Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

2. It is well ordered in respect of the persons interested in it from all eternity, and they are God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his Son; as for the Saints Elect, they were not then, and therefore the Covenant could not be immediately struck with them; now there was great need of this order; for should the Covenant have been made betwixt God the Father and the Elect from all eternity, and that immediately, a troubled soul would have opposed it thus. 1. If it was from all eternity, how then shall I be capable of it? alas my being was not so long since. 2. If it were made with me immediately, then I had some part to perform of mine own Power and Strength; but alas I have failed, I can do nothing: O but now the Covenant is a well ordered Covenant, in these respects: For,

2. It is well ordered in respect of the persons interested in it from all eternity, and they are God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his Son; as for the Saints Elect, they were not then, and therefore the Covenant could not be immediately struck with them; now there was great need of this order; for should the Covenant have been made betwixt God the Father and the Elect from all eternity, and that immediately, a troubled soul would have opposed it thus. 1. If it was from all eternity, how then shall I be capable of it? alas my being was not so long since. 2. If it were made with me immediatly, then I had some part to perform of mine own Power and Strength; but alas I have failed, I can do nothing: O but now the Covenant is a well ordered Covenant, in these respects: For,

1. Christ hath been from all eternity? and thou, as an Elect Vessel hadst thy being in ⟨p. 80⟩him, as he was thy Head. 2. Christ is able to perform the Covenant, and being contractor, it lies upon his score to satisfy his Father; he that first made the bargain, must look to fulfil it; and for thy part, if thou dost any thing, it must be through him. Without me ye can do nothing. ¹