that unvaluable promise Rom. 8.29 and that 1 Cor. 10.13 2. Fervent prayer that GOD would by his Spirit both reveale unto us what be those precious promises which he hath made unto his people in his holy Word and also give unto us wisedome rightly to judge of them and fitly to apply them unto our selves in every estate we shall be in We should beg of him to reveale this mystery of godlinesse and CHRIST to us as the Disciples said LORD increase our faith that phrase of David is most heavenly Psal. 119.49 Thy promise in which thou hast caused mee to put my trust It is the LORD that must cause the heart to put her trust in the promise If we would keepe faith in exercise we must indeavour to know GODS promises meditate on them conferre about them they should be continually in our mindes memories hearts and tongues To live by Faith is to feede upon the severall promises of GOD made in his Word and to apply them to our selves according to all our needs and so comfort and encourage our selves against temptation and unto every good duty This is that which is required by GOD of his people Hab. 2.4 GOD there having threatned judgement against the Jewes by the Babylonians doth afterwards promise deliverance againe but not suddenly the people of GOD therefore in the meane time were to live by Faith and depending upon GOD to waite for the accomplishment of his gracious promises The just shall not onely live eternally by his faith but even here also in this life He shall live by Faith Abraham served GOD wheresoever he came and rejoyced in the promise of salvation by CHRIST Gen. 17.17 Iohn 8.56 Now if he who saw the promises but afarre of Heb. 11. 13. was so cheared and quickned by them what should we be to whom the grace of GOD hath shined so clearely Tit. 2.11 Iacob when Esau met him and his heart began to faint for the Text saith Gen. 32.7 he feared exceedingly did goe and sucke consolation out of the Promises for thus he reasons with the LORD LORD thou hast said thou wilt doe mee good this promise sustained him and he got so much strength with this milke that he was able to wrestle with the LORD all night and would not let him goe without a blessing So David when the Philistines had burnt Ziklag and the souldiers that should have beene his strength were ready to stone him hee remembred GODS promise that he should be King and sit in the Throne of Saul therefore it is said Hee comforted himselfe in the LORD his GOD 1 Sam. 30.6 that is in the promise that the LORD had made to him So Nehemiah when he heard of the misery of his people fell to prayer clinging to a promise that he knew was made by GOD that he had read and markt out of Deuteronomie The same is to be seene in that honourable company of those Worthy Servants of GOD in all ages from the beginning of the world to that day mentioned Heb. 11. which are all brought in as a cloud of witnesses testifying this truth that The Iust shall live by Faith Thus S. Paul also lived by faith both for Spirituall life Rom. 7. and for Temporall life 2 Tim. 4.17 18. and for Eternall life 7 8. verses of that Chapter The Divell striketh specially at our faith in the promises and not so much at the generall faith in beleeving the truth of them in generall as at our speciall justifying faith applying those promises unto our selves Not so much to doubt at the generall voice of GOD in the Word Every beleever shall be saved but at the particular voice of GOD by his Spirit applying the generall to us and saying Thou beleevest Thou art my Sonne Therefore above all things we should fortifie our faith and assurance that GOD is our Father and we his sonnes and as the Apostle exhorteth Labour to make our calling and election sure and for our better applying of GODS promises let us observe two rules 1. To apply all the Word of GOD indifferently as well the Commandements for our direction and the threats for our humiliation as the promises for our comfort 2. To examine the conditions of GODS promises and to looke as well to the performance of the conditions required in the promises as to enjoy the things promised For as the Divell denies unto us the application of the promises when we are interested in them as when we walke uprightly with GOD so contrarily he applies them strongly and earnestly when they belong not unto us as he did the promise of protection by Angels unto CHRIST though he should tempt GOD. So he ordinarily applies the promise of mercy to notorious sinneâ—s