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
made promises to the publike assemblies of his speciall presence In this respect the Prophet calleth Sion the habitation of GODS house and the place where his honour dwelleth Psal. 26.8 Psalm 132.14 in this respect the place of GODS publike worship is called the face of GOD. The Synagogues were called the houses of GOD Psalm 83.12 This promise is also made to our Assemblies as well as theirs Matth. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Rev. 2.1 CHRIST walkes in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks 3. GOD hath pâ—omised his speciall blessing to publike assemblies In all places where I record my name wâ—ll I come to thee and blesse thee Exod 20.24 GOD hath pâ—omised Temporall blessings to such as do love and frequent the Assemblies No good thing will he with-hold from them that walke uprightly Psalm 84.11 David makes this one reason of his love to GODS Tabernacles but the chiefe reason why he so esteemed them was this the LORD will give grace and glory and 133.3 For there in Sion the LORD appointed the blessing and life for ever The LORD shall blesse thee out of Sion Psalm 128.5 We shall be satisfied with the goodnesse of thy house even of thine holy Temple Ps 63 4. See Psalm 36.8 9. 92.13 14. 4. GOD will deliver the Church out of trouble Thou shalt see peace upon Israel Ps. 128.6 Thou shalt see the good of Hierusalem all the dayes of thy life verse 5. The LORD will not cast off his people nor forsake his inheritance Ps. 94.14 Thus saith the LORD after seventy yeares 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 saith the LORD thoughts of peace to give you an expected end Jerem. 29.10 11. They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree and none shall make them afraid for the mouth of the LORD 〈◊〉 Hosts hath spoken it Many nations are gathered against thee but they know not the thoughts of the LORD For he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floore Micah 4.4 11 12. When thus it shall be in the middest of the Land amongst the people there shall be as the shaking of an Olive-tree and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done Esay 24.13 See Esay 61.10 Deut. 4.29 30. Jeremy 33.6 Jeremie 31.12 Esay 27.5 7 8 9. CHAP. II. Promises 1. Against the seductions of Antichrist 1. THE faithfull are of GOD and overcome Antichristian Seducers 1 Iohn 4.4 2. The Elect cannot be seduced Mat. 24.24 Promises 2. For the dâ—struction of Antichrist The ten hornes which thou sawest upon the beast these shall haâ—e the whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat hâ—â— flesh and shall burne her with fire Rev. 17.16 There is a promise that Babylon shall bee cast into the Sea as a milstone Rev. 18.21 And a mighty Angell tooke â—p a stone like a great mill-stone and cast it into the Sea saying thus with violence shall the great city Babylon be throwne downe and and shall be found no more at all Each word almost hath a gradation in that an Angell a strong Angell taketh a stone and a great stone even a mill-stone which he letteth not barely fall but casteth and with impetuous force thrusteth in the bottome of the Sea whence nothing ordinarily is recovered much lesse a mill-stone thrust from such a hand and with such force CHAP. III. Promises For calling the Jewes THere is a promise made of calling the Jewes unto CHRIST and causing them to turn from their transgressions The Redeemer shall come from Sion and unto them that returne from transgression in Jacob Esay 59.20 They shall be graffed in againe for GOD is able to graffe them in as it is written there shall come out of Sion a deliverer and shall turne away ungodlinesse from Jacob Rom. 11.23 26. Before the second comming of CHRIST the Jews shall be converted and become a most famous Church againe and they shall be the meanes of the salvation of all the Elect that shall remaine to be converted among the Gentiles as the Apostle plainly teacheth there 25 26. verses I would not Brethren that yee should be ignorant of this mystery that blindnesse in part is happened to Israel untill the fullnesse of the Gentiles be come in and so all Israel shall bee saved In Hosea there are most sweet and comfortable promises to the Jewes 1. Of delivering them out of misery and making them to flourish againe comparing their wretched estate to death and their delivery to a resurrection Hos. 13.14 2. A promise of their repentance and turning unto GOD Hos. 14.2 3. 3. Of the forgivenesse of sinnes peace reconciliation verse 4. 4. Of a glorious Church 5 6 7 8. verses These promises which GOD hath made unto that nation that he will call them and make them his people againe should provoke us to pray for them as they did for us Cant. 8.8 CHAP. IV. Promises For bringing in the Gentiles THus saith the Lord Behold I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles and set up my standard i.e. the Gospell to the people and they shall bring their sonnes in their armes and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders and Kings shall be thy nursing Fathers and Queenes thy nursing Mothers that is GOD will stirre up the Princes of the Earth to be a protection to it and to shrow'd it under the wings of their authority The Apostle Iohn speaking of the new Jerusalem saith the Kings of the earth shall bring their glory to it Rev. 21.24 Other sheepe I have saith our Saviour meaning the Gentiles not yet called which are not of this fold them also must I bring and they shall heare my voyce and there shall be one fold and one shepheard Joh. 10.16 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light and Kings to the brightnesse of thy rising The aboundance of the Sea shall be converted unâ—o thee the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee Who are these that fly as a cloud and as the doves to their windowes they are the words of the Church wondering as it were at the sight of such a propagation as a cloude and Doves it is a prophesie of the Gentiles converted they fly as a cloud that is most swiftly and shall in such fâ—ocks come into the Church as if a whole flight of Doves driven by some hawke or tempest should scoure into the Columbary and rush into the windows The Prophet Esay almost in every Chapter speaketh of the vocation of the Gentiles as the 2. 9. the 11. the 18. the 42. and 45. See 49. Chap. 12. and Chap. 54.1 And Chap. 65.1 Amos 9.11 12. Ephes. 2.12 19. John 12.32 CHAP. V. Promises To Magistrates THe LORD
thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD Thou shalt see thy childrens children Ps. 128.3 4 6. See Esay 48.19 Ps. 115.14 127.3 Ps. 113.9 These promises may aboundantly suffice to settle the minds and hearts of any true beleever under this tentation of griefe for want of children that assuredly GOD will fulfill their desire if it be good for them 2. To blesse their children every way 1. With outward things 2. In their soules GOD hath made a free and gracious Covenant with the beleeving Parents and their posterity Gen. 17.7 9. Act. 2.39 Ier. 32.39 He hath promised to blesse their children every way He will blesse the fruit of thy wombe Deut. 7.13 This is intended in all those places where it is said I will be the GOD of thy seed which was said to Abraham the father of the faithfull Gen. 17. and belongeth to all beleevers The just man walketh in his integrity his children are blessed after him Pro. 20.7 1. GOD will blesse them with outward things Personall goodnesse is a good means to bring safety honour wealth and many comfortable blessings upon posterity Exod. 20.6 Their children and childrens children to many generations shall be blessed Ps. 37.25 26. Pro. 11.21 His seed shall be mighty upon the earth the generation of the upright shall be blessed Ps. 112.2 His seed shall inherit the earth Ps. 25 13. Ps. 37.29 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his childrens children Pro. 13.22 2. GOD will blesse them in their soules I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed Esa. 44.3 4. Thy children shall be taught of the LORD and great shall be the peace of thy children Esay 54.13 If we know our selves to be GODS children we may be assured saith one that some of our posterity shall be so likewise They are foederati in GODS Covenant by meanes of their Parents whom when GOD received into the Church he received them with this promise I will be thy GOD and the GOD of thy seed Good Parents though they be poore leave their children a good patrimony for they have laid up many prayers for them in heaven and they leave them GODS favour for their possession this is urged therefore as a motive by the HOLY GHOST to provoke Parents unto all righteousnesse Deut. 5.29 It is promised as a blessing that mothers shall give sucke to the children that they beare GOD shall blesse thee with the blessings of the breasts and of the wombe Gen. 49.25 Promises To Parents correcting their children The rod and reproofe give wisdome correct thy son and he shall give thee rest yea he shall give delight to thy soule Proverbs 29.15 17. Hold not correction from thy childe for if thou beatest him with the rod he shall not die Thou shalt beate him with the rod and shalt deliver his soule from Hell Pro. 23.13 â—4 Foolishnesse is bound in the heart of a childe but the rod of correction shall drive it farre from him Pro. 22.15 Promises to comfort them in the want of children To them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better then of sonnes and of daughters I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off Esa. 56.5 Promises To children obeying their Parents Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy dayes may be long upon the Land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee Exod 20.12 The Apostle Ephes. 6.2 saith this is the first Commandement with promise The second Commandement hath a Promise annexed unto it and a large one of shewing mercy unto thousands to them that love GOD Exod. 20.6 The Greeke word used by the Apostle properly signifieth an affirmative precept as our English word Commandement doth of the affirmative precepts it is the first with promise Secondly the promise in the second Commandement is only a generall promise made to observers of the whole Law and therfore he useth the plurall number Commandements and saith in the generall shewing mercy to thousands but this is a speciall promise made to them that keep this particular Commandement that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live this answer is given by many Learned Divines It followeth ver 3. That it may be well with thee and thou maist live long on the Earth The promise mentioned before in generall is particularly set down Whatsoever belongeth to a mans well-fare and wel-being in this life is here promised saith D. Willet All manner of blessings Spirituall and Temporall belonging to soule and body concerning this life and the life to come make to a mans well-being but temporall prosperity is here principally intended saith Doctor Gouge And Ieremiah saith unto the house of the Rechabites Thus saith the LORD of Hosts the GOD of Israel because yee have obeyed the commandement of Ionadab your father and kept all his precepts and done according unto all that he hath commanded you Therfore thus saith the LORD of Hoasts the GOD of Israel Ionadab the sonne of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever My sonne heare the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head and chains about thy neck Prov. 1.8 9. See 6.20 CHAP. VIII Promises For Company That we shall reap good by the society of the godly HE that walketh with wise men shall be wise Prov. 13.20 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another and the LORD hearkened and heard it and a booke of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD and that thought upon his name And they shall be mine saith the LORD of Hosts in that day when I make up my Iewels and I will spare them as a man spareth his owne sonne that serveth him Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 FINIS An Alphabeticall Table of the principall things contained in this Treatise A. ABsolute promises pag. 12. Adoption promises of it 289. 2. To it 291. Afflictions promises to prevent them 155 156. Or qualifie them if they do come 157 158. Affliction is momentary 159. GOD afflictâ— his children for their good 161 162. Afflictions are tryals 163. Afflictions purge sin 165 166. and quicken graces faith hope patience 168. GOD promiseth to help his to bear afflictions and in due time to remove them 169 170. The use of faith in respect of Gods promises concerning afflictions 173. to 176. Alms-giving promises to it 402 403. Angels guard the godly 272. Antichrist promises against him 434 435. Apostles promises to them 441. Application of the promises 30 72. Means to apply them 32 33. Rules to be observed in applying them 41. Examples of such as have applied them 35 74. The divel would hinder the faithfull from a right applying of them 37. The wicked misapply them
