thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD Thou shalt see thy childrens children Ps. 128.3 4 6. See Esay 48.19 Ps. 115.14 127.3 Ps. 113.9 These promises may aboundantly suffice to settle the minds and hearts of any true beleever under this tentation of griefe for want of children that assuredly GOD will fulfill their desire if it be good for them 2. To blesse their children every way 1. With outward things 2. In their soules GOD hath made a free and gracious Covenant with the beleeving Parents and their posterity Gen. 17.7 9. Act. 2.39 Ier. 32.39 He hath promised to blesse their children every way He will blesse the fruit of thy wombe Deut. 7.13 This is intended in all those places where it is said I will be the GOD of thy seed which was said to Abraham the father of the faithfull Gen. 17. and belongeth to all beleevers The just man walketh in his integrity his children are blessed after him Pro. 20.7 1. GOD will blesse them with outward things Personall goodnesse is a good means to bring safety honour wealth and many comfortable blessings upon posterity Exod. 20.6 Their children and childrens children to many generations shall be blessed Ps. 37.25 26. Pro. 11.21 His seed shall be mighty upon the earth the generation of the upright shall be blessed Ps. 112.2 His seed shall inherit the earth Ps. 25 13. Ps. 37.29 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children Pro. 13.22 2. GOD will blesse them in their soules I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Esa. 44.3 4. Thy children shall be taught of the LORD and great shall be the peace of thy children Esay 54.13 If we know our selves to be GODS children we may be assured saith one that some of our posterity shall be so likewise They are foederati in GODS Covenant by meanes of their Parents whom when GOD received into the Church he received them with this promise I will be thy GOD and the GOD of thy seed Good Parents though they be poore leave their children a good patrimony for they have laid up many prayers for them in heaven and they leave them GODS favour for their possession this is urged therefore as a motive by the HOLY GHOST to provoke Parents unto all righteousnesse Deut. 5.29 It is promised as a blessing that mothers shall give sucke to the children that they beare GOD shall blesse thee with the blessings of the breasts and of the wombe Gen. 49.25 Promises To Parents correcting their children The rod and reproofe give wisdome correct thy son and he shall give thee rest yea he shall give delight to thy soule Proverbs 29.15 17. Hold not correction from thy childe for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not die Thou shalt beate him with the rod and shalt deliver his soule from Hell Pro. 23.13 â—4 Foolishnesse is bound in the heart of a childe but the rod of correction shall drive it farre from him Pro. 22.15 Promises to comfort them in the want of children To them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better then of sonnes and of daughters I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off Esa. 56.5 Promises To children obeying their Parents Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy dayes may be long upon the Land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee Exod 20.12 The Apostle Ephes. 6.2 saith this is the first Commandement with promise The second Commandement hath a Promise annexed unto it and a large one of shewing mercy unto thousands to them that love GOD Exod. 20.6 The Greeke word used by the Apostle properly signifieth an affirmative precept as our English word Commandement doth of the affirmative precepts it is the first with promise Secondly the promise in the second Commandement is only a generall promise made to observers of the whole Law and therfore he useth the plurall number Commandements and saith in the generall shewing mercy to thousands but this is a speciall promise made to them that keep this particular Commandement that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live this answer is given by many Learned Divines It followeth ver 3. That it may be well with thee and thou maist live long on the Earth The promise mentioned before in generall is particularly set down Whatsoever belongeth to a mans well-fare and wel-being in this life is here promised saith D. Willet All manner of blessings Spirituall and Temporall belonging to soule and body concerning this life and the life to come make to a mans well-being but temporall prosperity is here principally intended saith Doctor Gouge And Ieremiah saith unto the house of the Rechabites Thus saith the LORD of Hosts the GOD of Israel because yee have obeyed the commandement of Ionadab your father and kept all his precepts and done according unto all that he hath commanded you Therfore thus saith the LORD of Hoasts the GOD of Israel Ionadab the sonne of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever My sonne heare the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck Prov. 1.8 9. See 6.20 CHAP. VIII Promises For Company That we shall reap good by the society of the godly HE that walketh with wise men shall be wise Prov. 13.20 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another and the LORD hearkened and heard it and a booke of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD and that thought upon his name And they shall be mine saith the LORD of Hosts in that day when I make up my Iewels and I will spare them as a man spareth his owne sonne that serveth him Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 FINIS An Alphabeticall Table of the principall things contained in this Treatise A. ABsolute promises pag. 12. Adoption promises of it 289. 2. To it 291. Afflictions promises to prevent them 155 156. Or qualifie them if they do come 157 158. Affliction is momentary 159. GOD afflictâ— his children for their good 161 162. Afflictions are tryals 163. Afflictions purge sin 165 166. and quicken graces faith hope patience 168. GOD promiseth to help his to bear afflictions and in due time to remove them 169 170. The use of faith in respect of Gods promises concerning afflictions 173. to 176. Alms-giving promises to it 402 403. Angels guard the godly 272. Antichrist promises against him 434 435. Apostles promises to them 441. Application of the promises 30 72. Means to apply them 32 33. Rules to be observed in applying them 41. Examples of such as have applied them 35 74. The divel would hinder the faithfull from a right applying of them 37. The wicked misapply them
