IN the words, 1. we have a Subject spoken of, and that is the New Testament, as it is di­stinguished from the Old Testament, which was not the Covenant of Works, but the Co­venant of Grace, wrapt up in Types, and Figures, more darkly Administred, Galat. 3.18. 2. The Apostle insists on this New Testament, and com­mends it, that it is Spirit and not Letter, 1 John 17. that is, the Holy Ghost doth eminently, and signally manifest himself in this New Testament Dispensation. It is Filled, it is Enriched, it is En­nacted by the Holy Ghost; he doth so breath in it, and worketh it, that it may well be called Spi­rit, and not Letter. The Gospel is not a meer Li­teral Doctrine, or Command, but mightily anima­ted by the Spirit; if it were only Letter, it would kill us frail and weak Greatures, exacting Duty, And requiring Obedience of us, that are Impo­tent, yea dead Creatures; but it is Spirit, and so it gives Life. The Holy Ghost enlightens Blind Minds, softens Hard Hearts, and Quickens Dead Souls. The effectual Workings of the Spirit, are called, the Law of the Spirit, and this Law of the [Page 2]Spirit of Life is said to make free from the Law of sin and death, Rom. 8.2. This is a Law that is all Power, and consists wholly in Execution. 3. The Apostle informs us of the Honour and Dignity of Gospel-Officers, for they are Ministers of this New Testament. 4. The Apostle glorifies God, and instructs us, how it is that Officers do become able Ministers of this New Testament. It is God that made Paul, and others, Able Ministers of the New Testament: The words afford us Three Doctrines. 1st. That there is a New Testament. 2dly, That Gospel Officers are Ministers of this New Testament. 3dly, That it is God that doth make Men able Ministers of the New Testament. 1. Doctrine, that there is a New Testament. We may observe and admire the Wisdom of God, that first there was a Promise, then a Covenant, then a Testament; this last the best, and most Noble Edition of the Covenant of Grace; this is called the New Testament, to distinguish it from the Old Testament. First, The Old Testament was made with one Nation, in the day that the Lord took Israel by the hand, to lead them out of the Land of Egypt; but it is God's design, by Christ, and the New Testament, to gather toge­ther into one all the Children of God that are scattered abroad, John 6.52. Christ Preacheth now not onely to the Jews that were nigh, but also to the Gentiles that were afar off, Ephes. 2.17. 2. The First Testament had Moses for â Mediator, Gal. 5.19. The Law was given by Mo­ses, but Grace and Truth comes by Jesus Christ, 1 John 17. Jesus is the Madiator of the New Testa­ment, Heb. 9.15. The Old Testament was ac­companied [Page 3]with Figures, and Shadows of things to come, 2 Col. 17. The Law had a shadow of good things to come, and not the very Image of the Things, that is, Christ himself; and the very Live Image of Spiritual things, were not then ex­hibited: Righteousness was not yet brought, A­tonement was not yet made, the Fountain was not yet opened for sin and uncleanness: The Law and Prophets Prophesied till John, Matth. 1.13. they spake of Christ, and foretold the Glorious things of the Gospel, as yet to come; but now the Kingdom of God is clearly discovered, and is Preached as come, Luke 7.16.

I ourthly. The Old Testament, and the Ceremo­nial Law made nothing perfect, Heb. 7.19. but did introduce the Hope of a better Priest, and of a more Noble Sacrifice; but Christ, by one Offer­ing, hath perfected for ever them that are Sancti­fied: On the day of Atonement there was a re­membrance of all the Sins committed that year, which did shew the weakness and imperfection of those Sacrifices, in that there was a Remembrance again made of Sins. But in this the Excellency and Perfection of Christ's Sacrifice appears, in that it did purge and put away Sin; and God on the account of it made that Promise, Your Sins and Ini­quities I will Remember no more, Heb. 10.17, 18.

Fifthly. The Old Testament was confirmed by the Blood of Beasts; Moses killed Sacrifices and took the Blood of them, and sprinkled it on the People; saying, behold the Blood of the Covenant that God hath made with you: But the New Testament was con­firmed with better Blood. Christs Blood is the [Page 4]Blood of Sprinkling, and the Blood of the Ever­lasting Covenant, Heb. 12.24. Heb. 13.20.

Sixthly. The Old Testament was weak and faulty; it did not, it could not purge Conscience by the Blood of Brutish Sacrifices; neither could it introduce the Law of God into the Soul, and write it in the Heart; but the New Testament is strong and powerful, it makes those that were barren to bear and rejoyce, Isa. 54.1. And by it the Law of God is writ in the Heart, and put into the inward parts, and the Soul is Renewed and Transformed, to walk with, and live to God.

7thly. The Old Testament waxed old, and did vanish away, but the New Testament remains, abides and is Everlasting, Heb. 13.20. the Blood of Christ is still fresh, and therefore his Testament is still new. He offered one Sacrifice for Sins for ever, Heb. 10.12. His Sacrifice is of an Everlasting Virtue, and the way made by it to the true Holy of Holies is living, and still new, Heb. 10.19. and the Cove­nant, and Testament built on this Everlasting Sa­crifice, must need be Everlasting. This is God's last speaking to the World, and it shall never give place to any other Covenant, Heb. 7.1. This is a better Covenant, or Testament, established on better Promises, than the Covenant of Works was, Heb. 8.6. yea, the Promises of the New Testa­ment are clearer, and exhibit more grace, than the Promises of the Old Testament. The Old Covenant is compared to, and set forth by Hagar, that was a young Woman, and had Natural Strength to conceive, and bare a Son, Gal. 4.24, 25. with Isa. 54.1. but the New Testament is set forth by Sarah that was barren, and was made [Page 5]fruitful by a supernatural power, Acts 1.11. The Promises of the Law do respect the strength that God first put into Man, and are built on the o­bedience to be performed by this strength; but the New Testament is built on a Spiritual and Supernatural strength put into the Soul by the Holy Ghost.

