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 preciou