though they lie wallowing in their mire and never wash themselves in the waters of repentance And wicked men doe often with great confidence or ratheâ— presumption lay hold of the promises in the meane space neither caring to apply to themselves the commandements and threatnings nor yet respecting the conditions by which the promises are limited Thus when the LORD saith Ezek. 33.11 As truly as I live I will not the death of a sinner they regard not what followeth but that hee repent and live and when they heare the Apostles speech 1 Tim. 2.4 That GOD will have all men to be saved they make a bolster of it whereon they sleepe securely in their sinnes but leave out the following condition viz. that he would have all whom he would have saved come first to the saving knowledge of his truth which is never severed from the fruits of obedience 1 Iohn 2.3 4. So when CHRIST saith That he came not to call the righteous but sinners with that they comfort themselves in their sinfull courses but observe not to what he calleth them viz. to repentance before they can have any part with him in glory Some likewise sucke poyson out of that heavenly flower Rom. 10.13 Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved not considering that Every one that calleth upon the name of the LORD should depart from iniquity 2 Tim. 2.19 Speciall Rules directing us how to use the Promises 1. Generall Promises are particularly and Particulars generally appliable The LORD in assenting to Salomons prayer made a generall promise to any man or to all the people that what prayer or supplication soever should be made towards his Temple he would heare in heaven and forgive c. Iehosaphat being after in distresse applied this generall to his owne present condition when the children of Ammon Moab and Mount Scir came to turne Israel out of their possessions So David Psal. 119 49. and the woman of Canaan Matth. 15.22 applied the generall promises to themselves The LORD made a particular promise unto Ioshâ—a that he would be with him to blesse his enterprizes against the Cananites and to carry him through all the
many of them 3. Freedome from all temptations CHRIST himselfe was tempted 4. Lesse principall graces the common gifts of the Spirit these are distributed severally 1 Cor. 12.8 5. The measure of sanctifying graces some Saints have a greater measure of grace and some a lesse Some Promises are in divers respects both Absolute and Conditionall as that Exod. 3.17 of bringing the Israelites into the land of Canaan for in respect of the people of Israel it was absolâ—te and at length really accomplished but if we consider all the particular Israelites it had an implicite condition viz. if they were obedient to GOD. Lastly the Promises are either such as pertaine unto this life or the life to come The Promises pertaining unto this life are either Spirituall concerning the soule such are the promises of GODS graces or Temporall concerning the body as health wealth The Promises appertaining unto the life to come are eternall life the crowne of glory which concerne both soule and body These I shall handle fully afterward CHAP. III. 3. The Excellency of them THe Promises of GOD are a Rich Mine of Spirituall and Heavenly treasures they are a garden of most precious flowers of medicinable herbes they are as the Poole of Bethesda for all diseases for all sorts of persons and at all times They are called the unsearchable riches of CHRIST Ephes. 3.6 8. to assure us that hee is a very rich man that hath his heart stored with the promises of GOD well applied One stiles them pabulum fidei the food of faith As â—aith is the life of the Soule so GODS promise is the life of Faith They are the inheritance of GODS people Dauid did so account of them Thy promises have I claimed as mine heritage for ever for they are the Ioy of my heart Psal. 119.111 and all the people of GOD are Heires of all his Promises Rom. 9.8 The very keeping of the Records of these Promises was a great Prerogative to the Jewes Rom. 3.2 and it is accounted a singular happinesse for the Gentiles that they may now partake of these Promises Ephes. 