Fourthly, More distinctly to understand the tenor of this New and second Covenant, we must consider both the Duties and the Privileges thereof; for in every Covenant there is ratio dati & accepti, there is something promised and given, and something required; and usually the Promise consists of somewhat which the Party is willing of, and the Duty or Condition required of that to which he is more backward and loath to submit; so in the Covenant of Grace, in the Promise God respects man's want, in the Duty his own Honour. Every man would have pardon, and be saved from Hell, but God will have subjection; even corrupt Nature is not against desires of Happiness; these God makes use of to gain us to Holiness. All men readily catch at Felicity, and would have Impunity, Peace, Comfort, Glory, but are unwilling to deny the Flesh, to renounce the credit, profit, or pleasure of Sin; or to grow dead to the World and worldly things. Now God promiseth what we desire, on condition that we will submit to those things that we are against; as we sweeten bitter Pills to Children, that they may swallow them the better; they love the Sugar, though they loath the Aloes; so doth God invite us to our Duty by our Interest. Therefore whosoever would enter into the Gospel-state, must resolve to take the Blessings and Benefits offered for his Happiness, and the Duties required for his Work. Indeed, accepting of the Benefits is a part of the Condition, because we treat with an invisible God about a happiness that lieth in another World; but 'tis but part, there are other terms, and therefore we must draw nigh with a true heart, in full assurance of Faith, Heb. 10.22. With a true heart, resolving upon the Duties of the Covenant; in full assurance of Faith, depending upon God's Word, that he will give us the blessings.
Fourthly, More distinctly to understand the tenour of this New and second Covenant, we must consider both the Duties and the Priviledges thereof; for in every Covenant there is ratio dati & accepti, there is something promised and given, and something required; and usually the Promise consists of somewhat which the Party is willing of, and the Duty or Condition required of that to which he is more backward and loath to submit; so in the Covenant of Grace, in the Promise God respects man's want, in the Duty his own Honour. Every man would have pardon, and be saved from Hell, but God will have subjection; even corrupt Nature is not against desires of Happiness; these God makes use of to gain us to Holiness. All men readily catch at Felicity, and would have Impunity, Peace, Comfort, Glory, but are unwilling to deny the Flesh, to renounce the credit, profit, or pleasure of Sin; or to grow dead to the World and worldly things. Now God promiseth what we desire, on condition that we will submit to those things that we are against; as we sweeten bitter Pills to Children, that they may swallow them the better; they love the Sugar, though they loath the Alloes; so doth God invite us to our Duty by our Interest. Therefore whosoever would enter into the Gospel-state, must resolve to take the Blessings and Benefits offered for his Happiness, and the Duties required for his Work. Indeed, accepting of the Benefits is a part of the Condition, because we treat with an invisible God about a happiness that lieth in another World; but 'tis but part, there are other terms, and therefore we must draw nigh with a true heart, in full assurance of Faith, Heb. 10.22. With a true heart, resolving upon the Duties of the Covenant; in full assurance of Faith, depending upon God's Word, that he will give us the blessings.
