the Author was known anâ— a seal is the mark whereby genuine things aâ— discerned from counterfeit all these are thâ— uses of the spirits sealing to confirm oâ—â— hearts in the truth of God in his promiseâ— against all the temptations of Satan thâ— blessed sealing is more prevalent for our coâ—firmation than all philosophical reasons oâ— demonstrations 5. Another way to beget assurance amoâ—â— men is a solemn Oath and we know an Oaâ— for confirmation is to them an end of all strisâ— Heb. 6.16 and thus God willing more abuâ—dantly to shew unto the heirs of promise thâ— immutability of his Council confirmed it bâ— an Oath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Invâ—tat praemio salutem jurans etiam vivo dicens câ—pit credi sibi O beatos nos queâ— causa deus jurat O misâ—rrimos sinec juranti domino credimus Tertâ— de poen or interposed himself by an Oathâ— it is very observable to consider the form 〈◊〉 the Oath God swears by himself who 〈◊〉 the living and true God he could swear by â—o greater and it is observed that two things make a thing more credible 1. the qualiâ—y of the person speaking 2. The manner of the speech Now the form of the Oath â—n Gen. 22.16 is exceeding emphatical to Abraham partly because of the asseveration surely Gen. 22.16 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Est particula caâ—salis coaditionalis partly because of the duplication in blessing I will bless thee if I speak â—t it shall be done moreover the form of the expression in Genesis is strange for it is thus Quid tibi prodest si Deus se juramâ—nto oâ—stâ—ingâ—t si tu haec quasi communâ—m audiâ—ns fabulam transeas Jurare diâ—itâ—r deus ut tu audiens paveas intreâ—iscas metu consternatus inquiras quid illud tantum est pro â—o deus jurare dicitur Orâ—g Homil. 9. super Gen. 22. if I bless thee thou shalt be blessed or because I bless thee or if I do not bless thee which is the form of an Oath Heb. â—4 3 as if he should say then let me not be true just yea let me not be God God pawns his faithfulness upon it and may he not then be believed but for what end is this it is to confirm his promises and assure the hearts of all the heirs of promise that he intends to do and will accomplish what he hath spoken that they might have strong consolation and that he might take away all doubts and haesitation and all this he doth for the heirs of promise he would not have done thus for others but he doth this and much more to satisfie his doubting Children 6. Yet further men use to give a pawn a pledge to assure others of their real purpose to make good the bargain and this is part of the payment this also doth our gracious God 2 Cor. 1.22 Cap 5.5 Ephes 1.14 his spirit is the earnest of our inheritance untill the redemption of the purchased possession an earnest is used in purchasing Land in hiring of Servants and in contracting Marriage and when ever the Lord puts his Holy Spirit into the heart it s as a pledge of all the mercies of the Covenant and of our eternal inheritance and though some men may be unfaithful so far as rather to lose their earnest than make good their bargain yet we may be assured God will not do so for it is as impossible that any saving grace of the Spirit should be cast into hell as it is for any sin to enter into Heaven God will not lose his pledge but fetch the soul to Heaven when he hath fetcht the heart to himself Grace is the Prologue and Praeludium to Glory the first Resurrection leads the van to the second a gracious change prepares for a glorious change Rom. 8.11 if the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his spirit that dwelleth in you the spirit confirms the promises and we need not fear any danger of retractation not but that the promises are firm enough but he would establish our hearts in the faith thereof and acquiescence therein lest any question it 7. Another way whereby men testifie their cordial resolution to make good promises is by doing a great part of the work which gives real evidence they will do the rest he that promiseth to give another a thousand pounds Should a King promise to erect some Colledge and give liberal maintenance to Students in it we are certain by an humane faith that he will do such a thing thâ—ugh it be not begun but if the foundations be in laying we see its execution in part and are assured it will be finished Baâ—us on Eâ—h c. 1. v. 17. p. 144. and hath already given him nine hundred may he not rationally trust him for the rest or suppose there were but one pound or a penny behind there is great reason to conside in him for what is wanting why truly the Lord hath performed the greatest part of the promises of the Covenant the great promise of the Covenant was that the seed of the Woman should break the Serpents head that the Son of God should be incarnate be in mans stead in life and death to satisfie justice fulfil the Law and by his death bring in everlasting rightcousness and he hath already done it now saith the Apostle Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son See Rom. 4.8 9 10. Qui misit unigenâ—tum immisit spiritum pâ—omisit vultum quid tandem tibi negaturus ost Bern. but delivered him up for us all how shall be not with him also freely give us all things God is before-hand with us yea if we be indeed heirs of promise he hath made good good another grand branch of the New Covenant in giving the conditions of the Covenant faith repentance and new obedience so that the main business is already done the writings