A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

(1) Thereby he saw at once not only whatever was needful for the Accomplishing of it, but that which would infallibly effect it. He chose not probable and likely means for it, and such as might do it, unless some great obstruction did arise, such as whose efficacy might be suspended on any conditions and emergencies; but such as should infallibly and inevitably reach the End intended. In the first Covenant wherein God had not immutably decreed to preserve mankind absolutely in their Primitive Estate, he made use of such means for their preservation, as might effect it, in case they were not wanting unto themselves, or that Obedience which they were enabled to perform. This man neglecting, the means appointed of God as to their success depending thereon by Gods own Appointment, that End which in their own Nature they tended unto was not attained, and that because God had not immutably determined it. But now whereas God engaged himself in an unchangeable-Purpose, in his infinite Wisdom he fixeth on those means for its Accomplishment, as shall not depend on any thing, whereby their efficacy might be frustrated. Such was his sending of his Son to be Incarnate, and the Dispensation of Grace of the New Covenant, which is in its Nature infallibly effectual unto the End whereunto it is designed.

(2) God in his infinite Wisdom foresaw all the Interveniencies on our part that might obstruct the certain Accomplishment of the Promise. The Promise was first given indefinitely unto all mankind in our first Parents. But soon after the wickedness of the whole world, with their absolute contempt of the Grace of the Promise was such, as that any Creature would conceive that it would be of none effect, being so visibly, so universally rejected and despised. But a perfect View hereof lying under the Wisdom of God, he provided against it for the Immutability of his Purpose and Infallibility of his Promise, by singling out first one, then another, and at last the whole Posterity of Abraham, towards whom the Promise should be accomplished. But yet after a long season, there came the last and uttermost trial of the whole matter. For the generality of the Seed of Abraham rejected the Promise also, whereby it appeared really to have been frustrated, and to be of none effect, as our Apostle declares in his Answer to that Objection,