say of it as he doth of Circumcision much every way But I forbeare to exemplify or instance the particulars since I have done it already in the former Epistle the work it self will sufficiently shew it O but may some say this work would well have becoÌ„e an experienced Divine furnished with rich abilities of learning and piety all that I grant and had it bin done by such a one I should both have spared my own pains made use of his most willingly But since that is rather to be desired theÌ„ yet to be expected I who abouÌ„d with leisure was willing to make this essay both that I might imploy my own Talent gratifie the desires of ChristiaÌ„s For their saks though I must expect severall censures according to the variety of mens humors am I willing conferre aliquid in publicum to cast in my mite into the common treasury If thou findest faults Errata in the book let love cover them for to erre as the Satyrist saith is the sad priviledge of mortality he of all meÌ„ erreth most who challengeth a priviledg from errour Thus praying to the Lord that thou maist reape much good from these Promises and promising to my self no little comfort from thy prayers I rest Thy true Christian Friend and hartie well-wisher EDVVARD LEGH A Table of the Promises as they are dispersed in the severall Bookes of Scripture Gen. ca. Ver. 3 15. Cap. 6. vers 18. 8 22. 9 2 9 11 13 15 16 27. 12 2 3 13 15 16 17. 16 10 12. 17 2 4 6 7 8 16 â—0 21 18 10 14 18. 21 12 13. 22 17 18. 26 3 4 24. 28 13 14 15. 31 3. 35 1â— 12. 46 3 4. 48 19 21. 49 10 25. 50. 24. Exodus Cap.  3. 12 21. 4 12. 6 6 7 8. 8 22. 12 13 23. 14 13. 15 26. 19 5 6. 20 6 â—2 24. 23 â—0 22 23 35 6 27. 28 38. 29 45 46. 30 6. 32 10 13. 33 2 14 19. 34 6 7 24. Leviticus Cap. Verse 1. 4. 18. 5. 20. 24. 25. 13 18 19 21. 26. 4. to 13 42 44 45. Numbers Chapter Verse 6. 27. 11. 17. 15. 25 26 28. 18. 5. 20. 8. 21. 8. 23. 19 21 23. 24. 7 9 17. 25. 12 13. 32. 22. 35. 34. Deuteronomy Cap. Verse 2. 25. 3. 2 21 22 28. 4. 1 10 29 30 31 40. 5. 10 29 33. 6. 2 3 18. 7. 6 9 12 13 1â— 15 16 19. â—â— 24. 8. 1. 9. 3 14. 10 9. 11 8 9 12 14 1â— 21 23 24 2â— 27 31. 12 7 12 18 2â— 28. 13 11. 14 2 29. 15 4 6 18. 16 15 20. 18 15 18. 19 13. 20 1 4. 21 8. 22 7. 23 14 20. 24 19. 25 15. 26 18 19. 28 1. to 14. 29 9. 30 3 to 10 16 20 31 6 8 23. 32 9 30. 33 11 29. Ioshua Cap. Verse 1. 5 7 8 9. 6. 17. 10 8. Iudges Cap. Verse 6 16. 7 7. 13 3 5. 20 28. 1 Samuel Chapter Verse 2 6 7 8 9 10 30. 9 16. 10 6. 12 14 22. 2 Samuel Chapter Verse 7 10 12 13 14 15 16. 22 31. 1 Kings Chap. Verse 2. 3 4. 3 14. 6 12 13. 8 23. 9 3 5. 11 38. 17 14. 20 13. 21 29. 2 Kings Chap. Verse 4. 16. 7 1. 10 30. 17 39. 19 30 31 34. 20 5 6. 21 7 8. 22 20. 1 Chronicles Cap. Ver. 17. 9 10 11 12 13 14. 22 9 10 13. 28 6 7 8 9 20. 2 Chronicles Chap. Ver. 1. 12. 7 14 15 16 18 16 9. 19 11. 20 17 20. 30 9. 34 28. Ezra Cap. Vers. 8. 22. 9 12. Nehemiah Cap. Ver. 1. 5 9. 9 29. Iob. Cap.  5. 11 15 to 27. 8 6 7. 11 15. to 20. 17 9. 22 21 23. to the end 33 25 26 28 34 1. 36 7 9 10 11. Psalmes Psal. Verse 1. 1 3 6. 2 2 8 12. 3 8. 4 3. 5. 11 12. 9 ver 8 9 18. 10 14. 11 7. 12 5 6 7. 15 2 3 4 5. 16 11. 17 7. 18 2 30. 19 7. to 12. 22 26 27 30. 23 1 4. 24 4 5. 25 3 8 9 10 12 13 14. 27 1 3 5 10 14. 28 8. 29 11. 30 5. 31 19 20 23 24 32 1 2 6 7 10. 33 12 18 19. 34 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 17. to 21. 35 10 27. 36 8 â— 37 3. to 7 9 11 16 to 20. from 22 to 30 31 33 34 37 39 40. 40 3 4 16. 41 1 2 3. 45 15. 46 1 to 5 7.11 47 3 4. 48 14. 50 15 23. 51 17. 52 6. 55 22. 56 8. 58 10. â—2 2 6 7. 64 10. 65 4. 66 4. 67 6 7. 68 3 13. 69 32 33 35 36. 70 4. 72 5. to 9 11.15 17. 73 24. 75 10. 76 9. 81 10 13. to 〈◊〉 16. 84 4 5 7 11 1â— 85 8 9 12 13. 86 5. 87 2. 89 4 15 16 2â— 24 26 2â— 29 33 34. â—â— 37. 91 1 â— to 7 1â— to 16. 92 12 to 14. 94 12. to 15. 96 13. 97 10 11. 98 9. 1â—2 15. to the 18 20. 103 3 8 to 13 17 18. 106 3. 107 9 36 38. 110 2 3. 111 5 10. 112 1 to 4 6 to 9. 113 7 8 9. 115 9 to 11 13. 116 15. 117 2. 118 5. 119 1â— 49 71 130 165 121 3 4 5 6 7 8. 122 6. 125 1 2.3 126 5 6. 127 3 5. 128 1 to the end 130 4 8. 132 11 to 19. 135 4. 137 8 â— 138 6 7. 140 12 13. 144 15. 145 8 9 13 18 19 20. 146 5 7 8.9 147 2 3 6 11 19. 149 4. Proverbs Chap. Vers. 1. 7 23 â—3 2 4 â— 7 8 9 11 12 21. 3 2 4 10 12 13 1â— to 18 22 to 26 33 to 35 4 6 8 9 13 18 22. 6 â—2 24. 7 5. 8 17 to 19.21 34 35. 9 8 9 10. 10 2 3 4 6 7 9 16 17 22 24 27 to 30. 11 3 to 6 8 9 18 to 22 26 27 â—8 30 31. 12 3 6 7 11 13 14 19 to 22 24 27 â—8 13 2 4 6 13 15 18 20 21 25. 14 11 22 26 34. 15 6 8 16 29 33. 16 3 7 8 13 â—0 17 2. 18 10 â—2 20. 19 16 17 â—3 20 7 28. 21 21. 22 4 5 9 15 â—9 23 13 14 24. 24 14 25. 27 18. â—8 10 13 14 â—8 to 10 â—3 25 to 27. 29 17 18 â—3 25. 30 5. Ecclesiastes Chapt. Verse 8. 12. 11 1. Esay Chapt. Verse 1. 18 19. 2 2 3 4. 3 10. 4 2 5 6. 6 13. 7 14. 9 3 6 7. 10 20. 11 1 2 4 6 to 10 12 13. 12 3. 14 1 2 3. 17 2 6 7 8. 19 17 22 24. 22 22 23. 24 13. 25 4 6 8 9. 26. 3 9 12. 27 3 5 6 8 9. 28 5 12. 29 â—8 19 23 24. 30 18. to the 27 9. 31 7. 32 1 2 3 4 17 â—8 33 6 16 17 19 20 21 4. 35 1 â— 4 to the end 37 31 32. 38 5 6. 40 1 to
