hand of the men of whom thou art afraid For I will surely deliver thee and thou shalt not fall by the sword but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee because thou hast put thy trust in me saith the LORD In Warre he shall redeeme thee from the power of the sword Iob 5.20 Promises to comfort in and deliver out of Captivity Although I have cast them farre off among the heathen and although I have scattered them among the countries yet will I be to them a little Sanctuary in the countries where they shall come Ezek. 11.16 See ver 17. I will give you a reviving there Ezra 9.8 And make you to be pittied of those that shall carry you captive Psal. 106.46 Then the LORD thy GOD will turne thy captivity and have compassion upon thee and will returne and gather thee from all the nations whither the LORD thy GOD hath scattered thee If any of thine be driven out unto the utmost parts of Heaven from thence will the LORD thy GOD gather thee and from thence will hee fetch thee c. Deut. 30.3 4 5. Nehemiah sueth out this promise Nehem. 1.9 There was a promise made unto Israel to restore them out of the great captivity of Babylon and this seemed to them as incredible as for men to be raised out of their graves after so many yeares consumption therefore they said Our bones are dried and our hope is lost we are cut off for our parts we have no more reason to beleeve any promise or to rest upon any expectations of deliverance then dead bones have to revive againe Therefore the LORD acquainteth them with his power together with his promises O my people yee shall know that I am the LORD that is that my waies and thoughts are infinitely above your shallow apprehension when I shall have brought you out of your graves Ezek. 37.11 13 14. See Psal. 14.7 and 53.6 Ier. 30.6.18 A promise against Witchcraft or possession of the Divell Surely there is no inchantment against Iacob neither is there any divination against Israel Num. 23.23 This is promised conditionally so farre as it is good for GODS people they shall be freed from it Promises against Oppression It is one of the LORDS most royall titles to be the Father of the Fatherlesse and a Iudge of the widdowes Psal. 68.5 To be a Refuge for the oppressed Psal. 9.9 10 14. Esay 25.4 For the oppression of the poore for the sighing of the needy now will I arise saith the LORD I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him Psal. 12.5 He executeth iudgement for the oppressed preserveth the strangers relieveth the fatherlesse and widdow Psal. 146.7 9. In thee the fatherlesse findeth mercy Hosea 14.3 CHAP. IIII. Temporall promises in regard of good things 1. In Generall to supply any thing needfull GOD hath promised to provide things needfull for the godly All earthly blessings are intailed to godlinesse by that gracious promise 1 Tim. 4.8 Godlinesse hath the promise of the life that now is and that which is to come It is said Nothing shall be wanting Psal. 34.9 All things shall be ministred Matth. 6.33 GOD shall fulfill all your necessity Philip 4.19 As a tender Father desiring the welfare of his beloved child bids him to be a good and obedient child and he shall not want any thing so the LORD bids us as good children hearken to his voice and be ruled by him and tels us we shall not want any thing that is good Psal. 34.8 9 10. 84 11. This is that which is so oft repeated That it may goe well with thee in the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee Deut. 5.16 33. 6.3 18. 12.25 28. This is meant in those Scriptures which set out the goodnesse of the LORD Psal. 31.19 Psal. 145.9 and many other places where GODS goodnesse loving kindnesse and mercy and that specially in things belonging to this naturall life are commended unto us In those generall promises wherein GOD saith He will dwell with his and not forsake them that he will love and blesse his people that he will be their GOD will reioyce over them to doe them good will compasse them with favour as with a shield that he will set peace in their borders and prosper them in all they goe about that he will keepe his Covenant with them For outward riches are a part of his Covenant All things are yours we are heires of all the world In the Covenant of grace GOD promiseth not onely to write his law in our hearts and to forgive our sinne but also to conferre Temporall blessings as they shall be serviceable to us in our journey towards Heaven Ier. 31.10 11 12 14. Ezek. 34.25 26 27. 36.29 30. Hosea 2.20 21 22. He hath given us his Sonne the Fountaine of all good things what can he denie us then that may be for our good and comfort The promise of CHRIST before his incarnation was to the Jewes a seale of all temporall things promised Our Saviour saith Seeke yee first the Kingdome of GOD and his Righteousnesse and all these things shall be added unto you First in time before all other things and in degree above all other things and all these needfull things shall be cast in As when a man buyeth spice fruit or any such commodity paper and packthred is given into the bargaine It is the property of true saving faith not onely to lay hold on the mercy of GOD for the pardon of sinne and life everlasting in CHRIST but on his promises also for Temporall blessings that concerne this life As wee looke to be saved by our faith after death so we must live 〈◊〉 faith in this world if we relie upon his mercy for our soules we must depend upon his providence for our bodies How doth he trust in GOD for a Kingdome that will not trust him for a crust of bread Faith receiveth earthly blessings not as the fruit of our labour or desert but as the gifts of GODS bounty yea as gifts of the gracious Covenant proceeding from the free love of GOD. Temporall promises in regard of good things Speciall For 1. Name 1. Honour 2. A good name 2. Body 1. Long life 2. Health 3. Safetie 4. Peace 5. Sleepe 6. Foode raiment 3. Estate 1. Wealth 2. Good successe and prosperity 1. To their persons 2. To their purposes 4. Calling Promises to diligence in it 1. Abundance and plenty 2. Protection 3. Promotion 4. Good successe 5. It builds the house 6 It makes sleep comfortable GOD hath promised not only to give these outward things but to blesse them to his children CHAP. V. 2. Temporall Promises in regard of good things 1. Speciall Promises to GODS children in respect of their Name 1. Honour GOD saith Hee will honour those that honour him 1 Sam. 2.30 And Wisedome will honour those that honour her Pro. 4.7 8 9.
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
he is pleased the better to quicken us to obedience to annex these gracious promises to his righteous Commandements and those that truly performe the duty which he commands shall undoubtedly receive the mercy which he promiseth Secondly this Treatise of the Promises may be useful I suppose for the quickning and exercising al holy graces How doth the sound knowledge and frequent meditation of Gods sweet and precious Promises strengthen Faith quicken hope in flame zeal confirm patience and foster al the graces of Gods Spirit When we stagger through unbelif and are tempted to doubt of any thing if we would have recourse to the promises they would uphold us as for example if this cogitation should arise in me certainly if I doe not as the world doth I shall loose my credit and never come to any wealth or estate like others by by I should remâ—mber what is written touching this matter Sam. 3. â—0 Mat. 6.33 and then consider the genâ—rality â—nd certainty of these other promises and that would settle the soul. Lastly against all troubles â—nward outward painful sinfull of soul body good name state Faith in Gods promises is a soveraigne Antidote this is my comfort in my affliction saiâ—h David thy word that is thy promise made unto me in thy Word hath quickned me Ps. 119.50 He telleth not what kind of trouble he was in in any trouble whatsoever he received singular comfort by meditation in the Promises by Gods promises adversity sicknes poverty death of Friends are sweetned we are upholden by them in time of temptation and in the pangs of death receive consolation Against all Evill that may assaile us 3 thingâ— there are that we may with joy behold in the promise 1 Protection 2 Restitution 3 Deliverance Doth the Lord permit us to temptation his grace is sufficient to support us 2 Cor. 12 9. doth he suffer us to be overcome in temptation yet promiseth he restitution by a new act of grace raising us and at length to set us out of the reach of all temptations In the defects of good things and the small measures therof we may draw comfort likewise from the promises God promiseth â— Preservation 2 Growth 3 Perfection of â—â—ace and glory If we enjoy aâ—y good grace of God though â—â—never so weak measure first â—e assures us that little is a â—ledge of more 2 Cor. 1.22 â—econdly even that little he â—ill enable to get finall victoâ—y Rev. 3.8 and will perfect â—t to the day of the Lord Ieâ—us Phil. 1.6 and after this â—ife make us pure as he is â—ure perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect Thus we see what Balmeâ—her â—her is in Gilead what sweetâ—es in Gods promises they are â—he Christians aqua vitae to â—evive him when he is ready â—o swound in al or in any estate be may extract abundance of comfort from that thrice precious promise Ps. 84.11 and those three heavenly conduits of sweetest consolation Rom 8.18 28 32. and if one or a few verses afford so much comfort what cordiall sweetnesse and refreshing may a Christian sucke out of all those wells and brests of consolation and Salvation Indeed the Faithfull can never want grounds of comfort First GOD the Father is the GOD of all consolation comforting them in all their troubles 2 Cor. 3.4 Secondly CHRIST is the Fountaine of comfort ver 5 Thirdly the HOLY GHOST 〈◊〉 the Comforter of all the â—aithfull â—oh 14.16 20. 15 â—6 7 1 Fourthly al the Scripâ—ure makes for their comfort â—o 1â— 4 The whole Gospel is a plentifull Store-house of Comfort called 1 Good or gladsom tydings Esay 9.3 â—2 â— and a good word Heb. 6.5 because it cheareth the heart as good newes doth him that is in heavines 2 The Gospel of Peace RoÌ„ 10.15 Eph 6.15 because it pacifieth a troubled conscience but the very pith marrow and quintessence of all true consolation is contained in the Evangelicall promises Psal 119.92 Thus assuring my Self that your Lady ship wil often peruse this booke wishing thaâ— your Soule may daily prospeâ— by it and that the LORD woulâ— now fill you with all joy anâ— peace in beleeving these promises and hereafteâ— crowne you with all happines in the full fruition of the things promised I rest Your obliged Son and Servant EDWARD LEGH To the Christian Reader REader as I desire thy Good by this Treatise so let me crave thy favourable acceptance of â—y honest intentions This Golden Mine and Rich Treasure of the â—romises hath not yet bin fully oâ—ened and displaied unto the world Some that have written of Faith have handled some of the Divine Promises and other little Treatises there are I confesse alâ—eady extant concerning this very â—rgument Farre be it from me who have made use of them all and many other worthy Writers for the compiling of this Treatise to disparage the meanest of them who have written any thing of so excellent a Subject But I dare appeale to those who are judicious and have read the Treatises out in that kind whether any or all of them have either yet methodically ranged or fully handled all the speciall Promises both of which I have at least indeavoured to accomplish I speak not this as I said afore to derogate froâ— them nor yet to arrogate anâ— thing to my self but rather to giâ—â— satisfaction unto such who will bâ— ready to pretend that others haâ—â— written of this Subject and therefore this worke of mine is needlesse The Proverbe saith Store 〈◊〉 no sore and I thinke there is nâ— great cause to complain of satieâ—ty in this kinde Besides I handlâ— both the Covenant and Specialâ— Promises together whereas those who write professedly of the Covenant say but little of the Promises and those who expresly treaâ— of the Promises say but little or nothing of the Covenant Furthermore my method diâ—fers much from theirs that have laboured in this kind for they commonly in handling the Promises alleadge such and such Scriptures generally in the lump But I have in many of the graces and most of the duties set down Promises both of and to as Promises 1. Of the grace 2. Vnto it Promises 1. To enable to the duty 2. Also to accept and reward it and I have often particuâ—ariz'd the things promised by â—anking and marshalling them inâ—o their severall Heads and shewâ—ng distinctly the special Rewards whither Temporall Spirituall or Eternall of such or such a grace or duty My chiefest motive and inducement to publish this Worke next unto the promoting of Gods glory was the benefit of Christians which fruit of my labours I have already promised to my self having both read Exhortations in books to the performance of such a work heard complaints from Christians of the want of such a work If any should demand cui bono for what use may such a Treatise serve or what profit can redouÌ„d to ChristiaÌ„s by it I may answer with the Apostle and
oath and promises These Promises are of all needfull things in the world both Spirituall and Temporall of assistance under all crosses and of deliverance from them and at length of eternall glory and happinesse in Heaven which because it is furthest off and includeth in it an accomplishment of all other promises is the most proper object of Hope in which respect the Scripture doth thus intitle it hope of salvation 1 Thess. 5.8 hope of eternall life Tit. 3.7 hope of glory Rom. 5.2 At this Cape of good hope arrives every good Christian every true Israelite The rest are either hopelesse being Aliens from the Covenant of promise or over-hoping without evidence and due qualification fondly expecting the promise 2. The Promises are the obiects of our Faith and also the foundation of it whatsoever is promised may and must be beleeved and whatsoever is beleeved without a promise is rather presumed The Gospell is called the Word of Faith Rom. 10.18 the Ephesians beleeved after that they heard the Gospell Ephes. 1.13 The object of true faith is 1. Principall the promise of salvation by CHRIST this is the maine promise So GOD loved the world that hee gave his onely begotten Sonne to the end that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life 2. All inferiour Promises annexed thereunto of Temporall blessings as food raiment health peace liberty deliverance in temptations safety in dangers c. these depend upon the maine promise of CHRIST so farre forth as they are for our good for in CHRIST all the promises of GOD whether they concerne life eternall or this temporall life are yea and Amen that is sure and certaine to GODS children True Faith first of all directly and plainely fasteneth it selfe on the maine promise of GOD in CHRIST but after and with this on all other promises that concerne soule or body The Heart that saith by faith GOD will pardon my sinne and save my soule will say also by the same faith GOD will give me foode and raiment and all things sufficient for this life Rom. 4.18 Abraham by the same faith wherby hee was justified beleeved GODS promise that he should have a Sonne in his old age and Noah beleeved GODS promise of his preservation in the Arke by the same faith whereby He was made Heire of righteousnesse First faith apprehends mercy in CHRIST and then providence for this life Justifying Faith beleeves the Creation and all other holy truths Heb. 11. besides the Promises therefore the promises are not the onely object of Faith But not imploying her selfe about them as her speciall object but presupposing them as necessary Antecedents Justifying Faith beleeves other promises besides that of CHRIST and salvation by Him as concerning strength in tentations moderation of afflictions comforts of this life True but as Appendants and Appurtenances to the maine and principall Promise for in CHRIST that is the Fundamentall Promise concerning CHRIST All that is the other depending Promises are yea and Amen The proper and peculiar object then of Justifying faith is the Evangelicall promise other things are beleeved some as necessary Antecedents some as necessary Consequents of this But Faith findes life and salvation neither in the histories of the Creation nor in the Legall Commandements threatnings promises but onely in the Covenant of Grace CHAP. 11. 2. The Kinds of them SOme divide them thus The Promises are either Generall or Particular Reall or Personall Conditionall or Free Temporall or Eternall Others thus They are either Spirituall or Temporall concerning this life or the life to come of things simply necessary to salvation or of things good in themselves but not alwaies good for us The Promises are either Legall or Evangelicall Generall or Particular Principall or lesse Principall Direct or by Consequent Absolute or Conditionall Temporall Spirituall or Eternall There are Promises Legall and Evangelicall Legall are made on condition of workes as the perfect keeping of the Law which none since Adam save CHRIST can lay claime to Deut. 7.12 Ier. 7.3 23. These should be uneffectuall if CHRIST had not for us fulfilled that righteousnesse whereupon they hang Gal. 2.16 Evangelicall are made on condition of beleeving and repenting 2 Cor. 7.10 Iohn 3.15 These are made to the worker not for the merit of his worke but for CHRISTS merit in which both his person and worke are accepted Legall Promises or sentences may be found in the New Testament as Rom. 2.8 9. to the 13 Rom. 10.5 Gal. 3.10 12. and Evangelicall promises of grace may be found in the Old Testament as Psal. 32.1 2. Ier. 31.31 32. Both these are either Generall or indefinite propounded to all Exodus 20.6 Iohn 3.16 17 18. Or Particular directed to some kinde of persons few or one Exod 20.12 Matth. 9.2 Numb 25.12 13. There are Promises Principall and lesse Principall 1. Principall as righteousnesse remission of sins 2. Lesse Principall deliverance in afflictions safety in dangers health wealth There are direct or expresse Promises and Promises by consequent Direct as that which was made to Abraham of a Sonne Gen. 18. to Paul that not one in the ship should lose his life Acts 27. Promises are implied by consequence either in the examples or prayers of faithfull Saints 1. In their examples by those blessings which they have enjoyed GODS giving it to one is a promising it to all Thus doth S. Iames urge that end which GOD gave to Iobs troubles as a ground of our faith to make us waite for a like deliverance in troubles S. Paul assures us that for this cause GOD comforted him in his tribulation that hee might be able to comfort them which were in any trouble by the comfort wherewith hee was comforted of GOD 2 Cor. 1.4 Whatsoever things were written whether precepts promises threatnings or examples are written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 2. In their prayers by those things which they prayed for in faith and obtained The Faithfull calling upon GOD and GODS gracious hearing of them are as much as a promise that GOD in such and such things will heare us calling upon him David made this a ground of his faith Psal. 22.4 5. There are Promises Absolute and Conditionall 1. Absolute which GOD hath simply determined to accomplish even as they are propounded as before CHRIST was manifested in the flesh the promise of the Messiah Esay 7.14 and of calling the Gentiles Esay 42.1 since that time the promise of calling the Jewes Rom. 11.26 and of CHRISTS second comming in glory Matth. 24.30 2. Conditionall which are no further promised then GOD in wisedome seeth to be most meete for his owne glory and his childrens good Thus are promised 1. All temporall blessings which Lazarus wanted 2. Freedome from all crosses and troubles Iob and other Saints had their part in
