Page:A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (John Ball).djvu/119

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In the Land of Moab Moses was commanded by the Lord to make a CovenanntCovenant [sic] with the children of Israel, beside the Covenant which he made with them in Horeb. This Covenant they entred into was the same that God made with them upon Mount Sinai, even the same that did containe the blessings and curses before pronounced. But this Covenant was a Covenant of Grace, not of works: for God never commanded his people, that he might set them on high above all people of the earth, and that they might be an holy people unto him, to avouch him to be their God by a Covenant of works: Moses would never have exhorted the people by Oath to bind themselves unto the Lord in a Covenant of works: for that had been to bind themselves unto the most dreadfull curses, whereas they were to enter into this Covenant that they might prosper in all that they doe. That Covenant is of Grace, wherein the good things promised are all free and gratious: but it was of grace that God promised to be the God of Israel: and therefore the Lord, when he keepeth Covenant with Israel, is said to keep the mercy which he swore unto their Fathers, and when he established them for a people unto himselfe, and is their God, he is said to performe the Oath, which he swore unto their Fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

The Legall Covenant or Covenant of works cannot be renewed after it is once broken, seeing it admitteth not repentance of sinne past, but exacts perfect and perpetuall obedience. But this Covenant made with the Israelites might be renewed after transgression, did admit repentance; When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter dayes, if thou turne to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice: (for the Lord thy God is a mercifull God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the Covenant of thy Fathers, which he swore unto them. And if the Covenant after transgression may be renewed, it is of grace. The Law which is written in the heart of the spirituall seed is part of the Covenant of grace: for the righteousnesse of faith speaketh on this wise; This Commandement which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it farre off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall goe up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may heare it, and doe it. Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou