The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible

CHAP. VIII. Of the intended Sope, or End of the NEW COVENANT.

H Aving viewed at large, The Efficient, Matter, and Form of the New Covenant; come we now to take special notice of God's intended Scope or End therein.

The intended Scope or End of God and Jesus Christ our Mediator in this New Testamental Covenant, is; 1. More Immediately, To Represent and Describe to Israel and to all Nations of the world most fully and ultimately, ( ¹ ) The Person of JESUS CHRIST actually, in fullness of time Exhibited; ( ² ) His Office of Mediation betwixt God and man already Executed both in his state of humiliation and exaltation; (3) As also the Fruits and Benefits of his Mediation. 2. More Mediately, ( ¹ ) To extend his Church universally to all the Nations of the whole world; ( ² ) To Advance the Condition and Enioyments of his New Covenant Church to an higher Perfection then ever before, in order to eternal Salvation; (3) And by all to exalt the Glory of his own holy name most transcendently and gloriously.

As the New Covenant, so the End thereof, is most excellent and transcendent: As laid down in this Aphorism. Which thus in brief I Explicate.

I. The More Immediate End intended by God in this New Covenant, is, The most full and ultimate Representation of the Person, Office and Benefits of Jesus Christ actually exhibited, to Israel and to all Nations. All God's Covenants of Faith intend more immediately the Discovery and Description of Jesus Christ. But this New Cove nant intends this more then they all. Here note, 1. What this New Covenant intends Immediately to Represent and Describe. 2. How. 3. To whom.

1. What this New Covenant intends more Immediately to Represent and Describe, viz. Jesus Christ as actually exhibited. All former Covenants of Faith intend to set forth Christ, as Promised, and to be afterwards in fullness of time Performed: But this New Covenant intends to set forth, and doth represent Christ, as actually Performed and exhibited already, according to all the Promises of God's former Covenants. And this principally, ^1. In his Person. ^2. In his Office. 3. In the Fruits, Effects and Benefits of his Office.

(1) JESUS CHRIST in his Person is most excellently and clearly Described in this New Covenant, and the explications thereof in the Books of the New Testament. As,

That, He is the Only Son of God, The true God, essentially one with, and co-equal to the Father, Creator and Preserver of all things in Heaven and Earth, John 1. 14, 18. & 3. 16. & 6. 69. Math. 16. 16, 17, 18. 1 John 5. 20. 7. John 1. 1. Phil. 2. 6. John 1. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10. Heb. 1. 2, 3. Col. 1. 15, 16, 17.

That, He is True and Perfect man, descending of the woman, of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and of David, by the virgin Mary according to the Flesh, 1 Tim. 2. 5. with John 20. 25. to 30. & Luke 24 37, 38, 39, 40. & 1 John 1. 1, 2, 3. Gen. 3. 15. with Luke 3. 38. Gen. 12. 3. & 22. 18. & 26. 4. & 28. 14. with Luke 3. 34. Psal. 132. 11. with Luke 1. 31, 32, 33. & 3. 31. Math. 1. 16, 18. to the end. & Luke 1. 26. to 39. & 2. 1. to 41. with Isai. 7. 14.

That, He is God-man in one Person, John. 1. 14. Gal. 4. 4. 1 Tim. 3. 16.

That, This Jesus God and man is the very CHRIST, promised in all ages of the Church from the beginning of the world, John 20. 31. Act. 2. 36. & 10. 43. & 3. 22. to the end. & 9. 22. & 18. 28. This is one special intent of the Books of the New Testament, by showing how all the Promises of old touching the Messiah have their plenary accomplishment in this Jesus, to demonstrate that this Jesus is the CHRIST.

His State or Condition of Humiliation, Phil. 2. 6, 7, 8. Is most lively and accurately described in all the Degrees thereof, by the four Evangelists especially, viz. His Conception, Nativity, Life, Acts, Passions or Sufferings, Death and Burial; together with the Circumstances of Time, Place, Manner, &c. attending thereupon respectively.

His State or Condition of Glory and Exaltation also is excellently delineated, especially by the four Evangelists▪ and by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles, viz. His Reviving, Resurrection the third day, Ascension into Heaven, Sitting down on God's right hand, and His coming again to judge the world at the last day: together with the Cicumstances attending thereupon.

(2) JESUS CHRIST, in his Office of Mediation betwixt God & Man, is also most notably and particularly represented, in the New Covenant and the explanations thereof. As, That he alone is Mediator; That He is a Fit and Sufficient Mediator; That he is mediator as God man; That he Executes his Mediation actually in his Prophecy, Priest-hood, and King-ship, both in his states of Humiliation, and Exaltation, and that by sundry Acts of those three branches of his Mediation. All this I have already evidenced heretofore out of the New Testament particularly.

(3) JESUS CHRIST, in regard of the Benefits, Fruits and Effects of all his Offices, is likewise set forth most excellently in the New Covenant, and the Explanations thereof throughout the Books of the New Testament: As I have already manifested abundantly.

2. How the New Covenant Represents and Describes Jesus Christ, exhibited already, in his Person, Offices and Fruits of his Offices. The New Covenant represents and sets forth Jesus Christ actually exhibited, Fully and Ultimately. 1. Fully. So that now the whole and entire mystery of Christ is clearly and completely revealed in the New Testament, in all the Essential, Integral and Gradual Perfections thereof, for the Happiness and Salvation of the New Covenant-Church, so as it was never formerly made known in any foregoing Covenant-Expressure. Christ made known to his Apostles, all things that he had heard from his Father: commanding then to teach all things whatsoever he had commanded them, to the world. And his Apostles accordingly kept back nothing that was profitable, not shunning to declare to the Churches the whole counsel of God; which is so complete and perfect, that nothing is to be added thereto, or taken thence-from. 2. Ultimately. So that after this New Covenant, no further Revelation of the mystery of Christ, in regard of his Person, Offices, or Benefits, for his Elects salvation, is to be expected or harkened unto till the End of this world. For, This is Christ's New and everlasting Covenant, that shall still remain New, and never wax Old till the end of this world. This is Christ's last Will and Testament, confirmed and consummate by his Death, from which nothing can be detracted, to which nothing can be added, in which nothing can be altered. Christ's New Covenant-Priesthood is everlasting, cofirmed by the irrevocable Oath of God, whereof he never will Repent. The New Covenant-Tokens, Baptism and the Lord's Supper are to continue till the end of the world, till Christ come. The New Covenant-Discoveries of the future state and condition of the Church in this world, are extended to occurrence in all ages from the Primitive times till the End of the world. And the New Covenant-Ministry is to continue, and shall have Christ's Presence, Blessing and Assistance till the end of the world.

3. To whom this New Covenant more immediately intends thus fully and ultimately to discover and represent Jesus Christ in his Person, Offices and Benefits, viz. To the whole Israel of God, both of Jews and Gentiles, Heb. 8. 8, 10 But first to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles, Luke 24. 46, 47. Acts 2. 38, 39. & 13. 46, & c. & 26. 20.

II. The more Mediate end of the New Covenant, is twofold, viz. Subordinate, and Ultimate.

1. Subordinate. And that also is twofold. 1. To extend, spread, propagate and plant the Church of God far and near among all the Nations of the world: which before the New Covenant was confined to certain Particular Families or Tribes, or to that one select Nation of the Jews. This Extent and Enlargement of the Church under the New Covenant, was frequently foretold by the Prophets, and sometimes most Emphatically. See Isa. 49. 6. to 14. & 54. throughout. & 60. throughout. & 65. 1. & 66. 12. to the end. Christ was born to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, as well as to be the glory of his People Israel. And the Amplitude of the Church of God, by the access of the Gentiles and their incorporation thereinto is most abundantly revealed and fulfilled in these New Covenant-Daies. 2. To advance the Condition and Enjoyments of God's enlarged New Covenant-Church to a far higher perfection, in order to salvation, then ever heretofore. As, ( ¹ ) To more ripeness and maturity, Gal. 4. 1. to 8. ( ² ) To Christian freedom and liberty from the Old Covenant-yoke of bondage, Gal. 4. 9, 10, 21. to the end. & 5. 1, 2, 3, 4, & c. ( ³ ) To Better Promises of a better Covenant, Heb. 8. 6. & 7. 22. ( ⁴ ) To higher and more perfect Federal blessings, Better Inscription of God's Laws, Better Knowledge of the Lord, and Better Remission of transgressions, Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12. ( ⁵ ) To more sweet, perfect and comfortable fellowship, Heb. 12. 18. to 25. ( ⁶ ) To more clear and spiritual Ordinances, 2 Cor. 3. throughout. ( ⁷ ) To more Plenary and powerful effusions of his Spirit, John 7. 38, 39. with Acts 2. throughout, &c. The condition of the New Covenant-Church comes nearest to that of the Spirits of just men made perfect, and therefore should be now more then ever heretofore advanced to a sublime excellency of Graciousness 〈◊〉 and Heavenliness.

2. Ultimate. To exalt the glory of God transcendently in all. The Glory of God's infinite Grace, Goodness, Mercy, Loving-kindness, Wisdom, Justice, Holiness, and Powerfulness shines forth in this New Covenants Contrivance, Manifestation, Dedication, Publication, and Application of it to poor sinners, even to admiration. This New Covenant is fullest of God, of Christ, of the Spirit; and therefore most glorious unto God. This New Covenant hath in it the Marrow and Extract of all fore-going Covenants, and many other superadded Privileges approaching nearest to coelestial Perfection: and therefore thereby God's glory is rendered exceeding glorious.

Inferences.

1. Hence, This New Covenant in its intended Scope and End far Excells all former Covenants. Their End was to Reveal Christ, as Promised, and to come afterwards: The New Covenant is to Represent Christ as Performed, and come already. They intended the Happiness of the Church in particular Families or Tribes, or one select Nation: This intends the Happiness of the Church in all Nations of the world. They intended to Reveal blessings agreeable to the Churches Minority: This intends and reveals blessings suitable to the Churches Maturity.