difficulties and hazards of that holy warre and S. Paul applies the promise to all the faithfull in any straights or distresses of life as the LORD himselfe had before applied it from Moses to Ioshua Let your conversation be without covetousnesse for as GOD was with Ioshua so will he be with thee Hee will not faile thee nor forsake thee CHRIST made a particular promise unto Peter I have prayed for thee that thy faith faile not And the same in effect he applies to all his I pray that thou wouldst keepe them from the evill Thus may the children of GOD doe if they finde any promise made to one godly man and no speciall reason expressed why it should be peculiar to him they may take it as a promise made to them The ground of this is taken from GODS unchangeable and impartiall manner of dealing the same GOD that he is to one faithfull man the same he is to all they all are under the same Covenant and have interest in the same promises 2. Promises are subordinated and performed with dependance Therefore we must not anticipate nor perturbe the order which GOD hath put in his Promises but waite upon him in his owne way Grace and Glory will hee give but first grace before glory no man must snatch at this promise till he have interest in that Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and of that which is to come but we must note the order which our Saviour puts First seeke the Kingdome and Righteousnesse of GOD and then all these things shall be added unto you The LORD promiseth to call men unto CHRIST Nations that knew thee not shall runne unto thee The Apostle tells us whereunto he calls GOD hath not called us unto uncleannesse but unto holinesse Therefore in the next place he promiseth to sanctifie and cleanse his Church I will put my law in their hearts and in their inward parts The qualification of this holinesse is that it be whole and constant The very GOD of peace sanctifie you and preserve you blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is the Apostles prayer for the Thessalonians Therefore in the next place GOD promiseth perseverance I will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from mee But this perseverance is not so certaine but that it admits of fals slips and miscarriages therefore in that case Hee promiseth healing and restoring I will heale their backeslidings I will love them freely I will binde up that which is broken and will strengthen that which was sicke And after all this comes the promise of Glory and Salvation Therefore we must take the Promises in that Connexion and dependancie which they have amongst themselves When GOD hath called us to the knowledge of CHRIST we must not skip over all the intermediate linkes and looke presently for the accomplishment of GODS promise of Salvation or perseverance by GODS sole power and in the meane time omit all care of Holinesse in our conversation For GOD doth not fulfill his promises in us onely but by us too and those things which in regard of his word are his promises are also in regard of his Command our duties 3. Experience of GOD in his Promises confirmeth Faith and nourisheth Hope The faithfull are confirmed in the truth of GODS promises by the experience of his dealing with others of his servants Psal. 22.4 Our father 's trusted in thee they trusted and thou didst deliver them Psal. 34.5 They shall looke unto him and 〈◊〉 to him and their faces shall not be ashamed What made them so confident in GODS mercies verse 6. This poore man cryed and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles Experience of GODS dealing with others doth also nourish and uphold hope Therefore Iames brings to the memories of the Christian Jewes GODS dealing with Iob to strengthen their hope But especially the experience a man hath had in himselfe of the performance of GODS promises will marvellously confirme him This incouraged David when he was to encounter with Goliâ—h The LORD saith he did deliver mee from a Lion and a Beare therefore he will deliver mee from this Philistine 1 Sam. 17 35 37. Paul concluded Gods favour for the time future by his proceedings past The LORD sâ—ith he hath delivered mee from a sentence of death and doth deliver therefore I trust that he will deliver 2 Cor. 1.9 10. See 2 Tim. 4.17 18. This we may see also in Salomon 1 King 8.24 and in other places Deut. 1.29 31. Deut. 3.21 Esay 51.9 11. But we have a notable example for this in Iacob Gen. 32.9 Thou saidst unto mee remove into thy countrey and to thy kindred and I will doe thee good There is GODS Word and promise then followeth the experience he had already of the performance of this promise verse 10. I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies which thou hast shewed unto thy servant for with my staffe came I over this Iordan and now I have gotten two bands Then followes the confirmation he received in his faith by this experience verse 11. I pray thee deliver mee from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau. Experience likewise bringeth forth Hope Rom. 5.4 Three things concurre to make up experience 1. Knowledge the better knowledge the better affiance Psal. 9.10 They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee 2. Observation of the waies of GOD. 3. Memory remembrance of such workes of GOD as wee have knowne and observed We should observe how GOD hath made good and confirmed his promises even in our owne experience by blessing us while we have walked carefully and conscionably before him how often he hath granted our requests To this purpose is that exhortation Psal. 34.8 O tast and see that the LORD is good Labour to be able to say with David Psal. 119.56 This I had because I kept thy precepts thou hast dealt well with thy servant O LORD according unto thy Word 6â— verse or as it is 140. verse Thy Word is prooved most pure by good experience therefore thy servant loveth it or as he saith elsewhere Marvellous are thy works and that my soule knoweth right well 4. GODS Promises to us must be the ground and rule of our prayers to him There are two things in this rule to be observed 1. That we can make no prayer in boldnesse faith or comfort but for things promised and in that manner as they are promised We must see the things we aske made ours in some promise and engagementâ— before we presume to aske them This incouraged Iacob Gen. 32.9 12. David 2 Sam. 7.27 28 29. Daniel 9.2 3. and Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 20.8 12. to pray unto GOD because he had made promises of the things
if not peace yet patience if not wealth yet contentment 3. With exception of the crosse and reservation of power to the promiser to chasten our misdemeanour Psal. 89.28 31 32. When we crave temporall benefits which GOD hath promised conditionally so farre forth as will stand with his glory and our spirituall good and everlasting salvation wee must beleeve that we shall obtaine them so farre forth as they will stand with these conditions Earthly and outward things are lawfully prayed for but ever â—um Conditione voluntatis with Condition of GODS good pleasure and liking Things Temporall which are promised with condition we are to pray for with condition of GODS will All outward things must be asked with this exception if it seeme good unto his Majesty which exception is proper to the fourth Petition We must aske these outward things not absolutely no further then they may stand with GODS glory Those things which belong to the kingdome of GOD are simply and primarily to be asked other things onely secundum quid and secondarily GODS promises of temporal blessings are Hypotheticae and goe with condition sometimes expressed sometimes suppressed which condition is as a sterne of a ship and turnes the promise another way Of the same opinion are Vrsin in his Catech. on the fourth Petition Piscator on 8. Mat. 2. Cameron Myrothee Evangel in Luke 5.12 Master Harris on the Beatitudes and Covenant Barlow on 2. of Tim. D. Preston in Saints daily Exercise and M. Goodwin in his returne of Prayer This is an undoubted truth that we must pray for heavenly things with a more ardent affection then for earthly Matth. 6.33 1. They comply with GODS nature and hee had rather be giving them 2. They are best for us and will doe us most good 2. GOD will not performe promises till by prayer they be sought for from him till in our humble desires wee declare that wee account his promises exceeding great and precious things The LORD had promised deliverance unto Israel yet saith the LORD For this I will be enquired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them Thus saith the LORD After seventy yeeres be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and performe my good word towards you in causing you to returne to this place for I know the thoughts that I thinke towards you thoughts of peace and not of evill to give to you an expected end But how shall this excellent promise of GOD be effected It followes Then shall yee call upon me and yee shall goe and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you c. Godlinesse hath the promises of this life and that which is to come 1 Tim. 4.6 yet we doe not forbeare daily to say the LORDS Prayer that we may speede of both The Lord makes a promise of forgivenesse of sinnes I even I am hee that blotteth out thy transgression for mine owne â—ake and will not remember thy sinnes But for the execution of this promise GOD will be soâ—ght unto Put me in remembrance sâ—â—th he and set us pleaâ—e togâ—â—her Eâ—ay 43.25 26. 〈…〉 GOD to fuâ—fill his 〈◊〉 we testifie fâ—rst that they 〈◊〉 â—â—oâ—ises of mercy and not of â—ury or dâ—â—t secondly wee dâ—clare our â—eed and by consequence 〈◊〉 of them and deâ—endance upon them As Promiâ—â—s are the Rule of what we may pray â—or in â—aiâ—h so Prayer is the ground of what wee may expect with comfort CHAP. V. 5. The properties of them GODS Promises are 1. Free 2. Full. 3. Firme 1. GODS Promises are free and tranâ—ferred THey are not mâ—de for any 〈◊〉 that is in us buâ— proceed â—rom Gods freâ—â—om and benevolence â—orking mooâ—ed God out of himsâ—â—â—â— 1. Not 〈◊〉 Thâ— LORD did not â—et hâ—â— lovâ— upon you nor choose you because we were more in number then any other people or for any such like respects but because the LORD loved you That at first might seeme to be Idem per idem as we say a womans reason that the LORD should set his love on them because hee loved them but it excellently sets forth the ground of GODS love to rest altogether in himselfe and in his owne good pleasure 2. Not our beauty we were in our bloud when GOD set his love upon us and entred into Covenant with us 3. Not our righteousnesse Tit. 3.5 Not by workes of righteousnâ—sse which we have done but according to his mercy hee saved us There is nothing at all in us to move the LORD to promise any good to us as that first and great promise after Adam had sinned was from GODS free grace so are all other Evangelicall promises GOD never set the promises on sale or will ever sell his Sonne to any He gives him freely He stands not of desert We may buy of Him freely Esa. 55.1 2 3. Rev. 21.6 22.17 Ezek. 36.32 He loveth freely Hos. 14.7 and pardoneth sin freely Esay 43.25 1 Iohn 2.12 Election is of grace Rom. 11.5 Vocation is of grace 2 Tim. 1.9 Justification is freely by grace Rom. 3.24 Faith is of grace Ephes. 2.8 Eternall life and salvation is of grace Rom. 6.23 Luke 12.32 The Promises are free in ficri made onely out of grace but conditionall in facto esse performed and accomplished with dependance upon duties in us GOD is faithfull saith the Apostle who shall stablish you and keepe you from evill there is the promise and wee are confident that you will doe the things that wee command you there is the duty which the promise calls for When wee pray give us our daily bread by saying give us wee acknowledge that it is from GOD but when we call it ours we shew how GOD gives it namely in the use of the meanes For bread is ours not onely in the right of the promise I will not faile thee nor forsake thee but service and quiet working in an orderly calling The freenesse of GODS promises marvellously lifts up the head above water as the beggar saith the dole is free and why may not I get it as well as another O may some say but if I could pray and humble my selfe there were hope of mercy GOD gives his mercy freely he keepes open house he requires nothing of thee to procure it but he shewes mercy because hee will shew mercy See what he saith Esâ—y 43 24 25. Thou hast wearied mee saith he with thine iniquities and in the next verse I even I am he that blottâ—th out thy transâ—ressions for my owne sake even I excluding all mâ—anes for my owne names sake excluding all motive No unworâ—hinesse then should hinder us from beleeving the promises but rather they that have the most sense of their owne unworâ—hinesse have most incouragement to beleeve for that voice of CHRIST Come unto mee all yee that are weary c. serves not onely for our first conversion but in all