there is no mention made of Esau whom he begot also But when Iacob is said to have begotten Iudah it is added and his brethren because the promise of Redemption which was to come by CHRIST was pronounced to them also But that promise belonged not to all them neither but onely to such who following the steps of their holy Fathers Abraham Isaac and Iacob applied it by a true faith to themselves as the Apostle sheweth This is a comfort to the people of GOD they can never loose Evangelicall blessings of grace and glory because CHRIST is made the Lord Treasurer and Lord Keeper of them We are not trusted with them our selves for then wee should loose them but he receives them for us and communicates them to us THE SECOND BOOK CHAP. I. Of the Covenant THE PROMISES ARE either GENERALL OR SPECIALL GENERALL THE COVENANT Which in Hebrew is called Berith from choosing because it is established on certaine conditions which both parties choose it is taken for both a Covenant and a Feast therefore some derive it from a word that signifieth to eate because the Hebrewes at their Covenant-makings usually had a Feast Gen. 31.54 Others derive it from a word that signifieth to stay It was a Religious Ceremony common to the Jewes and Gentiles that in making solemne covenant before their gods a beast was slaine by the Priest and the parts thereof laid one over against another The makers of the Covenant passed betweene those divided parts the Ceremony intended and imprecation that he might be cut in pieces as that beast was who should violate the Covenant so made And from the use of this Ceremony came the phrase of cutting a Covenant as with us striking of a bargaine from our fashion of striking hands upon a bargaine made Alexander ab Alexandro Lib. 5. c. 3. speakes of it nay This was a custome in Abrahams time and therefore GOD himselfe to confirme his Promise to Abraham vouchsafed to use that Ceremonie Gen. 15.10.17 for which it is said GOD did cut a Covenant with Abraham ver 18. See Ier. 34.18 The word Covenant doth somtimes signifie a simple promise of grace without condition Gen. 9.11 Numb 25.12 13. but ordinarily it notes a mutuall contract or agreement between the parties covenanting by stipulation and promise Psal. 50.16 25.10.14 44.17 A Covenant is a solemne Contract passing betweene some parties two at the least whereby they bind themselves each to other in certaine articles to both their contents for their mutuall peace and comfort For the forme and manner of it it must be done with some solemnity and herein stands the difference betweene a promise and a Covenant for a Covenant is a bundle of promises bound and knit up together in one tie and mutuall solemnity There is a Civill Covenant which is a league or agreement inter dimicantes betweene two or more parties being at variance Gen. 21.32 and a Religious or Sacred Covenant which is a league or agreement that GOD hath made with man for his Salvation and that is twofold 1. That which GOD made at the beginning with our first Parents in the state of Innocencie Gen. 2.17 promising perfect felicity on condition of their perfect obedience It is called Foedus naturale the Covenant of nature because it was made by GOD with man at his first Creation and because it is contained in the Law which is knowne to men by nature and Foedus Legale the Covenant of workes because workes were the condition of it it did runne thus Doe this and thou shalt live and I will be thy GOD Ezek. 20.11 Levit. 18. Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.12 winne it and weare it obey perfectly and live everlastingly The two Sacraments of this Covenant were the Tree of knowledge respecting the Law Doe this and the tree of life respecting the promise Live GOD shadowed out this covenant also to the children of Israell in the wildernesse of Sina when he brought them out of Aegypt Moses describes it Exod. 19. 24. the blessings and curses comprehended in that Covenant are recited Levit. 26. Deut. 27. 28. It hath rationem speculi It is a glasse to manifest and discover sinne and death and so serves to humble men which are naturally proud Mat. 19.17 and to make them flie unto CHRIST for sanctuary who perfectly fulfilled the Law for the Elect in and through whom we may obtaine the Legall promises Rom. 10.4 Gal. 4.4 I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come saith the LORD Hag. 2.7 to note unto us saith one that a man shall never desire CHRIST indeed till he be first shaken 2. That which GOD of his singular grace made with man fallen This is a free disposition of GOD whereby he promiseth eternall salvation by the death and mediation of his Sonne that he may magnifie the riches of his mercy This was revealed and delivered to our first Parents in the garden of Eden immediately after the fall by GOD himselfe and after was continued and renewed with Abraham Isaac and Iacob It is called Foedus Evangelicum the Covenant of the Gospell and the Gospell Rom. 1.16 A New Covenant Behold the daies come saith the LORD that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel Ier. 31.31 that is with the whole Church the whole Israel of GOD as appeareth Heb. 8.8 10. The Covenant of grace Rom. 4.16 because nothing else moved GOD to make and establish it it is not grounded upon our workes and worthinesse but upon the free mercies of GOD and all-sufficient merits of Christ Gal. 3.18 The Covenant of peace Ezek. 34.25 37.26 Peace Rom. 10.15 the Gospell of peace Ephes. 2.17 6.15 Reconciliation with GOD and a Testament because this reconciliation was ratified by the death of the Testator Heb. 9.16 17. It runs in these termes beleeve and repent and Thou shalt be saved Iohn 3.16 Gal. 3.11 19. Mar. 16.16 The Covenant of Grace saith D. Preston is double 1. Absolute and Peculiar onely to the Elect Ier. 31.33 Ezek. 36.26.2 Conditionall which is common to all and that is expressed in these termes CHRIST hath provided a righteousnesse and salvation now if you will beleeve and take him upon these termes that he is offered you shall be saved Mark 16.16 The Sacraments which GOD gave to man in his corrupt estate were either 1. Before CHRIST prefiguring Him 2. After Him as memorials of Him The Sacraments before Christ were of two sorts 1. Either such as belonged to all sorts of people 1. The Arke and Noahs preservation in it Gen. 6.18 Heb 11.7 1 Pet. 3.20 21. 2. The Rainebow Gen. 9.9 11 12 13 15 16 17. 2. Such as were peculiarly appointed to the Jewes some of which were 1. Extraordinary during but once or a short time and answering either To Baptisme as the red sea the cloud 1 Cor. 10.1 2 3 5.