2. Hence, of all God's Covenant-expressures, The New Covenant should be most precious, dear and delightful to us. Why? Because, Hereby the Church is most Enlarged; Hereby the Churches Condition & Enjoyments are most happily improved; Hereby Jesus Christ in his Person, office and benefits is most plenarily and ultimately revealed; And Hereby God's glory is most gloriously advanced▪ All which ought to be very dear, delightful and precious to us.

3. Hence, They that would be acquainted with Jesus Christ most fully, should study and exercise themselves in the New Covenant most frequently. Some Covenants represent Christ much; Some more; but this New Covenant most of all. There you have Christ Promised: Here Christ actually Performed and exhibited. Oh peruse the New Testament diligently, there you have Christ displayed most clearly, completely and transcendently. The New Covenant is the Rock, Christ the water that flows from it: The New Covenant is the Cloud, Christ the Manna that rained from it: The New Covenant is the Honey-Comb, Christ is the Honey that drops from it: The New Covenant is the Cabinet, Christ is the Jewel thats locked up in it.

4. Hence, They that deny Jesus Christ to be actually exhibited and already come in the flesh, do utterly evacuate and make void a Primary End of the New Covenant. For the New Covenant eminently intends to represent Christ as actually Performed according to all the Promises of old. Oh how sadly have the Jews hitherto denied Christ's coming in the flesh, and 〈◊〉 the New Covenants great salvation! Such Spirits are 〈◊〉 of God, but the very Spirit of Antichrist.

5. Hence, The Gentiles Conversion and Churches Dilatation are peculiarly to be ascribed to the New Covenant. The Old Covenant-Dispensation hindered it: This New Covenant-Dispensation promotes and effects it.

6. Hence, God's New Covenant-People should not content themselves with less then a New Covenant-Condition and enjoyments. They should aspire to a more perfect condition and enjoyments then any other Covenant affords: Else they fall short of the New Covenants intention. They that under the New Covenant content themselves, without Heart-conformity to God's Laws, without clear knowledge of the Lord, without Remission of sins, without Covenant-Relation to God, without Christian Maturity and filial liberty, &c. they put away the New Covenant from them, counting themselves unworthy of its blessed intendments, and of Eternal Life.

7. Hence, They that are truly Partakers of God's New Covenant, should highly extol him for his New Covenant. Oh how hath he therein displayed the riches of his Grace, Mercy, Love, Wisdom, &c. for poor Sinners, for lost Gentiles! Herein he greatly intended the glory of his own great name: Oh let us hereupon most triumphantly declare and spread abroad his glory.

CHAP. IX. Of certain General Inferences resulting from the whole of this New Covenant.

H Aving thus (through the help of my most gracious God in Jesus Christ) in some measure set forth and represented, ^1. The terms, or limits of continuance; ^2. The Denominations, and General Nature; ^3. The efficient Cause or Author, together with the Occasions, and Impulsives, moving thereunto; ^4. The Federates with God; ^5. The Matter, on God's part, and on theirs; ^6. The Lord JESUS CHRIST, as Mediator, Surety and Testator; ^7. The Form, Inward and Outward; ^8. And also the intended Scope or End, of this Highest, sweetest and most excellent Faederal Expressure, The NEW TESTAMENTAL COVENANT, or The NEW FEDERAL TESTAMENT, which is the Glory of all Covenants: I shall now close up this whole discourse about the New Covenant, and also my whole Treatise about the Covenants of God, (as I formerly propounded) with certain General Inferences from the whole of this New Covenant; which I summarily offer in this ensuing Aphorism, viz.

From the whole Mystery of the New Covenant thus disclosed, these things are evident; 1. That The New Covenant is the Covenant of Covenants. 2. What The Properties and Perfections of the New Covenant are. 3. What Agreement and Difference there is betwixt this New Covenant and the Old, and consequently all other Covenants. 4. What The New Covenants Preheminencies and Excellencies are above the Old, and all former Covenants. 5. How great are the privileges of God's New Covenant-people. 6. How we may discover, that we are God's New Covenant-people. 7. How much it concerns all, especially us Gentiles, to Esteem, Embrace, Rest upon, Conform to, and Triumph in, this blessed New Covenant. 8. That, God's New Covenant people should approve themselves, answerably to this New, Better and more illustrious Covenant, A New, Better, and more Excellent people in their Hearts and Conversations. 9. That, All distressed and disconsolate souls should chiefly have recourse to this New Covenant for their sweetest and fullest consolations. 10. That, This New Testamental Covenant approacheth nearest, as in Contiguity of time, so in Excellency of nature, to the celestial Glory.

These Consectaries or Inferences are so fluent from the Premises, that it shall suffice very briefly to explain them, especially divers of them.

I. Hence, The New Covenant is the Cevenant of Covenants. As God's Covenants surpass all other Covenants, so this New Covenant is the last and best of all God's Covenants. For ^1. No former Covenant since the foundation of the world had such a Sanction and Dedication, as this New Covenant; by the Death and Blood of Jesus Christ. ^2. No fore-going Covenant had such a Constitution, wholly of Promises, and those mere Spiritual Promises, as this New Covenant: as hath been already observed. ^3. No former Covenant had so successful a Promulgation or First Publication, as this New Covenant to the Conversion of three thousand, Acts 2. throughout. ^4. No former Covenant was universally extended to all the Nations of the world, but only this New Covenant, Heb. 8. 8, 10. with Mat. 28. 18, 19. Mark 16. 15, 16. Luke 24. 46, 47. ^5. All former Covenants were but as Preludium's and Introductions to this New Covenant, The Perfection of them all, The End and accomplishment of them all. ^6. All former Covenants, like Rivers run into this Sea, like Lines meet in this Center, like Beams meet in this Sun of the New Covenant, being all their fullness, wealth and glory into it. The Treasures which are found dispersed and scattered in and among other Covenants, are all collected and united in this New Covenant: The seed of the woman, The true Noah, The Seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, The Priest like Melchizedek, The Prophet like Moses, The King like David, &c. all these Discoveries of many several Covenants in several ages meet together in this one New Covenant, &c. are at once most richly and fully represented in Jesus Christ the Son of God, and of the Virgin Mary, actually exhibited to be Mediator, Surety and Testator of the New Testament. ^7. No former Covenants afford such admirable Events and Occurrents in their respective Periods or Revolutions, as this New Covenant. ^8. Finally, This New Covenant succeeds and swallows up all other Covenants, but none shall succeed this, which is to remain of force so long as this world shall continue. Upon these and sundry like considerations it is clear, That this New Covenant is a peerless and matchless Covenant: God still-proceeding in his Covenant-Expressures from the less to the more perfect, till at last he came from the first and least, to this last and Greatest Covenant of all.

II. Hence, We may easily perceive what the Properties and Perfections of the New Covenant are, viz. Especially these: The New Covenant is, ^1. Most Divine; ^2. Gratuitous; ^3. Evangelical; ^4. Wise; ^5. Holy; ^6. Promissory; ^7. Spiritual; ⁸ Testamental, ^9. Clear and glorious; ^10. Full; ^11. Free; ^12. Efficacious; ^13. Sure and Faithful; ¹⁴ Consolatory; ^15. Extensive; ^16. And Continuing.

1. Most Divine. For, this New Covenant hath much of God, and of his Divine Authority, Excellency and Efficacy engraven upon it. ^1. God, Father, Son and Holy-Ghost, is the sole Author of it. ^2. The Father, of Old time Revealed it: The Son, in Fulness of time Established it; The Holy-Ghost in due time Applyes it. ^3. The Father, Son and Holy-Ghost do jointly undertake (but according to their Order of Subsisting) to confer all the New Covenant-blessings upon his Federates: which blessings are more peculiarly referred to the several persons, according to their peculiar order and manner of working. All these things have been already cleared.

2. Gratuitous. Of the mere grace and good-pleasure of God's will, in Jesus Christ. These were the Impulsive or Moving causes inclining God to Reveal, Establish and Apply this New Covenant: Not any worth, dignity or excellency at all in Jews or Gentiles.

3. Evangelical. All God's Covenants of Faith were Evangelical, as I have shown: But God's New Covenant is of all other most purely Evangelical. See the General nature and description of the New Covenant Former Covenants were Gospel in minority; This New Covenant is Gospel in maturity. Former Covenants, were Gospel veiled: This New Covenant is Gospel Unveiled. Former Covenants were Gospel (that is, Glad tidings of Sinners Salvation by Faith) in Christ Promised and to come afterwards: This New Covenant is Gospel in Christ Performed, and come in the flesh already. Former Covenants were Gospel Inchoate: This New Covenant is Gospel Consummate. In this New Covenant especially, Mercy and Truth are Met together, Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other, &c. In this Covenant, the goodness and mercy of God hath most eminently shined forth to the Sinner, the severity and justice of God hath most notably been expressed upon Jesus Christ the Sinners Surety: And this Mystery of Mercy and Justice in the Sinners Salvation upon God's Pacification is excellently Evangelical; By way of eminency and singularity, This New Covenant is called, The Grace of God bringing Salvation; The Gospel through which Christ hath brought life and immortality to light; The Coming of Faith for Remission of Sins past, and justification of the elect under former Covenants. The Grace of God, The Gospel, and Doctrine of Faith were before: but comparatively they were not till the times of the New Covenant.

4. Wise. The New Covenant is eminently Wise. For, 1. It is contrived by the only wise God, Father, Son and Holy-Ghost. 2. It is stored and filled with all accomplishments of wisdom for sinners Happiness: as hath been already manifested in many particulars.

