SERM.III.' THE eJL1tTSTIAN DTSPENSATION. os inward thoughts and affections as well as outward actions. As for the doctrine and dutyof christian love, forbear- ance, and forgiveness of enemies, and a . readiness to return good for evil, it is either raised to higher degrees than before, or at least it is explained in a more spiritual and sublime sense than the Jews were ever acquainted with, and enforced by superior motives, and through the aids of divine grace thousands of christians have lived honourably in the practice of it. II. " In the christian dispensation, the gospel or co- venant of grace is revealed more perfectly and plainly than ever before; not in obscure expressions, in types and carnal metaphors, but in its own proper form and language, that is, as a covenant relating to things spiri- tual and eternal. Every covenant between God and man, in the most complete sense of the word, implies some engagements on our side, which are appointed du- ties, and some engagements on God's side, which are promised blessings. Now in both these respects, the Covenant of grace is revealed in-the New Testament in a much more plain and express manner than in former dispensations. The blessings of the covenant of grace, are regeneration -or a change of heart, pardon of sin, justification, and acceptance with God; adoption into his family, whereby we are made his children, sanctification of our natures,-or being renewed after the image of God, assistance to perform duties, and support under trbu- tiles, comfort in life and death, and everlasting joy in an- other world, in the presence of God and our blessed Sa- viour. These are most plainly described in the New Testament, The duties of this covenant are faith or trust in a Messiah, who is much better known now hay. ing actually appeared in the flesh, unfeigned repentance toward God, confession of sin, converse with God in se- cret prayer, lave to God as a Father; delight in him, joy- ful hope in his promised mercy, zeal for his honour, and sincere obedience arising from a principle of faith and love. All these are more expressly required in our gospel. I grant that the chief of these things were contained also in the former dispensations, particularly the Jewish ; but many of them were there veiled under types and figures, à;nd dark shadows; so that the Jews were read)/ P4
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