A66098:180
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
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.
Coll. 2. We have here a Rule by which to judge of the State and Condition of a People that are in Visible Covenant with God; and also it teacheth us what is the true and proper ground of a stable hope, that such a People may comfortably rely upon: We see that it all hath a certain reference to our dependence upon this one supposition, if they keep Covenant: This is the only third argument from whence may be drawn a sure conclusion. For our more full and clear understanding of this, take these Assertions.
Coll. 2. We have here a Rule by which to judge of the State and Condition of a People that are in Visible Covenant with God; and also it teacheth us what is the true and proper ground of a stable hope, that such a People may comfortably rely upon: We see that it all hath a certain reference to our dependance upon this one supposition, if they keep Covenant: This is the only third argument from whence may be drawn a sure conclusion. For our more full and clear understanding of this, take these Assertions.
1. That for a People to enjoy all the visible and outward means of Grace and Good, are outward and probationary favours. It is true, the Ordinances and Privileges of the Gospel may in a sense be called spiritual, relating to the end they direct us unto, because they are means guiding and leading us to the enjoyment of ⟨p. 63⟩spiritual good: but yet, in themselves, as they are enjoyed by a visible Church, visibly, they are outward things: i. e. they are separable from, and may be enjoyed without true, inward, saving Grace. A People High in means may be Low in Grace, yea empty of it: Such was Capernaum, Mat. 11. 23. Laodicea may be rich, and yet poor, Rev. 3. 17. &c. The best manured, and most carefully tended Vineyard, may bring forth wild and sower Grapes, Isa. 5