The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible

APHORISM II.

THe Lord God having destroyed the wicked old world by a flood of waters, not only resolved wit •… himself, but also Covenanted with Noah, with his seed, and with the creatures, Never to destroy the earth anymore by a flood: annexing the Rainbow for a Token of the Covenant. This was God's second Covenant with Noah; His Additionall Covenant, super-added to the former. For clearing of it, This Aphorism (as the former) shall be ¹ Confirmed; ² Opened; and ³ Applyed.

I. Confirmed this Aphorism may be, in the Principal branches of it, by evident Scripture-Testimonies. As,

1. That God resolved and determined with himself, after the worlds destruction by the flood, never to destroy it again by a flood of waters. And Noah went forth of the Ark,—And Noah built an Altar unto the LORD, and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered Burnt-offerings on the Altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savor, and the LORD said in his heart, (there's his Determination with himself,) I will not again curse the ground anymore for man's sake, (though the imagination of man's heart be evil from his youth;) Neither will I again smite anymore everything living, as I have done. Henceforth all the days of the Earth, Seed-time and Harvest, and Cold and Heat, and Summer and Winter, and Day and Night shall not cease.

2. That God Covenanted this with Noah, with his Seed, and with all living creatures. And God spake to Noah, and to his sons with him, saying; And I, behold I, establish my Covenant with you, and with your seed after you, and with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you, from all that go out of the Ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my Covenant with you; Neither shall all flesh be cut off anymore by the waters of a flood, neither shall there anymore be a flood to destroy the earth.

3. That God also annexed the Rainbow as a sign or token to this Covenant, And God said, this is the Token of the Covenant, which I make between me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations; I do set my bow in the cloud, And it shall be for a token of the Covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my Covenant, which is between me and you, and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the Bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting Covenant between God and every living Creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the Token of the Covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth. By this heap of words and variety of expressions touching the Tokens of God's Covenant with Noah, we may perceive, Both what need Noah and his sons had to be comforted against a future flood, the deluge now newly past leaving such prints of astonishment and amazement upon their Spirits; and also how solicitous the Lord was by those reiterated phrases to raise up their faith and confidence for future, above their present fears and despondencies. And in the last clause he summarily and emphatically recapitulates the whole, This is the token of the Covenant which I have established, &c. Yea (as Mercerus noteth) some among the Jews think, that at these words, God demonstrated a Rainbow in the cloud to Noah, for the strengthening of his Faith.

II. Explained, and Opened this Aphorism may be also, by inquiring into, and unfolding of these Particulars, viz. 1. The Causes and Occasion of this Covenant. 2. The Parties Covenanting. 3. The Matters Covenanted. 4. The Token of this Covenant, the Bow in the Cloud.

1. The Causes and Occasion of this Covenant may be thus declared. 1. The Efficient Cause, or Author of it, was God. God spake to Noah, saying; And I, behold I establish my Covenant with you. 2. The Inward impulsive or Moving Cause, can be imagined to have been none other, but his own Meer Grace and Commiserating Mercies to Noah, and the small remnant with him surviving the flood. 3. The Outward impulsive or Moving Cause, was twofold. ( •… ) Less Principal and Typicall; viz. Noah's Altar and Burnt-offerings offered thereon to God, In which God smelled a sweet Savour, and whereupon he took occasion to Resolve and Covenant never more to destroy the world with a flood. ( ² ) More Principal and Anti-typical, or Typified: viz. Jesus Christ and his offering himself up a sacrifice for sin to God upon the Altar of his Godhead, wherein he was an Odor of a sweet smell to God. And this was the Outward Moving Cause, of God's Covenanting both his Elect's Recovery and, the worlds Restitution and Preservation in reference thereunto; As shall after more appear. 4. The Final Cause, or end intended in this Covenant, was ( ¹ ) Partly to assure Noah and his Posterity of his great Mercy intended to the world, notwithstanding man's sin, in that it should never more be destroyed by a Flood of waters. ( ² ) Partly to instruct him and his Seed, that as sin brought destruction upon the creature: so Christ satisfying God's justice for sin, should bring Restitution and Preservation to the Creature. ( ³ ) Partly to glorify the riches of God's Grace, Mercy and loving-kindness in both.

2. The Parties Covenanting are 1. God, on the one hand. God as appeased▪ and smelling a s •… vour of rest, upon Noah's Sacrifices in this notion God establisheth this Covenant. 2. Noah and his sons, and their Seed, and all living Creatures, on the other hand. Here (as Calvin notes) there are three degrees of foederates with God mentioned, or (as Pareus ) four viz. ( ¹ ) Noah himself. The Parent and common Father of the New world: The second Adam. With whom the LORD had established his Covenant towards the period of the old world. God honored this righteous sincere and heavenly man with the first place. ( ² ) Noah's sons, Sem, Ham, Japheth, who were saved with Noah in the Ark. The females are implied and included in the males. ( ³ ) Their seed after them, viz. All the Posterity of Noah, and of his sons, till the end of the world, for perpetual Generations. In this branch we are comprehended, and all mankind. God Covenants not only with his people, but with their Seed, and with their Seed's Seed, that keep Covenant with him, even to all Generations. This Covenant therefore in some sort concerns all the world. Oh the infinite Bounty of the Lord in his foederall Administrations! ( ⁴ ) All living Creatures, •… owls, beasts, and creeping things. Them also being created for man, God takes into Covenant with man. Noah was confederate with God herein: And the other three sorts were as Subfoederates under him. But here some Doubts may arise, and are to be removed.

Doubt 1. Seeing God established his Covenant not only with Noah, but with his sons, and their seed also, God seems to admit into Covenant with himself the wicked as well as the righteous: For Cham was ungodly, and cursed by his own Father; and more of the posterity of these three sons of Noah were wicked than godly. Consequently, God Covenants not only with Christ and his Seed, but also with the seed of the Serpent. And Godliness alone hath not the Promise of this and the life to come. Resol. This is a Material Doubt. Thus Conceive, 1. God never Covenants with the Seed of the Serpent, formally as such; nor makes Promises to the ungodly in that notion as they are ungodly. For then God should approve them in their evil; and equalize them to his Elect: both which it is impossible for God to do. 2. Since the Fall, The Covenant of Faith and all the Promises of it, are (as hath been shown) settled upon Christ, and in him upon them that are his, and that are godly, in one respect or another: or at least upon others, with reference to the godly, and for the benefit of Christ's members. Thus Promises were made to wicked Cyrus, with reference to his Church; God intending him to be a noble instrument of her good, &c. Now people may be said to be godly, or to be Christ's divers ways, viz. Actually, Virtually, Professedly. ( ¹ ) Actually, when they are truly implanted into Christ already by their effectual Calling, and are really sanctified. Of these there is no doubt, but God's Covenant and Promise are actually and formally theirs. As called and sanctified, they are within Covenant. Such an one was Noah, here first named in this Covenant with God. And probably such were Shem and Japheth, his sons. ( ² ) Virtually and potentially, when they are in a Capacity or possibility of becoming Christ's. Thus all that are Elected, though many of them be as yet unborn, are Christ's virtually according to Election; and God establishing his Covenant with those that are his, and with their Seed, must needs intend all such before they are in being. Thus God takes in here not only Noah and his sons, but their seed also, ( ³ ) Professedly men may be said to be Christ's, and godly, when they make a true Profession of Christ, and of godliness; and this either in themselves, as adulti grown up to years of discretion, or in their Christian Parents, as Infants which by reason of being so born are counted federally Holy, and in Covenant with their Parents. And thus, God entered into Covenant not only with Noah, Shem and Japheth, but also with Cham. He at that time professing godliness with his pious father and family: and not discovering his lewdness till after this Covenant was made. Yea he entered into Covenant with their Seed as well as with themselves, their seed professing godliness implicitly and fundamentally in their Parents. If then the Lord admit both Root and Branches, Parents and their seed into his Covenant jointly: how unwarrantable and dangerous are the Acts of Anabaptists who forbid Infants of such Parents to partake of the initiating sign and Token of the Covenant? 3. In God's Covenants we must further distinguish betwixt The Outward Administration and Common benefits thereof which come short of Salvation: and the Inward Efficacy and special benefits thereof which reach unto Salvation. In the former sense all the seed of Noah and of his sons were comprehended in this Covenant, and thereby secured against any other universal deluge of waters: but in the latter sense only the Elect of their seed are comprised in this Covenant, as tending to secure them from eternal perdition in Christ.

