Copyright©MonergismBooks

AViewoftheCovenantofWorks

fromtheSacredRecords

byThomasBoston

WHEREIN

THEPARTIESINTHATCOVENANT,THEMAKINGOFIT,ITSPARTS,CONDITIONARYANDPROMISSORY,ANDMINATORY;OURFATHERADAM'SBREAKINGOFIT;THEIMPUTATIONOFTHATBREACHTOHISPOSTERITY;ANDTHESTATEOFMANUNDERTHATBROKENCOVENANT,ANDUNDERTHEOURSETHEREOF,AREDISTINCTLY

CONSIDERED:

TOGETHERWITH

APARTICULARAPPLICATIONOFTHESUBJECT,FORTHECONVICTIONBOTHOFSAINTSANDSINNERS

"Earthfeltthewound,andNaturefromherseatSighing,throughallherworks,gavesignsofwoe,Thatallwaslost."—MILTON.

Boston,T.(1852).TheWholeWorksofThomasBoston:DiscoursesonPrayer.(S.M'Millan,Ed.)(Vol.11,p.171).Aberdeen:GeorgeandRobert

King.

TableofContents

Preface

PART I.—OF THE TRUTH AND NATURE OF THE COVENANT OF

WORKS

PARTII.—OFTHEBREACHOFTHECOVENANTOFWORKS

PART III.—OF THE IMPUTATION OF ADAM'S FIRST SIN TO HISPOSTERITY

PART IV.—SECT. I. THE STATE OF MAN UNDER THE BROKENCOVENANTOFWORKS

PARTIV.SECT.II.—THEMISERYOFTHOSEWHOAREUNDERTHEBROKENCOVENANTOFWORKS

PREFACE

THOUGH the doctrines and precepts of Christianity are unalterable intheirnature,andmustnecessarilybethesameinallagesandplaces;yetwefindthatthefoolishcapriceofmenhasmadethemappearinvariousshapes,indifferentperiodsandcountries.

In the golden days of Christianity, before men had learned the art ofmakinggainofgodlinessinaliteralsense,andcontractedtheridiculoushumour of modelling religion according to their respective tastes andtempers, the religion of Jesus was then seen in its native simplicity,unadulterated with the unnatural additions and embellishments ofhumaninvention.Inprocessoftime,whenitwasfoundthatreligionwasnot unsubservient to worldly interest, some of its votaries, inclining tomake the kingdom of Christ resemble the kingdoms of this world,

stripped religion in a greatmeasure of its native unadorned simplicity,anddresseditingarmentsoftheirownmanufacture.

This dangerous spirit of innovating, when it once begins, knows nobounds or limits. It is like a river, or flood, whose current has beenstopped, when once let loose it will disregard its proper channel, andcarry every thing down with its impetuous torrent. The rapid progresswhich this wild spirit has made, is clearly seen in those enormouscorruptions which gradually crept into the Church of Rome, until atlengthshearrivedatthemonstrousabsurdityofawafergod,createdbythebenedictionofapriest.

It hadnot however been so fatal to the interests of true religion, if theinventions of men had been confined to circumstantials, or things oflesser importance.Had thisbeen the case, theblessed religionof Jesuswouldnot havehad somuch reason to put onherwidow'sweeds. TheChristianworldwaspleasedtoindulgesomeingenioustriflersinformingrefined theories of the creation of all things, and was not offendedwhethertheychoseavolcanooralongtailedcometfortheinstrumentoftheir dissolution; nor has the Christian denied the same graciousindulgencetosuchofthesamekidneyashavetriedtolashtheirlingering"momentsintospeed,"byattemptingcuriouscalculationswithrespecttothe prophecies in the book of the Revelation, nor will he laugh, I ampersuaded,whentheyout-livetheircalculations.Adecentcompanywillnotreadilyquarrelwithaconceitedcook forgarnishing thedisheswithherbs that arenot eatable; but if he infuses theseherbs into the sauce,every one who regards his life and health, will immediately take thealarm,andrefusetoeat.InlikemannerthefriendsofJesus,forthesakeofpeace,willbedisposedtobearwithmen'sfoiblesandhumours,whentheyare,comparativelyspeaking,harmless,anddonotalterthesystem,oraffecttheessentialsofourholyreligion;but,ontheotherhand,ifmentake it into theirheads tonew-model thesystemofChristianity,and toprescribe a new plan of salvation, such criminal liberty can never bepermitted, and thosewho regard the health andwelfare of their souls,willneithertaste,relish,nordigestsuchpoisonousunwholesomefood.

Thatsuchattemptshavebeenmade(andwithconsiderablesuccesstoo),the present state of the religious world is a sufficient proof. The rusty

armour ofPelagius andSocinushas,withunparalleled effrontery, beenbuckled on, and the self-flattering doctrines of Arminius have, withsanguinehopesofsuccess,beenfurbishedupanew.Norhasthewild-firestopt here. As Pelagius took away original sin, another adventurer,determinednottobeout-donebythearch-heretic,atoneblowridsusofactual transgression. Strange hypothesis! Sin, revelation as well asexpereinceandfacttellus,hasanactualexistenceintheworld.Thereareonly twokindsof it, viz.originalandactual;how thencananyof thesespeciesofsinexist,ifmanisguiltyofneither?

One could scarce believe that such chimeras as thesewould ever enterintomen's heads, towhom theuncorrupted sources of divine truth areaccessible. But the truth is this:—Men have generally formed suchconceptions of thepresent state of humannature, and the extent of itspowers, as they wish to be true, and wishing them to be true, haveassertedthemtobeso;andafterdressingherupinagayattireoftheirownmaking,tocompleteherhonour,andfixthecrownofgloryuponherhead,havecomplacentlyenoughgivenhersalvationofherownworkingout. Hence it is, that humanmerit and personal righteousness pass socurrentlyinthisrefinedageastheonly,conditionsofouracceptancewithGod,andjustificationinhissight.ThesuccessofthismodernmethodofChristian-making is easily accounted for. For as it ascribes the wholepraiseofhissalvationtomanhimself, it ismuchmoreagreeable to thepride of the human heart, than the gospel method of salvation, whichresolvesthewholeintothefreegraceofGodinChristJesus.Butthoughsuchaschemeofsalvationisgreedilyswallowedbythehumanheart,yetif it has not the sanction of the infallible oracles of truth, it must belookeduponas"acunninglydevisedfable."

Whilst suchunscriptural principles as these,with respect to thewayofaccess to the divine favour, are assiduously propagated by some, andgreedilyswallowedbyothers,thefollowingpublicationcannotbedeemedan unseasonable one. It turns upon a capital article in the Christiansystem, upon our notions of which all our views of the method ofacceptancewithGodmustdepend.Forifonemanmaintainsthathumannature, by proper culture and improvement,may acquire strength andintegrity equal to that which it had in the days of primæval rectitude,

salvationbyworkswilltohimappearquitepracticable.Butontheotherhand, if another man, according to sacred writ, believes that thedescendantsofAdamareobnoxioustothecurseofthelaw,and"deadintrespasses and sins," he will clearly see the necessity of Christ'ssatisfactiontoremovetheone,andthepoweroftheSpirittoraisefromtheother.

As the following sheets therefore are designed to give us the scripturalaccount of the original transactionsbetwixtGod and the first parent ofthehumanrace,toexpress,thenatureandextentoftheeffectsofthefall,and consequently to lead us to right conceptions of the method ofsalvationprescribedinthegospel;theywillnot,theeditorfondlyhopes,beanunacceptableofferingtothepublic.

As to the performance itself, the reader, when it comes into his hand,mustjudgeofitsmerit.Toattemptacharacterofit,wouldbetoodelicateataskforthepenofsoneararelationastheauthor'sgrandson.Heonlybegsleavetoinformthepublic,thattheworkisgenuine,andisprintedfrom the author'smanuscript,without any alterations or additions, butsuchasaremerelyverbal,anddonotaffectthesense.Itwaspreachedinacourseofsermonstohisowncongregationbytheworthyauthor,inthelatterendoftheyear1721,andinthebeginningoftheyear1722.Anditappears fromthe followingparagraph,extracted fromhisdiary, thathewasledtoundertakethesubject,onaccountofthecontroversyagitatedbeforeseveralGeneralAssembliesofthisNationalChurch,concerningabookentitled"TheMarrowofModernDivinity.""Iwasnowled,"saystheauthor, "formy ordinary, to treat of the two covenants, which lasted alongtime.Ibeganonthecovenantofworks,August27,thisyear[1721],andhandlingitatlargefromseveraltexts,I insistedthereontillMayinthe following year. I studied it with considerable earnestness andapplication,beingpromptedthereto,astothecloseconsiderationoftheother covenant too, afterwards, by the state the doctrine in this churchwas then arrived at."—N.B. The author here alludes to the controversyabovementioned.

TheEditordidnot thinkhimselfat liberty tochange itsorignal formofsermons.Hehas,however,fortheeaseofthereader,dividedthetreatiseintoparts,andaddedgeneraltitlestothem,aswellastothesubdivisions

ofeachpart,whichhethoughthimselfsufficientlywarrantedtodo,astheauthor himself has followed the same method in his "View of theCovenantofGrace."

Thereaderwillfind,inthebook,severalreferencestothecelebratedDr.Witsius'"EconomyoftheCovenants,"which,thoughtheyarenotintheoriginalmanuscript, the Editor has added,with a view of referring thereadertothatgreatwork,forafurtherillustrationofsomeofthesubjectsofthisessay.

It would be unnecessary to offer to the public the reasons why thisperformance remained so long in manuscript, or why it now emergesfrom its obscurity so long after its rev. Author's death. Readers of acertainclasswillperhapsthinkthatithascometolightsoonenough,andthose of another complexion will not relish it less because they havewanted it long. It now ventures out an orphan into the world; and assomeofthesamefamily["TheFourfoldState,"&c.,&c.],havemetwithacandid reception from the public, the orphan hopes, even under thedisadvantages common to posthumous publications, that it will meetwithsomeregardforitsparent'ssake.

MICHAELBOSTON.

PARTI

OFTHETRUTHANDNATUREOFTHECOVENANTOFWORKS

GENESIS2:17

Butofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,thoushaltnoteatofit;forinthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie.

INTRODUCTION

MY design is, under the divine conduct, to open up unto you the twocovenants of works and grace; and that because in the knowledge andrightapplicationofthemtheworkofoursalvationlies;thefirstcovenantshewing us our lost state, and the second holding forth the remedy inJesus Christ; the two things which, for the salvation of souls, I havealwaysthought itnecessarychiefly to inculcate.AndI think it themorenecessarytotreatofthesesubjects,that,intheseourdecliningdays,thenature of both these covenants is somuchpervertedby some, and stillliketobemoreso.AndasIdesiretolayagoodfoundationamongyou,while I have opportuaity; so I intreat all of you, and particularly theyoungersort,tohearkenandhearforthetimetocome.Ibeginwiththefirstcovenanttoshewthenatureof it fromthis text,"Butof thetreeoftheknowledge,"&c.

Inwhichwordswehaveanaccountof theoriginal transactionbetweenGod and our first father Adam in paradise, while yet in the state ofprimitive integrity. In which the following things are to be remarked,beingpartlyexpressedandpartlyimplied.

1. The Lord's making over to him a benefit by way of a conditionalpromise, which made the benefit a debt upon the performing of thecondition. This promise is a promise of life, and is included in thethreateningofdeath, thus; If thoueatnotof the treeof theknowledge,&c.,thoushaltlive;evenasinthesixthcommandment,"Thoushaltnotkill" is plainly implied, Thou shalt preserve thy own life and the life ofothers.And thus it is explainedbyMoses;Rom. 10:5, "Themanwhichdoththosethingsshalllivebythem."Besides,thelicensegivenhimtoeatofalltheothertrees,andsoofthetreeof life,whichhadasacramentaluse,importsthispromise.

2. The condition required to entitle him to this benefit; namely,obedience.Itisexpressedinaprohibitionofoneparticular,"Ofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil, thoushaltnoteatof it."Therewasa

twofold lawgiven toAdam; thenatural law,whichwasconcreatedwithhim,engravenonhisheart inhiscreation.Forit issaid,Gen.1:27,that"Godcreatedmaninhisownimage;"comparedwithEph.4:24,"Thatyeputonthenewman,whichafterGodiscreatedinrighteousnessandtrueholiness." This lawwas afterwards promulgated onMount Sinai, beingmuchobliteratedbysin.Anotherlawwasthesymbolicallaw,mentionedin the text, which, not being known by nature's light, was revealed toAdam,probablybyanaudiblevoice.BythisGodchosetotry,andbyanexternal action, exemplify his obedience to the natural law concreatedwithhim.Andthisbeingathinginitsownnaturealtogetherindifferent,the binding of it uponhimby themerewill of the divine lawgiver, didclearlyimportthemorestrongtieofthenaturallawuponhiminallthepartsofit.Thusperfectobediencewastheconditionofthiscovenant.

3.Thesanction,orpenaltyincaseofthebreachofthecovenant,"Intheday that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." For if death wasentailedonadoingofthatwhichwasonlyevil,becauseitwasforbidden;much more might Adam understand it to be entailed on his doing ofanythingforbidden,becauseevil,orcontrarytothenatureorwillofGod,theknowledgeofwhichwasimpressedonhismindinhiscreation.Thesanction is plainly expressed, not the promise; because the last wasplainly enough signified to him in the tree of life, and he had amplediscoveriesofGod'sgoodnessandbounty,butnoneofhisjustice,atleasttohimself.And it doesnot appear that the angelswere yet fallen; or iftheywere,thatAdamknewofit.

4. Adam's going into the proposal, and acceptance of those terms, issufficiently intimatedtousbyhisobjectingnothingagainst it.ThustheSpiritofGodteachesusJonah'srepentanceandyieldingatlengthtotheLord,afteralongstruggle,chap.4:11;asalsoAdam'sowngoingintothecovenant of grace, Gen. 3:15. Besides, his knowledge could not butrepresent tohimhowbeneficiala treaty thiswas;hisuprightwillcouldnotbutcomplywithwhatabountifulGodlaidonhim;andhe,byvirtueofthattreaty,claimedtheprivilegeofeatingoftheothertrees,andsoofthetreeoflife,asappearsfromEve'swords,Gen.3:3,"Butofthefruitofthetreewhichisinthemidstofthegarden,Godhathsaid,Yeshallnoteatofit,neithershallyetouchit,lestyedie."

Now it is true, we have not here the word covenant; yet we must nothenceinfer,thatthereisnocovenantinthispassage,morethanwemaydenythedoctrineoftheTrinityandsacraments,becausethosewordsdonotoccurwherethesethingsaretreatedofinscripture,nay,arenottobefound in the scriptureat all.Butas in those cases, soherewehave thething; for themakingoverofabenefit toone,uponacondition,withapenalty,goneintobythepartyit isproposedto,isacovenant,apropercovenant,callitasyouwill.

TheCovenantofWorks,betweenGodandAdam,apropercovenant.

Thetruthdeduciblefromthewordsisthis;—

DOCT.—Therewasacovenantofworks,apropercovenant,betweenGodandAdamthefatherofmankind.

Inhandlingthisimportantpoint,Ishall,

I.Confirmthegreattruthexpressedinthedoctrinalnote,andevincethebeingofsuchacovenant.

II.Explainthenatureofthiscovenant.

III.Concludewithpracticaluses.

ThetruthoftheCovenantofWorksconfirmed

1.Ishallconfirmthisgreattruth,andevincethebeingofsuchacovenant.It is altogether denied by the Arminians that there was any suchcovenant, and amongst ourselves by Professor Simson, that it was apropercovenant.Theweightofthismatterlieshere,thatifthecovenantmadewithAdamwas not a proper covenant, he could not be a properrepresenting head; and if he was not, then there cannot be a properimputationofAdam'ssinuntohisposterity.Nonecouldeverdream,buttheremustbeamanifestdifferencebetwixtcovenantsbetweenGodandman,and thosebetweenmenandmen.There isnomannerof equalitybetwixt God andman; God could require all duty ofmen without anycovenant;yea,theyhavenothingbutwhatisfromhim,andsooweitto

him.Butthosethingsdonothinder,that,uponGod'scondescendingtoenterintoacovenantwithman,theremaybeapropercovenantbetwixtthem.Thoughallsimilitudesheremusthalt;yetletussupposeafathertopropose tohisson, that ifhewillobeyhisorders,andespecially inonepointgivehimpunctualobedience, for instance, labourhisvineyard,hewill give him a certain sum of money; and the son having nothing tolabouritwith,thefatherfurnisheshimwithallthingsnecessarythereto;the son accepts of this proposal. Can any man say that there is not aproperbargain,orcovenant, inthiscasebetwixtthefatherandhisson,although the son was tied by the bond of nature to obey his father'scommands in all this antecedently to the bargain, and though he hasnothing to labour it with, but what he has from the father? Let himperformhis father's orders now according to the covenant, and he canchallengethesumasadebt,whichhecouldnotdobefore.Forproofofthis,consider,

1.Here isaconcurrenceofall that isnecessary toconstitutea trueandproper covenant of works. The parties contracting, God andman; Godrequiring obedience as the condition of life; a penalty fixed in case ofbreaking;andmanacquiescingintheproposal.Theforceofthiscannotbeevaded,bycomparingitwiththeconsentofsubjectstothelawsofanabsoluteprince.Forsuchalawproposedbyaprince,promisingarewarduponobediencetoit,isindeedtheproposingofacovenant,thewhichthesubjectconsentingtoforhimselfandhis,andtakingonhimtoobey,doesindeedenterintoacovenantwiththeprince,andhavingobeyedthelawmayclaimtherewardbyvirtueofpaction.Andsothecovenantofworksis ordinarily in scripture called "the law," being in its own nature apactionallaw.

2. It is expressly calleda covenant in scripture,Gal.4:2, "For thesearethe two covenants, the one from the Mount Sinai," &c. This covenantfromMount Sinai was the covenant of works as being opposed to thecovenant of grace, namely, the law of the ten commandments, withpromise and sanction, as before expressed. At Sinai it was renewedindeed,butthatwasnotitsfirstappearanceintheworld.Fortherebeingbuttwowaysoflifetobefoundinscripture,onebyworks,theotherbygrace;thelatterhathnoplace,butwherethefirstisrenderedineffectual;

thereforethecovenantofworkswasbeforethecovenantofgrace intheworld; yet the covenant of gracewaspromulgatedquickly afterAdam'sfall; therefore the covenant of works behoved to have beenmade withhimbefore.Andhowcanoneimagineacovenantofworkssetbeforepoorimpotentsinners,iftherehadnotbeensuchacovenantwithmaninhisstate of integrity? Hos. 6:7, "But as for them; like Adam, they havetransgressed the covenant." Our translators set the word Adam on themargin.ButinJob31:33,theytranslatetheverysameword,"asAdam."Thiswordoccursbutthreetimesinscripture,andstillinthesamesense.Job31:33,"IfIcoveredmytransgressions,asAdam,"Psalm82:7,"ButyeshalldielikeAdam."Comparever.6,"Ihavesaid,Yearegods;andallofyou are children of theMostHigh;" comparedwithLuke 3:38, "Adam,whichwasthesonofGod."Andalsohere,Hos.6:7.WhileAdam'shidinghis sin, and his death aremade an example, how natural is it that histransgression,thatledthewaytoall,bemadesotoo?Thisistheproperandliteralsenseofthewords;itissoreadbyseveral,andiscertainlythemeaningofit.

3.Wefindalawofworksopposedtothelawoffaith,Rom.3:27."Whereisboastingthen?Itisexcluded.Bywhatlaw?ofworks?Nay;butbythelawoffaith."Thislawofworksisthecovenantofworks,requiringworks,orobedience,astheconditionpleadableforlife;forotherwisethelawasaruleof liferequiresworkstoo.Again, it isa lawthatdoesnotexcludeboasting,which is theverynatureof thecovenantofworks, thatmakestherewardtobeofdebt.Andfurther,thelawoffaithisthecovenantofgrace;thereforethelawofworksisthecovenantofworks.SoRom.6:14,"Yearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace."Andthiswasthewayoflifewithoutquestion,whichwasgiventoAdamatfirst.

4.Thereweresacramentalsignsandsealsofthistransactioninparadise.AsithaspleasedtheLordstilltodealwithmaninthewayofacovenant,sotoappendsealstothesecovenants.God'scovenantwithNoah,thathewouldnotdestroytheearthagainwithwater,hadtherainbowasasignofit to confirm it, Gen. 9:12, 13. The covenant with Abraham hadcircumcision;thatwiththeIsraelites,circumcisionandthepassover;andthe new covenant with the New Testament church, baptism and theLord'ssupper.SotothecovenantofworksGodappendedthetwotrees;

thetreeoflife,Gen.3:22,"Andnowlestheputforthhishand,andtakealso of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever;" and the tree of theknowledgeofgoodandevil,mentionedinthewordsofthetext.Whenwefind then confirming seals of this transaction, wemust own it to be acovenant.

5.Lastly,Allmankindarebynatureunder theguiltofAdam's first sin;Rom.5:12,"Asbyonemansinenteredintotheworld,anddeathbysin,andsodeathpasseduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned."Andtheyareunderthecurseofthelawbeforetheyhavecommittedactualsin:hencethey are said to be "bynature children ofwrath,"Eph. 2:3,which theymustneedsowetoAdam'ssin,asimputedtothem.Thismustheowingtoaparticularrelationbetwixtthemandhim;whichmusteitherbe,thathe is their natural head simply, fromwhence they derive their naturalbeing;butthenthesinsofourimmediateparents,andallothermediateones too, behoved to be imputed rather than Adam's, because ourrelation to them is nearer; or because he is our federal head also,representingusinthefirstcovenant.Andthatisthetruth,andevidencesthecovenantofworksmadewithAdamtohavebeenapropercovenant.

TheNatureoftheCovenantofWorks

II. I shall explain the nature of the covenant ofworks. In order tothis,Ishallconsider,

1.Thepartiescontractinginthiscovenant.

2.Thepartsofthecovenant;and,

3.Thesealsofit.

ThepartiesintheCovenantofWorks

FIRST, I shall consider the parties contracting in this covenant: Theseweretwo.

Godthefirstpartyinthecovenant

First, On the one handGod himself, the Father, Son, andHoly Ghost,

Gen.2:16,"AndtheLordGodcommandedtheman,saying,"&c.God,asCreator and Sovereign Lord of man, condescended to enter into acovenantwithman,hisowncreatureandsubject,whomhemighthavegovernedby a simple law,without proposing tohim the rewardof life.Thus itwasacovenantbetwixt twoveryunequalparties.AndhereGodshewed,

1. His supreme authority over the creature man, founded on man'snaturaldependenceonhimashisCreator,Rom.11:36,"Forofhim,andthroughhim,andtohim,areallthings."Hegavehimalawwhichhewasto obey, under the greatest penalty; not only the natural law, but thatpositive law depending on the mere will of the Lawgiver; Job 25:2,"Dominion and fear are with him." The truth is, it is a flower of theimperialcrownofheaven,duetohimonlywhoisabsolutelysupreme,tostampmerewillintoalawbindingmen.

2. His abundant goodness, in annexing such a great reward to man'sservice,whichitcouldnevermerit;Heb.11:6,"Heisarewarderofthemthat diligently seek him."Herewas a full fountain of goodness openedafresh, after he had let out signal goodness toman in his creation andsettlement in the world, after all appears a method how to make himeternallyhappyinanotherandbetterworld.

3.Hisadmirablecondescension,instoopingtomakeacovenantwithhisowncreature.Itistruehewasaholycreature,yethewasbutacreature.WhatGodmighthaveexactedofhimbymereauthority,heispleasedtorequire by compact, so making himself debtor to man upon man'sobedience,whichwithoutacovenanthecouldnothavebeen.

Adam,asapublicperson,theotherpartyintheCovenant

Secondly, On the other handwas Adam, the father of allmankind.Hemustbeconsideredhereunderatwofoldnotion.

1.Asarighteousman,morallyperfect,enduedwithsufficientpowerandabilities to believe and dowhateverGod should reveal to or require ofhim,fullyabletokeepthelaw.ThatAdamwasthusfurnishedwhenthecovenantwasmadewithhim,

1st, Appears from plain scripture; Eccl. 7:29, "God hath made manupright."TherewasanagreeablenessofthepowersofhissoultotheholylawofGod,whichishabitualrighteousness,hereasserted;andlikewise,Gen.1:31,"Godsaweverythingthathehadmade,andbeholditwasverygood."Notonlywereallthingsmadegood,butverygood.Everythinghadthegoodnessagreeable to itsnature; itwas fit for theendGodmade itfor;andsoman,beingmadetoserveGod,wasfittedforthatservice.Somanwasverygoodmorally; for that isagreeable tohis rationalnature,withoutwhichhecouldnotbereckonedverygood.

2dly,ManwascreatedintheimageofGod,Gen.1:27.Andso,

(1.)Hismindwasendowedwithknowledge;forthatisapartoftheimageofGodinman,Col.3:10,wherebelieversaresaidto"haveputonthenewman,whichisrenewedinknowledgeaftertheimageofhimthatcreatedhim."Wehaveamostampletestimonyofthis,Gen.3:22,(Heb.),"Beholdthemanthatwasoneofus,toknowgoodandevil."Hewassufficientlyabletoknowgoodandevil;good,tofollowit;andevil,toavoidit.Hehada light of knowledge within him, which, rightly improved, might havedirectedhisway,throughalldangers,duringthetimeofhistrial.

(2.)Hiswillwasendowedwithrighteousness,Eph.4:24,where"thenewman" is said to he "after God created in righteousness." It was, by itsnaturalsetreceivedincreation,straighttothewillofGod.Theholylawwasnotonlywritteninhismindbytheknowledgeofit;butinhisheart,bytheinclinationsofhiswilltowardsit.Nocontrarybentwasinhim,norpropensity to evil; that was inconsistent with the image of God inperfection,andwouldhavebeensininhim.

(3.)Hisaffectionswereholy;hence,Eph.4:24,forecited,"thenewman"isalsosaidtobe"afterGodcreatedintrueholiness."Thisspeaksoutthepurity and orderliness of his affections. He was not created withoutpassions and affections, as love, joy, delight, &c., for these belong toman'snature;Acts14:15,wheretheapostles,BarnabasandPaul,saidtothe people at Lystra, "We are men of like passions with you." Theseaffectionsarelikewindstotheshipatsea;buttherewerenopoisonousblasts to be found among them; and no violent and impetuous blastsneither,asisthecasesincethefall.Buttherewasapleasant,regulargale

ofthem,wherebyhemighthavemadewaythroughalldangers.

(4.)Hehadanexecutivepower,wherebyhewascapable todowhatheknew to be his duty, and inclined to do.Hewasmade very good,Gen.1:31,forecited;whichimpliesnotonlyapowertodogood,butafacilityindoing it free from all clogs and hinderances. Now, the spirit may bewilling, but the flesh isweak.But therewas no such thingwithAdam;therewasnomixtureofcorruptioninhissoul,andnothingfromthebodytohinderhiscourseofobedience.

3dly,andLastly,Ifhehadnotbeenso,thatcovenantcouldnothavebeenmadewithhim.ItwasinconsistentwiththejusticeandgoodnessofGodtohaverequiredthatofhiscreature,whichhehadnotabilitytoperformgiven him by his Creator.Wherefore before Adam could be obliged toperfectobedience,hebehovedtohaveabilitycompetentforit;otherwisethat saying of the wicked and slothful servant had been true; Matth.25:24,"Lord,Iknewtheethatthouartanhardman,reapingwherethouhastnotsown,andgatheringwherethouhastnotstrawed."Thecasenowis not the samewith us,Adamhaving received and lost that power forhimself and us. For although one cannot demand payment of a debtwhichheneverlentorgaveanymannerofway;yethavingoncelentthesum, hemay require it of the debtor andhis heirs, though they benotabletopay.

Thuswasmanperfectlyfurnishedandfittedtoenterintothiscovenant.Letmethereforeimprovethispointinaveryfewwords,beforeIproceedfurther.

USE1.How low ismannowbrought,howunlike towhathewasathiscreation!Alas!manisnowruined,andsinisthecauseofthatfatalruin.

2.Whatmadnessisitformentolooktothatcovenantforsalvation,whenthey are nowise fit for the way of it, having lost all the furniture andabilityproperfortheobservationthereof.

3.Lastly,Seehowyestandwithrespecttothiscovenant;whetheryearedischargedfromit,andbroughtwithinthebondofthenewcovenantinChristornot.ButIproceed,

2.Adam,inthecovenantofworks,istobeconsideredasthefirstman,1Cor.15:47,inwhomallmankindwasincluded.Andhewas,

1st,Thenaturalrootofmankind,fromwhichallthegenerationsofmenonthefaceoftheearthspring.ThisisevidentfromActs17:26,"Godhathmadeofonebloodallnationsofmen for todwellonall the faceof theearth;" which determines all men to be of one stock, one original, orcommonparentage.AndthisalsoappearsfromGen.3:20,"Adamcalledhis wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living;" whichdeterminesthattobeonlyAdam'sfamily.AndofhimwasalsoEve,whowasnotonly formed forhimbutofhim,Gen.2:21,22,23.ThusAdamwasthecompendofthewholeworld.

2dly, Themoral root, a public person, and representative of mankind.And as such the covenant of works was made with him. As to thisrepresentationbyAdam,wemaynote,

(1.)ThatthemanChristwasnotincludedinit;Adamdidnotrepresenthim,ashestoodcovenantingwithGod.Thisismanifest,inthatChristisopposedtoAdam,asthelastandsecondAdamtothefirstAdam,1Cor.15:45, one representative to another, ver. 48. And if that covenant hadbeenkept,Christhadnotcome,whoseworkitistorepairthelossbythebreach of the first covenant, by establishing another covenant for thatend. Besides, Christ was not born, as all others are, by virtue of thatblessingoffruitfulnessgivenbeforethefall,underthecovenantofworks,whileityetremainedunbroken;butbyvirtueofaspecialpromisegivenafter the fall, which promise was the erecting of another covenant,namely,thecovenantofgrace,whereofChristwasthehead,Gen.3:15.

(2.)WhetherEvewas included in this representation, is not so clear. Ifind she is excepted by some. It is plain, that Adam was the originalwhenceshecame,asheandshetogetherareofalltheirposterity.Hewasherhead,Eph.5:23,"Forthehusbandistheheadofthewife."Thethreadofthehistory,Gen.2,givesusthemakingofthecovenantofworkswithAdambefore the formationofEve.Thecovenant itself runs in termsasdelivered to one person, ver. 16, 17, "Thoumayest—Thou shalt." Fromwhence it seems tome that shewas included. It is true, she fell byherown transgression; and somight anyofAdam'sposterityhave fallen to

themselves, as she did to herself, during the time of probation in thiscovenant;buttheruinofmankindwasnotcompletedtillhedideat.Andtherefore Adam is first convicted, though Eve was first in thetransgression,Gen.3:9.

(3.) Without question, all his posterity by ordinary generation wereincluded in it. He stood for them all in that covenant, and was theirfederal head, that covenant being made with him as a public personrepresentingthemall.For,

[1.] The relation which the scripture teaches betwixt Adam and Christevincesthis.TheoneiscalledthefirstAdam,theotherthelastAdam,1Cor.15:45;theonethefirstman,theotherthesecondman,ver.47.Now,Christisnotthesecondman,butasheisapublicperson,representingallhiselectseedinthecovenantofgrace,beingtheirfederalhead;thereforeAdam was a public person representing all his natural seed in thecovenantofworks,beingtheirfederalhead;foriftherebeasecondmantheremustbeafirstman;ifasecondrepresentativetheremustbeafirst.Again,Christ isnot the lastAdam,but as the federalheadof the elect,bringing salvation to them by his covenant keeping; therefore the firstAdamwasthefederalheadofthosewhomhebroughtdeathuponbyhiscovenant-breaking, and these are all, ver. 22, "For as in Adam all die,evensoinChristshallallbemadealive."Andthereforetheapostle,Rom.5:14, calls Adam a figure or type of Christ. Accordingly each of theserepresentativesareheldforthwiththeirrespectivepartiesrepresentedbythem,beingmadelikeuntothem,1Cor.15:48,"Asistheearthly,sucharetheyalsothatareearthly;andasistheheavenly,sucharetheyalsothatareheavenly."

[2.]Adam'sbreakingof the covenant is in law theirbreakingof it; it isimputed to themby aholyGod,whose judgment is according to truth,and therefore can never impute to men the sin of which they are notguilty. Rom. 5:12—"All have sinned." Now, if we enquire what is theparticularsinheremeant;theapostlemakesitevident,thatitisAdam'sfirstsin,vers.15,19,—"Ifthroughtheoffenceofonemanybedead.—Asbytheoffenceofonejudgmentcameuponallmen."Andthatsinwasthebreakingof thecovenant.Now,wecouldneverbereckonedbreakersofthe covenant inhim, ifwewerenot reckoned firstmakersof it inhim;

that is, thatAdamwasour federalhead in thatcovenant,so that itwasmadewithusinhim.

[3.] The ruins by the breach of that covenant fall on all mankind, notexceptingthosewhoarenotguiltyofactualsin.Hencebelieversaresaidtohavebeen"thechildrenofwrath,evenasothers,"Eph.2:3,andthat"deathhathreignedoverthemthathadnotsinnedafterthesimilitudeofAdam'stransgression,"Rom.5:14.Allwereexcludedfromparadise,andfromthetreeoflife,intheloinsofAdam;thegroundwascursedtothem,aswell as tohim.Yea, all die spiritually, and that inhim, 1Cor. 15:22,forecited.Yetitisonly"thesoulthatsinneth,shalldie,"Ezek.18:4.Theythusdiewhoarenotchargeablewithpersonalsins,Rom.5:14,alsoabovecited. Itmust be by virtue of that original threatening then, Gen. 3:17,—"Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." And if they die byvirtue of that threatening, they were under that law to which it wasannexed;buttheycouldnootherwaybeunderit,thanasinAdamtheirfederalheadandrepresentative.

[4.]Lastly,ThesinanddeathwecomeunderbyAdam,isstillrestraineduntothatsinofhisbywhichhebrakethecovenantofworks,Rom.5:15–19,"Throughtheoffenceofonemanybedead.Thejudgmentwasbyoneto condemnation.—Byoneman'soffencedeath reignedbyone.—By theoffenceof one judgment cameuponallmen to condemnation.—Byoneman'sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners."AsforAdam'saftersins,the scripture takesnonotice of them thatway. If our communionwithhiminsinanddeathdiddependmerelyonhisnaturalrelationtous,theconveyanceofguiltfromhimuntouscouldnothaveceased,tillhiswholeguiltcontractedallhislifeoverhaddisburdeneditselfuponus;becausethenaturalrelationceasednot,butwasstillthesame.Itdependedthenuponsomesupervenientrelation,thewhichcouldbenootherbutthathewasconstitutedapublicperson,representingusinthefirstcovenant;thewhichceased,whenhewentinforhimselfintothesecondcovenant.Theshipwhereofhewasmadesteersmanbeingsplit, thecovenantofgrace,as another ship came up, of which Christ was the steersman; and thiscovenantwasletoutasaropetohalethepassengerstoland.ThisAdamlaidholdon,andsoquittedhisfirstpost,thathisaftermismanagementcouldnomoreharmasformerly.

Theequityofthisrepresentation

Thisrepresentationwasjustandequal,thoughwedidnotmakechoiceofAdamforthateffect.Thejusticeandequityofitappears,inthat,

1.Godmadethechoice;hepitchedonAdamasafitpersontorepresentallmankind; and there is nomending of God's work, which is perfect,Eccl. 3:14. There was infinite wisdom at making of it, and sovereignauthoritytoestablishit.ThecovenantproposedtoAdam,couldnotbutindutybeconsented tobyhim;and there is thesameobligation tohisposterity.If judgesonearthmaynameandgivetutorstominors,mightnottheJudgeofalltheearthdothesametohisowncreatures?

2.Adamwasundoubtedlythemostfitchoice.Hewasthecommonfatherofusall;sobeingournaturalhead,hewasfittesttobeourfederalhead.Hewasincaseformanagingthebargaintothecommonadvantage,Eccl.7:29, being "madeupright," and furnishedwith sufficient abilities.Andhisowninterestwasonthesamebottomwiththatofhisposterity.Thushisabilities,andnaturalaffectionconcurringwithhisowninterest,spokehimtobeafitpersonforthatoffice.

3.Lastly,Thechoicewasofapiecewiththecovenant.Thecovenant,initsownnaturemostadvantageousforman,thoughitcouldnotbeprofitabletoGod,Job35:7,wasafreebenefitandgiftonGod'spart;forasmuchasmanhadnotaclaimtothelifepromised,butbythecovenant.Sothatasthecovenantoweditsbeing,nottonature,butapositiveconstitutionofGod;sodidthechoiceoweitsbeingtothesame.Godjoinedthecovenantandrepresentationtogether;andsotheconsentofAdamorhisposteritytotheone,wasaconsentingtotheother.

ThepartsoftheCovenantofWorks

SECONDLY,Icomenowtodiscourseofthepartsofthecovenant.ThesearethethingsagreeduponbetwixtGodandmaninthistransaction;thewhichGodproposed,andmanassentedto,whichmadeitproperlyGod'scovenant. It was himself who settled and drew all the articles of it, byhimselfalone;Rom.11:34,"Forwhohathknownthemindof theLord?(saystheapostle),orwhohathbeenhiscounsellor?"Nothingwasleftto

man,but toreceive,acquiesce in,andconsent to it,as ismanifest fromthetext.Thiswasbecomingtheinequalityoftheparties;suitabletoGod'ssovereign authority over man, whose proposals to his creature are ineffect laws;andsuitabletothemeannessofmaninhisbestestate,whohathnothingbutwhathereceives,andcanneverprofithisMaker.Hencemaybeinferred,

1.Thatforaman'senteringintothecovenantofgrace,thereisnomorerequired but the soul's hearty consent to the proposal of the covenantmade to him in the gospel. For surely there is no more required of asinner to instatehim in the secondcovenant, a covenantof grace, thanwas required of Adam in innocence to instate him in the covenant ofworks; Isa. 55:3, "Inclineyourear, (says theLord), andcomeuntome;hear, and your soul shall live; and I willmake an everlasting covenantwithyou,eventhesuremerciesofDavid."Hereinthetwocovenantsareatleastequal.Whatcaststhebalanceonthesideofthecovenantofgraceis, that it is an everlasting one, and a soul once in it cannever fall outagain,Cant.3:10.

2.ThatsurelyGodhasmadethesecondcovenanthimself;heproposesittous,andrequiresustoembraceit;andhasnotleftittoustoframeandmould itaccording toourmind,and thencallonhimtoconsent to thecovenantwehave framed. Ifhedrew thewholeof the first covenant toinnocent man, much more has he drawn the whole of the secondcovenant for sinners.Let themknow then, that it is theirduty to studywhatGodhasproposedinhisgospel, toexaminethemselvesastotheirlikingofthatwayofsalvation;andiftheirsoulsbecontentwithitasitislaiddown,letthemembraceit.

3. Forasmuch as faith is the soul's assent to the covenant of grace, itcannot be the condition of that covenant properly so called. Forconsentingtoacovenantisaconsentingtotheconditionofit,andalltherestofthepartsthereof;asweseeinthefirstcovenant,andmayperceivein the secondalso in respectofChrist,wherehisdoinganddyingweretheonlyproper conditionswhichheassented to;Psalm40:7,wherehesays, "Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me." Butassenting to the condition of a covenant cannot be the condition itselfproperly speaking; otherwise we own faith to be the condition on our

part, that is, the mean by which we are interested in Christ and thecovenant, even as the woman's taking of the man may be called theconditionofthemarriage-covenant;whichanymayseeisnottheproperconditionofit,butmarriagefaithfulness.

Now the parts of the covenant ofworks agreed upon byGod andmanwere three; the condition to be performed by man, the promise to beaccomplished to man upon his performance of the condition, and thepenaltyincaseofman'sbreakingthecovenant.

TheConditionoftheCovenantofWorks

FIRST, The first part is the condition to be performed; which wasobedience to the law, fulfilling the commands God gave him, by doingwhattheyrequired,Rom.10:5,uponthedoingofwhichhemightclaimthe promised life in virtue of the compact. So this was a covenant, acovenant properly conditional. For understanding of this, we mustconsider,

1.What lawhewas by this covenant obliged to yield obedience to.And,

2.Whatkindofobediencehewasobligedtoyieldthereto.

1st,Letusconsiderwhatlawhewasbythiscovenantobligedtoyieldobedienceto.

Manunderatwofoldlaw,NaturalandSymbolical

1. The natural law, the law of the ten commandments, as the NewTestamentexplainsit,Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotin all thingswhich arewritten in thebookof the law todo them."Thesumof this law iscomprehended inwhatourLordsays;Matth.22:37–39,"ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysoul, andwith all thymind. This is the first and great commandment.Andthesecondislikeuntoit,Thoushaltlovethyneighbourasthyself."That this lawwasgiven toAdam, ismanifest, if it isconsidered thathewascreatedrighteousandholy,Gen.1:27,comparedwithEph.4:24.And

all createdrighteousnessandholiness isa conformity to themoral law,theperpetualruleofrighteousness.Andthatheknewthatlawisevident,in that the knowledge of it is an essential part of righteousness andholiness, or the image ofGod,Col. 3:10.Moreover, the remains of thislawwiththeveryheathens,Rom.2:15,areanevidenceofitsbeinggivento Adam in perfection; as the remains of a fallen house shew thatsometimeahousestoodthere.

Ifitbeinquired,Howthatlawwasgivenhim?Itwaswrittenonhismindandheart,Rom.2:15;andthatinhiscreation,Eccl.7:29.Thereforeitiscalledthenaturallaw.Hewasnosooneramanthanhewasarighteousman,knowingthenaturallawhewasunder,andbeingconformedtoitinthepowersandfacultiesofhissoul.ThatsamelawwhichGodgavefromSinaiwith thunder and lightning, in all theprecepts of itwasbreathedintoAdam'ssoul,whenGodbreathedintohimthebreathof lifeandhebecamealivingsoul.

This law was afterwards incorporated into the covenant of works, andwasthechiefmatterofit.Isay,afterwards;forthecovenantofworksisnot so ancient as the natural law. The natural law was in being whentherewasnocovenantofworks;fortheformerwasgiventomaninhiscreation, without paradise; the later was made with him after he wasbrought into paradise, Gen. 2:7, 8, 15, 16, 17. The natural law had nopromise of eternal life; for God might have annihilated his creature,thoughhehadnotsinned,tilloncethecovenantofworkswasmade.Butthen God put to the natural law a promise of eternal life, and athreateningofdeath,andsoitbecameacovenantofworks.

Howthencanmenmakesuchadoagainstbelieversbeingdeliveredfromthelawasitisthecovenantofworks,asifthelawcouldnomorebearuleof life tobelievers if thatbeso?Itwasaruleof life toAdambefore thecovenantofworks,anditmay,yeaandmustbearuleoflifetobelievers,after the covenant of works is gone as to them. Godmade it once thematter of the covenant of works, and in that covenant a rule of life toAdamandallhisnaturalseed;andwhymayitnotbemadethematterofthelawofChrist,andthereinbearuleoflifetothemthatarehis?

To shut up this point, see your deep concern in this covenant; and

consider that yourhelp isnot therein,but in layingholdonChrist, theheadofthesecondcovenant.

2. Another lawwhich Adamwas obliged, by the covenant of works, toyieldobedienceto,wasthepositivesymbolicallaw,forbiddinghimtoeatof the treeof theknowledgeofgoodandevil, recorded in the text.ThislawAdamhadnot,norcouldhave,butbyrevelation;foritwasnopartofthe law of nature, being in its own nature indifferent, and altogetherdependingonthewilloftheLawgiver,who,inaconsistencywithhisownandman'snaturetoo,mighthaveappointedotherwiseconcerningit.Butthislawbeingoncegiven,thenaturallawobligedhimtotheobservationofit,inasmuchasitstrictlyboundhimtoobeyhisGodandCreatorinallthings,bindinghim to love theLordwithallhisheart, soul,mind, andstrength.Henceitfollows,

1st,Thatinasfarasthislawwasobeyed,thenaturallawwasobeyed;andthebreakingoftheformerwasthebreakingofthelatteralso.Theywerebut several links of one chain, constitutions of the Supreme Lawgiver,which,inpointofobedience,stoodandfelltogether.

2dly,ThatwhateverisrevealedbytheLordtobebelievedortobedone,the natural law of the ten commandments obliges to the believing ordoingof it; Psalm 19:7, "The lawof theLord is perfect."Hence faith isreckoned a duty of the first command.The gospel reveals the object offaith,andthenaturallawlaysontheobligationtothedutyofbelieving.

Thislawwasnotgiven,becauseofanyevilthatwasinthefruit itselfofthat tree; for "Godsaweverything thathehadmade,andbehold itwasverygood,"Gen. 1:31. Itwasnot forbiddenbecause itwas evil;but evilbecauseforbidden.Yetwasthegivingofthatlawanactionbecomingthedivineperfections,howeversmallthematterseemstobeinitself.InthemostminutethingsGodappearsgreatest.

(1.)Hereinman'sobediencewastoturnupontheprecisepointofrespecttothewillofGod,whichwasatrialofhisobedienceexactlysuitedtothestate he was then in, and by which the most glaring evidence of trueobedience would have been given. So this was a most fit probatorycommand.To loveGodandone'sneighbour,nature itself taughtAdam.

Not to have anotherGod,worship images, takeGod's name in vain; tokeeptheSabbath,returningoncea-weekonly;thesecouldnothavegivensuch a demonstration of man's obedience to his Creator, having suchaffinity with the nature of God, in themselves, and with his own purenature too.As little could thecommandsof the second tablehavebeenso,hehavingnoneighbourthenintheworldwithhim,andEveonlyhisownfleshforaconsiderabletimeafter.

(2.) Thus his obedience or disobedience behoved to be most clear,conspicuous,andundeniable,notonlytohimself,buttoothercreaturescapableofobservation;forasmuchasthislawrespectedanexternalthingobvious to sense,and thediscerningofany,whoyet couldnot judgeofinternalactsofobedienceordisobedience.SothatGodmightbe"clearinjudging," Psalm 51:4; in the eyes of angels good and bad, and of manhimself.

(3.)Itwasmostproper forassertingGod'sdominionoverman,beingavisiblebadgeofman'ssubjectiontoGod.Godhadmadehimlordoftheinferiorworld,sethimdowninparadise,aplacefurnishedwithallthingsfor necessity and delight; so it was becoming the divine wisdom andsovereigndominion,todischargehimfrommeddlingwithonetreeinthegarden,asatestimonyofhisholdingallofhimashisgreatLandlord.

(4.)Itwasamostpropermoralinstrument,andsuitablemean,toretainmaninhisintegrity,whothoughahappycreature,wasyetachangeableone. So far was it from being a bar to his further happiness, as Satanalleged, Gen. 3:5. The tree of knowledge, as it stood under thatprohibition,was a continualmonitor to him to take heed to himself, awatchwordtobewareoftheenemy;aplainlectureofhismutablestate,wherein he might learn that he was yet but in favour on his goodbehaviour. Besides, it was a sign of emptiness hung at the door of thecreation,withthatinscription,"Hereisnotyourrest;"sopointinghimtoGod,asthealonefountainofhappiness,forasmuchastherewasawanteveninparadise.

(5.) It was a compend of the law of nature. Love to God and one'sneighbourwaswraptupinit;andallthetencommandswereeminentlycomprehendedtherein.Forinnoteatingthereofhewouldhavetestified

hissupremelovetoGod,andhisduelovetohisposterity;andineatingthereofhecastoffboth,andsobrokeallthetencommandments.

ThenatureoftheObedienceduebymantotheLaw

Secondly,Letusconsiderwhatkindofobedienceto the lawAdamwas,bythiscovenant,obligedtoyield,as theconditionof it.Tothis twofoldlawhewastoyield,

1.Perfectobedience. Imperfectobediencecouldnothavebeenacceptedunder this covenant; neither for justification, for it would havecondemned man, Gal. 3:10, formerly cited; nor under the covenant ofgracecoulditbeacceptedforthatendneither,Matth.3:15;asitbecamethesecondAdamtofulfilallrighteousness;noryetcoulditbeacceptedinpointofjustificationunderthatcovenant,thoughunderthecovenantofgraceitis.Thereasonis,becauseunderthefirstcovenanttheworkmustbe accepted for its conformity to the law, and then the person for thework'ssake;butimperfectobediencecouldneverbeacceptedofGodforits own sake; forGod is "of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannotlookoniniquity,"Hab.1:13.Butunderthesecondcovenantthepersonsofbelieversare firstaccepted forChrist's sake,Eph. 1:6;and then theirworksforthesameChrist'ssake,Heb.11:4.Sothentheconditionofthiscovenantwasperfectobedience,andthat,

(1.) Perfect in respect of the principle of it.His nature, soul, and heartbehovedalwaystobekeptpureanduntainted,astheprincipleofaction.So the law is explained, Luke 10:25–28, "And behold, a certain lawyerstood up, and tempted him, saying Master, what shall I do to inheriteternal life?Hesaiduntohim,What iswritten in the law?howreadestthou?andheanswering,said, thoushalt love theLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysoul,andwithallthystrength,andwithallthymind: and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hasansweredright;thisdo,andthoushaltlive."Wheretheleastblemishisinthesoul,mind,will,oraffections,itmustneedsmaketheactionssinful;"Who canbring a clean thing out of anunclean?" Job 14:4; "A corrupttree cannot bring forth good fruit," Matth. 7:18. Where there is anyindispositionfor,orreluctancytoduty,thereisablemishintheframeofthesoul.Thereforeofnecessitymanbehovedtoretainaperfectpurityin

hissoul,astheconditionofthatcovenant.Godgavemanaheartperfectlypure,andcommandedhimtokeepitfrombeingintheleasttainted;puton him a fair white garment of habitual inherent righteousness, andcommandedittobekeptfreefromtheleastspot,underthepainofdeath.

(2.)Perfectinparts,nowisedefectiveorlame,wantinganypartnecessaryto its integrity; James 1:4. And it behoved to be thus perfect. [1.] Inrespectofthepartsofthelaw,Gal.3:10.Hisobediencebehovedtobeasbroad as the whole law, natural and positive; extending to all thecommandsthereoflaidonhim;nothingcommittedthatthelawforbade,nothing omitted that the law required. One link of this chain beingbroken,allwasbroketogether;"Forwhosoevershallkeepthewholelaw,andyetoffendinonepoint,heisguiltyofall,"James2:10;[2.]inrespectof the parts of theman, Luke 10:27, 28, forecited.Hismind, will, andaffections,hissoulandhisbody,allofthembehovedtobeemployedinobediencetothelaw;anditbehovedtobetheobedience,asofthewholelaw, so of thewholeman. Thuswas he bound to internal and externalobedience in the whole compass of both, according to the law. [3.] Inrespectofthepartsofeveryhumanaction,Gal.3:10.Thelawrequiresineverysuchaction,agoodnessofthematter,manner,andend:afailureinany of these in any one action broke this covenant. So in every actionwhathedidbehovedtobegood,welldone;andalltothegloryofGod,asthechiefend.Theleastmismanagementinanyofthese,theleastsquintlook,wouldhavemarredall.

(3.)Perfectindegrees,Luke10:27,28,abovecited.Hisobedience,astheconditionof thecovenant,was tobenotonlyofequalbreadthwith thelaw,butofequalheightwithit,ineverypoint.Everypartofeveryactionbehoved to be screwedup to that pitchdeterminedby the law; all thatwaslowerthanitwastoberejectedassinful.

