Page:A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (John Ball).djvu/60

 48 the Covenant. Gen. 17. 7, 8. And what is more remarkeable, God would have Moses spend many Chapters in opening the speciall passages of this grand contract betwixt God and Abraham. At the first breaking forth of the Covenant, it was propounded in dark and cloudie termes, not easie to be understood, and most things sparingly expressed, and indeed rather implyed then expressed: In this second rise and further manifestation of the Covenant, we have it laid downe in a plaine and conceiveable language to all whom it concernes. Gen. 17. 7. I will establish my Covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting Covenant: and it is fully expressed both in respect of the Head and Purchaser or Undertaker, the confederates in this Covenant, and subfederates, the good things promised, and conditions required therein. That place of Gen. 3. is seldome alledged in holy writ, but now and then by way of allusion: but those of the Promise made to Abraham and his seed often pressed in the person of Christ, not only as Meritor of the Promise, and Satisfier of revenging wrath, nor yet as Maker of the Promises, nor only as Ratifier of the Promises by his death, nor as having the prime part in the Promises as man and Head, but as Treasurer of them for the whole seed of Abraham. For all the Promises of God in him are Yea and Amen, to the glory of God by us. 2 Cor. 1. 20. And Paul, when he had to doe with the false Apostles, who would have blemished this free Covenant made with Abraham, by the Covenant of the Law, Gal. 3. 15, 16, 17. he so insisteth upon it, as that in a sort he preferreth this manifestation, and proveth that it was confirmed of God in Christ, and could not be disanulled by the Law.

This Covenant was made in forme of a Promise to be performed according to the purpose of Election: In thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed: and in forme of a Covenant consisting of a free Promise and restipulation, I am God all-sufficient, walke before me, and be thou perfect: Gen. 17. 1. And therein the inward force and vertue of the Covenant is to be distinguished from the outward administration, as we are to shew hereafter.

The Head upon whom this Covenant is setled, both as Undertaker and Confirmer, Purchaser and Treasurer of all good things promised therein, is Jesus Christ: which is more fully expressed