Bates - BT775 B274 1675

nt Contain 9,an' 3ReDemptlom 7 Sin than the fear of Death which is deflru&ive to Chap. I. both. This conflitution of the Covenant was founded not only in theWill ofGod, but in the natureof the things themfelves: And this appears by conildering, T. That Holinefs is more excellent in it felf, and feparately confidered, than the reward that attends it. 'Tis the peculiar glory of the Divine Nature, God is glorious in Holinef . And as He prefers the infinite purity of his Nature, before the immortal felicity of his State; fo he values in the reafonable Creature the Vertues by which they reprefent his Holinefs, more than their perfeël Contentment by which they are like Him inBleffednefs. Now God is the moll juft efleemer of things, his judgment is the infallible meafure of their real worth ; 'tis therefore according tonatural order that the Happinefs of Man thould depend up- on his Integrity, and the Reward be the fruit of his Obedience. And though it is impoffible that a meer Creature in what fiate foever, fhould obtain any thing fromGod by any othertitle but his voluntary Promife the effeët of his Goodnefs ; yet 'twas Inch Goodnefs as God was invited to exercife by the confideration ofMan's obedience. And as the neglec`.t of his Duty had dif- charged the Obligation on God's part, fo the per- formance gave him a claim by right of the Promife to everlafling Life. 2. As the firft part of the alliance was moll reafo nable, fo was the fecond, that Death fhould be the wages of Sin. It is not conceivable that God thould continue his favour toMan, if he turn'd Rebel againít Him : For this were to difarm the Law, and expofe the Authmty of the Law-giver to contempt, and would reilecrt upon the Wifdom of God. Betides, If D the

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