The fatureof Chrifi'sSuretiffip. 257 On the other hand the generality of Expof tors, antient and modern, of the Roman and Prateflant Churches on the place affirm,that the Lord Chrift as the Surety of theCovenant, was properly a Surety or undertaker unto Godfor us, and not a Surety and undertaker unto us for God. And becaufe this is a matter of Great Importance, wherein the Faith and Confo- lation of the Church is highly concerned, I {hall infift a little upon it. And firft, we may confider the Argument that is produced to prove that Chrift was only a Surety for God unto us. Now this is taken neither from the Name nor Nature of the Office or work of Surety, nor from the Nature of the Cove- nant, whereof he was a Surety, nor of the Office wherein he was fò. But the foie Argument infifted on is; That zre do not give Chrifi as a Surety of the Covenant unto God, but he gives him unto us, and therefore he is a Surety for God and the accomplifhment of his Promifes, and not for us to pay our debts, or to anfwer what is required of us. But there is no force in this Argument. For it belongs not unto the nature of a Surety, by whom he is or may be defigned unto his Office and Work therein. His own volun tary fufception of the Office and Work, is all that is required, however he may be defigned or induced to undertake it. He who of his own accord doth voluntarily undertake for another, on what Grounds, Reafons, or Confiderations foever he Both fo, is his Surety. And this the Lord Chrift did in the behalf of the Church. For when it was faid, Sacrifice and burnt -Of ring and whole burnt -Offerings fir (in ,God would not have, or accept as fufficient to make the Atonement that he required, fo as that the Covenant might be eftablifhed and made effe &ual unto us, then faid he, Loe I come to do thy W1ll 0 God, Heb. zo. 5. 6. He willingly and voluntarily out of his own abundant goodnefs and love, took upon him to make Atonement for, us, wherein he was our Surety. And L l ac-
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