ishment; and they,
unable, because unwilling to give obedience, and unprovided with the
means of deliverance, had fallen to ruin. In order that his mercy might
be manifested, the Lord, from the days of eternity, secured to sinners a
fitness for duty, to stand as a substitute for that spiritual strength
which they should lose by transgression, and acceptance through a great
Mediator, which else had not been enjoyed. On man, in a state of
innocence, and also in a state of sin, the duty of Covenanting was
enjoined. By reason of sin, strength given to him at first to perform
it, was for ever forfeited. But to many, by a wondrous scheme of Divine
love, it is given to enjoy, from engaging in it, benefits which cannot
be lost.

SECTION I.

In regard to sinners, the exercise was provided for in the Covenant of
Redemption.

This was made from the days of eternity. It is described as the
"Everlasting Covenant."[365] The phrase cannot mean less than
that it extends from eternity to eternity. In adoration of the Lord,
made known as a covenant God, it is said, "from everlasting to
everlasting, thou art God."[366] The Mediator "was set up from
everlasting:"[367]--necessarily by entering into covenant. Thus, his
"goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."[368] The
covenant is a reality. "I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have
sworn unto David my servant.--My mercy will I keep for him for evermore,
and my covenant shall stand fast with him."[369] When was the Father's
servant covenanted to him, if he stood not engaged to him from eternity?
The conditions and promise of the covenant are recorded. "Yet it pleased
the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make
his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong
his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He
shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his
knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear
their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured
out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors;
and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the
transgressors."[370] And the mutual satisfaction of the Father and Son
with the conditions and fulfilment of the covenant, is also revealed.
"The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; h