Pro. 8.18 19. The blessing of the LORD maketh rich and hee addeth no sorrow with it Pro. 10.22 The LORD often promiseth plenty that the land shall yeeld her fruit that hee will give them raine in due season that there should be none barren but he would encrease them in all their substance both ground and cattell that they should eate old store that threshing should reach unto vintage Ezek. 36.30 Ioel 2.23 24 25. Levit. 26.4 5 10. 25.19 See Deut. 28. from 2. to 15. and Chap. 7. from 12. to 17. Psal. 23. Psal. 128. Pro. 3.9 10 16 17 18. and Chap. 8.21 1 Chron. 29.12 Those that waite upon the LORD shall inherit the earth Psal. 37.9 the like is in the 11 22 29 34. verses and Mat. 5.5 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the Iust Pro. 13.22 Wealth and riches shall be in his house Psal. 112.3 In the house of the righteous is much treasure Pro. 15.6 Thou shalt lay up gold as dust and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brookes thou shalt have plenty of silver Job 22.24 25. That was a speciall promise made to the people of Israel at their returne They shall flow together to the goodnesse of the Lord for wheate and for wine and for oyle and for the young of the flocke and for the heard c. Jer. 31.12 I will open unto you the windowes of heaven and powre you out a blessing that there shall not be roome to receive it Malac 3.10 2. Good successe and prosperity GOD hath promised prosperity to his children Both to their persons and their purposes They shall prosper that love thee Psal. 122.6 Prosperity shall be within thy palaces ver 7. Good understanding giveth favour Pro. 13.15 Doe according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee that thou maist prosper whithersoever thou goest Josh. 1.7 Then shalt thou make they way prosperous and then thou shalt have good successe ver 8. They shall spend their daies in prosperity and their yeares in pleasures Job 36.11 And all nations shall call you blessed for yee shall be a delight some land Malac. 3.12 The LORD taketh pleasure in the prosperity of his servants Psal. 35.27 Hee that feareth the LORD is and shall be blessed every way blessed Psal. 128.1 2.3 GOD will also give good successe to their purposes and indeavours Whatsoever hee doth shall prosper Psal. 1.3 this was verified in Ioseph Gen. 39.3 23. Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee and the light shall shine upon thy waies Job 22.28 Commit thy way unto the LORD trust also in him and hee shall bring it to passe Psal. 37.5 Promises to GODS children in respect of their Calling Diligence in a calling hath many a sweet promise in the Word of GOD. 1. Abundance and plenty The hand of the diligent maketh rich Pro. 10.4 The soule of the diligent shall be made fat Pro. 13.4 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread Pro. 28.19 at least sufficiency followes it He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread Pro. 12.11 See 27. verse That which is gotten by honest labour is preserved and multiplied Prov. 13.11 2. Protection GOD hath promised to protect those that keepe themselves within the limits of their calling Hee shall give his Angels charge over thee to keepe thee in all thy waies Psal. 91.11 that is so long as thou keepest thy selfe within the waies of thy calling so long shall my Angels preserve thee 3. Promotion it exalteth to honour and authority The hanâ— of the diligent shall beare rule Pro. 12.24 Seest thou a man diligent in his businesse Hee shall stanâ— before Kings hee shall not stanâ— before meane men Prov. 22.29 4. Good successe The recompence of a mans hands shall be rendred unto him Pro. 12.14 They shall build houses and inhabit them they shall plant vineyards and eatâ— the fruit of them They shall not labour in vaine nor bring forth foâ— trouble Esay 65.21 23. There yee shall eate before the LORD your GOD and yee shall reioyce in all that you put your hand unto Yee and your housholds wherein the LORD thy GOD hath blessed thee Deut. 12.7 Deut. 28.8 12. 5. It buildeth the house Pro 24.27 6. It makes sleepe comfortable Eccles. 5.12 The sleepe of a labouring man is sweet and pleasant whether hee eate little or much if little his labour breeds him rest if much his body being strong and hardned by labour causeth easie digestion and uninterrupted sleepe CHAP. VI. GOD hath promised not onely to give these outward things but to blesse them to his children HE will make that prosperous unto the Righteous which they possesse be it little or much Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body and the fruit of thy ground and the fruit of thy cattell the increase of thy kine and the flockes of thy sheepe Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store Deut. 28.4 5. Deut. 7.13 14. The LORD also will blesse thy fruit of thy wombe and the fruit of thy land thy corne and thy wine and thine oyle the increase of thy kine the flockes of thy sheepe there shall be neither male or female barreâ— among them or among your cattell Hee shall not onely enjoy the fruit of his labours but also be blessed in his fruit Psal. 128.1 2. The godly are in a better state for these outward things then the wicked in two respects 1. They have a spirituall right to them which the wicked have not they have these outward things onely by a generall providence during GODS pleasure but the faithfull have them as rewards of their righteousnesse as testimonies of GODS love and care of them 2. They enjoy them as they are a little gives them more content then plenty others Better is a little righteousnesse then great revenues without right Prov. 16.8 more comfortable in respect of inward peace the present use of this life and continuance Better is a little with the feare of the LORD then great treasure and trouble therewith Prov. 15.16 17. The blessing of the LORD maketh rich and hee addeth no sorrow with it Prov. 10.22 GOD giveth his beloved sleepe Psal. 127.2 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soule Pro. 13.25 See Esay 65.13 Eccles. 5.19 3.12 13. Prov. 17.1 THE THIRD BOOK CHAP. 1. 2. SPIRITVALL PROMISES 1. In regard of evill from Temptations 1. Of Satan in generall 2. To uncleannesse Comforts against the temptations of Satan THE Faithfull have a promise to preserve them from such temptations as are incident to their lawfull callings and which they cannot avoid unlesse they would forsake their calling Psal. 91.11 12. In all thy waies seeme they never so dangerous and full of temptation they shall beare thee up The man whose heart is upright shall finde