2.Adamwasobligedtoperpetualobedience,Gal.3:10.Not thathewasfor ever to have been upon his trial; for that would have rendered thepromiseof lifevainand fruitless, sincehecouldneverat that ratehaveattainedtherewardofhisobedience.Butitbehovedtobeperpetual,asacondition of the covenant, during the time set by God himself for thetrial;whichtimeGodhasnotdiscoveredinhisword.Thetimeofthislifeisnowthetimeoftrial.OurLordJesusChrist, intheroomoftheelect,

obeyedthelawaboutthespaceofthirty-threeyears;forsolonghelived.Whatever was the time appointed for man's trial, according to thecovenant; his obedience behoved to be perpetual during that time,without interruptionof the courseof it,withoutdefectionandapostasyfromit;tillthattimehadexpiredinacourseofcontinuedobedience,hecouldnothaveclaimedthefinalrewardofhiswork.Butthattimebeingsoexpired,hewouldhavebeenconfirmedingoodness,sothathecouldnomore fall away, as a part of the life promised. And the covenant ofworkswould have for ever remained asman's eternal security for, andgroundofhiseternallife;butnolongerasaruleofhisobedience,forthatwouldhavebeentoreducehimtothestateoftrialhewasinbefore,andtohavesethimanewtoworkasatitletowhathealreadypossessed,byvirtueofhissupposedkeepingofthatcovenant.Yetmancouldbeinnostate,whereinheshouldnotoweobediencetohisCreator,nonotinthestateofglory;and ifheowedobediencestill,hebehovedstill tohavearule;andforthateffect,thelawofnature,whichisperpetual,wouldhavereturnedtoitsprimitiveconstitution,theformofthecovenantofworksbeing done away from it; and so have been man's rule in the state ofconfirmation.Henceitfollows,

(1.)That forasmuchastheLordJesusChristhasmendedandperfectedthat work, which Adammarred; believers being united to him, are soconfirmedinastateofgrace,thattheycannotbutpersevere,andthatforever. Hence it is observable, that the just by faith are declared to beentitled to that very benefitwhichAdamwas by his obedience to havebeenentitledto;Hab.2:4,"Thejustshalllivebyhisfaith;"namely,alifewhich shall persevere and endure for ever. And therefore the apostleuseth that scripture to prove the perseverance of believers, and thecertainty of their eternal salvation;Heb. 10:38, 39, "Now the just shalllivebyfaith;butifanymandrawback,mysoulshallhavenopleasureinhim.Butwearenotofthemwhodrawbackuntoperdition;butofthemthatbelievetothesavingofthesoul."Andbelieversaredeclaredactuallytohaveeternal life, thoughthat life isnotyetcomeunto its fullvigour,which is reserved for heaven, John 17:3, "This is life eternal, that theymight know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hastsent."1John5:13,"ThesethingshaveIwrittenuntoyou,thatbelieveonthenameoftheSonofGod;thatyemayknowthatyehaveeternallife."

(2.)AsitisinvainforChristlesssinners,utterlyimpotentforanygood,topretend to work that theymay procure to themselves life; so believersought not to work for life, or that they may, by their holiness andobedience, gain life. Forbelievers inChristhave life already inhim,byvirtueofhisworkingperfectlyandperpetually in their roomandstead;andforthemtopretendsotoworkforit,istocastdishonouronChrist'sperfectandperpetualobedience.Thetruthis,holiness isamainpartofthatlifeandsalvationwehavebyJesusChrist."Ofhim[i.e.God]areyeinChristJesus,whoofGodismadeuntous—sanctification,"1Cor.1:30."Notbyworksofrighteousness,whichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhesavedusby thewashingof regeneration,andrenewingof theHolyGhost;"Tit.3:5,"Whogavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfrom all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous ofgoodworks,"Tit. 2:14.Andwere theremorepressingof faith toobtainholiness,andlessdividingofholinessfromlifeandsalvation,makingtheformerthemeanstoprocuretoourselvesthelatter,therewouldbemoretrueholinessinthesedregsoftime.

(3.)They that arenotholyhaveno saving interest inJesusChrist; andwhile they continue so, shall never see the face of God in peace; Heb.12:14,"Follow—holiness,"saystheapostle,"withoutwhichnomanshallseetheLord."WhereisthemanthatpretendstobeinChrist,andtohavefaith, and yetmakes no conscience of a holy life, of the duties of pietytowards God, righteousness and mercy towards his neighbour; buttramplesonanyofthetencommandments;Isaytohimwithconfidence,astheapostlePetersaidtoSimonMagus,Acts8:21,"Thouhastneitherpartnorlotinthismatter;forthyheartisnotrightinthesightofGod."HasChristfulfilledthecovenantwhichAdambroke;andarenotallthatare united to him made thereupon partakers of life? How can it beotherwiseaccordingtothefaithfulnessofGod?Surely,then,thouwhoartlivinginsin,andsoartdeadwhilethoulivest,hastnosavinginterestinhim.

(4.)Thoughthebelieverisunderthelawofthetencommandmentsasaruleoflife,heisnotunderthelawasacovenantofworksinanysense;neither does the law he is under adjudge him to eternal life upon hisobedience,norlayhimunderthecurse,andadjudgehimtoeternaldeath

forhissins.Butthelawastohimisstriptofitspromiseofeternallifetoobedience,andofitsthreateningofeternaldeathtohissins.ThisistheapostlePaul's doctrine; "Ye are becomedead to the lawby the body ofChrist," Rom. 7:4; "Ye are not under the law, but under grace," chap.6:14;"ThereisnocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus,"Rom.8:1;"ThatnomanisjustifiedbythelawinthesightofGod,itisevident:for, the just shall liveby faith.And the law isnotof faith;but themanthat doth them, shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from thecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus,"Gal.3:11,12,13.Andhowcanit be otherwise, unless one will say that Christ, by his perfect andperpetualobedience,hasnotsethispeoplebeyondthereachofthecurse,norsecuredtheirlife?

3. Adam was obliged to personal obedience. Hence says the Lord, "Yeshallkeepmystatutesandmyjudgments;whichifamando,heshalllivein them," Lev. 18:5, which words the apostle Paul quotes; Rom. 10:5,"Moses describeth the righteousnesswhich is of the law, That themanwhich doth these things shall live by them." It behoved to be personalobedience.NotthateverypersonofAdam'srace,accordingtotheoriginalconstitution, behoved to yield this obedience for himself, in order toobtainthelifepromised.Itistrue,indeed,thatallAdam'schildren,whoshould have been born and grown up, before the time of his trial wasexpired,wouldhavebeenobliged,(itwouldseem)tothatobedienceforthatend,intheirownpersons;andiftheyhadfailedinit,thelosswouldhave been to themselves, and to themselves only. Thismay be learnedfromthecaseofEve,noticedbefore.ButthatincaseAdamhadstoodoutthewholetimeofhistrial,everyoneofhisposterityafterthatshouldyethavebeenobligedtoyieldobedienceforlifeintheirownpersonsiswhatIcannotcomprehend.Forthen,towhatpurposewastherepresentationofmankindbyAdam?forwhatendwasheconstitutedtheirfederalhead?It isplain, thatbyAdam'sbreakingof thecovenant,deathhascomeonthem,whohadnobeingintheworldinAdam'stime;andhowthiscanbeconsistentwith thegoodnessofGod,and theequityofhisproceedings,unless they were to have had the promised life upon running the setcourseofhisobedience,Iseenot;andthereforemustconclude,thatafterAdam's standingout the set time, allmankind then standingwithhim,wouldhavebeenconfirmed;andthosewhoshouldafterwardshavecome

intotheworld,wouldnotonlyhavehadoriginalrighteousnessconveyedto them from him, but have been confirmed too in holiness andhappiness,sothattheycouldnothavefallen.

It is true, the covenant of works now proposes the same condition toevery man under it, that it did to Adam, to be performed in his ownperson for himself, if hewill have life by it. The reason is plain,Adamsinningisnomoretherepresentativeinthatcovenant,toactforthem;sotheymust take the sameway every one for themselves, that hewas tohavetakenforhimselfandallhisposterity.Whilethepilotmanagestheshipcarefullyandskilfully,soasshemakesherwaytowardstheport,thepassengers have nothing to do for their own safety, all is safe by hismanagement;butifheruntheshiponarock,andsplitit,andmakehisescape,everyoneof thepassengersmustbepilot forhimself,andworkforhisownlifeandsafety.

But this obedience behoved to be personal in the following respects. Itbehovedtobeperformed,

(1.)Bymanhimself, andnot another forhim,Lev 18:15, forecited.Thecovenantofworksknewnothingofasuretyormediator."Inthedaythoueatestthoushaltdie,"plainlyimports,thatman,themomenthesinned,brokethecovenant,andwasadeadmaninlaw.Ifhecouldhaveprovideda surety who should have obeyed, when he disobeyed, that would nothave fulfilled that covenant, or kept it. If a suretywas to have place, itbehoved to be by a new bargain, wherein a new representation wassettled.

(2.) By one person, and not bymore; that is, the righteousness of thecovenantbehoved tobeofonepiece,andnotonepartwroughtbyone,and another part by another. The sinning soul behoved to die; andimperfectrighteousnesscouldnotbeacceptedinpart,morethanitcouldbeinwhole,becausesuchrighteousnessisnotrighteousnessindeed,butsinfulwantofconformitytothelaw.Henceitfollows,

[1.]ThatGod'sacceptingofasurety,aswellashisprovidingoneforlostsinners in the second covenant,was purely of free grace. For "in him,"saystheapostle,"wehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgiveness

ofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace,"Eph.1:7;hemighthaveheldmantothefirstbargain,andmadeallmankindutterlymiserablewithoutremedy,havingoncebrokethefirstcovenant.Buttherichesofsovereignfree love and grace brought forth a new bargain, wherein a suretywasadmitted,whenthatbenefittousmighthavebeenrefused;yea,andwasprovided by him too, whenwe, could never have procured one to takethatburdenonhimforus.

[2.]That thepurchaseof our salvationby thepreciousbloodofChrist,whichwasafullpriceforit,issofarfromloweringtherichesoffreegracein it, that it exceedingly heightens the same. When you hear of freepardon and salvation to sinners, through the satisfaction of Christ,beware of imagining, that satisfaction spoils the freedom of it; butremember, that God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, might have injusticeinsistedonourownpersonal,perfectsatisfyingofthedemandsofthe covenant of works; and yet such was their love and grace to poorsinners,thattheFatherpartswithhisSontodieforus,theSonlaysdownhis life in our stead, and theHoly Spirit freely applies his purchase tosinners.Sothatallisoffreegracetous.IfithadbeenconsistentwiththenatureofGod, tohave forgivensinwithoutsatisfaction, suchremissionwould have been of free grace; but when there behoved to be asatisfaction made, and God admitted a surety, and provided the samehimself,thisspeaksunspeakablerichesofgrace;Asifakingshouldgivehisownsontosatisfythelawforatraitor,John3:16,"ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife."

[3.]Thattherecanbenomixingofourownrighteousness,ingreaterorlessermeasure,with the righteousnessofChrist, inour justification,bythesecondcovenant,Gal.3:12,"Forthelawisnotoffaith;butthemanthatdoth themshall live in them."Wemustbetakeourselveswholly totheoneor to theother.For thedemandsof the first covenantmustbeanswered,bythatrighteousnessonwhichwecanbejustified;andunlesswe have of our own a perfect righteousness to produce for that end,nothingwehavecanbeacceptedinthatpoint,sincethereisnoadmittingofapiecedrighteousness.Andevidentit is,thatwecannotpretendtoaperfectrighteousnessofourown,andthereforemustgowhollytoChrist

forone.

ThePromiseoftheCovenantofWorks

Secondly,Thepromisetobeaccomplishedtomanuponhisperformanceofthecondition.Thatwasapromiseof life,Rom.10:5,forecited,whichwas implied in the threatening of death in case of sinning. Forunderstanding the promised life, wemust consider the condition to beperformed,twoways.

1st,Inthecourseofitsperformance,whilemanshouldhavebeenintheway running the race of his obedience to obtain the crown; while heshouldhavebeenonhistrialsforthesubsequentreward,holdingthewayofGod'scommandments,andwalkinginthepathchalkedouttohimbythedivinelaw,duringthetimeofhisprobation,withoutgoingoffthewayin the least. In this case the promise would have held pace with hiscontinuanceinthecourseofobedience.Andbyvirtueofthecovenant,hewouldhaveenjoyedaconcomitantrewardoflife."ForinkeepingofGod'scommands,"saysthePsalmist,"thereisgreatreward,"Psalm19:11.Thisis evident from the terms of the covenant in the text,whichmanifestlyimplythis,namely,Whilethoudostnoteatthereof,thoushaltsurelylive.Now,thispromisedlifewastwofold,naturalandspiritual,eachofthemperfectly prosperous: for, in scripture language, to live is to liveprosperously,or inprosperity, 1Sam.25:6.Andman'sprosperity in thestateof integrity, couldnotbeamixedprosperity,asnow in this sinfulstate, but truly perfect, withoutmixture of anything thatmightmar it.Andasforthelifeitself,naturalandspiritual,theywerebothgivenhiminhiscreation.Sothenthelifepromised,andtobeaccomplishedinthecourseofHisperformanceoftheconditionofthecovenant,was,

AProsperousNaturalLifePromised

1. A prosperous natural life, perfectly prosperous. The natural life wasgiven to man by God's breathing in him the breath of life, Gen. 2:7;knitting a rational soul unto his body, and so animating it which waspresentlydiscoveredbyman'sbreathingathisnostrils.Whilethatunionbetwixtthesoulandbodyremains,manlivesanaturallife.Andthusmanshould have lived prosperously, while performing the condition of the

covenant.Thisimpliedathreefoldbenefit.

(1.)Thecontinuationofnatural life,Rom.6:23.Man'sbodywas indeedmadeofdust;but,byvirtueofthecovenant-promise,itwouldhavebeensecuredfromreturningtothedustagain.As itwascreatedwithoutanyprinciple of deathwithin it, so the covenant barred all hazard of deathfromwithoutit,fromanyotherhand,aslongasthatcovenantshouldbekept. Till the bond of the covenant was treacherously loosed by manhimself,therewasnoloosingofthesilvercordthatknitssoulandbodytogether.

(2.)Thevigourofnaturallife.Thekeepingofthecovenantwasaperfectsecurity against all decay and languishing of natural life, which tendsuntodeath.Sincemaneveninthatstatewastoeat,drink,andsleep,nodoubthisbodywastobesupportedbythesemeans;butthefruitsoftheuntaintedearthwerefittedforthepreservationofsuchalife;andwhilehis soul continued pure, he could not butmake a regular use of them,accordingtotheappointmentoftheCreator.

(3.)Thecomfortofnaturallife,pureandunmixedwiththesorrowsofit,whicharenowfelt,butnottillsinentered.Allmenknow,thatlifeisonethingandthecomfortof lifeanother;butthesecouldnotbedividedtillthe wedge of sin was driven to separate them. This lay in these twothings:—

[1.] Freedom from all evils and inconveniencies of life, which mightembitterittohim.Whattheseare,weallknowfromexperience;afloodofthembeingletoutontheworldwiththefirstsin,nottobedrieduptilltheworldend,anddeathandevilbecastintothelakeoffire;Gen.3:17–19,"AnduntoAdamhesaid,Becausethouhasthearkeneduntothevoiceofthywife,andhasteatenofthetreeofwhichIcommandedthee,saying,Thoushaltnoteatofit;cursedisthegroundforthysake;insorrowshaltthoueatofitallthedaysofthylife.Thornsalsoandthistlesshallitbringforthtothee;andthoushalteattheherbofthefield.Inthesweatofthyface shalt thoueatbread, till thou returnunto theground; foroutof itwast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."Hence labour was to be without toil, strength without mixture ofweakness and uneasiness, health without pain, or sickness, or

indispositionofbody.

[2.]Thecomfortableenjoymentoflifewiththeconvenienciesofit,Gen.2:16, where the LordGod said untoman, "Of every tree of the gardenthoumayestfreelyeat."Lifeitselfsometimesisburdensomenow,andthegoodthingsofitarebesetaswiththornsandbriers;butinnocentAdamcouldhavehadnoneof these things tocomplainof.Hewas lordof theinferior creatures, and theywere at his disposal.What joy and comfortthecreaturescouldyieldtohim,hewasmasterof,andcouldnotbuthaveamore exquisite taste of than anyman since.Hewas clothedwith thegreatesthonour,andhaditwiththeprofitsandrefinedpleasuresoflife,togetherwithGod'sfavour.

Weknowthenwheretolaytheblameofthemiseriesofthislifeanddeathitself. The breaking of that covenant opened the sluice to that flood ofthemwhichnowoverflowstheworld.

AProsperousSpiritualLifePromised

2.Aprosperousspirituallife,perfectlyprosperous.Thesoulofmanwasandis initsownnatureimmortal,notliabletothedissolutiontowhichthe body is subject. But besides, it was endowed with spiritual life,whereby it lived toGod inunionand communionwithhim, asbearingtheimageofGod,alivelyimageofhisrighteousnessandholiness,Gen.1:7,Eccl.7:29.Andthusmanwouldhavelivedprosperously,performingtheconditionofthecovenant.Andthisimpliedafourfoldbenefit.

(1.)ThecontinuationoftheimageofGodinhim,theuprightnessofhisnature inwhich hewas created.Nothing could havemarred thatwhilethecovenantwaskept.Theknowledgeofhismindwouldhaveremainedwithhim,aswouldalsotherighteousnessofhiswillandtheholinessofhisaffections.ThatgloriouslikenesstoGodinwhichhewascreated,wasabeautywhichnothingbutsincouldmar.

(2.)ThecontinuanceoftheloveandfavourofGod.HewasthefriendofGod, the favourite of heaven; and as long as he kept the covenant,nothingcoulddissolvethefriendship.LifeliesinGod'sfavour,anduponhisgoodbehaviourhewassurelytoenjoyitstill.Itcouldneverhaveleft

him,aslongashekeptGod'sway,ForGodcannotbutlove,favour,anddelightinhisownimage,inwhomsoeveritispreservedentire.

(3.)Readyaccess toGod,and fellowshipwithhim.Thecovenantwasacovenantoffriendship;andwhilesinwaskeptouttherewasnothingtomar his intercourse with God, He would still have had immediatecommunionwithGod; for therewasnoneedofamediatorwheretherewasnobreach,Gal.3:20,ThemeansofcommunionwithGod,prayers,praises,&c.wouldatnotimehavebeendrywellsofsalvationtohim;nodesertions,norhidingsofGod'sface,couldhaveplace,

(4.)Lastly,Thedailycomfortofhisperformance.Hewouldstillhavehadthe pleasure there is in the very keeping of God's commands, and thecomfortablefeastofthetestimonyofagoodconscience,uponeverypieceofobedienceperformed.Andthegreaterthiswouldhavebeen,thelongerhe had continued, and the nearer he had come to the end of his race,wherewasthecrowntobereceived.

ThuswemayseeGod'sbountyandman's ingratitude.Hehadwages inhandallowedhim,apresentrewardofhiswork,accordingtothat,"Thoushalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn." Yetwouldheneedsbetterhisconditionbeforethetime,andsoquitemarredit.

EternalLifeinHeavenPromised

2dly, We may consider the condition to be performed, as actuallyperformed,andcompletelyfulfilled.Godhadappointedtomanatimeoftrialandprobation,duringwhichhewascarefullytotakeheedtohimself,thatheobeyedperfectlyandperpetually,asbeingliabletosin;andsotogive proof of himself, of his awful respect to his Creator'swill, and hisright management of the talents given him by his great Lord to tradewith.Inthiscase,viz.,uponman'sstandinginhisinnocencetillthattimewasexpired,eternallifewasbythepromisesecuredtohimastherewardofhiswork,Matth.19:17.Andinitthesefourbenefitswereimplied.

1.Theconfirmationofhissoulininnocence,righteousness,andholiness,thatheshouldbesetbeyondhazardofsinning,andthatforevermore,as

theconfirmedangelsare.Beingjustifieduponhisperfect,personal,andperpetualobedience,thiswouldhavefollowedofcourse,accordingtothetenorofthecovenant;otherwisehewouldhavebeenforeverupontrial,whichisinconsistentwiththenatureofthecovenant.Mutabilityiswoveninto theverynatureof thecreature,andsoAdamwascreatedmutable;buthewouldhavebeen,uponhisobedience,securedfromactualliabilitytochangeforevermore.Theneedofwatchingwouldhavebeenoverwithhiminthatcase,asitiswiththesaintsinheaven.

2. The setting of his body absolutely and for ever out of all hazard ofdeath,evenremotehazard.Whilehewasinthestateoftrial,therewasapossibilityofdeath'smakinganapproachtoit,viz.,onsuppositionofsin.Buthad theconditionof thecovenantoncebeen fullyperformed, therehad been nomore any possibility of his dying, Rom. 6:21, because nomorepossibilityofsinning.

3.ThesettlingoftheloveandfavourofGoduponhimforever,withoutany hazard of his falling out of it. This also necessarily would havefollowed on his confirmation in righteousness. The sun of favour fromGod, from that time, shouldhave shone souponhim,as it couldnevermore have gone down. The friendship would have been so confirmed,thatthereshouldhavebeennomoreapossibilityofabreachforever.

4.Lastly,Thetransportingofhimsoulandbodytoheaven,theretoenjoytheperfectionofblessednessthrougheternity.Heshouldnotalwayshavelivedintheearthlyparadise,wherehewastoeat,drink,sleep,&c.,but,inGod'sowntime,beencarriedtotheheavenlyparadise,tolivethereastheangelsofGod.Hewashappywhilehewasinthecourseofobedience,andhadcommunionwithGod.Buttherehewouldhavebeenperfectlyhappy,andhadmorenearandfullcommunionwithGod,Psalm16ult.

I am not here to launch forth into the subject of heaven's happiness,whichmanshouldhaveenjoyedbythiscovenant,hadhekeptit.Onlyinaword,forthesubstanceofit,itwouldhavebeenthesamethatthesaintsshallenjoyforever;foritwasthelifewhichAdamlostforhimselfandhisposterity that Christ purchased by his obedience and death for hisspiritual seed,Rom. 10:5, comparedwithHab.2:4, both forecited.Andthatwaseternallifeinheavenwithoutcontroversy.OurLordJesusChrist

himselfproposingthecovenantofworkstoalegalist,holdsfortheternallifeas thepromiseof it tobehadon theperformanceof the condition;Luke 10:25–28, "And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and temptedhim,saying,Master,whatshallIdotoinheriteternallife?Hesaiduntohim,What iswritten in the law?how readest thou?Andhe answering,said,ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithallthysoul,andwithallthystrength,andwithallthymind;andthyneighbourasthyself.Andhesaiduntohim,Thouhastansweredright;thisdo,andthou shalt live." And the weakness of the law to give eternal life now,proceedsonly fromour inability to fulfil that conditionof it,Rom.8:3.Forwhichcause,Christputhimselfintheroomoftheelect,tofulfilthatobedience which they were unable to give, Gal. 4:4, 5, and soconsequently gained the life to themwhich they should otherwisehavehad ifmanhadnotsinned.Besides, it isevident, thatby, thebreachofthiscovenantmannowfallsunderthesentenceofeternaldeathinhell;therefore,on thegroundsof thegoodnessofGod,and theequityofhisproceedings,onemayconcludethateternallifeinheavenwaspromised.

ThedifferencebetweenAdam'sandthesaints'heaven

Yet there would have been considerable difference betwixt innocentAdam's heaven, and the Mediator's heaven, which the saints shall bepossessed of; but the advantage lies to the side of the latter. There arefourthingsthatwouldhavebeenwanting(ifImaysospeak)ininnocentAdam'sheaven,thatwillbefoundinthesaints'heaven.

(1.) The additional sweetness of the enjoyment that arises from theexperienceofwantandmisery.Twomenaresetdownatafeast;theoneneverknewwhathungerandwantmeant;theothernevergotafullmealallhisdays,butwantandhungerwerehisdaily companions.Whichofthetwowouldthefeastbesweetestto?Thecaseisplain.Sinistheworstof things, there is no good in it; the effects of sin, sorrow,misery, andtrouble,arebitter;butGodpermittedtheone,andhasbroughttheotheron,indepthof;wisdom;foroutoftheseisasaucedrawnthatwillgiveanadditionalsweetnesstothesupperoftheLambintheupperhouse.Whilethe saints walk in their white robes, and remember the filthy, ragged,blackgarmentstheywentinsometimea-day,itwillraisetheirpraisesanotehigher than innocentAdam's,whilehe shouldhave lookedonhis,

whichtherewasneveraspotupon.Whenaftermanytossingsontheseaof thisworld, and thenumerous floodsofdifficultiesanddangers fromsin and Satan which have beset them, the saints happily arrive on theshoreoftheheavenlyCanaan,theirrelishofthepleasurestobeenjoyedtherewillbethegreaterandthemoredelightful.

(2.) The fairest flower in heaven to be seen by bodily eyes,wouldhavebeenwantingininnocentAdam'sheaven,namely,themanChrist.Itisagroundless,anti-scripturalnotion,thattheSonofGodwouldhavebeenincarnate, thoughmanhadneversinned,John3:16; 1Tim.1:15. Itwasfor sinners the Saviour was sent. The ruin ofman's nature in the firstAdam,wastheoccasionsovereignlovetooktoraise ituptothehighestpossiblepitchofgloryanddignity,inthepersonoftheSonofGod.Thereournatureispersonallyunitedtothedivinenature,eveninthepersonoftheSon;andthemanChristisinheavenmoregloriousthanathousandsuns. It is true,Adamwouldhavehad the sightandenjoymentofGod,Father,Son,andHolyGhost;buthecouldnothavesaid,asthey,BeholdGodinournature,ourelderbrother,&c.

(3.)Thecharter,writtenwithblood,securingtheenjoymentofheaven'shappiness. Adam would have had good security indeed for it, by thefulfilled covenant of works; but behold a more glorious charter, thecovenantofgrace,writtenwiththebloodoftheSonofGod,Heb.13:20.EverydranghtofthewellofthewateroflifeinnocentAdamwouldhavehadinhisheaven,hemighthavecriedoutwithwonderconcerningit,Othegracious rewardofmyobedience!But the saints shall sayof theirs,ThegloriouspurchaseofmyRedeemer'sblood;thisisthepurchaseoftheSonofGod,Rev. 7:9, 10, "After this Ibeheld, and lo, a greatmultitudewhich noman could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people,andtongues,stoodbeforethethrone,andbeforetheLamb,clothedwithwhite robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice,saying,SalvationtoourGodwhichsittethuponthethrone,anduntotheLamb."

(4.) Lastly, The manner of living, as members of the mystical body ofChrist.InnocentAdamwouldhavelivedforeverinheavenasthefriendofGod;but the saints shall live thereasmembersofChrist, John6:57,and14:19.TheyshallbemorenearlyalliedtotheSonofGodthanAdam

wouldhavebeen,Eph.5:30.Hewillbe theirhusband inaneverlastingmarriage-covenant, their elder brother, the head, of which they aremembers,andthroughwhomtheywillderivetheirglory,astheydotheirgrace, from the Godhead, as united to Christ, the prime receptacle ofgraceandglory,Rev.7ult., "For theLambwhich is in themidstof thethrone, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains ofwaters; andGod shallwipe away all tears from their eyes."Rev. 21:23,"Andthecityhadnoneedofthesun,neitherofthemoontoshineinit;forthegloryofGoddidlightenit,andtheLambisthelightthereof."

Thus have I shown you the nature of the promise of the covenant ofworks,andthelifethereinmadeoverconditionallytoman.Ifweconsiderthe lifeAdamcouldhave expected fromGod, in a course of obedience,thoughtherehadbeennocovenant,wesay,Adamperformingobedience,according to the natural law written in his heart, would have had aprosperous life and being, while he had a being; this Adam mightconclude from the good andbountiful nature ofGod.But still itwouldhave been consistent with the nature of God, to have withdrawn hissupportinghandfromman,soashemighthaveceasedtobeanymore.And this would have been but taking away freely what he gave freely,beingundernoobligationtocontinueit;forevenAdam'sinnocentworkscouldnothaveproperlymeritedatGod'shand,Rom. 11:35, "Whohathfirst given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?" Theycould have only merited improperly, by virtue of compact, not by theintrinsicworthofthething.Here,

[1.]ThecontinuationoflifetoAdam,evenwhilehecontinuedobedient,wasentirelyduetothecovenantGodwaspleasedtomakewithhim.Andherewasgraceeven in thecovenantofworks, thatGodwaspleasedbypromise to secure the continuance of man's being, while he continuedobedient.

[2.] The right that Adam could have pled to eternal life in heaven, byvirtueofhisobedience,wasentirelyfoundedonthecovenant.IfGodhadnot revealed tohimthepromiseof it,hecouldnothaveknownthatheshouldhavehadit,norcouldhehavedemandedit.Thenaturallawhadnosuchpromise.Andherewasmoregraceinthecovenantofworks.Andthereforeit isnowonder,thatthoughmenoverturnthegospel-doctrine

of free grace, yet theywill not takewith it. The Pharisees of old, Luke18:11,andthePapiststothisday,ownfreegraceintheirprofession;andwhatwonder, since innocentAdam,pleading lifeuponhisworks, couldnothavedeniedbuthewasdebtortofreegrace?Buthereliesthematter;theyput in their ownworks, their repentance,holiness, andobedience,(turningfaithintoawork,that itmaygoinwiththerest),betweenfreegraceandthem,makingthemselvesbutdebtorstoitatsecondhandforlifeandsalvation.Andifoneshalltellsinners,Hereyouaretodoorworknothing for life and salvation,butonly receive the freegracegift of lifeandsalvation fromChristby faith,andbedebtorsat firsthand; thoughwithal we tell them, that repentance, holiness, obedience, and goodworks, are the inseparable attendants of faith; they cry out, Error,Antinomianism,Licentiousdoctrine!Yet it is thedoctrineof thegospel,Tit.3:5;Eph.2:8.And it isnot thedoctrineof thegospel,nordoes theapostlesay,"Bygraceyearesaved,throughworks;" forsowouldAdamhavebeensavedaccordingtothecovenantofworks,beingdebtortofreegraceatthesecondhand,whichtheproudPhariseewascontenttobe.Itis true,Adam'sobediencewasperfect,ours isnot;butbuying isbuyingstill,thoughonebuytentimesbelowtheworth,aswellaswhenhebuysatthefullvalue.

ThePenaltyoftheCovenantofWorks

Thirdly,Wecomenowtoconsiderthepenaltyincaseofman'sbreakingthecovenant,notfulfillingthecondition.Thiswasdeath,deathinitsfalllatitudeandextent,asopposedunto lifeandprosperity.Thisdeathwastwofold.Andwemayspeakofitasathingthathasfallenout.

LegalDeath

First, Legal death, whereby man sinning became dead in law, being acondemnedman, laid under the curse, or sentence of the law, bindinghimovertothewrathofGod,andtorevengingjustice;"Forasmanyasareoftheworksofthelaw,areunderthecurse.Foritiswritten,Cursedis every one that continueth not in all things which are written in thebookof the lawtodothem,"Gal.3:10.Thuswasmantodiethedayheshouldbreakthecovenant;andthushediedthatverymomenthesinned,because by his sin he broke the holy, just, and good law of God; set

himselfinoppositiontotheholynatureofGod,andcastofftheyokeofsubmissiontohisCreator.Thiswasanactualliablenesstoallmiseriesforsatisfying offended justice. Thus the clouds gathered over his head, toshowerdownuponhim;andthuswashegirdedwiththecordsofdeath,whichneitherhimselfnoranyothercreaturecouldloose.

RealDeath

Secondly,Realdeath,whichistheexecutionofthesentence,Deut.29:19,20; thethreatenedevils,andpunishmentscontained inthecurseof thelaw,cominguponhim.Andofthisthereareseveralparts,allwhichmanbecameliableto,orfelluponhim,whenhesinned.Wetakethemupinthesethree;spiritual,natural,andeternaldeath.

SpiritualDeath

1.Spiritualdeath,whichisthedeathofthesoul,andspiritofman,Eph.2:1, where the apostlementions a being "dead in trespasses and sins."ThisresultsfromtheseparationofthesoulfromGod,bythebreakingofthesilvercordofthiscovenant,whichknitinnocentmantoGod,causinghimtolive,andliveprosperously,aslongasitwasunbroken;butbeingbroken,thatunionandcommunionwasdissolved,andtheyparted,Isa.59:2. Thus man was separated from the fountain of life, upon whichdeathnecessarilyensued.Thisdeathmaybeconsidered,

1st,Asimmediatelyseizinghimuponthebreakingofthecovenant.Andthusatwofoldspiritualdeathseizedhim,asthepenaltyofthecovenant;amoralandarelativedeath.

(1.)Amoraldeathof thesoul,bywhich itwasdivestedof the imageofGod, viz. savingknowledge, righteousness, andholiness; and thewholenaturewascorrupted,Eph.2:1;andsoleftdestituteofaprincipleofvitalspiritual actions, that it can no more think, will, or do anything trulygood, thanadeadmancanperformthe functionsof life,Rom.3:10,11,12,whereadreadfulpictureofthecorruptionofhumannatureisgiven;"Asitiswritten,Thereisnonerighteous,nonotone;Thereisnonethatunderstandeth,thereisnonethatseekethafterGod.Theyareallgoneoutoftheway,theyaretogetherbecomeunprofitable,thereisnonethatdoth

good,nonotone."Thesoulofmanwasacuriouspieceofworkmanship,madebythefingerofGod;itwassetup,andsetagoingforitsMaster'suse, like a watch; but sin broke the chain and spring; so that all thewheelsofasuddenstoodmovelessandcouldgonomore.

(2.)Arelativedeathofthesoul,bywhichtheblessedrelationmanstoodintoGodwasextinguished.HewasnomorethefriendofGod,andthefavourite of hismaker.Thiswasdeath indeed,Psalm30:5.He enjoyedthe friendship, favour,andfellowshipofGod,uponhisgoodbehaviour;hesinned,andsohebehovedtolosethem.ThusGodbecamehisenemyasRector and judge of theworld, andhewas set up as amark for thearrowsofwrath.

2dly,Aspreyinguponthesoulofman,throughthecourseofhisnaturallife in theworld. Sin laid the soul as itwere in the grave, thehouse ofdeath;andtherebeingdeadwhilethemanliveth,devouringdeathworksandpreysin,anduponit,twoways:—

(1.)Intheprogressofsinandcorruptioninthesoul,asthebodyinthegrave rotsmore andmore,Psalm 14:3.The soulbeing spirituallydead,the longer it lies in that case, the more loathsome and abominable itbecomes.Swarmsofreigninglustsbreedinit,andareactivetherein;theremains of the imageofGod aredefacedmore andmore in it, and thesoulstillsetfartherofffromGod.Allactualsinsaretheworkingsofthisdeath,themotionsoftheverminatinglifeofthesoulinthegraveofsin,Eph.2:1,2.Sothattheyarenotonlysinsinthemselves,butpunishmentsofthefirstsin,whichcannotceasetofollowonGod'sdepartingfromthesoul;whichmaypersuadeusoftheabsurdityofthatprinciple,Thatthereisnosininhell.

(2.)Instrokesofwrathonthesoul.Wherethecarcaseis,therethese,likesomany eagles, gather together. The sinning soul becomes the centre,wherein allmanner of spiritual plaguesmeet together, asworms do inbodiesinterred,tofeedthereon,Job20:26.Thesearemanifold;someofthemfelt,assorrows,terrors,anxieties,losses,andtroubles,crossingtheman'swill,andsovexing,fretting,anddisquietinghim.Thoseareindeeda death to the soul, having a curse in them, like so many envenomedarrowsshotintoman;someofthemnotfelt,soastomakethemangroan

under them, as blindness ofmind, hardness of heart, strong delusions,buttheyarethemoredangerous,aswoundsthatbleedinwardly.

NaturalDeath

2.Natural death,which is the death of the body. This results from theseparationofthesoulfromthebody.Itistwofold;stingedandunstingeddeath.Unstingeddeathpartsthesoulandbodyindeed,butnotbyvirtueofthecurseforsin.ThisisthelotofthepeopleofGod,1Cor.15:55,andisnotthepenaltyofthecovenantofworks;forthatisdeathwiththestingof the curse,Gal.3:10,whichdeathChristdied,whichpenaltyhepaid,and so freed believers from it, Gal. 3:13. So that there is a specificaldifferencebetwixtthedeathofbelieversandthatdeaththreatenedinthecovenantofworks;theyarenotofthesamekind,nomorethantheydiethedeaththatChristdied.

The natural death, the penalty of the covenant of works, then, is notsimply the death of the body, but the stinged death of the body, theseparationofsoulandbodybyvirtueofthecurse;thatastheyjoinedinsinagainstGod, theymightbe separated for thepunishmentof it foratime;thoughafterwardstobereunitedattheresurrection,withachangeoftheirconstitution.Forthattherewillbeachangeonthebodiesofthewicked, as well as on those of the godly, is evident in that they shallcontinueunitedtotheirsoulsinhell,withoutfood,andundertorments;either of which, according to their present constitution, would dissolvetheir frame, and issue in death. Now, this natural death may beconsidered twoways, as thepenaltyof the covenantofworks, inwardlyandoutwardly.

1st,Inwardly,inthebodyofman.Theredeathgotitsseatinthedaythathesinned; there it spread itself fromthesoul,where itbegan that fatalmomentofyieldingtothetempter.Andthusitmaybeconsideredthreeways;initsbeginning,progress,andconsummation.

(1.)Inthebeginningof it.Thatdaythatmansinnedhebecamemortal,Gen. 3:19. The crown of immortality, which he held of his Creator, byvirtueof thecovenantofworks, fell fromoffhishead,andhebecameasubject of the king of terrors. That day he got his death's wounds, of

whichhediedafterwards.Themutinythenbeganamongtheconstituentparts of the body, (witness the terror, anxiety, and shame, causing amotion of the blood and spirits, which before their sinning they wereunacquainted with); and the end of that was the destruction anddissolutionofthewholeframe.

(2.)Intheprogressofit,inmaladiesanddiseases,wherebydeathcarrieson its subjects towards the house appointed for all living, Eccl. 3:20.Everypain,gripe,orstitch,isdeath'sworkinglikeacankerinthebodyofman.Everysicknessanddiseaseisaforerunnerofdeath,comingbeforetogivewarningoftheapproach.Thesweat,toil,andwearinessthatmanis liable to,are fore-tokensof thebody's fallingdownat length into thedust,Gen.3:19.Manhasnowhismorning,mid-day,andafternoon;andthencomesthenight.Hehashisspring,summer,andautumn,andthenwinter.Likeaflowerhehashisbud,blossom,fading,andthenhisfallingoff.But innocentmanwouldhavehad a lastingmid-day, summer, andblossom.What follows these respectively, is owing to the breach of thecovenant.

(3.) In the consummation of it, by the separation of the soul from thebody, Heb. 9:27. The pins of the tabernacle being loosed, it lies alongupon the earth at length. The body of man like an old house, falls alldown together, while the soul, the inhabitant, makes its escape, andleavesit.Theyjoinedinbreakingofthecovenant,andarepunishedwithseparation;thebodygoingtothedust,andthesoultoGodwhogaveit,toreceiveitssentence.

2dly,Outwardly,uponthecreatures,uponwhichthebodyofmanhasadependenceas to its lifeandwelfare.Whatdependencewehaveon thecreaturesas to this, everyonekuowsbyexperience.Without theairwecannotbreathe;andas the temperatureof it is, it iswellor illwithourbodies. On the product of the earth we live; the fruits thereof are thesupportofournatural life,withthebeaststhatfeedonthem.Theearthdependsontheheavens;andaccordingtotheirinfluenceuponit,soitisserviceabletous.Seethechainofdependenceamongthecreatures;Hos.2:21,22,"Anditshallcometopassinthatday;Iwillhear,saiththeLord,Iwillheartheheavens,andtheyshallheartheearth;andtheearthshallhearthecorn,andthewine,andtheoil;andtheyshallhearJezreel."Now

man'snaturallifebeingsomuchboundupinthese,thelifepromisedhimin the covenant could not but comprehend the continuing of these intheiroriginalconstitution,Gen.1:31,andfitnessforthesupportofman'snaturallifeandvigour,asmeansforthatend.Andsodeath,thepenaltyofthecovenant,mustneedsspreaditselfeventothem,andthatuponthesamescore.Thusalsoitmaybeconsideredthreeways:initsbeginning,progress,andconsummation.

(1.)Inthebeginningofit.Andthatwasthecurselaiduponthecreaturefor thesakeof thesinnerman;Gen.3:17,"Cursed is thegroundfor thysake,"saidtheLorduntoAdam.Manbecamevanitybyhissin,andthecreaturesweremadesubjecttovanityonhisaccount;sothattheycouldnotreachtheendoftheirprimitiveconstitution,butfaintedasitwereinthe way; "For," says the apostle, Rom. 8:20, "the creature was madesubjecttovanity."Nay,suchaburdenliesonthecreation,asmakesthewholeto"groanandtravailinpain,"ver.22.Wherecanweturnoureyesnow, but wemay see death riding in triumph? The earth's barrennessoftenpaintsdeathonthefacesoftheinhabitantsthereof,byscarcityandfamine; theair is sometimesempoisonedwithpestilentialvapours, thatkillandsweepawaymultitudes;thefireoftenburnsandtormentsmen;thewatersswallowthemup;beastswound,bruise,andkillthem;nay,weare not secure from the very stones of the field. The very sun in theheavens approaching to them scorches and causes languishing; andremoving fromus, causes us shiverwith cold; and holding itself underclouds,dampsmen'sspirits.Fordeathhasspreaditselfoverall.

(2.) In the progress of it, Psalm 102:26.Man's declining in the severalages, ismanifest.Menareof less stature, lessbonesandstrength, thansometimetheywere.Andwhy,butbecauseourmotherearthispastherprime, and entered into her old age, and her breasts afford not suchnourishment as in her youth? Hence man's days are very few now incomparisonofwhat theywerebefore the flood,whenthecursehadnotsunksodeep into theearth,as ithasdone fromthat time,when ithadwell nigh extinguished her vigour. Andwhence is this weakness in theearth,butfromthis,thattheheavensalsofaint,arewaxedold,andaffordnosuchinfluencesasbefore?AndwhenceisthatbutfromthesinofmaninbreakingthecovenantoffriendshipwithGod,pursuedbydeath,which

extends itself to all things that have any hand in preserving that life,whichithasacommissiontotakeaway?

(3.)Intheconsummationofit,inthedestructionbyfirethatisawaitingtheworld.For"inthedayoftheLordtheheavensshallpassawaywithagreatnoise,andtheelementsshallmeltwithferventheat,theearthalso,and the works that are therein shall be burned up," 2 Pet. 3:10. Thevisible heavens and the earth are now like an old worn garment; thenshalltheoldworngarmentberentinpieces,andcastintothefire.Man'soldhouse,theearth,thathasoftenbeenmadetoshakewithearthquakes,shall then fall all down to ashes together; and thenoble furnitureof it,God'sworks andmen'sworks in it shall be burnt up. The roaring seasshallbesilentatlength,andbenomore.Yea,thesun,whonowrunshisrace like a strong man, shall fall as breathless. And the world, thatbeautiful fabric of heaven and earth, shall have a dyingday. Thedeaththreatened in the covenant of works shall pull all down together. Andthendeathitself,withall theappurtenancesthereof,shallbepentupinhellforever,Rev.20:14,bythepowerofthegloriousMediator,Isa.25:8.

EternalDeath

(3.)Eternaldeath,whichissuesfromtheeternalseparationofbothsoulandbodyfromGodinhell,Matth.25:41.Thisisthefullaccomplishmentofthecurseofthecovenantofworks;andpresupposestheunionofthesoulandbody,inadreadfulresurrectiontodamnation;thecriminalsouland body being brought forth from their separate prisons and joinedtogetheragain,thatdeathmayexerciseitsfullforceuponthemforeverandever.Thatthiswasthepenaltyofthecovenantofworks,ismanifestfrom the event testified by the holy scriptures, this being the lot of allthosewho,notembracing thecovenantofgrace, liveanddieunder thecovenantofworks.For,saystheapostle,2Thess.1:7–9,"TheLordJesusshall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire,taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not thegospelofourLordJesusChrist:whoshallbepunishedwitheverlastingdestruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of hispower."Andthisdeathmaybeconsideredtwoways,asflowingfromthesanction of the covenant ofworks, and from thenature of the creaturefallenunderthatsanction.

1st, As it flows from the sanction of the covenant of works, requiringsatisfaction to offended justice, and all the wronged attributes of God.Andthusitisapunishmentinflictedtosatisfyfortheoffence,andrepairthe honour of God impaired by man's sin. And that punishment istwofold;thepunishmentofloss,andthepunishmentofsense.

(1.)Thepunishmentof loss;Matth.25:41,"Departfromme,yecursed."Man having sinned, and this death once seizing him, he is deprived ofGod's favour, and all comfortable communion with him of any sort isblockedup.Thesunsetsuponhim,andthemidnightdarknessofGod'sforsakingofhiscreaturefallson.Justicesuffersnotonegrainofcomfortto be put into the sinner's cup. All the least chinks, bywhich the leastbeamoftheLord'scountenancemightshineintothesoularestopt,andthecreatureisleftabsolutelycomfortless.Thusitiswiththedamnedinhell; and thus Christ, as man's surety, had the sun of his Father'scountenanceeclipsed,Matth.27:46,whenhecriedwithaloudvoice,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"

(2.) The punishment of sense, in most grievous torments of soul andbody;Matth. 25:41, "Depart fromme, ye cursed, into everlasting fire."Whendeathhasproceeded thus farwith thesinner, thewavesofGod'swrathgoquiteoverhishead,arrowsofvengeancedipt in thepoisonofthecurse flyathimcontinually.Whoknows thepowerof them?Psalm90:11.Thedamnedareinexpressiblymiserableunderthemforeverandever.BythemwastheheartofourgloriousRedeemer"meltedlikewax,inthemidstofhisbowels,"Psalm22:14.

All this is requisite toshewjust indignationagainstsin,andtowipeoffthestainleftbyitonthehonourofGod.

2dly,Asitflowsfromthenatureofthecreaturefallenunderthesanctionofthecovenant.Andthusinthisdeath,thesedreadfulcircumstancesdoconcur.

(1.)An irrecoverable lossofGod's friendship, favourand image,Matth.25:41. No more communication for ever can be between God and thecreature brought to this dreadful case. All passage of sanctifying

influences is stopt; the curse lies on the creature, which bars allemanations of love and favour from heaven, and leaves it underunalterablebarrenness.Theholy frameof thesoulmarredbysin,mustremainso,nevertobemended.

(2.)Perpetualbitterdespair,Mark9:44.Thecreatureoncesunkintothisseaofwrath,cannevergetupitshead,norseetheshore;andknowsitnevershall.Henceabsolutedespairseizeththem,andallhopeispluckedup by the roots. This lies as a talent of lead upon them, and mustcontinuallycutthemtotheheart.WhenthemanChristwasforsakenofhisFather,heknewhewasabletogetthroughthefloodsofwrath,andthat hewould at length joyfully set his foot on the shore; but thatwasbecausehewasGodaswellasman.Butweakmancannevergetthrough.

(3.)Continual sinning.Thinkandact theymust; andhow can theybutsin,whentheircorruptnatureremainswiththeminhell?Submissiontojustpunishmentistheirduty;buthowcantheydothatinwhoseheartsisnottheleastmeasureofGod'sgrace?Nay,theywillgnashtheirteeth,inrageagainstGod.

(4.)Theeternityofthewhole.Becausetheycannotpayoutthedebttothefull,thereforemusttheyeverlieintheprison.Thewrongdonebysintothe honour of God is an infinite one, because done against an infiniteGod; and therefore the satisfaction can never be completed by a finitesufferer. So the yoke of punishment is wreathed about the neck of thesinnerforeverandever,nevertobetakenoff.

This was the penalty of the covenant of works. And thus much of thepartsofthecovenant.

TheSealsoftheCovenantofWorks

Thirdly, I shall consider the seals of the covenant ofworks,whereby itwas confirmed to Adam. It has pleased God to append seals to hiscovenantswithmeninallages,fortheconfirmationoftheirfaithoftherespectivecovenants;andthiscovenantseemsnottohavewantedsomesealsappended thereto for thesameeffect.Though innocentAdamwasnotcalledtofaithinaredeemer,nosuchobjectoffaithbeingrevealed,or

competent in that state; yetwas faith inGod always a duty of the firstcommand,andinnocentAdamunderthiscovenantwasrequiredtohaveandexerciseafaithagreeabletothenatureofthecovenanthewasunder.Thatwas,afirmpersuasionthatheshouldhavelifeuponhisperformingof perfect obedience, but should die upon the least disobedience to hisCreator.Andaccordingashemaintainedthisfaithsowashisobedience.Therefore Satan set himself first of all to attack the faith of our firstparents,Gen.3:4;andwhenhehadgotitknockedonthehead,thenhecarriedhisruiningprojectaccordingtohiswish.Nowonderthenhestillsetshimselfinapeculiarmanneragainstthatgrace.Now,forconfirmingthishisfaith,thereweretwosacramentalsealsappendedtothecovenant.

1.Thetreeof theknowledgeofgoodandevil,Gen.2:17.Whatsortofatreeitwasthescripturedothnotdetermine,nordotheJewspretendtodefine. Some gather fromCant. 2:3, that itwas an apple tree. But it isplainfromtheoriginaltext,thatthesearenotthewordsofChrist,butofthe spouse to Christ; and the book being allegorical, it is too slender agroundatbest tobuildsuchafactupon.Whatever itwas, itwasnotsocalled, as having a power really to make men wise. So the tempterpretended,Gen.3:5,buthewasaliarfromthebeginning,John8:44.Butitwasasignbothofgoodandevil;sealingtohimallgoodwhileheshouldabstainfromit,andevilifheshouldeatofit;andsoconfirminghisfaithinbothpartsof thepersuasionof it.Andeventually,by eatingof it, heknewgoodbythelossofit,andevilbythefeelingofit.Thoughitwasnotto be touched, it might be seen, even as the rainbow, the seal of thecovenantwithNoah.

2.The treeof life,Gen.2:9.Thewhich, though itmightbeanexcellentmeansofpreservingthevigourofnatural life,asothertreesofparadisealso, yet it could not nave a virtue in itself of making man every wayimmortal. But it was a notable sacramental sign of life and eternalhappiness, according to the nature of that covenant. The which isintimatedbytheeternalquickeningvirtueofourLordJesusChristtotheperfect happiness of the saints, coming under that name in the NewTestament,Rev.22:2;hebeing that in realitywhich the treeof lifedidsignify. And thus the eating of it served to confirm Adam's faith,according to that covenant, namely, his persuasion of life upon

performing of perfect obedience. The which is clearly intimated, Gen.3:22.Butmanhaving,byhissin,losthisrighttothelifesignified,couldnomorebeadmittedtothepartakingofthesacramentalsignofit.

TheDoctrineoftheCovenantofWorksapplied

USE.What is said upon this subject, serves for instruction, refutation,andexhortation.

USE I. For instruction. Here as in a glass ye may see several things,concerning God, concerningman in his best estate, concerning Christ,andconcerningmaninhispresentfallenstate.

1.ConcerningGod,lookintothiscovenant,andbehold,

1st,ThewonderfulcondescensionofGod,andofhisgoodnessandgracetoward his creatureman.He stoopt so low as to enter into a covenantwith his own creature, a covenant wherein he shewed himself a mostbountiful andgraciousGod towardsman.Manwasnot athisown,butGod'sdisposal.Deathwasthenaturalwagesofsin,butthelifepromisedcouldnothavebeenpleaded,butuponthefootofacovenant.Beforethatcovenant man was bound to all obedience; but God was free to havedisposed of him, after all, as he should seemeet. But hemade himselfdebtortomanforeternallife,uponhisperformingofperfectobedience;yetinthemeantimehisstrengthtoobeywasallfromGod,andtherewasnoproportionbetwixtman'sworkandthereward.