are made sealed signed and delivered there wants nothing but actual possession nay there is a Seisin and delivery of part of the inheritance and dare we not trust God for the remainder certainly we have good reason so to do the contrary is unreasonable 8. God hath gone another step which is to work many Miracles for the confirmation of these sure mercies this is a degree further than man can reach to make any thing sure hence saith our sweet Saviour Joh. 5.36 I have greater witness than that of John for the works which the Father hath given me to finish the same works that I do bear witness of me that the father hath sent me this Text shews the true and proper end and efficacy of Christs miracles Igâ—tur non sâ—â—â— muta sâ—d voâ—ahssira ideo non simpliciter intuenda sed intelligâ—nter audienda Marl. in loc they are not dumb shews but have a voice and cry aloud for
THE SURE MERCIES OF DAVID Or a Second Part of HEART-TREASURE Wherein is contained the supream and substance of Gospel-mercies purchased by Christ and Promised in the Covenant of Grace together with the several ways how they are made sure to all the Heirs of Promise and how they are to be improved for the Saints Fort and Defence Settlement and Incouragement in shaking and back-sliding times Being the fruit of some Meditations upon Isa 55.3 By O. Heywood an unprofitable Minister of the Gospel Zech. 9.11 As for thee also by the blood of thy Covenant I have sent forth thy Prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water Evangelium est ceu vehiculum quoddam per quod ad nos defertur Christus cum justitia suâ omnibus donis Luth. tom 3. f. 428. a. LONDON Printed by R. W. for Tho. Parkhurst and are to be sold at his Shop at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel To all the Heirs of Promise the Saints of the most high God the Sons and Daughters of Abraham whom God hath betrothed to himself in the sweet Gospel-Covenant and who live in hopes of their nuptial day preparing in grace to enter into the chambers of glory at death and the general Resurrection grace mercy and peace TWo things my Dearly beloved in the Lord are absolutely necessary to make souls happy 1. That the â—hing possessed be fully adaequate to the nature of the soul 2. That â—t be made over to it legally and everlastingly for if either any thing be defective at present to give content or there be danger of losing it it is not commensurate to the souls state or need for as this immortal spark infused into man whereby he is a rational creature is vast and capacious in its desires and dimensions so it is very lasting yea everlasting in its continuance and duration therefore its riches that must make it happy must be both suitable and durable But all the creatures fall short in both the soul of man travelling through this spacious universe upon the feet of its affections and following the guidance of the intellectual faculties the souls ear and eye can get no satisfying sight or report in answer to that curious inquest who will shew me any good to fix upon the creature is to set our eyes upon that which is not for its vanity yea to place our hopes on that which hath a lye in its right hand and so becomes vexation of spirit in an astonishing disappointment woe were to man if there were no hopes for him but in this life and great were his infelicity if what Atheists say and think that there is no God were true how poorly should this Princely thing in man be served with the sordid husks of creatures how base and bruitish would its life be how well becoming man would that Epitaph be of the Epicure which Cicero saith was fitter to be writ on an Oxes grave than mans Haec habeo quae edi quaeque exsaturata libido hausit the things my greedy appetite hath devoured are mine as they cry But let such Brutified Sots that understand nothing of the worth or proper food of immortal souls feed on husks let the Heaven-born Saints aspire to other nourishment if the mixed multitude of common professors linger after the Aegyptian food of Cucumbers Numb 11.4 5. Qui mundo adhaeserunt ut marinis petris alga contemnunt immortalitatem sicut Senex Ithacensts qui non veritatem coel stem patriam eam quae vere est lucem sed fumum optabat Clem. Alexand. adm ad gen Melons Leeks Onions and Garlick the real Saints feed on Heavenly Manna the flesh and blood of Christ is the proper pabulum animae or nourishment of the soul the soul hath a more tender appetite which requires answerable food it cannot feed on such course stuffe as worldly delights hear David begging as for an alms but what alms begs he mercies but what mercies tender mercies Psal 40.11 withhold not thy tender mercies from me O Lord q. d. there are common mercies that fill the bellies and cloath the bodies of good and bad but these will not serve my turn nor save my soul the mercies that will do me good for ever are tender things of another stamp that come streaming through the blood of a Mediator that are dipt in Covenant love and such as can fill and feed and feast my soul for ever These are the mercies that God hath dropt into your bosoms oh the heirs of promise and these are the mercies described and deciphered in this Treatise I have gone out to measure the Land of Promise and according to grace received I have viewed it in the length and breadth thereof and I have no reason to bring up an evil report on it it 's a Land flowing with Milk and Honey a blessed and beautiful Land which God careth for and if the Lord delight in you he