z 68 Caufes or the Nen' Covenant. Glory, as to the way and manner of their communication. Sonic learned men do judge that this counfel and purpofe of the Will of God, to give Grace and Glory in and by Jefus Chrift unto the Ele& in the way and by the means by him prepared; is formally the Covenant of Grace, or at lead: that the fubftance of the Covenant is comprized therein. But it is certain, that more is required to compleat the whole nature of' a Covenant: Nor is this purpofe or counfel of God called the Covenant in the Scripture, but is only propofed as the fpring and fountain of it,, Eph. r. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, to, I I. Unto the full Exemplification of the Covenant of Grace, there is required the Declaration of this Counfel of Gods Win, accompanied with the means and powers of its Accom prlithment, and the Prefcription of the ways whereby we are to to be intereffed in it, and made partakers of the Benefits of it'. But in the enquiry after the procuring caufe of the New Covenant, it is the firft thing that ought to come un- der confederation. For nothing can be the procuring caule of the Covenant which is not fo of this fpririg and fountain of it, of this Idea of it in the mind of God, of the prepa- ration of its Terms and Benefits. But this is nowhere in the Scripture affirmed to be the effe& of the Death or Medi- ation of Chrift; and to afcribe it thereunto; is to over- throw the whale freedom of eternal Grace and Love. Nei} tsIer can anything that is abfolutely Eternal, as is this Decree and Counfel 'of God, be the effe& of, or procured by any thing -that is external and temporal. 2. It may be confidered with refpe& unto the fiederal Tranfagions between the Father and the Son, concerningthe Accomplithment of this Counfet of his Will. What thefè were,: wherein they did confift, I have declared at large ; Ex Vol. 2. Neither do I call this the Covenant of Grace abfoitztelv; . nor is it fo called in-the Scripture.. But yet fome NilLiMdiftinglnik ,between -,the, Coveñant of. the Mediator and.
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