this_o grace_n he_o give_v in_o paul_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o principal_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o god_n put_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v influential_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v depend_v on_o no_o condition_n on_o our_o part._n these_o thing_n then_o be_v thus_o premise_v the_o answer_n which_o i_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o forementioned_a argument_n be_v this_o first_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o unto_o a_o full_a and_o complete_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n faith_n on_o our_o part_n from_o which_o evangelical_n repentance_n be_v inseparable_a be_v require_v but_o than_o it_o must_v withal_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o also_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o give_v to_o we_o and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o depend_v on_o no_o condition_n in_o we_o which_o render_v it_o whole_o free_a and_o absolute_a from_o the_o foundation_n to_o the_o topstone_n thereof_o whereas_o therefore_o you_o be_v please_v to_o tell_v i_o that_o there_o be_v something_o as_o a_o act_n require_v of_o we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n if_o you_o intend_v hereby_o that_o faith_n from_o which_o evangelical_n repentance_n and_o good_a work_n be_v inseparable_a be_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o be_v by_o we_o perform_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o grace_n mercy_n or_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o your_o word_n imply_v for_o you_o admit_v of_o no_o benefit_n from_o the_o covenant_n till_o this_o be_v perform_v it_o be_v most_o untrue_a and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o only_a contrary_n to_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o destructive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o for_o if_o so_o man_n must_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n yea_o while_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n yea_o then_o must_v they_o do_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v all_o man_n who_o sin_n be_v not_o pardon_v but_o this_o be_v to_o make_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o that_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n whilst_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n how_o notorious_o false_a and_o absurd_a be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o believe_v without_o the_o efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n say_v mr._n flavell_n himself_o p._n 395._o of_o his_o forementioned_a book_n entitle_v the_o method_n of_o grace_n the_o desire_n of_o selfsufficiency_n say_v he_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o aadam_n and_o the_o conceit_n of_o selfsufficiency_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o multitude_n of_o his_o posterity_n this_o doctrine_n say_v he_o be_v not_o only_a contradictory_n to_o the_o current_a stream_n of_o scripture_n phil._n 2._o 13._o 1_o jo._n 1._o 13._o with_o many_o other_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v also_o contradictory_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o believer_n yet_o say_v he_o the_o pride_n of_o nature_n will_v strive_v to_o maintain_v what_o scripture_n and_o experience_n plain_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v i_o shall_v need_v to_o make_v no_o other_o descant_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o he_o but_o this_o if_o that_o doctrine_n be_v notorious_o false_a and_o absurd_a which_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o believe_v without_o the_o efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n then_o so_o be_v that_o doctrine_n which_o assert_v that_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n antecedent_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n second_o if_o jesus_n christ_n fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o purchase_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o man_n as_o all_o true_a protestant_n hitherto_o have_v teach_v than_o nothing_o can_v remain_v but_o to_o declare_v this_o to_o they_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o accept_v it_o and_o to_o prescribe_v in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o shall_v final_o come_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n to_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n require_v of_o we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n antecedent_n to_o any_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v not_o do_v all_o for_o we_o nor_o purchase_v a_o right_a to_o life_n for_o any_o but_o only_o make_v way_n that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o upon_o certain_a term_n or_o as_o some_o say_v he_o have_v merit_v that_o we_o may_v merit_v but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o head_n and_o member_n both_o the_o scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o that_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n gal._n 4._o 4._o christ_n therefore_o have_v in_o our_o stead_n perform_v the_o condition_n of_o life_n there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n as_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_v thereof_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o together_o with_o mean_n of_o obtain_v the_o full_a possession_n which_o here_o we_o want_v well_o but_o as_o under_o the_o old_a covenant_n man_n be_v bid_v to_o do_v this_o and_o live_v so_o under_o this_o new_a covenant_n he_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v and_o live_v and_o as_o death_n be_v threaten_v to_o the_o failure_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n so_o it_o be_v now_o threaten_v to_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n under_o the_o gospel_n faith_n be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o consequent_a benefit_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v suspend_v mar._n 16._o 15_o 16._o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v jo._n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v not_o see_v life_n where_o faith_n seem_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o room_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o condition_n of_o life_n as_o that_o be_v so_o rom._n 10._o 9_o that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v be_v save_v mat._n 18._o 3._o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mar._n 11._o 26._o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v you_o with_o multitude_n more_o say_v mr._n flavell_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o expression_n which_o be_v all_o conditional_a particle_n insert_v into_o the_o grant_n of_o