A Body of Practical Divinity

Use 1. See the Condescension of God, who was pleased to stoop so low, as to make a Covenant with us. For the God of Glory to make a Covenant with Dust and Ashes; for God to bind himself to us, to give us Life in case of Obedience: Entering into Covenant was a sign of God's Friendship with us, and a Royal Act of his Favour.

Use 1. See the Condescension of God, who was pleased to stoop so low, as to make a Covenant with us. For the God of Glory to make a Covenant with Dust and Ashes; for God to bind himself to us, to give us Life in case of Obedience: Entring into Covenant was a sign of God's Friendship with us, and a Royal Act of his Favour.

2. See what a glorious Condition Man was in, when God entered into Covenant with him: 1. He was placed in the Garden of God, which for the pleasure of it, was called Paradise, Gen. 2.8. he had his choice of all the Trees, (one only excepted) he had all kind of precious Stones, pure Metals, rich Cedars; he was a King upon the Throne, and all the Creation did obeisance to him, as in Joseph's Dream, all his Brethren's sheaves did bow to his sheaf. Man in Innocency had all kind of Pleasure that might ravish his Senses with delight, and be as Baits to allure him to serve and worship his Maker. 2. Besides, he was full of Holiness; Paradise was not more adorned with Fruit, then Adam's Soul was with Grace. He was the Coin on which God had stamped his lively Image; Light sparkled in his Understanding, he was like an Earthly Angel, his Will and Affections were full of order, tuning harmoniously to the Will of God. Adam was [Greek or Hebrew], a perfect Pattern of Sanctity. 3. Adam had intimacy of Communion with God, and conversed with him, as a Favourite with his Prince. Adam knew God's Mind, and had his Heart. He not only enjoyed the Light of the Sun in Paradise, but the Light of God's Countenance. This Condition was Adam in when God entered into Covenant with him. But this did not long continue; Man being in honour abideth not, Psal. 49. ult. lodged not for a night; his Teeth watered at the Apple, and ever since it hath made our Eyes water.