The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

1. In the Designation and Preparation of its Terms and Benefits in the Counsel of God. And this although it have the nature of an Eternal Decree, yet is it not the same with the Decree of Election, as some suppose. For that properly respects the subjects or persons for whom Grace and Glory are prepared. This is the Preparation of that Grace and ⟨p. 268⟩Glory, as to the way and manner of their communication. Some learned men do judge that this counsel and purpose of the Will of God, to give Grace and Glory in and by Jesus Christ unto the Elect in the way and by the means by him prepared, is formally the Covenant of Grace, or at least that the substance of the Covenant is comprised therein. But it is certain, that more is required to complete the whole nature of a Covenant. Nor is this purpose or counsel of God called the Covenant in the Scripture, but is only proposed as the spring and fountain of it, Eph. 1. •• 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Unto the full Exemplification of the Covenant of Grace, there is required the Declaration of this Counsel of Gods Will, accompanied with the means and powers of its Accomplishment, and the Prescription of the ways whereby we are so to be interested in it, and made partakers of the Benefits of it. But in the enquiry after the procuring cause of the New Covenant, it is the first thing that ought to come under consideration. For nothing can be the procuring cause of the Covenant which is not so of this spring and fountain of it, of this Idea of it in the mind of God, of the preparation of its Terms and Benefits. But this is no where in the Scripture affirmed to be the effect of the Death or Mediation of Christ; and to ascribe it thereunto, is to overthrow the whole freedom of eternal Grace and Love. Neither can any thing that is absolutely Eternal, as is this Decree and Counsel of God, be the effect of, or procured by any thing that is external and temporal.

1. In the Designation and Preparation of its Terms and Benefits in the Counsel of God. And this although it have the nature of an Eternal Decree, yet is it not the same with the Decree of Election, as some suppose. For that properly respects the subjects or persons for whom Grace and Glory are prepared. This is the Preparation of that Grace and ⟨p. 268⟩