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
give us all things Rom. 8.32 See Matth. 6.25 to the end Phil. 4.6 1 Tim. 4.8 1 Pet. 5.7 4. Promises against Scandales GOD will secure his people and save them from being ensnared by scandals Psal. 119.165 and nothing shall offend them or they shall have no stumbling block Ier. 31.9 CHAP. IIII. Infirmities are 1. Generall as sinfullnesse of nature that remaines though it raigne not 2. Speciall 1. IGnorance 2. Spirituall deafenesse 3. Slips and frailties Here Promises 1. To keepe them from falling 2. To comfort them being fallen and restore them againe 4. Spirituall lamenesse 5. Doubts and feares of losing the love of GOD. 6. Forgetfullnesse 7. Dullnesse and uncheerefullnesse 8. Indisposition to good 9. Distractions in good 10. Evils of good done 11. Feares of falling away from GOD. Comforts to the godly who likewise want the meanes of grace either altogether or in the power of them or having them doe not profit by them 1. Generall or daily Infirmities Comforts to those that do fall though Infirmity The LORD The LORD GOD mercifull and gracious long suffering and abundant in goodnesse and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity transgression and sinne Exod. 34.6 7. Hee is JEHOVAH Alwaies the same unchangeable hee will not alter his love to thee and for the more assurance he repeateth that title twice then followeth his power GOD Though thou be weake he is strong Mercifull or compassionate towards repâ—ntant and beleeving sinners and though they be unworthy yet he is Gracious The Hebrew word signifieth to powre out abundance of extraordinary bounty upon a most undeserving and ill deserving partie He will shew mercy not because thou art good but because he is Good not because thou canst please him but because mercy pleaseth him Micah 7.18 though thou offerdest daily yet he is Long-suffering and Abundant in goodnesse and truth 1. In Goodnesse ready to bestow all benefits 2. In Truth ready to fulfill all promises keeping kindnesse for thousands a certaine number for an uncertaine forgiving iniquity transgression and sinne that is sinnes of all sorts kinds and degrees whatsoever It is neither the foulenesse of sinne nor the multitude of sinnes nor the long continuance in sinne that can prejudice his goodnesse GOD upon our prayer will cure our infirmities Esay 40.29 Psal. 103.3 hee pittieth his in their infirmities as an Indulgent â—ather his little ones Mal. 3.17 CHRIST himselfe is affected with the sence of our infirmities Heb. 4.15 16. Matth. 11.28 and Esay 42.3 he was a Proâ—itiation for such sinnes and comforts us concerning them before they be committed 1 Iohn 2.12 Rom. 6.14 The Spirit helpes our â—nfirmities Rom. 8.26 helpes â—ogether the Greeke word is decompound and there is a great force in it as two that carry a burden one will carry over â—gainst another and put to his â—and and helpe him so when we begin to sinke GODS Spirit puts under his hand to support â—s which is said in so many words Psal. 37.24 O but I offend daily I sinne againe and againe may some weake Christian say GOD promiseth likewise that he will multiply his pardons so the word signifieth in the Originall as thou hast multiplied thy sinnes for saith he there My thoughts are not as your thoughts nor my waies as your waies but my thoughts goe beyond your thoughts as much as the distance is betweene Heaven and earth He is mercifull and and gracious slow to anger and plenteous in mercy hee will not reward us after our iniquities for as the Heaven is high above the Earth so great is his mercy toward them that feare him Psal. 103.8 10 11. As there is a continuall spring of wickednesse in you so there is a continuall spring of mercy flowing from him both to pardon and wash away this iniquity Speciall Infirmities 1. Ignorance or blindnesse Comforts against ignorance It is a speciall promise of GOD in the new Covenant that Hee will write his lawes in thy heart and hee will make thee to know the LORD He hath promised to leade thee by a way that thou hast not knowne Esay 42.16 wee have such an High Priest as knowes how to have compassion on the ignorant Heb. 5.2 3. The eyes of the blinde shall be opened Esay 35.2 Hee shall open the eyes of the blind Esay 42.2 Luke 4.18 The annointing thou hast received shall teach thee all needfull things and leade thee into all truth 1 Ioh. 2.27 GOD hath made many promises to teach them his way that see their ignorance and mourne for it Hee will guide the meeke in iudgement and will teach the humble his way Psal. 25.9 See 12. 