A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

It remaineth that we enquire positively, how the Lord Christ was the Surety of the New Covenant, and what is the benefit we receive thereby. And unto this purpose we must first consider that opinion of some, that the whole end of the Mediation of Christ, was only to procure the New Covenant; although at first view it be irreconcilable unto the nature and notion of a Surety. For a Surety is not the Procurer of that whereof he is the Surety, but only the undertaker for its Accomplishment. But we must more distinctly consider this Assertion, and in what sense Christ may be said to procure the New Covenant by his Death and Mediation. And to this end we must observe that the New Covenant may be considered divers ways in various respects.

It remaineth that we enquire positively, how the Lord Christ was the Surety of the New Covenant, and what is the benefit we receive thereby. And unto this purpose we must first consider that opinion of some, that the whole end of the Mediation of Christ, was only to procure the New Covenant; although at first view it be irreconcileable unto the nature and notion of a Surety. For a Surety is not the Procurer of that whereofhe is the Surety, but only the undertaker for its Accomplishment. But we must more distinctly consider this Assertion, and in what sense Christ may be said to procure the New Covenant by his Death and Mediation. And to this end we must observe that the New Covenant may be considered divers ways in various respects.

1. In the Designation and Preparation of its Terms and Benefits in the Counsel of God. And this although it have the nature of an Eternal Decree, yet is it distinguished from the Decree of Election, which first and properly respects the Subjects or Persons for whom Grace and Glory are prepared. For this respects the Preparation only of that Grace and Glory, as to the way and manner of their Communication. It is true, this Purpose or Counsel of Gods Will, is not called the Covenant of Grace, which is the express declared exemplification of it. The Covenant of Grace, I say, is only the Declaration of this Counsel of Gods VVill, accompanied with the Means and Powers of its Accomplishment, and the Prescription of the ways whereby we are to be interested in it, and made partakers of the Benefits of it. But in the enquiry after the procuring Cause of the New Covenant, it is the first thing that ought to come under consideration For nothing can be the procuring Cause of the Covenant which is not so of this Spring and Fountain of it, of this Idea of it in the mind of God. But this is no where in the Scripture affirmed to be the effect of the Death or Mediation of Christ, and so to ascribe it, is to overthrow the whole freedom of Eternal Grace and Love. Neither can any thing that is absolutely Eternal as is this Decree and Counsel of God, be the effect of, or be procured by any thing that is External and Temporal. And besides, it is expressly assigned unto absolute Love and Grace: see