A09990:328
The new covenantThe nevv covenant
The new covenant, or the saints portion A treatise unfolding the all-sufficiency of God, and mans uprightness, and the covenant of grace. delivered in fourteen sermons upon Gen. 17. 1. 2. Whereunto are adjoined four sermons upon Eccles. 9.1. 2. 11. 12. By the late faithful and worthy minister of Jesus Christ John Preston. Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns Inn.The nevv covenant, or the saints portion A treatise vnfolding the all-sufficiencie of God, and mans uprightnes, and the covenant of grace. delivered in fourteene sermons vpon Gen. 17. 1. 2. Wherevnto are adioyned foure sermons vpon Eccles. 9.1. 2. 11. 12. By the late faithfull and worthie minister of Iesus Christ Iohn Preston. Dr. in Divinitie, chaplaine in ordinary to his Maiestie, maister of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne.
London: printed by I. Dawson for Nicolas Bourne, 1629
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly; the work of Redemption should §2be done but by halves, if the Lord should dispense with imperfect holiness. The works of Creation, you know, were perfect, God looked upon all his works, and he saw that they were very good. Beloved, do you think the works of Redemption should come short of the works of Creation? Are not they likewise perfect? when the Lord shall look on that work, shall he not say likewise, it is very good? If you do mark the parts of it, hath not Christ redeemed us from our vain conversation? The holy Ghost, doth not he mortify every sinful lust? The blood of Christ, doth it not wash every sin? The Word, and means of grace, do they not strike at every rebellion? It is certain, they do, and therefore, there is an integrity required in all: otherwise, I say, there should be an imperfection.
Secondly; the worke of Redemption should §2be done but by halues, if the Lord should dispense with imperfect holinesse. The workes of Creation, you know, were perfect, God looked vpon all his workes, and he saw that they were very good. Beloved, doe you thinke the workes of Redemption should come short of the workes of Creation? Are not they likewise perfect? when the Lord shall looke on that worke, shall he not say likewise, it is very good? If you doe marke the parts of it, hath not Christ redeemed vs from our vaine conversation? The holy Ghost, doth not he mortifie every sinfull lust? The bloud of Christ, doth it not wash every sinne? The Word, and meanes of grace, doe they not strike at every rebellion? It is certaine, they doe, and therefore, there is an integritie required in all: otherwise, I say, there should be an imperfection.
If you object,1 notwithstanding this, though Christ hath redeemed us, yet, you see, there are many imperfections left in men; and therefore, how can you say the works of Redemption are perfect?