A66098:85
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. It may be looked upon according the inward and spiritual application of it to the Elect, as it is made use of to the bringing of them into the invisible Church, and placing them among the number of God's effectually called Ones, which is performed by the efficacious operation ⟨p. 26⟩of the Spirit of God, drawing of Souls home to Jesus Christ by the means of Grace, making them powerful to the end, and so putting these into a state of Grace by Believing, which is the prime design of the Gospel: And according to this dispensation of it, it extends only to the Elect, and is indeed nothing else but the application of the Covenant of Redemption, to the proper Subject respected in it, be the means of the Covenant of Reconciliation: and in this sense the Word Church is often used in the New-Testament intending only the converted Elect.
1. It may be looked upon according the inward and spiritual application of it to the Elect, as it is made use of to the bringing of them into the invisible Church, and placing them among the number of God's effectually called Ones, which is performed by the efficacious operation ⟨p. 26⟩of the Spirit of God, drawing of Souls home to Jesus Christ by the means of Grace, making them powerfull to the end, and so putting these into a state of Grace by Believing, which is the prime designe of the Gospel: And according to this dispensation of it, it extends only to the Elect, and is indeed nothing else but the application of the Covenant of Redemption, to the proper Subject respected in it, be the means of the Covenant of Reconciliation: and in this sence the Word Church is often used in the New-Testament intending only the converted Elect.
2. sIt may be considered according to the visible and external dispensation of it, in the way of the Gospel, as it is exhibited in the Ordinances, and given out as an Edict from God unto those to whom the Gospel is sent, and there carries in and with it the proposition of Life and Salvation, and the threatening of Death and Damnation, and these according to the tenor of terms and conditions which are therein made known: and thus extends, or bears a relation, not only to such as are true Believers, but others also, viz. Unto all those that are in the Visible Church, with there seed, professing Obedience to Gospel-Order and Ordinances. To this Covenant, or this manner of dispensation of it, true Believers have truly and properly a relation, so far as they are visible, and stand under visible Ordinances.