14. verses GOD will fill the hungry with good things Luke 1.53 To him that disposeth his way aright will I shew the salvation of the LORD Psal. 50.23 He that followeth mee shall not walke in darkenesse but shall have the light of life Joh. 8.12 I will manifest my selfe to him John 14.21 The Spirit of truth will guide them into all truth John 16.13 A high way shall be there and fooles shall not erre therein Esay 35.8 2. Spirituall deafenesse Comforts against spirituall deafenesse The cares of the deafe shall be unstopped Esay 35.5 Other sheepe I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall heare my voice Ioh. 10.16 that is the Gentiles not yet called shall understand the voice of GOD. 3. Particular falls through frailty Comforts in regard of slips and frailties 1. GOD will uphold his and keepe them from falling I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world but that thou shouldst keepe them from the evill Joh. 17.20 The LORD is faithfull who shall stablish you and keepe you from evill 2 Thess. 3.3 That your whole soule and body may be preserved blamelesse unto the comming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST Faithfull is hee that calleth you who â—lso will doe it 1 Thess. 5.23 24. GOD watcheth over his people to defend them from sinne 2 Tim. 4 17 18. Rom. 7.24 25. Psa. 73.23 24. Ier. 32.39 40. His mercy holdeth up the godly when they say their foot slippeth Psal. 94.18 He will be their confidence and shall keepe their foot from being taken Pro. 3.26 He will keepe the feete of his Saints 1 Sam. 2.9 And guide their feete into the way of peace Luke 1.79 And thine eare shall heare a word behind thee saying This is the way walke yee in it when yee turne to the right hand and when yee turne to the left Esay 30.21 The childe of GOD hath a promise of preservation from the sinne unpardonable 1 Iohn 5.18 2. Comforts to those that doe fall through infirmity But of this I have spoken already when I treated of the daily and generall Infirmities of Christians therefore I will tanquam canâ—s ad Nilum runne over it hastily GODS people after relapse into some old or fall into some new sinne when their heart is smitten
soule and body Promises 1. Of the Glorification of our soules GOD promiseth to translate the soules of the godly into his heavenly kingdome when they die This is implyed in the Parable where the Angels carry up Lazarus soule into Heaven Luke 16.22 This day shalt thou be with me in Paradise Luk. 23.43 Which Paradise the Apostle Paul expoundeth to be the third heaven 2 Cor. 12.1 2 4. He that overcomes shall inherit all things See Rev. 3.21 2. Of the last Judgement The godly have boldnesse and confidence at the day of judgement When these things begin to come to passe then shall we look up and lift up our heads because our redemption draweth nigh Luk. 21.28 Vnto them that look for CHRIST shall he appeare the second time without sin unto salvation Hebr. 9.28 When CHRIST who is our life shall appeare then shall we also appeare with him in glory Colos. 3.4 He shall say to them of his right hand Come yee blessed of my Father inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Matth. 25.32 34. See ver 40. 3. Glorification of the whole man both soule and body Promises of the glorification of our bodies The LORD JESUS shall change our vile bodies and make them like his glorious body Phil. 3.21 The bodies of the Saints shall shine as the brightnesse of the firmament and as the stars Dan. 1 2.3 Yea as the Sun for ever and ever Promises Of eternall life in both soul and body after the day of judgement Then we shall be ever with the LORD 1 Thess. 4.17 Whosoever beleeveth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 3.16 I give unto them eternall life John 10.28 He that beleeveth on the Sonne hath eternall life Joh. 3.36 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16.16 Act. 16.31 The gift of GOD is eternall life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD Rom. 6.23 See John 6.40 and 20.31 1 Joh. 2.23 John 5.24 1 Joh. 5.11 12 13. Joh. 17.3 1 Pet. 1.3 4. Tit. 3.7 Rom. 5.10 17. Rom. 8.13 Gal. 6.8 Matth. 5.8 12. and 19.29 Matth. 25.34 35 46. 1 Tim. 6.17 18 19. The Promises of GOD assure us of everlasting happinesse and glory in the Kingdome of Heaven I know saith Job 19.25 relying upon GODS promises that my Redeemer liveth 2 Cor. 5.1 4.14 Faith apprehendeth the promise of eternall life hope expecteth it love thankfully entertaines it and all other graces are quickned and strengthned by it Promises For the glory of Heaven In thy presence is fullnesse of ioy at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore Ps. â—6 11 We shall have fullnesse of ioy everlasting pleâ—sures A swift flowing river and 〈◊〉 of pleasures Psal. 36.8 We shall 〈◊〉 no more 〈…〉 Rev. 7.16 GOD will wipe away all tears from our eyâ— Rev. 21 4. We shal sit down with Abraham Isaac and Iacob in the kingdome of heaven Mat. 8.11 as at a banquet we shall then be as the Angels of GOD Matth. 22.30 Nay like CHRIST himselfe 1 John 3.2 We shall be made confirmable to the image of his Sonne Rom. 8.29 and be With CHRIST John 14.3 and behold his glory Joh. 17.24 12.26 We shall enter into our masters ioy Matth. 