Doubt 2. But how and in what sense can God be said to establish his Covenant with the brute creatures, fowls, beasts and creeping things, that can neither understand God's Promises, nor restipulate any performances? Resol. 1. Some say, that this Covenant here made with Noah, &c. was absolute, and required no conditions on the Creatures part: and such an absolute Covenant may be made even with brute creatures, though they neither understand it nor restipulate. But every Covenant consists in mutual agreement. Explicit or Implicit. Promises may be absolute without restipulation: but not Covenants. And in this Covenant we shall find some things restipulated. 2. Others resolve better, who say; God Covenanted here with these brute Creatures, Not Properly and Directly for themselves, but improperly, indirectly and relatively, with reference and relation to mankind, that they should not anymore be generally destroyed with a flood. For as at first these Creatures were all made for man's use and service, And were afterwards drowned in the flood, not for their own sakes, but for man's sin,: So now while man should continue in this world, God covenanteth that these Creatures should continue also for his service and Benefit.

3. The Matters Covenanted in this Covenant are, either on God's part, or on the part of Noah, his sons and their seed.

God on his part Covenanted, that he would never more destroy the earth and the living Creatures therein with an universal deluge, as he had done▪ but that the Natural Courses and Revolutions of Times and Seasons, should successively continue till the worlds end. Herein therefore God hath given notable Security and Assurance that the whole Earth shall no more be drowned with a General flood. Yet this hinders not, but that; 1. Particular persons and places may be destroyed with floods of waters, and out-breaking of the unruly Sea, as hath come to pass both in England and in foreign Countries. Particulars and individuals may be destroyed by Waters: but not the whole universe. 2. The whole world, (though it shall not be destroyed by a flood and streams of waters, yet) may be destroyed with streams of Fire. For the Heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the Elements shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.

Noah, his sons, and their Seed on their part, at least Implicitly restipulate with God; 1. To believe this Promise of God, That the Earth and the living Creatures therein shall no more be destroyed generally with the waters of a flood. 2. To believe in Christ the true Sacrifice appeasing God's wrath against the world, and restoring stability to the perishing Creature, and so becoming the foundation of this and of all God's Covenants and Promises. 3. To make use of the Rainbow appearing, as a Sign or Token of this Covenant, for strengthening their Faith therein.

4. The Token of the Covenant, is God's Bow in the Cloud, as hath formerly been expressed from the text. For better understanding of this token, Consider, ¹ What Bow this is. ² When this Bow was set in the cloud. ³ What manner of Sign or Token it was, and is, in respect of this Covenant.

( ¹ ) What Bow this is, which is added as a Token of this Covenant, may be concluded from that phrase, I will set my Bow in the cloud. That is, The Rain-Bow; Which is the most Beautiful of all the Meteors, and most admirable both in its generation and figure. Hence the Poets call it filiam Thaumantis, that is, The daughter of that God which is most wonderful. It is called a Bow, because it resembles a bended bow in the figure of it: A Bow in the Cloud, because there only it appears: The Rain-Bow, because it naturally signifies Rain: Iris, in Latin from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , to foretell, Because it still foretells some Natural, or Supernatural thing. The Rainbow is an image or representation of a Bow or Semicircle of many colors arising in a moist waterish cloud from the various reflection and refraction of the Sun-beams thereupon. The chief colors of the Rainbow are three: viz. A reddish color uppermost. A greenish color middlemost. A waterish color lowest. Sometimes appears a yellowish color, from the commixture of the Red and Green. Further discourse about the Natural Mysteries in the Rainbow, I leave to the Natural Philosopher, as not so pertinent to my present purpose.

( ² ) When this Rainbow was set in the cloud, is variously disputed. Some think it was first set in the cloud at that very time when God made this Covenant with Noah. Mercerus saith, Rasi was of this opinion, and that presently as God spake these words to Noah, he brought a dewy cloud into the Air with a Rainbow in it, showing it to Noah, saying, This is the token of the Covenant, &c. Others rather conclude, that whether at that time God showed the Bow to Noah or not, the Rainbow did appear in the clouds long before that time: There being the self same Natural causes to produce this Natural effect of the Rainbow, before, as well as since the flood: and no impediment hindering such production. The Rainbow might be before the flood, from the beginning, as a Natural effect of Natural Causes: But till after the flood when God made this Covenant, it never was a Sign or Token of a Supernatural Covenant.

(3) What Manner of Sign or Token of the Covenant the Rainbow was, we may thus conceive. Signs or Tokens are things that Signifie and betoken some other thing to the mind, besides what they represent unto the Sense. Signs are either Natural, or Voluntary and Instituted. I. Natural Signs are they which of themselves, and in their own Nature Signifie something Present or Future. 1. Present, as Smoak is a Sign of fire: Paleness of some disease, &c. such signs are merely Significative. 2. Future, as the Red Evening fore-signifies a fair day▪ the Red Morning a fowl day: The Rainbow signifies Rain shortly to come, &c. II. Voluntary or Instituted Signs are such as signify, not of their own Nature, but only according to the will or pleasure of the Author or Institutor thereof. Thus the Passover signified Christ: Bread his Body: Wine his Blood▪ and here the Rainbow signifies Security, that the world shall no more be generally drowned with a flood. So then the Rainbow which Physically and Naturally denotes Rain, Theologically, supernaturally and by Institution signifies Fair weather and Security from Rain and a Flood. It's not a Natural, but an Instituted Sign. When we look upon it, we are not so much to take notice of its Natural, as of its Supernatural and instituted Signification, and of God's great favor in resolving never to drown the world again, remembered thereby. Thus God sometimes makes use of Contrary Means, for our good.

The Rainbow then confirming and Sealing the Certainty of God's Covenant, and our assurance thereof, not by Natural signification, but by supernatural Institution; those Conjectures of some are more witty then solid and weighty, who thus interpret the Natural Colours of the Rainbow viz. The waterish color, which is lowest, to signify the flood past: The Greenish color, which is in the midst, to signify the Mercy present, and Security against another general Flood: And the fiery color, which is highest, to signify the future destruction of the world by fire, as Peter inti mates.

III. Applyed this Aphorism may be in these brief ensuing Corollaries. viz. Hence,

1. Noah was singularly honored and favored of God; In that God established his Covenant twice with him; viz. Before the Flood, to assure him that himself and family should not perish with the wicked world: After the Flood, to assure him that he would never bring such another Flood upon the World.

2. The Greatness of God's commiserating Grace and Mercy to mankind is to be observed and admired in this Dispensation. Especially in that, 1. God's judgment upon the old world is closed up with Mercy to the New, though as Sinful as the Old. 2. This Mercy is tendered in a Covenant, and that a Covenant upon divine Record. 3. This Covenanted mercy is assured by a Sacrament; the Rainbow. 4. This Mercy, so far as temporal, is extended to all: to the wicked, as well as to the Godly; yea to Creatures irrational, neither understanding the Nature nor Obligation of the Covenant, as well as to rational Creatures.

3. There shall never be another General Flood to drown the world; Nor shall the Natural Revolution and Course of Seed-time and Harvest, cold and heat, Summer and Winter, Day and Night cease by any general judgment, while this Earth Continues.

4. When we See God's bow in the cloud, we should heedfully remember God's Severity in drowning the world for Sin, and God's Goodness assuring the New world that it shall never be drowned with a general Flood anymore.

APHORISM. III.

THese two Covenants of God, established with Noah, Before and After the Flood, For saving Noah and his family in the Ark by water from perishing with the wicked world, and for preserving the world from future destruction by a General Flood; were a renewed discovery and administration of the Covenant of Faith, touching Sinners Salvation by Jesus Christ. The two former Aphorisms I have briefly opened, for the better clearing of this. In them God's Covenant with Noah hath been explained in reference to the Temporal Benefits therein expressed: In this God's Covenant with Noah is to be unfolded in reference to Spiritual benefits and mysteries under those temporals implied. In the two former Aphorisms we have seen the outside of these Covenants: In this we shall behold the inside also. For more full satisfaction herein, Consider, 1. That these Covenants of God with Noah, were a renewed discovery and Administration of the Covenant of Faith touching Sinners Recovery and Salvation by Jesus Christ. 2. What was the Spiritualness, or Spiritual meaning of this Covenant. 3. What Additionals are annexed to this foederal Administration, more then to the First from Adam till Noah. And consequently what differences and agreements there were betwixt these two Dispensations. 4. Corollaries or Inferences from the whole.

I. That these two Covenants of God with Noah, before and after the General Flood were a renewed Administration of the Covenant of Faith, touching Sinners Recovery and Salvation by Jesus Christ, may be evinced by these ensuing Arguments, viz.