2dly,ThespotlessholinessandexactjusticeofGodagainstsin.Whenwelooktotheconditionandthepenaltyofthiscovenant,wemustneedscryout, "Who is like unto thee,OLord, glorious in holiness?"Exod. 15:11,and, "Thouartofpurer eyes than tobeholdevil, andcanstnot lookoniniquity,"Hab.1:13.Seehere,sinners,howGodlooksontheleastsin.Isitnottheabominablethingwhichhehateswithaperfecthatred?Suchanevilitisasisenoughtoruinaworldofcreaturesamongwhomitspreadsitsbalefulinfluence,andtodissolvethewholefabricofheavenandearth.

2.Concerningmaninhisstateofprimitiveintegrity.

1st, Man was a holy and happy creature in his first state. He was aspotless creature, meet to transact with God, and to entertaincommunion with him, immediately by himself without aMediator. Hewasable toobeyperfectlyall the tencommandments.Hewashappy inGod'sfavourandcovenant-friendship.Ah!howishenowfallenlikeastarfromheaven.

2dly,Manathisbestestate,standingonhisownlegs,isaficklecreature,liable to change. The penalty set him in the covenant, spake him to bemutable, capable of forgetting his duty to his Maker, and his owninterest; and the doleful event confirmed it.Why shouldmenput theirtrust inmen, andmake flesh their arm? Themost accomplishedmeremanthateverwasonearth,wascapableofbeingunfaithfultohistrust,andactuallywasso.Nowondernowthateverymanbealiar.

3.ConcerningChristtheSaviourofsinners,beholdhere,

1st, The absolute necessity of a Surety in the event of a breach of thiscovenant.Theconditionwassohigh,andthepenaltysodreadful,inthiscovenant, that being once broken, it was beyond the power of man toretrieve thematter.Hemustbear theheavypenalty, and thathe couldneverdischarge.Hemustbeginagain,andfulfil thecondition;andthatwasbeyondhispower.Thereforetherebehovedtobeasuretytoactandsuffer forman,orhewasruinedwithouthopeof relief.Hencesaidourblessed Surety, "Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?" Luke24:26.Nocreaturewasabletohaveundertakenthisimportantoffice; itwasaburdentooheavyforangels.OnlyhewhowasGodaswellasmancouldperformthearduoustask.

2dly, The love of Christ to poor sinners in becoming Surety for brokenmen."Greaterlove"(saysourLord,John15:13.)"hathnomanthanthis,thatamanlaydownhislifeforhisfriends.""Godcommendethhislovetowards us," (says the apostle, Rom. 5:8.), "in that while we were yetsinnersChristdiedforus."NonelessthanGodmanwasabletoanswerthe demands of this covenant,when once broken; therefore the Son ofGodwaspitchedupontobethesecondAdam,torepairthebreachmadebythefirst;Psalm89:19,"Ihavelaidhelpupononethatismighty;Ihaveexaltedonechosenoutofthepeople."Andwhentherewasnohelper,he

offered himself to undergo the burden; Psalm 40:6, 7, "Sacrifice andoffering,"saidthisblessedHelper,"thoudidstnotrequire;mineearshastthou opened; burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required.Thensaid I,Lo, I come." If everyewouldseewhatChristhasdone forsinners, so as to be ravished with admiration of his matchlessperformance,studythecovenantofworkswhichhefulfilledasthesecondAdam,afteritwasbrokenbythefirst.

4.Concerningmaninhisfallenstate.

1st,Itisnowonder,thathoweverscarcegoodworksareintheworld,yetworkingtowinheavenissoveryfrequent.Legalprinciplesandpracticesarenatural tomen; thecovenantofworksbeingthatcovenantthatwasmade with Adam, and in him with all mankind, and so after a sortengrained inman'snature.Andnothing less than thepowerofgrace isable tobringman fromoff thatway, to the salvationbyJesusChrist, 1Cor.1:23,24,"ChristcrucifiedisuntotheJewsastumbling-block,andtotheGreeks foolishness; but unto themwhich are called both Jews andGreeks, he is the power of God, and the wisdom of God."We are likethosewhobeingbredmerchants,thoughtheirstockisgone,muststillbetraffickingwithsmallwares.

2dly,Salvationbyworksofourown isquite impossible; there isno lifenorsalvationtobehadbythelaw,Gal.3:10,"Forasmanyasareoftheworksofthelawareunderthecurse."Willyebringyourgoodmeaningsanddesires,yourrepentance,yourobedience,suchasit is,andthinktogetlife,andsalvation,andacceptancewithGodthereby?Remember,ifyewill be for doing to live your obediencemust be perfect andperpetual;and that if you fail, you are under the curse. That is the tenor of thecovenantofworks,anditwillabatenothing.Andthereforeyemustquitthe way of that covenant, or perish for ever; for ye are absolutelyincapabletoansweritsdemands.

USE II. For refutation. With what is said these three thingsfollowingareinconsistent.

1.ThattherewasnopropercovenantofworksbetweenGodandAdam.The contrary has been already proved from the holy scripture, and the

natureof thething.Ifweyieldthatpoint, the imputationofAdam'ssinwillhaveslendergroundstostandon;andifthatfail,thedoctrineoftheimputationofChrist'srighteousnesswillbeinhazard.

2.Thatbelieversarenotwhollyandaltogethersetfreefromthelawasacovenant of works; from the commanding power of it, as well as thecondemning power of it. If that be so, believers in Christ are yet in amiserable case; for the commandsof the covenant ofworks areno lessthancommandsofperfectandperpetualobedience,underthepainofthecurse;Rom.3:19,"Nowweknowthatwhatthingssoeverthelawsaith,itsaithtothemwhoareunderthelaw;thateverymouthmaybestopped,andalltheworldmaybecomeguiltybeforeGod."CompareGal3:10,"Forasmanyasareoftheworksofthelawareunderthecurse."Butbelieversare set beyond the reachof the curse; ver. 13, "Christ has redeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus."Rom.8:1,"ThereisnocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus."Theyaredeadtothelawasacovenantofworks,Rom.7:4,"Yeare,"saystheapostle,"deadtothe lawby thebodyofChrist;"anddeathsetsonealtogether free.Theyareunderthecovenantofgrace,andtheycannotbeunderbothatonce;Rom.6:14,"Yearenot,"saysPaul,"underthelaw,butundergrace."

3.Thatbelieversmustdogoodworkstoanswerthedemandsofthelaw,asacovenantofworks,iftheywillobtainsalvation.Trulyourgoodworkswillneverbeabletoanswerthesedemands;andifwepretendtodothemforthatend,asthecovenantofworkswillneveracceptthem,sowecastdishonour on Christ, who has answered all these demands already forbelievers,byhisperfectandperpetualobedience.WhenGodsetAdamtoseek salvation by his works, he was able for works; it was a thousandtimeseasier tohimtogiveperfectobediencethanforus togivesincereobedience.SowemaybesureGodbringinginasecondcovenantforthehelpoflostsinners,wouldneverputthemagainonseekingsalvationbyworks,aftertheirstrengthforthemwasgone.

USEIII.Forexhortation.Considerseriouslyof thiscovenant,with application to the particular state and case of our ownsouls.Herewasasolemnbargainmadewithourfirstfather,oftheutmostimportancetohimandallhisposterity.Willyenotlaytoheartyourowncasewithrespecttoit?Consider,

1. That this covenant was made with Adam in your name, for you inparticular,aswellas the restofhisposterity.So thatyouwereallonceunder it, as really as if you had in your own persons consented to thetermsofit;andtheobedienceitrequiredofAdamwasequallyrequiredofyou;andthecursehesubjectedhimselftobythebreachofit,liesheavyonyouaswellashim.

2.Whetheryebedeliveredfromitornot.Ifyebe,happyareye;ifyebenot,thereisaweightlyingaboveyourheadsthatwillsinkyouforeverinthebottomless gulf ofperdition, if ye getnot loose from that covenant,Gal.3:10,forecited.

3. None are delivered from it, but those whom God himself, man'scovenant party, has discharged. The breaking of a bargain can neverdeliverthebreakerfromit,butlayshimunderthepenalty.Nothingcandeliverhimbutadischargefromthepartyhebargainedwith.

4.Goddischargesnonefromit,butuponfullsatisfactionmadetoallitsdemands on them. For our Lord has determined thematter thus, "Tillheavenandearthpass,onejotortittleshallinnowisepassfromthelaw,tillallbefulfilled,"Matth.5:18.Thesinnershallbeobligedtogivethelawfaircountandreckoning,andpayment,elsehecannothavehisdischarge.Considerifyehaveanyexperienceofthisbeingdoneinyourowncase.

5. Lastly, The only way to satisfy this covenant, is by faith to lay holduponJesusChristthesurety,andtopleadhisobedienceanddeath.Thebeliever counts up to the law all that Christ has done and suffered, asdoneforhim;sotheaccountsarecleared,thebelieverisdischarged,thedischargebeingwrittenwiththebloodofhisSurety.Andsoheissetfreefromitforever.

Thusmuchofthereality,nature,parts,&c.ofthecovenantofworks.

PARTII

OFTHEBREACHOFTHECOVENANTOFWORKS

HOSEA6:7

Buttheylikemenhavetransgressedthecovenant.

INthebeginningofthischapter,wehavetheJewsbroughtinrepentingandturningtotheLord;whichlookstothatconversionoftheirsthat isyettocome,andherebyisinsured,andthatbyvirtueoftheresurrectionofChrist.Meanwhiletheyweretobelaidunderheavystrokes,andafterasort rejected.Theywere tobeunder a long eclipseofGod's favour, thevalley of vision being turned into a land of darkness. This looks to theAssyrianandBabylonishcaptivity,and further, to theruinof thewholenationbytheRomans,andtheirlongrejection,whichtheyareundertothisday.

Thecausesofthisarespecified,tojustifyGod'sproceedingsagainstthem(1.)Theirinconstancyinthatwhichisgood,ver.4,"Yourgoodnessisasamorning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away." Sometimes theyseemedtopromisefairforreformation,butalltheirfairblossomsquicklyfelloff.SuchwasthepromisingappearanceIsraelmadewhenJehucameto the kingdom, and such was that made by Judah in the days ofHezekiahandJosiah.SuchtoowerethehosannasandloudshoutsmadeatChrist'striumphantentranceintoJerusalem,whichweresoonchangedinto"Crucifyhim,crucifyhim."Thereforedidtheprophetsandapostlestestifyagainst them,anddenounce the judgmentsofGodagainst them,and therebyministerially hew and slay them; ver. 5, "Therefore have Ihewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of mymouth." (2.) Their breach of covenant with God; quite slighting andperverting,insteadofpursuingtheendsofthecovenant;vers.6,7,"ForIdesiredmercy and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of Godmore than

burntoffering.But they likemenhave transgressed thecovenant; theretheyhavedealttreacherouslyagainstme."(3.)AnuniversaldelugeofsinanddefectionfromGod,thathadspreaditselfoverallranks.IsraelandJudahbothwerecarriedawaywith it, "Israelwasdefiled,"ver. 10,&c.;andJudahwasripefordestruction;ver.11,"Also,OJudah,hehathsetanharvest for thee," &c. Priest and people were quite wrong, vers. 9, 10,magistrates and ministers, church and state; Ramoth-Gilead, a city ofrefuge,protectingwilfulmurderers,ordeliveringupthosetheyoughttohave protected; the priests profane, no better than robbers andmurderers, vers. 8, 9. General defection is a cause and presage of asweeping stroke. It is the second of these that concerns our purpose;"They like men have transgressed the Covenant." Wherein two thingsmaybeconsidered.

1. The crime charged on them, transgressing the covenant, covenant-breaking.Thisisacrimeofahighnature;itstrikesattherootofsocietyamongmen,andthereforeisscandalousandpunishablethoughitbebutaman'scovenant.Howmuchmoreatrocious is thecrimewhereGod istheoneparty?GodtooktheIsraelitesintocovenantwithhimselfwhenhebrought them out of Egypt. It was entered into with awful solemnity,Exod.24.ThedesignandendsofitweretoleadthemtoChrist,andsotorealholinessinthepractiseofthedutiesofthemorallaw.But,insteadofthis,theyrejectedChristandsatdownuponthepoorperformancesoftheceremonial law, ver.6,without faithand love.So they transgressed thecovenant,andbrokeit,Jer.31:32;Heb.8:9.

2.Whom they resembled in breach of covenant. In this they acted likemen,asourtranslatorsandothersturnit; that isvain, light, fickle,andinconstantasman.ButtheVulgate,Tigurine,Castalio,AriasMontanus,Rabbi Solomon, Grotius, and the Dutch translation and our owntranslation in themargin, read, like Adam. There is nothing about theHebrewword to weaken this; on the contrary, at this rate the word istakeninthepropersense,andthisreadingisevidentlythemoreforcibleof the two; and therefore is the preferable and genuine one, agreeablyenoughtothecontext.Besides,asIshewedbefore,theoriginalworddoesbuttwicemoreoccurinthescripture,viz.,Job31:33;Psalm82:17;andinboththeseplacesistakenthesameway.Sothesenseis,"Theyliketheir

father Adam, have transgressed the covenant," for so the word is. Hebroke covenantwithGod, and so have they; he the covenant ofworks,they the covenant of grace,which they externally entered into.God setdownAdam inparadise in covenantwithhim, the endofwhichwas tomakehimcompletelyhappy;butheperverted the endof the covenant,preferred the fruit of a tree to his moral duty to God, so broke thecovenant, and was cast out of paradise; and God set Israel down inCanaan, in covenant with him, the end of which was to lead them toChrist,astheendofthelaw;buttheypervertedtheendofthatcovenant,and, preferring ceremonial observances to Christ and moral duty,transgressedthecovenant,andthereforemustbecastoutofCanaan.Thetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevilwas,byGod'sappointment,asealofthecovenant,fittedtohelpmantothekeepingofit;butheuseditthequite contraryway; the ceremonial lawwas, byGod's appointment, forsealing the covenant of grace, and leading the Jews to Christ; but theyuseditthequitecontraryway;andsoitwasastumbling-blocktothem.

Thedoctrineclearlyarisingfromthetextis,

DOCTRINE.OurfatherAdambroketheCovenantofWorks.

Indiscoursingfromthisdoctrine,Ishall,

I. Consider the fatal step bywhich that covenantwas transgressedandbroken.

II.Howthisfatalstepwasbroughtabout.

III.Howthecovenantofworkswasbrokenbyit.

IV.Applythesubject.

TheFatalStepbywhichtheCovenantofWorkswasbroken

I.Ishallconsiderthefatalstepbywhichthatcovenantwastransgressedand broken. I think I need not stand to prove that this covenant wasbrokenbyAdam.The truthofMoses'narration,Gen.3,puts it beyondcontroversy; as also doth the doleful experience of his posterity, Rom.5:12. Our father Adam was once in a flourishing condition, had in his

hand a noble portion of holiness and happiness for every one of hischildren; andhe hadmore in hope for himself and them,whichwouldhavemadethemeternallyandcompletelyhappy.Hehadagoodlystocktosetupwithat first;anda tradewithheaven to improvehis stock in,which,rightlymanaged,wouldhavemadeallhis familyhappyforever;thewhichtradewasopenedtohimbythiscovenant.But,alas!thewholefamilyisruined,weareallbornbeggars,wehavenothingleftus;nay,wearepursuedforourfather'sdebtaswellasourown,Rom.5:18,"Bytheoffenceofone judgment cameuponallmen to condemnation;" andweareinhazardofdyinginprisonforevermore.Aplainevidencethatourfather was broke, his trade mismanaged, and he run in debt, thecommunication with heaven stopt; and so the covenant was broken.Besides the Lord's making a new covenant, a covenant of grace, withChrist, as the secondAdam, for the salvation of lost sinners of Adam'sfamily, is aplainproof that the covenantofworkswasbroken,and thetransgressors thereof ruined by the firstAdam.Andwhatwas the fatalstep?

Itwastheeatingoftheforbiddenfruit,Gen.3:6,"Whenthewomansawthatthetreewasgood,&c.shetookofthefruitthereof,anddideat,andgavealsountoherhusbandwithher, andbedideat."Thiswas thatbywhichthecovenantwasbroken,andmanruined.Nowondereatinganddrinking is thedestructionofmany to thisday; this engineof ruinhadtoomuchsuccessinthehandofthegreatdeceiver,nottoplyitstill.Godgave Adam a dominion over the creatures, to use them soberly for hisowncomfortandGod'sglory.He"putallthingsunderhisfeet;"heonlykeptonetreefromhim,thathemightnoteatofthefruitthereof,andthatforthetrialofhisobedience.Hewasdischarged,underthepainofdeath,tomeddlewith it; towhichprohibitionhe consented;andyet, over thebellyofthesolemncovenant,helaidhandonit,ateofit,andbrokethecovenant. Here, for the understanding of this sin aright, consider theprogress,theingredients,andtheaggravationsofit.

TheProgressoftheSinofbreakingtheCovenantofWorks

First, Consider the progress of this sin. It is not to be imagined, thatAdam and Eve were innocent till they had the forbidden fruit in theirmouths;thecovetingofitintheirheartsbehovedofnecessitytobebefore

that;buttheeatingofitwasthatwherebysinandapostasyfromGodwascompleted.Thebeginningoftheirsinwasunbeliefanddoubting.Atthesuggestion of Satan they doubted the truth of God in the threatening,Gen.3:3–6.So,inthisfatalbattle,theirfaithgotthefirststroke.Anditbeing once foundered, their heart plied to the temptation, and the lustaftertheforbiddenfruitarose,andthenthesinwascompletedbyactualeating,Gen.3:6.Theeyeof themindwas firstblemished; amist arosefrom hell, which they admitted, that by degrees darkened theirunderstanding, so that they first doubted, and then disbelieved thethreatening of the covenant. Then their will was easily conquered to acompliance with the temptation, and turned away from the command,the rule of duty. A last and corrupt affection to the tree seized them,discovering itself at the eye, in a lustful looking at it, Gen. 3:6. So thehandtookit,andthemouthateit,andthefatalmorselwaslodgedwithinthebody.

Thus the cool of temptation raised a flame,which quickly spread itselfoverthewholesoulandbody.Thewhichisoftenreachedinthecaseoftheirsinfulposterity,whobythesemeansarefrequentlycastdownfromtheirexcellencyasitwereinamoment,andplungedintoagulfofmisery.

Thereismoreillindoubtingandunbeliefthanmenareawareof.Itwasthedevil'smaster-piecefortheruinofsoulsunderthecovenantofworks;and so it is still under the covenant of grace; Mark 16:16, "He thatbelievethnotshallbedamned."Menwerefirstruinedbytheirdoubtingandunbeliefofthethreateningofthefirstcovenant;nowmenareruinedbytheirdoubtingandunbeliefofthepromiseofthesecondcovenant;Isa.53:1, "Whohath believed our report?" says the prophet.Andwhat thatreportis,see1John5:10,11,"HethatbelievethontheSonofGod,haththewitness inhimself;hethatbelievethnotGod,hathmadehima liar,becausehebelievednottherecordthatGodgaveofhisSon.Andthisisthe record thatGod hath given to us eternal life; and this life is in hisSon."Thoughdoubtingmayconsistwithfaith,sothatitbenotreigning;yetitbelongsnotbutiscontrary,tothenatureoffaith,whichinitselfisafirmpersuasion,moreorlessfirm,accordingtothestrengthofit.

TheIngredientsofthisSin

Secondly,Letus consider the ingredientsof this sin. If it is openedup,onemaysee it tobea complicationofevils;nota little sin,butagreatone,andinsomesortthegreatestsin.

1.Horridunbeliefwasinit.ByitthetruthandfaithfulnessofGodtohiswordwas questioned, disbelieved, and denied; the lie was given to theGodoftruth,1John5:11,forecited.Andtomaketheaffronttheblacker,thedevilwasbelieved inhiscontradictiontoGod.Godsaid,Yea;Satansaid,No;andthedecisionwasinfavourofthelatter.

2.Pride,ambition,boldpresumption,andcuriosity,tookplaceinthissin.No lesswasattemptedby it, than tobe likeGodhimself;Gen.3:5, "Yeshallbeasgods,"saidtheoldserpent.Godhadsettheminparadise;buttheywould, inamanner,ascendabovetheheightoftheclouds,andsettheir throneabove thestars,as theproudmonarchofBabylondid, Isa.14:13, 14.Theyhad full libertyas to theuseofall thatwas inparadise;onlyGodlookedupfromthemthatonetree;andtheyboldlyforcedthelock,andatethatwhichGodforbadethemtotouch;asifnothingwastobebidtothem.

3.Therewasinthissinmonstrousingratitude,anddiscontentwiththeircondition. They wanted nothing for necessity, convenience, or delight,beseeming their state of trial. A bountiful God had heaped favours onthem;theyboreGod's image,were fit tobecompanionsofangels,weretheenvyofdevils,hadthedominionofthelowerworld,andwereGod'sconfederates.Butallthiswassunkandlostinunthankfulness;andtheywere so little contented, that they would needs have that in very deedwhichtheyhadnowantof,asisoftenthecasewiththeirchildren.

4.This sin contained in it contempt ofGod, rebellion against him, anddownrightapostasyfromhim,goingovertothedevil'sside.Thusitwasarenouncing of the covenant, and a conspiring with Satan against God.Theycarrythemselvesasiftheyhadbeendecoyedintoafoolishbargain;and, forgetting themajesty ofGod, and their own dependence on him,they break his bands, and cast his cords from them; pretending theywouldseebettertothemselves,andsotheycastofthisyokeatonetouch.

5.Lastly,Inoneword,thissinwasabreakingofthewholelawofGodat

once.Bythisonedeed,notonlywasthepositivelawtrampledunderfoot,but the natural law written in their hearts was broken in all the tencommandmentsofitatonce,asIhaveshewnelsewhere.

TheAggravationsofthisSin

Thirdly,Letusviewtheaggravationsofthissin.Consider,

1.Thepersonwhodidit;righteousAdam;onewhowasnottaintedwithoriginal sin, as others now are, but was endued with originalrighteousness;oneinwhomSatanhadnothing,tillhewindeditinbyhissubtilty. There was no blindness of mind, perverseness of will, orunholiness of affections, to graft his temptation on. So having theseadvantages,thesinwasinthatrespectofallsinsthemostheinous.Andtherefore he having foundmercy, is a pattern ofmercy to all whowillbelieveinChrist.

2.Theobjectbywhichhewasenticed,andforwhichhebrokeGod'slaw.Itwasnotawedgeofgold,asinAchan'scase;northirtypiecesofsilver,asinthatofJudas;butamorseloffruit.Thesmallerthethingwas,thegreaterthesin;andthemoreinexcusablethesinner,whomSatancatchedwithsosorryabait.Whatneedhadheofthat,whohadenoughbesides?Butwhenoncethemindisbewitchedwithtemptation,ifitenoughtostirupa longing after fruit, if it bebut forbidden; as thewayfaringman inNathan's parable was entertained by the rich man with his poorneighbour'slamb,thoughhehadaflockofhisown.

3.Thenatureofthething.Thoughitwasasmallthing,yetitwasasacredthing,setapartforaholyuse,nottobetouched.Thissinwastheft,andtheft of the worst kind, namely, sacrilege. It was a profanation of holythings,andthatof theworstkind;profanationofasacrament,asealofthecovenant.Nowonderitbroughtonacurse.

4.Theplacewhereitwascommitted.Inparadise,whereeveryflowerwasproclaiming the glory of God, where he wanted nothing necessary forhim, but was surrounded on every hand with tokens of the Lord'skindness tohim.Edenwas thepleasantest spotof thevirginearth,andparadisethepleasantestspotofEden.Buttheretherebellionwasbegun

against God, who set him in that delightful place. In the presence-chamber,asitwere,rebelman,bythisactofhis,struckathissovereignLord.So itwasaggravated like themurderofZacharias,whowas slainbetweenthetempleandthealtar,Matth.23:35.

5.Thetimewhenitwascommitted.Hehadnotbeenlongintheworld,tillhelifteduphisheelagainsthisCreator.Hehadstoodshortwhile,till,being giddy with pride and ambition, he fell into disgrace. What timeAdamfell,isaquestion.Itisthecommonopinion,thathefellthesameday he was created. Some think he stood longer, supposing the eventsrecordedabouthim.Gen2and3torequiremoretimethanoneday.Andthedeists improvethatagainst thecreditofMoses'history,butentirelywithoutground,Ithinkthecommonopinionistrue.Thedevil'senvyandmalicewouldsethima-workonthefirstoccasiontoruinman;and,forall that appears, whenever he tried it, he carried his point. If our firstparents had stood longer, the blessing of marriage would have takenplaceinastateofinnocence.Thescripturesays,Satanwas"aliar,andamurderer from the beginning," John 8:44. Let "Adam in honour couldnot night; he became like as the beasts, theywere alike," Psalm 49:12.FromthistexttheHebrewdoctorsgather,thatthegloryofthefirstmandid not night with him; and the ancient translators understand it ofAdam. Thework of redemption is themore illustrious, thatman couldnotstandonedaywithouttheMediator'shelp.

6.Lastly,Theeffectsandconsequentsofthissin.Theseareallevilsthatcame on Adam himself, and on his posterity to this day, and that willcome,eventotheendoftheworld.Herebyallmankindwereruined.Thatsinwas thewidegateatwhich sinanddeathentered into theworld. Itspread itsmalignant influence over the creation, loosed the pins of thefabricoftheworld,whichitwillpulldownatlengthaltogether,accordingtotheimportofthethreatening.

HowtheFatalstep,inthebreachofthecovenantofworks,wasbroughtabout

II.Ishallconsiderhowthisfatalstepwasbroughtabout.Forclearingofthis, three things are to be considered; Satan's tempting to it; God'sleaving man to the freedom of his own will in the matter; and man's

abusingthisfreedomofwill,andcomplyingwiththetemptation.

OfSatan'stemptingtothisSin

First, Satan tempted to it. God created all the angels holy spirits, yetmutable, as the event in someof themhasproved. Someof themwereelectedtoeternalhappinessfrometernity,andsomeofthemnotelected,1 Tim. 5:21, where the apostle speaks of elect angels. They were allcreated the first day, as appears from Gen. 1:1, 2, compared with Job38:7. In the former it issaid,"In thebeginningGodcreatedtheheavenandtheearth."Andinthelatterplaceitissaidthat,whenGod"laidthefoundations of the earth, the morning stars sang together, and all thesons of God shouted for joy;" by whom are most certainly to beunderstood the angels. The reprobate angelswere not fallen before thesixthday;foritissaid,Gen.1:31,that,onthatday,"Godsaweverythingthathehadmade, andbehold itwasverygood."On the sixthdaymanwas made, and the same day he fell, as has been shewn before. Thereprobateangelswerefallenbeforehim,andthereforetheyfellthesameday too.And it seems they lostno time,but immediately,with the firstoccasion,oneofthemsetstoworkagainstman,andgainedhispointbytemptation,John8:44,forecited.

Concerningthistemptationwemayremark

1.Theinstrumentofthetemptationwasaserpent,Gen.3:1.And,

1st, Itwasa trueandreal serpent,asappears fromMosescomparing itwith the restof thebeasts;Gen.3:1, "Nowtheserpentwasmoresubtlethan any beast of the field." What sort of a serpent it was is notdetermined.Somethinkittohavebeenabeautifulcreatureofashiningcolour;forthereareserpentsmentioned.Deut.8:15,calledintheoriginaltext Seraphim, which is a name given to angels. And so possibly Evemighttaketheserpenttohavebeenactedbyoneofthegoodangels,orSeraphims.What,eversortitwasof,serpentshavebeenofgreatnoteinthekingdomofthedevilsince.TheEgyptiansworshippedserpents.Thegeniusofaplacewaspaintedasaserpent.AndintheoldGreekmysteriestheywerewont to carry about a serpent, and cry,Evah—amemorial oftheextraordinaryserviceithaddonethedevil.

2dly,Itwasactedbythedevil.Forsinceserpentscouldnot-speak,andfarless reason, neither of whichwaswanting in this case, onemay surelyconclude,thatitwasthedevilwhoabusedthebodyoftheserpenttohiswicked purpose, and therefore is called that old serpent the devil andSatan,Rev.12:9,andchap.20:2.

2. Satan set upon the woman first, the woman the weaker vessel, thathaving once overcome her, he might by her means the more easilyconquer the man. And thus he readily manages his temptations still,observingwhere thewall isweakest, that therehemaymakehisattackwith themore success.Andhe chose the timewhen shewasalone,notwithherhusband, fromwhomsheseems tohavehad theknowledgeofthe covenantGod entered intowith him.Had they been together, theymighthavejointlywithstoodhimwhoconqueredboth,oneafteranother.

3.Hemovethadoubtconcerningthecommand;Gen.3:1,"YeahathGodsaid ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" And thus he doessubtilly and ambiguously. He does not at first bring forth the wholevenomofthetemptation,butpretends,asoneindoubt,thathewouldbeinformedbythewoman.ItishardtotellwhetherhemeantthisofGod'sforbiddingtoeatofany,oronlynotofeverytreeofthegarden.Itisthedesign of the tempter to drawusunto a contempt of the commands ofGod.Thewoman,however,giveshimaroundanswer,whereinshemakesaveryampleprofessionofthetruth;vers.2,3,"Andthewomansaiduntotheserpent,Wemayeatofthefruitofthetreesofthegarden,butofthefruit of the treewhich is in themidst of the garden,God hath said, yeshallnoteatofit,neithershallyetouchit,lestyedie."Theymayresistatfirst,whoareafterwardsovercome.

4.Quittingtheattackonthecommand,whichheperceivedhertoadhereto,Satanfallsonthethreatening,andcontradicts it,Gen.3:4,"Andtheserpentsaiduntothewoman,Yeshallnotsurelydie."Hetellsheritwasnotsosureassheimagined,thatGodwouldpunishthematthatrate.Heputsherinhopeofescapingpunishment.ThusSatanresisted,flies;butwhere one method fails he will try another, and, through hopes ofimpunityentertainedinone'sheart,heoftengainshispurpose.

5. He proceeds as one that wished well to her and her husband, and

pretendstoshewhowtheymightbotharriveatahighpitchofhappinessspeedily: even to be as gods, and that in knowledge or intellectualdelights;insinuatingwithal,that,bytheverynameofthetree,thetruthof what he saidmight appear. For (said the serpent) "God doth know,thatinthedayyeeatthereof,thenyoureyesshallbeopened;andyeshallbeasgodsknowinggoodandevil."Thustheliarandmurdererstillruinsmen, pretending to make them happy, while he carries on theirdestruction.

6.Lastly,Shebeingensnared,hemakesuseofhertotemptherhusband,andprevails,Gen.3:6,"Andwhenthewomansawthatthetreewasgoodforfood,andthatitwaspleasanttotheeyes,andatreetobedesiredtomakeonewise; she tookof the fruit thereof,anddideat,andgavealsountoherhusbandwithher,andhedideat."And thusheoftenconveyshis temptations tous,by thosewhose interest inusandaffectiontous,wedoubtnot,andwhomthereforewesuspectnot;andsoherendsmenwithwedgesoftheirowntimber,makingoneasnaretoanother.

GodleftMantotheFreedomofhisownWill

Secondly,Godleftmantothefreedomofhisownwillinthismatter.Hewasnotthecauseofhisfall;hemovedhimnot,norcouldhemovehimtoit;James3:13,"ForGodcannotbetemptedwithevil,neithertemptethheanyman." Such is the holiness of his nature. He gave him a power tostandifhewould,andhetooknotawayfromhimanygracegiven;but,forhis trial, lefthim tohis freedomofwill,withwhichhewas created.Godmadehimgoodandrighteous,andthenaturalsetofhiswillwastogoodonly,Eccl.7:26.But itwas liable tochange,yetonly tochangebyhimself;hecouldonlybemadeevilorsinfulbyhisownchoice.

Ifitbeasked,whymanwasnotsetbeyondthepossibilityofchange.Itistoberemembered,thatabsoluteimmutabilityisthepeculiarprerogativeof God himself, and every creature, in as far as it is a creature, isincapableofbeingsoimmutable.Yetthecreaturemaybeinsomesensemadeimmutable,thatis,soasitshallnotbepossibleforitactuallytofallfrom its goodness, though there is still a, changeableness in its nature.Now, if man had been created without somuch as a remote power inhimself tochangehimself,hehadnotbeenafreeagent;butGodmight

havesoestablishedhim,asthathecouldnotactuallyhavefallen;yetthatwouldhavebeenowingtoconfirminggrace.ThewhichwhytheLorddidnotbestowonhim,itbelongsnottoustodefine;onlyhewasnodebtortohimforit.

ManabusedtheFreedomofhisWill

Thirdly,Man abused his own liberty or freedom of will, and compliedwiththetemptation,andsobrokethecovenant.Heonlyhimselfwasthetrueandpropercauseofhisownfalling;notGod,forhecanneverbetheauthorofsin;notthedevil,norEve,fortheycouldonlytemptandentice,butnotforcehim.Itwashisownchoice,hediditfreelywithoutcoactionor compulsion; andhe couldhave stood if hewould.And thuswas thefatalstepmade,wherebythecovenantwasbroken.

HowtheCovenantofWorkswasBroken

III. Ishallconsiderhowthecovenantofworkswasbrokenby this fatalstep.Wemaytakeupthisinthreethings.

1.Thecommandwasviolated.Thecovenantrequiredperfectobedience,but itwasnot given;perpetual obedience,butmandid soon come to astandinthecourseofobedience,andwentnofarther.Herehedisobeyed,here he shook off the yoke, here he sinned against his God. Thus theconditionofthecovenantofworkswasbroken.

2. The right and title to the promised benefit by that covenant wasundermined. The promised life was lost, man had no more anypretensions to it; he could nomore plead the reward,whichwas to begiven him in hand; and the prospect of the reward, which before hisdisobedience he had in hope, was entirely cut off. Thus failing in hisperformanceoftheconditionofthecovenant,herenderedthepromiseofthecovenantnullandvoid,asifithadneverbeenmade.

3.Hefellunderthepenaltyofthecovenant,becameliabletodeathinitsutmostextent.Ashehadnomoreadowiththepromise,thethreateningnowboundhimtobearthewraththreatenedforthesatisfactionofdivinejustice.Theblessingofthecovenantbeinglost,thecurseofitseizedhim,

and hewas boundwith the cords of death; thewhichwas let out as aflood,atthatbreachwhichwasmadeinthecovenant,andoverflowed.

(1.)Thesoulofman,sothatitdiedspiritually, losingtheimageofGod,andlosingthefavourofGod.ManturningfromGodashischiefend,theimageofGod inhissoulwasdefaced,Gen5:1,3,Hissavingknowledgewaslost;witnessthecoveroffig-leaveswhichourfirstparentspreparedforcoveringoftheirnakedness,andtheirpretendingtohidethemselvesfromthepresenceofGod,Gen.3:7.Therighteousnessofhiswillwaslost;witnesstheiraversiontoGod,hidingthemselvesfromhim,theirexcusingof their sin, transferringof theirguilt, theman laying theblameon thewoman,thewomanontheserpent;nay,AdamnotobscurelyreflectedonGodhimself.Theholinessandregularityoftheiraffectionswentoff;theywerefilledwithdisorder,confusion,andshame.TheylostGod'sfavour,were seized with horror of conscience, Gen. 3:8, were driven out ofparadise, like a divorced woman out of the house of her husband,declaredincapableofcommunionwithGod,anddebarredfromthetreeoflife,thesealofthecovenant.

(2.)Thebodyofmanbecamemortal,deathworkingwithinitandwithoutit,fromthatmomentthecovenantwasbroken.Hewascondemnedtotoilandwearinessforlife,andthentoreturntothedustatlength,theframeandconstitutionofman'sbodyhavingbecomedeadlyfromthemomentof his breaking the covenant. And sorrow and pain in breeding andbringing forth of children, was laid on the female sex, as a particularmark of displeasure with the first sin; and the ground was cursed forman'ssake,becauseofthedependanceofthelifeofmanuponit.

(3.)Lastly,Soulandbodyweresubjectedandboundovertoeternaldeathinhell.Forthiswascomprehendedinthethreateningofthecovenantofworks,ashasbeenalreadyshewn.

Thuswasthecovenantofworksbroken.Yetmanwasnot,andcouldnotthereby be freed from that covenant; still he was bound to obedience,according to the command of it; and to satisfaction, according to thethreatening.OnlyGodwasnomoreobligedtofulfilhispromise,sinceitwasconditional,andtheconditionwasbroken.

Application of theDoctrine of the Breach of the Covenant ofWorks

USEI.Hereisamemorialwhichwehaveneedevertocarryaboutwithus,whileweliveinthisworld;Amemorial,

1.Ofthenothingnessofthecreature,whenlefttoitself.Godleftsomeoftheangelstothemselvesandtheyturneddevils;heleftinnocentAdamtohimself, and he turned apostate. O the need of continual supplies ofgrace!Therewasnobentandinclinationtoevilnaturallyinthem;butinus there is a natural propensity to turn fromGod.What need havewethen to cry, "Lead us not into temptation?" What need of continualdependenceupontheLord?

2.Ofthehopelessnessofsalvationbyworks.Thatwasthewaywhichmanwasfirstseton,andthatisthewaywhichmannaturallyissettofollowunto thisday.Butwhathope can therebe thatway?Adamwasable towork for life, having sufficient strength laid to his hand, and yet hemiscarried in it; how can it prosper in our hands, who are withoutstrength,andwhosework-armisbroken;hehadlesstodothanwehavenow,onlyperfectobediencewasrequiredofhimatfirst;butofusnowisrequired not only perfect obedience, but satisfaction for sin done. Wehave more work and less strength than Adam had. When he fell a-working for heaven,whichworkwasmarred in his hand, itmay justlymakeustodespairofsalvationthatway.Hecouldnotstand,howshallwe that are fallen raise up ourselves? How unlikely is it that self-destroyersshallbetheirownsaviours?

USEII.Hereisawatchwordwhichweoughtnevertoforget.

1.Watchandpraythatyeenternot intotemptation.Thedevilstillgoesabout seeking whom he may devour. No state, while ye are here, cansecure you from temptation.Thoughyebe in a stateof friendshipwithGod,hewillattackyou.Noplace,thoughaparadisecanprotectyou.Hehas malice enough to drive you to the greatest sins; subtilty and longexperiencetomanagethetemptationsoasitmaybesttake.Donotparleywith temptation, listening to the tempter may bring on doubting,doubting will bring on disbelieving, and disbelieving will bring on full

compliance.Othereforewatch!

2.TakeheedofforgettingthecovenantofyourGod.Whenmenlosethesenseofthebondofthecovenant,theycannotlongforbearthebreakingof it.Wesee this inAdamour father, andwemaysee itdaily inmen'spersonalcovenants,andthenationalcovenantstheselandsareunderthebondsof.Theimpressionofthemiswornoff,andsothedutiesofthemarecastbehindmen'sbacks.Nowonder that this is thesinof the land,andofparticularpersons,seeingweareallchildrenofthegreatcovenanttransgressor,Adam.

USEIII.Lastly,Hereisademonstrationoftheabsolutenecessityofbeingunitedto thesecondAdam,whokept thesecondcovenant,andtherebyfulfilledthedemandsofthefirstcovenant.Seeyourabsoluteneedofhim;prizehim,andfieetohimbyfaith,beholdhimwithaneyeoffaithwhohas repaired the breach. The first Adam broke the first covenant, byeatingofthefruitoftheforbiddentree;Christhasrepairedthebreachbyhanging on a tree and bearing the curse for his people. Adam'spreposterons love to hiswifemade him sin; Christ's love to his spousemadehimsufferandsatisfy.InagardenAdamsinned,andthereforeinagardenChristwasburied.Eatingruinedman,andbyeatinghe issavedagain.Byeatingtheforbiddenfruitalldied;andbyeatingChrist's fleshanddrinkinghisbloodbyfaith,thesoulgetslifeagain,John6:57.OthenhaverecoursetoChrist;andthusshallyoubesavedfromtheruinsofthefallandhaveaninterestinthecovenantmadewithChrist,theconditionofwhichbeingalreadyfulfilledbyhim,canneverbebroken,ortheywhoareonceiniteverfalloutofitagain.

PARTIII

OFTHEIMPUTATIONOFADAM'SFIRSTSINTOHISPOSTERITY

ROMANS5:19

For as by oneman's disobediencemany weremade sinners, so by theobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous.

YE have heard of themaking of the original contract betwixt God andman, the covenant ofworks; as also of the breaking of it by our fatherAdam.Thistextshewsourconcerninthebreachofthatcovenant;anditisnecessarywebesensibleofit,thatwebenoteternallyruinedthereby,but,beingconvincedofthatdebtlyingonourhead,mayfleetoandmakeuseofthegreatSuretyforremovingitfromus.

Inthischapter,ver.14,theapostleshewsAdamtohavebeenafigureortype of Christ; and from ver. 12, and downwards, he institutes acomparisonbetwixtthesetwo,thecommonheadsandrepresentativesofmankind, thoughChrist's representation is not so extensive asAdam's;buteachofthemrepresentedhisseed;Adamhisnaturalseed,andChristall his spiritual elect seed. Adam by his disobedience broke the firstcovenant; Christ by his obedience to the death fulfilled the secondcovenant.Thedisobedienceoftheonebringscondemnationanddeathonthosethatarehis;theobedienceoftheotherbringsjustificationandlifetoallthatarehis.Thereasonofbothisgiveninthetext;namely,thatbytheoneallhisaremadesinners,andsinnersare justlycondemnedanddie; by the other all his are made righteous, and the righteous must,accordingtothecovenant,bejustifiedandlive.

So the text is a comparison made betwixt the effect of Adam'sdisobedience,andtheeffectofChrist'sobedience.Theclausesarequitecontrarytheonetotheother,aslightanddarkness;andsoaretheeffectsredounding from them to those who are respectively affected by them.Theformermakesmensinners,thelattermakesmenrighteous.Itistheformer that concerns our present purpose; "By oneman's disobediencemanyweremadesinners."Whereconsider,

1.Themalignantcausetowhichallevilamongmenisowing;"oneman'sdisobedience."Thisistheimpurefountainofall,theoriginalofallevils.

Here two thingsmusthe cleared, (1.)Who thatonemanwas.WhobutAdam,thefirstman;himtheapostlehadexpresslynamed,ver.14,asthegreattransgressor,theheadoftherebellion,thefountainofsin,opposedtoChristJesusasthefountainofrighteousness;anduntohimourtextintheGreekexpresslypoints,whichsaithnotsimply,διʼἑνὸ;ἀνθρωπου,Byone man, &c., but διὰ της παρακοῆς του ἑνος ἀνθρώπου, by that oneman'sdisobedience,thatmanAdamwhomhehadmentionedbefore.(2.)What thatdisobediencewas.NoquestionbutAdamwasguiltyofmanyactsofdisobediencethroughthewholecourseofhislifeafterhisfall;butthetextspeaksofthisdisobedienceemphatically,andassuchbywayofeminency, that disobedience, plainly referring to the first sin of Adam,thatwasthesinwhichfirstbrokeintotheworld,andopenedthesluicetodeath, ver. 12; the transgression of Adam, ἡ παραβάσις Αδὰμ, ver. 14;thatoffenceorfall,ver.15.SothenthisdisobedienceisAdam'sbreakingof the covenant of works, by his eating of the forbidden fruit. ThetransgressionofAdamwashis transgressingof the covenant,which sethim the bounds he was to keep within, on pain of death, Rom. 5:14,comparedwithHosea6:7.Hesetoff ina courseof covenantobediencerunningfortheprize;buthestumbledandfellinbreakingthecovenant.Thoughhewasasonbycreation,hewasGod'shiredservantbycovenant;butbydisobediencetohismasterhebrokethecovenant.

2. The answerable effect; "Many were made sinners." The poisonousfountainbeingopened,thewaterskillwherevertheycome.Herealsotwothingsaretobecleared.(2.)Whothesemanyare.Eventheallmentionedver. 12. All Adam's natural seed comprehended with him in the firstcovenant, as the many made righteous are all Christ's spiritual seedcomprehendedwithhiminthesecondcovenant,buttheapostleusesthetermmanyhere,thoughallaremeant,notonlybecauseallaremany,butbecauseoneman,viz.,themanChrist,isexcepted;so,instrictproprietyofspeech,Adam'sdisobediencedidnottouchallmensimply,butmany,therebeingonemanexcepted;andalsobecausethescopeoftheapostlehere is to shew thatmany shall bemade righteousby the obedience ofone; toprovewhich,proceedingonthatprinciple.That thedeedofonemay be imputed to many, he instanceth in Adam's disobedience, whobeingoneman,yethisdeedwasimputedtomany;andhebeingatypeorfigure of Christ in that respect, it plainly follows, that as by his

disobediencemanyweremadesinners,sobytheobedienceofChristshallmany be made righteous. (2.) How by Adam's disobedience they weremadesinners.Therearebutthreewayshowbythesinofanotherwemaybemadesinners.[1.]Byadoptingitthroughconsentandapprobation;soAhabwasthemurdererofNaboth,thoughnothe,butthemagistratesofJezreeldidthedeed,1Kings21:19.Butthis isnotthewaywearemadesinnersbyAdam'sdisobedience;forinfants,andmanyintheworldwhoneverheardofAdamorhissin,andthereforeareincapableofadoptingitatthatrate,areyetmadesinnersbyit.Or,[2.]Byimitation,asPelagianswouldhaveit.Soindeedonemaybemadeasinnerbyimitatingsinners.Butthiscannotbeitneitherinthiscase;(1.)Becauseinfantswhoarenotcapableofimitation,areinvolvedhereaswellasothers,Rom.5:14,wheredeathissaidto"reignoverthosewhohadnotsinnedafterthesimilitudeof Adam's transgression." So also are Pagans included here,who knownothingofthecopythatAdamcastus.(2.)BecausewearemadesinnersbyAdam'sdisobedience,aswearemaderighteousbyChrist'sobedience.Butitisnotbyimitation,butbyimputationofChrist'sobediencewearemade righteous; therefore it cannot be that we are made sinners byimitationofAdam'ssin.(3.)Allmenofallages,sexes,conditions,&c.,aremadesinners.But it is incredible, that, if imitationwere theway, thereshouldneverhavebeensomuchasonemeremantorefusetoimitatetheruiningexample.Therefore,(3.)Itnecessarilyfollowsthatwearetherebymadesinnersby imputation;evenaswearemaderighteousbyChrist'sobedience, thesamebeingreckonedourobedience, thoughnotdonebyusinourownpersons.Wearenotonlymadeliabletopunishmentbythisdisobedience,butwearemade sinnersby it.Notonly is theguilt ours,butthefaultisours;wenotonlydieinAdam,1Cor.15:22,butwesinnedinhimasourfederalhead,Rom.5:12;webrokethecovenantinhim;thatbreach in law-reckoning isours,and isreckonedoursbecause it isoursby virtue of our being one with him, in his loins, as our natural andfederalhead.

Thetextaffordsthefollowingdoctrine,plainlyfoundeduponit.

Adam'sSininBreakingtheCovenantofWorks,istheSinofhisPosterity

DOCTRINE.Adam'sbreakingof thecovenantofworks,byhiseatingof

theforbiddenfruit,isoursin,ourbreakingofit,aswellashis.

Fortheillustrationofthisdoctrine,Ishall,

I.Considertheextentofthissinwhichisours.

II.ShewhowAdam'ssinofbreakingthecovenantofworksisoursin,ourbreakingit.

III. Evince the truth of the doctrine, and prove the imputation ofAdam'sfirstsin,thesinofbreakingthecovenantofworks,byeatingtheforbiddenfruit,tohisposterity.

IV.Shewthegroundandreasonwhythisfirstsinisours.

V.Lastly,Improvethesubject.

OftheExtentofthefirstSin,whichisours

I.Ishallconsidertheextentofthissinwhichisours.Thereisatwofoldbreakingofthecovenantofworks.

1.There is aprivateandpersonalbreakingof itby suchpersonsasarestillunderit.Andthusitistothisdaybrokeneveryday;John7:19,"DidnotMosesgiveyouthelaw,"saidChristtotheJews,"andyetnoneofyoukeepeth the law?" Let none imagine that the covenant of works beingbroken by Adam, was laid by as an useless thing, whichmen were nomore concerned in. It is true, it is no more useful now as a way tosalvation and happiness; but that is not from itself, but from man'sweakness,whoseweakhead,heart,andlegs,cannotservehimtowalkinso high a way to heaven, from which he fell down headlong before inAdam, and received such a bruise as made him quite incapable for itafter. But the covenant itself stands firm still in all the parts of it. Thepromise of it still stands to perfect obedience, which now takes insufferingaswellasdoing;asappearsfromwhatpassedbetweenourLordandacertainlawyer,Luke10:27,28.Thelawyerhadputthequestiontohim,"Master,whatshallIdotoinheriteternallife?"OurLordanswered,"What is written in the law? how readest thou?" The lawyer havingreplied,"ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart,andwithall

thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thyneighbour as thyself;" our Lord thereupon said, "Thou has answeredright; this do, and thou shalt live." So that if any could answer thedemands of this covenant, he should have the promised life. Thethreatening of it stands firm as mountains of brass, that withoutsatisfying it by one's self or surety, none shall escape; for "withoutsheddingofbloodthereisnoremission,"Heb.9:22;and"Godwillbynomeanscleartheguilty,"Exod.34:7.Thecommandsofthecovenantareinas fullvigourasever; for thebreakingofa lawcannevertakeawaythebindingforceandauthorityofit;sothatitdemandsperfectobedienceofallthatareunderit,withasmuchauthoritystillaseveritdidofAdam,Rom3:19;For"whatthingssoeverthelawsaith,itsaithtothemthatareunderthelaw."AndallmencontinueunderittilltheybeingraftedintoChrist,bedeadtoit,andmarriedtoChrist,Rom.6:14.WhereforeallyeChristless sinners are under it, and are breaking it every day, in everythought,word,andactionofyours;andsothecurseofitisrainingdownuponyouincessantly;Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinall thingswhicharewritteninthebookofthe lawtodothem."John3:36,"Hethatbelievethnot—thewrathofGodabidethonhim."

SomeofyoustandofffromthesacramentoftheLord'ssupper,andfrompersonalcovenantingwithGodinembracingthecovenantofgrace,andthinkyedowiselytoholdyournecksoutoftheyokeofacovenantwithGod.But,poor soul, thouarthardand fastundercovenant toGod, thecovenantofworks,bywhichthouartboundtoperfectobedience,underthepainofGod'scurse;andeverysinofthineiscovenant-breakingwithGod, laying theeunder the curseof the covenant.Soall thiswisdomofyoursamountstoaholdingfastofthecovenantofdeath,andrefusingacovenantoflife.Butthisbreakingofthecovenantofworks,byviolatingthecommandsofitnow,isnotwhatweaimat.

2.TherewasapublicbreakingofitbyAdam,thefatherofallmankind,standingastherepresentativeofhisposterity.Thisbreachwasmadeinparadise,whereAdambrokethecovenantbyeatingtheforbiddenfruit.And even this is our sin, and breaking of the covenant; viz. the firstbreakingofitisours,andbringsusunderguilt.

Theextentofthisbreachofthecovenantmaybeconsideredtwoways;in

reference to the persons to whom the guilt of it reaches, whose sin itbecomes;andinreferencetothesinitself.

1st,Theextentofthissinmaybeconsideredinreferencetothepersonstowhomtheguiltofitreaches,whosesinitbecomes.Andthuswesay,

(1.)ItextendednottothemanChrist.Adam'sbreakingof thecovenantwasnothis:hesinnednotinAdam,astherestofmankinddid.Thoughhewasbornofawoman,hewasbornsinless;hencetheangelsaiduntothe virginMary, "That holy thingwhich shall be born of thee, shall becalledtheSonofGod,"Luke1:35.AndHeb.7:26,heissaidtobe"holy,harmless,undefiled,andseparatefromsinners."Hecame"todestroytheworksofthedevil,"1John3:8,and"totakeawaysin,"John1:29,whichhe could not have been fit for if he himself had been one of the sinfulmultitude. If he had needed a sacrifice for himself, he could not havebeenanatoningsacrificeforus.