25.21 he saith not it shal enter into us but we into it shewing that the joyes of heaven are so many that they cannot be contained in the soule of man GOD hath promised us a kingdome Mat. 25.34 A heavenly kingdome Mat. 7 2â— 2 Tim. 4.18 An eternall kingdom 2 Pet. 1.11 A Crown a Crown of life Iam. 1.12 Rev. 2.10 A Crown of righteousnesse 2 Tim. 4.8 An immarcessible Crown of glory 1 Pet. 5.4 The word Crowne represents unto us 1. The perpetuity of that life for a crowne hath neither beginning nor ending 2. Plenty because as the crown compasseth on every side so there is nothing wanting in this life 3. Dignity eternall life is a coronation day every Saint shall be a crowned King The use of Faith in regard of these promises is to uphold us with the expectation of that heavenly happinesse which is promised yea though we be destitute of worldly things and be in many troubles and tribulations Act. 14.22 The Table of the fifth Booke Speciall Promises in regard of Others 1. The Church in generall or particular Churches as puâ—like assemblies God hath promised to them 1. His speciall protection 2. His speciall presence 3. His speciall blessing 4. To deliver the Church out of trouble 2. Against the Seductions for the destruction of Anticâ—rist 3. For calling the Iewes 4. For bringing in the Gentiles 5. To Magistrates 6. To Ministers 1. Extraordinary the Apostles 1. To worke miracles 2. To cast out Divels 3. To lead them into all truth 2. Ordinary all the faithfull Ministers 1. For competency of outward things 2. Of pâ—otectiâ—n and deliverance from trouble 3. To take their parts against their enemies 4. To give good â—uccâ—sse to their labours 5. To reward them largely 6. That tâ—ey shall agree together and joyne force against the common adversary 7. To Masters of a Family and godly servants to blesse the habitation of the godly 8. To husband wife concerning children 1. To give them 2. To blesse them every way 1. With outward things 2. In their soules 3. That mothers shall give sucke to their children 4. To parents correcting their children 5. To comfort them in the want of children 6. To children obeying their parents 9. For company that we shall reap good by the society of the godly THE FIFTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Promises in regard of others The Church in generall or particular Churches as publike Assemblies 1. GOD will defend the Church and all the faithfull THE gates of Hell shalâ— not prevaile against it Matth. 16.18 GOD is in the midâ—â— of the Church therefore it shall not fall Ps. 46.5 I the LORD doe keepe it I will water it every moment least any hurt it I will keepe it night and day Esay 27.3 As the mountaines are round about Ierusalem so the LORD is round about his people from hence forth and for ever Ps. 125.2 See Esay 4.5 6. Psalm 46. whole 124 125. Psalmes Psal. 132.13 to 17. Psal. 89.15 16 17 18. Zach. 9.16 GOD hath made promises unto the publike assemblies of his speciall protection Looke upon Sion the city of our solemne fâ—asts thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation a Tabernacle that cannot be removed c. Esâ—y 33.20 21. See ver 16. This was one reason why David so esteemed of GODS Tabernacâ—es Ps. 84.11 For the LORD GOD is a sunne and shield unto us 2. GOD hath promised to be present with his Church and people in a speciall manner There are promises 1. Of the presence of CHRIST Matth. 18.20 28.20 1 Cor. 5.4 Rev. 2.1 Esay 31.9 2. Of the presence of the HOLY GHOST Esa. 59.21 GOD hath
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
and the word here in Matth. signifieth exceeding joy such as we use to expresse by outward signes in the body as skipping and dancing 2 Sam. 6.14 16. For great is your reward in Heaven Thou art honourable in GODS account Esay 43.4 he takes notice of all thy disgraces Psal. 69.19 and will take care for thy clearing and comfort Hee will bring forth thy righteousnesse as the light and thy iudgements as the noone day Psal. 37.6 As if hee should have said howsoever thy innocency be at sometimes covered as it were with a thick and darke mist of slander and oppression yet the LORD will in his good time scatter and dissolve the mist and so make thy innocency apparent to the world yea he shall make thy righteous cause as evident as the Sunne when it ariseth nay as noone day when it is at highest and shineth brightest Thou shalt receive double for all thy shame Esay 61.7 Though you have lien among the pots yet shall yee be as the wings of a dove covered with silver and her feathers with yellow gold Psal 68.13 that is although ye have lived in great streights and basenesse yet yee shall be freed from them and obtaine illustrious glory They shall be honoured in the day of CHRIST 1 Pet. 1.7 Their reward shall be great in Heaven Mat. 5.12 and in the meane time there is with GOD a hiding place from the strife of tongues