As it is a Covenant it containeth, 1. The Benefit (which is the Reward) freely given, yet on condition of a due and suitable Reception and use of prescribed Means: 2. The Condition described, and Means prescribed, in the said Preceptive part. 3. And the Threatening in case of Ingratitude, Refusal and Disobedience. Which are the same things as in the Law of Grace, considering the Covenant but as Instituted and Offered: For [Greek or Hebrew] signifieth1 usually but the Resolved declared terms of Life and Death, or the Divine Ordination by which he will Rule and Judge us. And so it is oft called a Covenant before Consent by Man, which maketh it to be [Greek or Hebrew] a Mutual Contract. And even a Law as Received by a voluntary subject is Consented to, and becometh a Contract. If any think that I give not the true difference of God's Laws and Covenants, let him tell me more, and I suppose we shall agree de re, though not de ratione nominis: And let it now suffice to tell you how I would be understood my self: Though the word Law be some time taken more narrowly, and the word Covenant oft for Mutual Contract (which is but a Law consented to) yet being to speak of each term as signifying that Regulating Frame by which God Ruleth us and will Judge us, and by which he giveth us his Gifts and Rewards, I mean the same thing, in several respects called by the several names; The absolute Antecedent Gifts of our Great Benefactor being supposed inclusively in both.
As it is a Covenant it containeth, 1. The Benefit (which is the Reward) freely given, yet on condition of a due and suitable Reception and use of prescribed Means: 2. The Condition described, and Means prescribed, in the said Preceptive part. 3. And the Threatning in case of Ingratitude, Refusal and Disobedience. Which are the same things as in the Law of Grace, considering the Covenant but as Instituted and Offered: For 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 signifieth1 usually but the Resolved declared terms of Life and Death, or the Divine Ordination by which he will Rule and Judge us. And so it is oft called a Covenant before Consent by Man, which maketh it to be 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 a Mutual Contract. And even a Law as Received by a voluntary subject is Consented to, and becometh a Contract. If any think that I give not the true difference of God's Laws and Covenants, let him tell me more, and I suppose we shall agree de re, though not de ratione nominis: And let it now suffice to tell you how I would be understood my self: Though the word Law be some time taken more narrowly, and the word Covenant oft for Mutual Contract (which is but a Law consented to) yet being to speak of each term as signifying that Regulating Frame by which God Ruleth us and will Judge us, and by which he giveth us his Gifts and Rewards, I mean the same thing, in several respects called by the several names; The absolute Antecedent Gifts of our Great Benefactor being supposed inclusively in both.
- 1And where [Greek or Hebrew] is taken for a Testament, the Parts and Acts are the same with the Relation of it to the Death of the Testator, who as his last Will, giveth such gifts on such Terms. And Christ did put his Commands unto his Testament, John 14, & 15, & 16.And where 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 is taken for a Testament, the Parts and Acts are the same with the Relation of it to the Death of the Testator, who as his last Will, giveth such gifts on such Terms. And Christ did put his Commands unto his Testament, John 14, & 15, & 16.