HewasindeedasonofAdam,asappearsfromhisgenealogybroughtuptoAdam,Luke3.Anditwasnecessaryheshouldbeso,thathemightbeour near kinsman, to redeemus; thatman's sinsmight be expiated byman'ssufferings,andsojusticemightbesatisfiedofthesamenaturethatsinned. But Adam was not the man Christ's federal head, nor was hecomprehendedwithhim in thecovenantofworks; forasmuchashedidnot come of Adam in virtue of the blessing of fruitfulness given to themanandwomanbeforethefall,butwastheseedofthewomanonly,bornbyvirtueofaspiritualpromisemadeafterthebreachofthecovenantofworks. So thebreachof that covenant couldnotbe imputed tohim, orcountedhis,byvirtueofhisrelationtoAdam.

Nay,heisanotherpublicperson,asthefirstAdamwas;thefederalheadinthesecondcovenant,erectedtorepairtheruinsmadebythebreachofthefirst;andsoheiscalledtheSecondAdam,andisrepresentedastheantitypetothefirstAdam,Rom.5:14,untowhomthefirstAdam,havingmismanagedhisownheadship,did as aprivateperson commithimselfforsalvation,beinginamysticalunionbyfaithjoinedtoJesusChrist,asthequickeningHeadinthesecondcovenant.But,

(2.) ItextendedtoallmankindbesidesChrist,withoutexceptionofany

onefromthefirstsonanddaughterofAdam,tothelastchildthatshallbebornintotheworld,1Cor.15:22,"InAdamalldie."Itisthecommonportion of all the children of our father's family, from the oldest to theyoungest;thecommoninheritanceofthewholetribeofAdam,fromtheleasttothegreatest.Themanahundredyearsoldmaysay,Itismysin;andthechildatitsfirstmovinginthewombmaysay,Itismine.TheguiltofitisremovedindeedfrombelieversupontheirunionwithChrist;butonce it lay upon them to condemnation also, as it still lies on allunregeneratepersons,Rom.5:18,"Bytheoffenceofone,judgmentcameuponallmentocondemnation."Thesaintsinheavenaresingingglorytohimwhowashedthemfromitinhisownblood,andthedamnedinhellarelying,andwilllieforeverundertheweightofit.

2dly,Theextentofthissinmaybeconsideredinreferencetothesinitself.There is something in this sin peculiar to Adam's person, in so far asthoughthewholemassofmankindwasconcernedinit,yettherewasthisdifferencebetwixtAdamandhisposterity,thathewastherepresentative,theywere the party represented; he sinned this sin in his own person,theyonlyinhim;andconsequentlyheruinednothimselfonly,butalltheworldby it; they ruined themselvesonlyby it.Wherefore, setting asidewhat was in this sin peculiar to Adam, as the head of the covenant;otherwise,

This sin of breaking the covenant of works is our sin in the wholecompass andextentof it.Wemust lookback to the stateof innocence,andbeholdthehumannatureadornedwiththegloriousimageofGodinour father Adam, and us in his loins, taken into covenant with God, acovenant of life upon condition of perfect obedience, which we in himwereabletogive,andfencedwithathreateningofdeath,whichwewerenot liable to before we sinned. And we must consider, with sorrow ofheart,howwebrokethatcovenantinAdam;and,withbitterrepentance,shame,andself-loathing, lamentover theeatingof that forbidden fruit,and all the ingredients of it, our horrid unbelief, pride, ambition,presumption, and bold curiosity, our monstrous ingratitude, &c. Thefearfulaggravationsofitmustaccentourlamentation,thatitwasinthestateof righteousnessof ournature the factwas committed,how smallandsorryanobjectwasthecovenantbrokenfor,athingthoughsmallyet

sacred, the place where, the time when, and the direful effects andconsequents of it on ourselves. Andwemust apply to theHead of thesecondcovenantforourreparation,pardon,andreconciliationwithGod.

Vainmenwhohaveneverbeendeeplyconvincedofsinbytheworkingofthe Spirit on their hearts, but measure their religion more by theircorruptreasonthanGod'sword,willbeapttolookonthesethingsasidletales,andtosayintheirhearts,WouldtoGodwemaymournforourownsins, the sins thatwe ourselves have been guilty of.Alas, sirs, that sin,withalltheingredientsandaggravationsofit,asissaid,isasreallyyourown sin, as the lies ye have made with your own tongue, the profaneoathsyehavesworn,&c.,Rom.5:12,19,"Byoneman'ssin,deathenteredintotheworld,anddeathbysin,andsodeathpasseduponallmen,forthat all have sinned." "By one man's disobedience many were madesinners." And if it be not forgiven you, through the atoning blood ofChrist, itwillsinkyou intohell;andweknownosinsthatare forgiven,but they are repented of expressly, if known, and virtually if unknown.We findDavidmourning over it, Psalm 51:5, "Behold, Iwas shapen ininiquity,andinsindidmymotherconceiveme."Andsooughtallofustomourn over it every day of our life, and have recourse to the blood ofJesusforpardonofit.AndIshallshew,

HowAdam'ssin,inbreakingtheCovenantofWorks,isthesinofhisPosterity

II. How Adam's sin of breaking the covenant of works is our sin, ourbreakingit.

1.Itisreallyoursinitself.Itisnotoursinitseffectsonly,asafather'ssininriotouslyspendinghisestate,reacheshiswholefamily,reducingthemto poverty and want. Though the effects of that riotous spending, thepoverty, misery, and want, be theirs; yet the riotous spending is thefather'sonly.Butso is itnot in thiscase. It is true, theeffectsof it, thesinful andpenal evils following this sin, are ours;we see them,we feelthem, and themost stupid groan under them; but the sin itself is ourstoo.And,

(1.)Theguilt of it is ours,Rom.5:18, "By theoffenceof one, judgment

cameuponallmen to condemnation;" that is, the guilt of sin,wherebythesoulisboundovertoGod'swrath,byvirtueofthesanctionofthelaw.Thusthatwordisusedfrequentlyinthescripture,asappearsfromJohn3:18,"Hethatbelievethnot,iscondemnedalready."Rom.8:1,"Thereisno condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus;" though it is oftenmistaken for what we call damnation, by which is understood the fullexecutionof the law's sentenceafterdeath.So theguiltof theeatingoftheforbiddenfruitliesonallmennaturallyastheirguilt;thoughbutoneman'smouthtastedit,theguiltofthecrimeseizesallmen.EverymanisboundovertoGod'swrathforit,tilltheLordJesus,byanapplicationofhisbloodtothesoul,loosethecordsofdeath.

(2.)Thefaultofitisours,Rom.5:1,"Allhavesinned,"namely,inAdam.Thefaultliesinitscontrarietytotheholycommandment;thismadeitafaultydeed,acriminalaction,a sinagainstGod;andassuch it isours.WeinAdamtransgressedthelaw,brokethroughthehedge,andsobrokethecovenant.Ifthefaultwerenotours,aholyGodwouldneverpunishusfor it:but certain it is, thathedoespunish thechildrenofAdam for it,Rom.5:14,"DeathreignedfromAdamtoMoses,evenoverthemthathadnotsinnedafterthesimilitudeofAdam'stransgression."Itistrueindeed,Godmaypunishonethatisnotreallyfaulty,forthefaultofanother,ifhedovoluntarilysubstitutehimself in theroomof the faulty,havinga fullpower so to dispose of himself; and that was the case of Christ theMediator; but that cannot be pretended to be our case with respect toAdam'ssin.

(3.)Thestainandblotofitisours.Thewholenatureofmanwastaintedwith it, vitiated, and blackened, and, through defilement andloathsomeness thereby, rendered incapable of, and quite unfit for,communion with God, Gen. 3:24. This sin defiled the whole mass ofman'snature,fromourfatherAdamgoingthroughallhisposterity,likeleaven through the whole lump, 1 Cor. 15:22, "In Adam all die;" theirsoulsdiespiritually;hiswholerace,bythissin,becameasdeadcarcases.

ThusAdam'ssin,initself,isreallyours.

2.Itisoursinlaw-reckoning;Godimputesittous,chargesituponusallonce,inournaturalstate;thoughwheneverasoulbelievesinChrist,itis

disimputed to that soul, Rom. 8:1, "There is now no condemnation tothemthatareinChristJesus."But,byasentencepassedinthecourtofheaven,allmankindaredecernedsinners,transgressorsofthelaw,guiltyofthefirstsin,andthereforeliabletodeath,thepenaltyofthecovenant,Rom.5:12,19,"Allhavesinned.—Byoneman'sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners."AndforasmuchasthejudgmentofGodisaccordingtotruth,themattermuststandinitself,asitisfoundinthatlaw-reckoning;that is to say, becausewe are really sinners in Adam, thereforewe arereckoned in law to be so. So that the imputation of Adam's sin to us,necessarilypresupposesitsbeingreallyours.

ProofoftheImputationofAdam'sFirstSintohisPosterity

III. Ishallevincethetruthof thedoctrine,andprovethe imputationofAdam'sfirstsin,thesinofbreakingthecovenantofworks,byeatingtheforbiddenfruit,tohisposterity."

1.Thescriptureplainlyteacheth,thatallsinnedinAdam,andweremadesinnersbyhisfirstsin,whichwasthebreakingofthecovenantofworks,by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree, Rom. 5:12, 19, both forecited.Whereitistoberemarked,(1.)Thattheapostlespeaksofthefirstsininbothtexts; foras in the19thverse,hecalls it "thatdisobedience;"so inver.12,theorthatsin,bywayofeminency,asvers.14,15,inoppositiontothatobedience,bywayofeminency,ver.19,whereas,speakingofsiningeneral,ver.13,hecallsitsimplysin.Besides,hespeaksofthatsin,bywhichdeathenteredintotheworld;asbyonemanthatsinenteredintotheworld,andbythatsindeath;butitisevident,thatitwasbythefirstsin that death entered into the world; therefore all sinned in Adam inbreakingthecovenantofworks.Thisalsoisclearfromthescopeofthischapter, which is to account for the justification of sinners by theobedienceofChrist,whichtheapostledoesbyshewingthatChristdiedinourroomandstead,vers.7–11,andhesumsupthewholematterinthisconclusion;ver.12,"Wherefore,asbyonemansinenteredintotheworld,and death by sin; and so death passed upon allmen, for that all havesinned;"andthisconclusionheafterwardsenlargesupon.Thewords,itisplain, must have something understood, to make up the sense; and Iconceive it is this;"Wherefore it isevenasbyonemanthatsinenteredintotheworld,"&c.i.e.Thematterofthejustificationofasinnerbefore

Godliesevenasthecondemnationanddeathofsinnersbythatsinofoneman,&c.(2.)Thattheapostledeterminesallmentohavesinnedthatsin.For that,or inwhom(asMark2:5)allhavesinned.But that this is thesense,however, thewordsbe rendered, appears, if it is considered, [1.]Thatdeathenteredintotheworldbythatsin,andsopassedonallmen;but,accordingtotheapostle,itcouldnotpassonallmenforthatsin,butfor thatallwere thesinners; forwheredeathcomes, sinmustneedsbebefore;bytheruleofjusticenomancandieforasinheisnotguiltyof.[2.]Ifallsinned,infantssinnedtoo;butinfantsarenotcapableofhavingsinned otherwise than in Adam. The apostle teaches very plainly, thatinfantsarecomprehendedintheseall,andthattheysinned,ver.14,"thathad not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression," whichclearlybearsthemtohavesinnedanotherway.(3.)Bythatsinwewereconstitutedormadesinners,ver.19,notbyconsentandapprobation,norbyimitation,butbyimputation,aswasarguedbefore;andconsequently,sincethejudgmentofGodisaccordingtotruth,wesinnedthatsin.

2. All are under the guilt of that sin in Adam, till it be removed injustificationbyfaithinJesusChrist;theyare,byvirtueofthatsin,boundover to death, and the eternalwrath ofGod. This the scripture teachesevidently,1Cor.15:22,"InAdamalldie."Buthowcantheydieinhim,iftheydidnotsininhim?Rom.5:12,"Byoneman—deathpasseduponall."Sinthenbehovedinthefirstplacebyhimtopassonall;ver.15,"Throughtheoffenceofonemanybedead."Thatoffencethereforebehovedtobetheiroffence,ver.18,"Bytheoffenceofone,itwas(viz.theoffence)uponall men unto condemnation," i. e. the guilt of eternal wrath; but howcouldtheybecondemnedbyaholyandjustGodforanoffencethatwasnot their offence, it being undeniable that they did not substitutethemselves, nor were they substituted by another, in the room of theoffender? When the apostle tells us, that "there is therefore now nocondemnation to them that are inChrist Jesus,"Rom.8:1, doeshenotplainly teach us, (1.) That all who are not in Christ, are undercondemnation,whoevertheybe,whetherguiltyofactualsinintheirownpersonsornot,as infantsand idiots?(2.)ThatevensuchasarenowinChrist,wereundercondemnation,allalongwhiletheywerenotinhim?Letmen take a view of our guilty state in Adam, that wrath which bynature we stand adjudged to, Eph. 2:3, which the scripture plainly

teaches; and then consider the holy, just nature of God; they shall beobligedtoownthatwesinnedinAdam,andthathissinisoursaswellashis,and that thatwrathon thataccount is just.ButcorruptunsubduednaturefirstframestoitselfanotionofGod'sjustice,accordingtoitsownprinciples,andthenrejectsthisimputationasinconsistenttherewith,andthen puts a sense on clear scripture texts agreeable to its preconceivednotions.

3.Theuniversaldepravationandcorruptionofhumannatureisaglaringevidence of this. Man is now despoiled of his primitive glory andintegrity,theimageofGod,therectitudeofhisnature,withwhichhewascreated; and insteadof it hiswholenature is corrupted, there is in it abentandpropensity toevil.Hismind isdarkened,hiswillperverse,hisaffections altogether disorderly. He is born in this case, corruption iswoven into his nature from the time he has a being in thewomb; Job14:4,"Whocanbringacleanthingoutofanunclean?notone."John3:6,"Thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh."Gen.6:5,"Everyimaginationofthethoughtsofman'sheartisonlyevilcontinually."Psalm51:5,"BeholdIwasshapenininiquity,andinsindidmymotherconceiveme."Thereisanecessityofregeneration,withoutamanbebornagainheisruinedforever,John3:3.Heisnaturallydeadinsin,hemustberaisedfromdeath,heissomarredthathemustbenewmade,createdtogoodworks,elsehewilllieforevervoidofspirituallife,utterlyunabletodoanythingbutsin,Eph.2:5,10.Suchanatureandsuchaframeofsoulisasin,afountainofsin.Butwithoutquestionit isamiserytoo,andthegreatestofmiserieshumannatureiscapableof,assettingmenatthegreatestdistancefromGodthechiefgood.Thereforeitmustbeconcludedtobeapunishmentofsintoo,andofsomesinprevioustoit,whichcanbenoneelsebutAdam'sfirstsin.Andthatsinmustbeoursin,thesinofallmankind,sinceit ispunishedat this fearful rate inusandallmankind. It isnotpossible toaccountforthejusticeofthisdispensationotherwise.ItwasinconsistentwiththenatureofGodtohavecreatedmaninthiscase;yetthuswearefromthetimewehaveabeingasmen.IsthisfromtheCreatorotherwisethanasapunishmentofsin?Must itnotbe fromourselves, (Hos.13:9,"OIsrael,thouhastdestroyedthyself,")astheauthorsofourmisery,bysinningagainstGod,namely,sinningthissin,fornoothercanhaveplacehere?Thelawofnaturalgenerationwithoutthiswillnotsalvethematter;

for so justicewouldhave required either the stoppingof generation, orelsethatevencorruptAdamshouldnothavegeneratedcorruptchildren.It is within the compass of omnipotency though not the compass ofcreatedpower, tobringaclean thingoutofanunclean,aswasdone inthecaseofthemanChrist;otherwisethegreatestmiseryandpunishmentwhichmight have been averted, is inflicted uponmankindwithout anyfaultoftheirs;whichismorethanabsurd.

4.Thoughmenventuretodenysinininfants,whoarewithoutquestionincapableofactualsinningintheirownpersons,Rom.5:14,and9:11,yetitisundeniabletheyareliabletomisery,pains,sickness,anddieaswellasthosewhoaregrownperson.Thegroansandtearsofparentsoverthecradles,themoansanddistressofpoorharmlessbabes,thegravesofthesmallestsizeinthechurchyard,aredemonstrationsofthese.Yea,looktothe old world, swept away with the flood, and there you will see theinfants drowned with the sinners a hundred years old. Look to theoverthrowofSodom,andyouwillseethemburntinthefirefromheavenwiththelustfulparentsthatbegotthem.LooktoJerusalemwhenitwasdestroyed, and there youwill see thempining todeathby famine,withtheaged sinners.Then lookup toheaven, andbeholdaholy, justGod,who sent these plagues, and consider if it be consistent with his holynaturetotreatinnocentsenselesspersonsatthatrate.AndafteralllookintoyourBible,andyouwillseehowGodis justifiedinall these.Thereyouwillseethethreateningofdeathannexedtothesinofbreakingthecovenantofworks,Gen.3:17,andseeingitexecuteduponthem,yemustneeds conclude theyare guilty.There you find "deathpassesonall, forthatallhavesinned;"Rom.5:12, "reignsover themthathadnotsinnedafter the similitude of Adam's transgression," ver. 14, and thence youmust conclude themsinners.There it appears, that "thewagesof sin isdeath,"Rom.6:23;theyreceivethewages,theymusthavethenwroughtthe work of sin; not in their own persons surely, for they were notcapable; therefore they sinned in Adam. As for the corruption of theirnature,itjustifiesthisprocedureindeed;butyetthepropagationofittothemisowingtothisfirstsin;andthedispensationofGodinthatmattermustbejustified,bytheirguiltofthatsin.

5.Lastly,Thecomparisonstated inscripture,betwixtChristandAdam,

plainly evinceth this. The apostle, Rom. 5:14, tells us that Adamwas atypeorfigureofChrist;and1Cor.15:45,hecallstheonethe"firstAdam,"the other the "last Adam." Whence it appears, that as Christ was thefederalhead in thecovenantofgrace; soAdamwas the federalhead inthecovenantofworks.Whencewemaygather,

(1.) That as Christ, in his obedience and death, stood not as a privateperson, but what he did and suffered, he did and suffered as a publicperson,tobeimputedtoallhisspiritualseed;2Cor.5:21,"Forhehathmadehimtobesinforus,whoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousness of God in him;" so Adam sinning, and breaking thecovenant of works, did what he did not as a private man, whose guiltremains with himself, but as a public person, whose deed was to beimputedtoallhisposterity,ornaturalseed;Rom.5:18,"Bytheoffenceofone,judgmentcameuponallmentocondemnation."

(2.)ThatsinceAdamwaseventuallyaheadofdestructionandruintoallhisseed,andChristaheadofreparationandsalvationtoallthatwerehisseedoftheshipwreckedmultitude;1Cor.15:22,"ForasinAdamalldie,evensoinChristshallallbemadealive;"thenasGodlaidonChristtheiniquitiesofall thatarehis,making themtomeetonhim, Isa.53:6, soAdam'ssinwasfromhimdiffused,andcameuponallthatwerehis,Rom5:12; for theonewas to repair thosewhomtheotherhaddestroyed; topaytheirdebtswhichtheyhadbeeninvolvedinbytheother.

(3.)Asbelieversobeyedandsatisfied inChrist theirhead in thesecondcovenant,soallmensinnedinAdamtheirheadinthefirstcovenant.Theformeristhedoctrineofthescripture."Therighteousnessofthelawwasfulfilled in them,"Rom.8:4.Theywere "crucifiedwithhim,"Gal.2:20;whichfurtherappears,inthattheywere"raisedup,andsetinheaveninhim,"Eph.2:6.Hencethelatterisestablished;webrokethelawinAdam,andsinnedagainstGodinhim.

(4.)Lastly,Aswearemaderighteousby theobedienceofChrist; sowearemadesinnersbythedisobedienceofAdam.Sosaysthetext.Butwearemade righteousby theobedienceofChrist imputed tous, thereforewearemade sinners through thedisobedienceofAdam imputed tous.Christ's righteousness is reallyours,not in its effectsonly,but in itself,

beingthatveryrighteousnessonwhich,weareacquittedandjustified.SoAdam'ssin isreallyours,not in itseffects,only,but in itself,beingthatuponwhichweareallbynaturecondemnedpersons,Rom.5:18.AssoonaswehaveaspiritualbeinginChrist,andareunitedtohimbyhisSpiritand by faith, so soon is Christ's righteousness ours; and as soon aswehaveanaturalbeingaschildrenofAdam,Adam'ssinisours.

Somuch for theproofof thisdoctrine,ThatAdam's first sin, thesinofbreakingthecovenantofworks,byeatingtheforbiddenfruit,isoursin,ourbreakingofit,orisimputedtohisposterity.

TheGroundandReasonof theImputationofAdam'sfirstsintohisPosterity

IV.IshallshowthegroundandreasonwhyAdam'sfirstsin,orbreakingof the covenant of works, is our sin, our breaking of it. This is thefoundationoftheimputationofthatsintous,andliesinthesetwothingsjointly.

1.Hewasournaturalor seminalhead, thenatural rootofallmankind,Acts 17:26. God set up the human nature in him pure and undefiled,blessed him with fruitfulness, Gen. 1:28, and from him all mankindderive their pedigree. So that as Levi, being in the loins of Abraham,whenMelchisedekmethim,paidtithesinAbraham,Heb.7:9,10,sowe,beingintheloinsofAdam,whenthetemptermethim,sinnedandbrokethecovenantinhim.But,

2.Which is themain thing,Hewasour federalhead in thecovenantofworks,our representative in thatbargain.Therewasaproper covenantbetwixtGodandAdam;andin itAdamwasnotconsideredasaprivateperson,butstoodastheheadofallmankindinit,actingforhimselfandforhisposteritywhomherepresented;evenas thesecondAdamin thecovenantofgrace.Andthushissinwasours.EvenasAbraham,havingthecovenantmadewithhim,was the federalaswellasnaturalheadofLevi,beingthecovenant-headoftheJewishnation;andthereforeLeviinhisloinsisreckonedtohavepaidtithestoMelchisedek.

The sum of the matter lies here; all mankind being originally one in

Adam,weremade legally one inhimandwithhim, by the covenant ofworksenteredintowithAdam,astheheadofallmankind,constitutedbyGodhimself,theinfinitelywiseandabsoluteLordofallthecreatures.Bythebondofthecovenantsuperaddedtothenaturaltiebetwixthimandus,weweremadeonewithhim,toallthepurposesofthecovenant.Andbeingthusonewithhim,hissininbreakingofthecovenantwasoursaswell ashis.Thebeingof this covenant Ihavealreadyproved, andhavealsoaccountedfortheequityandjusticeofthisdispensation.

The Doctrine of the Imputation of Adam's First Sin to hisPosterityapplied

USEI.Thistruthservestodiscover,andsetbeforeoureyes,

1.Themalignantnatureofsin.Itisaninfectiousvapour,aplague,apestto mankind, of a killing nature, wherever it comes. One sinner ofmankindinfectedthewholerace;onemorselofthatleavenleavenedthewholenatureofman.Itisthespiritualpestilenceintheworld,thatmakesmore spiritual havoc than fire and sword; an emblem of which God isgiving this day in France by a bodily pestilence, with which also he isthreateningthesenations.It isSolomon'sobservation,"Thatonesinnerdestroyethmuchgood,"Eccl.9:18.Thisisemphaticallyrepresentedtousin the case of Adam, and often in the case of many particular sinnersamong us, whose sphere of activity is more narrow; but O whatdestruction do they make within their bounds! this malignity of itappears,

(1.) In its spreading from the sinner to all that are concerned in him,destroyingandbreakingdownlikeafloodwhereitcomes.ThepeaceandpurityofthewholeworldwasmarredbyAdam'ssin;andthepeaceandpurity of lesser societies are still marred with the sins of others, Heb.12:15.TheapostleexhortsChristians to"lookdiligently, lestanyrootofbitternessspringingup,troublethem,andtherebymanybedefiled."Howmanysuchrootsofbitternessaresprungup inour land,wherewiththepeaceandpurityofchurchandstatearebothmarredtogetheratthisday.Howmany such have sprung up and are still springing up among us,whosepangsoflustmarthequietoffamilies,leaveablotonthem,makethecongregationareproach,andtostinkinthenostrilsofthesoberpart

oftheirneighbours.

(2.)Inthatwhenthesinnerisdeadandgone,hissinlivesandworksafterhim. It is long since Adam died, but still his sin is working. Jeroboamsinned so in his life, as that he opened such a sluice as ran for severalgenerationsafterhewassilentinthegrave.Andthusdothesinsofmanystill live and destroy much good after they are gone. And therefore,besidestheparticular judgmentatdeath,thereisageneral judgmentattheendoftheworld,wherepeoplemustanswerforthemischiefdonebythecurrentoftheirsinintheworldaftertheyweregoneoutofit.

2.TheawfulandtremendousholysovereigntyofGod,whosejudgmentsare always just, but often unsearchable.When one considers how Godmade the angels independent upon one another as to standing andfalling,butcomprehendedthewholeraceofmankindunderonefederalhead;whomalso, in thedepthofhissovereignwisdomhepermitted tofall, when he could have held him up; so as allmankind are ruined inhim;mustwenotcryout,"OthedepthoftherichesbothofthewisdomandknowledgeofGod!howunsearchablearehisjudgmentsandhiswayspastfindingout,"Rom.11:33.Thedispensationwasjust,hecandousnowrong; it was becoming the divine perfections, and designed for holyendsinthedepthofwisdom.Butinthemeantime,thereisneedofaholy,humblespirittoadorethesovereigntyofit.

3. The impossibility of our obtaining salvation by the way of thiscovenant. What hopes can we have of living by doing, when it hasmisgiveninourheadalready,whenwewerefittedforworkingatanotherrate than we can pretend to be now? We have already broken thatcovenant, fallen under the penalty of it, the which we must needsdischarge beforewe can have access to begin again on new ground, tolookforlifebykeepingitbetter.Andwhoofusisabletodischargethatdebt to the justice ofGod? "Therefore by the deeds of the law shall nofleshbejustifiedinhissight,"Rom.3:20.

4.Thegloryofthecontrivanceofthesecondcovenantbytheever-blessedTrinity,andoftheperformanceof itbythesecondAdaminournature.Look here and behold the necessity of it for our salvation; what couldthey have done for themselves, who had ruined themselves, and were

broughtintotheworldinastateofcondemnation?TherewasanecessityoftheobedienceanddeathofChristinthatcase;Luke24:26,"OughtnotChristtohavesufferedthesethings?"Beholdthesuitablenessofit;manwas ruined by Adam's breaking the first covenant, and the remedy isprovidedbyChrist'skeepingthesecondcovenant.Beholdtheperfectionofit.Ittakesawaynotonlythissin,butallothersinstoo.Howstrongisthe grace of Christ, that is able to stop the torrent of Adam's sin,increasedwithinnumerablepersonalsinsrunningwithitinonechannel?Rom.5:16.

5.Lastly,Anotableconfirmationofbelievers'faithastotheimputationofChrist's righteousness and death unto them, upon their embracing thecovenantofgrace.IsAdam'ssinoursbyvirtueofourunionwithhimasthefederalheadinthecovenantofworks?SurelyChrist'srighteousness,obedience,anddeath,arenolessoursinvirtueofourunionwithChrist,thefederalheadinthesecondcovenant.ThatGodwhoimputestheoneto allmankind for condemnation, willmuchmore impute the other tobelieversforjustification.

USEII.Thisdoctrineservestostiruptoseveralduties.And,

1.Beconvincedofthissinasyoursin.Takeithometoyourselvesamongtherestofthepiecesofguilt,chargeableuponyoubeforetheLord.Godchargesitonallmankindastheirsin;allmenthereforeoughttochargeiton themselves, since he is the Amen, faithful and true Witness, andcannotchargeanywithguiltfalselyorbymistake.Itishardtoconvincemenofthis;butwhentheSpiritof theLordcomestocarrytheworkofconviction through, he will fasten this conviction on the conscienceamongothers;andhowcanonesueforthepardonofthatsinwhichhewillnotadmittheconvictionof?

2.Confessandmournover this sinbefore theLord.Behumbledunderthesenseof it,andanxiously inquirehowyemaybesavedfromit,andthewrathandcurseofGodduetoyouforit.Considerseriouslyhowthisdebt is on your head by nature, how you are transgressors from thewomb, breakers of covenant with God, fallen under the penalty of thecovenant of works, by your not fulfilling the condition of it, buttransgressingthecovenant.Livenomoreunconcernedabout it,butsist

yourguiltyconsciencesinthispointparticularlybeforetheLord;andletthatfearandsorrowworkinyoursoulsonthishead,thatoughttobeinthe case of sins committedby you in yourownpersons. I shall enforcethiswithsomemotives.

MOTIVE 1. Consider that it is really your sin, by which, you haveoffendedGod,brokenhiscovenant,andmadeyourselvesliabletoeternalwrath. And shall it not lie heavy on your spirits, that you have thussinned?Rom.5:19.Ifitbereallyyoursin,yourdebtyeareinvolvedinbythemismanagementofyourfirstfather;canitbesafetobeunconcernedaboutit,whileaholyjustGodisthepartyyehavetodowith?

MOT.2.Itisthefountainofallthesinsandmiseriesthateverhavebeenfound with you. Ye are guilty before God of sins of heart, lip and life:thesemustsometimebeaterrortothesoul.Butwhencedidallthisflow,but fromyour corruptnature, averse to all good, andprone to all evil?Andwhencehadyou thatnature,but fromtheguiltof thissin lyingonyou?Yehavebeenplungedinagulfofmiseries;evenfromthewombtothisday,thecloudshavebeenreturningaftertherain.Tracethemtothespring-head,andyouwill findtheyall issuefromthissin.Andwhatsincanyetrulymournovertopurpose,ifyedonotmournoverthefountainof all? What calls more loudly for repenting and mourning than thisleadingsin?

MOT.3.Whiletheguiltofthissinliesuponyouyeloseallyourlabourinstriving to get the guilt of other sins removed, or to get your livesreformed. That is but to shut the door while the grand thief is in thehouse;tolabourtodryupthestreams,whileyeareatnopainstogetthepoisonous fountain stopt; the which is labour in vain. And it is theoverlooking of this that is the cause of the apostacy of many whosometimeshavemadesuchafairappearance;andisalsothecauseoftheprevalence of a legal disposition that is so much at this day amongprofessors.

MOT. 4. Lastly, If ye get not the pardon of it, itwill ruin you for ever,Rom.5:18.Herebyyearecondemned;andapardononlycanreversethesentence.Yemustthensueoutthepardonofit;andifyoucometoGodonthaterrand,besureyoursoulswillbehumbledandbrokenwithinyou

forit.

Andifyewouldhaveyourheartsdulyaffectedwiththissin,(1.)Labourtolayasideyourcarnalreasonings,andbelieveGod'swordas thewordoftruth and righteousness, which fixes this guilt on all mankind, andparticularlyonyou.Thesereasonings in thismatteraredangerous,andcan tend tonothingbuthardening theheart, and castingdishonour onGod.(2.)HowyenaturallytracethestepsofAdaminhisbreakingofthecovenant, so bearing fallen Adam's image most lively, as I showedelsewhere.Theconsiderationofthismayservetoprovethefactuponus,while we do so readily fall into the sameway again, as far as we haveoccasion. (3.) Consider the righteousness of Christ, which is to be thesamewayimputedtoallbelievers,andshallbe imputedtoyouonyourbelieving.There isagiftof righteousness tobe imputed,aswellas thatdebtofsinischargeduponyou.

Lastly, Let this stir you up to quit your hold of the first Adam and hiscovenant,andfleeforlifeandsalvationtothesecondAdaminthesecondcovenant, unitingwith himby faith. The offer of the gospel ismade toyou:theLordhasmadeagrantofhissonasaquickeningheadtopoorsinners.Believe it, embrace theoffer, acceptheaven's gift; otherwise yewill be ruined, not only by the breach of the first covenant, but bydespisingofthesecond.

Ifyebeofthosetowhomthatiniquityisforgiven,yewillhighlyprizethesecondAdam;for"untothemthatbelievehe isprecious,"1Pet.2:7.Yewillbeholyandtenderinyourwalk,thepowerofsinbeingbrokenwheretheguiltisremoved,Rom.8:1.Yewillbedeadtothelaw,anddeniedtoyour own righteousness,makingChrist's fulfilling of the covenant youronlypleaforlifeandsalvation,Matth.5:3,Phil.3:3.

Thusfarofthebreachofthecovenantofworks,andtheextentofit.

PARTIV

THECONDITIONOFMENWHENUNDERTHEBROKENCOVENANTOFWORKS;ANDTHEIRDREADFULSTATEUNDERTHE

CURSE

SECT.I

THESTATEOFMANYMENUNDERTHEBROKENCOVENANTOF WORKS; WHO THEY ARE; THE EFFECT OF THATCOVENANT UPON THEM; AND THE REASONS WHY SOMANYCONTINUEUNDERIT

GALATIANS3:10

Forasmanyasareoftheworksofthe lawareunderthecurse; for it iswritten,Cursed is everyone that continuethnot inall thingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem.

HAVING discoursed of the breaking of the covenant of works by allmankind in Adam, we are next to inquire into the state and case ofsinnersunderthatbrokencovenant.Andthatthetextshewstobeaverylamentableanddangerousone.Inashipwreck,whentheshipisdashedinpiecesuponarock,howheavyisthecaseofthecrewamongtheragingwaves?Theshipcannomorecarrythemtotheharbour,butfailingthem,leavesthemtothemercyof thewaves.Ifonecangetabrokenplanktoholdby,thatisthegreatestsafetythere;butthatdothoftenbutholdintheir miserable lives for a little, till the passengers are swallowed up.Such, and unspeakably worse, is the case of sinners under the brokencovenantofworks,which leaves themunder thecurse,aswesee in thetext.Inwhichwehave,

1. The covenant-state of some ofmankind, yea, ofmany of them.They"areof theworksof the law;" it is thesamethingas tobeof the lawofworks; that is, tobeunder the covenantofworks.So "theworksof thelaw"areopposedto"thehearingoffaith,"Gal.3:2,thatis,thelawtothegospel,thecovenantofworkstothecovenantofgrace.Buttheapostleinour text intimates their covenant-state by a phrase which, in the firstplace, designs their habitual course and practice, viz. to seek life andsalvation by the works of the law; but, in the next place, designs thecovenanttheyareunder,whereoftheirpracticeisaplainevidence.Theyareopposedtothosewhoareoffaith,who,beingunderthecovenantofgrace,byfaithlookforlifeandsalvationbyChrist'sworks.

Thephrase,"Asmanyasareoftheworksofthelaw,"imports,thatthereareotherswhoarenotunderthatcovenant.Inthescripturewereadof"twocovenants,"Gal.4:24.Eachofthesehavetheirchildren;andsotheworldisdividedintotwosortsofmen;someunderthecovenantofgrace,others still remaining under the covenant of works; which the phrase"underthecurse,"dothalsobear;forsincetheyareunderthecurseofthelaw, or covenant of works, they are surely under the law or covenantitself;forwhatsoeverthelawsaith,itsaithtothemwhoareunderthethelaw,"Rom.3:19.

2. The state and case ofmenunder that covenant; they "are under thecurse."Thecovenantisbroken,andsotheyarefallenunderthepenalty;thedutyofthecovenantisneglectedandcastoff;andsotheyareunderthe curse of the covenant.As the blessing or promise,which they havelost, comprehendsall good for timeandeternity, soulandbody; so thecursecomprehendsallevilonsoulandbody,fortimeandeternity.Tobeunderthecurseistobebythelaw'ssentenceseparatedanddestinedtoevil,accordingtothethreatening,Gen.2:17,"Inthedaythatthoueatestthereof,thoushaltsurelydie."

3.Theproofandevidenceofthistheirmiserablestateandcase;"Foritiswritten,Cursed is everyone that continuethnot inall thingswhicharewritten in the book of the law to do them." There is an extract of thesentenceofthelawwhichisstandingagainstthem,Deut.27:26,"Cursedbehethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthislawtodothem."Thatsetsthematterinfull light,fromwhencetheconscienceofeverymanunder

thatcovenantmayconcludehimunderthecurse.

The two following doctrines comprehend the full scope of the words,namely,

DOCT.I.Therearesome,yea,many,ofmankind,whoarestillunderthebrokenCovenantofWorks.

DOCT.II.Maninhisnaturalstate,beingunderthebrokencovenantofworks,isunderthecurse.

DOCT.I.Therearesome,yea,many,ofmankind,whoarestillunderthebrokenCovenantofWorks.

Intheprosecutionofthissubject.Ishall,

I.Evincethetruthofthedoctrine,thattherearesome,yeamany,ofmankind,whoarestillunderthebrokencovenantofworks.

II.Describewhotheyarethatareunderthisbrokencovenant.

III. Shewwhat is the effect of the broken covenant of works uponthem.

IV.Shewwhysomanyremainstillunderthisbrokencovenant.

V.Lastly,Applythesubject.

Proof of the doctrine thatmany persons still continue underthebrokencovenantofworks

I.Ishallevincethetruthofthisdoctrine,thattherearesome,yea,manyofmankind,whoarestillunderthebrokencovenantofworks.Thiswillclearlyappear,ifyeconsider,

1.Thattherearebut"fewthatshallbesaved,"Matth.7:14.Christ'sflockisbutaverylittleflock,Luke12:32.Butallwhoarebroughtfromunderthecovenantofworks,arebroughtintothecovenantofgrace;Rom.6:14,theyarenotunder the lawbutundergrace; andallwhoarewithin the

bondof the covenant of grace, are ofChrist's flock, and shall be saved,Heb.8:10.Henceitfollowsthatthemostpartofmankindareleftunderthecovenantofworks.Thetruthis,allmenbynatureareunderit,andsoarebornunderthecurse,Eph.2:3.Andmanyliveanddieunderit;andtherefore the sentence against the whole wretched herd of thecondemnedworldrunsintheseterms,"Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfire,"&c.

2.Thescriptureisplainonthishead.Theapostletellsusthattherearesomeunderthe law,Rom.3:19, towhomthe lawdothsaywhat itsays,forconvictionandcondemnation;andthatisunderthelawasacovenantofworks, for otherwise all are under it as a rule of life. It curseth andcondemnethmany;Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryone,"viz.,whoisunderthelaw; for itscursecannot reachothers, therebeing"nocondemnation tothem that are in Christ Jesus," Rom. 8:1. It condemns all unbelievers;John 3:18, "He that believeth not is condemned already," viz., by thesentenceof the lawas the covenantofworks; for the covenantofgracecondemnsnoman,John5:45,saidourLordtotheJews,"DonotthinkthatIwillaccuseyoutotheFather;thereisonethataccusethyou,evenMoses, inwhomyetrust."Chap.12:47,"Andifanymanhearmywordsandbelievenot,Ijudgehimnot;forIcamenottojudgetheworldbuttosavetheworld."

3.AsallmeninAdamweretakenintothecovenantofworks,sonomancanbefreedfromtheobligationofit,buttheywhoaredischargedfromitbyGodwhowasman'spartyinit.Thisisevidentfromthegeneralnatureofcontracts.Andnonearedischargedfromitbutonafullansweringofallitcoulddemandofthem,Matth.5:18.ForsaidourLord,"Tillheavenandearthpass,onejotoronetittleshallinnowisepassfromthelaw,tillallbefulfilled."ThisnomancanattainuntobutbyfaithinJesusChrist,wherebythesoulappropriatesandappliestoitselfChrist'sobedienceandsatisfaction offered in the gospel; and so pleading these gets up thedischarge;"Forbeingjustifiedbyfaith,wehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist."Rom.5:1.Butcertainit isthatallmenhavenotfaith,nay,fewhaveit;thereforefewaredischargedfromthecovenantofworks,butmostpartarestillunderit.

4. Freedom from the covenant of works is such a privilege as requires

bothpriceandpower,eachoftheminfinite,toinvestasinnerwithit.Thesinner is by nature under the covenant of works, bound to perfectobediencetoitscommands,tocompletesatisfactionofitssanction.NonebutChristwasabletopurchasethesinner'sfreedomfromthatcovenant,since none but he could answer its high demands. When the sinner'sfreedomispurchased,heissoloathtopartwiththatcovenant,thatnonebuttheSpiritofChrist,inhisdayofpower,canmakehimwillingtocomeawayfromunderit.Soit isthepeculiarprivilegeoftheelect, forwhomChrist died; yea, of believers, whom the Spirit of Christ has translatedfromthekingdomofdarknessintothekingdomof light,Rom.7:4;Gal.2:19.

5. There are many who still live as they were born; in the same statewhereintheirfatherAdamleftthem,whenhebroke;whowerenevertothisday inanydueconcernhow tobedischarged fromthedebthe leftupon theirhead,orof thebondof the covenantofworkswhich inhimtheyenteredinto.Howcanitbethen,butthatthedebtremains,andthebond is uncancelled as to them? In one of the twoAdams allmankindstand to this day; some in the first Adam, bearing the image of theearthly,sinanddeath;othersinthesecondAdam,bearingtheimageofthe heavenly, life and salvation. The translation from the first to thesecondnonemeetwithinamorning-dream;bothlawandgospelhaveaparttoactintheirsouls,arethisworkcanbeeffected.

6.Lastly,Therearebuttwocovenants,viz.ofworksandgrace,Gal.4:24,asthereneverwerebut twowaysof lifeandsalvation,byworksandbygrace;andbuttwofederalheadsofmankind,thefirstandsecondAdam.Underoneofthesecovenants,andbutunderoneofthem,everysonanddaughter ofAdammust be; either under the law or under grace,Rom.6:14.Thecovenantofgracehasnotbeensomuchasexternallyrevealedorpreachedtomanyintheworld;andamongthosetowhomit is,howfewaretherewhohavereallyandtrulyembracedit?howdomanystandat a distance from it, as they would do from fetters of iron? Sincetherefore but few are within the bond of the covenant of grace, it isevidentthatmostmenareunderthecovenantofworks.

Hencethecaseofmany,yea,mostmen,ismostmiserable,theyareunderthecurse.

ThosewhoareUndertheCovenantofWorksdescribed

II. The second thing proposed was, Who they are that are under thebrokenovenantofworks?This is aweightyenquiry; it is ineffect,whoaretheythatareunderthecurse?becauseallthatareunderit,nowthatit is broken, are under the curse. Therefore take heed to it, and applywhatmaybeofferedon thishead. Ipremise these four things, tomakethisthemoreclear.

1. Menmay be under the covenant of works, and yet living under theexternaldispensationofthecovenantofgrace.Thereisagreatdifferencebetwixtone'svisiblechurchstate,andthestateoftheirsoulsbeforetheLord. The covenant of grace was preached to Adam in paradise, Gen.3:15,yetwasheinhazardofrunningbacktothecovenantofworks,ver.22.TheJewshadthedispensationofthecovenantofgraceamongthem,and the ceremonial law clearly held out the way of salvation by theMessiah,yetmostofthemwereunderthecovenantofworks,beingsonsofthebondwoman.So,underthegospeldispensationtothisday,manytowhomthecovenantofgraceisoffered,continueunderthecovenantofworks.Itisonethingtohearthenewcovenantproclaimed,anotherthingtoacceptofitbyfaith.

2.Menmayreceivethesealsofthecovenantofgrace,andyetbeunderthecovenantofworks.Circumcisionwasasealofthecovenantofgrace,yetmanywhoreceiveditwerestillsonsofthebondwoman,tobecastoutfrom inheriting with the children, Gal. 4:24, 25, 30. And so willmanywhoarebaptizedinthenameofChrist,andhavepartakenoftheLord'ssupper, yet be disowned at the last day, by the Head of the secondcovenant,asnoneofhis,Luke13:26,forasmuchastheynevertrulycameintothebondofthatcovenant.

3. Men may be convinced in their consciences of the impossibility ofobtainingsalvationbyAdam'scovenantofworks,andyetremainunderitstill.Where are they who are so very stupid, as to think that they canobtain salvation by perfect obedience to the law? The Pharisees of old,and the Papists to this day, will not venture their salvation on theabsoluteperfectionoftheirownobedience;yettheformerlived,andthe

latterdolive,underthatcovenant.Letnomandeceivehimselfhere;sucha conviction as hardly anyman can shun, is not sufficient to divorce amanfromthelaworcovenantofworks.

4.Lastly,Men,upontheofferofthecovenantofgracemadetothem,mayaimat acceptingof it, and so enter into apersonal covenantwithGod,and yet remain under the covenant ofworks.Manymiss theirmark intheircovenantingwithGod,and,insteadofacceptingGod'scovenantofgrace,makeacovenantofworkswithGod,uponothertermsthanAdam'scovenantwas, forwhich there isnowarrant in theword.TheGalatiansdid not cast off Christ's righteousness altogether, but onlymixed theirown works with his; and thus do many still, looking on their faith,repentance,andobedience,suchastheyare,tobethefulfillingofalaw,uponwhichtheyaretobeacceptedofGod.

Butmoreparticularly,anddirectly,

1st,Allunregeneratepersonsareunderthecovenantofworks.Whereisthe unconverted man or woman, living in the state of irregeneracy,strangerstoasavingchangeontheirsouls?ThatmanorwomanisyetabranchoftheoldAdam,growingontheoldstock,astrangertothenewcovenant,becausenotinChrist,theheadofthecovenant.For"ifanymanbeinChrist,heisanewcreature;oldthingsarepassedaway;behold,allthingsarebecomenew,"2Cor.5:17.Suchanunregeneratepersonisstillunderthecovenantofworks.Thisisevident,inthatthedeathcontainedinthethreateningofthatcovenanthasfullswayoverthem,sothattheyaredeadintrespassesandsins,Eph.3:1,5.Theylieyetwithoutspirituallife, as the first Adam left them. They have no communion with thesecondAdam,elsetheyhadbeenquickened;forheisaquickeninghead,astheotherwasakillingone.

2dly,AllthathavenottheSpiritofChristdwellinginthemareunderthecovenant ofworks; For "if anyman have not the Spirit of Christ, he isnoneofhis,"Rom.8:9.Andsaysthesameapostle,Gal.5:8,"ButifyebeledbytheSpirit,yearenotunderthelaw."Itisoneofthefirstpromisesof the covenant of grace, the giving of the Spirit, Ezek. 37:27, "A newSpiritwillIputwithinyou."AndtheSpiritofChristonceenteringintoamanneverchangeshishabitation.For,saithChristhimself,John14:16,

"IwillpraytheFather,andheshallgiveyouanotherComforter:thathemayabidewithyouforever."Wotothose,then,thathavenottheSpiritof grace, theyareunder the curse.And suchare all prayerlesspersons,Zech.12:10; ignorant,unconvincedsinners,whohavenotyetseentheirlostandruinedstate,John16:8;refractoryandrebelliousones,whowillnotbehedgedinwithintheLord'sway,Ezek.36:27;carnalmen,whoareunderthegovernmentoftheirownlustsandunrulypassions,Gal.5:16.

3. All unbelievers, John 3:18.Whosoever is destitute of saving faith isunderthecovenantofworks;foritisbyfaiththatoneisbroughtwithinthebondofthecovenantofgrace,ismarrieduntoChrist,beingdeadtothelaw.Everysoulofmanisunderoneofthetwohusbands,Christorthelaw.AllbelievershavetheirMakerfortheirhusband;andallunbelievershavethelawasacovenantofworksfortheirs,arigoroushusband,aweekone,whocandonothingfortheirlifeandsalvation,butfortheirruinanddestruction. Faith unites the soul to Christ, Eph. 3:17. The unbeliever,whatthoughhegoaboutthedutiesofreligion,walksoberlyandstrictly,he is not joined to Christ, therefore he remains under the covenant ofworks,underthecurse.

4. All unsanctified, unholy persons, Rom. 6:14. The doctrinal stakingsinnersdownunder,andwreathingabouttheirneckstheyokeofthelawas a covenant ofworks, is so far from being a propermethod to bringthem toholiness and goodworks, that contrariwise they shall never beholy,neverdoonegoodwork,tillsuchtimeastheyarefairlyridofthatyoke,andsitdownunderthejurisdictionofgrace.Sothattrueholinessisaninfalliblemarkofonedeliveredfromthelaw;andunholiness,ofonethat is yet hard and fast under it,Gal. 5:18, forecited. Legalism is rankenmitytotrueholiness,isbutadeviltransformedintoanangeloflight,and never prevails so in the church as in a time of apostacy, growingunholiness,untenderness,regardlessnessofthecommandsofGod,whenallfleshhascorruptedtheirways.Takeforanexample,Popery,thegrandapostasy.WhatsetofmenthatcallthemselvesChristians,setupforthelaw and good works in their doctrine,more than they do? and amongwhomistherelessofthesetobefound?Howcantheybebutunholy,whoareunderthecovenantofworks?forthereisnocommunionwithGodinthe way of that covenant now; so sanctifying influences are stopt, and

theymustwitherandpineawayintheiriniquity.Whereaswhenoncethesoul is brought out from that covenant into the covenant of grace, thecourseofsanctifyinginfluencesisopened,thecleanandcleansingwaterflowsintotheirsouls;theheadofthecovenantisaholyhead,conveyingholinesstohismembers;thespiritofthecovenantisasanctifyingSpirit;thepromisesof thecovenantarepromisesofholiness; thebloodof thecovenantispurifyingblood;and, inaword,everythinginthecovenanttendstosanctifyingandmakingholythecovenanters.

5. All profane, loose, and licentious men, are under the covenant ofworks,Rom.7:5,and8:2.ThesemenofBelialareunderthatheavyyoke.Forunderthatcovenant,beingbroken,sinanddeathhavetheforceofalawuponthesubjects,astheworms,stenchandrottenness,domineerinthegravewithoutcontrol.Whenoneseessomanyprofanelives,unclean,drunkards, swearers, liars, thieves, cheaters, oppressors, and others,walkingaftertheirownlusts;hemayconcludeall thesetobeevidencesand consequents of the curse of the broken covenant on them; even aswhenyegothroughafieldfullofbriers,thorns,thistles,nettles,&c.,yemay sighand say,Theseare theproductof the curse laidon theearth.Thesepeoplethinktheywalkatliberty;butwhatlibertyisit?Evensuchas that madman enjoyed, Mark 5:4, who had been often bound withfettersandchains,andthechainshadbeenpluckedasunderbyhim,andthefettersbrokeninpieces;neithercouldanymantamehim.Thetruthis, they are the arrantest slaves on earth, who are slaves to their owndomineering lusts andpassions; 2Pet. 2:19, "While theypromise themliberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption; for of whom aman is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." Such kindlyslavesaretheyoftheworstofmasters,thattheyhavelostalljustnotionandsenseoftrueliberty,Psalm119:45.

6.Allmeremoralists, such as satisfy themselveswith commonhonestyandsobriety,livinginthemeantimestrangerstoreligiousexercises,andwithouta formofgodliness.Theseareunder the covenantofworks, asseeking justificationandacceptancewithGodbytheirconformity(suchas it is) to the letter of the law, Gal. 5:4. These are they who pleasethemselves,intheirwrongingnoman,doingjustlybetwixtmanandman,andintheirpretendedkeepingofagoodhearttowardsGod;whileinthe

meantime, the rottenness of their hearts appears in their ignorance ofGod and Christ, and the way of salvation by him, their estrangednessfromthedutyofprayerandotherholyexercises.Someofthesehavethatscripturemuchintheirmouths;Micah6:8,"WhatdoththeLordrequireoftheebuttodojustly,andtolovemercy,andtowalkhumblywiththyGod?"littleconsideringthatthelastclausethereofwritesdeathontheirforeheads.Theyareunderthecovenantofworkswithawitness,havingbetakenthemselvestotheirshredsofmoralhonesty,assomanybrokenboardsofthatsplitship.

