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

2. The consideration when this Covenant past, tells us that there could be nothing in the Creature to move these glorious persons to indent it. It must be mere good pleasure and nothing else, whatsoever can be said of the creature which men can suppose to have argument in it to move towards such a thing, is Posterior to, and Consequent upon the Decree, to which this Covenant belongs. The object of it was a possible being; which as it had no being in it self, so was here appointed to have a being, and to pass through all these changes that have befallen […], being Predestinated thereunto. So that we can look at no consideration on this account, but what falls behind of having any possible influence into the Covenant. Not the state of integrity, in which man was at first; for in that state, had he continued in it, he ⟨p. 33⟩had not needed a Redeemer. Not the miserable Estate he fell into by the Apostasy; for, though that was a step towards his Redemption, because it put him into a capacity for it, and brought him under a necessity of it; yet it could not put God upon thinking of his Recovery; because his Misery was deserved, and the Justice of God was concerned in it: and besides, this fell under the Decree of Election, as a Medium towards the Declaration of Gods rich mercy in saving him. Not the prevision of any good nature or inclination in him; for there is not any such thing truly in any sinner by nature, nor the least disposition towards the acceptance of this Redemption on Gospel-terms, unless God do work it in him: nor is this always wrought in such as are supposed to be naturally best inclined, but at Gods pleasure, Rom. 9.18. God therefore could have nothing out of himself to move him.

2. The consideration when this Covenant past, tells us that there could be nothing in the Creature to move these glorious persons to indent it. It must be meer good pleasure and nothing else, whatsoever can be said of the creature which men can suppose to have argument in it to move towards such a thing, is Posteriour to, and Consequent upon the Decree, to which this Covenant belongs. The object of it was a possible being; which as it had no being in it self, so was here appointed to have a being, and to pass through all these changes that have befallen 〈…〉, being Predestinated thereunto. So that we can look at no consideration on this account, but what falls behind of having any possible influence into the Covenant. Not the state of integrity, in which man was at first; for in that state, had he continued in it, he