1. All God's Covenants and Promises since Mans fall were founded, stablished and principally accomplished in Jesus Christ the Sinners Savior. For all the Promises of God in him (that is, in Jesus Christ) are Yea, and in him Am •… , unto the glory of God: As hath been formerly explained. The same Christ for substance being tendered in them all: in several ages, severally. Why then shall Jesus Christ, and the mystery of Sinners salvation by him, be excluded from these Covenants and promises to Noah? It's granted that Christ was revealed in these Covenants with Noah, very dimly, obscurely, and but implicitly▪ and it cannot be denied, but that in all the several Administrations of the Covenants of Promise before Christ's Coming in the flesh, Christ was represented very obscurely, especially in the First Administrations, when Divine Grace in him began but to dawn and break forth to the world. Yet in the First Promise, which is darkest of all, we have found Christ and Sinners Recovery by hi •… intended and implied; ^1. In the Seed of the woman. ^2. In the Enmity betwixt the Seed of the woman and the Serpent. ^3. In the bruising of the Serpents Head by the woman's Seed, And ^4. In the Serpents bruising of his Heel. Why then should it seem a thing incredible or impossible to find out Christ, and Sinners salvation by him; ^1. In Noah's and his families Salvation in the Ark by water from destruction, ^2. In his Sacrifices offered, ^3. In God's promises of his and the worlds preservation from all such floods for future, and ^4. In the Rainbow confirming the same? Surely there were some glimmerings of Christ, in Noah, The Ark, The Waters, Salvation thereby, The Altar, Sacrifices, Rainbow, &c. as after may more distinctly appear.

2. Noah by his Faith, being moved with fear at God's Warning and making his Ark, became heir of the righteousness which is by Faith. By Faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an Ark, to the saving of his House, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. In which words note I. The foundation of Noah's Faith; viz. God's warning him of things unseen as yet. God's will and warning by his Word is the ground of our Faith. II. The Commendation of Noah's Faith; by the excellent effects, fruits or advantages thereof, notably flowing from one another, viz. 1. A reverential awe, and respect to God, and to his warning revealed; being moved with fear. 2. Hereupon an obediential preparation of an Ark, ( ¹ ) Primarily, for the saving of his own house. ( ² ) Secondarily, for the condemning of the world. In his building of which Ark he condemned the world two ways; Pan •… lie, by his Faith and Obedience in building it; hereby he condemned the Unbelieving and Disobedient world. Partly, by his Preaching to the old world whilst he did build it: Every knock upon the Ark for 120 years together, being as a Penitential Sermon to the world of the ungodly. Hereby he condemned the obstinate and impenitent world. 3. Consequently from both, a true Title to, and heirship of the Righteousness which is by faith▪ Even as an Heir hath right and title to his inheritance. This righteousness by Faith is that Perfect Righteousness of Jesus Christ, which God of his mere Grace imputeth to them that by Faith accept and receive the same, having renounced all self-righteousness, and all other ways of Sinners justification whatsoever. It's called God's righteousness; Because it is a righteousness whereof God is author, which alone God will accept, and which consists in the perfect obedience of him who is God as well as man. It's styled the Righteousness by Faith, or of Faith; because it is instrumentally apprehended and applied only by Faith. It is opposed to the Righteousness of the Law, called our own righteousness, which consists in our own perfect and perpetual personal fulfilling of the Law: This being not our own, but Christ's righteousness, perfectly fulfilling the Law, and undergoing the Curse thereof for us, a •… d making his righteousness ours by Faith. Of this Righteousness of Christ, Noah became heir, whilst by Faith he reverenced God's warning touching the flood, and prepared an Ark according to God's Covenant with him, for his families Salvation. Hence therefore it is evident, that Noah, in all this foederal transaction betwixt God & him, had a special eye to Christ by Faith: and that beyond the temporal salvation of his House in the Ark by waters from the general deluge, he beheld and apprehended the Spiritual Salvation of Christ's House the Church, and peculiarly of himself from the wrath of God by Jesus Christ and his blood; otherwise how could this Act of his Faith have made him heir of Christ's righteousness? None can inherit Christ's righteousness, but by Faith in Christ. Consequently this Covenant of God with Noah, touching his Salvation in the Ark by Water, principally intended the great Salvation by Christ: and so was an Administration of the Covenant of Faith.

3. Noah, was a singular Type of Christ; The Ark, a figure of the Church; and the temporal saving of his House with himself in the the Ark by water, a special type of the salvation of Christ's Elect in the Church by Jesus Christ. Consequently God's Covenant with Noah touching the saving of him and his family in the Ark by water from the Common destruction upon the wicked world, intended herein to signify the Elects salvation by Christ through Faith: and so this Covenant was the Covenant of Faith renewed with Noah touching Sinners Recovery and Salvation by Christ. The Consequence is clear. The Antecedent, consisting of three distinct branches, may be thus evidenced also in order.

( ^1. ) Noah was a singular Type of Christ. The Scriptures not obscurely intimate this: and learned writers both ancient and modern affirm it. Parallel them a little, and then see how notably Noah adumbrated and resembled Jesus Christ. I. Of Noah it was foretold, that he should comfort his family concerning their work and toil, and the curse of the ground. Whereupon he was named Noah, that is, Resting, Comforting, or Restoring; as before was noted. Of Christ also it was foretold; that he should save his people from their sins: whereupon he was called Jesus, A Savior, that he should preach good tidings unto the meek; should bind up the broken-hearted; should proclaim liberty to the Captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; should proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD; should comfort all that mourn; should give unto the Mourners in Zion Beauty for Ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. And how sweetly doth Christ allure distressed Souls to himself! Come unto me all ye that labor and are Heavy-laden, and I will give you Rest; take my yoke upon you,—and ye shall find rest unto your souls. II. When all flesh had corrupted his ways, and the whole world was over-flowed with extreme wickedness, yet Noah was a just, and upright man, walking with God, and found grace in the eyes of the LORD. So Jesus Christ, in the Corruptest times wherein he lived, was perfectly just, did nothing amiss; had no guil in his mouth; was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from Sinners. Increased in favor with God and man. And was the Son of his Fathers love. III. Noah was a Priest, a Prophet, and a King. ¹ A Priest; for he built an Altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered Burnt-offerings upon the Altar. ^2. A Prophet, for he was a Preacher of righteousness to the old world. And ^3. A King; for the flood having drowned the whole world except himself, and his family, Noah was the sole Monarch of the whole Earth: and by his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth was the whole earth over-spread; and all creatures subdued under them. So Christ was, ^1. A Priest, yea our great High Priest, Both making satisfaction to God's justice for our sins by offering up his Manhood once upon the Altar of his Godhead; And by Making continual intercession in Heaven for us. ^2. A Prophet, Revealing unto Sinners God's will touching their Salvation: and opening their understandings to discern the same. ^3. A King. Conquering and Subduing us to himself; Applying his benefits to us Purchased and Revealed; Governing, and Guarding us; And crushing all his and our Enemies under his foot. IV. Noah built a Material Ark, for the saving of his Natural Posterity therein from the general deluge of waters, according to God's Covenant. So Jesus Christ builds a Spiritual Ark, his Church, for the saving of all his Elect, his supernatural Posterity therein, from the deluge of God's wrath. V. Noah Sacrificing Burnt-offerings to God, God smelled a savor of Rest, and took Occasion hereby to Promise and Covenant with Noah never to destroy the world with a Flood of waters, making his Bow in the Cloud a Sign or Token of the Covenant. So Jesus Christ by the eternal Spirit offering up himself without spot to God, and giving himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a Sweet smelling savor; The Lord hereupon hath established A New and Everlasting Covenant with them that are Christ's, never to destroy them for their sins by the deluge of his wrath, but to be merciful to their iniquities, and remember their sins no more; yea to be their God, and that they shall be his people: adding Baptism and the Lord's Supper, as Tokens and Seals of this Covenant. VI. The dreadful storm of the Flood being over, Noah sent forth out of the Ark a Dove, which returned to them into the Ark with an Olive branch (an Emblem of Peace and comfort) in her mouth, signifying that the waters were abated. So Jesus Christ, the terrible Storm and Tempest of his Passion and Death for our sin being over, sends forth his holy Spirit (sometimes appearing in the form of a Dove ) the Author of Comfort Peace and Joy in the hearts of his people, witnessing with their Spirits that they are God's children, that their sins are pardoned, their peace with God is concluded, and the Flood of his wrath is forever turned away. VII. Finally, Noah was a Restorer of the world ruined by the Flood of waters; his sons over-spread the whole Earth; and the Creatures, which he preserved and provided for in the Ark, replenished the world. So, and much more eminently. Jesus Christ is the restorer of the whole world, dissipated, scattered, broken, cursed and ruined for man's sin by the flood of God▪ wrath: Redeeming, Preserving and propagating his Church throughout the whole world, Restoring and ordering all Creatures for the good of his Church. In the dispensation of the fullness of times, God hath gathered together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are in earth, even in him.—And hath put all things under his feet: and gave him to be head over all things to the Church. And of Christ it is said, He is before all things, and by him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the Church: who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. And ( having made peace through the blood of his Cross ) by him to reconcile all things unto himself by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in Heaven. Thus Noah, in reference to this foederall Transaction of God with him, notably resembled Jesus Christ. And therefore how can we but conclude, that God's Covenants with Noah were intended for an Administration of the Covenant of Faith, touching sinners Recovery by Jesus Christ?

