A66098:101
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection…Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion…
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.
printed by James Glen for Samuel Sewall, 1682
Discourse › Pages 1-60: Covenant-Keeping the way to Blessedness.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. That Faith is a new Covenant condition, is not a matter that needs dispute (always denying it to be a meritorious Condition, or any ways to infringe the freeness of Grace, but rather to enhance it) the Gospel is so full for it, and so clear in setting it in opposition to the Works of the Law, i. e. the condition of the first Covenant, and giving it the same place in the New Covenant, viz. Of a Condition; the Promise also which is conditionally annexed unto it, and that inseparably, makes it beyond ground of question, see Mark 16. 16. Joh. 3. 16. 36. Joh. 5. 12.
3. That Faith is a new Covenant condition, is not a matter that needs dispute (alwayes denying it to be a meritorious Condition, or any wayes to infringe the freeness of Grace, but rather to enhaunce it) the Gospel is so full for it, and so clear in setting it in opposition to the Works of the Law, i. e. the condition of the first Covenant, and giving it the same place in the New Covenant, viz. Of a Condition; the Promise also which is conditionally annexed unto it, and that inseparably, makes it beyond ground of question, see Mark 16. 16. Joh. 3. 16. 36. Joh. 5. 12.
4. Hence the only enquiry here to be made, is, in what quality or consideration Gospel-Obedience stands related to the Gospel-Covenant? There are some (yea, many) that determine that Faith is the only Gospel condition, and Obedience is a Gospel-command, and the ground of this conclusion seems to be, partly because by believing we are brought into a State of Grace, & assured of Salvation, and Obedience follows afterwards: partly because if Obedience be admitted as a New-Covenant-condition, we shall necessarily be reduced to a Covenant of Works. Others there be that look upon Obedience to be not only a part of, but a condition in the New-Covenant, and that unto which the conditional Promise stands related as well as unto Faith, and that there is no danger by so saying and believing, of returning to the Old and Antiquated Covenant of Works. I persuade my self that there is here no real difference or contrary mind in the substance of what is believed, but that one thing is really intended, which may be reconciled in these propositions.