For the opening, and Explication of this New Testament I shall insist on these several particulars. First, Who is the Testator? Answer, This must needs be he, that by his Death, doth confirm, and establish the Testament, and this is proper to the Son of God, he is the only Mediator of the New Testament. He procured it, and gave force to it by his Sufferings and Death, Luke 22.29. Christ speaks of himself as bequeathing, and acting as a Testator, [...], I bequeath, I dispose unto you a Kingdom. Budaeus, in his Com­nentary on the Greek Tongue, doth confess and acknowledge; that this is Verbum Testamentale, a word commonly used by the Grecians in making their Wills. The Father is said to dispose a King­dom to the Son, the Son to us. The Father hath made Christ heir of all things, Heb. 1.2. He hath given him a Name above every Name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow. But in this God hath an eye, and a respect to the Humiliati­on, and Sufferings, and Death of Christ, because he became obedient to the Death of the Cross; there­fore God hath exalted and glorified him. The Death of Christ seems to be the ground of the Fa­thers legacy to Christ, and of all that Jesus Christ bequeathes and disposes to us.

Secondly, In a Testament there must be an Estate to be disposed of, and the Testator must have pro­priety, and be interested in this Estate. else he cannot dispose it: Christ saith, All things that the Father hath are mine, John 16.15. Therefore Christ hath good right to dispose of them. Testa­tors do dispose of two sorts of things, Money and Goods, and Houses and Lands; the Graces Christ bestows may be compared to Money, and Goods: The Glory he bequeathes, is set forth by an Eter­nal House, 2 Cor. 5.1. with Heb. 9.15. and an E­verlasting Inheritance.

First. Jesus Christ bequeathes Grace, and a new Nature: A new Heart will I give unto you, a new Spirit will I put within you, Ezek. 36.26.31. I will put my Law into your inward parts, and write it in your hearts, Jer. 33. The Law is put deep in­to the Soul, and it is written for Perpetuity, never to be blotted out, and it is diffused through the Soul; it spreads into the understanding, and it is rooted and prevails in the Will. The Soul is poor, blind, dead, and all its Faculties are per­verted and disorderly; without this new Heart, without the Law of God written in the Mind, and Will: How full, large and comprehensive is Christs Testament? It doth not only make Heirs, but also raises up Children, which no other Testa­ment doth or can do. True Believers are Chil­dren of the Promise, Rom. 9.8. Isaac was born of the free and powerful Promise of God: This was the word of Promise, At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a Son, Rom. 9.9. God would make an effectual visit, he would put forth his Power in an excellent and extraordinary way, [Page 7]and so Sarah should conceive (though barren) and Isaac, tho' old be born. So God comes to Souls dead in sins and Trespasses, he beams in light, and breathes in life, and so they are Regenerated and born to God: The Covenant of Grace, the Testament of Christ is Sarah, a Mother, of which we are born; and as there are Children of Pro­mise, that derive Grace and a new Nature from the Promise, so there are Heirs of Promise, Heb. 6.17.19. That do inherit the Kingdom, and E­ternal Glory, by virtue of the free Promise. God is said to Promise the Kingdom, and to Promise Eternal Life, Jam. 2.5. Tit. 1.2. Here are the Riches and fulness of this Testament, that Chri­stians are Children of the Promise, and so partake of Grace, and are Heirs of the Promise, and so do inherit the Kingdom of Glory.

Thirdly. Where there is a Testament there must be Legatees and Heirs; Jesus Christ is the Medi­ator of the New Testament, that those that are called may receive the Promise of the Eternal In­heritance, Heb. 9.15. The Civil Law gives this description of an Heir, that he is vocatus ad heredi­tatem; one that is called to the Inheritance by the Testament of a dead Man, Vid pacium: If Christ had not died as a Testator, there would have been no Inheritance to be enjoyed, and there would have been no call to a Heavenly House and Possessi­on. How many are there in the World that were never called at all, and others are not effectually called; the Jews at this day, are like such as the Civil Law calls Abdicati, such as for Provocations given are disinherited; the Gentile Heathen World are like such as the Civil Law calls Praeteriti, such [Page 8]as are passed by, and slipt over, but such may come in for a share in the Fathers Goods, and lay claim to his Inheritance; the blind desolate Heathen World shall be called, and converted, The desolate Cities shall be inhabited, Isa. 54.3. And the desolate Heritages shall be inherited, Isa. 49.8. For the clearer explication of things I shall shew, 1. Who are the Heirs. 2. What they are Heirs of. 3. How they became Heirs. 1. Who are Heirs? I Answer, The Sons, the Children of God; there are some that are predistinated to the Adoption of Children, Ephes. 1.5. Christ is to gather together into one, that is, into one Kingdom, City, Family, Body, the Children of God that are scattered a­broad, John 11.52. These Sons, these Children shall be Heirs, the Inheritance is limited and re­strained unto them; to sit on the right and on th [...] left hand of Christ in his Kingdom is not his to give, but to whom it is prepared of his Father, Matth. 20.21.23. That supplement, but it shall be given to them, should be wholly left out, and the words be thus rendred, To sit at my right hand and my left is not mine to give, but to those for whom it is prepared of my Father. Christ would give places in his Kingdom, but he was limited by the decree of the Father; to give to those he had predistinated to the Adoption of Children, and so had prepared the Inheritance and Kingdom for them.

2. What are Christs People Heirs of? I Answer, 1. Of the Kingdom, Tit. 2.5. 2. Of the World, Rom. 4.13. 1. They are Heirs of the Kingdom, they shall have a Mansion in God's House, John 14.2, 3. They shall have a Lot and Inheritance in the Heavenly Kingdom, in Emmanuels Land and [Page 9]Country, Dan. 12. last. Col. 1.12. They shall sit in the Throne with Christ, and Reign in Life for evermore, Rev. 3.21. Rom. 5.17. 2. They are Heirs of the World. God gave Abraham the Land of Canaan by Promise, and this was a pledge and earnest of all Earthly Portions, and Possessions given to Believers by God's free grace, and bounty. Wicked Men may be Possessors of, and dwellers in the World, but it is Believers that are Heirs of the World, and have a Spiritual Right and Title to it. Godliness hath the Promise of the Life that now is, and of that which is to come, Tim. 1.4.8. He hath given meat to them that fear him: He will ever be mindful of his Covenant, Psal. 111.5. The King­dom of God, and his Righteousness is our chief good, and true Happiness; the main of Gods Covenant is wrapt up in this, Matth. 6.33. yet Earthly and outward things are Promised as an advantage, these shall be added to God's Children to supply their wants. The Children of Israel had need of a Passage to Canaan, the Country that God had given them, Moses sent to Sihon to desire a passage through his Country unto Canaan, Deut. 2.26, 27, 28, 30. but he refused to let Israel pass through his Land, so God gave him up to Israel to be destroyed. Thus the People of God must have some Footing in, and Possession of the World, as it is a passage to the Heavenly Canaan, that is their proper Country, Heb. 11.15, 16.