5 Holy. This New Covenant is very Holy, in divers regards; 1. The Author of it is God, most Holy, Heb. 8. 8, 10. with Isa. 6. 3. 2. The Federates in it, are The House of Israel and Judah, the Israel of God, The whole universal Church of Jews and Gentiles, which are an Holy Nation, an Holy Temple of God, &c. Heb. 8. 8, 10. with 1 Pet. 2. 9. 1 Cor. 3. 16, 17. Eph. 2. 21, 22. 3. The Matter of it, is; Holy blessings promised on God's part, expressly, Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12. And Holy Duties of Faith, &c. re-promised on their part, Implicitely, Jude 20. 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16. 4. The Mediator of it is Holy, Jesus Christ, The Holy one of God. Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from Sinners. 5. The Form of it Holy. Consisting in an Holy Manifestation, Confirmation and Administration; as hath been evidenced. It is ( foedus Sanctum, quasi Sancitum, as Augustine ) an Holy Covenant, because a firmly settled and established Covenant. 6. The End of it Holy.

6. Promissory. The Old Covenant was chiefly Mandatory and Minatory: But this New Covenant if we look at the body of it, is, (as hath been manifest •… already) 1. Altogether Promissory. 2. The Promises thereof whereupon it is established being better Promises. 3. And all those Promises being merely (as to the express terms thereof) only of Spirituals. Oh how sweet is this Dispensation, wherein we may fetch not only God's mercies, but also our Duties and Abilities for them from God's Promises.

7. Spiritual. Of all Covenants this New Covenant is most sublime, heavenly and purely spiritual. Former Covenants were more Carnal, External, Literal Administrations: but this New more spiritual, called therefore the ministration of the Spirit. In former Covenants Spirituals were darkly couched under Carnals and Externals: As under the Seed of the woman, bruising the Serpents head, Christ incarnate subduing Satan; Under Noah's saving of his house in the Ark by water, Christ's saving his elect remnant in his Church by his blood; Under the Promised Seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Christ's blessing of all the Nations of the world▪ Under all the Ceremonial Types and Shadows, Christ the Truth and Body intended, the better hope perfecting us as pertaining to the Conscience and bringing us near unto God, John 1. 14, 17. Col. 2. 17 Heb. 7. 18, 19. & 9. 14 & 10. 1. to 19 Under David's Seed promised to sit upon his Throne forever, Christ his Primary Seed that should Rule the House of Jacob the Church for evermore; Under the Redemption of the Captives out of Babylon, Christ's Redemption of his elect from their Spiritual thralldom was represented; So that though they had many Spirituals represented in them, yet all was under a cloud or veil of Carnals; Thereby the Spirituals of former Covenants were much darkened and Carnalized: But in this New Covenant Spirituals are set forth most openly, immediately and expressly in clear view, and as with open face, the veil being done away in Christ; and Carnals being comprised in, and annexed to Spirituals, the Carnals of this New Covenant are therein Spirituallized. And as under former Covenants the Federates of God remained more Carnal: So under this New Covenant they become more Spiritual, to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth; A Spiritual House, and holy Priesthood to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

8. Testamental. The New Covenant, is so a Covenant, in respect of God: that it is also a Testament, in respect of Jesus Christ the Testator. It is a Federal Testament, or a Testamental Covenant: As I have already shown at large in this fourth Book chap. 2. Aph. 1. there see. The Old Covenant was Christ's First Will and Testament, stablished by Typical blood and Sacrifices: But this Nw Covenant is Christ's New, Second or last will and Testament, revoking his Old Testament▪ being finally & irrevocably confirmed by the blood, death and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ himself the Testator. In what regards it is A Testament, and a New Testament, hath been there unfolded.

9. Clear and Glorious. Under this New Covenant, The dark shadows and veil, both upon the Mysteries of the Covenant, and upon the Federates Covenanting, are done away in Christ; so that now we may behold as in a glass clearly and transformingly the Glory of the Lord in the face of Jesus Christ, having a more clear and excellent Knowledge of God, & giving of his Laws in our minds, Promised▪ then ever formerly. Now the Covenant of God shines out in its perfect Day. Now The Sun of righteousness hath appeared in his perfect Glory. Now the Church of God hath attained to her Maturity, &c. See what hath been formerly spoken to this effect at large.

10. Full. Never Covenant since the Fall of man was so rich, full and complete as this New Covenant. They that went before were but as Springs and Rivers: This is as a very Sea. And no wonder: For, 1. This is the only Covenant stablished in fullness of time, by the fullest Sanction and Dedication, in the blood of Jesus Christ, full of Grace and Truth for us, in whom all fullness extensive and intensive dwells, yea the fullness of the God-head Personally. 2. This is the only Covenant in and under which the Spirit of God and all saving Blessings are Revealed, Obtained and Applyed to the elect of God most fully. So that under this Covenant God's people are Compleat in Christ now in all Essential and Integral Perfections pertaining to salvation, Col. 2. 9. and shall be at last consummate in all graduals, Eph. 4. 11, 12, 13, 14. Jesus Christ having ascended up far above all Heavens, that he might fill all things; And his Body the Church becoming the fullness of him that filleth all and in all. 3. This is the only Covenant, unto which all former Covenants collime, scope, tend and refer; Into which they jointly and universally empty themselves as the Rivers into the Sea; and from which they derive and extract all salvifical virtue for the elect under former Covenants, Heb. 9. 15, 16, 17. Rom 3. 25. 4. This is the only Covenant that shall continue to the worlds end, having no need of anymore Additional perfections, or any other Federal Administrations, to be annexed thereto, or to succeed in room thereof.

11. Free. Much servitude and Bondage did predominate in former Covenants; Witness the many gravaminous Rites and observances of Sacrifices, Circumcision, Purifications, and other Carnal Ordinances, ( imposed till the time of Reformation. ) Which were a yoke that neither they nor their fathers were able to bear. But in this New Covenant God hath so abundantly Provided for the Spiritual Redemption, Release, Liberty and Freedom of his Church and People more then ever Heretofore, that this Peculiar time of Christ, this whole New Covenant time is as the Churches Last, Greatest and Continued Jubiliee. Especially this is most observable in the Old and New Covenant, compared by the Apostle to Abraham's two wives; viz. Hagar the Bond-woman, which brought forth Ishmael her Bond-son, who with her son was cast out of Abraham's House, representing the Old Covenant from Mount Sinai, begetting children unto Bondage, which Covenant with her children is cast out and laid aside; And Sarah the Free-woman, which brought forth Isaac her free Son, the Son of the Promise, the Heir of Abraham, representing this New Covenant from Mount Zion, gendring children unto liberty, who are Heirs according to Promise. Now this New Covenant is in a Peculiar and Eminent sort, above all that went before, A Covenant of true liberty and freedom; 1. Because, Under this New Covenant, All the spirit •… all, salvifical and eternal Redemption, Liberty or Freedom of God's Elect, which have been, are or shall be from the beginning to the end of the world, from Sin, Death, Satan and all spiritual enemies, hath been meritoriously purchased, procured and wrought by the merit of Jesus Christ our only Lord and Mediator. The virtue of Christ's Redemption reached to all ages by-past, even to the beginning of the world: but the transaction and accomplishment of it was only under his New Covenant, Inchoate or Compleat. 2. Because, Under this New Covenant all the Bondage, Servitude and Slavery of fore-going Covenant-Administrations is utterly abolished and done away: Especially that of the Old Covenant, Restraining to days, months and years, to external Rites in worship, to places, to meats and drinks, &c. Eph. 2. 14, 15. Col. 2. 14. Gal. 4. throughout. & 5. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. Heb. 7. 18, 19. & 8. 7, 8, 9. & 10. 8, 9, 10, &c. And the Contrary liberty and freedom is established by Christ, Gal. 5. 1. The Church while under age, was in a servile Condition, under Tutors and Governors, though heir of all: but when come to maturity, she was redeemed by Christ from all that servitude, to receive the Adoption of Sons. Ye have not received the Spirit of Bondage again, to fear: but the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. Chr •… st gives Ability, as well as requires Duty: therefore Christ's yoke is easy and his burden is light▪ 3. Because, Under this New Covenant, all Restraint of the Church, Gospel, Ordinances and Means of Salvation to the Particular Nation of the Jews is quite taken off: these Blessings being without exception or limitation Extended to all the Nations of the world, Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. Mark 16. 15, 16. 〈◊〉 24. 46, 47.

12. Efficacious. For, 1. This New Covenant is a Ministration of the Spirit, not of the Letter; A Ministration of Life, not of Death: Now Spirit and Life are full of efficacy. 2. The New Covenant is most effectually given and graven, viz. in Mind and Heart, not in dead Tables of stone. 3. The Spirit is most powerfully and efficaciously given under the New Covenant, The more Spirit, the more efficacy. 4. In this New Covenant, The fullness of Christ is most magnifically displayed, more then in all former Covenants, John 1. 14, 16. Col. 1. 19. & 2. 9, 10. Eph. 3. 8, &c. and Christ's fullness is most efficacious. 5. The Conversion of the Jews by thousands; and of the Gentiles as it were by floods and Sea •… to God, under the New Covenant, demonstrate the transcendent efficacy thereof before all the world, &c. But of this New Covenants efficaciousness, I have spoken already in divers Particulars. There see.

