holinefs, is naught.

Ufe 2. Is Knowledge fo excellent a Thing ? then it is
deferable ; and who delire it not, they are brutith ; Men
are naturally carried out towards a Defire of Knowledge,
much more after the excellent Things of Wifdom and
Knowledge, Prov. viii. 5, 6. and xxii. 20. And moll
of all we Ihould be ambitious to know thefe Things
which are the greateft Secrets, even thefe Mylleries which
were hid from the Beginning of the World, and are re-
vealed to us, in thefe lair. Times, Col. i. 26. Myfteries
which were hidden from the wife and prudent, and are
now revealed unto Babes, Mat. xi. 25. Yea, and fuch,
which many Kings and Prophets defired to fee, but did
not fee them, Luke x. 24. but, moil of all, that Know-
ledge is dcfirnble, which is eternal Life, and worketh
up a Man unro a Conformity with God, and his Son
Jefus Chrilt.

Ufe 3. Is all faving Knowledge promifed ? Hence, a
Stay of Heart to tbote who have Ignorance of God and

Chrift,

On the Gospel Covenant. 25-3

nChrift, their greateft Grief, and are like to fink under
tKe Burden of it: There is Hope in their Cafe ; Know-
ledge is promifed, the Knowledge of God, of Chrift,
and of ourfelves, even the Knowledge of all Things ne-
ceiTary unto Salvation ; they have an high Prieft, who
knoweth well how to have Companion on the ignorant,
and of thefe who are out of the. Way, better than thoie
who were of Aaron $ Order, Heb. v. 2. All the Trea-
sures of Wifdom and Knowledge, are laid up in Chrift,
for them that believe, Col. ii. 3. Why then ihould they
be difquieted, when all that which they need may be
had, if they will only afk, and afk in Faith?

Ufe 4. Is Knowledge thus promifed in the Covenant ?
then, all who fee Need of it, and would have it of the
bed Sort, they muft firft be within this Covenant, and
in Covenant relation with God, and fo fetch it from
thence, the Knowledge of the holy, which is the only
beft Underftanding, Pro<v. ix. 10. mult come from the
holy Covenant; Now, for right fetching of this faving
Knowledge from the Covenant, thefe Things would be
done: (1.) The Lord mult be looked upon, not only as
the Father of Lights, from whom every good and per-
fect Gift cometh down, Jam. i. 15, 17. bpt as the Fa-
ther of Mercies, in a fpecial Way. (2.) He muit. be
taken up as the Father of our Lord Jefus, and then Fa-
ther of Mercies, 2 Cor. i. 3. (3.) Chriu mutt be looked
upon as the firft Gift; yea, and received as fuch ; then
may other Gifts aflujedly be expected, according to that,
in Rom. viii. 32. He that /pared net his o<wn Son, but deli-
<vered him up for us all, bo<w Jhall he not 'with him qIjq free-
ly give us all Things? (4.) We mull look upon him as Me-
diator, and Moyener to us of every Mercy ; we muft afk
in his Name, John xvi. 24. (5.} Fetch it from the Pro-
mife ; for, *11 in the Covenant cometh from the Promife ;
and when you come to the Promife for receiving of this
Knowledge, you muft come empty, neither having it,
nor a Price in your Hand to buy it up; it muft be re-
ceived as a free Gift ; yea, if we come to feek Knowledge
increafed, we muft come lo to the Prdmife, knowing no-
thing as we ought to know, t Cor. viii. 2.

m

254 SERMON XXVII.

U/e 5. 7'error to thofe that live without the Covenant :
If laving Knowledge, as hath been (hewed you, be only
by Covenant and Promiie; then, they can have none of
it at all : What then will all Knowledge avail them with-
out this? They have no more of it in this Life but Dif-
fatisfaftion, and Sorrow iccreafed ; and when they come
to th;tir End, they die without Wifdom : . Such cannot
obey God ; fo, they muft die without Knowledge, as
Elihu faith, in Job xxxvi. 1 2. And Solomon faith, in Prwv*
X. 2 I . that the Lips of the righteous feed many, it is meant,
by their Knowledge, but Fools die for Want of Wi,'dora.

SERMON XXVII.

O N THE

GOSPEL COVENANT:

Of Faith, the fecond fan&ifying and faving
Grace.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Houfe be not fo with God\ yet he hath made
with me an ever la/ting Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and fur e ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire%
although he make it not to grow,

TH E fecond fanclifying and faving Grace, is mod
precious Faith : We fpoke of it before, as the
Condition of the Covenant: I intend now to fpeak of it,
as a Gift of Grace, exercifed and (hewing itfelf migh-
tily in the Work of Sanclificatian, and mining therein.

as

On the Gospel Covenant. 255

5 a Star of the firft Magnitude: Of it, as of the I
ie*, I propound thefe two Things, ifl, That Fai:

raoft precious Grace, and molt excellent Blefiing.
dly, That Faith is promiied in the new Covenant, and
o a covenanted BieiTing.

As to the firlt, Faitn is a fair and moil fruitful Blef-
mg : It is like the Sun in the Firmament of Grace,
vhich giveth Light to all the reft of the Stars: They
ire in Scripture Account, blefled that believe : If God be
ingry they are blefled that put their Truii in him : When
ne is good, and ready to communicate his Goodnefs, the
Man is blefled that trufteth in him, Pfa. xxxiv. 8. As he

the Lord of Hoih, the Man is blelTed that trufteth in
him, Pfa. 1 xxxiv. I 2. And bleffid ii the Man that tru
in God, and wbofe Hope the Lord is and not Man, Jer.
xvii.6, 7. And Elizabeth by the Holy Ghoft pronoun-
ced Mary blefled, upon this Account, that the believed,
Luke i. 45. Faith in the Exercife of it, is an excellent
Gjrace; u is the Root, as it were, of all our excellent
Mercies, and of all o:her good Things, fuch as, 1. By
it we are brought into and kept in Favour with God;
we are juflified by it, Rom. v. 1. and by it become the
Children of God, Gal. iii. 26. it is true, not as it is a
Grace or Work, or any Part or Piece of Sanclification ;
yet the fame Faith which jultifieth but once, maintain-
ed the Chriftian in that State; fo the juft Man liveth
by Faith, Hah. ii. 4. 2. By Faith Chriii cometh to dwell
in the Heart, exercifing his Offices, and rooting and
grounding the Soul in Love, Eph. iii. 17. 3 It doth in
a fpecial Way purify the Heart, AJis xv. 9. and that
by drawing Life and Virtue from the Pronules, 2 Cor.
vii. 1. 4. By it we live fpiritually in every ^tate of
Life, and in every Cafe and Change of Life, Heb. x. 3*.
5. By it we are made to ftand, and fo to be el
by Faith we Hand, Rom. xi. 20. 6. By it we make Pro-
grefs in the Work of Sanctification ; we walk by I
2 Cor. v.j. 7. By it we are kept, it doth engat
Power ot God, to keep us unto Salvation, 1 Pet. i. c;.
8. It fighteth all our Battles, until we have a complete
Victory, not only over the World, 1 John v. 4. but

a i n ll

all I

-1

and w

z$6 SERMON XXVII.

againfl all Enemies; fo it is called the Fight of Faith, fl
I lim.\\.(iz. q. Faith is the common Ciilern - 1
Grace : it is fi. led from the Fountain, and from it a
the reifc come to be fupplied. io. The Acls of Fa
are noble and excellent, \(l. They are inward and i)
ritual, zd. Sweet, not burdenfom ; feeding upon, a
drinking up, the Delights of Heaven ; putting on the
Robes of Grace and Glory, ^d. It worketh vVonders,
making impoffible Things poflible, Things not done as
done, great Sufferings of no Account, A:ls xx. 24. and
meanett Mercies of great Account, Gen. xxxii. 10. 11.
All the precious and excellent Promiies are made to
Faith, Gal. iii. 14, 16 even, i/t, The Promife of the
Spirit, as well as of Forgivenefs of Sin, Ads xiii. 39.
of the Spirit for Santtification, John vii. 38. to be like
a River flowing out of the Belly: And, idly, The Hear-
ing of Prayer, Mattb. xxi. 2 2. All Things ivbat/bever ye
ajk in Prayer, believing ye /ball receive it ; and, in Mark
xi. 24. W bat Things foever ye dejire ivben ye pray, believe' "
that ye receive them, and ye Jhall have them, idly, Peace ' I
and Safety is promifed to it, perfect Peace, J fa. xxvi. 3. »
affured Safety, to be made as Mount uion which cannot iJ
be removed, but abideth for ever, Pfal. exxv. 1. ^tbly, 'i
Joy and Comfort ; Joy Cometh by believing, Rom. xv.
13. So doth Confolation ; it is by Chriil, 2 Cor. i. 5.
and fo by Faith. 5^/y, Ail Profperky and EftabliuV
ment, 2 Cbron. xx. 20. 6thly, Mercy compafling while J«
we are here, Pfal. xxxii. 10. and eternal Life hereafter,

iii. 16, 36. and v. 24. In a Word, Faith is a fc
great Courtier with God ; at any Time it may come It
unto him for any Thing. t

JJfe 1. If Believing be fo excellent a Blcfling, then wo
to Unbelievers ; they are a curfed Generation; they are
reckoned among abominable Perfons, Murderers, Whore-
mongers, Sorceiers, Idolaters, Rev. xxi. 8. and Hell is ij
their Portion, Luke xii. 46. |J

Ufe%2. U Faith be fo excellent, how unworthy a n
Thing mult it be, to deny the Do&rine and P;ofeflion of R
it, and not earneitly to contend for it? Jude iii. It is( pr
the high Commendation of the Angel of the Church of l

Ptrgamus

:.:

On the Gospel Covenant. 257

rgamus, that he denied not the Faith, In a Place where
uan had his Seat, Rev. ii. 12, 13.
Ufe 3. If Faith be of fo excellent Ufe, as to our fpi-
tual Warfare, and fo ntceiTary, as that the Man who
anteth it is naked; how unwiie are they, who will not
rovide themfelves of, and learn to handle this Piece of
rmour in the Field of io many and great Temptations,
lis Shield of Faith ? fo called, in Epb. vi. 16. which is
>ecially commended to Chriitians, while 1: is laid, above
1 taking tbe Shield of Faith, by vokich ye flail bs able to
'iench all tbe fiery Darts of tbe Devil.

Ufe 4 Our Exhortation is to you all, to feek to have
lis Faith; and, to perfuade you to this Puriuit, do but,
I.) Confider how, woful your Eitate fhall be without it:
tudy to be fenfible, iirft, of the Want of it, then of the
Jeceflity of it; fo, defire it earneftly. (2.) Confider
ae Promifes, and how they belong to it, and how it can
nprove them ; how the Promifes are excellent, and it
an improve them to excellent Ufe. (3.) Conilder how
thrift is the great Objedt of Faith, and, Gift which it
eceiveth, and how he is all in all, Col. iii. 11. (4.)
low Faith both meafureth and maintaineth Life in all
ther Graces.

Ufe 5. Be thankful, all you who have any Meafure
f found Believing : Even the weakeft Faith, if found,
; veryprecious; for, (1.) It hath the Promife of Perfe-
erance; it is from Faith to Faith, Rom. i. 17. (2.) It
lath the Promife of more, To bim tbat batb, it fhall be
itth even to have more Abundance, Mattb. xiii. I 2. (3.)
t is enough for Salvation ; God regardeth not Meafures,
>ut Sincerity. (4.) To refufe Mercy becaufe of V.
iefs, were to rely more on our Fairh than on Cr

Ufe 6. Ii found Faith be required, and it alone be
he Matter of Joy and Thankfgiving ; then we would go
ipon a diligent Search, whether we have Faith or not,
uch Faith as is unfeigned: Take, then, for Trial, firit,
Tiore general Marks of found Believing: (:.) It purifi-
th the Heart from the Love of Sin, which formerly
?vas dear unto it, efpeciallv from the Love of the Predo-
minant, (z ) Love to God, not on I, but for
R God ;

1

258

SERMON XXVII.

God; Faith worketh by Love, Gal. v. 6. efpecially iib
is manifeiled in Love to God, for himfelf alone. '-(3IW
Love to Saints as Saints, is a clear Mark of true Faith j!;c
and when it is to Saincs as Saints, it will be to all thijc
Saints, as in Epb. i. 15. (4.) The Eyeing of God alls
ways, and fetting of him before us, Pfal. xvi. 8. and 4&
Study to pleafe him in every Thing, Col. i. 10. fo, to bfjx
fruitful in every good Work. (5.) Conicience made on
every Mean of Holinefs, and a diligent following of thcjfe
fame, fo watching daily at Wifdom's Gates, and waitings
at the Poits of her Doors, Pro<v. viii. 34. (6.) A StudjM
to bring forth Fruits meet for him that drefleth, Heb. via
(7.) UnfatisfieJnefs, unlefs there be Fruit fuitable to thdor
Pains taken on us. More particular Evidences take thefeji
I. The iealt Degree of found Believing hath taken Chriflw
by Choice ; fo, prizeth him above all Things, and willioi
be ready to deny all Things for him. 2. It is a very cer-
tain Mark of true Faith, if we prefer the doing of God'iw
Will to all the Rewards of well-doing, fo, if we Jov«.
Holinefs more than Happinefs, Happinefs rather for Hoi;,
linefs, than Holinefs for Happinefs; the one is the Markit
of a Son, the other of a Servant only. 3. If we be jea-lli
lous of our Faith, with a ho*y Jealoufy ; and fo be muchb
in that Work of due and daily Self-examination. 4. It J
will be a clear Evidence of found Faith, if the more and 1
the greater Things it worketh, it be dill the more hum-i
ble ; if *ve rejoice in C brill J ejus ', and banje no Confidenc^
in the EUJb> Phil iii. 3. 5. If we rejoice in the Grace of o
CJhriit, which appeareth in others ; fo the Apoftle y^ir^i
in his Letter to the elect Lady, <ver. 4. he faith, 1 rejoiced*
greatly that I found of toy Cbildre* walking in Trutb ;|
and in his Epiftle to the well- beloved Gaius> <ver. 4. Jl
have no greater Joy tben to bear that my Children ivalk ini
Trutb. 6. U we be importunately earneit in Prayer, yet*
very iilent and fubmiliive in the Returns of Prayer. 7^1
If our Faith work more out of Sight than in Sight ; ibbi
we are dead to Self feeking. ( fl

7. Having found, upon diligent Search, that we«
have this Faith, and that we have it found ; it fhould be«
be our nex: moft carefully to maintain it; Thi$*

fhall

On the Gospel Covenant. 25^

I fiall be done if, (1.) We eiteem it highly as a rich and

I ue Jewel. (2.) If we maintain a perfecl Hatred of all

;;. lefe Things which God doth hate, as David did, Pfal

, xxxix. 22. (3.) If we be moderate in all Things, even

1 the Ufe of iawful Things; according to Phil. i?. 5,

i| id 1 Cor. vii. 29, 30, 31. (4.) If we walk by Faith,

>l id not by Sight, 2 Cor. v. 7. (5.) If we examine dai-

» our Neceffities, and fo be ftirred up to a daily making

'& fe of Chriih (6.) If we be much in Prayer, afking in

0| aith ; and much in the Meditation of Promiies. (7.)

4 \ we be frequent in hearing of the Word preached, and

i 1 receiving of Sacraments, and fpiritual Conferences

N t>r mutual Edification. (8.) If we do often call to

i lind the fweet Experiences which we have had in fol-

ril >wing the Lord. (9.) If we be exercifing both it and

i urfelves unto Godlinefs, as in 1 Tim. iv. 7.

ei As to, the fecond, That this excellent Thing, Faith, is

ill romifed, and fo is a covenanted Blefling, is manifefl,

i»i . From Scriptures, in wnich it is promifed ; fo, in Ifa*

.0 . 20. that the Remnant of Ifrael /ball ft ay upon the Lord,

\\ ?e holy one of Ifrael, in Truth. In ha. xvii. 7. In that

1 )ay fball a Man look to his Maker, and his Eyes /ball have

cl le/pecl to the holy 0?ie of Ijrael; and, in if a. li. §. The

I (les fball wait upon me, and upon mine Arm fball they truft.

I 1 Jer. iii. 19. Thou /bait call me, my Father; and, in

I \eph. iii. 12. / will leave in the midll of thee a poor and

a flitted People, and they /ball truft in the Name cf the Lord;

i ad, in Matth. xii. 21. And in his Name /ball the Gentiks

?, uft ; and, in John vi. 37. All that the Father hath given

i\e /ball come unto me. 2. From Scriptures, which fpeak

;f it as a Gift ; fo, jn Eph. ii. 8. Faith is the Gift of

I tod; and, Phil. i. 29. it is given both to believe and

rijffer. 3. From Scriptures, which make Believing to

e through Grace, Acls xviii. 27. and Chriit to be the

Author and Finiiher of Faith, Heb. xii. 2. and of all

le feveral. Degrees and iMeafures of it, Rom. xii. 3.

dore particularly, confider thefe Grounds on which we

urid this Irutn, that Faitu is by tKe Promife, a promi-

:d Gift and covenanted Blefling : iff. Every good and

erfect. Gift is from the Father of Lights, Jam. i. 17.

R *

ical i

z6o SERMO N XXVII.

tnd precious Faith is obtained by Gift, 2 Pet. i

2d?>\ No Man can believe of Mmfelf ; none can "

to Jefus except the Father draw them, John vi

coming to JeJus is believing. $d/y, The Means by wh

Faith coineth to be given and wrought in us, <vi

preached Word, Rom. x. 14. they are freely difpenfed il

one Nation, and not to another, PfaL cxlvii. 19, 20. if

they are a free Gift, \thly, The Spirit by whom til

believe, is a free Spirit ; he, as the Wind, bloweth whe«|

*nd when he liltcth, John iii. 8. $&tyt None can bcL

lieve but they who are born again ; and that is the SpjL

rif s Work, in that fame Place, the Work of God aloneu

the Will of Man hath no Part in it, John i. 13. 6thtfo\

Chrift is the Head of his Body, the Church ; and as He

he doth not only give Senfe and Motion, but Bonds

Union ; The Body is knit together, and nourifhed

Joints and Bonds ; all by the Influence of Chrift th

Head ; and there is nothing of thefe without Faith ; in

is the uniting Band. Jtbiy, What 13 Faith but receiving,

of his Fulnefs ? and all that is by Grace, John i. rll

%thly> All the Increafings of Faith, they are all of Go<k

alfo ; fo, the Apollles Prayer to Chrift was, Lord increeni

cur Faith, Luke xvii. 5. And, m 2 ^hejf. i. 3. the Apo>R

ftle doth not thank them, but God, that their Faith <ii4

grow exceedingly ; and, in ver. 1 1. he prayeth to Go4

for them, that the Lord would fulfil in them all the gooii

Pleafure of his Goodnefs, and the Work of Faith witty

Power. gth/y, If any Grace be promifed, Faith muf [

be promifed ; it is the Root, as it were, on which otheL

Graces do grow: It bringeth in Love and Joy, Eph. iijL

17. and Rom. xv. 13. And Hope doth live upon Faith**

Charges; for Faith is the Evidence of Things not feenL

and the Subftance of Things hoped for ; yea, Faith diL

re&eth and mcafureth all the Operations of other GracesL

1. Terror to thofe, who are dill under the CofA

nant of Works ; they cannot exped any Thing of thiL

new Covenant Blefling; they are in among thefe unreaL

fonable Men, that neither have Faith, nor can have it

2. they have received their Sentence already ^
for, He that btlzevetb not is condemned already, John iii

1 1

On the Gospel Covenant. 261

Now, fuch are all they, who have had no Change
ught upon them, who remain in Darknefs ; they
e nothing of this Light of Faith, of this precious
4th ; they have no Right nor Title to any Promife,
Gift, or Mean, by which Faith cometh ; they are
mfelves, as of themfelves, concluded. under an utter
poflibility of believing, and fo under an Impoffibility
1 pleafing God; for, without it is impoffible to pleafc
I n, Heb. xi. 6. they are not the Children of the Pro-
'1 fe ; fo they can lay claim unto, nor plead a Right or
^ :ereft in no Promife, much lefs to the Promife by which;
^ s precious Faith cometh.

j TJfe 2. This fheweth the Vanity and Wickednefs of
■\ it Error, which putteth it in the Power of Man's Will,
3 chufe or refufe Chrift, to clofe with him or reject
^ n: If Faith be the Gift of God, and promifed as a
Hv Covenant Bieffingj then, it is not in Man's Power
>l ibelieve: A natural Man knoweth not, nor can he dif-
I -n the Things of the Spirit of God ; he cannot know
ii trill favingly: How then can he chufe and embrace
il n ? Yea, he hath a carnal Mind, which is Enmity to
rf kl ana1 Chriit ; fo, will never reft fatiihed with him,
'J tich is Faith's Work : We read indeed of Men pre-
?o nptuous and felf-willed, z Pet. ii. xo. fuch may thefe
i* =reticks be ; they may have flrong Prefumption, but
« true Believing ; and when they have no more folid
fl »undation for their Faith, but a changeable Will, they
i n have no fure and unchangeable State.
a! Uj'e 3. To reprove thofe alfo, who, though they be
a ind in Opinion, yet are unadvifed in Pra&ice ; while
9 w go about to fetch Faith from their own Ciilern, or
■ w Adls of Faith, as they have Need of them from
fl eir old Stock or Treafure : Hence come moll of the
ii >mplaints of deeply exercifed Christians, that they can-
0 t get nor command Believing as they would ; they
«:>k upon Faith, more as a Work than as a Gift, and
ii ven an ted *Ble fling ; they look more on it as their own
3 ork, tharf as the Work of the Holy Ghofl : Such
itiuld remember, indeed, that Believing is commanded;
f t, withal, th^t it is promifed, and after this Order:
£ 3 Let

il

1

262 SERMON XXVII.

Let the Commandment for Believing dill prefs them
til they be made fufficiently fenfible that they cannot.
lieve of them f elves ; then let them remember, how it(
given both to believe and fufTer : Look to the Commanc
ment for Faith ; but remember it is a Gofpel Commaoi m
which will bear its own Charges.

Ufe 4. Hence, Chridians have Matter of exceedir
Joy and Comfort: Their greated Jewel, and moil uiefi r
Tool in the fpiritual Building, that is, Faith, may [ j
had at a very eafy Rate; it is a Father's Gift, a fre
and kindly Gift, by a conltant Influence from the
Head, Chrill Jefus ; they have him engaged for it, an
all the Degrees of it : How comfortable may thefe thn
Thoughts be to the Chriltian ? (1.) That there is a Fu
nefs of Grace and Truth laid up for them in Chrifl Jt
fus. (2 ) That there is a Throne of Grace fet up
the difpenfing of that Grace, for Help in Time of N<
(3.) That Faith which only can fetch that Grace,
draw it from the full Fountain, is fo free a Gift ;
that Chrid Itandeth engaged for it: How can they
poor or miferable, that have fo great Riches, fo certai
ly, and yet fo eafily, enfured unto them ? How can the]|
be difquieted and cad down in their Spirits, that havT
Faith, in itfelf, and in its Conveyance, fo ready and arJB
to comfort rhem ? II

t 5. Is Faith thus by the Promife, and a covenant*'
ed Bieffing ? then, all who mifs it, and defire to have hi
they mud go to the Promife for it, and remember thatt
it is a fpecial Article of the Covenant, to. give botf!
Faith and Increaie of Faith, to thofe that afk it; as
feek other Graces, fo efpeciallv, they who go to the Prd
mife to feek this, would, (1.) Go duely humbled unto
and of no Strength; for the Lord giveth Grace only
the humble, Jam. iv. 6. Grace, and more of Gracef
Faith is a humbling Grace, yet none receive it, but thef
are fufficiently humbled. (2/) They mud go witf
great Third and Hunger after it ; the Lord rJoureth Waf
ter upon him that is thirdy, and Floods upon dry Grouncrj
v #z. xliv. 3. (3.) They mud feek and plead to have if

...

ft Je

:

i

On the Gospel Covenant.

>i h as a free Gift, Jfa. Iv. I, 2. and as that which they
not want. (4.) They mutt feek it, not to Jay it by,
to lay it out for God.

6 E R M O N XXVIII.

OX THE

OSPEL COVENANT:

1 the third fanftifying and faving Grace,
which is Hope.

1 Samuel xxiii. 5.
hough my Houfe be not fo with God\ yet he hath m
uith me aneverlajling Covenant, well ordered in all Things
re ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defire,
jl though he make it not to grow.

fTE proceed to the third fan&ifying and faving
V Grace, which is Hope : And of it I ilia 1 1 fpeak
thefe three Things, \d. What it is. idly, How ex-
lent and ufeful a Grace it is. idly, How it is alfo
>mifed, and fo a covenanted Blefling.
As to the firft, What this^Hope is, we may gather
m Rom. viii. 24. it is ,a certain and patient Expecla-
1 of Things not feen, from God, as he hath promifed
m : Faith looketh to the Promiie, fo doth Hope ;
ith receiyeth it as good and true, and in the prefent ;
pe having Faith for its Subitance and Subiiilence,
but and after the Performance, and for the Things
mifcd: Whatever does appear to the contrary, it ho-
R 4 peth

>.6q

SERMON XXVIII.

peth againft Hope, Rom. ix. 18. whatever Stornis arifc.
Hope doth ride them all out ; it is the Anchor of theSoui,
both fure and iledfait, Heb. vi. 19. the Certainty thereof
doth hang on Faith ; fo doth Paul reafon, in Gal. v. 5.
For ive through the Spirit wait for the Hope of Rigbteouf-
nefs by Faith. You may further take up the Nature of
this Hope, 1. From its Object, God in the Promife ; he
is the Hope of lfraely and the Sabiour thereof in Time oj
Trouble, Jer. iv. 8. God in Chrift; for he is alfo called
our Hope, 1 7///;. i. 1. 2. From its Act, which is both
an earneit, and patient Expectation, as may be gathered
from Phil. i. 20. and Rom* viii. 25. 3. From the Mean
of its Strength and Acting, the Promife, Acls xxvi. 6
and Chrift, Col. i. 27. 4. From the principal Effect
tnereof, the eftablifhing and quieting of the Soul; Da-
vid made ufe of it for that End, Pfal xlii. 5, 11. and
the fecondary Ad, Heart purifying, 1 John iii. 3.

Ufe 1. It (heweth, how many who, pretend much tc
Hope, have none of it, none of the right Stamp: Their
Hopes have no Subftance in them ; fo they fhali be as a
Spider's Web, Job viii. 14 They have no Patience, il
they be not anfvvered ; fo their Hopes (lull be as the giv
ing up of the Ghott, Job xi. 20. they have Creature!
their Hope, broken Reeds, the Arm of Flefh ; they arc
curfed who have no better than that, Jer. xvii. 5. they
will meet with fad Difappointments, Pfa. cxlvi. 3. the)
have much of Self confidence; and Solomons Verdict o
fuch is, that they are Fools, Pro. xxviii. 2,6. they hav<
not the Prom ifes, nor Chriit for their Hope ; io, hav<
not wherewith to ride out this Storm, when it fhal
arife.

Ufe 2. Study to have the right Hope, that which
Hope in Chriit, and Chrift to be your Hope, that whicl
is Hope in the Promife, the Anchor, fure and ftedfaft
that which hath Faith for its Subflance and Sublicence
that which is not only rightly directed to the right Object
but which looketh through ths right Midi!, and doth a£
earntflly and effectually, and >et with great SubmifTioi
and Patience: It you (hall have this Hope of thegrea
Things which are to come, thefe Thines of Eternity

HopJ

W.
the

On the Gospel Covenant. 265

Hopes of external and perifhing Things will look but as
leap Things, which will not much tempt you to purfue
after them, nor trouble you much if you mifs them
This is the only Hope which maketh not a Man afharn-
ed, Rom. v. 5. So I pafs to the fecond, the Excellency
of it.

As to the fecond Thing propounded of this Grace, The
high Excellency and great Ufefulnefs of it, the Scriptures
fpeak of it as a precious and excellent Thing; for, i. In.
them, it is called good Hope through Grace, in 2 Th. ii. 1 6.
2. It is called the better Hope : The Gofpel bringeth in
the better Hope, by which we draw nigh to God, Heb. vii.
19. 3. Iris called the blefTed Hope, looking for that blef-
fed Hope ; where Hope is put for the Object of it, the glo-
rious Appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift,
Tit. ii. 13. And then, 4. It is called a lively Hope; fo,
Thanks are given to God for his abundant Mercy,
whereby he hath begotten us unto a lively Hope, by the
Refurrection of Jefus Chrift from the dead : And, laftly,
It is called fure and ftedfaft, Heb. vi. 19. For more par-
ticular Demonstration of its Excellency, take it thus :
i/f, It hath the moil excellent Objects, about which it
is converfant. 1. Its Object is Jehovah the Lord; fo,
in Pfa. xxxiii. 22. Let thy Mercy, O Lor d, be upon us, ac-
cording as we hope in thee. 2. The Mercy of God is its
Object, The Lord taketh Pie a fure in them that fear him,
in thofe that hope in his Mercy, P/al. cxlvii. 1 1. 3. The
Word of God, efpecially the Word of his Promife; fo
David, in Pfal. exxx. 5. faith, / wait for the Lord, my
Soul doth wait, and in his Word do I hope. 4. Chrift is
the Object of Hope,' that Hope of the Golpei, Col. i.
23. 2dlu The Excellency of this Hope doth appear
from the Nature of it, which doth appear in the above-
named Qualities thereof, efpecially in thefe, that it is a
fure PofitfTion, in fome Sort, of Things which are not
iecn, and that it is like the Spider in the King's Palaces;
it hath* its Anchor call within the Vail, Heb. vi. 19.
3^/iv, The Excellency of it may be fcen, in its excellent
Ule, and brave and noble Effects of it : 1. Ic is of ufe,
when no other Grace is in fight at all; jez, when God

hath

2 66 SERMON XXVIII.

hath withdrawn himfelf: David hath in that Cafe ftiJJ a
Hope in God, that he fhall yet praife him, Pfa. xlm. c.

2. This Hope breedeth Joy ana Delight in God ; there
is a rejoicing in Hope, Rm. xii. 12. and Heb. iii. 6.

3. This Hope maketh not a Man alhamed, Rom. v 5.

4. It giveth to a Man Freedom, Courage, and Stability
in the Work of the Lord ; (o the Exhortaion runneth,
in 1 Cor. xv. 58. Therefore, my beloved Brethren, h

veabh , always abounding in the Work of the
Lord, for a j much as you know your IV or k (hall not be in <vain
in the Lord : That Knowledge is the Knowledge of Hope,
which doth influence a Man unto Stedfa/lnefs. \tblyf
The Excellency of it may be gathered and concluded,
from its fweet Companion and Bofom Friend, which go-
eth itill along with it, Patience: It is a patient Waiting
for Chrill, 2 Thef. iii. 5. Patience maketh it reft quietly
on God, Pfal. xxxvif. 7. 5 thl„ The Excellency of it
ftandeth much in the Perpetuity ofjjit, and its excellent
and fpecial Ule in Extremities* iA the Helmet of Sal-
vation, Eph. vi. 17. It guardetlWne Head, and is of a
reviving Quality, it raifeth the dead. 6thly, The Excel-
lency of it is in this, that many excellent Promifes, are
made unto it, both fpiritual and temporal, as may be
read in Pfa. xci. throughout; It is Hope that taketh up
Refuse in God ; Hope and Help go together: Happy is
he that hath the God of Jacob for his Help, ivbofe Hope is
in the Lord his God, Pfal. cxlvi. 5. jMy, h is excellent
for this, that Salvation and eternal Life is by it; fo, it
liled the Hope of Salvation, an Helmet of Salvation,
1 Thef. v. 8. the Hope of •eternal Life, 7/7. iii. 7. the
Hope laid up in Heaven, Col. i. 5. Sth/y, The Excel-
lency and Happinefs which is in having it, may appear
from the Mifery of thofe who live and die without it, in
Eph. ii. 12. without Hope, is without God.

U/e 1. If this Hope be precious, and fo excellent,
how unvvife are they who hunt after vain Hopes, and do
not feek at all after this? Hope in this World, Tr.»lt in
uncertain Riches, Truft in Men, make them Princes, all
is vain; there is no Reft nor Satisfaction in fuch Confi-
; there is no allured Safety by them. Is it not

Madnefi

On the Gospel 'Covenant. 267

Madnefs in Men, that they are not more earned to have
thjs Hope fixed, which only can fix them, as to any Cure
and comfortable State here, and as to an eternal Eflate
hereafter: Surely, they want a mod excellent Bleffing,
who are without this mod precious and ufeful Hope.

U/e 2. Who have this Hope, have Matter of great
Joy, Praife and Thankfulnefs : So, it is of our Concern-
ment to fearch and know, whether we have it or not :
Try it by thefe Marks, (3.) It only eyeth God as the
Portion ; fo, hopeth in him, Lam. iii. 24. (2.) It hath
npthing of Confidence in the Flefh, but rejoiceth in
Chrift Jefus, Phil. iii. 3. All its Expectation js of Mer-
cy, of free Mercy. (3.) It hath a fpecial and firm Cer-
tainty, leaning on the undoubted Truths of God, which
are revealed in the Scriptures; they bring Lomforts, and
found the Chriftian's Hope, Rom. xv. 4. It is true, the
Believer's Hope may be ihaken, as the Anchor ufeth to
be; yet the Upfhot will be more fure fattening. (4 ) ft
will keep and hold the Soul clofe to Truth, in the Cafe
of great Oppofition made by Men ; fo did David find it
in Experience, which he recordeth in Pfal. cxix
Princes alfo did fit and Jpeak againll me, but thy Servant
did meditate on thy Statutes; and, in <ver. 161. Princes
have perfecuted me without a Caufe, hut my Heart (landeth
in a<we of thy Word ; and, in the following, I rejoice at
thy V/ord, as one that findeth a great Spoil: Yea, fr.d in
the Cafe of Defertion by the Lord, when the Soul is
fainting for the Soul's Salvation, and the Eyes failing in
the Expectation of the Word of Promife, Pfa. cxix. 8if
82. yea, the Prophet Ijaiah did refolve to wait upon the
Lord, even then when he did hide his Face, 1/a. viii. 17.
(5.) It is of Sanclification, as well as of Salvation; it
is of a purifying Nature; He that hath this Hope pu
him/elf, e-ven as Gcd is fure, I John iii. 3. It liveth in
the exercifuig of the Soul unto Godlinefs. (6 ) It breeds
tnefs in the Soul, and much Contentment and Joy
of Spfrit ; fo, there is Patience in Hope, 1 Ihef. i. 3.
2nd rejoicing of Hope, Heb. iii. 6. (7.) It preienteth
Things hoped for, fo great, as it maketh all other Hopes
a'hd empty Thing! : Jt purgeth the Heart of all

Love

268 S E R M O N XXVIII.

Love to them, or Dehre afrcr them. (8. J It doth rcvn
the Soul, and recruit it with freih and new Strength,
when other Things do fail, Pjai Jxxiii. 26. it maketh
and taketh God then for Strength, and as the Portion
for ever. (9) Where it is true, it will be joined with
Sobriety ; and fo, it will be to the End, a lading Hope,
I Pet. i. 13. The righteous hath Hope in his Death, Prov.
xiv. 32. (10.) Rooted and well grounded Hope is the
Daughter of much and manifold Experiences, Rom. v. 4.

Uje 3. Let all then, who love excellent Things, feek
after this moll excellent Hope, and labour, (1.) To pof-
fefs yourfelves of it, that you may pofTefs yourfelves by
it ; for it is neceilary as Breath ; we cannot li\t nor work
without it : He that ploweth, mould plow in Hope : It is
written for us, 1 Cor. ix. 10. we cannot carry right, nor
quit ourfelves like Men in our fpiritual Warfare without
it ; in it, as we mull put on the Breait-plate of Faith
and Love, fo we mult put on for an Helmet the Hope of
Salvation, 1 The/, v. 8. to cut ourfelves from our Hope,
it were as the cutting off of the Head ; and Hope is as
necefTary as the Love of God, for it keepeth it in Life ; fo,
in Juds ier. 21. thefe two are joined together, keeping
yourfelves in the Love of God, and, looking out for
that blcfTed Hope. (2} Labour to feed and maintain
Hope when you nave got it. 1. Live not by Senfe; it
muit live upon Things not feen, Rom. viii. 24. 2. Ac-
quaint yourfelves with Scriptures, and with the Promifes
:n them ; for Hope is fed by thefe, Rem. xv. 13. 3. Re-
new the Acls of Faith of God's Sovereignty, whereby
you may be fatisfied when the Objects of your Hope arc
taken out of your Sight, A8j i. 9. yea, keep Faith in
in aU the Acts of it, for it is the Subibnce of
Things hoped for, Heb. xi. 1 . 4. Keep Confcience pure,
with Faith ; fo, with Hope, a good Confcience, 1 Tim.
i. 19. 5. Keep a Regifter of Experiences and Exam-
pies, Jam. v. io, 1 1. 6. Let all other Hopes go, when
this comeih to be in Competition. l

Come we r.ow to the third Point propounded, concer-
ning this precious Hope, which was this, that it is alio
proini^d, and one of the Graces, which is made fure to

all

1

On the Gospel Covenant. 269

all who love and defire it, by the everlafting Covenant,
which is ordered in all Things and fure: For clearing of
this Truth, confider thefe Scriptures, \ in Pjal. xxii. 9.
David acknowledge&h that any Hope he rud he held it
of God : Thou, faith he, didjl make me to tope nxjhen I ivas
upon my Mothers Breath ; and, in lfa. xlii. 4. ic is promi-
fed, that the Ifles (hall wait for ChnlVs Law: What is
that but Hope in him? And, in lfa, li. 5. it is repeated,
The IJles /hall nouait on me, and on mine Arm jball they truf ;
and, in lfa, Ix. 9. Surely the lfles Jball nxait for me : -Hope
is in amongft the Gifts of the Holy Gholl ; compare
l Cor, xii. 31. with chap. xiii. 1 3. iMore particularly,
take thefe Proofs of this Point, 1. Hope is from and
through Grace, 2 The/, ii. 16. and ail that which is of
Grace is by the Promife, Rom. iv. 16. 2. Our God is
the God of Hope; and he is fo called, becauie ne is the
Giver of Hope, Rom. xv. 1 3. Novc, the God 0/ Hope, faith
the Apoftle there, fJl you with all Joy and Peace in Be~
lie<ving; And Chriit is our Hope, and the Author of it,
as well as of Faith; for, thefe two go together; ana
Waiting alfo is through the Spirit, Gal. v. 5. 3. It is
faid of the Gofpe!, that it bringeth in a better Hope, Heir.
vii. 19. and the Gofpel is called the Grace of God, Tit.
ii. 11. 4. Chrift is both raifed from the dead, and ex-
alted, for this very End, that we might have Hope: God
raifed him from the dead, aud gave him Glory, that the
Faith and Hope of Believers might be in God, 1 Pet.
i. 21. 5. Faith and Aifurance is promifed; and fo,
Hope, in that, Hb. xii. 2. where Chriit is the Author
and Finifher of our Faith; if thefe be, this will not be
wanting. 6. Regeneration hath every Grace in it ; it
is promifed, and fo Hope: Believers upon this Account
are faid to be begotten again to a lively Hope, 1 Pt ■
7. Salvation and eternal Life are promifed, and fo Hope j
for, we are faved by Hope, Rom. vii i. 34. the Hupe of
eterna^Life is founded on his Promiie who cannot lie,
Tit. i. z. 8. Strength is promifed ; Hope and it go to-
gether, Lam. iii. 24. Waiting on God hath the Promife
of renewed Strength, lfa. xl. 31. 9. All-iuffkiency is
promiied ; and this cannot be without Hope; for Hope

*7° SERMON XXVIII.

U the Helmet of Salvation, i Tbef. v. 8. 10. Every
good Thing is promifed, Pfal. Jxxxiv. u. and Hope* it
a ipecial good Thing, Lam. lii. z6. i i. Joy is promt-
: ; and it cannot be without Hope, that the Matter of J
Joy (hail continue ; and more Matter of Joy fhall be fur-
ther given. 12. Jt muft be from the Promife ; for, na-
turally, we have nothing of the well-grounded and foJid
Kope.

Vie i. Terror to thofe who live without the Covenant;
who remain liill in their natural Efiate, they have none
of this promifed Hope, or Hope of" the Promife, being
alienated from the Life of God ; they are both without
God, and without Hope, Eph. ii. 12. they have Grounds
and Seeds of Defpair in them, ready to fpring up, upon
the fir it Blowing of a Temptation; and how miferable
will their State be in that Cafe ! They may have fome
ftrong Preemptions now ; but, when they come to be
tried, they will be quickly blown away : Their Hope
fhall pcriin ; their Hope (hall be cut off, and their Trull
ihali be as a Spider's Web, Job viii. 13, 14. their Eyes
fhall fail, and they mall not efcape, and their Hope fhall
be as the giving up of the Ghoft, Job xi. 20. May not
that Queition be put to fuch Men, which is in lja. x.
3. What ivill ye do in the Day of Vifitation, — to ivbom
lev// ye fly for Help? and where ivill ye leave your Glo-
ry ? And, how (ball they be able to anfwer it ? It is like,
no otherwise than in the Terms of Jcr. ii. 25. a defpe-
rate Word, There is no Hope, uve have Uvcd Sfrangerj,
and after them ive <wil! go : And of Jer. xviii. 12. then
is no Hope, but ive ivill walk after our own Devices, and
ill every one do the Imagination of bis evil Heart :
And, what will be the End of fuch deiperate Resolu-
tions, may be eafily conje&urtd.

Ufe 2. Matter of folid Comfort to thofe who live and
die within this Covenant of Grace: Jt may be faidofall
their Matters, as of that Matter of Ifrael, Ezra x. 2.
There is Hope concerning this and that Thing : In their
greatefl Straits, they ^.e but Prifoners of Hope, and
may turn in to their ihong Holds, according to their
Warrant, Zecb. ix. 12. Yea, this I may fay to Chri-

ftians,

On the Gospel Covenant. 271

^ians, that have their Fears upon many feveral Ac-
Counts, how dreadful foever their State and Cafe may
look to be, while they behold themfelves; all Things
in a covenanted God do hold forth Ground and Matcer
hi good Hope, (x.) Freenefs of Grace; the Lord is
he who blotteth out TranfgrelTions for his own Sake, Ifa.
xliii. 25. (2.) Abundance of it, Riches of Mercy, Epb.
ii. 4. (3 ) Infinitenefs of Power to perform all his Per-
formances, Rom. iv. 21. (4) His Infallibility of Truth ;
though we believe not, yet can he not deny himfelf,
2 Tim. ii. 13. (5) Infinite Underftanding and Wjfdom,
both how to manage ail our Matters to the beii Advan-
tage, and to chufe for us the fittelt Seafons and Occasions,
P/ai. cxlv. 5. with 2 Pet. ii. 9.

life 3. If Hope, which is the enfuring Grace, be it-
felf alfo enfured to all thofe who have fled to Jefus for
Refuge ; how horrible a Sin mull it be in fuch Perfons,
to harbour within them Thoughts of Defpaif ? The Lord
quarrelleth with his own for every Thing which iooketh
towards that Way ; fo, in lfa. xl. 27. Why fayft thou, O
J ' acoby and fpeakefl, O Ifraei, my Way is hid from the
Lord, and my Judgment is faffed over of my God? This
Sin of Defpair is a horrid Sin ; for, (1.) It chargetk
God foohmly, which Job would not do, when his Cafe
tiwas very hard, and feemed hopelcfs, chap. i. 22. (2 )
It maketh Sin and Satan ftronger than God, Man's finite
Tranfgreflion fuch as cannot be overcome nor remedied
by infinite Mercy. (3.) It is the more deteftable Evil,
for this, becaufe no Goipel Comfort can come in, until
?v.: Gulf be filled ; it is among thefe Valleys which
hinder Chriil in his Way, which muft be prepared,
Luke iii. 4, 5. (4.) It taketh off all Edge from the
precious Ordinances and Means, efpecially as to that
Party, and plucketh up necelTary Endeavours by the
Roots.

Ufe 4. Againft thofe who run in a contrary Way ;
they have too much Hope, but it is of the wrong Stamp,
Hope in themfelves, and in their own Strength, or ieek
to have it in and from themlelves, and not from this
Covenant of Grace; they have Hope, but cannot give

272 SERMON XXVIII.

a Reafon of it, as they, in I Pet. iii. 15. their Groum
of Hop* will hold no Water : God will reject all their
Confidences, Jer. ii. 37. they have many; 1 name fome
of them: (1.) They think and fay, God hath made thera#
and the Lord cannot but be good to the Work of hit
Hands ; and there be learned Men, who will readily nou-
rifh them in this Opinion, that God never made any to
deftroy them : To the ignorant we fay, as the Prophet .
lfaiah faith, in chap, xxvii. II. // is a People of no Un- '
derftanding, therefore he that made them will have no Mer-
cy on them, and he that formed them will jbew them nf
Favour: And to the learned I fay, as the Spirit of God
faith, in Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all Things for
himfelf, and the wicked for the Day of Evil; and that
which the Apoftle faith, in Rom. ix. 21. Hath not the Pot-
ter Power over the Clay, of the fame Lump to make one
Veffel to Honour \ and another to Difhonour? And again,
Man made himfelf a Sinner; God made fome Men, to
glorify his Jultice upon them, puniihkig them for Sin.
(2.) Some bear themfelves up on Church Privileges ; they
were baptized, &c. To thofe I prefent thefe two Scrip-
tures to be confidered, Jet. vii. 4. and Rom. ii. <ver. 28,
29. (3.) Some plead from this, God hath dealt well with
them all their Days, as to Externals ; let them confider,
xcii. 1 2. and Luke xvi. 25. (4.) Some flatter ehem«<
felves with this, they have had their Hell here ; let fuch
know, that Hell, to fome, may be both here and hence,
Ptov. v. 10, 11. and ix. 18. (5.) Moll Men fay, there
is Mercy enough in God : But, they may know that there
is no Mocy to thofe that reject the Offers of it, Luke

s £ R-

( 273

)

■

s

E

R

M 0

O N T

N

H II

XXIX.

GOSP

ELCO VENAXT:

Ctn rY

ip fnn

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q nrrifvina

3nn in

vina fr B Arc

Holy Fear.

2 S A T.I U E L xxiii. 5".
.;/; my Houfe be not fo with Cod ; yet he hath
with me an ever I a/ling Covenant, well ordered in all T
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Dejire,
a' though he make it not to grow,

FOLLOWETHthe fourth farcifying and faving
Grace, gracious and holy Fear. Jn opening this,
(hall hint thefe three Things to you, i//, What this
S( Fear is. zdlyy What Excellency and Ufefulnefs is in it.
$dly9 How it is promifed ; and fo, a mod fure, and cove-
lanted Blefling.

As to the firlt, What this Fear is, I. There is a natu-
al Fear, which may be without Sin ; fo it was in Chriil ;
»e was heard in or from that which he feared, Htb. v. 7.
t is not that of which we are now to fpeak. 2. There
s a finful Fear, which firft fcarreth at the Yoke of Chriil,
nd is fhy and jealous of all the Ways of God; appre-
ending nothing in them but Bonds and Snares: Who
iave this*ungodly Fear, do forfake the Fear of the Al-
mighty : Tiiat, in Job vi. 14. may be juftly charged
pon them. 2. It fearcth Wrath and Punifhment, only
S bcir.g

'

274 SERMON XXIX.

being the Effe&and Fruit of the-Spirit of Bondage, R:?i.
wil'u 15. it is fuch as the Devils have, Jam. u. 1
It maketh a Man fly from God ; fo it made the fir it Man,
in Gen. iii. 8, 10. It will make Kings of the Earth, and
great Men, and the rich Men, and the mighty Men, 13 c.
hide themfelves in the Dens, and in the Rocks of the
Mountains, and to fay to the Mountains and Rocl
upon us. and hid € us from the Face of him that fittcth upon
the Throne \ and from the Wrath of the Lamb, Re<v. vi. 16,
17. 4. It feareth Man more than God; and thi
of Man bringeth a Snare, Prcv, xxix. 25. It is not of
this Fear either I am now to ipeak ; but, there is a holy
Fear of God, which is both commanded and highly com-
mended of God in Scriptures, fo as other Fear is forbid-
den, and it required; in Exod. xx. 20. il ( to the_
People, fear not, put away your bsfe Fear,/<?r God is come
to prove you, that his Fear may he before your Faces, andm^
ye Jin not-, fo, the Fear we fpeak of will keep from Sin; ^
fo, in I/a. viii. 12, 13. Say net a Confederacy to them
■whom this People /hall fay a Confederacy , neither fear
thrir Fear-, fanclify the Lord of Ho/is himfelf, and let hr
be your Fear, and let him be your Dread. That you m
underftand what this Fear is, take it thus, i/tf. It is fro:
a deep Impretlion of the Majefty, Power, and Perfeclie
of God, which a Chniiian ought always carry upon h .
Soul; fuch had Jacob at Bethel, Gen.xxwW. 16, 17, 1
In this Refpeft it was, that God is called by Jacob, t
Fear of lfaac, Gen. xxxi. 42, 53. It feareth, not or,;-
the Greatnefs, but the Goodnefs of God, Ho/, iii. ^
2d. This Fear is mod in Exercife, in the Manifeftatioi
of God, whether rnqre ordinary, in the AiTemblies 0
his Saints, Pful. Ixxxix. 7. or more extraordinary, as ii
. xiv. 7. upon t Je executing or approaching of JikI,
ment, or upor g of fome rare Work. 3^. T> :
Fear is mod of Sip, and offending of God: It fearer
the Commandment, Prvy. xiii. 13. 4/^. It feareth th!
Lord's Diip:eafure, and fo his Wrath, in a due Manne:
fo, in P/al. xc 11. Mofe* f.uth, IV ho knonvetb the /W<
cf thine Anger ? even according to thy Fear fo is thy IVratk
Every Fear of God's Wrath and Difpleafure is not fl

vifl

On the Gospel Covenant. 2-5

qfh : But, iff, That which is only of Punishment.
That whereby the Eye is only fixed on Guilt and Mifery,
.vithout looking up to Mercy. That Fear of Wrath i-
lot flavifti, which, i . Is chiefly a Fear that we be fepa-
•ated from God and his Love. 2. That which maketh
js more cautious and circomfpec~t in our Walk, and quick-
;neth us unto our Duty. The Magiilrate may be feared,
tven for Wrath, and without Sin, Rom. xtii. $. the Lord
s much more terrible, Amos iii. 8. ^nd Heb. xii. 29.

Ufe 1. As the Saints are not to be difcouraged, becaufe
>f natural Fear, and a great Inform::;. „y ; it may

>e of good Ufe, if rightly moderated and directed ; fo,
hey would look to it, that they take it not for gracious
7ear : Even natural Fear may make a tremblug at the
»Vord and dreadful Threatnings of it ; much raoi
ome dreadful Stroke of Judgment; and tome ignorant
'erfons may be deceived, to tnink it to be feme gracious
mprefTion of God ; but afterward it will be Jeen to have
een nothing but a common Imprellion.

2. Chrilbans would look well to this, that they
iitinguifh well betwixt the Fear of Sons, and the Fear
f Slaves, chufe the one and relufe the otfcer : And, that
hey beware of the Fear of Man, eipecially in this Time,
therein it may prove a great Snare, if it be not well
uarded and watched againft, when it beginneth. to af-
iult ; we would remember thefe two Scriptures, that, in
fa. Vi. 12. I am be that camfortetb you, ivbo art thou that
* bou Jbzuldji be afraid of a Man that Jhall die, and of
1 of Man nvbicb jhall be made as Grafs? And that,
::b. x. 28. Fear not them which kill the Body, and
ye r.'jt able to kill the Soul% but rather fear him *wbh is
Able todeftroy both the S.oul and Body into Hell.
3 Ufe 3. Study not only to have, but to maintain this
£oly Fear always in your Heart, by bringing it daily to
i\it Lord, to get new Impreflions of his Highnefs, and
-is Holioefs, and daily Remembrances, both of his
efrt 31 <i Cjoodnefb. O! this Fear is good Compa-
ny, and a noble Guard for the Heart : More of this in
Kiat which folio weth.

*' ' The

I

i

276 S E R M O N XXIX.

The fecond Thing propounded, was concerning the E»
cellency and Ufefulnefs of this Fear : There ib fo mucl
good in it, that they are pronounced happy who have it
fo, in Pfat.cxu. |. Blejfed is the Man that fearetb th
Lord, and dclighteth greatly in bis Commandments ; and, ii
Pfal. CXV. 13. God will blefs them that fear him both Jmai
and great ; and, in P/ti.cxxvrii. 1. Blrjfed is every one thak
fearetb the Lcdi and in wr; 4, jJ a (Ingular Way oi
bleffing promifed. and enfured to fuch, even that the Lam
nvill blefs them out of Zion ; and, in Pro-v. xxviii. im
Happy is the Man that fear eth ahva). The Excellency c
this Grace may further appear from this, 1. It is the Be-
ginning of Knowledge and Wifdom, Prov. i. 7. and P/i\
cxi. 10. 2. It is clean, and endureth for ever, Pja. xu*
9. 3. It is the whole Duty of Man, Eccl. xii. 13. *w
In it is ftrong Confidence, fo as the Children of thoie th;*.
have it (hall have a Place of Refuge, Prou. x\v. 26. «
It is a Fountain of Life, to depart from the Scares <^
Death. 6. It maketh a little to be more than a gre pi
Treafure without it, Prov.xv. 16. 7. He that hath'"
mail abide fatisfied, and (hall not be vifited with Evth
/V01/. xix. 23. 8. By this afe other Graces well oruer*c
i in their Exercife, and kept within the Channel. 9. ^
it the Hear! is both fixed, that it cannot depart from GcP^
Jer. xxxii. 40. and it is enlarged in the Woilhip 01

•■:. 5 And ) et further, trie Excellency of this GraP "
doth appear, by the many fair Promifes which are maK<
to it, Ml. 'I here is a good Understanding, or, as foiPJ^
read it a good ^uccefs promifed unto it, Pja. cxi. m;fo\
,n is promifed to it, even that tht L<p ^
will teach the Man that hath it the Way that ne ft
chafe, ^d. Unfp£ak&b1e Goodnefs, both here and ht
after: G (loidnefs, faith the P

nubic V 1^ for them that fear tr>

thou baft wrought* fir them that trull in thee ? An
ciii. 11. infinite Mercy is promifed to all fych, in tj
Exprtflion, A igh abate tie Eat t hi

great is bis Mercy toixard tbtm that fear him \ andP
ver. 17. of that Plalm, The Mercy of the Lord is J\
fuer lading to ever la/ling upon them that fear him.

On the Gospel Covenant. 277

■ft Covenant of Life is made with fuch ; fo it was made
•Ai Levi upon that Account, Mai. \\. 5. He gave tbefe
kim^ for the Fear -wherewith be feared him, and was
id before bis Name. $tb. Such are accepted of God,
out ail Exception ; have tnev but this one Thing, the
r of the Lord, God will accept them, as is clear from
s x. 35. yea, he not only accepteth of them, but ta-
in Pleafure in them, P/a. cxlvii. n. 6tb. The Sua
Righteoufnefs fhall arife unto fuch, with Healing un-
his Wings, Mai. iii. 16. jtb. The Lord wiJj fu'fil
the Defircs of thofe that fear him, Pfal. cxtv. 19.
jj '. There is fweet and jure Provilions enfured to fuch;
in Pfal. xxxiii. 18, 19. 7 be Eye of the Lord is upon
m thai fear him, upon them that bof^e in bis Mercy, to de-
er their Soul from Death, and to keep them alive in Fa-
b*te; and, in Pfal. xxxiv. 9, 10 There is no Want to
m that fear him, they Jball not want any good Thing.
i b. Safe Protection is promiied to thofe that have this
l be Angel of the Lord encampeth round about tbofg
\ it fear bimy Pfal. xxxiv. 7. lOtb. Long Life, even
ch, is promiied to fuch Men ; fo, in Prov. x. 27.
e Fear of the Lord prolongeth Days: Add, in the Lft
ace, all the Miferies and Woe* which are threatned a-
li nil ungodly Men, which are void of this Fear; who
,'ve this true Fear of God, lnall not only be (ree of

Woes, but be pofiViTed of the contrary Bleiiings.
life 1. Hence Matter of Terror to all Atheitfs and
lypocntes, who have nothing of this true Fear of God;
ley have nothing of true Worth or Excellency in them ;
ley have not lmpreliions of God upon them; they are
oid of Wifdom, Lou.ifel, and of all Goodnefs ; they

te open to all Evil, and to the molt dreadful Judgments;
ley are out of God's Protection, fo far, that they are a
'revocation to him all the Day ; when they are purfued
vith other i have no Refuge: What will they

lo when the Terrors of God do let themfdveb. in Array
igainll then ; and this may be the Cafe, even of godly
vlen, Job vi. 4. much more to the wicked ; for Terrors
hall nuke hi . afraid on every Side, and fhaJI drive him
o his Feet, Job xviii. 1 1 . and in wr« 14. his Confidence
S 3 ftuli

'I

273 S E R M O N XXIX.

ihall be rooted out of his Tabernacle, and it (ha!!
him to the King of Terrors ; and of fuch it is faid,
y«5 xxvii. «wr: 20. that Terrors Jh all take hold on them
Waters, and a 'Temped fteal them away in the Nt

i1 e 2. [5 there (uch Excellency in it? then eftee
highly ot it : If it be well confidered what the Scriptun
fay of it, as in Part hath been told you, you will efteer
it precious indeed : It was eileemed fo by both a grej
and good King, his Treafure: It was promifed. that i
fhould be fo uruo him, in I/a. xxxiii. 6. IVifd.m an\
Knowledge /hall be the Stability of thy Times, and Strength
of Salvation ; ■ the Fear of the Lord is his Treafure
ihall be known that we eiteem it highly, (1.) If we
at Pains, even greateil Pains, to have it. (2.) Jf we bej
watchful over it, that the Impreffion thereof wear not
out of our Hearts. (3.) If we have Zeal againll all
that which may wrong it in the lead. (4.) If we lovi
it fo, as no Profit, Pleafure, or Preferment do take us oft
rrom it. (5.) If we reckon highly of, and honour them
all that have it, and account them vile that want it,
Pfa. xv. 4.