benefit_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o put_v word_n into_o a_o frame_n more_o lively_a expressive_a of_o a_o condition_n than_o these_o be_v reply_n first_o whereas_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o faith_n under_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o room_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o condition_n of_o life_n as_o that_o be_v this_o can_v be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n perfect_a obedience_n only_o which_o be_v put_v into_o the_o room_n of_o we_o to_o justify_v and_o save_v we_o as_o our_o own_o shall_v have_v do_v have_v we_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o so_o his_o suffering_n take_v away_o the_o curse_n which_o our_o disobedience_n bring_v upon_o we_o second_o it_o must_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v salvation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o son_n satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o faith_n be_v therefore_o no_o other_o than_o a_o come_v believe_v or_o trust_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n exhibit_v in_o the_o promise_n whereby_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o we_o wherefore_o faith_n be_v not_o proper_o put_v into_o the_o room_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n nor_o do_v it_o what_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v to_o do_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o life_n for_o though_o that_o be_v to_o be_v our_o righteousness_n under_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o faith_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v appoint_v only_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o receive_v and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o alone_a matter_n of_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n
with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n after_o those_o day_n not_o say_v he_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n at_o sinai_n which_o be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n for_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v i_o will_v make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v whole_o free_a and_o absolute_a wherein_o as_o i_o do_v faithful_o engage_v that_o i_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o so_o neither_o shall_v they_o depart_v from_o i_o for_o let_v man_n talk_v what_o they_o will_v of_o a_o universal_a conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o that_o here_o intend_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n express_v whether_o in_o jeremy_n or_o in_o ezekiel_n or_o in_o the_o apostle_n repetition_n thereof_o hebrew_n the_o eight_o so_o they_o be_v all_o actual_o pardon_v with_o who_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n himself_o allege_v why_o he_o will_v become_v their_o god_n and_o make_v they_o his_o people_n give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o say_v he_o i_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o their_o unrighteousness_n and_o their_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n will_v i_o remember_v no_o more_o thus_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contend_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o condition_n imply_v which_o may_v alter_v the_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o absolute_a promise_n for_o in_o jer._n 31._o whence_o the_o form_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v take_v all_o objection_n be_v prevent_v verse_n 36._o for_o whereas_o it_o may_v have_v be_v say_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o so_o this_o promise_n shall_v not_o profit_v they_o it_o be_v add_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v restore_v and_o so_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v good_a as_o sure_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n the_o course_n of_o day_n and_o night_n or_o the_o tide_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o i_o be_o sure_o depend_v upon_o no_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o men._n when_o god_n tell_v they_o in_o leviticus_n therefore_o if_o they_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n and_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n be_v humble_v etc._n etc._n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v thus_o understand_v for_o if_o god_n shall_v require_v this_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o as_o a_o antecedent_n condition_n on_o our_o part_n without_o which_o we_o may_v expect_v no_o mercy_n or_o favour_n at_o his_o hand_n we_o be_v like_o eternal_o to_o fall_v short_a thereof_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o or_o to_o change_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o for_o the_o ethiopian_a to_o change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n yea_o as_o for_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o raise_v himself_o to_o life_n and_o if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v of_o ourselves_o but_o they_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n or_o that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n antecedent_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n i_o know_v o_o lord_n say_v jeremy_n that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n so_o ephraim_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v and_o then_o say_v god_n shall_v thou_o remember_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v and_o never_o open_v thy_o mouth_n any_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o shame_n when_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o for_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v ezek._n 16._o 60_o 61._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o god_n always_o prevent_v the_o sinner_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o instead_o of_o expect_v any_o antecedent_n condition_n or_o qualification_n that_o shall_v render_v we_o meet_v for_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n alone_o which_o he_o have_v express_v in_o his_o holy_a covenant_n that_o can_v make_v we_o meet_v for_o himself_o or_o any_o mercy_n he_o have_v to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o therefore_o sir_n that_o you_o do_v exceed_o injure_v and_o wrong_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o tell_v i_o as_o you_o do_v in_o your_o follow_a discourse_n that_o there_o be_v something_o as_o a_o act_n require_v of_o we_o 61._o in_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o those_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v faith_n repentance_n or_o gospel_n humiliation_n though_o absolute_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o duty_n indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n