5. Wherein is the Covenant sure? I answer, it is sure in the performance and accomplishment of it.1 Hence the promises of the Covenant are called the sure Mercies of David; not because they are sure unto David alone, but because they are sure, and shall be sure unto all the Seed of David, that are in Covenant with God, as David was: the Promises of Gods Covenant are not Yea and Nay, various and uncertain, but they are Yea and Amen, 2sure to be fulfilled. Hence the stability of Gods Covenant is compared to the firmness and unmovableness of the mighty Mountains; nay Mountains may depart, and the hills be removed by a Miracle, but, my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed, 3saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee. Sooner shall the Rocks be removed, the Fire cease to burn, the Sun be turned into darkness, and the very heavens be confounded with the earth, than the promise of God shall fail.4 The testimony of the Lord is sure, saith David: Christ made it, and writ it, with his own blood; to this very end was Christ appointed, and it hath been all his work to ensure Heaven to his Saints. Some question whether it be in Gods present power to blot a name out of the Book of Life? We say no; his deed was at first free, but now it is necessary, not absolutely, but, ex Hypothesi, upon supposition of his eternal ⟨p. 81⟩Covenant. Hence it is, that the Apostle says; If we confess our Sins, He is Faithful, 5and Just to forgive us our Sins: It is Justice with God, to pardon the Elect's Sins, as the Case now stands. Indeed Mercy was all that saved us primarily; but now Truth saves us, and stands engaged with Mercy, for our Heaven: And therefore, David prays, Send forth Mercy and Truth, and save me. We find it often in the Psalms, as a Prayer of David; 6Deliver me in Thy Righteousness; and, Judge me according to Thy Righteousness; and, Quicken me in Thy Righteousness; and, In Thy Faithfulness answer me; and, In Thy Righteousness. Now, if it had not been for the Covenant of Grace, surely David durst not have said such a word. The Covenant is sure in every respect;7 I will make an Everlasting Covenant with you (saith God) even the sure Mercies of David.
5. Wherein is the Covenant sure? I answer, it is sure in the performance and accomplishment of it.1 Hence the promises of the Covenant are called the sure Mercies of David; not because they are sure unto David alone, but because they are sure, and shall be sure unto all the Seed of David, that are in Covenant with God, as David was: the Promises of Gods Covenant are not Yea and Nay, various and uncertain, but they are Yea and Amen, 2sure to be fulfilled. Hence the stability of Gods Covenant is compared to the firmness and unmovableness of the mighty Mountains; nay Mountains may depart, and the hills be removed by a Miracle, but, my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the Covenant of my peace be removed, 3saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee. Sooner shall the Rocks be removed, the Fire cease to burn, the Sun be turned into darkness, and the very heavens be confounded with the earth, than the promise of God shall fail.4 The testimony of the Lord is sure, saith David: Christ made it, and writ it, with his own blood; to this very end was Christ appointed, and it hath been all his work to ensure Heaven to his Saints. Some question whether it be in Gods present power to blot a name out of the Book of Life? We say no; his deed was at first free, but now it is necessary, not absolutely, but, ex Hypothesi, upon supposition of his eternal ⟨p. 81⟩Covenant. Hence it is, that the Apostle sayes; If we confess our Sins, He is Faithful, 5and Just to forgive us our Sins: It is Justice with God, to pardon the Elect's Sins, as the Case now stands. Indeed Mercy was all that saved us primarily; but now Truth saves us, and stands engaged with Mercy, for our Heaven: And therefore, David prayes, Send forth Mercy and Truth, and save me. We find it often in the Psalms, as a Prayer of David; 6Deliver me in Thy Righteousness; and, Judge me according to Thy Righteousness; and, Quicken me in Thy Righteousness; and, In Thy Faithfulness answer me; and, In Thy Righteousness. Now, if it had not been for the Covenant of Grace, surely David durst not have said such a word. The Covenant is sure in every respect;7
- 1Isa. 55.3,
- 22 Cor. 1.20.
- 3Isa. 54.10,
- 4psal. 19.7,
- 51 John 1.9.
- 6Psal. 57.3. Ps. 31.1.—3▪ 24.—119.40.143.1.Ps•l. 57.3. Ps. 31.1.—3▪ 24.—119.40.143.1.
- 7Isa. 55.3.
