A34674:254
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.
he did rejoice that the Lord would give him a Saviour out of his loins: how it could be brought to pass it may be he knew not, but by a spirit of Prophecy did he discern it no doubt. This is the first work of God in giving himself by Covenant, and this was done long ago before we were borne; he gave him in his eternal counsel when he did elect us in him: he gave him when he sent him into the world. But this is more when
he did rejoyce that the Lord would give him a Saviour out of his loynes: how it could be brought to passe it may be he knew not, but by a spirit of Prophecy did he discerne it no doubt. This is the first worke of God in giving himselfe by Covenant, and this was done long agoe before we were borne; he gave him in his eternall counsell when he did elect us in him: he gave him when he sent him into the world. But this is more when
2. He giveth us unto his Christ by Covenant, and draweth us unto him, and giveth Christ unto us also. And this grace of God cometh nearer us; the other did leave us like lambs in a large pasture, but now as He giveth us unto Christ, so he giveth him unto us, and both in present possession. And this the Father doth, Joh. 6.44. for no man (saith Christ) can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and every one that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me. Now this ⟨p. 174⟩kind of hearing and learning of the Father, is a strange kind of learning which the Lord Teacheth the soul by — when he draweth him unto Christ, an effectual Teaching and powerful. 1 Cor. 1.9. This is your effectual calling; and this is the Lords giving us unto his Son, John 6.37. All this is properly the work of the Father. Men are said to be well given when they give themselves to their books, to their works, and business, but this we may well say, that we are indeed well given when the Lord giveth us unto his Son; for otherwise we are but in all ill state, which way soever we are given.