English Puritan & Reformed

The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible

Francis Roberts (1609-1675) · 2,925,582 words · 13003 min

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The Occasion of this Covenant, 1. Mediate; God's changing Israel's Governors, &c. 2. Immediate; David's Purpose, &c. Three Inferences from all, p. 1012, to 1015.

Aphorism 4. The Substance or Subject-Matter of God's Covenant with David and his Seed, consisted; 1. On God's part, In many eminent Mercies and Blessings Promised, &c. 2. On the part of David and his Seed, In the Covenant Duties conditioned and restipulated, &c. p. 1015, &c.

1. Mercies or Blessings Promised on God's part, were of three Concernments; viz.
- 1. Concerning DAVID himself. As,
- - 1. God's subduing all his Enemies, clothing them with Shame and Confusion. This was Promised and Performed, 1. Literally to David. 2. Spiritually to Christ, p. 1016, 1017.
  - 2. God's establishing and strengthening David in his Kingdom, that his foes might be brought under. Accomplished, 1. In David. 2. In Christ, p. 1017.
  - 3. God's Increasing and Enlargement of David's Glory, Prosperity, Power, and Dominion Accomplished; 1. Much in David. 2. More in Solomon. 3. Most in Christ, p. 1018. to 1020.
  - 4. God's sweet Covenant-Relations to David. Viz. That he would be,
  - - 1. David's Father. This implied 1. Seven Blessings from God to David. 2. Seven Duties from David to God, p. 1020. to 1023.
    - 2. David's God, p. 1023, &c.
    - 3. David's Rock of Salvation. ^1. God saves three ways. ^2. David answerably demeaned himself towards God four ways, p. 1024.
  - 5. God's fulfilling of David's Days. Long-life a Mercy three ways, p. 1024, &c.
  - 6. God's Building David an House, making it powerful and prosperous, especially by raising up his Seed to sit upon his Throne forever. This an High mercy. Accomplished, 1. Immediately, in David's ordinary seed. 2. Mediately and chiefly in his Extraordinary Seed, JESUS CHRIST. This was David's Great Comfort, as in his last words is evident, p. 1025. to 1030.
  - 7. The Perpetuity and Stability of God's Covenant and Federal Mercy to David, p. 1030, 1031.
- 2. Concerning David's Seed. As these four, All which had their special Accomplishment in Christ, viz.
- - 1. That God would be a Father to David's Seed, & he should be his Son, p. 1031, 1032.
  - 2. That David's Seed should build God an House. The Temple a Type of the Church and of Believers, in six Particulars, p. 1032. to 1035.
  - 3. That God would Establish his Seed after him in his Kingdom and Throne forever, p. 1035, &c.
  - 4. That God would not utterly take away his Covenant-Faithfulness and loving kindness from his Seed, no not in case of their iniquity, but chastise their sinful miscarriages with the Rod of men. Here five Eminent Advantages to God's people by his 〈◊〉 are unfolded, p. 1037. to 1043.
- 3. Concerning the People of Israel, the Subjects of King David and of his Royal Seed. As,
- - 1. God's Habitation in Zion forever. For clearing of this blessing note,
  - - 1. The Connection of this Promise with the Promise fore-going, p. 1043, 1044.
    - 2. What place is intended by Zion: Literally, and Mystically, p. 1044.
    - 3. How God did dwell in Zion. God's Presence and Habitation is threefold. Here are disclosed eight sweet Privileges of God's Presence and Residence, p. 1045, 1046.
    - 4. Why God would thus dwell in Zion, p. 1046.
    - 5. In what sense God said of Zion, This is my Rest forever; He having long since thence removed his Habitation for the Sins of the Jews. Here ten Sorts of sins which provoke God to Depart from a People, p. 1046. to 1048.
  - 2. The Peaceable and Secure Establishment of Israel, the Subjects of King David, and of his Royal Seed, in the Land of Canaan. This hath three branches, p. 1048. to 1050.
  - 3. Their Singular Prosperity both in Temporals and Spirituals, p. 1050. to 1052.
2. Duties Conditioned, Required and Restipulated from David and his Seed to God, were of two sorts especially, viz.
- 1. Their Keeping of God's Covenant and Testimony, &c. in sive Particulars, p. 1052. to 1055.
- 2. Their being just in their Dominion and Royal Government, Ruling also piously and religiously, p. 1055.
- - 1. David and his Seed must Rule over Israel Righteously. They must be,
  - - 1. Just in their Persons. And this in seven respects, p. 1055, 1056.
    - 2. Just in their office of Ruling, viz. 1. Justly Acquiring it. 2. Justly Executing it: Partly in Protection of Subjects. Partly in Actual Government. And both several ways, p. 1056, 1057.
  - 2. David and his Seed must Rule Religiously, in the Fear of God. 1. The Fear of God denotes five things. 2. To Rule in the Fear of God compriseth many excellent things: most requisite to all good Rulers, p. 1058. to 1060.
Reasons for their Ruling thus, Righteously and Religiously, p. 1060.
Ruling Righteously and Religiously how it was Performed by ^1. David, ^2. Solomon, And ^3. Christ. With seven Inferences from the whole, p. 1060. to 1065.

Aphorism 5. The Form of God's Covenant with David and his Seed, was either; Inward and essential in the Mutual Obligation between the Federates: Or Outward and Accidental, In the Manifestation, Confirmation and Administration of this Covenant, p. 1065, &c.

1. The Inward essential Form, stands in the Federates reciprocal obligation, p. 1065.
2. The Outward Accidental Form, consists in three things, viz. God's,
- 1. Manifestation of this Covenant by vision. Here of visions, Their Sorts and several Acceptations in Scripture, p. 1065, 1066.
- 2. Confirmation of this Covenant, by 1. Ratifying Promises. 2. His Sacred Oath. 3. Explanatory Repetitions. 4. Actual Accomplishments, p. 1066, 1067.
- 3. Administration of this Covenant. In effect the same with that of the Sinai -Covenant: yet with four Perfective Alterations, Four Inferences from all, p. 1067, 1068.

Aphorism 6. The End or intended Scope of God in this Covenant was: Immediately, Some more Peculiar Revelation of Jesus Christ. Mediately, The furtherance of the Happiness of David, of his Seed, and of their subjects in Christ; as also the singular Advancement of the Glory of God. This is briefly explained: with three Inferences, p. 1069. to 1071.

Aphorism 7. From this whole Discourse about God's Covenant with David and his seed, These General Inferences result, viz.

I. That God's Covenant with David and his Seed was a very Princely and Royal Covenant, p. 1071, &c.
II. That King David and his Royal Seed, especially Solomon, were eminent Types of JESUS CHRIST, p. 1072. &c.
- 1. DAVID was a Type of Christ: 1. In his person three ways. 2. In his office many ways. 3. In his condition and state seven ways. 4. In his Acts or Works done by him seven ways, p. 1073. to 1076.
- 2. SOLOMON was also a Type of CHRIST: 1. In his Person three ways. 2. In his office, Prophetical, and Kingly, divers ways. 3. In his condition, three ways. 4. In his Acts three ways, p. 1076. to 1078.
III. Hence, we may clearly take notice, what the Properties of this Covenant are, viz. It is, 1. Gratuitous. 2. Evangelical. 3. Mixt. 4. Ordered in all things. 5. Sure and Faithful. 6. Everlasting. 7. Comfortable, p. 1078. to 1081.
IV. Hence, See what Agreement or Disagreement this Covenant hath, with, or from all former Covenants. 1. Agrees in seven Particulars. 2. Differs in four things, p. 1081, &c.
V. Hence, Its evident, That in this Covenant much of CHRIST was revealed to David and his Seed: Yea so much, that both David and Solomon knew and spake much of Christ in their Sacred writings. Many Particulars, p. 1083. to 1086.

Chap. 6.

VI. OF the Discovery, &c. of God's Covenants of Promise in the VI. Noted Period of Time, viz. From the Babylonish captivity till the Death of the blessed MESSIAH Jesus Christ.
The Preface. 1. Of this Covenants Duration. 2. Of the Difference thereof from David's, in seven particulars. 3. The Order of handling it, p. 1086. to 1088.
Aphorism 1. Upon Occasion of God's own Peoples sad captivity in Babylon, the LORD graciously renewed his Coevenant with them, even his Covenant of Faith in the Promised Messiah. In this Aphorism are five Particulars considerable, p. 1088, &c.
- 1. The Author of this Covenant, was the LORD God. By three Prophets, p. 1089, &c.
- 2. the Occasion of this Covenant was the sad captivity of God's People of Judah and Jerusalem, in Babylon. Here,
- - 1. What Babylon this was wherein they were captivated. Babylon is distributed, p. 1090, 1091.
  - 2. When, and How long they were captivated there, p. 1092.
  - 3. What were the causes of this their sad captivity there. 1. Provoking causes seven. 2. Final cause, their good, p. 1092.
  - 4. Whilest they were under this captivity, God took occasion to reveal this Covenant to them. And why? viz. chiefly for seven causes, p. 1093. to 1096.
- 3. The Impulsive causes of this Covenant, God's mere Grace in Jesus Christ, p. 1096.
- 4. The Federates, I. God, 1. As the LORD God. 2. As the LORD the God of Israel. 3. As their Redeemer. II. The Captives of Judah and Jerusalem, &c. p. 1096, 1097.
- 5. The Nature of this Covenant of God with his afflicted Captives. It was,
- - 1. A Covenant of Faith in Christ, not of Works. Proved four ways, p. 1097, 1098.
  - 2. A Covenant of Promise, in Christ Promised, and as then not exhibited, p. 1098, 1099.
- 1. This Covenant is ^1. Divine: ^2. Gratuitous: ^3. Faithful: And ^4. Holy, p. 1099, &c.
- 2. How great the condescension of the Creator, how high the exaltation of the creature, when the God of heaven and his Captives, &c. become Confederates! p. 1100.
- 3. Jesus Christ and the Gospel of sinners salvation in him through Faith, was preached to the Jews in their captivity, p. 1101.
- 4. God neither forsakes nor forgets his Covenant-people in their deepest distresses, p. 1101.
- 5. In greatest extremities of Tribulation, God's Covenant of Faith in Christ yields sweetest consolation, p. 1102, 1103.
- 6. Though God's People by their sins turn their Mercies into Miseries: yet God alone of his wisdom and goodness turns those Miseries into Mercies, p. 1103.
- 7. God's Covenant with his Captive-Jews, is useful to God's people now under the New Covenant, p. 1103.
Aphorism 2. The Subject-matter or substance of God's Covenant with his captive people in Babylon, consisted; 1. In many excellent Covenant-Mercies or Blessings Promised to them, on God's part, &c. 2. In sundry Covenant-Duties required and restipulated from them to God, on their part, &c. p. 1104, &c.
- I. Mercies Promised to them on God's Part, viz.
- - 1. His raising up the MESSIAH, viz. JESUS CHRIST unto them:
  - - 1. As their Covenant-Redeemer, p. 1105, 1106.
    - 2. As the Sure Mercies of David, whereon God's everlasting Covenant is founded, p. 1107, &c.
    - 3. As a Branch of Righteousness growing up to David, and a plant of Renown, &c. p. 1108.
    - 4. As DAVID their Shepherd, Prince and King forever, p. 1109, 1110.
  - 2. His Redeeming them out of Babylon's Captivity, and bringing them into their own Land. Here note four things, p. 1110, &c.
  - - 1. The variety of Promised Mercies appertaining to this eminent Mercy, viz.
    - - 1. To Remove impediments that might hinder their Return, p. 1112.
      - 2. To Plant them firmly in their own Land, &c. p. 1113.
      - 3. To make them dwell safely and securely in their own Land, p. 1113.
      - 4. To unite them into one Nation and Kingdom in their Land after their return, p. 1113, &c.
      - 5. To multiply them in the Land of Canaan, wherein he would place them, p. 1115.
      - 6. To bless and crown with a confluence of Prosperity and Glory, Temporal and Spiritual, p. 1116, &c.
      - 7. To cause them to dwell in their own Land under DAVID their Prince forever, p. 1118.
    - 2. The ten Arguments whereby God persuades the Captives of their certain Return, p. 1118, 1119.
    - 3. The exact accomplishment of this great Mercy, p. 1120, 1121.
    - 4. The Mystery of God's Spiritual Redemption of his Elect, &c. under this their Temporal Redemption from Babylon. Evinced seven ways, p. 1121. to 1125.
  - 3. His cleansing of them, when Redeemed out of Babylon from all their Spiritual Defilements: from all their Idols, Detestable things, and Transgressions, p. 1125, &c.
  - 4. His Putting his Spirit within them, for new framing and spiritualizing their Heart. Here consider,
  - - 1. More Generally,
    - - 1. What is meant by God's Spirit. Various Acceptations, p. 1129, 1130.
      - 2. Whether the Jews had not the Spirit till after their Return, &c. p. 1130.
    - 2. More Particularly. Seven Influences, Fruits or Effects of the Spirit, viz.
    - - 1. Newness of Heart and Spirit. For clearing this, note,
      - 1. What is meant by Heart and Spirit, p. 1131, &c.
        