Psal. 31.20 Iob 5.21 Psal. 13.18 How doth GOD cheare his people Esay 41. Feare not be not dismayed ver 10. I am with thee I am thy GOD I will strengthen thee yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse But GOD will bring the wicked to shame for the contempt with which they have dishoâ—oured his servants as it followeth ver 11. All they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded He still incourageth his people there ver 13. He saith againe Feare not for I the LORD thy GOD will helpe thee and ver 14. Feare not thou worme that is were thy state never so weake and despicable I will helpe thee saith the LORD and thy Redeemer He begins the 43. Chap. with the same words Feare not viz. thine enemies for I have called thee and redeemed thee thou art mine Feare not little flocke saith our Saviour feare not men feare not meanes for it is your Fathers pleasure to give you a Kingdome See Ier. 46.27 28. If thou wouldest be delivered from reproches and evill report goe to the LORD and urge him upon Covenant say LORD thou hast said Thou wilt blesse the name of the righteous thou will honour them that honour thee that we shall not be ashamed when we have respect unto all thy Commandements Psal. 119.6 Sue out this promise upon all occasions as David often doth Psal. 31.1 17 and 119.116 2. Promises to those that are imprisoned for the Gospell The LORD heareth the poore and despiseth not his prisoners Psal. 69.33 Hee heareth the groanings of the prisoner Psal. 102.20 And bringeth out those that are bound with chaines Psal. 68.6 as he did Peter Acts 12.10 Feare nonâ— of those things which thou shalt suffer behold the Divell shall cast some of you into prison that yee may be tryed and yee shall have tribulation ten daies be thou faithfull unto the death and I will give thee a crowne of life Here was a bitter-sweet message Yee shall be cast into prison This was bitter feare not this was comfortable but I will give thee a crowne of life this was the comfort of comforts 3. Promises to those that loose outward things for GODS cause In losses for GODS cause We should meditate of GODS gracious promises 1. In the losse of outward things for thy love and service unto GOD remember that place 2 Chron. 25.9 The LORD is able to give thee much more then this 2. In the losse of any earthly blessing for GODS cause call to mind that promise three times set downe by the Evangelists Every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my names sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life Mat. 19.29 Marke 10.29 30. Hath it for my sake and the Gospels Luke 18.29 30. For the kingdome of GODS sake 3. In the losse of any earthly things in every kind thinke of that speech Hab. 3.17 18. Although the fig-tree shall not blossome neither shall fruit be in the vines the labour of the olive shall faile and the fields shall yeeld no meate the flocke shall be cut off from the fold and there shall be no heard in the stalles Yet I will reioyce in the LORD I will ioy in the GOD of my salvation Consider also Iobs patient blessing of GOD upon the surprize and concurrence of an universall misery Iob 1.22 4. Promises to those that loose their life for GODS cause 4. When thou art like to loose thy life mâ—ditate on those places Mat. 10 39. He that findeth his life shall loose it and he that looseth his life for my sake shall find it Blessed is the man that endureth temptation yea though it be the fiery triall for he shall receive the crowne of life Jam. 1.12 Blessed are the dead which die in LORD and which die for the LORD he speakes of such as suffered in the quarrell of CHRIST under Antichrist they rest from their labours and their workes doe follow them Every drop of blood spilt by a true professor of the Gospell for the constant and found profession of it is precious in the sight of GOD Psal. 116.15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his Saints CHAP. III Promises against evills in the world 1. In generall WHosoever is borne of GOD overcommeth the world and this is the victory that overcommeth the world even our faith 1 Joh. 5.4 CHRIST prayed to his Father To keepe his from the evill of the world Joh. 17.15 Who gave himselfe for our sinnes that hee might deliver us from this present evill world Gal. 1.4 Our Saviour Iohn 16.33 tells his Disciples That in the world they should have tribulation but be of good cheere saith hee I have overcome the world 2. A promise to those that dislike evill company I will dwell in them and walke in them and I will be their GOD and they shall be my people Wherefore come out from among them and be yee separate saith the LORD and touch not the uncleane thing and I will receive you and I will be a Father unto you and yee shal be my sonnes and daughters saith the LORD Almighty 2 Cor. 6.16 17 18. 3. Promises against worldly cares and covetousnesse To curbe our hearts from covetousnesse we should meditate upon these places Heb. 13.5 I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Hee that gave us his owne sonne how shall hee not with him freely