3. How do Christians become Heirs? I answer, By being effectually called. None but such shall partake of the Eternal Inheritance, Heb. 9.15. When Christ doth not only seek after straying Souls, but doth apprehend them, Phil. 3.12. Paul [Page 10]saith he was apprehended of Christ. When the Lord of Glory doth not only knock but open the Heart, Rev. 3.20. Acts 16.14. When the call of God is accompanied with gifts, Rom. 11.29. The gifts and calling of God are without Repentance; when God so calls, that he gives an understand­ing to know him, 1 John 5.20. and gives a Heart to love and fear him, Deut. 30.6. Jer. 32.39. When God bestows a new Heart, and a new Spi­rit, then is the call effectual, Ezek. 36.26.

Fourthly. Where there is a Testament, there must be a Sanction, Confirmation and Establishment of it, Heb. 9.15. Where there is a Testament, there must of necessity be the death of the Testator, Heb. 9.16.17. The Civil Law saith as long as a Man lives, voluntas est perambulatoria, it is mutable, and changeable, but the Death of a Testator fixes things, and gives force to his Will, confirms and establishes all his Legacies: How sweet are these words, where there is a Testament, there must be the Death of the Testator? The Law speaks at another rate, where there is a Crime, the Criminal must be punished: Where there is a Transgressi­on, the threatening must be put in force, the Curse must be executed, the Transgressor must be cut off, but here is a New Testament established by the Blood of Jesus Christ; This is my Blood of the New Testament, Matth. 26.28. This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood, 1 Cor. 11.25. Jere­miah did speak of God's making a New Covenant, or Testament, Jer. 31.31. but there is no mention made, or discovery given of the Blood, that this New Covenant was to be confirmed by; but the [Page 11]Gospel teacheth us what the Blood is, by which the New Testament is established: God did put the threatenings, and Curse of the Law in force by cutting off Christ, Zech. 13.7. Isa. 53.8. That he might put the Promises in force, fulfill them to us, and bestow the Eternal Inheritance on us. Who could have imagined, or thought of such a thing, that the death of Sinners should be prevented, and the death of a Testator should succeed, and be in the place of their Sufferings and death.

Fifthly. Where there is a Testament, there must be an effectual way to execute it. We read of the sure Mercies of David, that is of Christ, as the next Verse doth plainly evidence, that it is Christ that is spoken of, for he is said to be given as a Wit­ness, as a Leader, and Commander to the People, Isa. 55.3, 4. This is observable, that all the Riches, Blessings, and Benefits of the Covenant are Christ's Mercies: He is a Priest of good things, Heb. 9.11. he purchases, he procures them; and it is he also that distributes, and gives them out. In Isaiah there is only mention made of the sure Mereies of David, but in the Acts, Acts 13.34. it is thus ex­pressed; I will give you the sure Mercies of David: and this Promise is grounded on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is now no more to return to Corruption, Acts 13.33, 34. As Christ died as a Testator, so he rose again to be the Executor of his own Testament; he is not alive to Violate, or Disanul, but to fulfil his Testament. So we are said to be saved by his Life, Rom. 5.10. Heb. 7.25. Jesus Christ discharges all his Offices, by executing of his Testament.

1. Jesus Christ executes his Prophetical Office, No Man hath seen God, but the only begotten that is in the Bosom of the Father hath declared him to us, 1 John 18. Luke 1.7, 8. Isa. 9.6. Mal. 3. last. He is the Day spring from on high, the Wonderful Counsellor, the Messenger of the Covenant; he Preached Righteousness, and declared God's Faith­fulness, and Salvation, Psal. 40.9, 10.

2. Jesus Christ executes his Priestly Office, in Sprinkling his Blood, as clean Water, to Purifie from Uncleanness, and to Wash Men from their Sins, Ezek. 36.28. Rev. 1.5, 6. And Jesus, as Priest, Intercedes that his Legacies may be be­stow'd; and his Blood cries for the Execution of his Testament, Heb. 7.25. He ever lives to make Intercession. John 17.19.24. Heb. 12.24.

3. Jesus Christ, as King, executes his Office, he writes his Doctrine and Laws in the hearts of his Subjects, and gives them new hearts, Jer. 31.33. Ezra 36.56.

1. Ʋse. This may inform us of the wonderful Grace of God, that there should be a New Testa­ment. Did Fallen Man ever imagine, or conceive such a thing, that Christ's Goods should be Dis­pensed, and his Inheritance be derived to, and set­led on Sinful Creatures by a Testament Ratified by his own Blood, and Death. 1. We deserved to be stript, and deprived of all External and Temporal Enjoyments, that the Wine-press, and the Corn-floor should not feed us, Hos. 9.2. That God should return, and take away his Corn, Wool, and Flax from us, Hos. 2.9. and that the [Page 13]things that God hath given us, shall pass away from us, Jer. 8.13. God might, by the Executi­on of his Threatnings, have impoverished and de­stroy'd us; and what Grace is this, that he should make a Testament to save, and inrich us.

2. The Covenant of Works doth exact perfect and perpetual Obedience: it requires the full Debt, without any abatement, of us poor Insolvent Creatures, and threatens us with Eternal Punish­ment, and Perdition, for any defect, failure, or de­fault in our Obedience? And what Grace is this, that a New Testament should be made, that for­gives the Guilty, and gives to the Poor? The Law was given by Moses; but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ, John 1.17.