13. Sure and Faithful. How can this New Covenant choose but be most Sure, Faithful and Infallible? For, 1. The Author of it is most faithful, JEHOVAH, Heb. 8. 8, 10. that gives Being and Subsistence to all his Covenants and Promises (as that his most essential name imports, Exod. 6. 3.) This name of his, JEHOVAH, is mentioned four several times in this New Covenant, for the greater Assurance of this Covenants Fidelity. 2. The Impulsive, or Moving Causes of it were merely God's most rich and freegrace in Jesus Christ without any respect at all had to anything in Jews or Gentiles. It was not founded in man's worthiness: nor shall be confounded by man's Unworthiness. 3. The Matter of it is so laid down in the Body of the Covenant, that God himself in effect undertakes both for himself and for his Federates. He will be theirs, and they shall be his. Their restipulated Duties, are all implicitly comprised, in his expressly Promised Mercies. He first promises Ability to them, before he calls for Duty from them. 4. The Form of it is partly with such Establishment and Confirmation as can never be shaken or removed. It is confirmed (as hath been evidenced abundantly,) ( ¹ ) By the choicest and best Promises of God; ( ² ) By the Sacred and inviolable Oath of God. ( ³ ) By the irrevocable Death and precious blood of Jesus Christ; As also, ( ⁴ ) By the best Federal Tokens, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Now, God that promised cannot possibly lie; God that hath sworn cannot repent or forswear himself; Christ that Died, dieth no more, &c. Therefore this New Covenant can never be overthrown. 5. The Mediator of this New Covenant is all-sufficient: Both to enrich us with Covenant-Mercies from God, and to enable us unto Covenant-Duties to God; That as there can be no Fayler on God's part, so there shall be none on ours. Oh with what affiance and Consolation may we lean upon this Sure, Faithful and immutable New Covenant in all exigence and extremities!

14. Consolatory. No Covenant is Consolatory like the New Covenant. For no Covenant is Dignified with such Promises, such a Mediator, such a Comforter: And these are the very springs of Consolation But of this Consolating Property which abounds in the New Covenant I have spoken so much already, that I need not to add further. Having shown, I. That, the matter of this New Covenant is so contrived, as 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. This is evinced in seven chief Particulars. II. That, This New Covenant is an excellent Antidote against the greatest Adversities and afflictions of God's Covenant-people. This is manifested in five Particulars. III. That, Heres wonderful Matter of Consolation in that clause of this New Covenant; I will be to them a God, &c. Heb. 8. 10. And this, Against 1. Remains of Sin. 2. Fears and dangers of Apostasy. 3. Outward or Inward wants. 4. Strong and violent Temptations. 5. Sad and Dismaying Desertions. 6. Sharp Afflictions and Persecutions. 7. The very Terrors and pangs of Death itself. Against all and every of which many sweet Consolations are extracted from that great and Glorious Promise. Consult all these diligently, if thou desirest to taste and suck the delicious sweetness of the New Covenants Consolations.

15 Extensive. This New Covenant is beyond all other most extensive. It spreads forth its Arms even to all N •… tions of the World, Jewish and Gentilish, accepting all Profest Believers Jews and Gentiles, and their children, into visible Foederation with God▪ and all true sincere believers into Foederation invisible. This is already handled at large in three distinct Positions. Consider them heedfully▪

16. Continuing and Everlasting. It continues still New when the former Covenant waxeth old and weareth away. How long doth it Continue, hath been already explained, viz▪ From Christ's Death till the end of the world. As also in what sense it is everlasting, viz. Absolutely, in regard of its Substantials: Respectively, only in regard of its Circumstantials.

III. Hence, We may iudi •… ioully discern, What Agreement and Difference there is betwixt this New Covenant and the Old, and Consequently betwixt-it and all other Covenants. The Agreement and Difference betwixt the Old Covenant and the three fore-going Covenants hath been stated already: Therefore if now we can come to a clear and true state of the Agreement and Difference betwixt this New and that Old Covenant, we shall consequently most easily discern the Agreement and Difference betwixt this New Covenant and all other fore-going Covenants of Faith. The New Covenants Agreement with, or Disagreement from the Old Covenant, I have referred to this, as to its most fit and proper place: according as I have heretofore propounded. The due Discovery of this Agreement and Disagreement betwixt them is of much Consequence: For, 1. Hereby the Nature of the New Covenant will be the more distinctly discerned. 2. Hereby, the excellency of it above the Old will be discovered. 3. Hereby, Divers Errors of men in mis▪ stating the Agreement and Difference betwixt the Old and New Covenant, purposely devised for their own sinister ends and advantages, will be detected and defeated. 4. Hereby▪ That Singular Art of Right distinguishing betwixt the Law and Gospel, shall in some measure be exerted; which Luther so much extols; He that well knows to discern the Gospel from the Law, Let him give God thanks, and Know himself to be a divine. For, the Law given at Mount Sinai, is that Old Covenant: And the Gospel strictly taken, is this New Covenant▪ 5. Hereby divers Scriptures which put sundry Differences betwixt the Old and New Covenant, shall be better understood, As, Heb. 8. 8, 9, 10. & 12. 18. to 25. 2 Cor. 3. 6. to the end. Gal. 4. 21. to the end. Here therefore I shall lay down, 1. The Agreement; 2. The Difference; betwixt the New Covenant and Old, which to me seems most Consonant to the Scriptures. And this with all possible Brevity and perspicuity.

The Agreement betwixt the Old Covenant, given at Mount Sinai; and this New Covenant, from Mount Zion, (that I may use the Apostles terms,) doth stand especially in these Particulars, and such like, viz.

1. Both of them are Covenants of the same sort and Nature▪ more Generally. ^1. Both of them are Covenants of God with man, Gal. 4. 24. Heb. 8. 8, 9. ² ▪ Both of them are God's Covenants with man since the Fall, Heb. 8. 8, 9. Ier. 31. 31, 32. ³ ▪ Both of them are Covenants no •… of works ) but of Faith, and through Jesus Christ Revealing Righteousness, Life and Salvation to lapsed sinners in and by Jesus Christ through Faith. That the Law was given at Mount Sinai as a Covenant, and that as a Covenant of Faith in Jesus Christ, not at all as a Covenant of Works; I have proved heretofore by many Arguments, as also answered the Contrary Objections which are of any moment or Consequence. That, this New Covenant is a Covenant of Faith most eminently, needs no more proof, then what hath been already laid down in this fourth Book. ^4. Both of them are Testamental Covenants, or Federal Testaments.

2. Both of them have the same Author or Efficient Cause, The LORD God. God as JEHOVAH hath instituted and authorized them both, Deut. 5. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. with Ier. 31. 31, 32, 33, 34. Heb. 8. 8. to 13. How God Covenanted as JEHOVAH hath been explained.

3. Both of them have the same Impulsive or Moving Causes, viz. The Riches of God's mere Grace, in and through the merit of Jesus Christ alone, See Exod 19. 3, 4, 5, 6. & 20. 2. Deut. 5. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. & 7. 6, 7, 8, 9. Heb. 8. 8. to 13. See also Book IV. chap. 3. Aph. 2.

4. Both of them expressed in General the same Bounty and Benevolent affection to their Federates, Accepting into Covenant with God, Not only Parents, but also their Seed and Posterity together with the Parents. The Old Covenant took in the whole body of Israel, Men, Women, Little ones, &c. Exod. 19. 10, 11. & 20. 18, &c. Deut. 5. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, &c. 22. compared with Deut. 29. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, &c. All Israel of old, both Parents and Children were Federates with God, and circumcised, till the days of Christ, Gen. 17. 9, 11, 12. Exod. 12. 48. Luke 1. 59. & 2. 21. Phil. 3. 5. And the New Covenant takes in as Federates all Profest believing Parents, Jewish and Gentilish, and their Seed, or Children; who are therefore to be baptized: As I have proved at large by many Arguments.

5. Both of them contain for Substance, the same Subject-Matters or Articles of Agreement betwixt God and his Federates, in many things. As, I. God on his Part Promiseth in both; 1. To be a God to his Federates. 2. To give Christ to them. 3. To bestow his Spirit upon them. 4. To Furnish them with many Spirituals; As Acceptance of them as his people; Sanctification; Justification by Faith in Christ, freely Remitting all their sins; Ability supernatural to keep his Covenants, &c. II. God's Federates on their part Re-promising expressly or implicitly (as God requires from them) 1. To be God's people. 2. To keep God's Covenant; by true Faith; By sincere constant Obedience in Christ. 3. To Repent in case of failings and miscarriages. 4. To take God's Law (the same Law of God which is written for God's Federates, under Old and New Covenant, Deut. 4. 13. with Heb. 8. 10.) as their Rule for their Faith and Obedience. All these things are very clear by what hath been already manifested and proved touching the Matters of these two Covenants: as the d •… gent Reader may easily observe.

6. Both of them have for Substance one and the same Mediator, JESUS CHRIST: though Typically represented in the Mediation of Moses, in the Old Covenant; Truly, in his own person actually exhibited in Human Flesh, in the New. See Book IV. chap. 6.

7. Both of them have the same General way of Sanction, dedication or Fundamental establishment: viz. By Blood, and Death of Sacrifices, Exod. 24 3. to 9. Mat. 26 28. Heb. 9. 15. to 23. Though a most different Blood and Sacrifice.

8. Both of them had the like General Season of Publication; viz. about fifty days after the Sacrificing of the Passover, viz. The Old, fifty days after the Typical Passover was offered up in Egypt, Exod. 12. 6, 7, 18. with Exod 19. 1, &c. The New Covenant was published on the Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Christ our true Passover was offered up for us at Jerusalem, Acts 2. 1, 2, &c. 1 Cor. 5. 7. As Augustine also hath elegantly observed this Congruency.

9. Both of them were further confirmed and established in the same way, for the General, viz. 1. By Promises, Both were established upon God's Promises, Heb. 8. 6. 2. By visible Tokens of the Covenants. See Luke 1. 59. & 2. 21. & 22. 7. to 19. with Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. Acts 2. 38, 39. Luke 22. 19, 20.

10. Both of them effect, produce and constitute one and the same Church of Christ essentially and Substantially. The Old Covenant Church and New Covenant Church are in essence and essential unity one and the same: Having, one and the same Covenant God, JEHOVAH; One and the same Mediator, Redeemer and Savior JESUS CHRIST; One and the same Holy Ghost for their Sanctification and Consolation; One and the same everlasting Gospel for substance, Revealing Christ and salvation to both; One and the same way of Justification, both of the Circumcision and Uncircumcision, viz. by, or through Faith, Rom 3. 29, 30. & 10. 6. to 14. Gal. 2. 15, 16. One and the same Kingdom of God, wherein men from East, West, &c. shall set down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; yea One and the same Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life, Acts 26. 6, 7. This Essential Oneness and Sameness of the Church of Old and New Testament is notably demonstrated in these times of the New Covenant, by their Union, Incorporation and Consolidation into one body, through the death of Jesus Christ: which mystery of their Oneness the Apostle most highly and emphatically magnifies.

