A20766:977
The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded
The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propounded : more largely & clearly handled and explained / published by John Downame ...The summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded : more largly & cleerely handled and explaned / published by John Downame ...
London: printed by Willi, 1625
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.
CHAP. XV.
Of the Covenant of Works.
Of the Couenant of Workes.
THE whole Doctrine of Righteousness in1 the several parts and branches of it, hath hitherto been declared, which is indeed the perfect rule & directory of all duties whatsoever, which either we owe to God, or to our brethren for his sake. Now if a man shall ask but what good cometh to us by the keeping of these Commandments? This, if there were no more, is abundantly sufficient, that God is thereby glorified. So as if it were possible (which notwithstanding cannot be) that doing his will, we should perish everlastingly, yet ought we as cheerfully, and with as ready minds to obey, ⟨p. 223⟩as if we were to gain Heaven by it. But see the exceeding bounty and goodness of God, that will not have us serve him for nought. He is pleased for the perfect keeping of his Law, and the Righteousness by him enjoined, not only to promise a recompense of reward, but to contract and covenant with us, and under certain conditions, as it were, to bind himself unto it, which is the same that we call the Law or Covenant of works; the first Covenant that ever God made with his Creatures. The sum whereof is in few words, He