unto_o the_o participation_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a but_o if_o you_o intend_v that_o they_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o be_v by_o we_o perform_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o grace_n mercy_n or_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o your_o word_n imply_v it_o be_v most_o untrue_a and_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o express_v testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o destructive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o for_o if_o so_o man_n must_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n yes_o then_o must_v man_n repent_v and_o believe_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o in_o sin_n yes_o then_o must_v they_o do_v they_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o for_o so_o be_v all_o man_n who_o sin_n be_v not_o pardon_v but_o this_o be_v to_o make_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o that_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n whilst_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n you_o will_v tell_v i_o it_o may_v be_v that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o man_n be_v pardon_v before_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o than_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o communication_n and_o donation_n of_o faith_n unto_o we_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o they_o be_v both_o bestow_v on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n second_o that_o though_o the_o application_n of_o pardon_v mercy_n unto_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n consequent_a unto_o believe_v yet_o in_o time_n they_o go_v together_o three_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o only_o as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o receive_v of_o it_o a_o condition_n as_o a_o procure_a cause_n plain_o imply_v something_o of_o merit_n by_o way_n of_o condignity_n or_o congruity_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a or_o imperfect_a call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v but_o faith_n come_v under_o neither_o of_o these_o notion_n be_v only_o a_o necessary_a mean_n or_o as_o a_o instrument_n which_o also_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o receive_v and_o apply_v but_o can_v procure_v the_o mercy_n promise_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o avoid_v any_o further_a discourse_n concern_v the_o pretend_a absurdity_n and_o self-contradiction_n which_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n mr._n flavell_n suppose_v he_o have_v find_v out_o in_o my_o forementioned_a discourse_n which_o upon_o a_o due_a trial_n may_v be_v easy_o perceive_v to_o have_v be_v the_o bare_a fiction_n of_o his_o own_o imagination_n only_o i_o shall_v immediate_o apply_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v more_o substantial_a and_o will_v certain_o tend_v far_o more_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n if_o any_o light_n may_v be_v hereby_o strike_v out_o for_o his_o illumination_n and_o instruction_n concern_v the_o three_o grand_a point_n we_o be_v now_o contend_v about_o and_o that_o be_v first_o whether_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n second_o whether_o the_o covenant_n
absolute_o free_a and_o sovereign_n be_v receive_v there_o be_v a_o order_n it_o be_v true_a which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n god_n observe_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o ensue_a grace_n and_o privilege_n namely_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n shall_v precede_v the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o instance_n before_o we_o who_o receive_v this_o last_o great_a signal_n promise_v and_o privilege_n gen._n 22._o upon_o that_o signal_n act_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n upon_o god_n command_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n in_o the_o first_o discovery_n thereof_o be_v whole_o free_a and_o absolute_a so_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 12._o 2_o 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o abraham_n to_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o you_o affirm_v there_o be_v which_o nevertheless_o you_o insinuate_v be_v the_o condition_n or_o qualification_n then_o require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o participation_n of_o the_o gospel_n mercy_n there_o promise_v he_o if_o god_n have_v indeed_o there_o tell_v abraham_n as_o you_o suggest_v he_o do_v that_o he_o will_v bless_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o blessing_n etc._n etc._n provide_v he_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o be_v perfect_a then_o it_o have_v be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o much_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n be_v which_o oblige_v both_o he_o and_o he_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n there_o to_o be_v find_v god_n only_o tell_v he_o vers._n 1._o get_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o country_n and_o from_o thy_o kindred_n and_o from_o thy_o father_n house_n unto_o a_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o and_o i_o will_v make_v of_o thou_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v far_o from_o that_o perfection_n which_o you_o say_v god_n there_o oblige_v he_o to_o it_o be_v true_a afterward_o this_o charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o gen._n 17._o 1._o i_o be_o the_o almighty_a god_n walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a for_o god_n require_v many_o thing_n of_o they_o who_o he_o actual_o take_v into_o covenant_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o whole_a obedience_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o walk_n before_o god_n in_o uprightness_n there_o be_v a_o order_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v hereunto_o some_o act_n duty_n and_o part_n of_o our_o gracious_a obedience_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v mean_n of_o the_o further_a additional_a supply_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v that_o general_n obligation_n here_o lay_v upon_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 1._o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a and_o hereunto_o also_o appertain_v that_o famous_a act_n of_o his_o obedience_n mention_v gen._n 22._o 16_o 17._o but_o than_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n for_o as_o it_o be_v whole_o free_a and_o absolute_a in_o the_o first_o discovery_n thereof_o so_o it_o be_v as_o free_a and_o absolute_a still_o from_o the_o foundation_n to_o the_o topstone_n thereof_o it_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o piece_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o