3.6 The Apostle Peter saith that they are Exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1.4 which GOD hath given to us They are most great and precious for quantity Great exceeding great for quality Good exceeding good Precious 1. In respect of the Author of them GOD He is said in Scripture to be the giver of them Rom. 1.2 1 Tim. 1.1 Tit. 1.2 2. The ground of them JESUS CHRIST for whose sake we obtaine them and the price he paied to purchase them for us his precious blood 1 Pet. 1.19 3. The manner how they are given freely the fountaine from which they spring is the precious loving kindnesse of GOD Psal. 36.7 4. The meanes whereby they are apprehended that precious grace of faith 2 Pet. 1.1 5. The great and inestimable profit flowing from them and the end why they are bestowed upon us that we might be partakers of the Divine nature that is of the graces of the HOLY GHOST 6. In regard of the excellencie of the things promised life and godlinesse or glory and vertue which the Apostle Peter mentioned 3. ver of that 1. Chapter The ordinary Glosse would have life eternall to be there promised There is nothing in the world so excellent so precious so sweet and so comfortable as the promises are Psal. 119.103 Cardan saith that every precious stone hath some egregious vertue and Iosephus observeth that the splendor and brightnesse of the precious stones in the High-Priests brest-plate foreshewed victory I examine not the truth of those relations but I dare say there is more soveraigne vertue in one of GODS precious promises than in all the precious stones of the world I may say of them as Salomon saith of a vertuous woman that their price is farre above rubies or as he speakes of wisdome that they are better then rubies and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to them The bright lustre also of these precious stones observed by the quick eye of faith presageth certaine victory over all our enemies If we can behold the face of GOD to shine upon us by proving our interest in his promises we shall be in all things more then Conquerors through Him that loveth us The Promises of GOD applyed by faith will put such an undaunted courage into the heart of the weakest Christian that he will not feare the rigour of the Law 1 Tim. 1.9 the rage of Satan Ephes. 6.16 the tyranny of the world 1 Ioh. 5.4 the gastly and grimme face of Death 1 Cor. 15.55 nor the torments of Hell Ioh. 3.16 Therefore a truly humbled spirit relishing Spirituall things would not exchange any one of the Promises for the riches and sweetnesse of both the Indies In many of Davids Psalmes the beginnings are full of trouble but joy and assurance is to be found in the end so that one would imagine saith Peter du Moulin that the Psalmes had beene composed by two men of a contrary humour but he assigneth this as the cause of so sudden a change Davids soule at the last raising up it selfe from under its burden and adhering to the promises he found abundance of comfort Mr. Bolton hath three excellent Stories to this purpose The first is of a woman greatly distressed in conscience who industriously sought the destruction of her selfe but being most miraculously preserved shee afterward received comfort from that promise Esay 57.15 Thus saith the High and loftie one that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is Holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones And to use his phrase she went to Heaven in the yeare of our LORD 1595. Another Godly Man in his sicknesse stedfastly fixed his heart upon that sweetest Promise Esay 26.3 Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee because hee trusteth in thee and said GOD had graciously made it fully good unto his soule A Scottish Penitent also at the place of execution when he was ready to die laid hold on that Matth. 11.28 saying I challenge thee LORD by that promise which thou hast made that thou performe and make it good unto me that call for ease and mercy at thy hands S. Paul boasteth that he is an Apostle of CHRIST according to the promise 2 Tim. 1.1 The Patriarkes hugged and embraced the promises as a chiefe stay of their lives in their pilgrimage on earth Heb. 11.13 Vrsine was comforted by that place Ioh. 10.29 and Bilney was much quieted by that saying of S. Paul This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation that CHRIST JESUS came into world to save sinners of whom I am chiefe There is a commandement of the LORD
