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V
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
)t 9 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.) >'i r a}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
Jcb t 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 CaUpder y 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
formation, and impofed the Oath of Allegiance, in \\
the Snprerr: eluded, h<
unlawful Oath, wa 5 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
}ime c ' -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 M f Gechen.
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, &c
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 \
\ 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 ; 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, ;n g 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 •
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^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'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 j y a Morning without Clouds.
2d. That he fhall be of a growing prolperous Condition,
as the tinder (rmfs 9 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/:rjj 9
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 Afa y becaufe he fought the Lord,
The Lord gas 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 c esrch.
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 m t 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 Earth y 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
k well to his
Ci I. i nere he
eel Heart :
I h thifl I ext
n his
Mily,
I m\ in Ab >ac y S %
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 \ if] fcven
Eyes upon it, It is
fuchar! •
-
I] laid
in a Covenant, this
lure*
I , Pro v. vui.
J2. Htrt is the //'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 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 o r ivn 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 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 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
7 ault, 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
much to ihe II. Head, That the Covenant li
D
;i
5 o 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,
\e 9 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- aR d 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 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
. :l jre, 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( :
L u k .\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
Cif t 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. 3Js, 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< 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 :. 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 Salvation y 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
mine y 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, cr. zG. 2d. They whom Chriit h.iteth, as he did Ejau 9
^lom ix. II, 12. Thefe whom he 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 ; Y P f/, 0V, X of 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
v . z Qf Faitfc an / s ; ' b -
cording to the Tenor and Channel in which the V
il runneth, Ja JXVl . %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
Jlifi cation of Life; yet it is meant only of thofe who re-
ceive the Abundance of Grace, and Gift of Righteoufnefs,
. 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,
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 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 ;
[ cfb t 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 all 9 Col.
lii. II. Tiie Biefling of Abraham is clearly ou r s, 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
aham t 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, -, 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 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. \+tbly t 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. \6tbly 9 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. i i
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 can 1
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.
je 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, or Greek y 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*
ff 4 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/ 7 e fi*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 Efau y 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.
W T hile 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 fi t 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 Sakes y 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 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 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 . 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;
and f 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 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 th in Chi ill, lfa. xi. 2. and Grace iufficient, 2 Cor.
■ 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:tinomians y 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-
( io 4 )
S E R M 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 Reo ?
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: r l 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
n 4 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 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. }tbfy 9 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 thiCtb %
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 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 >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. fl t 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 H r orld y Men have not heard 9 nor perceived by
the Ear, neither hath the Eye feen t 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, thro 1 Breach
of the firft Covenant at infinite D [lance : Chrift, God
and Man in one Penan, oily the fit Pa r ty 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 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
i 3 4 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 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. zdly 9 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. 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
e t 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 ve r y 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 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 ,m me :
r i 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 m 1 t draw him, and I iviil raife him
fall Daj; and, in 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 mer limes,
^uc to the fc.xercile of F
lore ever they were put in P
twr' *>* / a f , 1 l J tt.
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 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 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 5 o S E R M 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 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. And y 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
i 5 '2 S E R M O N XV.
and jufily and unb lame ably % nve b:
liolily, but juJt r
ly ; and, in Tit. ii. ii t 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 thtmjelrth 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-
$d for myjelf, they (hall Jl , 1 /V/.
ii. 9. we are by Covenant made a cbefen General i //, a
royal Priefibood, an holy Nation, a peculiar Peojle^ that we
may jbe>.\ , fhould perfuade Holinefs now, Mattb.
■ 33-
S E R M.
( '55 )
S E R M O N XVI.
ON THE
G S P K L C O V E X A NT:
On the (eteptl rrv thereof, the Fulness
or the Covenant.
2 S A M TJ E L XX Hi. >.
rjh my Hwfe be not Jo wit/? God ',•• yet he hat'
inant % id el
and this is all my Salvation, at. . Defn e t
although be make it not to grow*
WE proceed to the feventh and laft Property of the
Covenant, which is, that it is a full ar^ perfect
Covenant: All Things are in it ; there is nothing want-
ing that may compleat it ; David calleth it all his Salva-
tion, and all his Deiire. For clearing of this Truth,
I. h appeareth from Scripture Expreilions ; in Jer. xxxi.
14. it is that which fatiateth the Soul of the Prielis with
Fatnefs, and the Souls of God's People with Goodnefs
and, in *ver. 2$. 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 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, ,
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, 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 \ 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 € ek 9
'arban ian are in , r is
uly wi be in and within it.
ulnels in this Covenant, a a nd 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 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
r ull 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 great 1
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
i 7 o 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. 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
Promifes in it; compare
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 f ree Woman, Gal. iv. 23. and
in uer. 26. ferufalem which is from abonje is free, : 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 gtod 9 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 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 rnifs x in
I 2. The Lord alone did L ivas no
di 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
k Oil, 2 Kings iv. 2. to 8. $thly y 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. ftrnc 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. $dly, He
cth fo,. as that he will piead the Caufe or' his People
thoroughly, in Jer. I. 34. 4^/y, He owneth fo, as
never to difown again, never to give a Bill of Divorce-
ment, lfa. 1. 1 . his Betrothing is for ever, Hcf. ii. >ver.
20, 21.
Ufe 1. Comfort from this, that the Lord communicat-
ee his All-fufficiency to all thofe to whom he is God.
O! it is a rich Advantage, that the covenanted All-fuffi-
ciency is made comm anicable to Creatures ; it is but lictie
that is here communicated, to that which (hall be: (1.)
Here, by Creatures and Senies, there, immediately
the Lord to the Soul. (2 ) Here, the Oojeci, if com-
municated to the full, would d ftlty, not fo
there. (3} Here, Senfe or V otnech Mr
there Fuinefs breeds Delight,
Here, Graces do not act ever fully ; there, no
Ceffanon, Interruption, nor ihort conn: Good
here is but in the Promiie and the Seed; there, in Ju!l
Communication. (6) H^r^, Thoughts are hardly raif-
i ..:o good ; there, all will be city Wo Here,
Mercies
On the Gospel Covenant. 187
I M/rrcics are neither fully known nor improved; therc^'
known, enjoyed, and worn as Crowns. (8.) Here, all
Defires have not Things proportioned unto them 5 there,
Defires fhall be fully aniwered and proportioned, fo as a
'Man (hall defire nothing but what he hath, and want no-
thing of that which he defireth. (9 ) Here, nothing focer-
tain but it may be lofed, in whole or in part ; there, no Lofc
at all. (io.-) Here, Communication is by Creatures and
Ordinances; there, all immediately from God himfelt.
U/e 2. The Mifery of thole that have not the LorJj
26, 27. O ! but it will be well with thofe
that have the Lord their God; God will know their
Souls in Adverfmes, Pfal. xxxi. 17. and own them in
that Day when he mail make up his Jewc
3. Are all Covenant BlefFngb fummed u]
10 have u,e Lord 10 be our Goj? then,'(i.,
would fi/ive w .re of this one B -effing fur
ar.d this yie m^y do, I. Jf we put away iirange gods,
9, 2.1. . , . v altered
# On the Gospel Covenant. !8$
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 ; 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
i 9 o 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 '
Joeepetb t 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 Sorro f iv 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 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-
,
/ am hi y thai hLttetb out thy Tranfgrfjfions for mine 0:
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/e t 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. even for my own Saie, I
will do it ; fo, in Rom. v. 16. the free Gift, 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 There is both enough of Mercy in God ;
he is rich in Mercy, Epb. ii. 4. and infinite Love, Eph.
iii. , 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 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 frte t 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 on 1
]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 Herctiek t 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 bim s
I Cor. i. 30. and 2 Cor. v. 21. So this Righteoufnefs is
n jnade 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 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 Man r
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-
, 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. 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 W T ork : 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 n y 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.
( 22 7 )
■ y ' ' * '
S E R M O N XXIV.
O N THE
OSPEL COVENANT:
• Q 3n 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 Babylon f%
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 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 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 hat 1
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?y y 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 new 1 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 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 FJsjb t
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, Prork 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 How
prom; Biefling.
; Knowledge is a rare and ineft
mabl
firable and excellent T. .:an knew no r t
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 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'• 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, 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, \ft t 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/y t 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^ly t 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 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, Proecially 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 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, 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, All the Increafings of Faith, they are all of GoR
ftle doth not thank them, but God, that their Faith 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 ana 1 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-
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 arJ B
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 :
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
7 ear : 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
ef r t 31
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 bim y 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
i 1 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 ~~ "*'*• - t y
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 t h e 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
2 8o 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. uld not
fear thee, O King of Nations? fo r 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\
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-
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 .,viii. 3. If any Man b 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, iA J , 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/y 9 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 Gft 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 ( 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. 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.