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
is wont to crowne with multiplied and over-flowing refreâ—hings when he comes They that wait upâ—n the LORD shall renew their strength they â—hall mâ—unt up with wâ—ngs as Eagles they shall runne and not be weary they â—hall walke and not faint Esâ— 40.31 For since the beginning of the world wâ—â— have not heard nor perceived by the eare neiâ—her hath the eye seene O GOD besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him Esay 64.4 they shall not be ashamed or disappointed that wait for him Esay 49.23 He shall save them Pro. 20.22 They shall inherit the earth Psal. 37.9 34. and Heaven too Blessed are all they that waite for him Esay 30.18 Dan. 12.12 We must stirre up our selves to receive the promises Cant. 5.2 3. The godly sometimes walk without comfort because they put it from themselvs and GOD oftentimes causeth his children to seek long before they find comfort But the ardent desire shall at length be satisfied Remission of sinnes and peace of conscience are favours worth waiting for We have not waited so many years in the meanes of grace for comfort as GOD hath waited for our conversion Promises 1. That we shall delight in God Then shalt thou have they delight in the Almighty Job 22.26 The promise of delighting our selves in the LORD is confined to the duty of delighting in holy exercises If thou call the Sabbath a delight c. then shalt thou delight in the LORD Esa. 58.13 14. A promise To delighting in GOD. Delight thy selfe in the LORD and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart Ps. 37.4 Promises to godlines or grace exercised or to godly and gracious men which act the graces and exercise themselves in the duties above specified True Godlinesse hath the promises both of this life and of that which is to come of this life Seeke ye first the kingdome of GOD and the righteousnesse therof and al these things shall be administred unto you Matth. 6.33 and of the life to come To him that orderâ—th his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of GOD Ps. 50.23 1. The godly shall be blessed 〈◊〉 â— 13 Ps. 11â— 1 Ps. 9.8 Ps. â—11 12 13. Ps. 110.1 Ps. 1.1 Ps. 128.1 4. They whom the world account above all men most miserable are truly and only happy as our Saviour prooves Matth. 5. Blessed are the poore in spirit c. from 3. ver to 12. we shall never be truly happy till wee be sincerely holy nor fully happy till wee bee perfectly holy 2. The godly shall be a blessing to the place where they live I will blesse thee and theâ— shalt be a blessing Genesis 12.2 And I will make them a blessing Ezek. 34. â—6 Iâ—rael shall be a blessing in the midst of the land Esay 19.24 3. PROMISES ETERNALL Promises Eternall 1. Against damnation 2. For Salvation 1. Passages to it 1. Death comforts against the fear of First Death 2. Vntimely death 2 Burial 3. Resurrection 2. PerformaÌ„ces of it 1. Glorification in part of our soules 2. Last judgement 3. Glorification of the whole man both soule and body Promises 1. Of eternal life both in soul body 2. For the glory of heaven THE FOVRTH BOOKE CHAP. I. Eternall Promises 1. Against Damnation The godly shall be delivered from eternall Confusion and Damnation YEe shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Esay 45.17 Rom. 9. 33. and 10 11. 1 Pet. 2.6 GOD will deliver the soule of the righteous from the pit Job 33.28 Ps. 86.13 There is no condemnation to them that are in CHRIST IESVS Rom. 8.1 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of GODS elect It is GOD that iustifieth ver 33. They are delivered from the wrath to come 1 Thes. 1.10 Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20.6 He that overcommeth shall not be hurt of the second death Rev. 2.11 CHAP. II. 2. For Salvation 1. Passages to it 1. Death 1. Comforts against the fear of death 2. Feare of untimely death 2. Buriall 3. Resurrection 1. Comforts against the fear of death HE that will beare with comfort the pangs of death must labour to die in faith that is he must lay hold of the promise of GOD touching forgivenesse of sins and life everlasting by CHRIST All these saith the HOLY GHOST Heb. 11.13 died in the Faith viz. Abel Enoch Noe Abraham and Sarah all laying hold of the promise of life by CHRIST So Iacob Gen. 49.18 by Faith rested on the mercy of GOD and by hope he waited for his salvation Thou shalt not be afraid of destruction when it commeth Job 5.21 Death be it never so bitter or painfull shall not be able to seperate us from the love of GOD Rom. 8.28 38. St. Stephens violent death was but a sweet sleepe Act. 7.60 Iohn 11.11 It is but a sleeping in JESUS 1 Thes. 4.14 The grave is called a bed of rest Esay 57.2 CHRIST hath pul'd the sting out of death for all the godly Esay 25.8 Hos. 13.14 1 Cor. 15.55 and tooke away the strength of it by his death Heb. 2.14 15. The righteous hath hope in his death Pro. 14.32 it is gaine unto him Phil. 1.21 for he is delivered by death from many and great evils 1. Sin Rom. 6.7 He shall never offend GOD more 2. Those miseries which follow sin Esay 57.1 2.3 The temptations of the Divell Rev. 12.8.4 The opposition and vexation of the world and flesh Rev. 14.13 Eccles. 