( ² ) The Ark of Noah was a Notable Type of the Church of Christ. The Apostle Peter intimates so much, in the judgment of Jerome. Both Augustine, Jerome, Cyprian, and other later writers hold▪ that Noah's Ark was a Type of Christ's Church: yet in the accommodation of the resemblance, they run out into some Niceties and curiosities which will hardly abide a strict▪ examination. Pitch we upon those things which seem more solid herein.

Now the Ark of Noah did notably adumbrate and resemble the Church of Christ, (especially the Church visible) in these particular respects. viz. I. The Ark was built by Noah as the Master-builder, ordering all things therein according to God's Covenant and Command, having inferior workmen under him. The Church, the House of the living God, was built by Jesus Christ; Hence it is called his own House. And particular Churches are styled the Churches of Christ. And Jesus Christ hath his inferior Master-builders under him, viz. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Some of these Christ constituted as Master-builders to lay the foundation, as the Extraordinary Officers, Apostles, &c. Others as under-builders to build upon their foundation laid, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. II. The material Ark was a long time in building by Noah. viz. From God's first establishing his Covenant with Noah, till the end of the old world, which was 120. years. The Spiritual Ark the Church is a longer time in building by Christ, even from God's First Promise established on the •… eed of the Woman, till the end of the world that now is, and Christ's second Coming; For till then the Gospel-Ordinances, and Officers, are to cont •… new for the gathering and building of his Church. And the received opinion of the Jews is, as it was created in six days, so it will continue 6000. years. III. The Ark was built of Gopher wood, a wood well senting and lasting; The planks thereof closed fast together, and pitched within and without with pitch, that neither rain from above, nor floods from below might enter, or sink the same. The Church also is built of lasting and well senting Gopher-wood, viz. Trees of righteousness, Saints by calling, really or apparently such; knit and joined together in love; with this (as Augustine hath it) they are pitched within and without, maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace, whereby they are kept from sinking under Temptations or Tribulations. Ieru salem is as a City that is Compact together. In Christ all the building fitly framed (or compacted ) together, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. IIII. The material Ark had a window to let in light to them that were therein. The Spiritual Ark the Church hath her window, her spiritual light: Even Jesus Christ the light of the world: who by his Word and Spirit illuminates all his House. Jesus said, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. V. The Ark had but one Door to go in and out at. The Church also hath but one Door for the Elect sheep of Christ to enter in at for Salvation. This Door is Christ alone. I am the door of the sheep, (saith Christ) by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved; and shall go in and out and find pasture. No man cometh unto the Father but by Christ. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved. Yea there is a Door unto this Door Christ: for (as Augustine noteth) The fide and heart of Christ pierced and opened by the spear, the wound in Christ's fide, is the way into Christ; for hence the Sacraments did flow, whereby Believers are initiated. VI. The Ark was made with lower, second and third stories, for the variety of Creatures. So in the Church there are several stories and degrees. All not in a level of equality. Some are Governors, Rulers, Officers: Some are Governed, Ruled, and without special office. Again, among officers, some were extraordinary, and to continue but for a time, as Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Are all Apostles, are all Prophets? &c. Some Ordinary, and to continue to the end, as Pastors, and Teachers, Elders, Deacons. As the natural Body hath several members: and several offices for all these members. And amongst the Community of the faithful, some are babes in Christ: some are grown men, having their senses exercised to discern between good and evil Some are weak in the faith: some are strong, and comparatively perfect in regard of others. And as the God of order hath thus ranked his people in the Church, in their several places, functions and stories as it were: so they should know and keep their places re spectively. Yea in Heaven itself, wherein the Church shall be triumphant, there are many mansions; and as here degrees of Grace; so there degrees of glory; some shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament, some as the stars forever and ever. For, the Lord will render to everyone according to his works, both for kind and degree. VII. The Ark had in it all variety of creatures, both clean and unclean: wolf and lamb, sheep and goats, &c. Yea in it was a cursed Cham, as well as an holy Noah and a blessed Shem. So the visible Church, the spiritual Ark hath in it people of all Nations, tongues and languages, of all sexes, ages, conditions and degrees: Jews and Gentiles; Noble and ignoble; rich and poor; wise and foolish; bond and free; male and female; young and old. In this field, also are tares as well as wheat; in this Net, bad, as well as good fish; in this House, foolish, as well as wise Virgins; in this Ark, hypocrites and reprobates, as well as the sincere and Elect. Hereupon said Jerome; As in the Ark were kinds of all creatures: so in the Church are men of all nations and manners. As there the leopard and the Kids, the wolf and the Lambs: so here the righteous and sinners, that is, golden and silver vessels remain with wooden and earthen vessels. In the visible Church, God's House, are as well vessels to dishonor, as vessels to honor; as well vessels of wrath, as vessels of Mercy. VIII. Finally, The Ark with them that were therein, was exposed to storms and tempests, winds and waves, Rain and floods, such as the world never saw since nor before, by which it was extremely endangered to be split in a thousand pieces upon rocks or Mountains, or to be overturned and overwhelmed in the deep, all the world being nothing but one entire Sea. Thus the Church on earth with all the people of God therein are liable to the most rugged tempests of afflictions and persecutions of all sorts and degrees. Time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. — In this world (saith Christ to his Disciples) ye shall have tribulat • on —. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, saith David. — Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. —And, through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God. Hereupon said Jerome, The Ark was endangered in the flood: The Church is endangered in the world. And before him Cyprian said The Ark did bear a figure of the Church; and the tossing of the Ark to and fro with winds and billows, a figure of Persecution. The Ark could have no rest, till it came to Mount Ararat: nor shall the Church and people of God have any perfect rest, till they come to the celestial Ararat, those mountains of spices. Thus the Ark (to mention no more particulars) did notably resemble the visible Church of Christ. And therefore in God's Covenant with Noah touching this Ark, explicitly: why may we not understand God's Covenant of Faith, in Christ touching his Church Implicitly?

