A66098:138
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.
1. That the Mercies lying in the Covenant-Promise do some of them bear a proper respect to the end, and others to the means which are leading to the end: And there is a great difference between these; it is therefore good that a Christian should be well skilled in this distinction, and to know to which of these two every Mercy of the Promise doth belong. The Reason of this distinction is, because, as there is a glorious happy end to which God leads all his People, so there is an order of means by which he leads them home to this end; the end is Glory, the means are Sustentation Protection, and Preservation in a way of holiness, you shall find both these joined, in Psal. 16. ult. also Psal. 73. 24.
1. That the Mercies lying in the Covenant-Promise do some of them bear a proper respect to the end, and others to the means which are leading to the end: And there is a great difference between these; it is therefore good that a Christian should be well skilled in this distinction, and to know to which of these two every Mercy of the Promise doth belong. The Reason of this distinction is, because, as there is a glorious happy end to which God leads all his People, so there is an order of means by which he leads them home to this end; the end is Glory, the means are Sustentation Protection, and Preservation in a way of holiness, you shall find both these joyned, in Psal. 16. ult. also Psal. 73. 24.
2. That as the end is certain and unfailing, so also are the means so far as they do absolutely respect the end: i. e. means shall never be so wanting as to frustrate the end. The end is indubitable, no Believer shall fall short of a happy Estate after this Life, in the enjoyment of perfect Blessedness, and full Fruition of the good of all the Promises: That this be not disappointed, a safe Conduct in the way, and preservation from failing, and an accomplishing of all that in us which is needful to prepare and fit us for this glorious Estate, cannot be wanting: The Psalmist can therefore acquiesce in this, after many wrangling thoughts which have disturbed his mind, and thrown him into much disorder about many particular dispensations of Providence; here he rests,