Christ; and till there be a closing with Christ, there is no advantage
to be had by him. The soul must be married to him as an husband, fixed
to him as the branches to the tree, united to him as the members to the
head, become one with him, "one spirit," 1 Cor. vi. 17. See John xv. 5.
Eph. v. 30. The soul must close with him for all things, adhere to him
upon all hazards, take him and the sharpest cross that followeth him.
Now, I say, the soul must be acquainted with these conditions; for it
must act deliberately and rationally here. Covenanting with Christ is a
grave business, and requireth deliberation, posedness of soul, rational
resolution, full purpose of heart, and satisfaction of soul, and
therefore the man must be acquainted with the conditions of the new
covenant.

9. There must be a satisfaction with the terms of the gospel, and the
heart must actually close with Christ as he is offered in the gospel.
The heart must open to him, and take him in, Rev. iii. 20. The soul must
embrace and receive him, John i. 12. The man must take him as his Lord
and Master, King, Priest, and Prophet; must give up himself to him as
his leader and commander, and resolve to follow him in all things, and
thus close a bargain with him; for, till this be done, there is no union
with Christ, and, till there be an union with Christ, there is no
partaking of the fruits of his redemption as to justification, no
pardon, no acceptance, no access to the favour of God, nor peace nor joy
in the Holy Ghost, no getting of the conscience sprinkled, nor no
intimation of love or favour from God, &c.

10. There must be a leaning to and resting upon him and on his perfect
sacrifice. The soul must sit down here as satisfied, and acquiesce in
this complete mediation of his. This is to believe on him, to rest on
him, John iii. 18. 1 Pet. ii. 6, as an all-sufficient help. This is to