4.1 2. It is to them obstetrix immortalitatis a passage to immortality 2 Cor. 5.1 4. a sturdy Porter that opens heaven gates unto him See 1 Cor. 3.22 15.26 Psalm 37.37 2. Comforts against the feare of untimely death Thou shalt come to thy grave in a ful age like as a shocke of corn commeth in in his season Job 5.26 The number of thy dayes will I fulfill Exod. 23.26 The Lord will preserve him and keepe him alive and he shall be blessed upon the earth Ps. 4. 1.2 With long life will I satisfie him and shew him my salvation Ps. 91.16 2. Buriall It is a kind of blessing promised by GOD to his Saints to be buried 1 King 14.13 2 King 22.20 3. Resurrection Promises of our Resurrection He which raised up the LORD JESUS shall raise up us alâ—o by JESUS The Covenant of GOD is of force with us as we lie in the dust of the Earth Mat. 22.31.32 He keepeth the very bones of his Saints Ps. 34.20 All that are in the grave shall come forth they that have done good unto the resurrection of life John 5.28 29. I will raise him up at the last day John 6.39 40 44 54. See 1 Thess. 4.14 16. Rom. 8.11 Dan. 12.2 Esay 26.19 CHAP. III. 2. Performances of it 1. Glorification in part for the soule 2. Last Judgement 3. Glorification of the whole man both
challenge GOD with his promise and in a holy reverence and humble boldnesse charge him with that Covenant mentioned in Ezekiel Promises 2. To Godly sorrow 1. Comfort Blessed are they that mourne for they shall be comforted Mat 5.4 The words import an exceeding measure of griefe such as is expressed by crying and weeping therefore Luke saith Blessed are yee that now weepe Piscator and others expound it of sorrow for sinne They that so mourne are already blessed and shall be comforted You shall be sorrowfull but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy Iohn 16.20 See verse 24. Psal. 126.5.6 They that sow in teares shall reape in ioy Hee that goeth forth and weepeth shall come againe with reioycing bringing his sheaves with him GOD hath undertaken to comfort them In the prophesie of Esay every where almost wee finde it promised The ransomed of the LORD shall returne and come to Zion with songs and everlasting ioy upon their heads they shall obtaine ioy and gladnesse and sorrow and sighing shall fly away Esay 35.10 They shall have both outward and inward comfoâ—t for so some distinguish betweene ioy and gladnesse that â—oy is outward of the body and gladnesse inward of the soule Psal. 118.24 arise saith GOD â—alling on his Church and shine â—nd put on brightnesse and glory â—he LORD shall be a light unto â—hee in darkenesse CHRIST was â—ent for this very end to comfort such as mourne for their sinnes The LORD hath sent mee to binde up the broken hearted to give unto them that mourne in Zion beauty for ashes the oyle of ioy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse Esay 61.1 3. Luke 4.18 I am not sent but unto the lost sheepe of the house of Israel Mat. 15.24 that is saith M. Perkins to those which in their owne sence and feeling are lost in themselves The fruit of the Spirit is ioy Gal. 5.22 The LORD who is the Father of mercies and GOD of all consolation is cald a GOD that Comforteth all those that are cast downe 2 Cor. 7.6 Comfort yee comfort yee my people saith our GOD. Speake yee comfortably to Hierusalem and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished that her iniquity is pardoned Esay 40.1 2. Behold how freely and how fully the LORD speakes how he doubles his comforts Comfort yee comfort yee and iterates his words speake comfortably cry unto her The LORD will comfort Zion and her mourners Esay 57.18 All Sion the Church of GOD shall be comforted and all the friends of the Church that mourne in her mourning and that take to heart her sorrowes and desolation shall be comforted too GOD shall wipe away all teares from their eyes Rev. 7.17 Thus saith the High and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Esay 57.15 The day of humiliation when GODS people afflict their soules before him is called a day of aâ—tonement Levit 23.27 For so is GODS promise In that day there â—hall be a Fountaine opened for sinne Zach. 13.1 2. Grace This benefit is pressed as a motive unto godly sorrow 1 Pet. 5.5 6. GOD giveth grace to the humble Humble your selves therefore saith the Apostle under the mighty hand of GOD. Iam. 4.6 7 9. GOD giveth grace to the humble Submit your selves therefore