whatever_o duty_n god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o glory_n yet_o even_o those_o duty_n or_o act_n of_o obedience_n which_o god_n thus_o require_v of_o we_o must_v be_v perform_v by_o we_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v aright_o in_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n already_o receive_v col._n 2._o 6_o 7._o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v so_o likewise_o gal._n 3._o 2_o 3._o this_o only_a will_v i_o learn_v of_o you_o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n be_v you_o so_o foolish_a have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v you_o now_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n which_o first_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v therefore_o also_o be_v continue_v and_o renew_a upon_o we_o day_n by_o day_n else_o we_o shall_v certain_o faint_a and_o perish_v in_o our_o own_o corruption_n at_o last_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o psal._n 36._o 10._o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v at_o all_o conditional_a that_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o form_n of_o a_o promise_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n thus_o it_o be_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n soon_o after_o the_o fall_n a_o promise_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o seed_n no_o term_n no_o condition_n add_v but_o a_o bare_a declaration_n of_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n to_o their_o deject_a self-condemned_n conscience_n next_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v reveal_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 12._o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o formal_a absolute_a promise_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v he_o and_o all_o nation_n in_o his_o seed_n and_o ever_o after_o it_o be_v call_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n which_o israel_n wait_v to_o see_v accomplish_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n style_v it_o in_o the_o forementioned_a heb._n 6._o 13._o when_o god_n make_v promise_n to_o abraham_n say_v sure_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 3._o 18._o affirm_v that_o the_o inheritance_n be_v give_v to_o abraham_n by_o promise_n and_o not_o by_o law_n for_o say_v he_o if_o the_o inheritance_n be_v of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v no_o more_o of_o promise_n but_o god_n give_v it_o to_o abraham_n by_o promise_n which_o clear_o argue_v the_o absoluteness_n of_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n for_o wherein_o differ_v the_o law_n from_o a_o free_a promise_n but_o that_o the_o one_o be_v conditional_a the_o other_o absolute_a the_o one_o promise_v life_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n the_o other_o without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n the_o like_a do_v the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 4._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o for_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o abraham_n or_o to_o his_o seed_n through_o the_o law_n but_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n be_v heir_n faith_n be_v make_v void_a and_o the_o promise_v make_v of_o none_o effect_v and_o why_o because_o the_o law_n work_v wrath._n and_o how_o do_v the_o law_n work_n wrath_n why_o as_o it_o be_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n wherein_o alone_o it_o be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v free_a and_o absolute_a for_o as_o the_o apostle_n right_o add_v where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n that_o be_v where_o no_o condition_n be_v add_v there_o can_v be_v no_o violation_n or_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n which_o else_o it_o can_v not_o be_v for_o if_o any_o condition_n be_v add_v though_o never_o so_o mild_a and_o gentle_a we_o be_v still_o in_o hazard_n nay_o have_v it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v have_v render_v the_o gospel_n covenant_n worse_o than_o that_o make_v with_o adam_n himself_n since_o we_o have_v now_o no_o strength_n to_o obey_v nor_o power_n to_o fulfil_v these_o condition_n though_o in_o the_o least_o or_o low_a degree_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o thought_n so_o paul_n acknowledge_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o new_a covenant_n mercy_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o not_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o whereas_o adam_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o capacity_n sufficient_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o if_o you_o say_v that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o he_o give_v strength_n and_o grace_n to_o perform_v have_v promise_v to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o our_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o do_v but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o clear_o evince_v the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n since_o the_o gospel_n promise_n can_v depend_v on_o no_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n for_o as_o i_o
to_o christ_n authority_n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n as_o paul_n do_v and_o according_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o walk_v holy_o and_o unblamable_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o satan_n influence_n for_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n to_o slur_n they_o as_o antinomian_o but_o the_o comfort_n be_v it_o be_v not_o their_o lot_n alone_o the_o bless_a apostle_n paul_n himself_o be_v so_o stigmatise_v by_o those_o he_o have_v then_o to_o do_v with_o as_o evident_o appear_v from_o rom._n 3._o 8_o 31._o &_o 6._o 1_o 2._o and_o if_o he_o be_v so_o reproach_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o follower_n of_o he_o and_o of_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o true_o evangelical_n doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v be_v so_o serve_v also_o i_o come_v now_o to_o your_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n whereby_o you_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o conditionality_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o i_o find_v thus_o form_v print_a reply_n p._n 78._o arg._n 5._o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v altogether_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a require_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o its_o benefit_n than_o it_o can_v be_v man_n duty_n in_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n to_o deliberate_v the_o term_n count_v the_o cost_n or_o give_v his_o consent_n by_o word_n or_o write_v explicit_o to_o the_o