        2. What is meant by a New Heart, and New Spirit. 1. A thing is in Scripture styled New, five ways. 2. Newness of Heart, &c. implies, Generally five things: Particularly six things, p. 1132. to 1136.
        
        3. Whether God alone give this New heart, and put this New Spirit into his People. Resolved in three Positions, and the grounds thereof, p. 1136. to 1141.
        
        4. Why the Lord Promiseth to give this New Heart, &c. Four Reasons, p. 1141.
        
        5. How this New Heart, &c. may be Discovered. Seven ways, p. 1141, 1142.
      - 2. An Heart knowing the LORD. Here, 1. The Author. 2. Nature of it, p. 1142. to 1145.
      - 3. Fleshiness or Tenderness of Heart, instead of Stonnyness of Heart, p. 1145, &c.
      - 1. What the Heart of stone is. In seven Particulars. Here, of the Nature and several sorts of Hardness of Heart, p. 1147. to 1151.
        
        2. What the Heart of Flesh is. In seven particulars. Here also of the several sorts of Softness or Tenderness of Heart. And of the Excellency of Tenderness of Heart; in seven respects, p. 1151. to 1154.
        
        3. Whether none but God can take away the Heart of stone, &c. p. 1154.
        
        4. How God takes away the Heart of stone, and gives the Heart of flesh, viz. 1. Divers ways. 2. By sundry gradual Acts: seven are mentioned, p. 1154, 1155.
        
        5. How a man may know whether God have removed from him the Heart of stone, and bestowed on him this Heart of flesh. Five ways, &c. p. 1156, &c.
      - 4. Penitentialness of Heart, p. 1157. to 1159.
      - 5. Oneness of heart and way. For opening hereof, are explained;
      - 1. What is here meant by Heart and way, p. 1159, &c.
        
        2. What Oneness of heart and way this is: and wherein it consists. 1. Oneness of Heart consists in Oneness of Mind, Will and Affection. 2. Oneness of way, in eight things, p. 1160. to 1166.
        
        3. How choice and excellent a Blessing this Oneness of Heart and way is. Represented at large under six Heads: One whereof is, the manifold mischief of the opposite Divisions, in nine particulars, p. 1166. to 1175.
        
        4. Directions and Helps for the best Gaining and Retaining of this Oneness of Heart and way among God's people. Laid down at large under X. Heads, most useful for the Church and people of God amongst us in these present times, p. 1175. to 1191.
      - 6. The constant Fear of God. The Excellency hereof in six respects, p. 1191, 1192.
      - 7. Obedientialness towards God, p. 1193, &c.
    - 5. His Presence and Residence in his Sanctuary and Tabernacle among his people, by his Spirit, Word and Public Ministry forever. Here consider, p. 1194, &c.
    - - 1. The Greatness and Excellency of this Mercy. 1. Of God's Tabernacle. 2. Of God's Spirit in his Church, seven ways. 3. Of the Word, eight ways. 4. Of the Public Ministry of the Word and Ordinances, seven ways, p. 1195, 1196.
      - 2. How this Promise was accomplished, seeing all these have been long since taken away from the Jews, p. 1197, 1198.
    - 6. God's greatest Covenant-Relation betwixt himself and them, viz. That he would be their God, and they should be his People, p. 1198, &c.
    - 7. The mutual Covenant-constancy betwixt God and them in this Everlasting Covenant: He would not turn from them, and they should not depart from him, p. 1199, 1200.
- II. Duties restipulated to God, on their Part, viz.
- - 1. Faith, in the MESSIAH Promised, viz. 1. To accept these Promises and the Messiah therein by Faith. 2. To live by this Faith, under their Afflictions: laid down in twelve particulars, p. 1201. to 1204.
  - 2. Repentance from all their former sins and iniquities, p. 1204.
  - 3. True Obedience unto God, p. 1204, &c.
  - 4. Becoming God's Covenant-People, p. 1205.
  - 5. Enquirng of God, for doing all his Covenanted Mercies unto them, p. 1205.
- III. Inferences from the whole matter of this Covenant. Hence
- - 1. JESUS CHRIST was promised in this Covenant, with special reference to David, &c. p. 1206.
  - 2. Christ alone was the Covenant-Redeemer of God's Captives from Babylon, &c. p. 1206, &c.
  - 3. The Captives Redemption from Babylon, typed Christ's Redemption of Captive-sinners, &c. p. 1207.
  - 4. No Difficulties or seeming impossibilities whatsoever can hinder the Accomplishments of God's Covenants and Promises, p. 1207.
  - 5. Christ's Redeemed People, become his cleansed People, p. 1208.
  - 6. That the Jews (who extremely do •… ed upon Idolatry) were weaned from Idolatry, is merely to be ascribed to the Grace and Covenant of God, p. 1208.
  - 7. God's Spirit was Promised and Performed under the Old Testament, p. 1208.
  - 8. When God's Spirit is put within the Heart, he brings many sacred endowments and blessed Influences with himself into that Heart, p. 1209.
  - 9. The Lord delights to afford his Special Presence among his Covenant-People, p. 1209.
  - 10. God's Covenant with a People advanceth them to the highest Covenant-Relation with God, p. 1209.
  - 11. God so requires Covenant-Duties from us, That he undertakes all our Covenant-Performances for us, p. 1210.
  - 12. God's Covenant in Christ is an Everlasting Covenant, &c. p. 1210.
  - 13. We may clearly take notice of many eminent points of Christian Religion, which are Revealed in and under this Covenant. Nine points instanced, p. 1211, 1212.
Aphorism 3. The Form of God's Covenant with his Captive people the Jews, was; Inwardly, The mutual Obligation of the Federates one to another. Outwardly, The manner of this Covenants Manifestation, Confirmation, and Administration.
- 1. Inward Form, &c. p. 1212.
- 2. Outward Form. Consisting in this Covenants
- - 1. Manifestation to the Captives, by three Prophets. Why by men: three Reasons, p. 1212, &c.
  - 2. Confirmation, 1. By Exegetical Repetitions of it. 2. By divers Illustrating Symboles. 3. By ratifying Promises. 4. By God's Sacred Oath, p. 1213, 1214.
  - 3. Administration. For substance the same with that of the Sinai Covenant: but Raised above it by five Perfective Alterations, p. 1214, 1215.
  - Inferences six from this Aphorism, p. 1216.
Aphorism 4. God's End and intended Scope in this Covenant, &c. was, More Immediately, a Further Discovery of the Promised Messiah Jesus Christ: More Mediately, The promoting of their present Consolation and future Salvation; and the Advancement of God's glory in all, p. 1217, &c.
- 1. Immediately; Christ is discovered here more fully in his 1. Person. 2. Office. 3. Appearing in Human flesh, p. 1217, 1218.
- 2. Mediately. 1. Their present Consolation, and future Salvation. 2. God's glory five ways. Here four Inferences from this Aphorism, p. 1218. to 1221.
Aphorism 5. From all that hath been proved concerning this Covenant with the Captive-Jews, these things are evident, &c. General Inferences.
- I. This Covenant with the Captives was a Covenant of Faith, not of Works, p. 1221.
- II. The substance of God's Covenants of Faith was but one, though circumstances divers, p. 1222.
- III. God may change the Outward condition of his People, and yet not change the Substance of his Covenant with his People, p. 1222.
- IV. David's Royal Seed and Diadem chiefly had their Continuance and Perpetuity in Christ, p. 1222.
- V. As God's Covenant with David was peculiarly the Royal Covenant: so this with the Captives was the Redeeming or Uncaptivating Covenant, p. 1223.
- VI. God's sweetest Consolations are usually showered on his People in their sharpest Tribulations, p. 1223, &c.
- VII. Hence it is very evident what the Properties and Excellent Perfections of this Covenant are. Ten are mentioned, and explained, p. 1224, 1225.
- VIII. The Agreement and Disagreement of this, with, or from, foregoing Covenants, p. 1225.
- IX. The Preheminencies of this, beyond the former Covenants. Seven ways, p. 1225, 1226.
- X. This Covenant and the Promises thereof approach most near (as in time, so in their excellent, clear, full, heavenly, spiritual Nature) to the New Covenant, and the Promises thereof, p. 1226, 1227.

BOOK IV. Of God's COVENANT OF PERFORMANCE, in JESUS CHRIST, actually Performed and xhibited, viz. THE NEW COVENANT.

- OF the Discovery and Administration of the New Covenant in the VII. and last most noted Period of Time, viz. from the Death of Jesus Christ, till the End of the world.
- Here, 1. The words of the New Covenant. 2. The Order propounded in handling it, p. 1229. to 1232.
- Aphorism 1. The Terms, Bounds or Limits of time for and during which the New Covenant became, and remains of force, are especially from the Death of our Lord and only Savior JESUS CHRIST, until the End of the world. This is,
- - 1. Explained, As to the beginning of the New Covenant. p. 1232. to 1234.
  - 2. Confirmed, As to both the Term from which, and to which, viz.
  - - 1. That the New Covenant Properly Began at and about the Death of Jesus Christ. Evinced by four grounds, p. 1234, &c.
    - 2. That the New Covenant shall continue in force till the End of the world. Five Reasons, p. 1235. to 1237.
  - I. The ^1. Inchoation, ^2. Duration, and ^3. Determination of the New Covenant, was, is, and shall be of all other most excellent and illustrious. Evidenced in many particulars, p. 1237. to 1239.
  - II. None can certainly define or punctually determine how long the space for the New Covenants Duration shall be, p. 1239, 1240.
  - III. The New Covenant is far better then the Old, as in other respects, so in regard of the Date, Duration and Determination thereof, p. 1240.
  - IV. Believers under the New Covenant, are, in regard of the terms thereof, much more happy, then Believers that lived under any former Covenant-Dispensations, p. 1240, &c.
  - V. How comfortable may this be both to ourselves and all our Christian Posterity, that both we and they from Generation to Generation shall still live under the New Covenant, p. 1241.
  - VI. In these last times of the world, ^1. No Doctrine should be taught, ^2. No worship or Practice should be entertained, ^3. No future Events, Occurrents or change of things should be expected in the Church of God, which are inconsistent with the New Covenant -Administration, p. 1241 to 1243.
- Aphorism 2. The Interval Space or Revolution of time, from the Death of Jesus Christ till the End of the world, during which the New Covenant-Administration continues, is of all other Revolutions or intervals of time, &c. most considerable and •… emarkable, p. 1243, &c.
- - 1. Hath most Eminent Terms and bounds for its Beginning and Ending. It
  - - 1. Began with the Death of Christ. Most Eminent, 1. In Solemnity; seven ways. 2. In Dignity. 3. In Efficacy, seven ways, p. 1244. to 1246.
    - 2. Shall End at the Day of Judgment. That most eminent, eight ways, p. 1246.
  - 2. Hath already had the largest Prolongation, p. 1246.
  - 3. Comprizeth in the Circuit and Compass of its Time, the most admirable Events and Occurrents by Divine Dispensation in and to the Church of God. Here, twenty one unparalleled Occurrents are instanced in, p. 1246. to 1251.
  - 4. This Revolution of the New Covenants Continuance approacheth nearest in ^1. Contiguity of time, ^2. Excellency of Covenant-Administration, and ^• . Churches condition under it, unto the supreme coelestial Perfection of the Church Triumphant in glory. Two Inferences, p. 1251. to 1253.