to GOD Be afflicted and mourne and weepe 1. Knowledge The humble he will teach his way Psal. 25.9 2. Repentance Godly sorrow bringeth repentance to salvation 2 Cor. 7.10 3. Speciall protection assistance and mercy in the evill day Those that mourne for the sinnes of other men have a great promise of speciall protection in the daies of common calamity Goe through the midst of the City through the midst of Ierusalem and set a marke upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abhominations that be done in the midst thereof Ezek. 9.4 GOD marked them for his owne signo salutari saith Iunius with a saving marke such as that Exod. 12. Thou wilt save the afflicted people Psal. 18.27 Hee saveth such as be of a contrite spirit Psal. 34.18 When men are cast downe then thou shalt say there is a lifting up he shall save the humble person Iob 22.29 4. Audience in prayer The LORD hath promised that the prayers of such shall prevaile mightily with him both for themselves and others It is said of Iacob Hosea 12.4 Hee had power over the Angell and prevailed hee wept and made supplications unto him And of Hezekiah Esay 38.5 I have heard thy prayers I have seene thy teares behold I will add unto thy daies fifteene yeares LORD thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou wilt prepare their heart thou wilt cause thine eare to heare Psal. 10.17 When the Prophet had said Psal. 34.17 The righteous cry and the LORD heareth them he giveth this reason verse 18. The LORD is nigh to them that are of a broken heart 2 Chron. 7.14 If my people that are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray then will I heare from Heaven Yea GOD will heare them also for others Iob 42.8 My servant Job shall pray for you for him will I accept 3. Mortification or killing of sinne Promises 1. Of Mortification A Child of GOD shall be able to mortifie his corruptions and overcome his speciall sinnes which most prevaile over him For sinne shall not have dominion over you Rom. 6 14. that is shall never any more reigne as in times past it did and so have the full victory over you For yee are not under the Law but under grace that is Yee are not still under the condemnation and tyranny of the Law but by true receiving of CHRIST by faith are now delivered from that bondage and so brought into the liberty of GODS children See ver 18 22. and Rom. 7.24 25. He will subdue our iniquities Micah 7.19 Hee will tread them under our feete as it were This grace of Mortification is expressely promised Gal. 5.16 Walke in the spirit and yee shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh Tit. 2.11 14. The members of CHRIST shall be cleansed from the guiltinesse of sinne it shall not be imputed and from the filthinesse of sinne it shall not prevaile over them 1 Iohn 17.9 Mat. 1.21 Iohn 1.29 Rev. 1.5 Acts 3.26 Psal. 103.3 The Prophets foretold in their time That GOD would purge and cleanse his Church Esay 1.25 That GOD will purely purge their drosse and take away all their tinne that is their sinnes I will cleanse you or wash you that is with the imputation or sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST from all your Idols that is from all the sinnes that you have committed When wee feele our
hearts discouraged by the little strength we finde to master our speciall corruptions then we may apply to our selves any of these promises wherein the LORD himselfe doth undertake this worke which is too hard for us That he will subdue our iniquities cleanse us from all unrighteousnesse Though a strong and importunate lust hang upon us an hereditary disease a lust that is naturall to us which we think wee shall never be able to conquer yet GOD hath promised to breake the dominion of every sinne That hee will crucifie the flesh with the affections thereof Hee can heale the strongest lusts CHRIST could cure those that were borne blinde and lame therefore when we grapple with a strong lust we should goe to the LORD and pleade the Covenant and say to him LORD I feele this temptation is too strong for mee such a lust I cannot overcome thou hast said Thou wilt circumcise my heart that thou wilt dissolve these lusts I beseech thee to doe it If we truly hate and detest sinne though it doe sometimes stirre in us we should not be discouraged for our Sanctification here is but in fieri it is but in doing yet Rev. 6.2 CHRIST rides about conquering and will yet goe on to conquer sinne in us He will not subdue our corrupt lusts unto us at once but as he did the Cananites to his people Israel by little and little Exod. 23.30 Deut. 7.22 That promise which GOD made to Paul in the stirrings and conflicts of his concupiscence is made unto all of his temper my grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 There are two things in that promise grace to make it and sufficiency to fulfill it The LORD doth sometimes descend to particulars as