their children after their owne pleasure to satisfie their will but GOD our heavenly Father in great wisdome considereth with what correction and when to chastize his so as may be most for their profit yea the best profit to repaire his image of holinesse in them 2. In the just measure and continuance thereof Ier. 46.28 30.11 Esay 27.7 8. 1 Cor. 10.13 they shall not be tempted above their strength GOD will not lay more on man then is meet that he should enter into iudgemēt with God Iob 34.23 Affliction is momentany CHRIST comforts his Disciples with the shortnesse of afflictions Ioh. 16.16 GOD will not keepe his anger for ever Ier. 3.12 Ezek. 16.42 Micah 7.18 nor cast off for ever Lam. 3.31 David had great experience of this as he often professeth Psal. 30.5 Psal. 103.9 The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous Psalme 125.3 2. In love and tendernesse GOD compareth himselfe to a Father Psal. 103.13 14. to a Mother Esay 49.15 16. I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger for I am GOD and not man Hesea 11.9 and in the 8. verse he saith His heart is turned within him his repentings are kindled together GOD there imitates parents saith Theodoret when any misery is upon a child their bowels yearne more There is an excellent expression in Iudg. 10.16 His soule was grieved for the misery of Israel He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men Lam. 3.33 Judgement is called his Strange worke Esay 28.21 which wee inforce him unto Atque dolet quoties cogitur esse ferox In all their afflictions hee is afflicted Esay 63.9 Affliction cannot separate from his love Rom. 8.35 39. He preserveth their teares as pretious liquor in his bottle Psal. 56.8 See Psal. 116.15 Psal. 31.7 Psal. 38.9 Psal. 145.8 9. 3. For good GOD afflicts his children for their good There are many benefits which GOD promiseth and his Spirit worketh by afflictions 1. Generall they are blessed whom the LORD correcteth Behold happy is the man whom GOD correcteth therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty Iob 5.17 the like promise we have Iam. 1.12 Psal. 94.12 Whom the LORD loveth hee correcteth even as a father the sonne in whom hee delighteth Pro. 3.12 Quem unicè diligit whom he cockers above the rest of his children so the Hebrew word signifieth That Sonne in whom hee is well pleased saith Mercerus quem approbat whom he makes his white boy so Theophylact interprets Heb. 12.6 The Originall there 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 chastize is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a sonne or childe Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory Wee shall have for Affliction Glory For light affliction Heavie Massie Substantiall Glory a waight of Glory For Momentany affliction eternall Glory He addeth also degrees of comparison yea goeth beyond all degrees calling it More excellent farre more excellent an exceeding excessive eternall weight of Glory See Rom. 8.18 Acts 14.22 2 Tim. 2.12 1 Cor. 11.32 Matth. 5.10 11. Luke 6.22 1 Pet. 3.14 4.14 Iam. 5.11 Psal. 119.71 Lament 3.27 2. Speciall 1. Afflictions are trialls the godly by them have experience of their frailties and graces and come to know GOD and themselves 2 Chron. 33.13 This is oft set out by this comparison of gold and silver tried by the fire Zach. 13.9 Prov. 17.3 Psal. 66.10 1 Pet. 4.12 Iames calls afflictions temptations because they serve to try what is in us GOD led the Israelites forty yeares in the wildernesse To prove them and to know what was in their heart that is that they might know saith Iunius The skill of a Pilot is unknowne but in a tempest the valour of a Captaine is unseene but in a battell and the worth of a Christian is untried but in triall and temptation 2. They shall purge sinne they are soveraigne medicines to kill spirituall diseases GODS children shall come out of the fornace of affliction much more refined and purified as Iob did and lose nothing but their drosse By this the iniquity of Jacob shall be purged and this is all the fruite to take away his sinne Esay 27.9 I will purely purge away thy drosse and take away all thy tinne Esay 1.25 Many shall be purified made white and tried Dan. 12.10 Wee know that all things worke together for good to them that love GOD to them who are the called according to his purpose Rom. 8.28 Wee that is not only I and you but all the faithfull know have great proofe of it by daily experience that all afflictions for of them he specially speaketh how many or how great soever they be shall procure and further our chiefest good the welfare and happinesse of our soules See Iohn 15.2 Prov. 20.30 Psal 119.67 Esay 4.4 Iob 33.16 17. 36.8 9 10 15. Hosea 2.6 7. 3. They quicken graces they make us partakers of GODS holinesse and bring forth the quiet fruit of righteousnesse Heb. 12.10 11. The inward man is renewed by them 2 Cor. 4.16 1. Faith is exercised in beleeving most assuredly the promises that GOD hath made of our deliverance that the triall of your faith being much more pretious then of gold that perisheth though it be tryed with fire might be found unto praise and glory at the appearing of JESUS CHRIST CHRIST Faith is as much advanced by afflictions as gold by fire The 11. Chapter to the Hebrewes proveth this Afflictions saith one cause us to seeke out GODS promise the promise to seeke faith faith to seeke prayer and prayer to find GOD. 2. Hope in assuring her selfe of the reward promised to them that suffer patiently Tribulatiō worketh patience patience experience and experience hope Rom. 5.3 4. 3. Patience is exercised in bearing quietly Tribulation worketh patience as was said Account it all joy when yee fall into divers temptations knowing this that the triall of your faith worketh patience Iam. 1.2 3. 3. To helpe us to beare them and in due time to remove them GOD promiseth to helpe us to beare afflictions and in due time to remove them Though he fall hee shall not be utterly cast downe for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand Psal. 37.24 As their afflictions abound so shall their consolations also 2 Cor. 1.5 They shall have the Comforter himselfe Ioh. 14.16 Ioh. 15.26 16.7 GOD often promiseth to his people to be a sure and speedy helpe in all troubles David had great experience thereof The booke of Psalmes is full of those speeches GOD is my Rocke my Tower my Refuge my Shield and Buckler my Health and Strength Psal. 18.2 Psal. 31.3 Psal. 71.3 Psal. 94.22 73.25 26. All which speeches shew that what helpe any man in any danger may finde in any earthly meanes whatsoever GOD is the same and
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
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