Ufe 3. Thefe that have this excellent Thing, the Fear
of God, let them learn to be thankful for it; they have a
rare and rich Biefting: if the Man that hath right Under-
Handing be of an excellent Spirit, Prov. xvii. 27. And!
then, they that fear God have only that good Understand-
ing, Pfa. cxi. 10. then, who fear the Lord are the IVlenof
(he belt Spirits ; fhould they not be thankful for this their,
fo great Excellency, and witnefs their Thankfulneft
by walking in this Fear of God continually ? » There is
good Advantage in fo doing ; the Comforts of the Ho
]y Ghoit, go with it, Acls ix. 31. and by labouring to
have it increafed every Day, and to be in it all the Day
long, as in P?o. xxiii. 17. fo our Hearts fhall not need to
envy Sinners; fearing one, we fhall need neither to fear
nor envy any other: But as to thofe that hate Knowledge,
and chufe not the Fear of the Lord, Prov. i. 29. they
may be afraid, left while they chufe their own Ways,
that the Lord chufe their Delufions, and bring their Fears
♦upon them, as is threatned in J fa. ixvi. \, 4.

The

W ~~ "*'*• -ty

The third Thing propounded concerning this Fear, is>

that it is promifed in the new Covenant ; fo, in Pfa. ixxii*

5. it is promifed concerning Chriil's pcor and needy ones.

that they (hall fear him as long as the Sun and Moon (hall

endure; and, in Pfa. cii. 15. it is promifed concerning

us Gentiles, that the Heathen fhall fear the Name of the

Lord, and all Beings his Glory; and, in Ifa. xxix. 22,

23. it is promifed concerning the Lord's true Jacob, that

he (hall not be afhamed, nor his Face wax pale; but

when he feeth his Children, the Work of the Lord's

Hands, in the midit of him, they fhall then fanctify the

Lord's Name, and fanclify the holy One of Jacob, and

(hall fear the God of Ifrael; and more plainly, in Jgr.

xxxii. 39,40, / it'/'// give them, faith the Lord, one Heart,

and one Way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good

of them and of their Children after them : and J will make

an evelafting Covenant with them, that I vjill not turn a-

way from them to do them good, hut J will put my Fear in

their Hearts, that they Jhall not depart from me ; and, in

Hif iii. 5. Afterward Jball the Children of I/rael return,.

and feek the Lord, and David their King, and /ball fear *

the Lord and his Goodnefs in the latter Days. But, for the

more full Proof and Demonftration of this Point, confi-

der, 1. That this Fear of the Lord is fo of God, that

he hath his Name from thence, Gen. xxxi. 42, 53. 2.

San&ification is promifed, fo this Fear; for this Fear is

the whole Duty of Man, Eccl. xii. 13. 3. Perfeverance

is promifed, the Son (hall abide in the Houfe for ever,

John viii. 35. And this Fear is planted in the Hearr,.

for that very End, that it may not depart from the

Lord. 4. The Knowledge of God is promifed, as you

heard ; and it is the Beginning of Knowledge, Prov. i.

7. 5. If this Fear of God came not by the Promife,

we could not have it at all ; we would be ftill like the

Fool, raging and confident, Prov. xiv. 16. 6. It is ex-

prefly promifed, where lifting up the Face without Spot,

and Stedfaftnefs is promifed, Job xi. 15. and, in P/al.

cxii. 7, fe> it is promifed to the righteous, that he (hall

not be afraid of evil Tidings, becaufe his Heart is fixed

and eftablifhed. 7. It mull be given of God, becaufe

S 4. there r

28o SF.R M O K XXIX.

there can be no Worfhip nor Communion with God
without it, in Dtut. vi. 13. Serving of C*od, and fwear-
jng by his Name, are joined with this Fear; and, in «l.
i. 6, 11. the Fear which the Lord requireth^ is pure Wor-
fhip, a pure OfFeiing from the nfing of the Sun to the
going down thereof; and, in Acls x. 35. He that fear-
eth God, and worketh Rfghteoufnets, is accepted of
God; fo, hath Peace and Communion with him. 8.
Though the Kingdom unto which we are called cannot
be moved, yet ho v Fear is its Law, Heb. xii. 28. fo, if
the Kingdom be prouailed, Fear is promiftd in and to-
gether with it.

U/'e 1. Terror to thofe that are not within the Cove-
nant ; they have none of this, but a worfer Fear ; they
(hall meet with that, in Dtut. xxviii. <ver. 66, 67. fear
Day and Night, and they ihall have no Aifurance of
their Life ; the Lord will give them a trembling of Heart,
failing of Eyes, and Sorrow of Mind ; when it is Mor-
ning they fhall fay, would it were Even ; and at Even,
O that it were Morning; for the Fear of their Heart
wherewith they fhall fear ; and they may meet with that,
in Job xv. 21. the dreadful S^und in their Ears ; and in
Profperity the Deftroyer (hall come upon them ; yea,
they may meet with thefe Things in Way of Surprizal,
Kearfulnefs fhall furprize the Hypocrites, Ija. xxxiii. 14.
though now fu :h »vien be fearlefs, ftoutrhearted, and far
from Righteoufnef?, Ijai. xlvi. 12. they may come
to have Terrors round about them, like Pajhur, Jer. xx.
3. bciide the Terrors within, which is there alio threat-
ned, Terrors to themfelves, <ver. 4. «f that chap, they
fhall fear where no Fear is, Pjal \\\\. 5.

Ufa 2. Comfort to thofe that are vexed with ralfe
Fears, and faithlefs Fears, this Fear is promifed, which
when it once cometh it will eat up, and fo deliver from
other Fears ; it is the Daughter of Faith, and Sifter of
Love, which will quite banifh away that Fear which hath
Torment, 1 John iv\ 18.

Ufe 3. All who defire to have this Fear, muft feek it
from the Promife, and fo to have your Souls deeply im-
prLiTcd and ltamped with it: So ftudy to fear God as

God,

On the Gospel Covenant. 281

God, elfe you cannot glorify him as God: Particularly,
fear God in his Power, in Job xxxvii. 23. Elihu faith,
touching the Almighty we cannot find him, he is excellent in
Power; and, in Pfal. lxxvi. 7. Thou, even thou art to he
feared, and who may ftand in thy Sight, when once thou
art angry? And, in Jer. v. 2 2. Fear ye not me, faith the
Lord, will ye not tremble at m. Pre fence, who have placed
the Sand for a Bound to the Sea, for a perpetual Dec*tr,
that it cannot pafs it ; though the Waves thereof tofs thtm-
ftlves, yet they cannot prevail] though they roar, yet can
they not pafs over it. (2.) Fear hrm /or his Dominion ;
Dominion and Fear are with him, Job xxv. 2. The Lord
r eigne th let the People tremble, Pfal. xcix. I. Fear do ih
appertain to him as fuch, in Jer. x. 7. Who w>uld not
fear thee, O King of Nations? for to thee it dotb appertain,
(3.) Fear him in his glorious Workings ; fo did Habak-
kuk, chap. iii. 16. (4.) Fear hid in the Judgments which
he infl ndleth upon ungodly *Vlen ,- fo ciid David, Pfal.
cxix. *ver. 118, 119, 120. yea, becaufe of Judgments
near to come, Luke xxi. 25. and for the Day of general
Judgment, which will undoubtedly come upon all, Eccl.
xii. 14. 1 Pet. i. 17. ($.) Fear him for all his Geod-
nefs and Mercies bellowed ; fo did David, in Pja. exxx.
4. There is Forgivenefs with thee that thou maytf be feared;
yea, we fhould fear him for his Goodnefs, mamfefted
in common Providence : It is charged as a Sin when it
is not done, Jer. v. 23, 24. This People, Jaith the L
bath a revolting and a rebellious Heart, they are
and gone, neither fay they in their Heart, let us new f .
the Lord who giveth Rain.

To clofe this, take thefe Marks of the true Fear of
God, 1. A ferious Study to fljun every Thing that i*
evil in God's Sight ; fo, in Prov. iii. 7. Be not wife in *
thine own Eyes, fear the Lord and depart from Ei 'n ; and,
in Prov. xvi. 6. By the Fear of the Lord Men depu
Evil. 2. Confcience made of abllaining from iecret Sii
fo did Jofeph, in Gen. xxxix. 9. he might have d<
Wickednefs and carried clofe ; bin r of God fuf-

fered him not ; and Job proiefleth fo much, in ch. x\
<ver. 23, 27. that his Heart was not fecretly enticed, for

Dcitru&ion

' 2 8a SER M O N XXIX.

DeftruCtion from God was a Terror to him, and by Rt.
fon of his Highnefs he was convinced in himfelf that^hc
could not endure. 3. The Hatred of Sin, as it is Sin,
and becaule God hateth it, P/ov. viii. 13. with P/al.
exxxix. 21. and in Sin to hate moft the departing from
God, and forfaking of him, Jer. ii. 11, 12, 13. the pro-
faning of the Holmefs -.vhich he loveth, Mai ii. II. <ver.
A ferious Endeavour to do good ; fo, in Deut. v. 29. to
fear the Lord is to keep all his Commandments always ;
fo, in Eccl. xii. 13. and, in Pfai xxxiv. 14. the Coin-
tDandment runneth thus, Depart from Enjil and do g
4. The not reiling in Attainments, but feeking after
more Perfection, the perfecting of Holinefs in the Fear
of God, 2 Cor. vii. 1. the working out of our own Sal-
vation in Fear and Trembling, Phil. ii. 12. 5. Ii the
Fear of Man doth not fright us from Duty, Mattb. x. 28.
6. If there be a reverend Carriage to the Word, both
in the publick Difpenfing of it, Ezra ix. 4. and in the
private Reading and Meditation thereof, and, generally,
the converfing with God in all his Ordinances, with much
Fear* both in private and publick. 7. A deep Reve-
rence to the Name of God ; the Knowledge of God's
Name breedeth Fear, 1 Kin. viii. 43. His Name mould
be dreadful in all his Attributes and Manifestations, Mai
i. 14. 8. A holy Jealoufy, and good Watch kept over
the Heart, Eye, and Ways, according to Pro-v. vs. 23, 24,
25, 26, 27.

SER M.

S E R M O N XXX.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVENANT

On the fifth fancHfying and faving Grace
Love.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Houfe be not jo with Cod; yet he hath made
with me aneverlaffing Covenant, well ordered in ^^3MH
and fure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defirt
although he nrake it not to grow,

WE proceed to open to you the fifth fan&ify-
ing and faving Grace, which is Love ; and
in the fame Method, \ft. What it is. zdly, How excels
lent it is. 3^/A, That it is by the Promife, and fo a co*
venanted Bletfing.

As to the firft, What this Lore is; the Anfwer is, It,
is the Affection of the Soul, by which it goeth after and
cleaveth unto fome defirable and fuitable Good : Affec-
tions are (o many Motions of the Will; Love and Ka«
tied are the chief; they part the reft betwixt them:
There is a natural Love by which a Man loveth himielf ,
and Things good to Nature : On the one fide, there i&
vicious Love, carrying the Soul towards Evil ; on th
other, a fpiritual Love, which doth bound and rcgr
that which is natural, giveth unto it a higher Rifr
maketh ic run in a right Channel, to 2 right Obj?/

be

. <?4 SERMON XXX.

; of this we fpeak, this is fivefold, i/l. A Love of

' Choice, ;*nd Depend *nce, whereoy we fettle ana depend

upon one for all good ; this is on!y cue to "God. 2d. A

J Love of Delight and Complacency, fuch as that of God

I in Chntl, Mat id. iii. 17. and of a Believer in God, Rja.

xxxvii. 4. and in his Word, Pta. cxix. 92, 143.

' Love of Friendihip, mutual Love, fuch as that betwixt

* God and a Believer, 1 John iv. 19. ani bet.vixt a Mas

I and his Friend, " Prov. xxvii. 9, 17. 4/^. There is a

Love of Beneficence or a bount.ful Love ; fuch alio isGod's

Love to Man, and fuch ought our Love be to one ano-

yb. There is a Love of Pity ; luch is God's Love

\q Sinners, Pfa. ciii. 13. And tins one Sinner ought to

Aear to another, efpccially when in Diitrefs, Job vi 14.

, , le ought with this love our Enemies. Spiritual Love is

iily for thefe two, Union and Communion wit 11

It may defire other Things for Uie, to ufe them

[aright, but God is the Portion.

U/h 1. Learn hence to know what true and Chriftian
{ Love is, to djftinguiih betwixt it and Lull, yea, and be-
lt and natural Affection, and to fix it on the
and principal Objed of it, God; and, to quicken
you to his Love, conii.der, (1.) How all Excellencies
land dofirabie Tnings are in him. (2.) He fuiteth your
\Love who ueedeth it not, Deut. x. 12. (3 ) It is a very
jrffmall Hiing, countering the great Things which he giv-
amongft the rtlt. (4.) Coniider how ne
I >ved us filth, now great Things he hath done and
I d fur us, (Jul. i\. 20. (5 ) Coniider how by Co-

frei.ant we are er.g..geu to love mm, more than ever an/
People were. (6) Love is Wages to itielf.

eproof and Terror to thofe who have nothing

■ c ; fu.e they have not the Heart of a

:h?y know nothing of Law nor Gofpei ; Love i>

fl-l pij jne, aid it is the Perfection of the

u:n up the Law in this, to Jwe tbt

R o>d our *W -jLitb all .ur Heart, and with all our Soul,

- fllow 4 with all our Strength, Mark xii.

And the ApJlie Paul faith, that all the Law is ful-

nd fummid up in this one Word, Love; and that

Love

On the Gospel Covenant. 285-

Love is the Fulfilling of the Law, Rom. xu'i. 10. and
draweth forth the Sentence of Excommunication againit
them that love not Jefus, i Cor. xvi. 22.

As to the fecond, This Love is an excellent Tiling; it
is better than Wine, Cant. i. 2. much better tnan Wine,
Cant. iv. 10. This Love looking out at the Eyes of the
Bride, overcometh the Bridegroom, Cant. vi. 5. many
Waters cannot quench ir, neither can the Fioods arown
it, it cannot be valued and bought, Cant. vn.. 7.
Excellency thereof may be further demonitiated thus, 1.
From the Author thereof, God is the Author 0/ it, he
is the God of Love and Peace, 2 Cor. xiii. 1 1. Love is
of Gad, and God is Lu<vey I John iv. <ver. 7, 8, 16. 2.
The Excellency of it may#and doth appear from its Ot>-
jeft, generally, that which is good and excel ienl ; ad
more particularly, God is the Object as w^ll as the Au-
tnor of it, 2 Tbef. lii. 5. the Apoillt'a Pi.\er is, th t
tne Lord would direcl their Henrts into the Love of God ;
and tnen lovely Jefui \s the Objet't of it, Grace fh
witn all them that love the Lord Jefus in Sincerity, Epb,
vi. 24. 3. The Excellency of this Grace appearah in.
its Endurance, 1 Cor. xni. 13. it abideth when we (hall

nq imre V(e of Faith and Hope of the Promife.
4. The Plxceilency of it appeareth in and from this, that
tiiere are many and exce.lent Promifes made to it, both
to thei'e that love God, fuch as, 1/?. A plentiful Condi-
tion, the Led will Cdute tboie that.love mm inherit Sub-

, and he will fill the;r Treafures, 1. 21.

zd. Safety" and Prefervation, when all the wicked frull
be deft roved, Pfal. cx4v. 20. ^d. Allured De.ive ranee,
and high Honour, fo is the Promife, in Pfal. xci. 14.
Becauff be b ' .■? u^n me> there/ tre will I de-

liver bim% I him ok high, becauje be bath

>me. 4'£ Eternal Life is the Porion of thof.
love God ; the Crown of Life is promifed to thole that

iod, Jam. i. 12. the Kingdom is promifed to thofe

\ \ ve him. Jam. li. 5. and, $tb. There are fpecia!

Prom ! to thofe that love Chrift, who love a/»d

lerve him they mail be with him where he ;s, Joim^ii 2G.

Lhriit iaith, He 1 thm.fball

be

286 S E R M ON

be Icrvfd of my Fa: ! lyill love bim, aid man

my /elf unto bim , and in <uer. 23. of that chap. If a ^
h've me be ivill keep my Words, and my Father <wil/ love
b:m% and ive *will come unto bimt and make our Abode <with
bim. 5. The Excellency of Love appeareth in this, that
God owneth iuch as have it in a fpecial Way ; fo, in
J C<?>.,viii. 3. If any Man b<vi God, tbi fame is known of
him; He keepeth Covenant and Mercy wirh and for them
and their*; he is the faithful God, which k'etpeth Cove-
nant and Mercy with them that love him', and keep his
Commandments, to a thouiand Generations, Deut. rii.
9. 6. The Excellency of it'will be ieen in this, that all
Things will work together for good of thpie that have
it, Rom- viii. 28. 7. It appearech alfo from the Mifery
of thofe that love not Chnfl ; they are in a curfed and
reprobate State, 1 Cor. xvi. 22. 8. It is one of the moil
neccila ry Tnings to a Soul ; v is the Life of the Sou!, and
and the SouPs Reft; without it the Soul neither can be
happy, nor can move in the Way to Happinefs. 9. It
is that which alone hath and ihall have, throughout all
Eternity, the moil full Enjoyment of God : And, in the
next Place, Love to the Saints is an excellent Thing:
Who have it, ill. They abide in the Light, 1 John \\.
\o. zd. They have a clear Mark that they are Difci-
ples of Chrift, John xiii. 35. and that they are tranfla-
ted from Death to Life, 1 John iii. 14. 3^. They have
this Privilege, to have God dwelling in them, and fo to
have Communion with him, 1 John iv. 16. \tb. The
Love to God thereby in fome Sort is perfected in them,
i Jobn'w. 12. And, in the laft Place, even Love to,
Enemies, as they are our Enemies, hath fpecial Excellen-
cy in it. 1/?, So we are proved to be the Children of
our heavenly Father, who maketh his Sun to rife on the
evil and on the good, and fendeth Rain on the juft and
unjuit, Matth. v. 44, 45. idly, We forgiving them, we
are in the nearer Capacity to receive Forgivenefs of God,
Matth. vi. 14, 15. idly, If we do fo, the Lord will not
snly forgive us, but reward us alfo; if we love our Ene-
mWs, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again, I*
©ur Reward mail be great, and we lhall be the Chiidrt j

of

On the Gospel Covenant. 287

of the higheft, for he is kind to the unthankful, and to
the evil, Luke vi. 35. and in Prov. xxv. 21, 22. we are
commanded, if our Enemy be hungry, to give him Bread
to eat, and if he be thirfty, to give him Water to drink,
and it is told us, that fo we fhall heap Coals of Fire on
his Head, and the Lord (hall reward us.

U/e 1. If it be fo excellent a. Thing, at what and how
great Lofs are they who live without it ? Who know no-
I thing of it, can know nothing of God ; for he is Love ;
they can have no Communion with him ; for all Com-
munion with him is in Love; and if all Things work for
them, and to their Advantage who have Love ; then all
Things, by the Law of Contraries, muft work againtl
them that have it not.

U/e. 2. Is this divine Love fo excellent a Thing ? Let
all who love true Excellency labour to attain it, and work
up your Hearts to an earneit. coveting of it as the bell
Gift, and the more excellent Way, 1 Cor. xii. 31. with
1 Cor. xiii. 1. Seek to have ir, (1.) To God, and that
of the right Stamp. \ftf A tender Love, fuch as the
leait Wrong done to it may go very near our Hearts :
Such was Da<vi<f$f Rivers of Water did run down his
when Men kept not God's Law, Pfal. cxix. 136.
zdt Vehemently great, fuch as all other Loves be nothing
to it; no, not the Love of neareit Relations, Mattb. x.
37. 3</, Love to Jefus, and in Jefus. i/f, By exalting
and honouring him. idly, By humble and conftant em-
ploying him. 3^/y. By appearing for him : Seek alio
to have true Love to the Saints, 1.T0 all Saints. 2. The
Love of Delight to none but Saints ; for they are the ex-
cellent of the Earih, Pfal. xvi. 3. 3. The more of Spi-
ritual Excellency appeareth in them, love them the more,
and delight in their Company. 4. Let your Love appear
in the Fruits thereof; fuch as are reckoned out in 1 Cor.
xiii. 4, 5. Love is then feen to be bountiful, when felf
Advantages are not regarded. ,

U/e J. This fheweth the Folly and Madnefs of thofe,
who follow Lulls rather than Loves, in which is no true
nor real Excellency; for, (1.) Such do only reach the
tenfual P.irt. (2.} They may be enjoyed by one that

ftandeth

283 SERMON XXX.

ftandeth liable to God's infinite Wrath. (3 ) Any Ex
cellency in them doth itand in the Moderation of them.
(4.) Tntre is infinitely more Evil in them than there is
imaginable Good. 1//, At tne beft, there are fad Mix-
ture, even in Laughter the Heart is forrowful, Pro<v.x\v.
12, 2^, They keep out better and more pure Delights.
e is a Curie mingled in with them. \thy The
Spoufe is abated, and the IJody hurt by them. 5/^, They
nouriih all Sort or otner Evils, and hirden Men in the
fame; hence it is that Sin is callej Fleih, Rom. vni.
1, 13. 6th, They t.<ke away the Heart* Hof. iv. |i.
jihf Yhty are foon gone, they jcriih in the ufing, Col. 11.
22. The Pleaiures or Sin are out for a Seafon, tieb. xi.
25. 8// , Men are taken from tnem, or they from tne
Men, and they muft give a very lirid Account of themf
and their Stewards

U/e 4. We would oeware of thefe Things which hin-
der Love; fuch as, (1 ) ^trangeneis, wnich tneedeth
Fearfulnefs. (2.) Ignorance, wnich maket:i that we can-
not elleem it. (3.) Uncircumciiion of Heart ; the Heart
mull be circumciied, before it can love trie Lord, Dtut.
xxx. 6. (4 ) Love of the World, where it doth reign,
the Love of God hath no Place, 1 Jobuii. 15. John
xii. 42.

U/e 5. Go and fearch whether you have this true and
Chriftian Love : In general, tnefe three will prove it,
(1.) Holy Care to pleafe God. (2) Delight in doing
his Will. (3.) Zeal and Jealoufy againft all thefe
Things whicn may hinder fweet Intercourfe betwixt
the Soul and God : More particularly, Marks of the Love
of Union, \/tt A Love of all Means which may help to-
wards it, a Love to Ordinances, P/a / xlii. 2 and xxvi!.
4. and {Tunning or all Things which may hinder it, hat-
ing every Evil, Pfal xcvii. 10. 2./, Love of Commu-
nion with the Church, Pfal. xxvi. 8. and of the B;ethren,
I. John iii. 14. 3^, Holy Grief for Want of God.
j^tb9 Earneft Longings after full Enjoyment ; fo, Love
of his appearing, 2 Tim. iv. 8. Marks of Love of Delight,
id, A Soul affecting Sweetnefs in tne following of the
Means, and Exerc iiei of GodlineG: David was glad,

when

On the Gospel Covenant. 289

when they faid unto him, Let us go unto the Hmfe of the
The Defire accomplifhed is facet to the Soul,
faith Solomon, in Prcru. xiii. 19. zdly, A high Eiteem of
the Saints, P/al. xvi. 3. 3//., An extreme Hatred of
thefe Things wnich are contrary to Holinefs, fuch as,
Lying, and every falfe Way, Pfal. cxix. 128, 163.
Marks of that Love of Goodwill: (1.) A Zeal to God's
Glory. (2.) A Zeal of and to the good of his People.
(3.) Zeal in Ooedience, making Chxig our Pattern,
John xv. 10. And in the laft Place, take thefe Marks
of Love to Chrill : 1. £ick of Love, with the Spoufe,
Cant. li. 5. 2. If our Love be diiigent and laborious,
Thef. i. 3. 3. If earneft after Enjoyment, yet patient
in waiting. 4. If it feek no Hire nor Wages but Love.
5. If it be kd on to the Duties with a fweet Violence,
there is a blefTed Conitraint of Love, 2 Cor. v. 14. 6. If
we love to fpeak of him and with him, and to hear hirn
"peak, and to appear for him, in doing and furfering*

Here, fome think they have not true Love to Jefus,
ecaufe their Hearts are fometimes too much poured
"orth upon Creatures: To fuch as are tender Chriltians
anfwer, 1. Though in many it be true, that it is finful-
y fo, yet, 2. "We mult diftinguiih betwixt Love's Elti-
nation, and the Stirrings of it; and, 3. Betwixt folid
.of e, and Love in a Flame. 4. Betwixt the Motions of
piritual and fenfual Love; the one are not (o fenfible as
he other. 5. Betwixt the Habit and Ac~b of Love.
Others doubt of their Love, becaufe of their much
■• 'ear, becaule perfect Love calteth out Fear, 1 John iv.

* 8. I anlwer, 1. Thkt Fear which Love calleth out, is
> ot the Fear of Sin ; for it is well comment with Love;

• >r, Love of Union, and Fear of being feparated* are,

uential one to another: Love givetn Honour to
-• od, and holy Fear fhunnetn every Thin^ that difho-
& Dureth him. 2. That Fear is not the Fear of Majelty,
hich is due to God, even by thole that burn with moll
rrfect Lave, I/a. vi. 2. nor yet is it in every Reipecl
e Fear of God's Anger lor Sjn ; it may be and ought
be in the Saints, though it will not be when Love lhall
fully ptrfe&ed: But, that Fear which perfect and ftn-
T cere

290 S E R M O N XXX.

cere Love dotfi Cutout, is, \jl. That Fear which driveth
Men away fioin God ; but Love cleaveth to him. id.
That which prefents God fo terrible, as the Soul dare
not approach to clofe with him ; but Love relteth on him
with Delight. 3//. That Fear which breedeth Torment,
for Love hath Joy and Peace with it.

As to the third Tiling propounded, This Love is pro-
mifed and covenanted, whether we underlland it of Love
to God, Dcut. xxx. 6. or of Love to Chrift, in Hag. ii.
7. or of Love to the Saints, Ifa. xi. 9. it is all promi-
sed: The whole Song of Salmon, in a continued Parabje,
doth hold forth the Promifes of this Love, particularly,
Cant. i. iter. 7. ii. 8, 9, io, 16. iii. 1, 4. v. 2, 4, 5, 6.
vi. 2, 3. and vii. 10, 1 1, £sV. But to clear this further,
confider, iAJ, A new Heart is promiled ; therefore a
Heart to love the Lord is promifed ; for, naturally,
we are Haters of God, Rom. i. 30. idly, Faith is pro-
mifed, as we have proved ; now, Faith worketh by Love,
Gal. v. 6. $d/y9 Obedience rs* promifed, and Love is the
Fountain thereof, the »fweet Conftraint of Love, 2 Cor.
v. 14. it is joined with Service, Jer. viit. 2. ^Jb/y,
Even betrothing in Love is promifed, Hof. ii. 16, 19, 20.
and Marriage Love on ChritVs Side will everf enfure our
Love to hirn. 5 //»/»■, He hath promifed that he will reft
in his Love, Zrpb. iii. 17. and fur e that Love will beget
Love. 6/£/v, Knowledge of God and Chriit are promi"
fed ; and who can know them but will love them ? jtbly,
Grace and Glory, and every good Thing, is promifed,
P/'al. lxxxiv. 11. and all fpiritual Bleffings, Epb. i. 3.
and mud not Love be in amongit thefe ? Stbly, The
pouring forth of Chrill's Name like Ointment is promi-
fed ; will not then the Virgins love him ? Cant. i. 3, 4.
9//)/)', Mortification is promifed, fo the purging out of
Self-love, and, by Confequence, the giving of found
Love. \otbly, It is promifed that the Lord will be the
Portion of his People, Jer. x. 16. and that they (hall
rejoice in their Portion, lfa. lxi. 7. and they canpot but
love tlieir Portion. 1 itb/f, The Spirit is promifed, Hag.
ii. 5. and Love is one of the Fruits of the Spirit, and
it that is reckoned, in G<il. v. 17. 1 ztbiy. Heaven

is

O? the Gospel Covenant. 29 r

is fo prcmifed, as it is prepared, arid it is prepared for
nore but thofe that love God, 1 Cor. ii. 9.

Ufe i. Terror to thofe who live and die without the
Covenant ; they cannot love God, nor that which is
good ; they can have nothing of this divine and moil pre-
cious Love ; they can have none of the Spirit covenant-
ed ; fo, none of the Love of the Spirit: See their black
Chancer, 7.ech. xi. 8. the Lord's Soul doth loa:h them,
and their Soul doth abhor God.

Ufe 2. Learn to fetch ail our Love to God, or to
Chrifiy. or to the Saints, all of it from the Promife :
The Love which is required is no.fmall Love ; for,, (i.)
Jt is a Love with all the Heart, arid a Marriage Love,
Hf. iii. 3. (2.) A itrong Love, with all our Might,
\Luke xii. 48. much more will be required of them to
whom much is given. (3.) He muft be loved above all*
ptherwife he will neither be loved as God, nor con-
ftantly. (4.) We mult be "rooted and grounded in this
Love, Eph. iii. 17. yet all thefe we may have from the
Covenant of Promifes; yet fo as to wait for Promifes, in
he Ufe of Means: The Grit Mean is Prayer; 1. It
ife.th Importunity, which God alloweth. 2. It maketh
he Soul bold and familiar with God. 3. The Lord
\ho delighteth to communicate himfelf and his Good-
lefs, doth it readily in Prayer, as to David \ Daniel, Pe-
|r, Cornelius. 4. Prayer doth ftir up and kindle the dy-
Ig Sparks of Love. The iecond Mean, Go to the Co-
^nant ever, with a frefh Senie of Sinfulnefs, and bleed-
g Wound*; this will beget Love, as in that poor Wo-
an, that had many Sins forgiven her, flie loved much,
he vii. 47. Third Mean, Learn to know the Lord;
: more we know him, the better we will love him;
becially, if we fee him in the Excellency, Suitableness,
:; dependence of his Love to us. Fourth Mean,
-uld labour to nave AiTurance of his Love to us,
that vv ill enfure our Love to him.

^fhe Folly of tnoie who 'either think to w
1 bring forth this Love out of their own Bowels, or to
arte God with luch Love as is or their own making:
T 2

t9z SERMON XXXI.

The Love that will pleafe God, is that which he giveth,
it is of heavenly Original.

Uje 4. Encouragement to thofe that to their Senfe
want it, yet eileem n highly, and would be glad to have
it i to thofe 1 fay the(e two Things ; one is, They have
fome good Meafure of it already ; the other is, That
what is wanting, it may be had very eafily ; and it (hall
be had by thofe that feek it mod affuredly ; for it is pro-
mised, and enfured by the everlailing Covenant.

SERMON XXXI.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVENANT:

On the fixth fan&ifying and faying Grace,
Zeal.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.

Although my ^Houfe be not fo with Cod; yet he hath made
with me an ever la/ling Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and fure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defer e
although he make it not to grow.

IN the next Place cometh Zeal, which fprings from
Love, and doth act it to the utmoft : In treating of
it I (hall (hew you, i/7, What it is. idly, How excel-
lent a Grace it is. 3^, How it is promifed in rjie new
Covenant.

As to the firft, What this Zeal is, take it briefly thus:
It h a fcrious and fpiritual Benfil of the Soul, for God,

and

On the Gospel Covenant. 293

^and every good Thing : It is a holy Fire, it is from Hea-
ven, and it moveth Heaven-ward ; it is that which ma-
iceth a Man a Lion in God's Matters, and a Lamb in hh
own : And as it is in good earned for every good, (o it
is of a holy hot Temper againd all Evil, and mod a-
gainft that which difhonoureth God moil. 1. Jr is a
Heat of Love ; fuch was in David, Pfa. Jxix. 9. and in
Chrift, John ii. 17. joined with holy Indignation and De-
lire to revenge God's Wrongs, were it even upon a Man's
Self, 2 Cor. vii. 11. 2. It is an earned Defire to do
good, Col. iv. 13. fuch a Zeal had Epaphr'as to the Co-
hjjians. 3. It is an earned and holy Emulation, 2 Cor.
ix. 2. a Zeal which both hath Emulation in ir, and pro-
voketh others to Emulation : It is a Grace which, by Dire-
ction of holy and heavenly Wifdom, quickeneth and in-
fUmeth all within a Man, and putteth an Edge upon a
Man's Endeavours, in the Obedience and Worfhip of
God : It doth with a holy Vehemency keep a Man aloft,
and yet clofe in the Purfuit of Duties, more fpecially in
the preferving, promoting, and vindicating of God's Ho-
nour, by all lawful Means within the Reach of a Man's
Power and Calling: Examples of this we have in Mofes%
in Exod. xxxii. 19, 20, 27. in Phinehas, Num. xxv. 7, 8.
But SauFs Zeal was falfe, and at the bed notional, 2 bam.
xxi. 2. and Jehu his Zeal was pretended only, 2 Kings
x. 16.

Ufe 1. If ever there was a Time wherein the Scarce-
nefs of this Grace was to be lamented, «it is now: Our
Forefathers, were they alive, would wonder what had
become of the Scotijb Ze&\ ; and, if we look but fome
few Years backward, we may judly wonder what is be-
come of all the Zeal which appeared in the Years 1638,
1639, 1640, (5V. How little is there now of the Zeal

t;:nlof good Gifts, which ought to have been coveted by all,
pecially by Miniilers, that we might excel to the edify-
ltng of the Church? 1 Cor. xiv. 12. there is little Zeal
J f fpirijfial Gifts, as the Word is there: How little is
l:here of that Zeal which ought to be in good Duties,
I r;d God's Service ? There is much of Sloathfulnefs, but

:.. jcilittle of that Fervency of Spirit in ferving the Lord,
1 T 3 Rom.

294 SERMON XXXI. ,

Pof/j. xii. i i. How little is there of that Zeal for good
and the Giory of God, like as was in the good Refor-
mers in Ju i are more zealous for them

their own Houfes, than lor the iloufe of Gjd :
tie is there of the ho]y rkjat of puie Af:
to the Tru h of God? How little is there of heavenly
He^rt heut in Devotion r How aule is there of that ar-
dent Heat of holy Emulation, who (hall outihine others
in Hoiir.efs? And is thee not as little Heat of pun
unmixed Indig ... ajirfeUes and otl

Theie is much of bit.er, little oi holy Zeal: May we
not lit down then and mourn over a cold Key-co.'d
and over our own more cold Hearto ?

Ufe 2. Seeing Zeal is one of the rare Ornaments of a
;ian, which puts Life in (ban, and

every Grace to the Life, how can we pleafe ouj
with the Name and Profcffion of Chnltianity, anu
the Life of it, this holy and pure Zeal of Gad? O! leek
J, and to hive it pure and perfedt; rl here is
counterfeit Stuff, which p.. Attn now a days under
the Nan e of Zeal, wild Fire, a notional <£eaJ,
Zeal, Zeal for a Man's Interelt, Zeal for the Bra;

5 own Brain, Zeal in fecking gr^at Things lor a
Man's Self, contrary to I J. ra-

ther than the great and good Things of Gcd:
Zeal is worth tiie having, but Baltaid Zeal is but
lam apd Boutefeu : So, 1 go o- I

pounded, to (hew you ihe Excellency of this true Zeal. J t:
The fecond Thing propounded concerning tin
, concerning t lie Excellency thereof", which I pro- 1 6-
d tnus : True Zeal or God is a m >ft exc< Uent Grace ; I J:£
it rewardeoj as, he turn

by his Zeal, an.i theiefore the Lo.d gave u
Covenant of Peace, for him and b fter him, t.

Covenant of an 2 Priefthood, Num. xxv. 11, 12, J

yea, wi.ere i: was not j.ejkct, I mean, in €Jehu% > e t j c w,

i fourth .Generation, Monlr

eu!arly,t ike the Excellency of 1

, 1. It is the Lord\ royai Apparel, h

[I

On the Gospel Covenant. 295

Zeal as a Cloak. 2. How it is Meat to Chrift one Way,
even while it eateth him up another Way ; compare
John ii. 17. with iv. 34. 3. How this Zeal is an uni-
verfal good, of and in every good Thing ; it is good,
faith the Apoftle, in Gal. iv. 18. to be zealoujly affecled
always in a gond Thing: It is exercifed, 1/?, In and about
the Word; Of bo<w lote I thy L&w ? chat exceeding and
wonderfully great Love to the Law is Zeal, P/al. cxix.
97. It maketh the Heart burn-in hearing the Word, Luke
xxiv. 32. This is that Fervency of Spirit, which will
m.ike a Man teach diligently the Things of the Lord.
xviii. 15. and People atcend diligently to that which
is laid, /ids xvi. 14. zJ. It is exercifed in Obedience,
Rom. xii. 1 1. fervent in Spirit, in ferving the Lord. 3V.
In Prayer, Jam. v. 16. an effectual fervent Prayer,
Prayer poiTeffed and carried on with a Spirit. \th. Jn
Repentance, Jer. xxxi. 19. Ephraims fraitirg on the
Thigh was an Act of Zeal, as his being afhamed and
confounded, an Effect of it. 5//;. It is exercifed in Cha-
rity ; See that ye love one another ivith a pure Heart fer-
vently, i Pet. i. 22. 6th. It is fpecially exercifed in mod
earnelt Contending for theTruth, Judever. 3. 4. The
Excellency of this Grace appeareth in this, that it is for
God ; what is mod for God is mod excellent, be it Man
or Thing : Zeal is in a fpecial Way for God, for his Ho-
nour, Numb. xx*/. 13. for his Houfe, Pfa. Ixix. 9. for
his People, 2 Cor. xi. 2. for his Kingdom, Luke xiii. 24.
to enter in it ; for his Wormip, the purging and storing
of it, 1 Kings xix. 10. and for the glorifying of him in
good Workb, Tit. ii. 14. for him againit ali the wicked
in general; fuch was David, in P/a. xxvi. 5. he hated
the Congregation of evil Doers, and would not fit with
the wicked; and, in P/a. cxix. 138, 139. My Zeal, faith
he, hath confumed me, becaute mine Enemies have fo\
ten thy Words ; and, in particular, againit Hypocrite?,
Matth. xxiii. 33. falfe Te-ichers, true Zeal will have a
great and an impartial Zeal againit them, Zech. xw\. 3
Phil. ii. 18. and againit Idolaters, Deut. xiii. 6,
I Kings WW. 40. and ;.gainlt Superltition, Ads xvi:
PauPs Spirit was Itirred at /tthens ; and againit thofe that
T 4 marry

E R M O N XXXI.

marry with Idolaters, Keb. xiii. 6, 7. and Profaners of
the Sabbath, ver. 17, 21. of that chap, and cruel Exac-
tions, <ver. 6, 12, 13. of the lame ; and then againft Un-
cleannefs, Judg. xx. 8. and againft thofe that will not
punifh fuch, Judg- xxi. 5, 10. and againft all the Ene-
mies of God and his People; as in Saul againft the Am-
monites, 1 Sam. xi. 1, 2, 6. and in David againft the un-
circumcifed PBiliAine% who defied the Armies of I/;aeI,
1 Sam. xvii. j o, 48. 5. The Excellency of this Grace
appeareth from the Woe which is in the Want of it ;
it is recorded as the only Fault of old Eli, 1 Sam. \\. 23.
which yet is charged againft him as a great Sin, and ie-
verely punifhcd, *uer. 29, 30. Jt was reproved alfo, as a
woful Evil in Laodicea, Lukewarmnefs, and forely threat-
Bed, Rev. in. 16. And ;n 2 Theft. \\. 10, 11. who re-
ceived not the Love of the Truth, were given up to
Itrong Delufion. 6. The Excellency of this Grace is
found in this, that it will make our Service acceptable;
Zeal in Prayer, or any other Duty, availeth much,
"Jam. v. 16. 7. It is that Grace which, in a Manner,
tformeth Heaven ; it maketh the Kingdom of Heaven
to fuffer Violence, and the holy violent to take it by
Force, Matth. xl, 12. 8. There are m.iny fair Promi-
fes made to it; particularly, that in Rev. iii. 19, 20.
that notwithiLiiuing of all Rebukes or Chaftenings, if
it be in repenting, and but opening the Door to Chrift,
he cvuill come in and J up.

Ufe 1. Jf Zeal be not only an excellent Grace, and
the Excellency of the Chiiftian, of how little Worth
may they think themielves, that want it? Ah! they arc
but fecklefs and worthier Chriftians, who are not zealous
Chriftians : Grace is ^flcep or dead where it is not; the

ve to Chriil is not in Life, where it is not, both b
ing within, and breaking forth in Teftimonies to and for fj
him, as Occafion offeree ii ; whb 1 .', cannot well [J

adorn the Doctrine of Chrift, which ihould be the Study k
of every Chriftiar, as well as of Minifters, Tit. ii. 10. k
z. Let every Lhriftian labour to have this preciout k
Grace, which, like a precious Carbuncle, may mine L

ongit his other Graces -nd it is of our Concernment k

' to

On the Gospel Covenant. 297

to try whether we have it or nor: It may be known by
thefe Marks, (i.) It muft be a Zeal that hath clear
Knowledge with ic, a Zeal according to Knowledge,
Rom. x. 2. (2 ) It wiH make a Man do Things with all
his Might, according to tha', in Eccl. ix. 10. and fome-
times above their rower, 2 Cor. viii. 3. especially in
Works of Charity, E*od. xxxvi. 6. (3) Wnere it is
true, there will be much Diligence : Take Example in
s, A3s xviii. 25. (4.) Men will be meek in their
own Matters, but very hot in God's Matters; compare
Numb. xii. 3. with Exod. xxxii. 9. (5.) Where it is true,
it vw i»l not be fo iruch in Word as in Deed, hot tongued,
but hot at the Work. (6 ) It will be equal againit. all
Sin, 2nd for every Du:y ; not like thefe, in Mai. xxiii.
23. who r of Mint, and Anife, and Cummin,

and omit the weightier Matters of the Law, fuch as
Judgment, ivkrcy, and Faith ; equal and impartial, as
much r.gainit Sin in themfelves, than in others:

not fay to their Brother, as in Mattb. vii. 4.
Let me full out the Mote out of thine Eye, and behold a
Beam is in their onvn: If there be any Thing lefs or more
of their Zeal, it will only be according as the Matter is
found lefs or more againit the Honour of God. (7.)
I True Zeal will not be for Toleration of Wickednefs,
[Error, and Blafphemy : It is recorded to the Commenda-
Ition of the Angel of the Church of Ephe/us, that he did
[not bear with them that were evil, that called themfelves
[Apoltles, but were found Liars ; and yet this Church at
Ithe Time was upon a Decay, they had left their firft
^ove, R$i/. ii. 2, 4. How little then are they to be com-
nended, who pretend to greater Perfection, and yet bear
Lvkh many Evils, Errors, and Blafphemies ? Ah ! they
inay be reckoned with thole. 1 Kings xviii. 21. that halt
J)etween two Opinions. (8.) True Zeal will not be by
I'lames, but it will be conitant ; the Man that hath it
rill grow in it, as to the Affection, even when he corn-
to be verv little able, as to doing or fuffering for
(9.) Though it be drawn out fometimes to great
bverity, yet even then it will have much Pity and Com-
|iilioh ; the Excrcife of one Grace will not hinder the

Exercifc

—

E R M N XXXI.

cife of another : So the ApoiHe Paul, coming ag^inft
Che Corinthians with the Rod of fturp Reproof and DiC
cipline, profefleth b bat he ihouid be humbled

among them, 2 Cor. xii. 20, 21.

As to the third Thing propounded, that Zeal is pro-
mised, ^nd io a covenanted Blefiji -rear, 1. From
thefe Scriptures, that Word in Pjai Ixviii. vcr. 31. that
Princes jhall come out of E^ypt, and Ethiopia jhall foon
fit etch <ut her Hands unta God ; tne Word in the Original
is, jhall caufe her Hands io runt fo they (hall CO me I
very free and zealous Profehion. in J/a. ii. 2, 3. it is pro-
miftd, that there (hull be a flowing un:o the Mountain
of the Lord, each quickening another; Thefe are Acts
and Effects of Zeal ; and, in I/a. Ix. 5, 8. there is pro-
miled, not only flowing together, but flying as a ClouJ,
with Enlargement of Heart; and wiii there not be Zeal
there ? And, in Zech. xiii. we have it promifed and pro-
phefled, that there ih.sll be iuch Zeal againil falfe Teach-
, as (he Parent mail not Ip^re the Chiid, but thr.il
him tnrough ; and, in 7^ch. viii. 23. it is promifed, that
ten Men (lull take ho;d of the Skirt of one Jew, and
profcis great ZeaJ in feeking the Lord ; and, in Daniel
xii. 4. that m.ny ihali run to and fro, and Knowledge
fh.ill be increafed ; . and if Knowledge, Love and Zeal
alfo; and there is a Time coming, wherein it is promi-
fed, that I/rael ih:\\\ be angered, it is, made to burn witU
.holy Anger and ZeJ, R^n. x. 19. MoffJ faith, I -will pro ~
*voke you to Jealoufo l> ( by a
foolijb Nation I will anger you. 2. That Zeal is a co-
venanted Blefling, appeareth by thefe Reafons, \ft. If it
ihouid not come by the Promife, and. were it not given
us a free Gift, how ihouid we have it? naturally we have
neither Heart nor Heat for God; we have a wrong Heat,
againll him rather, fuch as that, in Jer. \i. 39. which
provoketn the Lord to great Wrath, like tnat in Ho/, vii.
4, 6. making our Hearts ready as an Oven. zd. It hathl
been proved that Love and Obedience is promiied ; ZeaJl
is no other Thing aimoii but the intenle A£tfof
$d. We h.ivc tlie Lor. -gaged by Covenant, to b<l
employed rur us, all the great Engagements of Chriit fof

On the Gospel Covenant. 299

us in his Offices and Relations ; we have it promifed, that
the -Zeal of the Lord of Holh ill a 11 perform them all, Ifa.
ix. 6, 7. For the Remnant's taking Root downward, and
bearing Fruit upward, we have the fame Zeal engjged,
Ifa. xxxvii. 31, 32. and the Exercife of his Zeai will
kindle Zeal in his People, ^.tb. True Religion will not
attain its End without it ; there will be no entring the
itrait Gate without itriving; and llriving is no other
Thing but the Exercife of Zeal, Luke xrii. 24. yih.
Godly Sorrow is prom: fed, and a fpecial Ingredient in it
is Zeai, 2 Cor. vii. 11. 6tb. It is promifed, tl.

: 0 r i f y God in the Fires ; there (hall be in the Times
'of great Defolation, a lifting up of the Voice, and a iing-
ing Ijt the Ma jelly of the L ltd ; a::d where that \sA there
will be great Zeal, ifa. xxiv. *ver. 14, 15. -jtb. Perfe-
verance is promiied, and that cannot be without Zeal.
%th. It was Chriit's great D iign in the Work of Re-
demption, to ptuchafe a People to himfeif, zealous uf
;. ii. 14. 9'>. Tnis Zeal, after a Sort,
. i'i that Incenfe, which was offered up
roid, Exid. xl. 5. \oth. It is com-
manded in the Gofpe), Rtv. iii. 19. and whatever is
commanded in the Gofpel, it is promifed:aIio.

U/'t 1. Then there is Matter of 1 error, to all thofe
.Covenant; they may have that
wicked and blind Zeal, which is from Hell, and Tongues
1 by tha| Fire, as in Jam. iii. 6. but they can have
none of this heavenly Fire ; they may burn in Lull, burn
in Malice and Envy, and fo burn themfelves and con-
fume one another ; but they can have none of that Spirit
of burning, that will walh away their Fi.rh,
Ifa. iv. 4.

Ufe 2. Comfort to thofe wh (e great Complaint is of
, -ilDeadneis ; Z<_al may be had, ana it is or may be the pro-
per Cure of their Diftemper : 1 here is a Spirit of Zeal
J holy Burring promiied ; ii Men would but aft. that
ippiiit, he wou.u come down like Fire, and make their
irits gb up in a holy Flame Heaven-ward again: And
here is a Time of greater Zeal promiied to the Churches,
hich we both mav and ought to pray for.

3oo SER MO N XXXI.

V/e 3. All who defire to have it, would go to Chriit
in the Covenant, Chriit in the Promife, to have it; ih re
is no other Way to have it, it \i us Jewels w

the Peeking: And for your better help, take thefe few
Directions: (1.) Study to avoid all that which is contra-
ry thereto, fuch as, 1. All Head Queitions, 2 Tim. if. 23.
they are great Enemies to Zeal. 2. A He^it let on the
World, and Pleaiuies ; theie will rtiffle Zeal, Luke viii. 14.
3. Sitting up, while upon the Way, Phil. iii. 13, 14 is to
the contrary. 4. Lukewarmnefs, Rev. iii. 15, 16. 5.
Carnal Wifdom, which brcedeth Indifferency, AOixvxw*
15, 16, 17. 6. Bafe Fear of Man, and not fanctitying
the Lord in our Hearts, according to I/h. viii. 13. 7.
Familiarity with the wicked ,* for where Iniquity abound-
eth, Love waxeth cold. 8. Indulging our Corruptions,
contrary to Rom. xiii. 14. 9. Going over the Belly of
Confcience ; fo, condemning ourfelves in that which we
allow. (2.) Think much and often upon the Lord's
Goodnefs; that will kindle Zeal. (3.) Be afhamed of
your fhort-comings, and that may qu.cken you to more
Zeal for afterwards. (4.) Be ufing fuch Means as are
proper for begetting atid breeding it, entertaining of the I
Spirit, and attending of the Word, 1 IheJJT. v. 19, 20. j
keeping Company with thofe that a*re zealous Peopie ;
for, as Iron Jharpeneth Ir$n, fo a Man jharpeneth the Coun-
tenance of bis Friend, Prev. xxvii. 17. and labour to live
under a lively Miniitry.

H

SER M.

( 301 )

SERMON XXXII.

O N T H E

GOSPELCOVENANT:

On the feventh and eighth fanftifying Graces
Righteousness and Temperance.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5".
Although my Houfe be not fo with Cod ; yet he hath made
with me an evcrlajling Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and jure ; for this is all my Salvation* and all my Dejire,
although he make it not to grow.

PROCEED to fpeak of the feventh and eighth
.. fc fanftifying and faving Graces, viz. Righteoufnefs
» nd Temperance : Moralifb do handle them as moral
rirtues, under the Names of Juftice and Temperance;
ut we are to look upon them as Graces of the Spirit,
id the Ornaments of a Chriftian ; the Grace of God,
hich bringeth Salvation, teacheth a Man to live righ-
oufly and foberly, Tit. ii. 12. And a Preaching of this

Iighteoufnefs and Temperance, made a Felix to tremble,
as xxiv. 25. Firit, Then of Righteoufnefs, even of
at which is betwixt Man and Man ; for, of the other,
e fpoke before; and of it in thefe three, ijl. What it
idly. How excellent it is. 3^ That it is a cove-
inted Bluffing.

•fts to the firit, What it is, It is called Juftice, Equity,
ight ; fuch dealing as Abraham exercifcd towards his

Partners

302 SER M 0 N XXXIL

Partners in the War, Gen. xiv. 24. Such a Righteoufnefs'
I exercifo' aluig will, Gen. xxx.

3 J. Inch SI appeareth in "keeping Covenant with others,
tiioug/i it fhould be to our Hurt, Jojh. ix. 19. and P/a.
xv. 4. In a Word, it is a Grace, by which Men are
enabled to pay that which is due each to other, accord-
ing to that, in Rom. xiii. 7. Render to all their Dues:
What is the Ground of Childrens Obedience, the fame
is of Duties in other Relations, that which is right, Eph.
vi. 1. And that which Mailers fhouid give and do to
Servants, is that which every Chriitian iliould give and
du to another, even that which is juft and equal, Co/, iv.
I. Three Things may be iuppofed in it, 1. A civil Car-
riage. 2. Not injurious, hurting no Man. 3. The giv-
and doing right to every Man, from a gracious Prin-
ciple, Love to God, and Kefpecl to his Commandment,
'i here is diiiributive Jullice, by which every one hath
his Due diflributed unto him ; and commutative, where-
in like is payed for like. There is Jullice in decreeing,
Prov. viii. 15. Chriit teacheth Princes to decree Jultice:
There is Jultice in the Execution, doing Jullice ; and
Juftice alio in bargaining; fo, in good upright Ware,
equal Prices, jud Weights, Meafures; a right Way and
Sett of a Man's Heart in all thefe Things is a very com-
mendable Thing, an Ornament of Grace, and gracious
Endowment.

U/e 1. Matter of Terror to thofe, who have nothing
of thih Grace; unrighteous Men, they render to none
rr.eir Due, pay not the Duties of Relations to any, are i
unrighreous WitnefTes, contrary to Exod. xxiii. 1. unrigh-
teous and cruel Men, P/a I. Jxxi. 4. that decree unrighte-
ous Decrees, lla. x. 1. they that have unrighteous Mam-
ir.on, Luke xvi. 11, is'c. Such unrighteous Dealers, as
they us Knemies to Society, and fo to Mankind, fo they .1
arc an Abomination to t tie Lord, Deut. xxv. 16. and •
they fiiall not inherit t^e Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. vi. .
The Wrath of God is i e more revealed, not j

only againft all Ungodlinels, but againlt all Unrighteou
nefs ot Men, Rom. 1. %Jh evea againli thofe, who, under ^ji

Pretext [

On the Gospel Covenant. 303

retext of following Righteoufnefs, do tranfgrefs the La*
>f Equity.

U/'e 2. Who defire this RJ^iteoufnefs, would endea-
vour to have it, not as a Virtue only, but as a Grace;
lot taught by moral Precepts ot Men, but infufed by the
Spirit, a right Frame of Spirit, towards the doing of
hat which is juft and equal in t*€ry Thing, to tvzry
erfon ; not only becauie the Lord commandech io, and
hat his worthy Name may not be blatphemed, bur from
^ove to Jefus and in thankful Acknowledgement of
is RighteoulfK-fs ; and all thefe At\s of Righteoufnefs
rhich we perform to Men, would be done in Faith, and
i the Strength of Jefus, and with an Eye to the Glory
f God ; fo ihal! they be gracious Ads indeed.
As to the fecond, This Juftice and Righteoufnefs is a
oft excellent Grace : It is a great Biefling, when Judg-
tent runneth down as Waters, and Righteoufneis as a
ighty Stream, Amos v. 24. And it is a wofui Ph-gue
a Land, when Judgment is turned into Gall, and the
ruit of Righteoufnefs into Hemlock, dmos vi. 12.
he Excellency of it appeareth in thefe Things, 1. From
e Names which the Adminiitruors of Juilice have g»v-
them in Scriptures, the Shields of the Earth, Pfal.
vii. 9. and Gods, Pfal. Ixxxii. 2. 2. From the great
od which cometh by this Righteoufnefs to a Land
lere it is ; where there is judging by Righteoufneis,
d of the poor with Judgment, the Mountains bring
ice, and little Hills by Righteoufnefs : There is a flou-
hing State, Pfal. lxxii. 2,3, 7. 3. From the Promi-
wiiich are made to it, Bleilings are upon the Head of
• juit, Pro<v. x. 6. his Children are blclTed after him,
h<v. xx. 7. though he fall feven Times, he will rife up
liin, Pjal. xxiv. 16. A Man ;rnt hath done Judgment
|l Juftice may pray with Confidence, leave me not to
Opf.rcffjrs, Pfal. cxix. 1 21. 4. The Excellency of
reth in this, that to do Jufiice and Judgment is
re acceptable to God than Sacrifice, Pio\>. xxi. 3 -.
en Princes do Juftice, then it is well with them, Jrr,
i. 15. but, on the contrary, there are many
ch attend Jnjaftice; they who are filled with all Un-

rigkeoufnefs,

304 SERMON XXX II.

righceoufnefs, are of the Number of thofc who are given
up to a reprobate Mind, 4lam. i. 28, 29. 6. Even to be
righteous in our dealing with Men, is a Mark that we
are Burgefles of Ziwns PjuL xv. 2, 3. 7. It is a promi-
fing Mark of Communion with God, and of lure and
fafe Protection, the Spirit (hall be poured out from on
high, when Judgment mall dwell in the Wiiderneis, Ifa.
xxxii. 15, 16. 8. Even this Righceoufnefs is that whjch
Chnit loveth, Pjal. xlv. 7.

Ufe 1. Their Naughtinefs appeareth from this, that
are unrighteous in their De Jings with Men ; if there be
an Excellency in Righteoulncfs, and the righteous Man
be more excellent than his Neighbour, Prov. xii. 26*
then the unrighteous Dealer muft be a Man of no Ex-
cellency, wnetiier in pubiick Adminiilrations, or private
Dealing.