11. Finally, Both Old and New Covenant agree in the same common End, viz. More Immediately, the Revealing of Jesus Christ for sinners happiness. More Mediately, The Happiness and Salvation of God's Federates by Christ; And the glory of their Covenant God in all; As hath been more at large explained touching both.

Herein especially, and in particulars of like Nature reducible hereunto, the Old and New Covenant do most sweetly and harmoniously Agree.

The Disagreement or Difference betwixt the Old and this New Covenant is manifold; as Divers Scriptures, yea the very body of this New Covenant doth expressly intimate, Heb. 8. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. & 12. 18. to 25. Gal. 4. 21. to the end. 2 Cor. 3. 6. to the end. But the Difference is not so easily assigned as the Agreement betwixt these two Covenants; because sundry False Differences, either corruptly devised, or inconsiderately embraced, are pretended and obtruded, and some of them for sinister and unsound Interests. Here therefore I shall propound The Disagreements betwixt the Old and New Covenant, 1. Negatively, what they are not. So I shall discover the chief, false and pretended Differences. 2. Affirmatively, what they are. So I shall propound the true Differences. We had need to judge and distinguish here exactly; for Error here is dangerous.

(I.) Negatively. The Disagreement and Difference betwixt the Old and New Covenant, doth not stand in these Particulars following, viz.

1. Not in this; That the Old Covenant is a Covenant of Works, holding forth Righteousness, Life and Salvation, only upon terms of perfect and perpetual Personal Doing: But the New Covenant is a Covenant of Grace, holding forth Righteousness, Life and Salvation upon terms of believing in Christ. For, It hath beenalready Proved by many Arguments, 1. That this Old Covenant was not given on Mount Sinai as a Covenant of Works. 2. That this Old Covenant, was given at Mount Sinai as a Covenant of Faith. And the contrary Arguments are repelled, &c.

2. Not in this; That the Old Covenant is a mere carnal earthy Covenant, c •… ntaining mere carnal, external and earthly Blessings, as Canaan, Honor, Riches, &c. But the New Covenant is a Spiritual and Celestial Covenant, containing also Spiritual and Eternal Blessings. This the Difference assigned, b •… Bellarmine, and other Papists. And after them by the Socinians (who mudd and poison the Fountain-Truths of God by their carnal subtleties, as the Papists do by their Heresies and Superstitions,) who hold that the Spirit of God and eternal Life, were not promised under the Old Covenant. And this device serves the So •… inian excellently, for his better debasing and decrying of the Scripture. This Device is all •… o taken up by some of the Anabaptistical Party: Thereby the more colourably to defeat Infants of their Baptism; and to withstand that shrewd Argument for Poedobaptism drawn from Circumcision. Doubtless this is a very carnal and earthly Opinion. But the falsehood and folly of this pretended Difference may sufficiently appear, 1. Partly, By considering the Matters or Blessings Promised in the Old Covenant, viz The Spirit of God, many Spirituals and Eternals; In Book III. Chap. 4. Aphorism 4. Sect. 1. p. 800, &c. And Chap. 6. Aph. 2. Sect. 1. p. 1127▪ &c. 2. Partly, By perusing what my learned, judicious and godly friend Mr Tho. Blake (whose dexterity of judgment in matters of Religion hath been of high account with me ever since my first acquaintance with him) hath said in Refutation thereof. In his vindic▪ Foederis. chap. 25. throughout.

3. Not in this; That the Old Covenant is a mixed Covenant, Part lie Legal, Partly Evangelical; Mixt of two divers Covenants, The Covenant of Works▪ and the Covenant of Grace, (as one, who otherwise was very pious and learned, expressed himself; but not so soundly and wisely, as were to be desired:) But the New Covenant is a pure Evangelical Covenant▪ He seems to have run into this mistake, Partly by considering the Moral Law too Abstractedly, Abstracting it from Moses dispensation▪ Partly by not ob •… erving heedfully the mysterious and singul •… r way o •… God's Revealing this Sinai Covenant. But against this Error, be pleased diligently to consider, 1. That this Covenant at Mount Sinai, was given as a pure unmixed Evangelical Covenant of Faith: as is already proved by many Arguments, &c. 2. That God's way of Revealing and Establishing this Old Covenant was very singular, profound and mysterious: as hath been manifested in the Form of this Old Covenant. Which two things •… eedfully peru •… ed, will I hope satisfy any un-biased judgment, That this Sina •… Covenant was not in this sense a mixed Covenant.

4. Not in this; That the Old Covenant (in a far other sense) is mixed, viz. Not a pure Gospel Coven •… nt, 〈◊◊〉 ▪ Having Promises mixed, Some Evange •… ical▪ belonging to those to whom the Gospel belongs; Some Domestical or Civil, specially respect •… ng the House of Abraham, and policy of Israel: But that the New Covenant is purely Evangelical; This notion▪ I doubt▪ is mixed and made up of—, The better to seclude Infants of Believers from Baptism. But Mr. Blake hath sufficiently laid open the weakness of it: To whom for brevity sake the Reader is referred.

5. Not in this; That God's Covenant is threefold, Of Nature, of Grace, and Subservient to the Covenant of Grace. The New Covenant is this Covenant of Grace: The Old Covenant, is this subservient Covenant. This Difference is given by that learned Cameron. How dissatisfactory this his Notion is, I have declared already: there see diligently.

6. Not in this; That the Old Covenant admitted and accepted, as Federates with God, all the Natural Seed of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, &c. though only professing Faith. &c. But the New Covenant accepts none as Federates, but Elect and Regenerate Persons. Against this Pretended but groundless difference betwixt Old and New Covenant, and against that unwarrantable Restraining of New Covenant-Federates only to Elect and Regenerate Persons, much might have been said, and not without great need, considering how this false difference is improved for sinister purposes both by Papists, Anabaptists and other Separatists: But my worthily honored friend Mr. Tho. Blake hath done this to my hand so fully and satisfactorily, that I need say nothing, but only request the Reader diligently to peruse what he hath said.

7. Finally, The true Difference betwixt Old and New Covenant stands not in this; That the Old Covenant comprised in it as Federates with God All Persons professing true Faith and Obedience to God, and all their Seed: But the New Covenant is made so personally with them that actually make such Profession, that it terminates in their persons, not taking in their Seed as Federates with them. This Difference is plainly levelled against Infant-Baptism. But, That Profest Believers, Jews and Gentiles and their Seed, are taken in as Federates with God in his New Covenant, I have abundantly proved already. There See. Mr. Blake hath also exceedingly, and to very good purpose, enlarged himself upon this Particular, In his Vindic. Foederis. chap. 34. to chap 43. Consult him diligently.

These especially are those unsound and unjustifiable Differences betwixt the Old and New Covenant, some whereof are unadvisedly expressed by men of •… ounder judgment; others are most corruptly contrived for the abetting of Error by men of corrupt minds. Let all the fincere lovers of the Truth with vigilant circumspection decline them all.

(II.) Affirmatively. The true Difference and Disagreement betwixt the Old and New Covenant, doth (as is evident from the Natures of them both, already unfolded) consist especially in these Particulars, viz.

1. In the Distinct peculi •… rity of their Natures. For though both of them are God's Covenants of Faith, yet they are two distinct individual expressures of the Covenant of Faith; The Old Covenant being one of the Covenants of Promise, in Christ Promised, and to come afterwards; The New Covenant being that eminent Covenant of Performance, in Christ actually Performed and exhibited, and come in Human flesh already; As I have formerly distinguished them, and cleared the Distinction by Scripture: So that they are rather distinct Individuals of the same Species, then distinct Species or kinds of the same Genus: In as much as they differ not Essentially, but only Accidentally.

2. In the peculiar Notion and Consideration of the Author. God was Author of the Old Covenant, as The LORD, Israel's Covenant-God, Israel's Redeemer, Law-giver, and endeared Husband, as hath been formerly explained: But God was Author of the New Covenant, as the LORD. Hence in laying down of this New Covenant, this his great and glorious essential name JEHOVAH is so often mentioned. Besides, this being a Testamental-Covenant, Jesus Christ as Testator is Author of it, confirming and establishing this his last Will and Testament by his death and blood, beyond Revocation or Alteration.

3. In the Peculiarity of Occasion which God took of making these two Covenants. God established his Old Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai upon occasion of that great and eminent Redemption of them out of Egypt, that he might carry them into the Possession of the Promised Canaan, as hath been already evidenced in many Particulars. But the occasion which he took of establishing his New Covenant, was, The Disconsolate condition of his captives in Babylon, The weakness and unprofitableness of the Old Covenant, and the extreme sinful and miserable condition of mankind, no man to be cured but by the Provisions of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ exhibited.

4. In the Diversity of Agents, Officers and Instrumental Causes which God made use of for Manifestation and Administration of these two Covenants. The Old Covenant, was first given by the ministration of Moses a servant in God's House, as an intervening person or typical Mediator; was Ordained by Angels in the hand of a Mediator: And was afterwards administered and managed, Ordinarily by Priests, Extraordinarily by Prophets. But this New Covenant (fore-promised of God by the Prophet Jeremiah, Chap. 31. 31, &c. ) was in fullness of time that Great Salvation, that great Doctrine of salvation▪ which began to be spoken by JESUS CHRIST, as a Son ov •… r his own house, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him, God also bearing them witness both with▪ signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy-Ghost, according to▪ his own will. And JESUS CHRIST ha •… h committed the after▪ Administration of this New Covenant, and of all the Ordinances thereof, Partly to his Apostles, •… rophets and Evangelists, Officers Extraordinary, for a time till the New Covenant-Church was planted throughout the world; Partly, To Pastors and Teachers, &c. Ordinary Officers, till the end of the world, that the Church be edified, and the Saints perfected.