7. Lastly, All formal hypocrites, or legal professors, these sons anddaughters of the bond-woman,Gal. 4:24, 25. These are theywho havebeenconvinced,butneverwereconverted;whohavebeenawakenedbythe law, but were never laid to rest by the gospel; who are brought toduties but have never been brought out of them to Jesus Christ; whopretend to bemarried to Christ, butwere never yet divorced from nordeadtothe law;andsoarestill joinedtothefirsthusbandthe lawasacovenant of works. Though they be strict and zealous professors andtherein go beyond many; they are as really enemies to Christ as theprofaneare;Rom.10:3,"Forthey,beingignorantofGod'srighteousness,andgoingabouttostablishtheirownrighteousness,havenotsubmittedthemselves to the righteousness of God." Though they will not let anopportunityofdutyslip,buttakeheedtotheirways,anddarenotwalkatrandom, as many do; all that they do is under the influence of thecovenant of works, and therefore God regards it not, but they remainunderthecurse.

Of the Commanding, Debarring, Condemning, and IrritatingPoweroftheCovenantofWorks,uponthosewhoareunderit

III.Iproceedtoshowwhatistheeffectofthebrokencovenantofworksuponthosewhoareunderit.

OftheCommandingPoweroftheCovenantofWorks

First,Ithasandexercisesacommandingpoweroverthem,bindingthemto its obedience, with the strongest bonds and ties of authority. ItscommandsarecontainedinthefierylawdeliveredfromMountSinai,out

ofthemidstofthefire,Deut.5:22.Theobedienceofthem,whichitbindsunto, is perfect obedience, everywayperfect, Luke 10:27, 28. It has itsfullcommandingpoweroverthemallthatareunderit.Ithasbecomeaquestion whether or not believers are set free from the commandingpowerofthecovenantofworks,aswellasfromthecondemningpowerofit.Weownthetencommands,whichweredeliveredonMountSinai,tobetheeternalruleofrighteousness,andthatthesearegivenofGodinthehand of Jesus Christ to believers, for a rule of life to them; that theyrequireof themperfectobedience, andhaveall thebindingpoweroverthemthatthesovereignauthorityofGodtheCreatorandRedeemercangive them,which is supremeandabsolute.But thatbelieversareunderthatlawasitstandsinthecovenantofworks,thatthesecommandsarebound on believers by the tie of the covenant of works, or that thecovenant of works has a commanding power over believers, we mustdeny.Forbelieversaredeadtothelawasacovenantofworks,Rom.7:4,andthereforeasahusbandcannotpretendtocommandhiswifeaftersheisdeadandtherelationdissolved;sobelieversbeingdeadtothelawasacovenant,itcannothaveanycommandingauthorityoverthem.Theyarenot under it, Rom. 6:14, how then can it have any commanding poweroverthem?Theyarenotunderitsjurisdiction,butunderthatofgrace;sothoughthecommandsbe thesameas to thematter,yet theyarenot totakethemfromthecovenantofworks,butfromthelawasinthehandofChrist. Our Lord Jesus did, in the name of all his people, put himselfunder itscommandingpower,andsatisfiedall itscommands, todeliverhispeoplethatwereunderit,Gal.4:4,5,"GodsentforthhisSon,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw."Andshalltheydishonourhimbyputtingtheirnecksunderitagain?AfterChristhasgotupthebond,havingfullypaidallthelaw'sdemands,shallwepretendtoenterinpaymentagain?

Letus takea viewof the commandingpowerof the covenantofworks,whichithasoverallthatareunderit.

1.Itcommandsandbindstoperfectobedience,underpainofthecurse;Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritten in the book of the law to do them." Every the least duty iscommanded with this certification, and this is the risk they run upon

every the least slip. The law in the hand of Christ unto believerscommandsobediencetoo,andthatunderapenalty.Butitisasoftoneincomparison of that, namely, strokes of fatherly anger; as appears fromPsalm 89:30–33, "If his children forsakemy law, and walk not in myjudgments;iftheybreakmystatutes,andkeepnotmycommandments;thenwillIvisittheirtransgressionswiththerod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes,"&c.Thispenalty isnot thecurseofawrathful judge,Gal.3:13,"Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacursefor us." But the covenant of works has no less certification, it cannotspeak to its subjects in softer terms; so that though the stroke itself beneversosmall,yetthereisacurseinit,ifitwerebutthemiscarryingofabasketofbread,Deut.28:17.

2.Itcommandswithoutanypromiseofstrengthatalltoperform.Thereis no such promise to be found in all the Bible, belonging to thatcovenant. It shewswhat is to be done, andwith all severity exacts thetask;butfurnishesnotanythingwhereofitistobemade.Sothecaseofmenunderthatcovenant isrepresentedbyIsrael'scase inEgypt,Exod.5:18, "Go therefore now and work," said Pharaoh to that people; "forthereshallnostrawbegivenyou,yetshallyedeliverthetaleofbricks."Under thecovenantofgrace,duty is required,butstrength ispromisedtoo,Ezek.36:27,"AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou,andanewspiritwillIputwithinyou;andIwilltakeawaythestonyheartoutofyourflesh,andIwillgiveyouanheartofflesh."AndthecommandsinthehandsoftheMediator are turned into promises, as appears from Deut. 10:16,"Circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked."Comparechap.30:6,"AndtheLordthyGodwillcircumcisethineheart,andtheheartof thyseed, to lovetheLordthyGodwithall thineheart,andwithallthysoul,thatthoumayestlive."Yea,theMediator'scallsandcommandstohispeoplebearapromiseofhelp;Prov.10:29,"Thewayofthe Lord is strength to the upright." But there is no such thing in thecovenantofworks;theworkmustbeperformedinthestrengththatwasgiven; theymust tradewith the stock thatmankindwas set upwith atfirst:butthatstrengthisgone,thatstockiswasted;howbeitthelawcanneithermakeitupagain,noryetabateofitsdemands.

OftheDebarringPoweroftheCovenantofWorks

Secondly, The broken covenant of works has a debarring power overthemthatareunder it, inrespectof thepromise; itbars themfromlifeandsalvation,aslongastheyareunderitsdominion,Gal.2:16,"Forbytheworks of the law shall no flesh be justified."While Adam kept thiscovenant,itsecuredeternallifetohim;butassoonasitwasbroken,itsetitbeyondhisreach;andneitherhenoranyofhisdescendentshadeverseen life, if another covenant had not been provided. The brokencovenant of works fixes a great gulf betwixt its territories and life andsalvation;sothatnomancanpassfromtheonetotheother.Ifanywouldbe at heaven, they must get out from under the law, and get into thecovenantofgrace;soshalltheyhavelifeandsalvation;butnototherwise.Therearetwobarswhichthisbrokencovenantdrawsbetwixtitssubjectsandlifeandsalvation.

1.There isno life to the sinnerwithout complete satisfaction to justice,forthewronghehasdonetothehonourofGodandhislaw;Heb.9:22,for "without shedding of blood is no remission." The terms of thecovenant were—"In the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surelydie,"Gen.2:17.Nowthecovenantisbroken,thepenaltymustbepaid,inthe true sense andmeaning of the bond; the sinnermust die, and dieinfinitely,dietillinfinitejusticebesatisfied.Canthesinnergetoverthisbar?Isheabletosatisfy,canhegotothatdeath,asacrificeforhimself,and return again? Can he pay the penalty of the bond?No, no. In hisblindnessandignorance,hethinksperhapstogetoveritbyhismourningand afflicting himself for his sin, by bearing as well as he can theafflictionsGodlaysonhim;butallhissufferingsintheworldarebutanearnest of what he must suffer hereafter. For at best they are but thesufferingsofa finitebeing,whichcannotcompensate thewronghis sinhasdonetothehonourofaninfiniteGod;andbesides,hesinsanewinhis suffering too; he cannot bear a cross without some grudge againstGod,andsomeimpatience,whicharenewsins.Sothesinnerinthisdoesbutattempttowashhimselfinthemire.Whereforehecannevergetoverthisbar.Andifhewereoverit,thereisyeta.

2.Secondbarbetwixthimandlifeandsalvation,namely,Thereisnolifeandsalvationwithoutperfectobediencetoitscommandsforthetimetocome; Matth. 19:17, "If thou wilt enter into life," says Christ unto the

young man in the gospel, "keep the commandments." This was theconditionofthecovenant;anditisnotenoughthatamanpaythepenaltyofabrokencovenant,buthemustperformtheconditionofit,erehecanpleadthebenefit.PerfectobediencetothecommandsofGodisthetermsoflifeinthatcovenant;nolesswasproposedtoAdam,whobrokeit;nolesstoChristwhofulfilleditintheroomofhiselect,Gal.4:4,5,forecited.As therewasanecessityofpassiveobedience to it,Luke24:26, "Oughtnot Christ to have suffered these things?" so was there of activeobedience,Matth.3:15, "Itbecomethus to fulfilall righteousness."Andthereisnolessproposedtoallthatareunderit.

Isthesinnerabletogetoverthisbar?Hisstockofstrengthisgone;thefallinAdamhassobruisedhim,thathisarmisbroken,hecannotworkforlife;heisnotfittobeGod'shiredservantnowforlife;fortillhegetlife of free grace in Christ, he can do nothing, John 15:5. Hemust besavedbeforehe canworkonegoodwork, saved fromsin, theguilt andpower of it; saved from the spiritual death he is lying under, as thepenalty of the covenant ofworks; how then can hework for salvation?Thescriptureisexpressonthishead,notonlythatwearenotjustifiedbyworks,but thatwearenotsavedbyworks: for "Bygraceareyesaved,"saystheapostle,"throughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are hisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusuntogoodworks,whichGodhathbefore ordained that we should walk in them," Eph. 2:8–10. "Not byworksofrighteousnesswhichwehavedone,butaccordingtohismercyhe saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of theHolyGhost,"Tit.3:5.

Iknowthesinner,inhisblindness,willthinktopleaseGodbyhisdoingaswellashecan;byhispretendedsincerity,thoughhecannotattaintoperfection; by the will, where he cannot reach the deed. But alas! heconsidersnotthatthecovenantofworkswilladmitofnoneofthese,allwhicharerejectedbythatonesentenceofthelaw,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Besidesthatthereisnotonethingthathedoesthatiswelldone, while he is not in Christ; there is no sincerity with him, butselfishness;nowillbutself-will.

And as there is no getting over either of these bars, so there is noremoving them out of theway, that so the sinnermay have a passage,without concerning himself with them, Matth. 5:18. Some fancy tothemselves a removing of them by mere mercy. God knows that wecannot answer the demands of the covenant of works, so, think they,mercy will pass them for the safety of the sinner. But has not Godsufficiently declared the contrary, in the sending of his own Son, who,before he could redeem the elect, behoved to get over them both byperfectobedienceandsatisfactionintheirstead,Rom.8:22.Ifthetermsof life and salvation couldhave been abated,might notGod's ownSonhaveexpectedtheabatementinhisfavour,whilehestoodintheroomofelect sinners? but he got no abatement; how can ye expect it then; SeeExod.34:7.

OftheCondemningPoweroftheCovenantofWorks

Thirdly, The broken covenant of works has a cursing and condemningpoweroverthemthatareunderit,inrespectofthethreatening."Cursedis every one that continueth not in all things which are written in thebook of the law to do them," Gal. 3:10. Compare Rom. 3:19, "Nowweknow that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who areunderthelaw;thateverymouthmaybestopped,andalltheworldmaybecomeguiltybeforeGod."Everymanandwomanunderit,isinastateofcondemnation;theyarecondemnedpersons,boundovertothewrathof God in time and eternity, John 3:18, "He that believeth not iscondemned already." So that there have never any come to Christ butwith the rope about their necks, as condemned criminals. Christ'skingdomisthejurisdictionofgrace,wheregrace,life,andsalvationreignthroughJesusChrist.Itispeopledbyfugitivesoutofthedominionofthelaw; and they that flee thither are all suchas find there isno living forthemathome;theyaresuchasthesentenceofdeathispassedupon,andthereisnoaccessforaremissiontothemunderthedominionofthelaw.Andtheyneverthinkoffleeingintothejurisdictionofgrace,tilloncethesentenceofdeathisintimateduntothem,bytheirownconsciences,andthey begin to see they are in hazard every moment of being drawn todeath;fortillthen,theywillnotbelieveit.Thentheybethinkthemselvesofmakingtheirescapeoutofthelaw'sdominion.

This power the law, as a covenant of works, has over them by sin,forasmuchasitwasaclauseinthecovenant,thatmansinningshoulddiethedeath,Gen.2:17.Ithadnosuchpoweroverman,tilloncesinentered;butuponthebreachofthecommand,thepenaltytookplace.Andsinceeverymanisbornasinner,heisalsobornacursedandcondemnedmanbythesentenceofthelaw,whichabidesonhimsolongashecontinuesunderthatcovenant.Anduponeverysincommitted,theyokeiswreathedfaster and faster about his neck; so that upon every sin committed bypersonswhileinthatstate,thereisanewbandbywhichtheyareboundovertowrath.

OftheIrritatingPoweroftheCovenantofWorks

Lastly,Thebrokencovenantofworkshasanirritatinginfluenceuponallthatareunder it, so that insteadofmaking thembetter, itmakes themworse,stirringuptheircorruptions,likeanestofants,beingtroubledbyone'stouchingofthem,Rom.7:9,10,11,"Forwhenwewereintheflesh,says theapostle, themotionsof sinwhichwereby the law,didwork inourmembers to bring forth fruit unto death.—And the commandment,which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin takingoccasion by the commandment, deceivedme, and by it slewme."Menunderthiscovenant,whosecorruptionsliedormantafterasort,whilethelaw is not applied to their consciences, when once the law is broughthome to their souls, and they are touchedwith it, their corrupt heartsswell and rage in sin, like the sea troubled with winds. See a notableinstanceofit,Acts7:54,inthecaseoftheJewsafterStephen'sspeechtothem,"Whentheyheardthesethings,theywerecuttotheheart,andtheygnashed on him with their teeth." And hence is that direction of ourSaviour,Matth.7:6, "Givenot thatwhich isholyunto thedogs,neithercastyeyourpearlsbeforeswine,lesttheytramplethemundertheirfeet,and turn again and rend you." Youmay look to another instance,Hos.11:2,"Astheycalledthem,sotheywentfromthem."Andthusitis,thatbythelawsinabounds,andbecomesexceedinglysinful.

Now,thisisaccidentaltothelawasthecovenantofworks;foritisholy,andjust,andgood;andthereforecanneverbringforthsinasthenativefruitofit.Butitisowingtothecorruptionofmen'shearts,impatientofrestraint, Rom. 7:12, 13, forecited. While the sun shines warm on a

garden,theflowerssendforthapleasantsmell;butwhileitshinessoonthedunghill,itsmellsmoreabominablythanatothertimes.Soitishere.Therearetwothingsheretobeconsideredinthecaseofthelaw.

1. It lays an awful restraint on the sinner with its commands andthreatenings,Gal.3:10.Theunrenewedmanwouldnevermakeaholylifehis choice; might he freely follow his own inclination, he would notregardwhat isgood,butgivehimselfa liberty insinfulcourses.Butthelawisasabridletohim;itcrossesandcontradictshissinfulinclinations;itcommandshimtoobeyunderthepainofthecurse,andthreatenshimwithdeathanddamnation,ifheshalltransgresstheboundsitsetshim.Itistohimasthebridleandspurtothehorse;asthemasterandhiswhipto the slave. So that the sinner can never cordially like it, but all theobedience itgets fromhimismercenary,havingnohigherspringsthanhopeofrewardandfearofpunishment.

2.Inthemeantimeithasnopowertosubduehiscorruptions,toremovehis rebellious disposition, to reconcile his heart to holiness, or tostrengthenhim for theperformanceofduty; "For the lawwas givenbyMoses,butgraceandtruthcamebyJesusChrist,"John1:17.Asit findsthemanwithoutstrength,soitleaveshim,thoughitneverceasestoexactdutyofhim.Thoughnostrawisgiventothesinnerbyit,yetthetaleofthebricksitwillnotsuffertobediminished.Hence,

(1.)Theveryrestraintofthelaw,asthecovenantofworks,awakens,andputs an edge upon the corruption of the heart, Rom. 7:11, forecited. Itbreedsinthecorruptheartalongingaftertheforbiddenfruit,thoughithave nothing more to commend it than allowed fruit, but that it isforbidden.Thesinnerperceivingthethorn-hedgeofthelawbetwixthimandsin,conceivesakeennesstobeoverthehedge.Andhenceitis,thatmanyareneversoready tobreakout intoextravagancies,asafter theirconsciences have beenmost keenly plied by the word. And thusmanynever give such a loose to their lusts, as after solemn occasions ofcommunionwithGod.

(2.) In theencounterbetwixt the lawand lusts, lustsgatherstrengthbythelaw'scrossingthem.Theyareirritated,provoked,andstirredupthemore,thatthelawgoesabouttoholdthemdown,Rom.7:5.Theyswell,

they rally all their forces, tomake head against their enemy, that theymayget thevictory.Thesinner, themorehe ispliedby the lawtoholdhimback,runs themore fiercelydownthesteepplace into thesea, liketheswinepossessedbythedevil.If thelawcomeintotheheartwithoutgospelgracetowaterthesoul,itshallbelikeonewithabesomsweepingadryfloor;themoreforciblyonesweeps,themorethickwillthedustfleeup,andfleeaboutintoeverycorner.Thesinnerisliketheunrulyhorse,whichthemoreheischeckedwiththebit,ragesthemore.AndhencetheissueoftenisthatwhichwefindinHos.4:17,"Ephraimisjoinedtoidols;lethimalone;"andinPsalm81:11,12,"Butmypeoplewouldnothearkentomyvoice;andIsraelwouldnoneofme;soIgavethemupuntotheirownheart'slust,andtheywalkedintheirowncounsels."

(3.)Thesinner,findingthecasehopeless,hardenshimself,andgoeson,liketreacherousJudah,Jer.2:25,"Thousaidst,Thereisnohope.No;forIhavelovedstrangers,andafterthemwillIgo."Helookstotheheightofthelaw'scommands,andfindshimself incapabletoreachthem;andhelookstotheterrorofthelaw'sthreatenings,andfindsthemunavoidable.Sohegivesupwithhope,sitsdownhardenedinsecretdespair,usingallmeans to stop the access of light from the law for his conviction anddisquietment.Thushe is likea tiredhorse, thatbears thespur,butwillnot answer it; or if hebemovedby it, turnsback tobite the rider, butgoesnotonefootfasterforallit.

(4.)Lastly,Hencetheheartisfilledwiththehatredoftheholylaw,andoftheholyGodwhomadeit,andholdsbyit.Thisisthefearfulissueofthematter,Prov.1:29,"Theyhatedknowledge,anddidnotchoosethefearofthe Lord." Rom. 1:30,—"Haters of God." As the condemned criminalhatesthejudgeandthelaw,sodothey.Theycannotbringuptheirheartstothepuritythelawrequires,andcannotgetthelawbroughtdowntotheimpurity of their hearts, but still it reads their doom; hence the heartcannotmisstoriseagainstthelaw,beinggirdedwiththecordsofdeathby it;andagainstGod insecretgrudgesathisholinessand justice,andsecretwishesthathewerenotsuchanoneasheis.

This isa shortaccountofwhat iscalled the irritatingpowerof the law;fromwhichaloneonemaysee,whata fearful case it is tobeunder thelawas it is the covenantofworks. It tends tomake theheart ofmana

veryhell;andthetruthis, inhell itcomesto itsheight;andsotheyareheldlikewildbullsinanet.

The Reasons why so many persons still remain under thebrokenCovenantofWorks

IV.Inowproceedtoshew,whysomanydostillremainunderthebrokencovenantofworks.Asforthosewhoneverheardof,norhadtheofferofthecovenantofgrace,weneednotinquiremuch.Thecaseisplain;theyknow no other way. But men to whom the covenant of grace isproclaimed,yetremainunderthecovenantofworks;theywillstillhangon about Sinai for all the thunders and lightnings there, and will notcometoZion.Thefollowingreasonsofthisconductmaybegiven:—

1. It isnatural tomen,beingmadewithAdam,andus inhis loins; it isengrainedintheheartsofallmennaturally."Tellme,"saystheapostle,Gal. 2:21, "ye thatdesire tobeunder the law,do yenothear the law?"Andthereareimpressionsofittobefoundintheheartsofall,amongtheruinsofthefall.Thelawasacovenantofworkswasthefirsthusbandthathumannaturewasweddedto;andsoitisstillnaturaltomentocleavetoit.Andwehaveaclearproofofit,

(1.)Inmenleft totheswingof theirownnature; theyallgothiswayintheir dealingwithGod for life and favour. Look abroad into theworld,and behold the vast multitudes embracing Paganism, Judaism,Mahometism,andPopery.Alltheseagreeinthis,thatitisbydoingmanmustlive,thoughtheyhugelydifferinthethingsthataretobedoneforlife.LookintotheProtestantchurches,andyoushallseereadily,thatthemore corrupt any of them is, the more they incline to the way of thiscovenant.Considerpersonsamongus ignorantof theprinciplesof truereligion,who,nothavingreceivedinstruction,speakofthewayoflifeandsalvation as nature prompts them, and you shall find them also of thesamemind.Finally,considerallunrenewedmenwhatsoever,havingtheknowledgeandmakingprofessionoftheexpectationoflifeandsalvationin thewayof thecovenantofgrace;yet they inpracticestumbleat thisstumbling-stone,Matt.5:3.

(2.)Inmenawakenedandconvinced,andinmoralseriousnessseekingto

knowwhatcoursetheyshall taketobesaved,andplyingtheirworkforthatend.Theyalltakethisprincipleforgranted,Thatitisbydoingtheymustobtainlifeandsalvation,Matth19:16,"WhatgoodthingshallIdothat I may have eternal life?" Luke 10:25, "What shall I do to inheriteternal life?"And this obtainswhen they are pricked to the very heart,andthelawasthecovenantofworkshaswoundedthemtotheverysoul.Theyneverthinkofadivorcefromthelaw,thattheymaybemarriedtoChrist;buthowshalltheydotopleasetheoldhusband,andsobesavedfromwrath; as is plain in the case of Peter's hearers, Acts 2:27, when,beingprickedintheirhearts,theysaid,"Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?" and in the case of the Philippian jailor, Acts 16:30, who beingawakenedby a trainof very alarming incidents, and trembling throughterror,criedout,"WhatmustIdotobesaved?"

(3.) In the saints, who are truly married to Jesus Christ, O whathankeringafterthefirsthusband,howgreattheremainsofalegalspirit,howhardisitforthemtoforgettheirfather'shouse?Psalm45:10.Adamhaving embraced the promise of the Messiah, yet was in hazard ofrunningbacktothiscovenant.ThereisadispositiontodealwithGod,inthewayofgivingsomuchdutyforsomuchgraceandfavourwithGod,inthebest,thattheyhavecontinuallytostrivewith.Self-denialisoneofthemostdifficultdutiesinChristianity.

2.Thewayofthatcovenantismostagreeabletotheprideofman'sheart.Aproudheartwillratherserveitselfwiththeless,thanstooptoliveuponfreegrace,Rom.10:3.Manmustbebroken,bruised,andhumbled,andlaid very low, before he will embrace the covenant of grace. While abrokenboardofthefirstcovenantwilldomenanyservice,theywillholdbyit,ratherthancometoChrist;likemenwhowillratherliveinacottageof their own, than in another man's, castle. To renounce all our ownwisdom,works,andrighteousness,andtocastawayallthosegarmentsasfilthy rags, whichwe have been at somuch pains to patch up, is quiteagainstthegrainwithcorruptnature,Rom.7:4.

3.Itismostagreeabletoman'sreason,initscorruptstate.Ifoneshouldhave asked the opinion of the philosophers, concerning that religionwhich taught salvation by a crucified Christ, and through therighteousnessofanother;theywouldhavesaid,itwasunreasonableand

foolish, and that the only way to true happiness was the way ofmoralvirtue.TheJewishRabbiswouldhavedeclareditscandalous,1Cor.1:23,where the preaching of Christ crucified is said to be to the Jews astumbling-block, (in theGreek, a scandal); andwouldhavemaintainedtheonlywaytoeternal lifetobebythelawofMoses.Tothisdaymanylearned men cannot see the reasonableness of the gospel-method ofsalvation, in opposition to the way of the covenant of works; andtherefore our godly forefathers, who reformed from Popery, andmaintained the reformed truth against Popery by their heroic zealouswrestlings even unto blood, while they shewed that acquaintance withpracticalgodlinessandrealholiness,whereofthereislittleinourday,arein effect looked upon as a parcel of well-meaning simple men, whosedoctrinemustbe reformedover again, and renderedmoreagreeable toreason.Arationalreligionisliketobetheplagueofthisday.Butassureyeyourselves,thatwhereverthegospelcomesinpower,itwillmakethereason of the wisest sit down at its feet, and learn, and give ever itsquestions formed by Hows and Whys, 2 Cor. 10:5, It "casts downimaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against theknowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity every thought to theobedienceofChrist."

Evenunlearnedandsimplemen,inwhomthisappearsless,becausetheydonotenterdeepintothethought,willbefoundsickofthesamedisease,whenoncetheyarethoroughlyawakened,andtakethesematterstoheartHowwilltheydisputeagainstthegospel-methodofsalvation,againstthepromise,againsttheirbelievingtheirwelcometoChrist,whoaresosinfulandunworthy!Thematterappearssogreat,asindeeditis,thattheylookonthegospel-methodasadream,andtheycannotbelieveit.

4.Ignoranceandinsensiblenessofthetruestateofthatmatter,asitnowis. There is a thick darkness about Mount Sinai, through the wholedominionofthelaw;sothattheywholiveunderthecovenantofworks,see littlebutwhattheyseebythe lightningsnowandthenflashingout.Hencetheylittleknowwheretheyare,norwhattheyare.

(1.)Theydonotunderstandthenatureofthatcovenanttopurpose,Gal.4:21.Anynotiontheyhaveofit,islameandweak,withoutefficacy.Theyseenothow forcibly it binds toperfectobedienceand satisfaction,how

rigorousitisinitsdemands,andwillabatenothing,thoughamanshoulddo to the utmost of his power, and with cries and tears of blood seekforgiveness for therest.Theyarenotacquaintedwith thespiritualityofthe law, and the vast compassof theholy commandment, but stick toomuchintheletterof it.Hencetheyarealivewithoutthelaw,Rom.7:9.Theynarrow the demands of it, that so theymay be themore likely tofulfilthem.

(2.)Theyarenotdulysensibleoftheirownutterinabilityforthatwayofsalvation;"Thereisonethataccuseththem,evenMoses,"orthelaw,"inwhomthey trust,"John5:45.Theyknow theyareoff theway,and thattheyhavewandered fromGod;but theyhope theywill getback tohimagain by repentance; while, in the meantime, their heart is a heart ofstone, and they cannot change it; and "the Ethiopian shall" be able assoonto"changehisskin,theleopardhisspots,astheymaydogoodthatareaccustomedtodoevil,"Jer.13:23;andthereisnocomingtoGodbutbyChrist, John4:6.Theyknow theyhave sinned, andprovoked justiceagainstthem;buttheyhopetobesorryfortheirsin, topraytoGodforforgiveness,andbearanythingpatientlythatGodlaysonthem;whileinthemeantime they see not that none of those things will satisfy God'sjustice, which yet will have full satisfaction for every the least sin oftheirs,eretheyseeheaven.Theyknowtheymustbeholy;buttheyhopetoserveGodbetterthanevertheyhavedone;whileinthemeantimetheyconsidernot that theirwork-arm isbroken, and they canworknone topurposetilltheybesavedbygrace.

ApplicationoftheDoctrineoftheConditionofMenunderthebrokenCovenantofWorks

Thisdoctrinemaybeappliedforinformationandexhortation.

USEI.Ofinformation.Hencelearn,

1.Thatsome,yeamanyofmankind,areunderthecurse,boundovertowrath.Forthatisthecaseofallpersonsunderthatcovenant.Theirnecksare under a heavy yoke; they are liable in payment of a penalty,whichtheywillneverbeabletodischarge,andtoputofftheirheads.Theymaypaymoreor lessof it in thisworld;but if theygetnot ridof itanother

way,itwillnotbepaidoutthroughalltheagesofeternity.

2.Seeherewhenceitisthattrueholinessissorare,andwickednessandungodlinesssofrequentintheworld.Mostmenareunderthatcovenant,underwhichsinanddeathreign;and there isnoholiness, therearenogoodworksunderit,Rom.6:14.Ithas,beingbroken,barredcommunionbetwixtGodandsinnersunder it;andthereforeofnecessitytheremustbeapiningawayininiquitywhileoneisunderit.Itisonlyinthewayofthesecondcovenantthatsanctifyinginfluencesarehad.

3.Hereyemayseethetruespringoflegalisminprinciplesaswellasinpractice.Manyarereallyunderthatcovenant;nowonderthentherebemanytosetupforthatway.Itisthewaythatbackslidingchurchesinallageshavegone.Itsoonbeganintheprimitiveapostolicalchurches;andthat mystery of iniquity wrought till it issued in Popery, the grandapostasyundertheNewTestament.

4.Seewhenceitisthatthedoctrineofthegospelissolittleunderstood,andinthepurityofitislookedatasastrangething.Itislikeotherthingswhicharenotknowninthecountryinwhichoneisbred,andthereforestaredat,andoftenmistaken.Henceitgetsillnamesintheworld.WhenChrist himself preached it, he was called a friend of publicans andsinners;whenPaulpreachedit,theywouldnotbelievebuthemadevoidthe lawby it,andthatheopenedadoor for licentiousnessof life,Rom.3:8.

USEII.Beexhortedthenseriouslyandimpartiallytotrywhatcovenant ye areunder. It is true there is a covenant of gracemade,proclaimedandoffereduntoyou,andyeareallunderthe outward dispensation of the covenant of grace; but yetmanyarenotwithstandingreallyunderthecovenantofworksstill.Asyeloveyourownsouls,tryimpartially,whetheryebeunderitornot,butunderthecovenantofgrace.Formotives,consider

MOTIVE1.Yeareallbornunderthecovenantofworks,being"bynaturechildrenofwrath,"Eph.2:3.Itisintheregionofthelawthatwealldrawourfirstbreath.Andnomanwillgetoutfromitsdominioninamorning

dream.Weoweittooursecondbirth,whoeverofusarebroughtintothecovenantofgrace;but that isnotouroriginal state.The law is the firsthusband to all and every one ofAdam's children. Iwouldhave you trywhetheryebedeadtoit,anddivorcedfromitornot.

MOTIVE2.Tillonceyeseeyourselvesunderthecovenantofworks,andso lost and ruinedwith the burden of that broken covenant on you; yemayhearofthecovenantofgrace,butyewillnevertakeholdofitingoodearnest,Gal.2:6.Hereliestheruinofthemostpartwhohearthegospel;theywerenever slainby the law, and thereforeneverquickenedby thegospel; they never find the working of the deadly poison conveyed tothemfromthefirstAdam,andthereforetheyseenobeautyinthesecondAdamforwhichheistobedesired.

MOTIVE3.Yoursalvationorruinturnsonthispoint.Whatcovenantyeareunder.Ifthoubewithinthebondofthecovenant,ofgrace,thouartinastateofsalvation;"Hethatbelievethshallbesaved,"Mark16:16.Davidcouldsay,"Godhathmadewithmeaneverlastingcovenant,ordered inall thingsandsure; for this isallmysalvation,2Sam.23:5. If thouartunder the covenant ofworks, thou art in a state of death; for, says thetext,"asmanyasareoftheworksofthelawareunderthecurse."Andisthissolightandtrivialamatterthatthoushouldstbeunconcernedwhichofthesecovenantsthouartunder?

MOTIVE4. There is no ease for a poor sinner but severity and rigour,underthecovenantofworks.Onemayeasilyseethatwearenotabletoabide that now, when we are become weak and guilty; for, says thePsalmist,Psalm130:3,"If thou,Lord,shouldstmark iniquities;OLord,whoshallstand?"Butwhilethouremainestunderthefirstcovenant,thoucaustexpectnothingbutwrathandfury.Thereisnopardonunderthatcovenant; the law-statute being, "In the day thou eatest thereof, thoushaltsurelydie,"Gen.2:17Thesinnermustdiethedeath.Thateverweheard of pardon is owing to the second covenant, which securespardoningmercy to thosewho come under the bond of it; for "by him(Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which theycouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses,"Acts13:39.Thoughthereisnoquestionbutthecovenantofworksrequiresrepentance,aturningtoGodunderpainofthecurse;yetthereisnograceforhelpingthesinnertoit

underthiscovenant;andsupposeonecouldattaintoit,itcouldnothelphim.There isnoaccepting thewill for thedeedunder it. It isnotgoodwill,butperfectlygoodworksthatwillsatisfyit.

MOTIVE5.Whileyeareunderthatcovenant,yearewithoutChrist,Eph.2:12.Asawomancannot,bythelawofGod,bemarriedtotwohusbandsat once, so one cannot be under the covenant ofworks andmarried toChristatonce.Thefirstmarriagetothelawmustbedissolvedbydeathordivorce, ere the soul can be married to Christ, Rom. 7:4. And beingwithoutChrist,yehavenosavinginterestinhispurchase.

Lastly,Allattemptsyoumaketogettoheaven,whileunderthiscovenant,willbevain.Thechildrenofthatcovenantare,byanunalterablestatuteof thecourtofheaven,excluded fromtheheavenly inheritance;so that,dowhatyouwill,whileyeabideunderit,youmayaswellfalla-ploughingtherocks,andsowingyourseedinthesandofthesea,asthinktogettoheaventhatway;forwhatsaiththescripture?"Castoutthebond-womanandherson;forthesonofthebond-womanshallnotbeheirwiththesonof the free woman," Gal. 4:30. The way to heaven by that covenant isblockeduptosinners,theangelwiththeflamingswordguardsthetreeoflife,sothatthereisnoaccesstosalvationthatway,butunderaconditionimpossibleforyoutoperform.

Now,tosetthismatterinaduelighttoyou,Iwill,

1. Give some marks and characters of those that are under thiscovenant.

2.Discoverthevanityofsomepleasthatsuchhave,toprovethatitisnottotheirownworksthattheytrustforsalvation,buttoChrist.

First, Iwill give somemarksandcharactersof those thatareunderthiscovenant.

1.Theyhaveneveryetpartedwiththelaw,orcovenantofworks,lawfully,whichall thesaintshavedone.Thereare twowaysofpartingwith thatcovenant.Oneisbyrunningawayfromit;andthuswemayapplytothiscaseNabal'staleconcerningDavid,1Sam25:10,"Therebemanyservants

now-a-days,thatbreakawayeverymanfromhismaster."Theybreakitsbonds,andcastawayitscords,valueneitheritscommandsnorthreats;fortheylookonit likeanalmanackoutofdate,asathingthattheyarenot concerned with. This is no lawful parting, and therefore it cannotdissolvetherelationbetwixtthemandit.Aservantorawifethatisrunaway,isaservantorawifeforallthatstill.Andthemastercanbringbacktheone,andmakehimserveorsuffer;andthehusbandtheother.Andsowillthiscovenantdealwithsuch,andmakethemsensibletheyareunderit still, in the strictest bonds. It will take them by the throat here orhereafter,saying,Paywhatthouowest.

The other is partingwith it, after fair count and reckoningwith it, andpaymentinstructed;apartingwithituponadivorceobtained,afterafairhearinggiven itbefore theJudgeofall theearth. It isbroughtabout inthis manner. There is a summons given at the instance of the law, orcovenant of works, to the conscience of the secure sinner, to compearbefore the tribunal of God. Hereby the conscience being awakened, itappearsandstandstremblingatthebar;inthemeantimetheKing'sSonoffers himself in a marriage covenant to the guilty soul, with hisrighteousness,obedience,andsatisfaction.Thelawappearsandpleads,

(1.) So much and so much owing by the sinner, for his breaking itscommands. Mountains of guilt appear innumerable articles in itsaccounts; and the charge must be owned just, for it is just in everyparticular.Herethesinner,betakinghimselftoChrist,pleadsbyfaiththesatisfactionofChrist forhim; and, embracing the gospel offers, he setsbetwixt him and the law the death and sufferings of Christ, as fullpaymentofthatdebt.

(2.)Somuchtobedonebeforethesinnercanbesaved,accordingtotheconditionofthecovenant,perfectobedienceduetoitbyallthechildrenof Adam. The sinner cannot deny the debt; but pleads by faith theMediator'spaymentof it,byhisobedienceeventothedeath.Hecountsupon this scoreunto the law, all thatChrist theSonofGoddid for thespaceofaboutthirty-threeyearsontheearth,intheperfectobedienceofallitscommands.

Thusthesinner,embracingChrist,haswherewithtoanswer it.Andthe

pleaofpaymentthatwayissustained,andthesoulisdeclaredfreefromthe law or covenant of works, and so lawfully parted from it. Whatexperiencehaveyeofthis?Thiswill,forthesubstanceofit,passineverysoulfreedfromthecovenantofworks.Butalas!howmanyarethere,[1.]Who were never troubled about that, how to get a discharge of thatbargainfromtheJudgeofalltheearth,buthavelivedateasewithoutit?[2.]Whoneversawanecessityofreckoningwiththelaw,inordertotheirgettingclearofit?[3.]Whohavestillaimedatputtingoffthedemandsofthelaw,withtheirownobedienceandsuffering,suchastheywere?

2. They are of a legal spirit, and have not the spirit of the covenant ofgrace.CalebandJoshuahadanotherspiritthantherestoftheJews,sohavethosewhoarewithinthebondofthecovenantofgrace,Gal.4:24.Inthesaintsindeedtherearewretchedremainsofthatspirit,butitdoesnotreigninthemasinothers.

1st,Theyareofaslavishspiritwhoareunderthatcovenant;whereasthesaintsareactedbyason-likespirit.For,saystheapostle,Rom.8:15;"yehavenotreceivedthespiritofbondageagaintofear;butyehavereceivedthe Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." As the slave ismoved with fear, not with love; so is it with them. This slavish spiritappearsinthemthus:

(1.)They aredriven from sin, and to theirduty, by the fear ofhell andwrath,ratherthandrawnfromtheonetotheotherbyanyhatredoftheone, and love of the other, in themselves; like the Israelites of old, ofwhom it is said; Psalm 78:34, "When he [God] slew them, then theysoughthim;and they returned, andenquiredearly afterGod." It is theinfluence of the covenant of works in its terrible sanction, that movesthem. Take away that, secure them but from hell and damnation, andtheywouldgive themselves the swing in their lusts; theyhavenootherkindofprincipletomovethemtoholiness;allisselfishaboutthem.

(2.) They content themselves with the bare performance of duty, andabstaining fromany sin,without regarding the trueprinciple, end, andmannerofdoing;evenastheslavewhoisconcernedfornomore,buttoget his task over, Isa. 29:13. It is not their business to get their heartswroughtuptotheloveofGod,concernforhisglory,andtothedoingof

theirworkinfaith;buttogettheworkdone,Luke18:11.Itmaybetheydarenotneglectduty,butitisnottheirconcerntofindChristinduty,norisittheirgriefiftheydonotfindhim.

(3.)UnderterrorofconsciencetheydonotfleetothebloodofChrist,butto their work again, to amendwhat was done amiss, ormake it up bygreaterdiligence,Acts 2:37.Arenot the consciences ofmenunder thatcovenantaffrightedsometimes?Butconsiderhowtheyarepacifiedagain.NotbythesprinklingofChrist'sbloodonthembyfaith,Heb.9:14,butbyresolves to do better in time to come, by prayers, mourning, &c. Andhenceit isthattheircorruptionsareneverweakenedforallthis,forthelawmakesnothingperfect;but thebelievingapplicationof thebloodofChristnotonlytakesawayguilt,butstrengthensthesoul.

2dly, They are of a mercenary spirit; they are acted by the spirit of ahireling,whoworksthathemaywinhiswages.Thecovenantofworksissonatural to us, thatwenaturally knowno other religion, but toworkand win, do good works that wemay win heaven by them. Hence theprodigal would be put among the hired servants, when he thought ofreturning; but when he returned, he insists not on that. This spiritappearsinthosewhoareunderthecovenantofworksthus:—

(1.)Theirworkisforreward,toobtainGod'sfavourandsalvationbytheirworks,Rom.10:3.WhereasthesaintslookforsalvationandthefavourofGodonlythroughtheobedienceanddeathofJesusChrist,Tit.3:5,"Notby works of righteousness which we have done, but according to hismercyhesavedus."Iownthesaints,mayhaveaneyetothegratuitousreward promised to them to crown their work and labour of love, asMoses issaidtohave"hadrespectuntotherecompenseof thereward,"Heb. 11:26; and theymaybe thereby influenced in theirduty.But thenthey look for that reward as coming to them, not for the sake of theirwork,but forthesakeofChrist'swork.Theyaresons,andhaveamorenoble principle of obedience toGod,Heb. 6:10, asGod's own children,Rom8:15,who,havingtheinheritancesecuredtothemanotherwaythanby theirworking, are prompted to obedience by their love toGod, anddesire to please him. The truth is, those who are under the brokencovenant ofworks, being destitute of saving faith, are void also of truelovetoGod,1Tim.1:5.Itisthemselvesmainly,ifnotonly,thattheyseek

intheirduties;and,wereitnotthehopeofgaintothemselvesbythem,theywouldnot regard them. In aword, they serveGod,not out of anykindlylovetohim,butthattherebytheymayservethemselves.

(2.)Themoretheydoandthebettertheydo,theylookonGodtobethemoreintheirdebt,likeMicah,whosaid,"NowIknowthattheLordwilldome good, seeing I have a Levite tomy priest," Judg. 17:13. For it isaccording to their owndoing,not according to their interest inChrist'sblood, that theyexpect favour fromtheLord.Thepublican,Luke18:13,pleadsmercythroughapropitiation,"Bepropitioustome,"accordingtothe Greek; but the Pharisee pleads upon what himself had donemorethanmanyothers,ver.12,"God,Ithankthee,"sayshe,"thatIamnotasothermenare,extortioners,unjust,adulterers,orevenasthispublican!Ifast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess." Hence theirhearts rise against God, if they find not their works regarded andrewarded,accordingtothevaluethemselvesputuponthem;liketheJewsof old, who said, "Wherefore have we fasted, and thou seest not?whereforehaveweafflictedoursoul,andthoutakestnoknowledge?Isa.58:3.Hencearisethaveryconsiderabledifferencebetwixtthechildrenofthe two covenants; those of the first covenant, the better they do theirduty, their hearts are the more filled with conceit of themselves, theirduties,likewind,puffthemup,asinthecaseofthePharisee,Luke18:11,quotedabove.Butthoseofthesecondcovenant,thebettertheydo,theyare themorehumbledand low in theirowneyes; likeDavid,whosaid,"Who am I, andwhat ismy people, that we should be able to offer sowillingly after this sort? 1 Chron. 29:14, and like the apostle Paul, "Inwhat am I behind the very chiefest apostles," said he, "though I benothing?2Cor.12:11.

(3.) Their dutiesmake themmore easy and secure in some one sin orother; liketheadulterouswoman,Prov.7:14,15,"Ihavepeaceofferingswithme; thisdayhave Ipaidmyvows.Therefore came I forth tomeetthee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee." The Jews, asprofaneastheywereinIsaiah'stime,broughtamultitudeofsacrificestoGod'saltar,Isa.1:11.Whydidtheydoso,butbecausetheyexpectedthatthesewouldmakealloddsevenbetwixtGodandthem?Justsodomanywith theirduties; theypray toGod,andmanygood things; so they can

withthemoreeasedoandsaymanyillthings.Bytheirdutiestheyseemtothemselvesasitweretopaytheold,andtheycanthemorefreelytakeonthenew.Thusthey"blessGodandcursemenwiththesametongue.Outofthesamemouthproceedethblessingandcursing,"James3:9,10.Theyuse theirduties foranoccasion to the flesh,andturn thegraceofGod into lasciviousness; than which there cannot be a more speakingevidence of one under the broken covenant of works. Publicans andharlotswillenterintothekingdomofheaven,beforesuchpersons.

Thusyouhavesomecharactersofthosewhoareunderthiscovenant,andmay perceive that they deal with God in the matter of his favour andsalvationinthewayofthatcovenant,andnotinthewayofthecovenantofgrace.Butitishardtoconvincemenofthis;therefore,

Secondly, I will discover the vanity of some pleas that suchhave,toprovethatit isnottotheirownworksthattheytrustforsalvation,buttoChrist.

1. They are so far, say they, from trusting to their own works in thismatter, that theyreallywonderanybodycando it. Ianswer, that this israther a sign of the ignorance of the corruption of man's nature, andunacquaintednesswiththedeceitfulnessofyourownheart,thanofyourfreedom from that corrupt way of dealing with God.Hazael said so inanothercase,"AmIadogtodothisthing?"Yetwashesuchadogastodo it.Yeknownot, it seems,whatspiritsyeareof.ThatwayofdealingwithGodisasnaturaltous,astofishestoswiminthesea,andbirdstofly in the air. The godly themselves are not quite free from it. Thedisciplesneeded that lesson, "Whenye shall havedoneall those thingswhich are commanded you, say,Weareunprofitable servants;wehavedonethatwhichwasourdutytodo,"Luke17:10.Fortheyaretooapttothinkmuchofanylittletheydo;likePeter,"Beholdwehaveforsakenall,"saidhe,"andfollowedthee,"Matth.19:27.Thedifferencethenlieshere—thegodlyfeelthiscorruptwayofdealingwithGod,theywrestleagainstit,loaththemselvesforit,andwouldfainberidofit;whereasitreignsinothers,andhasquietpossession.

2.ThisisrankPopery,andtheyaretrueProtestants,believingthatwearenotsavedforourworks,butforthesakeofChrist.ANSWER,Itisindeed

thevery lifeandsoulofPopery.Butwhat isPopery,but theproductofman's corrupt nature, framing a way of salvation according to thecovenantofworks?SoevenProtestantshavePopishheartsbynature.Afloatingprinciple in thehead, receivedbymeansof education,orotherexternal teaching, will never be able to change the natural bent of theheart.ItistheteachingoftheSpiritwithpowerwhichonlycandothat.ItisanarticleoftheprofaneProtestant'sreligion,thatthereisaheavenandahell,yettheyliveasiftherewereneitherofthem.ThatthegraceofGodteacheth to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly,righteously,andgodlyinthispresentworld;yettheirlifeandpracticeisasfarfromthisprinciple,astheeastisdistantfromthewest.Mendonotalways live according to their professed principles; therefore, in thispoint,theheadmaylookoneway,andtheheartanother.

3.Theyarepersuadedthatofthemselves,withoutthegraceofGod,theycandonothing;thatthereisnostrengthinthem.ANSWER,Manyhavethis in theirmouths,whonever to thisdaywere let intoaviewof theirownutterinabilitytohelpthemselves.Theytakeupthatprinciple,rathertobeacovertotheirsloth,andapretencetoshiftduty,thanoutofanyconvictionofthetruthofitintheirownsouls.Hencenonearereadiertodelayandputoffsalvation-workfromtimetotimethanthey;as if theycouldreallydoall,andthatatanytime.Butwhateverbeofthat,thisisaninsignificantplea;theproudPhariseemighthavepleadedthataswellasyou,andyethestooduponhisworkswithGod,Luke18:11,forecited.Thematter lies here; they profess they can do nothing without the help ofgrace;butwhenbythehelpofgracetheyhavedonetheirduty,theythinkGod cannot but save them,who so serve him; as ifGod's grace helpedmentopurchasetheirownsalvation.

4.Theyareconvincedthattheycannotkeepthelawperfectly,butwhentheyhavedonealltheycan,theylooktoChristtosupplyallwhereintheycomeshort.ANSWER.Thetruthis,thatnobodyissofarfromdoingalltheycan,assuchmenarewhopretendmosttoit;therearemanythingstheyneverdo,whichyetarewithinthecompassoftheirnaturalpowers.But the Pharisees, who, nobody doubt, dealt with God in this way ofworks, were convinced as well as you, that they did not keep the lawperfectly; but then the ceremonial law afforded them a salve, in their

apprehension, fortheirdefects inthedutiesof themoral law.Justso isthe case in this plea,where thedeceit lies in that theman laysnot thewhole stress of his acceptance with God and his salvation on theobedience and death of Christ; but partly on his ownworks, partly onChrist,thusmixinghisownrighteousnesswithChrist's,whichtheapostlerejects;"Thelawisnotoffaith,butthemanthatdoththemshallliveinthem,"Gal. 3:12. "Christ is becomeofno effectunto you,whosoever ofyouarejustifiedbythelaw,"chap.5:4.

Lastly,TheytrustinChristfortheacceptanceofalltheirduties,andarepersuadedtheywouldneverbeacceptedbutlotChrist'ssake.ANSWER.Menmay do this, and yet still keep theway of the covenant of works.Being persuaded that the best of their duties are not without someimperfection,theylooktogetthemacceptedastheyareforChrist'ssake,so as God will thereupon justify and save them, give them his favour,pardontheirsin,keepthemoutofhell,andgivethemheaven.ThustheymakeuseofChrist forobtainingsalvationby theirownworks;as somePapiststeach,thatourownworksmeritbyvirtueofthemeritsofChrist,andthattheymeritnot,butastheyarediptinhisblood.Butthewayofthesecondcovenant is to look toChristalone for theacceptanceofourpersons, to justification and salvation; and then our persons beingaccepted,tolooktohimalsofortheacceptanceofourworks,notinpointofjustification,butofsanctificationonly.ThiswasPaul'sway,Phil.3:8,9,"Yea,doubtless,andIcountallthingsbutlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChristJesusmyLord;forwhomIhavesufferedthelossofall things, and do count thembut dung, that ImaywinChrist, and befoundinhim,nothavingmineownrighteousnesswhichisofthelaw,butthatwhich is through the faith of Christ, the righteousnesswhich is ofGodbyfaith."

Odealimpartiallywithyourselvesinthismatter,andbenottooeasyinthisimportantpoint.Theheartofmanisadepthofdeceit,andifyouarenotexercisedtorootupthisweedoflegality,andhavefeltthedifficultyofsodoing,itisashrewdsignyeareyetunderthecovenantofworks;themisery of which condition I am now to open up to you in the seconddoctrinefromthetext.

SECT.II

THEMISERYOFTHOSEWHOAREUNDERTHEBROKENCOVENANTOFWORKS

DOCTRINEII.Maninhisnaturalstatebeingunderthebrokencovenantofworksisunderthecurse.

Here is the case in which Adam left all his children, the case of all bynature.Beholdhereas inaglass thedolefulconditionofsinnersbythebreachofthefirstcovenant,—theyare"underthecurse."Ishallconsiderthisdreadfulcondition,

I.Moregenerally.

II. Take a more particular view of the dreadful condition of thenaturalmanunderthecurseofthebrokencovenantofworks.

III.Applythesubject.

AGeneralViewoftheCurseunderwhichMenintheirNaturalStateare

I. Ishallconsider thedreadfulcondition inwhichmeninanaturalstate are, under the broken covenant of works. And here let usconsider,

1.Whatcursethatiswhichtheyareunder.

2.Whatitistobeunderthecurse.

3.Confirm thedoctrine, thatman inhisnatural state,beingunderthebrokencovenantofworks,isunderthecurse.

WhattheCurseiswhichNaturalMenareunder

First, I shall considerwhat curse that iswhich theyareunder. It is thesentenceofthelawasacovenantofworks,bindingoveranddevotingthesinner to destruction. Thus the covenant being made with the awfulsanction of death, Gen. 2:17, upon the transgressing of it, the curse ispronounced.Gen.3.Andsoitis,

1. God's curse, as the sinner's lawgiver and judge; it is his sentence ofdeath against the transgressor, the doom pronounced by him on themalefactor thathasnotcontinued inall thingswhicharewritten in thebookofthelawtodothem.Itisexpresslycalled"thecurseoftheLord,"Prov.3:33;andthoseunderit"thepeopleofhiscurse,"Isa.34:5.Man'scurse is often causeless, so itmiscarries, it comes not, it does nomoreharm than a bird flying over one's head,Prov. 26:2.ButGod's curse iseveronavalidweightycause;sohisjusticerequires,anditcannotmiss,by reason of his truth, to come, and lie heavy where it does come byreasonofhisalmightypower,John3:36.