3. Consider how dear it cost Jesus Christ to be a Testator. 1. He was obliged to put on our Humane Nature, that he might have a Body to of­fer up, a Life to lay down, Blood to shed, a Soul to pour out to the Death. 2. Jesus Christ must be a Surety, Heb. 7.22. or else he could not have been a Testator: he must bear our sins, pay our Debt, discharge our Ransom; he must buy and purchase all good things for us, else he could not bequeath them to us. We were such Criminals, such guilty Creatures, that Jesus Christ could not live, and give any good to us, or bestow any Spi­ritual Blessing on us, but he must die to bequeath Legacies; all Spiritual Good Things must come swiming to us in the Blood of Jesus Christ. 3. That Jesus Christ should empty himself to fill us, im­poverish himself to inrich us. You know (saith [Page 14] Paul) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet, for our sakes, he became poor, that we, through his Poverty, might be Rich, 2 Cor. 8, 9. The Lord of Heaven and Earth, the Heir of all things, was in a meaner and lower condition than Birds and Foxes. The Birds of the Air have Nests, and Foxes have Holes, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his Head, Luke 9.58. The Curse took hold of him, that the Blessing might flow to us. Death came to him, that Life might be derived to us.

4. Consider how sweet, comfortable and re­freshing Christ's Testament is.

1. In a Covenant there are Two Parties obli­ging themselves to each other; but, in a Testa­ment there is but one Party Bequeathing, and that is Christ.

2. Covenants are Vacated, and Disanulled by the Death of one, or both of the Confederates, but a Testament is not disanulled, but established by the Death of Christ. We are Heires, in Re­version, and Heires, in Possession, by our own Death.

3. A Testament is irrevocable, because it is built on something past, and that cannot be un­done: Jesus Christ hath died, and this gives e­ternal force to his Testament. The Benefits, and Legacies of Christ's Testament come to us in a Righteous way, what he Bequeathes he Purchases, and there is a powerful and effectual way to exe­cute Christ's Testament. The Holy Ghost fulfills the Promises, and bestowes the Legacies of this [Page 15]Testament. Men are Taught, and do know God as the true God, and their God; they are drawn, and do choose God for their God, and Portion, and do sincerely become a Peculiar People to him, and they are caused to walk in his Statutes, and to keep his Judgments and Commands.

2d. Ʋse of Exhortation, 1. Branch. O seek to have Benefit by Christ's Testament, to be his Le­gatees, yea his Heires! O be not contented with a short Reprieve, and with meer Patience and For­bearance; Do not satisfie your selves with some present Almes of Mercy, and Temporary Relief, but seek a Rich, and lasting Portion, an Eternal Inheritance: Let not this quiet you, that you are Stewards of Temporal Things, but make sure you shall be Heires of an everlasting Salvation and Kingdom. Do not onely catch at God's Riches, in Earthly things, Psal. 10.24.3. but lay hold of the Riches of Christ for Eternity, Ephes. 8. O prize and secure your Interest in this Testa­ment, for, 1. It mainly and principally respects the Soul, and Eternity: The Soul shall find rest, Matth. 11.28. Isa. 55.2. of it self, in fatness, and obtain Salvation, 1 Pet. 1.9. 2. This is a Comprehensive Testament, here is Grace given, and Glory bequeathed, 1. Galat. 6. 2 Thes. 2.14.

3. Here are the greatest, most precious, and Invaluable Legacies bestowed; God gives him­self as our God, Father, and Portion, Jer. 31.33. and Jesus Christ bestowes himself, as a Head, Hus­band, and Saviour, 2 Cor. 12. Ephes. 5.23.

That you may have benefit by this New Testa­ment, I would Counsel and Advise these Two things, 1. O be Married to Jesus Christ the Te­stator, Rom. 7.4. as Adam awaked out of his deep sleep to Marry Eve, so Christ is awaked, and Risen from the Dead to Marry poor Soules, and to set­tle his Riches, and Inheritance on them. 2. Cry, and seek for the Spirit, Luke 12.2.13. he is the Faithful, and Powerful Executor of Christ's Te­stament; he can open blind Eyes, break hard Hearts, quicken dead Soules.

2d. Branch of the Ʋse of Exhortation. O be Grateful, be Thankful to the Testator, that hath established this New Testament; give your selves to Christ, 2 Cor. 5.5. and serve him, Psal. 22.30. Yield your selves to God, as those that are alive from the dead, Rom. 13. Offer your selves to God as living Sacrifices, Rom. 12. Turn to Christ, Acts 11.21. Run to Christ, Isa. 55.15. Live to him, 2 Cor. 5.15.54. Be his Portion, and Possession, Isa. 53.12. Psal. 2.8. Be First-Fruits to God, and the Lamb, as those that are obliged to it by Redemption, and as those that are enabled there­unto by Regeneration. We are Redeemed to be First-Fruits, we are Begotten to be First-Fruits, Rev. 14.4. James 1.18.

2d. Doctrine. Gospel Officers are Ministers of the New Testament; this is their Honour, and Glory, that they are sent forth into the World with the Word, and glad Tidings of Reconcilia­tion in their Mouths, and the Testament of the Son of God in their Hands. 1. They are to re­veal [Page 17]to the World this Great Secret, this deep, and wonderful Mystery, that the Son of God hath set his House in Order, and made his last Will and Testament. The World is an utter stranger to this Supernatural Truth, the Church only knows it, and is acquainted with it, Psal. 25.14. This is spoken of as a great Mercy, that God will Reveal this Secret, and shew his Covenant unto any. 2. Christ's Officers are to open, explain, and expound this Testament; it is so Rich, Full, and Comprehensive, that Ministers may Study. Medi­tate, Contemplate on it all their days, and Preach it throughout their whole Life. This is the Emi­nent and Noble Employment of Ministers to Preach to the World the unsearchable Riches of Christ, 2 Cant. 3. 2 Cor. 2.14. They are to give forth the Savour of Christ's Ointments, to pour out his Name as Ointment; to shed abroad the sweet sa­vour of the Knowledge of God, and Christ, in every place; to bear Christ's Name before the World, Acts 9.15. The Church is compared to a Company of Horses in Pharaohs Chariot; as by her Officers she draws Christ's Spiritual Chariot, and him sitting in it through the World, 1 Cant. 9. with 3 Cant. 9, 10. 3. They are to urge, and press on Men to lay hold of this Covenant, of this Testament of the Son of Cod: As it is eminent Grace in God to shew us this Covenant, Psal. 25.14. so it is our main, and most important duty to lay hold on this Covenant, on this Testament, Isa. 56.4.6. We have nothing to relieve our Fainting and Famishing Soules, we have nothing to bear up our sinking Spirits, but the Testament of Christ.

