The ark of the covenant opened, or, A treatise of the covenant of redemption between God and Christ, as the foundation of the covenant of grace the second part, wherein is proved, that there is such a covenant, the necessity of it, the nature, properties, parties thereof, the tenor, articles, subject-matter of redemption, the commands, conditions, and promises annexed, the harmony of the covenant of reconciliation made with sinners, wherein they agree, wherein they differ, grounds of comfort from the covenant of suretiship / written by a minister of the New Testament.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Mediator's Ʋnction as it relateth to the endowing of him with all requisite Qualifi∣cations for that Work.

THE Second Part of Christ's Unction (which is also con∣sequent to his personal union) is the furnishing and fit∣ting of him with special Requisites and Furniture for the work of Mediation; and particularly, he is anointed with requisite qualifications for the discharge of these three high Offices unto which he was designed, to be a King, a Priest, and a Prophet to his Church: And this also is comprehen∣ded in the Anointing from which our Mediator has his name, Messiah, or Christ, Joh. 1.41. Luke 9.20.

Of this part of his Unction we shall speak, 1. More ge∣nerally, laying open what it is, and the comprehensive phra∣ses of Scripture which speak of it. 2. More particularly, pointing at the special graces which were required, and were found eminently in our Mediator.

And 1. of his Unction in general, whereby the Godhead made the Manhead full of himself, and of all the commu∣nicable graces and gifts of the Spirit, to fit him for the work of a Mediator.

The Scripture-phrases concerning this unction, or fitness and furniture of Christ for his Mediatorship, are exceeding large and comprehensive, Psal. 45.2, 7, Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips—thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows. There his unction with the Holy Ghost, and graces of the Spirit, compared to oyl (which in regard of its nature re∣fresheth and maketh fit for use; and in regard of its use, was imployed for figuring and signifying mens fitness for the calling), is extolled comparatively, comparing it with the unction of believers; a large effusion of the Spirit was upon him after an extraordinary measure and manner, John 3.34, For God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him: how then?

without measure: i.e. most abundantly: the like phrase see Ezra 7.22, And salt, without prescribing how much. Christ did receive the gifts of the Spirit in such abundant measure, that he might have an overflowing measure in him, that should run over, and fill all his members, Joh. 1.14, 16, full of grace and truth. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 1 Joh. 2.27, But the anointing that ye have received of him, abideth in you: and ye need not that any man teach you, &c. Eph. 4.7, But unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. And 1.23, The fulness of him that filleth all in all. Acts 10.38, He is said to be anointed with the holy Ghost and with power, ha∣ving both 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, given to him, both might and authority, Mat. 28.18, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Joh. 17.2, As thou hast given him power over all flesh. 1 Cor. 1.24, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. And Col. 1.19, It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: that is, admirable perfection of Grace; he hath all worth in his person, nothing is wanting in him that may compleat his peoples happiness: some short view of the Graces wherewith he was filled, we have Isa. 11.2, 3, 4, 5, And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledg, and of the fear of the Lord: And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judg after the sight of his eyes, nei∣ther shall reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judg the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Rom. 15.12, And again Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse; and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gen∣tiles trust. And Col. 2.3, All the treasures of wisdom and know∣ledg; not absolutely taken for infinite knowledg, as the words relate to the human nature of Christ; but relatively, for a marvellous height of perfection of these things, such as was requisite for his Mediatorship in order to our salvation. A∣gain, Col. 2.9, it's said of him, The fulness of the Godhead

dwells in him bodily, i. e. personally, by the union of the di∣vine nature with the human, in the unity of his person, the perfect Deity of the Son, with all his Attributes (and not only in regard of particular gifts and graces, as he dwel∣leth in the Prophets and Saints), but as the soul dwelleth in the body, personally, or substantially, in opposition to the shadows of the Old Testament.

But mainly, by the anointing of Christ with the Holy Ghost, we understand two things, which we find joined with the Spirit promised to him: 1. All the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit in copious and abundant measure, and accor∣ding to the highest pitch and degree that the human na∣ture of Christ was capable to receive; and so the Spirit put upon him, is joined with the variety and eminency of excel-cellent gifts, Isa. 11.2, &c. 2. The unutterable assistance and presence of the Spirit, bearing his Human nature up in all that he was to do as Mediator, that he should not serve on his own charges: See Isa. 42.1, 2, Behold my servant whom I have chosen: mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth. I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles: He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street, &c. Psal. 89.21, With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. And both these the holy Human nature of Christ needed, for these reasons: 1. For the things which he was to suf∣fer: If Christ had nothing to do but active obedience, the spirit of Adam, or confirmed Angels, might have done his turn: but he had another work to do (which would have crushed those excellent creatures) to satisfie justice, and lye under the infinite wrath of God, and therefore needed more than they received, Heb. 9.14, He is said to have offered up himself, by the power of the eternal spirit, which I take to signifie, not only the Godhead which gave value to his suffering, but the assistance of the Holy-Ghost, whereby he was marvellously helped (I mean his humane nature) to go through those sufferings. 2. Because his anointing was intended to run over to his people, and the off-fallings of it was designed to fill them; therefore it behoved to be without measure; such a measure as cannot be comprehended by any other creature, Joh. 1.16, Of his fulness do we receive. Psal. 133.2,

