The doctrine of the covenant of redemption Wherein is laid the foundation of all…

1. That God hath from all Eternity Elected a number of Mankind to Glory. The Scripture is so full and clear for this, that it would be superfluous to insist upon it. This is the beginning of all saving good which comes to any of the Children of Men. From hence it is that Salvation takes its rise, Eph. 1. 3, 4, 5. 1 Thes. 1. 4. 5. Hitherto is the application of grace in Effectual Vocation restrained, Acts 13. 46. Ro. 11. 7. and what else can be designed in that Everlasting Love that God bears to men, from whence their Conversion proceeds? Jer. 31. 3. nor can all the Evasions of men, elude the application of these, and many more Scriptures, to Eternal Election. If Redemption and Salvation belong to the Works of God, then there was a Decree that past concerning them, unless we will deny that God works in them as a Cause by Counsel.

2. That in this Decree of Election, God hath appointed for his Chosen, not only the end to which he will bring them, which is Glory; but also the means which are requisite in order thereunto. For this reason it is called the Counsel of his Will, Eph. 1. 11. now Counsel hath a proper and next reference unto the means. Counsel according to our conception of the thing, ⟨p. 13⟩is a deliberate enquiry after the most suitable way for the accomplishing of a Design which one hath in his thoughts; and is ascribed to God after the manner of men. Wise Agents will contrive their Business in order to their setting about it. Gods Purposes are displayed unto us under the consideration of end and means. He determines with himself, both what to do, and how to do it: and this properly refers to the Eternal Idea of his; and for this reason he assures his people that he knows what his own thoughts are,