the promise to assure us that it is as easie for GOD to fulfill all that goodnesse contained in all those Promises as if they were but one onely Promise We promise and many times faile either by the mutability of our will the imbecillity of our power or the scantnesse of our knowledge not being able to foresee impediments But GOD is neither mutable weake nor ignorant His promises are made in heaven where there is no inconstancie nor repentance For I the LORD change not therefore yee sonnes of Jacob are not consumed Mal. 3.6 as if hee had said I promised not to consume you and you can tell I have kept promise with you for yee are not consumed to this day With him there is no variablenesse nor shadow of turning Iam. 1.17 GOD cannot lie 1 Sam. 15.29 nor repent He cannot lie in making a promise nor repent in fulfilling it GOD is also infinite in wisdome to contrive and in power to bring about the execution of his owne will Hee is onely wise Rom. 16.27 1 Tim. 1.17 The LORD knoweth to deliver the righteous out of trouble GOD is able to accomplish what he hath promised All things are possible to him Mar. 10.27 Nothing is too hard for him Ier. 32.27 Gen. 18 14. Num. 11.23 He câ—nnot be hindered by weaknesse Hee is Almighty Revel 1.8 Hee that is able of stones to raise up children unto Abraham Matth. 3.9 is able to take away our stony heart and give us a heart of flesh There is a promise made of calling the Jewes unto CHRIST and causing them to turne from transgression in Iacob Esay 59.20 But he who should consider the extreame obstinacie and stubbornenesse of that people against the Gospell would thinke it impossible that they should ever be pul'd out of the snare of the Divell therefore the Apostle makes GODS power the ground of certaintie in this promise Rom. 11.23 26. The HOLY GHOST also puts us in mind of GODS power to strengthen our faith in these promises following 1. The alteration of our corrupt nature Marke 10.23 2. All needfull grace GOD is able to make all grace abound 2 Cor. 9.8 3. Perseverance to the end Ioh. 10.28 29. 4. Supply of all necessities GOD that is able will supply them Philip. 4.19 5. Assistance in all trouble Psal. 89.13 21 22.23 6. Deliverance out of all evill Esay 50.2 7. The resurrection of our bodies Ephes. 1.19 20. 8. Eternall glorification Phil. 3.21 This motive taken from GODS Almighty power is used often in Scripture to stirre up men and women to beleeve the promises of GOD. It was used to Sarah Gen. 18.14 to the Virgin Mary Luke 1.37 to Ieremy Ier. 32.27 and to the Disciples of CHRIST Marke 10.27 Abraham looked to GODS power and thereby was moved to beleeve that GOD would performe his promise though Isaac in whom the promise was made was to be sacrificed Rom. 4.20 21. Heb. 11.19 Iehosaphat also by his faith did magnifie GODS power 2 Chron. 20.12 This was Iobs onely comfort upon the dunghill that that GOD who would after wormes had consumed his flesh raise him up at the last day and make him with those very eyes to see his Redeemer had power enough to deliver him from that calamity into which he cast him and to revive his strength GOD is likewise true just and faithfull and therefore will performe his promises GOD the Father who hath promised is the God of truth Psal. 31.5 the Gospell in which his promises are made is the word of truth Ephes. 1.13 His Sonne who hath declared and merited the promises is a faithfull and true witnesse Revel 3.14 truth it selfe Ioh. 14.6 His Spirit which sealeth unto us the truth of the promises even in our hearts is the Spirit of truth Ioh. 14.17 GOD is iust and faithfull in accomplishing his promises Rom. 3.3 5. David saith LORD in thy faithfullnesse or in thy Iustice answer me Psal. 143.1 that is not in the justice of merit but of promise or Covenant for in his promises he maketh himselfe our Debtor and what he owes by vertue of his blessed promise we may challenge If wee confesse our sinnes hee is faithfull and iust to forgive us our sinnes As if he should say GOD of his infinite mercy hath promised to all true Penitents and Confessors that hee will forgive and never remember their sinnes any more he must stand to his Promises or else he should be unfaithfull and he is iust he doth not say he is mercifull but iust to forgive the sinnes of true beleevers because they are all satisfied for and GODS justice will not let him demand the same debt twice of the surety and of the debter The righteous GOD shall give unto mee a Crowne of righteousnesse 2 Tim. 4.8 righteousnesse as well as mercy is the ground of salvation not in relation or respect to merit in us but to promise in GOD. For he is faithfull that promised Heb. 10.23 Sarah iudged him faithfull who had promised Heb. 11.11 The Promise of GOD is our title to happinesse Gal. 3.18 If some great man out of his bounty give another an Inheritance of a hundred pounds per annum upon his paying of a pepper-corne for rent when hee hath payd it he may claime the profits and by law recover them and his plea in the Law must be the bargaine and Covenant betweene them for betwixt the rent and revenue there is no proportion so upon our scant obedience and scarce appearing faith we may challenge heaven and GOD cannot denie it us not because wee have deserved it but because he hath promised it This will uphold the faith of a Christian GOD hath promised nay confirmed his promise with an oath and sent his Sonne in the fullnesse of time Gal. 4.4 in whom all the promises are Yea and Amen What can be more Absolute It is a maine pollicie of the Divell to lay siege to the truth of GODS Word Yea hath GOD said so he would perswade us that GOD will forget to be mercifull and his promise will faile for evermore Psal. 77.8 9. Weake Christians in temptations and desertions are ready to distrust GOD and to question the truth of his promises The wicked hope he will change where is the promise of his comming 2 Pet. 3.4 the godly feare he will change David complaineth Psal. 69.3 I am weary of my crying my throat is dried mine eyes faile while I waite for my GOD Psal. 119.123 Mine eyes faile for thy salvation I shall one day die saith he by the hand of Saul 1 Sam 27.1 Psal. 73.13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vaine Psal. 116.11 I said in my haste all men are lyars Psal. 31.22 I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes After that GOD had promised to Abraham that he would make of him a great nation Gen. 12.2 and make his seed as the dust of the
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