Ufe 2. Let us endeavour to have a right DiJfofition, .
as to J u it ice in ourfelves, and pray for it in others, and 1
ufe theje Means, 1. Self-denial. 2. To be crucified to
the World. 3. Let no Sin reign in us.

Ufe 3. Be thankful, all you whofe Spirits are wrought
up to this Frame; teftify it, (1.) By doing <is ye would
be done to, according to Mattb. vii. 12. and Luke vi. 31. I
(2.) Study to be jult in the leait, and in the greatelt, con-
sidering that which is written, in Lukexvi. 10. (3.) Who I
deiire to be jult in dealing with others, they mult be
yielding and condefcending. (4.) They malt be juit to ,
all Men, and at all Times. (5 ) So juft to Mcr, a* not
unjalt to God ; they muit give none of God's Due to
them.

As to the third, That thji* Righteoufnefs is promifed*
and fo a covenanted Blotting, this is evident, 1. From
Scripture, Ifa. xi. 4, 9. it is promiied that Chriit with
Righteoufnefs wi.l judge the poor, and that, they (hall
not hurt nor deftroy in all his holy Mountain ; fo, in Ifa.
xxxii. I. Behold , a King Jb all reign in Righteoufnefs ; and
in Ifa. lx. 17, 18. I <u/j# make thy Officer* Peacerand thy,
ExaQors Righteoufnefs. 2. It is proved by thefe Reafons*;]
1. We could not have it die, if we had it not by the
Promiie, for naturally we are of thole unjult that know

On the Gospel Covenant. 305

so Shame, Zepb. iii. 5. 2. External Peace and Society
is promifed ; and thefe could not be without the Exercife
:>f Juliice and Righteoufnefs ; To, in Mic. iv. 3, 4. while
quiet Habitations are promiied, and that every Man fhall
(it under his own Vine and Fig-tree ; Righteoufnefs mutt
be exercifed, or that cannot be. 3. Religion in Exercife
s promifed, in the moft glorious Brightness, under the
Expreffions, that the Church's Sun (hali no more go down,
oor her Moon withdraw ;— and then, the People ihall be
ill righteous, Ifa. Ix. 20, 21. 4. Removing of Oppref-
lon Ji promifed, Ifa. liv. 14. Jn Righteoufnfs Jbalt thou
he'efiabiifhed, thou Jbalt be far from Oppreffi.n, and I hat
\bi Lord <w ill feed them that opprefs his People, tvitb their
iixn Flejb$ and make them drunken ivitb their own Blood,
2j with fweet Wine, Ifa. xlix. 26. 5. Chrift the King
}f Saints is juft, Zech. ix. 9. and fo, by Covenant, he
rt'ill make hh People fuch. 6 Love is promifed ; and
where it is, it will make all Duties to be done betwixt
Man and Man.

Ufe 1. Their Mifery as to this, who hve without the
bvenant; they can have none of this gracious Righte-
oufnefs ; they can neither exercife it towards others, nor
:an they o.pett it of others who are of their own Cut;
:0r, none of this Righteoufnefs doth grow without the
pale of the Covenant.

Ufe 2. The Reaibn why there is fo little Righteouf-
icfif, even in Place where Religion is profelled, there is.
jut too little going in to the Promife to retch i: from
hence ; they think it enough to be guided in that, by
he dark Remainders of the Light 0: Nature, and the
:, Juftoms of the Time, or fome moral Rules : O f but if
3 lien would go co the Promife, to have the Grace of
Righteoufnefs from thence, they would much better be
ilpofed unto righteous Dealing one with another.

Ufe 3. Comfort to thofe, who, being real Chriftians,

lave thu as no fmall Grief, that they can never get the

vrong Bi^fs of their Heart taken away ; they cannot get

hat LefTon learned, to do to others, as they would have

do to them : If they would go in to the Covenant

U of

y 6 SERMON XXXII.

of Promifes, they may have the wrong Biafs taken awayr,
and a right given.

Ufe 4. Lee us beg this Grace alfo from the Lord in
the Covenant ; yea, and beg Jutlice from our Redeemer,
againft all the Oppreilbrs or his People, and he (hall af-
furedly plead their Caufe, Jer. \\. 34. And then, fludy
to prafiife Righteoufnefs, (1.) In doing not only that
which is jail and right, Ezek. xviii. 5. but that affo
which is equal, CjI. tv. 1. (2.) Follow Things that are
honeit, and of good Report, Phil. iv. 8. (3 ) Keep
chat Rule of Chrift, Mattb. vii. 12. (4.) Take no Ad-
vantages of Times. (5.) Be ftraight and itricl, in ob-
ferving Covenants and Bargains.

Come we now to fpeak of Temperance: It is no fmaJl
Grace ; if it be rightly exercifed, it comprizeth a great
?irt of a Man's Duty, in the right Government of him-
feJf : In Tit. ii. 12. it is expreffed by living foberly. In
fpeaking to this alfo, I propound thefe three Things,
1. What it is. 2. How excellent it is. And, 3. That
it is a covenanted Bleffing.

As to the firil, What this Temperance is, you may
take it up in thefe threea id. As Fortitude is againft
itrong and terrible Temptations, fo this Temperance is
againit fair, fawning, and flattering Temptations, zd.
It puts a Reftraint upon a Man, and bindeth him up
from lulling after unlawful Things, and moderateth his
Appetite in Thing- lawful, yi. It ruleth other AfTecli
ons, fuch as Defire, Love, Delight, in and about both
pleafant and profitable Things. I may add this, 4^. It
moderates the Mind, as well as the AfFc&ions; it maketh
Men think foberly, as well as live foberly : There be as
much Uhfob^rnefs, and, to fpeak fo, Drunkennefs, in
Opinion, as in any other Way. v*

Ufi i- Who defire this fandlifying Grace, would look
well that pleafant Things turn not a Snare to them ; let
them watch againft the ftollcn Waters, Prov. ix. 17.
Let til em beware of the Wire <when it is red, <wben it giv-
en it movetb i 'tfe If aright *•
for at the lufi it biteth a j a Serpent, and fiingeth as an
Adder.

Ufe

On the Gospel Covenant. 337

Vfe 2. Warning to thofe who think ihemfelves right
enough as to this, and that they need not much [ni
tion or Caution thereanent : rfhey won id remember, (i.)
That by iome Sore of f -[temperance many Along .
faJJen, Proj. vi; Tnat moe periih by the Aoufi

; , than aimoil by praftrfing of TJ
Simply unlawful; fucb as Eating, Drinking, ..
md giving in Marriage; Excels in thefe was the P
af the Men of the £rit World ; io wiii it be in ma;
he Ti . e of Chrift's fecond Coming, $kat. xxiv. 3, \ 9.

As to the fecovd Thing, I his Temperance i^ an
:e]]ent Grace an: nt of a Chrift'ian; which

ippear, 1. if it bv: confidered, how the Spirit of a v
s uuely iubdued by it, io as his Appetite is neither inor-
linate, nor immoderate. 2. How noble Companions
Signed unto, and do attend it in the Scripture^
Tim. iii. 2. it hath before it vigilant, and behind 'it
;ood Behaviour; Sobriety hath good Influence on both
hofe; and, in *v*r, 1 1. of that chap, we have fiber and
faithful in all Things joined together; and, Tit, i. 8. we
ave a;l thefe joined together, iober, jult, ho!}, tempe-
ate. 3. How we have noble Patterns of this Grace in
cripture; in David, though fhintuig, yet he wou.^ not
rink of that Water, fcr which Men had jeoparded their
.ives, but poured it forth before the Lor,. xxiii.

6. And in the Rthabites, J :> . xxxv. 5, 6 In i>.
nd his Companions, chap. i. 8. In Jobn Bap.';.:, .>lat.
i. 4. And in Chrill h iv. 2. and in his 1)1-

rction to his Apoitles, Luke x. 7. 4. The v\

eilency of it may appear, from t;.
brthinefs of the dofatrary, which tflffcn into

cafts, not only wild AlTes, and Hories, but ;nto Dogs
id bwine. 5. The Excellency of T

ety appearcth in tl :n a good

rame and Cafe for fpiritual Exci - be temper/

Things, puts a Man in Capacity of ftriving
» e Crown, 1 Cbr. ix. 25. 6. It maketh a Mm :
4 ght Poll-are, waiting fur Chtift's Coiriing ; bat, if
anting, the Hazard is great, ir we believe -.
x Lo:d himfelf iaitb, in Luki

3o8 SERMON XXXII.

heed tj vow fe Ives, led at any Time your Hearts be over-
charged with Surfeiting and Drunkenncfs, and Cares of
:'o that Day come ulon you unaivares ; for
r.s a Snare ///..// it cimc on all them that dwell on the Face
of the ivMe Earth ; watch ye therefore, and pray always?
that ye may be accounted worthy to efcape all thejt Things
that jh all come to pafs, and to fiand before the Son of Man,

Ufe i. Terror to thofe that are without the Covenant;
they can have none of this gracious Sobriety, and com-
mendable Temperance ; fo they cannot afture themfelves
to. live the Life of rational Men, let be of Chriilians:
Though by Education, or from Reftraint, they may pofii-
hly be temperate in fome Things, they will prove intem-
perate in others; and, though they mould be temperate
as to Externals, they will fwell in Conceit and inward
Price.

Vie 2. Is Temperance and Sobriety of fuch Excellen-
cy ? It mould then be much fludied by Chriilians: Who
have it, mould be very thankful to God for it, and la-
bour to maintain it : Who denre to know whether they
have true Temperance or not, may know it by thefe
Marks, (i.) Who have denied Ungodlinefs and worldly
Lulls, Tit. \\. 12. io have all their Lulls under the Yoke
of Religion and Reafon, they are temperate. (2.) They
who are got above thofe Luih and finful Delights, to
which by Nature they are inclined moll, and are temp-
ted and prompted by their Place, Example, or Cuflom ;
fo, when young Men Hy from youthful Lulls, 2 Tim. ii.
22. And others, live not the reft of their Time in the
Elefh, to rhe Lulls of Men, but to the Will of God;
not in Lafciviouihefs, Excefs of Wine, Revellings, Ban-
quetings, Excefs of Riot, 1 Pet. iv. 2, 3, 4. (3.) When
there is not only a Reftraint upon Luils, but, in a great
Meafure, a rooting of them up; a mortifying, not only
of the Deeds of the Body, Rom. viii. 13. but of the in-
ordinate AfFcdion and evil Concupifccnce, Col. iii. 5.
(4.) When Men having all thefe delegable Thi/.gs, thq^
are as if they had them not ; they ufe but enjoy them
not ; they are like Gideon's tried Soldiers, that bowed not
down to drink of the Waters, Judg. vii. 6. They that

have

On the Gospel Covenant. 309

ifavc Wives mould be as if they had none, and they that
rejoice, as though they rejoiced not, and they that buy
is though they poflefTed not, and they that ufe this World,
is not abuiing it, I Cor. vii. 29, 30, 31.

Ufe 3. H there be an Excellency in Temperance, then
:here is Bafenefs in Intemperancy : Know it by rliefe
Marks, (1.) It is covetous to have more than is needful.
2.) It is curious in feeking unfuitabie Things. (3 j It
s unfeemly in the Carriage. (4.) It is too frequent and
infeafonable in following of Delights ; Princes rat ,
Morning, Ec. x. 16. Efpecialiy Intemperancy by Drur
cennefc is a bafe Sin ; he is amongfl the excommunicate,
1 Cor. v. 11. excluded Heaven, who is thus intemperate,
1 Cor. vi. 10. 1. It fpoileth a Man of Reafon. 2. It
in fits a Man for Exercife, Luke xxi. 34. 3. It m
1 Man naked. 4. It many Ways hurteth a Man in his
r'erfon, Name, and Eflate; and then, Intemperancy bv
Luxury is a bafe Sin: 1/?. Thefe Lufts do war againJt
he Soul, 1 Pet. ii. 11. zd. They are againli a Man's
Body and Eftate too, Prov. vii. 26. and xxix. 3. 3 /. k

deftrudiive to Mankind. \th. It is inward, importu-
late, and unbridled. $tb. It occafioncth many Sins,
ind may lead Men captive to Sins againit. Nature's Light,
Rom. i. 24, 26, 27.

As to the third, That this Temperance is promifed,
s clear, 1. From Scripture, J fa. xxxii. 5. where it is pro-
niieJ, tnat the vile Perfon {hall no more be called libe
al, nor the Churl faid to be bountiful : Churlimnefs and
jordidnefs of Spirit (hail be removed ; fo there mall be
Vloderation and Temperance, 2 By Reafon, \li. Mor-
fkation is promifed ; and Temperance is a great Part
:herecf". zd. Sobriety is commanded, 1 Tbeff. v. 6. and
t Pet. i. 13. And whatever is commanded in the Gof-
De!, is promifed alfo ; ali our Duties are promifed. 3./.
.t is one of the chief E»jd5 of the Gofpel revealed, Tit.
i, ii, 12. therefore ir muit be a Covenant BlefTing.
iving fobtriy. yh. Health and Li/e are promifed ;
1 Jnbt 6? maintained without this Temperance.
irt is promifed ; and ic will not be every
jVa| new, if in:* fober Frame be n;;f in it. 6tL It u
U % promifed

3 io S E k M O N XXXII.

c (hall not be fed nway with Temptation}
elfe, how could or it? j/.b. Every gooi Thing

romifed, a* _ ; it is good in many Re-

, natural, civil, ipiri'u il.

about the Cove-
ns they have not this gr . I me, and prccio .
dowrnent, fo they have no Ground to ex peel it ; they
4iave no Title to the Promilt. of Tempe-
ra nee i- from the Proinife; iumetning like h m.iv be
from Nature and Education: So, rf it be aflted
: is jo little Temperance in th:s loofe and <i .

r is clear, there be but few within eh*
Bond of the Coven nt.

2. All then who find Need of this Grace, an
defire to iiave >. Jet them turn in to the Covenant

:r, and fetch it from Chrift in the Promife : A
for maintaining it, take theic Direclion.% (r^ Mortify
the Love of the World ; it puts away the Love of God,
and bnngeth in the Love of other Things, (o turnetfc
Ivlen unlbber, i Jhn Y\. 15. (2.) Watch well over the

; Intemperance came in fir It that Way, Gen. in. 6
and vi. 2. (3 ) Weigh and consider well the Em
and Vanity of thefe Things, c me to

Temptations to Inremperancy, Bee Li. 1, 2. (4)
to look on Plcafure.% and carnal Delights, as ti
and not as they come; remembering tnat Wottf, .:.
vi. 2t. What Fruit have ye

are ojbamed, t&i End nvbiri ith? (5.) Whe|(

you find a warring, by Reaion of Corruption, yet ben
ware of being brought under Captivity, Rem. v
(6.) Confider how, ordinarily, all wife Men are tempek
rate ; and they are but Fools that are otherwife,
Turn your Appetite, in the Edge of it, after the Puriuji
of the bell Things.

1

S £

( 3" )

i ■ ■■»■■■ ■-.« — - 1 I, . „

S E R M 0 N XXXIII.

ON THE

30SP E L C 0 V E X A X T:

Dn the ninth fa notifying and faving Gracf,
Slnceiuty.

i Samuel xxiiL 5.

not fo with God ; *ye$ he J? at I;

cnant, well ordered hi all 7
, for this is all my Salvation, and all my Dejlre,
■h he make it not to grow.

-jNOLLOWETHa rare Grace, a rich Blefling, to
/ be fpoken of; and that is, Sincerity ; which js as
le Salt to other Graces, both to make them found and
fting.

In opening thereof, I mall mew you, \fl% What it is.
My, Of what Worth and Excellency it is. And, *$dly,
low it is promised, and fo, a very rich, and fair, and
te Covenant Blefiing.

A* to the firft, What it is, Know thnt it is a very fin-
le, and fimple Thing ; yet it hath many Names: 1. It

called Truth, the Lord defireth Truth in the inward

arts, Pfa. li. 6. and in J fa. XXXV in. 3. HiXtkiab in his

faith, Remember, O Lord, boiv 1 walked before thee

Truth :% Truth in bjth thefe Places is no other Thing
it of which we fpeak, Sincerity. 2. It is c .
itfgrity; fo, in Ffat Ixxviii. 72. 1

:•

312 SERMON XXXIII.

e fed the Lord's People according to the Integrit;
: Heart ; and, in Pro v. xx. j. The juji Man walk-
3 . 1 1 i :> ca i led Sou ud ne fs ; lb. David*,
in Ffal. cxix. 8o. prayeth, Let my Heart be found in tby
Statutes, that I be not a/ham(d: The Man is fotfcuJ, fjiat
hath no uniound Principle, nor allowed rotten Corrup-
tion. 4. It is called Singlenefs. and Simplicity ; fo, in
A&i ii. 46. it is faid of the primitive Chriftjans, that
tbey did eat eat wit's G/adnefs, and Singlenefs of

Heart; and, in 2 Cor. i. 12. Simplicity and godly Sin-
cerity go together. 5. It is called Uprightnefs; To we
have the Man of Underitanding walking uprightly, Prov.
xv: 21. and xiv. 2. He that iva/ketb in bis Uprightncft
fear et h the Lord. 6. It is caiied Straightnefs ; fo, in
Prci'. iv. 25. the Direction is, that our Kyes look righc
on, and our Eye lids ftratght before us; and, in Ifa. xl.
3. the Proclamation is, Make draight in the Difart a high
Way far our oW. 7. It is called Perfection, and Com-
pleatneis ; fo, in 2 Cor. xiii. 1 1 Be perfed, Is, be iincere j
and, in Col. iv. 12. we have thefe two joined together,
peifed and compleat, in all the Will of God. 8. \l
p^iTcth under the Name of Honefty : fo we have the
good and honeit Heart, Luke viii. 15. and, in 2 Cor. viii.
21. we are commanded to provide honeit Things, not on
]y in the Sight o; the Lord, but in the Sight oi ivien :
More ordinarily, it paiieth under the Name of Sincei t
ty ; fo we have t;»e unleavened Bread of Sincerity and
Truth, 1 Cor. v. 8. And the Apoitle profeffeth ;:
this Sjn^tric) in Preaching, 2 Cor. ii. 17. he preached as
in the Sight of Gad ; and, in 2 Cor. vui. S. i»e fpeaketh
of the Sincerity of Peoples Love ; and, in /
we have him wiihin^, Grace to them a)) who love om
Lord JefusChrill in Sincerity ; So, from the Names an<
the Dcfcripticns of this Grace, which 3re held tort
therein, we niav k;

Uje 1. To ddcover and reprove rhe Ignorance of many
as to thisTmng: Sincerity is j i'hing than many

take it to be; the fincere Man rnuii be a Jew inward^
Rom. ii. 29. a Man of fojnd Principles a Man of one
and not of that double Heart, ?. a Man of a

ftraight

On the Gospel Covenant. 313

ftraight Way and right Ends, a Man that ufeth right
M-eans, that waiketh ciofe to the Rule, who, in his tra-
velling to Zion, goeth ftraight on, walking honeilly,
Rom- xiii. 13. a Man cleanly, and not for Mixtures, a
Man, Sun-proof, that can abide the Trial of the Sun of
Righteoufnefs.

Ufe 2. It is our Duty to fit down and mourn, and to .
bewail the Paucity of fincere and perfect Men ; it is much
as it is expreffed in Prov. xx. 6. Mofl Men will proclaim
every Man his own Goodnefs, but a faithful Man who
can find ? There may be many pretending to Perfection
Of Heart, like Jehu, but behold the End.

As to the fecond Point, This Sincerity is an excellent
and blefTed Thing; the pure in Heart they are bleffed,
and (hail fee God, Mat. v. 8. they are bleffed, in whoie.
Spirit is no Guile, Pfal. xxxii. 2. The Excellency of it
may be further demonttrated thus, 1. It is the Image of
God, his Onenefs and Simplicity ; it maketh a Man after
God's Heart, 1 Sam. xiii. 13, 14. it maketh a Man to
have that Holinefs of Truth, Eph. iv. 24. 2. Th$
celiency of it appeareth in this, becaufe both it, and they
that have it, are the Lord's Delight ; fo David profeffetb,
in I Cbron. xxix. 17. I know alfot my God, that tbcu trie/i
tbe Hearty and ball Pleafure in Uprightnefs ; and, in Pfa.
xi. 7. Tbe righteous Lord lo-vetb Righteoufnefs, bis Coun-
tenance doth behold the upright ; and, in Prov. xii. 22. They
that deal trulv are bis Delight ; and xi. 20. They that are
of a frovuard Heart are an Abomination to tbe Lord, but
fucb as are uptight in their Way are his Delight. 3. The
Teems of the Engagement in the Covenant is, to walk
before God, and to be perfect, Gen. xvii. 1. it mult be
an excellent Thing, which alone God doth require in
the Covenant. 4. If it be, fmall Things fvill be accept-
ed, and well efteemed, as the Widow's Mite, Luke xxi. 3,
and where it is not, the greattft Offerings wi!l be of no
Value with God, but by him rejected ; fo, in Mic. v'\ 6,
7, 8. Wherewith Jball I come before the Lord, and 6jiu
"my/elf before tbe high Gaa

burnt Offerings, with Calve; cf a l\ar oU '■? Lord

be pleajed with j 1 . ith tm th$u

3i 4 SERMON XXXIII.

of Rivers of Oil? fhall I give my fir (I born for my Tranf
gre'/Bon, the Fruit of my Body for the Sin of m\ Soul? "He
hath Jbemed thee, 0 Alan, ivhat is good, and <wbat doth
the Lord require of thee, but to do Ju/ilj, <S"c. And, in
I Cor. xiii. 3» though ot.e would beitow all his Goods to
feed the poor, and give his Body to be burned, and have
nor Love, it will profit him nothing: Now, Love is the
great Proof of Sincerity. 5. There is no Service that a
Man can do, that wili be accepted at all, if it be want-
ing ; the Lord will not io much as look upon it, he oniy
looketh upon the upright iVian, and nath Refped to him,
and to his Service and Sacrifices, J/a. ixvi. 2, 3. 6. There
are luge temporal Blemngs promiied to it; (0, in 2 Chr.
xvi. 9. The Eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the
Ea*ih, to fbe-uj him I elf llroncr in behalf of them ivhofe
Hearts are perfect towards him ; and, in Pfa. XXXIV. 19,
20. 7 he Lord knoivetb the Days of the upright, and their
Inheritance fhall be fir ever : They /hull not be ajbamed of
the e-vil Time', and, in ver. 37. of that Pfalm, Mark the
f erf eel Man, and behold the ubright, for the End of that
Man is Peace \ and, cxii. 2. His Seed /hall be mighty upon
the Earth, the Generation of the upright Jhal I be bleJJ'ed ',
and, in Pro<v. ii. 7. The Lord is a Buckler to them that
walk upright I), xiv. 1 I. The Tabernacle of the upright /hall
f uri/h ; and, xxii. I 1 . He that loveth Purenefs of Heartt
for the Grace of his Lips the King /hall be his Friend. 7.
There are more large fpiritual Bleflings promiied unto it,
particularly Three, \H. That he fhall not be moved for
ever, but be in everl.iiting Remembrance, PjaL cxii. 6.
2d. The Lord will (hew himfelf itrong in their behalf :
That, in 2 Chron. xvi. 9. may be as well meant of fpiri-
tual as of temporal Blellings. 3^. The upright /hall have
Dominion in the Morning, PfaL xlix. 14. 8. Eternal Bid-
fings promifed to it, who walk uprightly mall dwell in tlie
Lord's holy HiJl. PfaL xv. 1,2. 9. The Excellency of
Sincerity may appear horn the Vilenefs of Hypocrify ; it
is very abominable in Goa\s Sight, lfa. Ixv. 5.

U/e 1. U this be fo excellent a Bleiiing, then they**
mult be at a great Loft who want it, when nothing they
^can fay or do can be accepted without it; and they mull

b#

1

On the Gospel Covenant. 3*5\

be in woful Cafe, who have nothing in Place of it but
vile Hypocrify ; they may expect Dread and Terror,
Fearfulnefs fhal! furprize them, Ifa. xxxiii. 14. chey fhall
find it terrible to deal falfly with God in a Covenant,
Hof. x. 14.

Ufe z. All that delight in God, and that defire to be his
Delight, feek chis Sincerity : Ail that defire to be accept-
ed of" him, and to have their Service accepted of him, let
labour to make this fure; and let all whofe Heart?
them, that they have it, or defire to have it, look
Well to their Hearts, that they deceive them not; and
.efe Marks, by which they may know it, (i.J If
'in doiiig Duties they look to God, and not to Men ; that
winch is given as a Direction to thofe that ierve Men,
Ccl. iii. 23. we may take it as fpoken to us, m doing
Service to God, whatsoever we do to do tt heartily, as to
the Lord : We may be quickened with fuch a Confidera-
tion a> that, in PTai. Iii. 9. ic is good before the Saints;
Hut, to have ( ur Way and Work good before die Lord,
, mould be our great and chief Deiign.
(2.) We would co every Thing fo, as not afraid to be
found fo doing at our I alt Reckoning, LukexW. 43. (3.)
If we love the Light, and to walk in it, for he ch.tt dotn.
Truth cometh to the Light, that his Deeds might be ma-
nilcil, tiiat they are wrought in God, John \\. 21. (4.)
be in Datieb with as much If not more Serionfuet's
in Abitnce as in defence of Wittoefles, in fecret as well
as before Men ; (erious within (hut Doorb, praying to
him that feeth in fecret, Matth. vi. 6 the Phil.
did fo; they obeved rmich more in the Apoftie's Ablence
in his Prelence, chap. 4- of chat Epijt. *vfr. 1:
(;.} If we be as diligent about Duty in the D
as of Adverfuy ; fuch was J.
only feared God himfelf, and efchewed Evil, but
. ' 'dren; he was not fecure in the Dav
r.y, but looking out aid watching for the evii
ni 26. this made him conteiULdiy It

,e Lord's Hands, as, well as good,

>.. 10. (6.) If we continue waiting on and ferving

1 1 he hidetn hi . I neweib himfelf

more

3i6 S E R M O N XXXIII.

more terrible, as well as when he fheweth his Face, and c
fmileth on us; lfaiab did refolve Co do To, in ebap. viii.
I j . / will iv ait upon the Lord that bidet b bis Face from
the Houfe of Jacob, and I will look for bim ; and in the
Name of the Church, Ifa. xxvi. 8. Tea, in tbe Way of «
thy Judgments, O Lord, <ive ha've waited for tbee, the
Dejire of cur Soul is to tby Namey and to tbe Remembrance
of tbee. (7) If we abflain not oniy from Evil, but
from all Appearance of Evil ; according to that, in
I Tbef. v. 22. if we be careful that we gwt Offence to no
Man, 1 Cor. x. 32. nor Offence in any Thing, 2 Cor.
v'\. 3. and efpecia/Iy, that we offend none of the Lord's
little Ones, knowing the Hazard, Mattb. xviii. 6. (8.)
If we be far from excufing or covering Sin, but con. ef-
fing and forfokmg, ?ro<v. xxviii. 13. aggravating it ra-
ther. (9.) It is a good Token of Sincerity, where Con-
ference is m^de of Preparation unto Worfhip: Compare j
thefe two Scriptures, 2 Cbron. xii. 14. with xix. 3. and
you (hail find Rehoboam in the one, he did Evil becauie
he prepared not his Heart to feek the Lord; and J eirj-
Jb*itbat in the other, good Things found in him, be-
c: ufe he prepared his Heart to feek the Lord. (10) A j
ipecial Mark of Sincerity is, when Self is not made our I
End in Duties: We may know this, 1. If we love holy -j
Duties, though there be no fuch Incomes as we would : j
It is not i'o with Hypocrites; they will quarrel with God, j
if their Expectation, it may be, their proud Humour, be |
not anfwered ; Wherefore have zve faded, fay they, Ifa. i
iviii. 3. 2. If Duties be done with full Strength of In- y
tention, as for our Lives; and of Affection, with all ]
within us, even for others. 3. If thou do heartily re- J
joice to fee or know Duties to be done better by others 1
than by thyfelf, and that they find in their Heart to j
exalt God more than rhou canft do. 4. If out of the
Cafe of great NeceffiJes holy Duties be all, that make
our Lives comfortable to us. (11.) Mark of Sincerity, J
if we be ever jealous over our Hearts, and be diligently \
watching againit Hvpocriiy ; and be much exerdfinf
ourfelves in the Search of hidden Sins. (12.) I f we make I

Confcience

On the Gospel Covenant. 317

Conscience to obferve the leait, as well as the greater
Commandments, Matth. v. 19.

U/e 3. If after Search any find that your Hearts are
iincere before the Lord, you have Matter of Praile and
Thankfgiving to the Lord, and would labour carefu :v
to maintain it, by daily watching over the Deceitful nefs
of your Hearts, and, by renewed Arts of Faich, to let
the Lord always before you, as in PfaL xvi. 8. and, by
frequent Examination, to be trying how your Hvarts
fland towards him: But, if upon Search you find little
or nothing of this Heart Uprightuefs and Integrity, you
have Realon to fit down, and mourn over your danger-
ous Eftate; yet, readily, one will not mif> Sincerity with-
out Sincerity ; and for thofe that want and would have
it, there is Hope they may have it, became it is promiied.

As to the third Thing, That this Sincerity is promifed,
and fo is a precious covenanted Bleffing, it may appear,

From thefe and like Scriptures ; that, in Deut. xxx. 6.
where fuch a Circumcifion of the Heart is promifed, as
fhall make Men love the Lord with all the Heart, and
with all the Soul ; that, in I/a. lxi. 3. where the Lord
doth promife to direct the Work of his People in Truth,
and to make an everlafling Covenant with them ; and
that, in Jer. xxiv. 7. where it is not only promifed, that
^he Lord will give his People a Heart to know him, but
that they (hall return unto him with their whole Heart ;
wd that, in xxxi. 33. where it is promiied, that the Lord
will put his Law in the inward Parts ; and that, in MaL
iii. 3. that the Lord will fit as a Refiner and Purifier of
silver. 2. h may appear alfo by thefe and like Reafons^
ifl. If it come not by the Promife, no Fleih coul,i j
have it ; for, naturally, as Nature is now corrupted, no
Man hath any Thing of this Sincerity ; for the Hearts
af all by Nature are deceitful, and defperatelv wicked,
Jer. xvii. 9. our Hearts are like a deceitful Bow, Hof
ii\. 16. id. Faith is promifed,even Faith unfeigned, 1 77*.

5. aid Soundnefs in the Faith, Tit. i. 13. and ii. 2.
found Faith cannot be but in a found He^rt. 3/ Love
s promifed ; and Love is fincere, and in Sincerity, Eph vi.
24. Love is both finccrc in itfeJf, and a clear Evidence

of

3i8 SERMON XXXIir.

of Sincerity in the Sou!. 4^. Obedience is prom if. , '
and that a fincere Obedience, while it is commanded, :
ib promifed, fo/b. xxiv. 14. the People are commanded
there to ferve the Lord in Sincerity and Truth. 5
Joy and Gladnefs are promifed ; and they cannot be J
hearty and real, but where there is Singlencfs of Heart,
Ads ii. 46. 6tb. It is commanded that we be per re ,
as our heavenly Fatner is per feci, Mattb. v. 4$. t/.t
fore, according to the Nature of Gofpel Commandments,
it is promifed. jtb. The Spirit is promifed ; and he it every
Way a Spirit of Truth, and worketh that Truth in the
inward Parts. Stb. Chrift hath promifed, that he will
betroth Believers to himfelf, and hath given AiTurance
that his Betrothing fhall be in Truth and Faithfulneis;
and in that he is engaged even to make Believers true
and faithful, gtb. Communion with God is promifed,
that he will dweii in and with them, and that they fh...l
dwell with him ; and none can have Communion wita
him but the upright ; fo, where the Queftion is put, Who
Jhall dwell in tby holy Hill? The Anfwer is, He that
walketb uprightly, Pfa. xv. 2. And when it is put again,
in xxiv. 3. Who Jhall afcend into the Hill of the Lord?
and, <who Jhall Hand in his b«ly Place? The Anfwer is,
in *ver. 4. He that hath clean Hands, and a pure Heart,
tvhfi bath not lift up bis Soul to Vdnity, nor J-worn deceit-
fully. 10th. Neither Grace nor Glory, nor any good
Thing is promifed to any, but to thofe that are upright,
Pfa I. Ixxxiv. 11. fo, either Uprightnefs is promifed, or
Grace and Glory mould want its proper Subjecl. 1 \th.
If we (hould want this, then all our fpiritual Armoujf
would hang loofe on us; for Sincerity is that Girdle of
Truth, which bindeth and holdeth all fall together,
Eph. vi. 14.

Vfe 1. Terror to thofe without the Covenant ; they !
neither have nor can, abiding fo, expeel to have anj
Thing of this precious Sincerity : It is a Covenant Blei-
fing, and they being and abiding without the .Covenant,
cannot be Partakers of it ; and wan:ing i:f it is dread!* *
10 think what (hall become of them ; their mans I

..

On the Gospel Covenant. 319

'and Cries will be for them to no Purpofe at all, but a
greater Provocation, 1/a. i. 11,— 16.

Uf* 2. Comfort and Ground of Hope to thofe that
have great Jealoufies over, and llrong Wreftlings with,
the Deceitfulnefs of their evih Hearts: Let them main-
tain the War ; there is Hope it ihall not be the beating-
of the Air, not a fighting in vain : Sincerity may be hhd,
and it fhall be had, becaufq it is prormied; the Spirit
that is given freely to Believers will give it.

Ufe 3. The Folly of thofe, who work and dig into
their Hearts, thinking to work in Sincerity into their
Hearts, or to draw it forth out of themielves ; ah ! they
are little acquainted with their own Hearts Deceitfulnefs,
and they are Strangers to the Corenant of Promifes :
Sincerity is one of tnele good and perfect Gifts, which
ome from above, which the Father of Lights aione can
Zive.

Ufe 4. All then, who defire to have and hold this ex-

:ellent Grace, mud both have and hold it by the Pro-

nife, feek it from the Father through the Son, by the

Spirit, in the Promiie : And, to quicken you in the Pur-

"uit, take thefe Motives, (1.) Remember how God look-

th to the Heart, and feacheth it, Rev. ii. 23. (2.)

^onfider how the Lord loveth and delighteth in Sinceri-

y, Pfa. Ii. 6. and Prov. x. 20. (3.) Take notice, how

hey are lingularly blefTcd ; they ftuil have good Things

n PolTeflion, Prov. xxviii. 10. and in ver. 16. they (hall

^e faved. (4.) Know once, that an uniound Hear! is of

ittle Worth, Prov. x. 20. and the double Heart is hate-

ul to God and Man, Pjal. xii. 2. And (0: your Help

nto this Sincerity, your great Work and Buiinefs mmt

about your Hearts: 1. Study to be well acquainted

mh your own Hearts, and their Deceitfulnefs. 2.

> have the Law written upon your Hearts, pray upon

le Promifes, which minuter Hope unto ycu of that.

. Keep ever good Watch over it. 4. Bring it up unto,

nd hold it ftiil at, one Ducy or other ; keep it ever in

sreifet plow it often, Jelt it turn more and more to

r fallow Ground. 4. Employ God as a God of Truth ;

be

52© SERMON XXXIV. '

he is To1, Deut. xxxii. 4. that he give unto you Sincerity
and Truth, planting that in you, which he requires of you.

S E R M O N XXXIV.

O N T H E

GOSPEL COVENANT:

On the tenth fancYifying and faving Grace,
Humility.

1 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Although my Houfe be not fo with God; yet he hath made
with me- an ever -lofting Covenant \ well ordered in all Things
and fure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Dejire
: :ough he make it not to grow.

STRAIT is the Way, and narrow is the Gate, which
leadeth unto Life : Men big with Self cannot enter
it ; the Exercife of every Grace is neceffary to Salvation,^
but Humility muft be the low Ground, in which they
muft be exercifed: It in fome Sort may be called the
Foundation to other Graces, leaft feen, but not of lead
Ufe: Being to fpeak of it, I {hall follow the fame Me^
thod, which I did in fpeaking to other Graces; fo, ill,
Shew you what this Humility is. zdly, How excellent
a Grace it is. 3^/;, How it is prom i led, and fo a cove-
nanted Grace and Blefling.

As to the rlrft, What this Humility is, know, 1. It
doth not ftand in fair Speeches* or humble Deportments,
fuch as thefe of Abfaktns, 2 Sam. xv. from ver. 2, — 7.

though

: *

On the Gosp-el Covenant. 321

hough this Grace will teach Men, both to carry hum -
>ly, 'Mic. vi. 8. *nd to thun ail high dwelling Words,
uch as theie in 2 Pet. ii. 18. But, 2. It is Humbleneis
>f Mind, Col. iii. 1 1. and it is that Poverty of Spirit, in
Mat. v. 3. 3. The humble Soul is nothing before God;
vith Job, it doth abhor itfelf, Job xln. 6. with Abra-
ham, it is before him but as Dult and Allies, Gen. xviii.
>7 though there be great Parts, Humility will make a
vlan deny hhpfetf, io as to think lie hath no Under-
Unding of a Man, that ne is more brutifh than any Man.
Drov. xxx. 2, 3. It will make a Man thjnk and tzyt when
le mail have done ail thcfe Things which are commanded
lim, that he is an unprofitable Servant, Luke xvii. 10.
c wiil make a Man as great as Paul, not only think him-
elf the leaft of the Apoitlet, 1 Cor. xv. 9. but lefs than
he ieail of Saints, Eph. iii. 8. yea, to think himielf no
j/fan among!?. Men. 4. It will make a Man evidence
he low Thoughts of himielf before God, \jt. In re-
ouncing all Confidence in the Fltiri. 2.7. In casing
imtelf wholly upon free Mercy. 3^. In keeping Di-
ance, and bearing great Reverence to God, even in
hought, in Worfhip, and all his Converie with God.
in an abfoiute Submifiion to him, both in his Yoke
nd Crofles, which he lhall be pleafed to lay on ; and
len, it will make him evidence the low Though:
imfeif, in Relation to others, it. When he doth not
ft up h imfeif above others, not above Meaiure: Paul
\d neither boait of Things without his Meaiure, nor
retch fcj^ifelf beyond his Meafure, 2 Ctn x. 13, 14.
dly, When he maketh it appear that he elteemeth c;
etter than himielf, Pud. ii. 3.

i. We may fee from :hns Defcription, how rare a
"hing this Humility is; when there is, generally, fojow
cm of God, and lo high an Eitimation put upon
features, and ever) 1 ling above his Mea«

ire, and labouring to exalt himielf above his Brother :
is notoallowed by the Law, that Kings mould exalt
lemieives above their Brethren in t*Vir Heart, Dcut.

r g ; and more
\

S E R M O

than fo, the humble lelf- denied Man is rare to be :
tr.ere is fomethuig of complemental Humility, but there4
is no more.

fee Nice wife from this Defcription,
the Reafon why there be fo few that follow Holinefs *
there be few humble Souls' fo humble, as to bow to the
Yoke, to creep low under the Lord's humbling and af-
flicting Hand : Pride is the great Enemy of Grace and
Holinefs; Humility is a Friend unto, and advanceth
both ; it tcacheth a Man to walk humbly with God, and
to be no Striver with Man.

Ufe 3. Try whether you have true Humility or not,
by your Estimation of God, and of yourfelf, by the ihr-
ring or not (lirring of Corruptions in the Cafe of Provo-
cation; even the Sea will be calm, when there is no
Wind blowing : Try it aifo by your Speeches and Actions,
and by your Carnage; efpecially in theie two Cafes, 1.
Of a profperous Condition. 2. In the Cafe of Power ;
many have feemed very bumble, till they came to have
Power; but, a? it is in the Proverb, Magistracy and1
Power fheweth the Man : O ! for fair Difcoveries of God
to the Soul, and of a Man to himfelf! theie would make
Men very humble of Mind, and Carriage too.

As to the lecond, the Excellency ot this Grace of.

Humility, trie Scriptures call i: an Ornament ; fo we

have the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which

in the Sight of God is ci great Price, 1 Pet. lii. 4. that

c loathed with Humility, 1 Pet.

Pride co**pafiing>

Ixxtit. 0. the humbie are pro-"

1, under t,:;e Definition of poor in Spirit,*

■'ie Excellency or thi9

The humble are they to

wfoq oearerh Refpccl. 'I bough the Lord hi

. Pla. exxxviii. 6

ci of a contrite l

/,//. )xvj : in Jefus did excel,

to others from his own Example,

ii that had a Mind to take up, and

bis Yoke cpon tin . . *fter a Sort,

the I

On the GoIpel Covenant. 323

'the Foundation for Grace; it is the fir ft Stone that js
laid* in the fpiritual Building, and the Lord who give:h
more Grace, giveth Grace to the humble, Jam. iv. 6.
andK i Pet. v. 5. 4. No Grace is fincere without it; it
ii the true Character of every Grace, io as the humble
Man i; molt like to be gracious, and the proud Man can-
not be gracious. 5. It is nectiTiry for ieeking of God,
and turning away of Wrath; fo, in 2 Cm . .xij. 7. when
the Lord {aw tnat they humbled themitives, the Word
of the Lord by the Prophet 6/ vvas, They have

humbltd thtm erefore 1 nxill not defray tbem, there-

fore I will grant them fame D ; and, in Z^bb.

to 3. the meek are the b.-ir. qualified Perlpns for the leek-
ng of God; and . fs, which is the Product of Hu-

uiiicy, is molt like to be a hiding Place in the Day of
iVrath. 6. HumiJi y it is a Grace which may keep a
yian from the Torment of Envy againlt others, and very
n.uch alfo from being the Object of Envy to others.
There are many great and precious Promises made :o
he humble; fee that, 2 Chr. vii. 14. If my Peopli «w
\re called by my Name, Jball bumble them /'elves, and pray,
Face, turn ; , ->:cn mill 1

rcm Heaven, forgive their Sin, and heal their Land > a.';
ob v. II. 7 he Lord will fet up on high tbofe that are >
id, in P/'a. xxv. meek will he guide in Julg •

nd the meek will he teach bis IV a \ \ and, in Pro v. in. 34.
M.rely hi the S corners, b*

wly 3 and, in xviii. 12. Humility man: 1
ad, in xxii. 4. By Humility f the Lord are

iches, HoH»urt ar.d Life l and, in Mat. xi. 25. the gi
hings or Heaven, and of the Covenant, are revealed
lto Babes. 8. Humility ia I >feth

Man molt to Contentment, and Pride is the great Caufe
Murmuring and DifcontenUnent. 9. Humility doth
and frame n entring and painng through the

ieth

Christian than any Man, he being a Debter to God

veft Things and adder, D much to his Excellency,

carry worthy cf fo great Things, in much Self-denial.

. 7'he Exce!iencv of Humility app^ueth in this, chut

X he

E 11 M O N J XXXIV.

he who hath it is edified by every Mean, and bettered

by every Difpenfation he cometh under. 12. The Ex-

ccPency ot this Grace will eafily appear, if we ferioufly

»r the Evil an«J Naughtinefs of Pride, which is its

Lord rebukeih the proud, as curfed Crea-

:h do err from the Lord's Commandments,

\de goeth before Deflruftion, and the

: a Fall.

i. If there be an Excellency in Humility, then

there is no real Worth and Excellency in the proud Man ;

though he highly eiteemeth himfelf, and though he be

of high E ft i mat ion amongil Men, he is an Abomination'

. Sight of God, Luke vi. 14. the proud Man, as he

is void of this, fo he hath no other Grace : Ah ! how

i Thing is this Pride, and how abominable! it rob-

beth God of all that which ii due to him, it robbeth

of God, arid of all that which is due to him : It is

ft God, and God is agninft it: It is both againfl

the Holihefs of the Law, and againft the Grace of the

Gofpel ; it breaketh ail Yokes and Bonds, the proud Man-

neither n God nor Neighbour but himfeif.

JJJe 2. If there be fuch Excellency in Humility, and

, ofe that have it, then there is either Ignorance, or

abominable Pride, in thole who defpife the humble, and

in the Pride of their Countenance do perfecute the poorj

x. 2. they fet their Heart as the Heart of God,

in the high Eilimation of themfelves, like that Prince

us, Ez-k. xxviii. 6. but they judge not nor efteemn

the Lord tftcemeth them ; the humble to hifflJ

ccelferit of the Earth, but to moll Men they art

Mings, according as the Apoflles were<

.

3. Is there fuch an Excellency in this Grace

to be much and ferioufly fought after; it II

Grace without which no other Grace can be of

r they all grow in a low Ground, though the;!

m on high, and with their Top do reach abov»l

the C ;:ght to ftudy to be eminent iii;

every Grace, but molt eminent in this, which addethic

.ft re to the reft. -fc

On the Gospel Covenant.

1 life 4. Who have this Grace have Matter of great
Joy, and Ground of Thankfulnefs ; they have a great
Bleffing and Ornament, though it be noc commonly
jftecmed fo; an Evidence whereof is, that ordinarily
Men will feek to excel in any Grace and Virtue richer
:han in this ; they look upon undervaluing oM;
is an expofing of themfelves to the Contempt or all Mejf

Ufe 5. It is not oniy an excellent Ornamc
nofl neceflary Grace; it is of our Concernment,
lave it, fo to know whether we have it or not : Li
jo then upon the Search; and, mil, of the Marks of
humility towards and before God: (1.) Where it is,
here will be an Acknowledgment of our Nothingnefs
>efore him ; we will be as nothing, and Jefs than nothing^
f/a. xl. 17. And that which will make us moil uj
hy in our own Eye*, will be that vile Thing, Sin ; it
vill make us look upon ourfeives altogether as an unclean
Thing, If a. xlvi. 6. (2) Where it is, there wi
ubmiflion under Croaks; fo it was with E/ia in 1
ii. 18. and David, Pjai. xxxix. 9. O.' but the proud
re not fo ; they reply and repine, Rom. ix. 20. (3.)
iVhere it is, there will be a magnifying o{ Merc
'Oth rich and free ; io it was with J acob, in Gen. xxxii.
O. and with David, 1 GbroM. xxix. 14. the one doth
eckon himfelf left thai) the leait of Mercies; and the
,ther crieth out. Who ar?i /, and nviu I pie. (4 )

This Humility will make a holy wondering at the V.
nd Works of God ; fo Job did reckon them Thing* too
rondcrful for him, chap. xlii. 3. And the Apoitle Paul
rieth out, 0/ the Depth if the Riches, isfc Rom. i
4. (5 ) Tnere will be iuch high Apprehensions,
eep ImprelTions of that lY^ajeity which is in God, as
reed Self abhorring, and make them call down all their
,'rowns before the Throne, as in Rev. iv. 10. (6.)
/here it is, there will be gre.tt Reverence, and due Di-
ance kept in Woiihip ; there will be a keeping of the
toot, and no Ralhnefs with the Mouth, remembi
ia"t the Lord is in Heaven, and we but upon |
ccl. v. 1,2, 3. (7.) There will be a Re.idinef, to un-
make meaneit Services for God : Child hath giv<
X 3

326 SERMON XXXIV.

Example herein, in the wafhing of his Difciples Feet,
'John xiii. 14. So we have Chriilians, in the primitive
Times, ready to waih the Saints Feet, 1 Tim. v. 10.
Take tbefe Marks alfo of Humility towards Men, 1. If
it proceed from Humility towards God, and from Re-
fpeel to him. 2. U Thoughts and Carriage be accord-
ing as God hath dealt every Man the Meaiure, Ron. xii.

3. 3. If there be no arTcfling of outward Mai
Eminency, as was amonglt thi rf Mattb.

6, 7, S and amongft the Difcip'es too, Luke xxii. 24^

4. If there be the due Eftimation of others, Phi'.

5. The bearing of Reproach and Contempt, when it
reacheth themselves only, 2 Cor. v. 12, 13. and xii. 10I

6. If weaned ar to great Matters. Vfa. exxxi. 1, 2. yet i(
neither, \Ji. Dcnieth Grace received, z Cor. xi. 5. nor, 2$
peclineth a Duty or Charge impofed, J er. \. 6, 7.

As to the third Point, That Humility is promif* rl in
the new Covenant, and that fo it \% a Covenant Blefiing
it appeareth, 1. From thefe Scriptures, where it i
in l/a. xl. 4. that every Mountain and Hiil iliall be mad4
Jow ; the lame is repeated, in Luke In. 5. and in l)
x\. it is not only (aid bu: t'worn : The Lord hath
by himfelf, the '" ne out of his Mouth, and Jhull no

return, th . . , and e

Ton,:.- ; it is meant of Subjedhon, and

of Humility; fo, in P/a. xviii. 44. David as a Type
Chrilt (kith, . •: all o<

me. the Stranger j Jhall juhmit tbetr,fel<ves unto me ; a.
Jxviii. 30, 31. it is pro mi fed, that Princes lhall come o
of Egypt, and that Ethiopia (lull foon Itretch out
liana unto God, rhat they (hail fubmit themfelve
Pieces of Silver: In the fpi ritual Subjeclion, Humility
promifed, and it is alfo meant there; but, 2. That Hi
milky is promiied, appeareth by thefe Reafons, ifl. Ail
Men are, naturally, proud, like high Mountains; an!
they cannot command Humility, unlds it be given then|
in Mai iii. 15. Men that work Wickedneis, and
Men, are fuch as never had any gracious C roo glj

upon them j fo the proud, and th.
arc reckoned hr one, in I

u?i the Gospel Covenant.

promifed, it mi: ft be one with the rlrft, becaufe, as we
■old, you, other Graces are in fomc Seme given to it,
warn. iv. 6. and i Pet. v. 5. $d. Mortification is pro-
ofed, and Humility is the proper Effect thereof, and
Jividence of the fame: The proud Soul is unmortifled,
|>ut the Soul that is well mortiried will lie very low be-
fore God, and not dare to exalt itfeif amongit
\tb. It is a great Promife of the Co v. \\ tne Lord

>vill dwell with his People, E-zek. xiiii. g. an
10, 11. and 2 Cor. vi. 16. but behold with whom he
»vill dwell, in I/a. Itii. 15. Thus
One, nxbo inbabitttb Eternity, *w

n tbe high and holy Place, vjitb bim aljo that ts of a con-
trite and bumble Spirit, to \

and to revive tbe Heart of tbe contrite . Honour

's promifed to ail thofe that leek and . briit, who

the true Wifdom of the Father, Prvvi iv. S. Exalt
her, and Jbe fkall fr'jmte thee ; jhe jhull b to Hj-

nour, vjben thou doll embrace her. And in the fame I
chap. xxii. 4. it is told bs how Honour Cometh, even by
Humility. 6th. It is | : Defign of the Covenant,

from all Eternity, to make us confoim to Cnriit ; fo, in
Rom. viii. 29. Whom be did foreknow,

nate, to be conformed to tbe image of his Son, that he might
be tbe fir (I b'jrn amonglt many Brethren ; and it is promiied,
in 1 Cor. xv. 19. As vje lave born the Image of the earth-
ly, nve jh all aljo bear tbe Image of the heavenly, that is,
of Cbrijij and the great Point of Conformity to him,
is in Humility; and how humble he was, ue may re^d ;
a King, but very Ipwl) ... 9. He humbled hi in (elf

to be a Man, in the Furm of a Servant; Lu: much more,
when he humbled himfelf to Death, even tu the Death
Df the Crois, Phil. ii. vir . y9 8. yb. Faith is pi\
fed, and it is a molt humble Grace, it boafteth not; all
Blading is excluded by the Law of Faith, Rom. iii. 27. "
And it is a humbling Grace, it nukeih a 1 Sin-

ner fo humble, ks to loath himfelf, and never to open
his Mou.il any more, Ezek. xvi. Co, 81, 62, 63. tu re
nember his evil Ways, and to loath himlt.f in his own
Sight, xxxvi. 31. %tb. Blefledneis in the Height o\' 1

X 4 pio4

SERMON XXXIV.

efs is promifed, and none can reach that Height, uAtml
they come to be wry low : Oar blefled Lord hi**
humbled before he was exalted, and none of his Friend* n ,
expect t to Heaven another Way. gth. Rei<

tance is promifed, and it will bring a Man very low, even
roll himfelt in the Dud; Job abhorred himfelf, and re-
pented in Duit and Afhes. loth. Salvation is promifejM
here and hereafter, and it is the humble that inall bo I
faved, Job xxii. 29.

U/k 1. We may gather from tb^ rhe Mifery of t
that are not within the Covenant ; rhey cannot partake
at ail of this Covenant Bieffing, they h lve not Ti
any Promife, much lefs to thefe Promifes which give Af-
fu ranee concerning this: Who (land without the Cove-
nant, they withftand God, and he doth withftand them,
he reilfteth the proud : Heaven'-: Gate is ftrait, and they
cannot lloop, fo fhail never be able to enter, thtir
cumcifed Heart not humble'!

Ufe 2. Coiftfori to thole that are fore vexed and %ricr-
bec&ufe of e and yirerrcumciiion of

Heart; glad would they De to have their uncircumcifed
Heart humbled, but they cannot have it fuch, and io
humbled as the] no Reafon to d

ufe of this; Humility is prom:' vet will turn

in to tfie Covenant of Promifes; afking rhey ma)
it ; it is a Grace not more necellary ior us to have, than
:r is honourable for God to give; it is a Grace which
honoureth nim much, lets him on the Throne, and keep-
eth him on the luir.e.

Ufe 3. A I re to have and enjoy this excellent

Grace, let them turn in to the Covenant, and pray upon
the Promifeo v\hi;h are there, and it ihaJl be given them ;
and, that you im>.y further be helped unto this humble
Frame, (1.) Be much in Thoughts of the Huy

and Power of God. ^e tc do;

['.,c Hal I 1 we fhould hum

ir, i Pet. ) Look on the

\ue of thole that v.

I On the Gostel Covenant. 329

bf their Iniquity, Lev. xxvi. 41. (3.) Be looking often
upon your own both Sinfulneie, \\ eaknefs, and Worth-
(4.) And then be looking up to the Mercy of
God, calling to Mind the many Favours you have re-
ceived, and how you have nothing but *fcat vou have
received, 1 C*r. iv. 7. and that Confederation, if it be
ferious, will humble you, if any Thing do it. {5 ) Con-
fider thofe that are of much more Worth than we, how
-humbly they walk. (6.) Look upon the irrational Ciea-
tures, how we come fhort even of them in D

SERMON XXX V.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVE X ANT

On the elev . ra£f

-hough he make h

IN the next Place, let us confider Meeknefs .1

is commended and recommended in the Word

&al] lay it before jfo »//. To b

:~.'ered what it i Of what Worth and

if, 3^/v, Flow . 1 precious
of the Covenar

•]o h iL K M O N XXXV.

As to the firft, What it is, take it thus: It is a Grace t
of the Spint of Chrirt, by which the Spirit of a Man
i> quieted, and his whole Carriage is made fweet and
temperate: It may be called, as it is in the Heart, Ten-
dernefs ; as in the Mind, Clearnefs ; in the Affections,
Moderation and Culmnei* ; in the Dilpofition, good Tem-
per ; and in the whole Carriage, Sweetrtefs ; aJJ thefe are 1
ID or do accompany :t : It is a Bridle to Paffion and }
Wrath, and it is Grace's Ornament; it h agiinlt all ir~ j
regular Motions, Riiings, and Murmurings of the Soul j
it compaffeth them, as David doth, in Pfa. xlii. 1 1. with.. ]
a Why art thou di (quieted within me? it is for no com-
plaining in the Streets, if I may allude to that Word, in
Pfa. cxliv. 14.

There is a Meeknefs towards God, and that is, i. In
receiving of his Word ; fo, in Jam. i. 21. we are com-
manded to lay apart all Filthineis, and Superfluity of
\aughtinefs, to receive with Meeknefs the ingrafted
Word, which is able to fave our Souls. 2 In taking on
h ?s Yoke; fo the Commandment is, in Mat. xi. 29, 30.
my Yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and
:n Heart-, fo Meeknefs is required in bearing it.
3. It is ieen in Silence under the Rod; fo it was with
Job, in chap, xl. 4. Behold \ J am vile, -what {ball I an-
tbet? I 'will la-; mine Hand upon my Mouth ; fo, with
:', in P/al. xxxix. 9. / was dumb, I opened not my
.'h, becaufe thou didft it.

There is a Meeknefs aifo towards Man ; fo, in James
iii. 13. we are required, as many as defire to be reputed
wife Men, and endued with Knowledge, to lhew out of
a good Converfation our Works, with Meeknefs of Wif-
<jom ; and, in vcr. 17. of that chap, the Wifdom which
is from above is meek, and eafy to be intreated : Take
for Example, htofes the meekeit Man in the Karth, Num.
xti. 3. Cnnii the perfect Patiern of Meeknefs, in that,
xi. 29. when riding as a King, and exercifing
great Seventy, yet meek, rLech. ix. 9. even a Lamb,
[en .'hall not be able to endure one' Sigh:
v. vi. :$, 16. Chrift was meek in fpeak-
ing, when the Je<us lpake mod bitterly and reproach-
fully

On the Gospel Covenant. 331

Fully againft him, in John viii. 48. faying, Say we not
well that thun art a Samaritan, and hail a Devil? He
anfwered meekly, in <ver. 49. by a moJeit Denial, /
have not a Devil, I honour my Father, and ye d:/bonour
me; and, in Matth. xxvi. 50. he laid to tire Traitor Ju-
das, Friend, wherefore art thou come? He was meek alk
in Silence, He was opprejfed and affiSltd, ye: opened not
bis Mouth, — as a Sheep is dumb before his Shearer, fo he
opened not bis Mouth, lfa. \\\\. J . He was To meek, tb/.r
lie was free of all Revenge : When the Dilcipies would
p-ave been at bringing down Fire from Heaven agawit
Ithe City which (hut the Gates a^ainir. him, he rebuked
them, and faid, Ye know not of what Spirit you are, Luke
ix. 54, 55. So meek, as he wept over J enijakm, ^
he knew was to take his Life, xix. 41. He was meek in
his Anfwers", when wronged and f.j itten, If I ha<u>: i\o
ken Evil, bear witnefs of the Evil; but if well,
fmiteft thou me? John xviii. 22, 23. When he was revi-
led, he revilea not again, 1 Pet. ii. 23. When he ji
he threatned not, but committed him/elf to him who ju

ighteoufly : Tney on whom the Spirit came down as b'ire,
were often hot as Men ; but he on whom he came down
as a Dove, was ever meek.

