Aphorisms of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of…Aphorismes of justification, with their explication annexed wherein also is opened the nature of…

So that I conclude, that this is most properly but a prophecy what God will do, de eventu, as it hath reference to the parties on whom it shall be fulfilled, and so is the revealed part of Gods purposing Will, and belongeth not at all to his Preceptive or Legislative Will, by which he doth govern, and will judge the world: But as it is revealed to the Church visible in general, and so in regard of the subject is indefinite, intended only to reveal the quality and spiritual excellency of the Mercy of the New Covenant procured by Christ, that so Christ may be honoured, and men drawn to seek after, and entertain this precious Covenant, and not to stick to the old imperfect Dispensation; In this sense it belongeth to Gods Legislative Will: And in this sense I think ⟨p. 241⟩it is that the Apostle to the Hebrews doth recite it; and not in the former sense, as it doth respect the particular persons that shall have it fulfilled, and so is an absolute Covenant to the unknown Elect.

So that I conclude, that this is most properly but a prophesie what God will do, de eventu, as it hath reference to the parties on whom it shall be fulfilled, and so is the revealed part of Gods purposing Will, and belongeth not at all to his Preceptive or Legislative Will, by which he doth govern, and will judge the world: But as it is revealed to the Church visible in generall, and so in regard of the subject is indefinite, intended only to reveall the quality and spirituall excellency of the Mercy of the New Covenant procured by Christ, that so Christ may be honoured, and men drawn to seek after, and entertain this precious Covenant, and not to stick to the old imperfect Dispensation; In this sence it belongeth to Gods Legislative Will: And in this sence I think ⟨p. 241⟩it is that the Apostle to the Hebrews doth recite it; and not in the former sence, as it doth respect the particular persons that shall have it fulfilled, and so is an absolute Covenant to the unknown Elect.

But now the Covenant which is mentioned through the whole Gospel is of another kind, He that believeth, shall be saved; and he that believeth not, shall be damned. This is frequently and plainly expressed, and not so darkly as the former: This is made to all the world, at least, who hear the Gospel: This is the proper new Law and Covenant, by which men must be judged, to justification or condemnation. This properly succeedeth in the place of the first Covenant, which saith Do this and live: And this is it which I still mean, when I speak of the new law or Covenant.