life from the stock so we have all our life from him 3. GOD is well pleased in CHRIST Mat. 3.17 In whom not with by or through whom but a larger preposition then them all which signifieth two things 1. That GOD is well pleased with CHRIST 2. In and through him with others therefore it is said Ephes. 1.3 GOD hath blessed us with all spirituall blessings in CHRIST verse 4. GOD hath chosen us in him ver 6. accepted us in the beloved ver 7. In him wee have redemption through his blood the forgivenesse of sinnes according to the riches of his grace It is said Acts 13.34 I will give you the sure mercies of David that is all those good things which were promised in CHRIST who was of the seed of David 2. Blessings by CHRIST to the Godly 1. Redemption Who gave himselfe for us that hee might redeeme us from all iniquity Tit. 2.14 We have redemption through his blood Ephes. 1.7 And he shall redeeme Israel from all his iniquitie Psal. 130.8 He hath redeemed them from the curse of the law by being made a curse for them Gal. 3.13 CHRIST JESUS by his owne bloud entred into the holy place having obtained eternall redemption for us Heb. 9.12 CHRIST is made unto us Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 2. Effectuall Calling our particular calling doth interest us in the promises of GOD Acts 2.39 For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are a farre of even to as many as the LORD our GOD shall call there is the condition 3. Justification By his knowledge shall my righteous servant iustifie many Esay 53.11 By him all that beleeve are iustified Acts 13.39 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be iustified Esay 45.25 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GODS Elect it is GOD that iustifieth Rom. 8.33 He iustifieth the ungodly Rom. 4.5 that is saith Beza he makes him righteous in CHRIST who is unrighteous in himselfe 1. Justification consists of two parts 1. Not imputing sinne 2 Cor. 5.19 2. Imputing righteousnes Gal. 3.6 Promises of forgivenesse of sinnes This great benefit of forgivenesse of sinne by CHRIST is plentifully proclaimed unto us miserable sinners Behold the Lambe of GOD which taketh away the sinnes of the world John 1.29 Hee shall beare their iniquities Esay 53.11 Once in the end of the world hath hee appeared to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 He was manifested to take away our sinnes 1 Joh. 3.5 The blood of JESUS CHRIST cleanseth us from all sinne 1 Joh. 1.7 He hath by himselfe purged our sins Heb. 1.3 He bare our sinnes on the tree 1 Pet. 2.24 He loved us and washed us from our sinnes in his owne blood Rev. 1.5 He is the propitiation for our sinnes 1 John 2.2 Hereunto agreeth that invitation of our Saviour Come unto mee all yee that are weary and heavie laden and I will ease you Mat. 11.28 GOD of his rich grace and mercy in JESUS CHRIST doth make offer of free and full forgivenesse of sinnes to every burdened thirstie and penitent soule Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne unto the LORD and hee will have mercy upon him and to our GOD for hee will abundantly pardon Esay 55.7 Returne thou backesliding Israel saith the LORD and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you for I am mercifull saith the LORD and I will not keepe mine anger for ever Jer. 3.22 I will cleanse them from all their iniquity whereby they have sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have sinned and whereby they have transgressed against mee Jer. 33.8 GOD when he forgiveth us so fully acquitteth us of our sins as if we had committed no sinne at all This appeareth by many Metaphors used in the Scripture I am hee that blotteth out thy transgressions saith the LORD Esay 43.25 It is a Metaphore taken from Creditors who when they purpose never to exact a debt will blot it out of their bookes I have put away thy transgressions as a cloud and thy sinnes as a mist saith the same LORD Esay 44.22 The clouds which are driven away by the windes appeare no more nor the mist which is dried up by the Sunne so the sinnes which GOD forgiveth returne not againe thou hast cast all my sins behind thy backe saith Hezekiah to GOD Esay 38.17 that which a man would not look on or regard that he casteth behind his backe Thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea saith Micah to the LORD When a man would have a thing utterly forgotten hee will cast it into the bottome of the Sea from whence there is no fetching it againe The Psalmist pronounceth him blessed whose sinne is covered Psal. 32.1 A thing covered is not seene hee hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob nor seene perversenesse in Israel Numb 23.21 The same Psalmist pronounceth him blessed to whom the LORD imputeth not sinne Psal. 32.2 a sinne not imputed is as not committed as Merchants when they will forgive a debt put it not into the reckoning and so do not impute it GOD himselfe saith I will forgive their iniquities and I will remember their sinne no more Ier. 31.34 the latter clause expounds the former to forgive is to remember no more that is never to call that to account which was once remitted Thus GOD blotteth out our sinnes that they condemne us not Putteth them away that they hurt us not Casteth them behind his backe as though he regarded them not And into the Sea that they drowne us not Covers them that they appeare not Doth not impute them as though they were not Forgetteth them so that he punisheth them not All the blessings in the new Covenant are given with remission of sinnes When GOD forgives a mans sinnes then hee gives him all other things Sanctification and whatsoever else as we see at large Ezek. 36.26 The LORD there after he had promised to forgive all their sins hee saith hee will give them a new heart hee will cause them to walke in his waies and then hee comes with outward mercies too hee promiseth them deliverance from their enemies and other good things in the rest of the Chapter but all other things come in with remission of sinnes Acts 10.43 To him give all the Prophets witnesse that through his name we have remission of sinnes The Prophets gave witnesse concerning CHRIST of many other things besides remissâ—on of sins that we have in his name which wee have by him but all other things come with this GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 a marvellous great mercy it consists in this that their sinnes were not imputed The priviledges of the new Covenant are chained together Whom hee hath predestinated them also hee called and whom he called them