keepe the Law for GOD must inable to both And true repentance saith hee is never too late GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent there is no exception of sinne times or persons but at what time soever what sinner soever repents him of what sinne soever he shall be forgiven This cannot be denied but yet though true repentance be never too late late repentance is seldome true and though GOD hath promised pardon to the penitent yet hee hath not promised repentance to the sinners Thirdly thou knowest not whether ever thou shalt have time for hee promiseth not tomorrow to the offendour who is alwaies ready to receive the penitent One saith GOD hath left man time past to repent of and time present to repent in but the time to come he hath reserved in his owne hands 3. The Promises are most firme and faithfull GOD is true in all his promises be they never so great or wonderfull heaven and earth shall sooner passe away then one piece of his promise faile Rom. 4.16 GOD cannot lie Tit. 1.2 nor denie himselfe 2 Tim. 2.13 He may as easily denie himselfe as his word David often in 119. Psalme giveth this epithite to GODS Word Iust and righteous Word 106 123 137 144 verses Paul often useth this preface This is a true saying and of all men worthy to be beleeved or this is a faithfull saying 1 Tim. 1.15 1 Tim. 4.9 2 Tim. 2.11 Tit. 3.8 Revel 21.5 22.6 it is called The Word of truth Iam. 1.18 Ephes. 1.13 Col. 1.5 The words of the LORD are pure words as silver tried in a fornace of earth purirified seven times Psal. 12.6 Psal. 18.30 Psal. 119.140 Pro. 30.5 As the gold and silver that hath beene often tried doth never deceive men so the divine promises doe not deceive those that trust in them because the truth and goodnesse of them hath beene continually tried by others and graciously performed by GOD himselfe His Covenant is called a Covenant of salt 2 Chron. 13.5 that is a stable and sure Covenant an everlasting Covenant Gen. 17.7 Esay 55.3 Ezek. 16.60 this phrase is frequently used in Scripture GOD that keepeth Covenant Deut. 7.9 Dan. 9.4 Nehem. 1.5 9.32 2 Chron. 6.14 15. Psal. 89.34 Esay 54.10 All the promises of GOD are Yea and Amen in CHRIST 2 Cor. 1.20 Not onely Yea but Yea and Amen Not onely firme and faithfull in themselves but such as shall be made good to the soules of GODS people in full perfection We may call in experience to witnesse this truth GOD hath not onely made good his Covenant to his friends but to his enemies and strangers Deut. 2. Iosh. 23.5 10 14 15. He kept touch with Iehu for the kingdome for foure generations according to his promise He is faithfull to those that deale perfidiously in the Covenant Rom. 3.3 4. He makes good his promises in the circumstances of them keepes the very houre as it were Gen. 15.13 16. compared with Exod. 12.41 therefore this phrase is often used as the LORD hath said or as the LORD hath promised Deut. 10.9 18.26 27.2 Ioel 2.32 Iosh. 23.5 10. We might instance in particulars and shew how the promises of GOD have still beene fulfilled as that first promise of CHRIST Gen. 3.15 we may see fulfilled Luke 1.68 to 73. Gal. 4.4 and that particular promise to preserve Noah in the Arke Gen. 6.18 fulfilled Gen. 8. those made to Abraham Isaac and Iacob But I leave this to the observation of Christians themselves GODS Love and mercy is the onely reason of making promises but his truth justice fidelity power and glory are the reasons of fulfilling them The LORD did not set his love upon you nor choose you saith Moses to Israel because yee were more in number then any people but because the LORD loved you that is the ground of making the promise and because hee would keepe the oath which he had sworne to your fathers that was the ground of performing his promise For thy words sake and according to thine owne heart saith David hast thou done all these great things according to thine owne heart that is ex mero motu out of pure and unexcited love thou didst give thy Word and promise and for thy Word sake thou hast performed it Thou wilt performe saith the Prophet The truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which thou hast sworne unto our father from the daies of old Why truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham the promise after a sort began in Abraham therefore hee is called the Father of the faithfull and when GOD makes a promise it is onely out of mercy but the promise was continued unto Iacob who being Abrahams seed was an heire of the Promise and so the inheritance which was out of mercy given unto Abraham did out of truth and fideliâ—y descend unto Iacob the seed of Abraham and therefore we shall find Covenant Mercy and Oath joyned together in the Scripture Deut. 7.12 Luke 1.72 73. to note unto us both the ground of making the Covenant Mercy and the ground of performing the Covenant made the Truth and Fidelity of GOD. GODS very name JEHOVAH declareth that he is constant and will performe his promise because as he giveth being to all things so he makes that to be which he hath promised By my Name JEHOVAH was I not knowne to them Exod. 6.3 He meaneth that though he made many promises to them especially concerning their possession of Canaan yet he did not shew himselfe to be JEHOVAH an Accomplisher of his promises that he reserved to future generations ver 8. Therefore whensoever in any of the Prophets GOD promiseth or threatneth any great matter to assure us of the most certaine event of such his promise or threatning he addes unto it his Name JEHOVAH as Ezek. 5.17 Ier. 31.31 in which Chapter being wholy promissorie concerning the New Covenant of grace and free pardon of sinnes which the Church obtaineth thorough CHRIST it is repeated 33 times It was the end 1. Of CHRISTS Incarnation to shew that GOD would be mindfull of his promise Luke 1.72 2. Of his Ministery to assure and confirme the promises made before to the Fathers Romanes 15.8 3. They are sealed with the blood of CHRIST the Testator Heb. 9.16 and therefore are said to be all in him Yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1.20 that is sure and infallible They are sealed in his Spirit all beleevers are said to be sealed by the Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 and this is GODS privie Seale GOD hath sealed to all his promises in the Sacraments Rom. 4.11 which are given to us as GODS broad Seales to ratifie his Covenant and all his promises made unto his Church they are outward pledges to confirme our faith and make the promises though not more sure yet more credible to us The promises are in some places called in the singular number
earth Gen. 13.16 He and his wife being both old he thus as accounting GODS promises vaine answered LORD GOD what wilt thou give mee seeing I goe childlesse Gen. 15.2 Sarah likewise hearing the promise GOD had made to her husband concerning a Sonne by her laughed at it Gen. 18.12 as if she should have said that is a jest indeed GOD told Adam in Paradise That the seed of the woman should breake the serpents head Gen. 3.15 He was long but sure for it was fulfilled at last He that gave us CHRIST how shall he not with him give us all things also Rom. 8.32 He that hath performed the promise concerning CHRIST wherein shall he faile He hath hitherto kept promise with nights and daies as Ieremy saith Ier. 33.20 25. that one shall succeed the other therefore much more will hee keepe his word with his people Hee is worthy to be beleeved who never failed to performe what he promised If GOD have promised us pardon of sinne Sanctification Patience Faith wee should promise our selves these things and rest confident that we shall receive them Shall we beleeve an honest man on his word and yet not trust GOD upon his word who is Almighty and therefore able a Father and therefore willing to performe his promises GOD hath spoken in his holinesse saith David I will reioyce therefore in his Word I will divide Shechem and mete out the valley of Succoth Gilead is mine Manasseh is mine Ephraim also is the strength of mine head Iudah is my law-giver Moab is my washpot Psal. 60.6 7. Though then hee had little enough yet he was confident hee should have all that because he had GODS Word for it So we may beleeve what GOD hath promised since he hath said it and sealed it and sworne it One in the Covenant may lay hold on CHRIST and say CHRIST is mine on the Promise and say forgivenesse is mine on the Covenant and say grace is mine The LORD will not be unmindfull of his Covenant with us Psal. 111.5 nor unfaithfull in performance of his promise to us if wee prove not unfaithfull but keepe covenant and promise with him Psal. 103.17 18. 2 Chron. 15.2 for the Covenant consists of two parts in the one GOD bindes himselfe to be our GOD in the other we binde ourselves to be his people Hos. 2.23 His is a Covenant of mercy ours of obedience He promiseth happinesse we holinesse He glory we duty He hath tied himselfe by an oath wee have bound our selves by the vow of baptisme Hee will not forget his part let us remember ours Let it never be said of us as it was of a Pope and his Nephew that the one never spake as he thought the other never performed what he spake The Carthaginians were infamous for covenant-breaking and slipperinesse in their promises so that it grew a proverbe Punica fides Poeni foedifragi semper habiti saith Plautus and the Athenians were renowned for faithfullnesse in all their covenants agreements and promises which gave occasion to those proverbes Attica fides and Atticus testis used for one that still keepes touch Fidelity in keeping promise is a fruit of the Spirit called by the Apostle faith Gal. 5.22 and a property of him that must rest on GODS holy mountaine Therefore wee should imitate the Athenians shall I say nay rather GOD himselfe expressing faithfullnesse in all our words workes and waies wee should keepe our covenant with GOD and pay our vowes unto the most High Psal. 25.10 Psal. 103.18 we should also be constant in the performance of our promises to men for promises are due debts And non in promissione sed in consummatione virtus est vertue doth not consist in promise but in performance The manner how GOD performeth his promises is not alwaies one and the selfe-same sometimes hee gives the very particular thing promised as unto the children of Israell deliverance out of Aegypt David from Saul Iacob from Esau. Hee restored unto Hezekiah his health according to his promise and removed the host of the Assyrians which besieged Jerusalem sometime hee gives that which is equivalent or better Thus in the 5. Commandement obedient children are promised long life yet Iosiah 2 Kings 23.29 and Abiah 1 King 14.13 were taken away in their best age therefore for temporall life they had eternall so GOD promised Abraham the land of Canaan and hee had the true Canaan the Kingdome of Heaven GOD here breaketh not promise but changeth in melius So in taking away wealth from his children he giveth them more store of grace in restraining liberty of body He giveth freedome of conâ—cience with affliction He giveth patience It was promised Iosiah 2 Kings 22.20 that hee should be gathered to his grave in peace yet hee died a violent death for he was slaine by the hands of his enemies 2 King 23.29 the next words therefore doe expound it And thine eyes shall not see all the evill which I will bring upon this place He died in peace comparatively with a worse state of life for hee lived not to see the misery of succeeding ages Esay 57.1 Some interpret it thus hee was gathered to the Spirits of his Fathers who enjoyed peace GOD doth not alwaies performe his promises to the same parties and yet most truly performeth them Psal. 97.11 Light is sowne for the righteous Oftentimes the Father soweth and dieth ere the harvest and so the Sonne reapes so Abraham inherited Canaan in his posterity So GOD promised to send his Sonne this promise was made to the Fathers and GOD fulfilled it to the children Acts 13.32 33. The time of accomplishing GODS promises is uncertaine to us Acts 1.7 though it shall not be over-passed The vision is for an appointed time but at the end it shall speake and not lie All visions and words of GOD whether of promise or of threatning let them seeme to lie lea and void never so long yet shall be not onely certainely fulfilled but in the period of time which the wisedome of GOD hath impropriated to them Sometimes GODS promises have a limited time as that Gen. 17.21 18.14 and then they are fulfilled in that very time exprest as Gen. 21.1 2. Sometimes hee expresseth not the time GOD in the beginning made a promise to our first Parents concerning the seed of the Woman and deferred it almost 4000. yeares and yet at length accomplished it There have passed about 5000. yeares since the time of the glorious comming of CHRIST unto judgement was promised and it is not knowne when it shall be accomplished Abraham was childlesse till he was 70. yeares old and at those yeares the LORD promised him issue But this promise was not accomplished till a long time after when hee was an 100. yeares old David had a promise to be King of Ierusalem and Iuda but the LORD exercised him by many and grievous afflictions
before he came to the Crowne insomuch that he saies of himselfe Psal. 119.82 Mine eyes faile for thy Word The promise which was made unto Simeon was not accomplished till hee was an old man ready to die yet he continued to waite The deliverance of Israel was promised 400. yeares before it was fulfilled Gen. 15.13 GOD many times takes day 1. â—ither his children are not ready for it 2. Or hee doth it to exercise their faith and patience Heb. 6.15 to prove whether they can beleeve when they see not Deut. 8.2 3. Or hee lets them waite that they may more esteeme the blessings when they have them but never any could taxe him for promise-breaking GOD as he doth out-vie all for the largenesse of his promises so is he unmatchable for faithfullnesse in fulfilling his promises We reade of some that have promised halfe their kingdomes nay the Divell promised all the kingdomes of the world to our Saviour but GOD promiseth yet more and performeth better then any of them First he doth not promise by halves but he promiseth a whole Kingdome and such a one as is more worth then all the kingdomes of the world and excelleth them in foure properties as the Apostle Peter sheweth Nay one kingdome or one world is too little for him to give he promiseth to give to all the faithfull two worlds 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Things present and things to come all are yours both worlds are yours He performeth better also what hee hath promised then those before mentioned For the first of them were but men which often promise mountaines and performe mole-hills in this sence it may be said Let GOD be true and every man a lier and for the Divels promise that great All which he made profer on was just nothing but shadowes and representations of things He went about to coozen CHRIST with meere words for the kingdomes of the world were not in his power to give but GOD is both able and willing to performe whatsoever he hath promised his servants have often found him better never any worse then his word therefore wee should waite with patience for the fulfilling of his promises not limiting him to time manner or meanes of accomplishment CHAP. VI. 6. The persons to whom the promises belong 1. CHRIST as the head 2. His members FIrst a Covenant of Grace is made with CHRIST the Head of the Church Hee is the Foundation of it He was GOD and Man to reconcile both and is therefore called The Angell of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 The Covenant of the people Esay 49.8 The Mediator of the New Testament Heb. 12.24 and next in CHRIST it is made with all Christian men and women As he was Head of the Church and Redeemer he is the heire of all GODS Promises In him they are Yea and Amen that is in him they are propounded ratified and accomplished This is evident by those generall promises which are the foundation of all the rest Hee that is CHRIST shall breake thine head Gen. 3.15 In thy seed that is CHRIST shall the nations of the earth be blessed Gen. 22.18 The promises are made not to seedes as many but to seede viz. CHRIST in aggregato with his Chuâ—ch the Head and members together for JESUS together with all the Saints make but one mysticall body which is CHRIST 1 Cor. 12.12 Any promise or blessing that belongs to us belongs chiefely to CHRIST He is the Elder Brother That speech Hos. 11.1 I called my sonne out of Aegypt is meant speciâ—lly of the delivery of Israel by Moses out of the bondage of 〈◊〉 and yet it is a prophesâ—e of CHRISâ— and applied to him Matth. 2.15 That which is spoken Psal. 8. of mans digniâ—y above all other creatures as having all things put in subjection under him is interpreted of CHRIST Heb. 2.6 1 Cor. 15.27 All the good we have comes to us by and through him We are elected and called in him Ephes. 1.3 4. In him we have redemption Ephes. 1.7 Col. 1.14 Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.2 Adoption Ephes. 1.5 In him GOD is well pleased with us Matth. 3.17 He is Heire of all things Heb. 1.2 The Faithfull are Co-heires with him Rom. 8.17 They shall have the same substantiall though not graduall glory the same crowne the same kingdome Ioh. 17.22 24. GOD loves them with the same love that hee loâ—ed CHRIST verse 23. They are heires of all GODS most precious promises They are stiled Children of the Covenant Acts 3.25 Children of the Promise Rom. 9.8 Gal. 4.28 because they are made children of GOD by vertue of GODS promise Thus was Isaac the child of the promise in that he was borne to Abraham not by the strength of nature but by GODS promise They are also called Heires of the Promise Gal. 3.29 Heb. 6.12 17. 11.9 that is not onely such to whom the promises doe belong but such as claime their inheritance onely by adoption and promise Amongst men the eldest childe usually is the heire and carries away the Inheritance and the rest have but pettie portions but all the LORDS children are Heires and that not alone of the promises but of the glory promised Pareus hath an excellent similitude to illustrate this every one there saith he inherits all even as every man injoyeth the light of the Sunne as if it were made onely for him The promises made to Christ are Thou shalt be a Priest for ever and I will give thee the kingdome of David thou shalt be a Prince of peace and the governement shall be upon thy shoulders thou shalt be a Prophet to my people shalt open the prison to the captive The promises made to us are passive You shall be taught you shall be made Prophets you shall have your sinnes forgiven you shall be subiect to his government you shall be made Kings If onely they that are CHRISTS have benefit of the promises in CHRIST then the wicked have no part nor portion in this businesse the Divell sweeps all that are out of the covenant the childrens bread shall not be given to dogges GOD will not cast away precious things upon swine and those that are strangers from the covenant of promise Ephes. 2.12 GOD pâ—omiseth to satisfie but it is such as hunger for righteousnesse sake to comfort not the carelesse but such as mourne forgivenesse of sinnes but to the Penitent eternall life but to such as beleeve Except the condition be wrought in us the promise shall never be accomplished upon us walke before me and be thou upright and then I am GOD All-sufficient Gen. 17.1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way Psal. 119.1 Psal. 84.11 Ioh. 1.12 Gal. 3.7 9. Psal. 34.9 10. Pro. 19.16 Therefore in the 1. of S. Matthew when Abraham is said to have begotten Isaac there is no mention made of Ishmael which yet he begot and likewise when Isaac is said to have begotten Iacob
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.
