nd living," (Rom. xiv. 9,) and "all things in heaven and
earth are given to him," Matt. xxviii. 18, John xiii. 3. And therefore,
whatever soul is aggrieved under the accusation and charge of the law,
hath liberty, yea, and is called to it, of duty, to appeal unto this new
erected tribunal, where Christ sits to dispense life according to the
terms of grace and he may be sure the Father will not judge him according
to the law, if the Son absolve him in the gospel.

Now, with this it consists, that he who hath all final judgment in his
hand, yet is our advocate in another consideration, as we consider God the
Father sitting upon the tribunal of justice, and proceeding according to
the terms and tenor of his first law, or covenant of life and death. Then
Christ comes in with his advocation for poor sinners, and sustains their
persons, and maintains their cause, even from the principles of justice.
He presents his satisfactory sacrifice and pleads that we are not to be
charged with that punishment that he hath suffered, because he hath indeed
fulfilled our legal righteousness, and by this means the law's mouth is
stopped, which had stopped our mouth, and the sinner is absolved, who was
found guilty. Thus you see the salvation and absolution of believers is
wonderfully secured, for there is a sentence for it in the court of the
gospel, pronounced by the Son. But lest you think he should usurp such an
absolute power, then hear, that he is an advocate to plead out the equity
and justice of it, before the very tribunal of the law, that the law
itself being the rule, the Father himself, who made the law, being the
Judge, the poor soul that flies unto him as a refuge, may be saved, since
what it craved of us it gets in him, and is as fully satisfied that way,
as it could have been by us. Therefore, that same righteousness which bids
condemn the sinner, commands to save the believer in Christ, though a
sinner. What shall a soul then fear? Who shall condemn? It is Christ that
justifieth, for he is judge of life and death and that is much. But it is
the Father that justifieth, and that is more whatsoever tribunal you may
be cited unto, you may be sure. Is it the gospel? Then the Son is judge.
Is it the law? Then the Son is advocate. He will not only give life
himself, but see that his Father do it, and warrant you from all back
hazards. Nay, before the matter shall misgive, as he comes down from off
the throne, to stand at the bar and