appointing the fittest times and seasons for all things so as may most make for his owne glory and his childrens good Let us therefore imitate David Iob and Simeon spoken of before in waiting for the accomplishment of GODS promises and hoping in him even against hope as Abraham did though sence reason and experience should be against us yet let us cleave to the Promises and waite upon GOD who never faileth those that trust in him 1 Pet. 1.13 5. Joy Promises of it This is notably set out unto us in the booke of Psalmes Psal. 19.8 The Statutes of the LORD are right reioycing the heart Psal. 23.4 Thy rod and thy staffe they comfort mee Psal. 36.8 9. Thou shalt make them drinke of the river of thy pleasures for with thee is the fountaine of life and in thy light shall we see light Psal. 89.15 16. Blessed is the people that know the ioyfull sound they shall walke O LORD in the light of thy countenance In thy name shall they reioyce all the day and in thy righteousnesse shall they be exalted Psal. 45.15 With gladnesse and reioycing shall they be brought Psal. 64.10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD Psal. 68.3 Let the righteous be glad let them reioyce before GOD yea let them exceedingly reioyce Psal. 97.11 12. Light is sowen for the righteous and gladnesse for the upright in heart Reioyce in the LORD yee righteous Psal. 118.15 The voice of reioycing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous Psal. 132.16 Her Saints shall shout aloud for ioy The bookes of the Prophets are full of these Promises Notable is that sweet song of Esay GOD is my Salvation I will trust and not be afraid for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song hee also is become my salvation Therefore with ioy shall yee draw water out of the wells of Salvation or Consolation The whole 35. Chapter of Esay is full of heavenly consolation to as Gentiles verse 1. The wildernesse and thâ— solitary place shall be glad for thâ—m and the desert shall reioyce and blossome as the rose See ver 10. Esay 56.7 I will make them ioyfull in my house of prayer In the 66. of Esâ—y are many sweet consolations vâ—rse 10. to 14. our Saviour likewise said to his Disciples that their hearts should reioyce and their ioy should no man take away from them Joh. 16.22 Paul saith The kingdome of GOD is in righteousnesse peace and ioy in the HOLY GHOST Rom. 14.17 The HOLY GHOST workes it in the heart one of his fruites is joy Gal. 5.22 The LORD makes so many promises of this one thing to make us see 1. That there can be no holding out in a Christian course without this joy 2. By reason of the many evills that befall us in this life it is very hard to get much more to keepe this joy 6. Love of 1. GOD. 2. CHRIST 3. Our Brethren 4. Our Enemies A Promise 1. Of the Love of GOD. And the LORD thy GOD will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to love the LORD thy GOD with all thy heart and with all thy soule that thou maist live Deut. 30.6 As if the LORD had said I will ingraft the true love of my selfe in your hearts which you will increase in and constantly proceed in the same and then I will account and accept of it for the full measure of love that my law requireth Promises 2. To the Love of GOD. Many things are promised to those that love GOD. 1. Preservation The LORD preserveth all them that love him Psal. 145.20 2. Plenty GOD will cause them to inherit substance and will fill their treasures Proverbs 8.21 3. Deliverance Because hee hath set his love upon mee therefore will I deliver him Psal. 91.14 4. Joy unspeakeable and glorious 1 Cor. 2.9 10. That Text is chiefly meant of the Gospels joy of the wine and fatlings revealed to the Beleever by the Spirit 5. GOD knowes them loves them will keepe his Covenant with them sheweth mercy to them and their posterity and hath promised them a crowne of life If any man love GOD the same is knowne of him 1 Cor. 8.3 I love them that love mee Pro. 8.17 Hee is the faithfull GOD which keepeth Covenant and mercy with them that love him Deut. 7.9 Which sentence is repeated twice in the very same words Nehem. 1.5 Dan. 9.4 He sheweth mercy to them and thousands of their generations that love him Exod. 20.6 Hee shall receive the crowne of life which the LORD hath promised to them that love him James 1.12 2.5 6. All things shall worke together for their good Rom. 8.28 Promises To the Love of CHRIST If any man serve mee him will my Father honour John 12.26 He that loveth mee shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will manifest my selfe unto him Iohn 14.21 23. Promises to the love of our Brethren It is the cognizance of a Disciple and a signe of spirituall life By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if yee love one another John 13.35 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light 1 John 2.10 And is translated from death to life 1 John 3.14 If we love one another GOD dwelleth in us 1 Iohn 4.12 Promises to the love of our Enemies It is a matter of great credit to forgive for thereby we are declared to be The children of our heavenly Father Matth. 5.44 45. Love your enemies and doe good and your reward shall be great Luke 6.35 If thine enemy be hungry give him bread to eate and if he be thirsty give him water to drinke For thou shalt heape coales of fire upon his head and the LORD shall reward thee Pro. 25.21 22. Thine enemy that is hee that hates thee not hee whom thou hatest for thou must hate none give him bread that is all things necessary in time of his neede if occasion bee offered for by thy beneficence thou shalt overcome his evill and provoke him to love or if not GOD will certainely reward thee It is also matter of Comfort for us for if wee forgive so shall we also be forgiven If yee forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you Matth. 6.14 the same is Marke 11.25 and Luke 6.37 7. Feare Promises of Feare GOD promiseth to make us feare him Hee saith in his New Covenant that he will put his feare into our hearts as Ier. 32.39 40. and that wee shall feare him for ever The LORD doth oft repeate this promise as Deut 4.10 where one speciall meanes whereby this feare is wrought is set downe Gather mee the people together and I will make them heare my words that they may learne to feare mee all the daies that they shall live upon the earth and that they may teach their children So Pro. 2.5 They who seeke for wisedome shall understand the feare