Chap. 2.

OF the Names and General Nature of the NEW COVENANT.
Aphorism 1. In Divers respects and Considerations this Covenant is represented to us in Holy Scriptures under variety of Names: Being Denominated,
- 1. A NEW COVENANT. For seven Reasons laid down at large, p. 1253. to 1260.
- 2. A NEW TESTAMENT. 1. A Testament, in seven respects. 2. New Test •… meant also for the same Reasons why its called a New Covenant, p. 1260. to 1263.
- 3. The Second Covenant. In what sense, p. 1263, 1264.
- 4. A Better Covenant, or Better Testament. For six Reasons, p. 1264, &c.
- 5. The Everlasting Covenant or Testament, p. 1265.
- 6. The Ministration far surpassing the Ministration of the Old Testament: and this in nine regards. p. 1265, 1266.
Aphorism 2. The Nature of the New Covenant considered more Generally, may be comprised in this or the like Description, viz. The NEW COVENANT is God's last and most excellent Expressure of the Covenant of Faith, &c.
The Nature of the New Covenant, according to this Description, stands in seven particulars, p. 1267. to 1269.

Chap. 3.

OF the Author, Occasion and Impulsive Causes of this New Covenant.
Aphorism 1. The LORD God, viz. God the Father, in the Son JESUS CHRIST, by the Holy Ghost, is the sole Efficient Cause or Author of this New Covenant: Promising it of of old, Establishing it in fullness of time, and Applying it in due time to his called People, p. 1269, &c.
- 1. That God the Father, in the Son Jesus Christ, by the Holy Ghost, is sole Author of the New Covenant: is proved by five sorts of Arguments, p. 1270. to 1273.
- 2. That, Father, Son and Holy Ghost do Act to the Effecting of it three ways, p. 1273. to 1275.
Aphorism 2. The LORD God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, took Occasion from ^1. His own Peoples Afflicted Condition, ^2. The Old Testaments Insufficiency, and ^3. The Greatness of Mans misery, To Promise, Establish and Apply this New Covenant to them that are Called. ^1. Of his mere Grace, ^2. In and for the Merit of Jesus Christ. Here,
- 1. The Occasion is threefold. ^1. His own Peoples Afflicted Condition, &c. p. 1275. to 1278.
- 2. The Impulsive or Moving Causes. Nothing in Jew or Gentile; But,
- - 1. Inwardly, God's mere Grace, p. 1278. to 1281.
  - 2. Outwardly, The Meritorious Mediation of Jesus Christ. Proved three ways, p. 1281, &c.
- I. The New Covenant thus Authorized and erected, Thus Promised, Established and Applyed by God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, must needs be an exceeding ^1. Wise, ^2. Holy, ^3. Faithful, ⁴ Gratuitous, and ^5. Righteous Covenant, p. 1282, 1283.
- II. The New Covenant is an excellent Antidote against the greatest Adversities & Afflictions of God's Covenant-People. And this in seven regards, notably, p. 1283. to 1289.
- III. The New Covenant Administration far excels that of the old, &c. p. 1289, &c.

Chap. 4.

OF the Federates, or Parties to this New Covenant, p 1290, 1291.
Aphorism 1. The Confoederates or Federate Parties to the NEW COVENANT, are on the one hand God the LORD, or God, as JEHOVAH, the Principal Party; On the other hand, The House of Israel, and the House of Judah, in CHRIST, the less Principal Party; That is, The Jews, Israel and Judah united, and their Seed; as also the Gentiles that shall be called and their Seed. Here,
- 1. The Principal Federate; God as JEHOVAH, p. 1292.
- 2. The less Principal Federate Party, The House of Israel and House of Judah. Israel, what it imports. House of Israel, and House of Judah, How used in Scripture. These phrases denote, 1. The Jews united; 2. The Gentiles called; 3. The Posterity of both: to be Federates with God in this New Covenant, p. 1292. to 1294.
- - 1. Position. That Israel and Judah, or the House of Israel and Judah; that is, The whole body of the Jews or Jewish Church, united in CHRIST, were first and immediately intended to be Federates with God in this New Covenant. Proved by seven Arguments, p. 1294. to 1298.
  - 2. Posit. That the Gentiles whom afterwards God should call and incorporate into one Church-body with the Jews by Christ, were next intended to be joint-Federates with the Jews in this New Covenant with God. Evinced by seven other Arguments, p. 1298. to 1303.
  - 3. Posit. That, The Posterity, Seed or Children, both of believing Jews and called Gentiles, are with their Parents, Federates in this New Covenant. This Position is for the greater strength and clearness, evinced by six Arguments at large laid down in Syllogistical Form, p. 1303. to 1321.

Aphorism 2. Hence, ^1. The New Covenant is most sure and faithful; ² Most complete and comprehensive, &c.

Inferences. Hence,

I. The New Covenant is most sure and faithful, p. 1321.
II. The New Covenant is beyond all other Covenants most complete, comprehensive and extensive, p. 1321, &c.
III. The New Covenant is to God's Church and People the most Uniting and Consolidating Covenant of all other. 1. In respect of Israel and Judah. 2. In respect of Jews and Gentiles, p. 1322. to 1324.
IV. The New Covenant beyond all other Covenant-Dispensations is greatest matter of Consolation, Joy and Thankfulness, to the Gentiles, p. 1324.
V. All the Infant-children of New Covenant-Federates, professed Believing Jews and Gentiles, being in Covenant with God as well as their Parents, ought to be signed and marked with the First New Covenant-Token, Baptism, as well as their Parents. This Inference is at large confirmed by seven Arguments syllogistically propounded, p. 1324. to 1339.

Chap. 5.

OF the Matter, or Substance of the New Covenant. Where note,
- I. The Analytical Explication of the words of the New Covenant laid down by the Apostle, p. 1339. to 1345.
- II. Certain Generals to be noted touching the Matter of the New Covenant, as laid down by the Prophet Jeremiah, chap. 31. 31, &c. and the Apostle Paul in Heb. 8. 8, &c. viz.
- - 1. That, the matter of the New Covenant is here set forth very compendiously in words, but most comprehensively in sense. In seven particulars, p. 1345, 1346.
  - 2. That, The whole matter of the New Covenant is represented here only in Promises. Hence five Inferences, p. 1346. to 1349.
  - 3. That, All these New Covenant Promises, in their express terms, run only upon Spirituals. Hence, two Inferences, p. 1349. to 1351.
  - 4. That, These New Covenant-Promises have a sweet Harmony and Correspondency with the Priesthood, Prophecy and Kingship of Christ's Mediatory office: In actual Performance of which Promises to us, we also are made unto God, Priests, Prophets and Kings by Jesus Christ. Hence, two Inferences, p. 1351. to 1353.
  - 5. That, The Matter of the New Covenant is so contrived in these Promises, as it may most sweetly and sufficiently remove all the Principal Doubts, Discouragements and Objections, which either a bleeding Heart-wounded sinner, or a distressed Saint, may make against his own salvation. Hence seven Principal Doubts and Objections, about 1. Sin; 2. The wrath of God; 3. Gross Ignorance; 4. The Deadness, Hardness, Deceitfulness and manifold Vileness of their Hearts; 5. The want of Spiritual Abilities, Excellencies and Duties, &c. 6. The Great Distance betwixt them and God, them and Christ; 7. Difficulty and seeming impossibility of Assurance: Are all Removed by consideration of the matter of this New Covenant, as here laid down, p. 1353. to 1365.
  - 6. That, These New Covenant-Promises are so expressed, as virtually to contain in them, The Agreement and Difference betwixt the Old and New Covenant, yea the Preheminencies of the New above the Old, p. 1365, 1366.
  - 7. That, All these New Covenant-Promises are wholly grounded upon the mere grace and good pleasure of God's will in Jesus Christ alone, p. 1366, &c.
- III. The Particular Explication of the Matter of the New Covenant: Consisting, 1. In certain Mercies expressly Promised on God's part. 2. In certain Duties implicitly Required from, and Restipulated by, the New Covenant-Federates unto God, p. 1367, 1368.
Aphorism 1. The Matter of the New Covenant, on God's part, consists in certain New Covenant-Mercies or Blessings promised by him to his Federates, viz. In four great Articles of Agreement in this New Covenant, &c▪
- I. Article. Of God's writing his Laws in their Mind and Hearts. Here note,
- - 1. What is here meant by Mind and Hearts. In three branches, p. 1369, 1370.
  - 2. What Laws of God are here intended and promised to be written in their Mind and Heart. Especially his Moral Laws. And that for four Reasons, p. 1370. to 1372.
  - 3. What sort of writing this is, whereby God writes his Laws in his Federates Mind and Hearts: and how he writes his Laws therein. Here is declared,
  - - 1. That God's giving and writing, &c. are two expressions to the same effect, p. 1372, &c.
    - 2. That God under his New Covenant intends a far more excellent writing of his Laws then ever formerly. Three sorts of God's writing it, p. 1373, &c.
    - 3. That God's writing his Laws in their Mind and Hearts, hath in it three things, viz.
    - - 1. God's Preparing the Mind and Heart for this writing, as Tables. 1. By Hewing them. 2. By Razing them. 3. By Mollifying them, p. 1374. to 1376.
      - 2. God's manner of writing his Laws in Mind and Hearts thus Prepared, four ways, p. 1376, &c.
      - 3. The consequents and effects of God's writing his Laws in Mind and Hearts. Here seven are very considerable, p. 1378. to 1383.
    - 4. Whether God's Laws were not written in his Peoples Minds and Hearts, before the time of this New Covenant. Resolved, 1. That there was some writing thereof before. But 2. Not such as under this New Covenant, p. 1383. to 1386.
    - 5. Why the Lord will under the New Covenant thus write his Laws in the Minds and Hearts of his Federates. Five Reasons, p. 1386. to 1388.
    - 6. How we may know, whether God hath thus written his Laws in our Minds and Hearts. By the ^1. Antecedents, ^2. Manner, and ^3. Consequents: in sundry particulars, p. 1388. to 1391.
- - 1. God's Moral Law, is the Law of CHRIST, p. 1392.
  - 2. God's Moral Law is not abolished, but establshed by his New Covenant, p. 1392, 1393.
  - 3. The New Covenant Agrees with the Old in substance, though they differ in circumstance, &c. p. 1393, &c.
  - 4. The Moral Law is a most excellent Law, p. 1394.
  - 5. Naturally, since and by the Fall of Adam, the Laws of God are obliterated or blotted o •… t of men's Minds and Hearts, p. 1394, 1395.
  - 6. The Renewing of the Mind and Heart, even of the whole soul according to God's image, &c. Is not a Natural, but a mere Supernatural work; is not at all from man, but wholly from God alone, p. 1395, 1396.
  - 7. God first gives his Laws into the Mind, and then writes them in the Heart, p. 1396.
  - 8. God's Giving his Laws into our Minds, and writing them in our Hearts, is an eminent and manifold Privilege. Evidenced in six particulars, and in sundry others under them, p. 1396. to 1398.
  - 9. All such as would know, whether they be God's New Covenant-people indeed, &c. should examine whether God hath given his Laws into their Minds, and written them upon their Hearts, p. 1398.
  - 10. God's sincere New Covenant-people, have above all other People in the world greatest cause to live and walk according to the Moral Laws of God: In that the LORD hath more Excellently and Obligatorily given and written his Laws for them, then for any other. Here, 1. Directions. 2. Motives, p. 1399, 1400.
- II. Article. Of God's Federates more Excellent and more Universal Knowledge of the Lord, then under the Old Covenant. Here are unfolded,
- - 1. Wherein the Nature of this New Covenant-knowledge more especially consists, viz.
  - - 1. In the Excellency of it. Being 1. More Divine; 2. More Spiritual; 3. More Clear; 4. More Evidential; 5. More Compleat; 6. More Efficacious; 7. More Glorious: Then the Old-Covenant-knowledge, p. 1401. to 1410.
    - 2. In the Extensiveness of it. Yet here are three limitations, p. 1410, 1411.
  - 2. How, and in what way God furnisheth his New Covenant-people with such a knowledge of himself, viz. 1. In the Face of JESUS CHRIST. 2. By his Spirit, and the New Covenant-Ministry. 3. Gradually, in a continual Progress, p. 1412. to 1415.
  - 3. Whether All God's New Covenant-people attain to this promised Knowledge of God. Here,
  - - 1. That, under the New Covenant many in visible Churches remain grossly ignorant of God and of his ways. Seven grounds or causes of this ignorance, p. 1415, 1416.
    - 2. That, notwithstanding this Promise, All shall know the Lord, hath its due and intended accomplishment. For clearing this, four Distinctions are Premised. And four Conclusions determined upon, p. 1416. to 1419.
    - 3. That this Extensiveness is to be understood with some Cautions and Limitations, p. 1419.
  - 4. Whether God by this Promise intended to take away and make void all Human Teaching, Private and Public, as altogether needless now under the New Covenant.
  - - 1. Some of unsound judgments have thought so in these times, p. 1419, 1420.
    - 2. But God never intended hereby any such thing. Proved three ways, p. 1420. to 1422.
    - 3. Four Scriptures, wrested about this matter, are vindicated, p. 1422. to 1429.
  - 5. Why God hath Promised in his New Covenant, That all shall know him from the least of them to the greatest. Five Reasons propounded, and explained, p. 1429. to 1433.
  - 6. How we may Discover, That we so know the Lord, as God here intends in this his New Covenant-promise. Especially four ways, p. 1433. to 1435.
- 1. The Old and New Covenant Essentially and Substantially Agree, Though Accidentally and Circumstantially they differ, about the Knowledge of the Lord, p. 1435.
- 2. The chief Perfection of Knowledge, is to know God aright. Cleared three ways, p. 1436.
- 3. The right and saving knowledge of God is a very great and eminent Mercy, p. 1436.
- 4. All true saving Knowledge of God, is only from God, p. 1437.
- 5. A •… the greatest ought not to despise, so the least need not despair of the true Knowledge of God now under the New Covenant, p. 1437.
- 6. God's Federates now under the New Covenant should not content themselves to know only Fundamentals and first Principles touching God and his ways, p. 1438.
- 7. All such ways and means of Knowledge as God hath Ordained under his New Covenant, ought to be made use of in Subserviency to, and for accomplishment of this Promise of knowing the Lord in his New Covenant, p. 1438, &c.
- 8. So long as men remain grossly ignorant of God, and of the things of God now under the New Covenant, so long they are without the saving Benefit of the New Covenant, p. 1439.
- 9. As we desire to approve ourselves to be God's New Covenant-People, so we should strive to have and to evidence to ourselves that we have this New Covenant Knowledge of the Lord, p. 1439, &c.
- 10. The better we know the LORD, and the things of God now under the New Covenant, the more the Glory of Christ and of his New Covenant are exalted and magnified in us, p. 1440.