3. Finally, The saving of Noah, his family and the living Creatures in the Ark by waters, from perishing by the flood, was a remarkable Type or figure of the Salvation of the Household of God in the Ark of his Church by Jesus Christ from perishing by the deluge of Divine wrath. The words of Peter are most clear for this; The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the Ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto, even Baptism doth also now save us ( note the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God, ) by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus parallel and accommodate the Type to the Antitype; The figure to the thing prefigured. I. They only that were in the Ark with Noah, were saved from the flood of waters, when all the world besides, without the Ark, were drowned. So, They only that are within the Church with Jesus Christ are saved from the wrath of God, when all the world without the Church are swallowed up by Divine vengeance for their sins. The Known Maxim is, Without the Church is no Salvation. Ordinarily it is so; I Dispute not what God may do extraordinarily. But the Apostle informs us; that such as are aliens to the Commonwealth of Israel, are without Christ, strangers from the Covenants of Promise, having no Hope, and without God in the world. And therefore as such, they are in a sad incapacity of Salvation. Hereupon said Augustine, Whosoever he be, and what manner of person soever he is, a Christian he is not, that is not in the Church. And again elsewhere he saith; Firmly hold, and nothing doubt, that not only all Pagans, but also all Jews heretics and scismaticks, who finish this present life without the Catholic Church, shall go into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels. II. They that were saved in the Ark were saved by water. They were saved by water, from water: By the flood, from the flood. For the water ters lifted up the Ark and them therein above the peril of drowning. So the Church is saved, ¹ Sacramentally by water, viz. by the waof Baptism, which in regard of its signification and end, is salvifical: He that believes and is baptized, shall be saved. ^2. Spiritually by the Blood of Christ justifying: and by the Spirit of Christ Sanctifying; both signified by water. Christ's blood washeth away the guilt, Christ's Spirit washeth off the filth of sin. Thus we are saved by the flood of Christ's blood and water, from the flood of God's wrath. Yea as Augustine noteth, They in the Ark were saved by wood and water: So we in a sort in Christ are saved by wood and water, viz. by his Death, Who himself bare our sins in his own Body on the tree, and out of whose side, pierced with the spear, gushed both blood and water for the cleansing away of our sins. What doth it signify that Noah was delivered by water and wood? Water signifies Baptism: wood the Cross: As Noah was delivered by water & wood: So also the Church is delivered by Baptism and the signal of his Passion. III. They that were saved in the Ark by water and wood, were saved by being lifted up above the Earth. So they that are saved by Christ's blood, are saved by being lifted up above the earth by his Resurrection and Ascension also.— The like figure whereunto, even Baptism doth also now save us, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God. When Christ meritoriously and effectually wrought our Salvation, he by his Resurrection came out of the earth, and by his Ascension went far above the earth, even into Heaven: when Christ actually applies his Salvation to us, Christ risen makes us rise with him: Christ ascended, makes us ascend after him; Christ sitting in Heaven, makes us set our affections above, not on things on the earth, and our conversations are in Heaven also. IIII. They that were saved in the Ark were saved therein with Noah, who forsook his own Habitation to dwell with them in the Ark and with them to be tossed up and down with winds and waves that they might be saved with him. So they that are saved in the Ark of the Church, are saved by Christ's gracious and powerful presence, therefore Christ himself left his Heavenly Throne for a while, and entered solemnly into the Church by Baptism: and therein dwelt with us, exposing himself to all storms and Tempests, waves and billows, rocks and dangers of affliction and persecution, &c. to save us from them. He carried our griefs and bare our sorrows, that our griefs and sorrows might be turned into joy. He was content to undergo our storms with us: that we might enjoy his calms with him. He was tossed with us on our Sea: that we might anchor with him in his Haven. He was afflicted with us in all our afflictions: that we might be affected with him in all his Consolations. He was involved in our Curse; that he might impart to us his blessedness. He was wounded and bruised for our iniquities; that we might be healed by his stripes. He was condemned for our crimes, that we might be cleared by his condemnations. He was imprisoned in our chains and fetters, that we might be set at liberty by his imprisonment. He was crowned with our thorns; that we might be crowned with his triumphs. He died with us: that we might live with him. He was buried with us: that we might rise with him. He became sin with us: that we might be the righteousness of God in him. Thus Christ endangers himself with us, for our safety. While Christ is in the ship, in the Ark, all is safe, though (as once the Apostles) in greatest storms and hazards. The ship of the Church had long ere this day been split, sunk, wracked and broken in pieces, had not Christ been in the ship to rebuke the waves and Tempests. V. They that were saved in the Ark from the flood, were saved by God's special Providence, guiding and ordering the Ark. For it was heavy-laden, yet had neither Anchor nor Cable, Mast, Helm, Sayles nor Tackling, neither Pilot, Mariner nor skillful Steersman: yet at last it landed safe on Mountains of Ararat, which signifies, Take-away-fear. So they that are saved in the Church by Christ from Divine wrath, are saved by God's singular Providence, most eminently acting in Providing Christ for them, In Tendering and Applying Christ to them, and in preserving them in Christ unto the end. VI. They that were saved in the Ark, were saved according to God's Covenant. So they that are saved by Christ, are saved according to God's Covenant and Promises in him, both under Old and N. Testament. God's Truth & faithfulness herein, is their shield and buckler, and their Tower of Salvation. VII. They that were saved in the Ark were but few, viz. Eight souls, when the whole world besides was drowned. So they that are saved by Christ (though in themselves a multitude, which none can number, yet) in comparison of them that perish, are exceeding few. Christ's flock is but a little flock. Many are called, few are chosen, &c. VIII. Finally, They that were saved from the flood of waters, were assured from God after their deliverance was completed, that there should be never more any such flood to drown the earth. So they that are saved by Christ, after the accomplishment and completing of their Salvation, are assured there shall be no more Sea: no more sea of affliction. But that God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain. Thus the saving of Noah and his family in the Ark by water from the flood, was an observable type of our salvation by Christ from Divine wrath. Therefore God's Covenant with Noah thus to save him and his, in the Ark, by water, was for substance the Covenant of Faith for saving sinners by Jesus Christ. And under that Temporal and Typicall, this Spiritual and Eternal Salvation was intended. Seeing then, Noah was a Type of Christ herein; The Ark a Type of the Church; And the saving of his house, &c. with Noah in the Ark by waters from perishing in the flood, a Type of the saving of God's people in the Church by Christ from perishing by God's wrath: It is clear that God's Covenant with Noah was a renewed Administration of the Covenant of Faith. Thus of this third Argument.

4. God's Covenant with Noah and his family, not to curse the ground anymore for man's sake, by destroying the earth with a general Flood of waters, notwithstanding the imagination of man's heart remained evil from his youth, doth notably point out God's Covenant of faith in Christ, by whom alone the curse due for sin is removed, though sin in his people be not wholly extinguished and obliterated. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a Tree. To this effect saith one very appositly, touching this place of Genesis; This taking away of the curse (notwithstanding man's corrupt heart remaining) is a notable testimony of God's rich mercy in Christ, by whom we are freed from the curse. Gal. 3. 13. Rev. 22. 3. Zech. 14. 11. For the Covenant now made concerning the waters with Noah, was a figure of that spiritual and eternal Covenant of Peace with us in Christ, as is shown in Isa. 54. 8, 9, 10. So he. And I add, That God's Covenanting to curse the ground no more with a general Flood forever, though man's heart remained corrupt, the more clearly signifies to us God's Covenant of Faith in Christ, touching sinners Recovery and Salvation▪ because God took occasion to make this Covenant, upon Noah's sacrificing of Burnt-offerings upon an Altar to him, whereupon God smelled a sweet savor of rest, and said in his heart, I will not •… ain curse the ground anymore, &c. God made this Covenant, being pacified with Noah's burnt-offerings. How could Noah's burnt-offerings pacify God, or afford any sweet savor to God? Not in, and of themselves: for the bodies of beasts burnt, of themselves send forth an offensive savor. Not from any merit of Noah: for though he was righteo •… , yet his righteousness was of Faith, not of works; and he was subject to sinful frailties. How then? only as Types of Christ's death for our sins, that Sacrifice of sacrifices which was the Substance, End and Scope of all the sacrifices under the Old Testament. This was The Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. This was the true cause of appeasing God's wrath, of removing the curse, and of God's gracious Covenanting with Noah no more to drown the world with a flood. Consequently this Covenant in the secret and spiritual intendments of it, was a renewed Discovery of the Covenant of Faith touching Sinners Recovery in Christ Jesus.

5. As the Rainbow is made a Token of this Covenant of God with Noah, a sign and pledge of Divine favor, Mercy and Peace: So J. C. our Lord is represented in Scripture, sometimes as sitting upon a Throne, there being a Rainbow round about the Throne, in sight like to an Emerald; Sometimes as a Mighty Angel descending from Heaven, clothed with a cloud, and a Rainbow upon his head, &c. In both which places, (as that learned Rivet well notes) There is mention of a Rainbow (which God hath made a token of mercy & peace) that we may acknowledge Christ's Ihrone to be compassed about with Mercy, and that he shows this Mercy in his Countenance, when he manifests himself unto his people. But especially, we have that Rainbow in his face, whereby we are certain, not only that the waters shall no more universally overflow the earth; but also and chiefly that we are not to fear the flood of God's wrath, since Christ hath pacified the Father, whom whilst God beholds, he remembers his mercy and promises, which in him are Yea, and Amen. Therefore Christ appears crowned with a Rainbow, as the Messenger of Grace and Peace. For he is The Prince of Peace, and our Peace, Isa. 9. 6. Eph. 2. 14. So he. The Rainbow then, which as a Token of Mercy was annexed to Noah's Covenant, is thence used to signify Divine Mercy to Sinners in Christ Jesus, whereby we are given to understand, That the Rainbow was not only given as a confirmatory Token against an universal flood of waters: but also as a Consolatory Token in Christ against the Flood of God's wrath. And so the Rainbow leads us even to Christ himself, and to the Covenant of Faith in him. Hence saith another, As the Covenant made with Noah concerning the Waters, is applied to the Spiritual Covenant made with us in Christ, Isa. 54. 9, 10. So the Rainbow, (the sign of that Covenant) is also applied for the sign of Grace from God to his Church, Rev. 4. 3. and 10. 1. Ezek. 1. 28. And Augustine saith; What is signisied by this Rainbow but the Reconci liation of the world, which is known to be done by the Dispensation of the incarnate Word? &c.

6. Finally, divers judicious Writers account this Covenant of God with Noah before and after the Flood, the Covenant of Grace and Faith in Christ, and think, that under this Temporal Salvation from the Flood expressed, the Spiritual and Eternal Salvation of God's Elect from the deluge of God's wrath is implied. This therefore is no new or singular Opinion, though those that purposely treat of God's Covenant, do omit this gradual discovery and distinct administration of the Covenant of Faith to Noah.