that Hee will cleanse them from their Idols and that hee will take away the stony heart out of them But wee may apply the former generall promises to our particular occasions and they will be as comfortable as if the LORD had said in particular hee will kill our pride our unbeleefe our hypocrisie Promises 2. To Mortification The benefits the LORD will bestow upon us if in obedience and love to him wee can be content to cast away our sinfull lusts He that forsaketh any profit credit or comfort for CHRISTS sake shall be rewarded an hundred fold Mar. 10.29 30. Mat. 19.28 Hee shall receive not ten in the hundred but a hundred for ten If yee mortifie the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit yee shall live Rom. 8.13 Without it there is no living it is a necessary condition required to the attainement of salvation 4. Turning from sinne Promises 1. Of Turning from sinne Then thou shalt remember thy waies and be ashamed Ezek. 16.61 Yee shall remember your waies and all your doings wherein yee have beene defiled and you shall lothe your selves in your owne sight for all your evills that yee have committed Ezek. 20.43 the like is repeated 36.31 Vnto you hath GOD raised up his Sonne JESUS and sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities Acts 3.26 GOD promiseth to the Gentiles in their conversion Then will I change in the people their lip that it may be pure so Iunius reads it with the which all may call upon the name of the LORD that is I will call them to repentance and then followes a promise of taking away the staine of sinne In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy workes The remnant of Israel shall stay upon the LORD the holy one of Israel in truth The remnant shall returne c. Then shall shee say I will goe and returne to my first husband for then was it better with mee then now Hos. 2.7 They shall returne unto mee with their whole heart Ier. 24 7. Promises 2. To turning from sinne Turning unto GOD by repentance procureth his mercies upon us 1. Temporall Returne unto mee and I will returne unto you saith the LORD of hostes Malac 3.7 See Deut. 30.1 2 Nehem. 1.9 Iob 22.23 24 25 28. Ier. 7.3 5 7 14 15. 18.8 2. Spirituall the promises of remission to repentance are very frequent in Scripture So the Prophet Esay promiseth pardon to the penitent Wash you make you cleane put away the evill of your workes from you that is repent and then followes Though your sinnes were as crimson they shall be made as white as snow that is yee shall be pardoned If wee acknowledge our sinnes that is if wee repent hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes Hence repentance and remission of sinnes are joyned together by our Saviour Luke 24.47 Acts 2.38 Repent and be converted that your sinnes may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 Let the wicked forsake his way and returne unto the LORD and hee will have mercy on him Esay 55.7 3. Eternall O Hierusalem wash thy heart from wickednesse that thou maist be saved Ier. 4.14 10. Humility Promises To Humility The LORD inricheth the humble with all his gifts both Temporall Spirituall and Eternall 1. He will reward them with temporall benefits By humility and the feare of the LORD are riches and honour and life Pro. 22.4 2. GOD promiseth deliverance to the humble 2 Chron. 12.7 Iob 22.29 3. Honour Before honour is humility Pro. 15.33 18.12 Iob 5.11 Iam. 4.6 10. Luke 18.14 Matth. 23 12. 2. Spirituall graces GOD giveth grace unto the humble Iam. 4.6 1 Pet. 5.5 Pro. 3.24 1. Pardon of sinne 2 Chron. 7.14 2. GOD teacheth them his waies Psal. 25.9 Mat. 11.25 He revealeth to them the secrets of his Kingdome making them thereby wise unto their salvation Pro 11.2 3. GOD blesseth them with his presence taking delight to dwell with them Esay 57.15 3. GOD will crowne the humble in the life to come with eternall glory Blessed are the poore in spirit for theirs is the kingdome of heaven Mat. 5.3 Austen and Chrysostome expound it of inward humility 11. Meekenesse Promises 1. Of Meekenesse The Wolfe shall dwell with the Lambe and the Leopard shall lie downe with the Kid and the Calfe and the young Lyon and the falling together and a little child shall leade them And the Cow and the Beare shall feed their young ones shall lie downe together c. Esay 11.6 7 8. whereby is signified that men once converted shall be so changed and altered that if they were never so fierce and cruell against the Church and one against another before yet they shall be framed to a peaceable and meeke disposition towards all men Promises 2. To Meekenesse 1. Protection The meeke are under GODS protection in a speciall manner Psal. 76.9 He will beautifie the meeke with salvation Psal. 149.4 They shall be hid in the day of the LORDS wrath Zeph. 2.3 Hee will rebuke aright for all the meeke of the earth Esay 11.4 2. Advancement The LORD lifteth up the meeke Psal.