term_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o it_o be_v man_n duty_n in_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n to_o deliberate_v the_o term_n and_o count_v the_o cost_n luke_n 14._o 26_o to_o 34._o and_o explicit_o to_o give_v his_o consent_n thereto_o either_o by_o word_n or_o write_v ergo_fw-la reply_n sir_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n betwixt_o that_o new_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v with_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n discourse_v which_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o blessedness_n and_o the_o return_n of_o that_o sincere_a and_o dutiful_a obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n thereunto_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o though_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o duty_n indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o participation_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o glory_n and_o in_o respect_n hereof_o we_o be_v indeed_o to_o deliberate_v the_o term_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o solemn_o to_o he_o with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o promise_n of_o all_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n for_o hereunto_o the_o scripture_n by_o you_o allege_v and_o many_o more_o do_v oblige_v we_o but_o then_o i_o think_v you_o have_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o god_n covenant_n with_o we_o and_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n if_o not_o the_o scripture_n will_v inform_v you_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o cast_v your_o eye_n upon_o what_o god_n speak_v to_o israel_n of_o old_a ezek._n 16._o 59_o 60_o 61._o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o will_v even_o deal_v with_o thou_o as_o thou_o have_v do_v which_o have_v despise_v the_o oath_n in_o break_v the_o covenant_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o sinai_n covenant_n nevertheless_o i_o will_v remember_v my_o covenant_n with_o thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o i_o will_v establish_v unto_o thou_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n then_o shall_v thou_o remember_v thy_o way_n and_o be_v ashamed_a when_o thou_o shall_v receive_v thy_o sister_n thy_o elder_n and_o thy_o young_a and_o i_o will_v give_v they_o unto_o thou_o for_o daughter_n but_o not_o by_o thy_o covenant_n and_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o plain_a notice_n give_v we_o of_o a_o twofold_a covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o the_o one_o proper_o they_o the_o other_o god_n the_o one_o a_o covenant_n that_o may_v be_v break_v as_o it_o be_v the_o other_o that_o which_o shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o the_o one_o respect_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o other_o god_n promise_n to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n say_v god_n that_o i_o will_v establish_v if_o this_o do_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v you_o in_o this_o important_a point_n i_o beseech_v you_o look_v into_o the_o 89_o psalm_n and_o there_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o full_o clear_v up_o vers._n 30._o if_o his_o child_n forsake_v my_o law_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o my_o judgement_n if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o li_n where_o we_o find_v a_o plain_a distinction_n make_v betwixt_o god_n covenant_n with_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n my_o covenant_n say_v god_n will_v i_o not_o break_v though_o you_o fail_v in_o your_o duty_n to_o i_o alas_o sir_n be_v it_o not_o obvious_a to_o our_o most_o constant_a experience_n that_o both_o you_o and_o i_o and_o all_o of_o we_o the_o more_o be_v our_o misery_n do_v every_o day_n more_o or_o less_o break_v our_o own_o vow_n covenant_n and_o resolution_n by_o our_o daily_a transgression_n and_o what_o shall_v relieve_v we_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o such_o daily_a covenant_n breach_n but_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n himself_o direct_v we_o to_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o with_o you_o say_v he_o though_o you_o forsake_v my_o law_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o my_o judgement_n though_o you_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n yet_o my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o li_n it_o shall_v be_v establish_v for_o ever_o as_o the_o moon_n and_o as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n in_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o the_o sweet_a singer_n of_o israel_n himself_o find_v relief_n in_o at_o last_o when_o he_o draw_v near_o unto_o his_o last_o moment_n we_o know_v that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o psalm_n he_o do_v frequent_o appeal_v unto_o god_n concern_v his_o integrity_n and_o the_o cleanness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o hand_n his_o vow_n resolution_n and_o performance_n but_o what_o be_v the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o jesse_n or_o what_o do_v he_o take_v comfort_n in_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o wind_a up_o of_o his_o day_n do_v he_o insist_v upon_o his_o own_o covenant_n engagement_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o performance_n not_o at_o all_o what_o then_o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a for_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n although_o he_o make_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o sir_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o plain_a scripture_n distinction_n betwixt_o god_n free_a and_o absolute_a covenant_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v with_o sinner_n in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o blessedness_n and_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o way_n of_o return_n thereunto_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o all_o your_o mistake_v about_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n while_o you_o jumble_v and_o confound_v together_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o plain_o distinguish_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v on_o our_o part_n and_o many_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v but_o we_o can_v say_v that_o our_o heart_n or_o house_n our_o life_n or_o way_n be_v so_o with_o god_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v be_v there_o not_o therefore_o a_o free_a absolute_a and_o everlasting_a covenant_n that_o god_n have_v make_v with_o we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n a_o well_o order_v sure_a and_o unchangeable_a covenant_n which_o can_v be_v break_v wherein_o be_v contain_v all_o our_o salvation_n