1. Here is a most clear Revelation of Spi­ritual and Eternal things, Life and Immortality is brought to light by the Gospel, 2 Tim. 1.10. The way to the Holiest of all, was not yet made mani­fest, while as the first Tabernacle was yet stand­ing, the Vaile stood, and continued before the most Holy Place, notwithstanding all the Sacrifices of the Law: but, when Christ died, the Vaile of the Temple was rent from the top to the bottom, and we have boldness to enter into the Holiest, even into Heaven it self, by the Blood of Christ. The invisible World is more discovered.

2. This Covenant and Testament is ordered in all things, 2 Sam. 23.5. it is so wisely ordered, as that it meets with all our Objections, and may silence them: It meets with our doubts and fears, and may banish them: It meets with all our wants, and supplies them. It is so ordered that there is a Legacy suited to all the Noble, and Principal faculties of our Souls. 1. God Promises concern­ing his Elect People, that they shall all know him from the greatest to the least, Isa. 31.34. Here is a Legacy of Light, and Knowledg to the under­standing. 2. God promises Pardon, that he will be merciful to Unrighteousness, and will remem­ber Sins and Iniquities no more, in the same Text. Here is a Legacy to the Conscience: It is Pardon that doth quite Conscience, and establish its peace.

3. There is a further Legacy, that God will write his Law in the Heart, and put it into the [Page 19]inward parts; this is a pretious and noble Legacy to the Will, to renew, byass and rectify it.

3. This Testament hath the strongest confir­mation: Of old God gave his Oath to shew the immutability of his Counsel, Heb. 6.17, 19. That the Heirs of Promise might have strong Consola­tions, but now the Son of God hath bled, and his Testament is established by his own death, Heb. [...].15.

4. What can we look for, if we are not in­terested in this Testament? A day of Wrath, Vengeance and Destruction will be our portion. We shall be stript, and deprived of all Good, and be loaded and burthened with all Evil: We shall be felled down as barren Trees for the Fire, be vinnowed as chaff out of the Floor into the Fur­nace, and be silled up as Vessels of Wrath.

1. Ʋse. Of Information: This shews us how Excellent, and Honourable the Office of Christs Ministers is, that they are imployed, and conver­sant about the Testament of the Son of God; that they are to open its Fulness, Explain and dis­cover its Riches, and to urge and press Men to lay hold of it. They are to warn Men of their danger out of Christ, and to press Men to fly in­to the City of Refuge, and sit down under the shadow of Christ, and so to flee from the wrath to come. They are to beseech Men through the Mediator, to be Reconciled to God, and to woo Men to be Espoused to Christ, 2 Col. 13. They are to set forth the free Grace of God in for­giving [Page 20]giving all Trespasses, and in giving liberally and largely, according to his Divine Power he gives all things, that appertain to Life and Godliness, 2 Pet. 13. Rom. 8.32. And freely with Christ gives all things also.

2. Ʋse. If Gospel-officers are Ministers of the New Testament, this may Reprove such as call themselves, and would be accounted Ministers of the New Testament, yet only Preach and press Moral Duties, and build up a Natural Religion, but seldom, or very little, touch on the great Principles, and Truths of the Gospel, as if there were no Testator, or New Testament: They urge Duty, but they little themselves under­stand, and therefore are very unable to Reveal to others, How Men shall recover Life, and Righ­teousness, attain Power and Strength, and to par­take of the Eternal Inheritance? They Treat of the New Covenant, as if it were only a Mistress to command Work, and not as a Mother to give Life and Strength: As if Christ was little more than a Political Head to make Laws, and exact Obedience to them, and not a Natural Head to give Life, and influences to his Members to enabl­them to obey.

3. Ʋse. Are Christs Officers Ministers of the New Testament? Then, 1. This should en­courage Ministers to Preach, and People also to Hear.

1. This should encourage Ministers to Preach; the Gospel cannot be wholly Preached in vain: [Page 21]Jesus Christ must have Sons to bear up his Name, Psal. 72.17. and Heirs to possess his Goods, and Inheritance: He that sowed in Tears, must reap in Joy, he must see his seed, and the Travel of his Soul, and be satisfied. God's Promises to Christ must be fulfilled, and executed, that he shall have the Heathen for his Inheritance, the utmost parts of the Earth for his Possession. God's great Ser­vant must receive a great and glorious Reward for his Work: All King's must fall down before him, as Worshippers, all Nations must serve him, Psal. 72.10, 11. When Ministers Preach the Gospel, the Hand of the Lord is with them, Acts 11.21. to open hearts, to break the Rock in pieces, to draw Men to Christ, to subdue them to his Kingdom, and Government. As Christ speaks in, so he works with his Ministers when they Preach, Christ ingrafts the Word, 2 Cor. 13.3. with Mark 16. last. Jam. 1.21. And when they Teach, the Spirit writes an Epistle, and power­fully impresses the Doctrine of the Gospel on Mens Souls, the Wilderness must be manured, and Sowed: The Meal of Men must be Levened, Christ will come forth as a deliverer and turn. Men from Ungodliness, Rom. 11.26. He will Circumcise the Heart to love him, and Baptize with the Spirit, make Men free from the Law of Sin and Death, 2 Col. 11. Matth. 3.9. Rom. 8.2. Psal. 110.3. and render them a willing People in the day of his Power, Isa. 9.6. He will beget a Holy seed as an Everlasting Father, and quicken Souls dead in Sins, and Trespasses, as he is the Resurrection and the Life.

2. This should perswade, and incourage Men to hear, and listen to the Ministers of the New Testa­ment: It is very necessary, that Men should b [...] rescned, and delivered from the Covenant o [...] Works, from a killing Letter, and a Ministry o [...] Condemnation. O listen to the Ministers of th [...] New Testament, lay hold of it; do not mak [...] light of all that Christ hath purchased and bequeathed: Do not continue Spiritually poor, o [...] be shut out of the Kingdom, and come short of th [...] Glory of God. Do not satisfy your selves wit [...] momentary Enjoyments till you are driven out [...] this Earth, and turned into Hell. Attend on th [...] dispensation of the Gospel, it is clothed and an [...] mated with the Spirit; this is a Seed so power­ful, that is changes the Soul: It is a writing tha [...] alters the Table, and turns a Heart of Stone in [...] a Heart of Flesh, 2 Cor. 3.3. The Gospel is [...] Glass that changes the Spectators, and transform [...] them into the glorious Image of God, 2 Cor. [...] last. The Holy Ghost is as a Tongue of fire o [...] them, so that they do not speak cold words, b [...] they throw Coals into the bosomes of Sinners, an [...] cast chaines of light and love about Souls, Cant. 6, 7. Isa. 45.14. They sow, but God makes t [...] Seed to take root and grow, 2 Cor. 3.6, 7. Min [...] sters do call Sinners to come out of their Priso [...] but Christ opens the door, Acts 16.14. They b [...] Sinners to rise and come out of their Graves, Ep [...] 5.1. but it is Christ that breathes Life into the [...] Though Christs Ministers are many times poo [...] yet they make many Rich, 2 Cor. 6.10. Th [...] are Deacons of Christs Testament: They a [...] hands by which Jesus Christ gives forth his Almes [Page] [Page] [Page 23]and distributes Spiritual Gifts. O come and hear the Gospel, this may be the day of your Visita­tion. A new Leaven may be laid in your Meal, and a new Byass may be put on your Wills, for over to incline your Hearts towards God: That word may be ingrafted, that may better and en­noble your stock, and enable it to bring forth [...]ruit to God. The Lord Jesus may speak that with a strong hand to thy Soul, that Man speaks [...] with a weak hand to thy Ear. God saith to Hoses that he would stand on the Rock, and he [...]ould smite it, and it should give forth Water, [...]od. 17.6. If God had not been there Moses [...]ould rather have struck Fire out of the Rock, [...]an have drawn out Water from it: But be­cause God stood on the Rock it did cleave, and [...]eld Water abundantly when Moses smote it. [...] this my incourage Ministers to smite the Rocky [...]arts of men with the Rod of the Word; that God, that Christ will be there to cleave the Rock, [...]d to turn the Flint into a Fountain of Water, [...]. 114. last. God's hand goes along with his [...]sign, Isa. 49.22. When Christ Curcified is reached, then God lifts up a standard and dis­slays an Ensign; and this cannot be in vain, for [...]hen God so lifts up his hand to the Gentiles, [...]hat they presently bring Zions Sons in their arms, [...]nd carry her daughters on their shoulders, that [...]hey may be joined with, and to the Church. Christ by the Gospel opens blind Eyes, Isa. 42.7. [...]sal. 110.3. Psal. 47.3. And by this Rod of [...]is strength he subdues disobedient, and Rebellious souls: While Ministers do open the Riches of Christs Testament, he opens the understanding of [Page 24]Men to perceive, and discern, the Fulness, and Glory of this Testament, Luke 24.45. Christ takes away the vail from the Heart, unstops the deaf Ear, and takes away the Heart of stone. Though Ministers may seem but poor contempta­ble men, yet they bring Treasure in Earthen Vessels, 2 Cor. 4.7. There is a hidden Treasure, and a Pearl of price to be found in the dispensa­tion of the Gospel. Christ executes his Testa­ment, and dispenses the Treasures of his Grace, by the Preaching of the word of Life, and of the Gospel of Salvation: The Gospel is the Arm of the Lord, and the Ministration of the Spirit, and of Power, so that the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and the deaf shall hearken to the word of Life, Isa. 53.1. John 5.25. Isa. 29.18.

3d. Doctrine. It is God that makes Men able Ministers of the New Testament.

1st. God the Father fits Men to be Laborers, and thrusts them forth notwithstanding all diffi­culties, and discouragements into his Harvest: It is not every one that is fit to pluck secure Sinners out of the fire, and compel them to come unto the Feast, Judes Epistle 23. Luke 14.23. It is God the Father that must qualify for this noble and hard work.

2dly. The Son of God makes able Ministers of the New Testament, Eph. 4.11, 12. He gave Gifts to Men, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers: Christ gave them from [Page 25]Heaven, when he ascended up on high, and poured down the Spirit from on high, Psal. 68.18. with Isa. 32.15. By the Holy Ghost he furnished them with Light, Life, Zeal for the discharge of their Office.

3dly. The Holy Ghost gives the inward call, and fits Men with Gifts and Graces for the ful­filling of their Ministry: The Holy Ghost is said to make overseers of the Church, Acts 20, 28.

1. Question. Wherein doth this ability to be Ministers of the New Testament consist? What is requisite furniture to make Men able Ministers.

Answer. 1. They must have the word of Know­ledge, and of Wisdom, 2 Cor. 12.8. The word of Knowledge is a skill to open, explain and vindicate the great Principles of the Gospel, the very Foundations of our Holy Religion. And the word of Wisdom seems to signify an ability, and dexterity to apply the word sutable to the various Conditions, and Exigences of Souls; to divide and apply it aright, that every Hearer may have his proper portion.

2. This ability consists much in Spiritual Ex­perience of the Power of the Word on their own Souls, and Consciences. When Ministers them­selves taste that the Lord is gracious to them, 1 Pet. 2.3. that he hath Reconciled them to him­self, 2 Cor. 5.18. when they have been cast down, and raised up: When they have been wounded and healed: When they have tasted the bitter­ness [Page 26]of Sin, and the sweetness of the Grace of Christ. Paul, when Christ called him from Hea­ven, was three days blind, and did neither Eat or Drink; during this time Paul seems to be under great anguish and anxiety of mind, for his former Enmity to Christ, and Persecuting of his Church; at this time Saul did know the Terror of the Lord, how Terrible God would be to him if he did not faithfully Preach the Gospel, and how Terrible the Lord would be to others, if they did not listen to it, Embrace and Receive it.