will bring you into it what though there be Giants and Anakims of opposition in Heavens way fear them not for they are bread for us shall turn to the Saints nourishment and their defence is departed from them the Lord is with us Let not our hearts faint God will carry us as upon Eagles Wings he will give us a pillar of Cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night sure mercies in the way and everlasting mercies in the end this is the true Arabia felix yet far beyond that which though it abounded with spices and gold profits and pleasures yet stupifies the senses of the inhabitants with its suffocating sweetness but there 's no nauseous disgusting of heavenly delights by those that partake thereof the longer you enjoy them the more you long after them and the fuller draught you take the sweeter rellish they have Oh the pleasure a soul may have in divine things other things will stink in comparison of these ravishing delights no pleasures like those that come from above but that which adds an Emphasis to these is that they are sure as well as sweet abiding as well as abounding pleasures God the Author and object of them is immutable the spring of them the love of God the meritorious cause Christs blood the way of conveyance precious promises all these are settled and the same as long as the soul needs mercies it enjoys them for we have grace to help in time of need God will not men cannot pluck away these mercies from you you that have a well-grounded title thereunto God will not for the gifts and callings of God are without repentance and whom he loves once he loves to the end men cannot for they are above and beyond their reach Sole sale omnia conservantur these mercies are made sure to you by a Covenant of Salt which is a symbole of incorruption they wear not away with length of time nor are they snatcht away by humane violence the Tyrants rage cannot pluck sure mercies
Redeemer there is both sympathie ability and authority and therefore he will effectually manage his glorious undertaking yet that 's not all for 2. In the 22 ver 't is said that he gave him to be the head over all things to the Church i. e. not only to be the head of the Church but to be Head and Governour over all things for the good of the Church so that now the whole world is subordinate to him for the advantage of elect souls and now every thing shall help them forward towards Heaven yet further there is something more in the phrase and that is that as the head is gone before to Heaven so the members shall undoubtedly follow after and so salvation shall be sure and this is very clear in that admirable Text Ephes 2.6 and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus i. e. thus it 's as sure as if were there already or we are set there in our representative Jesus Christ or these holy places and priviledges on earth are an earnest of glory but indeed the saints are already saved so saith Paul ver Rom. 8.24 5. by grace ye are saved and elsewhere we are saved by hope so that we have as it were taken up our rooms as one saith in Heaven afore-hand whereunto we have just right upon earth by vertue of union which is the ground of communion for he that hath the Son hath life Quia nondum haec quae commemorat in membris apparent propter arcanam tamen unitatem ad mimbra certò pertinent Calvin in loc i. e. he hath possession of it as by Turf or Twig he hath in a sort Seisin and delivery our head is in Heaven and although these things yet appear not in the members yet because of the hidden union betwixt the head and members that which is peculiar to the one is appropriated to the other hence saith the Apostle again Col. 3.3 4. Your life is hid with Christ in God when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall ye also appear with him in glory when the dull shell of our mortal bodies shall be broken then shall the pearl of Grace shine forth in its lustre and glory Yea he will also change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto the glorious body of Jesus Christ Phil. 3.21 2. Yet further Christs intercession now he is in Heaven assures us of the certainty of Covenant-mercies for he is Mediator 1 Tim. 2 5. a middle person and so fit to negotiate the business with God for poor man and he intercedes effectually for guilty souls by vertue of the worthiness of his own person and merits and as an advocate in a legal and judicial way he sollicits for them and pleads their cause and he appears in Heaven for them vindicating them from all accusations and will not all this satisfie further Christs intercession is of large extent and of as powerful efficacy for he can refuse no cause put on him but must and will intercede being imployed so he cannot but be heard alwayes and his promise is as full whatsoever ye ask in my name it shall be done unto you Joh. 14.13 14. nay I will do it the Intercessour is the Executour See this Doctrine of Christs intercession pithily and profitably opened in Mr. Durhams Expos of Revel 8.1 Lect. 1. pag. 407. to 414. But I shall not be large in this sweet point of Christs Intercession because many have Writ much about it only take notice of that well-known Text in Heb. 7.25 for a close of this head Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them this Text is a notable demonstration of the excellency of Christs Priestly Office tending to the confirmation of this point and consolation of believers wherein are these seven things 1. The end of it and that is to save souls