Sect. 5. — The Covenant of Works binding, though broken.
Sect. 5. — The Covenant of Works binding, though broken.
Nom. But sir, you know that when a covenant is broken, the parties that were bound are freed and released from their engagements; and therefore I think both Adam and his posterity should have been released from the Covenant of Works when it was broken, especially considering they have no strength to perform its condition.
Evan. Indeed it is true that in every covenant, if either party fails in his duty, and does not perform his condition, the other party is thereby freed from doing his part; but the party that fails is not freed until the other party releases him. Therefore, even though the Lord is freed from performing his condition, that is, from giving man eternal life, man is not freed from his part, even though the strength to obey is lost. Having lost it by his own default, the obligation to obedience still remains. Thus Adam and his offspring are no more discharged from their duties because they lack the strength to do them, than a debtor is acquitted of his bond because he lacks the money to pay it. And thus, Nomista, according to your desire, I have endeavoured to help you to the true knowledge of the Law of Works.