much more to all his people in all their necessities bodily or spirituall The like are those speeches that GOD will lighten our darkenesse he will keepe the feet of his Saints hee will not forsake them nor forget their complaint that they shall not be confounded in the time of trouble Hee will hide them in his pavillion Psal. 27.4 5. And cover them with his feathers Psal. 91.1 4. His Angels shall pitch their tents about them hee will set them up on high from such as rise against them he will heale their wounds Ier. 30.17 GOD sees our affliction and knowes it well Exod. 3.7 Hee heareth our sighs and remembring his Covenant helps us Exod. 2.23 24 25. All afflictions come from him the Almighty hath afflicted mee saith Naomi Ruth 1.21 it is often called the Chastening of the LORD When we are iudged saith the Apostle we are chastened of the LORD 1 Cor. 11.32 And the same GOD which imposed the affliction takes it away Deut. 32.39 1 Sam. 2.6 7. Iob 5.18 Vna eademque manus vulnus opemque tulit GOD will be the strength of the righteous in their trouble and their salvation out of trouble David had great proofe hereof and therfore after a mighty deliverance composed that excellent Ps. 34. See 7 17 19. verses I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith the LORD thoughts of peace to give you an expected end Ier. 29.11 Reioyce not saith the Church against me O mine enemy When I fall I shall arise when I sit in darkenesse the LORD shall be a light unto mee c. Micah 7.8 9. Light is sowne for the righteous and ioy for the upright in heart Psal. 97.11 The latter part of the verse expounds the former by light is meant joy and by righteous the upright in heart Ioy is sowne for these and as sure as an harvest followes a feeding so to these comfort followes mourning If wee sow in teares we shall reape in ioy I will be content saith D. Hall with a wet spring so I may be sure of a cleare and joyfull harvest Your sorrow shall be turned into ioy Ioh. 16.20 if CHRIST had onely promised that their sorrow should be mitigated or shortly ended it had beene a great comfort but this ministreth abundant consolation Never was Gold-smith more curious and precise to watch the very first season when the gold is throughly refined and fitted for use that he may take it out of the fornace then our gracious GOD waites in such cases with an holy longing that he may have mercy upon his children and deliver them He shall deliver thee in sixe troubles yea in seaven there shall no evill touch thee Ioh. 5.19 Many of the Learned say that here by sixe and seven the Spirit of GOD alludeth unto the daies of the LORDS worke in Creating the world and his resting on the seventh day that so must his servants labour under afflictions all the daies of their life and shall rest from those labours in the perpetuall Sabbath Rather sixe or seaven are to be understood indefinitely certaine numbers for uncertaine things seaven referred to humane evills importeth many Pro. 24.16 See Psal. 91.14 15. Pro. 11.8 Psal. 50.15 Psal. 149.4 1 Cor. 10.13 2 Cor. 4.8 The meditation of these gracious promises may comfort GODS people in trouble GOD assures me hee will lay no more upon me then I shall be able to beare either my burden shall be made lighter or my faith stronger We should goe to the LORD then in our afflictions and say LORD it is part of thy Covenant to deliver me from such a crosse and calamity LORD thou hast said that the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the Righteous that thou wilt afflict but in measure according to our strength and for our good O sanctifie thy hand unto me give me faith and patience to waite upon thee wisedome to make a good use of this chastizement let it purge mee from my drosse and breed the quiet fruit of righteousnesse The end of chastizement is amendment of life whence it receiveth the name of correction which signifieth to set right or streight Therefore we must first labour to finde out the sinne for which GOD correcteth us For which purpose let us remember that place Iob 36.9 If they be tyed with the cords of affliction then will I shew them their workes and their sins When we have found it out let us be humbled for it make our peace with GOD and reforme our selves Ioh. 5.14 and then we may expect comfort from GOD. This the LORD both promised and performed to Iob and in him to all that are afflicted Zophar telleth Iob that which GOD himselfe did make good at last If iniquit be in thine hand put it farre away and let not wickednesse dwell in thy tabernacles It must be the care of the afflicted to purge his hand and house of all manner of wickednesse and sin Then it followeth verse 15. Thou shalt lift up thy face without spot yea thou shalt be stedfast and not feare that is Thou shalt enjoy the comfortable assurance of the remission of thy sinnes and shalt rest perswaded that the staine thereof is quite done away before the LORD And for his outward estate hee addeth ver 16. Thou shalt forget thy misery He shall be quite freed from all the trouble of it Thou shalt remember it as waters that are past which cause the meddowes to be more fat and fertile then they would have beene ver 17. Thine age saith he shall be clearer than the noone day thou shalt shine forth and be as the morning The comfort of a sinner reformed by corrections shall be plentifull and excellent as the brightnesse of the noone-tide sun and withall constant durable and on the growing hand as the light of the morning Faith makes us depend on GODS promises in our afflictions and patiently expect the issue that he will give and that without prefixing any time for Hee that beleeveth doth not make hast Esay 28.16 or prescribing any meanes to him as faithfull Moses when he said Stand yee still and see the salvation of the LORD Exod. 14.13 Faith doth not limit GOD for the measure of affliction Iob saith He will trust in GOD though he kill him Job 13 1â— It was a grievous affliction for David to be driven out of his kingdome by his owne Sonne yet he saith in that slight If he say I have no delight in him behold here I am let him doe unto me as seemeth good in his eyes 2 Sam. 15.26 Therefore in all our afflictions let us set faith a worke for this stirres up prayer and prayer stirres up GOD and GOD stirres up all the creatures Faith gathereth one contrary out of another life out of death assurance of sweetest deliverances out of deepest distresses For the LORD shall iudge his people and repent himselfe for his servants