2.Itisthecurseofthelaw,Gal.3:13,thecurseofthebrokencovenantofworks,whosepenaltyisdeath.Soitrunsinourtext,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Thelawisarmedwithacurseagainstthedisobedient,andthereforewhenobedienceisnotperformeditispouredout,Dan.9:11.Ofold whenmen entered into a covenant, they cut a beast in twain, andpassed betwixt the parts, to signify the curse on the breaker, that heshould be like that beast.Hence theLord threatens covenant-breakers,Jer.34:18,"AndIwillgivethementhathavetransgressedmycovenant,—which theyhadmadebeforeme,whentheycut thecalf in twain,andpassedbetweenthepartsthereof,"&c.CompareMatth.24:51,"Andtheyshallcuthimasunder,andappointhimhisportionwiththehypocrites,"&c. As for the curse of the gospel, as the scripture mentions no suchthing,itisneedless;thelawsecuresthecurseandadoublecurseonthosewhodespisethegospel.

Now,inthiscursetherearethreethingstobeconsidered:—

1st,TherevengingwrathofGodisinit,Matth.25:41,"Departfromme,yecursed,intoeverlastingfirepreparedforthedevilandhisangels."Itisthebreathingoffieryindignationbyvindictivejusticeagainstthesinner.

SinissooppositetothenatureofGod,thathecannotendureit;buthiswrath (may I say itwith reverence) takes fire against the sinner, at theverysightof it,andmakesthecurseto flyagainsthim.Seethisawfullyrepresented,Deut.29:20, "Theangerof theLordandhis jealousy shallsmokeagainstthatman,andall thecursesthatarewritteninthisbookshalllieuponhim."

2dly,Abindingoverofthesinneruntopunishment,forthesatisfactionofoffendedjustice,Gal.3:13,"Cursediseveryonethathangethonatree."Asthejudge,byhissentenceofdeath,bindsoverthecriminaltodeath;so God by his curse, binds over the sinner unto death in its wholecompass,asinthethreateningofthecovenantofworks.Thusheisboundto suffer till justice is satisfied,which beingwithout the sinner's reach,the punishment comes to be eternal. It is not a punishment for theamendment of the party, as under the covenant of grace; but forreparationofthehonouroftheLawgiverandlaw.

3dly,Aseparatingofthesinneruntodestruction,thoughnotofhisbeing,yetofhiswellbeing;Deut.29:21,"TheLordshallseparatehimuntoevil—accordingtoallthecursesofthecovenantthatarewritteninthisbookofthe law."Hereby the sinner is exterminated and excommunicated fromthe society of God's favourites, and set up as amark for the arrows ofwrath.Asaccursedthingsweretobedestroyed,andnotkeptforuse;sothecurseonthesinnerisadevotingofhimtodestruction,asavesselofwrath, in which justice may be glorified; 2 Thess. 1:9, such "shall bepunishedwitheverlastingdestructionfromthepresenceoftheLord,andfromthegloryofhispower."

WhatitistobeUndertheCurse

SECONDLY,Letusconsiderwhatitistobeunderthecurse.Maninhisnatural state, being under the broken covenant of works, is under thecurse,andso,

1.He isunder thewrathofGod,"achildofwrathbynature,"Eph.2:3."Thewrath ofGod abideth onhim," John3:36.God is displeasedwithhim; he is not, and cannot be pleasedwith him; as "without faith it isimpossibletopleaseGod,"Heb.11:6.Godiseverangrywithhim,Psalm

7:1,"everyday,"howeverhespendtheday,betterorworse."Hecannotendurethesightofhim;"Thefoolishcannotstandinhissight,"Psal.5:5.ThatblackcloudofthewrathofGodisoverhisheadfromthemomentofhisbeingalivingsoul,andallalongduringhiscontinuanceinhisnaturalstate,underthebrokencovenantofworks.Hemaybewellpleasedwithhimself,andothersmaybeso too, saintsaswellas sinners;butGod isstillwrothwithhim.

2.Heisboundovertorevengingjustice.Ithashimbythethroat,saying,"Pay what thou owest;" though perhaps he neither feels the gripe, norhears the terribledemand, becausehis conscience is asleep, and all hisspiritualsensesarefastboundup;"Nowweknow,"saystheapostle,"thatwhat things the law saith, it saith to themwho are under the law; thateverymouthmaybestopped,andalltheworldmaybecomeguiltybeforeGod;""guilty" (Gr.)compareActs28:4, that is,underrevenging justice.The holiness of God gave out the holy commandment in the covenant,justiceannexedthethreateningofdeathtothebreachofit,truthsecuresthe accomplishment of the threatening, and so lays the sinner underjustice,withoutrelief.Sothatthereisnopartingofthem,tilltheutmostfarthing be paid (2 Thess. 1:9, "punished with," Gr., "suffer justice" or"vengeance, everlasting destruction,") by the sinner himself, or acautioner.

3.Hestandsasamarkforthearrowsofvengeance;heisadevotedmaninlaw,tiedtothestake,thatthelawandjusticeofGodmaydisburdenalltheirarrowsintohim,andthatinhimmaymeetalltheplaguesflowingfromavengingwrath;"Ifheturnnot,"saysthePsalmist,"He[God]willwhet his sword; he has bent his bow andmade it ready. He hath alsoprepared for him the instruments of death: he ordaineth his arrowsagainstthepersecutors,"Psalm7:12,13.Jobcomplainsthathewassetasa mark for God's arrows, Job. 16:12, 13, but natural men have betterreasonfor thatcomplaint.Theyare in lawdevotedheads;onwhichthelawhaslaiditshandasontheheadofasacrifice,asasignalforcuttingoff;Psalm94:23,"Heshallcutthemoffintheirownwickedness;yea,theLordourGodshall cut themoff."Psalm37:22, "They thatbe cursedofhimshallhecutoff."

O!Ifmendidbelievethistobetheirconditionunderthebrokencovenant

of works, what rest could they possibly have while in that state? Howwould they anxiously inquire,whatway theymightbedischarged fromthatbrokenbargain?Butalas!astheunbeliefofthethreateningwasthecauseofthedesperateadventuretobreakthecovenant;sotheunbeliefofthe curse following thereupon, is the causewhy they are easy under it.ThereforeIshallnextconfirmthetruthofthedoctrine.

Confirmationofthetruthofthisdoctrine,Thatmanunderthebrokencovenantofworksisunderthecurse

THIRDLY, I shall confirm the doctrine, that man in his natural state,(beingunderthebrokencovenantofworks,)isunderthecurse.

1. This is evident from plain scripture testimony. Our text is express.Therein it is proved from the records of the court of heaven, as to thisprocess; "It is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in allthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."ThissentenceisextractedoutofDeut.27:26"Cursedbehethatconfirmethnotallthewordsofthislawtodothem."Andtheapostleplainlydesignsthepersonsagain (whom this sentence is passed, namely, those that are under thelawRom.3:19,comparedwithchap.6:14.WhothenmakeaIdoubtofit?ItisasfirmasthetruthofGodcanmakeit,inword,andunderhishandandseal.

2.It isevidentfromtheconsiderationofthejusticeofGod,ansupremeRectorandJudgeoftheworld;bywhichhecannot-doright,andgivesinitsdue.Twothingswillclearit.

1st, The breaking of that covenant, whereof all under it the guilty,deservesthecurse.TheybrokeitinAdam,andthebreakingiteveryday;and so they deserve the curse.Now, of deserving of the curse does notarisefromthethreateningofallnalwrathannexedforasanctiontothecommandsinthehantournewdivinitywouldhaveit;thatisframedforbringings lieversunder thecurseof the law too.But itarises fromsin'scontrariety to the command of the holy law; for it ismanifest, that sindoesnotthereforedeserveacurse,becauseacurseisthreatenedagainstit;butbecauseitdeservesacurse,thereforeacurseisthreatened.

Nowlookatsinintheglassoftheholycommandment,andyouwillseeitdeservesthecurse.Forthecommandmentis,

(1.)AnimageofthesovereignspotlessholinessofGod;"Thelawisholy,"Rom. 7:12.When God would let out the beams of his own holiness toman,hegavehimthelawofthetencommandments,asatranscriptofit,and wrote them in his heart; and afterwards, the writing being muchdefaced,hewrotethemtohiminhisword.Sothecommandmentisholywithout spot, as God is. So that the creature rising up against thecommandment,risethupagainstGod.

(2.)Itisanimageofhisrighteousnessandequity,wherebyhedoesjustlytoall; "thecommandment is just,"Rom.7:12.Thecommandment isallright in every part, and of perpetual equity; "I esteem all thy preceptsconcerning all things to be right," Psalm 119:128. Look to it as itprescribesourdutytoGod,toourneighbour,andtoourselves,Tit.2:12.Itisofspotlessandperfectrighteousness,asthatGodiswhoserighteousnatureandwillitrepresents.

(3.)Animageofhisgoodness:"Thecommandmentisgood,"Rom.7:12.It isall lovely, lovely ineverypart; lovely in itself,andintheeyesofallwho are capable to discern truly what is good, and what evil, Psalm119:97, "Ohow love I thy law!"Conformity to it is theperfectionof thecreature,anditstruehappiness,asrenderingthecreaturelikeuntoGod,1John3:2.

Thus the breaking of the covenant, by doing contrary to the holycommandment,isthetransgressingoftheholy,just,andgoodwillofoursovereignLord;adefacingofanddoingviolencetohisimage,whoisthechief good and infinite good. Therefore sin is the chief or greatest evil,andconsequentlydeservesthecurse.

2dly, Since it deserves the curse, the justice of God, which giveseverything itsdue,ensuresthecurseuponit,Gen.18:25;2Thes.1:6.Ifsindidnotlaythesinnerunderthecurse,howwouldtherectoraljusticeofGodappear?Hewillrainaterriblestormonthewicked,notbecausehedelightsinthedeathofthesinner,butbecausehelovesrighteousness,Psalm11:6,7,andhisrighteousnessrequiresit.

3.Itappearsfromthethreateningofthecovenant;Gen.2:17,"Inthedaythat thoueatest thereof thoushalt surelydie."That threateningbeingathreateningofdeathinitswholeextent,ensuresthecurseonthesinnerwheneverhetransgresseththecommand.AndthetruthofGodrequiresthatittakeeffect,andbenotlikewordsspokentothewind.Hereisthecase then,man came under the covenant of works, wherein deathwasthreatened in case of transgression; now the covenant is broken. Itbehoved thenofnecessity, that thatmomentman sinned,he shouldbeboundovertotherevengingwrathofGod,orfallunderthecurse.Andinthat case all naturalmen lie. And thus the sentence of the law passethimmediatelyonsinning;Gal.3:10,"Cursed iseveryonethatcontinuethnot,"&c.,inthepresenttense;agreeabletothetenorofthethreatening,"Inthedaythatthoueatest,"&c.

4.Ifmanhadoncerunthecourseofhisobedience,beingcometothelastpointofit,bebehovedtohavebeenjustifiedandadjudgedtoeternallife,accordingtothetenorofthecovenant;Rom.10:5,"Themanwhichdoththose things shall live by them;" the sentence of the law wouldimmediately have passed in his favour, according to the promise. Andthereforeman, having once broken the covenant, falls under the curse,andisadjudgedtoeternaldeath;forthecursebearsthesamerelationtothe threatening, that law-justification bears to the promise.Hence it isthattheunbelieverisdeclaredtobecondemnedalready,John3:18.

Lastly, Christ's being made a curse for sinners is a clear evidence ofsinnersbeingnaturallyunderthecurse;Gal.3:13,"Christhathredeemedus fromthecurseof the law,beingmadeacurse forus."He took theirplaceinthebrokencovenantofworks,Gal.4:4,5,thatbearingthecursedue to them, theymight be set free upon their unionwith him.HencetheywhobyfaithareunitedtoChristhavinghissatisfactionimputedtothem, are delivered from the curse, as borne for them, and away fromthem,bytheirSurety,butallothersremainunderit,asnotbeingreputedtohavesatisfiedit.

Thusfarinthegeneral,concerningthisdreadfulcondition.But,

A more Particular View of the dreadful condition of theNaturalMan,underthecurseofthebrokenCovenantofWorks

II.Wemusttakeamoreparticularviewofthedreadfulconditionofthenaturalmanunderthecurseofthebrokencovenantofworks.Andhereopensthemostterriblescenethatmenarecapableofbeholding,intimeoreternity.Happytheywhotimelybeholdit,soastobetherebystirreduptofleetoChrist.Itcomprehendsboththesinfulnessandthemiseryofanatural state, the cursebeing the chainbywhich the sinner is boundover to death in its full latitude, as it stands in the threatening of thecovenant,Gen.2:17, andbywhichhe is stakeddownunder thatdeath.Andwe shall take a view of this in the naturalman's condition, by thebreachofthecovenantofworks,inthislife,andafterthislife.

TheConditionoftheNaturalManundertheCurse,inthisLife

FIRST, The natural man's condition, under the curse of the brokencovenant, isvery terrible in thatpartof itwhich takesplace in this life.The execution of the curse is not quite delayed to another world; it isbeguninthislife,carriedfurtheronatdeath,andfullandfinalexecutioncomesatthelastday.Astothatpartofthisconditionwhichtakesplaceinthis life,weshallhavethemoredistinctviewof it, ifwetakeitupinthesefollowingparcels;astothesoul,thebody,andthewholeman.

TheConditionoftheNaturalMan'sSoulundertheCurse

First,Letusviewtheconditionofthenaturalman'ssoulunderthecurse.Thenaturalman'ssoulisunderthecurse.Itisthemostnoblepartoftheman,buttheheaviestpartofthecurseliesuponit.AndthereforeChrist'ssoul-sufferings,whenhewasmadeacurseforus,werethemostterribleofallhissufferings.That is the inwardman intowhich thecursesinks,likewateroroil,Psalm109:18.Inthemomentmansinned,hissoulfellunderthecurse.Andso,

1. His soul was separated from God, in favour with whom its life lay,Psalm36:5;Deut.29:21.Thecourseof saving influenceswas stopt, thesunwentquitedownonhim,andhelostGod,hisfriend,hislife,thesoulofhissoul.ThusnaturalmenlivewithoutGod,Eph.2:12,separatedfromhim, Isaiah59:2.There isnosaving intercoursebetwixtGodand them,more than there is betwixt us and our friends now lying in the grave,Psalm5:5,Amos3:3.Theyhearhiswordpreached;but,alas! theyhear

nothisownvoice, John5:37.Theypray tohim,buthehears themnotneither; John9:31, "Godhearethnot sinners." Theyhang on about thepostsofhisdoors,buttheynevergetasightoftheKing'sface.Bewheretheywill,inthechurchorinthetavern,indutyoroutofit,theyareeveratadistancefromGod.Thereasonis,theyareunderthecurse,whichisas a great gulf fixed betwixt God and them, that there can be nocommunicationbetweenthem,nonebyanymeans,butwhatcandryupthegulf,orremovethecurse;whichthebloodofChristonly,appliedtothesoul,cando.

2. Henceman's soul-beauty was lost; death seizing on him by sin, hisbeautywentoff.AswhenChristcursedthefig-tree,itwitheredaway;itsblossomswent up as dust, its verdure and greenness were lost; so thecursed sinner was stript of his original righteousness, the light of hismind, the rectitudeofhiswill, theorderlinessofhisaffections,and therighttemperofall thefacultiesofhissoul,Gen.3:7,8.Thus,underthecurse,thenaturalman'ssoulliesinruins,"deadintrespassesandsins,"Eph. 2:1, dead to God, dead to righteousness, dead to its primitiveconstitutionandframe,thoughinalivingbody.

Adeadcorpseisanawfulsight,wherethesoulisgone.Butthydeadsoul,fromwhichGod is gone, O naturalman! is amore awful one. Couldstthouseethyinwardman,aswellasthouseesttheoutward,thouwouldstsee a soul within thee of a ghastly countenance, the eyes of itsunderstandingset,itsspeechlaid,allthespiritualsensesnowlockedup,nopulseofkindlyaffectiontowardsGodbeatinganymore;butthesoullyingspeechless,motionless,coldandstifflikeastone,underthecurse.

3.Hencethewholesouliscorruptedinallthefacultiesthereof,Gen.6:5,"God saw that the wickedness ofmanwas great in the earth, and thateveryimaginationofthethoughtsofhisheartwasonlyevilcontinually,"Jer.17:9."Theheartisdeceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked:whocanknowit?"Asthesoulbeinggone,thebodycorrupts;sothesoul,being divested of its original righteousness, is wholly corrupted anddefiled, having a kind of verminating life in it; Psalm 14:3, "They arealtogetherbecomefilthy."Andaswhenthecursewas laidontheearth,the very nature of the soil was altered; so the souls ofmen under thecursearequitealteredfromtheiroriginalholyconstitution.Thisappears

inallthefacultiesthereof.

(1.)Lookintothemind,framedatfirsttobetheeyeofthesoul;thereisalamentable alteration upon it under the curse. "O how is the fine goldbecomedim!"There isamistupon it,whereby it isbecomeweak,dull,andstupidinspiritualthings,andreallyincapableofthesethings;1Cor.2:14,"ThenaturalmanreceivethnotthethingsoftheSpiritofGod;fortheyare foolishnessuntohim:neither canheknow them,because theyarespirituallydiscerned."Darknesshassatdownonthemind;Eph.5:8,"Ye were sometimes darkness:" and there spiritual blindness andignorance reign, not to be removedbyman's instruction, or anypowerless thanwhat can take off the curse. This cursed ground is fruitful ofmistakes, misapprehensions, delusions, monstrous and misshapenconceptions in divine things; doubtings, distrnst, unbelief of divinerevelation,growthere,oftheirownaccord,asthenaturalproductofthecursedsoil;while theseedof thewordof thekingdomsowntheredoesperish, and faith cannot spring up in it, for such is the soil that theycannottakewithit.

(2.)Lookintothewill,framedtohavethecommandinthesoul,anditisinwretchedplight.ItsuprightnessforGodisgone,anditisturnedawaybackwardfromhim.Itisnotonlyunderaninabilityforgood,buthavinglost all power to turn itself that way, Rom. 5:6, "We were withoutstrength";Phil.2:13,"ForitisGodwhichworkethinyoutowillandtodoofhisgoodpleasure;"butitisaversetoit,astheuntrainedbullockistothe yoke; Psal. 81:11, "My people would not hearken to my voice, andIsraelwouldnoneofme";Luke19:14,"Wewillnothavethismantoreignoverus";John5:40,"Yewillnotcomeuntomethatyemighthavelife."The will is set in direct opposition and contrariety to the will of God;Rom.8:7,"ThecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod:foritisnotsubjecttothe law ofGod, neither indeed can be." It is a heart of stone, thatwillbreak ere it bow to the will of God; and will remain refractory andcontumacious againsthim, till the cursebe removed, and thenatureofthesoulchanged,thoughitshouldbepliedwithallthejoysofheavenandalltheterrorsofhell.Itispronetoevil,havingafixedbentuntosin;Hos.11:7,"Mypeoplearebentuntobackslidingfromme;"andthispronenesstosinnothingcanalterbutanomnipotenthand.

(3.)Look intotheaffections, framedtobethearmsandfeetof thesoulforgood,andtheyarequitewrong.Setspiritualobjectsbeforethemtobeembraced,thentheyarepowerless,theycannotembracethem,norgripthemstedfastly;theypresentlygrowweary,andletgoanyholdtheyhaveof them; like the stony-ground hearers, who because they had no rootwitheredaway,Matth.13:6.Butas forcarnalobjects,agreeable to theirlusts,theyflyuponthem,theyclaspandtwineaboutthem;theyholdsofastagrip,thatitiswithnosmalldifficultytheycanbegottoletgotheirhold. Summon them to duty, they are flat, there is no raising of them,theycannotstir;buton the least signalgiven themby temptation, theyarelikeSaul'shungrysoldiers,flyingonthespoil.

(4.)Lookintotheconscience, framedtobe inthesoulGod'sdeputyforjudgment,his spy, andwatchmanoverhis creature; and it ismiserablycorrupted; Tit. 1:15, "Theirmind and conscience is defiled." It is quiteunfittedfor itsoffice.It is fallenunderasleepydistemper,sleepingandloving to slumber. So it is adumbconscience, oftennotmeddlingwiththeworkofdirecting, informingof thewillofGod,warningagainstsin,andexcitingtoduty;andthusmenareleftaswhentherewasnokinginIsrael,everyonedoingthatwhichisright intheirowneyes.Sometimesbeing consulted, it givesquitewrongorders, callingdarkness light, andlight darkness, having lost its right judgment; like those of whom ourLord speaks; John 16:2, "The time cometh, thatwhosoever killeth you,willthinkthathedothGodservice."Andaccordinglyitexcusethwhereitshould accuse; and accuseth where it should excuse. And if it be oncethoroughlyawakened,itdrivestowardsdespair.

(5.) Lastly, Look into thememory, framed to be the storehouse of thesoul,andthesymptomsofthecurseappeartheretoo.Thingsagreeabletothecorruptionofnature,andwhichmaystrengthenthesame,stickfastinthememory,sothatoftenonecannotgetthemforgotten,thoughtheywould fain have their remembrance razed. But spiritual things nativelyfalloutof it, andare soon forgotten; thememory, likea leakingvessel,lettingthemslip.

4.Manbeingintheserespectsspirituallydead,thewhichdeathwastheconsequentofthefirstsin,thecurseliesonhimasagravestone,andthepenaltybindsituponhim,thathecannotrecover.Soheisinsomesort,

by the curse, buried out of God's sight. Thus sinners are said to be"concluded inunbelief,"Rom.11:32;shutup,as inaprison,"underthelaw,"viz.withitscurse,Gal.3:23.SowhenChristcomestosinnerswithhisoffersoflifeandsalvation,hefindsthemhoundinaprison,Isa.61:1,"Hehathsentme—toproclaim—theopeningof theprison to themthatare bound." They are under chains of darkness, even the chains of thecurseonall the facultiesof the soul;which they cannomore shakeoffthem, than a deadman can loose and throw off him his dead clothes,hoiseuphisgrave-stone,andcomeforthtothe light.ThecursecutsoffthecommunicationbetweenGodandthesinner,andsoclosesupalldoorofhope,whileitremains,butbythatwhichcanremovethecurse.

5.Hencethatcorruptionof thesoulgrowsmoreandmore.Asthedeadcorpse,thelongeritliesinthegrave,itrotsthemore,tilldevouringdeathhasperfecteditsworkinitsutterruin;sothedeadsoulunderthecursegrowsworseandworseinallthefacultiesthereof,tillitisbroughttotheutmost pitch of sin andmisery in hell; 2 Tim. 3:13, like "evilmen andseducerswaxingworseandworse."Sin continuing its reign in the soul,must needs gather strength; and the longer the corruption of naturecontinues, the stronger it grows. And hence it is, that ordinarily thelongeronehaslivedinanunregeneratestate,thepangsofthenewbirtharethemoresevere.

6.Andhencethecorruptionofnatureshootsforthitselfininnumerableparticular lusts, according to its growth, Mark 7:21, 22, 23, "For fromwithin, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries,fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit,lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all these evilthingscomefromwithin,anddefiletheman."Theseallspringupinthesoulunderthecurse, insuchplentyasat lengthtocoverthefaceofthewhole soul, as the cursedearthbrings forth thornsand thistleswithoutthepainsofthehusbandman,andasnettlesdothefaceofthesluggard'svineyard,Prov.24:30,31.Theman thinkshimself very far fromsuchasin as he has not been triedwith; butwhen a fit temptation offers, heappears inhisowncolours?why?butbecause the soulunder thecursewasfittoconceivebysuchatemptation.

7.Andtheselustsgrowstrongerandstronger.Themanwho"firstwalks

inthecounseloftheungodly,"proceedsto"standinthewayofsinners,"andatlength"sitsdownontheseatofthescornful,"Psalm1:1.Themorecorruptone'snaturegrows,themorenourishmentitsendsforthtofeedand flesh particular lusts. And these lusts, acting according to theirnature,gatherstrengthbyexercise;sothatcustommakestheiractingsoeasy and ready, that they come at length to refuse to bemanaged, likethoseofwhomPeterspeaks;2Epist.2:14,"havingeyesfullofadultery,and that cannot cease from sin." And the man must quit the reins tothem,theyarequitebeyondhiscontrol,Jer.13:23.

But this is not all the misery of the soul under the curse; there areadditionalplagues,whichbythecursetheyareliableto,whoareunderit.These soul-plagues are of two sorts; silent strokes, and tormentingplagues.

1. Silent strokes,whichmake theirway into the soulwithnonoise;butthe lesstheyarefelt, theyarethemoredangerous;suchas,

(1.)Judicialblindness;Eph.4:18, "Having theunderstandingdarkened,being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is inthem,becauseof theblindnessof theirheart."Theyarenaturallyblind,and lovenot tohave their eyesopened; John3:19, "Men lovedarknessratherthanlight,becausetheirdeedsareevil."However,somegleamsoflightgetintotheirminds,whileitshinesinthewordroundaboutthem.But they rebel against the light, shut their eyes upon it, and so makethemselvesmoreblind;Job21:14,"ThereforetheysayuntoGod,Departfromus;forwedesirenottheknowledgeofthyways."WhereforeGod,inhisjustjudgment,causesthelighttowithdraw,thatitshallnotenterintotheir souls, and leaves them to Satan, to be by him blindedmore thanever;2Cor.4:3,4,"Butifourgospelbehid,itishidtothemthatarelost;in whom the god of this world hath blinded theminds of themwhichbelievenot,lestthelightofthegloriousgospelofChrist,whoistheimageofGod,shouldshineuntothem."

(2.)Strongdelusions.Menlivingunderthegospel-light,havingthetruthclearlydiscoveredto them,dooftenkeepthetruthprisoner;Rom.1:18,"Whoholdthetruthinunrighteousness."Theyreceivethetrueprinciples

into their heads, but they will not allow them to model their lives inconformity to the truth. So they receive not the truth in love. Foravenging of which quarrel, they are given up to a spirit of delusion; 2Thess.2:10,11,"Becausetheyreceivednottheloveofthetruth,thattheymightbesaved.—ForthiscauseGodshallsendthemstrongdelusion,thattheyshouldbelievealie."Thisisthecursebeginningtoworkatthisday,for the contempt of the glorious gospel; and how the fearful plague ofdelusionmayspreadereitend,Godonlyknows.

(3.) Hardness of heart, Rom. 2:5.Men's hearts are naturally hard andinsensible;butundersofteningmeanstheyhardenthemmore;andGodhardens them judicially; Rom. 9:18, "Whom he will he hardeneth;"withholding his grace from them; Deut. 29:4, as Moses said to theIsraelites,"TheLordhathnotgivenyouahearttoperceive,andeyestosee,andearstohear;"blastingallmeanstothem,whetherprovidencesorordinances,wherebyothersarebettered,sothat theydothemnogood;Hos.4:17,"Ephraimis joinedto idols; lethimalone;"exposingtheminhis holy providence to such objects, as their corruptions make anoccasion of sinning more, Deut. 1:30; giving them over to their lusts,leavingthemtothetemptationsoftheworld,andtothepowerofSatan,andsufferingthemtoprosperinanevilcourse.Wherebyitcomestopassthattheyarehardenedinsinmorethanbefore.

(4.) A reprobate sense, Rom. 1:28, whereby men lose the faculty ofdiscerningbetwixtgoodandevil,asthosewhoaredeprivedofthesenseof tasting knowno difference betwixt bitter and sweet. Thusmen,whobeingweddedtotheirlusts,andcanbynomeansbebroughttopartwiththem,buttreatthat lightwhichdiscoverstheevilof themasanenemy,are sometimes, in the fearful judgmentofGod, suffered toproceed thislength,thattheycanseenoevileveningrosssins,butvileabominationsareintheireyesharmlessthings.

(5.)Lastly,Vile affection,Rom. 1:26.Manya timevile affections stir inthe soul, and the grace of God in some, and reason and a naturalconscienceinothers,dostriveagainstthem,andrepresstheirfury.Theseare the product of the corruption of nature in all men; but this soul-plagueismoredreadful.Initthesoulisgivenuptothesevileaffections,so that by them they are commanded, and ruled, and led, like beasts

withoutreason.Afearfulcase;reasonandconscienceareimprisoned,allpowerandruleoverthesoulistakenoutoftheirhands;andtherabbleofvilepassionsandaffectionsmanageall,withoutcontrol.Sothatthesoulislikeashipatseawithoutagovernor,thatistossedhitherandthither,beingentirelyunderthemanagementofthewindsandwaves.

2.Tormentingplagues,whichmakethesoultofeelthem,toitsgreatpainand uneasiness. Many are the executioners employed against the soulfallenunderthecurse,whotogetherdopierce,rack,andrenditasitwereinpieces. These are tormentingpassions,whichhadnever appeared inthe soul had it not fallen into sin, and so under the curse. Suchtormentingplagues,whichthesoulunderthecurseisliableto,arechieflythesefollowing:—

1st,Discontent.Thishauntsthesoullikeaghost,eversincemenfellfromGod, sometimes ingreater, sometimes in lessermeasure.HewouldnotrestcontentedinGod,andfromthattimehecouldhavenomorecontentwithinhimself.Hemusthave all hiswill, otherwisehe is discontented;andthatheshallneverget,tillGod'swillbehiswill;andthatwillneverbetillhebedeliveredfromunderthecurse.Hencewretchedmanisbornweeping, lives complaining and discontented, and dies disappointed.Whatsaws,axes,andharrowsofirondoesthisdiscontentdrawthroughthe soul, in fretfulness, impatience, murmuring, grudging, repining,quarrelling with God andmen; whereby men become a burden to theSpirit of God, a burden to others, and a burden to themselves? Thediscontentedsoulisruffledandrankledwithverysmalltrials,likeAhab,Haman, &c., yea, and often with it knows not what; only there issomethingwanting, and themind is uneasy.Themystery lieshere, thepeaceofGodisnotrulingintheheart,Col.3:15;Phil.4:7.

2dly,Wrath.Thisisafireintheman'sbosom,toburnhimup;anarrow,adagger,aswordpiercingtotheverysoul;Job5:2,"Forwrathkilleththefoolishman."Thisfillshimwithrageandfury,andmakesthewholesoullikethetroubledsea,whenitcannotrest,butits"wavestossthemselves"androllupanddown,"castingupmireanddirt."Theproudheartwithtemptation swells; and thesewillnomorehewanting touswhilehere,thantheairwillbefreefrommidgesintheheatofsummer,thatthemanmaytravelundisturbed.Thesecretdiscontentinthesoul,followingonits

lossofGod,isthecauseofthis,aswellasofothertormentingpassions.Hungry folk are soon angry. The gnawing hunger in the soul afterhappinness and satisfaction, from which it is barred under the curse,makesthemsopeevishandwrathful.

3dly,Anxiety,whereby the soul is as itwere stretchedon tenterhooks,andisdrawnasunderbydiversthoughts,andputontherack.Manyarethegroundsofthistorturetothesoul.Sometimesitisontheaccountofcarnalthings,whichcomeunderthenameof"thecaresofthislife,"Luke8:14,andsoasmanylustsasamanhastosatisfy,somuchanxietyhowtogetthemsatisfiedfallstotheshareofthewretchedsoul.Ahabisrackedhowtogethiscovetousnesssatisfied,Hamanisrackedwithhisambitionandrevenge,&c.Hencethemantravailethwithiniquity,Psalm7:14,isinpainasawomanwithchildtobringforth.Sometimesitisontheaccountofhissoul'sstatebeforeGod,howtoescapethewrathandcurseofGod,whilethedreadfulsoundisintheman'sears;Acts2:37,"Nowwhentheyheardthis,theywereprickedintheirheart,andsaid,—Menandbrethren,whatshallwedo?"Acts16:30,"Sirs,whatmustIdotobesaved?"This,though it comes to nought in many, yet the Lord makes use of forbringingtheelecttoChrist.

4thly,Sorrowofheart,whichisaweightonthesoulpressingitdown,thenativefruitofsinandthecurse.Thereisafloodofsorrowletoutonmanunder the curse, which divides itself into two great streams. (1.) Thesorrow of theworld, 2 Cor. 7:10.Here run over the soul, the floods ofsorrowarisingfromworldlylosses,crosses,disappointments,whichmenmeetwithinworldlythings,intheirbodies,estates,reputation,relations,and the like. And this stream never dries up, every day has the evilthereof, Matth. 6 ult. And as if the evils coming on men themselvesmediately, or immediately, could not sufficiently cause these waters toswell, such is thedispositionof the soulunder the curse, that thegoodwhichothersmeetwith,oftenservestoincreasethem,bymeansofenvy,ill will, and grudge at their prosperity, Job 5:2, "Envy slayeth the sillyone."(2.)Thesorrowsofdeath,Psalm116:3,arisingfromasightof theguiltofsin lyingonthesoulbefore theLord,whichwillmakethemoststout-heartedbowtheirheadsundertheweight,Matth.27:3,4.Thesearethemostbitterwaterscausedbysinandthecurse;andwotohimwith

whom they swell to thebrim, ifChrist benot a lifterupof thehead tohim.

5thly,Fearandterror,whichseizingonthesoulputsanendto itseaseandquiet.Thiscovereththesoulwithblackness,darkness,andtempest;takesawayitscourage,strikesadampuponit,andmakesitrestless.Anditistwofold,botheffectsofthecurseonthesoul.

(1.) Terror of heart, from the apprehension of danger and miseryapproaching.Man,havingsinned,isbythecursedenouncedarebel,yeaand adjudged to death; hence he is in God's world like a man undersentenceofdeath,wanderinghereandtherewithintheKing'sdominions,ready to be frightened at every accident, and no where secure or inquietness, like Cain, Gen. 4:14.How can they be fearless amongGod'screatures, to whom God is an enemy? Guilt is a mother and nurse offears;andhence itcomestopass, thatthesinnersometimes ismadetotrembleattheshakingofaleaf.Inaspecialmanner,anytoken,presage,or likelihoodof theapproachofdeath, thekingof terrors, fills the soulwithtormentingfear.Thisisawfullydescribed,Deut.28:65,66,67,"Andamongthesenationsshaltthoufindnoease,neithershallthesoleofthyfoothaverest;but theLordshallgivetheetherea tremblingheart,andfailing of eyes, and sorrow of mind. And thy life shall hang in doubtbefore thee, and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have noneassuranceof thy life. In themorningthoushaltsay,WouldGod itwereeven;andateventhoushaltsay,WouldGoditweremorning,forthefearof thineheartwherewith thoushalt fear,and for thesightof thineeyeswhichthoushaltsee."

(2.) Horror of conscience, arising from the sense of guilt, andapprehensionofGod'swrathagainstthesoul,Isa.33:14,"ThesinnersinZionareafraid,fearfulnesshathsurprisedthehypocrites.Whoamongusshalldwellwitheverlastingburnings?"Thisisofallterrorsintheworldthegreatest,andmaksadeepwoundinthesoul,Prov.18:14,"Awoundedspiritwhocanbear?"Caincouldnotbear it,Gen.4:13.Judascouldnotendure it,Matth. 28:3, 4. Jeremiahprays against it, Jer. 17:17, itmadePashura terror tohimself, chap.20:4.This is thedreadfulworkingsofthe curse in the soul, giving it a foretaste of hell. Andwemay observethreedegreesofit.

(1.) A confused fear as to one's soul's state,making the person uneasywithsuspicionsandjealousiesthatmattersareallwrongbetwixtGodandthe soul; like that ofHerod,Matth 14:1, 2,who,hearingof the fameofJesus,saiduntohisservants;"ThisisJohntheBaptist;heisrisenfromthedead,andthereforemightyworksdoshewforththemselvesinhim."Consciencemaysleeplongverysound,andyetatlengthbegintospeak,as it were betwixt sleeping and waking, so as itmay fill theman withuneasiness with its verymay-be's. For under the curse it can never betruetoaman'sease,butwillonetimeorothergivealarms.

(2.)Asharppang,thoughpassinglikeastitchinone'sside,which,whileitlasts,fillsthesoulwithhorror,andmakestheman'sheartmeltinhimlikewax,underclearapprehensionsthatGod,ishisenemy.SuchwasthatofBelshazzar,Dan.5:6,andFelix,Acts24:25,"AndasPaulreasonedofrighteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, andanswered,Go thyway for this time;when Ihavea convenient season Iwill call for thee."He felt the fire kindled inhis bosom, that itwas toostrongforhim;andthereforeimmediatelyordersthattherebenomorefuel laid to it, lest it should quite burn himup. Such one-day fevers ofconscience,nodoubt,manynaturalmendofeelunderthecurse,thoughbymethodsoftheirown,theyfindmeanstocausethefitwearoff.

(3.)Avehementandabidinghorrorwhichtheycannomoreshakeoff,asinJudas'case,Matth.27:3,4.Then theguilt that layon theconsciencelikebrimstone,isfired,andburnssothattheycannotquenchtheflame.The arrows ofwrath, dipt in the poison of the curse, and shot into thesoulbyanalmightyhand,worksoasthepoisonofthemdrinksuptheirspirits.Thebeginningsofhellthenarefelt.Theconscienceis,likeMountSinai,allinfireandsmoke.TheterrorsofGodareroundaboutthem,assetinbattlearrayagainstthem,andtheybecomeaterrortootherstoo.Thethreateningsoftheholylawarenomorelookedonasscare-crows,bythemostobstinatesinneroncebroughttopass;theirluststhenarebittertothemasdeath;andallthecomfortsoftheworldsapless.

Lastly,Despair;Isa.17:11,"Inthedayshaltthoumakethyplanttogrow,andinthemorningshaltthoumakethyseedtoflourish;buttheharvestshallbeaheap in thedayofgriefandofdesperatesorrow."This is the

veryheightofthesoul'stormentinthisworld,andputsthecopestoneonits misery here, and no wonder, for it is the tormenting plague of thedamned.Amanmaybeundergreathorrorofconscience,andyettheremay be a secret hope of an outgate which supports him; but who canconceive,withoutexperience,thetormentofthatsoulonwhomdespairhathseized,andhathshutupalldoorsofhope?Whatafearfulcasemustthat soulbe in, againstwhich the seaof theLord'swrath so swells andrages,thatitisinthatcase,Acts27:20,"Andwhenneithersunnorstarsinmanydaysappeared,andnosmalltempestlayonus,allhopethatweshouldbesavedwasthentakenaway."Thisleavesthesoulnoeaseatall,andsometimeshathamostfearfulissue,asinSaulandJudas.

TheBodyisundertheCurse

SECONDLY,Thenaturalman'sbodyisunderthecurse.Thefirstsinwascompletedbyanactionofthebody;manatetheforbiddenfruit,andwithitswalloweddowndeath,byvirtueofthecurse,whichfollowedsinhardat theheels.Godmademanacompendof theuniverse,byhiscreatingpower raised abody, a beautiful fabric, out of thedust, and lodged thesoul,aspirit,animmortalsubstance,init,asinagloriousandconvenienthabitation,andheblessedthehouseaswellastheinhabitant,Gen.1:28.Butthehousehecommandedtobekeptclean;beingdefiledbythesoul,suddenly he cursed the soul's habitation, and the original blessingwassucceededwithaheavycurse;Deut.28:18, "Cursedshallbe the fruitofthybody."Andsurelythecursingofthefruitimpliesacurseonthetreeitgrows on, viz., the defiled body. The condition of the body, thus laidunderthecurse,wemayviewinthefollowingparticulars:—

1. It is liable to many defects and deformities in the very constitutionthereof.AdamandEvewereattheircreationnotonlysoundandentireintheirsouls,butintheirbodies,havingnothingunsightlyaboutthem.ButOhowoftennowisthereseenavariationfromtheoriginalpattern,intheveryformationofthebody!Someareborndeaf,dumb,blind,orthelike.Some with a want of some necessary organ, some with what issuperfluous.Somewithsuchaconstitutionofbodyasmakesthemidiots,theorgansofthebodybeingsofaroutofcase,thattheyareunfitfortheactionsoftherationallife;andthesoulisbythemkeptinamistduringtheunionwiththatbody.All this isowingtosinandthecurse,without

which there had been no such things in the body of man. It is purelyowingtomercythatthesethingsarenotmorefrequent;forbythecurseallthesonsanddaughtersofAdamareliabletothem;anditmaybeanhumblingquestion,therefore,tothemosthandsomeandbeautiful,1Cor.4:7, "Whomaketh thee todiffer fromanother?andwhathast thouthatthoudidstnotreceive?nowifthoudidstreceiveit,whydostthougloryasifthouhadstnotreceivedit?"AndGodmakessomesuchinstances,thatallmayseeinthemwhatbythecursetheyareliableto,John9:3.

2. As the temperature of the bodywas by the first sin altered, so as itdisposedtosin,Gen.3:7,sobythecursethatdegenerateconstitutionofitispenallyboundon,bywhichitcomestopassthatitisasnaretothesoulcontinually.Theseedsofsinareinit;itis"sinfulflesh,"Rom.8:3,"avilebody,"Phil.3:21,andtheseseedsareneverremovedwhilethecurselieson it,beingapartof thatdeath towhich it isboundoverby thecurse.Thus the case of themanmust needs be verymiserable,while a sinfulsoul and sinful flesh remain so closely knit together, in the nearestrelation,eachasnaretotheother;thesouldisposingthebodytosin,andthebodyandthesoulontheotherhand,thecorruptionofthewholemanmustmakefearfuladvancesunderthecurse.Tothis ismuchowingthecrowdof "fleshly lustswhichwar against the soul," 1 Pet. 2:11; such assensuality, gluttony, drunkenness, filthiness, &c.whichmore andmoredrown thesoul indestructionandperdition.And thesadeffectsof thisdistemperatureofthebodyareneverwanting,ofonekindoranother,inall the periods of life; and bymeans thereof it comes to pass, that thesoulsofmanyareintheirbodiesassunkinandoverwhelmedwithamireoffleshandblood.

3.Itisunderthecurseavesselofdishonour.Byitsoriginalmake,itwasavesselofhonour,appointedtohonourableuses,andwassousedbythesoulbeforesinentered;andeverymemberhaditsparticularhonourableservice, serving thesoul insubordination toGod.Butnow it isbroughtdown from its honour, and its "members are yielded instruments ofunrighteousness unto sin," Rom. 6:13, and is abused to the vilestpurposes; and it is never restored to its honour till, the curse beingremoved, it becomes the temple ofGod, by virtue of the purchase of itmadebythebloodofChrist.Butwhilethecurseremainsitshonourlies

inthedust,beingboundtosuchserviceasitwasatfirstputto,inlookingto,taking,andeatingtheforbiddenfruit.Seeamelancholydescriptionofthis, Rom. 3:13, and downwards, It is made by the drunkard like acommonsink,bythegluttonlikeadraught,andoftenlikeawearybeastunder the load of divers lusts. Every natural man's soul makes it adrudge;insomeitmustbeaslavetothevanityofthemind,inotherstocovetousness, inothers towrathandrevenge; inaword, itsunionwiththesinfulsoulunderthecurseisbecomeayokeofiron.

4.Itisliabletomanymischiefsfromwithout,tendingtorenderituneasyforthetime,andatlengthtodissolvetheframeofit.Fromtheheavensaboveus,theairaboutus,theearthunderneathus,andallthatthereinis,itisliabletohurt.Allthecreaturesareinastateofenmitytoman,whilehe isanenemy toGod;and the least fly thatpasseth through theair isabletoannoyhimnow;sothatthenaturalmaniseverinthemidstofhisarmedenemies.Thepromiseofthecovenantwashisguard,thatwhilehekept the commandment,noevil couldapproachuntohim;butnow theguard is removed, and he is laid under the curse, having broken thecovenant,wherebynotonlyhiscovenantdefence isdeparted fromhim,but heaven has proclaimedwar against him, armed thewhole creationagainstthemenofhiscurse,andorderedthemtobereadytoattackhimonamoment'swarning.Hencethewatersswallowupsome,thefirehurtsothers, beasts wound and bruise others, andman is not safe from thestonesofthefield,yea,everycreature'shandisagainsthim.Andnotonlyso, but by the curse men are become mischievous one to another,fighting,beating,wounding,andkillingoneanother.

5.Thereisaseed-plotofmuchmiserywithinit.Itisbythecursebecomea weak body, and so liable to much toil and weariness, fainting andlanguishingundertheweightof theexercise it isput to,Gen.3:19.Andnot only so, but it hath in it such seeds of corruption, tending to itsdissolution,asspringup inmanyandvariousmaladies,whichprovesoheavymany times, that theymake life itself a burden. By virtue of thecurse,deathworksinthebody,allalongfromthewomb,asamoleunderground,tillatlengthitlaysthewholefabricinthedust,andleavesnot,asitwere,onestoneonanother,inthegrave.Nopartofthebody,withoutor within, is beyond the reach of diseases and torturing pains. The

greatestcareofthebodycannotaltogetherwardthemoff.Thecursehasturned thisworld intoanhospital,where somearegroaningunderonedistemper,someunderanother;someatonetime,someatanother;andsomeinthatrespectaredyingdaily,knowinglittleornothingofperfecthealth.The strongestare liable tobe soweakenedbydiseases, as tobeunabletoturnthemselvesonabed;thosewhoenjoythegreatestease,totormentingpains;themostbeautifulmaybeapreytoloathsomediseasesandsores;andthesoundestconstitutiontoinfectionsplagues.

6.Lastly, Inall these respects thebody is a clog to the soul inpointofduty, often hanging like a dead weight upon it, unfitting it for, andhinderingitfromitsmostnecessarywork.Thesinfulsoulisinitselfmostunfitforitsgreatwork,inthisstateoftrial,byreasonoftheevilqualitiesofitunderthecurse.Butthewretchedbodymakesitmoreso.Thecareofthebodydothsotakeupitsthoughtswithmostmen,that,caringforit,thesoulislost.Itsstrengthandvigourisasnaretoit,anditsweaknessand uneasiness often interrupt or quite mar the exercises wherein thesoulmightprofitablybeemployed.Andonemayseethe forlorncaseofthe soul ofman in this body under the curse, how it is on every handpulledbackfromsalvationwork,inthecaseofmanytowhomhealthandstrengthissuchapowerfulsnarewhileitremains,thattheywillnot,andwhentheyaregone,troubleanddistressofbodydosofilltheirhand,thattheycannotmindtheirsalvationworktopurpose.

But itmay be objected, That by this account of the condition of thoseunder the curse, the case of natural men and of believers in Christ isalike;sinceitisevident,thatnotonlythesebodilymiseries,butmanyofthesesoulmiseriesarecommontoboth.Ianswer,Thoughitseemtobealikeintheeyeofbeholders, inregardthesemiseriesaremateriallythesameonnaturalmenandonthechildrenofGod;yetreallythereisavastdifference.Ontheformertheyaretrulyeffectsofthecurse;onthelatterthey are indeed effects of sin, but not of the curse; "For Christ hathredeemedthemfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforthem,"Gal.3:13.Sinenteringintotheworldwasafountainofmiseries;andtillitbe dried up, there will bemiseries onmen's bodies and souls; but thepoisonofthecurseismixedwiththesebitterstreamstosome,butnottoothers;andthatmakesasgreatadifferencebetwixtthecaseofthegodly

and ungodly, as betwixt the case of one man to whom poison, andanothertowhommedicineisadministered.And,

(1.)Thestreamofmiseriesonsoulorbodytoanaturalman,runsinthechannelofthecovenantofworks;buttoabeliever,inthechannelofthecovenant of grace. To the former it comes by virtue of the threatening,Gen.2:17,"Inthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie;"Tothelatteritcomesbyvirtueofthat,Psalm89:30,31,32,"Ifhischildrenforsakemylaw,andwalknotinmyjudgments;iftheybreakmystatutes,and keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgressionwiththerod,andtheiriniquitywithstripes."Runninginthechannelofthe first covenant, they bring the curse along with them; but in thechannelofthesecondcovenant,thecurseisnottobefound;thewatersarehealed,howeverbittertheymaybe,Isa.54:9.Whenonehasaslave,he punishes him for his misdemeanors, by virtue of his masterlyauthorityoverhim.Butifhebefreedandadoptedforason,hechastenshim,butnomoreasaslave,butasason.

(2.)There is revengingwrath in the one, but fatherly anger only in theother,Isa.54:9,"ForthisisasthewatersofNoahuntome;forasIhaveswornthatthewatersofNoahshouldnomoregoovertheearth;sohaveIswornthatIwouldnotbewrothwiththee,norrebukethee."If itwasneversuchasmallstrokeonthenaturalman,itisinpartofpaymentoflaw-debt, for he is under the law, in its commanding, cursing, andcondemningpower;ifitwereeversuchaheavystrokeonachildofGod,itisnopartofpaymentoflaw-debt,whichheisforeverdischargedofinhisunionwithChrist.Anungodlyman'sbasketofbreadmiscarries;itisno great loss, one would think, he may bear it; but alas! there is animpression ofwrath upon it, itmiscarried by virtue of the curse,Deut.28:17,"Cursedshallbethybasket;"andsoitisheavierthanthesandofthesea,thoughhe,beinginsensibleofhiscase,feelsnottheweightofit.GoodElifallsfromoffhisseat,andbreakshisneck,1Sam.4:18.Oheavystroke!weareapttosay;yeabuttherewasnoworse in it thanfatherlyanger;thecovenantwasnotbroken,thoughhisneckwasbroken,Psalm89:34, "My covenantwill I not break."He got a soft fall; as hard as itappearedtospectators,hefellonapavementoflove,Cant.3:10.

(3.) The miseries of the ungodly in this life are an earnest of eternal

misery inhell; but thoseof the godly aremedicines, to keepback theirsoulfromdeath;1Cor.11:32,"Whenwearejudged,wearechastenedoftheLord,thatweshouldnotbecondemnedwiththeworld."Everystrokeamanunderthecursegets,hemaycallit"Joseph;"for"theLordwilladdanother."Theleastbrookthatruns,ismakingtowardsthesea,aswellasthedeepestriver;andtheleastaffliction,byvirtueofthecurse,laidonaman, looks towards hell, as well as the greatest stroke he meets with.Thoughapieceofmoneybebutsmallinitself,ifitbeanearnest-pennyofa great sum, it is valued accordingly. And so the least strokewould befrightfultoanaturalman,ifhediscernedthenatureofit.ButintheworstafflictionsofGod'speople, there is a seedof joy,Psalm97:11, "Light issown for the righteous; and gladness for theupright inheart;" and thedarkestnightwillhaveafairclearmorning.TherewasmoreofheaveninHeman's hell, Psalm 88:15, than there is in the greatest ease, joy, andprosperityofthewicked.