to be conveyed wheresoever they are Prayer is profitable to obtaine every thing as is evident by the promise of CHRIST Iohn 16.23 Verily verily I say unto you whatsoever yee shall aske the Father iâ— my name hee will give it you Note the certainty of the promise in CHRISTS vehement asseveration note the generality of it whatsoever Our Saviour oft repeated such promises in those heavenly and last speeches which he uttered to his Disciples Iohn 14.13 Ioh. 15.7 16 See Mar. 11.24 Iohn 9.31 1 Iohn 3.22 5.14 15. I may say of prayer as the Apostle saith of Godlinesse it hath the promises of this life and that which is to come 1. For this life Temporall and Spirituall things are promised to prayer 1. Temporall 1. The prayer of faith shall save the sicke and the LORD shall raise him up Iam. 5.15 2. Spirituall 1. It obtaineth remission of sins and if hee have committed sinnes they shall be forgiven him the same verse of 5. of Iâ—mes 2. The Spirit How much more shall your heavenly Father give good things to them that aske him Matth. 7.11 Give the holy Spirit to them that aske him So it is Luke 11 13. 2. For the life to come Prayer obtaineth eternall life and salvation For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved Rom. 10.13 That Promise that is made to our prayers runs thus If thou prepare thine heart and stretch out thine hands towards him c. Iob 11.13 The stretching out of our hands or of our voice either is to little purpose if our heart be not prepared first Promises To fervent prayer Then yee shall call upon me and ye shall goe and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you And ye shall seeke me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart that is truly and fervently saith Greenham The effectuall prayer of a righteous man availeth much both for the helping of the body and healing of the soule but with this proviso if it be fervent open thy mouth wide that is earnestly confidently call upon me and I will fill it that is I will satisfie thy desire to the full Aske and it shall be given you seeke and yee shall find knocke and it shall be opened unto you Matth. 7.7 Aske seeke knocke It is not a simple repetition of the same thing but a gradation It shews instantissimam neâ—essitatem saith Austen Aske â—s a begger seeke as with a candle knocke as one that hath powâ—r with importunity One thus descants upon the place Aske with the mouth seek with the heart knock with the hand and it shall be given you that is for Temporall things and yee shall find that is for Spirituall things and it shall be opened unto you that is for Eternall things Promises 1. To Secret Prayer When thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy dore pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly 2. To Private or Family prayer Where two or three are gathered together in my name there aâ— I in the midst of them Matth 18.20 3. To publike prayer Publike for 1. Matter 2. Place 1. A promise to those that pray for the Church Remember Sion they shall prosper that love thee Psalme 122.6 7. 2. Promises to the prayers of the Congregation made in the Church Hierusalem had singular promises made unto it such as had no particular Church in the world besides Psalm 132.14 There is a speciall promise made to the prayers made in the Temple 2 Chron. 7.15 Mine eyes shall be open and mine eares attent unto the prayer tâ—at is made in this place 1 Kings 9.3 The LORD hath promised that he will cause his servants to rejoyce in the granting of their suites which they shall make unto him in his owne house Esay 56.7 upon the like promise made by GOD Salomon at the consecration of the Temple 1 King 8.30 33. groundeth his Prayer that the LORD would in speciall manner heare the suites and supplications of his servants publikely assembled in his Temple to call upon him See the 5. Book cap 1. A promise To Preaching GOD hath made a speciall promise to this that he will be with it to assist and blesse it Matth. 28.20 I am with you alwaies even unto the end of the world Promises To Reading In Reading of the Word if we understand not we should apply these Promises Prov. 1.23 I will powre out my Spirit unto you I will make knowne my Words unto you Prov. 1.4 It gives subtilty to thâ— simple to the young men knowledge and discretion The Commandement of the LORD is pure inlightningâ— the eyes Ps. 19.8 GOD hath promised to teach and instruct such by his Spirit that bring good and honest hearts to the reading and hearing of the Word Psal. 25.12 What man is he that fearth the LORD him will he teach in the way that he shall choose The promise of finding is made to those who seeke as for gold and search as for treasure Pro. 2.3 4 5. Promises to sâ—ch as love the Word of GOD. Great peace have they which love thy Law and nothing shall offend them Ps. 119.165 Blessed is the man that delighteth greatly in his commandements Ps. 112.1 A promise to those that waite for the Word There is a blessing promised to such hearers as wait for the Word Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting at the posts of my doores For who so findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favour of the LORD Promises that GODS children shall hearken to the Word The eares of them that heare shall hearken Psa. 32 3. See Esaias 50.4 Acts 16.14 Promises to such as conscionably hearken to the Word Hoe every one that thirsteth come yee to the water and he that hath no mony come yee buy and eat yea come buy wine and milke without mony and without price Hearken diligently unto me and eat ye that which is good and let your soule delight it selfe in fatnesse Encline your eare and come unto me heare and your soule shall live c. There the LORD freely offereth saving grace to such as have none and nothing whereby they might purchase it 2. He setteth out a way wherby they might injoy it viz. a diligent hearing and beleiving GODS Word 3. He makes most sweet promises that their soule shall live that is they shall be quickned in CHRIST and in him the seed of David be made partakers of those mercies which shall never decay If thou warne the righteous man that the righteous sinne not and he doth not sin he shall surely live because he is warned Ezek. 3.21 The conscionable hearing of GODS Word quickens the soule and makes it to live both the life of grace and of glory He that heareth my word and beleeveth on him that sent
