The display of glorious grace, or, The covenant of peace opened in fourteen sermons…

2. But whatsoever we receive by virtue of this Covenant, it is wholly in a way of Free Grace and Favour, through his Merits, or through that Redemption we have by his Blood: But take it either ways, 'tis of Grace.

First, As to the Rise, Spring, or Efficient Cause thereof, it was God's Infinite Love, and Free Grace to his Elect: This moved the Fato send his Son to be our Mediator, and to accept of him as our Surety, to do, and suffer for us, and in our stead. I have before showed, God was no more obliged to enter into a Covenant of Peace with Christ for us, or any of Adam's Off-spring, than he was to reconcile himself to the Fallen Angels, for they were his Creatures, and more glorious in their first Creation than Mankind were. The Surety of the Covenant was alone of God's finding, he procured him;¹ He hath devised means that his ⟨p. 173⟩Banished might not for ever be expelled from him;² For the Lord hath ransomed Jacob, and he sent Jesus: What could be an Act of higher, or greater Grace and Favour, than for God to vouchsafe, or provide such a Mediator and Surety for his Enemies? One so Great, Glorious, Worthy, and Able, and one so willing to undertake to make our Peace, and bring us again home to God.

First, As to the Rise, Spring, or Efficient Cause thereof, it was God's Infinite Love, and Free Grace to his Elect: This moved the Fato send his Son to be our Mediator, and to accept of him as our Surety, to do, and suffer for us, and in our stead. I have before shewed, God was no more obliged to enter into a Covenant of Peace with Christ for us, or any of Adam's Off-spring, than he was to reconcile himself to the Fallen Angels, for they were his Creatures, and more glorious in their first Creation than Mankind were. The Surety of the Covenant was alone of God's finding, he procured him;