(4.) That man’s mouth might be stopped for ever, and all boasting excluded; for man is a proud creature, and ready to boast of that which is nothing and vanity.  Now God hath chosen this noble way of the covenant of grace, that no man might boast any more.  Where is boasting then?  It is excluded.  By what law?  By the law of works? no, but by the law of faith, saith the apostle, Rom. iii. 24.

(5.) That all might be sure to the poor chosen believer.  The Lord will not have the stock of life, any longer to be in a man’s own hand:  for even Adam, in the state of innocency, could not use it well, but made shipwreck thereof, and turned a bankrupt; much more would man now do so, in this state of sin, in which he lieth at present, therefore hath God, out of love and tenderness to his chosen ones, put all their stock in the hand of Christ, who is better able to manage it, to God’s glory and man’s advantage, being faithful in all things, and a trusty servant, “having the fulness of the Godhead dwelling in him bodily.”  “Therefore,” saith the apostle, Rom. iv. 16. “it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end, the promises might be sure to all the seed.”

(6.) That believers might have strong consolation, notwithstanding of all the opposition of enemies without and within, when they see that now their “life is hid with Christ in God,” Col. iii. 3, and that their life is in their head, they will not fear so much devils and men without, nor their own dead and corrupt hearts within.

III.  How inexcusable must all such be,

1.  Who will not lay hold on this life, on Jesus who is the Life, sure life, yea, everlasting life.

2.  Who seek life any other way, than by and through him who is the Life.

3.  Who oppose this way of life, and not only reject the offers of it, but prove enemies to it, and to all that carry it or preach it.

IV.  Here is strong encouragement to all that would be at heaven, to enter into this gospel, which is a way of life; such need not fear that their salvation shall not be advanced; let Satan and all their adversaries do what they can, all that enter into this way shall live.  For the way itself is life, and nothing but life.  So that here all objections are obviated; life can answer all.  If the believer fear, that he shall never win through difficulties, he shall die by the way; or by fainting, succumbing and swooning, dishonour the profession, and at length fall off and apostatize, or despair and give over all hope; here is that which may answer and obviate all, “I am the life;” and who can perish in the way which is the way of life, an enlivening way, yea, the way which is life itself; yea, the life in a singular and eminent manner?

V. Here is ground of reproof even of believers, who, though they have come to Christ, yet do not live in him as they ought, do not walk in him with that liveliness and activity which is called for; but,