III. Article. Of God's Mercy and Propitiousness to his Federates in his Utter Remission and Oblivion, forgiving and forgetting, of All their sins forever, p. 1440, &c.
- 1. Proposition. That, Under the New Covenant the LORD God, in and through Jesus Christ, will freely, fully and utterly Remit all his true Federates sins whatsoever. The Deduction of this Proposition cleared, by five Particulars, p 1442, 1443.
Here for the more clear discovering of the Nature of Remission of sins, these four Particulars are Resolved, viz.
- 1. What the Nature of sin is, which is the subject of Remission. Here are explained,
- - 1. The D •… nominations of sin, Hebrew and Greek, in this New Covenant-Promise, p. 1443. to 1445.
  - 2. The Description of sin, p. 1445.
  - 3. The Particulars considerable in sin, viz. seven in number, and which of them are properly remedied by Remission, p. 1445. to 1448.
- 2. What the Remission of sin is, which is here Covenanted. Here set forth two ways, viz.
- - 1. By the Expressions or Phrases used for it in Scripture. The Originals of which are here explicated. It is styled,
  - - 1. Remission, Pardon, or Forgiveness, p. 1449.
    - 2. Free-forgiveness, Gratuitous-Pardon, p. 1449, &c.
    - 3. Propitiousness, or Propitious-mercifulness upon pacification for sin, p. 1450, &c.
    - 4. Not Remembering of sin anymore, p. 1451, &c.
    - 5. Not imputing of sin to the sinner, p. 1452.
    - 6. Covering of sin, Hiding it, or Hiding God's face from it, p. 1452, 1453.
    - 7. Taking away sin, Removing it, &c. p. 1453.
    - 8. Blotting out, wiping out, or Razing out, &c. of sin, p. 1454.
    - 9. Casting it behind God's back, p. 1454.
    - 10. Removing our sins from us as far as the East is from the West, p. 1454, &c.
    - 11. Finally, Its set forth in a bundle of sweet Expressions, Mic. 7. 18, 19. p. 1455. to 1457.
  - 2. By the Nature of Remission of sins: laid down in these xiv. ensuing Positions, viz.
  - - 1. That, Remission of sins here Promised in the New Covenant, is not intended of any Human Remission, Fraternal or Ministerial: But of Divine Remission of sins, and that not Particular, but Universal. Explained, p. 1457, 1458.
    - 2. That, Remission of sins is a distinct Blessing and Grace, from Mortification of sin, and not to be confounded therewith, p. 1458.
    - 3. That, Remission of sins, strictly and properly taken, is not the All, but only a Part of our Justification before God; But more largely and improperly it is All, p. 1458, 1459.
    - 4. That, Remission of sins, strictly taken, doth most properly and especially consist in Removal of the offense done to God; and in Acquittal or Absolution of the sinner from the guilt of sin; that is, from his Obligation or being bound to endure the Punishment of Death, due for such offense, p. 1459. to 1461.
    - 5. That, God alone Remits sin. Proved by six Arguments, p. 1461. to 1463.
    - 6. That, God Pardons sin freely of his own mere grace, without any the least merit or desert of the Pardoned sinner. Proved four ways, p. 1463, &c.
    - 7. That, God remits sin, only upon and for the satisfaction made to his Justice for sin by the Obedience and Death of Jesus CHRIST. This cleared by four Considerations. Hence, Popish Satisfaction is rejected, p. 1464. to 1466.
    - 8. That, God actually Remits Sin to all truly Believing and Repenting sinners: and (in his Ordinary Dispensation) to them only. Here, 1. The Necessity of Faith and Repentance unto Pardon. 2. Six Consectaries, p. 1466. to 1470.
    - 9. That, When God actually and savingly pardons sin to the Believing and Repenting Sinner, He pardons Fully and Finally all his sins past and present, but not his sins to come, viz.
    - - 1. He Pardons all sin Past and Present fully and absolutely without exception, p. 1470, &c.
      - 2. He Pardons all such sins finally and utterly forever without Revocation, p. 1472.
      - 3. Yet he Pardons not any sin to come, by way of Anticipation, p. 1473.
    - 10. That, God's Elect, whose sins are Pardoned, do daily need renewed Pardons for future and renewed sins. Proved by three Reasons, p. 1473, 1474.
    - 11. That, Pardon of sin, though full without exception, and final without Revocation, yet is not complete and consummate in this present life, till the very day of judgment, p. 1474, &c.
    - 12. That, In persons savingly Pardoned sin may remain, yet those persons are in the account of God, no longer sinners, but righteous, p. 1475.
    - 13. That, sometimes sin may be universally and savingly pardoned, when yet the sense of that pardon may be suspended, and the sense of God's displeasure continued, p. 1475, &c.
    - 14. That, wheresoever God remits sin, not imputing it to the sinner unto condemnation: there he accepts the Person as righteous, imputing Christ's righteousness to him unto Justification, p. 1476, &c.
  - 3. Whether those that have their Sins remitted, may know that they are remitted: and How this may be known. This is Resolved in four Particulars, viz.
  - - 1. That, Its a most excellent, comfortable and Desirable Mercy, To know that our sins are forgiven. For five Reasons, p. 1477, &c.
    - 2. That, Its a difficult Attainment, to know our sins are forgiven, p. 1478, &c.
    - 3. That, Though it be difficult, yet its possible to know this, p. 1479.
    - 4. That, Those that are pardoned come to know they are forgiven. 1. Extraordinarily. 2. Ordinarily, and that five ways, p. 1479. to 1481.
  - 4. Wherein God's Remission of sins under the New Covenant, differs from, and excels the Remission of sins that was under the Old Covenant. This Resolved,
  - - 1. By way of concession, p. 1481.
    - 2. By way of caution and limitation. Two ways, p. 1481, 1482.
    - 3. By way of Explication. It differs, and excels in 1. Spiritualness. 2. Clearness. 3. Perfectness. 4. Extensiveness, p. 1483. to 1485.
  - 2. Proposition. That God will therefore bestow upon his sincere Federates all other the Promised Benefits of the New Covenant: because he will so freely, fully and utterly Remit all their sins in and for the satisfaction of Jesus Christ. Three Evidences hereof, p. 1485. to 1488.
  - - Inferences X. briefly laid down from the whole of Remission of sins, in the tenth whereof, the Comfort and Privilege of Remission of sins is set forth in eight particulars, p. 1488. to 1492.
- IV. Article. Of the Grand New Covenant-Relation, Interest and Communion mutually betwixt God and his sincere Federates. —I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a People. Highly magnified, p. 1492, 1493.
- - 1. By way of Explication, is shown, How this Grand Promise is Explicated already;
  - - 1. More Generally. Three ways, p. 1493, 1494.
    - 2. More Particularly, in the 1. First branch, in five Particulars. 2. Second branch, in four Particulars, p. 1494, 1495.
  - 2. By way of Application, are Propounded and Explained four In •… erences, viz.
  - - I. Here's excellent and manifold matter for Information. It informs
    - - 1. Of the fullness of the New Covenant, p. 1495, &c.
      - 2. Of the Goodness and Bountifulness of God to his Federates, p. 1496.
      - 3. Of the Happiness of all God's sincere Federates, 1496, &c.
      - 4. Of the fewness of God's sincere Federates even under this New Covenant, p. 1497.
      - 5. Of the wretchedness of all Non-Federates whatsoever, p. 1497.
    - II. Here's notable matter for Probation and Examination of our true New Covenant-Condition.
    - - 1. Is the LORD become our God in Covenant? This may be discovered,
      - 1. By his Federal Impressions and Operations upon us, as our Covenant-God. And these in seven Particulars, subdivided, p. 1498. to 1500.
        
        2. By our Covenant-Relation unto God. Here are eight Adjuncts or Properties of God's New Covenant-people, largely explicated, p. 1500. to 1504.
        
        3. By our Deportment and carriage towards him as our God in Covenant.
        
        1. Do we esteem the LORD as our God? p. 1504, &c.
        
        2. Do we love him as our God? 1. Wholly. 2. Only, p. 1505, &c.
        
        3. Do we trust in him as in our God? p. 1506, &c.
        
        4. Do we fear him as our God? p. 1507, &c.
        
        5. Do we serve him, as our God? Discovered seven ways, p. 1508. to 1510.
      - 2. Are we become God's People in Covenant? Evidenced three ways, p. 1510, 1511.
    - III. Here's singular matter for Exhortation;
    - - 1. To all in the visible Church that are strangers to a saving New Covenant -Condition. In four Particulars, p. 1511, 1512.
      - 2. To all God's sincere Federates within this New Cevenant: three ways, viz.
      - 1. Live upon this Promise, p. 1512. to 1514.
        
