2. Where do we read in all the Holy Scripture of Three Covenants, viz. 1. A Covenant of Works, 2. A Covenant of Redemption, 3. A Covenant of Grace: Evident it is to all, that the Holy Ghost only holds forth, or speaks but of Two Covenants, a Covenant of Works, and a Covenant of Grace; the First is called, the Old Covenant, the Second, the New Covenant, although both these Covenants had several Revelations, Ministrations, or Editions; as First, the Covenant of Works was primarily made with the First Adam, and all Mankind in him; by virtue of which, he was justified by his own perfect Obedience, before he sinned: True, there was another Edition or Administration of it given to Israel, which tho' it was a Covenant of Works, i. e. Do this and live, yet it was not given by the Lord to the same End and Design, as the Covenant was given to our First Parents, viz. It was not given to justify them, or to give them eternal Life; For if Righteousness had been by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain, Gal. 2.21. And again saith Paul, For if there had been a Law given, that could have given Life, verily Righteousness should have been by the Law, Gal. 3.21. But indeed, it was impossible Life, Justification, or Righteousness, could be by the Law, or by any Law, because Man hath sinned, and is now unable to answer the Law of perfect Obedience, all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God: We must therefore now be justified by the Grace of God, through the Redemption which is in Jesus Christ; but tho' Man had lost his Power to obey, yet God hath not lost his Power to command. Therefore, as Dr. Owen shows, it (was added or) revealed in the Wisdom of God, as instructive; as also, to show the Excellency of that State and Condition, in which we were created; with the Honour that God put upon our Nature: from whence Directions unto a due Apprehension of God and our selves, may be taken or derived. It served ⟨p. 8⟩to show what a Righteousness Man once had, and by his Transgression lost, and also what a Righteousness 'tis, which the Holiness of God doth require, in order to our Justification in his sight; for the Law, doubtless, results not from God, as a simple act of his Sovereignty, but also as a Transcript of the Holiness of his Nature and Rectitude of his Will; for without a sinless, or perfect Righteousness, no Flesh can ever be justified in God's sight;
2. Where do we read in all the Holy Scripture of Three Covenants, viz. 1. A Covenant of Works, 2. A Covenant of Redemption, 3. A Covenant of Grace: Evident it is to all, that the Holy Ghost only holds forth, or speaks but of Two Covenants, a Covenant of Works, and a Covenant of Grace; the First is call'd, the Old Covenant, the Second, the New Covenant, although both these Covenants had several Revelations, Ministrations, or Editions; as First, the Covenant of Works was primarily made with the First Adam, and all Mankind in him; by vertue of which, he was justified by his own perfect Obedience, before he sinned: True, there was another Edition or Administration of it given to Israel, which tho' it was a Covenant of Works, i. e. Do this and live, yet it was not given by the Lord to the same End and Design, as the Covenant was given to our First Parents, viz. It was not given to justifie them, or to give them eternal Life; For if Righteousness had been by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain, Gal. 2.21. And again saith Paul, For if there had been a Law given, that could have given Life, verily Righteousness should have been by the Law, Gal. 3.21. But indeed, it was impossible Life, Justification, or Righteousness, could be by the Law, or by any Law, because Man hath sinned, and is now unable to answer the Law of perfect Obedience, all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God: We must therefore now be justified by the Grace of God, through the Redemption which is in Jesus Christ; but tho' Man had lost his Power to obey, yet God hath not lost his Power to command. Therefore, as Dr. Owen shews, it (was added or) revealed in the Wisdom of God, as instructive; as also, to shew the Excellency of that State and Condition, in which we were created; with the Honour that God put upon our Nature: from whence Directions unto a due Apprehension of God and our selves, may be taken or derived. It served ⟨p. 8⟩to shew what a Righteousness Man once had, and by his Transgression lost, and also what a Righteousness 'tis, which the Holiness of God doth require, in order to our Justification in his sight; for the Law, doubtless, results not from God, as a simple act of his Sovereignty, but also as a Transcript of the Holiness of his Nature and Rectitude of his Will; for without a sinless, or perfect Righteousness, no Flesh can ever be justified in God's sight;