3 oo 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.
( 3 01 )
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
r irtues, 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 N XXXIL
Partners in the War, Gen. xiv. 24. Such a Righteoufnefs'
I exercifo' aluig will, G e n. 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. 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 Ziwn s 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 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 . 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
3 o8 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 . 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 N XXXIII.
ON THE
30SP E L C 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 alfo t my God, that tbcu trie/i
tbe Heart y 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, Alan, ivhat is good, and 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
3 i6 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, 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
3 i8 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, 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 To 1 , 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.
D rov. xxx. 2, 3. It will make a Man thjnk and tzy t 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 not o allowed 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 there 4
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 and 1
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.
and K 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
r cm 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»ur t 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/i a 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 r f 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 a r 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,felut 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 . y 9 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 Sinfulnei e , \\ 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-
: 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 i r , 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;
5 34 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.
m r ) 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
35 6 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 , 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
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 it t 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 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
^rot t dejbife not thou the Cba/lening of toe
ord t 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 fhou 1 .' 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 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 a f :emning the Cqunfel .
of the moft High r i\ r anfgre"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, 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 P et . 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. Notv 9 in Chrif Jefus ye % ivbo jbmetimes «t
r oJ y 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 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 live 9
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 X XXXVIII.
ON THE
G 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, ill y Shew you what it is. w ex-
cellent a Mercy and Blefllag it is. ydly 9 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 Li r s : 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 '^ t ms]ovisourSut.
o,
J PEL Cove.
>*«. Lov f: .
2*
i
3 6
* w wCor,fortis, itm.ybe
ti
the foul, lh V l Ieart ; 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 \ £X S'U up our Spirits;
from the lame b ca i. l0& l the
"ffii " Vinefs; fome, J Q rt is tf
'• by u Pra-ve or Sett ; fo tbai fl l „. 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
\y f 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
r iephzibah, 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 |1 1
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 thro 1 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, Loid y it is good for us to be ben, let us
ke here three Tabernacles, one for thee y 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'
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 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 :} t e 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 . :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^g w 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, ifl t 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. 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 . 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.
san, 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 r fe
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 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.
Bb 4 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-M c
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, 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 fui r , 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 rur. 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 iy t 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 -' 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, becaufe 4,
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. bthly y 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 4 31 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. $dly 9 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:
.£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:
4 o 4 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 of 1
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 lfrael t 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 aulu r d 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
[ 4 10 ]
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, Rer 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 ftcn y 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;.cti v ent 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
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 Frb. 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
Hof t 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
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
(o f 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, ngs f
/hich come alike unto
^hings,
JornofUv
D d
4 2o 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
>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 : \fl y 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 I J rci>. 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,
h r ■ 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, \a y 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. ^th y 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. ^h y 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'o t 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, \va 5 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: ift t The Debtor
is difpenfed with, and the Cautioner is taken. zd y 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
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 Defire y
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
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 t wiJJ fa*ve us. Here
up four A^ Tent to the
Truth of the Promife*, of that Gofpel Promi
3. 16. that *wbofo€ e ver 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 is 9
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
t iing 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 SoiJ 9
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.atha y 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 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 Word rB
P/a. 138. 2. Ways and Works, 145. 17. or our own 5
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. zd y For all that which he craveth of us, fay, with I.
Auguftin, " Give, Lord, what thou craveft, and crave ,|
" what thou wilt." 3. 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 o ttrs .
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 : The k
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 ited with it range
.nd unexpected Difpenfations, which fay, that God hath
ail them off. Anffler. 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,
r hey 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; r j\ikc Davit n pie, in 2 Sum. 2
L 1 JbetL ■■€ Lord y be will \
me again ; but if • B-b id,
berg am /
./ u>i:o kim. Cj . we are in J i
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 r he 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 l 3 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%
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 dejtro r ed )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
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 Man y 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 this T
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. zd t 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.
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.
zd t 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 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 * fCjU i
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 diip J ant 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»fiab t 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. *Jtoly 9 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 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}