ANSW. The union which the elect have with Christ, is the work of God’s grace, whereby they are spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably joined to Christ, as their head and husband, which is done in their effectual calling. We have, in the foregoing part of this work, considered man as made upright at first; but not continuing in that state, plunged into those depths of sin and misery, which would have rendered his state altogether desperate, without the interposition of a Mediator; whose designation to this work, his fitness for, and faithful discharge thereof, have been particularly considered in several foregoing answers, wherein we have had an account of his Person as God-man; his offices of Prophet, Priest, and King, his twofold estate, to wit, of humiliation and exaltation; and the benefits which accrue to the church thereby. This church has also been considered as _visible_ or _invisible_; and the former of these, as enjoying many privileges which respect, more especially, the ordinary means of salvation. We are now led to consider the benefits which the members of the _invisible_ church, to wit, the whole number of the elect, who have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, their head, enjoy by him. And these are contained in two general heads; namely, union and communion with him in grace and glory; which comprise in them the blessings of both worlds, as the result of their relation to, and interest in him. First, they are united to him, and then made partakers of his benefits. All grace imparted to us here, is the result thereof; as the apostle says, _Of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption_, 1 Cor. i. 30. And elsewhere our Saviour says, _He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit_, John xv. 5. And the contrary hereunto is inconsistent with the exercise of any grace: _Without me ye can do nothing_. Moreover, that communion which the saints have with Christ in glory, whereby they who are brought to a state of perfection, participate of those graces and comforts which flow from their continued union with him; and the first fruits, or foretastes of glory, which they have in this world, are also founded on it. Thus the apostle calls Christ in his people, _The hope of glory_, Colos. i. 27. and speaking of his giving eternal life to them, he considers them as being _in his hand_, from whence _none shall pluck them out_, John x. 28. or separate them from him. So that they shall enjoy everlasting happiness with him, inasmuch as they shall _be found in him_, Phil. iii. 9. which leads us more particularly to consider,