Ufe 1. Examine, and you will find there is but .
of this precious and gracious Meffkneis, either towaids
God or Man, towards Friends or Foes : Some take
nefs and ludulgcnce to Sin, that which Eh did bear to
.his Sons, to be Meekneis ; but that is none 0; it: Ot
take a good Nature and meek Temper to be it ; bu
is none of it either, it cometh from above : Soj
civil courteous Carriage to be it, like /jbjalovi\; bu:
how far he was from ir, d J appear, when he put 1 1"
Humanity, common H owelty, >ea, ai>d nacural Arteclion
too: And fome take fin ful jXlpondency arid DtJ4
of Spirit to be it; but neither (his, nor any of the relt,
are any Thing of Kin 10 it; nor yet is that forced Do-
jettion of Spirit rWeckneis, w.'ien '..icm Hearts are brought
down with (pre Labour, t'f.i. cvii. 12 Mc-c
ciotu quiet Frai

SERMON XXXV,

Vfe 2. Who deli re to have Meekncfs of the right A
vStamp, would feek it from Heaven, and take Chriil'for I
an Example of if : There is more of true Worth in it,
than in ail that Greatnefs of Spirit, which Men of the
World do cry up ; yea, ?hc meek Spirit is the only great
Spirit, it commandeth both itfelf, and other Things:
He that is Jlonv to Anger is better than the mighty, and he
that rulith his Spirit than 'v that taketb a City, Pro. xvi. 32.

As to the fecond, This (Vleeknefs is a rich and excel-
lent Endowment, a very precious Frame. of Spirit; fo,
by Chiill the meek are pronounced to be bleflcd, Matth. ,
v. f: And, in 1 Pet. iii. 4. a meek and quiet Spirit is
in the Sight of God of great Price ; and he alone can
beft give Verdict of the Worth of Things: Jt is gene-
rally commended and recommended to us in Scripture;
:t is in amongfl the Fruits of the Spirit, Gal. v. 23. it
is a Grace, in the Exercife whereof, Men walk worthy
of the Vocation wherewith they are called, Eph. iv. 1, 2.
ft is a Mark of thofe that are the Elect of God, holy
loved. Col. iii. 1 2. It is one of tnefe Things, which
the Man of God, who is to right the good Fight of Faith, ;s
to follow, 1 lim. vi. 11, 1 2 It is one of theie Graces which j
a Man would (hew, who deiireth to be ready to every
good Work, Tit. iii. 1, 2. For further clearing and fetting
I) the Excellency of this Meeknefs, conlider, 1. How
it is the very belt Portrait of Chritl, both in Life and
Death: It is a Grace, which the Lamb of God, who
taketh away the Sins of the World, did exercife, and
much delight in. 2. How they are the Lord's Scholars,
t.e both inftrucleth and guideth them, Pfa. xxv. 9. he
teacheth Meeknefs, and then teacheth the meek ; he
maketh them willing to be led, and leadeth them gently.
3. How he dwelleth with them; thefe lowly Ones, Ifa.
ivii. 15. are the meek of the Earth. 4. The Gofpel
Tidings are for the meek ; Chrift was anointed to preach
good Tidingi to the meek, Ifa. Ixi. 1. 5. The meek
are they which have the bell Affurance to be hid in the
Day of the Lord's Anger, Zej>b. ii. 3. 6. When the
Lord fmiteth the Earth with the Rod of his Mouth, and
with the Breath of his Lips fha.Il flay the wicked, he will

then

On the Gospel Covenant. 333

en judge with Righteoufnefs for the poor and meek of
fa% Earth, If a. xi. 4. 7. The Lord will lift up the mee;,
vhen he cafteth the wicked down to the Ground, Pjal.
xlvii. 6. 8. The Lord taketh Pleafure in them, and
vill beautify them with Salvation. Pfa. cxlix. 4. 9. In
he Gofpel Day, when the deaf (hall hear the Words of
he Book, and the Eyes of the blind (hall fee out of Ob-
curity, ai:d out of Darknefs, it is promifed that the
neek alio fhall increafe their Joy in the Lord, and the
oor among Men (hall rejoice in the holy One of Ipael^
{fa. xxix. 18, 19. 10. Meeknefs maketh a Man Mailer
}f himfelf, fo as Paflion doth not, cannot difturb him ; a
Vlan's Spirit, fo, is in right Frame, and fitted for any
Thing he is called unto. 11. The Lord will work
itrange Things for faving the meek of the Earth ; he will
paufe Judgment to be heard from Heaven, and the Earth
^ear and be ftill, PfaL Ixxvi. 8, 9. 12. The Excellency
pf this Grace may be feen, from the Evils which appear
n the contrary Vice; Anger is a curfed Thing, for it is
lerce, and Wrath, for it is cruel, Gen. xlix. 7. Bitternefs,
Wrath, Anger, and Clamor, are not worthy of a Chi-
lian's Company ; they are to be put away, Epb. iv. j 1 .
Roots of Bitternefs do both trouble thofe that have them,
ind defile others round about them, Htb. *ii. 15. that
.vhich is contrary to this excellent Meeknefs is nothing
aut Filthinefs and Superfluity of Naughtinefs, Jam. i.
zi. which all mull be laid afide when it is put on.

Ufe 1. How wretched then are they, who, living in
jlack Nature, lie out of this rich Blefling, which
lommend a Man fo much to God and Man; and not
mly fo, but are hurried with unruly PafSons, fo as they
ire neither Matters of themielves, nor can be ufefal unto
Dthers? How many are overcome of themfelfcs,
pleafe them lei ves in it, who would I
in Indignity, to be overcome of others ?

Ufe 2. U Meeknefs be fuch an Ornament, ar.d :",
:ellent a Grace, it wcild be prized anj
iibfe than Gold ; that Spirit of Meeknefs, 1 C
ike unto that Meeknefs and Gentlenefsof Chrift
i. ChrifUani would ftudy Meekncfc, which inigh;

534 SERMON XXXV.

excel all Stoical Meeknefs, and the ftudied civil Meek-1
nefs of Men of this World: Chriftian Meeknefs is of a
heavenly Original ; we would ftudy even Meeknefs to-v
wards Men, upon thefe Confutations, (i.) God's Jong-
iuifering ro upward, Excd. xxxiv. 6. fhould make us
bear Jong with Men of like Palfion with ourfelves. (2.), j
Tne Lord's Rtadinefs, not only to forbear, but to /or- 1
give u<; fo, in Epb. iv. 32. the Apsitle exhorteth us to j
be kind one to another, and tenderhearted, forgiving 1
one another, even as God for Chrili's Sake hath, forgiv-
en us,- and, in Col. iii. 13. to forbear one another, ai,J
to forgive one another, if any Man have a (^uarre, .
gaicit any, even as Chriit hath forgiven us, io fhould
we do. (3 ) We (hould confider ourlelves, that we aifo
may be tempted, Gal. vi. 1. and what we fometimesl
were, lit. iii. 3. (4.) Confider how Grace is irce; and I
fo the fame Grace which you have, may be given to J
thole that have it not; or our meek Carriage may bring,!
them to Repentance and Acknowledging of the Truth, 1
2 Tim. ii. 25. In ufing this Meekneis wc vvouid folJi
theft Directions, and follow thefe Rules, 1. Study th
Practice, which is a Refemblance of God, to be flow toJ
Wrath, Jam. i. 19. 2. Bear one another's Burden, G^/iM
vi. 2. and iludy a Felk>w- feeling, putting on Bo wel- <
Mercies, Kindnefs, Cel. iii. 12. 3. All fair and gentle/K
Means would be ufed rirft : It was the Apollle's Way jji
he deiired to come to the Corinthians in Love, and witb-||
the Spirit of Meeknei*;, 1 Cor. iv. 21. 4. Even iharp- L
tit Dealing would be fugar'd; fo doth oar Lord in hltfjk
Rebukes ro the Churchos, both of E^jrjus, Rw. ii. 3. JLj
ind or LaJtcea, iii. 18, 19, 20. More eipecially, ailjl
Meeknefs is to be itudied before and toward God, ijfJE
In the bearing of his Yoke, it ihould be born pleafantlv , I
wit;. ig. 2d In the bearing of Crolles whicfelK

he layeth on, they mould be born fweetly, without aifl£
quarrelling. 3^. In his Reproofs from the Word, tht
f.iould be takcri kindly, as the Reproofs of a Friend,
eni Oil, that will not breik the Heed, Pja. cxi
Tak.ng well h:s Returns of Prayer, and R«p
of our Labour, be they greater or imaiier.

U/i i -

On the Gospel Covenant. 335

! Vfe 3. Matter of Thankfulnefc to thofe thar. have this

gracious and excellent Meeknefs: Eut, left any ihould

teink that they have it, who have it not, know it by

hc(e Marks, '(1.) True Meeknefs- is Meeknefs of Wif-

:om, it weigheth Matters, Jam. iii. 13. (2.) It yieid-

th much ot Man's Right, out nothing of God's : We

ave an Example in Atyfej, a very n:eek Man in his own

patters, the meekeft Man on Earth; Num. x:i. 3. but,

n God's Matters, he would not part uith one Hoof for

King's Pleafure, Exod. x. 26. (5.) Ic will ftoutly op.

ofe itfelf to Sin ; but it is not fo with Softnefs ; it in-

ulgeth Sin too much, 1 Sam. xii. 13. ['*..) I: :

)r fhaming, but reftoring of our Bi other, Gal. vi. 1.

mr) Yet dotn not fo iiudy a \i.:n". Peace, as to neglect

>uty. (6.) It is joined with Truth, in Pfai xlv. 4.

ith Gentlenefs, Goodnefs, Faith, ar*d Temperance,

22, 23. and with holy tt-ir, 1 Pet. iii. 15. {7.) h

beft feen in that which we are moil inclined to by

ature.

.As to the third, That this Meeknefs is promifed, and
, a covenanted Blefhng, it appeareth, 1. From Scrip-
ires ; f name theie, I/a. xi. 6, 7, 8, 9 where the Change
Mens Natures is promifed, under the borrowed Expref-
5ns, that the Wolf (hall dwell with the Lamb, and the
opard fhail Jie down with the Kid, and the Calf, and
e young Lion, and the Failing together, and a litre-
bild (hall lead them; and the Cow and the Bear j.
ed, their young Ones fhall lie down together, and the
on fhall eat Straw like the Ox, and the fucking Child
ill play on the Hole of the Afp, and the weaned Ivhifd
all put his Hand on the Cockatrice Den ; they fhail not
re nor deitroy in all my holy Mountain ; and, l,a . Jxv
. is to the fame Purpole. 2. It appeareth from Rt-i
I, thus, \fi. H Meeknefs were not by the Promife,
d f o a free Gift, we could not have it, being natural
implacable, and unmerciful, Rom. i. 31. fWce,
!fpifers,of thofe that are good, 2 Tim. iii. 3.
e are prcdeftinajed to be made conform to Chri
m. viii. 29. and the fpecial Thing wherein Chri;-
' \ for Conformity, is chii Meeknefs, Mat. xi. 29.

TJ

356 SE IvM O N XXXV,

There is no Chriiliao differing, without this Meeknefs,
and Fear, i Pet. Hi. re;, and it is given to fuffer, PbtL
i. 29. A new Nature is promifed, while the new

Heart and the new Spirit is promifed ; Meeknefs mult be-
there, it is a iubdued Nature. 5^/y, Meeknefs is one
of the Fruits of the Spirit ; and fo it is promifed, Gal.
v 23. 6/>/., We are commanded to feek it, Zepb. ii.
3. and tne Promife is, in Mattb. vii. 7 . AJk and it Jh all
be given ,cu, jeek and ye /ball find. Jtbly, Peace is pro-
mi ltd, even inward Peace ; and that cannot be without
Meeknefs. Stkly, Both Faith and Love are promifed ;
and thefe will iubdue the Heart to a fwect and meek
Frame, tybly, Tne rig;ht hearing and receiving of the
Word is promifed ; and it is by and with Mecknefs,
J cm. i. 2 J

life 1. The Mifery of thofe who live without the Co-
venant of Grace, upon this Account ; they have, nor
can have, none of this Meeknefs ; they have no Claim
nor Title to any Promife of the new Covenant ; they
are no better, yea, much worfe than untamed Beaits
Wolves, Lions, Leopards, apt to deftroy one anothe
and if their State be not changed, they mall find the!
felves no better than thefe brute Beaiis, made to be ta
ken and deftroyed, 2 Pet. ii. 12. O' if Men had theii
Eyes opened, ro fee how wild their Natures are, bef<
Grace corae, tney would be exceedingly defirous of thi
Grace, if it were no more but to have their Nat
tamed, and turned from Beaiis.

Uje 2. Their Folly, to think either to meeken them-
felves or others, any other Way, than by the PromifeJ
and by receiving Meeknefs, as a Grace and free Gift qt
God: Education may do much, Difcipline and Nurture:
may do fomething, and iuch like outward Rellraint ;
but thefe will not always keep in untamed Nature, .it
will break forth, as it is in the Proverb, Foxes Whelps
are ill to tame : Cruel and bloody Nero could diffemble
for the firft £ve Years of his Reign, fo as one would have
thought him a meek and quiet Prince ; but afterward lie
k'lleL, 1 Mother and his Matter, and fet Rime

harged i; upon innocent , the

lo

d"he I

On the Gospel Covenant. 337

lowers of Chrift: We had need to lock well to our Na-
tures, that they be meekned with Grace; otherwise they
will break ioofe upon us, when we are Jeaft aware; and
we would not truli Men, who are taught to counterfeit
Chriflian MeekneA, wrfo may prove Wolves when they
are let Ioofe, and come to have Power in their Hand.

Ufi 3. Comfort to thofe Chriitians, who have rough
Nature^, and areilrivirg to have them fubdued unto this
[weet Frame of ChriiMan Meeknefs, and come not fpeed;
they need not be fo difcouraged, as to cafi away Hope
2ver to attain it ; it is promifed ; the fame God of all
Grace, who giveth other Graces, will give this alfo, if
tie be feriouily fought unto : It is truf, the Work of this
Srace will not be perfected in one Day ; nor may Chri-
tians think, while they are in the Body, to have their
Maturals fo changed, as to bear no Print or Impreffion
f the old Man ; yet by Grace there may great Changes
>e wrought as to this, and great Victories obtained.

Ufe 4. All who defire this holy Meeknefs of the Spirit^
rive once to be within the Covenant o: Grace ; and
hen to fetch this Grace from the Promife : True Faith
^ill make a Soul very meek; Faith working upon the
romife, it will make a Man dumb and iilent, in Pjal.
ii. 1, 5. the Soul waiting on God, is dumb to Godj
made He%ekiah receive meekly a very fad and fore
xxxix. 8. faying, good is the IFord of the
ord ; it made the Church hiently btar the Indignation
f'the Lord, Mlc. vii. 9! Now, Faith of Promifes doth
ibdue the Soul unto tnis fi!ent Meeknefs, (1.) 1'rom the
onfKieration of the Pcrions deferving ;
living Man complain^ a Man for t .
1? Lam. in. 39. (2 ) From theCoi
uprcmacy ; fo, E /.-.
Id him every whit of what the Lord had given him in
:illion, he faid, // is the L
• good ; and Banjul, in Pfa. xxxix. <.
b, J opened not m, (3.)

rom .ion of his Love and T<

hen the Believer thinketh feriouily on that fweet Word,
2. Ivii

SERMON XXXVI.

tr <wi!l I be always wroth ; for the Spirit fiouli
fail bcfo. e me, and the Souls which J ha-ve made ; certainly!
he will carry meeklv, even under rougher Difpenfations,
(4 ) Fith purgerh out all that wiiich caufeth Diitemper:
(5.) It (he wet h that Conformity to Chrift is neceflary
thit we mult be as he was in the World, 1 John iv. 1 74
and he carried very meekly. (6.) It fets before a Mai
better coming, the forfaking to be but for a Moment, tin
gathering to be with great Mercies, Ifa. liv. 7, 8. anc
the far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory,
2 Cor. iv. 17.

SERMON XXXVI.

O N T H E

GOSPELCOVENANT?

On the twelfth fan&ifying and faving G raci
Pat ience.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5-.

A\ though my Houfe be not fo with Cod; yet he hath ma

with me an everlafting Covenant, well ordered in all Thin

and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defi

although he make it not to grow.

WE come in the laft Place, to fpeak to that whi<
is not the lead of fanclifying Graces, to Patienc
and, in fpeaking to it, I mall keep the fame Order wh '
I have followed in the reft, in thefe Three, 1/?, To ihe
you what it is. zdl\\ How excellent a Grace it is J

On the Gospel Covenant. 339

f/>, How it is promifed, and fo, how it is a covenanted
effing.

As co the firft, Patience 1s a Grace, fpringing from the
nowledge of God and ourielves, as a io horn Faith,
ope, and Love; by which we are enabled to bear
■oiTc.% and :o perievere in dirncil Duties, quietly, cheer-
ly, and coniiantiy. It is fometimes called Pati|nce,
ibulation *ucorketb Patience, and Patience Experience,
v. 3, 4. Sometimes it is called Long-iufFcring ; and
koned among the Fruits or the Spirit, GW. v. 22.
metimes it is expreued by enduring ; io, in Hch. x. 32.
:re is the enduring of a great Fight of Afflictions;
netirnes alfo by bearing ; fo, in 2 C;r. iv\ 10. we have
rearing about in tht Body the dying of the Lord Jefas ;
J, in Heb. xiii. 13. we have the bearing of the Re-
sell of Chriit: It is a Grace which teacheth Men to
well, 1. From the Knowledge and due Confidera:
of God, with whom we have to do; the looking on
that which beiaiiech us, as coming from God, will
e us patient, ifl. Confidering his VVifdom, how he
>weth belt what is good for us, and how to chuie the
Means for bringing it to pals. zd. Believing his Prj-
?nce to have the chief Hand in all thefe, ditpohng all
he beft. $d. Knowing and fubmitting to his Will, a>
moft equal Rule of JulLce. \tb. Believing his Mer-i
nd Goodnefs, which will make all Things work to-
ier for the beft, according to that which is promifed,
\om. viii. 28. 2. It teacneth us to bear well, from
Knowledge and due (Jonfideration of ourreives, itf.
deferving much worfer Things. 2d. As remembering
the Lord ia the Potter, ana we y ; and

may make us up or down as he pleafeth. 3./. That
rr Things are made ready for us, and that through
h Tribulation we (hall enter into the Kingdom of
1, Ails xiv. 22. And, 3. In the Defcri] told

, that Patience did fpnng alfo from Faith, Hope, and
N^w, Faith worketh Patience, by the Truth of
Promite ; Hope, by the Expectation; and Love, by
Confolation of the lame : And, that Patience bcareth
metly, you may Ice it in David, P/a. xxxix. 9 ■%»! :
V 2 vhat

34° SERMON XXXVI.

that it beareth cheerfully, may be gathered from Col. i.
u, 12. where we have all Patience, and Long-fufrering
with Joyiulnefs, joined with Thankfgiving ; and, that it
beareth constantly, ma\ be gathered both rrom that Com-
mandment, in Luke \x. 23. to take up the Crofs daily, and
to follow Chrilt ; and by that alfo, in J am. i. 4. Let Pa- \
titnc^ba~ce her perfecl Work, that ye may be perfecl and\
1 , wanting nothing : And, to conclude this Defcrip-'
tion of Patience, it looketh to a threefold Object, \(l, T<
God, at whole Difpofal all Things are, as Job, chap. i.
ver. 20, 21. where he fell down upon the Ground am
worfhipped, faying, Naked came 1 out of my Mother 5 Womb{
and naked jhall 1 return thither ; the Lord gave, and th(
Lord hath taken away, bleffed be the Name of the Lord
and, in chap. ii. 10. Shall <we receive good at the Hand oj
Gcd, and fball njue not receive evil? Contrary to it, in thi
Refpeft, is that murmuring againft God, which is coi
demned, in 1 Cor. x. 10. zdly, It looketh to the Thi
which crofs the Chriftian, and it looketh on them as lig
and momentary, 2 Cor. iv. 16, 17. and at the Par
tnat vex him, as a Rod and Staff in God's Hand, Ij
x. 5. fo are not troubled, knowing that it is a rightei
Thing with God, to recompenfe Tribulation to th
that trouble them, 2 Thtff. i. 4, 6. Contrary to it in th
Refpecl, is that private Revenge, which is condemned
in Rom. xii. 17, 19. Recompenfe to no Man evil for evt{
avenge not your/elves, but rather give Place to Wrath,
it is 'written, Vingeance is mine, I <will repay, faith ti
Lord, idly, It looketh to the Duties, which Affliftr
do call for; not only the enduring, but the doing of ti
Will of God, Heb. x. 36. Contrary to it, in this Refpi
is that fainting and fitting up from Duty, which is f<
bidden, in Heb. xii. 5. and that drawing back, or corni
ibort, which is very difpleaiing to God, Heb. x. 38.

U/e 1. By this which hath been faid of Patience, J
may be cafily known that it is a very neceflary Grai
it is not every Suffering that is Patience, noj yet evi
filent Suffering, as to any Thing that is outwardly fee
there may be fecret Grudgings, where no outward 9 '» *
preflions; and there may be a itupid fenfelefs Condi ti

On the Gospel Covenant. 341

ilid a forced Patience, meditating Revenge; none of
hefe are any Thing a-kin to the Patience we fpeak of.

Ufe 2. Let every one of us try our Patience, whether
t be of the right Stamp: Thefe are Times wherein we
lave need of Patience; but if our Patience be loll, or it
« naught, we will be at a great Lofs ; fee that it arife
hen, and fpring from the Knowledge of God and our-
?lves, from the practical Knowledge of both ; and thenv
rom Fairh, Hope, and Love, in lively Exercife; and that
have God as the great Party, Instruments as under him,
nd Duties as our great Bufinefs.

Az to the fecond Thing propounded, concerning Pa-
encc, it is a very precious Grace, and excellent BielEng :
here is a BlefTednefs in it, Blejfed are they <wbicb ark
cuted for Rigbteoufnefs Sake, Mat. v. 10. and in J \
I 1. Behold, ive count them happy nvhicb evdure : More
irticularly, take up the Excellency of this Patience, 1.
is the Perfection of Chrift's Obedience; for, of his
ffering, wherein he left us an Example, it is faid to
high Commendation of the fame, »n he was

viled, he reviled not again, when he fuffered, he threat-
d not, but committed himfelf to him that judgcth righ-
ufly, 1 Pet. ii. 21, 23. 2. It is the Saints Perfection,
be a Companion of Tribulation, in the Kingdom and
tience of Jefus Chrift, Rev. i. 9. 3. It was the Pro-
ets, and of all the great Men that lived before us,
ir Way to Heaven; fo the Apoftle James, chap.
r. 10. he faith, Take, m; Brethren, the Prop
ve fpoken in the Name of the Lord, for an E
fering Affiiclion, and of Patience ; and, in ver. II. Ve
ve heard of the Patience of Job, and have feen the End
the Lord, that the Lord is *very pitiful, and of tt>

4. The Excellency of th is in this, it is

rfs Victory over himfelf and all Things; by it a Man
fefTeth his own Soul, Luke xxi. 19. 5. It is of the
dful Things, that of which a Man will have need, as
g as he liveth, Heb. x. 36. Faith is neceffary to lay
TounAtion, Patience for the running of the Race;
, xii. 1. and for the building up to the Head itone,
Patience mult have its perfect Work, and it maketh
v 3 4

34? S E R M O N XXXVJ.

n entire, wanting nothing, J am. i. 4. Patience mm
be till the coming of the Lord, Jam. v. 7. 6. Patiend

Piece of God's Image, he is long*fufFering, R
zz. 7. It is Cjiriilian Fortitude and Magnanimir
enduring of Hardnefs as good Soldiers of Chnft, 2
ii. 3. 8. Jt i> a Kind of Chriftian Martyrdom, fufferin|
according to the Will of God, 1 Pet. iv. 19. when wt
willingly fuffer all his Will to pafs upon us, and be
witnefc, that in Faithfalnefs he afflicleth us, P/a
9. I he Excellency thereof appeareth in its I
. every Way : in fome Scnfe it is ufeful to G
ifelleth his Grace to his Glory. Then, it is m
fu], boti; ■ • and honourable for us; it m

CrofTts light, and maketh Chriilians the fame in al
■th unto them againft all I
ns. to It helpcth forward Salvation ; he that eil
dureth to the End mall be faved, Mat. x. zz. 1 r.

1 ig Self-denial in it ; the fufTering tl
of all Things, chat is much, Phil. iii. 8. but, tr
.J..n*s Wjii and Wifdom, is more; thi t
i.e. \z. The Excellency of i
ir in and from its Companions, in 1 Tim. vi. if
Faith and Love, go before it, and Meeknefs followeth it
ter )t, in 2 Tim. ni. 10. we have Long-fuffering, Ch
Patience, joined together ; and, in 2 Pet. i. 6. we haf
nperance before it, and Godlinefs after it. L^ilf
cy of Patience may be known by the E\Y\
of Imp t

: a Lots are they at, who want f

who have it nil
for Faith and '-iner, R/v.xiii. 10. and

God, nor their own Souls ; tl
je (0 far frum having learned that great LefTon,

re they fha!J be, tp.

content in any Eft ate they come inf

indeed, it e Soul in a rij

ition to God, and quiet waitr'

: ) he nketh it trr"

-

lh in Tr'J

On the Gospel Covenant. 343

Jation, and glorifieth God in the Fires, as it proraifed,
Ifai. xxir. 15. even while it is commanded: O! excel-
lent Patience, blefled are they that have itt and wo to
them that want it, in the Time of Need.

Ufe 2. Efteem highly of this Grace, and feek care-
fully after it; believing that there is an Excellency in n;
for, better is the patient in Spirit than *he proud in Spirit,
EccL vii. 8. though it be not thought fo by Men, that are
full of Self, and void of the Spirit of God, it pofleffeth
Man both of himfelf and of God.

Ufe 3. Warning, to keep a good Watch againfr. the
Enemies of Patience, I mean, agiinfi: every Thing that
may mar Patience; fuch as are thefe, in Gal. v. 20. Ha-
red, Variance, Emulation, Wrath, Strife ; and, in <ver.
16. Defire of vain Glory, provoking one another, and
jnvying one another: A Man fhould not do fo much as
>rovoke his Children to Wrath, Epb. vi. 4.

4. Matter of Thaokfulnefs, to thole that have this
ixcellent Grace of Patience : Now, left any mould be de-
rived, to think they have it, when they have it not, try
ourlelves by thefe Marks, (i.) Where true Patience is,
here will neither be a fainting under, nor defp fing of
he Rod, according to that or Heb. xii. 5. cited from
^ro<v. iii. II. My So>tt dejbife not thou the Cba/lening of toe
ordt nor faint ivhen thou urt rebuked of him. (2.) Where
is, there will be a Readinefs of Mind, to endure the
/orit Things for the Name of Jefus Chrift ; fo it was
/ith Paul, in rffls xxi. 13. while faid to thofe tnat uere
fTuading him from going to J eru/a/em, What mean ye
1 weep, and to break mine Heart, for I am ready, n

bound only, but to die at J erufaUm for the Name of the
ord Jefus. (3.) Where it is of the right Stamp, what-
ever Troubles ihall come, they will be fo far from mak-
lg us defert our Duty, as they (hail not be able 10 make
s fo much as once flack our Zeal ; they will not make
s caft away our Confidence, which is forbidden, Heb. x
5. but ralher make us lift up the Hands which hang
own, and the feeble Knees, and to make Itraight Paths
>r our Feet, Jell that which is lame fhou1.' be turned out
r the Way, Heb. xii. 12, 13. (4.) Where it is, T>

Y 4 b!#s

344 SERMON XXXVI.

bles will be born, not as from a Neceility, but willingly
and cheerfully, and with fome fpiritual rejoicing; \h
will be all Patience, and Long fuftering, with Joyfuln
Col. i. ii. there will be a taking joyfully the rpoiling
our Good% knowing in ourfelves that we have in Heave,
a better and an enduring Sobllance, Heb. x. 34. (5.)
Where it is in its perfect Work, it will even appear then,
when there is no Sign of Favour from God, bat He wri
ting bitter Things againft the patient, fob xiii. 26. an
when there is no Way of Efcape feen ; fo, in Hah. xiii,
17, 18. Although the Fig tre* jh a II not bloffom, neither Jba I i
Fruit be in the Vines, the Labour of the Olive jhall fail,
and the Yield jb all yield no Meat, the Flock Jhall be cut ojp
from the Fold, and there /ball be no Herd in the Stalls, yet
I t'.-ill rej.ice in the Lord, I ivill joy in the God of my
Salvation.

As to the third Thing propounded, Patience is promi-
fed in the new Covenant ; fo it is a covenanted BleffingJ
as appezreth, 1. From and by thefe Scriptures, Ifa. xliii.
2. ft ' i/Jcft through the Waters, I n.vill be <wi.'&

thee, a?: J through the Rivet s, they Jba 11 not overflow thee \
ewhtn thou trough the Fire, thoujhalt not be burnt,

.» kindle upon thee ; and, Rom. xv. 5.
God is the God of Patience, fo he will give it; and, inj
Phil. i. 29. it is given both to believe and to fufFer ; andJ
in Jam. i. 4, ;. the trying of Faith worketh Patience,
and Patience (hail have her perfect Work; and, in Ija.
:;!. vrr. : it is faid, that the Lord will give

Power to and to ti cm that have no Might he

will incre.v e You'hs fhal! faint and bei

weary, and the young Aden (hall utterly fall; but they
that wait ' : ,rd (fuch are the patient,) fhall renev/

their Strength, they thai! mount up with Wings as Eagles,
they lhall run and not be weary, they (hall walk and noq
m thefe Re

oei;>g filled with all Un- f

righreoufnefb,— h. li of Envy, Murder, Debute, Rom. i. 29.1

neither can we of or by ourfcives command it ; (4, it rrfuit j

be given, or we c c it : Stoical Patience was little jj

than a dead Palfy. zd. Obedience is promifedjjj

and I

Jar

On the Gospel Covenant. 345*

and Patience is a Kind of paffive Obedience, $d. Faith
IS promikd, and, by Confequent, Patience; Fnirh and
Patience go together ; fo Paul did glory in th
nians, for their Patience and Faith in all the Trio Canons
and Perfections which they endured, 2 Tbeffl i. 4. and,
in Rev xiiK IO. /&;-* is the Faith and Patience of the
Saints ; Faith doth work Patience, Jam. i. 3. qtb. Cor-
recting in Meafure is prornifed ; the Lord will not lay up-
on Man more than right, that he hould enter into Judg-
ment with God, Job xxxiy. 23. He will not make a full
End of his People, but correct them in Meafure, Jer.
xxx. 11. Now, while correcting in Meafure is prornifed,
Patience is prornifed, Patience will bear that which is in
Meafure. $tb. God's All fufficiency is engaged,, and

ace fufficient is prornifed; and where theie are, theie
wTll be Patience. 6tb. The Kingdom which is prornifed
is attained trnough manifold Tribulations, Acls xiv 22.
and Tribulation uorketh Patience, Rom. v. 3. ytb. Per-
feverance is -prornifed, and it is by patient Con-inur.uce
in well doing, Rom. n. 7. %tb. Fruit is gromifed, 1
It he a , fai:h the Lord, fi am me is thy Ftuit

found, Hf. xiv. 8. and this Fruit is brought forth
Patience, Luke viii. 15. where it is faid, that they v.
receive the Seed on the good Ground, are they which in
an honeit and good II ng heard the Word, keep

it, and bring forth Fruit with Patience, qtb. This Pa-
tience is reckoned among the Fiuits, and fo, among the
Gifts of the Spirit, Gal. v. 22. under the Names of
1 uttering and Gentlereis : By thefe, and other like
Proofs, it is evident, that Patience is a Grace, prornifed
in the new Covenant.

Vfe 1. Terror to thofe who live without the Covenant;
they can have none of this moil need/ul Grace, Patience;
they cannot fuffer much at all, much lefs can they fufifer,
as the Saints do, 1 Pet. iv. 19. that b, according to the
Will of God, fo as to commit the keeping of thai/ Suuls
to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

2. Againft Defpair, in thoTe who groan, and are
grieved for Want of it, and defire greatly to have it: It

. Covenant
;nnz/

34^ S E R M O N XXXVI.

Blefling, an^ may be \\-\d by all who fee a Need of it, ^
believe to h:\ve ir, and afk it of the God of Patience, in
the Name of his Son Jefus Chrid : But this Patience doth
not relt in Bofom Resolutions, or Self-afH icings, but in
patient enduring of hard Things, as good Soldiers of
thrift, 2 T:m. ii. 3.

Uje 3. All then who defire to be noflefleJ of this Pa-
tience, mud go in to the Covenant of Promifes, that they
nv-ty have it; and Mtfi would be very earned to have ir,
for thefe Reafons, (1.) It hath a perfeit Work, yea, and
in k is perfected the Work of other Graces, Jam. i. 4.
(2) Without it, a Man cunnc: be Mailer of himfelf, he
cannot pofTcfs his own Soul. Luke>x\. 19. (3.) Without
it, the Heart cannot be fettled in any good Thing; tne
Want of it maketh that Fainting in the Day of Adver-
fity, Prov.xKiv. 10. Patience 1 h Ilablifheth the

Heart, Jam. v. 8. (4) The Want of it maketh

way in the Hour of Temptation ; and the Name of
comch to be reproached, when we are overcome of
contrary to the Warning, Rvm. xii. 21. (5 ) We
re encouraged to leek after this Patience in S
becaufe it will keep us from being tenpted above
1 vve ire able -to be ir, and -v. jth the Tempta-
tth a Way of Efcape promiied unto it, 1 Cor.

e thefe Helps, and ufe them as Means to obtain
and improve this Patience, I. Prayer, H^atcb and pray

itth. xx vi. 41. Jj any
•:. v. 13. God doth fmite,
that we may feek tnis and other Graces, Hof. v. 14, 1 5.
with vi. 1. He hath promifed to hear, Pfa. I. 15. Afflic-
eifonable and good praying Time, 1,'a. xxvi.
16. (2) Meditation of the Caufes of our Trouble:
fup:eme Caufe, God only wife, juft and righ-
teous ciful ; ordering all inferior Cau:es,
/fa. x. 5, 6. 2 nrccu.ing, which is Sin; ,
this o' 1 . 1 2, i 7, 34. rebel-
ling af :emning the Cqunfel .
of the moft High r i\ranfgre"ffions ]
and \u Jer. a* 14, 21.

when

On the Gospel Covenant. 347

when every Man is brutifti, and Paftors are brurifh, then
they fhaH not profper ; and how God punifherh ie*"
deferving. Ezra ix. 15. yt. The final C :h the

firft Fountain ; all from Love, Heb. xii. 5, 6. they are fent
to further Conversion, to mortify Sin, and to increafe
Grace and Knowledge, both of God and curielves.

S E R M O N X II.

ON THE

GOSPEL COVENANT

On the Fruits of Sanctification, IV

1

• 5-
dt though 7

Dejtre

1

HAVING fpoken to rhe chiefeft of fanclifying
and b.ving Graces I go now to fpeak to the
cniet Fruits of Sanclification, which alfo ar<
fings of the Covenant: And, hrit, to thi PetCfc,

&nd Aflurance: I join rhefe two together, becaufi
flrft maketh the Soul ri^ Anchor ; and ri

maketh the Anchor fure and itedfatt.

to the hVit, Peace, v. heie three,

A' hat it is.
3^/y, How ic u a U,

348 S E R M O N XXXVIL

As to the firit, What it i% The Peace I am now to
fpeak of, is not that external Peace, Pfa. cxliv. 15. I
leave that to dc reckoned of temporal Bleflings :

Nor is it that eternal Peice or Kelt, prepared for the
People of God, Hcb. iv. 9 -J leave that to be fpoken of,
in that great and laft Covenant Bleffing, which is eter-
nal Life. The Peace, of which I now intend to fpeak,
is, that lpin:u.il Peace, in whicn the ipiritual Kingdom
of God doth Hand, in a great Part, Rom. xv. 17. it is
fometimes called the Peace of God, Phil. iv. 7. ChniVa
Peace, John xiv. 27. and a Fruit of ti;e Spirit, Gal. v.
22. It is called the Peace of God, becaufe it is both
from him, as a Gift, and with him, as a Party, Rom. v.
I. It is called by Chriit h\- Peace, becaufe it is by him,
and he is the Purchaser of it ; fo, Peace is preached by
Jefus Chriit, he is the Lord of x. 36. He is our

Pe.ce, Ep/j. ii. 14. yea, this Peace is commonly called
the Peace of Conlcience, becaufe it flowcth from, and
ftandeth much in, the Teltimony and Anfwer of a good
Conscience, 2 Cor. i. 12. and 1 Pet. in. 21. More par-
irly, there is a twofold Peace; one is, the Peace of
Faith, and J unification ; heit.-g jujified by Faith, <we /Save
Peace with God', this ft tndeth in a ciofing with, and quiet
reiting upon, the Prom:fe, for Pardon : The other is, the
Peace or Sandhncation which arifeth from the reflex A&
of Faith and Feeling of Pardon, fpoken in and from Vic-
tory over Sin and Temptation ; it is of both thefe I am
now to fpeak.

JJfe 1. A juft Reproof to thofe, who are for any
Peace rather than lor this, which is the Peace of God, of
Chriit, and of Conicience: They will be at Peace wjth
thefe Lulls that war againft the Sou), Peace with thofe
Men that war againft God; yea, and at Peace with De-
vils, which are Enemies both to God and Man, allowing
even to thofe uncle. in and reftlefs Spirits, a peaceable and
quiet Habitation: The beft that Men can expect of fuch
Parties, is an uncertain Peace, and a mod certain War,
and in End Deftruclion.

U/'e 2. Be not deceived with your fuppofed Peace; all *
Lhat is not tie Peace ox God and Conference, which is

fuppofed

On the Gospel Covenant. 349

Tappofed to be fa : Take thefe two, as fure and iblid Marks
f a found Peace, (1.) It it be attained by Faith 01 that
Blood of Attonement ; compare Exod. xxx. ic. acd Leu.
xvii. 1 1 . with Rom. v. 1 1 . (2.) If it be maintained by the
Spirit of Holinefs, and thefe peaceabie Fruits of P.ighte-
oufnefs, Heb. xii. II. In cheie two we have, both tne
in and the River of true and moil delightful Peace.
As to the fecond Thing propounded, The Excellency of
this Peace, you may take it up thus, 1. It is io excelJent,
that the Lord takcth his mod honourable Name and
Title from it, fbe God cf Peace> who brought again from
the dead our Lord Jefus, the gtcat Shepherd 0/ the Sheep,
through the JBlood of the tuerlafiing Covenant: The Lord
hath more Honour in this Name, than in ail other Ma-
niieftations ; for, they all run either in unto or out from
this, that he is the God of Peace, Heb. xiii. 20. 2. This
Peace mud be excellent, becaufe it is Chriit's Legacy ;
Peace 1 leave with jou, my Peace I give unto jou, not as
the World givetb give I unto you, John xiv. 27. it is
fuch a Peace, as the World cannot give. 3. It is a
Peace which paiTeth all Underrtanding, Phil. iv. j. it is'
fuch a Peace, as none can know but they who have it,
yea, and fuch as fhall not be fully known in this Lite.
4. It is fuch a Peace, as (hall keep with a Guard, both
Heart and Mind unto Duty, and againll Temptation, in
the fame Phil. iv. 7. 5. It maketh both Sufferings eafy
to be born, and all Enjoyments fweet and pleafant; it is
the Bird, as it were, in the Boibm, finging fueetiy. 6..
It is not only the Image, but the Beginning of Heaveo,
#s a felf condemning and tormenting Confciencir is the
Image of Hell. 7. Had we this Peace once, the Lord '
wouid make both the Beajb and Stones of the Field to
be at Peace with us, Job v. 23. 8. The Excellency of
this Peace may eafily be gathered, from the Eviis u
are in the Want of it, even in a Child of God : How-
pitiful was Job's Cafe, chap, f i. 4. when the Arrows of
the Almighty were within him, the Poifon whereof dfd
drink* up his Spirit, and the Terrors' of God did fet them-
selves in Array againft him ? How pitiful was Davitfs
Cafe, Pfa . xxxii. 3, 4. when he had hi* Roarings all the

Day

S E R M ( I i VII.

Day loig, and the Hand of God was Day and Night
heavy upon him ? And, in P/a. li. 8. when the Pain of his
Spirit was fai beyond the Pain of broken Bones? And
how fad was Uanan\ Cafe, in Ixxxviii. i^. who was rea-
dy to uie from his Youth u^? and while he fufFered the
Terrors of God he was diftra&ed: And, if the Want of
this Peace be fo dreadful a Thing to the Saint.% how
much more dreadful will it be to the wicked, when Con-
fcience fhall come to be in A rms agamft them ? they ffrall
then underftand well that Text, I/a. Ivii. v'tr. 21.
Peace, faith my God, to the nuicked.
Vfe 1. This may found a fharp and loud Alarm to un-
godly Men; they neicher have nor can have this excel-
lent Thing, Peace; bur Terrors fhall make them afraid
on every bide, and then they fhall be brought to the King
of Terrors, Job xviii. II, 14. he is much worfe than he
in Gen. xvi. 12.

Vfe~ 2 Learn to efteem this Peace above every Peace,
and love no Peace that wanteth this, for wherein is it to
be e (teemed?

Vfe 3. Rejoice in the Lord, and be thankful, all you
that hapve tnis Peace; they have a Jewel indeed, who
have it: But, that you be not deceived, thinking you
have it, when you have it not, know it by thefe Marks,
(1.) It will be known and found that it groweth not up,
nor fpringeth up from any Tiling in us; it is not (clf-
grown, but of a heavenly Original : Righteouihefs look-
eth down from Heaven, and Rrghteoufnefs and this Peace
are each in others Arms, Pja. Ixxxv. ic\ 11. (2.) It is
the EfFeft of Faith, Rom. v. r. (3.) I c can no: bear with
Sin, nor give Quarters to it ; it is joined with Purity ;
flrrt pure, then peaceable, James iii. 17. (4 ) It is not
kcuie, but flcepeth in its Armour, believing that there
is a Hippinefs in a holy Fear, Prov. xxviii. 15. (5.) ft
will not be without many and frequent Aflaults ; for Sa-
ta-. is a great Enemy to this Peace. (6.) It will give little
Peace to Sin in others ; it will not fuffer Sin upon a Rro- c
ther or Neighbour ; for that were to bear i Hatred (a the *
Heart et him, L$v. xix. 17.

^On the Gospel Covenant. 251

Ufe 4. Pity the godly, when they are under Tempta-
kn, and want this fweet Peace; no Affli&ion can betal
p like unto ;his, to want and be withocc chia Peace
Jth God, and Peace v, itn their own Souls.
Ab to the third ; This fair and blefTed Peace, it may
had, for it is promited ; it is a rrcn a-id free Bieiling
the new Covenant: It is promifed, in Pfa. xxix. 11.
at the Lord will blefs his People with Peace} and, in
xxv. 8. He will fpeak Peace to his People, and to his
ints, in lfa. Hv. 10. Mountains Jh all depart, and Hills
removed) but my Kindnefs Jhall Hot depart from thee,
m Covenant of my Peace be removed, faith the Lota
'tb Mercy on thee ; and, in *ver. 15. All thy QhiUren
all be taught of the Lord, and great Jbull be the Peace
thy C and, in lfa. lvii. 19. the Lord hath pro-

led to create the Fruit of the Lips, Peace, Peace, to
n that is far off, and to him that is near ; and, in ixvi.
1. it is promifed, that the Lord will extend Peace iike
River ; and, in Hag. ii. 9. 7 he Glory of this latter
uie fball be greater than of the former, jaith t
'ds ; and in this Place will I gi-ve Peace, faith the L
Hofis; and, in Zech. ix. 10 it is piomifed concerning
iriil, that he lhall fpeak Peace to the Heathen : For
"ther Proof that this is a covenanted Blefiirg, is clear
m theie Things, 1. That the new Covenant is called
! Covenant of Peace, in the above cited Place, lfa. nv.
• 2. This Peace can be from none but God, became
is created, as in lvii. he giveth it to whom he %
A wounded Conicience knoweth no Phyfician but Gt

cxlvii. 3. and Hof vi. 1. the Children of God will
fer be quiet until they get into their Father's Bofom.
Righteoufneis by Faith is covenanted, and fo Peace.
A Heart fprinkled from an evil Conicience is cove-
red, Heb. x. 22. and the Aniwer ot a good Conlca.
£>eace, 1 Pet. iii. 21. 6. Peace is the Effed of Chi
ath, in J/a. liii. 5. The Chafiifement of our Peace ■
n him, and by his Stripes *ue are healed ; and, in E
I 3> fy. Notv9 in Chrif Jefus ye% ivbo jbmetimes «t
r oJy are made nigh by the Blood of Chri/i, for he is our
ice. 7, The Gofpel is the Gofpel of Peace ; it is

Pe*c*

S5- XXXVIL

Peace on Earth, and towards Men Goodwill, Luke ii.
14. and called ibe Gcf; ^. 8*

Adoption is covenanted, and fo Peace ; for it makcth us
Sons of Peace, Luke x. 16. 9. Holinefs is covenanted,
and io Peace. 10. Joy is covenanted, and fo Peace.

Ufe 1. Terror to thofe who live without this Cove-
nant; they can have no true Prace with God or them-
. and no (\::q Peace with Man 1 m Peace to

the <x>Ackcd, faith the Lord, I/a. xlviii. 22. j

>rt to forely fhaken and troub'ei Con-
sciences; the Lord both can and will fpeak Peace to his
People ; he hath prortiifed to do fo ; and the Seas and
Winds do obey him. Mat. viii. 27. and when he givech
Quietnefs, who then cr.n make Trouble ? jfcbxxxiv. 29.
It is a convincing Light which he bringeth, to command
Peace ; ■ his Light is full and fatisfying, to affure Peace
from his own tree Grace, ChrihVs Fulnefs, and the Spirit
a clear and fure Witnefs, 1 John v. 6. But it is object-
ad by fome, he is offended, how fhall he fpeak Peace ?
/tnfuj. U we will only acknowledge our Offence, we
may confider, (1.) He is God, and hath Thoughts above
our Thoughts, and Ways above our Ways, 1/a. lv. 7, 8.
(2 ) He is the God of Peace, both mighty and fkilful in i
commanding Peace, and working it; he can create it.
(3 ) He is engaged, by the Covenant of Peace, to work
Peace. (4} The Lord will not willingly break that Re-
lation which is betwixt him and his People, 1 Sam. xii.
22. I/a, Ixiii. 8, 9. (5 ) If the Lord did not give Peace
to thoie that feek it, they might turn to Iniquity, and
the Lord will not fuffer it to be fo, P/a. c\::<

Ufe 3. Who would have this Peace, mult go into the
Covenant for it; and take thefe Motives, to quicken and
•■age you, (1.) Without it nothing but a wof'ui State,:
(2) Have we it once, then have we every good. (3.
No Soul EftabJimment without it. (4.) No Joy or Com
fort without it. (5.) It would be a continual Feaft, Prov
xv. 15. Take and ufe thefe Means alfo, 1. Seek Righ
teoufnefsfirft, the Work of Righteoufnefs is Pej.ce, ha
ii. 17. 2. Keep near to Chriil, and in good Term
with him ; he is the Prince of Peace, I/a. ix. 6. 3. Be

war

On tit Gospel Covenant. 353

'ware of every Sin which may mar Peace, efpt

mfcefs, Unbelief,' VVant of Love ro l
2nd Impenitency. 4. Seek fpeedily co be reconciled after
the Breach of Peace. 5. Be much in the GcfpeJ Way,
. Company with thofe that ar Peace.

4. The Fo , of the Children of

:ek Peace, and not by this Covenant, bur, as it
by the Works of the Law : It is good to ale Means,
and to be in the Ways of Peace ; bu: there rnuft be a
ooking unto, an .rig of him, who ereateth it.

As to the fecond fruit and Confequent o; Sanftirka-
ion, AfTurance, it is alio no fmal! Co vena at BfcBxng:
)f it 1 lhalJ fpeak briefly, in theie Thre. I at it

idly, How exce lent i: is promi-

sd, aad fo a prec

As to the firil, What it is, we may gather, 1. F
hefe Scriptures, in Col. ii. 2. it is cailed, the full A
nice of (Jriderftanditfg ; in Ileb. yi. n. the '
[ope ; and x. 22 fall Aifurance of Faith ; i it is

iljed Confidence in the Lord, and bef^ ; i
id v. 14. and towards him, iii. 21. It is tn
rive our Hearts ; * :ore God, ;

lured : More particularly, this A flu ranee is no: J
Fruit of it ; or, if >cu will have it fo t
>t a direel but a reflex Aft of it ; Faith hath one
lereby it oi covereth Chriit, and fl
g!e to the Prey, and rells on him ; and it hath am 1
5, whereby it coined] to know aflurediy,
>fed with Chriil ; the one is a direel Acl, it goeth
light out towards theObjrcl ; the othtr doth .

ich is done, and (t und

Drk ; and, finding all fare, it hath great Bo!-:
nfidence, Eph. iii. 12. It i- one Thing, to have
Faith; another, to know tl

n us of God, and to know the Tnings that

w-n unto u^ of him, 1 Cor. ii. 12. It is o:.e

to be of God, and ro be bel- lira, and

a, and th 1 of God

ng, that we mav both know

:. kii

1 true,

9

s

E R M O N XXXVII.

true, there is an AfTurance of Faith, or a fare Gripping
of Faith; but there is an AlTurance of Evidem
leth to be fure of the Grip,

.ch AlTurance of
that it reftcth on, the fure Rock; but the
ger Faith hath AlTurance of the Subject alfo, that
the believing Soul hath foundly built id.
that Rock.

i. By this it may appear, that every AlTurance is
not the right AlTurance; it muft be from clear Under-
Handing, from found Hope, and Faith unfeigned.

2. Who would approve themfelves Sons of Peace,
and of the Covenant of Peace, they Ihould not Ltisfy
themfclvca v.ith the Beginnings of Knowledge, and or
Faith in Jefus, but feek after this AlTurance of Faith,
whereby tney may know alTuredly and experimentally
both to know Jefus, and that they are in him.

As to the lecond, That this AlTurance is of grea
Worth and Excellency, you may know it by thefe grea
antages which are in it: It is true, a fmall Degree o
th will fave ; but this full AlTurance hath many Ad
vantages : I. It puts the Soul beyond doubting as to it
State and Perfeverance in the fame ; fee how the Apoftl
doth reafon, in Rom. viii. 33, 34, 35. i that JM

fiifietb, ivbojbail condemn? Who fball feparate us J

of 'Jefus Cbrift? 2. It breeds true Chriftian Fci

titude, whereby the Soul is Heeled againft Trouble, an

itirred up and itrengthned unto Duty. 3. It increafct

re and Resolution to pleafe God, 1 John iii. 19, 2 j

4. It hath joined with it, a holy Boailiag in God, wit

greateil Self-denial. 5. Free and abfolute SubmiiEon l

;od, when one knoweth whom he hat

. truf ■• i- 12. he will be freely at his Difpoia

6. Where it is, there will be found Delight in the

cheerful Obedience. 7. Where it is, there 1

to dr;.w in others to the Ways of God, u

this Ground, that they who enter thefe Ways dp not,

.in, do not fight as beating the Air, 1

Terror to thole, who are of that abfurd i

: Men, that have no Faith, 2 The//, ii;

)a the Gospel Covenant, 35-5-

I put of all thcie great Advantages, they can have
g of this excellent Affurance; >ti&g<

and are like to die defpninng.

C//p 2. Let us iearn. as many as covet i\\t beft Things,

: after this bldfed Fruit of Fai; . ation,

this full AiTurance; "and it (hall make us ret only live9

but live abundantly, John x. ic :omfortably

alio.

o the third, Tbfct this AfTurance is p?r.4 .Ted alfo,
eth from tftefe Scriptures, / .", where

the Effecl of Righreoufneis is Qaietnefs, and AiTurance
for ever, and PJaf. 84. 7. where it is prorih'ied, that we
flnll go from Strength to Strength, and from Rem. i.
where the Righteoufnefs of God is u rom Faith '

th ; and from Pnv. iv. ^: ath of the

like the mining Light, more

and more unto the perfect Dzy. 2. It hath been found
in the Experience of the Saints, a Faith vvithot

• its Soul n
.ft in Gud, like ; a Faith triumphing in

Ts; a Faith by which the Heart
been a., reGod; and this Affura

it Revelation, from the Faith of Chri!
., Alcenfioft, and fitting at the
• viii. 33, 34, 35.

nant of Prom i fee ; they can have none 0/ . ^ncr,

only cometh by Faith of" the Promi
• ho want Affurance, feek it in
and by the Pre mile ; feck it <

Honour by it; Abraham glorified otd fo
much. (2.) So we mall have the more d

(3) So, we m.iy be enable
eaiily, and to fight the :
(4.) So,dra*.vin ' much from Chri
tor filiating

I

[ 35^ ]

5* E R M 0 X XXXVIII.

ON THE

G 0 SP RLCO V E N A N T:

On tlic Fruits of San&ification, Joy, and
Comfort.

2 S A M U E L xxiii. 5.

Although my Houfe he not fo with God ; yet he hath made

with me an ever(aftihg Covenant, well ordered in all Things

and Jure ; fir this if .ill my Salvation, and all my Dejire,

although he make it not to grow.

THERE arc two other great Fruits of Faith and
San&ification, 'viz. Joy, and Comfort ; and of
Joy, I {hall, illy Shew you what it is. w ex-

cellent a Mercy and Blefllag it is. ydly9 How it l* alio
a fpecial Covenant Blefling.

A? to the firft, What this Joy is, It \s a Grace where-
by the Heart cometh to be enlarged upon and delighted 1
in God. There are feveral Sorts of Joy, 1. A natural
Joy, fuch as a Woman hath, when (he hath brought forth
a Man-cniid, John xvi. 21. 2. A worldly Joy, upon:
fome worldly Accounts, fuch as the Joy in Harveil, and
when Men divide the Spoil, Ifa. ix. 3. 3. There is the
Joy of Hypocrites, which is but for a Moment, Johxx. 5.
4. There is a wicked ajid ungodly Joy, a rejoicing in 1
Folly, Pro-o. xv. 21. and in working Mifchief, or deviling
I It ?f the Heathen, and of all Idumca, that

they

On the Gospel Covenant. 357

they had appointed the Lord's Land into rheir Po/Teffion,
with the Joy of all their Heart, and with defpight/ul
Minds, to call it out for a Prey. Of that was a wicked
Joy : But the Joy of which we fpeak, ir is tne Fruit of
Faith, and Sa notification ; it is a fpintual Joy, a Joy in
God, through the Lord Jefus Chriit, by whom we rnve
received the Atonement, Rom. v. II. It is caiJed the Joy
of the Holy Ghoft, 1 Thejf i. 6. This 15 a Joy indeed,
as you fhall hear in the next Point, whether 1: be looked
upon as it goeth out on God, or as it deligntcth the
Soul within.

Ufe 1. Reproof to thofe that are taken up with un-
y Joys, which are no Joy*, nothing in companion
of this.

2 Seek todiitin^uiih betwixt this and other Joys,
ana to hnve your Joys fpiritual, and of the right Kind,
ind kindling by Fire from Heaven, and Fuel or" the

As to the fecond, Chriilian Joy is an excellent B.'ef-

ing ; it hath the Marrow of Blellings in it, fo the Pfaf-

12 lit iingeth; in P/a. Jxiii. 5. Mj Soul Jball be fatisfied as

' iarronv and Fame/*, and my Mouth (ball pi a if e thee

4th joyful Lirs : It is a Jailing Joy, there is ever Matter

or it ; Bleffed are they that duct 11 in t they will

>e pill praifirg thes, Pfal. lxxxiv. 4. It is that Feaft of

at Things, a Feafl of Wines on the Lees, ut fat Things,

ull of Marrow, of Wines on the Lees well refined, lja.

xv. 6. More particularly, The Excellency or this Grace

ppeareth thus, I. From the Auchor of it, the Holy

jiioil ; it is Joy in the Holy Gholt, Rom. mv. 17. 2.

'rom the Objed of it, God, and his Son Chriit Jefus;

), in Phil. iii. 1,3. we have rejoicing in tne Lord, and

i Chrill Jefus. 3. It is peculiarly called Chrilt's Joy ;

), in John xv. I 1. our Lord iaith, Theft Ihings ha.

poken unto you, that myjoy might remain in \ou% and that

our Joy might be full \ and, in Xvii. 13. Tbtfe 'Things I

Worlds that they might laze m\ J oy fulfilled

4. It puts a Heart in a right Fram

Jam. v. 13. is, it a Man's Heart
Mind be \\\ a light Frame, if it go well with it.

v The
I

Wli:

■

Joy,

On the Gospel Ccr

Joy or the Lord will be a Peo;

10. Eternal H_ ^oeth unde of this

enter thou into the Joy of thy at. xxv. 23.

fpiritual Joy here is of the far
Fruits of everlafting Joy there.

