12.  He standeth to believers in relation of a vine, or a root, in which they grow as branches, so that by abiding in him, living by faith in him, and drawing sap from him, they bring forth fruit in him, John xv. 1, 2, 4, 5.  Their stock of grace is in him, the root; and he communicateth sap and life unto his branches, whereby they grow, flourish, and bring forth fruit to the glory of God.

13.  Christ hath taken on him the office of a prophet and teacher, to instruct us in the way wherein we ought to go; for he is that great prophet whom the Lord promised to raise up, and who was to be heard and obeyed in all things, Deut. xviii. 15.  Acts iii. 22, and vii. 37.  “He is given for a witness, and a leader,” Isa. lv. 4; and we are commanded to hear him, Matt, xvii. 5.  Mark x. 7.

14.  He hath also taken on him the office of a king, Psal. ii. 6.  Matt, xxviii. 5.  Isa. ix. 7.  Phil. ii. 8-11. and thereby standeth engaged to subdue all their spiritual enemies, Satan and corruption, Psal. cx.  He is given for a leader and commander, Isa. lv. 5, and so can cause his people walk in his ways.

15.  When we defile ourselves with new transgressions and failings, he hath provided a fountain for us to wash in; “a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness,” Zech. xiii. 1; and this fountain is his blood, which cleanseth from all sin, Heb. ix. 14. 1 John i. 7.  Rev. i. 5.

16.  He is set before us as a copy and pattern, that we “should walk even as he walked,” 1 John ii. 6.  “He left us an example that we should follow his steps,” 1 Pet. ii. 21.  But we should beware to separate this consideration from the preceding, as antichristian Socinians do, who will have Christ only to be a copy.

17.  He hath overcome Satan, our arch enemy, and hath destroyed his works, 1 John iii. 8.  He came to destroy the works of the devil; and in particular, his works of wickedness in the soul.  Thus he is a conqueror and the captain of our salvation.

18.  As he hath purchased, so hath he appointed ordinances, for the laying of the foundation, and carrying on this work of sanctification; both word and sacraments are appointed for that; the word to convert and to confirm, John xvii. 17.  “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth,” said Christ.  The word is given as the rule; and also through the means thereof is life and strength conveyed to the soul, “to perfect holiness in the fear of God,” 1 Pet. ii. 2.  And the sacraments are given to strengthen and confirm the soul in the ways of God.

19.  As he hath laid down strong encouragements to his followers, to hold on in the way of holiness, many great and precious promises, by which they may be made partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet. i. 4; and by which they are encouraged to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, 2 Cor. vii. 1; and many motives to hold on and continue; so hath he rolled difficulties out of the way, whether they be within us, or without us, and thereby made the way easy and pleasant to such as walk in it; so as they may now run the way of his commandments, and walk and not weary, and run and not be faint.