but the old in tables of Stone 8. The Covenant of nature was made in Paradise the other in Mount Sina 9. There was no Mediator of that this had a Mediator Moses Deut. 5.26 27. 10. That was made with all mankinde when man was perfect this with a certaine people after the fall The Old and New Covenant agree 1. In the principall efficient cause for there is the same Author of both GOD Ier. 31.31 2. In causa pröegumena the inward impulsive cause the mercy of GOD in both Luke 1.54 55 72 78. 3. In the meritorious procatarcticall cause there is one and the same foundation of both Covenants CHRIST Heb. 13.8 Rev. 13 8. 4. In the matter there is the same thing promised in both Rom. 1.1 2. 5. In the essentiall forme in both Covenants there is a mutuall obligation of GOD and the faithfull although of GODS part it is free of mans due Rom. 3.22 6. In the end which in both is the glory of GOD and salvation of man Heb. 11.8 9 10. 7. In the subject for GOD made both of them with the faithfull onely Rom. 3.26 8. In the adjunct the internall obsignation for both of them are sealed by the same HOLY GHOST to the faithfull 2 Cor. 1.22 Ephes. 1.13 The Old and New Coâ—enant differ 1. In respect of the Author or Covenant-Maker which was not CHRIST but GOD the Father of the Old or he made it then mediately and not Incarnate now immediately and from his owne mouth 2. In respect of the Mediator Moses was Mediator of the Old Levit. 26.46 Deut. 5. 27 28. CHRIST of the New Heb. 8.6 9.15.12.24 3. In their quality 1. In respect of liberty of old they had circumcision and the Passeover which were painefull and chargeable Seales and they were burdened with many carnall ceremonies we have bread and wine cheape and easie seales in comparison and are freed from the Ceremoniall Law Col. 2.14 that was a hand-writing against us the new is a rest for us Matth. 11.28 2. Clarity the old was obscure Heb. 9.8 2 Cor. 3.13 14. consisting in rites and ceremonies whereby CHRIST was darkely prefigured but the new is more plaine and perspicuous Iohn 1.17 then the Spirit was distilled by drops now there is a larger effusion of the Spirit Heb. 8.10 Ioel 2. which is repeated Acts 2. Tit. 3.6 Zach. 12.8 2 Cor. 3.12 they had the blood of CHRIST but shadowed onely in the blood of bulls and goates Heb. 9.18 Exod. 24.5 8. we have the very blood of CHRIST it selfe to seale unto our covenant Mat. 26.28 Heb. 9.12 10.4 Zach. 9.11 Cuius sanguis sistit omnem sanguinem as the Fathers say 4. In their quantity the new is larger and more extensive then the Old in respect of 1. Persons the Old Testament was appropriated to a few and did belong properly to the nation of the Jewes alone Psal. 76.1 none but Israelites and Proselytes had part in the promise the New extends to the Gentiles 2. Places that was proposed as to one people so in angulo tantum mundi in one land of Canaan this to all nations throughout the whole world 3. Times that was Temporary and to endure but a while viz. till the â—â—rst comming of CHRIST this is perpetuâ—ll and shall last from CHRISTS first to his second comming Heb. 8.6 13. 10.4 9. 9.12 How hath GOD then honoured us in these daies of the Gospell who are herein beyond not Heathens onely who were without GOD and without the Covenant but even beyond Adam in his innocency and GODS Ancient people of Israel for we have a better Covenant then they had made upon better promises Heb. 8.6 upon better termes and conditions upon better evidences and assurances Since GOD hath thus abounded in love and mercy towards us we therefore should abound in knowledge faith love zeale and care to worship GOD publikely and privately with joy and singlenesse of heart I have hitherto handled the severall Covenants comparatively and that to give some light to the Covenant of Grace which I shall now speake of in a speciall manner as it is a Bundle of all the Promises The Covenant of Grace is expressed in these words I will be thy GOD and thou shalt be my people Ier. 31.33 In this Covenant GOD undertakes to free his people from all evill that mâ—y any way prove hurtfull to them and to bestow all good things upon them Temporall Spirituall and Eternall Gen. 17.1 2. Levit. 2.6.11 12. 2 Cor. 6.16 17 18. Heb. 8.10 11 12. We promise to choose GOD to be our GOD trust in him love and feare him and walke in obedience before him Exodus 15.2 20.19 24.3 7. David cals GOD his Lot and Portion Psal. 119.57 GOD is my portion for ever Psal. 16.5 6. Psal. 142.5 This was promised the faithfull in all ages that GOD would be their GOD and they should be his people Exod. 29.45 Revel 21.3.7 Zach. 13.9 Ezek. 36.28 Ierem 31.1 33. 1 Chron. 17.13 22.10 All the particular promises depend upon this maine Charter that GOD is our GOD one observes that throughout all the Scripture all the mercy promised and every promise wherein any happinesse is contained hath this Seale and I will be their GOD and they shall be my people If we could stedfastly beleeve and rest upon this promise we should finde more true comfort in it then in all the world besides This is the top of mans felicity when GOD takes him into Covenant When GOD Levit. 26. had spoken much by way of promise to his Church as That hee would give them raine in the due season c. That hee would set his Tabernacle among them c. at length he concludes all with this verse 12. I will walke among you I will even neighbour with you as it were and I will be your GOD and yee shall be my people David having prayed for many temporall blessings in the behalfe of his people That their sonnes might be as plants their garners full c. at length he windeth up all with this Epiphonema or conclusion Happie is that people that is in such a case but presently comes with an Epanorthoma or a correction of his former speech Yea rather happy is that people whose GOD is the LORD as if he had said that indeed is a happinesse in some kinde but nothing to this that is but Temporall this is Eternall The honour and happinesse of a nation and people Psal. 33.12 and also of particular persons Psal. 65.4 lyes in this that they have GOD for their GOD. He that is in speciall Covenant with GOD all that is in GOD is for him his truth for his security his love for his comfort his power for his protection his wisedome for his direction all that is in CHRIST is his his love his graces his merits He is his
also he iustified and whom hee iustified them also hee glorified Rom. 8.30 2. Promises to make us righteous As by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many bee made righteous Rom. 5.19 therefore we are said to be the righteousnesse of GOD in him 2 Cor. 5.21 For this cause CHRIST is called The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSE Ier. 23.6 33.16 CHRIST is made unto us righteousnesse 1 Cor. 1.30 He is said to be the end of the law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 and the Sacraments are said to be the Seales of the righteousnesse of faith Rom. 4.11 He hath covered mee with a robe of righteousnesse Abraham beleeved GOD and it was imputed to him for righteousnesse Gal. 3.6 This imputed righteousnesse the Papists scoffe at and call it a putative righteousnesse and yet the phrase is used tenne times in one Chapter 4. Reconciliation By CHRIST wee are reconciled to GOD. GOD hath reconciled us to himselfe by JESUS CHRIST GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world unto himselfe 2 Cor. 5.18 19. CHRIST is our peace who hath made both one that he might reconcile both unto GOD Ephes. 2.14 16. You that were sometime alienated yet now hath he reconciled Col. 1.21 5. Adoption Promises 1. of it Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sonnes of GOD 1 Joh. 3.1 2. But to as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sonnes of GOD even to them that beleeve in his name Iohn 1.12 That is a gracious promise which the Apostle citeth out of the Prophet Hosea Rom. 9.26 And it shall be in the place where it was said unto them yee are not my people that there they shall be called the children of the living GOD. So the LORD promiseth to such as shall separate themselves from the wicked 2 Cor. 6.18 Hee that overcommeth shall inherit all things and I will be his GOD and hee shall be my sonne Rev. 21.7 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the sonnes of GOD Mat. 5.9 It was GODS promise to David concerning Salomon 2 Sam. 7.14 I will be his father and hee shall be my sonne Whereupon David much affected and ravished saith verse 18. O LORD GOD what am I or my fathers house that thou shouldst vouchsafe me so great honour and happinesse as to finde my childe yea to take him for thine owne and to become his Father See that excellent place Gal. 4.4 5 6 7. Rom. 8.17 2. To it paternity promiseth all blessings Mat. 7.11 and all forbearance Psal. 103.13 Heb. 12.5 6. CHAP. VIII PROMISES 1. Of the Spirit THe giving of the Spirit is a part of GODS Covenant I will powre out my Spirit upon all flesh in those daies and your young men shall see visions c. Ioel 2.28 29. which is repeated Acts 2.17 18. The great Promise that our Saviour CHRIST made to them before he departed in the flesh was this I will baptize you with the HOLY GHOST which was fulfilled after when he powred forth his Spirit So Esay 44.3 I will powre water upon him that is thirsty and flouds upon the drie ground I will powre my spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thy off-spring the latter end of the verse interprets it So Ezek. 36.25 26 27. I will put my spirit within you c. I will powre upon the house of David the spirit of grace and supplications Zach. 12.10 How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Spirit to them that aske him Luke 11.13 I will powre out my spirit unto you Prov. 1.23 This is meant in that place Ioh. 4.10 Where our Saviour saith to the woman of Samaria thou wouldest have asked of him and hee would have given thee living water that is the Spirit as appeares by comparing it with Iohn 7.38 39. I will pray the Father and hee shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth Iohn 14.16 17. It is said Ephes. 1.13 They were sealed with the Spirit of promise that is which was promised to all Beleevers and Gal. 3.14 we are said by faith to receive the promise of the Spirit that is the Spirit of promise or that had beene promised CHRIST had the Spirit in the fullnesse of it It pleased the Father that in him should all fullnesse dwell Col. 1.19 all fullnesse both in respect of the number of graces Esay 11.2 and in respect of the measure of them Iohn 3.34 Col. 2.3 Of his fullnesse we shall all receive and grace for grace Ioh. 1.16 grace freely and grace upon grace Zach. 14.8 A Promise to those that have the Spirit As many as are led by the Spirit of GOD they are the sonnes of GOD Rom. 8.14 CHAP. IX The operation of the Spirit 1. In Generall Sanctification 2. In Speciall 1. Spirituall graces 2. Spirituall duties 1. The kinds of them 2. The degrees of them 1. The Promises of Sanctification _â—OD promiseth in the Covenant of grace which hee hath made with his people to take away their hearts of stone and give them hearts of flesh to put his law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts to put his feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from him and to give them a new heart and to put his Spirit within them The substance of which Covenant is this that all their sins shall be forgiven and both the guilt and punishment thereof wholly remooved Their persons shall be justified and their natures sanctified the lawes of GOD and his promises shall be written in their mindes so that they shall have the knowledge of them and in their hearts so that they shall have the comfort feeling and fruition of them they shall not onely have interest in all GODS graces and blessings but according to their neede shall have the use and enjoyment thereof The LORD often promiseth to Sanctifie and make holy his people as Exod 19.6 31.13 Levit. 22.32 Esay 4.3 4 35.8 Ioel 3.17 Sanctifie them through thy truth John 17.17 and ver 19. For their sakes I sanctifie my selfe that they also might be sanctified through the truth The LORD hath sworne that his children shall serve him in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of their life Luke 1.73 74 75. The GOD of peace sanctifie you wholly Faithfull is hee that hath called you who also will doe it 1 Thess. 5.23 24. CHRIST is made unto us Sanctification 1 Cor. 1.30 The LORD hath said that his children shall not want any needfull Grace for the leading of a godly life Psal. 84.11 There shall be a fountaine opened for sinne and for uncleanenesse Zach. 13.1 it is GODS Covenant to sprinkle cleane water upon us that we may be cleane and to cleanse us from all our filthinesse and all our Idols
accomplishment 1 King 8.37.40 2 Chron. 20.8 10. Iosh. 1.5 6. Heb. 13.5 Luk. 2â— 32 Iohn 17.15 See â—1 20. verses Psal. 84.11 Master Reynolds in his Treatise of the Sinfullnesse of Sin Mat 6.33 Esay 55.5 1 Thess. 4.7 Ier. 31.33 1 Thess. 5 23 Ier. 32.40 Hos 11.3 Hos. 14.4 Ezek. 34.16 Gods Promises signifie what he will do his precepts what we must do that this promises may be to us fulfilled Hee promiseth to hiâ— Church to forgive theiâ— sinnes withall giveâ— us command to repent beleeve that our sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 His promise is to save his children their duty yet to save theâ—selves Acts â— 40 * Experiments God hath given us in others Iam. 5.11 2 Experience â—f his mercy in our selves See Pal. 4.1 â—sal 2 7.5 77.5.11 1.3 5. Psa. 1â—9 52 That faith may be preserved wee must often meditate upon the sweetnesse Ps. 1â—9 103. 139.11 constancie Rev. 1.5 2 Cor. 1.20 perpetulty of the most precious and free promises which are thâ— grounds of faith Hos. 14.5 Ezek. 36.22 as a Revered Divineâ— observes in his Exposition of his Catechisme The Philosopher saith that experience is multiplex memoria a multiplied memory because of the memory of the same thing often done ariseth experience Psal. 139.14 The ground for what and the rule how wee must pray All our prayers are to be grounded on Gods promises David often chargeth God with his promise Psal. 119. Qâ—â—cken me according to thy word v. 2â— that is thy promise in thy word So 10â— 149 154. Remâ—mber thy Wor◠〈…〉 thy Woâ—d 38. still he haâ—ps upon this stâ—ing 28â— 1. â—5 75. * Neh. 1.8 1â— In the waâ—t of other Rhetorick Oratory let Christians in their prayâ—â—â—â—rge this with repetition Lord â—hou hast â—romised thou hast promised 〈…〉 2 Chron. â—9 â—â— 15 17. 1 King â—2 The thing asked must first be warranted under some precept or promise in generall though not expresly M. Harris Obiect How wee may pray in faith when we want a particular promise that the thing we aske shall be granted Sol. Gods promises of things temporall and to heare us for others are but indefiniâ—e not universall The faith therefore requited toward them is but an indefinite act of recumbency and submissiâ—n not of assurance M. Goâ—heiâ— in his returne of Prayers Yet God often grants prayers made for oâ—herâ— since promises are made to such prayers as that they shal be healed in their bodies Iam 5 15. healed of their lustâ— v. 16. converted to liâ—e 1 Ioh 5 16. Id. ib. Eo modo cuinia sunt petenda quo modo sunt promissa Verse 3â— We may pray againsâ— temptations as against sicknesse and poverty 〈◊〉 simply buâ— with submission to Gods will only we must pray abâ—oluâ—ely to be 〈◊〉 from 〈…〉 of temptation for those latter words in the I. P doe restraine or correct the former D. Am. That wee should have grace is absolutely necessary and therefore we may pray absolutely for it We may not absolutely pray for limited set meaâ—ureâ— of grace but in what measure God shall thinke good D. Sclater upon 2. to the Thess. pag. 18.210 233. 2 Chro. 32 31 D. Sâ—lat on 1. of Rom. We must referre the time manner and measure of granting our petitions to the Lord. D. Preston on the Sacrament D. Gâ—uge on the Lords Prayer See page 10 See Schudder key of heaven last Doct. Mat. 26.39 D. Sclat on 2.10 Thess pages before quoted There is no temporall thing of this life doth Cadâ—re in promissâ—on Dei but onely so faâ—re forth as it shaâ—l helpe and further the next life This life is but via ad citam and whatsoever God promise◠〈◊〉 in the waâ— is but to 〈◊〉 us â—n the end oâ—â—he 〈◊〉 a 〈…〉 guide to godlinesse b B Babington on L.P. c A Reverend Divine on the L.P. d A Worthy Writer in his Catechisme Smith grounds of religion Tylen Syntag Barker on the 5. Commandement * Illa sola sunt absoluteÌ„ petenda quae necessaria sunt ad Dei gloriam nâ—stram salutem caetera vero cum tacita subiectione ad Dei sapientissimaÌ„ dispositioneÌ„ D Ames medul To l. 2. c. 9. Therefore in the Lords Prayer there are 5. Petitions for Spirituall and but one for Temporall things God must be sought to for the performaÌ„ce of his promises Ezek. 36 â—7 Ier. 29 10 13 God doth not give his promises to make us idle but to exercise our faith in importuning him for performance Gods promises then are as directions in not as dispensations from the devotion we owe unto God Bish. Lake â—hen God promised thingâ— in parâ—icular yet â—â—ll â—hey prayed and prayed earnestlâ— as Eâ—â—th when God promiseâ— that it should raine 1 Kiâ—g 18.41 42. and David when God promised to make him an house 2 Sam. 7.11 It is called a Covenant of gâ—ace and the promise of grace The very Greek and Latine wâ—rds for promise sâ— was beforâ— noted signifie a free and willing promise so the word is taken â—it 1. â— Deut. 7.7 8. Ezek. 16.6.8 a Christ is a free gift Esay 96. and how shall he not with him freely give us all thing Rom. 8 31. God commendeth his love to us in that when we were yet sinners and enemies also Christ died for us Rom 5 8.10 He loved us non existentes imo resistentes saith Bernard b The promises are free yet conditionall Conditionall is not opposed to Free but to Absolute 2 Thess. 3.3 4 2 Thess. 3.11.12 The freenes of Gods promises revives our hope * It is good for a man saith Greenham to watch himselfe whether in hearing the promises of God he hath a cold feare comming on him for his unworthines which if he have that man may hope well of himselfe Mat. 11.28 The wicked came Gods peace into wantonnes Iude 4. 2 Cor. 7 1. Heb. 4 1. Esay 55.7 The Covenant is actually made with beleevers onely Act 13.48 Gal. 3. â— but it is offered unto all by the Gospel Mat. 28 1â— Acts 17.30 Col 1.23 Tit. â— 11 Ioh. 6 45 7 Ephes. 1.17 〈…〉 in Comment ad Rome 3. v. 2. Acts 2.39 The largenesse of the Promise serveth not onely to assure all beleevers of salvation but to encourage all that heare of Christ to beleeve in him as the brazen Serpent had a promise annexed to it Numb 21.8 9. Ioh. 3.14 15 â—6 that all that lookâ—d toward it when they were stung with a Serpent should be he healed that promise served not onely to assure the lookers of recovery but also to encourage and warrant every one to looke to the Serpent The Sacraments particularize the generality of the promise * Perkins reformed Cathâ—like Abbot against Bish. * D. Prideaux Lect 7 de salutis certitudine D Sclater on Rom 18. The Papish say it is arrogancy and presumption by a speciall faith to apply the promises to our selves