3. This ability consists in love to Christ; the Love of Christ constrains us because we thus judge, that if one dyed for all, then were all dead: The Apostle had a Spiritual mind, and did rightly judge of things, that if Christ died for us all, then we were all Spiritually dead, else we needed not that Christ should die for us; yea, if Christ died for us all, then this was as effectual for our Re­demption and deliverance, as if we had all died, yea, we all died in him, and with him. O how should this heighten affection to, and inflame Love towards Christ. How should Ministers bestir themselves to gain Souls to Christ, that hath so much obliged them.

4. This ability consists much in tender com­passions, and pitty to perishing Souls. Christ a­wakens the pitty of his Disciples when he bids them to go to the lost Sheep of the House of Israel, Matth. 10.6. Jeremiah saith, if the Jews would not hear him, his Soul should weep in secret places, his Eyes should run down with Tears, Jer. 13.17. [Page 27] Paul served God with many Tears, and ceased not night and day to warn the Ephesians with Tears, Acts 20.19, 31. He tells the Philippians with with Tears, that there were some among them, that were Enemies to the Cross of Christ, Phil. 3.18. And he wrote a Letter to the Corinthians with many Tears, 2 Cor. 2.9.

5. This ability consists in great Self-denial, 2 Cor. 12.15. I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved: I (if I am offered on the service, and Sacrifice of your Faith I therein rejoyce, [...] If my blood be poured out as a Drink-offering to promote the Service, and Sacrifice of your Faith,) do therein Rejoyce. There is a great deal of difference between Lamps and Stars; Lamps must have Oil to feed them, else they will go out; but faithful Ministers are compared to Stars, Rev. 2.1. These will shine, though they have no supplies, or contributions from below. The World is very ungrateful to Christs labori­ous Servants, and afford them but a slender, and starving Maintenance, yet they do not cease to Preach, and shine to the World.

6. This ability consists in their being certain, and fully assured of the Doctrine they Preach: They have known surely, that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. We believe, and are sure, that thou art that Christ the Son of the Living God, John 6.68, 69. Our Gospel (saith Paul) came to you in much assurance, as ye know what manner of Men we were among you for [Page 28]your sake. Paul did evidence by his fervent Preach­ing, and his importunate pleading with them, that he was fully assured of the Truth, Excellency and Importance of the Gospel.

7. The ability of Ministers consists in their boldness and courage to suffer, and Patience in sufferings, 1 Thes. 2.2. Paul saith, after we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated at Phi­lippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention. The Rulers and Elders of the Jews saw the boldness of Peter and John; was not this high courage, and strong boldness that the Apostles should divide the World, and take every own his share of it, to manure for God, to conquer for Christ, to build a House, and Temple of God upon, 2 Cor. 10.13, 4.15. The Apostle speaks of this measure, and [...], the measure of the Rule, that God had divided unto us; and that he did not stretch himself beyond his measure, 2 Cor. 10.14. and that he did not boast of things with­out or beyond his measure: This was strange boldness, to divide the World, and to seize and take every one his Lot and share to subdue the Nations to God. And the Patience of the Apostles was invincible, in all their Tribulations they re­joyced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name sake, Acts 5.41. Paul re­joyced if he was offered on the Service and Sacrifice of the Philippians Faith, Phil. 2.17. Bonds and Afflictions did not move Paul, neither did he ac­count his life dear unto himself, that he might finish his course with Joy, and the Ministry that he [Page 29]had received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God, Acts 20.24. I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the Name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 21.13. Paul and others did glory in Tribulations.

8. Ministers are able when they take care of themselves and of their own Souls. Paul saith to the Elders of Ephesus, take heed to your selves, and to the Flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, Acts 20.28.

Gospel-officers are said not only to have eyes before, that is, to look to God, and behind to look after the Flock committed to them, Rev. 4.6. but they are also said to have eyes within, Rev. 5.8. to look to themselves, and to watch over their own Souls. The Apostle Paul was so circumspect, and exact that he could call God to Witness as to his private actions, and the principles of them, and he could call men to Witness as to his publick Actions and Conversation. God is witness, and ye also, how Holily, justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe, 1 Thes. 2.10.

9. Ministers should be diligent, and laborious. Being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the Gospel of God onely, but also our own Souls, because ye were dear to us, as you know; how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you (as a Father doth his Chil­dren,) 1 Thes. 2.8. I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly from house to house by the space of three [Page 30]years I ceased not to warn every one night, and day with Tears, Acts 20.20.31. 2 Tim. 4.2. Luk. 14.23. They should be instant, and pressing on Souls in Season, and out of Season, and compel guests to come into Christ feast. They should labour to bring Sacrifices to the Spiritual Temple, Isa. 66.20. And to present a beautiful Bride to the Son of God, 2 Cor. 11.2. 1 Col. last.

10. A door of Utterance is requisite to make an Able Minister of the New Testament. Paul desires the Prayers of the Ephesians, that Utterance might be given to him, that he might open his Mouth boldly, to make known the Mystery of the Gospel: Again, he begs Prayers of the Colossians, that God would open to him a door of Utterance: To speak the Mystery of Christ, Ministers must not only be large Cisterns, to hold a great deal of the Spiritual Waters of the Sanctuary; but also be fit Pipes to conveigh the Spiritual Waters unto others.

Ʋse of Exhortation. If God makes men able Mi­nisters of the New Testament, we should lift up our Eyes, and Soules to God, and earnestly beg him to fulfil his Promise to us, that he will give Pastors according to his own heart, to feed his Flock with knowledge and understanding, Jer. 3.15. Sue to Christ to give Gifts from Heaven, such as become a Glorified Saviour to bestow, even Officers filled with the Gifts, and Graces of the Holy Ghost. Seek for such Ministers as Apollos was.

1. He was Instructed in the way of the Lord, Acts 18.25. He was not Rude, Ignorant, or Un­skilfull in the VVord of Righteousness; but was well Taught the way in which God comes to us, and the way by which we are to come to God, and enjoy Communion with him.

2. He was Fervent in Spirit. It is this Holy fire, that must burn, and shed abroad the sweet sa­vour of the Knowledge of God. And this is won­derful, that Christ's Ministers should overcome, and Triumph, by spreading abroad the Sweet Savour of the Knowledge of God, that they should con­quer by a Perfume.