It is like the precious oyntment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aarons beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments. Psal. 68.18, Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord might dwell among them: with Eph. 4.8, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Joh. 5.26, For as the Father hath life in him∣self, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. 3. Be∣cause God hath so contrived the business of Grace, that no created thing can act without the spirit: not Adam, not the Angels, not the holy humane nature of Christ; that all creatures might be known to have no self-sufficiency, but to be very depending things upon God, and upon grace, the assisting-grace of his Spirit, that framed them, and gave them being, Mat. 3.15, And Jesus answering, said unto him, Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Rom. 11.36, For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever.

For a further clearing of this part of Christs Unction, I lay down these four Positions:

1. Concerning the Nature thereof, that it was the same with the Unction of believers; it was not one spirit which Christ received, and another which believers receive: grace in him, and in them, differ not in kind, but in degrees: See Joh. 1.14, 16, And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Psal. 45.7, Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fel∣lows. Gal. 4.6, And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father. Rom. 8.9, 11, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.—But if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quick∣en your mortal bodies, by his spirit that dwelleth in you. For, Consider the Unction of the humane Nature of Christ, 1. It was Created-grace wherewith he was anointed: it was grace given upon the one part, and received upon the other:

it was grace-poured out and infused in the same manner as believers receive grace, Psal. 68.18, Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord might dwell among them. Psal. 45.2, 7, Grace is poured into thy lips, therefore hath God blessed thee for ever. Thou lovest righteousness, and ha∣test wickedness, therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with oyl of gladness above thy fellows. 2. It was grace, which being finite, did receive encrease, Luk. 2.40, 52, And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. And Jesus encreased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man; as all his members do, Eph. 4.13, Till all we come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledg of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 3. It must needs be of the same kind, see∣ing our grace and Unction is part of his fulness, Joh. 1.16, And of his fulness have all we received and grace for grace. 1 Joh. 2.20, 27, But ye have an unction from the holy one.—But the anoint∣ing which you have received of him, abideth in you. Yet so, as Christ is not degraded from his Soveraignty by his partners ex∣altation, Col. 1.18, And he is the head of the body, the Church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead, that in all things he might have the preheminence.

2. Concerning the measure of Christs Unction: although his Unction differ not in kind from the Unction of belie∣vers; yet the measure of it so far exceeds our measure, that in respect thereof it is without measure, and yet the hu∣mane Nature of Christ had not infinite grace; for thereof it was not capable: it is as the Ocean compared with the drop of a Bucket; the spirit and grace was in him as water in the Fountain; in us, as water in the Cistern; communi∣cation in regard of Christ, is full and immediate; grace is in him as the money in the treasure, which is disbursed to us according to our need; grace is in him as life and sense is eminently in the heart and head, which is diffused into his members, Joh. 5.26, For as the Father hath life in him∣self, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. Chap. 6. v. 57, As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. Psal. 45.2, 7, Thou art fairer than the children of men, grace is poured into thy lips.—God, thy God, hath anointed thee with

the oyl of gladness above thy fellows. Col. 1.18, And he is the head of the body, the Church, who is the beginning, the first∣born from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre∣heminence.

3. Concerning the time of Christs Unction: whether he received the spirit without measure, in that copious abundant effusion, from the womb, and first moment of his conception: We say he was anointed even from the first union of his two Natures in his person; the Godhead did sanctifie the huname Nature, and make it holy, undefiled; and infused all graces, as appears from Luk. 1.35, Therfore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. Heb. 7.26, For such an High-priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heaven. And from the glorious effects thereof, which did early appear in him, Luk. 2.42, to 49. Yet so, as he did more fully receive the anointing, and the spirit without measure, when he was to appear publickly, in the entire executing of his Offices, which was about the thirtieth year of his age; Luk. 3.23, with 4.1, 22, And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost, &c.—And all bare him witness, and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Which was typified in Davids being twice anointed, once when he was first designed King, 1 Sam. 16.13. And again, when he was invested in the presence of the people, 2 Sam. 2.4. Which was also held forth in the visible sign of the Holy-Ghost, his descending upon him at his baptism, Mat. 3.16. And was intimated to John before-hand, Joh. 1.33, 34, And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Ʋpon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he which bapti∣zeth with the Holy-Ghost. And I saw, and bare record, that this is the Son of God, i.e. That he who as man should re∣ceive the spirit, should also as God, yea, as Mediator, give the spirit to others.