and the Infinite God will certainly accomplish his end men may fall short but God cannot miscarry I work saith he and who shall let it 2. The universality of it he saves all i. e. all believers rich and poor whether they have more or less worthiness for they are not saved for their own but for Christs merits 3. The efficacy thereof he saves to the uttermost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. to the uttermost point or term of life even to death and beyond it or so as none can mend his work for as he is the author so he is the finisher of our faith and hope consolation and salvation none can come after him to finish what he hath begun and he saves to the uttermost from all kinds of enemies none can challenge an interest in souls after he hath done his work and he saves to the uttermost i. e. he leaves them not till he have brought them into the highest happiness that Creatures are capable to enjoy there is all manner of perfection in this salvation 4. Here is the subjects or persons saved those that come to God or the condition coming to God by Christ now this is such a disposition as he himself doth work for the power of his spirit doth effectually draw souls to God Joh. 6.44 45. the condition is believing and he works the condition Christ is that sure Ladder of Jacob by which souls may ascend to God and into Heaven never any fell off this Ladder or miscarryed that came to God by Christ 5. Christs ability to carry on that work in the first words be is able this we cleared in the first head concerning the union of the two natures he is omnipotent therefore he is said to be mighty to save and if he can do any thing in this soul saving work he will not fail those that lay the whole stress of their souls upon him 6. Here 's his capacity to save for the Text saith he ever lives a living Saviour can revive dying dead souls if Christ were not alive there would be no hope of life by him in vain should we seek for living injoyments among the dead but our Saviour is revived and lives for ever he is the living Bread that came down from Heaven Joh. 6.5 and is again risen and ascended up into Heaven and because he lives we live also 7. There 's his compleat execution of his present office he ever liveth to make intercession for them saith the Text therefore must needs compleat the work he hath begun on earth as the High-priest under the Law Levit. 16.14 Heb. 9.11.12 our Mediatour sprinkles the vertue of his meritorious Offering here on earth upon the mercy-seat now in Heaven and continually bears the names of his Saints upon his brest and appears in the presence of God for us Heb. 9.24 so that we have a friend in our nature to own us in open Court yea God the Father bade him welcome
they are dear to Jesus Christ but free to us they are purchased with the warmest blood in the veins of the Son of God yea he thought his dearest heart-blood well bestowed to purchase these sure mercies he sees of the Travel of his soul and is well satisfied the fruits of his purchase are the joy of his heart he thinks these worth all his pains pain and dolours God the father is well pleased and accounts these mercies a valuable fruit of his Sons purchase and shall not we be thankful 3. They are Deep mercies Aquae quo sunt profundiores eo sunt puriores quoniam crassa terrea materia in profundum depressa est hinc profunditatem a quarum bibea Ezek. 34.18 high and broad and have all the dimensions of greatness Psal 36.5 6. these mercies can fetch up a drooping despairing soul out of the grave yea out of Hell be the soul sunk as low as sin can make it in this World these mercies can fetch it up and raise it out of the grave and pit of silence and save to the uttermost Oh what a long arm of mercy hath been reached forth unto your troubled hearts in your low estate and doth not this deserve thankfulness 4. They are Designed mercies purposely designed aimed and intended to set forth riches of grace the infinite contrivance of the blessed God to magnifie riches of love to sinners 't is true God intended to set off his power wisdom justice truth but he hath magnified his mercy above all the rest of his name it 's beyond the rest of his works the attributes of God are set very high but mercy sits in the chiefest Throne he declares to Angels and Saints what he can do for sorry man oh advance free-grace 5. They are Dignifying mercies such honour have all his Saints oh what an height doth God raise his Covenant-Children to he deals bountifully with them by these Covenant-mercies was David raised up on high 2 Sam. 23.1 and therefore confesseth that God regarded him according to the estate of a man of high degree 1 Chron. 17.17 and truly it is the highest preferment in the World to partake of these sure mercies and therefore we have great cause of thankfulness 6. They are Sanctifying mercies they season all other mercies and make common mercies to become Covenant-mercies yea they make crosses mercies they perfume the most offensive griefs and are like Moses's Tree that sweetens the Waters of Marah if you poure a paile of Water on the floor it seems a little Sea but pour it into the Ocean it 's swallowed up and seems nothing so afflictions out of the Covenant are intollerable but as in Covenant-love they are inconsiderable the depth of mercies drowns the depth of miseries and is not this ground of thankfulness 7. They are Separating mercies hereby are Gods Children distinguished from all the people that are upon the face of the Earth