AS to the fourth article of the covenant of Redemption, it concerneth the means and manner how the elect shall be called forth from the perishing world, and be effectually called and turned unto God, so as the world among whom the elect do live, shall not have cause of stumbling justly: for, he hath taken a most wise course so to execute the decree of election and Redemption, as he shall be sure to bring in his own to himself, and not open up his counsel in particular to the discouraging of any, as is told by the father, Isa. 52.13, My servant shall deal prudently and prosper. The chief mean appointed, is the preaching of the Gospel to all nations, commanding all men, where the Gospel is by God’s providence preached, to repent and believe in the Name of Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he hath commanded them, Acts 17.30 and 1 John 3.23, and they who refuse to obey are without excuse.
Another mean is, the bringing of so many as profess their acceptation of the offer of grace by Christ Jesus, them and their children into the bond of an express solemn covenant, that they shall submit themselves to the doctrine and government of Christ, and teach their children so to do, as Abraham the father of believers did, Gen. 18.19; Matth. 28.19,20, make disciples of all nations, or, make all nations disciples to Me.
A third mean is, the sealing of the covenant by the Sacrament of baptism, Matth. 28.19,20, make all nations disciples to Me, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
A fourth mean is, the gathering them into all lawful and possible communion with others his disciples, that by their Church-fellowship one with another, they may be edified under their officers, appointed in Christ’s Testament {70} to feed, govern, and lead them on in the obedience of all the commands which Christ hath commanded his people in his Testament: by which means he goeth about his work, and doth call effectually, sanctify, and save, his own redeemed ones, leaving all others without excuse.
Concerning all these and other means and manner also of executing his decree, it is agreed upon between the Father and His Son Christ, as His holy Spirit hath revealed it to us in Scripture. All which may be taken up in two heads; the one is the agreement about the doctrine, and directions given to His Church; the other is about actions, operations, and all effects to be brought about for making his word good.
Concerning his doctrine, Christ saith, John 12.49,50, I have not spoken of myself, but the Father who hath sent me, he gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak, and I know, that his commandment is life everlasting, whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Concerning actions and operations, and the execution of the decrees, it is agreed also between the Father and the Son, John 8.16, If I judge, my judgment is true: for, I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me; and, verse 29, He that sent me, is with me, the Father hath not left me alone: for, I do always those things that please him; and John 6.38, I came down from heaven, not to do my own will (without the consent of the Father) but the will of him that sent me.
In a word, the consent and agreement of the Father and the Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is such, that the Son doth nothing by his Spirit, but that which the Father doth work by the same Spirit from the beginning of the world, John 5.17, My Father worketh hitherto and I work; and Col. 1.16, for by Christ were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. He is Alpha {71} and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first efficient, and the last end of all things, Rev. 1.8, because for the glory of Christ, the creation, the covenant of works, and the covenant of grace, were made, and had, and shall have their full execution, all for the glory of God in Christ, by whom all things were made and do subsist.
