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The doctrine of the covenant of redemption. Wherein is laid the foundation of all…
The doctrine of the covenant of redemption. Wherein is laid the foundation of all our hopes and happiness. Briefly opened and improved. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Three lines from Psalms]
Boston: printed by Benj. Harris over against the Old-Meeting-House, 1693
Chapter 10: The necessity of this Covenant, in order to Mans Salvation.
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. That there is a Rule of Justice. Justice appears in doing that which is right. There must be something that must fix the bounds betwixt right and wrong, or else there is no scope for Justice to exert it self. Justice appears in the manifestation of Gods Righteousness: but that cannot be manifested, nor can the Creature be brought to confess it to him, in respect of his Works, but by being convinced that he doth that which is right: and that must be by reducing it to a Rule of Righteousness. God in Sovereignty may do what he will with the Creature; and that is Just in it self, because he can do no wrong. But Justice is here considered in distinction from his Arbitrary Supremacy, and therefore must have respect to a Rule; this is implied, in Gen. 18.25.
1. That there is a Rule of Justice. Justice appears in doing that which is right. There must be something that must fix the bounds betwixt right and wrong, or else there is no scope for Justice to exert it self. Justice appears in the manifestation of Gods Righteousness: but that cannot be manifested, nor can the Creature be brought to confess it to him, in respect of his Works, but by being convinced that he doth that which is right: and that must be by reducing it to a Rule of Righteousness. God in Soveraignty may do what he will with the Creature; and that is Just in it self, because he can do no wrong. But Justice is here considered in distinction from his Arbitrary Supremacy, and therefore must have respect to a Rule; this is implied, in Gen. 18.25.
2. That Gods Decreeing Will is the Rule of his Relative Justice. The Decree laid out the Rule: for God is Lord and Law-giver. The Law of Gubernation, is the Rule of Government. M•ns Laws ⟨p. 79⟩are called their Decrees, because they deliberate about them, and then Decree them, and so make them authentic. Gods Decrees are Laws, because in them he hath voluntarily determined how to Govern the Creature: and though his Wisdom hath suited them to the natures of the Creatures to be Governed; whence the Light of Nature may make great discoveries; yet his Fiat makes them authentic: and there are some positive ones too. We Define Justice, to be a constant resolution to do that which is right: now Gods Will is the measure of that which is right: and as in the Decree he laid out his own Efficiency, so also the Creatures Duty; and hither the Rule must refer. The Creature is his, and therefore he may prescribe to it, and it owes him Obedience. It is therefore observable, how often when God publisheth his Edicts, he gives no other reason for them but, I am the Lord, q. d. it is my will and pleasure, and who dare to Cavil at it.