Conditionality of the New Covenant — Argument 2

If God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3) and that of Genesis 17:2-3 were (as you say) pure Gospel covenants of grace, and yet in both some things are required as duties on Abraham's part, to make him partaker of the benefits of the promises; then the covenant of grace is not absolute, but conditional.

But so it was in both these covenants. Ergo.

The minor only requires proof, for which let us have recourse to the places, and see whether it be so or not.

(1.) For the first you instance in as a pure Gospel covenant made with Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3). I must confess, as you dismember the text, page 229, by choosing out the second and third verses, and leaving out the first, which was the trial of Abraham's obedience in forsaking his native country, and his father's house; I say, give me but this liberty to separate and disjoin one part of a covenant from the other, and it is easy to make any conditional covenant in the world to become absolute. For take but the duty required, from the promise that is made; and that which was a conditional, presently becomes an absolute grant. Suppose, Sir, that Abraham had refused to leave his dear native country and nearest relations, as many do; think you that the promised mercies had been his? I must plainly tell you, you assume a strange liberty in this matter, and make a great deal bolder with the Scriptures than you ought; and the very same usage the other Scriptures has.

(2.) For when you cite your second covenant with Abraham, you only cite Genesis 17:2-3, and then call it an absolute Gospel covenant; when indeed you made it so, by leaving out the first verse, which contains the condition of duty required on Abraham's part; for thus run the three first verses. And when Abraham was ninety nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abraham, and said to him, I am the Almighty God, walk you before me, and be you perfect, and I will make my covenant between me and you, etc. Here an upright conversation before God is required of him, at God's entrance into this covenant with him; but that is, and must be omitted, and cut off, to make the covenant look absolute. I am really grieved to see the Scriptures thus dealt with, to serve a design.