        2. Live up unto this Promise, p. 1514, &c.
        
        3. Engage and interest all your Relations in this Promise, p. 1515.
      - 3. To the faithful Ministers of the New Covenant, &c. p. 1515.
    - IV. Here's wonderful matter for Consolation to all God's true Covenant-people.
    - - 1. Against all relics of inherent Sin and Corruption. Three ways, p. 1516, &c.
      - 2. Against all fears or dangers of Apostasy. Four ways, p. 1517, &c.
      - 3. Against all Outward and Inward wants. Many ways, p. 1518. to 1523.
      - 4. Against all strong and violent Temptations, of the flesh, the world, or the Devil. Ten ways, with seven Advantages by Temptations, p. 1523. to 1527.
      - 5. Against deep and dismaying Desertions. Here consider,
      - 1. The Nature, Sorts, and Waies of Divine Desertions, p. 1527. to 1531.
        
        2. The Comfort which God's people may have against all Desertions from this, The Lord is their God by his Everlasting New Covenant, is manifold, under five Principal Heads. p. 1531. to 1536.
      - 6. Against sharpest afflictions and persecutions. Seven ways, p. 1536. to 1548.
      - 7. Finally, Against the terrors and pangs even of Death itself. This Covenant-Relation affords a fivefold comfort. Subdivided, p. 1548. to 1555.
Aphorism 2. The Matter of this New Covenant, on the part of God's New Covenant-Federates, consists in certain New Covenant-Duties, Implicitly here required from, and restipulated by his New Covenant-people, viz.
- 1. Knowledge. That an excellent knowledge is required: is evidenced five ways, p. 1555, 1556.
- 2. Faith. More required under the New Covenant, then •… ormerly. Proved four ways, p. 1557, 1558.
- 3. Repentance. That its required under the New Covenant: Proved four ways, p. 1559.
- 4. Conformity to God's Laws in heart and life, in inward Constitution and outward conversation. That this is required under the New Covenant: is evinced six ways, p. 1560, 1561.
- 5. Entire self-denying, self-resignation unto God. This also is required. Here seven points of Self-Denyal are mentioned. Three Inferences from this Aphorism, p. 1561, 1562.

Chap. 6.

OF the Blessed MESSIAH our Lord JESUS CHRIST, God •… man; the only Mediator, Testator and Surety of the New Covenant betwixt God and man.
The Method propounded for Treating of the Mediator, in four branches. And the excellency of this subject, p. 1563, 1564.
Aphorism 1. That, A True, Fit and Sufficient Mediator of the New Covenant was most necessary betwixt God and man. Here are explicated two things, viz.
- 1. How and in what sense a Mediator may be said to be necessary betwixt God and man. Not, Absolutely, or Naturally: but Hypothetically, upon supposition of divers things, &c. p. 1565, 1566.
- 2. Why, and in what respect such a Mediator of the New Covenant was necessary betwixt God and man in this sense, viz. In six regards, set forth in other particulars, p. 1566. to 1570.
Aphorism 2. That, JESUS the only Son of God, as also the Son of the Virgin Mary, God and Man in one Person, The CHRIST and Promised Messiah, is, as God-man, the only True, Fit and Sufficient Mediator, Testator and Surety of the New Covenant betwixt God and Man. This cleared in four Positions, p. 1570, &c.
- 1. Position. That JESUS, the only Son of God, and the Son of the Virgin Mary, is, God and man in one Person. Here note,
- - 1. What the name JESUS imports. Five Reasons of the Name. How he saves. 1. Only. 2. Universally, all the Elect. 3. Variously. 4. Sufficiently, p. 1571, 1572.
  - 2. That this Jesus is the only Son of God. 1. Explained, in what sense. 2. Proved by Scriptures seven ways, p. 1572. to 1574.
  - 3. That this Jesus the only begotten Son of God, was also Son of the Virgin Mary. Here,
  - - 1. Whence the Virgin Mary Descended, viz. Of David, &c. Proved three ways, p. 1574, 1575.
    - 2. That Jesus was the Son of the Virgin Mary, Proved three ways, p. 1575.
    - 3. How Jesus was the Son of the Virgin Mary. 1. Extraordinarily. 2. Truly. 3. Compleatly, p. 1575, 1576.
    - 4. Denominations hereupon given in Scripture unto JESUS, p. 1576, &c.
  - 4. That this JESUS son of God and of the Virgin Mary, is God and Man in one Person. For clearing this Mystery, these five things are Evidenced, viz.
  - - 1. The Fitness of the Son of God to become the Son of man, the Son of the Virgin. Seven ways, p. 1577, 1578.
    - 2. The Nature of the Union betwixt his Divinity and Humanity. It is, 1. Personal. 2. Indivisible. 3. Of Natures remaining distinct, p. 1578.
    - 3. The Unity or Oneness of his Person, though consisting of two distinct Natures. Proved three ways. And the Necessity of his being God and man, that he might be a True, Fit and sufficient Mediator: Evidenced five ways, p. 1578, to 1580.
    - 4. The six Similitudes used for illustrating this Union of God and Man in one Person. And which is to be preferred as Fittest, p. 1580, 1581.
    - 5. The Consequents resulting from this Personal Union, p. 1581, &c.
- 2. Position. That, this JESUS God-man, is the CHRIST, the Promised Messiah, and he alone. Here note,
- - 1. The Explanation of these two words: MESSIAH, and CHRIST, p. 1582, 1583.
  - 2. The Confirmation of this Position.
  - - 1. From God's Eternal Decree, p. 1583, 1584.
    - 2. From God's Promises and Prophetical Predictions. Many ways, p. 1584, 1585.
    - 3. From Christ's Lineal Descent, p. 1584.
    - 4. From the complete and exact accomplishment of the Scriptures, p. 1585.
    - 5. From Jacob's Prophecy, and the Accomplishment thereof, p. 1585, &c.
    - 6. From Daniel's Weeks, p. 1586.
    - 7. From the General Agreement of all the Types to this JESUS, &c. p. 1586, 1587.
    - 8. From the Testimony of John the Baptist, p. 1587.
    - 9. From God's Authorizing, Constituting, Ordaining and Establishing this Jesus to be the CHRIST, p. 1587, 1588.
    - 10. From the Testimony of 1. Father, 2. Son, 3. the Holy Ghost, p. 1588, &c.
- 3. •… osition. That JESUS CHRIST, God and man, is the only True, Fit and Sufficient Mediator, Testator, and Surety of the New Covenant betwixt God and man.
- - 1. Jesus Christ is Mediator, Surety and Testator of the New Covenant.
  - - 1. Mediator of the New Covenant. Proved four ways, p. 1589, 1590.
    - 2. Testator of the New Testament. Evinced seven ways, p. 1590, &c.
    - 3. Surety of the New Covenant. And what this implies, p. 1591, &c.
  - 2. Jesus Christ is the only True, Fit, and Sufficient Mediator. This Position is, 1. Stated. 2. Confirmed three ways, p. 1592, 1593.
- 4. •… osition. That JESUS CHRIST is Mediator, Surety and Testator of the New Covenant betwixt God and man, as he is God-man. Here note two things, viz.
- - 1. The Sense of this Position, p. 1593, &c.
  - 2. The Grounds of this Position, viz.
  - - 1. The Holy Scriptures do frequently ascribe the Acts of Christ's Mediation to his Divine, as well as to his Human Nature. Evidenced six ways, p. 1594. to 1596.
    - 2. The Scope, End or Intent of the Personal Union of the Divine and Human Natures in one Christ, was that he might act and execute his Mediatory Office completely according to both those Natures. Christ's God-head is the immediate, proper and formal beginning of divers Mediatory Acts. Seven instances, p. 1596, &c.
    - 3. The Nature of the Mediatory Office is such, that it could not be completely executed and fulfilled, if Christ God-man should not act therein both as God and man. Evidenced divers ways, in his Prophecy, Priesthood and Kingship, p. 1597.
- This Position is concluded with Testimonies of some learned, p. 1597, 1598.
Aphorism 3. That JESUS CHRIST, God-man, Executeth his Mediatory office in a Prophetical, Priestly, and Kingly way; Or, as Prophet, Priest, and King: both in his State of Humiliation and Exaltation. For clearing this, three things explained, viz.
- 1. Whence it may be Evinced, That Christ Executes his Mediatory Office in a Prophetical, Priestly and Kingly way. This is done six ways, viz. p. 1599, &c.
- - 1. From the Condition of lapsed man without Christ: and his necessity of Restauration by Christ, p. 1599, &c.
  - 2. From the Types of Old, prefiguring these three Functions in Christ. Three Instances, p. 1600.
  - 3. From the Order of Conferring Salvation upon us. Three ways, p. 1601.
  - 4. From the Reality of Christ's Unction hereunto, p. 1601.
  - 5. From the Sufficient Enumeration of Christ's benefits, and his way of Procuring them for us. His benefits of three Sorts. Procured three ways, p. 1601, 1602.
  - 6. From Christ's many Denominations given to him in Scriptures, which are eminently reducible to these three Functions. p. 1602.
- 2. Wherein the Nature of Christ's Prophecy, Priesthood and Kingship consists.
- - I. Christ's Prophecy consists in his Primary and Plenary teaching of his Church, viz.
  - - 1. By Revealing of his Doctrine. This he doth variously, p. 1603. to 1605.
    - 2. By Illuminating his Peoples Minds to receive the same, p. 1605.
  - II. Christ's Priesthood, Typified notably of old many ways, chiefly consists,
  - - 1. In his Satisfaction. Here are shown four things, viz.
    - - 1. That Jesus Christ by his Obedience and Death hath made a true, real, proper, and full Satisfaction to God for his Peoples Sins. For,
      - 1. Christ is the Surety of the better Covenant, the New Covenant: substituted, and substituting himself for us. Evidenced three ways, p. 1607. to 1609.
        
        2. Christ is said often in Scripture, to redeem us, to buy us, or purchase us with a Price, to give himself a Ransom, &c. which imports Satisfaction, p. 1609, &c.
        
        3. Christ is said to Reconcile us to God, and to be our propitiation by his blood, p. 1610, &c.
        
        4. Christ is Mediator, not only by Teaching and Ruling: but also by Sacrificing and Interceding for us, p. 1611.
        
        5. The Expiatory Sacrifices under the Law, purging away Sin Typically: shadowed forth Christ, who by the Sacrifice of himself purged away sins Truly. And therefore made Satisfaction for them, p. 1611, &c.
        
        6. The Perfection, Fulness and Compleatness of Christ's Satisfaction for Sin, and Expiation of Sin by his Obedience, Death and Blood, is evident many ways. Six ways are Explained, p. 1613, 1614.
      - 2. What are the branches or chief Parts of Christ's Satisfaction, p. 1614, 1615.
      - 3. What are the Fruits and Effects of Christ Death and Satisfaction. Many and must considerable. Nine Especially, p. 1615, 1616.
      - 4. For whom Christ made this his Proper and Plenary Satisfaction by his Obedience and Death. These are described by seven Denominations, p. 1616. to 1618.
    - 2. In his Intercession. Here consider,
    - - 1. That Jesus Christ is our Intercessor, interceding with God for us, p. 1618.
      - 2. The Nature of Christ's Intercession. Discovered,
      - 1. In his Execution of it Inchoatively. Perfectively, p. 1618, 1619.
        
        2. In seven matchless Perfections and Excellencies of it, p. 1619.
      - 3. The Difference of Christ's Intercession, from his Satisfaction, six ways: and from his Spirits Intercession, three ways, p. 1620, 1621.
      - 4. The many and precious Fruits, Effects and Benefits of Christ's Intercession. Ten are particularly laid down, p. 1621. to 1623.
  - III. Christ's Kingly Office. For clearing hereof six things are Eividenced, viz.
  - - 1. That Jesus Christ our Mediator is King. Proved four ways, p. 1623, 1624.
    - 2. The Nature of Christ's Kingdom. Essential and Personal, and this General or Special; and how they are managed, p. 1624. to 1626.
    - 3. Christ's Regalities. Which are very Majestical. As,
    - - 1. His Unction. With the Holy Ghost and with Power, p. 1626.
      - 2. His Inauguration. Especially at his Ascension and sitting down on the right hand of God. Which implies seven things, p. 1626. to 1629.
      - 3. His Throne, p. 1629.
      - 4. His Crown, p. 1629.
      - 5. His Scepter, viz. His Word and Spirit, sent out of Zion, p. 1629, &c.
      - 6. His Laws, p. 1630.
      - 7. His Prerogatives. Seven whereof are instanced, p. 1630, &c.
    - 4. Christ's Actual Administration of his Kingly office, as Mediator, viz.
    - - 1. Of his General Mediatory Kingdom, by seven Royal Acts, p. 1631, &c.
      - 2. Of his Special Mediatory Kingdom. 1. In this world, by five Acts. 2. At the End of this world, by six Acts. 3. In the world to come, by two Acts. p. 1632, 1633.
    - 5. The Benefits of Christ's Kingdom, p. 1633.
    - 6. The Continuance of Christ's Royal office, p. 1633, 1634.
3. What are those two states of Christ's Humil •… ation and Exaltation, wherein he executeth his Prophe •… ical, Priestly, and Kingly Office, viz.
- 1. Christ's state of Humiltation consisted;
- - 1. In his Conception. Wherein he was humbled two ways, p. 1634.
  - 2. In his Birth. Wherein he was abased two ways, p. 1634, &c.
  - 3. In his Life. Wherein he humbled himself four ways, p. 1635.
  - 4. In his Death. Wherein he humbled himself ten ways, p. 1635, &c.
  - 5. In his Burial. Wherein he was abased two ways, p. 1636.
  - 6. In his Continuance in the state of the dead, and under the Dominion of death for three days current, wherein he was humbled three ways. This some think to be intended by that Article in the Apostles Creed; He Descended into Hell. This clause was not in the Creed anciently according to divers writers. Four Interpretations of it, and which is to be preferred, p. 1636. to 1638.
- 2. Christ's state of Exaltation, consisted;
- - 1. In his Reviving. Wherein he was exalted three ways, p. 1638.
  - 2. In his Resurrection from the dead. Wherein he was exalted four ways, p. 1639, &c.
  - 3. In his Ascending into Heaven. Wherein he was exalted three ways, p. 1640.
  - 4. In his Session at God's right hand, p. 1640.
  - 5. In his coming at last to judge the whole world, p. 1640.
Aphorism 4. That, JESUS CHRIST, by virtue of his Prophetical, Priestly and Kingly Mediation, Surety-ship and Testator-ship, hath established his NEW COVENANT forever: And is continually bringing all those whom the Father hath given him into this New Covenant with God, To partake all the Mercies, and Perform all the Duties thereof. Here,
- 1. Jesus Christ hath established his New Covenant forever, 1. As Mediator, three ways. 2. As Surety, three ways. 3. As Testator, p. 1640. to 1643.
- 2. Jesus Christ brings men into this New Cevenant, by Calling them thereinto. Here note,
- - 1. That, Christ brings men into this New Covenant with God, by Calling: proved three ways, p. 1643, 1644.
  - 2. What this Calling is, whereby men are brought into Covenant with God: Described by the ^1. Author, ^2. Instrumental Means, ^3. Matter, ^4. Terms, ^• . Form, and ^6. End thereof, p. 1644. to 1647.
- - I. Behold and admire the infinite Severity and Goodness of God, in giving so necessary and sufficient a Mediator betwixt God and Man, as Jesus Christ, Godman, p. 1647, &c.
  - II. Jesus, the Son of God, and of the Virgin Mary, the Mediator, Surety and Testator of the New Testament, is the only true CHRIST, and promised Messiah, p. 1648, &c.
  - III. Jesus Christ is indeed The Wonderful: and the Great Mystery of Godliness, both in his Person and Office, p. 1649, &c.
  - IV. As God's Covenants are the Marrow of Holy Scriptures, and the New Covenant the flower and Spirits of the Covenants: So Jesus Christ our Mediator is the Life and Soul of the New Covenant, p. 1650.
  - V. The New Covenant far excels the Old and all other Covenants, in having Jesus Christ actually exhibited, to be Mediator, Surety and Testator thereof▪ p. 1650, &c.
  - VI. Jesus Christ God-man, Mediator, &c. of the New Covenant, is an All-sufficient Savior of Sinners, p. 1651▪
  - VII. Jesus Christ, Mediator, &c. is the only Hope and Refuge of bruised sinners, and completest consolation of believing Saints, p. 1651, 1652.
  - VIII. The New Covenants Dedication was most bitter to Christ; although the New Covenants Application be most sweet to Christians, p. 1652, &c.
  - IX. Let all that long to know that they are within this New Covenant savingly, examine with all Diligence whether they be brought into it, by being Called to Christ, and made Christ's Effectually. Hereby we may know, whether we be Christ's.
  - - 1. Have we Christ's Spirit dwelling in us? Five Notes of Christ's Spirit, p. 1653, &c.
    - 2. Are we New Creatures? 1. In condition. 2. In constitution. 3. In conversation, p. 1654. to 1656.
    - 3. Are we one with Christ, by Faith and Love? p. 1656, &c▪
    - 4. Have we crucified and mortified our corruptions? A Parallel betwixt the Crucifying of Christ, and our crucifying of the flesh, in five Branches▪ p. 1657, 1658▪
    - 5. Do we walk after the Spirit, not after the flesh? p. 1658▪
  - X. Let all who are convinced they are Christ-less and Covenant-less Persons, and yet thirst after a New Covenant-state, sincerely accept Christ tendered: And let all that find they are in New Covenant with God in Christ, walk worthy of Christ accepted. Here,
  - - 1. The Acceptance of Christ, is vehemently urged by seven Pressing Considerations, p. 1659. to 1668▪
    - 2. Walking worthy of Christ, is Regulated, by nine Scripture-Directions▪ p. 1668. to 1671▪

Chap. 7.

OF the Form of the New Covenant.
Aphorism. The Form of this New Covenant consists: Inwardly, In the mutual Obligation betwixt God and his New Covenant-Federates in Jesus Christ the Mediator thereof. Outwardly, in the way and manner of this New Covenants Manifestation, Confirmation and Administration.
- I. The Inward Form of the New Covenant, &c. stands chiefly in the Federates reciprocal Obligation. How God obliged to us: or becomes our Debtor, p. 1671, 1672.
- II. The Outward Form consists in,
- - 1. The Manifestation of the New Covenant. 1. By the Promissory Revelation of it. 2. By the Preparatory Inchoation of it, two ways, p. 1672, &c.
  - 2. The Confirmation of it.
  - - 1. By the choicest Promises of God. Here, 1. That the New Covenants Promises are Better Promises, in five regards. 2. How the New Covenant is established upon these Promises, Materially, and Relatively, p. 1673. to 1676.
    - 2. By God's inviolable Oath; for three Reasons, p. 1676.
    - 3. By Christ's irrevocable Death and Blood. As Mediator, Surety and Testator: three ways, p. 1677, &c.
    - 4. By the best Federal Tokens Baptism and the LORD's Supper. Here,
    - - 1. That Baptism and the Lord's Supper confirm the New Covenant, is proved divers ways, severally, p. 1679, &c.
      - 2. Wherein the Nature of Baptism and the Lord's Supper consists. Here, six things noted in all Sacraments. The Original Rise of these two Sacraments. The Nature of Baptism described by the Author, Ma •… ter, Form, and End thereof. The Nature also of the Lord's Supper, p. 1680. to 1684.
      - 3. How Baptism and the Lord's-Supper confirm the New Covenant, many ways, p. 1684, &c.
  - 3. The Administration of the New Covenant.
  - - 1. With universal reference to all Nations, p. 1686.
    - 2. By Preaching the New Covenant Doctrine in Christ exhibited. ^1. Clearly. ^2. Fully. ^3. Efficaciously, p. 1686, &c.
    - 3. By Ordinances of Public New Covenant-worship for all Nations, p. 1687.
    - 4. By New Covenant Church-Government. In five Acts, p. 1687, &c.
    - 5. By a successive New Covenant-Ministry and Officers, p. 1688.
    - 6. By Plenary effusions of the Spirit, p. 1688.
    - 7. With more perfect, filial, Christian liberty, p. 1688.
    - 8. With more glory then under the Old. In five respects, p. 1689.
  - Inferences seven from the Form of this New Covenant, p. 1689, 1690.

Chap. 8.

OF the End, or intended Scope of the New Covenant.
Aphorism. The intended Scope or End of God and Jesus Christ our Mediator in this New Testamental Covenant, is, &c.
- 1. More Immediate, To represent Christ, Actually Exhibited, 1. In his Person. 2. In his Offices. 3. In his Benefits. And this 1. Fully. 2. Ultimately, p. 1690. to 1693.
- 2. More Mediate, 1. Subordinately, To extend the Church to all Nations. To advance the Church to highest Perfections. 2. Ultimately, To exalt the glory of God in all transcendently. vii. Inferences, p. 1693. to 1695.

Chap. 9.

GEneral Inferences from the whole of the New Covenant.
Aphorism. From the whole Mystery of the New Covenant, thus disclosed, these things are evident, &c. viz.
- I. The New Covenant is the Covenent of Covenants. Surpassing all, seven ways, p. 1696, &c.
- II. The Properties of the New Covenant. It is 1. Divine. 2. Gratuitous. 3. Evangelical. 4. Wise in two respects. 5. Holy in six regards. 6. Promissory. 7. Spiritual. 8. Testamental. 9. Clear and Glorious. 10. Full. 11. Free, upon three grounds. 12. Efficacious, five ways. 13. Sure and Faithful, in five regards. 14. Consolatory, many ways. 15. Extensive. 16. Everlasting, p. 1697. to 1703.
- III. The Agreement and Differences betwixt the Old and New Covenant, &c. Here,
- - 1. The Agreement betwixt them is represented in eleven particulars, p. 1703. to 1706.
  - 2. The Differences, &c. Here, 1. Seven pretended, but unfound Differences are rejected. 2. Twelve true Differences betwixt Old and New Covenant are asserted, p. 1708. to 171 •… ▪
- IV. The Additional Excellencies and Preheminencies of the New Covenant, beyond those of the Old, and of all other Covenants. In nine particulars, p. 1713, 1714.
- V. How great are the Privileges of God's New Covenant-people, above all others in many regards, p. 1714. to 1716.
- VI. By this New Covenant we may sweetly assure ourselves that we are God's New Covenant-people. Especially five ways, p. 1716, &c.
- VII. How much it concerns All, Especially us Gentiles upon many considerations, To Esteem, Embrace, Rest upon, Conform to, and Triumph in this blessed New Covenant, p. 1717, 1718.
- VIII. God's New Covenant-People (answerably to this New, Better and more Illustrious Covenant, ) should approve themselves, as a New, Better and more Excellent People, both in their Persons and Conversations, p. 1718. to 1720.
- IX. All Bruised, Distressed and Disconsolate souls should in an especial manner have recourse to this blessed New Covenant for their sweetest and fullest Consolations. The Comfortableness of the New Covenant fourteen ways, p. 1720.
- X. Finally, This New Testamental Covenant approacheth nearest, as in contiguity of time, so in excellency of Nature, unto the Celestial Glory. p. 1720.