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. 91.14 The LORD compareth himselfe to an Eagle which safely carrieth her young Deut. 1.31 32.11 and to a carefull Shepheard Ezek. 34.12 Psal. 23.1 2 3. Iohn 16.12 Esay 30.21 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous Psal. 34.15 a mans eye is upon one that hee loves ubi amor ibi oculus The LORD hath a care of them he loves defends and protects them He saith Psal. 32.8 I will guide thee with mine eye Hee will guide his children by his speciall providence in all their waies Psal. 121.8 Esay 46 4. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous but with Kings are they on the throne yea hee doth establish them for ever and they are exalted Job 36.7 Hee keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken Psal. 34.20 There shall not a haire of your head perish Luke 21 18. Matth. 10.30 Acts 27.34 Hee that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye Zach. 2.8 To expresse the tendernesse of his love he named the tenderest part of the body saith Salvian that he might shew that hee is troubled with the least contamelie offered to his Saints as we are with the least hurt of our eye Nay hee saith not hee that toucheth you toucheth his eye but the apple of his eye the tenderest piece of the tenderest part the Chrystall humour as the Philosophers call it Ishon in Hebrew of Ish pupilla in Latine of pupa because therein appeareth the resemblance of a little man or because as a man is to be prized above all other creatures so GOD esteemeth his people above all the world David found by his owne experience Psal. 17.8 Psal. 63.7 and 41.12 that GOD preserved him as the apple of his eye and so may all Christians What was said to Iacob Gen. 28.15 and to Ioshua by Moses Deut. 31.8 and by GOD himselfe Iosh. 1.5 Paul applieth generally to all Christians Heb. 13.5 I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Hee guides them in all their waies Hee that hath mercy on them saith the Prophet shall leade them even by the springs of water shall hee guide them Esay 49.16 2. Christians have the guard of Angels He shall give his Angels charge ovâ—r thee to keepe thee in all thy waies they shall beare thee up in their hands least thou dash thy foot against a stone Psal. 91.11 12. The Angels keepe us and that universally in all our waies they keepe us and that very charily and tenderly they beare us in their hands and they keepe us very safely and surely so that we dash not our feete against a stone The Angell of the LORD encampeth about them that feare him and delivereth them Psal. 34.7 CHAP. VII 2. CHRIST himselfe and many blessings by him are promised to the Godly 1. Redemption 2. Vocation 3. Iustification which hath two parts 1. Not imputing sin 2 Imputing righteousnes 4. Reconciliation 5. Adoption 1. CHRIST is promised to the godly THe first promise made to man and the foundation of all other was thâ—t Gen. 3.15 It shall bruise thy head It or He that is CHRIST shall bruise thy head that is breake the power and dominion of Satan The first Promise was made concerning CHRIST because GOD intended to make good every promise in CHRIST In all ages the LORD renewed this promise of sending CHRIST the promised seed as immediately after the floud Noah by prophesie blessing his two sonnes said GOD shall enlarge Iaphet and hee shall dwell in the tents of Shem Gen. 9.27 He meaneth that we the Gentiles should be called to be one body with the Jewes in CHRIST The same was afterwards oft renewed to Abraham In thy Seed that is CHRIST thou thy selfe and all the nations of the earth that is the faithfull in all nations shall be blessed Gen. 12.3 Gen. 13.14 15.4 18. Gen. 17.4 22. The like was after promised to Isaac Gen. 26.4 and Iacob Gen. 28.14 and Gen. 49.10 it is said The Scepter shall not depart from Iuda untill Shiloh come that is the Messias come for Shiloh signifieth the tunicle or skinne that lappeth the Infant in the Mothers wombe called by Physitians the secundine because it grieves the woman that is with child the second time as it were a second birth in French arriere fais in English the after-birth or after-burden and by a kind of figure is put for the Sonne of GOD in the wombe of the Virgin made man to note him to be of the flesh of Mary and his birth to be like the birth of other children sinne onely excepted There shall come a Starre out of Jacob and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel Numb 24.17 In all succeeding ages Moses and all the Prophets in their times foretold of CHRIST Acts 3.24 10.43 The LORD thy GOD will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy brethren like unto mee unto him shall yee hearken Deut. 18.15 like unto mee both in the participation of nature and office saith Iunius a true man and a true Mediator CHRIST is there meant Acts 3.22 7.37 That evangelicall Prophet Esay spake of him then as already come For unto us a childe is borne unto us a Sonne is given and the Governement shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderfull Counsellor the mighty GOD the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Esay 9.6 See Esay 11.1.32.1 2. 53.2 3 4. Ezek 37.24 34.24 Ier. 33.15 16. Ier. 23.5 6. Micah 5.2 Zach. 3.8 6.12 13. 9.9 10. He is called the messenger of the Covenant Mal. 3.1 For in him GOD reconciled the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 There are multitudes of promises also concerning CHRIST and the generall benefits by him in the New Testament 1. That he shall save us The Evangelist Matthew gives this reason of his name JESUS For hee shall save his people from their sinnes from the guiltinesse power and punishment of them The Sonne of man is come to seeke and save that which was lost Luke 19.10 GOD sent his Sonne into the world that the world through him might be saved Iohn 3.17 The Apostle with a vehement asseveration affirmeth this This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 Hence CHRIST is often called our Saviour Esay 49.26 Esay 60.16 Luke 2.11 1 Tim. 1.1 1 Tim. 2.3 2. CHRIST is said to be A light to the Gentiles Matth. 4.16 The light of the world John 8.13 9.5 under this comparison of Light all benefits which CHRIST brings us are contained light of knowledge grace and glory Hitherto belong all such Scriptures as shew CHRIST to be our Life Col. 3.4 Iohn 6.33 Ioh. 14.6 CHRIST also cals himselfe The bread of life Ioh. 6.35 51. Compares himselfe to a Vine Iohn 15.1 to teach that as the branch hath his whole
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
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
