A66098:336
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.
2. That they be inwardly and throughly persuaded of the Necessity and Excellency of what they are about to do. Necessity (I say) and that not merely a compulsive ⟨p. 137⟩necessity, such as Men are driven to by external Motives, as Judgments, &c. But the necessary dependence of their spiritual good, & hope in such a way. And hence, I add, the Excellency; Men must See a Beauty in the Covenant, that it is a Glorious thing to have God engaged to us, and our Hearts engaged to Him: David therefore accounts the Covenant all his Salvation, 2 Sam. 23. 5.
2. That they be inwardly and throughly perswaded of the Necessity and Excellency of what they are about to do. Necessity (I say) and that not meerly a compulsive ⟨p. 137⟩necessity, such as Men are driven to by external Motives, as Judgments, &c. But the necessary dependance of their spiritual good, & hope in such a way. And hence, I add, the Excellency; Men must See a Beauty in the Covenant, that it is a Glorious thing to have God engaged to us, and our Hearts engaged to Him: David therefore accounts the Covenant all his Salvation, 2 Sam. 23. 5.
3. That they be strengthened with Holy Purposes and Resolutions to do as they shall Promise and Engage. God regards not bare, empty Promises, But He looks for Performance; and Men must purpose, if ever they intend to do: Every Holy action hath its rise in the Heart, devoting it self to God, and resolving to serve Him. To promise, and never intend to perform, is mere mockery; it is not what we pretend, but what we intend, That God regards. They in Jer. 44. begin. Promised the Prophet fair, they spake like honest and well-meaning Men, let God but direct, and they would do: But this was the furthest thing from their thoughts, they were preoccupied and forestalled with resolutions of their own, and if these should be crossed, they were resolved, and they show it, vers. 16. The Prophet did not speak to their minds: If he had, What obedient Men had they been?