me hath everlasting life the houre is comming and now is when the dead shall heare the voyce of the Sonne of GOD and they that heare shall live John 5.24 25. not such a voyce as shall call them out of their graves as in the 28. verse for he saith now is but the meaning of the place is that those which were dead in sinne should be quickned either by CHRIST in his own person or by his Word in his Ministers The titles given to the Word expresse this It is called the Word of life Acts 5.20 Phil. 2.16 John 6 68. The Word of grace Acts 20.32 The word of Salvation Acts 13. â—6 Salvation it selfe and life eâ—erlasting Heb. 2.3 Acts 28.28 John 12.50 The word is able to save our soules Jam. 1.21 1 Tim. 4.16 1 Cor. 1.21 To this purpose there are so many commendations of the Word specially in the Psâ—lmes and Proâ—erbes Psal. 19. â— The lâ—w of the LORD is perfect c. the whole 119. Psalm was written to set out the excellency of the Word The nine first Chapters of the Proverbes Take fâ—â—st hold of instruction let her not goe keepe her for she is thy life Pro. 4.13 Instruction is our life therby we attain all things pertaining to the comfort of this life and of that to come See Pro. 1.9 23. Pro. 2. from 1. to 13. Prov. 3.3 to 4. 13. ver to 24. Prov. 4.5 to 14. 20. to 23. Prov. 6.20 to 24. Pro. 7.1 to 5. and the whole eighth Chapter Sanctifie them through thy truth thy word is truth John 17.17 Doe not my words doe good to him that walketh uprightly Micah 2.7 As new born babes desire the sincere milke of the word that yee may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 The comparisons which are used to set forth the profit of the Word confirme this it is resembled to The light Esay 9.2 Raine Deut. 32.2 Deaâ— there also living water Zach. 14.8 Wine and milke Esay 55.1 2. It is able 1. To inlighten with saving knowledge the simplest that shall heare and read it with an honest heart Psalme 119.130 2. To reform the heart and life of him that hath the strongest corruptions Psal. 119.9 3. To comfort and revive the heart that is most cast down either with inward or outward afflictions Esay 57.19 4. To preserve and adde knowledge and grace to them that have best profited Mar. 4.24 Whensoever we goe to the Word we should meditate on some of these precious promises to incourage us to attend unto GODS Word with expectation of his blessing on our labours Promises For the Sacraments 1. In generall They are the Seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom. 4.11 or of the Covenant of grace The Apostle speaks of both Sacraments 1 Cor. 12.13 2. The specialâ— Sacraments Baptisme LORDS Supper 1. Baptisme Promises to it It is called The laver of regeneration Tit. 3.5 The Baptisme of repentance for remission of sinnes Mar 1.4 Act. 2.38 Our sins are said to be washed away Act. 22.16 Heb. 10.22 and Baptisme saveth 1 Pet. 3.21 all which belong to the blood of CHRIST Rev. 1.5 1 John 1.7 our Saviour saith we must be borne of water John 3.5 that is be made GODS children by receiving CHRIST as John 1.12 GOD hath promised that he will baptise us with the HOLY GHOST and with fire Mat. 3.11 2. LORDS Supper Promâ—ses to it When our LORD JESUS did ordaine it he speaking of the Bread said This is my body and of the Wine This is my blood of the New Testament Mat. â—6 26 28. that is these outward signes and seales were most sure and certain pledges of his body and blood which he did as truly give to be spirituall food as he gave the bread and wine to be bodily food to every believer 1 Cor. 10.16 There is a full meale 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 14.17 Bread and Wine comprehend entire food for humidum siccum are all that are required unto food this is promised Esay 25.6 In this mountaine shall the LORD of Hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things a feast of wines on the lees c. that is he would make for his Church compleat provision So Pro 9.5 A Lawfull Oath Promises to it God hath promised to reward it 1. In this life Jer. 12.16 If they will learne the wayes of my people to sweare the LORD liveth c. then shall they be built in the midst of my people 2. In the life to come with eternall happinesse for he that sweareth and chargeth not though it be to his owne hinderance he shall dwell in GODS holy Mountaine Psal. 15 4. Fasting Promises to it Be afflicted and mourne and weepe let your laughter be turned to mourning and your ioy to heavinesse Humble your selves in the sight of the LORD and he shall lift you up Jâ—m 4.9 10. If thou fast in secâ—â—t thy Father which seeth in secreâ— will reward thee openly Mat. 6.18 Joel 2.12 13 14 15 18 19. first a fast is prescribed then a blessing promised Praising GOD. Promises of it They shall praise the LORD that seeke him Ps. 22.26 They shall shew forth my praise Esay 43.21 Yee shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the LORD Joel 2.26 where GOD promiseth temporall blessings and a thankfull heart it is an evident signe of the continuance of them as there in Joel And Deuter. 8.10 Esay 62.8 9. Promises to it Them that honour me I will honour 1 Sam. 2.30 He that offereth praise glorifieth me Psal. 50.23 Praise is one of the Sacrifices with which GOD is well-pleased Heb. 13.15 16. Psal. 69.30 31. Let all the people praise thee O GOD let all the people praise thee Then shall the Earth yeeld her increase and GOD even our owne GOD shall blesse us Psal. 67.5 6. Promises To Meditation Mercy and truth shall be to them which devise good Pro 14 22. Thinke of these things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me and the GOD of peace shall be with you Phil. 4.8 9. Let not the booke of the Law depart out of thy mouth but meditate therin day and night that thou maist observe to doe according to all that is written therin for then shalt thou make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good successe Josh. 1.8 Blessed is the man that meditates on the Word day and night Psal. 1.2 Promises To Self-examination If we would iudge our selves we should not be iudged 1 Cor. 11.31 Let every man proove his owne work and then he shall have reioycing in himselfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 Promises To those that conscionably sanctifie the LORDS day The sanctifying of the LORDS â—ay will bring comfort and hapâ—inesse to soule and body 1. Blessings Spirituall 13. v. â—â—d Temporall 14. of 58. of Esay If thou turn away thy foot from the â—abbath from doing thy