U/e 1. Their MUci
of Grace ; they neither know nor
► of this true Joy

.ling of Tfiorn?, Ecci vii 6.

2. We cugLt to efteem I
man the Gate of Heave;

the Be.ievers Gztes ;
and r

ieaas to h

the Promii.
tr a godly Sort ; that Sorrow, if any. fhali be turn-

i Joy, go together. (3 ]
Lipon Pre;. _c:aJIy thefe whi ife Joy.

Remember

3. Be thankful, all you that have any Thing of

r.d fpiritual Joy ; andkno..

■\e Man that 1: good in bis 5 .
ledge, and Joy, [2.) It is joined wjth the free Spirit of
■

thy Saluaii:n% and .
U is joined with holy Fear; lb rejoice n
. P/al. ii. 11. and v.ith other (
offering, C

d hath all its Springs in God,
(5 ) I: is pure, and unmixed 15 more con

aiding than other Joys; (

ul whither e Sta-

tements of the Lord will be Matter of
g to thofe . 54.

, *~ Reproof to many C:

gs, which either mar ai:
eir Joy ;

1 " M o n" xxxvui. ,

s

Chief

TbfagP °f lhc VT- ch*f i-ui'-s of the Sput^
i. It » one of che c..^ bcar.rg „ r

"2'^tms]ovisourSut.

o,

JPEL Cove.

>*«. Lovf:.

2*

i

36

* wwCor,fortis, itm.ybe

ti

the foul, lhV lIeart ; outward Reliu we

fc^l Sou in Dlfirefs have ^|Sexpreffi»g ^
•^ ' nth^ Nature of it, by the Wo * ? b lt -
may take up th; - ^ e j thc ooul, w red

e!'her ftrr "some of thel\£XS'U up our Spirits;
from the lame b cai.l0& l the

"ffii " Vinefs; fome, J Qrt is tf

'• by u Pra-ve or Sett ; fo tbaifll „<rthnine of the

■t * rIf "th ?S£i Soul, the W£ ^ a,e
-^iffe^eMn^ the Stay o^eB ^

« w -rrent'th failcth, tne rpce;ved, before u
n^u-Sbefpokenm.anarecew

:; • V.-re- i. .11 for Corofort-S

work the Cure. . who call tor

haVe,JS,° k S to the Application » fo r * £* p,

w0Uld look weu ,icaUon s either tn Seaf

F /

Phil. 2.1. Tl ti this

14. 1 6, 26. /-.

2. 25? 2
Excel!'.. ; ppeareth in and i. by

-
ture^, 7\v?. 15, 4. 1 h .,ed, whic

ion, ar.c 1 Cor. 1 4. 3. )

&) to called the Confglation ; k% in /Tiffj 15. ji. The
Epiftle being read, k

efpecially the Com! e by the fveet and

precious Prom if:; :y of Con

many
[Soul Cures, and the* delight th< . even

in the Multitude of Thoughts, P/al. 94. 19, 4. Their

able-
unable R
a to the y hiirt thai

. 5

ty of C

1

}y be1 .

jhotl, nod theie Coniol. 4l; ij

:

I up-

ied in :

S E R M O N XXXVIII. A

Ufe 2. All who love excellent Things, covet thefe
ftrong and fweet Confolat'ons of God, the choice Com-
forts of the Spirit ; they are of greater Price, the Price
of ChrilPs Blood, and of more excellent Ufc than all the
moll r ..v ai J coil v Cordials in the World ; they quicken
the Dead, and ftrengthen the Soul to the bigheft A
Life in Communion with God, and Delight in him:
None will know the Worth of them, as they who have
had their Souls down, and brought up again from the
lowed Pit, wirh Da<did9 in Pfai. 86. 15. and Heman, in.
Fjai 88. 6, 13.

As to the third, That Comfort is promifed, is clear,
(i.) From Scripture, that, in I/a. 40. 1. wherein the
Warrand is doubled for miniilring Comfort to his People!
and, in I/a. 51. 3. The Lord '/hall com fori Zion, be twill
comfort all h,r ivaJU Places ; and, in I/a. 66. 13. ds
bis Mother comforteth^ fo 'will I ?«, and

comforted in J erufalem ; and. 3 1. 13.

ill comfort them , and make
row: And then, that great P;omiie of Chrilt, that he
will fend the Comforter, J ' uhn 15. 26. \ia, it is promif-
ed, that the Lord will heal and iettore Comforts, ljaiuh
57. 18. (2) Ly the Experience of the Saints, David
had the Experience, thai even the Lord's Rod and Staff
m, Pfal. 23. 4. and profeffeih his Hope,
the Lord would comfort him on every Side, Pfabu
71. 21. (3) Faith and Hope are covenanted, and there
t in both thefe, and in Love alfo, Rom. 1. 12.
16. and Phil, 2. 19. (4.) Grace fufneient is
prom lied, ami fo all neceflary Comforts.

Ufe I. Miiery of thole who live without the Coven mt;
they have no Title to Comfort, becaufe they have no Right
to the Pro J

in Need of Comfort, let tnern .

turn in to this Covenant ol Grace, and thence they mail

;t, even abounding Confol itions ; but, let none

wome 1 ■-)' fee a Need of it ; yet

; up of Comf< e, till a Time of

gopd Thrift: I would look well, that ym

• On the Gospel Covenant. 365*

jettifhly put not away Comforts when they come unto
/ou ; fore Anguiih hath made the Saints fometinfes do fo,
Vfalm 77. 2.

SER M O N XXXIX.

ON THE

jOSPEL C OVE N A N T:

)n the laft Fruit of Sanctification, Com-
munion with God.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
Uthough my Hotrfi be ndt fi with God; yet he hath
with me an ever la fling Covenant, well order el in all T
and Jure; for tins is ail my Salvation, and alt
although he

[TOLJNFSS is of great Price with God, and
71 of marvellous AdvaiiUge to Man; it beareth
rim to God, and bringeth forth precious Fruit to us:
behave heard of a four fold Fruit, of Peace, Aflbfance]
yy, and Comfort; followerh now the laft an J belt Fruit
ereof, Communion with God; and of it I /hall {peak
little, (for it is but little that can be fpoken of this un-
eakable Thing,) in thefe three, i. What it is. 2. How
•ecious and excellent a Thing it is. 3 flow it is aJ/o
'°roijak and fo a rich and fair Covenant BIcffine
\jFtot^fir(l, Communion with God is a great Myfte-
Hit is founded in another Myllcry, nearell Union w.ch
Ml: The Apoftle John doth afferc, that fuch a \

1

uly our F

■

• for it to t
f the Holy Gb

d in S:
;u,t - by Men their walking w

i or £«<?rZ' and Mtt£, Gen. 5. 22. and 6. 9.

.ng in them, or among them, Lm>. 26. 12

limes by the Lord's dwelling in them, an;'

ing in him, 2 Cor. 5. 16. and 1 Joln\. 13
Sometimes by the Lora's delighting in Men, and thet*
delighting in God, Pro. 8. 30. Chriit was the K.
Delight ; r. Communion betwixt them

and while ivlen J up to Delight ti

the Lord, Pfal xxxvii. 4. they are called up to neartl
Communion with him. More particularly, in this
m union with God are thefe Things : (1.) There \\
fuppofed Union; Communion cannot be without \
Union with Uod is in- Chriit, and by the Spirit they th*
are joined to the Lord are one Spirit, 1 Car. 6
(2) In Communion theie are mutual Communic
the Lord coin nunicateth himfeif in. nd l'pintua

\yf and moit freely, and this eiti. !y b> Urd

nances, or immediately by himfelf and Spirit ; and tr
Soul doth communicate itfelf in going out upon God i
fecrec Actings, fuch as are the Ads of Meditation, Adc
ration, and Admiration. (3 ) In it there is Coinmerc
?nd Correfpondence, FJeaven coming down to
Ija. Ixiv. 1, 2. And the Soul afcending up to He >
the C n Heaven, Phil id. 20. (4 )

is much Trull, where this Communion is; each wi
truft the Secret to another : So, in Gen. xviii. 17. tl
Lord will not hide from Abraham that which he was 1
do to Sodom, and the other Cities, which d.
her Sins : In this Communion, Chriit. 1 poq B

fevers, not as Servants, but as Fri< ig$ th

he hath heard of the rather he vviii

in this Cominunioir there will be
dence on eithe on the Lo.

{cendence of '

\

• On the Gospel Covenant. 367

eale,th Backflidjngs, Hif. xiv. 4. And on M:
iuch Self-dei . xvi. 24. (6-) In it the;

luch Familiarity, talking one with another,
'ace to Face, as a Man doth with his Friend; io did
tfofes with God, 1 ::xin. II- (7.) In this L

nunicn there will be fweat Talk, and Soliloquies, :
ecret Communications, which no other can know, when
he King is held in his Galleries, Cant. vii. 5. (3 ) i
will be mutual Delights, the Lord calling; his Spoui'e
riephzibah, when his Delightis in her, Ifa. iii. 4. it can-
lot be told what that is, while we are in this Life ;
he Bridegroom rejoiceth over the Bride, in the 5th
)f that Chap. And then the Spoufe delighting in
V. 16. His Mouth is ? , yea, he is alio:

he is her Beloved, and her Friend. (9) A mu-
;ual praiiing of each other, as it is in the song ;
Church praifeth and prizeth the free Gifts of God,
the Lord praifeth and prizeth Jheir buying without
Money, and their Service done with a willing Mind:
Sod delighteth in Mercy, Micab vii. 1 8. and the S
lelight in Love and Praiies.

U/e 1. The Mifery of thofe that know nothing of tbi?
?ellow{hip withGod, who readily will be drawn to any Fel-
owfhip rather than this ; yea, which is lamentable, they
lave Fellowship with the unfruitful Works of Dar
;ontrary to Eph. v. 1 1. Ah ! they know not Comm-
,vith God : If they, knew it, nothing would \
■ed unto it ; and they would take no Rek .
lvere n.uie Partakers of it; without Goa

I Id be unto them the foreil Plague.
U/e 2. Let all love Holinefs, who profefs to leek C
Jnunion with God; for this precious Commun
,?'ruit of Holineb : Sin doth ieparate Souls fi
l(3Ut Holinefs bringeth the Soul near Go,:, and
jj,o the Soul; io there cometh to be a fw
A^nd good Correfpondence from Conformity : Hoh
J^ifcrtmagc, and he loveth to fee it; it is that -

luch *Tft his Praife, and he inhabiteth Praiies.

,s to the y^awi Thing propounded, concerning thisCorn-

iioo* the Excellency of it, it is fo exec.

E

in.

S E ON'

is like it; (i.) The Excellency of it apj '
it fpcaketh grt. > great,

I'ency in th^c ; for when the Spirit of I
Fotih the higheft Honour and Excellency of his

'lech them a People near fiimj
. that it is Feilowfhip with the'
Father, with his Son, and with the Holy Gnoit ; Feilow-
fhip with God as a Father, O! that is fw< thorn
?iot from this Time cry unto me% My Father ■,
O^ f Jer. iii. 4. Jt is Feilowfhip with ( ,
as cne in Covenant with u% as one of neareft Relation
unto us, as one with whom we may be familiar, and that
refufe to give us nothing that is good, (o God is Love
unto us, 1 John iv. 8. And then, Feilowfhip with the
Son, O \ that is fweet ; ic is fuch as mikerh us Partakers
of him, Heb. iii. 1^.. as maketh him to be in us, and us ,
in him, John xvii. 21, 23. as made us his Delight |
in Eternity, Prov. viii. 39. and will make him our De-
light throughout all Eternity ; and then Feilowfhip with
the holy Spirit, and fo, a moil insvard and immediate
Fe'lowfhip, and mod fpiritual Feilowfhip, of Spirit with
Spirit, a mofl ravifhing Feilowfhip, wherein the Spirit of
God raifeth our Spirits to Admiration and wondering:
And then, Feilowfhip with the f e a I i n ^ Spirit, whereby
the FrienJfhip is made inviolable. (3.) The Excellency
of it appeareth in this, that there are fo rich Communi-
cations and Manifeitations in it ; the Lord therein corn-
municateth his fpecial Love, Influences of Life and
Strength, Evidences of his accepting both Perfons and
Services ; and then, there are it it, rare Manifestations
of God; fometiraes of his Mind, fometimes of his Na> {f
ture, fometimes of his fpecial Goodnefs. (4.) The i
ceilency of it appeareth in this, the Dignity to which
this Feilowfhip doth advance the Creature: Feilowfhip
with God miketh Believers Princes with God, as Jacob
was; it maketh them Kings and Priefts to G<
6. great Courtiers with the King of Kings. (A The
Excellency of it ltandeth in this, that it maketjx]||e7Hc/
excellent Spirits : Companying with the wife and' Men <&
Parts, will help Men much to improve their Parts, x'rK-

thin

•

- 0/; the Gospel Covenant. 369

they be weak; how much more will familiar converfing

with God do this ? (6.) The Excellency of it is in this,

that tnere is Accefs therein to God with Boldnefs ; tho"

Btl Boldnefs will not any Way leffen Reverence, yet it

kvill make a Soul very bold and familiar witji God : fee

it in Abraham, Gen. xviii. and in Mojks, Exod. xxxiii.

From Verfe 9th to the End : The ore of thofe, for this

Familiarity with God, is called the Friend of God for

?ver, by Jehojaphat, 2 Chron. xx. 7. and by the Lord

rimfelf, I/a. xli. 8. Abraham my Friend ; and it is laid

Wt the other, that the Lord fpake to him Face to Face,

fij a Man doth to his Fner.d, in the 1 ith Verfe of Exod.

,:x/.iii. Who have Fellow (hip with God, may fpeak |11

h«\c which is in their Heart to him, and may expect ;.

Things from h:m in Prayer. (7.) Fellowship with God

/ill make a Man's Face to fhine : Mofcs was but feme

lore Time with God on the Mount, and his Face mined,

3 as the People could not endure to look upon it j fo as

e behoved to cover it with a Vail ; the Skin of his fiione

1, that both Aaron and all the Children of Ifrael were

raid to ccme near him, Exod. xxxiv 29, 30, 33. 1\1-

wmip with God will make the Soul mine thro1 the Bo-

K, and make the Countenance look Heaven like. (8.)

he Excellency of this FellovUbip appeareih in this, thac

is fuch as the fpiritua! Man will never weary of : It is

ue, there will be fomcihing in the moil mortified Chn-

an, that will weary of the moil lpirirual Exeiciies, ac-

rding to that, in Mark xiv. 38. The b'pinc is tr ueiy

*dy, but the Flefh is weak ; yet the new Man in the

i Chriiiian will have an unweiried Del
Uowfhip of God; fo ;.s never to be out of it : I
ide Peter, in Mat. xvii. 4 while he was oh the Mount
th Chrift, fay, Loidy it is good for us to be ben, let us
ke here three Tabernacles, one for theey one j ..

tr fur Elias. (9.) The Excellency of it aprc
when it is compa .11 other moil dcligjiiiul

jwft^p* : d Man with his Friend

fy lweiifc; but it is nothing compared to the Fdlo
\vith this hriend : It cannot oe told how much the
\ \ . 16.
Aa

ft chut Wc

sermon \x\r\. • '

•v Friend: The Fellowthip of a Huflnnd'wul
his I . ; when (he is the loving H.nd

(ant Roe, when her Bre~r her. iiufbaoc

ac ail Times, and he is always ravinYd with her Lov^
Prov. v. 19. but this is nothing to the Fellowlhip 0:
Chnlt. with his Bride, when he is a Bundle of Myrrh uno
her, lying ail Night betwixt her Breails, Cant. v. 13
when his left Hand is under her Head, and his right Haw
is embracing her, Cant. ii. 6. The Fellowfhip of dear Com
panions at a Feali is fweet and folacing ; but it is nothinj
to this, vt teafting with Ghriit ; while the King iittetl
at the Table, the Spiknard of the Bride doth Tend fort)

Smell : In other Feilowfhips, there is neither th§
Onenefs and Suitabienefs of Spirit, nor that Inwardnei
or Communication ; fo, there cannot be fo fatisfyihg an,
folacing Delights.

Vie 1. Hence we may fee their Miiery and Madne
who neither know nor care for this fuper excellent Thinj
Communion with God ; they fatisfy themfelves, and
cannot be fatisfied with the impure Fellowthip of ung
Jy Men, and unclean Spirits: They pour out their Hea
and Ipend thofe immortal Spirits, which were made ft
Communion with God, upon Vanity and Wickedr
rneir Hearts become one with the Heart of their dete|
able Things ; compare Ezek. xi. 19. with 21.

2. Matter of Praife and Thankfulnefs, to thcF
who have thi* Communion with God ; they are bleflf
indeed, they know the joyful Sound, Pfal. lxxxix. if
tney dwell in God's Houle, and they will be ever praifir
him, Pfal. lxxxiv. 4. they walk in the Light of Goj

Lin te nance : Bur, that you be not deceived, to thif

that to be Communion with God, which is not, tcf

t Marks: (1.) True Fellowfhip with God is in ChrP'

0 have no clear and diliinct Knowledge of Chif

ig with him in the Covenant, have no tF

Communion with God at all ; for the Fellowfhip is,T'

i.er, fo with his Son Jefus Cj

rue Fellowfhip hath fpiritual Apprehelh*^

( *od ; that which is falie hath only carnal ApPFt.fl

t of him. (3 ) The trueCommunion is more inwaldll*

On the Gospel Covenant. 371

fecre; ; the other doth but tickle and delight the fenfitive
(4) The fpiri: than

the otner. is wrought bv

the one, not io ':■ r. (6.) True Felowihip will

work a Delight in the- :er the in vv.rd iVJan, /?;ct.

iii. 22. (; s of Aceefs is I t, and

to increafe it. (8.) An Antipathy to wicked Fel-
low fh;p, and cordial Delight in the Fellow ihfp of the

. Pfal. xvi. 2, 3. (9) A Willingnefs to par:
ill, before that we part with this Fel.owlhip ; yea, there
will be no living without it, and never en :, un-

:il we come to, where we ill a 1 1 enjoy to the rtrrr? (io.)
Where it is there will be high Reipecls for Jefus, and a
Love and Longing for his Appearing, 2 Jim iv. 8. yet,
t would be remembered, that this Coram N not

ie always in the lame iennbie Mcafare ; yea, it will not be
without its fad Interruptions, Cant. v. 6,

I
;*c ; yet, where it hath been in Tf
nefs in that withdrawing,
return, but an attivc beitirring
Jfe of every Mean, thai Le may retui

Com-

union, that it i> projuifod, ht is clear, (1 > Fr .
re?, where it 1^ h tliat <»< d lc in

d with them, ami they Qiall

-v. xx vi. 1 1, 1 2. 7 \oa,

\d r?r, §oul Jball n
, and t.(. ■:'// be \
Micah iv. ^. fi
"J r. God for ever :r:i

■ 'Jrengthen i ' ■: Lord, a

ic wn in his Nam* : And rhat Frc
( (hall walk <wit

\' wherein ii is prom; fed, chat I
fjfj^b*» People. due;l in them, wi;i
I \ ; fo,YTn Exui \\v. &

I' '

L Lid of the I

I A a

372 SER M O N XXXIX.

Lord will dwell in it for ever ; the like we have, in
CXXXii. 15, 14- The Lord Zion, he hath ..

it for his Habitation ; this is mv Rcft% faith he, for ever \
I dwell } for I have d fired it ; And we have a
more clear Place, both for his walking in and dwelling
with his People, in 2 Cor. vi. 16. I will dwell in them,
and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they /hall
be my People. This may be further cleared, by thefe Rea-
fons, 1. Fellowihip with God mult be by the Promife,
becaufe it cannot be otherwife ; for naturally, we are with-
out God, we are gone far from him, and cannot return1
again. _i It is promifed that he will be our God ; and
in tha&*_l,jmife Fellowihip with himielf is promifed. 3^
Chrill by Promife is given to be a Head and Hufband ;
and thefe blefted Relations cannot be exercifed, without
neareir, and fweeteil Fellowfhip and Communion. 4,
The Holy Ghoit is promifed ; and it is fo, that he may
abide with us, and dwell with us, John xiv. 16. and that
is to give us Fellowfhip and Communion with himfelf
5. The Pardon and putting away of Sin is promifed
Nothing doth hinder Communion but that ; and when i
is put away, Communion mult needs follow. 6. Holi
nefs and Conformity with Chrift is promifed ; and iii
Conformity with him is Communion with God, bol
founded and advanced. 7. While it is promifed, th*
the Lord will make his holy Name known in the midj
of his People l/tael ; thefe Manifeitations cannot be witi
out Fellovvfhip. 8. While the Lord hath promifed, th;
he will never leave nor forfake his People, Heb. Kill.
with hb Company Communion is promifed.

Uje I. If Communion ;vith God be only by the Pr«
mife, then, Wo to thefe who live Strangers to the Cov
nairts of Promifes; they neither have, nor (remaining
their natural State) can they have%ny Fellowihip or Col
inunion with God; and, leaving without God, th
mult die without Hope, Eph. 11. 12.

U/'e i. All who defire to have this Commu'.
., muft turn in to the Covenant, and fbch it Irif
,ce ; we can have no good or perfed Gift bu/frcj
Father of Lights, James i. 17. and it is by^Co*

,7^ On the Cjospel Covenant. 373
nant jhat he will be a Father, 2 Cor. vi. 17. Seek Fel-
lowship with the Son, who would have Fellowship with
the Father: 1. Fellowfhip with him as the Root and
Foundation of it : He is the Peace, and maketh the
Friendfnip. 2. Seek to hold it in the Fellowfhip of his
Death and Refurreclion, being made comformable unto
bis Death, Phil. iii. 10. 3. To advance it by Fellowfhip
>f the Spirit, Phil. ii. 1. 4. By following and feeking
tfter him in Ordinances ; he walketh in the midft of the
even golden Candleftick?, Rev. i. 13. 5. By maintain-
ng Fellowfhip with his fufrering Members ; the Lord is
nuch with them ; his Spirit doth reft on them, 1 Pet. iv.
4. who are Partakers of the Afflictions of the Gofper,
s in 2 Tim. i. 8. may expedt to be made Partakers of his
Jolinefs, as in Heb. xii. 10. 6. Study to have and mam-
u'n this Fellowfhip, by walking in him, C;7. ii. 6. draw-
g Light and Life from him, Day by Day ; yea, and every
our and Moment. 7. Beware left we provoke him,

as to break this FeJluwfhip, Exod xxiii. 21. efpecially,
e would beware of thefe three, (1.) That, as to Life
d Converfation, we have no Fellowfhip with the un-
jitful Works of Darknefs, but rather reprove them,
)b. v. 11. (2) AstoDo&rine, we beware, Tit. ii. 10.
th Ep/j. v. 6, 7. (3.) As to Worfhip, we muft have

Fellowfhip with Devils, 1 Cor, x. 20.

'

Aa 3 SEi

L 334 J

S K R IvJ O N XL.

O N T H E

GO'S? K L C ( ) V E N A N T :

On the'Meaqs of SanciincatiQn, Heading
Word, an \ jng of the Sacr

■
./ all nty 1)

FO L L ( '

and (

c> of it bit iling, the right

He

is nor to fit before the Lord's
cd with a Dilc-

;htJy, as if it were

, Luke

fe Purpofe, as to

by Oath to per-

ot to be Hearers only

but D re (hould be no »

cd unto oui

1

^^ Un the bosPEL covenant. 373

uil not be in our own Strength, nor yet partially, fo as
do *nany Things only, as Hacd did, in -\ ark 6. 20.
it with a Purpofe to obferve and do all, and not to turn
)m that which is commanded, to the right or left Hand,
tut. 5. 32, 33.

More particularly, the right Hearing of the Word is a
rt of God's Worfhip, wherein there is a profefied De-
ndence on God, for the knowing of his Mind and Will,
Relation unto and with a Purpofe to do the f:,me : It is
th an Ordinance of God, in which we wait en him
■ fpiritual Good, and a Grace whereby we are inabled
to depend.

I. Againft many Hearer?, who are not of the
ht Sort : 1. Thofe that give m>t earneft Heed, and lee
fljp, Heb. 2. 1. 2. Thofe that drink in all, wit:
ccrning what is from God : r\ I . were not io,

ii 1 ; . 11. We ought to take heed what we hear,
uk 4. 24. 3. Thofe that are wide Riddles, let the belt
and retain the worit ; fuch are for c
make a Man an Offender for a 29. 21.

ey are for foiooth, and not ior right Things, I/a* 30.
4. All forgetful Hearers, who hear and do not,
mes j. 25.

Sith every Hearing h not :}te right Hearir
would take Heed how we hear, Luke 8. 1 S. Unto
t Hearing there is required, 1. Preparation, a Rea-
l's to hear all Thing r.inanded of God,
ic. 33, And in th uld be confidered, how
a mighty Ordinance of God, to pull down fin,.
is, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5 a Plough to plow upThorns ai
•ds, Jer. 4. 3. We mould come to it, humbled tor
:ance, willing to be taught, Jfa. 2. 3. with ear-
Defires after, and a high Eiteem of it, 1 Pet. 2. 2.
23. 12. and with Resolution to yield ouilelves unto
id fo to fuffer the Word of Exhoration, Utb. 1 -
with all, there mult be much Prayer, like that, m
119. 18. 2. There is required due Attention \
fat v/u*r Hearts unto all the Words of God, Deui
\iVts 16.^14 Confidering that God io high, and
r high, and very much of our Concernment, A .
A* 4

SERMON XL.

^

32. 47. and Luke 10 42. 3. It muil.be tal-
the Heart, and I particularly, as if" it fpoke to

us by Name, Pro-v. 2. 1, 2, 10. The Word muft enter in-
to our He i rt , and be pie ifant to our Sou). 4. It mull be
received with Faith, Htb. 4. 3. Meeknefe, jamrs 1. 21..
with Fear, Tfa. 66. |. with Love,^1 2 '77»^I 2. jc, 11.
Not from Novelty, or carnal Excellency of the Teacher,
but from the fpintual Excellency that is in the Word, re-
vealing Chrirt, mortifying Lulls, and fanclifying the
lie irt. 5. It mud be received in an honed Hearr, Luke
S. 15. Njr oniy hidden there, but prnclifed, Pfal. 119^
1.1. with James 1. 22 Who do no: fo deceive thcmfelves
in making wrong Conciufitfis, as the Word beareth.

As to the fecond Thing, Kighc Hearing of the Word
is an excellent Thing ; blefied are they whofo hear as to
know Pfal. 89. 15. Bleflfed is the Man

heartth V- matching onily at her Gates,

Prw. 834 B'eiTed are they that hear the Word and
keep it, Luke 11. 28. For further clearing up the Ex-
it is the converting Ordi-
/. 19. 7. (2 ) It is a Mean of Confirmation,
and of (ncreafc of fpi ritual J^trength ; to them that have.:
more (hall be given, Mark 4. 24. This Word of Grace it
able to build us up, A8s 20. 32. (5 ) The Excellence;
of the Word 60 commend the Hearing of the fame high
ly; it is the Word of Life, *tts 5. 20. of Grace, as w<
have now tod >ou, of Salvation and eternal Life, AS
15. 26. with John 6.68. it giveth Light, Pfal. 1 1 9. 30
refcrmetb, P/afm 119. 9. reviveth, Ifa. 57. 19. Yea
the;e is vaotc Exce leuCy in the Word than in all othe
Maniftftat'ions o' God, Pfal. 138. 2. (4) The Excel
lency at this Hearing may be known by theuoful Eilatl
of thofe who hearing hfar not, Mat. 13. 13. they lol '
. pportunity of receiving the belt Things, the J
come ;reat Sin and Condemnation, John 3. ic

It is ;Iardnefs of Heart, and of being under tfa i

tbis World, Luke 16. ^i .ijlJZqv
4 3. r(c, lib. 6. 7, 8. (5VJ The\jH

ncy of the Word is in this, all Things are la: I .
It, 1 Tim. 4 jrd fpqken in Seafon W

■Pt On the Gospel Covenant. 377

client Thing, If a. 50. 4. fo is it when heard in
Seafon. (7.) Right hearing and receiving of the Word
do:h help much in the Time of Affliction, Pfal. 1 19. 50,
gz. (8.) Many great Promifes made to this hearing,
Pro-v. 1. 8, 9. and 4. 10. lfa. 55. 3. John 24, 29.

U/e 1. Againft thole that either cannot or will not
hear ; they deprive themfelves of a moit. excellent Gift;
and of all the excellent good Things which are conveyed
by right and fanc~tified hearing.

U/e 2. Again!! thofe that hear light and vain Things,
with greater Delight than the Word, yea, and the Tra-
ditions of Men, more readily than the Oracles of God.
\(7,£ 3 Make it your great Work, to be right Hearers
eWord; it glorifleth the Word of God, A&s 13. 48.
itmaketh it near and fure, Rom. 10. 5. it fanctifiech,
<John\n. 17. If we glorify not the Word, the Lord
himfelf will glorify it, I/a. 42. 21. And if we will not he
itneffing, ifffj 2$. 22. it (hall judge us, John 12 48.
U/e 4. Biefs God, and be thankful, all you that I
the hearing Ear 5 and that you be not deceived, confider
thefe Marks, and karch whether they be in you or not :
I. If you be willing to hear J nit ruction, and to
fail, and to be daily hearing new Inftruclions, Prov. 1.
13. and 8. 33. 2. Jt ;ou hear that you irny do. 3 If
vou receive the Word, for which no preient U 'fe is ieen,
you lay it up, fo hear for the Time to come. .4. If vou
be humble Hearers. 5. If earneit and gret er*.

6. If of a difecrning Ear, dikerning the fpi ritual Won
the Ear tricth Words, Job 34. 3. 7 U the Word be
(weet to your Taite, Pfal 119. 103. 8. If you tremble
with due Reverence at the molt comfortable Word. 9. If
you be fo hearing, as that every pay you be learning
Something of thefe two Things, our own Unworthm.
and C brill's Excellency and LJfeJjiuefs.

U/e 5. Watch well againft thefe Things which may
marr right hearing, and turn all hearing unprofitable,
tuch as Surfetting, Drunkennefs, and Cares of this L\
\uke z\ »34- and pray the Lord, that he may be pleafed
fang to Ktep the precious Ordinance of the preaching of
:he Word, that he may long have, and be blefiVd with.

S E LX.

the Exercifc of this excellent Gift, of the hearr
aiid right hearing of the Word.

As to the third Point, That this right hearing of the
Word ispromifed, and (o that it is a covenanted Blefling,
'it is c'.tar, Ftrft, From Scripture; he promifed to i
at Hotebj I *will make them hear my Words, that they may
learn to fear me, Deut. 4. 10. In Ifa. 29. iS. and
of the Gofpel, it is promifed, that the Deal f foall hear the
Words of the Book ; and, in lfa. 32. 3. that the Ears of
them that hear Jhall hearken : Prophtfying will make dry
Bones hear the Word of the Lord, Ezek. 37. 4. The
Lord openeth the Ear to Difcipline, J oh 36. 10. For
Confirmation of this Truth, ta

1. I: is not, nor can be had othcrways, but by a free
Gift, other ways the Book will be iealed, or we will not'
be able to reaJ it, J fa. 2(). 11, 12. 0>r Ears naturally .
are uncircumcTed. fo as they cannot hearken, Jer. 6. 10.

ith h promifed, fo, right hearing ; for, Faith c
by bearing, Rom. 10. 17. 3. :e is promifed;

tnefe two go together, hearing and obeyir.^. 4. It is a
Gofpel Commandment, M fo, it is promiied.*

is the F'nd of the Gofpel preached ; by hi
that erred in Spirit come to Underftam
murmured learn Doctrine,
I romlfed to the Word, as to the ka:n; it
void, but accomplifh tl 1 the Lord

d profper in the Thing whereto he fent ir,
>-. 10, 11. fo, right hearing of the Word nr

7. Right Worfhip is promifed, a pure Offer-
ing, from the rifing of the Sun to the gcing down of the
fame, Mai. 1. 11. and right hearing of the Word is a
principal Part of Worlhip. 8. Saoctifi cation and S
non are promifed, and hearing of the Word is a Mean
of both.

Ufa 1. We may gather from this, their Mifery, who
live out of the Covenant with God; they cannot have
this hearing and citeumcifed Ear; fo, they cannot have
any Profit by the Word; they have Ear?, and hear non- *
Eyes, and fee not: It is high Preemption for art), to
think that they can hear, in their own Strength ; the

Things j

On the Gosfel Covenant. 379

^^Hi of the Spirit of God are Foolifhnefs to the natu-
ral M/fl, 1 Ccr. 2. 14. The Word will be a Parable,
.0. 45. or a Reproach, Jer. 5. 10.

^ainft Diiccur^gement in fome, who have,
is they think, heard long, ana net heard ; there is Hope
hat they may yet hear and le^rn ; but, that they may
lo fo, they mull go in to the Covenant, and fetch ali
ight hearing from tner.ee.

3. It right hearing be a great Covenant Eleflmg.
hen the preaching of the GofpeJ is a Covenant
or, we cannot hear without a Preacher, Rom. 10. 4.

y who are Enemies to both or either of their,
inemie^ to the Covenant of Grace.

Jacra-
. they are not converting Ordinances, vet they are
to help forward and increafe Sa notification.

I propoui . t .

craments :.re. 2. Or w h
may be. 3 What P.ace thev
improve t;.
•.re, that w
in R tn. 4. 1 1 . doth I
rth to us the Nature of them all ; they arc
at Righteoulnefs which i.: or, more gen

, the; Is of the ne»v Covenant, coram

d the

efiings of the Coven held forth aad m <de fure

\t old Tefl

r ice, and hold forth
s fame fpi . far Subitance, witn rhr

e new ; tor Proof of this, * Cor, \c. 3,4. V

fpii it u a ID
it, th more par:

mts of the Hew Teftament are, know. 1. Tl
them is Chriit, that one Lawgiver of th<
able to lave and to deftn .

Tciplcs to bapt . 28. 19. And the

jaith of the Sacrament of the S -pper, 1 C$f. 1 1

received it of the I. or,.. 2. As to til
"acrament, there \> . :ter-

38o SERMON XL. ^4

nal Thing, which is the Sign; and there is the infrnil
and fpiritual Thing, which is the Thing fignificd. 3.
The Form or chief Being rament, (Undeth in a

Similitude, Relation, and fpintual Union of the Sign and
Tning figp.ified, bv Chrift's Appointment. f> as the one
hath tnt Name and Effects of the other attributed unto it;
fo, Circumcilon is called the Covenant, Gtu< 17. 10.
the Lamb is called the Paflbver, Excd. 1 2. 21. the BrL'ad
is called the Body of Chrift, and the vVine in the Cup
his Biood, Matth. 26. 26, 27, 28. And the warning in
Baptilm is ca.led the warning of Regeneration, Titus 3.
5. The 4. Thing, unfolding the Nature of the Sacra-
ment, is the Enai> unto and for which they were appoint-
ed. (1.) VV^s to reprefent Chrift, and the greit Benefits
which are by him. (2.) To confirm the Covenant, and
to allure our Inrereil rn nim ; fo, we are faid to be b'jri-
ed with him by B.ip:ifm m his Death, And

th^ Cup :s ciiitd the Communion of hi> b -oid, and the
B»ead the Communion of hi? Bod»', r Cor. 10. 16. (3.)
Are pubJtck and dittinguiuS^gw Marks, whereoy the Peo-
f God r,re di icerned from the Men of the World,
that ;:ve without Cn il! ; they are by thefe declared to be
a pev .: k«p. rated Peop!e unto him. (4.}

reby Chnllians come to be Lolemnly

;ed to Lhr:ft and his Service; they are to him as

the Soldiers Ouh. gi/en to him, as to the Captain of

Salvation, to walk ;n Newnefs of Life, Rom. 6. 3, 4.

1. Tnen all S laments which are not of Chrift's
Jniiitution, are no: true but baftard Sacraments ; and
they who either take away one Sign or both, in the Sub-
fiance and Signification deftroy the Nature of Sacraments.
Vfe 2. Make Uie of Sicraments, not as bare Seals,
but as appointed of God to reprefent Chrift, a^d to con-
firm your Interefl in him, yea, and as Means to convey
fpintual Benefit to you, not by Reafon of any Virtue in
themfelves, bu: by Virtue of an Ordinance, and working
of the Spirit ; it is the Spirit that quickeneth, John 6.
63. the Fiefh profiteth nothing, and by Virtue . of "the
Iruiniie, which is annexed to the Precept in the Sacra-
ment,

On the Gospel Covenant. 382

menV^made unto all that do worthily receive, Mat. 26.
26, 28. ana 28. 29, 20. 1 Cor. 11. 24, 25.

As to the iecvjnn, The Excellency or Sacraments, you
may take tbein, 1. They arc of a noble Original, 10, ex-
cellent. 2. They are Di.hts, in which the great Things
of the Covenant are fet before us. 3. The Sacraments
are now more excellent than they were of old ; more clear,
fuch as bring Chriit and his Benefits more near unto us.
4. Confider tne lever. 1 Ules or tr.e two Sacraments, and
we (hall find a great Excellency in them, fuch as ot Bap-
tifm, iff. An Ordinance :or our loiemn Entry and Ad-
milTion into the Church ; by. one Spirit we are all bapti-
zed into one Body, 1 Cor. 1 2. 13. 2.«:'v, A Seal of tne
Covenant of Grace, confirming unto us our Right in all
che great Tnings which are heid forth therein, both to
that Righteoulnefs by Faith, Rem. 4. it. and the Circura-
cifion maae without Handf, which is in the putting off
of the Body of the Sins of the FMh, Col. 2. 11, 12. a
Seal of our Entry intoCri.il, Gal. 3 27. of Forgivcnels
of Sir, Mark I. 4. and Regeneration, in Tit. 3. 5. and
a devoting of ourieives to new Obed
3, 4. and of the Supper, the excellent Ufes of it doth
hold forth its Excellency , iuch as are, iff. The Remem-
brance of his Death till he come again, 1 Cor. 11. 25,
26. in it Chriit is fet forth evidently crucii e our

Eyes; his one Sacrifice, by whim we receive the Atone-
ment, is clearly repretented. zd. All tne fpintual B
fits which are by Jelus Chriit, are enfured thereby unto
all Believers. $d. I heir fpintuul Growth is thereby ad-
vanced. 4//'. l^ney come thereby to be mute deeply en-
gaged to him in all the Duties of the Covenant. 5
is to them a Pledge and B >nd of near Communion be-
twixt them anJ Chriit. 6tb. Though no Sacrament ia
its Natuie be a converting but a iealing Ordinance; \et,
at fuch Times, wherein Chriit ufeth to be preacheJ more
I plainly, and the Covenant of Grace to be powerfully
propounded, many a Soul hath been coin
>fiis Conversion lealed in one Day.

U/c 1. Are thefe Sacraments fo excellent Ordina:
and Means of letting forward the Work of Sanct.ficati-

o ,

382 S E R M O N XL!

on, and Confolation of Believers? Then, they ought t<
be duly efteemed ; yet not fo, as to give or allow untc
tnem either Adoration, or any of Chn ".

Ufe 2. Make ufe of Sacraments, for the excellent End:
and LMes unto which they are appointed : Their E
lency itandetn in the Uies for which they were appoint
ed of God ; io, make ufe of Baptilm for its End.% anc
or the Supper of the Lord for its Ends.

As to the third, What Place they have in the Cove-
nant, doth clearly appear, by what we have fa id already
They are Seals of the Covenant, appointed for the Con-
firmation ; they turn, after a fort, the Covenant of Grace
into a Teltament, confirmed by the Death of the Telia
tor. Heb. 9. 16, 17. They are publick Inflruments, in
which, the great Things which Chrill hath left unto Be
lievers in Legacy, are held forth unto them, under the
King's great Seal : And, that they are great Covenant
Bleflings, may appear thus, 1. In them, 9.11 thz Promifes
are confirmed by Blood; and fo, offered with all the bell
AfTurances. 2. There are fpecial facramental Promifes,
which give AiTurance, that whoever go about them in
a right Way, fhall receive the Thing iignified ; fuch aa
thefe who believe, and are baptized, fhall be faved : Tbii
is my Bods* this Cup is the nezv Couevu ]Uood,

Vie 1. "Fo reprove thofe who fatiafy themfelves with
the outward Seal and Symbol, and never Itudied to be
within the Covenant ; they can have nothing but a Seal
to a Blank ; they mutt be within the Covenant, who de-
fire to have any Benefit by Sacraments which do conf
the fame.

Ufe 2. Let none be diicouraged, though they do no!
find at preient the Benefit and Good of Sacraments : Th
Benefit is not tied to a preient Adminiltration ; it w""
come in due Time; the Wind blosveth where it lii'tethj
John 3. 8. the Effedt is in due Time, 10. 41. the Eric
of the firft did appear very poorly at firit, Mark 14. 50,

S E R

[ 3^3 J

S E R M O N XLI.

ON THE

G O S P E L COVE N A N T:

On the Means of Sanctification, Prayer,.
and Praise.

i Samuel xxiii. 5.

41 though my Houfe be not fo with God\ yet he hath made
with me aheverlaffing Covenant, well ordered in allT
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my D
although he make it not 10 grow,

THERE are two excellent Helps and Means of
Sanclification, Prayer, and Praiie ; of which I in
ic;d to fpeak; and firit of Prayer;
I And of it in thefc three, iflt What it is. zdh\ How
Jxcellcnt a Thing it is. 3^/y, How it is enfured to Be-
in the Covenant, and fo, a moll excellent Cove
nt BJefling.

As to the firft, What it is, It may be known from
nd by fcriptural Expreflions which hold it forth, Gen. 4.
6. it is calling upon the Name of the Lord, and 32. 24.
ith Hof. 12.4. it is wreflling with God, with Weeping
id Supplications, in PJa. 38. 9. it is the bringing of De-
oans before God, and in 24. 6. it is the feek-
ce, in 84. 2. it is the Heart and Eleik
out for the living God, in Mat. 7. 7. it is afking,
^ijeking, knocking, in Lub$ ii. 1. 4, j, 9. it is to pray

aiid

S E R M O N XLL -*»

and not to faint, to ufe Importunity, to cry Day and

Offering up of Deiires unto
I, tne pouring out of the Heart before i,im, P/a. 62.

5. 14. by the Help of
3 26. in the Name oj Chrift, J
2J. with Confeliion of Sin, P/a. 32. 5. and thankful Ac-
knowledgment of God's Mercy, Phil. 4. 6.

Ly* 1. From ibis Defcription of Prayer we will find

t he ie two Things j one is, That there mjy be a loud

ig in the Ears of God, when there is no Voice of

\\ Grayer heard; (uch wa- Prayer at the red

Sea, Exod. 14. 15. and the other is, That there may be

crying aloud tor Help, and yet no Prayer, none that God

will hear, though it be a crying in their Trouble, J er.

11. 14. both a tailing and crying, 14. 12. though there

:rs, I/a. 1. 15. becaufe not iuch Prayers as

the Lord in his Word rcquireth.

2. Who fet about Pra\er, let them look, (1.) To
d by the Spirit. (2.) To put it up with
the whole Heart. (3 ) To put it into the Hand of the
gieat Mailer of Requtfts. (4.) To look well it be ac-
cording to the Will of God, and with Submiifiun to his
(5.) Let theie be a patK og for the

er.
As to the i'econd, Prayer is a mofl excellent Thing ;
where it is right it is pure, job 16. 17. it is all Prayer,
and for all Things, Supplication in the Spirit, Epb. 6. 18.
it is effectually fervent, and availeth much, Jam. 5. 16.
For clearing up the Excellency of it, 1. It is the loft
and warm Breathing of God's Spirit. 2. It is the Kale
and d.ibjrdening of our Spirits upon the Lord. 3. Jt
great Part of ChrinVs Exercife in his Life time,
Heb. 7. 5. and, in a iublime Way, his Exercife ftill, 7. 25.
4. It is the great Mean of our Converfe with God, and
Commerce with Heaven, while we are on Earth, like
Jacob's Ladder. 5. It hath God engaged to hear, and
will engage him to nelp, according to Promife, to hear
all that call, Joel 2. 32. that call on him in Truth, P/a*
145. 18. to hear and not ceipife, 102. 17. to hea
nut upbraid, J am. 1. 5. to have his Ears more open aid

ready

On the Gospel Covenant. 385

ready than our Prayers can be, La. 65. 24. Dan. 10. II.

1 Ftt. 3. 12. 6. It hath obtained great Things, not
only Health to one's feif", as to Htxekiab, fram
Diieaie, ha. 38. 14, 15, 21. Strength, when mocked by
Enemie.% J udg. 16. 28 Cmidren, when no Hope of them,
Gen. 25. 21. but pub! irk Gifcr, lu.h as, a Spirit of Go-
vernment, 1 Kings 3. 9, 10, \i. Victory over Enemie-.

2 Chron. 20. 12,— i 7. And in order to this, Power over
Sun, Moon, Jofh. 10. 12. over Sea and Waters, Exod.
14. 15. over the Air and Ciouds, Joihua 10. 11. over
>tars in their Courfes, J udg. 5. 20. O! what hach not
his Prayer done? J: hatn obtained Boldneis in Times of
Fryal, Acts 4. 29. Deliverance from Priions, 12. 5, 7.
>atety in the midit of the Fire, Dan. 3. 25. it hath pre-
vailed over a Laban and £/2za, and over an Enemy's
ieart, to fhew Favour to his People, N§b: l. 11. and 2
[.. it hath overthi own huge Armies, 2 Xiurg-j 6. 18, 20.
►verthrown great Politicians, 2 Sam. 15. 31. and 17. 14,
.$. it hath overcome, and daily doth overcome, Sa

nd all his Power, and with it makch Men Princes *i:h
iod, and, fo to prevail with Men,GV». 32. 28. 7. Pi
i as iweet Odours in golden Vials, AW. 5.8. 8. All
Pilings are functified by it,- 1 Tim. 4. 5. 9. J he spirit

! a Mar^ of Adoption, Rom. 8. 15
D. Many great and Promiies made to it: i

tme but iome, P,'a. 122. 6, 7. Profperitv pro

/ho pray for Jerujahm* Peace, in / J \y

d Acceptance is promifed to praying People, in .".

3. 19, 20. God will be in the midit of iuch, and what

ey agree upon (hall be done for them : The Holy Spirit

lied to them, for the afking, Lute 11. 13. and

Ivation in the End, Rom. 10. 13.
1 . Hence, as their Mifery is difcovered that are
chout the Covenant, they know nothing
U Mean of every Good, the Key ot all .

e, that take no Delight
.-ho prof els to be w i

I are not heard, (o, feek Lrod
be always .
B b

. R M O N XLI.

J

ture, it will not be always fudden : If we find i-a oar.

vili rind in hi*. I

-d in [j:jl\-

■ •■: I'erlon is accepted.

>d fometimes only quieteth the Heart, as to tnc fix*

i lion of the Antoer, and worketh Thankfulneis upon

ft, and that is the Anfwer. 4. Continuance in Pray-

A ith Submimon, a Token of Grayer anfwered, when

the Heart is ftrengthened to wait for Mercy, Pfa. 37. 34.

5. Zeal in Prayer, a 1 oken of Hearing, as the Fir*
coming down from Heaven was to the Sacrifice accepted.

6. The Denial of one may be for the granting of a great-
er Good : Abraham his Prayer was not lofi, when he had
um Ifaac for an IjhmaA. 7. The Believer's Prayer is ever;
anfwered in the main Ends of it, the Giory of God, the

rch's Good, and chat which is belt for them. 8.

lure Token of Hearing and Acceptance,

•if, when he feemech to refufe, thou acknowledge him:

and righteous, and art Heart-iatisfied with his Do-

; thou halt got better than

the Thing thou watrTeekmg.

2. Comfort to thole that have this excellent Thing
Prayer: They are not to be mean'd that have it. Bu
fome will object, 1. They never could pray. Anf. 1
An evil DHeafe, if it be fo indeed. 2. Who want th

•.[ of Prayer will not be much weighted with the
er it; to difcern the Want, is the Work of the fanr
Spirit which helpeth to pray. 3. The Spirit whicn hat
vered the Want, and fhewed the Need of it, \\\\
it if it be fought. Others object, 1 have had the
, but have it not now. Anf. 1. That is certain, i\\
:: of Adoption, which is trie Spirit of Supplicati
received, is never iolt; yet he doth not blow ar
ill Times, more than the Win
e and wait on; he will come again. It is o
fume, I cannot order my Speech in Prayer b f>
God, i have neither Words nor Matter as otlv
t is not Words which make Prayer ; fonr
there are but Groans, Rom. 8. <ver. 23, 26. or cc
. Pfa. 32. 14. indiftinct, SQunds, If a. 38. iff

ill
I

On the Gospel Covenant. 387

?ort Prayers, Luke 18. 13, 14. God needeth not Words;
le Sac are a broken Spirit, P/al. 51. 17.

fVayers are cold and weak, and dull
dnj. Prayers are not heard for their ?tr-
rclion, b ;t for Chriii's Sake. 2. A ueak Prayer, put
\ ChriiVs Hand, will be perfected. 3. Even Pr.v
ut up in touie Diitemper, have been bear it in

/#. 31. 22. Ochers cafi their own Prayers, becauie of
>any wandering Thoughts. Anf. Tirele are evil Thii

irom the Weaknefs of cur Spirit, partly from Sa-
in ; but, \ft. They are ordinary, in lefs or more, to th*
ainrs. zd. They are permitted for good, to difcover
orruption, and to fhew a Neceiiity of conilant Ii
3ce. yi. The Spirit's Heip is at Hand. j^tb. G
^airift them, (1.) Ey eitceming Prayer a g.A :
1.) Still fet yourielves againft them
ways in his Greatnefs before
'noughts, though otherwiie good, i
le prefent Duty.

As to the third Thing, Prayer is pr
ovenant BJefling, in Jet. 29. 12. it is \
s People Ilia J 1 pray, and that he w:..
>ap. 31.9. They jball

tm <witt I lead them, in Zech. 1

rth of the Spirit of Grace am

J: And, that Prayer muit come

niider, 1 . We know not of ourielves how to ;
26. 2. The Spin

irit of Prayer. 3.

>. 14. 4. Obedience is promifed, and Prayej

piece of it, and fete he th Strength for it. 5
^jn with God is pro mi la:, aiu
: in any other Tiling. 6. Th
y! Hour of Temptation, Rev. g. 10.
0san, 6. 41. 7. To 1

I L Prayer is the
Txl p / a. 66. 23. and

Jp, as it is put for th
T 7. 9. We can make ufe of no Pr.
. 25, 26.

SERMON XLT. ^-

i. The Mifery of thofe without the Covenant^
all mull be had by Pnyer, and they cannot pray !
Man cin call Jefus Lord but by the Holy Gholt, i
!2. 3 Uhjr-L Men void of the Spirit may make long
Prayers, Lkkt zo 47. Anf. It is only from PartSj and
the Work of a natural Confcience. Siufji. How (hall
praying by a Gift be known from Prayer by the Spirit ?
Anf. It :s but the Gift, not the Grace of Prayer, where-
ever the Heart is not changed. 2. Such Prayers will not
hold up in great Straits; the Hypocrite will not always
call on God, Job 27. 10. 3. Sucu Prayers pre proud,
attended with Discouragement, if Parts appear not
Applaui'e. 4. The Gift will appear lefs in fecret than in
Company. As to Prayer, from a mere Principle of a
natural Confcience, know it, \/L It puts a Man on to
the Duty, but giveth no Strength. ' zd. It hath no inward
Delight in the Exercife. 3/ No Fellowlhip with God
in it. 4/6. One Prayer doth not ftrengthen and quicker
a Man to another. $tb. It feeketh only fo much as tc
quiet the Confcie'nce, not that which may purify it.

U/e 2. Comfort to thofe who defire to pray, but can
not find in their Heart to pray as they would : The Spiri
of Prayer is promifed, and thereby the helping of the Inr
nrmities of our Spine.

Ufe 3. Who deiire to pray aright, mud go in to th '
Covenant and fetch it from thence; and to the Mediate-
therein : He teacheth to pray, Luke 11. 1. go to the Pre
mile for Prayer, and then with Prayer to the Promifc
again, and that will be a fweet and biejled Round :
all by Prayer, thus, 1. Maintain all your Matters in gocF
State before God. 2. Maintain a neceflary Dependam f
on God, with frefh Thoughts of his Majelty. 3. I ajJe
fenfiblc, both of the Want and Need of that whicii v M;
feek. 4. Keep your Hearts loofe from the World. P
Seek God's Honour, and the Advancement of his Intlv
reits, and eternal Things in thefirit Place. 6. Seek rfe
earneit, by the Spirit, Jilting up pure Hearts and Hancf c
1 Tim. 2. 8. 7. Seek in 1 ruth, with humble Boidne *a
£ doubting, Jam. 1. 6, 7. fervently, and conllantFC

i n

On the Gospel Covenant. 389

rthef. 5. 17. and withal with great Humility, and al-
ways in the Name of Chriit.

life 3. Hence, the Folly of thofe will be eafily ieen,
/ho think it an eafy Thing to pray : It is neither in cur
land nor Heart, unlets it be given us to pray as Chriit
rayed, in Luke 9. 29. in much Communion with God,
ot eafily attained.
As to Praife, it is both a Part and Mean of Sanct'fica-
on : Of it I fhall fpeak in thcfe tfiree, 1/?, What it is.
dly, How excellent a Thing and Exercife it is. 3^/y,
low it is promiied alfo, and fo, a rich and trte Bleulng
f the new Covenant.

As to the flrit, What this ?T2i\k is, It is, briefly, the
it wing fonh and commending of the Lord's Excel Jen-
es, with Admiration and Adorarion : Other Things may
: praifed, or rather God in and for them; but, ro praife
id adore that, doth belong only to God: All the Ex-
:llencies of God are highly to be com mended, efpccialiy
s moil excellent Goodnefs. Tnis praifing of God is
metimes exprefled generally, by mewing forth all his
irtues, 1 Pe± 2. 9. Praifes, in the Greek, is, Virtues:
mietimes by lovmg or confeffing to tne Lord, Pfalm :
t fometimes by laucing him, R<*m. 15. 11. fomet»mes by
eiling, Pfa. 14:. 21. fometimes by glorifying, If a. 24.
;. fometimes by exalting, Pfa. 99. 5. and extoliing, 68.
This praifing of God requiretn the whole Man ; the
dgment, to eiteem; the Memory, to treafure up ; trie
ili, to refolve ; the Affections, to delight in God ; the
jngue, to utter ; and the Life, to exprefs all his Excei-

and free Favours. .
Ufe 1. By what is faid in this fhort Defcription of
life, it may appear iiow few they are who truly praife
)d ; who neither know him, nor eiteem him ; fo, fpeak-
; of him, cannot but take his Name in vain.
Ufe 2. We would look upon Praife as a great Duty :
leie is much required in it, high Thoughts of God,
(i low Thoughts of ourfelves, the Rent of it mult be
t hered from every Thing, and the whole Man mull be

Ien up in and with it.
B b 5 Ai

SERMON XI I. • •

As to the fcc.jr.d, Praife is an excels

it is both good and plea;.
52 c/. a. id ^4 6. and 135. 3. further, take up
1 . It is God's Delight, and dwelling I
3. 2. It is Angels Lxercife, J/ui. 6 i .
is the Bxercife of a Spirit in ri^ht Frame, J amsi
5. 13. 4. It is the Oil which maketh the W ht

in and about a Duty. 5. It is the Fruit and Flower,
i. (houla grow up/ from every B letting. 6. It is 20
•verlatting g >o d, and Eternity's Work. 7. It is the
Lord\ End, Chnit's End, and the Soul's End, when ii
is right. 8 It is one of the great Gofpel Sacrifices, Ihb
13. 15. 9. Unto Pr ufe n<any Promifes are m
2. 30. P/al. by. 3,6. 10. The Excellency of to
ere ife ap^. m the MiiVry of thoie jjhat h

not: ve nere a mad, or a iullen and for

11] Life, an g, wailing, an J gnaihi

ing of Teeth.

Uje 1 . i heir Mifery that never enter nor abide ii
fieit that fair Privilege, c
ing God, Pja 84. 4. if a Spirit of Praile be fo ej
. ., how abominable is a Spirit of Blafpheiny ?
1 2. Let us earn then to follow after this Duty!'
for, 1. If in any Duty Affiftance be to be expedteJ,
xtdly in this ; for by it God is gioiified, and oir
m:.de conformable lu God's. *2. No Way of thriving lil
3. A praifiog Soul cannot readily be miferable, ir[
fe pat him in Heaven. 4. It maketh us Prieils un /
5. It is a never payable Debt, yet what we fij
in oar Heart to ccepted. Quickning Confide; J

tions un 0 !! God's Favours. . "

reenefs of God's Love in them.
Difference him, by which \\c are prcfcril. "'

hers. Take { found Praifes:

D payed with n lulnefs is a Kr

ablutions, and a flip \
:■ (3 ) W :> of the Spirit. (4.) And \\L

much e Incenfe (q.) If they be fUU wcl •

up like new Wine. (6) If they be more of C| :>
for himfelf, than for any other Thing.