II. A General SYNOPSIS of the Subject-Matters in all these IV. Books.

GOD's Covenants with Man, are unfolded in these IV. Books

- - - 1. That, God in all ages deals with his Church and People by way of Covenant. And why, p. 3. to 10.
    - 2. Of the Names, General Nature, and Distribution of God's COVENANT, p. 10. to 19.
- - - 1. Of God's Covenant of Works with the First Adam and his Natural Seed, before the Fall. Here,
    - - 1. That God entered into Covenant with the First Adam and his Posterity, &c. p. 19. to 24.
      - 2. The Names, Author, Parties, Form, and Matter of this Covenant are described, p. 24. to 33.
      - 3. Adam had complete Ability to keep this Covenant in every point, p. 33. to 36.
      - 4. Adam brake the Covenant of works by isobedience, p. 36. to 59.
      - 5 The Breach of the Covenant of works made way for the Covenant of Faith, p. 59. 60.
    - 2. Of God's COVENANT OF FAITH with the Last Adam JESUS CHRIST and his Supernatural Seed:
    - - 1. More Generally. Here are shown,
      - 1 That the Covenant of works being broken in the First Adam, The Covenant of Faith was Revealed in JESUS CHRIST the Last Adam. And why, p. 61. to 69.
        
        2. What the Covenant of Faith is. The ^1. Efficient, ^2. Parties, ^3. Matter, and ^4. Form of it. Many Inferences: Wherein of the conditionality of the Covenant, p. 69. to 184.
        
        3. The Distribution of the Covenant of Faith, p. 184. to 191.
- - 2. More Particularly, viz. Of 1. The Covenants of Promise. 2. The New Covenant.
  - - I. Of the COVENANT of PROMISE; in vi. remarkable Periods of time, viz.
    - - 1. From Adam till Noah. In that Mother-Promise, Gen. 3. 14, 15. Here, That this Promise
      - 1. Was Revealed immediately after the Fall, p. 191. to 207.
        
        2. Was Revealed very imperfectly and obscurely, p. 207. to 210.
        
        3 Was Revealed in CHRIST the woman's chief seed, p. 210. to 217.
        
        4. Reavealed man's Recovery in the Enmity betwixt the woman, &c. p. 217. to 241.
        
        5. Had in it, though not the Name and Formality, yet the Nature and Reality of a Covenant, p. 241. to 248.
      - 2. From Noah till Abraham. Here are shown,
      - 1. That God determining to drown the world, &c. Covenanted to save Noah, &c. p. 248 to 256.
        
        2. That, God, having drowned the world, Covenanted never to drown it again, p. 256. to 263.
        
        3. That, These two Covenants were a Renewed Discovery of the Covenant of Faith, p. 263. to 285.
      - 3. From Abraham till Moses. Here, of
      - 1. The Federates, viz. God: Abraham and his Seed, especially CHRIST, p. 285, to 332.
        
        2. The Matter of the Covenant, ^1. Promised Mercies; ^2. Repromised Duties, p. 332. to 514.
        
        3. The Form of it. ^1. Inward. ^2. Outward, p. 514. to 570.
        
        4. The End of it. And vii. Inferences from the whole, p. 570. to 649.
      - 4 From Moses till DAVID; yea till CHRIST, THE DAVID. Here,
      - 1. Of the Law given to Israel at Mount Sinai, more Absolutely, p. 649. to 734.
        
        2. Of the Law given then as A COVENANT, not of works, but of Faith, p. 734. to 790.
        
        1. The Federates. God and Israel, p. 790. to 800.
        
        2. The Matter of it. Mercies promised; Duties re •… tipulated, p. 800. to 902.
        
        3. The Form of it. ¹ Inward. ² Outward, p. 902. to 937.
        
        4. The End of it. And IX. General Corollaries, p. 937. to 989.
      - 5. From David till the Captivity in Babylon. Here, Of this Covenants 1. Duration. 2. Author and Nature. 3. Federates. 4. Impulsive Causes and Occasions. 5. Matter. 6. Form. 7. End, And 8. General Inferences. p. 989. to 1086.
      - 6. From the Captivity till CHRIST. Here, of The 1. Duration. 2. Author, Occasion, Impulsives, Federates and Nature. 3. Matter. 4. Form. And 5. End of this Covenant. General Inferences, p. 1086. to 1229.
- - II. Of the COVENANT of PERFORMANCE, viz. The NEW COVENANT. Here are represented,
  - - 1. The Bounds or limits of its Duration, of all other most observable, p. 1229. to 1253.
    - 2. The Names, and General Nature of it, p. 1253. to 1269.
    - 3. The Author, Occasion, and Impulsive or Moving Causes of it, p. 1269 to 1290.
    - 4. The Federate-Parties to it, p. 1290. to 1339.
    - 5. The Matter of it. ¹ Blessings Promised. ² Duties Re-promised, p. 1339. to 1563.
    - 6. The Mediator, Surety and Testator of it, JESUS CHRIST, p. 1563. to 1671.
    - 7. The Form of it. ¹ Inward, and ² Outward, p. 1671. to 1690.
    - 8. The End of it. ¹ Immediate, ² Mediate, p. 1690. to 1695.
    - 9. General Inferences from the whole of the New Covenant, p. 1695. to the end.

BOOK I. OF God's Covenants, Their Names, Natures, Sorts, and Benefits; more Generally.

CHAP. I. 1. Of God's dealing with his Church, in all times and Ages, by way of Covenant.

G OD, over all blessed forever, •… s the Center where all Happiiness meets, and the fountain whence all Happiness flows. Man, under whose feet God hath put all things here below, is only so far happy as he enjoys the LORD to be his God. On Earth, Man enjoys the LORD to be his God, Either More Immediately, or more Mediately. ^1. More Immediately, before Adams Fall, by Conformity both of man's upright Nature unto God, through God's Image in which he was Created; And of man •… , life, to God's will, through Personal Obedience, whereunto he was fully enabled. ^2. More Mediately, after the Fall, by Mystical union unto the Mediator Jesus Christ, the express Character of the Fathers Person, and only way unto God. Mans enjoyment of God, by Natural Conformity to his will before the Fall, and by supernatural union to Christ since the Fall, are instrumentally established and effected by God's COVENANTS with man: That, by his Covenant of Works, This, By his Covenant of Faith. So then, God's COVENANT is the Scripture-star, which leads man unto Christ: Christ is the Heavenly Way, that brings man unto God: And God is Heaven itself; in whom man finds and enjoys all satisfying Happiness.

In this Treatise (subdivided into IIII. distinct BOOKS,) the unfolding of God's precious and mysterious Covenant with man is undertaken, That Christians happiness may be promoted by enjoying of God: That they may enjoy God by their union to Christ: That they may be United to Christ, by accepting God's Covenant: And that they may be allured to accept God's Covenant, by a familiar Knowledge and apprehension of it.

For the more clear representing of this Subject to the weakest Capacity, God's COVENANT shall here be laid open;

First, More Generally; in Book I. And here shall be evidenced. 1. That God hath pleased in all ages to deal with his Church and people by way of Covenant. 2. What God's Covenant is, for Name and Thing generally considered. 3. Into what Kinds or Sorts God's Covenant is to be Distributed.

Secondly, More Particularly; in Book II. And here 1. Of God's COVENANT of WORKS with the first Adam, and in him with all his Natural Seed, before the Fall. 2. Of God's COVENANT of FAITH with Christ the last Adam, and in him with all his Supernatural Seed, after the Fall. And this both In General: And In Particular.

In General shall be shown, 1. That, the Covenant of works being broken in the first Adam, God pleased to Reveal a Covenant of Faith in Christ the last Adam. 2. When and how soon God did first Reveal this Covenant of Faith. 3. Why God Revealed this Covenant. 4. What this COVENANT of FAITH is. 5. How this Covenant of Faith is to be distributed.

In Particular shall be Opened,

1. The Covenants of Promise, made and confirmed in Christ only Promised and to be exhibited in our flesh afterwards. And how the LORD God did gradually disclose these Covenants in Christ most obscurely at first, but afterwards still more and more clearly, till they were accomplished in Christ in the fullness of time: but most remarkably in Certain Periods of time, viz. ¹ From Adam, till Noah. ^2. From Noah, till Abraham. 3. From Abraham, till Moses. ^4. From Moses till David. ^5. From David, till the Babylonish Captivity. ^6. Finally, From the Babylonish Captivity, till Christ: and all this in Book III.

2. The New-Covenant made and confirmed in Christ actually Performed & exhibited in our flesh already. And how this New Covenant is Substantially one and the same with the Covenants of Promise, yet Accidentally far different in administration: the N. Cov. notably surpassing all foregoing Ministrations, in Ext •… nt Spiritual Privileges, Efficacy, and Evangelical Glory. In Book IIII. Now in these four distinct Books all these things shall be laid down orderly in certain succinct Positions or Aphorisms (Summarily comprizing much 〈◊〉 in a little compass, for the help of both understanding and memory) together with the Explanations of them: through the direction and assistance of the Covenant-making and Covenant-keeping God, who hath said; The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him, and he will show them his Covenant.

APHORISM I.

GOd is pleased in all times and ages, from the beginning to the end of the world, to deal with his Church and People by way of COVENANT.

For clearing of this Aphorism something is to be spoken touching 1. God, who thus deals. 2. His Church and People, with whom he thus deals. 3. God's dealing thus with his Church in a Covenant way.

I. Touching God, thus in brief conceive of him. The Supreme Being of Beings, Cause of Causes, and most Spiritual Spirit, The one only true GOD, FAT HER SON and HOLY-GHOST, is most absolutely Simple, Al-sufficient, Immutable, Infinite, Immense, and Eternal in his Life, Understanding, Truth, Will, Goodness, Graciousness, Love, Mercy, Long-suffering, Justice, Holiness, Power, Dominion, Perfection, Excellency, Blessedness, and Gloriousness.

II. Touching God's Church and People, with whom God deals in a Covenant-way, thus briefly apprehend. The Self-satisfying All-sufficient and All-perfect God hath not only created the whole world with all things therein, and more especially the intellectual Creatures, Angels and men, for his own self. But also in all times and ages of the world prevideth himself a Church here on Earth among the children of men.

For evidencing hereof, two things especially are to be noted; viz. 1. That God in all ages hath his Church (a people separated to himself peculiarly) in this world, though not at all times of like equal extent. It was at first only Domestical, confined within the narrow compass of Particular pious Families, as of Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, &c. Afterwards it grew up and became National, extending itself to the Families of all the twelve Tribes, even the whole Jewish Nation; which, presently after the Redemption out of Egypt, was fashioned and digested by God into an Ecclesiastical Politie, called The Church in the Wilderness. But at last, when Christ the Blessed Seed came, in whom all the Nations and Families of the Earth should be blessed, The Church began to be planted even among other Nations besides that of the Jews, and so spread from Nation to Nation, that it became Oecumenical or Universal: Not limited any longer to that one Nation of the Jews only, but diffused without restraint to the Nations of the Gentiles. From Adam till Moses, it was Domestical: From Moses till Christ, National: and from Christ till the end of the world, Oecumenical: And this triple Period comprehends all times and ages. Thus the Church, like Leaven, spreads; like Mustardseed, grows: like the Waters of the Sanctuary, swells and increaseth from smallest beginnings to greater and greater perfection.

2. Why God in all ages thus provides himself a Church amongst men. viz. 1. From the exceeding Riches of his Free grace and love to mankind. This the impulsive or inward Moving Cause why God hath ( ^1. ) Elected eternally in Christ a certain select number out of mankind, to be his own peculiar people; ( ^2. ) Redeemed in fullness of time this his Church and people (lapsed in Adam ) by his own blood; And ( ^3. ) Actually applied this Redemption to his people by Calling them effectually out of the world unto himself in Christ. Remarkably saith Wisdom, (the Son of God,) of himself; I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him: rejoicing in the habitable parts of his Earth, and my delights were with the Sons of men. 2. That God might communicate himself and his fullness more sweetly, familiarly and completely to his Church, then to all other Societies and created Beings in the world. For, to his Church and People God peculiarly unveyls the mysteries of his kingdom, the hidden Secrets of his Wisdom, Goodness, Free Grace, Mercy, Loving-kindness, Holiness, Justice, &c. He dwells and walks among them; and is a God and Father unto them, they becoming sons and daughters to the Lord Almighty. 3. That in and by the Church the glory of all God's Perfections and Dispensations might be spread abroad both in Heaven and Earth to his everlasting praise. In his Temple everyone speaketh of his glory. And, •… y the Church God's excellencies and the wise mysterious disposals of his Grace are made known; not only unto the Sons of men on Earth, but also unto the Principalities and powers in Heavenly places.

