1. The foresaid covenant of works instructeth us in four especial points.1
1. In the integrity, holiness, and perfection of Gods will. For that covenant is a plot-form of Gods will. There is nothing therein, but2 that which is holy, just, and good; (Rom. 7. 12.) and all holiness, righteousness▪ and goodness fit to be enjoined unto man is therein set down. That we may know thus much, the law still remains registered for our use.
2. In that duty which men as greatures do owe to the Lord: and which3 the Lord may exact of them. For God may still exact what is in the covenant of works, and made known by the law: and it is our duty to yield it unto him. That impotency and disability which man had brought upon himself gives him no just dispensation from that that is contained in that covenant, if God should in justice deal with him.
3. In that woeful plight whereinto man hath implunged himself by transgressing4 that covenant. For
1. He hath forfeited all that glory and happiness wherein God at first did create him.
2. He hath pulled upon himself a curse, which is merciless and remediless.
⟨p. 256⟩4. In the great need, yea and absolute necessity of a Redeemer, and such a Redeemer5 as Christ is. For Christ is the only means to free man out of that misery. Acts 4. 12. In this respect the Law is our Schoolmaster to bring us […] Christ, Gal. 3. 24.
2 The Covenant of works ministereth matter of humiliation, and that in four6 respects.
1. For that sin that Adam committed. Adam was a public person, and we all were in his loins, and sinned in him. Rom. 5. 12.7
2. For that natural corruption wherein we are all conceived and born. For it is against that integrity which the Law or Covenant of works requireth8 of man. The Law is spiritual (Rom. 7. 14.) and condemneth the pollution and pravity of our nature.
3. For the many actual sins which we continually commit in thought, word & 9deed: and that by doing that which is evil, or leaving any good undone, or evilly performing the good which we take in hand. For they are all expressly against the Covenant of Works.
4. For all the effects of Gods wrath which fall on us, ours or others, in body10 or soul, here or hereafter. They are all caused by transgressing the Covenant of works.
3. The Covenant of works giveth direction about two things especially.11
1. To acquaint our selves with that Covenant:
1. THe foresaid covenant of works instructeth us in four especiall points.1
1. In the integrity, holinesse, and perfection of Gods will. For that covenant is a plat-form of Gods will. There is nothing therein, but2 that which is holy, just, and good; (Rom. 7. 12.) and all holinesse, righteousnesse▪ and goodnesse fit to be enjoyned unto man is therein set down. That we may know thus much, the law still remaines registred for our use.
2. In that duty which men as greatures do owe to the Lord: and which3 the Lord may exact of them. For God may still exact what is in the covenant of works, and made known by the law: and it is our duty to yeeld it unto him. That impotency and disability which man had brought upon himself gives him no just dispensation from that that is contained in that covenant, if God should in justice deal with him.
3. In that wofull plight whereinto man hath implunged himself by transgressing4 that covenant. For
1. He hath forfeited all that glory and happinesse wherein God at first did create him.
2. He hath pulled upon himself a curse, which is mercilesse and remedilesse.
⟨p. 256⟩4. In the great need, yea and absolute necessity of a Redeemer, and such a Redeemer5 as Christ is. For Christ is the only means to free man out of that misery. Acts 4. 12. In this respect the Law is our Schoolmaster to bring us 〈…〉 Christ, Gal. 3. 24.
2 The Covenant of works ministereth matter of humiliation, and that in foure6 respects.
1. For that sin that Adam committed. Adam was a publick person, and we all were in his loins, and sinned in him. Rom. 5. 12.7
- 1The covenant of works instructeth.
- 21. In the perfection of Gods will.
- 32. In mans duty.
- 43. In the misery of sinners.
- 54. In the need of a Redeemer
- 6The Covenant of works gives matter of humiliation.
- 71. For Adams sin.1. For Adams sinne.
- 82. For natural corruption.
- 93. For actual sins.
- 104. For effects of sin.4. For effects of sinne.
- 11The Covenant of works directs us.