On the Gospel Covenant. 391

€> As to the third, That this Praife is covenanted and
promifed, take thefe Scriptures as Proofs. Pfalm 22. 26.
they (hall praife the Lord, that leek him ; and 102. 18.
the People that fhall be created fhall praife the Lord, and
145*. 4. One Generation fha 11 praife thee t* another: Ifa.
43. 21. This People have I formed for m . /hall

fhsw forth my Praife ; and Ifa. 60. 18. there fha!l be fo
nrich Praife in the Church, that r>er Grttes fhall be cal-
led Praiie; and Ifa. 61. 11. the Lord will caufe Righ-
reoufnefs and Praife fpring forth before all the Nation?.
For further Proof, take thefe Reafcne . \. The Spirit
promifed, fo Praife. 2. Joy and S ivaiion prorniicd, fo
Praife. 3. The fpiritual Exercife of th^ Grace

m's Power as of any Grace, fo it mull' come from

and fo by Covenant. 4. Hope is covenanted ; ,t

is of Praife, P/a. 42. 11. 5. God's dwelling with his

People is promifed, and he inhabiterh Praises, Pfa. 22. 3.

6. God's Giory is the great End

etn in i-A his Work- ; and he will have 1:. 7 !t i^ Chrift's
great End in the Work of Redemption, Ifo. 44 2;
49. 21. 8. It is promifed, that God fhall be glorified,
and Praife glorifieth him, ha. 55. 5. with P/a. 50. 23.
9. It is commanded, and fo promifeu, P/a. 66. 2.
15. 1 . Gofpei Commands have P/omiiesa^r

Cfe 1. The wofui Condition of thofe who live with-
out the Covenant ; they neither have nor ca-,
praifing Frame ; it cometh by the Promife, and tfrev I
no Title nor Right to it; they can pay to God none of
his Dues, for tfiey are all payed in and with Praifes.

Vfe 2. Comfort to thoie that defne to have this Frame,
and have not yet found it j it may be had, if the>
but go in to the Promife in the Covenant, they both may
and mall have it: So, when they are called unto Praife,
by the Precept, they would turn in to the Promife, where-
by the Lord js engaged to give a Spirit of Praife ; the Pro-
mife is large as broad as the Precept: The Pronufes for
Praife are to be employed at all Times, efpeci.Jlv in the
3ofpel Day, Pja. 118. 24. and in Times, when ou:
us are in good Frame, James 5. 13.

Bb4 Si

S E R ) N XLll.

O N T H

GOSPEL CO VENA NT:

On

[ON

s

E L xxiii. ".

WE are blefled with all fpiritual BleifcnL'
nis is from the Lor J

And he is Cb rift's

fo, all the fpiritu.il

?nant. 1 have fpoken to four great

Cjven .he lalt was Sandiiication, in gene-

of it, and in all the principal Graces f
thereof, and in :ne fruits and Means thereof; I intend |fl.
now to fifth fpiritual Bieffing of the L

nant, which ihoud have been opened before Sanclirica-Mc
ti >n ; it is A J p i n, and of it 1 intend to fpeak, as of L
ft, in thelc three, i//, What it is. zdly, How ex-J£;:
cellenc a Thing nd rich Bieifing it is. 3^/1, How it isji
Covenant Bidling. L

Adoption is, we would knowJrjr
ire by Nature ; we have nc i
Reafoi ii

On the Gospel Covenant. 393

Res Con to boaft of our Parentage*. It is vvorfe than fo,
[5 fet down in Ezek. 16. 3. of 1/rael, that his Birth
s -itivity was as of Canaan, his Father an Am

and his Mother an hittite : We are fo the Children of

the Fitm, as we are not the Children of God, Rom. 9. 8.

Children of Bondage, and of the bond Woman, Gal. 4.

25, 31. Children ot Dilobedience, or Imperfuaflon, Eph.

2. 2. Chi-dren of Wrath, <ver. 3. no better by Nature
than they who are called curfed Children, 2 Pet. 2. 14.
we are born under the Curie, Gal. 3. 10. yea, in plain
Terms, we are called the Children of the Devil, 1 John

3. 10. ar.d we are fo, till our State be changed. Now,
Adoption is a Law Word, whereby is fignified the tak-
ing one from one Family, and planting him in another:

ngft Men, it is ordin .riiy where Men have notCnil-

dren ot their own, they make choice of the Child of

fume other, ordinarily of a Friend, and take him into

rami'y, and appoint him their Son and Heir:

doth io, and much better, to thofe that come to

. e on him. He had innumerable Angels,

Morning -
md (houtt irhen ne laid the

Foundations of the I orner Stone the

Job '■ he ft cud in no Need of us ; we

. g% as to any Father that could
were hi-emies ; we were of a naugh-
ty Original he Lord, by this Adoption,
did p^. 1 us, whereby he took us
out or the curfed 1 rein we were, rind made
(choice of us to be his Children; not only to be of his
(Houiho'd, as in Epb. 2. 19. but to be his Heirs, Heirs
lof God, ind joint Heirs of Chrift, A. y. this
lAdoption Be'ievers do receive as a free G 4. 5.
laving of old been predeitinal

1.5. at the hilt Fntry they r< he Spirit Of

\doption, whereby they <

ere is much t \dop-

lion; fo as we are I Adoption,

23 fo the Apoit;. n his 1 Ef.

ith, Now ive ti

394 SER M O N XL] I.

\i <we /hall be : In a Word, Adoption is a putting of
-vers in amongit his Children, according to that," in
'Jer. 3. 19. and entitling of tnern to the Rijht, and all
rhe Privileges of Children: They' being once accepted
as righteous in Chriit, they are inlUncly adopted, and
owned by the Lord a? dear Children.

U/e I. When we think of this wonderful Change of
State, we lhould (it down with Ad.

and praifing ; and again, in praifmg, b' wondering more
and more: One while ue would be ^n God, and

be thinking with ou Helves, and will God even be
ther ? Did he move the Queliioa for us, How I
put you in amongit the Children, arrd did he anlver it
himfejf? Very eafily, in the Scripture I a it cited, Thom
/halt call me my Faibtr. O ! , coining to

fuch a State ar.d I rue it it : An we would fit

»vn, and wonder at ourfeives, fo minv as are ra'
u..to this high and happy State; Say, State and

Dignity is tftis 1 am come unto? What is or was my
Houfe, who ami? with David, in 2 Sam. 7. 18. :
i u halt brought me in thereto ? :r»e lime Du-

la*t\ Wh% am /, or ivbat is m\
I :»/ li'rael, that J jh u.'J he Son in /,
m 28. 18. and, in <irr. 23 of that cbap.
LDts, Seemtth it to yju a light Ihi

p that I am a poor Man,
d lightly eflietsud? You may fay much more, and more
:ervaluingly, of yourf elves, who are we, to be Sons l
and Heirs of" God ?

U/e 2. Is this fueh a h;.ppy State, thai we are brought I

unto by Jultifieation, how inould we pity thofe, that ..

in the old moft uafe and curfed State? They are Chil-jl

dren of the Devil, and Heirs of Hell : it may be laid 11

of thern, ., in A3s 8. 21. they have II

;,er Part nor Lot in this Matter, nor Right unto anyjl

.d we will pity them the more, iff!

imes we were fuch as they, J

rangers, Eph. 2. 19. how poor, blind, J

torn we were then, as we are delcnbed, I

Exik. r6. 4^ 5. \

Ufi

On the Gospel Covenant. 395

Ufe 3. Is this fo high and happy a State, who wcu'd
rot be ambitious of it ? You that have y6ur vainBoaftings
of Pedigree, and have nothing of this, you are but poor
Slaves and Traitors: Your Blood is tainted ; but, had
you this new Dignity, you needed not Envy the Sons of
Nobles, yea, nor Kings and Princes of the Earth ; you
might look higher th^n tney,and boaltof a better and higher
Birth, with Kirn who fa id, he was was not born noble,
but he was new born noble: You would be of the beft
Blood, the Bload royal indeed, of the moil cofty d>e : It
coft Chriir his Blood.

As to the fecond, The Excellency of this Adoption,
no Tongue can fpeak to it, nor Heart think fuitably pn
it, whether we confider it in the low State from which
the Believer is taken, or the iiigh Eftare to which he is
railed thereby : Whether we confider the Father's free
Acl, Chr ii't's Purchafe and accepting us firll into the faipe
Body with himfelf, and after to the fame Inheritance,
to fit on the I h tone with hir.i, as he firs on the
Throne with the Fathe; ; or, whether we confid.
Spirit's Work in artd about the fame : J i\\.A\ only i
litiMe upon thefe three, I. 'J heir Dignity by this
Their Liberty. 3 Their Privileges.

As to the fuir, 7'he Dignity in which Adoption doth
i . What g thin to be of

fo near Relation :o the meft high, and to be his Chil-
dren ? See 2 Cor. 618. / will be a r
and >, e Jball be my Sous and Oaughiirs, faith the Lord a I*
: AJ1 the imaginable rd Dignity Mr, that,

to be, in thisSenfe, Children of [he mod high : Yhtr^ is
in it the Honour of K Pritib, in the Day where-

in we are adopted by Jet u in that D..v we are

Kings and Prieits to c is Father ; in it there

is the Dignity of higheil Judges for, at tL
they fhall not only judge i\\c World, but jn jge -4ogek,

1 Cor. 6. 3. There is in it the Dignity

qutrors. and more than Conquerors, Rom. 8. 37. Aod of
higheft Triumphs, even of an always triumphing in C

2 Czr. 2. 14. There was never a Conqueror that did al-
ways triumph; the Sons and Daughter* oi fuch.

39<*

SERMON L\II.

as they may always triumph, be in the actual Enjoyment
of the highefl Dignities that can be hid on Earth : Tljere
is in the Dignity of this Sonfhip, the Dignity of the
higheit Match and Marriage, Marriage with the King's
Son, his Son who is the King of Kings, Maith. zz* z.
The Dignity of the higheit Coimfhip and Fellowship,
FeNowfhip with the Father and tne Son, and with all the
royal Company of Believers, i John 1.3. and with all
the holy Prophets, Apoflles, and Martyrs: And what
(hall I fay more? if there be any Dignity in royal Places,
of moil pleafant Dwelling, the Sons and Daughters of
God have that alio ; they are a Habitation of God thro'
the Spirit, Epb. z. 22. they are the Throne of his Glory,
fo called, Jer. 14. 21. the Beauty of his Ornament, which
he /hath fee in Majeily, Ei and he is their Ha-

bitation, their high Tower, and iioufe of Defence, Pi'aL
90 1. and 18. 2. and 312. He dwelleth in them, and
they dwell in him ; they to whom God giveth his Spirit,
they dwell in him, and he in thtm, 1 Job* 4. 13.

As to the iecond Demoruiration of the Excellency of
Adoption, which is in and from the Liberty which it
bringeth, take it up thus, (1.) ft fets us free of the bafeft
Captivity and Slavery thai ever was; it bringeth us from
under the Captivity of Sin and Saran. (2.) It i'e's our
: free, by giving unto us that tree Spirit of. God,
which David did beg fo earneilly, PjaL 51. 12. and fo
cit iivereth us from that Spirit of Bondage which is unto
Fear, Rom. 8. 14, 15. (3.) It doth fettle upon us, and
lettie us in, a free Eltate, free of Burden ; the Rent is
but a fmail Gratituiry, and the Matter hath payed it;
and, if ye believe, he will accept it as our Payment. (4.)
In this it is declared, thit the Son hath made us free ;
and they whom the Son hath made free, they fhall be free
indeed, John 8. 36. So we are not under Bondage to
Man ; we are bought with a Price, fo are not bound to
be Servants of Men, 1 Cor. 7.23.

But I go to the third, the Privileges which are in this
Adoption : All that which hath been faid of the Liberty
and Dignity, doth belong to tbeir Privileges ; but now,
more particularly, I (hall defire to reckon out fome of <

their ,

On the Gospel Covenant. 397

their Privileges; and the (i.) is, That they are put in
afnong the Children, numbered amongft them ; fo we
have it, in John I. 12. As many as received him, to them
he gave Power to become the Sons of God, even to them that
believe on his Kama. U is reckoned to be a high Privi-
lege, to be the Sons of Noble?, Eccl. 10. 17. even to a
King or Prince, it is fo : How much more and greater
Privilege is it to be his Son, by whom Nobles do ru<e ?
Prov. 8. 16. It is a high Privilege, to be Children of
themoitHigh byOffice,?/^/. 82. 6. but it is a higherPrivi-
lege, to be i o Children of the moil High, as to be thereby
made Partakers of the divineNature, 2r°^. 1 4. There is in
this a better Name than that of Sons and Daughters, an
everl.iliing Name, thai lhall not be cut off, lfaiah 56. 5.
(2.) They have this Privilege, they have the Lore's
Name put upon them, they are called by his Name ; fo
do they plead, in I/aiah 63. 19. We are thine, thou never
bareji Rule over them, they tiere not called by thy Same ;
So the Meaning of thefe Words, nut are thine, is, we are
called by thy Name; and, in lfaiah 43. 1. 1 ,.e Lord
himfelf owneth and encourageth his People us. Fear
not, for I have redeemed thee, J have c a!! tht by thy
Name, thou art mine ; fee fer. 14. 5. (g ) Privilege,
they receive the Spirit of Adoption ; fo, in Rim. 8. 15.
Ye have not received the Spirit of Bondage again to Fear,
but ye have received the Spirit of Adopt ion, nuttrtby 14
Abba, Father ; and, in Gal 4. 6. Becau/e ye are Sons,
God hath feat forth the Spi* it of his Son into your Hearts,
I crying Abba, Father: The Spirit of Adoption, and the
Spirit of hisSon, O! that is a greatPrivilege. (x) Privilege,
Accefs to the Throne of Grace with Boldr.efb ; Adoption
[in Chriil doth afford us that; fo, in Rum. 5. 2. by him
[we have Accefs into the Grace wherein we Hand ; and,
\Eph. 3. 12. In him nut have Boldnejs and Accefs vcith Con-
fidence, thro' the Faith of him : We may indeed be bold
■with a Father, when it is not we that fpeak, but his own
■Spirit, and the gpirit of his Son with us. (5.) Jntereft in
li Father's Pity and Bowels; fo, in Pfalm 103. 13, Like
lw a Father pit'utb his Children, fo the Lord fit itth them
I hat fear him: See how kindly the Lord bemoaneth

EphtatiHy

1

398 SER M O N XLII.

Ephraim, in J>r. 31. 20. Is Epbrmim mv dtir \t

lint Child? for, fince I (pake a

urtly have Mercy on him, faith the Lord.
(6 ) Priviicdge, it is to be under the Protection of our
..ly Father; he gathereth his own, as t\\<: Hen doth,
her Chickens, under his Wings, Matth. 23.37. H(
Refuge to his Children, a Refuge ano
91. 2. a Refuge and a Portion in* the Land of the In
PI aim 142. 4. their Gocdneis, their Forircfs, meir Deli-
verer, and their Shield, Pfalm 144. 2. (7 ) Privilege,
to be well provided, and cared for by him ; fte
6. 30, 31, 32. If ' G*jd j) clothe the Grafs of the Field,
to day iyt and tomarroiv is caji into the Oven, Jhall
he not much mote clothe \ ,u, O \e of little Faith ? the
take no Thought \ faying, What jball <we eaty or ivhat fkall

*we dtitiky or <iv herewith Jha 11 ^ve he cloatbed, vour heaven*

l\ Father knoivetb that ye have need of thefe Things ; and
I Pet. 3. 7. Calling all your Can on him, for he. caret h far
[3.) Chaftened by him as a Father, Kb. 12. 6.
bat not call off, Lam. 3. 31. (9 ) Sealed to the Day of
Redemption, Eph. 4. 30. (10.) Admitted they are here-
by to the Liberty and Life of Ordinances ; the Word
was fent unto them, the Sacraments were ordained for
them, and are blefled unto them. Finally, They are
Heirs of all the Promifes, and F'ellow-heirs with Chriii
in Glory, Hsb. 6. 12. and Rom. 8. 17.

Ufe I. If there be fuch Excellency in this Adoption,
how little worth, and oi how fmall Excellency are they,
who have not been, nor ever fought to be, made Partak-
ers of this Adoption ? They have none of that excellent
Spirit of God, which was in Daniel, Chap. 5. 12. and
6. 3. and in evtry Man of Underilanding, Ptov. 17. 27.
their Hearts are of little worth, Pro-v. 10. 20. The righ*
teous is more excellent than his Neighbour, Prov. 12. 26.
They have no right unto, nor Part or Portion in, any of
thefe high and honourable fweet and comfortable Privi-
leges of the Sons of God.

Ufe 2. Comfort to thole that are poor and defpi t B
the World ; they are ©i greatest Dignity of any in too

Vv orld i

, On the Gospel Covenant. 399

rhey have Liberty, and moil excellent

in be, if they have been

made Partakers of* this Adoption : O! char is a

eat VVord, 1 Jobn 3. 2/ ">-'<? fir* the Sons of

J he Soul that can fay io, may boaft of thei,

iad P/iviiegefc, and may comfort themfeives there*

ilt ail Sorrows and rifnictions, and confirm and

len themielves thereby againtt ail Temptations :

hi* m; :heir Hope, baoiih their Fear, quicker*

eir Love, and fe.und their Patience and Perfeverance :

-'hat ever Men may be permitted to take from them.

ey cannot uke tlVft Spirit of Adoption from them ;

ey cannot prejudge tftem of any oi the Liberties or Pri-

ieges of ihc »*me.

L'je 3 Is this »o excellent a Thing, the Grace ci Adop-

All that have it mould labour to be thankful for •
great a Benefit, and to walk worthy of it: And, left
ly think themfeives to be of the Adoption, who are nor,-
e may try it by ihefe Marks : (1 ) Who have the Grace
Adopacn, have the Spirit of Grace and Supplication
:.) Tiiey have a Spirit of Faith and Repentance : 7'hei'e
•e in Zech. 12. io. where it is pro ml fed, caat the Lord
ill pour out upon the Hoafe of David, and upon the
habitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of Grace and Sup-
ication : The Spirit of Adoption is a Spirit of Prayer ;
at is firif, in that Place; Then, it is promifed, they
ail look upon me whom they have pierced ; there
Faith in Chrilt crucified ; and fliere is further, that
key thall mourn for Chrilt, that is, for Wrongs done
» him, as a Man doth for his only Son, that is Gofpei
epentunce indeed : Another Scripture I offer to you,
om which 1 draw another Mark ; it is, the honouring

.i as a Father ; If I be u Father, iphen is mhu
ur? Mai. 1. 6. This honouring of God doth compre-
:nd all Duties payable to him as a Father.
As to the third Thing propounded concerning this
doption, that it is promifed, and fo is a covenanted
ig, is clear from Scripture, i/r, From thefe Scrip-
ures, wherein theLord hath promifed to be aFather :
eople ; lo, in^^r. 3 i4 9. the Lord profeficth himfcli to be

a F«

-4oo S E R M O LIL

a Father I and Epbraim to be his Firft born;

and, in Jer. j. (ball 1 ;ut thee am

dren? thorn Jhilt call m? , My Father \ arjd, i
1 8 / \to jomt ami ye jSball hi ■ I

2 /A*, From I
, wherein the Spirit is.promifed, for he is i
ut of Adoption ; that of- the twelfth o
cited, and that in Ifa'mh 32. 15. wherein 1 Time i pio-
mifed, in which the Spirit (hall be poured on u:- from otf
high, at which Time the Wilderncfr (hall be a fruit ul
Field ; and, in Luke 11. 13. If ye

Jrciv to give good (rift j to your Child* en> hoiv much morg\
(hall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them thaA
mp 3^//v, From all thefe Scrip'ures, wherein we?
have the Dignity, Liberty, and Privileges, which are of)
the adopted ones; thefe all are fee down by Way of Pro-1
mife. 4'M, Adoption mult be by the Promife, becaufe4,
it cannot come to us any other Way ; we being bj
ture the Children of Wrath. $tbly% J unification is pro-j
mi fed, I/a. 45. 25. In the Lord Jhall all the Seed of lime A
bejuliifiidt and jball glory ; and whofoever arejuitified in'
God's Sight, mult oe adopted ; for Adoption doth follow
J unification. bthlyy Heaven is given as an Inheritance, '
1 Pet. 1. 4. then they mull be Heirs that receive it, and
confequently Sons.

Vie 1. Comfort tofbofe who have their Grief for this,)!
that they have not the Spirit of Sons ; they may have it*
if they will but afk it : Let tiiem go to the Promife, and^
fetch it from thence; plead for it as a free Gift, and -^
then improve it unto Liberty, and to the right Ufe ofJ
all thefe Privileges which attend it : Let thofe who have
known what a Spirit of Bondage is, and groan to be
irom under it, come lo the new Covenant," and they (hall \
have it.

Ufe 2. Terror to thofe who live without the Cove-*
riant, and are not thinking of coming unto it; they can
have nothing either of the Spirit, or of the Privileges of.'
Adoption ; of how great Spirits foever they feem to be, I
they will be found of very poor Spirit, when the Spirits
of Bondage (ball deliver them up to the King of Terrors,.

S E R M-

C 431 J

.SERMON XLIII.

O X THE

p OS PEL COVENANT:

)n the fixth Blefiing of the Covenant, on
Perseveran c e.

2 Sa m u el xxiii. 5.

ndt fo with God; ret be

1 N Y BlefTin-g from God is a grtf&t D'effing ; bat the
"^ crowning BlefTing is Perfeverance : It is only :hev
•it lha.il endure to the End that mall be h is or

is Perfeverance I inttnd now to fpeak ; and of it, as of
e former, I propound thefc tiiree Things, i//, What St

, How excellent a BJeifing it is. 3 .//,, Ho
promiied, and lb a covenanted Blefling.
As to the firft, What it is ; it is diveilly expreire/*
/ abiding in Cnriii, and his abiding in u
//;, By continuing in his Word; J ef us fe-
at believed on him, h

'xdeed, John 8. 31. $dly9 By continuing in

15.43. 5
rh\ in' his Temptations, in L

C c

SERMON XLIII.

fettled, and not to be moved away from the Hope of thrfi
Gofpc .,, By our dwelling in God, «:nd

4. 13. 8//>/>', By our fighting)
out the good Fight of Faith, 2 Tim. 4. 7. o,/£/y, By work?
ing out our Salvation in fear and trembling, Phil. 2. 1 mk
lothfy, To have our work abiding, 1 Cor. 3. 14. nth/yi
To be confirmed to the End, 1 Cor. 1 . 8.

I. By that which is faid, we may know, I. That'
Perfeverance is no eaiy Work ; there will be workings
wreltling, fighting in it ; the laying of the Foundation^
well, and raifing up of the Building to the Top-itone fl
not only a Beginning well, but a running to the Er
notwithflanding of all Storms that may blow : Nexlj
That Perfeverance is not of ourfelves, it is of God, an
Chrift dwelling in us: And, 3. Thatin this we mull nc
be idle, but active; we mud move, being moved.

Ufe 2. Who delire this Perfeverance, mult confic
what it is, in Scripture Expreffions, and according there4
to follow the Way and Means preicribed, by continuin
in Omit and his Word, in the Faith and ProfefTioather
of, in the Grace of God, and Exercife of the fame,
fighting the good Fight, and running the Race which
fet before us, with Patience, &c.

r As to the fecond Thing propounded, to perfevere, an
to be confirmed in the State of Grace, is an excellei
Blefling : The Man that dwelleth in the Courts of Gc
is a blefted Man ; he is fatisfied with the Goodnefs
his Houfe, Pfalm 65.4. They are biefTed who ib dwell
in God's Houfe, as to have their Strength in him; the
will be ever praifing him, Pfalm 84. 4, 5. Wifdom is 4
Tree of Life to them that lay hold on her, and happy
twry one that retaineth her, Prov. 3. 18. For more fa
Proof of this Point, take and confider thefe Confirmatic
bis Truth : 1/?, All the Happinefs which may be co
ceived to be in the State of Grace, and in the Exercil
of the fame, may eafily be concluded to be much moil
in the Continuance, and Confirmation of the fame ; an
this is in Perfeverance. 2d, Without this, all other BlefiinjJ
null, and to no effeel : That of Adoption, Jufrifr
n, and Sanftification, were to no Profit at all, weifl

th<

Un the Ltospel Covenant. 403

|he Saints without Peffeveranee : They might fall again,
>oth under the Guilt and Dominion of Sin. trd Sole ail

feir Jnterti: in God. 3^, 1 he Danger and Vi.'ecefa of
poltacy doth commend this, and prove its ExceJic:

.<c tiie Dog's turning to his Vomit, 2 Pet.
\. 21. e is forer, and much ibrtr, and how

Jiuch forer Punifhment for fuch, Heb. 10. 29. 4A&, Per-
?verance muft be an excellent thing ; fcr, by it, the Trial
itian's Faith is found unto Praife, Honour,
nd Glory, 1 Pet. I. 7. 5//^, It is by this Perfcverarce,
an cometh at Lit to be bruifed under our Feet,
i&m. 16. 20. 6>£j In Pe/feverance, uiih renewed Strength,
lere ; re renewed Comforts, ith, A confirmed State of
Jrace maketh the Hope or Glory lively. Sth, Perfeve-
ance is every Grace, acting to the uttermoii ,- io, if tr.ere
e Excellency in Grace, when in and 2t it^ Perfection,
lere mult be much more in it. gt.b, It is th
dorneth the Dodrine of God, and majcetb $culs ;he
ae Bride adorned -for the Lamb, Rev. 21.2. 10//;, There
ie many fair Promiles mace to thole me,

bat ie, to thole that ptrfevere; fuch a.- that, i

• ihall eat of the Tree or Life ; and, in\\r. uta
p. they fha!! not be hurt of the fcccr.d D.
3d, in \ er. 17th, tn« ■ .: of the hidden Manna,

ave the wnite Stc

6th, 381 n, that ; Nations,

n the br.ght .
3. 5. the white Raiment is pro mi ea them,
: their Nam 1 be blctttd out of the Boc

ife, and that Cnriit will confei ;ne bcior^

re his Ai ; of"

ip. that ihev (hall be made Pill e of

r.o go out, and have the Name of G< d writ-
, fhe new Name ; and, in \
ii lit with Chrift on his Throne, as he fn
icr on his

d it
all be done u:

4o4 S E R M O N XLTTI.

feverance ; fo, in Mattb. 10. 22. He that enduret-
fo, in Mark. 13. 13. and, in (.
e ib aft not •;, for ittdm

nth, It is the only beft Mark
of our being made Partakers of Chrift, if we hold the
the Beginning or our Confidence Itedfaft unto the End,
Heb. 3. 14. Now, by any of thefe, much more by alf|
thefe, it is manifelt, that Perfeverance is an excellen
Thing : In it there is much lying at the Stake ; yea, it
i up ail that which Chrift hath laid at the Stake.
1. Hence eafily appeareth the great" Lofs of thofc
that never had any real Grace: They who were nevei
in a State of Grace, how can they abide in it ? they may
have many fair prominng-like Beginnings, but they have
nothing that doth abide; they iole all the Things which
they have wrought, as may be gathered from 2 Jobr
Ver. 8. their Work will not abide, but be burnt up
1 Cor. 3. 15.

Ufe 2. Ir there be both Honour and Happinefs in per
fevering in Good, how curfed a Thing is it to perfeverc,
in Evil, to abide in an evil Way, to be going on ftiil it
TrefpafTes ? as in Pfahn 68. 21. the Lord will wcunc
the hairy Scalp of fuch : if Perfeverance in Good be the,
Crown of Bleflings, then Perfeverance in Evil mull bi
the Top of a curfed Eilate, and withal a Gulf of Mi,
fery, the very Image of Hell, where there is endlefs fin-,
ning, as well as enalefs Torment, it is the incurable Di'f
eafe, and deadly Poifon.

Ufe 3. Hence, Matter of Thankfulnefs, to thofe thl;
have the fure and folid Grounds thereof laid, which wilj
hold out. But Satan may itart a Doubt, with as fair |,
Shew of Truth, as Solon faid to Grcvfus, none can be cal
led happy before the End. Anpw. (1.) There ic a Ilappi
nef> in the Way, to the Chriitian, as well as in the
in a complete, right, and fure Poflemon, tho' not fo full
(2.) As to Perfeverance in a confirmed Eltate, then
Happinefs in the fure and folid Grounds laid of \
bleflcd Hope, which will not fail : And this fure am
confirmed Eltate of the Chriitian, may be known bu
thefe Marks : \(l, li there be an earneit Endeavour to per |

feverc

On the Gospel Covexaxt. 405

(cvere. zd, If there be acting and walking by inward
Principles of rooted Grace. 2>d, If Conference be made
of following all the Means of Perfeverance. 4^;, If there
be a Heart-hafred, and a real Abhorrency, of their Way
and Work, who turn afide, Pfalm 101. 3. §tb, If ho-
ly Fear be made, as it were, Captain of the Watch. 6.,::y
\f there be fomething of a daily Progrei'5 and Vidtory,
ome growing Work. *jtb, If there be well- grounded
Refolutions againit the worft of Temptations or Afllicti-
>ns, and if there be much Diffidence ia ounelves, and a
aying of Help upon him that is mighty, Pfalm 89. 19.

ff there be a forgetting of Thing? -e be-

ind, and a reaching forth to Things that are before,
wV, 3. 13, 14. io.'£, It we he more and more crucified
o the World, Gal. 6. 14. U thefe Things be in a man

.erity, he may have good Hope thro' Grace, to

bme to a fair Larding and Lodging in the End of Time.

U/e 4. Would you know the Reafons why not a few

o r.oc perfevere ? they are, (1.) They lay not the Foun-

ation en folid Grounds. (2.) They are ever picking

nd chopping at the Foundation, by frequent doubtings.

ut, (3.) This is a chief Caufe, they know not how ex-

ellent a Thing Perfeverance is, how much Good there

in it, and how much Evil there is in departing from

rod and his Truth ; how precious the righteous are,

ho hold on their Way, Job 17. 9. and viie they are in

le Lord's Eyes they are, who draw back, Heb. 10. 38.

U/e 5. Is this a Truth, that Perfeverance doth wear

le Crown ? then, all who defire to wear that Triple

rown, which is yet but one, and fo as a Crown to every

r ; I mean, that Crown of Righteoufnefs, fo cal-
d, in 2 Tim. 4. 8. Crown of Life, io called, James 1.
2. and Crown of Glory, fo called, 1 Pet. 5. 4. All, I
who defire this Crown, mult ltudy Perfeverance :
!any run that receive not the Prize ; but we muit fo run
we may obtain, 1 Cor. 9. 24. and the rather, for that
is an incorruptible Crown, Vcr 25th of that Chap.
As to the third Thing propounded, This, a .
her Bleilings of the Covenant, is covenanted and pro-
ofed; for Confirmation of this- Truth, confi

Cc 3 Tii

S E R til.

5, that firfl Promife, in Gen. 31;
btulfe the Serpen? s tfeau,
A durance tor thi;. : So doth that, in Gtu. 1^ 1.
•Lh both to be a Shield ...
; that includech A (la ranee of1
Rerfeverance: Cor.fiJer alfo that Promife, in Pfalm 92.
13, 14. tho'e that be planted in the Houfe of the Lord,
ihall flouwih in the Courts of our (

bring forth Frail in old Age; that, in Prov. 12. 5. Al

man ihail not be eihblifhed by Wickednefs, but the Root

of the Righteous ihall not be moved; and that P.

10 Lhrjlt, I/a. 12. 4. He /ball not fail nor t

ccur/igtciy untii be bat b fet Judgment in the Ea>th\ and

. in Chap. 46. 4. and to. your oid A. ; and

1 fomied againft Believers fha 11 pro-

, in Jer. 23.4

lord. (2 ) Co:;f}der the Compirifons unto .
eversare.ee ; >ld forth Perfeve

e compared to a Tree planted by a
River or Water, which bringeth forth Fruit in Srafon,.
whole Leaf fadcth not; In Pjalm 125. 1. they arc com-
to Mo ant Zi.n. which ih:ill not be rerpoved : In
Houfe which is built upon a Rock.
thcr Proofs j and, 1//, From God's
ufficiency* Believers are kepi by the Power of God,
thro' Faith Ditto Salvation, 1 Pet. 1.5. he is able to keep
them from falling, J ude Vcr. 24. id, From the Lord's
UnchiDgeaolencfi; ins Work is without Repent uace,
Kern. 11. 29. He js God, and change th not, maL 1. 6.
i-'rom God's Eleclion ; ii i eabie, and cal-

ling is according to it, Ram. 8. 28, 30. it is fuppof-
poflible tiiat the Eleft en be#deceived, fo as to be
urn Chrift, in Mattb. 24. 24. \tb, Is,
From Lh rill's Jrterceffion ; the Apoille draweth even
hat, a Perfuafion that nothing fhall feparate Believ-
ers from the Love pi Gcd, Ram. 8. 34, 35. Chriil pray-j
cti that Laith fail not, Luke 22. 32. axd if it fail not,,

On the Gospel Covenant. 407

!I (hall be fafe : Chrift prayeth the Father fo to keep

hem. as they may be one, even as he and the Father

ire one, 'John 17. 11. yh, Js from this, that the Lord

lath both engaged that he will not forfake us, and that

*e fhall not forfake him, 1 Sam. 12. 22 Jer. 32. 40.

5th, Is from the Seal of the Spirit, Eph. 4 30. who aie

ealed with it, are fealed until the Day of Redemption.

1th, The Crown is promifed, but unto none fave thoie

,vho perfevere, that are faithful unto- Death, Rt~j. z. ic.

3/£, The Cnchangeablenefs of God's Will, and infinite

lUnding, how to accompliih it, Pfalm 1^;. £.

ytb, The Unchangeabler.efs of his Love ; whom he •

tie loveth to the End, John 13. 1. \o'l\ From the Loia's

jlneis; it is engaged, and he will not fuffer it to

rfabn 89 33. 1 i/Z>, From the Everl t\ ingn

the Covenant of Grace, I/a. 54. 9, 10. iztb^ From that

r.ble Union with Chrift, and his marrying ol
Ho/. 2. 19. with Rom. 8. 3s- 13'^, From the Effects
- indwelling Spirit, John 14. 6. and 1 John 5. 18.
14''$, From that He'p which is covenanted in Temptati-
c;; , 1 Cor. 10. 13. and 2 Pet. 2. 9. 'i$th% From the
Experience and Affurance, Phil. 1. 6. \6tb, All
Things are too weak to feparare Believers from God :
ISot only AfflicYions will not prevail unto tim, Rm. 8.
35. but neither will the Flefli or Satan do it, James 4.
7. 1 John 5. 18. nor Sin, Chap. 2 1, 2. nor any Thing
elfe, Rom. 8. 38, 39. ijtb\ Increaie of Grace is cove-
nanted, If a. 57. II. Jer. 1 7. 8. and 31. 12. Dan. 12.
4. Ifa. 30. 26. and Alattb. 13. 12. 1 Sth, If any fhall
be ltedfalt, it muft be by the Promile; for there is no
Stedfaltnefs in Man, more than was in lfraelt Pfai 78.
g, 37. he putteth no Trull in his Servants, Job 4. 18.

Ufe I. Mifery of thofe who live without the Covenant ;
they neither have, nor, as fuch, can have, AiTurance
of Perleverance, nor any confirmed Eftate in Grace ; they
can expeel no better Lot than that, in James 1.8. to be
unftable in all their Wawys ; nor Carriage than that, in
z Pet. 2. 14. not to ceafe from Sin, and to be unliable
Sou!;.

Cc 4 Vfi

$ ; in.

d Stay of Ilea-'.

in the new Covenant, anj the Loj
Co ltron .

r-. But it isofrj l

are not To holy ) et he fell.

was under the Covennnt t

:;on one that is migh-
:; : Grace is fufficient, 2 Cor. 12. 9. Lilian. Promiies
are conditional, ani we cannot keep Condition.
It is promifed, that we fha.ll keep Condition, evei
hirn for ever, j- - . 52. 39, 40. (2.) Condi dona, I
mifes arc to check the uniound, but

none can be
their own ' manCf, nor the 1

cy of Grace ot hang on M :/s VVill, Rom. 9 16.

It is I 1 , That the Doctrine of Perfev

is a D /infnx. It is io indeed, but of

: of an holy Security ; and lo,
who are t lave Reafon to be moil iecure,

cure : He who is aflured that God will guide
him with hiv Cour.cii, and after receive him to (
yet faith, // is govd for me to dran/o pear to God, P.
>8- He thai was perfucded noth.ng could k
rom the Loye 1
! dy, and bi .0 Subjecln . any Mean:

: a C ■■» ft -away, i C >•• 9.

. ievere, rnaft once have it from
I hey muft hold it by
eal Grnce, fuch as Faith, Lovt
and th z of alfiiiing

Spirit of C
• Helps: I. Keep

A
4. 18. 4. Bv

trary ro that which Be ex-

•enial.

On the Gospel Covenant. 409

Eve the Lord's coming, James 5. 9. 7. Be ever pref-

;. 13, 14.

fe who. feek Eilabliftimer.t and Per-

verance in themfelves, and to have it founded in them-

h is the Lord only who keepe:h the Feet of the

lints; and by Strength [hall no Man prevail, 1 Sam. 2.

It is in the Lord that we have Righteo Tnefs and

trength, I/a tab 45. 24. (2 ) It is againft thofe, who

ach that dreadful and aulurd Doctrine of the Saints

Uing away. It is true, they who are much in Shew

lay rail away, Heb. 6. 4. 6. and

ave Acls of their Gnce interrupted, zd, The
weakened. 3^, The Senfe and Comfort of them
fiened and removed. 4//', Grace imv- to the ap
^g °^ ^f> be near extinguiihed b alls: Yet,

ne\er goeth Out, the Love c;
[together loll, the Seed remained), 1 John 3. 9.

once get into a Sf$.te of Grace, (o
: abide in it: Grjce is that gooj Part which (hall not
10. 42. they vvcre never tru

Know them, (1 )
net from
e, but for
:>d low Ends: Sin often dcth leave them, before they
it. (2.) Such as take Uj v trofeflic

r Self ends, they follow Chri
26. (3 .) linefs,

(4 )

d, when it h let home,

_ ir Herodia med

hjngs ; but whei . ::h him in that, he

n Prilon, Afor^ 6 18, 20. (j ) Such as are

d great Abilities, but proud and feJfii
ot of the Head, but of Conceit in their own ! \c

• of the holy City, ' tfd 44 c, who are
no Wonder if they

[ 410 ]

S E R M O N XLIV.

ON THE

GOSPEL CO Vli NAN I:

On the feventh fpiritual Blkssing of the
C o v e p a H t, Eternal L i f e.

WE come now to the laft, even that everlaftin.
ling of the Covenant, eternal Life; and ihall
ct it wi the fame Orcier, i/i, Shewing unto you what it
is. zd, How excellent a Bleffing ic is. 3^, How it is'a
anted BleiBng
As to the firfl, What it is, know it, (1.) By that which
cripture faith of it; it is th.it which the Eye hath
not ieen, nor the Ear heard, nor hath it entered into the
Heart of Man to Comprehend it, lja. 64. 4. and 1 Cor.
2. 9. ft is called that bleffed Hope, Tit. 2. 13. eternal
Glory. 2 Tim. 2. io. eternal Sa! virion, Hcb. 5. 9. the
"eritance, K-b.g. 15. the Crown of Righteouf?
• u Glory, 2 Tim. 4. 8. James l . 2. 1 Pet.
dom of Heaven, A/a/. 5. 3. the Kingdom
6. 9. a Kingdom that cannot be moved,
erlafting Kingdom of our Lord and
us Chrifi, 2 P//. 1 . 11. It is called alfo Life

even

On the Gospel Covenant. 41 t

^verjafting, John 3. 16. eternal Life, JudeVzr. 21. the
foy of the Lord, Matth. 25. 21. Pieafures for evermore,
'Pfalm 16. 11. (2.) Know that eternal Life is foraetimes
3Ut for the Way which leadeth to it, John 17. 3. fome-
for Chrift the Purchafer of it, 1 John 1. 2. But,
properly, it is rhat bleiTed EfUte, wherein perfect Know-
edge and full E'njoyment of God is attained, when we fhall
ee Face to Face, and know as we are known, 1 Cor. 13. 12.
>vhen we iTia'l fee him as he is, ijoltr^. 2 It ftaodetb in a
full Deliverance from all Evils; when we fhall have come
bat of all Tribulations, and have wafhed our Robes in the
Blood of the Lamb, Re<v. 7 14. when God ftialj wipe a-
ay all Tears frcm our Eye*, and there fhall be no
more Death nor Sorrow, Rev. 2 t . 4. when there (hall
be full, and rghtful, and L>r eve ent of

God, in the Communication and Communion of all
Good ; when there fhall b>: ight, Lo

To the Under flan Fulnefs 01

\ ill and Afl Peace 5

to .he Men to all Eternity ;

Lnd to the • complete S .

i
ant 01 that Heaven and eternal Life are dt ;

ceeding gi 1 ^e Thing.*,

nd reprove the Bafeneis rite] which aie

arrieu lying Van I let upon any Good

rather: which is ,. Lnd eternal, fuch as

im 4. 6. v

Life, we would
ftpdy to know the Things thereof, to know and prize
. and to love Chrilt, chafer of them, and

the Gofpel winch revealed them, and the Way of Holi-
nefs, which ieadeth unto it ; ancj all the Beginnings or
nal Life, fuch as that, to have the Conversion in 1

5. 20. yea, and all Grace, which is young

As to the fecond, The Excellency of this Bite
there is in it unfpeakable Words, 2 Cor. 12. 4. ic is cal-
e excellent Glory, ev< .ce where it is,' 2 Pel.

4 .led a far more exceeding

ancj

S E R M O IV.

and eternal Weight of Glory. In the Original, thefc
five Things arc i Glory, z Weight of Glory. 3
Excellent. 4. Excellent above excellent. 5. Eternal:
Add unto thefe, I Ccr. 2. 9. Eye hath not ftcny nor Ear

, the Things
d hath prepared for them that live him\ and,
Exek. 47. 5. there are Waters to fwim in, a R i w
cannot be parted.

For furtner clearing of this Point, co gilder, 1. How
the Scripture telieth us, that all we hive ever feen or
heard is little of it, La. 64. 4. 2. Ail that a Man can
reach with his Thoughts, is nothing to if, 1 CV. 2 9.
3. Ail that the Saints have found ot it in their Experi-
ence is but the tint Fruics, Rom. 8. 23. 4. Thai
be an e;.ctivent State, in which v. ' freed of all

Evii, both of Sin and Tei tan ihall be

-oden under Foot, R be no more

a Weight hanging or as in II I .

12. 1. nor World entangling? but we (hall be delivered
from 1. 4. 5. 1 - an excel-

lent State, when in iome Re(pccl>, it (lull put us above

,r Nature,
V united to t'n~ Son of God, lib. 2. 16. Ven
lot on him the Nature of Angels,
Scd of Abraham. 2/. The Advantage of nearer Feliow-
ih;p with him, 1 Cur. 1. 9. being of neareit Union,
John 17. 21. Members of bis myftical Body, 1 Cor. 6.
15. 3^. The Advantage of Marriage Communion,
Brid? and Lamb's W.fe, Rev. 21. 9. Angels are under
ChrilVs Headfnip of Dominion and Influence, for Con-
firmation, but not of Communion in every Rcfpeft as Men
they are miaiftring Spirits, appointed for the Heirs
14. 6. That Eftate will put great
ncy on our Bo£:e: made incorruptible, glo;
mighty, and, in [5.42,43

iLijecl to Sit ; fee ho^v

rious, Dan. 12.
and as the ever, and

0

On the Gospel Covenant. 413

ban now ; they (hall be fpiritual, not needing Meat
mcf Drink, and fubjecl to our Spirits: Our now vile Bo-
lies ihail be then conform to ChriiVs glorious Body,
FLU. 3. 21. and fee how glorious it was, in Matth. 17.
2. and Rfv. 1. 13, 14, 15. 7. The Excellency of that
Life will be feen in the Soul's men Glory and Excellen-
:y ; for then it (hall not (o depend, as to be hindered by
the Body in its Actings ; and the Faculties in their Power
(hall be extended to the uttermoil ; and all the Graces
which are planted cherein,mall be fuitably enlarged, and all
Narrownefs, Darknefs, and Unllablcnefs, {hall be wholly
removed. 8. Thfere fnall be the new Acceflion of Glory,
in their being re-united ; a N er-s Perfon,

when crowned, fitting on a Throne, fweet Welcomes to
their Father's Houfe, brought in to the Father, in the
Hand of the Son, in unto prepared Manfionsj the Son fay-
ing to the Father, Behold 1 m hall
given me, Heb. 2. 1 3. 9. The Excellency of this Life miy
be gathered, from God's Pretence there, and the Belk
enlivening $ight of him, the Sight of" God as he is, the
Sight of GlJ. in Chriit, as he is to us, the freely flow-
ing Foizn! a in of all our Good, the Sight }g in
his Beauty, La. 33. 17. really, immediately, clearly, la-
tisfyingly ; \ II we defire to fee in God,
and ourfefves in Goo, and God in us, our I
him, and nothing in us out tha own;,
our Union with him by the Spirit, our Love to him en-
larged : There alio we fhall have Communion with
ever prefent God ^h'ifig *n OLir P«i
pany, much more than that, in Fr<m. 8. 31. deil:;'
miliarly with us, in moil free, inward, fill
able Communications: There mall we h n^r 0t
God, Knowledge ho . ufeofhim, an
ourfelves in bim ; and there (hall be reding on him
with him, with inoft full Ailurance, and perL
ttion for ever. 10. The Excellency a§ tnis Life may
be confidered in this, that it fhall be with Chrill; we
•fhall fee him with our E)c

hed of the Father, with that Glory which he had with
him before the Beginning of th< . 17. 1, c

4M S E R

faying to us, as th< I

Ft'/b ;
fee £5/?. 5. 30. our old Fneml.

ivcJJ tried Friend': We fhall fe< ht*c in

miniiiratiom, fuitable to thai

fee him and be fhined upon, and infi / him,

throughout all Eternity, and fo be ever with h:m, Rev,

14. 4. 11. The Excellency of that Life may be conii-

dered in the Company of Angels and Sainto, an imiurne-

ipanv of them, H>b. 12. 23. there will be no

t, like that in Gen. 46. 30. there will be none

milling; the) » ill meet all in perfect Love, never to be

fcatrered or parted. 1 2. The Excellency of it, will be found

in thi I their Exercife, molt fpiritual, and of the

higheft Degree, where no Wearinefs nor Di veriion to other

Work, and all this at home, and in Peace, when Devils,

and all the damned, fhall be in Torment.

Uie \. Tetror, both to thofe that are without this Co-
lli of Grace altogether, or within it only by Pro-
feflion ; they can have no Share in this lait and belt, and
everlafting Eleiling : Without are Dog : . 15. Hypo-

crites will have no Share in this, more ihan ihe more
grofly profane, fome .whereof do, 1. Keep the
Ways with the godly, but for bate Encs, und in their
2. They .liny Ljfts, but are

held fait by.or 2. 20. 3. They go a great

Length in Appearance, but fit up before the End : Ah,
Pity ! many take great Pains to go to Hell.

U/e 2. Is eternal Life fo excellent, and are there fo

Heaven ? We would learn to eiieem them

and. 1. Reckon your Ricjies, by v have

in Hand, and in Hope of thefe eternal Things. 2. Be-

ily to work Works to Eternity. 3. Be ace u
exa&, zealous in cur Work, «fpecially in Purfuit of thofe
Things ; our Labour fhall hot be in vain, exceeding great
is this Reward.

V/i 3. Seeing God hath prepared fo great, and good,
and eternal Things for us, this fhould make all humb!e_
and thankful, who have Chrift in them the Hope of ^
Glory ; they fhjuld admire fuch Goodnefs, with the I

Plalmilt, 1

On the Gospel Covenant. 415*

Pfalmiit, in Pfal. 31. 19. 01 honv great is thy Gwdnefs
then baft laid up for them that 'fear thee ! Won-
der, that he who humbleth himielf to behold Things in
Heaven, P/a. 113. 6. mould ever have daigned him-
felr to behold us, who were low and baie as Hell, t) !
I chat Mercy that endureth for ever, Pfal. 136. 1.

O ! pray, that ye may knew what the Hope of his Cal-
ling is, who is the Father of Glory, and what the Riches
of the Glory of his Inheritance ia the Saints is, Epb. 1.

, 18. O! what is Man, that Gcd mould mine into his
Heart, to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory
of God, in the Face of Jefus Chrilt ? as in 2 Cor. 4. 6.
Bur, fome will lay, if we knew our Intereit in that bJef-
i:e, we would rejoice and be thankful ; but we are
as to that : 1 aniwer, thou ma\ft conclude thy In-
tereit, if thou hail iheie Things, 1. If tnou be come to
Choice, Heb. 11. 25, 26. 2. If thou be begotten
unto* that lively Hope, 1 Pet. 1.3. 3. If the Hear: be
raited up to feek Heaven, fo, as to fell ail upon that Ad-
venture ; as knowing the Pearl of Price is there. 4. If
thy Converfttion be in Heaven, from that Principle, the
Kingdom of Heaven within you; you have it begun,
you wculd bave it accomplished. 5. If thou hail a fpi-
rittial Notion of Heaven. 6. If thou haft that purify-
ing Hope, 1 John 3. 3. 7. If thy Title and Claim \y
in free Juitifkation. 8. If your Works be fpiritual and
fupernatural, in Principles, Manner, and Enus ; fuch as,
the divine Nature, Help of a Mediator, God the chief
End.

Ufe 4, Let us feek, not great Things here, Jer. 4^.
5. but the great Things of Eternity, that Joy of cur
Lord, which is pure, fpiritual, from God, in God, with
God. Confider, 1. How it is prepared. 2. How pur-
chafed. 3. For whom, and how for us. 4. Ho«v iure,
made fure by a confirmed Teftament, and by three Wit-
neffes in Heaven, and three in Earth, 1 John 5. 7, 8.
5. How all Difpenfations work towards it, and the Time
is but Giort, 1 Cor. 7. 29. 6. How they are now more
fully revealed, and we made more capable, yet have but
little here.

IV.

$. Let u : die as Heirs of this Gr;

Life, worthy oi th: a, i 'Thqi. 211.

dejected. 2. > Worlcf.

r on our Wing for i:
A'a^h, iirive, iff. To have our HeirtV Work
lily on it, as 1 1 near. 2d. V

d and Heaven much. 3^. Be
we ean, to keep u^ fro n longing.

Uje 6. Envy not, but p.ty the Men who have the*:
Portions of the World, and want

e third Thing propounded concerning et<
. That it is prom lied, 1. Take tHefe ScVipro
prove it, Pfa* 16. 11. at thy right Hand Pieafures for*
evermore. Ija. 60. 19. The Lord will be an everlalt
Light : More clearly in the neV TeftaWnt, Mat. 25. 34J
35. John 10. 28. Rom. 5. 17! I
7. 1 John 2. 25. 2. Confute/ diefe Reafon
Covenant is a Covenant of Life, Mai. 2. 5. tne Life
eternal Life, John 10. 10. and 1 John 5. 12. a Life 1
petuated on Earth, could not have made Man har
arid Paradife is ufed to exprefs the heavenly and ete;
Elhte. zd. Eternal Life was the End of Chriirs •
demption, and of the Gofpel, 2 Urn. 1. 10. 3d. It
the End of our Calling, 1 I L'he End J

our Juitification, Tit. 3. 7. 5//'. The End of H.
nefs and San&ifkation, Rom. 6. 22. 6th. The End ci
Ktpeniance and Faith, Acts 11. 18. 1 Pet. 1. 5. -tb. ||
Chrift is called eternal Life, as the Author of it, 1 J
5. 20. Sth. The Spirit's Work in us, is to eternal Life; j
and the Spirit is promifed, John 4. 14. yth. Everlalt:
Righteouinefs is promifed, and fo eternal Life: ComparJM
Dan. 9. 24. with Rom. 5. 21. 10th. There is an tvt
laiting kingdom and Pnelthood covenanted to Chriit, fo j
eternal Life to his Subjects and fanctified Ones: fee PJ\
lie 4. and Dan. 7. 13, 14. nth. God is a God
the living, Matth. 22. 32. and he is an everlaiting Ge
iztk. God hath faid that he himfelf will be the Reward jH
he is eternal. i$th. Eternal Life is promifed, when a i
Time is promifed, wherein there mail be no more D
Hoft 13. 14. with [lev. 21. 3. 1 ^th. Eternal Life ma'Fjl

be

On the Gospel Covenant. 417

>e by the Promife, becaufe the Reward is of Grace, Luke
10. and we cannot command Life at ail ; our Times
jc in the Lord's Hand, P/a. 31. 15.

1. How terrible may this be to thofe that live and
ie without the Covenant of Grace! they can have no
art nor Portion in this Grace of Life ; they mail go to
he Geaeration of their Fathers, and never fee Light,
J/2*. 49. 19. they believe not on trie Sen, fo (hall
zc Life, John 3. 36. especially they that were bidden,
ould not answer the Gofpel Call, they ihall never
lie of this Sa Ah ! they who

nder the external Adaiinifixatioo, and have had CI
anuing long at the Door, i: exceed::

.n evil and vile Thing, to be a aough we

ouid lofe nothing by it: O! b\ fo, as to lo.

rnal I :.:nefs and

oliy ; and yt:y how many arc live without?

<3W many are they, who, though they be
. the Pale 0/ the vifibl , live as without ir,

nought of the Life that is to cc
hat will they do when the grim Serjeant, Death,
me ? how grievous will the Sound of the 1 ft

them, and the Son of Mao's rppearing in
louds, in the Glory of his Father? O ! that ;

iir.

Ufe 2. Hence the Chriftian may have Comfort an
emptations; far if in this Life only we had Hope in
hrili, then of ail Men we were molt miferab

19- but the Hope of immortal is the Life of this,
orta) Life; fo as when a Chr it to defpair 01

e cm e hath no |

:cau.e he hath the Hope ot >pe of thi*

oear up the Heart in all S:
d againft all the

3. If eternal Life be by the Promife, it cork
•th that Opinion a r.d Practice, which feeketh Li i •..-
'orks: Eternal Life of God, Rm. 6. 2$. QJ

Iis much belter that he io ; and it is moil ab-

forwhnrPro-

SERMON XL1V.

portion can there be imagined betwixt our fecklefs Wo
ing and t: Reward ?

4. Who defire to have Right to that Tree of
let them turn in to this Covenant of Grace; feek both
the Right unto it, and Entrance and Continuance thereirfj
by the Promifes thereof. If it be afked, HowihallJ
make all this fure ? Anf. 1. ^earn once to take up youi
Diitance from Heaven in your natural ElUte, you wit
find yourfelf worfe than you feemed to be, in Ma
34. 2. Go to him, who in the Covenant is the Princl
of Life, ASts 5. 31. go to him, as without Strength, Rom
5. 6. judging thvfelf worthy of Death, 1 Cor. n. 3*
go 10 him as d?ad, Col. 2. 13. 3. Look unto J. in
by Faith, for Juflification of Life, as in Rom. 5. 19
4. Go to him, and piead thyfelf an Heir of that Riga
teoufnels which is by Faith, Heb. 11. 7. fo lay hold of
eternal Life, according to 1 Tim. 6. 12. 5. VV
Chrift; he is *h? Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jo&
14. 6. 6. Let it be your Study, daily to get yourfelve
loofed from the World, and from Bofom Corruptioi *
7. Employ the Spirit of Chrift for Counfel and Condw
Pfa. 139. 2+ with 143. 10. and believe that Word,
73. 24. that he will guide you with his Counfel, and
ter receive you to Glory. 8. Be willing to endure m
for it; it is infinitely better than the Good we part
for attuinir.^ it, R&m. 8. 18. 9. Study to have t
Glory revealed in us, to have much of Heaven brou
to be within us; let our Spirits work mightily on the!
Things, and exercife all your Graces on the Things 0
Eternity, Faith, Hope, Love, Patience, csfc. 10. Labou
to exercife yourfelves in keeping a good Confcience, upoj
this Account, with Paul, Ads 24. 15, 16.

U/e 5. Reproof to thofe who believe none of thof
Tnings : And, no Wonder it be fo with many ; for, \j\
They neither know God, nor their own Souls well
2 I. They are not acquainted with that noble Contrivanc
of a Goi'pel Covenant, and with the rare Way of th

p.ce of this blefTed Eft ate. 3^. They never had an
Tafte of the firft Fruits of that heavenly Kingdom : N<
Wonder they long not for it.

SERW

s

J

L »*» J

S E R M O N XLV.

O N T II E
lyOi Xi.Ui C v/ \ JLL INI i"*

)f the TEMPORAL B L E S S I N G S of th

N T.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.

-

; f:r this is

r T A V I N G fpoken of the great and bed Blcffi
_JL of the Covenant, I go now to fpeak of the tcm-
orai Bieflings which are annexed thereto, and enfured
(of fo far as they are or ixiAy be Bieflings indeed.
And of theie I (hall, i'K Shew you what they are.
ncy are no . own

, and Exec
re pronaifod, in the new Covenant.

common Favours, which
jnto all, and

-ength of Days is in the n ;1 Richer

ionour in the left, ngsf

/hich come alike unto
^hings,

JornofUv

D d

42o S E R M O N XLV.

Place, Mattk. 6. 33. More particularly, they maybe. 1
taken up in theie Two : 1 . Freedom from external Evils,
fuch a?, Anli&kms and Dangers, Pfa. 34. 4, 19.
The Enjoyment of all good Things; the Lard giveth all
theie Things richly to enjoy, 1 Tim. 6. 17. They are,
in a Word, ail theie good Things which are for the Sub-
licence or Comfort of the natural or civil Life, condu-
cible to the Body, good Name, external Eftate or Calling.

Ufe 1. We may learn from that which is faid of tem-
poral Bleffings, that we are, of ail Creatures which the
Lord hatli made, the moil neceiluous : There is a Con-
courfe of, I cannot tell/ow many Things necelTary to
make us externrdly happj ; theWant of any one of thofe
Externally neccffary Th-rigs will do much to make a Man
miicrable, efpecialiy if he lay much -Weight on it ; but
the Abundance of many fuch Things will not go near to:
make him even externally happy;

U/e 2. When Chriftiaus reckon their Blellings, they

mutt not fcore by common Bleiiings, as none of the Num-

neither mult they weigh them only by the Good

which they bring with them, but by the Evil alfo which

they ward off.

As to the iecond, The Worth and Excellency of rem-
and commo/i Bleffings ; temporal Bleffings, conii-
dered as coming from the Covenant of Grace, are rich
and fair Blemngs; they are good Blellings in themfelves,
but more excellent when given out of a Father's Hand,
a Father in Chrift: Their Excellency doth appear, 1. In
the Scripture Expreilions concerning them ; for they are
called tender Mercies, Pfa. 149. 9. Riches of Goodnefs,
Rom. 2. 4. the Blellings of the Heaven above; and of
the Depth that lieth under, Gen. 49. 29. yea, they are
called all Things, 1 Tim. 6. 17. all Things neediul for
the external Eitate. 2. Take up their Excellency in
thefe .Confiderations : ift, They are all free Favours,
and we are lefs than, the leaft of them all ; we may with
better Reafbn ky (o, than Jacob, in Gen. 32. 10. 2^,
Cenfider, how many they are, much given out, and
much laid up, in a Treafure that cannot be exhaufted.
3^ The/ are given us, to lead us to Repentance, Life

and

On the Gospel Covlvakt. 421

find Health continued with ue for that End, in Rom. 2. 4.
,d that is no fmall Favour ; for it being defpiled, mak-
eth a great Aggravation of Sin. Rev. 2. 21. \th, They
, are to Believers a Piece of ChrifTs Purchafe : This,
at they are Covenant Bleflings, maketh them bcth
.. more fweet, and more fure. A Covenant Right is
, more excellent than that which comtth only by a com-
mon Providence. $th, Even thefe common Favc
j coming from God, are Bands of Love, Ho/. 11. 4. and
ouJd be fvveetly drawing and engaging to Believers.
j6/£, They hold forth much of the I God, in

his Power, Wifdom, and Goodnefs, manifeiled in Ft
dence. jth, They have : , that they are

good Helps to Cheerfulnefs in Service ; and the I
loveth a cheerful Worfhipper, as well as a cheerful
Giver, 2 C:r. 9. 7. 8th, They are a Treafure, out of
hich Charity may difpenfe : Charity is an excellent
Irace, 1 Cor. 13. 13. and Abundance of temr
:h fill its Hand, and helpeth it in the 1
tif, An outward profperous State doth keep the Gofpel
om Contempt; and commendeth it fometimea to tbofe
lat (land, by, and know not the Worth of it, fo, in
1.9. Their Seed Jkall be knoixn among the
(l that fie them Jhall acknowledge them, that they are
><? Seed which the L01 d hath blejfed. ic:h, Temp

;or tnis the more excellent to a Believer, for
tat Faith can extract more Sw

i:iore of God and his Love in them, anc
:o direct them to more high and noble L

cither do, or are able to do.
] . The Mifery oif 1 Co-

nanc ; ,v not the true Worth and even

fo they cannot in I nent

then lo fweet, or 1

.

2. U temporal BK flings be good and excel
. allowed upon hi.^ Servants and People; then, this
ineth that monkifh Vow, of voluntary Povei

I they take themfelves to be with:
D d 3 ace

422 S E R M O N Xf,V.

>bliged to |
- reft in all I ir ; but their Vows of th;

Sort are licti< I >r, by vov. i

World, and r
thcmfclvcs or t lie fa i th.

-ovetii tliofc uho do not duh
i the;

ce, a good Name : Were anv of thofe wan tin -
would be n them. Avid I

common i b much ui

i hold tern

fweet and lure, and the moVe n'ch .

fo, in enjoy in

i 2S. 2. Right ro a Th::

common FavoursTelH-noniescf fpecH J then 4

Rewards of Righteoufiu

Contentment than a enues of the Wicked,

37. 16. with Prov. 16. 8. 'i ' be much

nefs and no Sorrow, P;^ I Satisfa&io

Chap. 13. 25.

U,e 5. We would labour fo to ufe ard improve ter
porsl Bleflings, as trnt they 1 lis to Rep-

r .ch.T th 11 hax< ' . 1 oar 1 (earts to I

ni, a
make the

As to

. (i .) See them pronui
I

. rhe f\
•
Condi ti
7. 1 2, 1 3.

orn-6, and of the Fruit

ut. 3. 18. He giv

Pot

(Jn the (jospel Covenant, 423

ower to get Wealth, that he may eftablifh his Covenant ;

nd, in P/a/m 1 1 i. 5. in giving Meat to them that fear

im'; he is mindful of his Covenant; and, in Ezek. 34.

5, 27. we have promifed, by Virtue of the Covenant

f Peace, that the evil Beafts fhall ceaf- out of the Land ;

lere fhall be fafe dwelling in the Wildernefs. and fleep-

ig in the Woods, that the Tree of the Field fhall yield

., er Fruit, and the Earth her Increafe, ,£r7. and, in Hof.

' t 18, 21, 22. it is upon a Covenant Account, that the

iOrd heareth the Heaven^, and the Heavens the

j larth, and the Earth the Corn, and the Corn IfraeL

2.) See it promifed, that we fhall be freed from Evil,

'jalm 91. 10. no Evil fhall befal them that make God

Jieir Refuge, no Plague fhall come near their Dwelling ;

nd Pfalm 121. 5, 6, 7. the Lord will be their Keeper,

nd a Shade upon their right Hand, and preferve them

rom all Evil ; and, in lfa. 43. 2. it is promr,

,e pais thro' the Waters, he will be with us, and when

VC pals thro' the Fire; in Zech. 2 5. he promifed to be

f Wall of Fire round about. (3.) Coniider Promifes

lade to us in the afflicted State : \fly They fhall be or-

ered as our Need requireth, 1 Pet. 1. 6. zd, Ordered

p our Profit, Heb. 12. 9, 10. 3^/, Meafured to our

trength, 1 Cor. 10. 13. both in the Meafure, Jer. 46.

:8. and Endurance, Pfal. 125. 5. 4^, Ordered to our

nanifold Good, Rom. 8. 28. iuch as that, Dcut. 8. 2, ;.

»f puiging, lfa. 27. 9. fpiritual quickning and thrl.

;.. i 6. Alfo, $tb> fhere is promifed Help to bear,
1 Cor. 1. 5. healing of Wounds, Jer. 30. 1
jroan% Exod. 2. 23, 24, 25. (4.) Coniider hcuv i
;ood Thing is promifed. But, for further clearing of
his Truth, that temporal Blcfling? are promifeo, and fo
Bte covenanted BlefR ngs, take thefe Proc . ie is

,1er, and he knoweth we Hand in need of [
, t. 6. 32. He is God, a Father, and out hea-
venly Father. zJ, He will have us withe nefs,
L. 6. nothing will do that fo well, as his faithful
Ie. 3*/, He hath given us Chrift, and will he net
in give us all Things ? Rom. 8. 32. \tb. Helov-
uh not to have his People difcouraged, PJalm 27. 14.
Dd 4 He

• S & R M O l.V.

with mai : ,

2

our B .

1. I C$r,

Kingdom; it were not hor, : we fhouldl

. Deut. 28. 1 2, 13. an
and will he not c s own Houfhold, who doth con-

demn it fo as a I -hers, to be negligent i..

Duty ? 1 Tim. j. I

the Moiy Ghbil, t CV. 6. 16. 19 %th\ Pro ;
the Lord's Goodlier •
63. 9^, Temporal Thin

as carntil Pennies of he:ter Things, fo to ncuri
Hope of heavenly Things.

Ufe 1. This, that temporal BlelTing? are frtc Gif
by Promife ; it is againli all Merit, for if we cinnot fc
much as merit temporal Things, how (hall we be abl
to merit the better and eternal BlelTings ?

Ufe 2. Terror to thofe that never
the new Covenant ; they have no fpimual Rig
common Bleffings, neither by the Covenant of Works,
which they have broken, nor of Grace, which they have
not taken ; they have no comfortable Title, ei her to Lifej
or Necefcries of the fame.

may remove Scruples, which Chi •

th may have of themfelve% or 1

judging r.fhly of tk. td have no better'

Portion, and that thefcThingsw a them inV*

temr gs are covenant Bleffings fo due ar<

•

There is enoi

id for temporal go x
and Poverty, Pfylm 23. 1
It is a rem.
1$. I: is expounded, (1.) Ic had no: been fo to Da-\

spel Covenant. 425

Nervation : Or, (2.) Not both the Man and his
Or, (3.} Nix begging and forfaUen enough again.!*
./. 41. 3. and 91. 3, 6, 7. againii tne Swcrd,
,3. 19. »ga 106. 46.

nod 37. 11, 13, 14. ag.iinit Oppre..
2-;. 4 and Witchcrarc, in Numb. 23.
ougti alio in the Promjie, for every good
For the Name, Pro-v. 11. 16. I/a.
2D. for long Life, Prov. 3. 1,2. for
s IJrci>. 3. 8. for Safet) /Job 5. 23. and if. /&/!
- 18. for Pe;xe, Ifj. 2. 4. and 33. 10. and 66. 12.
i/rt 127. 2. ftrw. 3. 24. for
id. 18. JA?/. 6. 25. for corn-
el convenient Honour, Z^*/. 7. 12,-17..
for good Succds, Pfal I. 3. AW. 3. 12.
¥*k 2z ffitfgs on the Calling, Pfalm 91. n.

i 2. 24. 2nd 13 4. and 22. 29. and 28. 19. Eccl.
12. ffa. C- 21, 23.

J7/f 5. If we want external Rleflings, wt may not blame

irt Breach of ir, and Abufe of Bleifings,

hr ■ 5. Kceis, Idlenefj, inordinate Walking,

>J*prHl ; 20. 19, 26. and I/a. 5.

-. rowiog ipaiingly, 2 CV. q, 6. a iparing and ltrait

to God's Worfhip, Mai. 3. 9, id.

10 would have temporal Blefiings, efpeci-

:ey who would have them BieiTings indeed, mult

■ ) the Covenant, and fetch them from it, Luke 15.

Covenant tor them, Gen.

Jer. 31. 12. God mult oe acknowledge^ ir.

•Ve live u

lance on (

would fa bim for every i'hinp.

ims, ihould ue

mporal B b mail afk

are prom . They are promifed

we would

'•32. 2.Y, . J as

dan's Calling; it is the diligent

b rich, Proa. 10. 4. io the Man mull

be

426 E R M O N XLV.

le diligent who cxpedtt 3,/, They arc promifedH

n LiiKi.ation . - tion to his owifl

G

rSo. 21, \tb% rhcy are prom i fed
witn Chr Jii , Rom, 8. 32. 5/^, They are promifcd, with
Erception of the CY j efpe-

ca.Jy oi lui i I, u.uth r Cvc will ierve him for

nought or not. 6. They are prom: fed to the Alternative,
either themfelw 7//% They

are promiied, with R-.krvation of the Lord's ablolute Do-
n mion, as the Potcer hath Power over the Clay, Jer,
18. 6. 8. Suitable and convenient Supply of thele Things
is promi.fd, and that conditionally, b th that we feck
them, and depend on him for the Blefiing of them : If
they were Dot prcmifed and fought, a^ we have laid,
they might take up our lit . to make us fo

God ; yea, they might become very hurtfuj to us, or
we might count God a Debter to us, or weak Belie
might be tempted to think the proud happy : So then,
in leeking or expecting from the Covenant temporal Bief-
iings, we mult ouey and ferve God, keep Covenant with
him, and depend on him ; fee P/a/m 37. 3. and Ifa. 1.
19. we muft fubmit to the VVifdom and Faithfulnefs of
Gpd in afflicting us; for in Faithfulnefs he doth afflict J
u?, Pfalm 1 10. 75. we mufl not quarrel with him for
Reds : Exemption from the Crofs wis net covenanted ;
and learn in every Elfcate to be cc Paul learned,

xn.Pbil. 4. 11. fo, il we hive Food and Raiment, there-|
with to be content, 1 Tim. 6. 8. the Lord hath only pro-
mifed that which is neceflary and fuiiable: And finally,
if we have, not ife pei formed in the Letter, we

would fee if n be performed in the Exchange, and reii
fashed if h be fo : However,, the temporal as well as
ipintuai Blefiingi piuft fe fought horn Goo in the Cove-
nant, and

Limitations, and Exceptions which I have named, and
are exprelled in Serial

7. Seeing all temporal Bieffirgs are by the Promife,
fo Gifts of free Favour, as well as fpi ritual ; then who
have them ihc \ thankful for them, firft, be-

cauie

On the Gospel Covenant. 427

I . es they are good Things, and for nectf-

Ntxt, for that they are free Gifts, and fo,

I on our Part ; and ch
me unto us by Covenant ; fo, they are Pieces
e other Hand, we v.
good and rich Benefits, to
':>: and ether L

ral Bleffings, which

• nf of our Life from God, by Covenant; then,

. v un:o G> d, in the right life and Improve-

m : We fhould live unto G^d, feeing we live

him ; we fhould requite good for good;

■it of Nature, and common Honefty, is for that;

46, 47.
R*-
i Publicans the fame ? And if
/ more tran others ?
ar.s Jo? Now, if we do not requite
Good, we will be worfe than Publi-
cs ihould be ever at the doing of
thir.g more than other: : We muft think of ferving
God, nor with the inward Man only, but with the cut-
ward Man alfo, becaufe we hold both of God : Chrift
muft be magnified in ccr Body, whether by Life or Death,
.1. 20. and we muft ferve God with all our outward
they mult be coniumed upon our Lulls, as
.mes 4. 3. but the Lord muit be honoured with our
Sue., fruits of all our Increafe,

3. 9. It is faid, that Men will fo carefully pay
cifc and Cuftome, in ionic Place?, from all their
ever think upon the paying of the Lor
raifirg a Rent unto him from the far
of ail : It is but a poor A
e, God rtes . , cc

S E R M O N XLVL

O N T H E

GOSPKLCOVENA N T :

Which is of the Mediator.

.~h my Houfi be not fo with God; yet he hath
with me an everlafling Covenant t well ordered in all Things
and Jure ; fir this is all my S.. yd all my D

although he make it not to grow.

IC O M E now to the eighth Thing propounded, con-
cerning the Covenant of Grace, when wa?, of the
Conveyance of the great Things of this Covenant, which
is by si Mediator, even the Lord Jefus Cnrift, the only
Son of God, and thru one and only Mediator betwixt God
m. 2. 5.
In lpeiki ». I offer thefe five T'

in the Covenant of Grace the whole Tranfaciion is by a
•t it is to b J^i rhat

ihree

. ilorfhip.

nant of Grace 1 tor; to in the above

God reconciled the
World to him fell . I ; and, in

the Mediator of the imentj botn for Redemp-

tion

On the Gospel Covenant. 429

tion from'TranfgrefRon, and for receiving the Promife of
tke Inheritance ; and, in Heb. 12. 24. Jefus is called the
Mediator of the new Covenant : Now, the Lord would
have it fo, \ay God with Man was not now at Agreement,
as in the firft Covenant, zd, This Covenant was to be
made fure, and an everlailing Covenant, that couid not
be without Help laid upon one that was mighty, PfaJm
89. 19. 3^/, 1 he Freei.efs alfo of the Covenant- did re-
quire and call for a Mediator: All is more free in Chriit,
as given to u.% thin it would have been in Pardon without
Satisfaction. ^thy There is, as it were, a four-fold V,
in Redemption : ( i ) The bringing of a Man into a C
city of ctfttnanting v. th God : The Lord God \
have a Satisfaction Man could not pay ; fo ther^ wa

of another, and that other behoved to have Blood,
fo to be a Man ; the Biood of Beafts would not do it,
Heb. 10. 4, 5. (2.) fo bring Man up, and to enter him
in the Bond of this Covenant: i. To bring the Offer to
him. 2. To mould his Heart to accept it, Gen. 9. 9.

: .21. (3 ) To enable them to perform the Duties of
tne Covenant, lo to give them a new Heart, and a Spirit
of Faith and Obedience, Ezek. 36. 26, 27. (4.) Is to bring
all thefe wno accept of the Covenant unto Glory, and to
be where Chriil is, Heb. 2. 10. John 14. 2, 3. Now, not
Dne of thefe could be done without a Mediator.

: of great and fure Confidence ; yea, and
Matter of highPrmfe,that theLord mould thus deal with us

vlediator : This ufeth to be the Way of great States
and I their dealing one with another. Should

we not love this Lord, who hath us in fuch
and praife that Love, that hath been pleaied to deal with
us by a Mediator, and fuch a Mediator? Jt was with us^
according to that, 1 Sam. 2. 25. If a Mm fin agairtft the

. who fhall nntreat for him ? Be hoid, the Lord hath
d both a Mediator and a Ranfom.

z. In all Covenant Matters, learn to deal with
37 a Mediator, not to go alone unto him, but i

d of a Mediator.
As to the fecund, What it is to be a M in a

to be a middle Per fun, dealing betwixt t\so

4jo SERMON XLVI.

Parties, who are at Odds. Four Things BH
fidered in this fhort Defcription : i/7, Reconciliation
Mediator doth fuppotl-, that there was once fweet A
and Friendfhip betwixt God and Man. zd. There
a Breach. 3*/, There was a travelling to bring the Par
ties together again. ^hy As there was % mutual En
roitv, io there is fuppofed a mutual ion o

God to Man, and of Man to God.

Ufe \. Take up this Mediator, as a middle Perfon, 8
Days man betwixt us and God, that may lay. Hands upon
us both, as in Job 9. 33, He is not a Middle Perfon, az
they call it, of Abnegation, that is neither the one noi
the other ; but of Participation, he partaketh of both |
and of Union, he is united with both.

Ufe 2. How often we think of the Mediator, think oi

the four Things now named, the old Amity, of the

f.h and Enmity, of the Soul-Travel of Chrift to mike

the Peace, and how the Reconciliation is completed and

made perfecl on both Elands by him.

As to the third, That our Lord Jefus Chrift i& this
Mediator, and that one and only Mediator betwixt God
and Man, appeareth thus: As to the firft Branch, thai
Jefus is Mediator, is evident, from the Places above cited,
Mom Heb. 8. 6. where he is called the Mediator oJ
the better Covenant: And, 1/?, He is Mediator in his
Perfon $ he hath Intereil in both Parties ; he is the Lord,
and our Righteoufnefs. Jet . 23. 6. he is God, and hath
purchased us with his Blood, Ads 20. 28. he is the Son
of God, Luke 1. 35. the only begotten of the Father,
John 1. 14. he hath the Name Jehovah, and of the true
Go4, and great God, Gen. 19. 24. 1 Jxf.w 5. 20. Ti/i
2. r r. a the Properties of God, Eternity, Pro-y

y 5. 2. Immenfity,

10. pmnip 1. divine Operations.

1.. 16. Heb. 1. 3. divine Worfhip, Chap. 1.6. and

true Man, the Ma«? Chrift, I Tim. 2. 3. I Cor. 15,

2. 17. and 4. 15. Now, he wai

r up the Man under the Burden ol

Wrath,, Rom. 1 4. witii 4. 2^. fo, to overcome Death.

: to oe of Pi ice, d:i* 20. 28. and

Hit

On the Gospel Covenant. 431

Htb. 9. 14. (3.) That he might give his Spirit, Gal.
|..*6. (4.) That he might conquer Enemies, Luke i. 68,
59, 71, 74. (5.) To give Salvation, Heb. 4. 8, 9. and

}. 11, 16. And he was Man, (1.) To undergo the

Law, Gal. 4. 4. (2.) To fatisfy in our Name, and in-
:crceed for us, Heb. 1. 3. and 7. 24. 25. (3.) That he
night be a mercifuh and companionate High Pried, Heb.
\. 15. (4.) That he might make Waf for our A~
3n, 6W. 4. 5. ard.fo procure us Accefs with Boldneis,
Heb. 4. 16. And he was both God and Man, (1 ) Be-
;>aufe he had to ceal betwixt God and Man. (2.) That
rhe Works of each Nature might be accepted of God for
us, as the Works of that Perfon, in whom the Father is
well pleafed, NJatth. 3. 17. and in him we are accepted,
Eph. 1. 6. (3.) Both God and Man, becaufe eich oi his
three Officts dd require r.o lefs, as you ihall hear.

As to the itrconc Branch', That he is the only Media-
or, may be gathered from that, in Exod. 34. 2, 3. where
. Chrilt's Type in the Mediatorfhip, went up alone
into the Mount, and no Man with him. That old Dif-
penfation of the Covenant was ordered by Angels, in the
Hand of one Mediator, Gal. 3. 19. And, in Heb. 9. 7.
the High Piiefi went in alone tu tne fecond Tabernacle ;
and in that he was a Type of Chriit alib ; and, in 1 Tim.
2. 5. as there is but one God, there is but one Mediator,
and that even of lnterceflion alfo : And that this Medi-
ator mult be one, may appear further from theie Confi-
derations: 1//, He muft be a fit Perfon, able to deal be-
wixt God and Man ; no other can be *ble to deal (o.
2d, He muft be an innocent Perfon, Heb'. 7. 27. 3^,
The Holy Ghoft, though he hath the fame Name with
the Advocate Jefus, yet his Office is Comforter, not pro-
perly Intcrceflbr or Advcca'e. 4^, I
other, for he is able to fave to the uferm
25. 5/^, Saints and- Angels are but finite '
1 Jf Chrift Media or be thus God and \
Perfon, then is he an able Meci
to deal in fo great Matter., and
^o, we would not only
but make Uie oi him as God -M

lie

432 SERMON XLVI.

he hath of Man's Nature it hath its Subfiftence in i
Pcrfon of God: And, what he hath of the Nature of
God, he hath it now in the nc^rcit and iUaittit Bond of
Union with our Nature: So, while we plead Intereft ia
him, as Members of his Body, Flefh of his Flefli, and
Bone of his Bones, Epb. ;. 30. We come to be one with
him, as he is one wjth the Father^ John 17. 21.
while we plead Intercft in him as God, we have him
the Word made Flefli, John 1. 14. And lo,
and our Kinfman, with whom we may be fam/

2. U there be but cue Mediator, then is that Doc-
trine falie, which maketh other Mediators befide:

to wit, Angel and. Saint Intercefibrs, and the bieill,
gin, a Mediatrix, and Saviourefs: They muil be very
biind aid bold ngainft the very Letter of' Scripture, who
will make moe Mediators than one : The dead know not
any Thing; and they have neither Love nor Hatred,
£(d. 9. £,6. and, in Jja. 63. 16. The Church profeiTeth
Abraham to be ignorant of her Cafe, and bctake:h hcrk\H
to God alone, faying, Dtubf/e/s thou art our Father, tho
Abraham be ignorant of us, and 1/tael know us not.

3. Is he the one and only Mediator? then we fhould
never go to God without him ; we mould afk all in his
Name : It is a great Lefibn to do i'ot the Difciples had
need to be taught it, John 16. 23, 24. There is good
Encouragement to a Ik in his Name; and if it might have
been laid of the Difciples, that they had afked nothing of
theFather fo, that is as good as nothing : It may with better
Reafon be faid fo of us ; alas ! we feek not great Things,
in the Name of Chrift, as we ought to do ; and the Far
ther is willing to give great Things, even every Thing
that is bed.

As to the fourth Thing propounded of this Subject,

- Chrift is a Mediator by Office, and in a threefold

. as Prophet, Prieft, luid King ; he is to indeed.,

\ Prophet, to reveal his Father's Will ; that Prophet,

om Mo/as foretold, Deut. 18. 15. That Teacher,

come forth from God, John 3. 2. that MefTenger of the

Covenant, Mai 3. 1. that Apoftle of our Profeflion,

Htb. 3. 1. the Wifsiom of God, 1 Car. 1. 24. To he

fuch

On the Gospel Covenant. 433

fuch a Prophet, there was a Neceffity he fhould be God,
:he Son of God, from the Bofom of the Father, to de-
Iare him, John i. 18. that he mould come down from
Heaven, who is in Heaven, John 3. 13. fo mould be
Man alfo, one of our Brethren, like unto Mofes, ASis 3.
22. Chriit, alone knoweth the Mind of the Lord, and we
mufl have it from him, i Cor. 2. 16. 2^/, He hath, as
Mediator, the Office of a Prietf, to reconcile us to the
Father, and to obtain Grace for u:> ; it is by him that
reconcileth all Things to himfeif, making Peace
hro' the Blood of his Crofs, to reconcile us who were all-
mated, and enemies in our Mind, in the Body of his
Flefh through Death, to prefent us holy and unblameable,
md unreproveable in his Sight, Co/. 1. 20, 21, 22. Thus,
"red was in Chrift reconciling t. to himfelf, 2

'or. 5.19. This Priefthood of his was neither legal nor
emporary, as the ApoiUe doth reason, in Heb. j. 16,
7, 18, 19. He, \va5 boch Prieit, Sacrifice, and Altar:
>rieit, according to both his Natures, Heb. 5. 6. both the
fon of TGiod, and a Prieit. for ever, after the Order of
Melckizedeck: A Sacrifice, moll properly, as Man: So,
n Ifa. 53. 10. he made his Soul, or Life, an Offering
or Sin; and, in Heb. 9. 14. he offered up himfelf to
jod, by the eternal Spirit, a Sacrifice without Spot;
ho' the Worth and Virtue came from the divine Nature,
icis 20. 28. the Blood is there the Blood of God : So,
-hriu, according to the divine Nature, ' was the AJtar
ie offered himfelf, by the eternal Sp>; he is called

n Altar, Heb. 13. 10. he is truly that Aliar which fan-
lified the Gift; as is faid of the Altar under ?he Law,
flat. 23. 19. Chrift did both fantfify himfelf, and doth
mctify us in fo doing, John 17. 19, 3./, As he is a
ftdiator, he hath the Office of a King: As a King, he
loth govern us, and difpofe upon all that concerneth our
alvation : His Kingdom is that which lhall not be de-
royed ; it lhall break in Pieces and confume all theie
ins which oppole him; but it (hall Hand forever:
wot) nut only ruleth in the Kingdom of
Aen for his Church, Dan. 4. 17. but he ruleth in h:s
Church, and iittcth upon the Throne of his Father
Ee

434 SERMON XLVI.

Luke 1.32. This Kingdom of Chrifl may be con-
fidered, either as it is univerfal, in nil Ages, Mattb. 22.
42. 43, 44- He was known in Days as Lord and

King; and over all Sorts of Men, all People, Nations,
Languages, Dan. 7. 14. even over all Creatures, (o far
as they may ferve to advance and fet forward Mans Sal- 1.
vation, Epb. I. 21, 22. he is made head over all Things]"
to his Chuch. Or, zd, It is to be confidered as more
Ipecial and inward, over Souls and Confciences, Rem.
14. 17. it is that Kingdom which : d in Righte-

ouinefs, and commandeth Peace and Joy. 3^, It is an
eternal Kingdom, Dan. 2. 44. and 7. 14. 4/^6, It ij
iuch a Kingdom, as difpenfeth both Life and Death ;
for this our King hath the Keys of both, Rev. 1. 18.
$tb, It brin^eth eternal Happinefs and Peace to all that
are in it. Now, if it be afked, What Need was thereof
all thefe Offices in and to him who mould be our Medi-
ator ? (1 ) The Neceflities of his People, Ignorance of
God, and Enmity to him; and neither Ability, nor Wi!-
ingnefs to be reconciled to God. (2.) The Salvation, the
great Salvation, in the Way by which it was to be brought
about, did require them all, that it fhould be, 1. ke weal-
ed. 2. Purchaied. 3. Applied. (3.) The Order of exe-
cuting the Docrees was thus to be kept. As to that
Queftion, Whether Chrift (hall be feen a King on Earth,
vifibly reigning< before the Day of Judgment ? I anUcr,
j/?, That there fhall be a more glorious Kingdom of
Chriit, in the Preaching of the Gofpel, at the Bringing
in of the Jews, and Fulnels of the Gentiles, none ac-
quainted with the Scriptures will much doubt. 3^, I fay,
in that, Rev. 20. 4." on which the Millenaries build lb
much, it is faid, that the Saints /ball reign ivitb Cbrift,
but not that they J]? all reign on Earth ivitb him. 3*/, We
read, not only that the Heavens mull receive him, until
the Times of the Reftitution of all Things, A8s 3. 21.
but we read only of Chrill's Appearing on Earth twice;
the firlt lime was, to bear the Sins of many ; and, in the
iecond Time, when he appeareth, it will be without
he will have no more Sin to bear, but will bring" ]
on, Heb. 9. 26. And if any doubt his Errand the;

fecond

On- the Gospel Covenant. 435*

ond Time, they may read it, from 2 Tim. 4. 1.
judge the Quick and the Dead at his Appearing; and
\ Kingdom, and in Ver. 8th, of that Chap, it will be
give Crowns to all that love his Appearing.
Ufe i. Hath Chriit, a? Mediator, taken on thefe three
Bees, of Prophet, PriefV and K.4ng ? then is he com-
atly furnimed for the Work of .Redemption, and he
II through it.

Ufe 2. Learn to employ him in all Things: t/f, That

may have from him the Mind of God concerning the

y of Salvation. zd, To get Reconciliation in his

)od, and Grace for Help in Time of Need. %d,

at you may be fir ft called by him, ana fo iubdued co

Sceptre ; and after commanded, governed, fecured,

maintained by him ; fo (hall you be the Lord's re-

med ones indeed.

^s to the fifth Thing propounded, HowChrift was cal-
unxo this Office of Mtdiatorfhip, and how he carried
n: As to the firft Branch, id, There was a Council
n Eternity, concerning this his Work, by which
was appointed unto this Work, Htb. 3. 2. 2nd 5. r.
was, zd, Furnifhed abundantly unto itj Ifa\ 61. 1.
ealed, John 6. 27. 3.'/, He was, after a Sort, inverted
mnly m thefe Offices ; in the prophetical Office,
he fame, I/a. 61. 1. in the kingly and prreltxy Office,
\lm 110. 1, 4. 4//;, He is fent forth, and a Body is
:>ared fee him, Heb. 10. 5. Chriit was deiiined and
d to (his Work before ail Time, Prru. 8. 23. Rom,
59. Eph. 1.4. He was a Mediator virtually, from
Beginning of the World, Rev. 138. but actually,
e his Incarnation. As to the fecond, How he carried
his Work, \/l, He did it as Judge Arbiter : He draw-
up the Conditions ; The Father judgetb no Man, but
b committed all Judgment to the Son, John 5. 22. zd>
did it as Mefienger, M md Interpreter of the

rcnant ; he revealeth the Father, as only knowing
, Mattb. ii. 27. He, as being in the Father's Bofom,
areth him, John 1. iS. 3*/, He appeared a* Surety,
7. 22. He appeared as Surety for Satisfaction for
1 Pet. 2. 21, 24. and 3. 18. and not for our (

E e 2 only,

r,6 SERMON XLVI.

only, as fome ailedge ; he fuffered as our neareft Kinfman,
having Right to the Inheritance, according to the Law
a voluntary Surety : Now, this Sa^
tibfaction is confident with free Grace: iftt The Debtor
is difpenfed with, and the Cautioner is taken. zdy An-
gels were not admitted fo ; I mean, fallen Angels, ^dl.
The Way was found out of God, not fought by us. \th\
Chrift is freely given, and made Righteoufnefs, i Corh
i. 30. to fome, and not others. 5/^, God's Love it
but a Purpofe to bring Salvation ; and that is not againftj
Satisfaction. 6/ A, Grace fhewed to his Son; he do
not crofs his Will, he inableth him to bear the Cro
he accepteth him and his Offering, he appeared Sure
for God to us, and for us to God. 4/^, He appeared
King, Head, and Hufband ; and appeareth itill as Kii
1 and Advocate.

U/e 1. Wonderful Love ! the Lord not only would of- ;
fer Peace to Sinners, but did appoint his Son to travel iifr
the Bufinefs.

U/e 2. This is a hopeful Bargain for us ; a Friend draw-
eth up the Conditions: Seek God's Mind from him, youlj
Peace fecured by him ; put all your Cauies under hiif
Hand, to be pleaded and be ruled by him.

U/e 3. Was Chritt fo called and furnimed to this Officii
of Mediatorihip ? we may be very confident of him, anlfn
put all our Troft in him : He will not fail nor bedifcou>f°
raged, until he fee the Travel of his Soul, nor will b«f£
for fake us.

U/ 4. Hath there been fuch Care in Chrift and hif
Father, to carry on this Work of Salvation, how inex jii
cufable will they be, that neglect chis fo great Salvation i fa

SERM

C

437 J-

#

3 E

R

M

0 N

XL VII.

O N

THE

jOSPELCOVENANT:

Dn the Duties of the Covenant ; and, firft,
of Entring into it.

2 Samuel xxiii. j.
■h my Houfe be not fo With :! he hath made

with me an evcrldfting Covenant, well ordered in all Things
and Jure ; for this is all my Salvation, and all my Defirey
although he make it not to c;

' G O now to the ninth Point propounded, concerning

b the Duties of the Covenant. This is a large and com-

rehenfive Head ; but in Scripture it is iummed up often

i few Words: Thus, as all the Bleflings of the Covenant

re comprized in one Word, I -j; ill be your G:d ; fo, all

be Duties of the Covenant are fummarily comprehended

that one Word, Ye lb ail be a People unto me, Jer. 31.

3. In Gen. 17. 1. all the Duties of the . are

uromed up in that one Word, to walk before God, and to

e perfect ; in Luke 1. 74, 75. it is ferving cf God

ut Fear, in Holinefs and Righteoufnefs, all the Days of

»ur Lire; in Gal. 2. 19. it is living to God ; in Titus 2.

is denying CJngodiinefs and worldly Lufts, and

iving foberly, righteoufly, and godly, in this prefent

<VorJd ; and diverfe other Ways are they exprefled. I

hall draw up all Duties in thefe two: 1. A right Er.-

Ting into this Covenant. 2. A right improving of ic.

lie 3 And

,;

S E R s \LVII.

And of the rlrit J propound thefe four ; \ft, That i
Duty. 2,1, What Duty it is. 3Y, The right Wa
performing tnis Duty. ±tb, Of tne Advantages the
when rightiy performed.

As to the iii it, That :his is a Duty required, when GoJh
hath made the Covenant, that we fhould enter intoi:.
one perfonally, and Churches as Churches ; we have
jelemenly entring this Covenant, ). 10, 1 1, 1 2

,ve the good Kings of J udah renewing i
ter a Breach: VV e have it commanded, in Jer. 5. 1 9JJ1

'bait cull me my Father, and /ball not turn

<;d, in Ho/'ea 2. 16. call me Jfi.

13. 9. J ' ivill bring , iqrt tbio1 tl

— they Jball call upon , and I Kvtfl /. I

will fey, ft is my People ; (ha\l fay% The La I

my Cod : So we have it pronrifecr, as well as cemm
Take theie tuiher Proofs ; . doth actually ii :

him felf in h;s People, in la. 43. 1. I have called: 1

by thy Name, thou art mi tti ; and, EzeL 16. 8. I<

nant 'Tvittj thee, faith the Lord God, and tboml
becamefl mine: Why then fhould not the Lord's People!
particularly and personally enter in Covenant with him^
and own him ? zd, 1 he End of the Covenant is, tai
make us a fpecial People, Lev. 20. 6. Dcut. 7. 6. and 14*
2. Ought we not then fpecial I y engage ourfelvet? 3//.
The vary Covenant, in Terms, doth carry that it fhoulct
be fo, in Ezei* 36. 28. Tc Jball be t , and Iwim

be yow God. \th, The Covenant is for mutual and near-
eft Union and Communion ; and thefe cannot be without
aclual cloiing on either Side; Pie muft be in us, and we}
in him, John 17. 21. 5/A, The Lord urgeth this very
earell ly, and dotii expoiiulate, when he is not anfwcredj
m th'n 'Time call me, ? ? Jcr 3. 4,

6th, Thee is no Accefs to Chriit, in whom our Life <s
hid, Col. 3. 4. but by actual clofing with him in Cove-
nant: He .0 the People, Jfaiub

6.

1. Vor Reproof anJ to thefe who live un-

:he Gofpe!, who delay to enter in Cove-

1: '1 hey fruilrate the Covenant, and iq

I On the Gospel Covenant. 439

he Grace of God, and their own true and eternal Good :
luch cannot be of that People which is near God; fo,
can have no gracious Communications from God, until
they do aclualiy cloie witn him in Covenant, they fhcu!d
think upon the Sin of not doling, when called to it, as
Rebellion x for it is his Commandment, that we mould
beiieve on the Name of his Son Jefus Chriil, 1 John
3. Z3.

(Ufe 2. Let all thofe who love and expeft Salvation,
endeavour with the flrft to enter in Covenant with him :
There is much in a prefent clofing, and taking of the
-firil Opportunity: Afterward, either the Offer may not
be, or we fo plagued, as not to have Heart to it, like
that Fool, Prow. 17. 16.

As to the fecond, What this entering in Covenant
God is, we may take up thefe four Things in it :
There mud be a real and cordial Divorce irom ail
Things which hinder clofing: We muit be dead to the
Law, before we be married unto another, Rom. 7. 4. ue
muft pafs under the Spirit of Bondage, but be come from

der it, chap. 8. 15. there muti be a Separation .
from thefe Things wherem we are held captive, 2
6 17. It is true, this Divorce and Separation will not
be fo' full and formal, until we be brought to Chrift ;
but it mud be defired, refolved, and eadedvonred ,
and our Cafe (een and acknowledged belplefs, until it be :
For, i/?f Without this, the Ufe fulnefs of Ch rift will not
be feen, in that Liberty which he hath p
5. 1. zJfy, The Soul is to be efpoufed to one Hui%
fo, it is to be divorced from all other Hu
112. i<llyy The Law is a Schoolma.ter to Chi
3 24. that we might be juitifkd by Faith. |

1. Terror to many, who fay they are married to
Cnriit, ;ot mew tiicir Bill of Divorce thai

have given to wa and to Sin ; they cannot

their Burgv: reedom from the L,

th< re is, or never was, any
Work ; or their Works are not wrought in God,

Here tender Lhriilians may come to c\
They c y had fome Law Work, but 1

E e 4

SERMON XLVII.

p enough. It is true, the Lord ufuaily d

i down before he lift up, Matth. 9. 13. and L.
\o. But, 2. It is true alfo, God hath fet no Mca
for Humiliation : Never any was damned for lefs Gr.
than their Neighbour had, if they have had a:
Grace. 3. God hath Reafons, why fome, at Conve
fion, have more of the Work of Humiliation, and fo:

ive been notorious Sinners, others
knotty Pieces, and more fet upon Pride ; others are d
for fome greater Sc 1, and Tome are of

melancholy- Temper, in whom the Law Work is mo;
deeply upon their Spirits. 4. If the Ends be obtained,
the Work is deep enough : Tnefe are, t/?, Self-loathing,
*Job 42. 6. zd, Thorough Hatred of Sin, Pjalm 119.
104, 163. 3^, Strength againlt the Idol, xth, Mua
of holy Fear. 5//', High Prizing of Chrilt. 6th, I
the Soul be made willing to accept of Chrilt upon h
own Terms, Rrv. 22. 17. Ifa. 55.1,2. 5. This Wor
of Humiliation with Terror, fome have ic deeper, but
fhorter ; others not fo deep, but longer ; and the Work
of Humiliation is not perfected, until the Soul come in
and clofe with Chrift, Zecb. 12. 10. and Luke 7. 48.
6. Humble Perfons are accepted, but not for their Hu-
miliation, Tit. 3. 5, 6, 7.

Ufe 2. Comfort to thofe who have been fo humbled,
as to fee their defperate Condition in following thei
Lovers; fo, a Neceflity of Divorce; fo, have had a Dif-
like of Sin, and been dead to the World ; fo, they ftand
in a Capacity to enter Covenant with God, which is eiia-
d in the Haad of a Mediator.

>nd Thing in this entring in Covenant, muft

be an aerial clcfmg, not only faying, 1 Kings 18. 39.

The Lord he is the God, the Lord he is the God. But, as

1 ±. 11. O Lord, our *efl on thee ; and,

xiah 25. 9. This is . r God. he twiJJ fa*ve us. Here

up four A^ Tent to the

Truth of the Promife*, of that Gofpel Promi

3. 16. that *wbofo€ever believe: . /ball not

we ever hiding Life : And this AfTent mutt be free,
Pjal. 110. 3. firm, 1 Tim. 1. 15. we muit take it to be

a

On the Gospel Covenant. 441

j :hful Saying; it mall be univerfal, a believing all
* re written in the Law and the Prophets,

•id then, clear, and upon good Grounds,
1 1. 1. we muii know, not only whom we have be-
, 2 Tim. 1. 12. "bat how alfo. 2. Act of Faith,
is clofing in Covenant, mult be receiving, J ,
12. to fo many as receive Chr;it Power is given to be
the Sons of God : And in this receiving there is an open-
ing of the Heart, J3s 16. 14. reaching forth of the
g hold on eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6. 12. at
■d hungering and thirtting after Righceoufnefs, Mat.

5. 6. and there mult be an embracing of the Promife,
and Chrift in it, Heb. 11. 13. 3. Act of Recumbency
and Reft upon the Promife ; i'uch is that Truft, in P/alm
2. 12. before this, a flying to the City of Refuge, Heb.

6. 18. then, a hiding of the Soul there ; then, a laying
our Souls on the Rock; and then, leaning, and laying
our Weight; wrong reiting, and leaning as on a Staff, it
is condemned in afa% 2 Chron. 16. 7. his wrong ftaying,

a Prop, when it is but hypocritical, Ifaiab 48. 2.
yet the right was fry Confequence there recommended to
them : In a Word, this Act of Faith doth call us to call
en, roll ourfelves on God, as in P/alm 37. 5. and to ad-
venture, like drowning Men, on the Cord of the Pro-
mife, when we are like to perifh in the deep. 4. Act is9
full Aflurance ; or, it is an Effect rather than an Ad;
yet, Faith having it, doth ad more ftrongly. That there
muit be an adual clcfmg, may be further cleared thus :
tot to take God at his Word, were to quit the Bar-

zd, The not clofing fully is as good as no: clofing
at all ; fo, a rejeding of all the Benefits and Privileges

are by near Union. 3*/, The not doling fully, is

r difaolmg of ourfelves from doing Duty; like a
Member out of Joint, ading without Life and Strength.

maketfc the Soul Widow-like, note <
eel wirh a Hufb.nd, fo out of Protedion.

1 . Comfort to fuch as have given up themfeives
io Conftnt to the Gofpel Covenant, and that hive re-
ceived, and do rely on Chrift therein, and hu

iuiiciency. But fome doubt and ftand aloof, fay-

S E R M O N XL VII.

. we are unwortl hall we d ire to clofc ? dnf.

In undervaluing > i undervalue pi

Grace: There | were for CumF;

Merc.it and Hanoi;' r. 4. 34. not only they w

WtTt c.Ktn with c»wr> Diicafes and I orments, but eve
they who were Jo the Stat

'•en, before uric to ciofe, Efib 2. ir, 12.

there ji enough or Gooowill in God, Mattb. 12. 20. a
bruifed. Reed he will not break: He c.tjleth upon every
one that thirtieth, to come, John 7. 37. he weepeth over
thofe that will not recei>. 1 utb. 23. 37, 38. zd,

Confider how as gracelefs as thou have found Favour ;
and though there iiad never been one like thee, Grace
was never yet put t< can it be: if

we remember not the former Things, neither consider the
Things of old, the Lord faith, Behold, I will do a nrw
Ihing, I/a. 43. iS, 19. And, in R>/?7. 11 33. Paul cry-
eth out, wondering at a Depth, that woo Id eaiily f wallow
up all our Depths. 3d, God m arrieth not for Money
or a Portion ; till he make it and win it he feeketh none:
Noah, Job, and Daniel, nay, nor Abraham the Father of
the faithful, could bring more with them to God than
we. ^th, The greater the Sinners be, the Lord hath the
greater Advantage for Glory : David knew this, in Pfi.
25. II. when he prayed thus, For thy Name's Sake, O
Lord, pardon mine Iniquity, for it is great. And, in P fa.
34. 6. it is, J bis poor Man cried, and the Lord heard him.
Some again have their Doubt more dangerous: They
fay, that they did never foundly clofe. Anf 1. There
are indeed too many who do but feemingly clofe, and not
foundly, fuch as, ( Temporizers, Hypocrites.

But, 2. Many have ciofed, who do not know it, take no
Notice of it: 1//, Some have a finful Humility, who
think the Things of the Covenant fo great, as they could
never have been defigned for them, zd, From finful
Jealoufy, unto which Sinners eafily are tempted, when
they walk not clofely, and Chrilt fpeaks not comfortably :
And, 3. Chrift is received fufficiently, when not in ever/
Refped fully, if the Will ctions have been car-

ried out to receive Chrift and hii Righteoufnefs, and there
jis a receiving of Chrift for Sanctifkation, which is not

10

On the Gostel Covenant.

in the fame Meafure, as well as a receiving of him for
ion, Luke 2. 30. And, 4. A Man made wi

received or is very near :o receive,
:i 6. But, ictt this foppofed WiUkignci

ling Offering, not oniy as a Piieit, b

be tor a t

nighty Eiur.ger after
tiing frorr: th fupported thee, in

ling of other Comforts, H (peaketh a real recciv-
iit.

I .ng required in this entering in Covenant
..lunation, a yielding of ourielves to God, as the
Commandment is, 2 Cor. ;o. 8. a giving of ourfeives to the
Lord, as the Commendation of the Corinthians, 2 i.
5. *uer, the preferring and offering of ourielvc
Sacrifice to God, in Rev. 121. when as, upon cne one
Pair, we fay, My Beloved is mine ; fo, on the other, we
fay, and 1 or, as the Word may be read, My

d is for vie, aud I a?n for him: And that this mult
alio be, take thele Reaions to confirm it: 1. The
venant is mutual : Seeing then the Lord giveth himftrif,
is Son, and Spirit, good Reafon we give ou.i
gain. z. We are Chriii's Purchafe, 1 Cor. 6. 19,
20. why then ihould we not give him his own ? 3. II e
were fet at Liberty, and made M alters of our owr.
for thi i What we withhold from him will

not be ordy in worfe, but in a curled Litate, Mai. 1. 14.
Cur fed is the Deceiver.

Uje i. Terror to thofe that never gave up their Will to
1, nor any of their Affections, and yet pretend to
be in Covenant with him ; they but deceive themfelves,
and the Lord will deal with them as Deceivers.

who have not yet refigned and given up
yourielves unto him, do it freely, entirely, and moil fpee-
dily ; yield yourielves abioluteiy, without Reiervation,
and without Reverfion; give up yourfclves to the Com-
ments to be ruled by them, as well as to the Pro-
inifes, to receive eitner Strength or Salvation by them
\Ve would remember ihl), that the Lord fo give:

to

444 SER M O N XLVII.

i race, as he dill keepeth up his Sovereignty, and Do-
minion over us.

e fourth Thing ivq tired in this entering into Cove*
nant, is Dependance en God : Faith, Hope, Love, Patience,
muft all ad Dependance on him, in Pfa. 45. io n.a for-
getting of our Father's Houfe : All our \ ft hang
on him, If a. 22. 24. and we muft abide by him, Lbfea
3. 3 We muft depend on him for £.ife and Peace, for
Counfel and Strength, lor Joy and Comfort, and for Con-
formity to himfelf ; yea, and for all tne Bleflings of the
Covenant; fubmitting Time and Meafure to him: Ancf
there is good Reafon for this Dependance on him ; for,

1. He is the Fountain of Being, and our Sovereign Lord.

2. He is a Hufband ; fuch as Abraham was to Sara/?, in

20. 16. 3. Receiving is not without relying; and
relying cannot be without Dependance. 4. The Lord
keepeth State in his faireit and molt free Communica-
tions, eVen to his Son, much more to us. 5. Depend-
ance is necefTary for keeping of our clofing firm.

U/e 1. We may try our right doling in Covenant, by
this, if we maintain Dependance on God: Independance
on God proveth much Unfoundnefs in the clofing : Many
do not depend on God, but on Things without, or upon
fome inward and Self-righteoufnefs, or on external Forms
ar.d Fruits, or, fometimes, Taftes.

U/e 2. All who defire to maintain and keep themfelves
within the Covenant, and a found Intereft in Chriil as
Jefus, they muft maintain a Dependance on him as Lord.

As to the third Thing propounded, concerning the
right Manner oJ entering into ( , we may take

it up in thefe Directions, 1 . It muit be done upon Know-
ledge; they mult be all taught of God; and lb, know
Jet. 31. 34. and Hof. 2. 20. 2. h muit be with
Advice, ano ur as in the

Building of a Houle, or in the making of War, Luke

14. 28, } 1. 3. It fo, in 2 C

15. 15. j \

4. It muft be done
clearly, expreflv, and d;lliuctly ; lb, in Pfa. 16. 2. O my
Soul, thou hajl /aid to tba Lord, thou art my Lord j and,

in

On the Gospel Covenant. 445V

Yt^Lam. 3. 24. The Lord is my Portion, faith my SoiJ9
therefore I will hope in him, 5. It mud be a compleat
Entry ; nothing muft be kept back; it mull be the whoJe
Soul, Body, and Spirit. 6. It muft be irrevocably : If
any Man draw back, the Lord's Soul will have no Piea-
fure in him, Heb. 10. 38. and, if any Man love not the
Lord Jefus, he is anathema marar.athay I Cor. 16. 22.
Now, that this Covenant muft have all thefe Things,
when it is entered into, is dear from this, 1/?, Who make
blind Bargains wiil rue. zd, Swearing mould be in
Truth, and in Judgment, Jer. 4. 2. $d, Who enter it
muft have that fret Spirit, Pfalm 51. 12. 4^, It muft
be in Knowledge, fo, clear; and under Senfe, fo, diitinct.
$th, The Lord admitteth not of blind and lame Sacrifi-
ces, Dent. 15. 21. 6th, After Vows there mould be no
Enquiry, Brail. 20. 25.

Ufe 1. The Reafon both of Liferefnefs and Backfli-
dings : There hath been fome Crack and Unfoundnefs in
ihe Manner of ciofing.

Ufe 2. Who have it yet to to do, would go about it
in a right Manner, with Falling and Prayer ; fo tranfact
and engage ; and, when Need i$, fubferibe with the Hand,

I/o. 44-5-

A* to the fourth Thing which was propounded, the
Advantages which accrefs to one by this entering in Co-
venant with God ; take thefe : 1. That Soul cometh to
be free of Sin's Dominion, it is fo with thofe that are
under Grace, Rom. 6. 14. and they are the Men that have
entered into the Covenant of Grace. 2. Such come to
have near Union and Communion with God, John 14.
23. the Father and the Son come and make their abode
with him. 3. There is Help by Covenant laid for them
upon one that is mighty ; and it will be readily laid out
for them, Pfa. 89. 19, 26. 4. They live in the Secret,
and under the Shadow of the Almighty, Pfalm 91. 12.
5. Deliverance is made fure to them : Honour aJfo is pro-
raifed them, and that their Prayers (hall be heard, Pfalm
91. 14, 15, 16. 6. It is their Allownnce to be free of
all vexing Cares, Phil. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 5. 7. 7. And to be

446 SERMON XLVII.

kept alfo free of many Fears and Doubting*: It is Jittlrt
which m .keth thefe ; as Chriil to, Mattb.

14. 31. acting Faith in renewed Acts would eafily make
to be huftYd and gone. 8. The Man thit hath
rightly entered the Covenant, and maintaineth Depend-
ante on God therein, he may look to be well guarded
againlt Temptations; he is within rm ( 'fuge,

within a fortified Citv. 9. The (boner, ;e the

more ealy Bargain : It Wis Eliphazs Counfel to Job, Ac-
quaint thy lei/ now <u and be at Peace ; thereby
jbatl good come unto thee : And it is So/omen's Advice, in
Eccl. 12. 1. to the young Man, to remember his Creator
in the Days of his Youth.

U/j 1. Be you then all quie'eened to this great Duty,
from the many feen Advantages we have told you ; yea,
from that great Advantage, to have all Things yours,
1 Cor. 3. 21, 22, 23.

life 2. Terror to thofe who clofe not with Chrift in
Covenant: They are under many Difadvantages ; fuch
as thefe, they are under Power of Corruption, they lie
open to every Temptation, and Wrongs, they may be
full of Anxiety and Fears ; fo have their Life hanging
in Doubt, Deut. 28. 66. they live in Eitrangement from
God, they have not the leaft Part or Intereit in Chriir.
and Promifes; and Delay doth daily difinable them more
and more.

S E-.Jt M.

C 447 ]

SERMO N XLVIII

O N T H E

SOS? E L COVE N ANT:

On the fecond great Duty of the Covenant,
the Improving of it.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5.
■': be not fo with Cod; yet he hath made
Lifting Covenant , well ordered in all Things
and ; .his is all my Salvation, and all my Dcjire

7; he make it not to grow.

LE T us go now to the other great and comprehen five
Duty of the Covenant, the right Improving of it ;
ind we (hall fpeak to it in thele Three: i/?, Improve it
n the Matter of it. zd/v, Improve it formally, as a Co-
/enant. $d/yt Improve it in the Ends thereof.

As to the firft, All who have entered into Covenant
with God, mult labour to have full Improvement, and to
nake full Ufe of the Matter, and all that is contained
n this Covenant of Grace. Now, the fir It Thing that
Drefents itielf, as Matter of the Covenant, is Promifes :
[t is a Covenant of Promifes, Eph. z. 12. by it Believers
ire the Children of the Promife, as Ifaac was; and to
:hem are given the exceeding great and precious Promi-
fes. In order to this Improving of Prcmiits, 1. We
would ltudy to know them, thefe Teitimonies which the
Lord hath founded forever, Pjalm 119. 152. and, i/7,

The

448 SER M O N XLVIII.

The original Promifes to the Son, P/alm 2. 6, 10.

and 1 10. throughoc: . 1, 9. zd, The funda-

mental Promifes made to us, fuch as is that Mother Pro-
mife, Ezck. 36. 28. and its firft begotten, the bringing
forth and giving of Chrift, lfa. 9. 6. and with him the
Promife of the Spirit, Luke II. 13. 3. That great Gof-
pel Promife, which hath the Tenor and Terms of the:
Gofpel Covenant in it, // ill be Javfd,.

John 3. 16. 4. We muft know general Promifes, fuch 1
as that, in P/alm 84. 11. and that, in Rom. 8. 2
Both abfolute Promifes, fuch as thefe, in Jer. 31. 31, — •
35. and 32. 38, — 41. Ezek. 1 i« 19, 20. and 36. 25, — --
29. and conditional, If at ah 45. 25. and 55. 1, — 6. 6^
Study to know as many particular Promifes, which may
anfvver and fuit particular Cafes, as thou canft. zd, We
muft not only know them, but we mult mind and remem-
ber them : Promifes are our fundamental Rights ; as good*
not to know them at all, as not to remember them: See
the III of forgetting them, Heb. 12. 5. Right remember-
ing of them is, lit, To eiteem them: See a Need of
them, and no Life without them, zdly, To lay thern^
up, Job 22. 22. Pfa. 119. n. and that feafonably, Ec.
12. 1. for the Time to come, lfa. 42. 23. and abundant-
ly, Col. 3. 16. 3<//y, We muft live by and upon them ; Pra-
ctice is tne belt Art of Memory. The third Way of im-
proving Promifes, is, the due Application of them, as
Thomas did, My Lord, and my God, John 20. 28. as Paul
6\6, Who loved me, and gave him fe If for me, Gal. 2. 20.
and Patriarchs, H*b. 1 1. 13. who embraced and'faluted
the Promifes : In Application is the receiving, John 1. 12.
eating and drinking, John 6. 53, 54. that opening, Can.
9. 2. that reaching forth, and pretiihg toward the Mark,
5. 13, 14. the Soul's following h*rd after the Lord,
63. 8. and bringing home of Chriil to our Mother's
fe, and not to \e: him go, Can. 3. 4. There is re-
quired unto right Application, (1.) Serious Thoughts oq#
the Word. (2.) Prayer to have it revealed. (3.) Com-
paring of it with our Cafe. (4.) Retting upon it; and
that, neither with an unhumbled Heart, nor with a trern-
bkng Hand. (5. The Application of the Promife muft .

be

On the Gospel Covenant. 449

|3C with an Eye both to the Condition and to the Duty.

[Abf how many flay themfelves, through Mifapplicatioa
I it fuch Words as thefe of E%ek. 33. II. and, 1 Tim. 2.
f. For right Application, take thefe Directions: 1. Ap-
Ny general Promifes particularly, 1 Kings 8. 37, 40.
:om pared with 2 Cbron. 20 8, 10. And particular Pro-
pife* generally, where there is a common Ground or like
,'aie, J.jhua 1. 5, 6. with Heb. 13. 5. 2. Look upon
^romifes to be performed in their due Order and Subor-
dination, hlatth. 6. 33. and in the Ufe of Means, efpe-
:ial!y of Prayer, Jer, 29. 10, 12. £2^.36.37. 3.
vfake Promifes both the Ground and Rule of Prayer,
ren. 32. 9, 12. as Things lie in the Promiie, fo pray for
hem. Grace is recti!-, ry abfolutely, and in fuch Degree
s is Efficient, 2 Cor. 12. 8, 9. but temporal Things are
niy to be fought conditionally, and with Exception,
Wark 10. 30. Now, what a dreadful Cafe are tfiey in,
rho neither know, remember, nor apply Promifes.

The fecond Thing which we are to improve in the
Matter of the Covenant, it is Chriit : He u given for a
nt to us, lfa. 49. 8. Improve him, iff, In his
hme and Titles, lfa. 9. 6. zd, In his Natures, Titus
13, Heb. 2. 17. 3</, Ai he is made to us by Cove-
ant, 1 Cor. 1. 30. and fo in his Covenant Relations, and
all his Offices, lfa. 55.4. Mic. 4. 2. Epb. 5. 25. Heb.
1 1. ^tby Make uie of him, not only as the Objed of
ur Faith, 1 John 3. ,23. but as the Author and Finiffcer
f it, Heb. 12. 2. as the Sarnplar alfo, and Perfeclcr of
tolinefs, Mattb. 11. 29. Re<v. 21 5. 5/^, Make ufe of
im as dead, and riftn again, R m. 8. 34. 6tb, Make irfe
1 him for all the Promifes ; tor they are ail Yea and
men in him, 2 Cor. 1. 20. for Entry, John 10.

ding, John 15. 7. for all the fpiritual Bleffings of
le Covenant, Epb. 1. 3. temporal Bleliings, Prcrv. 3. 16.
id for eternal Bleffings, John 10. 28. even to be your
1 in all, Col 3. 11.

The third Tning which we are to improve, as to the Mat-

rof the Covenant is, God in a Covenant: Even God is

>mmunicated in a Covenant, fo far ab he is communicable

the Creature, when it (hall be railed up to its higheft Ca«

F f parity*

45° SERMON XLVIII.

pacity, wherein the Lord is to give the higheft Expreflions of
his Goodwill : In order to this, we would make ufe of the
Motner Promife to the full; particularly, of God, i. As
reconciling us to himfelf, z Cor. 5.19- 2. As drawing
us to the Son, John 6. 4.4. 3. As juitifying us, Rom. 8„
33. adopting us, 2 Cor. 6. 18. fan&ifying and glorify
ing us, Rom. 8. 30. 4. Make ufe of him in his Attri-1
butes, Simplicity, Sovereignty, Infinitenefs, Eternity, Un-tt
changeablenefs, All-fufficiency, Omnipotency, Omnipre^
fence, Wifdom, Holinefs, Goodneis, and Truth, a\
Make ufe or" him in all the Works and Ways, in and by^t
which he doth manifeft himfelf, whether in his WordrB
P/a. 138. 2. Ways and Works, 145. 17. or our own5
Experiences, 119.58. 6. Make ufe of God, more par- jj
ticularly, 1/?, For that which Man cannot do, Luke iS,L
27. F.r that "which is impojjible with Man is pojjible atu/JL
God. zdy For all that which he craveth of us, fay, with I.
Auguftin, " Give, Lord, what thou craveft, and crave ,|
" what thou wilt." 3</, Make ufe of him as firft andu/
laft in all that you do, Rev. 1. 11. 4^, Make ufe oiL
him as our God, I/a. 25. 9. boldly, Eph. 3. 12. yet witkl,
humble Fear, Rev. 14. 7.

In the iecond Place, we mould not only make ufe ol|[
the Covenant, as to the Matter of it, but formally, al
it is a Covenant, fo as a mutual Stipulation and Engage;
ment; remembering how by it the Moft High ftandetl
engaged to us, and we to him : In order to this, we mull. j(
improve and make ufe of the Covenant in alJ its Proper-
ties: 1. As a free Covenant; fo we mud quit Self-righ-
teoufnefs. 2. As a Covenant of neareft Union; fo vm\
muft quit the Spirit of Bondage, and every Thing which
caufeth Diilance. 3. As moil fure; fo we are to learil,
to hope againft Hope. 4. As holy; fo we muit ftudy tc
" be holy and perfect, as he himfelf is. 5. As everlafting*
hope unto the End, and never rue it. 6. As well order
e.d ; fo, we would labour to keep every Thing in its dul
Order, God, Chrift, the Promife, and Obedience. 7. A.'
fall: Be fatisfied with it, and take no Loath of it. 8 j
Remember ro improve it, as a mutual Covenant ; fo tc
mind Proraifes, as not to forget Duties: God's Promife^

cal

On the Gospel Covenant. 451

ill. for our Duties, and our Duties are firft his Promifes,
fzik. 36. 27.

In tne third Place, We fhould make ufe of the Cove-
anc i » all its End- : 1. For ail Solvation, as in the Text;
nrituu)., from the La-.v and Sin, R,m. 6. 18, 22. and 8.
. from the Law in its Bondage, Challenge*, Sentences,
id from Sin in its Guiit and Dominion ; eternal Salva-
an, Luke i. 69. Adi 4. 12. H.:'>. 2. 10. and 5 9. and
mporal De'iverances aifo, fiom ail tne great Plagues,
•z.ck. 12. 16. and 34. 25. and 36. 29. and 37. 23. at
aft from the Evil of tntm, Ezek. 9. 4. and to he blef-

, iniiead of the Evil, with good Bie flings, P/a. 85. 12.

have the Covenant ail Salvation, is thus : U the Salva-
bn come, it is well ; if not, I have this for it, God is
y Salvation, Pfa. 27. 1, 2, 9. and more thin Salvation,
id nothing but Salvation. 2. We fhould make ule of
e Covenant, for Satisfaction to all our Deilres, all thefe
herewith we dare face God, and fay as Da^id did, in
a. 38. 9. So, if}, For our chief Dcfire, the glbi
g of God, we mould make ufe of it for com pleat San-

ficati.on, 2 Cor. j, 1. %d% For our enjoying of ( ,
nion and Communion with him. 3*/, For a high Eftate ;
hat higher than tnat, in Lam. 3. 24. and Rom. 8. 17.
e how highly he efteemeth his People, as a peculiar
reafure, in Exod. 19. 5. they are fair and pleafant: G!
)w fair for Delights! Cant. 7. 6. as a Seal upon hi*
eart, a Seal upon his Arm, $. 6. a Crown of Glory,
d royal Diadem in his Hand, La. 62 3. the Beauty

his Ornament, let in Majeity, Exck. 7. 20. the Stones

a Crown lifted up, Zecb. 9. 16. as his Jewels, M

7. he eiteemeth them now above Adam in his Inno-
ncy, arid all his ancient People, while they are under
e better Covenant: Elleem highly of our Intereit and
ivileges, fo as not to debafe uurfelves to Sin and Hell :
>nfider how the great End of the Covenant is, to make
od ours, and all in him for us ; his Love, for our Com-
rt; his Truth, for our Ail'urance ; his Power, for our
oteclion; VVifdom, for Dircdion ; HoJioefs, lor Sali-
fication ; and to make Chriifc ours, all in him,
ercy, Merits, and hi* All-fulnefs ; and ail oi the Spirit
F f z ottrs.

4V2 SERMON XLVIII.

ou»-s, his Workings, Sealings, and Fellowfhip. \th, Tb
Covenant ruth this End, the fettling of the Believer in \
contented Kliate, Phil. 4. 1 1 . the Believer can fetch Con
tentment from the Covenant in general, and from parti
cular Promiles alio, though their outward State do no
grow.

Ufe I. Againft all that pretend to the Covenant, an*
do not improve it as we have been (hewing you : Thek
improve it not in the Matters that are in it, Promifet
Chriit, and God : They do not improve it formally, as ;
Covenant, nor any Way fuitably to the Ends or it; the;
follow lying Vanities, and for fake their own Mercy
with thele, John 2. 8. But fome weak Chriftians do uo
happily plead againft themfelves, in pleading for their nc
improving of the Covenant: \fl, Say they, we fhouid b
fenlible of our Condition, and if we be fenfible thereot
we will not boldly plead Intereft in and improve the Cc
venant, as you would have us. Anpw. Senfiblenefs c
our Condition is good ; but not fo as to cdt away ou
Confidence: It is not the right Senfiblenefs of our Cob
dition, that doth any of thefe Three ; either taketh awa
t .-,e Senfe of God's Mercy, hindereth Duty, or breedet
Envy at the belter or more eafy Condition of other
zdly, They (ay, you quarrel at our too much Grief fc
Sin, as hindering us from improving of the Covenant
but we grieve only for Sin ; and, can we grieve too muc
for it? An/hv. 1. If thy Grief were for Sin, then ther
would be more quiet Suffering of Chaftifement for Sit
Lev. 26. 41. and Lam. 3. 39. If it were for Sin, tho
would not fin more, by refufmg the Offers of Mercy an
Confolations of God, when thou (landed in extrern
Need of ti»em : Thou may ft be grieved for Sin, but nc
jealous of his Mercy, who loveth freely, and to the Em
3'//>>, They plead thus againft themfelves, the Lord hat
withdrawn himfelf ; how (hall we then dare to take hoi
of his Covenant, to improve it? Anf<w. i. Affli&ic
doth not always fpeak witndrawing ; many Times Peopi
are only tempting God, when they fay, is the Lot
amonglt iid ? Exod.ij.j. 2. Our difquieting him mai
eth him withdraw, if he withdraw; and we withdra

fro.

On the Gospel Covenant. 453

rom him, and difquiet him, when we make no Ufe of
!iis#Covenant. 4/^/)', They plead, the Lord hath made
4oreai"onable and abiurd Men to be their Rods, dnjho.
God is to be looked to ; they are but Inftruments. 2.
The more unreafonabie they be, the ^nore Reaiba there
5 to turn in to the well ordered Covenant. 3. It were
hat which would fpeak more Wrath, if better Men were
jur Rod. yhly, They plead, they are tr> ited with it range
.nd unexpected Difpenfations, which fay, that God hath
ail them off. Anf<w. 1. It was your Sin and Folly not
p have expecled the worit, efpecialiy that Bonds and Af-
liclions abide us in every Place, Acis 20. 22. 2 No
Irange Thing can befal the People of God, 1 Cor. 10. 13.
;. Ji we remember, we will hud we have had as many
mexpeded Mercies, and more lignal too. 6tUj9 They
*y, the Trouble is fo great that we cannot have Liberty
f thinking on a Covenant ; it is with us as with AJaph%
a Pfa. jj. 3. we remember God, and are troubled. At/iv.
. All is lefs than deferving, lefs than Hell; fee Ezra
j. 13. whatever is lefs than it, is Mercy. 2. Better to
fe opprefled of Men, than (hut up in Prifon with De-
als. 3. The greater the Trouble be, the better Errand
0 Chrift in the Covenant. 4. The quarrelling, fret:ing,
nd mifbelieving Difpoiition, will not make the Trouble
>fler. Jtbfy, Some plead, it is worfe with me than with
thers. Anfnx\ 1. It i* fretting, it may be, which mak
th it to be fo. 2. Our Eye fhould not be evi\f bee
ie Lord is good. 3. The harder our Lot, we have
lore Advantage for Grace, tipecially Faith and Patience,
nd fo to glorify God. 4. Though in our Ha lie every
ne be ready to defire another's Lot, yet if all were feen,
very Saint would chufe his own, rather than another's
,>oii>; for another's Crofs would not fit him fo well.
r Every one fhould lit thcmfelves for the Condition which
5 meaiured out unto tiiem by the well ordered Decree ;
nd then mail they envy the Lot of none other. 8//'/y,
rhey fay, they are ufelefs, and unferviceable; why
lould they either trouble God or themlelves, with tak-
ig hold of or improving of the Covenant. Anfw. 1.
^od cannot or will not be troubled with much imploy-
* f 3 ing

454 SERMON XLVIIT. *■•

lelc ; more imploying would mike \c(* "

1
bec~. « not be for iuch Lfe as to carry App

in the Bojy. 3. Remember
being faithful in little, Luke \
4; rj\ikc Davit n pie, in 2 Sum. 2

L 1 JbetL ■■€ Lordy be will \

me again ; but if • B-b id,

berg am /
./ u>i:o kim. Cj . we are inJi

an uniett'ed Efl
Will mind our i

len in the molt {tv\ re but •

v, P/a. 36. 5. 2. God (etth it nt and htil t

that they live by Dependence. ;
cater Need th t ch'_j
.

di k>u,
re itrange ot it now.;|
1. Jt is the greater Uothanirfa]rtefs, now to q:ir.r-
rel. 2. In that better Condition you fhould have prepa-^
rei foi this worfer. 3. That better Condition, e..
to rhe ou'uard State, or inward Frame, was not to hel
expected to be the fan e tor eiv S mrs h :ve

found it fo. lltbfy, Some fay. we h
jEreat Pains, but to no Profi:.k Anfw. 1 . I "...

. ing doth cuil the more unto you to give up
(elves to God, and to improve the Covenant. 2
Pains fhould be with Submifton, fo Difcppointmer
breed no Trouble. 3. He will elteern highly of Sab-j
million in that which hath flood us deceit. But, izthhft

fay, their Trouble is the Trouble of many.
1. U thy Sin hath drawn it on, mourn for it. 2. By'j
Duty it is fallen out fo, and no iuch Evil hath been |
1 needs not be diiquieted. 3. If
Cafe prtfieth t.ee more than ihy own, and tnou be wil-1
ling to oear more of the Burd n to
in no evil Cafe, and hall no Reafon to o
thou be doing what thou art able, to have Things he
efpecially by laying Help upon him that is mr

On the Gospel Covenant. 455

3 no Reafon of Difquieting : But, Lafily, They fay,
all /heir Complaints are kept filent before the Lord, all

ithin Doors. Jnfw. Even thefe filent Workings of the
Heart, are loud Murmurings before the Lord, even the
difquieting Thoughts of Unbelief, the Soul ought to be
before the LfOrd, lilent unco Praife.

Ufe 2. Let us learn to improve the Covenant* efpe-
:ially in thefe Three: i. Make ufe of it as a Bridle to
eftrain and keep us from Sin, and as a Bond unco Duty :
So is this Covenant Relation made ufe of, in Lev. 18. 4.
as a Bond unto Duty ; Ye Jhall dj my J udgments, and keep
mine Ordinances , to walk therein, 1 am the Lord your God ;
and in Jo/bua 24. 17, 18. The Lord our God, he it 1,
brought us up, and our Fathers, out of the Land cf Egypt,
>and from the Houfe of Bondage, and which did thofe great
Signs in our Sight, and f referred us in all r trein

hue went, and among all the People through whom we puf-
fed, and the Lord drove out from before us all the People ;
therefore we will ferve him, for he is our God ; Slpecially
we mould make ufe of it to keep us from Dejection of
Spirit; fo, in Ezra 9. 13. to bind up from Sin, this Co-
venant is fo made ufe of : Jfter all that is come upon us,
for our evil Deeds, and for our great Irefpafs, feeing that
thou our God had punilbed us lefs than our Iniquities, and
haft given us fuch Deliverance as this, /bould we again
break thy Commandments ? and it mould bind us to the Du-
ties of our Caliing and Relations. 2. We fhouid ;
ufe of the Covenant, for the Aggravation of Sin: To
fin againll Grace, is a high Degree of finning: See
3.2. Y,u only have J known of all the Families of the
Earth, therefore 1 will punijh you for all your Iniquities ;
and Rom. 2. 4. 01 tbt Riches of his Goodnefs?

3. We mould improve it for the Praifes of God, of the
Lord and his Chrill, Ifa. 60. 6. the Converts of Sheba
fhouid (hew forth the Praifes of the Lord : So fhouid all
they who are called ny..the Lord our of Darknefs into his
marvellous Light, 1 Pet. 2. 9. we fhouid praife nirn for his
;ant, and feek Help from his Covenant to praife him.

F f 4 S E R M

[ 4J« ]

\

S E R M O N XLIX.

O N T H E

G 6 S l3 E L C O V ENANT:

On the defpcrate Ettate of thofe who rake not
hold on the Cove

2 S A M U E l xxiii. 6, 7.
)e Sons of Belial /ball be all of them as Thorn,
away, becaufe th be taken with H

: hi Man that /ball touch them, mufl be ffttce ;
Iron, and the Staff of a Sfear, and t hi-
nt with Fire in the fame Place.

WE are come to the Jaft Thing propounded of this
Gofpel Covenant; and it is, of the dangerous
and defperate Eftate of thofe that live without the Cove-
nant : They are called here Sons of Belial, as fome ex- j
pound the Word, Men who live without a Yoke, that
break it ; or, as others Expound the Word, unprofitable
Men, Never-do-well-men : We have David's Verdicl of
them; they are Sons of Be/iaJ, and Men that cannot be
taken with H;inds : The Man that (hall touch them mult
be fenced with Iron, and with the StarTof a Spear ; rhey (hall
be as Thorns thruft away, and be utterly burnt in the lame

Of this Point we flia.il fpeak as it lieth in the Ttxt :
ij}9 The Defcription of Men without the Covenant, and
who ftand againlt the Covenant. zdly% Their Danger
and defperate Eftate.

In .

On the Gospel Covenant. 457

In rhe firft, we have thefe Particulars: 1. Men with
cftit the Covenant are Belials. 2. Sons of Belial are
Thorns. 3. They are Men wirh whom is no Dew

4. Who deal with fuch. Men had need to be well armed.
As to the firit, They that have nothing to do with

Covenant, they are all Sons of Belial, Men v.;
Yoke, that do break all Yoke?, Men in whom is no Pro-
fit; like Leviathans, with whom you can mr.ke no Co-
venant, Job 41. 1, 4. Men that break Bonds, an
rhe Cord* oi i.nrifi afondc, Pfa. 2. 3. Men that break
Yokes, and altogether burit the Bonds, Jer. 5. 5. they
are fuch as will not have Chritt reign over them, Luke

19. 14. fych were David** Enemies ; and fuch are all the
irnpiacabfc Enemies of Chr ft : Oh ! this is a dangerous
and defperate Eihte : 1. They are not under Law to
Chriit, 1 Cor. 9. 21. fo, they are out of their Place, as
Birds from their Neft, Pro<v. 27. 8. 2. They are under
a worfe Mailer, Ails 26. 18. and zTim. 2. 26. 3. They
are Perfons good tor nothing, their Heart is little wo
Prov. 10. 20. 4. They are Children of Wrath, Eph,

3. 5. They are Heirs of Shame, the Seed of evil
|. Doers fhall never- be renowned, lfa. 14. 20.
F Ufe 1. Terror to all Sons of Belial, who are Kings
in their Will, and Slaves to their Will, both at once :
They think themfeives Kings, and that they reign vvith
thofe, in 1 Cor. 4. 8. when they are Slaves to Lufr, Tit.
3. 3. prefumptuous and felf- willed, like thefe, 2 Pet. 2.
10. Now, in Scripture, Sons of Belial are thefe, i. Se-
ducers, Deut. 13. 13. 2. Profane and voluptuous Men,
J ud. 10. 22. 3. Men that know not God favmgly and
praclically, 1 Sam. 2. 12. 4. Falfe Judges, and faife
Witneflfes againft innocent Men, 1 Kings 21. 10, 13.

5. Selfifh and partial Men, 1 Sam. 30. 22. 6. Drunk-
ards, \ Sam. 1. 16. 7. Defpifers of lawful Government,
1 Sam. 10. 27. and 2 Sam. 20. 1. and all tha- join with
them ; and, have we not fuch Enemies of the Covenant
in all Refpecls ?

Ufe 2. Matter of Praife to thofe that come under
ChrilVs Yoke, and that Bond of the Covenant, Ezeiief

20. 37. they are brought from Bondage to Liberty, and

from

458 SER M O N XLIX.

from a bafe to a high and honourable Eitate. O! they
art bled thai *n

As to the fecond Thing in the Defcription of thefe
Men, they are iaid to be Tnoros : Tlie Church is a Lilly
among fuch Thorns; the be ft of them arc like Briars,
and Tnom Hedges, Mic&h 7. 4. they are like Thorns
folden together, 10. 1. They are or the cur-

led Kind ; Thorns came from the Curfe, Ucn. 3. 18. like
ldumea, the People or cue Lord's Curie, Ifaiai 34. 5.
2. They are ever Pricks and Thorns to the People of
God, j'Jbua 23. 13. 3. They flop and choke every
good Motion, and Motion for good. 4. Their Ground
beareth nothing but Thorns ; like that, 111 Heb. 6. 8. 5.
Thorns and Snares are in tneir Way, Prav. 22. 5.

Vie 1. The Saints and Servants of God would look
up-n them as fuch, even Pcrfons like Thorns, not only
near a Curfe, but under a greater Curfe than that, in
Mattb. 21. 19. which came upon the barren Fig tree :
Pray, as many as are of the Elect-on, from under it;
and pray againft Sin and Temptations, that they may not
prove Thorps unto you.

Ufe 2. There is Matter of Praife to thofe that are
within the Covenant : They are not Thorns but pleafant
Plants, Trees or Righteoufnefs, the Planting of the Lord,-
If a. 61. 3. growing up, and bringing forth moil pleaiant
der the Sh:tde of that noble Plant of Renown,
EzeJr. 34. 29.

Ufe 3. We have Profit by them, if we make ufe of them
as Tnorns : 1//, For teaching ; they are employed as Rods
for Correction and Inihu&ion ; fee Judges 8. 16. where
Gideon taught the Men o! Succctb with Tnorns. id, Make
ufe of them for humbling us: Even wicked Men may be-
come humbling Thorns; as well as that wicked one with
his Temptations, 2 Cor. 12. 7. $dt Make ufe of them
as a Hvdgv, to hedge in our Way, as the Lord dotii,
Ho/\ 2. 6. \thy Look upon them as renting and tearing;
fo, have no Fellowship with them, but come out from a-
mong them, 2 Ccr. 6. 17.

So, I come to the tbitd Point, That Sons of & Hal are
Men with whom i& no Dealing ; they are fuch as cannot

be

On the Gospel Covenant. 459

befpokcr. to,; 1 lam. 25. 17. There is 00 taking of them
wjth Hands, in this Text ; their Words cannot- be born,
tney belcn out w;th their Mouths, Swords are in
Lips, they arc thai Generation, in Prov. 30. 14. w
Teeth are as Swords, and their Ja>%
devour the Poor from oft the Earth, and the Needy from
among; Men ; yea, when tney i'peak faueft, they are not
co Deluded, Pjaim 55. tl. whiie the Words of
Mouth are fmootner than Butter, there is War in their
Heart ; while their Words are fof:er than Oil, >et they

rcwn Swords. This appeareth, (1) In their
left wifely and iubtiliy agamit the People or God, as
Pharaoh did, Exod. 1. 10. wherein God hath a fupreme
and an over-iuling Hand, Pfalm 105. 25. (z ) From
their dealing uajuilly, even in a Land of Upnghtneis,
1/a. 26. 10. (3.) From their dealing very treacherouily,
as in Jer. 12. I, (4.) From their dealing very furioufly,
by t King away Noic and Ears; tne Lord hath a fupreme
Hand in that alfo, Ezek. 23.2;. (5 ) From their being
incorrigible by the Word, siels 7. 51. always refilling the
Holf Ghoft therein. (6.) From tneir being incorrigible
by the Rod alfo, in Jer. 2. 30. In -vain I have /mitt* >.
xfjur Children, they received no Correction : and, what
comet h of it? Yiur own Sword hath dejtrored )Our Prophets
like a devouring Lion.

Vie 1. Terror to ail fuch ungodly Wretches; Sons of
Belial, as fuch, they are in a hopeleis Cafe ; yet the
Lord may find a Time tor fuch; the wild A is ufed to the
Wikiernefs, that fnuffeth up the Wind at her Pleafure,
in her Occafion who can turn her away ? All that feek
her, vwJJ not weary themfelves ; in her Month they (hail
find her: O that the Lord would find fuch a Time tor
fome Delia Is in this Time f

U/e 2. Beware of being intractable, left you turn incor-
rigible ; the Wifdom which is from above is eafy to be
intreated, Janus 3. 17. the Sons of Dtlial have none of
that.

3. Chriltians would fpare medling with fuch Men,
fo far as they can ; for hardly can any meddle with them
without Hurt.

As

4 S E R M O N XLIX.

As to the fourth Thing in the Defcription of thefe
Men of Belial-, who ;, had need to b>c

well armed und fenced ; they had need to be armed with
tnat Armour of I i ■ r;. 12. with tna Armour

of Righteoufn fs, zO>r. 6 7. with the wimle Armour of
God, Eph, 6. II, 13. and, in 1 Pet. 4. r. witn the fame
Mind that was in Omit, 1 ;, bYcaufe of their Power un-
der their Cptam General, Epb. 6. 12. 2d, Becaufe of
their Cra't, 2 Cor. If. 3. 3</, Becaule of his and their
Watchfulnefs, P/alm 5. 8. and 27. 11. Jer. 20. 10.
4/^, Unlefs we be compleatly armed, as good none at aii ;
at every Open we may receive deadly Wounds. $tb,
The Staff of a Spear needful in fome Cafes ; for the too
nigh Approaches of fuch Adverfanes is dangerous. 6th>
There is Need of being well armed, becaufe of thejr
Cruelty; they will bota fcratch and tear, Luke 9. 42.

Vfe i. Their Madnefs that diipute with Satan, the
great BeliaL or with wicked Men, his Sons, naked and
unarmed ; they darfnoc efcape but be Satan's Prey : It is
good keeping Sar..n and his Men at the Staff's End ;
near Stroaks are not t'o eafily warded off.

2. Look well to your fpiritual Armour, that it be
always fitted and fixed, as you defire to be kept from
Hurt by Satan, and his Sons and Staves; cioath your-
felves with all Graces, but with Chrift more than all, and
neartft sour Heart, Rem. 13. 14. Keep Grace in Exercife,
and improve all the Means of fpiritual Defence.

Come we now to the fecond Thing propounded, The
defperate Eftate of fucn Men, whicn is put here down,
in David's Lftimation of them, anu in that Sentence
which from theLord he pronounceth ;;giinlt tnem : From
the flrft we have this Point ; who have taken hold on the
Covenant to improve it, need not fear the Men of Belial ;
David fpeaketh of them as gone Men, and Men of no
Worth : 1/0, Man be he of never Jo great Power if fct
againit God, or compared vwtn him, is of no Account;
Ceafe ye from Many ivbofe Breath is in bis Nojirils, for
wherein is be to be accounted of? If a. 2. 2 2. id, The
Man in Covenant with God, liath Salvation for Wails
and Bulwarks, If a. 26. 1. 3^, The Believer feeth

the

On the Gospel Covenant. 461

the End of the Men of Belial afar off, Pfalm 7 9. and
37.^3, 38. ^tb, They have all abundantly made up to
them in God, who is theirs by Covenant; fo as the worft
of Men, when they have done their woril, can prejudge
them in nothing: So, when Amaxiah faid to the Man of
God, But vjhat jhall nve do for the hundred Talents, which

1 have given to the Army of Ifrael ? the Man of God an-
fzvered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than thisT

2 Chron. 25. 9.

U/e 1. Rcpruof of Faintheartednefs, from the F£ar of
the Men of Belial : We mould not, who profefs ourfelves
Chriitians, fear fuch Men, I/a. 51. 12. and 31. 3. nor
fhould we fear their Reproach, tnough they lhouid call
us Belials, as Shimei did David, 2 Sam. 16. 7. but rather
we mould be ready to go forth without the Camp to
Chriil, bearing his Reproach, Hcb. 1^. 13. when reviled,
not to revile again.

♦ U/e 2. This may quail the Pride and Vain-glorv of
wicked Men ; they are of no Account with God ; a; d the
Man that is got in to the Covenant, and up to the Rock
that is higher than hirnfeif, Pfalm 61. 2. will not regard
them, but acipiie their Image.

A iecend Thing fhevveth their dangerous Eftate ; tho'
they be pricking and grievous Thorns, and cannot be
taken with Man's Hands, yet the Lord can grip and
handle them to Purpofe; he can find Jnitruments to Pur-
pofe, as may be feen, in Deut. 13. 15, 16. 17,
fo, as they mall devour one another, Judges 9. 20.
20. 13. Pfalm 58.9. and 119. 119. For, i#, Briars
and Thorns are no tiling to God, I/a. 27. 4. zdt He can
Fence his own fufficiently agair/ft them, and make the
Jnitruments of his Wrath light fore upon them, lfa. 7.
18, 19. 3^, He can make one thruit at another, Judges
9. 20. \tb, Becaule of that Promife which the Lord
hath made, in lfa. 55. 13. Injlead of the Thorn /hall come
up the Fir Tree, and in (lead of the Briar Jhall come up the
Myrtle Tree ; and of that, in Ezek. 28. 24. And there Jhall
be no more a pricking Briar to the Hou/e 9/ wr any

grieving Ihorn of all that are round about them that de-
fpijed them.

Uf$

462 S E R M O N XLIX.

Ufe I. There is no Reafon to defpair; though Thorns
abound, and be too ftrong for the PeopJe of God, as the
Sons of Zerviah were for l)a<vidy and King Saul alfo,
David had Experience of being delievered from his ftrong
Enemy, 2 ±a?n. 22. 18. The LorcJ hath as many Carpen-
ters, as Enemies have Horns, Zecb. 1. 20. and he uath
Mattocks for their Thorns, I/a. 7. 25. \o as there (hall
not be the Fear of Bnars and Tnorn>.

bfe 2. Hence there h Matter of Terror to thofe who
are ivlen of Belial, and Thorns to God's People, oppofing
Chnii in his own Crown and Scepter, bearing down Wor-
fhir, and Ordinances, and the Minillry : Sure, the
Lord can handie them foundly, and to Purpofe ; yea,
he can handle them roughly, and will do (o : He hath
not (mitten his own, as he will fmite them ; he will
debate with his own in Meafure ; he will ltay his rough
Wind in the Day of the Eail Wind, lfa. 27. 7, 8. But
he will not do fo with the Enemies of his People ; when
he Itirreth up his Jealoufy like a Man of War, he will
at Uroy and devour at once, lfa. 42. 13, 14.

The third Thing which fpeaketh the dangerous and
defperate Cafe of thefe Men of Belial, tiiere is nothing
but utter Dettrudtion for them ; they will be quenched
as the Fire of Thorns, Pfalm 118. 12. they (hall be as
the Burnings of Lime, as Thorns cut up (hall they be
burnt in the Fire, lfa. 33. 12. they are of thofe that are
condemned already, John 3. 18. 1/?, They are like that
Stubble full dry, Nab. 1. 10. id, This total Dellruclion
(hall come upon them, becaufe of their unmeafurable
Hatred at God's People, Pfalm 83. 4. 3 Becaufe of that
Promiie, which the Lord hath made to his People, in
Zecb. 1 4. 2 1 . hi that Day there /ball be no more Canaanite
ht the kiouft of the God of Ho/Is.

Vfe 1. Matter of Terror to the Sons of Belial, of Ter-
ror, even unto Defpair, to all thofe who are mediant
Troublers of the Lord's People : When they are folden
together as Thorns, and drunken as Drunkards, the
Lord will burn them up utterly in that Day, both they
and the wicked Counfeller rhat cometh out of them, who
iinaeineth Miichief againlt the Lord, Ka? 1. 10. xi.

Ufe

On the Gospel Covenant. 463

Ufe 2. Learn we yet better to abide under Ch rift's
Yoke ; there rs no Life nor Mercy without it, nothing
but Deftru&ion and Defolaticn, Ifa. 34. 12, 13. Hof. 9.

5,. 8. And let all the People of God feparate them-

felves from fuch Men, left, being Partakers of their Sins,
they be Partakers of their Plagues alfo, Re*v. 18. 4.

The fourth Thing which fpeaketh their defperate Eftate,
they (hall be burnt with Fire in the fame Place; fo, wic-
ked Men, in the fame Places where they grow up like
Thorns, and adt much Mifchief, they fhall be burnt up:
When God begmneth with them, he will quickly make
an End of tbem : So he threatened the Sons of Eli, when
they came to be Btltals, 1 Sam. 3. 12. fo he made quick
Difpatch of Sennacherib, Ifa. 37. 37, 38. and of Gog , af-
ter that Fury hath come up in his Face ; compare Exek.
58. 18. with Ezek. 39. ll. Now, the Lord will do fo,
1/?, To make his Work of Juftice the more conspicuous.
zdt To vex tne Enemies of his People the more, in their
fo unexpected Difappointments, P/alm 17. 13. $d, Be-
caufe they feek to have their Nefts on high, and to efta-
blifh themfelves fo, as that they may dwell alone upon
th? Earth, I/a. 5. 8. and 22. 16.

Ufe 1. Matter yet of further Terror to thofe Sons of
Belial i in no Place can they be fecure, how long they
carry about with them an evil Conicience ; nay, not in
the Piace wherein they have grown up, and a&ed their
Jvlifchiefs with greateft Succeis.

Ufe 2. Let us learn to fanclify our Dwelling-Places,
left, even in thefe Places, where we have thought ourfelves
moft fecure, we be cut off; and lelt thofe Things befal
us, which are threatened, in Job 27. 21, 34. that is, fome
Eait-Wind like Judgment, hurl us out of our Place.

If any afk me, who are in Danger to be fuch Sons of
Belial? I fend them for Solution to chat Oracle, in John
8. 37. They will be the Sons of Btlial in the hightrft De-
gree, even luch as would kill Chrift, if he Earth
again ; who will not fuffer his Word to t tke phcc in them:
-en much of our Concernment, efire not to
be of this black Company, to furT-r this Word of (
which ji in his preached Coven .

464 SER M O N XLIX.

according to that Word, Co/. 3. 16. that is tije UVd,
of which it is faid, in PJalm 138. 2. that he hath m
fied it above all his N<ime. The Word o: 5 good

Company, and the Brcails of" the everla.'H.ig Coven in t
are to full, as we may milk out abundantly from them
and be delighted with the Abundance of Glory, I/a. 66.
M. O! for Fait 1, and more Faith ; Fruition is com-
riven fo, come, Lord Jrfus. Amen.

End of the Sermon

Letter by the A. Flock, t

Par of Loudon, after' the taking of\

Bcndy w v nnpofed after Pentland.

September 24/^, 1668.
dear Friends,

IR E C E 1 V E D yours, dated at Bum-mouth, where-
in you mention the Receipt of mine, but you make
no mention of what I fent with it. I rejoice greatly that
ye have external' Peace, praying the Lord he may give
you the right Improvement of it, and that he may be
plenfed not to leave you altogether deft it ute of the Gofpel
of Pe ce : But it is no fmall Grief of Hem to me. that
Jrou have all, as you write, from the higheft to the low-
ot only faid but fubferibed a Peace, to thefe whom
.either h-ith, nor ever will lp-.ak Peace to. J know,
yea, and charitably judge, that of not only the better, but
greater Part of you, it may be faid, you have not willing-
d the Commandments of that Sort ; and [ot I
hope. will not break you in Judgment,

phraim is threatened, lioiea 5. II. and, I hope, that tho* I
Leaders have caufed you co err, according to Jfaiab

9. 1 6.

i

A Letter fmn the Author, &c. 465

9.16. You that have been led (having done it ignorantly,
and through Infirmity) fhall not be deftroyed, as is threa-
tened in that Scripture ; yet I think it my Duty to warn
god charge you, in my Matter's Name, even all of you,
to repent of that Deed, as you deilre the Peace of God,
and to bewafe of the Confequents thereof: It will not be
Men* Thoughts and Notions of a Peace in the Moon, thoj:
wiiJ fave them from Guilt, uhen they have fubfcnbed
that Peace, according to tne Meaning of thole that requir-
ed it, that is, Peace to them and to the Government which
ithey have eiiabiiihed, and to all the Mifchiefs which they
jhave citiblifhed by Law: This you have done, and will be
Iconftiuded to have done (ot before Gcd, and all fober
(Men. Tho' Men be not bound to appear againlr. a Party
tn dettro^ed Religion and Liberty, without a clear
Call from God, and iome fuitable and probable Mean o»
Strength ; yet, to bind chemfeives not to appear, i:> quite
mother Thing, a binding of themfeives from that Duty,
*hen God caiieth them. My Fear is, and I fhall not
liilemble with you, that they who have been molt for-
ward in that Work, of contributing un:o Prelates Jail Set-
lement, (hall be very rurdiy perfumed, ever to fee an
)cca/ion of appearing againit them, or probably honoured
>/ God to do any Thing of that Sort : If ever the Lord
lonour me to fee your Face, you may be fur^ there will
>e much to be iepented of by us both ; I mean, myfelf
j : Vet this 1 f y, not that I am confeious to my-
at either in Doclrine, Worfhip, Diiiiphne, or
, I cid teach any Tning whereof I need to
. But the fhort-coming hath been in Practice;
ither (o painful nor faithful as I both ihouid and
Tig/.t have been, when I was with you: Then you
an beuer grounded and ftablifhed in the Truth,
go and hear profane and perjured Pert

a, and abominable in the Coipelj who
ail from God nor Man j
ctended Senders had, they ren

<>iy iioid of thr Pope their Mailer. Then
en rUolate *igainn a. i.d fraCUtes, which

G g

466 *A Letter from the Author

arc profefiedly required, for Security againft the Du
fworn unto in our folemn Covenants : And, amongfi
ther Short comings, I profefs it before the Wor'd and
yt\i, my greateil Short-coming hath been, in that, whe
in fome may think I did over-reach, that is, in not bear-1
ing Witnefs to the Truth, particularly in Church AiTem-
blies, and before the Council. Something will (lick to
me while I live, and may keep me from ever feeing that A
fometimes good Land : Poor Women have fhamed us
Minifters, who have refufed to fubfcribe the unjuft Sen-
tences of Men : I fay no more of this fad Subjecl ; bu«|
mall wifh all as ready to repent of every Thing whereiftll
they have erred, as I defire to be of all my Failings and'JI
Faults : Only, now, my dear Brethren and Friends, let it ]
fuffice us, that inTimes pad we we have not walked fuitablyll
to our Mercies; and for afterwards, to ftudy more Cir4|
cumfpeclion, and pray the Lord, that we be not led intoll
Temptation.

Your Cafe lyeth heavy on me; fo as, fometimes, I I
dare not think on it ferioufly : You have been the Suiter- J
ers, not we : The Lord did with^aw us into a cool Sha-3 1
dow from the Heat, when Men did drive us from thefl
Lord's Inheritance; but you have been, and yet are, : i
the Furnace : I blefs the Lord, that helped any of you:
Number to jeopard and lay down their Lives for thai
Truth and Crown of our and their Mailer ; and do not I
think but it was a probable Mean, if the Lord's time had
been come, and Men, who were alike bound by Cove- 1
nant to appear, had acled their Part : However, the
Lord obtained his End, a glorious Teflimony to his Truth
and Interefts, by Blood and Martyrdom; which ha'
made fome, none of the greateft and wifeft, famous a-' I
mong the Churches, and may be a Token for Good :
the Lord's People in all Times coming.

My earned Defire and Prayer to God for you, is, that •(
your Hearts may be made more and more perfect, efta- 'I
bliihed by Grace ; fo (hall you be fledfaft in his Covens it,
and the Biellings of the everlading Covenant mall be uponfl
It is your Part, efpecially of fuch as have fludieda
to keep your Integrity, to ftudy the edifying both J I

of

to his Parijhoners. 467

'of yourfelves and others in the moft holy Faith, and to
follow Holinefs, without which none (hall fee God : Your
Light fhould now fhine in the mtdlt of a crooked and per-
verie Generation ; and you fhould walk in Wifdom to-
wards them that are without aifo, but not in the Wifdom
of this World, which is earthly, carnal, and dcviiifh ;
but in that Wifdom which is from above, and is tiril
pure, and then peaceable: Be making uie of fuch Means
as are left you, and come to your Hand in Providence ;
but beware of Dogs, and faife Propriety : Exhort and
comfort* one another in this your Day: Grace, tVJercy,
and Peace be multiplied on you : My Bleifing and Love
to all that iove our Lord Jeiu^ :

/ am yours,

le 1 am in this Tahernacle,

John Nivav.

Remember me to ail, efpeciaUy to thofe who Ioyc our
Walter and his Caufe, moft affectionately : I will notceafe
to pray for you, znd exped you will not forget me, as
often as you appear before the Throne ; My Companion
hath hcrieif dearly remerr.bred to you.

To the much honoured ar Brethren

Friends, the Heretors, Elders, and other In-
habitants, Members of the Congregation of
Loudon : Grace , Mercy, and Peace be m
fire J unto you, from God the Father, and from
is Son jfefus Chrijl.

My dear Brethren and Friends,

YOURS, of the Date Auguft 19th, I received, about
the Beginning of this Month, whtu I wa* very
and under lore Sickneis \ fo as I was not able to
Gg 2 * fCjUi

468 A. Letter from the Author \

read it, let be to anfwer it : My Friends found it fealed
by three in your Name ; of whom enquiring who they
were, I cod Chc.ii they were well affected Perfons, Ma-
kers of Arts, but none of them Mailers of a Family in the
regation : I'hey ft um bled at it ; but 1 ilrove to be-
get in tiitm a right Underllanding ot the Matter : How-
ever your Letter was very acceptable to me, as breathing
forth much of an hondt ani publick Spirit, and giving
Reprefentation of your State, both a> to Times
r, and full of Arrecliou to myfelf, fympa-
ng witn all tha^ luffer for the Teliimony of Jefus.
My dear Brethren, your not writing to me did never
beget the lealt Sufpicion in me, either of your want of
Rcipeft or Forgetfulnefs of nv?, knowing how it itood
with you ; and as I <:ould kindly fympathize with you in
all your H irdfhips, I may take the Lord to Witnefs,
you were ever dear unto me, fince the firll Day I knew
you, and never more than in your fuffering Lot : You
were iliil in my Heart, to live and die with you (as I
have often evidenced) and are fo no»v, if the Lord would
fay Jtms*\ It hath been my Fault I have not written (o
often as I might have done unco you ; but, among other
Re^fons, this hath been one, that I knew not well
whom to dired my Letters; fearing that fome might look
on it as a Wrong, to be named on the Back of any Let- ,
ter fent by me ; yet to (ome I did write now and then,
defiring it to be communicated with the reft; and, about
a Yec.r fince, J fent a Book of Sermons, which were
preached among you, upon the Covenant of Grace, and
Tempta/ions of Cbrtft (all written with my own Hand) to
be made uie of in Chriftian Meetings, and to pifs from
Hand to Hand, among thofe thar hunger after the Word ;
which, when it (hall be perufed, and returned to myStep-
(<>n, 1 have other two of the like Size, of Sermons preach-
ed in this Place, which may, if you call for them, be
unt un:o you, and be of the fame Ufe in your defolate
ion : 1 c in do no more but pray for you ; and if
1 could do that well, I had done almolt" all that is re-
cj ;ircd : I am not worthy of the Eftcem you have of mf.
cof to glory, but much whereof I am a.

ftiamed.

to his rarijK>9?iers. 509 j,\

fhamed, and which may make me go mourning to my \
G-ave ; but, if you ftand faft, 1 live : You are all my
Crown and Joy in tnis Earth (next to the Joy of Jerufa-
lem and of herKing) and I hope to have fome of you my Joy
and Crown in our Father's Kingdom, befides thofe thac
are gone before us, and entered into the Joy of the Lord : *
I have not been altogether ignorant of theChanges and Wars
which has been amongft you, of Deep calling untoDeep ;
nor how the Lord did lit on all your Floods as King, and
did give you many Times fome more Eafe than to others;
and you wanted not your Share in the molt honourable
Teitimony that ever was given to the Trurh and King-
dom of Chrift in that Land, fince the Days of Mi. Patrick
Hamilton, Mr. George Wijbart, and Mr. Walter Miln,
Martyrs. It is grievous to us, as to you, the Deluge
of Profanenefs which hath overflowed the covenanted
Lands ; but the Spirit of Uncleannefs is the ordinary At-
tendant of falfe Doclrine andWorfhip; and when the evil
Spirit is call out, and returneth to the Houfe fweep'd and
garnilhed, it is with feven other Spirits more wicked than
himfell : Difcipline was a Yoke to many in our beft Times,
but now great Men have altogether broken the Yoke,
aud burif. the Banks ; fo as it is to be feared, tho' there
mould be fome Deliverance, yet Difcipline (hall not be
reitored to its Vigour in this Generation : But it is more
grievous, that there is fo little Repentance, or laying of
Things to Heart, even among the Lord's own People,
fo little pleading with God, that he may turn away
his Wrath: You do well to take notice of your Mercies,
and more efpeciaily of the Golpel, continued more with
you than with others in your worll Times, and that it
is yet continued With you, io as hungry Souls might and
may be feu every Lord'* Day, by Parcels; and perplex-
ed Souls may ha\ :(es refolved : Th.c.Refpite
which you magnify, that godly Miniftcrs begin to have
with Men in Pov\er, will not be found fucn a Mercy as
is iuppofed, but rather, if not well looked to, the gre a-
ett Snare that hitherto that Church hath
The Indulgence you mention, I mult' confefs, J[ love it

\:me nor Thing: The Name doth, (t.) Spe
iovercign and Pope-like Power in the Magiltr^te. (2.)
Gg 3 I:

47° di Latter ft 'hu-

ll imports the juftifying of al! the Violence and Ui
ttoulnels, acted by thole in Power, in putting Minn
iro.n tiK-ir Piace^ and Stations. (3 ) It holderh forth ti,
that the Magiltrates redonng of iVlioiflers to their Ri^i
is not lying on him, as a neceflary Duty, but as nn Act
of Pleaiure and Favour : The Thing 1 look upon as a
cie:ir invading of the Kingdom of Chrift, wherein the
Ivlagiitrate dotu take upon him to fend forth Miniilers at
Pleaiure, even to oiher .viens Charges, to limit them in
their Commiflion, tg plant and diipJant them. Who will
read, and impartially confider, . the King's Letter, the
A£t of the Council, fending forth Minifkrs, with other
Ads ana Practices following thereupon, will clearly lee
the Magiftrate taking upon him the whole Power of cal-
ling and fendi' g Mfnifters, and Mini Hers their accepting
with 1 hank'ulncfs, to be a giving up of the Ke;,
true, Magistrates may command Minifters, as well as
other Men, to their vV ■ ork ; but it is another Thing, to
have . c fixercife of their Miniftry wholly depending on
% the M gi it rate.

Tiiat which is adduced for firengthning of this Usur-
pation, from the Pnciice of Hczckiah and y»fiabt will
neither found a Warrant, nor be any Parallel, if we con-
fider theie Things : 1/?, They were not Men that did
cail out the Prieit.% the Minifters of the Lord, nor ever
took that Power on them. idly. They did not pretend
to the giving of Indulgences; but, in that wiiich they
did, they found themfelves preffed with the Conference of
their Duty, and fo fet about a Work of Reformation,
and called up every Man to help in that Work in hisvSta-
tiott. 5^/y, There was not a calling out of fome, upon
a political Defjgn, but a calling of all, both Prielts and
Levit«5, except, thofe that had made defection. 4//V)',
There was not a calling ihrm to one anothers Charges,
but of every Man'to his cwn, according to the Order of
David by the Spirit. $tbly. There was the putting a-
way of all the unlawful and intruding Prieits. 6
There was no tying of the Priefts nnd Levites unto a De-
pendence on the M in 'he Exercife of thei-
jiiitry, bat the Magistrate acknowledging, that the L*,rd

had

to his Parijboners. 471

had chofen them to (erve and minifter to him; and
therefore they fhould not be negligent. *Jtoly9 There was
no Limitation in their CommiiTion, but to ad according
to that which was written in the Book that was found.
8*£/y, There was a gathering together of the Princes,
Elders, and People, to feek Reconciliation with God by
a Sacrifice, and entering folemnly into Covenant with
God, which, how far the Deiign that is driven on is
from, any of common Underftanding may difcern.

One Prejudice farther I have, againft the Men that
have received this Indulgence; they are filent as to the
Times, and fo they do not preach Ghrift, ill, Becaufe
they preach him not fully. zd, They preach him not,
Chrift a King, and the Government on his Shoulders.
3^, They preach him not up, in that wherein he fuffer-
eth moil. Contradiction in the Times, contrary to the
Practice of Chrift and his Apoftles, when the kingly Dig-
nity of Chriit was entertained fcornfully, he did not on-
ly twice aflert it, but fealed it with his Blood: When
the Apoftles were called in queftion, as to the Exercife
ci their Miniftry they boldly affereted it to be of God,
and not of Man, whiie they (aid, We ought to obey God ra-
ther than Man: The Witneffes their Preaching, Rev. 11.
is called their Teftimony. The moft honourable Way
of preaching, is, in teftifying againft the Evils and
Errors of the Time : While Men contend for the Faith,
they cannot be faithful unleL they contend as much for
his Crown Interefts, as for the Jnterefts of his Perfon and
other Offices. Some Men in thoie Days do hide them-
felvcs under Philippians I. i8. What then? nctvoithfiand-
i»?g every Way, whether in Pretence or T> utb, Chrift is
1 d, and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice :
But tii^y do not conhder, (1.) How the Men wno preach-
ed ihere waxed confident by other Mens Bonds ; nor, (2.)
How tne Queition was not then about the Matter, but
.i.ciple and Ends: All preached Chrift, and whole
cnnil ; it is not (o in ou^ Caie : Nor, (3.) How the
ing of Chriit was then the great Controverfy of
the Times, which, who preached Chrift, did fuffer Per-
lecution; and who pieachej him r*ot were free of it,

Cat.

r

472 A Letter f Author

Gal. 6. i 2 I have been the in t/iefe Things,

becaufe you profefied a De<ire ro know my M
Relation 10 the Times. If there be any Good by the
Defigns which are on Foot, tie Lord hath hid it from
U5 ; but the Lord hath an over ruling Hani: While you
hope the belt, prep. re for the worfh You do well to
mourn, not only lor your own, but the Sins uf otiier%
which, by not n.ourning for th< m, nny become your
own: Particularly, you have to mourn for your Unfruit-
ful nefs in the Gotpel.

In a Letter which came along with you-s, it is pleaded,
I know not by what Warrant, that I fhou'.d write to fome
to fupply my Place, telling nv> that I am bammed to
my Life's End; and yet, in the fame Letter, it is told
me, that, upon Debate, the wifer md bitter Part of you
think fit you remain re : However, that I rmy

not fcem unreafbnabie, and not conionant to orher Di-
vines, as that Letter would make ine, if I rcfufe to write
fuch a Letter, I declare my Mind freely, that I allow
any faithful Minifter to exercife his Mimitry among you,
by Virtue of his Comin tlion received from Chnft, and
hi> Ordination by the Prtfbytery ; yet fo as the Door be
not fhut, which the Lord hath hitherto kept open for me ;
but I am not clear, either for allowing or encouraging
any Man, either to preach or conftitu: by the

Council's Order: I exped a greater Blefiing will follow
on the Pleaching of the fift thart the laft. As to your
Fear f be the lail of tored, by Reafon of the I

Acl of Ban i foment again It me, and my p
ment, and the bad Character 1 pki g the

Rulers; I Uy, if tnere be great Intentio .nmg

the Lord's Houfe, Ads of Banilhment v\ i
upon, and my perfonal Engagement will fall with tr\e
repealing of the Acl ; which is no more bat not to re-
turn without Leave : As tc the Particular allcdgej a<2:i nil *
rhe, it is twice a Lie; for, 1. I was in another Church ^
preaching that Day, wherein ^ny Thing was fpok.
gainft that ProioJ, a gre t Complyer with the Engl
their Time: Next, he that fpoke it, fpoke it more mo-
deftly, the Text warranting him to fpeak againri Cove-

nant

to his Parifiioners. 473

nant Breakers : He faid, but if there be any here that
has burnt the Covenant, let them look for fome Stroke
from God, except they repent : Let it be remembred,
that this burning of the Covenant was without all Au-
thority, before either Committee of Eflates or Parliament
fat on the 29th of May that was firft keeped : However,
though you think my being lait, may be a Lois for you,
I hope it (hall be lb neither to you nor me; and, it muy
be, before the Lord's Work be perfe&ed on Mount Zion,
that many w;;o h**e been fir it, mall defire they had
been laft.

I thank you heartily for your profeffed and real Re-
fpecl to me, and dtfire to evidence the fame ; but, Thanks
be to your Lord and mir.e, I am weii provided, and, I
truft, ih.:ll be fo Kill : I defire you to look to the Repair-
ing of the Manfe ; and what you would bellow on me,
beftow on it ; for who knoweth bat I may yet live a
while, and die m ic ? however, an honeft Man (hall
bruik it when I am gone. There is one Thing lam
blamed for in the Letter that crime along with yours, that
I did not in half a Sheet of Paper frgnify my Receipt of
your Lit taken : 1 may fay, I never fought yours but
you; and I ever defired Fruit, rather than a Gift, and
never loved to be unthankful ; but that which you fent,
though it was delivered to a faithful Man in Edinburgh,
and he delivered it to a faithful Man in Rotterdam, who
1 Edinburgh for the Time s yet hisOccafions taking
him home by London, he left that Money with fome of
bis own, in the Hand of another trufty Merchant in
Edinburgh, to have been tranfported by Bill of Exchange;
yet thiee Years pait over befoffe we had any Account .of
then 1 received the greater Part of it; but it
Tiber the lait Year before I had the full Account of
it; at which 1 ime I lent my Recept to the Perfon or his

.. to whom it was firit delivered : I have n/s
~inic nor Liii to coniider the reft of
ring now wearied and not fully recovered.
Now, ray dear Friends aid Brethren, feeing you own
vour Paitor, I hope neither any Thing that Men
lave done againit me, or i againifc myfelf, fhall be able

to

474 ^ Letter from the Author, &c.
to looie the Bond, or put mc from among you.
;hiu Breath is in mc. Pray tor me, my Days cannot be
long and many ; yet, fuch as they (hall be, I would de-
fire to fpend and end among you, if the Lord will; but
111 be done. The Grace of our Lord Jefus, and
my Bieffing be on you all, old and young : I am, though
inoft unworthy, molt earneftly ambitious of no higher
Honour on Earth, than to live and die

Tour moll affectionate Mix:
Rotterdam , 03.

zzd, 1669. and Servant in the Go/pel,

JoBH Nevay.

A Table of the Sermons.

Page

SERMON on 2 Sam. 23. 1. 1

SERM. on 2 Sam. 23. ver. 2, 3, 4. 10

SERM. on 2 Sam. 23. 5. 18 *

SERM. I. On the Covenant, from 2 Sam. 23. 5. which I
is of the Covenant in genera/, and of the tvuo Covenants.

27

SERM. II. Of the old and nevu Difpenfation cf the

Covenant. 36

SERM. 1H. Of the G of pel Covenant as made, and Author

of the Covenant. 45

SERM. IV. Of the Parties in the Covenant, Chrijt as*

chief, and Believers in and ivith him. 53

SERM. V. Ha*v it is particular vaith fome, and not ge^i

neral ivith all.* Ol

SERM. VI. Of Children, a Party in the Covenant

ir believing Parents. 09

SERM. Vll. J fhort Vindication of Infant Baptifm

SER&A

f

TABLE.

Pagi
SE R M . VII I. Hovu the Covenant of Grace is conditional, 8 6
SERM. IX. Of Faith as the Condition of the Covenant. 95
SERM. X. On thefirft Property of the Covenant, its Freewe/s.

104
SERM. XI. On the fecond Property, its nearly uniting Nature.

1x2
S E R M . X 1 1 . On the third Property, t he Eternity t hereof I 2 1
SERM. Xlil. On the fourth Property, hovj it is well

ordered. 1 29

SEkiVl. XIV. On the fifth Property, the Surenefs of the

Covenant. 138

SERM. XV. On the fix th Property, the Holinefs of the

Covenant. 1 46

SERM. XVI. On the feventh Property, the Fulnefs of the

Covennvt. 155

SERM. XVII. Of the Fulnefs of the Covenant in DavidV

Efiimation. 1 64

SERM. XVIII. On the Blefwgs of the Covenant as in the

P rent if e. 1 72

SERM. XIX. On the Sum of Covenant Blefjings, in the

Mother Pro?nifr, I vuill be your God. I 8 1

SERM. XX. On Repentance, the firft fpiritual Blejfing of

the Covenant. igo

SERM. XXI. On Forgivenefs of Sin ,t he fecond Blefpng. 1 90
SERM. XXU. On the third fpiritual Btejfing, the imputed

Right ecu fnefs of Chrith 208

SERM. XXIII. On the fourth Blejfmg of the Covenant \

SancJification in general. 217

SERM. XXIV. On the Parts of SanElification, and fir fl of

Mortification. 227

SERM. XXV. On the fecond Part of Sanclification, nevu

Obedience. 236

SERM. XXVI. On fanBifying and faving Graces, and

fir d of Knowledge. 24 J

I SERM. XXVII. On the fecond faving Grace, Faith. 254
SERM. XXVIII. On the third faving Grace, H»pc. 263
SERM. XXIX. On the fourth faving Grace, holy Fear. 273
SERM. XXX. On the fifth faving Grace, Love. * 283
SERM. XXXI. On thefixtbfanBtfymg Grace, Zeal. 202

SERM

1

7 <■ 1

m (/mi}