Or to the LORDS Supper as the Manna the water flowing out of the rock 2. Ordinary as 1. Circumcision answering to our Baptisme Gen. 17.9 11 12. Col. 2.11 12. 2. The Passeover answering to the LORDS Supper Ex. 12.13 1 Cor. The Sacraments after Christs comming to continue till the end of the world are two 1. Baptisme Iohn 1.26 Mat. 28.19 2. The Supper of the LORD Luke 22.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.25 26. These two Covenants of works and Grace doe both agree and differ in severall respects 1. They agree 1. In their Author GOD. 2. In the persons contracting GOD and Man 3. In the generall end of them both the glory of GOD. 4. In the extâ—insecall forme they both binde 5. They have both one matter also for substance on Gods part mans happinesse in both on mans part obedience in both 6. In nature because they are both inviolable on GODS part 2. They differ 1 In kind that was a Covenant of amity betweene the Creator and the creature this of Reconciliation betweene enemies for there was no breach made before as now there is betweene us and our GOD. When we were enemies CHRIST died for us 2. In the speciall end for the end of the Covenant of nature is the declaration of GODS justice of the Covenant of grace the declaration of GODS mercie 3. In the foundation for the foundation of the covenant of nature is the creation of man and the integrity of humane nature of the other the redemption of man by Christ. 4. In the quality of the persons contracting GOD the Creator in the first exacts his right from a man pure and perfect but in this offers himselfe as a mercifull Father to a sinner troubled with the sight and sence of his sins 5. In the conditions workes are required in the first faith in the other Adam was to make that good of himselfe and by his owne power In the Covenant of grace GOD giveth what he requireth and accepteth what he giveth Fides impetrat quod lex imperat August Enchir. c. 117. 6. In the forme of fanction the Covenant of nature was published as soone as promised but the Covenant of grace was first promised then a long while after proclaimed ratified with the blood of Christ. 7. In the object that is extended to all men this belongs to some certaine men by a singular reason for although it is often promiseuously propounded yet by a speciall propriety it belongs to them to which it is intended by GOD. 8. In duration that is antiquated to them who are made partakers of this new one this is perpetuall therefore called often an everlasting Covenant and admits of no end or variation for the substance 9. In effects that was deadly for a sinner the Ministery of death this is called a quickning Spirit and is the ministration of righteousnesse and life 2 Cor. 3.6 7 8 9. The Covenant of grace is called in regard of the convention and agreement betweene GOD and man a Covenant in regard of the manner of confirming it a Testament being in many things like a Testament For 1. As in a Testament or last will the Testators minde is declared so is the will of GOD in his Word 2. As in a Will so here is a Testator which is CHRIST a Legacie which is eternall life Heires which are the Elect an Instrument which are the Scriptures and Seales which are circumcision and the Passeover of the old Baptisme and the LORDS Supper of the new Thirdly and principally as a Testament is in force by the death of the Testator Heb. 9.16 17. so the Covenant of Redemption is ratified by the death of CHRIST and this death by the effusion of blood was shadowed out in the Old but consummated in the New Testament This Covenant is but one for substance yet in divers respects and circumstances it is either Old or New Old as it is a reconciliation of the old people with GOD by CHRIST to be exhibited new as it is a reconciliation of the new people with GOD by CHRIST now exhibited in the flesh in regard of the shadow it is called the Old and in regard of the substance the New Old because it is first in time and antiquity 2. Because it is abrogated in part Heb. 8.13 2 Cor. 3.14 being placed in ceremonies which in time for oldnesse vanished away New 1. In respect of the immediate Author CHRIST Luke 22.20 GOD was the Author of the other 2. Because celebrated in a new manner and new rites and is never to be abrogated or disanulled It is new in respect of GOD and us 1. In respect of GOD because the Covenant is renewed as he promised in the seed of Abraham which is with all the nations of the earth Gal. 3.8 2. In respect of us because we are renewed thereby 2 Cor. 5.17 The Old Testament is called the Law because the first and chiefe part of it is the Law of Moses the New Testament is called the Gospell because the first and chiefe part thereof is the glad tydings of our Redemption and the forme of the Covenant is in the one