Or to the LORDS Supper as the Manna the water flowing out of the rock 2. Ordinary as 1. Circumcision answering to our Baptisme Gen. 17.9 11 12. Col. 2.11 12. 2. The Passeover answering to the LORDS Supper Ex. 12.13 1 Cor. The Sacraments after Christs comming to continue till the end of the world are two 1. Baptisme Iohn 1.26 Mat. 28.19 2. The Supper of the LORD Luke 22.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.25 26. These two Covenants of works and Grace doe both agree and differ in severall respects 1. They agree 1. In their Author GOD. 2. In the persons contracting GOD and Man 3. In the generall end of them both the glory of GOD. 4. In the extâ—insecall forme they both binde 5. They have both one matter also for substance on Gods part mans happinesse in both on mans part obedience in both 6. In nature because they are both inviolable on GODS part 2. They differ 1 In kind that was a Covenant of amity betweene the Creator and the creature this of Reconciliation betweene enemies for there was no breach made before as now there is betweene us and our GOD. When we were enemies CHRIST died for us 2. In the speciall end for the end of the Covenant of nature is the declaration of GODS justice of the Covenant of grace the declaration of GODS mercie 3. In the foundation for the foundation of the covenant of nature is the creation of man and the integrity of humane nature of the other the redemption of man by Christ. 4. In the quality of the persons contracting GOD the Creator in the first exacts his right from a man pure and perfect but in this offers himselfe as a mercifull Father to a sinner troubled with the sight and sence of his sins 5. In the conditions workes are required in the first faith in the other Adam was to make that good of himselfe and by his owne power In the Covenant of grace GOD giveth what he requireth and accepteth what he giveth Fides impetrat quod lex imperat August Enchir. c. 117. 6. In the forme of fanction the Covenant of nature was published as soone as promised but the Covenant of grace was first promised then a long while after proclaimed ratified with the blood of Christ. 7. In the object that is extended to all men this belongs to some certaine men by a singular reason for although it is often promiseuously propounded yet by a speciall propriety it belongs to them to which it is intended by GOD. 8. In duration that is antiquated to them who are made partakers of this new one this is perpetuall therefore called often an everlasting Covenant and admits of no end or variation for the substance 9. In effects that was deadly for a sinner the Ministery of death this is called a quickning Spirit and is the ministration of righteousnesse and life 2 Cor. 3.6 7 8 9. The Covenant of grace is called in regard of the convention and agreement betweene GOD and man a Covenant in regard of the manner of confirming it a Testament being in many things like a Testament For 1. As in a Testament or last will the Testators minde is declared so is the will of GOD in his Word 2. As in a Will so here is a Testator which is CHRIST a Legacie which is eternall life Heires which are the Elect an Instrument which are the Scriptures and Seales which are circumcision and the Passeover of the old Baptisme and the LORDS Supper of the new Thirdly and principally as a Testament is in force by the death of the Testator Heb. 9.16 17. so the Covenant of Redemption is ratified by the death of CHRIST and this death by the effusion of blood was shadowed out in the Old but consummated in the New Testament This Covenant is but one for substance yet in divers respects and circumstances it is either Old or New Old as it is a reconciliation of the old people with GOD by CHRIST to be exhibited new as it is a reconciliation of the new people with GOD by CHRIST now exhibited in the flesh in regard of the shadow it is called the Old and in regard of the substance the New Old because it is first in time and antiquity 2. Because it is abrogated in part Heb. 8.13 2 Cor. 3.14 being placed in ceremonies which in time for oldnesse vanished away New 1. In respect of the immediate Author CHRIST Luke 22.20 GOD was the Author of the other 2. Because celebrated in a new manner and new rites and is never to be abrogated or disanulled It is new in respect of GOD and us 1. In respect of GOD because the Covenant is renewed as he promised in the seed of Abraham which is with all the nations of the earth Gal. 3.8 2. In respect of us because we are renewed thereby 2 Cor. 5.17 The Old Testament is called the Law because the first and chiefe part of it is the Law of Moses the New Testament is called the Gospell because the first and chiefe part thereof is the glad tydings of our Redemption and the forme of the Covenant is in the one Legall in the other Evangelicall The Law was written in Tables of stone Exod. 31.18 2 Cor. 3.5 but the Gospell is written in the fleshie tables of the heart Ier. 31.33 Heb. 8.10 The Old Testament is the Covenant of GOD which in types and shadowes prefigured CHRIST to come and to be exhibited and by vertue thereof Life everlasting was given by faith in CHRIST that was to come The giving of Isaac of the promised Land and all these promises were but shadowes of the great promise of the maine Covenant in CHRIST The New Testament is the Covenant of GOD which since the comming of CHRIST in the flesh hath abolished those shadowes and giveth life everlasting by faith in CHRIST that is come The old Covenant agrees with the Covenant of nature 1. In both the parties contracting are GOD and Man 2. Each hath a stipulation annexed to it 3. The promise is the same in kind 4. Both lead to CHRIST They differ 1. Because the Covenant of nature was contracted with all men this with the Israelites onely 2. That of nature was made as soone as man was created and had no praeludia the old Covenant long after and had many praeludia afore it 3. That of nature onely binds to obedience due by the Law of nature the old Covenant obligeth also to ceremonies 4. Life is promised in both but it is set forth in the one by the fruition of Paradise in the other by the possession of the Land of Canaan 5. The Covenant of nature is eternall the old Temporary 6. Both Covenants bring us to CHRIST buâ— that of nature doth not this per se but per accidens this old one doth it per se for it is the true and proper scope of it 7. The Covenant of nature was written in the heart
Saviour Redeemer The HOLY GHOST is his Comforter dwells in him to teach him and guide him into all truth and to seale up the promises to his heart He hath the guard of Angels Heb. 1.14 Dominion over the creatures and free use of them both for necessity and delight Heb. 2.7 8. 1 Tim. 4.2 3. All things are his and he is Christs 1 Cor. 3.22 23. GOD calls such as are in Covenant with him His Treasure Psal. 135.4 His peculiar people Exod. 19.5 Deut. 14.2 His love for delights Cant. 76. The Lot of his inheritance Deut. 32.9 His hidden ones Psal. 83.3 His Iewels Mal. 3.17 Hee that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye Zach. 2.8 They are his beloved Psal. 108.6 127.2 As the signet upon his right hand Cant. 8.6 Esay 49.16 Hee dwelleth with them Ioh. 14.23 He followeth them whithersoever they goe Iosh. 1.9 He stands at their right hand Psal. 109.31 And holds them up by it Psal. 73.23 He covers them under his pavillion Psal. 27.5 Hee keepes their feet 1 Sam. 2.9 Their very bones Psal. 34.20 Hee counteth their wandrings Psal. 56.8 Hee numbreth their haires Matth. 10.30 Hee bottles up their teares Psal. 56.8 If they doe but sigh Hee observes it Psal. 38.9 He is the shield of their helpe the sword of their excellencie Deut. 33.29 Hee is their hope their helpe their health Psalme 71.5 Ioel 3.16 Ier. 17.7 Their Rocke their Refuge Psal. 62.2 6 7. Hee will teach them in the way that they should choose Psal. 25.12 And make them perfect in good workes Heb. 13.21 2 Thess. 2.17 Hee will give them their hearts desire Psal. 37.4 Pro. 10.24 His eye is ever upon them for good Psal. 33.18 The Prophet comprehends all in that one verse Psal. 84.11 The LORD GOD is a Sunne and shield the LORD will give grace and glory no good thing will hee withhold from them that walke uprightly A Sunne for consolation a Shield for protection A Sunne to give them life a Shield to defend life given A Sunne to make them fruitfull in all good a Shield to preserve them from all evill He will give not onely temporall blessings as it followeth there no good thing c. but he will also bestow upon them grace here and glory hereafter even that grace that shall be once glory Godlinesse is profitable to all things saith the Apostle having the promises of both lives of temporall things for this life and of spirituall and eternall things for the life to come Since then the happinesse of a Christian consists in this that GOD is his GOD every one should labour to secure this maine point and try whether he be in speciall Covenant with GOD. To this duty the Apostle exhorts us when he bids us Give diligence to make our calling and election sure 2 Pet. 1.10 2 Cor. 13.5 he saith Examine your selves whether yee be in the faith prove your owne selves And indeed there cannot be a better evidence that we are in the Covenant then this that we are in the faith or that faith is in us for so are those words to be understood For the Covenant of grace runs all upon promises I will give thee c. now faith answers the promise for the promise is to be beleeved Abraham beleeved in the LORD and therefore GOD reckoned him as a man that was righteous Gen. 15.6 and accepted him to be a partaker of the Covenant Every beleever is within the Covenant He that hath a true and saving Faith which worketh inwardly by purifying the heart Acts 15.9 and outwardly by Love Gal. 5.5 may certainely conclude that GOD is his GOD. We may know likewise that we are in Covenant with GOD by this if wee labour to keepe Covenant with him Psal. 103.18 if our greatest care be to please him and our greatest feare least we should offend him If we have chosen him it is certaine hee hath chosen us for so Cyril interprets that place Iohn 15.16 You have not chosen mee but I have chosen you that is saith he in regard of priority I have chosen you first There is a threefold Choosing of GOD. 1. In opinion to prize and esteeme him above all other delights when with Paul wee count all things as drosse and dung nay dogges-meat as the Originall hath it in comparison of CHRIST Philip. 3.8 2. In affection if we love him above all when we can say with the Spouse Cant. 1.7 O thou whom my soule loveth or with Peter LORD thou knowest that I love thee Ioh. 21.16 3. In practise when we choose his waies as David saith I have sworne and will performe it that I will keepe thy righteous iudgements Psal. 119.106 If upon a diligent scrutinie into our owne hearts and waies we finde GOD hath the chiefest command over all our thoughts affections and desires and that wee are truely ingrafted into CHRIST by faith wee should then prize the Covenant and improve it to all holy uses 1. We should highly prize the Covenant We should say with David What am I or what is my fathers house that I should be raised hitherto We should rejoyce in this that the Great and mighty GOD will enter into Covenant with us every promise should be precious unto us That noble Emperour Theodosius thought it a greater honour to be Membrum Ecclesiae then Caput Imperij a member of the true Church then Monarch of the world Salomon in the booke of his repentance preferres the title of Ecclesiastes a Preacher or reconciled Penitent before the title of the Sonne of David King of Ierusalem When Charles the fifth Emperour in a challenge to Francis the first King of France commanded his Herauld to proclaime him with all his Titles stiling him the Emperour of Germanie King of Castile Arragon Naples Sicilie c. Francis commanded his Herauld to call him so often King of France as the other had titles by all his Countries implying that France alone was more worth then all the Countries which the other had So when the wicked brag of their Honours Livings and great Lordships a child of GOD may say that GOD is his he is his portion and oppose this to all other dignities whatsoever For when a man hath GOD he hath all hee is Blessednesse it selfe when hee comes into the heart all comforts come along with him The Child of GOD may view the Heavens and say my Father made them hee may behold the workes of providence and say my Father feeds cloathes and preserves all the creatures in the world if he be in prosperity he may say GOD hath yet reserved greater goods for mee if in adversity hee may say CHRIST hath endured much more for my sake The Word and Sacraments are his Hee may goe boldly to the throne of grace Heb. 10.22 and aske almost what hee will in the name of CHRIST Marke 11.24 All his infirmities shall be borne withall all his
indeavours accepted He may expect protection in dangers and distresses Psal. 80.14 15 16. Every one protects their owne I am thine saith David save mee Psal. 119.94 He may looke to have his wants supplied Psal. 23.1 4. He may boldly challenge Sin Death Hell the Divell and victoriously triumph over them all with the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.55 56 57. and say with David The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I feare the LORD is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid Psal. 27.1 2. We should also improve the Covenant for all holy purposes We must with boldnesse and reverence challenge the Covenant of grace There cannot be a more forcible argument in prayer then to pleade GODS Covenant and the interest wee have in him Our Saviour Matth. 6.9 teaching us to pray bids us to say Our Father as if hee should say presume not to aske any petition of GOD till thou canst so conceive and be perswaded of him Those then who are GODS children may pray with confidence unto him as a Father ipsum nomen orat pro nobis The very name makes supplication for us Thus our Saviour CHRIST prayed O my Father three severall times Matth. 26.39 42 44. and My GOD My GOD Matth. 27.64 Psal. 22.1 The Papists urge their owne merits and merits of Saints in their prayers but GODS people have still urged Covenant Gen. 32.9 Nehem. 1.6.10.11 2 Chron. 14.11 20. 6 7. Psal. 16.1 2. Psal. 18.1 2 3 6. Psal. 22.1 116.16 Ioh. 17.6.9 10. Deut. 9.27 1 Sam. 12.22 Ier. 14.21 Vnite my heart saith David to thy feare Psal. 86.11 as if he should have said LORD thou hast promised to give mee one heart behold I finde my heart divided disjoynted unite it I beseech thee so those that are within the Covenant may goe to GOD and say LORD give mee wisedome faith patience for the discharge of my duty toward thee my heart is out of order LORD mend it it is thy bargaine thine owne Covenant O doe it for thy names sake GOD takes it well if we mind him of his Covenant and presse him with his promise Wee should also aggravate our sinnes in confession by this that wee have sinned against Covenant hand and seale our sinnes in that respect are worse then the sinnes of Pagans or Heathens they sinne but against Creation wee against Covenant whoredome is worse then fornication When wee are tempted to the committing of any sinne the Covenant should be a curbe to us wee should say no I must now lye no more sweare no more breake the LORDS day no more it is against my bargaine such a LORDS day in such a Congregation before such and such witnesses I tooke the Sacrament upon it that I would doe so no more when wee are taken off from any duty the Covenant should spurre us on wee should remember that wee have taken presse money and earnest as it were from GOD in our Baptisme that wee will be for him that wee have often renewed our first Covenant in the Sacrament and therefore there should be no flinching from our bargaine 2. Temporall Promises This second Table containes the Speciall Temporall Promises Speciall promises in regard of a mans selfe Temporall 1. In regard of evill 1. In generall Afflictions dangers 1. To prevent them 2. To qualifie them if they do come by correcting 1. In greâ—t wisedome which is seene in 1. The meetnesse of correction 2. The just measure and continuâ—nce thereof 2. In love and tendernâ—s 3. For good 1. General to make them happy 2. Speciall 1. To try them 2. To purge sin 3. To quicken Graces 1. Faith 〈…〉 2. Hope 3. Patience 3. To helpe us tâ— beare them and in due time to remove them 2. Speciall 1. Sicknesse 1. To prevent it 2. To helpe mâ—â— 3. To take it awâ—y 2. Povertie 3. Famine Promises to Succour in Deliverâ—tâ—â—n 4. Warre to preserve from it 5. Captivity Promises tâ— Comfort in Deliver â—ut 6. Witchcraft or the possession of the Divellâ— 7. Oppression 2. In regard of good 1. In generall to supply any thing needfull 2. In speciall for 1. Name 1. Honâ—ur 2. A goâ—d name 2. Body 1. Lonâ—-life 2. Health 3. Safety 4. Peace 5. Sleepe 6. Poâ—dâ—râ—iment 3. Estate 1. Wealth â— Good successe and prosperity 1. To their persâ—nâ— 2. To their purpâ—sâ—s 4. Calling Promises To diligence in it 1. Abundâ—â—ce and plentâ— 2. Protectiâ—n 3. Promâ—tâ—a 4. Good fate 5. It builds thâ— hâ—usâ— 6. It make 〈…〉 CHAP. II. Of Speciall Temporall Promises 1. Temporall Promises in regard of evill things 1. In Generall Afflictions and Dangers 1. To prevent them GOD will preserve his children from Afflictions and Dangers HE is a Buckler Gen. 15.1 Pro. 2.7 30.5 to keep them from all evill to cover and compasse them round about Psal. 5.11 12. Psal. 8.2 A wall of Brasse Ier. 1.18 and A wall of Fire about his children Zach. 2.5 As the mountaines are round about Ierusalem so the LORD is round about his people Psal. 125.2 There shall no evill befall thee neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling Psal. 91.10 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evill Psal. 121.7 There shall no evill touch thee Iob 5.19 GOD hath promised to protect his children in all their waies Psal. 91.11 and to preserve them in greatest dangers by Sea or land Fire and water are two mercilesse enemies yet the fire shall not burne nor the waters overflow them as GOD hath promised Esay 43.2 They must not passe by these by the fire and by the water but through the fire and through the water neither is here water mentioned onely but flouds or rivers of water nor fire onely but a flame too Surely in the flouds of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him Psal. 52.6 An asseveration is added to confirme their hearts and to shew the truth of the promise Though the earth and the heavens be shaken yet GOD will be the hope of his people Ioel 3.16 And they shall be hid in the day of his anger Zeph. 2.3 Therefore such who are in Covenant with GOD may looke to be freed from evills and dangers if it be for their good and in the valley of the shadow of death may assure themselves of GODS mercifull omnipotent presence Psal. 23.4 Psal. 73.26 Psal. 91.15 Esay 43.2 2. To qualifie them if they doe come GOD will qualifie Afflictions to his children He will correct them 1. In great wisedome which is seene in two things 1. In the meetnesse of correction Heb. 12.9 10. Furthermore wee had fathers of our flesh which corrected us and wee gave them reverence shall wee not much rather be in subiection to the father of spirits and live For they verily for a few daies chastened us after their owne pleasure but hee for our profit that wee might be partakers of his holinesse Earthly Parents oft correct
