Secondly, Now I come from the notion to the predication. This righteousness, it is an everlasting righteousness : it is so in two respects — in the constitution among men, and in the effects of it.
1. In the constitution of it. The covenant of grace is an everlast- ing covenant ; so it is called Heb. xiii. 20 ; and the gospel is called the ' everlasting gospel,' Bev. xiv. 6 ; and ' I will make an everlasting covenant with you,' Isa. lv. 3. The privileges of this covenant are eternal. Christ ' hath obtained an eternal redemption for us,' Heb. ix. 12 ; Dan. ix. 24. There is an unchangeable righteousness which Christ hath established in the church ; he is the Lord our righteous- ness. His righteousness is still the same, and the plot was first laid in his everlasting decrees. The terms of life and salvation held forth in the new covenant are to continue for ever, no change to be expected. From the beginning of the world to the end thereof, the covenant of grace cannot cease ; the obligation still continueth ; men are for ever bound to love God and their neighbour. There shall no time come when the law of loving God and our neighbour shall be reversed and out of date. The covenant is essentially the same, under all the diver-
(I SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SEE. CLIX.
sity of administrations. And as the privileges, so the duties are of an eternal obligation. Among men, to. SUata tcivovfteva, that is just at one time that is not just at another. Lawgivers cannot always live to see their laws executed, and men cannot foresee all occasions and inconveniences, and therefore often repeal their laws. But God is wise ; he hath made an unchangeable law, and he forbiddeth things intrin- sically evil, and comniandeth things intrinsically good.
2. As to the effects of it, in case of obedience or disobedience. (1.) In case of disobedience, eternal wrath lighteth on them that reject this covenant, that walk contrary to it, they shall be eternally miserable : 2 Thes. i. 9, ' Who shall be punished, with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.' Not a temporal but an everlasting destruction ; and Mark ix. 44, ' The worm shall never die, and the fire shall never be quenched.' An eternity of torments, because they despised everlasting mercy, and rejected the autho- rity of an everlasting God. Having offended an infinite God, their punishment abideth on them for ever. If they will stand out their day, it is fit their recovery should be hopeless. (2.) The benefits are eternal in case of obedience. There is everlasting grace, ever- lasting comfort, and everlasting life : 1 John ii. 17, ' The world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the word of God abideth for ever.' The Spirit is given as a comforter that shall abide for ever, John xiv. 16 ; and 2 Thes. ii. 1G, ' God who hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace.' And it is fit it should be so, because it is built upon God's unchangeable love, and Christ's eternal merit and intercession. God's love is an everlasting love, Jer. xxxi. 3. The efficacy of Christ's merit never ceaseth, Heb. xiii. 8. His continual intercession ever lasteth, Heb. vii. 25 , and Bom. viii. 39, ' Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ.' He liveth for ever, by which we continue for ever in the favour of God, and the covenant standeth firm between him and us ; the fountain of comfort is never dried up.
Use 1. To inform us of the difference between the laws of God and the laws of men. There are many differences, some of which I shall touch by and by ; this expression offereth two — it is righteousness, and everlasting righteousness.
1. It is righteousness. Men have and do often decree wickedness by a law, not only in the first table, where man is most blind, but also in the second ; not only in their barbarous worship, their sacrificing of men, but also in their human constitutions. The Lacedemonians held it lawful to steal, if he were not taken hr clvtco (pepeiv, in the very act. In Cyprus they held it lawful for their virgins, if they were poor, to prostitute themselves to get a dowry or portion. By the law of the twelve tables a man might kill his wife if she smelt of wine or coun- terfeited his keys. And among the Komans, if a slave had killed his master, all his fellow-slaves were put to death with him, though never so innocent. By the same laws, a father might thrice sell his child ; they might tear their debtors in pieces if they were not solvent. Thus blind were men in their own concerns and what made for human com- merce ; much more in the way of pleasing God and the interest of the world to come. Bless God for this righteous law. Again —
VER. 142.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 7
2. It is everlasting righteousness ; not only righteous at the first giving out, but righteous in all ages and times ; and should we slight this rule that will hold for ever ? In the world, new lords new laws ; men vary and change their designs and purposes ; privileges granted to-day may be repealed to-morrow, but this word will hold true for ever; our justification by Christ is irrevocable, that part of righteous- ness is everlasting. Be sure you are justified now, upon terms of the gospel, and you shall be justified for ever ; your forgiveness is an ever- lasting forgiveness, and your peace is an everlasting peace: Jer. xxxiii. 34, ' I will remember your sins no more.' So the other righteousness of sanctification, it is for ever. Approve yourselves to God now, and you will approve yourselves at the day of judgment.