Legall in the other Evangelicall The Law was written in Tables of stone Exod. 31.18 2 Cor. 3.5 but the Gospell is written in the fleshie tables of the heart Ier. 31.33 Heb. 8.10 The Old Testament is the Covenant of GOD which in types and shadowes prefigured CHRIST to come and to be exhibited and by vertue thereof Life everlasting was given by faith in CHRIST that was to come The giving of Isaac of the promised Land and all these promises were but shadowes of the great promise of the maine Covenant in CHRIST The New Testament is the Covenant of GOD which since the comming of CHRIST in the flesh hath abolished those shadowes and giveth life everlasting by faith in CHRIST that is come The old Covenant agrees with the Covenant of nature 1. In both the parties contracting are GOD and Man 2. Each hath a stipulation annexed to it 3. The promise is the same in kind 4. Both lead to CHRIST They differ 1. Because the Covenant of nature was contracted with all men this with the Israelites onely 2. That of nature was made as soone as man was created and had no praeludia the old Covenant long after and had many praeludia afore it 3. That of nature onely binds to obedience due by the Law of nature the old Covenant obligeth also to ceremonies 4. Life is promised in both but it is set forth in the one by the fruition of Paradise in the other by the possession of the Land of Canaan 5. The Covenant of nature is eternall the old Temporary 6. Both Covenants bring us to CHRIST buâ— that of nature doth not this per se but per accidens this old one doth it per se for it is the true and proper scope of it 7. The Covenant of nature was written in the heart
Psal. 89.16 See Psal. 33.21 8. Indisposition Comforts against it In the thoughts of our indisposiâ—ion to any thing that is good let these places quicken us I can doe all things through CHRIST that strengthneth mee Phil. 4.13 Yee shall be unto mee a kingdome of Priests Exod. 19.6 We shall be able to offer unto GOD the sacrifice of prayer or praise In every place incense shall be offered to my name and a pure offering Mal. 1.11 which is spoken of the beleeving Gentiles 9. Distractions Comforts against them GOD promiseth in the Covenant of grace Ezek. 11.19 To give his people one heart CHRIST prayed that we might have this one heart Iohn 17.21 23. and be one with GOD. When we are troubled with distractions in prayer hearing or meditation wee should pleade the Covenant and pray with David O LORD unite my heart to thee 10. Evils of good done Promises or comforts to the godly for evils of good done GOD not onely accepteth and taketh in good part the poorest service we doe to him notwithstanding our corruptions and frailties but even delighteth and taketh great pleasure in them Cant. 2.14 as a Father delights more in the stammering of his little childe then in the eloquence of the best Orator CHRIST presenteth and perfumeth our prayers to his Father Rev. 8.3 1 Pet. 2.5 And it shall be upon Aarons fore-head that Aaron may beare the iniquity of the holy things and that they may be accepted before the LORD Exod. 28.38 Aaron was a Type of CHRIST who by his intercession perfumes our prayers and doth away the blemishes that cleave to our best actions Loving Parents doe not take notice of many blemishes in their children so GOD seeth no iniquity in Iacob nor any transgression in Israel Num. 23.21 But passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage which makes the Prophet in the beginning of the verse in admiration to cry Who is a GOD like to thee 11. Comforts against Feares of their falling from GOD who labour to work out their salvation with feare and trembling 1. In regard of GOD. 1. His Counsell on which mans salvation is founded is sure and unchangeable and his calling without repentance Rom. 11.29 2. His Love is everlasting and inviolable Ier. 31.3 Rom. 8.35 ult 3. His Mercy like his Lovâ— is â—verlasting Psal. 103.17 Psal. 100.5.106.1 107.1 Luke 1.50 It is iterated 26. times in 136. Psalme 4. His Will is for such Luke 12.32 Iohn 6.39 His Grace and that is all-sufficient 2 Cor. 12.9 5. His Power is for such and that is Almighty Ioh 10.27 28 29. Iude 24.2 Tim. 1.12 6. His faithfullnesse and truth make both for this 2 Thess. 3.3 2. In regard of CHRIST 1. Because of our union with him He is the Head we the members and he will not suffer any to perish that are ingraffed into him Ioh. 6.39 Ioh. 17.22 23 26. 