for it may comfort themselves with such precious places as these 1 Ioh. 2.1 Luke 17.4 1 Sam. 12.20 22. 1 Iohn 1.9 From this last place a reverend Divine collects this comfort If wee see our unworthinesse and with broken hearts acknowledge it GOD is faithfull and iust to forgive it be it never so great Thou hast played the harlot with many lovers yet returne againe to mee saith the LORD Ier. 3.1 3. The LORD will restore them and raise them up againe by repentance The LORD will heale thy backesliding if thou take unto thee words to confesse thy falling away Hosea 14.2 3 4. There is healing in the wings of the Sonne of righteousnesse and you shall grow up as the calves of the stall Mal. 4.2 The LORD upholdeth all that fall and raiseth up all those that are bowed downe Psal. 145.14 Behold I will bring it health and cure and I will cure them and will reveale unto them the abundance of peace and truth Ier. 32.6 Hee speakes Ezek. 34.16 of the time of the Gospell when CHRIST should bee the Shepheard and shewes the Covenant that he will make with those that are his if any thing be lost saith he if a Sheepe lose it selfe this is my Covenant I will finde it If it be driven away by any violence of temptation I will bring it backe againe If there be a breach made into their hearts by any occasion through sinne and lust I will heale them and binde them up GODS Covenant is to make us faithfull in his Covenant the actions of faith and repentance are ours but the power of doing them GODS 4. Spirituall Lamenesse Comforts against Spirituall Lamenesse or weaknesses of graces Then shall the lame man leape as an Hart Esay 35.6 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements and doe them Ezek. 36.27 They shall runne and not be wearie they shall walke and not be saint Esay 40.31 See ver 29. The LORD will be the hope of his people and the strength of the children of Israel Joel 3 16. In our Spirituall infancie we may comfort our selves by those cordiâ—ll refreshing promises I will give unto him that is a thirst of the fountaine of the water of life freely Rev. 21.6 A bruised reede shall he not breake and the smoaking flaxe shall he not quench Esay 42.3 though grace be in us but like the heate in the weeke of the candle when the light is out yet GOD hath taken order that it shall not be extinguished Hee shall feede his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme and carry them in his bosome and shall gently leade those that are with young Esay 40.11 Hee will use all compassion with a tender respect of our weakenesse In love in care in pittie he will redeeme us and carry us as in the daies of old Esay 63.9 As he hath borne us from the wombe so will he be the same still unto old age even unto the gray haires hee will carry us in the armes of his compassion hee hath made us hee will beare even hee will carry and deliver us Esay 46.3 4. Since thou art a branch of his planting he may glorifie himselfe in thee so as thy little one may be as a thousand and thy small one as a strong nation GOD can performe it in his due time Esay 60.21 22. CHRIST graciously receiveth and tenderly cherisheth weake Christians Zach. 13.7 Matth. 18.5 Hee giveth charge against the contempt of them verse 10. and will not have the day of small things despised Zach. 4.10 The obedience oâ— the faithfull is weake and imperfect but pleasing and acceptable unto GOD. The Psalmist saith Psal. 147.11 149.4 The LORD taketh pleasure in his people the prayers of the upright are his delight GOD will reckon of so much good done by us as wee desired and endeavoured to doe the preparations of our hearts are reckoned with GOD as great things Esay 55.1 This is a great comfort to GODS children that doe their best indeavour to keepe all his Commandements for though they faile in that obedience which they ought to performe yet GOD promiseth to shew mercy to them Exod. 26.6 so long as their heart is true he will beare with their infirmities Wee are not under the law saith the Apostle but under grace Rom. 6.14 We are delivered from the rigour of the Law GOD hath received us to the benefit of that Covenant in which perfection is onely required in CHRIST uprightnesse in us GOD accepts of the will for the deed 2 Cor. 8.12 and the will above the deed as appeareth by the 10. verse Who hath not onely begunne to doe but also to be forward a yeare agoe making it a greater grace to be willing and desirous to doe well then it is to doe a good thing 5. Doubts and Feares of losing the love of GOD. Comforts against doubts and feares of loosing the love of GOD. In the affliction of thy minde and losse of the feeling of GODS favour acquaint thy selfe with those promises Iohn 13.1 Having loved his owne which were in the world he loved them unto the end and without end The gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance that is such gifts as accompany an effectuall calling are such as GOD never repenteth of or taketh away I will not forsake my people 1 King 6.13 Heb. 13.5 Behold GOD will not cast away a perfect man Iob 8.20 The love of GOD unto his childe in respect of tendernesse is infinitely dearer then that of a most loving mother to her little one Esay 49.15 stronger then the stony mountaines and rockes of flint Esay 54.10 as constant as the waters of Noah ver 9. as the ordinances of Heaven Ier. 33.20 and ver 25. nay as sure as GOD himselfe Psal. 89.33 34 35. 6. Forgetfullnesse A promise against forgetfullnesse But the Comforter which is the HOLY GHOST whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you Iohn 14.26 7. Vncheerefullnesse Comforts against dullnesse and uncheerefullnesse The wildernesse and solitary place shall be glad for them and the desart shall reioyce and blossome as the rose it shall blossome abundantly and reioyce even with ioy and singing Esay 35.1 2. Then shall yee sucke yee shall be borne upon her sides and be dandled upon her knees As one whom his mother comforteth so will I comfort you and yee shall be comforted in Ierusalem And when yee see this your heart shall reioyce and your bones shall flourish like an herbe Jer. 66.12 13 14. Thou shalt reioyce in the LORD Esay 41.16 Thou shalt have thy delight in the Almighty Iob 22.26 The godly have a spring of joy within them Iohn 4.14 In thy name shall they reioyce all the day
Psal. 89.16 See Psal. 33.21 8. Indisposition Comforts against it In the thoughts of our indisposiâ—ion to any thing that is good let these places quicken us I can doe all things through CHRIST that strengthneth mee Phil. 4.13 Yee shall be unto mee a kingdome of Priests Exod. 19.6 We shall be able to offer unto GOD the sacrifice of prayer or praise In every place incense shall be offered to my name and a pure offering Mal. 1.11 which is spoken of the beleeving Gentiles 9. Distractions Comforts against them GOD promiseth in the Covenant of grace Ezek. 11.19 To give his people one heart CHRIST prayed that we might have this one heart Iohn 17.21 23. and be one with GOD. When we are troubled with distractions in prayer hearing or meditation wee should pleade the Covenant and pray with David O LORD unite my heart to thee 10. Evils of good done Promises or comforts to the godly for evils of good done GOD not onely accepteth and taketh in good part the poorest service we doe to him notwithstanding our corruptions and frailties but even delighteth and taketh great pleasure in them Cant. 2.14 as a Father delights more in the stammering of his little childe then in the eloquence of the best Orator CHRIST presenteth and perfumeth our prayers to his Father Rev. 8.3 1 Pet. 2.5 And it shall be upon Aarons fore-head that Aaron may beare the iniquity of the holy things and that they may be accepted before the LORD Exod. 28.38 Aaron was a Type of CHRIST who by his intercession perfumes our prayers and doth away the blemishes that cleave to our best actions Loving Parents doe not take notice of many blemishes in their children so GOD seeth no iniquity in Iacob nor any transgression in Israel Num. 23.21 But passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage which makes the Prophet in the beginning of the verse in admiration to cry Who is a GOD like to thee 11. Comforts against Feares of their falling from GOD who labour to work out their salvation with feare and trembling 1. In regard of GOD. 1. His Counsell on which mans salvation is founded is sure and unchangeable and his calling without repentance Rom. 11.29 2. His Love is everlasting and inviolable Ier. 31.3 Rom. 8.35 ult 3. His Mercy like his Lovâ— is â—verlasting Psal. 103.17 Psal. 100.5.106.1 107.1 Luke 1.50 It is iterated 26. times in 136. Psalme 4. His Will is for such Luke 12.32 Iohn 6.39 His Grace and that is all-sufficient 2 Cor. 12.9 5. His Power is for such and that is Almighty Ioh 10.27 28 29. Iude 24.2 Tim. 1.12 6. His faithfullnesse and truth make both for this 2 Thess. 3.3 2. In regard of CHRIST 1. Because of our union with him He is the Head we the members and he will not suffer any to perish that are ingraffed into him Ioh. 6.39 Ioh. 17.22 23 26. 2. From the perpetuall efficacie of his intercession Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.21 Hee is a Priest for ever and alwaies intercedes for his What he said to Peter I have prayed that thy faith faile not Luke 22.32 Hee performeth for all He is the Author and finisheâ— of our faith Heb. 12.2 3. In regard of the HOLY GHOST 1. His continuall assistance Hee shall abide with us for ever John 14.16 And hee which hath begun a good work will finish it Phil. 1.6 2. His Obsignation which is irrevocable every one that beleeveth is sealed by the holy Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 14. sealed for ever 4.30 2 Cor. 1.22 an honest man will not break his bargaine when there is earnest and evidence for it therefore Chrysostome saith elegantly if GOD having once given this earnest should not also give the rest of the inheritance He should undergo the losse of his earnest 4. The lasting power of the Word once rooted in the good and honest heart Luke 8.15 It is called immortall seed 1 Pet. 1.23 25. The engraffed Word James 1.21 The seed remaining 1 Joh. 3.9 5. The certainty and sweetnesse of the promises to this purpose GOD hath promised that his people shall not be mooved from the state of grace Psal. 15.5 16.8 Psal. 37.24 27 28 31. Psal. 55.22 102.28 Pro. 10.30 Psal. 125.1 Hee will not cast off his people nor forsake his inheritance Psal. 94.14 1 Sam. 12.22 And hee will put his feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from him For this is his Covenant with his people Ier. 32.39 40 41. Hosea 2.19 20. Hee upholdeth them with his hand that they shall not fall away Hee will confirme them unto the end that they may be blamâ—lesse in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST 1 Cor. 1.8 9. the like is 1 Thess. 5.23 24 GOD hath made more promises to hold up his children then ever he made to hold up the pillars of the world 6. The prayers of the whole Church of GOD which are very prevalent and powerfull Ioh. 16.23 the daily sacrifice of beleevers is ne inducas in tentationem 7. The force and might of faith 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 8. The durable vigour of saving graces John 4.14 our Saviour hath promised Iohn 16.22 that he will give unto the faithfull such constant and permanent joy as no man shall be able to take from them He hath prayed that our faith may not faile Luke 22.32 It is a stable grace 1 Ioh. 5.4 1 Pet. 2.6 Comforts to the Godly who are troubled with many and strong corruptions and likewise want the meanes of grace either 1. Altogether 2. In the power of them 3. Or having them so yet profit not by them 1. Comforts in case of dismayednesse under many and strong corruptions I will sprinkle cleane water upon you and you shall be cleane â—rom all your filthinesse and from all your idols will I cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 Though thy sinnes were as great as Idolatry in the first Table or Whoredome in the second yet GOD will forgive and sanctifie thee He will cast all our sinnes into the depths of the sea Micah 7.19 The sea can drowne mountaines as well as mole-hills Though they were as crimson and scarlet which will take no other die yet in CHRISTS bloud they shall bee made as white as wooll and snow Esay 1.18 All manner of sinnes and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men Matth. 12.31 CHRIST came to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 It matters not what the wound is so CHRIST be the Physitian Where sin that is the knowledge and feeling of sinne abounded grace over-abounded Rom. 5.20 have wee a multitude and magnitude of sinnes GOD hath a multitude and magnitude of mercies Have mercy upon mee O GOD according unto the multitude so wee translate it the Hebrew word Rob signifieth also magnitude of thy tender mercies Two things terrifie penitent sinners 1. The multitude and exceeding great number of evils whereof they are guilty he tels