III. Finally, Touching God's Covenant-way of dealing with his Church and people; It is evident by their continued experience of his Dispensations, both Before, and After Adams Fall, That God pleaseth in all times and ages to deal with his Church and people by way of Covenant. For,

1. Before the Fall, God dealt with the First Adam, and in him with all his Seed, then in state of innocence and integrity, by way of Covenant, and that a Covenant of Works. For, besides that God had engraven in his heart the Substance of the Moral Law, certain relics whereof remain in the hearts of Pagans since the Fall, who have not the law written; God also gave Adam a Positive Law, Permitting him to eat of the Trees of the Garden; Commanding him not to eat of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil; Threatning him, in case he should eat, with present Death; and consequently promising him life in case of Obedience. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the Garden thou mayst freely eat: But of the Tree of the knowledge of Good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; For in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Now all this amounts to a Covenant, as after shall more fully be evidenced in the Particular handling of the Covenant of Works.

2. After the Fall God deals with his Church and People also by way of Covenant; and that the COVENANT of FAITH in Jesus Christ the last Adam. This is very observable in several eminent Intervals or Periods of time, wherein God Revealed his Covenant more and more clearly by degrees, till it came to a full and complete discovery in these days of the New Testament. As, God dealt by way of COVENANT, 1. With Adam presently after the Fall, and with the Fathers before the Flood till the time of Noah: Promising the Seed of the woman, to bruise the Serpents head. 2. With Noah, establishing his Covenant with him, to save him, and his family, and a seed of the Creatures, in the Ark, from perishing by the waters of the Flood, when the whole world should be drowned. Under these two dispensations of the Covenant, together with the Promises and other Appurtenances thereof, did the Fathers and Church live till the days of Abraham. 3. With Abraham and his seed, Covenanting and Promising to be a God to them, to give them the land of Canaan, and make them heirs of the world, and in his seed to make all the Nations and families of the Earth blessed; Annexing Circumcision as a Confirming sign and token of the Covenant. And under this and the former federal dispensations, was the Church and the holy Patriarchs trained up till the days of Moses. 4. With Israel; led and brought by the hand out of the land of Egypt, At Mount Sinai in the days of Moses; Declaring his Covenant unto them, even ten Commandments written on two Tables of stone, which he commanded them to perform, together with the Ceremonial and Judicial Laws which he required them to observe. Under this and the former Administrations of the Covenant, the Church was nurtured up, till the time of David. 5. With David and his Seed God made an everlasting Covenant ordered in all things and Sure, Promising with an Oath, To establish his seed forever, and build up his Throne to all generations, &c. which Covenant had its fullest accomplishment in Christ, of the Seed of David, and in his Spiritual Kingdom. Christ being the true David, And King of his Church, gathering both Jews and Gentiles into one body under his Government, and subduing finally and totally all the enemies of his Kingdom. Under this and former dispensations of the Covenant, the Church of God continued from David's days till the Babylonish Captivity. 6. With the people of the Jews under the Babylonish Captivity, God Covenanted to return their Captivity and restore them into their own land, the land of Canaan; to take away their stony heart, and to give them an heart of flesh; To cleanse them from all their filthiness and Idols, &c. promising that they shall be his people, and he will be their God. And under this, with the foregoing ministrations of the Covenant, The Church of God was nursed up from the time of the Babylonish Captivity, till the very coming of Christ in our flesh. 7. Finally, with the Church and people of God under the New Testament, after Christ's Incarnation, God makes a New Covenant in Christ: New, not so much for substance, as for Circumstance and manner of Administration (all the former Ministrations being laid aside as waxing old and wearing away;) And New, for Continuation, in that this dispensation of the Covenant should not wax old as did all the former, but should continue still fresh New and unaltered to the very end of the world. And under this Covenant, the Promises and Appendixes thereof, the Church of Christ is and shall be continued, built up, and perfected, From the First till the Second coming of Jesus Christ.

Thus it is clear, That in all ages and times, from the beginning to the end of the world, God pleaseth to deal with his Church and people in a COVENANT-way.

APHORISM II.

GOD in all ages pleaseth to deal with his Church and people by way of Covenant for divers weighty Causes, and Excellent Ends. And these are worthy to be inquired into, and heedfully observed, by all the children of the Covenant, and heirs according to the Promise. Now the Lord seems to deal with his Church in a Covenant-way.

1. Of his mere Grace and love to his Church. God takes not this course by reason of any law or tie of Necessity lying upon him: He is the most free unlimited Agent, above all laws, and doth whatsoever he pleaseth both in heaven and earth. He could have dealt with man, both before and since the fall, in an Absolute Supreme way of Lordship, Dominion and Sovereignty, as a Creator with his Creature, as a Potter with his clay, Commanding what Duty he pleased from him, without any Covenant-Obligation of himself in any respect unto man: being no way debt bound to the Creature, but absolutely free. Nor can anything be imagined in his Church or people, which in the least degree could invite God, into Covenant with them: because, betwixt God and them there are no terms of equality or proportion, for a Basis or remote foundation of a Covenant. For, ^1. In their innocent state the Distance betwixt them is greater then betwixt Heaven and Earth, then betwixt highest Angels and basest worms: even as great as betwixt Finite and Infinite. Now betwixt Finite and Infinite there can be no proportion. ^2. In their lapsed state, Sin hath infinitely widened the distance, and rendered them altogether unlovely and abominable in themselves before God. Yea, Sin hath extremely aggravated the Distance, and turned it into Opposition and Enmity betwixt God and them. So that nothing but mere Grace the mere good 〈◊〉 of his will, mere love and mercy, could possibly move or incline God to embrace them in a Covenant-way. Hence God tells Israel, That he set his love upon them, because he loved them. And Jerusalem; That when her Nativity was of the land of Canaan, her father an Amorite, her mother an Hittite, She in her birth wretched, unpitied, polluted in her blood, and cast out to the loathing of her person: even then be spread his skirt over her, covered her nakedness, sware unto her, Entred into Covenant with her, and she became his.

2. Because the Lord would deal familiarly with his people, therefore he deals with them by way of Covenant. A Covenant-way is a familiar way, as betwixt man and man that are agreed. This David intimates in God's Covenant with him And is this the manner of man, O Lord God? Or, as Junius renders it; And that after the manner of men, O Lord GOD. That is, Thou in Covenanting dealest familiarly with me, as man with man, as friend with friend. And, in that parallel place And hast regarded me, according to the state of a man of High degree, O LORD God: It may be rendered; And thou hast provided for me this excellency according to the manner of men, O LORD God. Or; Thou hast provided for me, according to the manner of men, concerning this excellency O LORD God. That is, Thou hast made a familiar provision for me. Now the distance is so vast betwixt Majesty and meanness, Glory and baseness, God and us most despicable dust and ashes, that there cannot be a familiar reciprocal dealing betwixt God and us but by way of Covenant: wherein the most High God condescends and stoops down to us, and we base worms ascend up to God, and so meet one another friendly and familiarly.

3. That God's people might more clearly and certainly know, what Good they may confidently expect from God, whatsoever be their present condition. For all Good Covenanted by God, whether Temporal, Spiritual or Eternal, is clear and sure, as God's Covenant is clear and sure. Hence David; Although mine House be not so with God (that is, flourishing, and without clouds ) yet he hath made with me an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my Salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

4. That the Church and people of God may be the more endeared unto God, and enlivened unto all free cheerful obedience. God's loving kindness to us so wonderfully appears, both in his condescending to such a sweet familiar Covenant-way with us, and in his storing his Covenant with such rich provisions for us: that duly considered, it snatches our hearts and affections (as once David's ) vehemently unto him, even ravishing us with him. Besides, God's ample Rewards and Benefits covenanted, are as oil to the wheels of our obedience, making them run smoothly in all God's paths with delight and alacrity.

5. Finally, That God's Covenant with his Church and people may be a distinctive and discriminating character betiwixt them and all other people in the world. To the Church pertain the Covenants: whilst all others are strangers to the Covenants of Promise.

Corollaries resulting from the whole. Hence,

1. God's condescension to his Creatures is wonderful. He stoops so low as to accept man, dust and ashes, sinful dust and ashes, in Covenant with himself infinitely transcending all created beings.

2. Mans Ascension and advancement is admirable. Man is brought from so low a state, and at such distance from God, to such an height of dignity and nearness unto God: yea from utter Enmity, to perfect Amity with God, by Covenant; that he may cry out, Lord, what is man that thou art thus mindful of him, and the son man that thou thus visitest him! Everyone in Covenant with God may say with thankful David; who am I, O LORD God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? &c.

3. We can never understand the mystery of God's dealing with his people, unless we know the mystery of God's Covenant. Study therefore God's Covenant diligently, be expert therein. For, ^1. This is the Compendious Abstract, or Epitome of God's gracious dispensations to his Church in all Ages. Here may be seen; How God dealt with his people in Innocency, Covenanting to give them continued life, upon condition of exact personal Obedience: How he 〈◊〉 with his Church lapsed Covenanting to restore life unto her, upon Condition of faith in Christ's Obedience. And how God applies himself herein to his Churches Capacity: In her Infancy he gives her the A B C of the Covenant, teaching her to spell his Grace, in the promised seed of the woman: and in saving a remnant in the Ark by water from perishing with the world of the wicked. In her youth and non-age he trains her up under a more rigid and severe discipline of Mosaical administrations, as under Tutors and Governors, yet in hopes of after-freedom. In her full age •… e invests her with New-covenant Liberties and enjoyments in Christ revealed, delivering her from all her former bondage. 2. This is that Golden Clew which leads into that inmost Mystery of Jesus Christ: The Son of God being the Kernel and Marrow of God's Covenant. For, In the Covenant of works before the Fall, upon Condition of perfect Personal obedience, life is promised to be continued to Adam (think some learned) by the Son of God, in whom was life, & that life was the light of men (lightning every man ) naturally more or less) that cometh into the world. And In the Covenant of faith after the Fall, Christ as God-man, Mediator betwixt God and sinners, is the Foundation of the Covenant, as revealed to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, The Jews, and to both Jews and Gentiles. At first Christ is revealed more dimly and obscurely: at last most clearly and evidently with open face & Glory. 3. Finally, This Covenant of God is the Key that unlocks the whole Scriptures. Holy Scriptures do especially scope at Revealing God's Covenant, in several ages, severally. God's Covenant-administrations like a thread of Gold running through the Books both of Old and New Testament. Yea God's Covenant is such a primary Subject of the whole Scripture, that the whole word of God receives its Denomination from God's Covenant, being styled The Old and New Testament; Or, The Old and New Covenant. And surely no Context of Holy Scripture can be solidly explicated, No Common Place of Divinity can be rightly handled, No Polemical or Controversal point can be dextrously descided, No Case of Conscience or Practical Question can be accurately resolved, No Christian Duty can be skillfully urged or advised, without due respect and Scope had to the COVENANT of GOD. Hereupon it is reported of Olevianus, that he styled himself, Concionatorem Faederis; That is, A Preacher of the Covenant. And so should every faithful and skillful Minister have it principally in Design, To be a Preacher of God's Covenant; and every prudent Christian to be an Hearer and Practitioner of God's Conant: God's Covenant Calling for most int •… ntive respect from them both. So that whilst we are ignorant of the mysteries of God's Covenant; we are Ignorant of Scriptures, of Christ, and of all God's gracious Administrations to his Church.

4. God's Covenant is a notable Character or Mark of God's Church and people. For with them God deals peculiarly by way of Covenant, and not with others. Therefore the way to discover whether we be members of God's Church, and among the number of his people, is to try whether God hath dealt with us by way of Covenant. Are we in Covenant with God? They that are only outwardly in Covenant with God, are only outwardly his people: they that are also inwardly in Covenant with God, are inwardly his people also. They that were