5. In their extensiveness towards God's Federates. The Old Covenant was of less and more limited extent, only to the Nation of the Jews, the Natural Seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their children, and to some few Gentilish Proselytes embracing the Jewish Religion. These only were God's Covenant-people, others no people; These near unto God, others far off; These having obtained mercy, others not having obtained mercy: These of the household of God, others strangers; These God's children, others Dogs, &c. But this New Covenant is enlarged and extended to all Nations of the World, and accepts as Federates with God all Profest Believers Jewish or Gentilish, and their seed without exception, as hath been abundantly manifested, Mat. 28. 18; 19, 20. Mark 16. 15, 16. Luke 24. 46, 47. Acts 13. 46, 47. & 26. 20. Eph. 2. 13. to the end. & 3. 1. to 13.

6. In the Gradual Perfections and Excellencies of Promised Blessings and Restipulated Duties. As to the substance of these, both these Covenants agree: but as to the excellent degree and perfection thereof they differ. I. Promised Mercies under the New Covenant are, as extensively, so gradually, full, larger and higher, Heb. 8. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. 1. The Law of God is given into, and engraven in, the minds and hearts of his Federates more fully and efficaciously. 2. The Spirit of the Lord is poured forth more abundantly, John 7. 37, 38, 39, 40. Acts 2. throughout. 3. The Knowledge of the Lord is vouchsafed more excellently and universally. 4. Remission of sins is vouchsafed more singularly, &c. II. Re-promised Duties and Abilities for them, are in the New Covenant more sweetly provided for then under the Old▪ that they may be performed, not so carnally, but much more Spiritually; Not so servilely and slavishly, but much more freely and lovingly; not so erroneously as to seek justification by working, but regularly so as to seek justification by believing, and to express the truth of Justification and Sanctification by working, &c.

7. In their Different Representation of the Mediator. Jesus Christ was Mediator in both: But in the Old Covenant he was represented Darkly, under the Type of Moses, and as Future, to come afterwards; In the New Covenant he is set forth clearly, as the Mediator, Surety and Testator thereof actually exhibited already in human flesh, yea Dead, Risen, Ascended and Set down already on the right hand of God, Heb. 9. 15, 16, 17, &c. & 7. 22. & 12. 24. Gal. 4. 4, &c.

8. In their Outward Form or Manner of Manifestation, Confirmation, Administration. Much of these two Covenants Difference lies in their Outward Form. As, I. In their Outward Form of Manifestation▪ For, 1. The Old Covenant was manifested with great terror, out of the midst of the devouring fire: The New without terror, with as much sweetness. 2. The Old Covenant was written literally in two Tables of stone: The New is written Spiritually in the fleshly Tables of mind and Heart. 3. The Old filled the Federates with a spirit of bondage to fear; The New fills with a spirit of Adoption and liberty to love, &c. Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 4, 5, 6. compared with Heb. 12. 18. to 25. Notable is that of Augustine's; This is the shortest and plainest difference of the two Testaments, Fear and Love, &c. 4. The Old, hence, is called a ministration of death and condemnation: The New a Ministration of Life and righteousness, 2 Cor. 3. 7, 8, 9. 5. The Old was glorious, but veiled: The New much more glorious, and unveiled, 2 Cor 3. 9. to the end, &c. II. In their Outward Form of Confirmation. For, 1. The Old Covenant was confirmed and dedicated by Typical blood and death of innocent Sacrifices, Exod. 24. 3 to 9. with Heb. 9. 18. 19, 20, &c. But the New Covenant was Dedicated with far better blood and Sacrifice, viz. with the true blood and death of Jesus Christ the Lamb of God without spot, taking away the sins of the world, Heb. 9. 15, 16, 17. Mat. 26. 28. 2. The Old Covenant was without an Oath: The New with the Oath of God, of which he will never repent, Heb. 7. 19, 20, 21, 22. 3. The Old Covenant was stablished upon God's good Promises: but the New upon God's better Promises, Heb. 8. 6. 4. The Old was confirmed by more dark, difficult, chargeable tokens, Circumcision and the Passover, signifying Christ to come: The New is confirmed by more clear, easy and cheap tokens, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, signifying Jesus Christ already come, Mat. 28. 19, 20. Mat. 26. 28. 1 Cor. 11. 25, 26. III. In their Outward Administration. For, 1. The Old Covenant had a worldly Sanctuary, whereunto the Public Ministrations were principally affixed, Heb. 9. 1. to 11. The New Covenant hath a better and more perfect Tabernacle, that of Christ's Humanity wherein our great High priest officiated, performing more perfect sacrifices, and releasing his Church from restraint places, to worship him in any place, John 4. 21. 23. 1 Tim. 2. 8. 2. The Old Covenant had many dark carnal Ordinances, Rites, Ceremonies and Appointments of divine Service imposed on them till the time of Reformation, which could not make the comers thereunto perfect as pertaining to the conscience, they being only shadows of good things to come, but the body is of Christ, Heb. 10. 1, &c. Col. 2. 17. But the New Covenant being established by the death, blood and sacrifice of Christ himself, doth raise the people of God from more carnal to more clear, Spiritual Sacrifices and services of Divine worship; as Preaching, Praying, Baptism, Breaking of bread, Thank giving, &c. acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 15. Rom. 12. 1. 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. Acts 6. 4. & 2. 42. Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20, 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. As also to more Spiritual Acts of Church-Government, Admonition of Offendors, Mat. 18. 15, 16, 17, 18. Casting out of the obstinate and incorrigible, 1 Cor. 5. throughout. Restoring again of the Penitent, 2 Cor. 2. 6 7, 8, 10. 3. The Ordinances of the Old Covenant were managed; Extraordinarily by Prophets, ordinarily by Priests and Levites, the Old Covenant Ministry: the Ordinances of the New Covenant are managed, Extraordinarily, by Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists; Ordinarily, by Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons, Eph 4. 11, 12, 13. 1 Cor. 12 28. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Rom. 12. 4. to 9. 4. The Old Covenant had many solemn set times of public worship, and a seventh-day Sabbath: The New Covenant hath only one solemn set time for public worship, viz. On every First-day of the week, which is The Lord's Day Sabbath, Rev. 1. 10. Acts. 20. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 1, 2.

9. In certain Accidentals appertaining to the Condition of the Church of Christ, which was essentially one under both Old and New Covenant: as the New Moon and the Old is one Essentially, differing only accidentally. For, 1. The Church under the Old Covenant was as an heir in minority: but the Church under the New Covenant is as an heir come to maturity of age. 2. The Church under the Old Covenant was in a more servile condition, under Tutors and Governors: but the Church under the New Covenant is in a more free condition, stated in Son-like, and Heir-like liberty. 3. The Church under the Old Covenant was under a veil: but under the New Covenant the veil is done away in Christ. 4. The Church under the Old Covenant was very small and of narrow extent, confined to that one little Nation of the Jews: But the Church under the New Covenant is of most large extent, enlarged to all Nations of the world, Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. Mar. 16. 15, 16. Luke 24. 46 47.

10 In duration. The Old Covenant Endured only from the g •… ving of the Law at, Mount Sinai, till the death of Jesus Christ, as hath been manifested: But the New Covenant abolishing the Old, as to what was vanishing in it, continues still New from Christ's death till the end of the world, as hath been evidenced, Mat. 28. 19, 20. 1 Cor. 11. 26. Eph. 4. 11, 12, 13. The Old Covenant is Antiquated by the New: the New shall be Antiquated by none.

11. In regard of memorable Occurrents, falling out under these two Federal Expressures; which were most various, yet these of the New Covenant far transcending, compare Book III. chap. 4. Introduct. with Book IV. chap. 1. Aphorism 2.

12. Finally, In Particularity of Ends. For, 1. The Old Covenant intended a fuller Revealing of Christ then formerly, as the Promised Savior: The New Covenant intends the fullest Revealing of Jesus Christ, as the Exhibited and Performed Savior. 2. The Old Covenant intended the Particular Happiness of Israel, one Nation in the world: The New Covenant intends the General Happiness of all the Nations of the world.

IV. Hence, We may evidently Discover, what the Additional Excellencies and Prehemin •… ncies of the New Covenant are beyond those of the Old, and of all other fore going Covenants. The New Covenant excels them all, and particularly the Old.

1. In clearness. God's Covenants with Adam and Noah, were as the Day-dawning, of saving light and grace to poor sinners: His Covenant with Abraham, was as the Sun-rise: His Old Covenant, comprizing those with David and the Captives, was as the Morning light growing clearer and clearer till the Perfect day: but his New Covenant, is as the Brightest noon-tide, the Perfect day, the Mid day of clearest light, wherein the Sun of righteousness shines forth in his strength most gloriously. Now, God's mysteries are most clearly unveiled; God's Ordinances are most clearly laid down, The veil is done away in Christ: God's Promises are most clearly propounded: Jesus Christ is most clearly revealed, and all Spirituals in him: The way into the Holiest of all, Heaven itself is most clearly opened and made manifest by the blood of Jesus: And the Minds of God's Federates are most clearly illuminated for understanding of all the deep things of God.

2. In Spiritualness. In the Old Covenant administration, there was much Outwardness, Earthiness, Carnalness in Ordinances, Times, Places, Instruments, Officers and Performers of Divine worship: And these outward services could reach only the flesh, the outward man, they could not purify the conscience: So there was much earthiness in the Promises, and in the hopes of the people, looking at an earthly Canaan, and earthly happiness there, &c. But under this New Covenant, the Promises are mostly Spiritual, the Ordinances and whole worship of God very Spiritual: yea, the Hearts and lives of God's true Federates very much spiritualized. See Infer. II. Property 7.

