A34674:183
The Covenant of Grace
The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregational churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author.The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodadation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregationall churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author.
London: printed by M.S. for Francis Eglesfield and John Allen, 1655
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Answ. Though the Lord giveth himself freely to the soul, and his Son, and all the blessings of the Covenant of grace, without respect unto any work of the Law; yet the Law is of special and notable use unto all the sons of men, both unto them that are not yet brought home unto God by converting grace, and also to those that are regenerate in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul did observe that the question would arise upon the doctrine of the ⟨p. 108⟩Covenant of grace, Gal. 3.16,17,18. For if the blessing of Abraham came upon the people of God by Jesus Christ, to what end then serveth the Law, which came 430 years after? It cannot disannul grace, to make the promise of God of none effect? to what end then serveth it? Some say it is of no use, others say that it is of such use that they had rather renounce the Covenant of grace than it: but the Answer is, it is of especial use both unto spiritual and carnal men.
Answ. Though the Lord giveth himselfe freely to the soule, and his Sonne, and all the blessings of the Covenant of grace, without respect unto any worke of the Law; yet the Law is of speciall and notable use unto all the sonnes of men, both unto them that are not yet brought home unto God by converting grace, and also to those that are regenerate in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul did observe that the question would arise upon the doctrine of the ⟨p. 108⟩Covenant of grace, Gal. 3.16,17,18. For if the blessing of Abraham came upon the people of God by Jesus Christ, to what end then serveth the Law, which came 430 yeares after? It cannot disanull grace, to make the promise of God of none effect? to what end then serveth it? Some say it is of no use, others say that it is of such use that they had rather renounce the Covenant of grace than it: but the Answer is, it is of especiall use both unto spirituall and carnall men.