A commentary upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the…A commentarie upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the…

There is one thing more questioned, even among Orthodox Divines, that is, if Repentance may be accounted a condition of the Covenant with Faith, and if in that respect, it be necessary, and do concur for the obtaining of Pardon? For answer, (That we may not digress long in this) we shall lay down some assertions, after we have premitted this distinction. A condition may be taken more largely for any thing required as an antecedent for obtaining the thing promised: in this sense, there may be many conditions. 2. It may be taken more strictly and properly, for that upon which the closing of the Covenant dependeth, and that which, as such, cannot be considered but as implying the closing thereof. 3. A condition may be taken, as it looketh to some consequent following the close, and is virtually implied therein. As for instance, in Marriage there are several things necessary, as the hearing of the proposal, the believing historically the truth of the thing heard, an esteem of it, and a desire to have it, with a loathness to offend the party proposing it: These are supposed to be requisite and necessary in one that is called to Marry, that she should forget her kindred and her fathers house, and cleave to the husband, and so forth. Yet none of these resolutions, or qualifications, are properly the condition of the Marriage-covenant; but the parties consent to accept the offered match, upon the terms proposed. The actual and positive solemn declaration whereof, in the approven way, is that which formally closeth the match, and entitleth the party so accepting to the husband, which none of these former qualifications did't after which, there followeth the performance of Marriage-duties; the obligation whereof was contained in the Marriage-contract. Yet cannot they be accounted properly the condition of the Marriage-covenant: because the performing of them doth pre-suppose the Marriage: just so is it here, there are some things that in a large sense are pre-requisite to the closing of the Covenant, or at least do go alongst with it, as conviction of sin, Repentance, historical faith, desire of peace and union with God, &c. something, ⟨p. 254⟩to wit, Faith, doth actually close therewith; some things follow thereon, as duties to be performed by one in Covenant, as the duties of holiness and bringing forth the fruits of it, &c.

There is one thing more questioned, even among Orthodox Divines, that is, if Repentance may be acounted a condition of the Covenant with Faith, and if in that respect, it be necessary, and do concur for the obtaining of Pardon? For answer, (That we may not disgresse long in this) we shall lay down some assertions, after we have premitted this distinction. A condition may be taken more largely for any thing required as an antecedent for obtaining the thing promised: in this sense, there may be many conditions. 2. It may be taken more strictly and properly, for that upon which the closing of the Covenant dependeth, and that which, as such, cannot be considered but as implying the closing thereof. 3. A condition may be taken, as it looketh to some consequent following the close, and is virtually implied therein. As for instance, in Marriage there are several things necessary, as the hearing of the proposall, the believing historically the truth of the thing heard, an esteem of it, and a desire to have it, with a loathnesse to offend the party proposing it: These are supposed to be requisit and necessary in one that is called to Marrie, that she should forget her kindred and her fathers house, and cleave to the husband, and so forth. Yet none of these resolutions, or qualifications, are properly the condition of the Marriage-covenant; but the parties consent to accept the offered match, upon the terms proposed. The actuall and positive solemn declaration whereof, in the approven way, is that which formally closeth the match, and entitleth the party so accepting to the husband, which none of these former qualifications did't after which, there followeth the performance of Marriage-duties; the obligation whereof was contained in the Marriage-contract. Yet cannot they be accounted properly the condition of the Marriage-covenant: because the performing of them doth pre-suppose the Marriage: just so is it here, there are some things that in a large sense are pre-requisit to the clossing of the Covenant, or at least do go alongst with it, as conviction of sin, Repentance, historical faith, desire of peace and union with God, &c. something,