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and Meritum Condigni. For God Almighty, having promised Paradise
to those men (hoodwinkt with carnall desires,) that can walk through
this world according to the Precepts, and Limits prescribed by him;
they say, he that shall so walk, shall Merit Paradise Ex Congruo.
But because no man can demand a right to it, by his own Righteousnesse,
or any other power in himselfe, but by the Free Grace of God onely;
they say, no man can Merit Paradise Ex Condigno. This I say,
I think is the meaning of that distinction; but because Disputers
do not agree upon the signification of their own termes of Art,
longer than it serves their turn; I will not affirme any thing
of their meaning: onely this I say; when a gift is given indefinitely,
as a prize to be contended for, he that winneth Meriteth,
and may claime the Prize as Due.

Covenants Of Mutuall Trust, When Invalid
If a Covenant be made, wherein neither of the parties performe presently,
but trust one another; in the condition of meer Nature, (which is
a condition of Warre of every man against every man,) upon any
reasonable suspition, it is Voyd; But if there be a common
Power set over them bothe, with right and force sufficient
to compell performance; it is not Voyd. For he that performeth first,
has no assurance the other will performe after; because the bonds
of words are too weak to bridle mens ambition, avarice, anger,
and other Passions, without the feare of some coerceive Power;
which in the condition of meer Nature, where all men are equall,
and judges of the justnesse of their own fears cannot possibly
be supposed. And therefore he which performeth first, does but
betray himselfe to his enemy; contrary to the Right (he can never
abandon) of defending his life, and means of living.

But in a civill estate, where there is a Power set up to constrain
those that would otherwise violate their faith, that feare is
no more reasonable; and for that cause, he which by the Covenant
is to perform first, is obliged so to do.

The cause of Feare, which maketh such a Covenant invalid, must be
alwayes something arising after the Covenant made; as some new fact,
or other signe of the Will not to performe; else it cannot make
the Covenant Voyd. For that which could not hinder a man from promising,
ought not to be admitted as a hindrance of performing.

Right To The End, Containeth Right To The Means
He that transferreth any Right, transferreth the Means of enjoying it,
as farre as lyeth in his power. As he that selleth Land, is understood
to transferre the Herbage, and whatsoever growes upon it; Nor can he
that sells a Mill turn away the Stream that drives it. And they that
give to a man The Right of government in Soveraignty, are understood
to give him the right of levying mony to maintain Souldiers;
and of appointing Magistrates for the administration of Justice.

No Covenant With Beasts
To make Covenant with bruit Beasts, is impossible; because not
understanding our speech, they understand not, nor accept of any

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