2. From the perpetuall efficacie of his intercession Rom. 8.34 Heb. 7.21 Hee is a Priest for ever and alwaies intercedes for his What he said to Peter I have prayed that thy faith faile not Luke 22.32 Hee performeth for all He is the Author and finisheâ— of our faith Heb. 12.2 3. In regard of the HOLY GHOST 1. His continuall assistance Hee shall abide with us for ever John 14.16 And hee which hath begun a good work will finish it Phil. 1.6 2. His Obsignation which is irrevocable every one that beleeveth is sealed by the holy Spirit of promise Ephes. 1.13 14. sealed for ever 4.30 2 Cor. 1.22 an honest man will not break his bargaine when there is earnest and evidence for it therefore Chrysostome saith elegantly if GOD having once given this earnest should not also give the rest of the inheritance He should undergo the losse of his earnest 4. The lasting power of the Word once rooted in the good and honest heart Luke 8.15 It is called immortall seed 1 Pet. 1.23 25. The engraffed Word James 1.21 The seed remaining 1 Joh. 3.9 5. The certainty and sweetnesse of the promises to this purpose GOD hath promised that his people shall not be mooved from the state of grace Psal. 15.5 16.8 Psal. 37.24 27 28 31. Psal. 55.22 102.28 Pro. 10.30 Psal. 125.1 Hee will not cast off his people nor forsake his inheritance Psal. 94.14 1 Sam. 12.22 And hee will put his feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from him For this is his Covenant with his people Ier. 32.39 40 41. Hosea 2.19 20. Hee upholdeth them with his hand that they shall not fall away Hee will confirme them unto the end that they may be blamâ—lesse in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST 1 Cor. 1.8 9. the like is 1 Thess. 5.23 24 GOD hath made more promises to hold up his children then ever he made to hold up the pillars of the world 6. The prayers of the whole Church of GOD which are very prevalent and powerfull Ioh. 16.23 the daily sacrifice of beleevers is ne inducas in tentationem 7. The force and might of faith 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 8. The durable vigour of saving graces John 4.14 our Saviour hath promised Iohn 16.22 that he will give unto the faithfull such constant and permanent joy as no man shall be able to take from them He hath prayed that our faith may not faile Luke 22.32 It is a stable grace 1 Ioh. 5.4 1 Pet. 2.6 Comforts to the Godly who are troubled with many and strong corruptions and likewise want the meanes of grace either 1. Altogether 2. In the power of them 3. Or having them so yet profit not by them 1. Comforts in case of dismayednesse under many and strong corruptions I will sprinkle cleane water upon you and you shall be cleane â—rom all your filthinesse and from all your idols will I cleanse you Ezek. 36.25 Though thy sinnes were as great as Idolatry in the first Table or Whoredome in the second yet GOD will forgive and sanctifie thee He will cast all our sinnes into the depths of the sea Micah 7.19 The sea can drowne mountaines as well as mole-hills Though they were as crimson and scarlet which will take no other die yet in CHRISTS bloud they shall bee made as white as wooll and snow Esay 1.18 All manner of sinnes and blasphemies shall be forgiven unto men Matth. 12.31 CHRIST came to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 It matters not what the wound is so CHRIST be the Physitian Where sin that is the knowledge and feeling of sinne abounded grace over-abounded Rom. 5.20 have wee a multitude and magnitude of sinnes GOD hath a multitude and magnitude of mercies Have mercy upon mee O GOD according unto the multitude so wee translate it the Hebrew word Rob signifieth also magnitude of thy tender mercies Two things terrifie penitent sinners 1. The multitude and exceeding great number of evils whereof they are guilty he tels
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