them in that 26. Ezek. that he would wash them from all their filthinesse without exception 1 Joh. 1.9 therefore let us not put in conditions where GOD doth not and as it were interline his Covenant 2. That their sinnes have beene hainous and extraordinary Zach. 13.1 Hee promiseth to open a fountaine of grace to wash them from all sinnes CHRIST hath discharged our pounds as well as our pence He came to take away the sinnes of the world this is spoken indefinitely 2. Comforts to such who are troubled for want of the meanes of grace either Altogether After GOD hath given you the bread of affliction and the water of adversity hee will restore teachers and no more restraine instruction Esay 30.20 Though thou see no way of helpe yet thou knowest not how GOD can provide Hee can open rivers on the tops of mountaines and he maketh the wildernesse a standing poole when his people thirst and cry unto him Esay 41.17 18. If ordinary meanes faile GOD will then â—â—pply of his Spirit I will be unto them as a little Sanctuary in the countries where they shaâ—l come Ezâ—k 11.16 I will take you one of a cittie and two of a family and I will â—râ—ng you in Sion Jer. 3.14 The LORD giveth the Word great is the company of preachers Psal. 68.11 The ransâ—med of the LORD shall returne and come to Sion with songs and everlasting ioy upon their heads they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall flie away Eâ—ay 35.10 Or in the power of them I will give you Pastors according to mine heart which shall feede you with knowledge and understanding Ier. 3.15 Or having them so and not profiting by them I am the LORD thy GOD which teacheth thee to profit which leadeth thee by the way which thou shouldst goe Esay 48.17 For thy Maker is thine husband c. Esay 54.5 6. Hosea 2.19 In the wildernesse shall waters breake out and streames in the desert and the parched ground shall become a poole and the thirsty land-springs of water Esay 35.6 7. that is the most barren heart shall abound with grace according to that promise Out of their bellies shall flow rivers of living water Iohn 7.38 streaming out for the good of others The Kingdome of GOD shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof Matth. 21.43 This is a promise that the Gentiles shall bring forth the fruites of the Gospell therefore every beleeving Gentile may apply it The use of Faith here is to uphold us against our manifold deâ—ects infirmities and imperfectiâ—ns For first it giveth evidence to our soules that the graces wee have are the gifts of GOD because GOD promiseth them Secondly it maketh us rest on GOD for perfecting of that good worke which hee hath so graciously begun The Godly that know they feare GOD unfainedly and yet are often perplexed because all sensible tokens of GODS favour are taken from them should 1. Acquaint themselves with the promises and comfort themselves with these words they will be as flagons of wine to all distressed spirits 2. Let them not consider too much of nor reason too much with their temptations Rom. 4.19 3. Though they feele nothing yet let them say with David Psâ—l 56.10 In GOD will I praise his Word in the LORD will I praise his Word CHAP. V. 5. In regard of GOD Desertions Comforts to GODS people in spirituall desertions 1. LEt them Consider that this hath befallen the best of GODS servants Job 6.4 13.16.9 David Psal. 6. 77. and CHRIST himselfe Mat. 27.46 CHRIST saith Greenham was forsaken for a few houres David for a few moneths and Iob for a few yeares 2. GOD doth not forsake them Heb. 13.5 Esay 49.15 16. but seemes to forsake them 3. Desertion is but short compared with the time of mercy For a small moment have I forsaken thee but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee saith the LORD thy Redeemer Esay 54.7 8. He will not alwaies chide neither will hee keepe his anger forever Psal. 103.9 The LORD will not cast off for ever but though he cause griefe yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies Lam. 3.31 32. 4. GOD waites for a fit season of shewing his favour toward them Esay 30.18 We ought to live by faith Hab. 2.4 waiting for GOD who hides his face Esay 8.17 and to stirre up our selves to lay hold on our GOD Esay 64.7 that is an excellent place Esay 50.10 CHAP. VI. SPIRITVALL PROMISES 1. In regard of Good 1. GODS 1. Love of them which hath three properties it is 1. Free 2. Infinite 3. Eternall 2. Presence with them 1. Each of the godly in particular 2. The whole Church in generall 3. Providence over them keeping them 1. Immediatly by himselfe 2. Mediatly by his Angels 1. Promises of GODS Love ANd he will love thee and blesse thee c. Deut. 7.13 Hee crowneth his people with loving kindnesse and tender mercies Psal. 103.4 There are three properties of GODS Love 1. It is a free Love he stands not upon desert Hosea 14.4 Exod 33.19 1 Ioh. 4.10 19. The LORD did not set his Love upon you nor choose you because yee wore more in number then any other people but because the LORD loved you Lo he loved you because he loved you to shew the freedome and independancy of his love unto them 2. It is an infinite transcendent Love Eph. 2.4.7 18 19. GOD so loved the world c. Iohn 3.16 that is so infinitely so transcendently so incomprehensibly 1 Ioh. 3.1 3. It is an eternall and unchangeable Love I have loved thee with an everlasting love Jer. 31.3 Behold I will betroth thee unto mee for ever Hosea 2.19 With everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee Esay 54.8 2. Promises of GODS speciall and gracious presence This is the most sweete comfort wherewith GOD anciently used to sustaine his children Each in particular Isaac Gen. 26.3 24. Moses Exod. 3.12 4.12 Josh. 1.5 9. 3.7 Ezek. 3. Jer. 1.8 19. David incouraged his sonne Salomon with this 1 Chron. 28.20 And the whole Church in generall Esay 41.10 43.2 Rev. 1.13 2.1 CHRIST left this comfort for his farewell to his Disciples and their Successors Lo I am with you to the end of the world Matth. 28.20 And With you Comprehends under it not onely Pastors but people also For where two or three are gathered together in my name saith CHRIST there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 3. Promises of GODS providence over his children They have an honourable guard 1. GOD himselfe keepeth his Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth Psal. 121.4 5. He keepeth his under the shadow of his wings
Ezek. 36.25 I will turne to the people a pure language Zeph. 3.9 See ver 13. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisedome and his tongue talketh of iudgement The Law of GOD is in his heart Psal. 37.30 31. CHRIST gave himselfe for us that hee might redeeme us from all iniquity and purifie unto himselfe a peculiar people zealous of good workes the LORD will guide the meeke in iudgement and teach the humble his way Psal. 25.8 12. In the daies of the Gospell saith the Prophet Zacharie shall there be upon the bels of the horses HOLINESSE VNTO THE LORD Those Promises before quoted in the Chapter of Justification Mat. 1.21 Ioh. 1.29 1 Iohn 2.2 1 Ioh. 1.7 Rev. 1.5 may be referred to this head also for they are to be understood not onely of pardoning our sinnes but delivering us from the power of them Promises 2. To Sanctification In keeping of them there is great reward Psal. 19.11 Blessed and happy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20.6 Depart from evill and doe good and dwell for evermore Psal. 37.27 To give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified Act. 20.32 See the like Act. 26.18 See Rom. 8.1 13. 1 Iohn 1.7 Esay 1.16 17 18. CHAP. X Promises of Spirituall Graces 1. The kinds of them 1. Knowledge and wisdome 2. Faith 3. Confidence 4. Hope 5. Joy 6. Love of 1. GOD. 2. CHRIST 3. Our Brethren 4. Our Enemies 7. Feare 8. Obedience 9. Repentance in which are handled 1. Confession of sin 2. Mourning for sin 3. Killing of it 4. Turning from it 10. Humility 11. Meekenesse 12. Patience 13. Righteousnesse 14. Vprightnesse 15. Peace 16. Zeale 17. Perseverance Spirituall Graces promised 1. Knowledge and Wisdome Promises 1. Of Knowledge IT is part of the Covenant Heb. 8.11 You shall know me from the least to the greatest and I will teach you and you shall no more teach one another his neighbour you shall have my law written in your hearts The Prophet speaking of the daies of CHRIST saith The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea Esay 11.9 the like we have Hab. 2.14 In the time of the Old Testament there was a vaile that covered their hearts and their eyes that they were not able to see the truth clearely but now That vaile is taken away and wee see the truth with open face as wee see an image in a glasse We know much more then they in the Old Testament and in another manner more distinctly more particularly It is oft said that The LORD will teach his people As in that famous prophesie of the daies of the Gospell that GOD would teach them his waies and they would walke in his paths Esay 2.3 Micah 4.2 So Psal. 25.8 9. Hee will teach sinners in the way and the meeke hee will teach his way The Elect shall be all taught of GOD Iohn 6.45 so much as is necessary for their salvation yea The least as well as the greatest They shall know of the Scripture to be GODS Word Esay 52.6 They shall know in that day that I am hee that doth speake behold it is I. They shall know of that doctrine which is taught them whether it be of GOD or whether their teacher speake of himselfe Iohn 7.17 CHRISTS Sheepe know his voice and will follow him John 10.4 The secret of the LORD is revealed to them that feare him and hee will shew them his Covenant Psal. 25.14 See ver 12. When the Spirit of truth is come hee will guide you into all truth Iohn 16.13 The faithfull have an unction from the holy one and know all things 1 Iohn 2.20 and ver 27. The HOLY GHOST abideth in them and they need not that any man teach them See Pro. 1.23 Hos. 14.9 Psal. 107.43 Iohn 8.32 Psal. 32.8 Marke 4.11 Esay 30.21 Prov. 2.3 4 5 6. Prov. 3.6 14.6 Promises 2. To Knowledge and wisedome It is rewarded 1. with Temporall blessings GOD will exalt such as know him I will set him on high because he hath knowne my name Psal. 91.14 Length of daies is in her right hand and in her left hand riches and honour Prov. 3.14 2. With spirituall blessings as grace and peace 2 Pet. 1.2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD. 3. With eternall blessings Prov. 3.13 18. Shee is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her and happy is every one that retaineth her 2. Faith which is thus defined Faith is a supernaturall gift of GOD in the mind apprehending the saving promise with all the promises that depend upon it Phil. 1.29 Gal. 3.14 Promises 1. Of Faith GOD promiseth to give Faith to whom hee meanes to save The Apostle saith It is the gift of GOD Ephes. 2.8 and Iude 3. That it was once given to the Saints Heb. 12.2 CHRIST is said to be the Author and finisher of our Faith And Rom. 12.3 That GOD hath dealt to every man the measure of Faith All that the Father giveth mee that is by election shall come to mee that is by Faith Iohn 6.37 See verse 35. Promises 2. To Faith Many Promises are made to Beleevers 1. Beleefe in GOD brings good successe Beleeve in the LORD your GOD so shall yee be established beleeve his Prophets so shall yee prosper 2 Chron. 20.20 2. Forgivenesse of sinnes righteousnesse and justification are promised to Beleevers Acts 10.43 Rom. 10.4 4.5 5.1 Acts 13.39 3. Wee are made the sonnes of GOD by adoption when wee beleeve in CHRIST Ioh. 1.12 Gal. 3.26 29. 4. GOD will give his Spirit to them that beleeve Hee that beleeveth in mee out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Ioh. 7.38 5. GOD hath promised to heare the prayers of such as beleeve What things soever yee desire when yee pray beleeve that yee receive them and yee shall have them Mark 11.24 Whatsoever yee shall aske in prayer if yee beleeve yee shall receive it Matth. 21.22 6. Eternall life is promised to Beleevers Iohn 3.16 Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life It is not onely said hee shall have eternall life but already he hath it often in Iohn Chap. 3.36 Chap. 5. 24. Chap. 6.47 54. 1. In regard of right because hee is instated into it in the Covenant of grace Mat. 5.3 2. CHRIST in his Ascention hath taken full possession for us Ephes. 2.6 3. In regard of initiall fruition in this life the life of grace is an imperfect life of glory Beleevers are said to be blessed John 20.29 Every man that beleeves shall be saved Mar. 16.16 There is the gracious promise now the Faithfull man assumes the Minor but I beleeve and out of these two premises inferreth this saving Conclusion therefore I shall be saved
147.6 3. Instruction The meeke will hee guide in iudgement and the meeke will he teach his way Psal. 25.9 4. The inheritance of the whole earth this appeares both in the Old and New Testament Psal. 37.11 Mat 5.5 Such a man shall have the earth as an heyre he shall hold it by right of adoption as the word in the Originall signifieth 5. Blessednesse Mat. 5.5 Blessed are the meeke 12. Patience Promise 1. Of it Patience is a gift which GOD hath promised freely and liberally without grudging or upbraiding Iam. 1.5 If any of you lacke wisedome that is to beare the crosse let him aske it of GOD that giveth to all men liberally and up braideth not and it shal be given him Promises 2. To it The patient abiding of the righteous shall be gladnesse Prov. 10.28 Humble your selves under the mighty hand of GOD that is bow and buckle under it with meekenesse and silence that hee may exalt you in due time 1 Pet. 5.6 Yee have need of patience that after yee have done the will of GOD yee might receive the promise Heb. 10.36 Behold we count them happy which endure Jam. 5.11 To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seeke for glory and honour and immortality eternall life Rom. 2.7 13. Righteousnesse Promises To Righteousnesse 1. Generally Psal. 11.7 Pro. 11.3 4 5 6 18 19. 2. Particularly for the righteous person 1. Himselfe 2. His posterity Psal. 37.25 Psal. 112.2 Prov. 11.21 Himselfe 1. In this life He shall have 1. Peace and protection in time of danger Esay 32.17 Psal. 5.12 Prov. 12.21 deliverance out of danger Psal. 34.19 Psal. 125.3 Pro. 11.8 2. Provision in time of want Psal. 34.15 1 Pet. 3.12 Psal. 37.25 29. 3. Joy Psal. 68.3 Let the righteous be glad let them rejoyce before GOD yea let them exceedingly rejoyce 2. For his death the righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14.32 3. After death the memory of the just is blessed Pro. 10.7 the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance Psal. 112.6 4. At the resurrection the righteous shall goe into life eternall Mat. 25.46 See 14. Chap. 43. 14. Vprightnesse Promises 1. Of Vprightnesse Hee shall put his law in thy minde and write it in thine heart Jer. 31.33 The truth dwelleth in us and shall be with us for ever 2 Epist. of Iohn 2. Promises 2. To Vprightnesse GOD rewards it with the blessines of this life and that which is to come hee will give them grace in this life and glory in the life to come Psal. 84.11 No good thing will bee withhoâ—d from them In this life GOD multiplieth his favours upon those who sâ—rve him in sincerity Psal. 73.1 Psal. 125.4 GOD hath promised to be good to them 1. In their habitations and families Pro. 14.11 2. In their children and posterity Psal. 112.2 3. In all the comforts of this life Psal. 84.11 4. In times of common calamity and combustion Psal. 37.19 Prov. 2.7 Psal. 112.4 11. 5. Peace joy and security are promised to it Hee that walketh uprightly walketh surely Pro. 10.9 2 Chron. 16.9 Psal. 97.11 Prov. 11.28 GOD performeth all his gracious promises upon this condition onely so hee promiseth unto the Kings of Israel and Iudah 1 King 2.4 9.4.5 that hee will confirme their Kingdome unto them and their posterity after them If they would walke before him in truth with all their heart and with all their soule therefore Hezekiah intreateth GOD to performe his promise unto him and his posterity grounding his faith on this seeing hee had walked c. Esay 38. 3. Psal. 145.18 He will save and deliver them from all perils and out of the hands of all their enemies Psal. 7.10 Prov. 11.6 which makes them bold and confident as Lions in peâ—illous times Pro. 28.1 6. Promotion Pro. 22.11 Hee that loveth purenesse of heart for the grace of his lips the King shall be his friend 7. GOD is delighted with it 1 Chron. 29.17 Pro. 12.22 Psal. 51.6 Psal. 11.7 By sincerity and truth wee come to be in league with GOD hee smites a covenant with us Gen. 17.1 2. 8. A peaceable end marke the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace Psal. 37.37 Three speciall blessings are promised them 1. Such shall never fall away nor loose GODS favour and grace Psal. 36.10 a Propheticall prayer hath the nature of a promise Psal. 112.6.2 Such shall have strength given them of GOD to endure any triall hee shall be pleased to bring them unto 2 Chron. 16.9.3 Such shall be sure to have a comfortable issue and a joyfull deliverance â—ut of all their tentations Psal. 37. 37. Psal. 97.11 Psal. 126.5 In the life to come GOD also crowneth the sincere and upright services of the faithfull with joy and happinesse Salomon saith Hee who walketh uprightly shall be saved Pro. 28.18 and David affirmeth that the upright is blâ—ssed and shall dwell in GODS presence Psal. 32.2 119.1 Psal. 15.2 our Saviour affirmeth that he shall be blessed in the vision and fruition of GOD Mat. 5.8 15. Peace Promises Of Peace of conscience Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Iohn 14.27 Our Saviour 1. Challengeth peace to be his owne having dearely purchased it 2. His owne to give men may wish the peace of GOD or CHRIST but hee gives it as his owne 3. He sheweth that this peace cannot be else-where had not as the world giveth plainely distinguishing his peace from the worlds both in the gift and manner of giving The peace of GOD which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and mindes through CHRIST JESUS Phil. 4.7 It is called the Peace of GOD 1. Because it hath GOD for its Object it is a peace with GOD. 2. Because GOD by his Spirit is the Author of it it is peace from GOD and therefore said to be a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 It is said to passe all understanding because 1. The understanding of maâ— cannot sufficiently conceive it 2. Mans understanding cannoâ— sufficiently esteeme or prize 〈◊〉 according to its worth shall keeâ— your hearts keepe as with guard or strong garrison thâ— same greeke word is used 2 Cor. 11.32 your hearts that is your will and affections and minds your intellectuall faculties your whole soules shall be kept in the knowledge and faith of CHRIST JESUS As many as walke according to this rule peace shall be upon them and mercy Gal. 6.16 By peace we are to understand outward peace as prosperity and good successe in all things wee goe about and peace with the creatures but the peace which is principally meant in this place is peace of conscience which is peace with GOD and our selves 16. Zeale The care of being Zealous 1. Hath a singular promise of the presence and communion of GOD in CHRIST Rev. 3.19 20. 2. Zeale makes all our
