N00263:143
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. ; [Seven lines from Deuteronomy]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. ; [Seven lines from Deuteronomy]
printed by James Glen, 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.
4. Hence also, in his performing of spiritual good, he may give it in what degree he sees meet, and yet not fail of fulfilling the Promise: For though here are many things that come under the Covenant-Condition, as requisite to be performed by us, yet the New-Covenant, most absolutely respects the Reality, and not the Degree: & here are some spiritual blessings not necessary to our performing the Condition. True Faith is required, sincere Obedience, real and active Patience, spiritual Hope, and final Perseverance: But weak Faith comes ⟨p. 49⟩under the Promise as well as strong, and so of the rest. Now, if God maintain Grace alive, that it dyes not, it shall attain its end, viz. Glory. Although it may not here be so illustrous, nor comfortable in some as in others: And as to other spiritual favours which are not so much of the esse, as the bene esse of a state of Grace; here also we must acknowledge a great latitude, such as are, strong Assurances, cleared Evidences, abounding Comforts, and overflowing Joys: Christ may withdraw these as often, and as long, and to what degree he sees meet▪ and yet not fail of his Promise. If he carry us through a shady valley, yet if he carry us to glory, if he ••ad us in the dark where we see neither Sun, Moon nor Sta•s, yet if he feel out our way for us, and carry us home, it sufficeth and we are to trust, Isa. 50.10. Psal. 23.4.
4. Hence also, in his performing of spiritual good, he may give it in what degree he sees meet, and yet not fail of fulfilling the Promise: For though here are many things that come under the Covenant-Condition, as requisit to be performed by us, yet the New-Covenant, most absolutly respects the Reality, and not the Degree: & here are some spiritual blessings not necessary to our performing the Condition. True Faith is required, sincere Obedience, real and active Patience, spiritual Hope, and finall Perseverance: But weak Faith comes ⟨p. 49⟩under the Promise as well as strong, and so of the rest. Now, if God maintain Grace alive, that it dyes not, it shall attain its end, viz. Glory. Although it may not here be so illustrous, nor comfortable in some as in others: And as to other spiritual favours which are not so much of the esse, as the bene esse of a state of Grace; here also we must acknowledge a great latitude, such as are, strong Assurances, cleared Evidences, abounding Comforts, and overflowing Joyes: Christ may withdraw these as often, and as long, and to what degree he sees meet and yet not fail of his Promise. If he carry us through a shady vally, yet if he carry us to glory, if he ad us in the dark where we see neither Sun, Moon nor Stas, yet if he feel out our way for us, and carry us home, it sufficeth and we are to trust,