4. Concerning the extent of his Unction, as it reacheth unto all the parts of his Mediatorship, and the furnishing him for them. 1. He was anointed to be a Prophet, furnished with a dexterity to preach the Gospel, Luk. 4.18, 19, 22, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me

to preach the Gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and re∣covering of sight to the blind: to set at liberty them that are bruised: to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.—And all bare him witness, and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Isa. 50.4, The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary. Mat. 7.28, 29, And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine. For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the Scribes. Joh. 6.63, The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Yea, he was not only furnished with a spirit for that calling, but also for prompting others, and fitting them for it, Eph. 4.8, 11, And gave gifts unto men.—And he gave some A∣postles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pa∣stors, and some Teachers. 2. He was anointed (not only called, but furnished) for his Priestly Office, for both the parts thereof furnished by the Spirit, wherewith he was anointed, both for offering his Sacrifice, and for making his intercession, Heb. 9.14, Who through the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God. Chap. 5. v. 7, Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, &c. 3. He was anointed, and fur∣nished for his Kingly Office, with a spirit, and gifts for Government; for conquering his enemies, and for ruling his people, Psal. 45.3, 4, 5, Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy Majesty. And in thy Ma∣jesty ride prosperously, because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness: and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the kings enemies, whereby the people fall under thee. Isa. 11.2, And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and under∣standing, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of know∣ledg, and of the fear of the Lord, &c.

Ʋse 1. Behold, how well furnished our Mediator is set out for his work: there is a fulness in him to meet with all our emptiness; yea, his fulness was given to him for this very end, that sinners which cannot come where the fulness of God lieth, to receive from him immediately, may receive it out of Christs fulness.

Consider then, I say, 1. What a fulness is in him, what a running-over Unction he received; this is a work above us, and matter beyond our expression, wherein we may more easily lose our selves, even in this depth, than express our selves: by this Unction he is full of God, Col. 2.9, For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Full of the spirit, the Holy-Ghost, Luk. 4.1, And Jesus being full of the Holy-Ghost, full of grace and truth. Joh. 11.4, Full of light and of life. Joh. 1.4, In him was life, and the life was the light of men, &c. Full of saving grace, and sanctified gifts, Isa. 11.2, And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, &c.

2. Consider for what end all this fulness was given unto him: he was full of the spirit, that he might fill us with his spirit, Joh. 16.7, Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Eph. 3.19, That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. He was full of grace, that we might re∣ceive of his fulness, Joh. 1.16. That his Unction might run down upon us, 1. Joh. 2.27, But the anointing which ye have received of him, abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you. That his grace might work mightily in us, Col. 1. last. He received gifts for our use, to give them to men, to the worst of men, even to the rebellious, gifts to be measured out again, Psal. 68.18, with Chap. 4. v. 8.

Ʋse 2. Let his fulness and compleat Unction be improved, 1. For convincing such as continue so empty, when Christ is so full? Ah, that we should be so poor, when Christ is so rich! when we have so full an anointed one, that we should never taste of his Unction! some have nothing, and some have little; but very few are filled with the fulness of Christ, and made to run over-with his Unction: the fault is in us that he is so wet, and we are so dry, John 5.40, And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

2. For alluring and gaining the hearts of empty creatures. Things allure, as there is much of precious furniture in them: but this is sad, when God hath anointed Christ with the Spirit above measure: that empty creatures care nothing for

him, that his fulness and furniture is propounded and of∣fered every day in the Gospel, and we are not allured by it. Song. 1.3, Because of the savour of thy good ointments, thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore the virgins love thee.

3. For comforting believers: all this fulness of the Spirit, of gifts and graces wherewith Christ was anointed, it is yours: it was not only for your use, but it is your proper∣ty. 1 Cor. 3.22, 23, All are yours, and ye are Christs, and Christ is Gods: You may use it as your own; you may come to the Fountain, to the Treasure, to the store-house of Christs fulness, when-you will: you may comfortably and confidently hold up your Cisterns, till they be filled and run over, Isa. 12.3, Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of Salvation. Phil. 4.18, 19, But I have all, and abound: I am full—But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ.