A34673:117
The covenant of Gods free grace most sweetly unfolded and comfortably applied to a…
The covenant of Gods free grace most sweetly unfolded and comfortably applied to a disquieted soul from that text of 2 Sam. 23. Ver. 5. : also a doctrinal conclusion that there is in all such who are effectually called, in-dwelling spiritual gifts [sic] and graces wrought and created in them by the Holy Ghost / by that reverend and faithful minister of Gods word, Mr. John Cotton, Teacher of the Church at Boston in New-England ; whereunto is added, A profession of faith, made by the reverend divine, Mr. John Davenport, in New-England, at his admission into one of the Churches there.The covenant of Gods free grace most sweetly unfolded and comfortably applied to a disquieted soul from that text of 2 Sam. 23. Ver. 5. : also a doctrinall conclusion that there is in all such who are effectually called, in-dwelling spirituall gifs [sic] and graces wrought and created in them by the Holy Ghost / by that reverend and faithful minister of Gods word, Mr. John Cotton, Teacher of the Church at Boston in New-England ; whereunto is added, A profession of faith, made by the reverend divine, Mr. John Davenport, in New-England, at his admission into one of the Churches there.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1645London: printed for Iohn Hancock, 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.
You must herein resolve to take heed of all sin, labour to perform every good duty, and be sorry you can do it no better; notwithstanding herein stands the difference between one that serves an apprenticeship to become free, and one that enters into service to be with God. The apprentice must serve seven years before he can become a free man, but the child of God is made free that first day that he gives up himself to God; though thou be a servant to another man, yet art thou the Lords free man, 1 Cor. 7.22. If we can but content our selves to be the Lords servants, we shall be his freemen; yet herein are those services suitable; in the beginning an apprentices service is very difficult, he is exposed to much hardship, he knows not how to please Master or Mistress; if he knew their minds, he would be willing to frame himself accordingly: So when we come into Gods service, if he but a little hides his face, we think presently we are cast off, and that we were never any of his; but all this comes for want of experience of a Christian mans life, if you can be content to break off from all your evil ways, and with all your hearts cleave unto God, doubtless then God hath made with you an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure.
You must herein resolve to take heed of all sin, labour to perform every good duty, and be sorry you can do it no better; notwithstanding herein stands the difference between one that serves an apprentiship to become free, and one that enters into service to be with God. The apprentise must serve seven yeers before he can become a free man, but the childe of God is made free that first day that hee gives up himself to God; though thou be a servant to another man, yet art thou the Lords free man, 1 Cor. 7.22. If we can but content our selves to be the Lords servants, we shall be his freemen; yet herein are those services sutable; in the beginning an apprentises service is very difficult, hee is exposed to much hardship, he knowes not how to please Master or Mistresse; if he knew their mindes, hee would be willing to frame himself accordingly: So when we come into Gods service, if he but a little hides his face, we think presently wee are cast off, and that we were never any of his; but all this comes for want of experience of a Christian mans life, if you can be content to break off from all your evill wayes, and with all your hearts cleave unto God, doubtlesse then God hath made with you an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure.