A30345:302
A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the gradual breakings out of Gospel…A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the graduall breakings out of Gospel…
A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the gradual breakings out of Gospel grace from Adam to Christ are clearly discovered, the differences betwixt the Old and New Testament are laid open, divers errors of Arminians and others are confuted, the nature of uprightness, and the way of Christ in bringing the soul into communion with himself ... are solidly handled / by that faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and minister of the Gospel, John Ball ; published by Simeon Ash.A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the graduall breakings out of Gospel grace from Adam to Christ are clearly discovered, the differences betwixt the Old and New Testament are laid open, divers errours of Arminians and others are confuted, the nature of uprightnesse, and the way of Christ in bringing the soul into communion with himself ... are solidly handled / by that faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, and minister of the Gospel, John Ball ; published by Simeon Ash.
London: printed by G. Miller for Edward Brewster, 1645
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
This distinction was formerly propounded, but now is more largely to be confirmed.
The Law requires perfect and exact obedience: for secret faults, even thoughts arising from corrupt nature, before they attained1 full consent, are therein condemned: and he that trusteth in his works, if he continue not in every thing that is written in the2 book of the Law to do them, he is accursed. But to them that be in Covenant the Law was given with such moderation, that sincere obedience was accepted of them, though attended with3 many imperfections, as is clear by that of the Psalmist, who can understand his errors, cleanse thou me from secret faults, keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. The godly Governors and people of Israel were well acquainted with the meaning of the Law, and what obedience should be accepted at their hands: And when4 they promised, and bound themselves by Oath to walk in all the Statutes, Judgements, and Ordinances of the Lord, or of the Law of Moses, they did neither pervert the sense of the Law, nor promise punctually to fulfil the Law in every jot and title. Therefore they understood the tenor of the Law as it was given unto them, to admit of upright, unfeigned and true obedience, the imperfection that cleaveth unto their best works being graciously pardoned. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous 5judgements. Did the Prophet think himself able punctually to fulfil ⟨p. 136⟩the Law? How will that stand with his Prayer, Enter not into judgement with thy servant; for in thy sight shall no man living