services acceptable to GOD Iam. 5.16 Romanes 12.11 3. It is the way to happinesse Matth. 11.12 17. Perseverance Promises to strengthen our faith as touching Perseverance For this marke the first Promise which GOD made The seede of the woman shall breake the serpents head Gen. 3.15 there Satan is stinted to the heele of CHRIST and that promise made to Abraham Gen. 17.7 and to David concerning Salomon 2 Sam. 7.14 15. the which promise is applied to all GODS Elect Psal. 89.23 28 29. GOD hath promised to his Elect That they shall enjoy the worke of their hands and shall not labour in vaine Esay 65.22 23. Not one of them shall be lacking in the whole flocke Jer. 23.4 Hee will build them and not plucke them downe hee will plant them and not pull them up Ier. 24.6 See Esay 33.20 Deut. 31.8 2 Sam. 7.10 Amos 9.15 Psal. 92.13 14. Pro. 10.30 12.3 Judg. 5.31 Job 11.15 17. Esay 42.3 46.4 Esay 55.3 Ezek. 37.26 Heb. 13.5 20. Esay 54.9 10. Promises 2. To Perseverance The Promises of reward are limited and restrained unto those who persevere unto the end Hee that endureth unto the end shall bee saved Matth. 10.22 which is often repeated Matth. 24.13 Marke 13.13 CHRIST promiseth a reward to those seven Churches of Asia but with a proviso of overcomming To him that overcommeth will I give to eate of the tree of life which is in the paradise of GOD Rev. 2.7 Hee that overcommeth shall not be hurt of the second death verse 11. To him that overcommeth will I give to eate of the hidden Manna verse 17. To him that overcommeth and keepeth my workes unto the end to him will I give power over the nations verse 26. See 28. verse Holding fast and going on hath a crowne attending it Heb. 10.23 Luke 22.28 29 30. Be thou faithfull unto death and I will give thee a crowne of life Rev. 2.10 If yee abide in mee and my words abide in you yee shall aske what yee will and it shall be done unto you Iohn 15.7 See Iames 1.25 Heb. 3.14 Gal. 6.9 CHAP. XI 2. The Degrees of Graces Promises Of growth and increase in Grace GOD hath promised to give grace abundantly not onely to drop it but to powre it I will powre water upon him that is thirsty and floods upon the drie ground I will powre my Spirit upon thy seed c. Esay 44.3 4. Their soule shall be as a watered garden Esay 58.11 and Jer. 31.12 GOD promiseth to make his people fruitfull He is compared to a Husbandman the Church to an Orchard the faithfull to young plants whose nature is to spread and shoot out their branches and bring forth fruit Iohn 15.2 The godly man shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit in his season Psal. 1.3 Jer. 17.8 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our GOD. They shall bring forth fruit in old age they shall be fat and flourishing Psal. 92.13 14. An old man being once asked if hee grew in goodnesse said yea doubtlesse I beleeve it to be so for GOD hath said it The righteous shall flourish as the branch Pro. 11.28 Yee shall goe forth and grow up as the calves of the stall Mal. 4.2 The LORD likewise as a good Shepheard saith Hee will feede his people that they may be fat that is abounding in grace as Psal. 23. Ezek. 34.13 14 15. Psal. 36.8 Pro. 13.4 He saith Hee will give strength to his people to walke in the waies of the LORD Esay 45.24 Esay 40.29 31. Psal. 29.11 Esay 26.4 12. Esay 41.10 Zach. 10.12 Phil. 4.13 They go from strength to strength Psal. 84.7 The righteous shall hold on his way and he that hath cleane hands shall be stronger and stronger Job 17.9 But the path of the iust is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day Pro. 4.18 Whosoever hath that is useth well what he hath received to him shall be given and he shall have abundance Matth. 13.12 Luke 19.26 Mar. 4 24. Nathaniel beleeved at the first yet he is promised that hee shall see greater things See Hos 14.5 6 7. Promises to severall degrees of true grace or growth in grace 2 Pet. 1.5 6 8 10 11. Growth in grace will procure growth in glory the more holinesse we have here the more happinesse wee shall have hereafter If we be rich in the worke of the LORD our labour shall not be in vaine in the LORD 1 Cor. 15.58 Hee that sowes liberally shall reape liberally wee shall receive a full reward Iohn Epist. 2.8 CHAP. XII 2. Spirituall Duties THe LORD hath promised to assist us in them by his Spirit and they being done by the operation and assistance of the Spirit shall be accepted and rewarded of the Father 1. GOD hath promised to helpe us by his Spirit in holy duties Therefore wee must not onely looke to the Commandement injoyning duty but to the promise shewing GODS mercy in helping us For GOD in the New Covenant gives what he requires In one place the LORD commandeth Cast away from you all your transgressions and make you a new heart and a new Spirit In another place hee promiseth I will sprinkle cleane water upon you and you shall be cleane from all your filthinesse A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you So GOD commandeth them to circumcise the foreskinne of their hearts Deut. 10.16 and after he saith hee will circumcise their hearts c. Deut. 30.6 He commands us to keepe his Commandements Eccles. 