N00556:92
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
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.
CHAP. 7. Whether it be a Covenant of Works, or of Grace.
IT may furthermore be Enquired, whether this Covenant of Redemption is to be accounted a Covenant of Works, or of Grace; and here let me premise: That it is certainly a Covenant distinct from both of those which ordinarily come under these Denominations among us. It is neither that which was made with Adam in Innocency; nor that which is made with us in and through a Mediator, for in both of these man is of one party; whereas he is not so in this, but only a Subject in respect of which it is made: But if the enquiry be, under whether of these considerations it is to be looked on in it self, it may be readily replied, that according to its respects, it may be accounted either the one or the other. Here then we are to look upon it, either with reference to the matter of it, and the terms between the parties, or to the end and design of it.
IT may furthermore be Enquired, whether this Covenant of Redemption is to be accounted a Covenant of Works, or of Grace; and here let me premise: That it is certainly a Covenant distinct from both of those which ordinarily come under these Denominations among us. It is neither that which was made with Adam in Innocency; nor that which is made with us in and through a Mediator, for in both of these man is of one party; whereas he is not so in this, but only a Subject in respect of which it is made: But if the enquiry be, under whether of these considerations it is to be looked on in it self, it may be readily replied, that acc•rding to its respects, it may be accounted either the one or the other. Here then we are to look upon it, either with reference to the matter of it, and the terms between the parties, or to the end and design of it.