TheWholeManisundertheCurse

Thirdly,Thewholemanisunderthecurse.ThesinnerfallenfromGod,fell under the curse; and like a deluge it has gone over him, andsurrounded him on every hand. Hence our Lord Christ, beingmade acurseforus,wasbesetwithsorrows,Matth.26:38,"Mysoulisexceedingsorrowful even unto death," like aman when the devouring waves arecompassinghimroundabout,andfromeveryhandcominginuponhim,readytoswallowhimup.Thusstandsthenaturalmanunderthecurse;itisuponhim,itisroundabouthim;gowherehewill,thereisnoshiftingofit,allhisdayshewadesthroughthesewaters;heisinthedeepmire,wherethereisnofirmstanding.Heiscursed,

1. In his name and reputation; "The seed of evil doers shall never berenowned,"Isa.14:20.Sinlaidman'shonourinthegrave,andthecurselaysthegrave-stoneuponit;anditcanneverriseagaintillthecurseberemoved;Isa.43:4,"Sincethouwastpreciousinmysight,thouhastbeenhonourable."Whatof itappearsbefore that, isbutas itwereaghost,aspectre of honour, that vanisheth away, which vain men pleasethemselveswithalittle,aswithillusionsoffancy.Thesinner'snamemayshootupandflourisha little;but it isblastedbythecurse,withshame,contempt, reproach, and disgrace. And no heights of worldly grandeur

cansecuremenagainst this; thecurse isawormat theroot,whichwillworkandcausetowitherthesinner'sname,whateverpainsbetakentohold itgreen.Agoodnameisbetter thanpreciousointment;butwherethecurselies,thedeadflywillbefoundthere,tocauseittosendforthastinking savour.Everyman is desirous of a name, and the raising of itwas thesnare inwhichmanwas firstcaught, "Yeshallbeasgods;"butsincethattime,manhasbeenlaidopentomanyanddeepwoundsinit,while by the curse the tongues of those of his own kind have been asarrowsshotfromabentbowagainstit,Psalm57:4.

2.Inhisemploymentandcallingintheworld,Gen.3:19,"Inthesweatofthy face shalt thoueatbread, till thou returnunto the ground."Man isputtosoretoil,weariness,anddistress inhisworldlyemployment;andwhenhehasdone,Owhat fruitlesspainsand travelhe ismade to see!How often domen labour as in the very fire! and all the issue is, theywearythemselvesforveryvanity.Thereissoreandhardtravel;andafterall men must say, "We have, as it were, brought forth wind." Thehusbandmantoilsinlabouringtheground,andtheearthbyvirtueofthecurseoftengiveshimbutapoorrewardofhislabour.Thestore-masterisdiligent toknow thestateofhis flocks,and lookswell tohisherds;butoftentimes it is seen that thatwill not effect it, the curseworks againsthim,andallgoestowreck,Deut.28:17,"Cursedshallbethystore."Thetradesman is early and late at hiswork, but oftenhasmuch ado to getbread to his mouth and his family. The merchant carefully watchesoccasionsofadvancinghis interest;buthowoftenseekinggaindoeshefind loss! and some unforeseen events discover a secret hand ofprovidence working against him in themanagement of his affairs. SeeHag.1:6,"Yehavesownmuch,andbringinlittle;yeeat,butyehavenotenough;yedrink,butyearenotfilledwithdrink;yeclotheyou,butthereisnonewarm;andhethatearnethwagesearnethwagestoput it intoabagwithholes."Thecaseofthelabourofthemind,isinthisrespectnobetter than the labour of the hands. Solomon tells us, from hisexperience,thegrievoustoilofit;Eccl.1:13,"Igavemyhearttoseekandsearchoutbywisdomconcerningallthingsthataredoneunderheaven;this sore travail hath God given to the sons of men to be exercisedtherewith."Andhealso tells thesorry issueof that toil;ver. 18, "For inmuch wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge,

increaseth sorrow."No set ofmen havemore remarkable symptoms ofthecurseontheiremployment,thanthosewhoselabouristhelabourofthemind. The toil is sore, the success small, and the disappointmentsinnumerable. The physician and the lawyer labour, the one to preservethebody,theothertheestate;butafteralltheirpains,theirartfails,theymistakethecase,oritisbeyondtheirpowertorectifyit.Theprojectsofstatesmen,laidinthedepthoftheirwisdom,howoftenaretheybaffled,andbysomesmalloccurrencethewholeframethereofisunhinged!Theguides of the Church, after all their contrivances for a steadymanagementofhercourse,howoftendotheyrowherintodeepwaters,fromwhencetheycannotbringherback,tillsheisdashedinpieces!Evenin preaching of the gospel,whilemen shine, they burn andwaste; andwhen all is done, theymust sit down and say, "Who hath believed ourreport?Ihavelabouredinvain,andspentmystrengthfornoughtandinvain."Whenceisallthis,butthatmanhasfallenunderthecurse,anditmarswhateverhegoesabouttomake?

3.Inhisworldlysubstance,Deut.28:17,"Cursedshallbethybasketandthystore."Whereverhehathit,hehaththecursewithit;whetheritbeinthe field,Deut.28:16,orwhether itbe in thehouse,Prov.3:33.On themeatheeats,ontheliquorhedrinks,theclotheshewears,andthehousewherehe lodges, there isacurse lying,becausetheyarehis.Andundertheweightof it theygroan,as longing tobedeliveredoutofhis cursedhands,Rom.8:21,22.Andsometimesevenprovidencerecoversthemoutof their hands in this life, asmen do goods out of the hands of unjustpossessors,Hos.2:9, "Iwill return, and take awaymy corn in the timethereof,andmywineintheseasonthereof,andwillrecovermywoolandmy flax given to cover her nakedness." Thus under the curse men areliable to melancholy alterations and changes in their outward estate.Richesmakethemselveswingsbyvirtueofthecurse,andflyaway,nottobecalledbackagain.Themanisinfatuatedinhismanagement,andsoisnot aware till he has run himself aground. He wants the hedge of thecovenant-protection about what is his; and he sustains losses anddamagesatthehandsofthosewithwhomhehastodo.Yea,hegathersandheapsup,anddiligentlywatchesit;butafireunblownconsumesit,anditmeltsawaylikesnowbeforethesun;thecurse,likeamoth,eatsitaway,andheiswormedoutofthatonwhichhesethisheart.Orifitstay

with him, it is sometimes locked up from him, so as he has not thecomfortableuseofit,Eccl.6:2,"AmantowhomGodhathgivenriches,wealth,andhonour,sothathewantethnothingforhissoulofallthathedesireth,yetGodgivethhimnotpower toeat thereof."Andso themanneverhasablesseduseof it,neverhaspowertouse it forthehighandhonourableendsit isappointedofGodunto,whenhegivesit intotheirhandsas stewardsof it forhim.The losshehasby it, as it turns tohishurt, is never counterbalanced by the gain. And all this comes on thenaturalmaninvirtueofthecurse.

4. In his relations. Relations are the joints of society, and sin goingthrough themall, theyare all defiled, and the cursegoes through themtoo,Deut. 28:18, "Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body." In themmenpromisethemselvescomfort;buttheretheyfindsorrow,pain,andsmart.Theretheyleanasitweretoawall,andaserpentdoesbitethem.Inthestate,magistrates often oppress, ensnare, and entangle the conscience,and prove a terror to those that do well. In the church, ministers areunfaithful, unwatchful, unconcerned for the good of souls, orunsuccessful.Inneighbourhood,menareunjust,selfish,andsnaresoneto another. In the family, disorder and confusion are found, througheveryone'sunfaithfulnessinthedutiesoftheirrespectiverelations.Howmany are there unequally yoked, companions of life, through theirjarringsanddiscord,aburdenandacrosstooneanother!HusbandssuchmenofBelialthattheirwivescannotspeaktothem;wivesasrottennessinthebonesoftheirhusbands;parentsunnatural,andunfaithfulto,andcarelessoftheirchildren;childrenfroward,perverse,andstubborn;sonsofyouth,hopedtobearrowsinthehandoftheirparents, turningtobearrowstopiercethemtotheheart;daughters,expectedtobeascorner-stonesfortheirfather'sfamily,fallingdownontheheadsoftheirparents,andcrushingtheirspirits;mastersunjustandunfaithfultotheirservants;and servants perverse, rebellious, and unconscionable in their service.For the curse has gone wide, and in every relation the weight of it isfound;thoughmostmenthatfindtheweightofit,knowitnottobethecurseindeed.

5.Inhislot,whateveritis,afflictedorprosperous.Afflictionsarecursedto themanwho isunder the curse;he isnotbetteredby them, though

othersare.Heisnothumbledbythem,buthisspiritisembittered;and,instead of coming toGod under them, he runs farther away fromhim."Why,"saystheLordtoIsrael,"shouldyebestrickenanymore?yewillrevoltmoreandmore,"Isa.1:5.Godbindsthemanwiththesecords,buthe crieth not. Hemay groan under the weight of his affliction, but heturns not unto the Lord; he saith not, "Where isGodmyMaker?" Job35:10. He remains stubborn, incorrigible, and impenitent; Jer. 5:3—"Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hastconsumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they havemade their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return." Theman'sprosperityintheworldisasnaretohissoulandruinshim,Prov.1:32, "The prosperity of fools shall destroy them." If his ground bringforthplentifully,hisbarnsare seen to,buthis soul isneglected;aswasthe case of the rich man in the gospel, Luke 12:16, &c. If his familyprosper,hishousebe insafety,andhisstockthrive, theysayuntoGod,"Departfromus:forwedesirenottheknowledgeofthyways.WhatistheAlmighty,thatweshouldservehim?andwhatprofitshouldwehaveifweprayuntohim?"Job21:8–14,15."Ifwatersofafullcupbewrungouttothem, they set their mouths against the heavens, and their tonguewalketh through theearth.—And theysay,HowdothGodknow?and isthere knowledge in theMost High?" Psalm 73:8, 9, &c. Youth, health,strength,andwealthtogether,proveruiningbyvirtueofthecurse.Betheman's lotwhat itwill, there is a curse on it to him, and it tends to hisdestruction.

6.Inhisuseofthemeansofgrace;Rom.11:8,"Godhathgiventhemthespiritofslumber,eyesthattheyshouldnotsee,andearsthattheyshouldnothear."Themansitsunderthedroppingofthegospel,butitdoeshimnogood.Heisasthegroundthatoftendrinksintherain,butbringsforthno fruitmeet for himbywhom it is dressed.He stands cumbering theground in God's vineyard, for there is a withering curse on him, Goodgrapes are expected from the pains bestowed on him, but behold, onlywild grapes appear. His praying, hearing, communicating, &c., are butlike a withered hand that is never stretched out, nor reaches to thethrone. His convictions and raised affections quickly settle again, andthesefairappearancescometonothing.Thegospel,thatisasavouroflifetosome,isasavourofdeathtohim,2Cor.2:16;andChristhimself,who

issetfortheraisingofmany,iseventuallyforhisfalling.Thusthecurseturnseverythingagainsttheman,andallisdeathtohim.

7.Lastly,Inhisperson.Beingasinfulmanunderthecovenantofworks,heisacursedman;Foritiswritten,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Thecursefixethnotonlyonwhatishis,butonhimself;anditisforhissakethatitislaidonotherthings.Thecurse,asyouhaveheard,isonhissoul,andonhisbody;forwhereversinisfoundunderthiscovenant,therethecursealsoisAnd,

(1.)Theman isunder thepowerof Satan,Acts26:18. Into thehandofthisenemymanfell,whenhebrokethecovenantofworks.Satanhavingwagedwaragainstheaven,setonman,heaven'sconfederate,andgainedtheunhappyvictory,gainedhimbytemptationtorenouncehisallegianceto his rightful Lord by breaking the covenant, and so he fell under hispower, as his captive taken in war, Isa. 49:24, was brought underbondagetothisworstofmasters,2Pet.2:19,andisruledbyhimathispleasure,2Tim.2ult.Thecurseofthecovenantfallingonthecovenant-breaker,he is thereby laidundercondemnation,andadjudged todeathaccordingtothethreatening;andsohefallsunderthepowerofhimthathasthepowerofdeath,thatisthedevil,Heb.2:14.Everynaturalmanisshutupasinaprison,inhisnaturalstate;andthereheliesinbonds,Isa.61:1.ThereareGod'sbandsonhim,thebandsofthecursebindinghimovertodeath;andthedevil'sbandsareonhim,viz,thebandsofstronglusts and corruptions, with which they are laden, as a malefactor inprisonisladenwithirons.AndSatanhasthepowerofgaoleroverthem.Hekeepsthekeysoftheprison,andnarrowlywatchestheprisonersthatnoneofthemescape.Theyarenotallkeptalikeclose;butnoneofthemcanmovebeyondtheboundsofhisjurisdiction,morethantheprisonercangetoutofthedungeon.Evenwhentheking'swordcomestodelivertheelect,hewillnotyieldthemup;buttheprisondoorsmustbebrokeopen,andtheyforciblytakenoutofhishandbyastrongerthanhe.

(3.) The naturalman being under the curse is continually in hazard ofutterdestruction,ofhaving the copestoneputonhismisery, andbeingset beyondall possibility of help. If his eyeswere openedhewould seehimself everymoment in danger of droppingdown into the pit of hell;

Psalm7:12,"Ifheturnnot,hewillwhethissword;hehathbenthisbow,andmade it ready." Theman is constantly standing before God's bentbow,andhasnothingtosecurehimonemomentfromthedrawingofit.Thesentenceofdeath ispassedagainsthim,John3:18,but there isnodayintimatedfortheexecution,buteverydaythedeadwarrantmaybesignedagainsthim,andheledforthtodeath.Hisnamemaybe"Magor-missabib,"aterrorroundabout,Jer.20:3.Whithercanhelookwherehewillnotseehisenemiesreadytoruinhim,onawordofcommandfromthat God under whose curse he lies? And what can he do for himselfamidsthisarmedenemies?Heisquitenaked,Rev.3:17,andcannotfightthem;heiswithoutstrength,Rom.5:6,andcannotwieldarmour,thoughhehadit;heisboundhandandfoot,Isa.61:1,andcannotflee;andifhecould,whithercouldhefleeforsafety?Heaven'sgatesareshutuponhim;intheutmostpartsoftheearth,orthemostremoterockinthesea,God'shand would find him out. Justice is pursuing the criminals under thecurse,cryingforvengeanceonthetraitors,andtheirfootshallcertainlyslide in due time; the law is continually throwing the fire-balls of itscursesonthem,andwillatlengthsetthemonfireroundabout;deathisonthepursuitafterthem,andhasgainedmuchgroundofthemalready,and the cloudofwrathhangsover theirheads continually in the curse,andthesmallrainofGod'swrathisstillfallingonthem;howsoondeathmayovertake them, theyknownot; and then the cloudbreaks, and thegreatrainofhisstrengthfallsdownuponthem,andsweepsthemawaywithouthopeforeverandever.

TheConditionoftheNaturalManunderthecurse,afterthislife

SECONDLY,Thenaturalman'sconditionunder thebrokencovenantofworks, is very terrible in thatpartof itwhich takesplaceafter this life.Thencomesthe fullexecutionof thecurse,and it is fixedonthesinnerwithoutpossibilityofdeliverance.Thenwillbeseenandfeltbythosewhoperishunderit,whatisinthewombofthecurseofthebrokencovenant,whereofallthatbefalstheminthislifeisbutanearnest.Thetruthis,itcannot be fully represented inwords from the tongues ofmen; butweshallbrieflypointatitinthefollowingparticulars.

DeathundertheCurse

First, The natural man under the curse must not only die, but die byvirtueofthecurse.Deathinanyshapehasaterribleaspect,itisthekingof terrors, and can hardly miss to make the creature shrink, being adestruction of nature, and carrying him into another world where heneverwasbefore,andputtinghim intoaquitenewstate,whichhehashadnopriorexperienceof.Butdeathtothenaturalmanisinasingularmannerterrible;itisdeathoftheworstkind.ThebelieverinChristmustdietoo;butChristhavingdiedforthembyvirtueof thecurse,andthatdeathofhisbeingappliedtothembyfaith,theydienot invirtueofthecurse; Gal. 3:13, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,beingmade a curse forus." It is a fatherly chastisement, amedicine tothem, yea the most effectual medicine, that cures them of all theirmaladies,1Cor.11:30,32.

But thenaturalmandiesbyvirtueof thecurseof thebrokencovenant,agreeable to the threatening annexed thereto, Gen. 2:17. Accordingly,upon man's sinning, the curse seized him; and continuing under thatcovenant,itisstillworkinginhim,tillitworkshisbodyandsoulasunder.Soul and body joined in sin against God, and by sin the man wasseparatedfromGod;and,asameetrewardoftheerror,thecompanionsinsinareseparatedby thecurseat length;whichwouldhaveremainedeternallyinahappyunion,hadnotsinentered.

Now,thatwemayhaveaviewofdeathtoasinnerbyvirtueofthecurse,consider,

1.It istheruiningstrokefromthehandofanabsoluteGod,proceedingaccording to the covenant of works against the sinner in fullmeasure;"He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of theworld,"Job18:18.It isthefatalwound,thewoundofanenemy,forthesinner'sutterdestruction.Toasaint,deathisafriend'swound,astrokefromthehandofa father,proceedingagainsthischildreninthewayofthe covenantofgrace, for their completehappiness.But theungodly indeathfallintothehandsofthelivingGod,whothenisandeverwillbe,tothemaconsumingfire.Havingledtheirlifeunderthatcovenant,theyarethencrushedinpiecesbythecurseforthebreakingofit.

2.ItisthebreakingupofthepeacebetwixtGodandthemforever:itis

Godsettinghissealtotheproclamationofaneverlastingwarwiththem;afterwhichnomessageofpeaceistogobetwixtthemanymoreforever.It fixeth an impassable gulf, cutting of all comfortable communicationwithheaven, for theagesofeternity,Luke16:26.Nowthesinnerunderthecurse,livingwithinthevisiblechurch,hastheprivilegeofoffersoflifeandsalvation;butthenthereisnomoregospel,norarethereanymoregood tidings of peace, when once death has done its work. The cursewhich in life might have been got removed by the sinner's embracingChrist,isthenfastenedforeveronhimwithoutremedy.Thedoorisshut,andthatforever.

3. Itputs anend toall their comfortofwhatsoevernature,Luke 16:25.Lazarusisthencomforted,butthewickedtormented.Itutterlyquenchestheircoal,andputsoutalltheirlight,Job18:18,forecited.Tothegodly,deathputsanendtotheirworldlycomforts,butthenitletsthemintothefullenjoymentof theirLord inheaven;butas for theungodly,atdeaththey leave all their worldly comforts behind them, and they have nocomfortbeforethemintheplacewhithertheygo.Thecursethendrawsabarbetwixtthemandeverythingthatispleasantandeasy.

4.Itisdeatharmedwithitssting,andallthestrengthithasfromsin,anda holy just broken law. "The sting of death," whereby it pierces like astingedserpent,"issin,"1Cor.15:56,and"thestrengthofsinisthelaw."Now,whendeathcomesontheungodlyman,allhissinsareunpardoned;the guilt of them all binding him, as with innumerable cords, over toeternalwrath,liesuponhim.Andthesecordsofguiltcannotbebroken;forthelawistheirstrength,whichthreatenssinwitheternalwrath;andGod's truthand faithfulness thereinplighted, cannot fail.Thus isdeatharmedagainsttheunbeliever,andhereinliesthetrulykillingnatureofit.Wherethatsting isaway,as it is toall inChrist, itcandothemnorealharm, whatever way they die, whether a lingering or sudden death, aviolent or natural one, under a cloud or in the light of comfort, 1 Cor.15:55–57.

5.Lastly,Itisthefearfulpassageoutofthisworldintoeverlastingmisery,Luke16:22,23.Itisadarkvalleyatbest;buttheLordiswithhispeoplewhiletheygothroughit,Psalm23:4.Itisadeepwateratbest;butwherethecurseisremoved,theLordJesuswillbethelifterupofthehead,that

the passenger shall not sink. But who can conceive the horror of thepassagethesinnerunderthecursehas,uponwhomthatfrightfulweightlies? It leads him as an ox to the slaughter; it opens like a trap-doorunderneath him, by which he falls into the pit, and like a whirlpoolswallowshimup inamoment,andhe isstakeddowninanunalterablestateofunspeakablemisery.

Secondly,HeisimmediatelyafterdeathhaledbeforethetribunalofthatGod,underwhosecursehe lies;Eccl.12:7,"ThespiritshallreturnuntoGodwhogiveit."CompareHeb.9:27,"Itisappointeduntomenoncetodie,butafterthisthejudgment."Therethesoulisjudgedaccordingtoitsstate, and the deeds done in the body; and there it must receive itsparticularsentence.Andwhatcanitbe,but"Depart,yecursed?"Wherecansuchasoulexpecttofinditsownplace,butintheplaceoftorment?Luke 16:23. The cause is already judged, the sinner is under the curse,boundovertohellbythesentenceoftheholylaw.Andthosewhomthelawhaspowertocurseanddoescursewhiletheyareinthisworld,Godwillneverbless in theotherworld.Consider thesinnerunder thecursebeforethistribunal;and,

1.Allhissins,ofallkinds,inalltheperiodsofhislife,fromthefirsttothelastbreathingonearthareuponhim.Thecursesealsthemupasinabag,thatnotoneofthemcanbemissing;Hos.13:12,"TheiniquityofEphraimis bound up." Where a pardon takes place, the curse is removed, andbeingonceremoved,itneverreturns;sowherethecurseis,thereneitheris nor has been a pardon; for these are inconsistent, the one being abindingoverofthesinnertowrath,theotheradissolutionofthatband,sothatGodwillremembertheiriniquitiesnomore.Butwherenopardonis,Godhasswornhewillnotforgetanyofthatsinner'sworks,Amos8:7.Howfearful, then,must thecasebe,while thesinnerstandsbefore thistribunalwithallhissinswhatsoeveruponhim?

2. As the man's sins were multiplied, so the curses of the law weremultiplieduponhim; for it is the constantvoiceof the law,uponeverytransgressionofthoseunderthecovenantofworks,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawto do them," Gal. 3:10. How then can such a one escape, whileinnumerablecordsofdeathareuponhim,beforeajustJudge,withtheir

united force binding him over to destruction? His misery is herebyinsuredwithoutallperadventure;andthemoreofthesecordsthereareuponhim,thegreatermusthispunishmentbe.

3.Thereisnoremovingofthecursethen,Luke13:25.Thetimeoftrialisover, and judgment is to be passed according towhatwas done in theflesh.Whenacourtiserectedwithinasinner'sownbreastinthisworld,and conscience convicts him as a transgressor of the law, a covenant-breaker,andthereforepronounceshimcursed; there isaSurety for thesinnertoflyto,anAdvocateintowhosehandshemaycommithiscause,aMediator to trust in and roll his burden on by faith. But before thattribunalthereisnoneforthesinnerwhocomesthitherunderthecurse.Asthetreefell,itmustlie;thatthroneisathroneofpurejusticetohim,withoutanymixtureofthegracehedespised.Bythelawofworks,whichhechosetoliveunder,despisingthelawofgrace,hemustbejudged.

4.Lastly,Whereforehemustthereinevitablysinkundertheweightofthecurseforever,Psalm1:5.Hemustfallasacrificeforhisownsin,whonowslightstheonlyatoningsacrifice,evenChristourpassoversacrificedforus.Inthecourseofjusticesinmustbesatisfiedfor,andwithoutsheddingofbloodthereisnoremission.Thesatisfactionmustbeproportionedtothe injury done to the honour of an infinite God by it. In the gospel,Christissetbeforethesinnerasthescape-goatbeforeAaron;heiscalledtolayhishandontheheadthereof,byfaithtransferringtheguiltontheSurety.Sincethesinnerdidnotso,butlivedanddiedunderthecurse,hisiniquitymustfallandlieforeveronhisownhead.

Thirdly,Thesoulisshutupinhell,byvirtueofthecurse,Luke16:22,23,"And in hell be lift up his eyes." Thus, by the sentence of the brokencovenant, the sinner is cutasunderby the swordofdeath,andhis soulreceivesitsportion,whereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth,beinghaled from the tribunal into the pit. Then falls the great rain of God'swrathon themenofhis curse, the sinnerbeing, tohisownconviction,enteredinpaymentofthedebtwhichhecanneverdischarge,andwhichcanneverbeforgiven.Thestateoftheseparatesoulunderthecurse,afterits particular judgment, who can sufficiently express the horror of?Considerthesethingsfollowingonthathead.

1. Separate souls under the curse, after their particular judgment, arelodgedintheplaceofthedamned,calledHellinthescriptures.Thenthegodlyandthewickedchangeplaces,wholivedtogetherinthisworldasamixed company; the soul,which, through faith received theblessing, iscarried to heaven; and the soul which parted with the body under thecurse, is carried to hell. This is evident from the parable of Dives andLazarus,Luke16:22,23.Inhellthesoulsofthewickedarelodgedasinaprison,reservedtoafurtherjudgmentagainstthegreatday,1Pet.3:19.And who can imagine what thoughts of horror must, at its entrancethither,seizethesoul,whichalittlebeforewasinthebodyinthisworld,butthengoesintoanunalterablestateofmisery,andhaththebarsofthepit shutupon it,withouthopeof relief?O the fearful sudden change itwillbe to themwho lived inwealthandease,and to themwho lived inpovertyanddistresshere!Whocansay towhichof themitshallbe themostfrightfulchange?

2.Thedregsofthecurseshalltherebewrungouttothem,andtheymadeto drink them, in the fearful punishment inflicted upon them for thesatisfactionofoffendedjustice,foralltheirsins,originalandactual.Thenshallbe,moreremarkably thaneverbefore,accomplished thatpassage;Psalm75:8,"InthehandoftheLordthereisacup,andthewineisred:itisfullofmixture,andhepourethoutofthesame;butthedregsthereofall thewicked of the earth shall wring them out and drink them." Theseparatesouldothnotsleep,norisvoidoffeeling,norisitextinguishedtill theresurrection,assomehavedreamed;no,no; it lives,but lives inmisery; it feels, but feels nothing but anguish. It is laid under thepunishmentofloss,beingatoncedeprivedofallthosethingswhereinitsoughtitssatisfactioninthisworld,andofallthehappinessoftheotherworld;anditispunishedalsowiththepunishmentofsense,thewrathofan angryGod being poured into it, Luke 16:23, 24,which is expressedunderthenotionofbeing"tormentedinaflame."Thenallthejoysofthecursed soul are killed, plucked up by the root; and a flood of sorrowssurroundsit,havingneitherbrimnorbottom.

3. They are sensible of their lost happiness, Luke 16:23. They see it totheir unspeakable anguish. Whatever they heard of heaven, and thehappiness of thosewhodie in theLord,while theywereon earth, they

will get amore affecting discovery of it then,whichwill cause them torage against themselves, that ever they should have preferred thepleasuresofsinandavainworldtosuchablessedstate.Andhowmustitpiercethewretchedsoul,tothinkthatnotonlyallislost,butlostwithoutpossibility of recovery?Luke 16:26.O thatmenwould bewise in time,andbelievethatthestateoftrialwillendwiththemerelong,andsobendtheir cares and endeavours, that, amidst the throng of the world'sbusiness,cares,vanities,andtemptations,theylosenottheirsouls.

4.Theirconsciencesarethenawakened,nevertofallasleepanymoreforever.Theywillscorchthemthenlikeafirethatcannotbequenched,andgnawthemlikeawormthatneverdieth.Withoutquestionseparatesoulsare capable of calling things past to remembrance, as is evident in thecase of the rich man when in the separate state, Luke 16:25, whereAbrahambidshimrememberwhataportionhehadinthislife;therichmanremembershisfivebrethren,andwhatalifeheandtheyled,ver.28.Theconsciencethatwassearedtill itwaspast feeling,will thenbe fullysensible. The evil of sin will then be clearly seen, because felt; thethreateningsof theholy lawwillnomorebeaccountedscarecrows,norwilltherebeanysuchfoolsthereastomakeamockofsin.Thesoultherewill be under continual remorse and regret for ever the ill-spent life,wherethereisnoplaceforrepentance.Thesoulthatwouldneversearchandtryitsways,whiletherewasoccasiontomendwhatwasamiss,willtheregothroughtheseveralstepsoflifeandconversationhere;andeverynewsinthatcastsuptoitasdoneinthebody,willpiercethesoullikeanenvenomedarrow.

5.Theywillbefilledwithtorturingpassions,whichwillkeepthesouleverontherackTheirsinfulnatureremainswiththemunderthecurse,andtheywillsinagainstGodstill,aswellastheydidinthislife;butwiththisdifference, thatwhereas theyhadpleasure in their sinshere, they shallhavenoneintheirsinsthere;theyshallbeforeverprecludedfromactingthatwickednessthatmaygivepleasure,andtherestraintuponthemthatway in their prisonmay contribute to their torment; for, no doubt, theseedsofallsinremainstillinthemthereunderthecurse;buttheirsinsthereshallbetheirfeltmiserytoo.Thescriptureholdsoutthosetorturingpassions which they will be filled with, by "weeping, and wailing, and

gnashing of teeth;" which intimates to us, that souls there areoverwhelmed with sorrow, anguish, and anxiety, with wrath, grudge,murmuring,envy,rage,anddespair.

6.Lastly, In this state theymust continue till the lastday, that theybereunitedtotheirrespectivebodies,andsothewholemangethissentenceatthegeneraljudgment,adjudgingbothsoulandbodytoeverlastingfire,Matth.25.Foraftertheyaregoneoutofthisworld,theirwickednessmaybe livingbehind them,and the streamof itmaybe runningwhen theirbodiesareconsumedinthegrave,andtheirsoulshavebeenlonginthepit ofdestruction, like the sinof Jeroboam,whomade Israel to sin; allwhichmustbeaccountedfor.Andhenceitappears,thattheexpectationofreunitingwiththeirbodiescanbenocomfortablethoughttothembutathoughtofhorror,afearfulexpectation.

TheSinner'sBodygoestotheDust

Fourthly,Thebodygoes to thedust invirtueof thecurse,Psalm49:14,"Likesheeptheyare laid inthegrave,deathshall feedonthem."Man'sbody in the state of innocence was immortal, not subject to death: sinmade itmortal, the curse bound it over to death, and to the grave, thedarkterritoryofdeath,Rom.6:23,"Thewagesofsinisdeath."HenceourLordJesusChrist,becomingacurseforhisown,wascarriedprisonertothegrave,Isa.53:9, laythereforatime,boundwiththecordsofdeath,Acts2:24;buthavingfullydischargedthedebtforwhichhewaslaidup,disarmeddeath,andprovedthedestructionof thegrave forall thatarehis;.Hos. 13:14, "O death, I will be thy plagues: O grave, I will be thydestruction"Butinthemeantimedeathandthegraveremainasbeforetoall thosewhohavenosaving interest inhim;sothatwhereverthedeadbodiesofthewickedarelaidup,orhowevertheyaredisposedof,whetherconsumed by the fire, eaten up by other creatures, or laid in a graveproperly socalled;wherever they remain in thestateof thedead; theretheyarelaidupinvirtueofthecurse.Butthebodiesofthegodlyarenotso.

The state of the dead body in the grave, under the curse,wemaytakeupinthesethreethings.

Itislaidupthereasinaprison,likeamalefactorinadungeon,tobekepttheretillthedayofexecution.Hence,inthelanguageoftheHolyGhost,Psalm16:10,hellandthegrave,orthestateofthedead,gounderoneandthesamename;so thatarticleof thecreed, that "Christdescended intohell,"isexpoundedofhiscontinuinginthestateofthedead.Thebodiesof thegodlygo to thegrave too,but it isaplaceof rest to them,wheretheyrestas in theirbed, till the joyfulmorningof theresurrection, Isa.57:2.Fordeath,armedwiththesting,pouredoutallitsvenomonChrist,whenithadhimthere,intheirroomandstead.Soitisahiding-placetothem,Job14:13.Whithertheyarecarriedfromtheeviltocome,Isa.57:1,andwheretheireyesareheldfrombeholdinggrievousness,andanendisput to their toil,Rev. 14:13.But inscriptureaccount it isnotaplaceofresttotheungodly.Remarkabletothispurposeisthattext,Job3:17,18,"There thewickedcease fromtroubling;and there thewearybeat rest.There the prisoners rest together, they hear not the voice of theoppressor."Therearetwosortsofmenspokeofhere,whobothgotothegrave; ungodlymen, troublers of others, persecutors, oppressors; godlymen,weariedwith trouble, imprisonment and oppression. The state oftheformerinthegraveis,theyarelaidbyfromdoingmischief,causingtheirterroranylongerinthelandoftheliving;thestateofthelatteris,theyareatrest.Andasgreatadifferencethereisbetwixtthetwo,thoughone cannot discern it from the posture of their dust, as betwixt a roanasleepinhisownbed,andamanboundhandandfootinadungeon,Isa.57:2;1Sam.2:9;Psalm31:17.Anditistheirmovalorcontinuanceofthecursethatmakesthedifference.

2. Their sin and guilt remains on them there, and thatwithout furtherpossibilityofaremoval;Job20:11,"Hisbonesare fullof thesinsofhisyouth, which shall lie down with him in the dust." Sin is a dangerouscompanioninlife;onehadbetterliveinchainsofiron,thaninchainsofguilt;buthappy theywithwhomsinparts.when soul andbodypart atdeath.ThatisthelotofbelieversinChrist,whoattheRedSeaofdeathgetthelastsightofit.TheretheLordsaystothedyingsaint,whetherhehearsitornot,asExod.14:13,"TheEgyptianswhomyehaveseento-dayyeshallseethemagainnomoreforever."Butthemandyingunderthecurse,allhissinstakeadeadgripeofhimnevertobeletgo;andwhenheliesdowninthegrave,theyliedownwithhim,andtheyneverpart.This

isnot tobediscernedneither in thedust,by-bodilyeyes,but it ismostcertain, and as it is represented in the glass of the word, it makes aspectacle of unspeakable horror; Nah. 1:14, "I will make thy grave, forthouartvile;" likeavile, filthy,and loathsomething,whichonecannotendure to lookat,and there isnocleansingof;butahole isdug in theearth,whereinitiscoveredupwithallitsfilthinessaboutit.Whenasaintdies, there is (so to speak)onegravemade forhimandanother forhisvileness;andheistoriseagain,buthisvilenessnevertorise;butfortheungodly, there isbutone,whenhe liesdownandhisvilenesswithhim,bothtorisetogetheragain.

3Alltheruinbroughtontheirbodiesthere,isdonebyvirtueofthecurse;Job24:19,"Thegraveconsumesthosewhichhavesinned."Deathmakesfearfulhavocwhereitcomes;notonlydothitseparatethesoulfromthebody;butseparatestheseveralpartsofthebodyonefromanother,untilitreducethewholeintodust,nottobediscernedbythequickesteyefromcommondust.Thusitfareswiththebodiesofthegodlyindeed,aswellasthebodiesofthewicked;neverthelessgreatisthedifference,—thecurseworking these effects in the bodies of the latter, but not of the former,stingeddeathintheone,unstingeddeathintheother;soalltheseeffectsintheonearepiecesofrevengingwrathforthesatisfactionofjustice;intheothernotso,butlikethemeltingdownofthecrazysilvervessel,tobecastintoanewmould.

TheWickedshallRiseagainundertheCurse

Fifthly,Theyshallriseagainoutoftheirgraves,atthelastday,underthecurse; John 5:29, "They that have done evil, shall come forth unto theresurrectionofdamnation."CompareMatth.25:41,"Departfromme,yecursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for thedevil andhis angels"OurLord Jesus Christ, who became a curse for all his people, was carriedfrom the cross to the grave; but there the debtwas fully paid, and thecursewasexhausted;thecursinglawandjusticehadnomoretoexactofhim;sohewasbrought forthoutof theprisonof thegrave,asone freeperson who had completely discharged the debt which he was laid inprisonfor.AndhencebelieversinChrist,thoughtheyfalldownintothegrave,aswellatothers;yettheydonotfalldownintoitunderthecurse,farlessdotheyriseagain,atthelastday,underthecurse.Butthenatural

manhavinglivedanddiedunderthecovenantofworks,goestothegraveunderthecurse;andforasmuchasallthatcomesonhim,inthestateofthe dead, cannot satisfy completely for his debt, therefore as the curseremainsonhimallalongwhileheisthere,soherisesagainunderit.Andinthisdolefuleventthreethingsmaybeconsidered:—

1.Theyshallriseagainoutoftheirgravesbyvirtueofthecurse.Thisisimplied inthat forecited,John5:29.Whentheendof time iscome, thelasttrumpetshallsound,andallthatareinthegravesshallcomeforth,godly and ungodly; but the godly shall rise by virtue of their blessedunionwithChrist,Rom.8:11; the ungodly by virtue of the curse of thebrokencovenantonthem.Asthemalefactoris,invirtueofthesentenceofdeathpassedonhim,shutupincloseprisontillthetimeofexecution;and in virtue of the same sentence brought out of prison at the timeappointed for his execution; even so the unbeliever is, in virtue of thecurse of the law adjudging him to eternal death in hell, laid up in thegravetillthelastday;and,invirtueofthesamecurse,broughtoutofthegraveatthatday.Hence,bythebye,onemaysee,thatthereisnoforceinthat arguing, viz., The separation of the soul and body was not thesanction of the law; else why should the wicked be clothed with theirbodiesattheresurrection?Itistrue,thatseparationwasnotthewholeofthe sanction, but it was a remarkable part of it; and there is noinconsistency in the separation and reuniting of soul and body, beingboth comprehended in the sanction,more than in the laying up of themalefactor for, and bringing him forth to execution, being bothcomprehended in the sentenceofdeath.The samecurse that separatedsoulandbodyatdeath,andseparatedeachpartofthebodyfromanotherinthegrave,shall,at thetimeappointed,haveanotherkindofeffect inbringingtogetherthescatteredpiecesofdust,andjoiningthemtogetherinonebody,andjoiningitagaintothesoul.

2.Alltheirsinandguiltshallriseagainwiththem;the,bodythatwaslaidinthegrave,avilebody;afoulinstrumentofthesoulindiverslusts;anunclean vessel, stained, polluted anddefiled,withdivers kindsof filthyimpure lusts; shall rise again with all its impurities cleaving to it, Isa.66:24, "They shall be an abhoring unto all flesh." It is the peculiarprivilegeofbelieverstohavetheir"vilebodieschanged,"Phil.3:21.Ifthe

bodies of sinners benot cleansedby thewashingwith that purewater,Heb. 10:22, viz. the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ; though they bestrainedinneversominuteparts,throughtheearthinagrave,theywilllosenothingoftheirvilenessandpollution,itwillstillcleavetoeverypartoftheirdust,andappearagaintherewithattheresurrection.Thenshalltheygetanewandhorriblesightoftheusetheymadeoftheirtonguesinprofaneswearing,cursing,mockingatreligion, lying,reproaching,cruelandunjustthreatenings,&c,inunduesilence,whenGod'shonour,theirownsoul'sinterest,andtheirneighbour'sgood,requiredthemtospeak;of theuse theymadeof theirbellies, ingluttony,anddrunkenness,andpampering of the flesh; of their bodies, in uncleanness, lasciviousness,andwantonness;oftheirhands,inpilfering,stealing,unjustbeatingandabusingtheirfellow-creatures,immoderatelybusyingtheminthethingsofthislife,totheneglectoftheirsouls;inaword,oftheusetheymadeoftheir whole body, and every member thereof; with the qualities andendowmentsthereof,itsyouth,beauty,comeliness,health,andstrength;together with the memorials of dying put into their hands, as hurts,wounds,weakness,sickness,oldage;allofthemtohavebeenimprovedforGod, thegoodofmankind,and theirowneternalwelfare.O, ifmencould look upon these things now, as then they will appear, the sweetmorselofsinwouldbeaccountedasthepoisonofasps.

3. Their appearance will be frightful and horrible beyond expression,whentheycomeforthoftheirgravesunderthecurse,andsettheirfeetonthe earth again.When, at the sound of the trumpet, the dead shall allarise out of their graves, and the wicked are cast forth as abominablebranches,whatafearfulawakeningwilltheyhaveoutoftheirlongsleep!When they get another sight of this earth, upon which they led theirungodlylives;seetheirgodlyneighbourstakenoutfromamongtheminthesamespotofgroundwheretheyalllay,andcarriedawaywithjoytomeet the Lord in the air; and when they see the Judge come to thejudgmentofthegreatday, inawfulstate;andtheyaregoingforwardtoappearbeforehistribunal;noappearanceofmalefactorsgoing,underaguard, to the place of execution; no case of a besieged city taken, andsoldiersburningandslaying,andtheinhabitantsrunningandcryingforfear of the sword; can sufficiently represent the frightful appearancewhichmenrisenagainatthelastday,underthecurse,willmake.What

ghastly visages will they then have! How will the now fairest ungodlyfacesbeblackasacoal,throughextremeterror,anguish,andperplexity!Howwilltheyshiver,tremble,theirkneessmiteoneagainstanother,andtheirheartsbepiercedaswitharrows,whiletheyseethedolefuldaytheywouldnotbelieve!whatroaringsandyellings,andhideousnoisewillthenbeamongsttheinnumerablecrowdoftheungodly,drivenforwardtothetribunal as beasts to the slaughter?What "crying to the rocks and themountainstofallonthem,andhidethemfromthefaceoftheLamb,"butall in vain! Rev. 6:16, 17. Then will the weight of the curse be felt topurpose,howlightlysoevermennowwalkunderit.

TheWickedappearbeforeChrist'sTribunalundertheCurse

Sixthly,Theyshallappearbefore the tribunalofChristunder thecurse,likeamalefactorinchainsbeforehisjudge,Matth.25:41.Allmustappearthere,greatandsmall,goodandbad;noneshallbeamissing;Rom.14:10,"WeshallallstandbeforethejudgmentseatofChrist."Buttheywhonowreceivetheblessingthroughfaithshallbeinnohazardofthecursethenor there.But it isnotpossible, that thosewho livedanddiedunder thecurse,shouldnothaveituponthembeforethattribunal;forafterdeaththere is no removing of it. The fearful state of those under the cursebeforethatjudgment-seatmaybeviewedintheseparticulars.

1.Invirtueofthecursetheyshallbesetontheleftband,Matth.25:33.Nohonourisdesignedforthem,butshameandeverlastingcontempt;nosentence,butwhatwill fixtheminanunalterablestateofmisery;sonoaccessforthemtotherighthandamongsttheblessed,buttheymustberangedtogetheronthelefthandasacompanyofcursedones.

2.The faceof the judgemustneedsbe terrible to them,asbeingunderthecurseofhimwhositsuponthethrone,Rev.6:16,17.Whentheyseehim, they shall know him to be he, who with his Father and theHolySpiritgavethat lawwhichtheytransgressed,madethatcovenantwhichthey broke, whose voice the curse of the law against transgressorswasand is; the which must needs take effect in their everlasting ruin, byreason of his justice, holiness, and truth. And he will be in a specialmanner terrible to such as had the gospel offermade to them, and themore terrible, the more plainly, affectionately, and powerfully it was

pressedon them toaccept it.Ohowwill it strike themasadart,whentheylooktowardsthethrone,thinkingwiththemselves,Lotherehesitsto judgeme now, and destroyme,who so oftenmade offer of life andsalvationtomebyhismessengers,whichIslighted!Imightthroughhimhaveobtainedtheblessing,butnowIstandtremblingundertheweightofthe curse. The despised Lamb of God is turned into a lion againstme.Considerthis,Osinners,whileGodisonathroneofgraceforyou;lestitbetakendown,andatribunalofpurejusticebesetupforyou.

3.Tocleartheequityofthecurse,andtheexecutionthereofuponthem,their"worksshallbebroughtintojudgment,"Eccl.12:14.Theirwholelifeshall be searched into, and laid to the rule of the holy law, and theenormityandsinfulnessthereofbediscovered.Theircorruptnature,withall themalignity and venom against the rule of righteousness, shall helaidopen.TheirsinsshallbesetinthelightofGod'scountenance,insuchfull tale, that they shall see God is true to his word and oath, that hewouldnotforgetanyoftheirworks.Themaskwillthenbeentirelytakenoff their faces, and all their pretences to piety solemnly rejected, anddeclaredtohavebeenbuthypocrisy.Theirsecretwickedness,whichtheyrejoicedtohavegothid,andwhichtheysoartfullymanaged,thattherewas no discovering of it while they might have confessed and foundmercy,shallthenbesetinbroaddaylightbeforeGodandtheworldwhenthere isno remedy.Conscience shall thenbenomoreblindnordumb;butshallwitnessagainstthemandforGod;andshallneverbesilentanymore.Thesinandmiserybroughtuponothersbytheirungodlycourses,takingeffectwhentheythemselvesweregoneoutoftheworld,shallthenbe pursued in all their breadth and length, laid to their charge, andprovedagainstthem;andsotheaccountoftheirdebttothedivinejusticeshallbefully,statedatthatday.

4.Theirdoomshallbepronounced;Matth.25:41,"Depart, fromme,yecursed, intoeverlastingfirepreparedforthedevilandhisangels."Thusshalltheyreceivetheirfinalsentence,nevertohearmorefromthemouthofhimthatsitsuponthethrone.Thisdeterminesthefullexecutionofthecurseonthewholeman,soulandbodytogether.Thegodlyshallgettheirfinalsentencetoo;but,O!thevastdifferencebetwixt"Comeyeblessed,"and "Depart ye cursed." The unspeakable happiness of the saints in

heaven,andtheunspeakablemiseryofthedamnedinhell,willshewthedifference.Buttheweightofbothlies,yousee,inthestateoftheparties,asunder theblessing,orunder the curse.There is the turningpoint inrespectofone'seternalstate.

ThisWorldshallbeBurntwithFire

Seventhly, As they shall be, by virtue of the curse now to be fullyexecuted, driven from the judgment-seat into hell; so, in virtue of thesame curse of the broken covenant of works, this world shall go up inflames,andsohaveanendputtoit;2Pet3:10,"Theheavensshallpassawaywith a greatnoise, and the elements shallmeltwith ferventheat,theearthalsoandtheworksthatarethereinshallbeburntup."Whensingotplace in theearthby thebreachof thecovenant, the cursewas laidupon it, and the foundations thereof were as it were shaken; by itsrelationtoman,itcamewithinthecompassofthecurseforhissin,andsowasdevotedtodestruction,whichshallthentakeitsfalleffect.Yea,thewholeframeofthecreation,havingrelationtosinfulman,wasblastedforhis sake, being made "subject to vanity," Rom. 8:20, 21. And so theheaven, which because it is over the head of the covenant breaker, isthereforenowsometimesmadebrass,shall,uponthesameaccount,thenpassawaywithagreatnoise;evenastheearth,whichissometimesmadeiron,becauseitisunderhim,shallthenbeburntup,Deut.28:23,with2Pet. 3:10, just quoted. So the curse is a train laid in the bowels of thecreation,whichnowandthengivesitterribleshocks,butwillatlastblowalluptogether.Andwhenonceithasdonethat,andsoputanendtothisstageofvanityandwickedness;alltheeffectsofitthatnowliescatteredthroughthecreation,shallbegatheredtogetherandcastintotheplaceofthedamned(Rev.20:14,15,)withthem;sothatthoughdeathandmiseryareeverywheretobefoundnow,itshallbenowherethenbutinthatoneplace; andall that goesunder thenameofdeath shall be in thatplace.Theweightcomprehendedinthecurseliesnowonmanybacks,andsoisthemoreeasilyborne;butthenitshallalllieonthebacksofthemenoftheLord'curse,andontheirsonly;andsoshalltheyfeelthefallweightofit.

TheWickedshalllieforeverundertheweightoftheCurseinhell

Eighthly,Theyshalllieforeverundertheweightofthecurseinhell,onsoulandbody together;Matth.25:41, "Depart fromme,ye cursed, intoeverlastingfire."Hereistheirmiserycompleted,hereisthefullexecutionof the curse. The curse was big with wrath, indignation, and fury of aholy,jealous,justGod,againstsin,andsinnersforsin,eversinceitfirstentered,uponthebreachofthecovenant;andithassincethattimestillbeenbringingforth,yettherehaslikewisestillbeensomeallayinit,andthestormofwrathhasnotyetcometotheheight.Whilemen,eventhemen of the Lord's curse, live in this world,much patience is exercisedtowardsthem,andpartlythroughtheslendernessofthestrokeslaidonthem,partlythroughtheirinsensibleness,andpartlythroughthemixtureofmercyintheircup,theymakeashifttoliveatsomecase;andiftheircasebeatanytimedisturbed,yettheyordinarily,thoughnotalways,findsomemeans torecover it;andevenwhile theirsoulsare inhell,duringthetimebetwixttheirdeathandthelastjudgment,theirbodieslieatcaseinthegrave;sobuttheonehalfofthemanis intorment,andapartofhimiseasy,withoutanysenseorfeelingoftheleastannoyance.Butwhenoncethedeadareraisedagain,andthemenof thecursehavegot theirlast sentence, and time is absolutely at an end, the mystery of Godfinished, and a quite new state of the creation brought in, to wit, theeternalstate;thenshallthecursebringforththethreateneddeathinitsfull strength and force on the undischarged covenant-breakers; and asChrist,standingsuretyfortheelect,knewbyhisexperiencesoshallthemenofthecurseknowbytheirexperience,whatwaswithinthecompassof the threateningof thecovenantofworks;Gen.2:17, "In theday thatthou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Many a commentary hasheaven wrote upon it untomen, in flaming fire, in blood and gore, insighs, groans, and swooningof thewhole creation;butnever a full oneyet,exceptinginthesufferingsoftheSonofGodonthecross.TheelectofGod get their eyes opened to read that, and so they make haste andescapeoutofthedominionofthatcovenanttowhichthecursebelongs;but the rest are blinded, they cannot read it there. But God will writeanotherfullcommentaryonitafterthelastjudgment,whenceallthemenoftheLord'scurseshall,intheirhorribleexperience,learnwhatwasinit,namely,inthethreateningofthecovenantofworks.Thedregsofthecupofthecurseshallthenbebroughtabove,andtheyshalldrinkthem.

1. In virtue of the curse, the pit, having received them, shall close itsmouthon them.A fearfulemblemof thiswehave,Numb.16:32,33, inthe caseofKorahandhis company; "And theearthopenedhermouth,and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men thatappertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all thatappertained to themwentdownalive into thepit, and the earth closedupon them." Compare that threatening, Psalm 21:9, "Thou shalt makethemas a fiery oven in the timeof thine anger, theLord shall swallowthemupinhiswrath,andthefireshalldevourthem."Theyshallbecastinto the lake of fire, as death andhell are, to be shut up therewithoutcoming forth again anymore, Rev. 20:14, 15. By the force of the curseuponthem,theyshallbeconfinedintheplaceallottedfordamnedmenanddevils. It shall so draw the bars of thepit about them, that soonershall they remove mountains of brass than remove them. It shall bestrongerthanchainsofirontobindthemhandandfootthattheymakenoescape,Matth.22:13,yeaandtobindtheminbundlesforthefireofGod'swrath,thatcompanionsinsinmaybecompanionsinpunishment,Matth.13:30.

2. The curse shall shall then be like a partition wall of adamant, toseparatethemquitefromGod,andanytheleastcomfortableintercoursewithhim,Matth.25:41.Whileon theother sideof thewall the lightofgloryshines,morebrightthanathousandsuns,fillingthesaintswithjoyunspeakable,andwhichwecannotcomprehend,andcausingthearchofheaventoringwiththeirsongsofpraise;ontheirsideisnothingbututterdarkness, without the least gleam of light; and there shall be weeping,wailing, and gnashing of teeth. For why, God himself is the only truehappinessofthecreature,andChristtheonlywaytotheFather;butthenthere is a total and final separation betwixtGod andChrist, and them.Theday of theLamb'swrath is come, all possibility of reconciliation isremoved,andpatiencetowardsthemisquiteended,andthecursehathitsfullstroke;soGod,thefountainofallgood,departsquitefromthem,abandonsthem,caststhemoffutterly,andthatmomentallthestreamsofgoodnesstowardsthemdryup,andtheircandleisquiteextinguished.Thenshallbeknownwhatisinthatword,Hos.9:12,"WotothemwhenIdepartfromthem."Andthenthereisnogettingoverthewall,nopassingofthegreatgulfforever,Luke16:26.