3. In Spiritual liberty, and holy freedom from all sort of spiritual thralldom. This New Covenant -time is to the Church of God the greatest Jubiliee, the greatest year of Redemption and Release, that ever was or shall be in this world. See Isa. 61. 1, 2, &c. Luke 4. 18, 19, 21. But of this formerly.

4. In Fulness and completeness. Of this also formerly.

5. In Extensiveness. The Old Covenant was extended to the Israel according to the flesh, in one Nation, Rom. 9. 4. Eph. 2. 12. But this New Covenant is extended to the Israel according to the Spirit, in all the Nations of the world, Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. Mark 16. 15, 16. Luke 24. 46, 47. But of this see more above.

6. In Efficaciousness. As formerly. In Gen. Infer. II. Property 12.

7. In comfortableness. As hath been already manifested most abundantly in many cases of saddest Disconsolation.

8. In Durableness. The Old Covenant vanisheth away, this New still remains. Its as heart of Oak: yea its an everlasting Covenant, Heb. 9. 13. & 13. 20.

9. In Gloriousness. This New Covenant out-shines the Old, as far as the Sun out-shines the Moon. Yea as the Moon derives and borrows all her clear light from the Sun, having nothing but a dim blackish darkness of her own: So the Old Covenant (having only a darkish blackish body of itself) derived and borrowed as it were all her clearest light from Christ, and the mysteries of the New Covenant. There was a gloriousness in the Old Covenant: but a far greater glory in the New. — For even that which was made glorious, had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. And no wonder; For, 1. The glory of the Old Covenant, was only a veiled Glory, Glory under a veil, Moses put a veil upon his shining face: But the glory of the New Covenant is unveiled, the veil is done away in Christ. 2. The Glory of the Old Covenant, was but the glory of the Letter: the Glory of the New Covenant is the glory of the Spirit. 3. The Glory of the Old Covenant, was but the glory of the Ministration of Death and Condemnation: but the glory of the New Covenant is the glory of the Ministration of Life and Righteousness. 4. The glory of the Old Covenant, was but a servile glory of bondage, like shining golden Fetters: but the glory of the New Covenant is a glory of sweet filial liberty. 5. The glory of the Old Covenant was an affrighting and dazzling glory: But the glory of the New Covenant is an alluring and transforming glory. 6. Finally, The glory of the Old Covenant was vanishing: but the glory of the New Covenant is abiding. In all which regards the glory of the New Covenant is a glory far transcending and excelling.

V. Hence, How great are the Privileges of God's New Covenant-people! To be in a Covenant-less condition, is most wretched: such are Christless, Churchless, Hopeless and Godless in the world. To be in Covenant with God, not only by Outward, but also by Inward Foederation, is most advantageous: such are safe in the Ark, when the rest of the world is drowned; such are blessed with Abraham, when all the rest of the world are cursed; such are God's peculiar Treasure and special People with Israel, when all the rest of the world are not his people, &c. But to be God's sincere New Covenant-people, in power as well as form, in truth as well as Name, is most glorious; As the New Covenants Preheminencies are above those of all other Covenants. So the New Covenant-people's Privileges are above all other Federates Privileges. God hath done much for all his Covenant People in all ages; But he hath done most for his New Covenant-People in this last age. They had many and great Privileges, but ours are more and greater. Cast a discreet eye upon the New Covenant, as already here set forth, and then extol and admire the Privileges of God's New Covenant-people, even our Privileges. For,

1. We are Federates in a Covenant, that hath removed all the darkness, weakness, imperfections, unprofitablness, bondage and gravaminousness of all former Covenants; and that completely. So that now we have a Covenant disvested of all inconveniencies.

2. We are Federates in such a Covenant as is the common Cistern, Receptacle and Treasury of all the light, strength, profitableness, perfections, benefits, liberties, sweetness, and comfortableness of all fore-going Covenants, Touching Temporals, Spirituals and Eternals. Oh what a Privilege! God in this New Covenant hath given us his Honey without sting, his Roses without prickles, his wine without water, his Burden without weight, his Yoak without trouble.

3. We are Federates in such a Covenant as far transcendeth and surpasseth the Old Covenant, and all former Covenants in multiplicity of excellencies: Answerable whereunto are our enjoyments, and our Privileges therein.

Being God's New Covenant-people,

We have God's best and richest Mercies wherewith his New Covenant is furnished, Heb. 8. 10, 11, 12.

We have God's best and choicest Promises, whereupon his New Covenant is established, Heb. 8. 6, 10, 11, 12.

We have the sweetest way of restipulated Duties. All our Duties being comprised in God's Promised mercies, wherein God assures us of Ability from himself, for all the Duty which he expects from us, yea in effect the Lord himself undertakes for our Ability, and for our Duty.

We have the last and best Discoveries of JESUS CHRIST, the only Mediator betwixt God and man, in this New Covenant. Here we may see, This Seed of the woman bruising the Serpents Head, Col. 2. 14, 15. with Gen. 3. 15. This true Noah saving his Elect remnant by water, 1 Pet. 3. 21. with Gen. 6. & 7. This Blessed Seed of Abraham, blessing all Nations, Acts 3. 25, 26. Gal. 3. 13, 14. with Gen. 12. 3. This true Prophet like Moses raised up from among the People Israel, Acts 2. 22, 23. & 7. 37. with Deut. 18. 15. to 20. This Seed and Son of David, sitting upon his Throne, and ruling the house of Jacob forever, Luke 1. 31, 32, 33. with Psal. 132. 1 •… . Here we may see, the Desire of all Nations already come into his Temple, the Messiah already incarnate and cut off, not for himself, but for our sins; The Sinners only Savior, Suffering, Dying, Buried, Revived, Raised from the Dead, Ascending into Heaven, and set down on God's right hand in highest glory. Never Covenant set forth Christ so fully and gloriously as this New Covenant. Many Kings and Prophets desired to see these things which we see, and have not seen them; to hear these things which we hear, and have not heard them.

We have the completest effusions of the Spirit under this New Covenant.

We have A Covenant most excellently Manifested, most admirably Established, and most Spiritually Administred. Christ himself hath Revealed it, Christ's own blood and the Oath of God hath confirmed it, And by most spiritual Ordinances, Seals and Censures it is Administred.

We have attained a better state and condition, then was ever attainable under any fore-going Covenant. All former Covenants advanced the Federates no higher then to a Servile state of Minority: This New Covenant brings us to a free Son-like state of Maturity.

We are by this New Covenant enstated in the completest Church that ever was on Earth, viz. The Oecumenical or General Church of God extended to all the Nations of the world.

We are Federates in such a Covenant, as hath, doth and will represent during its continuance, the most rare, desirable and wonderful occurrence, that were ever discovered to the world.

Yea Finally, We have such a Covenant as Abides and Remains when others are Removed, and will continue so long as the world shall continue; Till it hath gathered all the Elect, Perfected all the Saints, Edified the Church to the top-stone, and made all things ready for the blessed Return of JESUS CHRIST to Judgment.

VI. Hence, We may, by this New Covenant, very sweetly assure ourselves that we are God's New Covenant-People. And I need not superadd any further Discoveries, or Notes of Trial, of our true, inward, saving New Covenant-state, but only point at such as have been already laid down in several places of this fourth Book.

We may be solidly and comfortably assured that we are truly and savingly God's New Covenant-people.

1. By God's writing of his Laws in our minds and hearts. Many Notes whereof, See in Book IV. Chap. 5. Sect. 3. Aph. 1. p. 1388. to 1392.

2. By our being furnished with true New-Covenant-knowledge of God, and of the things of God. Many Evidences hereof, See in Book IV. Chap. 5. Sect. 3. Aph 1. pag. 1433, 1434, 1435.

3. By God's actual Remission of our sins. All of us who have our sins actually remitted, are God's sincere New Covenant-people. Now those that have their sins Pardoned, may know that their sins are pardoned, and that by many discoveries: Laid down in Book IV. Chap. 5. Sect. 3. Aphor. 1. pag. 1477. to 1481.

4. By our being brought into this New Covenant by being called to CHRIST, and made Christ's effectually. Now whether we be truly and effectually Christ's or no, may be discovered by many Evidences thereof, unfolded in Book IV. Chap. 6. Inference IX.

5. By the Lord's being our Covenant-God. For if he be sa •… ingly our Covenant-God, we must needs be his Covenant-people. These are Relatives. Now we may notably discern whet •… er the LORD be savingly our Covenant-God.

• (1) By his Federal Impressions and Operations upon us, as our Covenant-God. Here seven are laid down in Book IV. Chap. 5. Sect. 3. Aph. 1. p. 1498, 1499, 1500.
• (2) By our Covenant-Relation unto God. Evidenced in 8. Particulars. There, p. 1500. to 1504.
• (3) By our deportment and carriage towards him, as towards our God in Covenant. Which is set forth at large in five particulars. There, p. 1504. to 1511.

These Evidences of our true and salvifical New Covenant▪ state, dispersed in several parts of this fourth Book, are here summarily c •… llected together, and represented in one view unto our eyes. Do we desire to know that we are God's New Covenant people indeed, and that savingly? Then, consult we all these Topics of Evidences diligently. Let us weigh ourselves in these Sanctuary Scales heedfully; Let us try ourselves at these sacred Touch-stones impartially.