39 67 74 75. Assurance 74 75 306 307. B BAckesliding comforts against it 243 244. Baptisme promises to it 393. Barrennesse comforts against spirituall barrennesse 262 263. Blesse GOD will blesse all outward things to his children 212 213. Blessings by CHRIST to the godly 280. Body promises to Gods children in respect of the Body 198. Bounty promises to bounty to â—ODS Ministers 406. Buriall 420. C CAlling promises to diligence in a calling 209 210. Effectuall calling 280 281. Captivity comforts against it 187 188. Children promises concerning children 449 c. Promises to children obeying their Parents 454 455. Christ promises belong to him as Head of the Church 104 c. Promises of Christ 274 275. Church promises to the Church in generall or particular Churches 428 c. Company a promise to those that dislike evill company 232. Promises to good company 457. Conditionall promises 15 16 59 60. Conference promises of and to it 41 42. Confession of sinne promises to it 332 333. Confidence promises of and to it 309 c. Conversion promises of and to it 347 348. Correction See Afflictions GOD corrects in great wisdom and in love 157 158. They are blessed whom the LORD correcteth 161 c. Promises to correction of children 453 454. Covenant is mutuall between God and us 94.95 What the word covenant signifies 111 112. How it is taken in Scripture 113. The definition of a covenant in generall 114 115. The division of a covenant in generall 114 115. The covenants of works and grace â—15 116. their severall appellations agreements and differences 116 219. Why the Covenant of grace is called a Covenant and Testament and why it is termed old and new 126 127 128 129. How the old Covenant made with the Jews agrees and differs from the covenant of works 129 130 131. How the old and new covenant or Testament agree and differ 132 133. The covenant of grace handled in a speciall manner as it is a cluster of all the promises 137 138. The priviledges of those that are in Covenant with GOD 140 c. How to know whether we be in Covenant with GOD 144 145. What use we are to make of the covenant 146 147. c. Covetousnesse promises against it 233. D DAngers see Afflictions Damnation promises against it 415. Deâ—fâ—nesse comforts against spiâ—iâ—â—all deafenesse 240. 〈◊〉 comforts against the feare of death 417. and the feare of untimely death 419. Delighting in GOD promises of it and a promise to it 410 411. Desertions comforts to GODS people in spirituall desertions 265 266. Desire promises to such as unfainedly desire grace 308 309. Distractions comforts against them 251 252. Duties GOD hath promised to assist his children by his Spirit in holy duties 368 369. he will also accept the services of his children and reward them 371 372. E ELect the promises belong to them only 180 c. Estate promises to Gods children for their outward estate 205 206 207. Eternall life promises of it 423 424. Evills promises against evils in the world 231 232. Comforts to the godly for evils of good done 252 253. Self examination promises to it 399. Excellency of the promises 18 19 c. Experience of God in his promises confirmeth faith and nourisheth hope 46 47. c. F FAith promises of and to it 303 304. How Faith and hope agree and differ 6 213 314 315. How Faith and presumption differ 39 40. Live by Faith 34 35. Gods promises are faithfull 15 77 102 103. Falling away comforts against fears of falling-away 253 254 c. Famine promises for helpe in famine and deliverance from it 184 185 Fasting promises to it 396. Feare promises of and to it 324 325 326. Food promises of it 204 205. Forgetfullnesse a promise against it 249. Forgiving iniuries promises to it 322 323. Forgivenesse of sinnes promises of it 282 283. c. Frailties comforts in regard of slips and frailties 241 c. Free Gods promises are free 65 66 67 68. G GEnerality of the promises 68 69 70. Gentiles promises for bringing them in 438 439. Give promises to liberall and chearfull giving 405. Godlinesse promises to it 411 412. Godly promises to them 412 413. Glorification promises for the glorification of our soules and bodies 423. Glory promises for the glory of heaven 425 426. Growth in grace promises of and to it 365 366 367. H HEalth promises of it 200 201. Honour promises of it 196. Hope what it is 312 313. Promises of and to hope 313 314. The agreement and difference betweene Faith and Hope 6.313 Hope is preserved by a consideration of foure attributes in God 315. House GOD hath promised to keep the houses and habitations of the godly 446. Humility promises to it 349. Husband promises to him 448 449. I IEwes promises for calling them 436 437. Ignorance comforts against it 238 239. Imprisonment promises to those that are imprisoned for the Gospel 228 229. Indisposition comforts against it 251. Infirmities comforts against them 235 236 c. Ioy promises of it 316 317. c. Iudgement promises concerning the last judgement 422. Iustification promises of it 281. K KIlling of sin see mortification Knowledge promises of and to it 300 301. L LAmenesse comforts against spirituall lamenesse 244 c. Law 115 116. Liberality promises to liberality to the Saints 405 406. Long life promises of it 198 199. Lords supper promises to it 194. Losses for Gods cause promises to those that loose outward things and life it self for Christ 229 230 Love comforts to such as are troubled with doubts and fears of loosing Gods love 248 249. Promises of Gods love to us 268 269. A promise of our love to him 319 320. Pâ—omises to the love of Christ 327 Promises to the love of our brethren and enemies 322 323. Promises to such as love the word 387. M MAgistrates promises to them 440. Masters of Families 445. Meanes comforts to those who are troubled for want of the meanes 261 262. Meditation in the promises 32. Promises to Meditation 398 399. Meeknesse promises of and to it 350 351. Ministers promises to faithfull Ministers 441 442 443. Mortification promises of and to to it 340 341 c. Mothers a promise that they shall give suck to their children 453. Mourning for sin see sorrow N NAme promises of a good name 198. Nature of the promises 1. to 8. O Oath promises to a lawfull oath 395. Obedience promises of and to it 327. to 330. Promises to willing and generall obedience 331. Oppression promises against it 189. Ordinances promises to the Ordinances of GOD generally 373. P PArents promises to give them children and to blesse them e-every way 449. to 453. Promises to comfort them in the want of children 454. Patience a promise of it and promises to it 352 353. Peace promises of outward and inward peace 359 360. Promises to peaceable men or peace-makers 203. marg Persecution promises to those that are persecuted for the profession
is the scope and foundation of all Gods promises partly by merit and partly by efficacie by merit because hee haâ—h procured by â—is death and passion remission of siâ—nes and life everlasting by his efficacie because hee seales up unto us in our consciences remission of sinnes and withall restores to us the image of God Perk. on Galat Gal. 3.16 Caput Corpus uniu est Christus Austen Omnia salutaria communicari nobis dicuntur in Christo ut in Capite propter Câ—ristum ut merito suo impetrameâ— per Christum ut essi caciter applicantem S. Paul Rom 9.8 opposeth the children of the promise to the children of the flesh which were borne by naturall streÌ„gth Luk 1.32 33. The active part is committed to the Messiah The promises of the Gospell are not universall but belong to the Elect onely God hath promised by Esay 8 16. that tâ—e Elect onely shall be his Disciples not all men indifferently Piscator in 1 Matth. Rom 4.12 It is our comfort thaâ— we which cannot stand of our selves may subsist in Christ. Bish. Lake Book II. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 either ab Eligendo or Comedendo from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or à caedendo from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Buxtorfe and Pagâ—in on the word Illvric Clav Scrip. Iun. Orat. de foedere The Greeke word whereby the Septuagint still rendreâ—h Berith is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 testamontum Heb. 9. â—7 foedus Mat. 26 28 Acts 3.25 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dispoâ—â— Est enim extrenta voluntas qua quis disposit dispensit res suas or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 paâ—â—scor Luke 〈◊〉 The Latine words whereby the Originall is expressed are Foedus Pactum Testamentum For they are used promiscuously in the Latine saith Muscula 1. Foeaâ—â— It was called Fedai in time past saith Varâ—o for in a Covenant interpâ—uitu◠〈◊〉 men give their faith saith Isiaâ—re therefore some 〈◊〉 Alâ—ieâ— had rather write it with a single â— then â—e Some derive it from the adjective soedus filâ—hy for the slaying of a â—ow when wâ—s inter ritualia foederis was filthy 〈◊〉 Viâ—gâ—â— saith caesa iungelant foedera porca Peter Martyr derives it a feriendo quod Foertales atrinque porcam mactarent Hinc ferire aut percutere foeduâ— tritu loquenti modus pro iungâ—â—e saceâ—e pangere Maâ—â—iâ—ius approveth this etymologie and it agreeth best with the Hebrew â— Pactum generis comni est saith Beza quas◠〈◊〉 pace fictum saith Isidore It is that truce saith Sico 〈◊〉 which in time of warre is concluded upon and accepted of both sides for a certaine limited space of time but Foedus was a perpetuall â—uce or league 3. Testamâ—ntum quasi testatto mâ—nâ—is saith Iustinian which etymologie Vasia derides but it may be received as an aliusien The French is Alliance ab allâ—gando The English is League a Ligando or Covenant which is the same that Conventio is with the Civilians a conventâ—â—â—io What a Covenant is in generall Disserunt non re sed modo rei promissio foedus Foedus est promissic solenni ritu foederali vestita atque firmata Pareus in Gen. Chap. 15. v. 18. Gal. 4.22 The Law requireth 1. Personall 2. Perpetuall 3. Perfect obedience 4. And from a perfect heart and that under a terrible curse Gal. 3.24 The first Covenant was of mans workes the second of Gods grace It is a compact made betweene God man touching reconciliation and life everlasting by Christ. Perk Gen. 3.15 We need a new Covenant saith Bishop Lake that â—ave broken the old by our mutability before the fall and through our imbecility since the fall Esay 54.10 The word of reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.19 God ever ordained Seales to make good his Covenant Therefore this is called Reconliation as well as Covenant Cameron opusc miscell Invat Idem qui lithet Auson God undertakes in the Covenant of grace to enable us to walke in his statutes to performe the condition hee requires He works all our works in us and for us Esay 26.12 Rom 9 7 8 A Covenant in respect of God a Testament in respect of Christ. * Divisio foedera in vetus novum non est Genero in Species sed subveti in accidentia Scarpiâ—s The two parts of the â—ovenanâ— as 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 the 〈◊〉 have 〈◊〉 beene 〈…〉 in subâ—â—â—â—â— though not alwaies in like manner dispensed S. Iohn speaking of love calleth it a new Commandement and an old 1 Ioh 27 8. Olâ— in regard of the substance Levit. 9 â—8 because it was given to Adam was a Law in Paradise and because our of request New because reâ—eâ—ed and approved by Christ Ioh. 13.34 15 12 excellent as new it makes us new it should be new fresh in our memory Novum quia renovatum Bucan The Fathers had the same Covenant which wee have they looked for immortality and had it promised They expected it by mercy not by merit they knew that Christ was their mediator to obtaine mercy as weâ—l as we Ioh. 8. â—6 Acts 13.32 Luke 1.72 1 Cor 10 â— Sanguis Châ—isti protiâ—it anteâ—uam suit Bernard CHRISTS bloud was effectuall before existent Cameron opusc miscell * As it sheweth what a man oweth unto God and how he must be punished if hee pay not the debt whence it makes â—im looke to a mediator when he sees himselfe unable either to pay the one or endure the oâ—her Polan Syntag Ephes. 2.12 13. They differ not essentially as the Covenant of works and grace but modo admirish andi in the manner of ministration Non exigit à quoquam saith Erasmus of the Gospell onus Legis Mosatcae tantum adsit vivida fides Novum Testamentum in veteri est velatâ—m vetuâ— in novo revelatum Austen Novum Testamenâ—um in veiers latet vetus in novo patet Luthâ—r The Old Testament is instar libri clausi Esa. 29.11 The New instar libri aperti Apoc 5.9 Saith our learned Whitaker Psal. 114.2 Esay 40.27 66.18 Ioel 2.28 Hag 2 8. Mat 10.5 6 Trelcaâ—iuâ— Ephes 2 14. Gal 6.15 2 Cor 3.11 Ephes. 4.13 * If the seale of the Covenant be stamped upon us we are thereby secured from all evil Ezek 9.4 Rev. 7 3. 9 4. Hence are those gracious promises that God is our portion Ier. 10.16 51.19 Lam. 3.24 that is all wee have to maintaine us in the world and wee hâ—â— portion Deut 32 9. that is the chiefest thing he makes reckoning of He becomes our God to direct protect and blesse us and we become his people to serve love and obey him God saith so unto the Gentiles Hos 2.23 which the Apostle makes use of Rom. 9.25 26. * Wing Iacobs staffe Psal. 144.12 13 â—4 Verse 15. Deut. 33.29 The immunitieâ— and priviledges of those that have God for their God * It is proâ—ised as a blessing eveÌ„ unto Gods people that there should be boyes girles playing together in
Pro. â—1 23 Esay 60 17 * Pestican Osiaâ—der Iuniâ—a Vatabluâ— Lorinus Cornelius a Lap. doe understand this promise touching the generall blessing of 〈◊〉 and plenty to this people in this land whilest they walked in obedience to Gods Commandements so Amos 9.13 * Ps. 135.11 12. 136 21 22. We have excellent examples of this in Iacob Gen. 30 17 Ioseph Gen. 39 2 5. Hezekiah 2 ChroÌ„â—1 â—1 21. David Psal. 23 See Ier. 33. â— Hosea 14.5 Deut. 29.9 Deut. 28.8 12. Deut. 30.9 Two Promises to tillage Heb. 13.5 Thou shall eate the labour of thy hand Psal. 1.8.2 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked Psal. 37.16 Book III Rev. 3. â— Et quam sortem patiuntur omnes ferre nemo recusat 1 Pet. 5.9 God will make his grace sufficient for us 2 Cor. 12.9 Heb 2 14.1â— a Idem hortatur ut pugnemus adiuvat ut vincamus deficientes sublevat vincentes ceronat b If GOD leade them inâ—o temptation he will deliver them from evill Mat. 6.13 c The Divel is a Lyon so is Christ and that of the Tribe of Iudah there is a Lyon for a Lyon courage for courage the Divell is a Serpent so Christ called himselfe the brazen Serpent theâ—e is a Serpent for a Serpent wisdome for wisedome d Psal â—0 12 1 Pet. 1.5 kept with all care as a garrison is kept e Mat. 16 1â— Portarum appellatime urbes con silio pro pugnaâ—uâ—â— munitas intelligimus iâ— quicquid vel consilio vel viribus potest Satan Beza in locum An example of which promise we have in S. Stephen Act. 6.9 10. Ex 4 11 12 Psal. 8.2 The Apostles were persecuted for preaching the Gospell Act. 4.3 3. others for beleeving and professing the Gospell Act 9.2 Daniel was cast into the Lyons den for praying unto God Dan 6.10 and Christ was persecuted for doing works of mercy Mat. 3. â— * Occidi possumus vinci non possamus 2 Thess. 1.6 The very kind and cause of the aâ—fliction should be an argument of great consolation Iam. 1.2 Psal. 69 7 9 10. Act. 5 41. Scurtilities and odious nick-names in this kinde are so many honourable badges of thy Christian magnanimity and at the throne of Christ will be certainely reputed as characters of speciall honour and remembrances of thy worthy service Bolton Esay 16 1â— Esay 43. c. 2. Esay 44.2 Luk. 12.32 Rev. 2.10 Act. 16.25 An excellent example of this we have in Iob 46 10 1â— * Which is termed by S. Augustine the best and greatest usury Ioh 12 25 Rev. 14 13 Qâ—i moriuntur Domini ciusa id est propter Dominum Beza 1 Pet. 4 16. 2 Pet. 1.4 * There are five negatives together in the Originall that strongly affirme as if hee should say tell thee I will never forsake thee I tell thee I will never forsake thee and so five times We are to pray that every thing which causeth offence in the Church may be removed for which we have an expresse promise Mat. 13 41. * El the strong God Deuâ— fortâ— a. Trâ—melliuâ— renders it * As â—03 Psal. 8 the same Hebrew word is used and should be so translated iniquity that is originall corruption transgression that is actuall rebellion sin that is sin of custome God will passe by our meere frailties There is no god like unto him for passiâ—g by transgressions Micah 7.18 Dan. 9.9 Psal. 1â—0 3 4. 1 Ioh. 2 1 2. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same word iâ— used Luk. 10 40. Est metaphora ab oneribus sumpta quae utrinque admotis manibus sublevantur Beza Esay 55 7 8 9 * Thou canst not commit more then God can remit Thy sins are but the sins of men his mercies are the mercies of an Infinite God In Christs Kingdome the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the eares of the deafe shall be unstopped 2 Cor. 3.16 Ioh. 9 39. 12.46 Returne yee 〈…〉 and I will heale youâ— bâ—ckeslâ—dinâ—s Ier. 3 2â— See 12 13 1â— verses Psal. 103 3. Ier. 31.9 Psal. 29.11 * Mark the gradation they shall walke they shall run they shall flie yea as an Eagle Esay 57 15. Mat. 5.6 Rev. 3 8 9 10 * God acceâ—â—s affecting for aâ—â—eâ—ting willing for working desires for deedâ— purposes for performances pence for pounds Dyke Examples are many in Scripture Geâ— 2â— 16 17 Reb. 11.17 1 Chron. 17 10 11 12 Luke 21.3 * Pro 15.8 The best gold must have his allowance of such graines so the best Christian must have some allowance imperfection cleaâ—eâ— to him he can not do all perfectly for then what needâ— the Covenant of grace Col. 3.24 Ier 31.12 25 Rom 11.29 Accipit suum remittituum God accepts that which is his and forgives that which is thine Micah 7 18 Rom. 9 11. Mat. 25 23 24. 2 Tim 2 19. Singula veâ—ba poâ—duâ— habem certitudo haec nititur â— sundamento 2 non quocunque sed sirmo 3 non hominu sed Dei 4 non vacillanâ—e sâ—d stante iâ—lque oâ—signato â—dque notitia Dei non siâ—plâ—â—u satum inspectionâ— sed disceâ—nenâ—e sum a non sun O. Prideaux 1 Pet. 1.5 Kept by the guard of Gods power untâ— salvation Phil. 4.7 Keepe with a guard as Kings are kept Ps. 132.11 Our assurance is not in oâ—r selâ—e bâ—t in Chriâ—t as we laâ— hold of Man so he faâ—â— holdeâ—h uâ— and as he hath prayed that our faith faile not us so neither will he let go his hold Ioh 10 27 28 29 Heb 7 25 Phil â— 7. S. Austen saith A mighty man will not loose that which hee hath bought for his money and will Chriâ—â— loose â—hâ—t which He hath bought with his blood Esay 59.21 1 Cor 3.16 The nature of a seale is to make things sure Dan 6.8 Mat 27.66 a writing in firme amongst men when the seale is put to it Zach 10.12 Iohn 8.12 2 Sam. 7 14 15. The booke of Psalmes is full of â—heâ—e comfortable promises Psal. 1 3. 9.10.18 Ps 112.6.19 73.24 â—6 Ps. 103.17 145.14 Ps. 8â— 33 Ioh. 6.35 37 51 53. 5.24 Act 3 26. The faithfull that they may have comfort against their corruptions must by beholding the promiseâ— flie unto Christ and cleaâ—e the faster to Him Rom. 7 25. Phil. 3.9 Psal. 51.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 See 2 Sam. 24.4 His mercies are greater many Spare me O God according to the greatnes or multitude of thy mercy Neh. 13 22. * Psal. 130 8 Comforts to those that want or have lost the meanes of knowledge their teachers are taken from them In our spirituall barrennesse lamenâ—ed See 1 2. verses Luther confesseth of himselfe that after his conversion he lay three yeares in desparation Non deserit etiamsi deserere videatur non deserit etiamsi deserat Austen Esay 57.18 19. Blessed are all they that waite for him Esay 30.18 For spirituall blessings in Generall Ephes. 13. he hath blessed