pleasure on â— holy day and call the Sabbath a light the holy of the LORD honoraâ—â—â— and shalt honour him not doing 〈◊〉 owne ways nor speaking thine 〈◊〉 words then shalt thou delight thy 〈◊〉 in the LORD and I will cause 〈◊〉 to ride upon the high places of the 〈◊〉 2. Spirituall Blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it Esa. 56.2 See 5 6 7. verses Jer. 17.24 26. a speciall place GOD promiseth there 24 and 26. verses to reward the outward observation of the Sabbath The blessing there promised is two-fold the first concerneth the Common-wealth vers 25. The second the Church and State of Religion v. 26. Promises To Watchfullnesse Blessed is he that watcheth Matth. 24.46 47. Revel 16.15 They are three times said to be blessed Luk. 12.37 38 43. to shew that they are thrice blessed and ever perfected in blessednes which keep constantly their spirituall watch Promises Of Conference The lips of the wise disperse knowledge Pro. 15.7 They are a well of life to feed many The tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speake plainly Esay 32.4 The dumb mans tongue shall sing Esay 35.6 The mouth of the iust bringeth forth wisdome Prov. 10.31 Promises To Conference The mouth of the upright shall deliver them Pro. 12.6 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fâ—uit of his mouth Prov. 12.14 Righteous lips are the delight of Kings and they love him that speâ—keth right Prov. 16.13 See Prov. 22.11 A mans belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth Prov. 18.20 A man shall eate good by the fruit of his mouth Pro. 13.2 Promises To Reproofe He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour then he that flattereth with the tongue Pro. 28.23 To them that rebuke the wicked shall be delight and a good blessing shall come upon them Pro. 24.25 Promises To giving of Alms. Beneficence shall be rewarded 1. In this lâ—fe 1. In our selves 2. In our posterity Ps. 37.25 26. 1. In our selves with 1. Mercy Blessed are the mercifull for they shall receive mercy Mat. 5.7 Pro. 14.21 22. 2. Comfort in sicknesse 3. Deliverance out of trouble one verse proves both Blessed is he that considereth the poore and needy the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble the LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing he will make all his bed in his sicknes Psal. 41.1 3. 4. Competency He that giveth unto the poore shall not lacke Pro. 28.27 this is a means to bring us to the right use of our wealth Luk. 11.41 2. In the life to come Come yee blessed of my Father receive the Kingdom prepared for you from the begining of the world c. Mat. 25.34 Make to your selvs friends of the Mammon of unrighteousnes that when ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations Lu. 16.9 Receiving is not mentioned here in regard of merit as the Papists say as though a man could deserve it by giving of almes but either by way of hearty prayers made by the poore that they may be received or els because their Alms shall be unto them a pledge and earnest of their receiving into GODS Kingdome as a Father sayes sweetly if yee will be wise Merchants thrifty and happy usurers part with thaâ— which you cannot keep that you may gain the which you cannot loâ—sâ— When thou makest a feasâ— call the poore the maimeâ— the lame the blind Anâ— thou shalt be blessed 〈◊〉 thou shalt be recompenced the resurrection of the iusâ— Luk. 14.14 Promises to liberall giving The liberall soule shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himselfe Prov. 11.25 He which soweth bountifully shall reape bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 2. To cheerfull giving GOD loveth a cheerfull giver 2 Cor. 9.7 Thou shalt surely give him and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him because that for this thing the LORD thy GOD shall blesse thee in all thy workâ—s and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto Deut. 15.10 Promises 1. To liberality to the Saints He that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous mans reward And whosoever shall give to drinke unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a Disciple he shall in no wise loose his reward Mat. 10.41 42. For a cup of cold water water the common element and cold water that cost thee not the charge of fire to warme it there is a Torrent may a very Sea of all pleasures provided for thee for all eternity For GOD is not unrighteous to forget your worke and labour of love which yee have shewed toward his name in that yee have ministred to the Saints and do minister Hebr. 6.10 See Gal. 6.9 10. Promises To bounty to GODS Ministere He that receiveth you receiveth me He that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall receive a Prophets reward Matth. 10.40 41. Some understand that thus they shall be partakers of the same reward which is laid up for the Prophets Calvin takes it for a reward which is fit for the worthinesse of the person upon whom the liberality shall be bestowed Honour the LORD with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase So shall thy barnes be filled with plenty and thy presses shall burst out with new wine Prov. 3.9 10. And the Levite because he hath no part nor inherâ—tance with thee shall come and shall eate and be satisfied that the LORD thy GOD may blesse thee in all the worke of thine hand which thou doest Deut. 14.29 Promises to seeking of GOD. 1. They shall have their hearts filled with joy and gladnesse in the fruition of GODS favour That propheticall prayer of Davids implieth also a promise in it Ps. 40.16 Let all those that seeke thee be glad and reioyce in thee Let the heart of them reioyce that seeke the LORD Psalme 105.3 the very same is 1 Chro. 16.10 The LORD often promised to his people that if they should seeke him he would be found of them as David told Salomon his sonne 1 Chron. 28.9 and the Prophet told Asa the King 2 Chro. 15.2 See 15. Thou LORD hast not forsaken them that seeke thee Ps. 9.10 Esa 45.19 But his people then must seek him with their whole heart as Deut. 4.29 Jer. 29.13 and diligently Heb. 11.6 Seeke yea me and yee shall livâ— Amos 5.4 6. And your heart shaâ—â— live that seeke GOD Psalm 69.32 The hand of our GOD is upon all them for good that seeke him Ezra 8.22 Lam. 3.23 They that seeke the LORD shall not want any good thing Psal. 34.10 Promisâ—s To waiting on GOD. Waiting patiently for the LORDS comming to comfort us either in temporall or spirituall distresses is a right pleasing and acceptable duty and sâ—rvice unto GOD which he
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