Learned and judicius Rivet saith of this Covenant; Et quamvis Foedus illud tantum spectare videatur praesentem vitam, &c. And though that Covenant seem only to respect this present life; yet we must ascend higher, to the thing signified. For it is the Covenant of Grace, which looks at some other thing then the use of temporal life for a few years.

That learned and laborious Pareus saith thus; Quaestio hîc est, an idem hoc foedus sit, an aliud ab eo, quod cum Deo nunc habemus? Respondeo, est idem & diversum, &c. viz. A Question here ariseth, Whether this Covenant be the same with that which we have now with God, or another different from it? I answer, It is the same, and Diverse. It is the same in respect of Eternal Grace by Christ, and in respect of the obligation of Moral Obedience. For, this Substance of the Covenant, that is, of the Mutual stipulation of God and the Elect, is the same, and perpetual in both Testaments: Promulged in Paradise; The Seed of the woman, &c. Repeated to Noah here, and in chap. 9. Tyed to the family of Abraham, chap. 15. 18. & chap. 17. 2. Repeated to Moses and the Israelites, Exod. 24. At last most fully declared and confirmed by the Ministry and blood of Christ. Therefore Christ is Mediator of the Everlasting Covenant, Heb. 13. 20. The same both now and of old is the way of Salvation by Christ, Heb. 13. 18. Act. 15. 11. But this Covenant differs in Circumstances and Manner of Administration. God propounded this gratuitous Covenant in one sort to the Fathers, in another to us. 1. To the Fathers he added certain external Promises: As, of preservation in the Flood, to Noah; of giving the Land of Canaan to Abraham; Not so to us. 2. To them he gave other Signs and burdens: Before the Flood, Sacrifices; After the Flood, the Rainbow to Noah; Circumcision to Abraham; The Passover to Moses and the Israelites; yea, Sacrifices, Ceremonies, Festivals, and innumerable other Laws, wherein as in a cloud or dark garment the Promise of Grace was involved. For all the Legal shadows did show Christ: but more obscurely, as when the Sun is seen through the clouds. To us he hath given other signs, clearer and fewer, the shadows disappearing at Christ's Coming. By reason of this diversity, the Covenant, which is but one in Substance, is said to be twofold, Old and New. And the Old is abolished: because the Promise of Grace hath put off its legal robe, wherewith it was covered of old as with a cloud. But the New is everlasting, both in Substance and Administration, because another change of Rites and Sacraments is not to be expected before the last Day: for as much as we are commanded to break the Lord's bread, and show forth the Lord's Death, until he come. How fully and clearly hath he expressed himself in this matter!

That learned and accurate Textual, Mr. Ainsworth, thus expresseth himself; And thou shalt Enter, &c.] This explaineth the Covenant made on God's part, That he would save Noah and his Household from Death by the Ark; And on Noah's part, That he should through Faith and Obedience make and Enter into the Ark, so committing himself to God's preservation, Heb. 11. 7. And under this, The Covenant or Testament of Eternal Salvation by Christ, was also implied; the Apostle testifying, that the (Antitype, or) like figure hereunto, even Baptism, doth now also save us, 1 Pet. 3. 21. which Baptism is a Seal of our Salvation, Mar. 16. 16.

That pious, judicious and industrious Perkins (who did more good service to the Church of God with his left hand, then many do with both; like a spiritual Ehud stabbing the Romish Eglon with his left-handed pen,) saith; Thus we have seen in some sort; How the Ark saved Noah and his household, and what this his household was. Now besides this End and Use of the Ark, we are further to know; That where as this saving of them was but a Corporal deliverance from a temporal Death, this Ark hath also a Spiritual use, which we may not omit: For as many of Noah's family as were true believers, it was a means to save them another way, even to save their souls. For it taught them many things. 1. It was an assurance of God's love unto their Souls. For if he were so careful to save their bodies from the flood, they thereby assured themselves he would be as good unto their souls, which they knew to be far more precious and excellent. 2. It showed them how to be saved. For as they saw no safety, nothing but present Death, out of the Ark: So it taught them, that out of God's Church, and out of God's favor, no salvation could be expected; and so it taught them to labor to be in God's favor, and members of his true Church. 3. They saw they were saved from the Flood by Faith and Obedience. For, first Noah believed God's Word that the flood should come; then he obeyed God's Commandment, and made the Ark as he was commanded. And thus he and his by believing and obeying were saved through the Ark: and without these the Ark could not have saved them. This taught them more particularly how to be saved, namely, by believing God, and obeying God, and else no salvation. For when they saw their bodies could not be saved without them; it assured them much less could their Souls be saved without Faith and Obedience. 4. Lastly, this deliverance by the Ark, was a pawn unto them from God, assuring them of Salvation, if they believed in the Messias. For seeing God so fully performed his promise unto them for their bodily deliverance upon their believing: they thereby might assure themselves, he would perform his Promise of Salvation unto them upon their Faith and true Obedience. So he. In his judgment therefore, the temporal Salvation of their bodies in the Ark by water, did instruct them touching the Spiritual and Eternal salvation of their Souls in the Church by Christ. Whence it is clear, that God's Covenant with Noah in the temporal salvation expressed, intended the spiritual and eternal Salvation implied.

Thus, In Noah, we have found Christ. In the Ark, the Family or Church of Christ. In the saving of Noah's family in the Ark by waters from perishing in the flood, the saving of the Church and Elect of God by Jesus Christ, and his death, from perishing in the deluge of God's wrath. In Noah's Altar and burnt-offerings affording a Savour of rest to God, The true Altar and Sacrifice Jesus Christ, who offered up himself for our sins, an Odor of a sweet smell to God. In the Rainbow, the token of mercy and peace, The mercy favor love and peace of God towards us in the face of Christ. And consequently, In that Covenant of God with Noah for corporal preservation, we have found the Covenant of Faith dispensed to him in Christ touching Sinners Spiritual Recovery and Eternal Salvation. And so the First thing is cleared, That God's Covenants with Noah before and after the Flood, were a renewed discovery and administration of the Covenant of Faith touching Sinners Salvation by Jesus Christ. The next thing to be inquired into, is, The Spiritualness of these Covenants of God with Noah, as they are a renewed Administration of the Covenant of Faith touching Sinners Eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ. For it is already cleared by sundry Arguments, That under Temporals explicitly Covenanted, Spirituals were implicitly intended and comprised.

II. What the Spiritualness, or Spiritual Meaning of these Covenants of God with Noah, as a renewed Administration of the Covenant of Faith, is; hath partly been discovered by the Arguments formerly produced to prove the Thing; and may further appear, by Considering briefly, ^1. The Author, ^2. Parties, ^3. Matter, and ^4. Form of these Covenants, as a Covenant of Faith in Christ, touching Sinners Salvation.

I. The Author of these Covenants with Noah, &c. as a Covenant of Faith, was God. God was Author of them, immediately by lively voice Revealing them to Noah, as a gracious Preserver, Deliverer and Merciful Savior of a Remnant of mankind from deserved destruction. In this Notion God was Author hereof, The Impulsive Cause moving him hereunto, was Inward, and Outward. 1. Inward; His own mere Grace and commiserating favor to Noah and his family. 2. Outward; the satisfactory and sweet-smelling Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, typified in Noah's Sacrifices which were a savor of rest to God, and an Occasion of God's Covenant with him.

II. The Parties to these Covenants, as a Covenant of Faith, were chiefly two, viz.

1. On the one hand, as the Party Covenanting, God; as a gracious compassionate and merciful Savior of a Remnant of lost mankind in Christ.

2. On the other hand, as the Party Restipulating, in Noah and his family, Christ, (as a true Noah, a true Comforter, and Author of Rest and Peace, to cursed and tired Sinners,) and his Family, his Spiritual Household in him. Typically Noah and his family: Antitypically or Spiritually Christ and his family, the Church, his Spiritual Seed, are here Federates with God.

III. Matters Covenanted in these two Covenants, as a distinct Administration of the Covenant of Faith, are 1. On God's Part. 2. On Christ's part ( as the true Noah) and his Seed's.

1. God on his part graciously Covenanted and Promised,

(1) That the Spiritual Household of Christ the true Noah, (though very few in comparison of the world,) should be spiritually and eternally saved from the deluge of God's wrath, when the whole world besides should utterly perish therein. For under the Temporal and Corporal salvation of Noah's Family from the Flood of waters, we are to understand the Spiritual and Eternal Salvation of Christ and his family from the flood of God's wrath.

(2) That they who should be Spiritually and Eternally saved from the Deluge of God's wrath and vengeance, should be saved only in the Ark of God's Church with and by Jesus Christ the true Noah. No living Creature on earth was saved without the Ark, all died in the flood, except they that were with Noah in the Ark: So all without the Church eternally perish; they only that are with Christ in his Church are eternally saved— And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved. But first they were added to the Church: then saved. Yea therefore added to the Church, that they might be saved. To this purpose said Cyprian notably of the Church of Christ; By her fructifyng we are brought forth; by her Milk we are nourished: by her Spirit we are animated. The Spouse of Christ cannot be defiled with adultery, She is incorrupt and chaste: she knows one House, most chastely preserves the sanctity of one chamber. She keeps us to God, she assigns the sons which she hath begotten to a Kingdom. Whosoever segregated from the Church, is joined to an adulteress, he is separated from the Promises of the Church. Nor shall he come to Christ's rewards, who relinquisheth Christ's Church. He is an alien, he is profane, he is an Enemy. He cannot have God, a Father; that hath not the Church, a Mother. If any could escape who was without the Ark of Noah: Then may he escape that is without the Church. So here, without the Ark, none scaped drowning: without the Church none scape damning.

And as all that shall be saved, shall be saved only in the Church: so they are to be saved only with and by Christ therein. Peter saith, Eight persons were saved in the Ark, but by water: so we must be saved in the Church, but by Christ, figured by water. Christ is the only way to the Father; the only saving door of the Sheep; the only Mediator betwixt God and man; the only name given whereby we can be saved. So then, in this Covenant, under the Type of Noah, Christ as a comforting Savior of his House from God's wrath, is most sweetly Promised of God.

(3) That they who should be saved by this true Noah Jesus Christ in the Ark of his Church, should be saved by virtue of his Death and Resurrection. This Peter intimates in his accommodation of the Type to the Antitype.— While the Ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight Souls were saved. The like figure whereunto, even Baptism doth also now save us, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is gone into Heaven, and is on the right hand of God. When Christ purchased and wrought out our Salvation, he effected it chiefly two ways; 1. By his Death and Humiliation. Dying for our sins, and bearing the curse of our sins in his own body on the tree, for the full satisfying and pacifying of divine justice: So that now there needs no more Sacrifice for sin. 2. By his Resurrection from the dead, and Exaltation. Hereby he justified himself to be the Son of God, a righteous person, and a triumphant Conqueror of Sin, Death, Grave, and all the powers of darkness: and this for our justification, that we might be Over these enemies joint Conquerors with him. Proportionably when Christ applies unto us Salvation purchased, he doth it two ways; 1. By Mortifying and burying our Old man with him, that sin should no longer live and Raign in us. 2. By vivifying and raising up the new man with him; That as Christ rose from the dead, so we should walk in newness of life. Both these are signified by Baptism. ( ¹ ) Our Death with Christ, by our going into the water, or being in or under the water in Baptism. Hence these phrases, we are baptized into his Death: we are buried with him by baptism into Death; we are planted together in the likeness of his Death. ( ² ) Our Life and Resurrection with Christ, by our coming out of, or from under the water of Baptism. Hence we are said to be buried with him by baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead, — so we also should walk in newness of life. And it is styled, Our planting in the likeness of his Resurrection. Thus (as Peter intimates) we are saved Meritoriously by Christ's Death and Resurrection; Actually, by the effectual application of both these to us; Sacramentally by Baptism signifying and Sealing both these to us. Now of both these the saving of Noah's family in the Ark by water, was a Type; For, ( ^1. ) Noah's entering into the Ark and his House with him, was a kind of Typical Death and buryal; As Mr. Perkins hath well observed, They went into the Ark as dead men into a Grave. They were buried in the Ark, and the Ark in the waters: they were deprived of human Society, fresh air, glad some light, and of the comfort of earthly Creatures. Yet this was God's way to save them from Death and Grave, as it were by Death and Grave. If Noah's family will be saved alive with him, they must go into the Grave with him. So if Christ's family wll be eternally saved by him, they must go into the grave with him, being spiritually mortifi'd, crucified and buried with him. ( ² ) Noah's coming out of the Ark alive and his family with him, when all the world was drownd and dead, was a kind of Typical Reviving and Resurrection from the dead. They came out of the Ark as out of the Grave; and that into a New world. If Noah's family will be saved with him, they must also come out of the Ark with him. Had they not come out at last, they had perished there. So if Christ's Family will be saved with him eternally, they must be quickened and rise again with him. As they must die with him to sin: so they must live with him to righteousness. Thus in this Covenant with Noah, God typically represented Sinners Salvation by Christ's Death and Resurrection: in their Entring into, and Coming out of the Ark. And this is one high point, and a principal Mystery of the Gospel.

(4) That Christ's family and elect saved by him once from the flood of God's wrath, should never eternally perish by the deluge of his wrath: As Noah and his family saved from the flood of waters, receive a Covenant from God, that neither they nor the living Creatures on Earth should ever anymore be destroyed by a flood of waters.

(5) Finally, That they who are spiritually and eternally saved by Christ, shall have all necessary Temporal Blessings superadded to them in Christ. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Thus in the Type, Noah's family was not only saved in the Ark with Noah; but also for their sakes, A seed of the living Creatures were saved in the Ark with them for their after use and service; The free use of the Creatures is granted to them, the Earth and Creatures being put under their power in subjection; and the continued course and revolution of Times and Seasons, without danger of being destroyed anymore, by an universal flood of waters, is assured to them. So in Christ all are ours, the world, and life, and death, and things present, and things to come, all are ours; and we are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

These things God Covenanted and Promised on his part.

2. Christ (the true Noah ) and his family; on their part restipulated respectively divers things, viz.

(1.) That Jesus Christ would prepare and build a Spiritual Ark, his Church, wherein his elect family should be saved from wrath to come: whereby the world of the ungodly should be destroyed.

(2.) That the Elect of Christ should come into this Ark, should Enter into this Church with Jesus Christ, and therein abide with him, for their Salvation. Christ entered into his Church by Baptism, that with himself he might save all his Elect in his Church. That his Elect may actually partake Salvation by Christ, they must enter Christ's Ark, and remain therein with Christ.

These things Christ and his family restipulated, under the type of Noah and his family, on their part.

IV. The Form of these Covenants of God with Noah, as a renewed Administration of the Covenant of Faith in Christ, was twofold, viz.

1. Inward, The reciprocal and mutual obligation of the Federate Parties to each other.

2. Outward, The way and manner of this Covenants Administration. This Covenant of Faith from Noah till Abraham, was Revealed, Dispensed and Administred in this sort.

1. It was explicitly styled A Covenant; A Covenant for Perpetual Generations, Heb. For Generations of eternity; An Everlasting Covenant, Heb. A Covenant of Eternity. This was the first express mention and denomination of a Covenant betwixt God and man. And this Covenant Everlasting; in that hereby God assured Noah, that the world should never again be destroyed by a general Flood. Proportionably hereunto God in his Covenant of peace hath assured his people, That he would not be wroth with them, but have mercy on them with everlasting kindness.

2. It was made by God's immediate 〈◊〉 to Noah▪ Clearly therefore a Divine Covenant.

3. It was limited to Noah and his Family as the Type: To Christ and his Church visible as the Antitype. All others were aliens from the Covenants of Promise.

4. It was revealed and represented under the visible temporal Preservation of Noah and his family in a Material Ark from the Flood of waters; and their Certioration, or assuring of them and their Seed, that the Earth should no more be destroyed with a general flood of waters. Under which the Elect of Christ are assured of their Spiritual and Eternal Salvation in the Church by Jesus Christ, through his Death and Re •… urrection, &c. from the Deluge of God's wrath and vengeance for sin and iniquity.

5. It was confirmed strongly two ways. 1. By God's sacred and inviolable Oath. For this is as the waters of Noah •… nto me: For, As I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the Earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wrath with thee, nor rebuke thee, &c. 2. By God's eminent and visible Sacrament, the Rainbow in the cloud: the Solemn ratifying Sign and Seal of this Covenant. So that this Covenant as Dispensed to Noah was most firm, sure and inviolable.

6. Finally, This Covenant-administration had many Temporal Blessings annexed thereunto. As ^1. The Continued Revolution of Seed time and Harvest, Cold and Heat, &c. while the Earth remaineth. ^2. The fruitfulness of mankind on Earth. 3. Dominion over the Creatures. 4. Enlarged liberty to have not only Herbs, but the flesh of the Creatures for food, &c. So true is that of our Savior, Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. And that of Paul's; Godliness hath the Promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Thus of the Spiritual meaning of these Covenants of God with Noah.

III. What Additionals were annexed to this Second Federal Administration from Noah till Abraham, more then were to the First Dispensation of the Promise from Adam till Noah; may now appear by what hath already been declared. And Consequently what Agreement and Difference there was betwixt these two Dispensations.

I. Additionals to this Federal Dispensation, beyond the former, were these.

1. The express Name of A COVENANT: this being the first time that the transaction betwixt God and his people, is called A Covenant in the whole Scripture.

2. The Express Mention of the Parties with whom God made this Covenant, viz. of the Parties restipulating with God: Noah, his sons, and their Seed.

3. A New and more clear representation of Sinners Recovery and Salvation by Christ, under the Type of Noah's saving his family in the Ark by water, from perishing with the world of the ungodly.

4. A notable establishment and Confirmation of this Covenant; 1. By God's Sacred Oath. 2. By God's Sacramental Token the Rainbow. That by these two Noah and his sons, and we in them, might have strong Consolation, in hope and assurance of Divine performance.

5. An express declaration of this Covenant's Perpetuity, till the End of the world.

6. Certain accessory Promises of divers Temporal blessings.

II. Agreement and Difference betwixt this Federal dispensation, and the First Promissory Administration, stands thus:

1. They agree in Substance, Both of them having

1. The same Author, God.

2. The same Parties Covenanting, viz. God on the one hand: Christ and his Elect seed taken from among lapsed mankind, on the other hand.

3. The same Foundation, viz. God's Meer Grace, in Christ.

4. The same Matter Promised and Covenanted, viz. Recovery of Sinners from state of Sin and Death to righteousness and life by Jesus Christ.

5. The same End, The Assuring and Securing of Sinners of their Salvation and Recovery, if by Faith they will accept Christ according to God's Covenant.

Herein they agree for Substance.

2. They differ in Circumstance, and in some accidental Considerations. For,

1. That was laid down but as A Promise: This, as a Formal and Compleat Covenant.

2. Of that God was Author as a Destroyer of lapsed Mans Enemy the Serpent: of this God was Author, as lapsed man's Preserver, Deliverer and Savior from Death and Destruction.

3. That mentioned no Parties restipulating with God, being neither directed expressly to Adam, nor to his Wife, but to the Serpent; though the Promised benefit thereof was intended to them; not to the Serpent: But this expressly mentions Parties restipulating with God, viz. Noah, his sons, and their Seed, and under them we are also principally to understand, Jesus Christ, the true Noah, and his Seed.

4. That led to Christ more Generally, as the Seed of the woman, intimating that Christ should come of some woman that should be in the world, but neither expressing nor excluding any Nation, Family, or Person: But this led to Christ more particularly, as to descend of Noah's family, by which the whole earth was overspread, excluding all other families and women from this Privilege of bringing forth Christ into the world, that were not in a direct line from Adam till Noah.

5. That represented Christ as the Seed of the woman at enmity with the Serpents Seed, bruised in his Heel by the Serpent, but bruising the Head of the Serpent, that old Serpent the Devil and Satan, who had bruised and undone mankind: This represented Christ as the Antitype of Noah, a true Comforter and Savior of his Elect family, in his Ark of the Church, by his own Death and Humiliation, Resurrection and Exaltation. So that Christ is here more clearly revealed as the Sinners Recoverer, then in the First Promise.

6. That was established without any oath of God, or Sacramental token; only Sacrifices were added thereunto, which had as it were a Sacramental confirming Nature: But this was established, both by God's Sacred inviolable Oath, wherein it was impossible for God to lie; and also by his Eminent Sacramental token; the Rainbow in the cloud. Hereby God sweetly provided for the stronger Consolation of his people.

7. That was not styled Everlasting, or Perpetual: But this was named An everlasting Covenant, for perpetual Generations. Though for Substance they were both equally everlasting in respect of Christ and man's spiritual recovery by him.

8. Finally, This superadded more Temporal Blessings and Promises, then that, and more clearly. That implicitly signified and promised the woman's Conception and bringing forth of children, in the curse pronounced upon her; and the man's eating of bread all his days by his labor, in the curse propounded upon him, (which words some do very well interpret to be both, a Command, a Threatning, and a Promise to man): But this explicitly declared divers notable Promises and temporal blessings, as hath been formerly declared.

In these things these two First Federal Dispensations do principally Agree and Differ.

IV. Corollaries from the whole, are briefly these:

1. God's Covenants with Noah before and after the Flood, revealed not only a Corporal and Temporal, but also a Spiritual and an Eternal Salvation. That corporal and temporal salvation in the Ark from the flood of waters, with security to the world forever after from such a General Flood, typically resembling and representing the Spiritual and Eternal Salvation of lapsed Sinners in the Church by Christ from the Flood of God's wrath and vengeance.

Doubt. But seeing God's later Covenant with Noah extended to the whole world, to save all mankind from any such general Flood for future: doth not this typically favor the Doctrine and opinion of universal Redemption by Christ?

Resol. No. For, 1. It hath already been cleared, that in the former dispensation of the First Promise, there was no footing for the Opinion of Universal Redemption: nor proportionably was there in this, which for Substance is one and the same with that. 2. If this Covenant should in this regard favor universal Redemption, because the Corporal Benefit thereof is extended to all mankind in the whole world: then by the •… ame Argument, Spiritual Redemption should by this Covenant belong to brute beasts and other living Creatures, for even they reap the benefit of this Covenant, and God is said to make it with them, as well as with mankind. But this were most absurd to imagine. 3. These Covenants with Noah revealed a double Salvation, an Outward Corporal and Temporal Salvation, and an Inward Spiritual and Eternal Salvation principally intended and typified thereby. This later belongs only to the Elect family of the true Noah, Jesus Christ, and to the New world planted and replenished by him Spiritually. The former Salvation which is but outward and Corporal, from all such future Floods, is (in and for the benefit of Christ's Elect, and saved family) extended even to all the wicked in the world, and to brute Creatures themselves.

2. They who treat of God's Covenants with man in Christ purposely, and yet totally omit this excellent Federal Dispensation to Noah, seem too much to neglect the gradual order and Method of God's Federal Administrations, and to bury in too much Silence this Eminent Transaction of God with Noah, which was the very First in the world expressly styled a Covenant. And that it was A Covenant of Faith in Christ, hath been already proved.

Here I ingenuously Confess, I durst not make so large a leap over this, Federal Transaction, as some have done: but have diligently examined and inquired into the Mystery of it; ^1. Lest I should darken or Eclipse the glory of God's grace, goodness, mercy, and wisdom herein, by an unthankful silence. ^2. Lest I should disturb the Order, and deface the beauty of God's Dispensations of grace, which he hath purposely revealed in certain gradual Discoveries. ^3. Left I should prejudice and prevent myself or others of that spiritual benefit and edification, which (I hope) through God's blessing may be reaped by the opening of this Covenant in order.

3. This Federal Dispensation is much fuller and clearer then the first: as hath been evidenced in many Particulars. Such is God's Grace, Wisdom and Goodness to his Church and people, that as her Capacity of Receiving groweth, so his Dispensations and discoveries of Mercy grow towards her.

4. Finally, God's Covenant with Noah, &c. being a Covenant of Faith in Christ, it may be both a •… useful and Comfortable Subject even for our Meditation and Contemplation. The Substance of it, being the same with this under the New Testament. And both the Temporal blessings expressed, and the Spirituals implied, reaching to everyone of us and our Families, as well as to Noah and his Family. How many Lectures may we read to ourselves, Of Christ, in Noah: Of the Church, in the Ark: Of the Salvation of Christ's family in his Spiritual Ark by his Death and streams of his blood, in the saving of Noah's family in the Ark from perishing by water: Of the acceptableness of Christ's Death and Sacrifice of himself to God, in the gratefulness of Noah's Sacrifice to him: and in a word, of that divine Mercy, Grace and favor towards Sinners, that encompasseth his throne, and shines in his face abundantly, in the Rainbow, that token of Divine Grace and commiseration? Sometimes let us converse with Noah, who walked with God. Lets mark his Faith and Patience in building his Ark: Christ's more in building his Church. Let's consider his Entring into, and coming out of the Ark, to save his family: but much more Christ's entering into and coming out of the Grave, to save his people. Yea as they of old were buried with Noah in the Ark, and as it were drowned in the Ark in the waters; that they might not be buried and drowned with the wicked world: So let us die, and be buried with Christ Spiritually, that we may not die and be buried eternally. Let's make sure we are of Christ's Elect Family, and get we into his Spiritual Ark indeed: that so we may be saved from the flood of God's indignation, which will swallow up all the wicked of the world for evermore.