3.Itshallhencebeafinalstoptoallsanctifyinginfluencestowardsthem.Whiletheyareinthisworld,thereisapossibilityofremovingthecurse,and that theworstofmenmaybemadeholy;butwhen there isa totaland final separation from God in hell, sorely there are no sanctifyinginfluencesthere.Thecorruptnaturetheycarriedwiththemthither,mustthen abidewith them there; and theymust needs act there, since theirbeingiscontinued;andacorruptnaturewilleveractcorruptly,while itactsatall,Matth.7:17.Andthereforetherewillbesininhellafterthelastjudgment,unlessonewillsupposethat theywillbeunderno lawthere;whichisabsurd,seeingacreature,asacreature,owesobediencetoGodinwhat state soever it be. Yea, theywill sin there at a horrible rate, inblasphemiesagainstGod,andothersinsakinthereto,asmenabsolutelyvoid of all goodness, in a desperate state ofmisery,Rev. 14ult.;Matth22:13. The curse will be a dry wind, not to fan nor to cleanse, but towither,blast,andkilltheirsouls.

4. It shallbe thebreath that shallblowthe firecontinually,andkeep itburning, for their exquisite torment in soul and body; Isa. 30:33, "ForTophetisordainedofold:yea,forthekingitisprepared:behathmadeitdeepandlarge;thepilethereofisfireandmuchwood;thebreathoftheLord,likeastreamofbrimstone,dothkindleit."Therethewormwhichshallgnawthem,shallneverdie,forthecursewillkeepitinlife;thefirethatshallburnthemshallneverbequenched,forthecurseshallnourishit, andbe asbellowsblowing it, to cause it flamewithout intermission.Thecurseshallenterintotheirsouls,andmeltthemlikewaxbeforethefire;itshallsinkintotheirfleshandbones,likeboilinglead,andtermentthemineverypart.Itwillstakethemdownthereasmarksforthearrowsof God, which, dipt in the poison of the curse, shall be continuallypiercingthemandburningthemup.Nopity,nocompassiontobeshewnany more, but the fire-balls of the curse will be flying against themincessantly; Rev. 14:11, "The smoke of their torment ascendeth up foreverandever:andtheyhavenorestdaynornight."

5.Lastly,Thecurseshalllengthenouttheirmiserytoalleternity;Matth.25:41, "Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire." It binds the sinner tomakecompleteandfullsatisfaction,forallthewrongshehasdonetothehonour of an infiniteGod; it binds him to pay till there be a sufficient

compensationmadeforthemall.Now,therebeingnoproportionbetwixtfiniteandinfinite,thefinitecreaturecannever,byitssufferings,expiateits crimesagainst an infiniteGod.Hence,when the sinnerhas sufferedmillions of ages in hell, the curse still binds him down to suffermore,becausehehasnotyetfullysatisfied;andsincehecanneverfullysatisfy,itwill bindhimdown for ever and ever,Rev. 14:11, andwill bringnewfloods of wrath over his head; and renew its demands of satisfactionthroughtheagesofeternity,butnever,neversay,Itisenough.

ThushaveIendeavouredtoopenupuntoyouthenatureofthecurseofthebrokencovenantofworks,andthedreadfulconditionofthoseunderit, in this life, and after this life.But after all,whoknows thepower ofGod'swrath?No tongue can tell what the frightful experience of thosewholiveanddieunderit,shallteachthem.Butthusmuchmaysufficetohaveshewnyouthemiseryofbeingunderthecovenantofworks.

Applicationofthedoctrine,ThatnaturalmenbeingunderthebrokenCovenantofWorksareunderthecurse

Thisdoctrineshallbeimprovedintwopracticaluses;forconvictionandforexhortation.

USEI.Ofconviction.Whathasbeensaidonthisawfulsubjectmay serve to fix convictions in the consciencesbothof saintsandsinners.

First,Saints,whoarebroughtfromunderthiscovenant,deliveredfromitandthecurse thereofbyJesusChrist,viewthiscurse in thenatureandweight, the length and breadth of it; and say in your hearts before theLord,

1.DoyesuitablyprizeandesteemyourGod,RedeemerandSaviour?Areyourhearts suitably affectedwith the loveofGod inChrist, that set onfootyourdeliverance,andbrought itabout?Ah!thisconsiderationmayaffordusabreastfullofconvictions.Whatmanneroflovewasthis,thattheFatherdid choose you fromamong the cursed childrenofAdam toinherit theblessing? that theSondied foryou, to redeemyou fromthecurse?thattheHolyGhostappliedtoyouthepurchaseofChrist'sdeath,

to theactual removingof this curse fromoffyou?Owhere is that love,thatwarm,glowinglovetotheLord,thatthisrequires!TheFather'slovetoyouwhileunder thecurse,movedhim tomakehisSon tobe sin foryou,whoknewnosin,thatyoumightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim.Christ'slovetoyoumadehimbecomeacurseforyou,anddrinkthe dregs of that cup, which ye should have drank through eternity inhell.TheSpirit'slovetoyoumadehimwatchthemomentappointedforyour deliverance, and bring you out with a strong hand from thedominionofthelaw,andtransportyouintothedominionofgrace,wherethereisnomorecurse.Olookbacktothedreadfulcursewhichyewereunder;lookuptotheloveindeliveringofyou;keeponeeyeupontheone,andanothereyeupontheother,tillthesecoldheartsofyourswarmwithlove.

2.Doyesuitablyprizethenewcovenant,thesecondcovenant?Doyepryinto the mystery of the glorious contrivance, stand and wonder at thedevice forbringing cursed sinners to inherit theblessing?Would itnotbecomeyouwell tobeoften looking into it, and saying, "This is allmysalvation,andallmydesire?"2Sam.23:5.Ah!whyhavewenothigherandmore honourable thoughts of the covenant of grace, of the SecondAdam, theHead,Surety, andMessengerof the covenant, of thegospel,theproclamationofthecovenant,theBiblethebookofthecovenant,thepromisesof thecovenant, thematchlessprivilegesof thecovenant,andeven of the public criers of the covenant too? Isa. 52:7. To help you tothis, laythevolumeofthetwocovenantsbeforeyou;openandreadthecovenant of works in the first place, where you will find nothing butdemandsofperfectobedienceunderthepainof thecurse;apromiseoflife upon conditions impossible to be performed by you, but the curse,wrath, death, hell, and damnation to the sinner. Then turn over to thecovenant of grace, and read life and salvation through Jesus Christ byfaith; no curse, death, hell, damnation, nor revenging wrath; all thesedischargedbytheSurety.AndsoraiseyouresteemofthenewcovenantinChrist'sblood.

3.Doyewalkanswerablytothedeliverancefromthiscurse?Ah!maynotthatbeapplied justlytous;Deut.32:6,"DoyethusrequitetheLord,Ofoolishpeopleandunwise? isnothethyFather thathathbought, thee?

hathhenotmade thee, andestablished thee?"Obedience to all the tencommandsisboundonallunderthecovenantofworks,underthepainofthecurse,Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."Obediencetothemall is bound on believers too, but by another tie, viz. the tie of theirdeliverance from the curse, by their God-Redeemer; Exod. 20:2, "I amtheLordthyGod,whichhavebroughttheeoutofthelandofEgypt,"&c.And this, and not the former, is the way in which the law of the tencommandsgetsanyacceptableobedience,1Tim.1:5,fromsinfulman.Olooktothecurseofthecovenantofworks,fromwhichyearedelivered,andbeconvincedandhumbledtotheverydust,

(1.) That ye should walk so untenderly, unwatchfully, anduncircumspectly,beforetheLordthatboughtyou,andthatinthemidstof cursed children, a crooked and perverse generation.What canmorestrikeanailtotheheartofagraciousperson,thanwhentheSpiritoftheLordwhispersintohissoul,"HaveIbeenawildernessuntoIsrael?alandof darkness? wherefore saymy people,We are lords; we will come nomoreuntothee?"Jer.2:31.And,"Isthisyourkindnesstoyourfriend?"Isthat your compassion to the, world lying in wickedness, to cast astumbling-blockbeforetheblind?Youspeak,youactuntenderly;isthatthe use of the tongue redeemed from the curse? Is that the use of theeyes, hands, and feet, body and soul, delivered from the curse of thebrokencovenant?Ithink,thatabelieverlookingtothecrossshouldsay,andabidebyit,"TometoliveisChrist,andtodieisgain,"Phil.1:21.

(2.) That ye should so dote upon this earth, this cursed earth, that thecurseofthebrokencovenantofworkshaslainuponthesefivethousandyears,andhassuckedthesapoutof,andsodriedupbythistime,thatitisneartotakingfire,andtobeburnttoashes,byvirtueofthecurseuponit.LetthemenoftheLord'scurse,whohavetheirportioninit,settheirheartsuponit,goupontheirbelly,andlickthedust,(itisnowondertheycannot get up their back, on whom the heavy curse of the brokencovenantlies);butliftyeupyoursoulsuntotheLord,andhearkentohisvoice;Cant.4:8,"ComewithmefromLebanon,myspouse,withmefromLebanon; look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir andHerman,fromthelions'dens,fromthemountainsoftheleopards."

(3.) That ye should perform duties so heartlessly, coldly, andindifferently; with so little faith, love, fervency, humility, zeal, andconfidence.Olooktothecurseofthebrokencovenant,withtheeffectsofitinearthandhell,thatyemaybestirreduptotheperformanceofdutyafteranothermanner.Imeannotthatyeshouldlookuponitaswhatyeareactuallyliabletoincase,oftransgression;forthistoabeliever,whoisneverfreefromsinonemoment,maywellmakehisheartdieinhimlikeastone;itwillneverkindlyquickenhim;itmaywelldragordrivehimtohis duty, like a slave; itwill never causehimperform it like a son; butlookuponitaswhatyearedeliveredfrom,andthatwilldraw,melt,andkindlyquickentheheartinlove,Eph.2:11–13;Luke1:74,75.Deliverancefromwrathisthemostpowerfulmotivetoobedience.

(4.)Thatyeshouldbearyourtroublesandtrialssoimpatiently,asifyourcrosseswere somany curses. Look to the condition of those under thecurse in thisworld, and youwill see yourheaviest cross is lighter thantheir smallest ones, which have the weight of the enrse in them, thatyours have not, however you cry out under their weight; yea youradversity is better than their prosperity; the frowns of providence youmeetwith,arepreferabletothesmilesofprovidenceintheirlot;thereisnocurseintheformer,butinthelatterthereis.Looktotheconditionofthoseunder the curse inhell; and thatduly considered, yewill kiss therod, and say, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,becausehiscompassionsfailnot,"Lam.3:22.LookhowChristredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus,andyouwillseethepoisontakenoutofthecup,andthepurewaterofafflictionpresentedtoyou inyourcup topledgehim in;andwhynotdrink it, anddrink itthankfully?Bearthecrossforhim,andtakeblowsandbuffetingsforhissake,andfromhimforourowngood,whohasborneawaythecurse.

4.Have yedue thoughts of the evil of sin? Is yourhorror of it suitablyraised?Rom.12:9,"Abhorthatwhichisevil,"abhoritashell,sothewordmaybear.Ifyoudulyconsiderthecurse,itmayfillyouwithshameandblushingonthishead.Thereismuchblindnessinthemindsofbelievers,much hardness in their hearts, and coldness in their affections withrespecttospiritualthings.Thelivelysenseoftheevilofsinisoftenverysmall. We dare not own believers to be yet liable to the curse, Christ

having,withhispreciousbloodappliedtothembyfaith,freedthemfromit;butitisofgreatandnecessaryusetothemasalooking-glass,whereintheymaysee theevilofsin, theduedemeritof it,what theirsinsdo inthemselves deserve, what Christ suffered for these sins of theirs, andwhattheyshouldhavesufferedforthem,ifChristhadnotsufferedit intheirstead.Tracethecurseinitseffectsinthislife,andafterthislife,astheyhavebeenrepresentedtoyou;sowillyouseeGod'shighindignationagainstsin, the infiniteevil that is in the least transgressionof theholylaw.Beholditinthisglass,andyoushallconceiveahorrorofit;andbeashamedthatyouhaveentertainedsoslightthoughtsofit.

5.Lastly,Areyedulyaffectedwiththeeaseofthosewho,beingstrangerstoChrist,areyetunderthecurse?Areyeatduepainsfortheirrecoveryand deliverance? How natural is it for men, who with difficulty haveescapedthegreatestdanger,tobeaffectedwiththecaseofotherswhoarestill in the samedanger, inhazardofperishing?But thoughmultitudesareunderthecursestill,and,itmaybe,somesuchaswehaveapeculiarinterestin;yetwhereistheduecare,compassion,andconcernforthem,that they may be delivered? They are not concerned for themselves,becausetheyhavenotyetgotabroadviewoftheirhazard;butwhyarenotsuchconcernedforthem,ashavehadtheireyesopenedintheirowncase.Sure thecaseofallmenbynature isalike,and therefore thepastdangerofbelieversgivesaclearviewofthepresentdangerofunbelievers,unlessitbeoutofmindwiththem,whichitshouldnotbe,thatoncetheywere"withoutChrist,beingaliensfromthecommonwealthofIsrael,andstrangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, andwithoutGodintheworld,"Eph.2:12.Theapostle'sexperienceoftheterroroftheLordstirredhimuptoprsuadeotherstofleefromthecurse,2Cor.5:11;anditwellbecomesothers,whoarethemselvesasbrandspluckedoutoftheburning,toactwiththatconcerninthecaseofothers,pullingthemout of the fire, Jude ver. 23, and to mourn for the case of those whocontinue insensibleof theirdanger,asourblessedRedeemerdid in theeaseofJerusalem,Luke19:41,42.

Secondly,Sinners,yewhoareunderthebrokencovenantofworksstill,notunited toChristby faith,andsavingly interested in thecovenantofgrace,butlivingyetinyournaturalunregeneratestate,yemayhencebe

convinced,

1. That ye are under the curse; ye are they who are the people of theLord'scurse,underthesentenceofthelaw,actuallybindingyouovertodestruction. Ye are they who by breaking of the original contract havefallenunderthepenalty,andaredecernedinthecourtofheaventopayit. Against you, as transgressors of the law, is the sentence passedaccording to the threatening, Gen. 2:17, "In the day that thou eatestthereof thou shalt surely die." Against you, and every one of you inparticular, is the curse denounced. So the condition of those under thecurse,isyourconditioninparticular;andwhatsuchareliableto,youareliableto;foryournameisintheblackrollofthepeopleofthecurse,ofthose appointed to death, and devoted to destruction, in virtue of thecurseofthebrokencovenantofworks.

OSirs,admittheconviction,andgonotabouttoblessyourselvesinyourownhearts,puttingthethoughtsofbeingunderthecursefarawayfromyou. There is light enough here to convince your consciences in thatpoint, ifyewillnotshutyoureyesagainstclearlight.Allwhoareunderthebrokencovenantofworksareunderthecurse,butyouareunderthatcovenant; therefore you are under the curse. If you be not under thatcovenant,whereisyourdischargefromit?Thebeliever'sdischargemayberead;Rom.8:1,"Thereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemthatare inChrist Jesus." Chap. 7:4, "Ye are becomedead to the law by thebodyofChrist,thatyeshouldbemarriedtoanother."Butwhereisyours?Theunbeliever'sdischargeisnowheretobefound.Itispastdisputethatcovenant is broken, and that beingbroken it curseth thebreakers; it isundeniablethatyouarebreakersofit,andthereforeyoumustbeunderthecurse.

Itisyourinteresttoadmitthisconviction.Whatwillitavailyoutoblessyourselves in your own hearts, when God himself in his holy lawdenounces the curseagainst you? It isnotby the sentenceyoupassonyourselves thatyoumuststandor fall,butby thesentenceGodpassethonyou inhisword.Nay,men'sblessing themselves,againstwhomGoddenounceth the curse, does but the more expose them to the evilscontained in the curse, coming on them speedily and furiously; Deut.29:19,20,"Anditcometopass,whenheheareththewordsofthiscurse,

thatheblesshimselfinhisheart,saying,Ishallhavepeace,thoughIwalkin the imagination ofmyheart, to add drunkenness to thirst; the Lordwillnotsparehim,butthentheangeroftheLordandhisjealousyshallsmokeagainstthatman,andall thecursesthatarewritteninthisbookshall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from underheaven." The admitting of this conviction is among the first steps to adelivery;andtherewouldbegoodhopesofone'sobtainingoftheblessingof the gospel at length, if hewere once soundly convinced of his beingunderthecurseofthelaw.Andthereforethecurseispreached,notthatsinnersmay perish under it, but that they, seeing themselves under it,may stir up themselves tomake their escape. The law does itswork topreparesinnersforChrist,convincingthemofsin,thattheyaresinners;convincingthemoftheirmisery,thattheyareunderthecurse;andtheythat never yet saw themselves under the curse, give a shrewd sign thattheywereneveryetbroughtfromunderit.Butwhenonceasinnerseeshimselfconcludedunderthecurseofthelaw,thenheisinafairwaytoprizeChristandtheblessingofthegospel,andtogethimselfcarefullytoinquirewhatcourseheshouldtaketobesaved.Andthebelievingofthecurse of the law with a particular application to one's self, mustnecessarilygobeforethesobelievingthepromiseofthegospelindeed.

Whyshoulditseemstrangeinyoureyes,whoyetarenottrulyunitedtoChristbyfaith,thatyoushouldbeunderthecurseofthebrokencovenantof works? that is the common case of all mankind by nature; and thedeliverancefromunderitbefalsnomaninamorningdream.Andsureitisthatmostmenhaveneverbeenmuchinpaintogetridofit;andsometherearewho,strivingtogetclearofitinalegalway,havebutwreathedthat yoke faster about their own neeks. Do not you know that Christhimself,astheelect'ssurety,wasmadeacurse?Howcouldthatbeiftheythemselveshadnotbeenunderit,andlikewiseunabletobearitsoastoexhaustit?Now,thereisnosavinginterestinhispurchase,tilloncethesoulisbroughttoChristbyfaith,andunitedtohim;whichyouarenot.

ItisveryconsistentwiththemercyofGod,tolayunbelieversunderthecurse; forhismercy cannever act inprejudice of his exact justice.ThecovenantbeingmadewithAdam for allmankind, the cursebehoved tofall on thebreakers according to the threatening, by virtue of the truth

andjusticeofGod.Butmercyindeedhasawaymadeforittowardsthemiserableunderthecurse,inasmuchastheprisonersaremadeprisonersofhope,byhavingdeliverancefromthecurseproclaimedtotheminthegospel;thewhichmaybeactuallyconveyedtotheminthewayofGod'sownappointment;namely the cursed sinner'sbelievingon thenameofChrist.Butwhatneedwerethereofeitherpurchasingorproclaimingittoyou,ifyouwerenotunderit?

Think not that you cannot be under the curse, because God has donemuch for you, has given you many blessings, as health, strength, wit,wealth, and prosperity in the world; or because he has wrought manywonderful deliverances for you, has brought you from a low andmeanestatetoahighone,andmightilyincreasedyouinoutwardcomfortsandenjoyments.Remember it, andconsiderwell, thatall thesearebut left-handblessings,whichonemayhavepouredinuponhiminabundance,andyetbeunder thecurse,andtheybecursedtohim;Mal.2:2,"Iwillsendacurseuponyou,andIwillcurseyourblessings;yea,Ihavecursedthemalready."Neitherthink,thatbecauseyouarepoorandmeanintheworld, have a hard and afflicted lot therein, that therefore you arecertainlypossessedofGod'sblessingandnotunderthecurse.Nay,thesethingsareintheirownnatureeffectsofthecurse,andsotheyareinverydeed toallwhoarenot inChrist,butunder the first covenant; and thecursemayanddothpursuemeninthisworld,aswellasintheworldtocome;andonemaybeverymiserableinthislifeandintheothertoo,byvirtue of the curse. Neither deceive yourselves in this matter, withexternal privileges which you do enjoy in the fellowship of the church.Youmaybesetdownatthetableofgospelordinancesthere,andyetbeunder thecurse,Rom. 11:9,andbyVirtue thereof,noneof these thingsdoingyoursoulsgood.

Wherefore, young sinners and old sinners, yet in your naturalunconverted state, be convinced that ye are under the cursewhich hasbeendescribed.Laythemattertoheart;whatthelawsaithtothemthatareunderit, itsaystoyou;takeithomethentoyourselves,andbelieveyouareunderthecurse.

2.Beconvincedthatyeareinaverymiserablecondition,beingunderthecurse; Eph. 2:3, "By nature the children of wrath." Whatever your

outwardlot intheworld is,yourconditionisdreadful inthisrespect.IfyouhadSamson'sstrength,Absalom'sbeauty,Solomon'switandwealth,andMethuselah'slonglife-timetoenjoythemin,yourcaseismiserablebeyond expression, being under the curse of the broken covenant ofworks.Thecaseofadevotedperson, loadedwiththecursesofacityorcountry, and so put to death, was lamentable; but whosoever thou artwhoartunderthiscovenant,andsounderthecurse,thouhastthecurseoftheLordofheavenandearthuponthee,bindingtheeovertoeternaldestruction, and so art in a thousand times worse case. Your loss isunspeakable,andthewholeworldcannotcompensateit;namely,thelossofGod'sfavour.Thisburthenisinsupportable;forthereisthatweightinthiscursewhichwillsinktheeforever,thoughnow,perhaps,thoufeelestitnot.Thecursebindstheetothepaymentofadebttorevengingjustice,which thou wilt never be able to discharge. You have heard yourmiserableconditionunderthecurseatlarge.

Tosumitupinafewwords;yourconditionismiserablehere,andwillbemoremiserablehereafter, if youdie as younow live. In thisworld, thecloud of wrath hangs over your head, and the small rain of God'sindignationiscontinuallyfallinguponyou;intheworldtocome,thefullshowerwill fall, the floodsofwrathwill breakout andoverwhelmyou.Yourlifehangsindoubteveryday;andasyouliveinthemostdangerouscircumstances,exposedwithoutanycoverttothearrowsofwrath;soyouarenotreadytodie.Onthissidedeathyouareinthemidstofyourarmedenemies,andontheothersidedeathyoufallintothehandsofthelivingGod.Olaytoheartyearmiseryereitbetoolate.

Refusenottoadmittheconvictionofthegreatmiseryofyourcondition,becauseyoudonot feel yourself somiserable.Remember, that it isnotyourfeeling,butGod'swordoftruth,whichcandetermineyouhappyormiserable.ThejudgmentofGodisalwaysaccordingtotruth;andifyouwill carryyour case to theword,youwill see it amostdeplorable case;viewitintheglassoftheholybrokenlawwhichyouareunder,andyoumustneedsbeaffectedwiththehorrorof it;"Forasmanyasareof theworksofthelawareunderthecurse."Youread,youhearthelaw,withitsterrible sentence against the breakers, its fearful curses anddenunciationsofwrath;butdoyouapply themtoyourselves?Nay,you

entertainthemasiftheydidnotconcernyou,norweredirectedtoyou;and if at any time they are like to take hold of you, and grip yourconsciences, you flee from them, and labour todivert yourminds fromsuchthoughts.Butremember,"whatthingssoeverthelawsaith,itsaithtothemwhoareunderthelaw;"andconsequentlyitsaiththemtoyou,asifyournamewereexpressedinwhatitsaith.Andifthelawspeakstoyouindeed,itwillhaveitseffectonyou,howeveryoumaypersuadeyourselfitmeansnotconcerningyou.

Whatthoughyoudonotfeelyourmisery?Manythinkthemselvesingoodcase,whoinverydeedareinamostmiserableandwretchedcondition,asitfaredwithLaodicea,Rev.3:17.Theyentertainthemselveswithdreamsofhappiness,while ruinabides them; think themselves safe,while theyareintheutmosthazard.Nay,therearemanywhoaresofargoneunderthecurse,thattheyarepastfeeling,Eph.4:19.Neitherthesinfulnessnormisery of their souls gives them any distress, anxiety, or perplexity ofmind.Andthatisacasemiserabletoadegree,inasmuchasitissofarahopelesscase.

Butwhyareyenot sensibleofyourmiserablecase?Thoughye feelnottheweightofituponyouforthepresent,yeathoughyehavealleaseandprosperity in theworld, beingneither under trouble of bodynormind,noranydisasterinyouraffairs;yetyeoughttoremember,thatthecurseworks by silent strokes, as well as by tormenting plagues, as ye haveheard;yea,andthatthemostterribleworkingsofthecurseareawaitingthe people of the curse, on the other side death. Surely then ye havereason to believe, and be convinced, that your state ismostmiserable,thoughforthepresentyoufeelnottheweightofit;forthecurse,workinglikeamoth,insensibly,makesaruinouscondition,inwhichthebreakingwillat lengthcomesuddenlyataninstant;andtheymustneedsbeinastateofunspeakablemisery,whometernaldestructionfromthepresenceoftheLordisabiding,readytoseizethematthetimeappointed.

Whereforebelievethedoctrineofthelaw,concerningthecurse,andthemisery of sinners under it; believe it with application to yourselves.Believe it upon the testimony of God, who is truth itself; believe it,becauseGodhassaid it, thoughperhapsyoudonot feel it;soshallyoucome to be duly affectedwith it, and by thatmeans be stirred up to a

concerntobesavedfromit,whichwouldbeapromisingsteptowardsarecovery.

3.Beconvinced,thatyourcaseisdesperatelysinfulwhileyouareunderthatcovenant.Whilesinremains,therootofmiseryremains,whichwillspringup;thefountainabides,whichwillcastforthwatersofbitterness;and it must and will remain in its strength while ye are under thatCovenant; because, being under that covenant, ye are under the curse.Hence says the apostle, 1 Cor. 15:56, "The strength of sin is the law."Whilethelaw,asthecovenantofworks,then,hathpoweroveraman,sinwillhaveitsstrengthinhim,whichhecanbynomeansbreak.Whileyeareunderthatcovenant,andsounderthecurse,

(1.) The guilt of your sin lies on you, the guilt of eternal wrath; and itcannotberemoved.Thecursestakesyoudownunderthatguilt,itbindsit uponyouaswithbandsof iron andbrass, that it isnotpossible youshouldevergetupyourhead,whilethecurseisonit;andthecursewillbeuponitaslongasyeareunderthatcovenant,Gal.3:10.Thecovenantin the threateningof it said, Ifmansin,heshalldie;andsosinninghecontracted the guilt of death, he came under debt to vindictive justice.Thecurseofthecovenantsays,Thesinnermustdie,hemustpayhisdebttotheutmostfarthing,hecannotbefreedfromitwithoutfullpayment.Thisyoucannotdo.ThejusticeandtruthofGodconfirmthecurseofthelaw on the sinner, that it cannot be balked without an imputation ofdishonour on them. And since it is not posssible for you to make fullsatisfaction, and so to exhaust the curse, no, not through the ages ofeternity;itisevident,thatthecursedoesinviolablybindtheguiltofyoursin on you, so that while the former remains on you, the latter isimmoveable.

Nowconsiderthatyewerebornsinnersunderthiscovenant,andsobornunderthecurseofit;andthatthelawismostextensive,bothastopartsanddegreesofobedience,andsocondemnseverythingyoudo,becauseyoudonothing in theperfectionwhich it requires.Henceyour sinsareinnumerable,yourseveralpiecesofguiltarepastreckoning,andyouareeverydayaddingtotheaccount;butinthemeantimetheaccountneversuffers any diminution. The state of a sinner under the curse is anunfathomablegulf,intowhichthewatersarecontinuallyrunning,butnot

theleastdropgoesoutfromitagain.Newguiltisstilladded,butnothingoftheoldornewguiltisremoved;thecurseletsinmore,butitletsnoneout;allissealedupunderthecurse,fromyoursininthewomb,tillyoursinofthisminute.

Yewillsay,Godforbid!SurelyheisamercifulGod.Ihavebeentroubledaboutmysins,andIhaverepentedofthem,andbeggedforgiveness,andIhopehehaspardonedme; and Ihope todo the same for the time tocome,andhewillpardonmestill.ANSWER.Nottospeakhereofwhatrepentance can be found in one lying under the curse of the firstcovenant,yeshouldtakenotice,thatyoubeingstillunderthecovenantofworks,Goddealswithyouinthewayofthatcovenant,andthatcovenantadmitsofnopardontothemwhoareunderit,Acts13:39.Forapardonunder that covenantwould render the threatening and curse of it vain,andofnoeffect;andsofastenablotandstainonthetruthandjusticeofGod,andwouldindeedquiteoverturnthatcovenant,andleaveitaslittleregardedbyGodhimself,asithasbeenbythesinner.Indeed,ifyoucanbearthecurse,soas,byyoursufferingwhatitbindsonyou,toexhaustit,andfullysatisfyjustice;thenyourcrimeisexpiated,andeveninthewayofthatcovenantGodandyouarefriendsagain;butthatisasimpossibleforyou,astoliftthewholefabricofheavenandearthoutofitsplace.Thetruth is, nothing can procure you the pardon of one sin, but what canremovethecurse;whileyouareunderthatcovenant,youhavenosavinginterestinthebloodofChrist,sothecurseisnottakenoffyouthereby;andcertainitis,thatyourrepentanceandbeggingforgivenesscanneverremovethecursefromoffyou,fortheycanneverbeafullsatisfactiontooffended justice. And therefore, notwithstanding your pretendedrepentingandbeggingpardon,yourguiltstillremains;thereisnopardoninthecase;thoughyourguiltisforgottenbyyou,itisrememberedofGodstill,and iswrittenbeforehimaswithapenof iron,andthepointofadiamond.

(2.) Sin has a reigning power over you; and it neither is nor can bebroken, you continuing under that covenant, Rom. 6:14, where theapostle plainly teaches, that theywho are under the law are under thedominionofsin.Man,innocentandholy,enteredintothatcovenant;butonceturningasinnerunderit,hecouldneverturnasaintagainunderit.

It furnished strength to man being clean to keep himself clean, butprovided no laver for him once defiled, to wash himself clean again, Iknow that themenof that covenant donotmake, all of them, an alikeblackappearanceintheirlivesandconversations;someofthembearthedevil'smarkontheirforeheads;othershaveitinthehollowoftheirhand,which,theycankeepfromtheviewoftheworld.Batthewholeofthemareanunsanctifiedcompany,andunderthereigningpowerofsin,whichisinthementireandunbroken,Rom.3:10–12.SothatIsayyoureaseisdesperately sinful as to the reigning power of sin, while under thatcovenant; ye neither are nor can be holy under it. And think not thisstrange.For,

[1.]Sinceyouaresinnersunderthatcovenant,youmustneedsbedeadmen;forsorunsthethreatening;Gen.2:17,"Inthedaythatthoueatestthereofthoushaltdie."Yournatural lifeisyetpreserved,thereforeyourspirituallifethenmustbegone,Eph.2:1.Soallthemenofthatcovenantaredeadandburied in trespasses and sins.Deathpreyson their souls,andbears full sway there.Hence it is called "the lawof sinanddeath,"Rom, 8:3, sin and death reigning over all that are under its dominion.And therefore Christ, the head of the second covenant, was made aquickeningspirit,deathreigningunderthefirst.

Whatthoughyouperformreligiousdutiesunderthiscovenant?Theyareallbutdeadworks,butthecarcasesofduties,withoutlifeandspirit.Theyhavethematterofduty,buttheyarenotdoneinarightmanner;theyarenotfromarightprinciple,noraretheydirectedtotherightend;theyareallselfish,slavish,andmercenary,andcanneverbeacceptabletoGod.

[2.] Being under the curse, there is a separation betwixtGod and yoursoul,andsothecourseofsanctifyinginfluencesisblockedup,Isa.57:2.Whilethecursethusstandsasapartition-wallofGod'sownmaking, inthecourseof justice,betwixtGodandyou,howcantherebeanysayingcommunionwithhim?andwithout thathowcanyebemadeholy?OurLord Jesus Christ, by his death and sufferings, purchased the Spirit ofsanctificationforthosethatarehis;plainlyimporting,thattherewasnoaccess for theSpirit of sanctification to theunholy creatureby the firstcovenant.

You may possibly find an enlargement of heart in duty under thatcovenant; but mistake it not for communion with God, there is nocommunion with him but by Jesus Christ the head of the secondcovenant,Eph.2:18.Andforanevidencehereof,youshallobserve,thatwhereas communionwithGod has a sanctifying and humbling efficacywhere it is; theseenlargementshavenosucheffect,butonthecontraryfill the heart with pride and self-esteem, and so render the soul moreunholy,1John1:6

(3.)Thatcovenantisnochannelofsanctificationtotheunholycreature.To a sinner it is "the ministration of death," 2 Cor. 3:7, and of"condemnation," ver. 9, a "killing letter," exacting obedience to beperformed on the strength given at first, but now quite spent; butpromising no new strength for duty, but laying on the curse for non-performance. It is the gospel, or covenant of grace, that is the"ministrationoftheSpirit,"ver.8.Andforthistheapostleappealstotheexperienceof thosewhohavereceived theSpirit,Gal.3:2, "ReceivedyetheSpiritbytheworksofthelaw,orbythehearingoffaith?"

It is true, that under that covenant you may have been influenced toreformationoflife,andpromptedtotheperformingofduty;butallthisamountstonomoreinthatcase,butachangeoflife,andreachesnevertoachangeofone'snature.Fearofpunishmentandhopeofreward,areherethespringsofall;nottheloveofGod;andsotheresultofitisaformofgodliness,withoutthepowerofit.

[4.]Thatcovenant, insteadofhavingasanctifying influenceonsinners,has an irritating power on their corruptions. The more close it comesupontheirconsciences,themoretheirlustsareprovoked,aswasbeforeexplained,Rom.7:7.Imayhereinappealtosinners'experience.Haveyenot sometimes found sleeping corruptions awakened by the law'sforbiddingof them?andweak lustsgatherstrengthby theverysightofthehedgewhichthelawhassetbetwixtyouandthem?Andhavenotyourhearts,onsomeparticularoccasions,findinghowtheirinclinationswerecrossed by its commands, awed and frightened by its threatenings andcurses,evenrisenagainstitsecretly,andagainsttheGodthatmadeit?—Thusunderthatcovenantyourcaseisdesperatelysinful.

4. Be convinced, that while ye remain under that covenant, ye remainunder the curse; and there is no deliverance from the curse withoutdeliverance fromthecovenant. "Forasmanyasareof theworksof thelaw are under the curse." It is vain to think one can be under thatcovenant,beingasinner,andnotbeunderthecurse;forthecursewillbefoundtotakeplaceinthedominionofthelaw,whereversinisfound.Soas long as ye live under the broken covenant of works, so long ye liveunderthecurse;andifyedieunderthatcovenant,yedieunderthecurse.When innocent Adam entered into that covenant, it did not curse, norcoulditcursehimorhis,whileasyettherewasnocommandofitbroken;butwhenoncesinentered,thecurseimmediatelytookplace,andseizedonhimandallhisposterity;andunderittheylie,aslongastheyremainunderthatcovenant,andarenotdeliveredfromthatoriginalcontract.

Thisisaweightyconsideration,andmaypiercetheheartsofallwhohavenotgottheirdischargeastothatcovenant,whohavenotgotthathand-writing that is somuchagainst them,blottedoutwith respect to them.Whatever ye do, whatever ye suffer, whatever change be in yourconversation, or in the temper and disposition of your spirits,while yeremainunderthatcovenant,theyokeofthecurseremainsstillwreathedabout your necks. And, to fasten this conviction the more on you,consider,

(1.)Yebeingunderthatcovenantwerebornunderthecurse,"bynaturethechildrenofwrath,"Eph.2:3.Adam'ssinlaidallmenunderit;andassoon aswe are Adam's childrenwe are cursed children, bound over todeath by the sentence of the broken law or covenant,Rom. 5:18.Now,thereareonlytwowayshowthatcursemaybesupposedtoberemovedandtakenoffyou,viz.,eitherbyyourownbearingitforyourselvessoastobearitoff,orbyanother'sbearingitforyouimputedtoyou;forthatitshouldbetakenoffyouinawayofmeremercy,withoutanybearingittothe satisfaction of justice, is inconsistent with God's justice, truth, andcovenant,asyouheardbefore.But the formerway, it cannotbe thatyeare or shall be delivered from it; forwhatever ye have suffered in yoursouls,bodies,oranyotherway,orwhateveryemaysufferisstillbutthesufferingsofafinitebeing,whichcannevercompensatethewrongdonetothehonourofaninfiniteGodbyyoursin;andthereforethesufferings

ofthedamnedhavenoend.Thebreachmadebythecreature'ssininthehonourofaninfiniteGod,isagulfwhichswallowsupallsufferingsofthecreature,butcanneverbetherebyfilledup.Astothelatter,itcannottakeplace,but inthewayotthesecondcovenant,whichis inconsistentwithyour continuing under this covenant. The imputation of Christ'ssatisfaction,and thedelivery fromthecurse therebyareconsequentsofthesoul'sunionwithChrist,Rom.8:1,whichisbyone'senteringintothecovenantofgrace,whereby theypartwith the covenantofworkswhichtheynaturally cleave to,Rom.7:4.Therefore itnecessarily follows, thatwhileyeremainunderthecovenantofworks,yeremainunderthecurse,thecurselaidonforAdam'ssin.

(2.) Suppose that cursewere removed, andno cursewere lying on younow for the first breach of the covenant; yet ye cannot refuse but thathoweverwatchfully youhavebehavedyourselves, endeavouring tokeepthelawyouhavebeenguiltyofsomesinsinyourownpersons;youhave,sometimesatleast,thoughtevil,spokenevil,anddoneevil;somedutiesye have omitted, some crimes against God and his law ye havecommitted.Nowthese layyouunder thecurse,sinceyouareunder thecovenantwhichcurseththesinner;forit iswritten"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingswhicharewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem."It isnotenoughtodosomethingsof the law; ifallbenotdone,oneisbythiscovenantstakeddownunderthecurse.

(3.)Whenyouhavedone thebest thatpossibly you cando tokeep thecommandments, ye still fall under the curse, while ye are under thiscovenant, because whatever good ye do, ye do it not; for perfection ineverypointofdutyisrequiredunderit,Luke10:27,andnotonlyso,(forthat isrequiredunderthecovenantofgracetoo,Matth.5ult.,)but it isrequiredunderpainof the curse; for it iswritten, "Cursed is everyonethatcontinuethnotinallthings,"&c.Sothatifyoushouldomitnoduty,external or internal, consistent with one's continuing under thatcovenant, and should perform them with all the vigour, zeal, andcarefulness ye are capable of; yet even for these the covenant wouldthunderoutitscurseagainstyou,forthatyoufailintheminanytheleastmeasureordegree.

(4.)Forasmuchasthelawrequiresallperfectioninallthings,andatall

times;andthatatnotime,inanyaction,youattaintothatperfection,butarestillsinninginallyourthoughts,words,andactions;thereforethelawisstillrainingdownitscurseonyou,andbindingyouoverwithnewtiesto death, for your new sins, cursing for every thing done amiss.Wherefore since you do nothing but what, one way or other, is doneamissintheeyeofthelaw,itisimpossibleyoushouldevergetyourheadliftedupfromunderthecursewhileyoucontinueinthatcovenant.

(5.)Lastly,Butputthecase,thoughindeeditisimpossiblethatyouunderthiscovenantcouldarriveatperfection,sothatyoushouldsinnomore,eitherbyomissionorcommission,eitherinthematterorinthemannerof what you do; but that your obedience should be from this momentperfect in parts and degrees, and that you should obey in as greatperfection as the angels do in heaven; I say that, notwithstanding, youremainingunderthiscovenantshouldstillremainunderthecurse.Foritisevident thatyouareguiltyofmanysinsalready,andwhat isdonebyyoucanneverbeundone; and for that causeyouhave fallenunder thecurse already, and your perfect obedience for the present time and thetimetocome,beingadebtyouoweforthetimewhereinitisperformed,cannever expiate the former guilt or be reputed satisfying for thedebtbefore contracted. Yea, suppose you had never sinned in your ownpersons,buthadperfectlyobeyed sinceyouwere capableofkeepingorbreaking God's law; yet being under that covenant you should still beunder the curse, as beingbornunder it, on the account ofAdam's firstsin,whichitisplain,ontheformergrounds,couldnotbeexpiatedbythatyoursupposedperfectobedience.

Thusitisevident,thatwhileyeremainunderthiscovenantyeremainunderthecurse.

Say not, that, at this rate, all must be under the curse, since in manythingsweoffendall; for thestateofsinnersunder the twocovenants isvastlydifferent.Bythefirstcovenant,theythatareunderitareliabletothe curse in case of sinning; but by the second covenant, they that areunder it are not liable thereto in any case, but freed from it,Gal. 3:13.BecauseChrist's bearing it for them is imputed to them. Sin under theformer reigns unto death, but under the latter "grace reigns throughrighteousnessuntoeternallife,"Rom.5ult.Injustificationtheobedience

and satisfaction of Christ,made for all the sins of all his people, past,present, and to come, are imputed unto believers, and so they aredischargedatonceoftheirwholedebttorevengingjustice,andtheycannevermore fall under the curse, nor be liable to it for their sins,morethan a man can be liable in payment of a debt already paid anddischarged.Topretendthatbelieversmaybeliabletothecurse,andyetnot fallunder the curseupon their sinning is vain; for if by the law,orthreatening,theybeliabletothecurseincaseoftransgression;thecursemustneedsseizethem,whentheydoactuallytransgress,invirtueofthetruthofGodinthethreatening;forhathhesaidit,andshallitnotcometo pass?Neither is it profitable, in the case of the curse, to distinguishbetwixt gross sins, and other sins; for the cursing law makes no suchdistinctioninthatpoint,butwhereitcursethforonesin,itcursesforall,ofwhatkindsoever;Gal.3:10,"Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthings,"&c.

Sothismiseryispeculiartothoseunderthecovenantofworks.

5.Beconvinced, that there isnosalvation foryouunder that covenant.Youmusteitherquitit,andescapeoutofitsdominion,orperishunderit.Tobesaved,andyetbeunderthecurseisinconsistent.Butwhileyeareunder thatcovenant,yeareunder thecurse;and thereforewhileyeareunderit,yecannotbesaved,butmustneedsperish.Therefore,Isay,ifyeabideinthatbrokenship,yeareruined,yewillbeswallowedup,yewillneverseetheshoreofImmanuel'sland.Obeconvincedofthis,thatyoumaydespairof ever entering intoheavenby thatdoor; that yourhopesandexpectationsby itmaydie,beingpluckedupby the roots; andyoumaylookoutforanotherdoorofhope.Consider,

(1.) That it was the door opened to innocent Adam indeed, but by onewrongstepmissingit,hecouldnevermakehisentrybyitanymore,butwasfaintobetakehimselftoanotherdoor,evenJesusChristinthefreepromise,Gen.3:15.Howthencanyeexpecttoenterbyit?hefoundthatbeingonceasinner,hewasablenolongertoliveunderthedominionofthe law,andthereforedidbetakehimself tothedominionof freegrace;his garment of fig-leaveswhichhemade for himself, he partedwith asinsufficient,andtookonthecoatofskins(ofsacrifices)whichtheLordGodmadeuntohim.Yemustgoanddolikewise,oryeperish.

(2.)Sinnersbeingshutupfordestructionunderthiscovenant,thedoorwas boltedwith the bar of the curse, so that there is no escaping fromdeathby it for them,Gal.3:10.WhenSamsonwasshutup fordeath inGaza, he took the doors of the gate of the city, bar and all, upon hisshoulders,andsogotoutofthecitytothemountains,Judg.15.Butthisbarofthecurseistooheavyfortheshouldersofangels,theyarenotabletobearit,farlessareyeable.SothereisnoaccesstothehillofGodthatway for you.That gate is likeuntowhatwe readof;Ezek. 44:2, 3, "Nomanshallenter inby it: it is for theprince," theLordJesusChrist, thetrueSamson,who,whenallhiselectwereshutupfordeathintheprisonofthelawcovenant,barredwiththebarofthecurse,puthimselfintheirroom;andinhismight liftedupthegate,barandall,andcarriedthemaway,andsomadeawayforthemtoescape.

Takeheedyoudeceivenotyourselvesinthismatter,withthepromisesoflifeyouapprehendtobemadetoyourkeepingofthecommandmentsofGod.It istrue,thereisapromiseoflifetoobedienceinthecovenantofworks;but then it is only toperfectobedience.The curse isdenouncedagainsttheleastfailure,Luke10:27,28,Gal.3:10.Now,itisevidentyoucan have no hope by this promise, since you cannot perform theobedience to which it is made. And there is no promise of life in thatcovenantonanylowercondition.Sincereobediencewillnotentitleyoutothat promise, though ye could perform it, as ye really cannot; the willcannotbeacceptedhereforthedeed;forthelawdenouncesthecurseoneveryoneunderitfortheleastimperfection;andsostavesthemofffromany benefit by its promise. The promise of life and salvation is in thecovenant of grace freelymade for the sake of Christ, to be received byfaithinhim;andeveninitgodlinesshaththepromiseoflifeannexedtoit,butismadenottothework,buttotheworkerbeinginChrist;andnotfor his work's sake, but for Christ's sake. But you being under thecovenant of works, have no saying interest in the promises of thecovenant of grace, and sohavenopartnor lot in the life and salvationtherepromised.Andbesides,allyourobedienceisservileandmercenary,unacceptabletoGod;sofar fromhavingthepromiseof life, thatonthecontrarysuchworkersareexpresslyexcludedfromit;Gal.4:30,"Castoutthebond-womanandherson:forthesonofthebond-womanshallnotbe

heirwiththesonofthefree-woman."

Thus ye see there is no salvation for you under the brokencovenantofworks.

6.Beconvinced,thatthereisanabsolutenecessityofbeingsetfreefromthecovenantofworks,ofbeingbrought intothecovenantofgrace,andsavinglyinterestedintheLordJesus,thesecondAdam.Ifyoubenotsetfreefromthefirstcovenant,yeareruined.Forasmanyasareunderthebondofitareunderthecurse.Toputthequestiontoyourselves,Whetheryouhadbestquitthatcovenant,ornot?isineffect,Whetheryouhadbestremainunder thecurse,orendeavour toescape?This isapoint that inreasoncanadmitnomoredispute,thanwhetheradrowningmanshouldbewillingtobepreservedfromperishing?orwhetheramanshouldcastburningcoalsoutofhisbosom?

If you be not brought into the covenant of grace, interested in JesusChristby faith, you canneverbe freed from the covenantofworks.Nomanshallevergetupthatbond,butonhisinstructingfullpaymentbothoftheprincipalsumandofthepenalty;thatis,bothofperfectobediencetothelaw,andsatisfactiontojusticeforthebreachmadebysin.Thisyoushall never be able to instruct, do or suffer what you will, unless youembraceandunitewithChristbyfaithinthesecondcovenant,bymeansofwhichhisobedienceandsatisfactionshallbecounteduponyourscore.

Herethenis theonethingneedful;unlessyoutakethiscourse,yeshallneverseelifeorsalvation,butperishforever.

7.Lastly,Beconvinced,thatyourhelpmustcomewhollyfromtheLordJesusChrist,and thatyoucancontributenothingbyyourownworkingforyourownrelief;Hos.13:9,"OIsrael,thouhastdestroyedthyself;butinmeisthyhelp."Forbeingunderthatcovenant,yeareunderthecurse;andwhatcanonedoforhimself,acceptabletoGod,whoisunderthesebonds of death? It is true, sinnerswill not, come to Christ, till they bedeeply sensible of their sin and misery; but to require such and suchqualificationsinsinnersbeforetheymaycometoChrist,istolayasnarebefore them, keeping themback fromChrist, and teaching them to laysomeweightupontheirqualificationswhiletheyareyetunderthecurse.

Inaspecialmannertotellsinnersthattheymusttrulyrepentoftheirsinsbefore they may believe in Christ, or before they may apprehend theremissionofsininthepromise,isineffecttosay,thattheymustbeholy,andrepentinamanneracceptabletoGod,whiletheyareyetlyingunderhiscurse; for thecurse isnot removedbut in justification.The truth is,thereisa legalrepentance,agreeingtothestateofoneunderthecurse,arising froma legal faith, the faithof thecurse, thatgoesbefore savingfaithandremissionofsin;andhowevernecessaryitistostirupthesoultoprizeChrist,itcannotbeacceptabletoGod,sincethemanisstillunderhiscurse.Butnodoingnoworking,norepentingofourscanpleaseGod,tilloncewearefromunderthecurse,throughfaithinhimwhojustifiesthe ungodly. And therefore, to effectuate the sinner's passing from theone covenant and its curse, into theother, and theblessing thereof, nodoing,noworkingofoursisrequired,butonlytoreceiveChrist,pardonof sin, deliverance from the curse by faith, they being all offered andexhibited,inthefreepromiseofthegospel,tothesinnerunderthecurse.Andso,thecursebeingremoved,thepartition-wallbetwixtGodandthesinneristakendown,andtheinfluencesoftheSpirituntosanctification,evangelicalrepentance,andnewobedience,flowintothesoul.

USEII.OfExhortation

First, Let unbelievers, who are still under this covenant, receive theseconvictions, and be warned, excited, and exhorted timely to sue to bedelivered from under the covenant of works, and for that end to beinstated inthecovenantofgrace,by faith inJesusChrist.Whatneed isthereof furthermotives than the textgives, in tellingus, thatallunderthiscovenantareunderthecurse?whichhasbeenexplainedat largetoyou.Ah!isitsafetogohomeandsleepanothernightunderthecurse?Isitsafetoventuremoretimeunderit,whenyouknownotwhichmomentofyourtimemaybethelast?Asyehaveanyregardtoyourownsouls,laythismattertoheart,anddelaynolonger;buthaste,escapeforyourlife.Consider,Iprayyou,

1.Thecurseisaweightwhichyouwillneverbeabletobear.TheweightofGod'srevengingwrath is in it,andit isa fearful thingtofall intothehandsofthelivingGod;onwhomsoeverthisstonefalls,itwillgrindhimtopowder.

2. It isagrowingweight;asyoursinsgrow, thecursegrows;Rom.2:5,"Afterthyhardnessandimpenitentheart,thoutreasurestupuntothyselfwrathagainstthedayofwrath."Theevilsthouartboundovertoarethegreater,andthebondsarethestronger.

3. It is a weight that may be now removed from off you; 2 Cor. 6:2,"Behold,nowis theacceptedtime;behold,nowis thedayofsalvation."Thosewhomthisweighthassunkdownintothepitalready,itcanneverberemovedfromoffthem;butyeareyetwithinthereachofmercy,theMediatorisreadytotaketheyokeoffyourjaws.

4. If theweightof thecursebenot removed fromoffyou, itwillbe theheavierthatdeliverancefromitwasinyourpower;Matth.11:21,"Itshallbemore tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than foryou."Themenofthatcovenantwillallfeeltheweightofthecurse,butitwillhaveadoubleweighttodespisersofthegospel.

5.Lastly,Itwillbeaneternalweight,Matth.25:41,"Departfromme,yecursed, intoeverlasting fire."There isaneternalweightofglory for thesaints in thepromise;andaneternalweightofwrath for sinners in thecurse,whichtheyshallforeverlieunder,andnevergetclearof.

Letthesemotivesthenexciteandinduceyoutofleefromthecurseofthebrokencovenantofworks,untothecovenantofgrace,wherelifeisonlytobefound.

Secondly, Believers in Christ, delivered from this covenant, (1.) Bethankful for your deliverance, as a deliverance from the curse. Let thewarmestgratitudeglowinyourbreastsforsogreatadeliverance;andletyoursoul,andallthatiswithinyou,bestirreduptoblessyourgloriousDelivererforthisunspeakableblessing.(2.)Walkholilyandfruitfullyingoodworks, since the bands of death are removed, and your souls arehealed. Be holy in all manner of life and conversation; adorning thedoctrine ofGod your Saviour in all things. Let thewhole tenor of yourlives testify that you are not under the curse, but that you inherit theblessingofeternallife,bylivingtothepraiseandhonourofChrist,whohath delivered you from the wrath to come. (3.) Turn not back to the

brokencovenantofworksagain,inlegalprinciples,norinlegalpractices.Themore the temper and frame of your spirit lies that way, themoreunholywillyebe;andthemoreyourdutiessavourofit,thelesssavourywilltheybeuntoyourGod.Itisonlybybeingdeadtothelaw,thatyewillliveuntoGod.

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