VII. Hence, How much doth it concern All, especially us Gentiles To Esteem, Embrace, Rest-upon, Conform-to, and Triumph in this blessed New Covenant. For, I. Of all Covenants which since the foundation of the world God revealed to man, this New Covenant is; 1. Every way most excellent; and therefore to be esteemed by all. 2. Every way most desirable, amiable, and delectable; and therefore to be embraced by all. 3. Every way most firm, sure, faithful, immutable and irrevocable: and therefore to be believed, assented to, acquiesced in, and rested upon by all. 4. Every way most Holy, Just and Good most equal, upright, spiritual and heavenly: and therefore to be complied with, and conformed unto by all. 5. And it is every way, Sufficient for our miseries; Suitable to our necessities; Satisfactory against our scruples, doubts and objections; Confirmatory against our spiritual enemies and their Temptations, & Consolatory against all out imaginable Disconsolations: and therefore it is to be triumphed in by all. II. Of all the people in the world, we Gentiles have far the greatest cause, thus to Esteem, Embrace, Rest-upon, Conform to, and Triumph in, this blessed New Covenant. For, 1. From what Extremities of misery did God rerestore us Gentiles when he brought us first into this New Covenant! we were no people, we had not obtained mercy, we were without Christ, being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenants of Promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Could there be a more wretched people in the world, then such Gentiles? 2. To what high Eminencies of Privileges did God at the very first advance us Gentiles, when he accepted us at first Federates with himself in this New Covenant! His own peculiar people the Jews must wait many ages for this Covenant, and pass many Gradual Preparatories, especially under the Old Covenant, before they could be fitted for, and capable of this Covenant: And yet we strangers, aliens, enemies to God, were at once exalted from our deepest Paganish misery, to this highest New Covenant Felicity. 3. The Gentiles are so taken into Covenant, that they are fellow heirs, and of the same body with the Jews. This a great mystery, Eph. 3. 4. to 12. And what more? 4. The Gentiles are so Generally and Universally taken in as Federates with God in this New Covenant, even all professed believing Gentiles in all Nations and their seed, that their glory far out-shines the glory of the very Jews. Sing O barren, thou that didst not bear, break forth into singing and cry aloud thou that didst not travel with child: for more are the children of the desolate, then the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. The abundant access of the Gentiles to the Church, is the great glory of the Church, Isa. 60. 1. to the end. And what further? 5. The Gentiles are entertained and retained as Federates with God in this New Covenant, when God's ancient Covenant-people the Jews are rejected: Jews are broken off, and Gentiles are graffed in. God's only people become no people: and they that were not a People become the people of the living God. Behold here the Goodness and Severity of God! And what may be further added? 6. When the Jews shall again be converted unto God, and graffed in, they shall obtain mercy through the Gentiles mercy, as the Gentiles obtained mercy through the Jews unbelief, Rom. 11. 25, 26. to 32. Let all this be duly considered, and then all we Gentiles may cry out with the great Doctor of the Gentiles, O the depth, &c. How can we look upon this New Covenant, and not be ravished with it!

VIII. Hence, 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. Our hearts and lives, our Inward Constitutions, and Outward Conversations should bear an harmonious Agreement and Correspondency with Divine Dispensations under which we live. Thus, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore we should keep the Feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of Sincerity and Truth. All this New Covenant time since the death of Christ till the worlds end, is our great Passover-Feast: therefore it is to be kept without all spiritual leaven. Again, — ye were sometimes darkness, but now are light in the Lord: walk as children of light, &c. And elsewhere; — And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer then when we believed. (That is, then when we first believed.) The night ( viz. Of Pagani •… m) is far spent, the Day ( viz. of Christianism) is at hand: Let us therefore cast off the works of Darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day, &c. God's merciful Dispensations to us, should be strong obligations upon us. The like we are to judge here touching the New Covenant Dispensation under which we live: we should be conform to this New Covenant in Heart and Life. 1. The Covenant is New: so should we be New; New Creatures, having New minds by illumination, New Consciences by Purification, New wills by Renovation, New Affections by Sanctification, and New Lives and actions by Reformation. What a shameful incongruity were it for us to persist still in our Old Carnality, in our old ignorance and unbelief, in our old sins and wicked courses, under this New Covenant, especially professing ourselves to be God's New Covenant-people? 2. This New Covenant is better then ever the Old Covenant was: So should we that are professed Federates therein, be a better people then those under the Old. We New Covenant Christians, should be better then the Old Covenant Jews. Better in our minds & judgments; not having a veil of blindness and error upon them, wandering from God's truth and will: Resting in the Law, seeking for righteousness by the deeds of the Law, stumbling at that stumbling stone, Rom. 9. 31, 32, 33. Better in our Consciences: not corrupt, secure, erroneous, counting it Duty, and doing God service to betray and murder the Prince of Life Jesus Christ, and to kill his Apostles, &c. Better in our wills and hearts: not being perverse, froward, crooked, stubborn, rebellious, hard-hearted, impenitent, earthly, carnal, &c. Better in all our Principles: Abounding much more with love, out of a pure heart, good conscience, and faith unfeigned, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Better in all our Practises: being therein, Not superstitious, but truly religious; Not scandalous, but inoffensive: Not rebellious, but obsequious unto God; Not carnal and literal, but spiritual; Not earthly, but heavenly, Phil. 3. 20. Not hypocritical, but sincere; Not Apostatizing from God and his fear through unbelief, drawing back unto Perdition, but steadfastly persevering with God in well-doing, through faith, to the saving of the soul, Heb. 10. 38, 39. 3. This New Covenant is more illustrious and excellent then the Old, or any that went before: Proportionably so should we, and all that are God's New Covenant Federates, illustriously excel the Federates of old. We should excel them, In maturity of apprehensions of God and all divine mysteries; In vivacity of faith, living by the Faith of the Son of God; In activity of love, To God and Jesus Christ over all; In fervency of zeal to the glory of God's most excellent Name; In Heroic perfections of all the graces of Sanctification; In dearest Soul-ravishing Communion with Father, Son and Holy-Ghost; In integrity of obedience to God's whole revealed will, w •… th true delight; In uncessant growth in knowledge, grace and all the perfections of the inner man; In unmovable stedfastness and constant abounding in all the work of the Lord; In diligent pressing towards the mark for the price of the High-calling of God in Jesus Christ; In loving, longing for, and hastening unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said, Surely I come quickly. To whom our fervent Spirits should Echo out; Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus.

IX. Hence, All bruised, distressed and disconsolate souls should in an especial manner have recourse to this blessed New Covenant for their sweetest and fullest consolations. Much consolation is to be had from former Covenants and their Promises; but most of all from this New Covenant and its Promises. They abound: but This superabounds. They flow: but This overflows (like the Land of Canaan ) with milk and honey of most delicious consolations. What is it that wounds thine heart, sads thy spirit, or makes thy perplexed soul droop within thee; which this New Covenant w •… ll not remove? ^1. Is it guilt of sin: ^2. Is it the wrath of God: ^3. Is it the gross darkness of thy mind: 4. Is it the hardness, deceitfulness, and vileness of thine heart: 5. Is it the want of spiritual excellencies and abilities: ^6. Is it the greatness of the distance betwixt God, Christ and thee: ^7. Is it the great difficulty or seeming 〈◊〉 of ever obtaining assurance of salvation: ^8. It is the relics of corruption: ^9. Is it the fears and dangers of backsliding: ^10. Is it any Inward or Outward wants: ^11. Is it strong and violent Temptations: ^12. Is it sad and dismaying desertions: ^13. Is it sharp Afflictions or Persecutions: ¹⁴ Or Is it the very terrors & pangs of death itself? Is it any, or many, or all of these, that fills thee with discomfort, and girds thee about with Sackcloath? Against all and everyone of these, this New Covenant is a most rich and precious Antidote; as hath been abundantly evidenced in everyone of these Particulars. Come hither therefore O thou poor tossed and weather-beaten soul; that walkest in darkness and hast no light: Learn here of this New Covenant to wait upon the Lord, and stay thyself upon thy God: Come Anchor in this sweet Haven of peace: Come lick the honey out of this Rock; Come draw and drink water out of these wells of salvation with joy. These New Covenant-consolations, are the sweetest, strongest and most lasting consolations.

X. Hence, Finally, It is very evident, That this New Testamental-Covenant approacheth nearest, as in contiguity of time, so in excellency of Nature, unto the celestial Glory. The first and lowest expressure of the Covenant of faith began in the Earthly Paradise: This last and highest Expressure of the New Covenant, will End in the Heavenly Paradise. This New Covenant which is to continue till the worlds end, will reach to the very Borders of the Heavenly Country, the coelestial Canaan: And of all Covenants the sublime Nature of it is most nearly elevated to the Perfection of the Heavenly Faelicity. The three First Covenants with Adam, Noah and Abraham, were suitable to the Churches Extream Infancy: The Old Covenant, as also those with David, and the Captives in Babylon, were answerable to the Churches Non-age and Minority: But this New Covenant is most agreeable to the Churches full-age and Maturity. Under the three First, the Church was only Domestical, in Private Families: In the three next, the Church was come to be National, in that One Nation of the Jews: In this last the New Covenant, the Church becomes O •… cumenical, being generally extended to all Nations of the world. In those CHRIST was only Promised: In this CHRIST is actually Performed and Exhibited. In those Redemption, Reconciliation and Salvation of Sinners was fore-shadowed: In this all these glorious things are actually fulfilled. In those there was much of Heaven: In this there is most of all. In this, the Truth of God is most clear, The mysteries of God are most plain, The Grace of God discovers itself most full and free, The Gospel of God is most glorified, The People of God are most multiplied, The Saints of God are most perfected, And the Church of God is most completed and Prepared for the eternal Solemnities of her Marriage with the Lamb, Where the Reward of Virtue (as Augustine sweetly) will be, he that is the giver of virtue, who hath promised himself, then whom nothing can be better or greater, &c. When we shall be like him, for that we shall see him as he is, 1 John. 3. 2.— We shall Rest and See, we shall See and Love, we shall Love and Laud. Lo this shall be, in the End, without End. Oh happy New Covenant that at last will inclose the Church in the bosom of God, and blissful Arms of Jesus Christ! Make haste my beloved, and be thou like to a Roe, or to a young Hart upon the Mountains of Spices, Cant. 8. 14.— And the Spirit and the Bride say, come; and let him that heareth say, come: and Christ himself saith, Behold I come quickly. Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus, Rev. 22. 17, 20.