3. Apollos Taught diligently the Doctrine of Christ; he pleaded for God, and wooed for Christ; he was not slothful, and negligent. How earnest is the Sun in running of its Race? How swift are the Stars in their daily motions, to give Light to the VVorld, even so should Ministers be. The promoting of the Kingdom of God is much carried on by a skilful, able, and powerful Mini­stry, that is not only Light, but also Fire, such as will be, not only Shining, but Burning Lights, 2 Cor. 4.6. God must shine into their hearts, to enable them to give forth the Light of the Know­ledge of the Glory of God to others, Matth. 3.11. this will make Ministers shining Lights: And it is also Requisite, and Necessary, that Christ should Baptize his Officers with the Holy Ghost and with Fire, and this will render them Burning Lights. They are the best Ministers that Preach what they [Page 32]have Tasted and Experienc'd. Christ, in the 7th of St. Iohn, v. 38th, saith, He that believes on me, out of his belly shall flow Rivers of Living Waters. This phrase, out of his Belly, is to be observed, he that hath drank of Christ's Spiritual VVa­ters, out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of Living VVaters; that which hath satisfied and delight­ed him, shall flow out to the Refreshment of o­thers. O how earnest, and importunate, should Christians be at the Throne of Grace, that God would furnish the Church with a skilful and act­ive Ministry. Aaron was to have Golden Bells, and Pomegranates on the Hem of his Garment round about, Exod. 28.33, 24, 35. The Pome­granates might point at the Sweet Savour of Christ's Death and Sacrifice. And this was to be sounded out by the Apostles Preaching, as Golden Bells. Justin Martyr doth apply these Bells to the Apostles, and Gospel Ministers, in his Dialogue with Tryphis the Jew. These do depend on the Garment of Christ, as High Priest of the Church. They are, by Preaching, to sound out the Sufferings, and Death of Christ, to the World. Solomon made a Molten Sea, that contained a great quantity of Water, and it was put upon Twelve Oxen, three of which looked to each of the Quarters of the World: And this Sea seems to point out the Blood of Christ, and its abundant Merit; and the Twelve Apostles, as so many Spi­ritual Oxen, were to bare, and carry this Sea of Blood into the several parts of the World, by the Preaching of the Gospel, that Soules might be washed in this Spiritual Sea, the Great Trumpet was to be blown, Isa. 27. last. the Spiritual Jubi­lee [Page 33]was to be Proclaim'd, and, Who should do this but the Ministers of the Gospel? Christ was to be lifted up, Isa. 49.22. Isa. 11.10. Isa. 53.1. 2 Cor. 2.14. as a Standard, and to stand, as an Ensign, to draw perishing sinners together to seek Righteousness, and Salvation in him. A Re­port was to be made of Jesus Christ, the sweet Sa­vour of his Knowledge was to be shed abroad; And who are fit Spiritual Incense-Pans, or Vessels to bear the Name of Christ before the World, but the Ministers of the New Testament. Though these are but as little Children in the Eye of the World, because of mean Quality, and Degree, as to their outward State; yet such Little Children shall be enabled by the Power of God to Lead Herds of those that have been Lions, Tygers, and Bears, but now become Tame, and Gentle Crea­tures, Isa. 1.6, 7. They are to Reclaim Men from their Savage, Cruel, Barbarous Nature, and Man­ners, and to Reduce them to the Meekness and Gentleness of Christ. They are to Hew Sinners out of the Common Quarry they are in, to Fish and draw them out of the Dead Sea, Ezek. 17.10, 11. to cut them out of the Wild Olive, not to be Burnt, but to be Grafted; they are to out the Navel of Sinners, Ezek. 16.4. and to se­parate them from Old Adam. They are to beget Men in Christ, 1 Cor. 4.15. they are to Ingraft Men into Christ, and to Espouse them to Christ, 2 Cor. 11.2. They are to encourage the Deject­ed and Disconsolate. In this sense the Breasts of the Church are as the Clusters of the Vine, they contain excellent Wine of Consolation, Isa. 66.11. Soules may suck, and be satisfied with the [Page 34]Breasts of her Consolation, Cant. 7.8. They are to strengthen the weak hands, to confirm the Feeble Knees; to say to them, that are of a fearful heart, be strong, and fear not, Isa. 35.3, 4. They are to Feed, Strengthen, and Nourish Soules. The Breasts of the Church are as Towers, Cant. 8.10. The same Hebrew Word is used to fignifie a Pulpit, [...], Migdal. The Pulpits of Ministers are the Churches Breasts, whereby Soules are Fed and Nourished. Not only their Lips, but their Souls must Preach. Therefore it is put in the Feminine Gender, Cokeleth, Eccles. 1.1. So Psal. 68.11. They that Publish it, is also put in the Feminine Gender, to intimate, it is Souls that must Preach. There is need of a Mighty Power to work in Mi­nisters, that they may Pray Fervently, Preach and Exhort Zealously, 1 Col. last. Have large and capacious Soules, that may have room for all the concerns of the Church, and be suitably affected with the Burdens. Temptations, Afflictions, Soul-Troubles, and Distresses of every particular Christian, to Watch over the Members of the Church, to care for them, to Instruct, Warn, Re­prove, to deny themselves, to spend, and be spent for Christ: O what a Presence, Assistance, and Powerful Influence of the Spirit doth this Re­quire; to fit, and enable Ministers for the full Discharge of their Office: O therefore wrestle with God, cry mightily to him, to Raise up such Able Ministers of the New Testament, that may be filled with the Spirit, and Preach in the Demonstration of the Spirit, and of Power, 1 Cor. 2.4. And be earnest to rescue Souls from the Power of Darkness, and to Translate them into [Page 35]the Kingdom of God's dear Son. That they may be Pens in the Hand of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.3. to Write the Doctrine of the Gospel in the Mindes and Hearts of Men, that their Mouthes may be a Sword in the hand of the Spirit, to wound the Old Man to Death, Ephes. 6.17. Jer. 23.29. And that the Word they Preach, may be a Hammer in the Hand of the Spirit, to break the Rocky Hearts of Men in Pieces; and, as a Fire to burn up the Dross of Men, and in­flame their Soules with Love to, and Zeal for God.