makes expresly this promise unto a godly King that if he decline not from the commandement to the right hand or to the left he shall prolong his dayes in the kingdome he and his sonnes in the midst of Israel Deut. 17.19.20 His enemies will I cloath with shame but upon himselfe shall his crowne flourish Psalme 132.18 Promises to Ministers 1. Extraordinary the Apostles 2. Ordinary all faithfull Ministers Promises to the Apostles 1. To worke miracles Mar. 6.17 That promise was made by CHRIST unto his Church to be fullfilled immediately after his ascension It extended only to the times of the Primitive Church and to such as then lived Perkins 2. To cast out Divels Mat. 10.1 3. The Spirit promised to leâ—de them into all truth Iohn 16.13 so that they were free from errour in doctrine Promises to faithfull Ministers 1. For sufficiency and a competent measure of the blessings of this life GOD promiseth this as a blessing to his Church that in the plenty and aboundance he would give to his people his Ministers also should be plentifully provided for And I will satiate the soule of the Priests with fatnesse and my people shall be satisfied with goodnesse saith the Lord Ier. 31.14 Levi hath no part nor iâ—heritance with his brethren the LORD is his inheritance according as the LORD thy GOD promised him Deut. 10.9 2. Of protection and deliverance from trouble I will cloath her Priests with salvation Ps. 132.16 I am with thee saith the LORD to Ieremy to deliver thee Ier. 1.18 19. See 7. 8. verses Jer. 15.19 20. 20.11 Ezek. 2.6 3.9 He holdeth the starrs in his right hand Rev. 2.1 by which is signified his power in protecting and governing his Ministers 2. GOD will take their part against their enemies and revenge their wrongs He suffered no man to doe them wrong yea he reproved Kings for their sakes saying Touch not mine Annoynted and do my Prophets no harme Ps. 105.14 15. Hitherto belongeth that benediction and propheticall prayer that Moses made for Levi Blesse LORD his substance and accept the worke of his hands smite thorow the loynes of them that rise against him and of them that hate him that they rise not again Deut. 33.11 4. GOD hath promised to give good successe to their labours He walketh in the middest of the seven golden candlesticks Rev. 2.1 by which action is noted his presence in the middst of his Church guiding and blessing his Ministers with all the members therof Loe I am with you alwayes even unto the end of the world Matth. 28.20 CHRIST was present with his Apostles and now is with their Successours by his protection of their persons and co-operation in their worke But if they had stood in my counsell and had caused my people to heare my words then thâ—y shoulâ— have turned them from their evill way and from the evill of their doings Jeremy 23.22 5. Their reward shall bee great They shal receive a crowne of glory that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5.2 4. Their reward is with God Esa. 49.4 6. They shall agree together and joyne force against the common Adversary It is promised as a blessed fruite of the Gospell That Ephraim shall not envy Iudah and Iudah shall not vexe Ephraim But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines towards the West CHAP. VI. Promises To Masters of families and godly Servants IN ordering and guiding the affairs of our family wee should depend by faith upon GODS blessing See Ps. 127. Promises to godly servants 1. They have a generall promise 1 Tim. 4.8 2. More speciall ones Servants be obedient unto them that are your masters c. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall he receive of the LORD whither he be bond or free whatsoever yee doe doe it heartily as to the LORD and not to men knowing that of the LORD yee shall receivâ— the reward of inheritance for yee serve the LORD CHRIST Col 3.23 24. The Apostle Peter shews that a poore servant when he suffers hard words and ill usage from his master doth herein find acceptation from GOD â— Pet. 2.19 GOD hath promised to the faithfull to keepe their houses and blesse them in their going out and comming in It is a speciall blessing oft promised to the godly that their habitation and dwelling shall prosper Pro. 3.33 that GOD will make the habitation of their righteousnes prosperous Job 8.6 yea that they shall know and feel that peace shall be in their tabernacles Job 5.24 There shall no evill befall thee neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling Pro. 14.11 The tabernacle of the upright shall flourish the house of the righteous shall stand Pro. 12.7 GOD keepes such a fence about them and their houses and all that they have as Satan cannot hurt them Iob 1.10 Blessed shalt thou be when thou commest in and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out Deut. 28.6 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy comming in from this time forth and even for evermore Ps. 121.8 It is the protection of GOD that keeps our houses from the calamities of fire within and lightening from Heaven and from the annoyance and molestation of evill spirits and other judgements governours of families should therfore put sinne farre from their Tabernacles Job 22.23 CHAP. VII Promises To Husband and Wife IF the Husband or wife be godly they have a promise from the Lord for their comfort David bestowes a whole Psalme upon them to this purpose viz. 128. the summe whereof was this that he should eat the labours of his hands that he is well and should be happy that his wife should be as the fruitfull vine upon the walls of his house comfortable as well as fruitfull that his children should be like the olive branches round about his Table profitable and beneficiall as well as many those are of the best fruits the one for chearing the heart the other for clearing the face Psal. 104.15 the one for sweetnesse the other for fatnesse Iudg. 9.13 that he should see Hierusalem in prosperity all his life long that he should see his childrens children as Iob 42.16 and peace upon Israel See also Prov. 31.28 and 30. verses promises made to the vertuous woman and Proverbes 11.16 Promises Concerning children GOD promiseth the godly 1. To give them the fruit of the wombe It is promised as a blessing and favour of GOD to his people to multiply their seed and to make them fruitfull I will make you fruitfull and multiply you Lev. 26.9 He will blesse thee and multiply thee There shall neither be male nor female barren among you Deu. 7.13 14. The like is Deu. 6.3.8 â— 28.11 Thy seed shall be great and thine off-spring as the grasse of the earth Job 5.25 Thy wife shall be as a fruitfull vine by the sides of thine house thy children like olive plants round about the table Lo