A second generall epistle to all the saints wherein is unfolded the covenant of grace, as its a law in the spirit, of light, liberty, righteousness, holinesse, power and glory : as likewise as it is a law of peace, love and edification : published for the good of those who love peace and holinesse / written by T. Collier.

Chap. XIII. It is likewise a Law of peace.

I Shal adde two or three particulars further in the discovery of this Co∣venant in the spirit: And

First, Its a Covenant, a Law of peace: Its not onely a law of grace and love, but its likewise a law of peace: hence its called in Scripture, a Covenant of peace, Ezek. 37. 26. More∣over I will make a covenant of peace with them, and it shall be an everlasting covenant, &c. This everlasting Covenant of grace, is a Covenant of peace in the spirits of Saints, he is our peace, who hath broken down that middle wall of partition between us, &c. Ephes. 2. 14. This Co∣venant of peace may be considered, ei∣ther

1. As it workes the soule into a peace and unity with the Father, that now the soul who was once afarre off, is made neare through the bloud of this Covenant, and so being justified by faith

we have peace with God through our Lord Je∣sus Christ: and the kingdome of God within the Saints is a kingdome of righteousnesse, peace and joy. This is that the Apostle so often mindes in his Epistles, Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. This is that peace of God which passeth al understanding, of na∣ture and flesh, this is that peace which produceth joy which is unspeakable and full of glory: Now the soule being in a Covenant of peace can goe boldly to the throne of grace, there to have com∣munion and fellowship with the God and Father of peace, being made through grace a son of peace.

2. This law of peace works the soul into a peace with all creatures, posses∣seth it with a disposition of peace and love: He is now at emnity with none, ready to doe good to all, to pray for enemies, and those who oppose them∣selves, being possest with that law in the spirit, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, easie to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruites, James 3. 17, 18. without partiality, without hypocrisie, and the fruit of righteousnesse is sowne in

peace, in them who love peace: This disposition is planted in them, as much as in them lieth, to live peaceable with al men. Thus are Saints not onely a people of grace, but a people of peace; the fruit of righteousnes being sown in peace in them, they recompence not evil for evil, but overcom evil with goodnes.

3. This law of peace affords peace and quietnesse to the soul in al conditi∣ons, under al trials and temptations, when others hearts shal fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which shal come upon the face of the earth, They shall lift up their heads with joy, being possest with peace, knowing that their redemption and deliverance draweth near. Thus are Saints quieted in their spirits through this spirit of peace, Isa. 32. 17, 18, 19. And the worke of righte∣ousnesse shall be peace, and the effect of righteousnesse shall be quietnesse, and assu∣rance for ever, And my people shall dwell in peaceable habitations, and in sure dwel∣lings, and in quiet resting places: When it shall hail, coming downe upon the fo∣rest, and the City shall be low in a low place. Here is a glorious Covenant of

peace and quiet, and this shall be effe∣cted when the spirit is poured forth, vers. 15. which wil produce such sweet∣nesse, quiet and peace in Christians and that when the City is low in a low place, and hail comes down upon the forest, that is earthy creatures and hy∣pocrites shall be filled with trouble, perplexity, and amazement, then shal Saints live in rest, and quiet peace shal come, they shall rest secure, nothing shall make them afraid; Blessed are they which sow beside al waters in this water of life, whose effect will be in such a soule quietnesse, and peace for ever.