Exod. 33.16 19. even in their finding grace in Gods sight and his presence with them and making his goodness pass before them if there be any discriminating mercies for any of the Children of men as protection provision direction these Covenant-mercies usher them in and sort them out to the heirs of Promise and if they be good for them they shall partake thereof then bless God 8. They are Sealing mercies they signifie exhibit and represent Gods love to the soul where-ever these mercies are laid up in the breast of a sinner that soul is the Jedidiah or beloved of Gods soul they testifie such a souls relation to God and Gods affection to it wicked men are strangers to Covenant-love Gods people are the proper subjects of these endeared thoughts of Gods heart and are you of that number oh give God the glory of this mercy 9. They are Extensive mercies they are exceeding broad they have wide arms and embrace all the heirs of Promise not a gracious soul though never so poor is left out yea they are largely extended to every Christians state case exigency and necessity let doubts be what they will let â—ears falls faults be sad and soul-astonishing yet these sure mercies will answer all they are commensurate and proportionated to all conditions of soul body estate relations oh bless God for them 10. They are Comprehensive mercies they contain all the good that God promiseth or a soul needeth grace and glory holiness and happiness peace and pardon all our fresh springs are herein the good things of this life and of a better and there are many precious things put forth by this Sun of righteousness in a Covenant-way Oh what cause have we to bless God and admire free-grace that hath not only given us the spiritual good things of his Kingdom righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost but temporal good things by a sure and sweet tenure so that these sure mercies of the Covenant insure unto us the corporal mercies that are good for us and and after another and better manner than any uncovenanted persons though never so great can enjoy them for in a Covenant-way believers do enjoy common-mercies 1. More refinedly taken off the dregs oâ— cares and sorrows Prov. 10.22 a Saints bread Psal 81.16 though never so course is of the finest of the wheat and he is satisfied with honey out of the rock Luk. 8.18 Psal 39. yea they come 2. More really other comforts are but seeming comforts as man walketh in a vain shew so what he enjoys is but a dream but outward comforts coming through the blood of Christ are solid substantial refreshments again they come more 3. Sweetly have not those prickles and stings that worldly things have to natural men Oh the peace and quietness that a Christian enjoys with outward comforts and further comforts come to a Child of God more 4. Serviceably the creature doth homage to its Maker and Masters Children so that what they have is for their good and doth them good and comforts also come more 5. Satisfyingly a Godly man is more contented with his little than the men of the world can be with abundance a little that the righteous hath is better than the riches of many wicked Psal 37.16 and then a Child of God enjoys his comforts in a Covenant-way more safely he needs not fear want bread shall be given him his waters shall be sure Isai 33.16 God is the Christians purse-bearer and it 's in safer hands than in his own and they are here more 7. Lastingly we shall have corporal mercies as long as we need them and when we need them not they shall be swallowed in eternal enjoyments O therefore let the Saints of God be truly thankful let the high praises of God be in their mouths this is the chief rent and reasonable Tribute that God expects for these sure mercies sacrifice these sacrifices of thanksgiving take this Cup of salvation and give God the praise that 's due unto his name Begin that work here in time which shall be fully managed by the ransomed of the Lord to all Eternity this this shall be the burden of the Saints triumphant Song in Heavenly Mansions that glorious pallace shall ring and eccho with the blessed note of mercy mercy free-grace laid the foundation and grace grace only lays the top-stone of Saints glory Oh how will God be admired by and in all that believe at that day well sirs begin those Hosanna's here that will be seconded with Hallelujahs hereafter speak well of your gracious God admire this new-Covenant design and let him have all the glory of this blessed contrivance so shall you accomplish Gods end and evidence your Covenant-interest in these sure mercies of David Thus though these Divine graces which adorn the Temple of a Christians breast do sometimes disappear and sin costs the soul some tears yet the gracious soul hath abundant ground of thankfulness for the whole transaction take it in Divine Herbert's Poem of Church-floor Mark you the floor that square and speckled ston which looks so firm and strong is Patience And th' other black and grave wherewith eacâ— on is checker'd all along Humility The gentle rising which on either hand leads to the Quire above is Confidence But the sweet Cement which in one sure band tyes the whole frame is Love and Charity Hither sometimes sin steals and stains the Marbles neat and curious veins But all is cleansed when the Marble weeps Sometimes death puffing at the door blows all the dust about the floor But while he thinks to spoil the room he sweeps Blest be the Architect whose art could build so strong in a weak heart FINIS