A34673:8
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
To the reader: To all who have Interest in the COVENANT OF GRACE.
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.
To all who have Interest in the COVENANT OF GRACE.
CHRISTIAN FRIENDS,
These comfortable Notes being in the hands of a friend to the Author, who commending the worth and excellency of them, thought not good to smother them by burying them in oblivion, but to expose them to public view, for the general good and establishment of troubled souls, that they understanding their right and title to this sure and everlasting Covenant, may take comfort to themselves, and be supported against all the tempestuous storms arising from Satan and the world without, or the distempers of their own hearts within: David was unsettled, and his family disordered, yet Gods Covenant is everlasting, ordered, and sure. The condition that is required of us as part of the Covenant, is the performance of these things; to believe, repent, and serve the Lord in newness of life: But the power and ability by which we do them, is a part of the Covenant on Gods part, to have new hearts, and new spirits, whereby we come to repentance, and bringing forth fruit worthy of amendment ⟨image 3⟩of life; this inward ability, and new frame of heart, by which we are renewed in the spirit of our minds, the writing of his Law in our inward parts, that is a branch of Gods Covenant: but the bringing forth the fruits of these inward abilities and graces that are engrafted in us by Christ, is required in us: As for example; the grace and power of believing that God hath promised (to give it belongs to him) but to believe, to take hold of the promises, to accept of Jesus Christ, to receive him as our Lord and Saviour, and the gift of righteousness by him is required as a condition on our part: As we are to make use of the Covenant in the matter of our justification against the gilt-of-sin; so it will be good for us to make use of it for sanctification against the power of sin; when we are troubled with any strong lust or violent temptation, which is too hard for us to overcome, know this for thy comfort, that it is a part of the Lords own Covenant, to deliver thee from all thine enemies, that thou mayest serve him in holiness and righteousness all the days of thy life; he hath promised to give the Holy Ghost, and to create a new heart and a new spirit in us, and to cause us to walk in his ways: He hath promised, that if we be in trouble, and call upon him, he will deliver us;