12.13 and promiseth to cause us to walke in his statutes Ezek. 36 27. Hee commandeth us to feare Him Eccles. 12.13 and promiseth to put his feare into our hearts Ier. 32.40 Hee commandeth us to have a new soft heart and promiseth to make it so Ezek. 36.26 Hee commands us to pray and make knowne our wants to him and promiseth to powre upon us the Spirit of grace and Supplication Zach. 12.10 GODS promises are the foundation of all our performances For we by working doe not cause him to fulfill his promises but he by promising doth enable us to performe our workes 2. GOD promiseth to accept the services of his children All our sacrifices shall be accepted The LORD by Moses did often tell his people that their sacrifices should be accepted Levit 1.3 4. 22.21 23.11 Exod. 28.36 38. See Esay 60.7 Ezek. 43.27 20.40 41. Mal. 3 4. If thou doest well shalt not thou be accepted Gen. 4.7 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousnesse Psal. 51.19 Yee are a holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to GOD by JESUS CHRIST 1 Pet. 2.5 If there be first a willing minde it is â—câ—epted according to that a man hath and not according to that
he hath not 2 Cor. 8.12 I will make them ioyfull in mine house of prayer their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine Altar Esay 56.7 3. GOD will reward the services of his children To him that soweth righteousnesse shall be a sure reward Pro. 11.18 Every man shall receive his owne reward according to his labour 1 Cor. 3.8 Whatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall hee receive of the LORD whether he be bond or free Ephes. 6.8 Behold his reward is with him Esay 40.10 Verily there is a reward for the Righteous Psal. 58.11 I the LORD search the heart I trie the reines even to give every man according to his waies and according to the fruit of his doings Jer. 17.10 Let us not be weary of well-doing for in due season wee shall reape if wee faint not Galat. 6.9 He shall reward every man according to his workes Mat. 16.27 CHAP. XIII The ordinances of GOD. 1. In generall 2. Particular Duties 1. Prayer 2. Preaching 3. Reading Promises 1. To the ordinances of GOD generally THere is a promise to the use of GODS ordinances James 4.8 Draw nigh to GOD and he will draw nigh to you With ioy shall yee draw water out of the wels of salvation Esay 12.3 We may apply this promise when we pray heare conferre or fast in every dutie Promises 2. To particular Duties 1. Prayer 1. GOD will give his children hearts to seeke him by Prayer He shall call upon mee and I will answer hiâ— Psal. 91.15 Then shall yee call upon mee and yee shall goe and pray unto mee and I will hearken unto you Ier. 29.12 He will prepare their hearts Psal. 10.17 For this cause shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou maist be found Psal. 32.6 See Ier. 31.9 and Hosea 3.5 2. GOD promiseth to helpe us to pray His Spirit shall indite our prayers and helpe us to draw our petitions The Spirit helpeth our infirmities and maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered Rom. 8.26 27. I will powre upon the house of David and upon the Inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spirit of grace and supplications Zach. 12.10 So soone as the Spirit of Grace entreth into the heart it makes one plentifull and abundant in supplicating and suing unto GOD for grace and mercy 3. GOD hath bound himselfe by promise to heare his servants when they call upon him The LORD made a promise to Salomon after his prayer saying Mine eyes shall be open and mine eares attentive to the prayer in â—his place 2 Chron. 7.15 The LORD is rich unto all that call upon him Rom. 10. â—2 Be carefull for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thankesgiving let your request bee made knowne unto GOD. And the peace of GOD which passeth all understanding shall keepe your hearts and mindes through CHRIST JESUS Philip. 4.6 7. The prayers of the upright are his delight Pro. 15.8 Hee heareth the prayer of the righteous verse 29. GOD will not onely heare our prayers in generall but our voice Psal. 5.3 our very desires Psal. 10.17 Pro. 10.24 which are effectuall prayers with GOD. He will not despise our prayers Psal. 102.17 He will not reproch us nor upbraid us with what is past or our present frailties Iam. 1.5 It is agreeable to his nature and disposition to heare prayers Psal. 65.12 The thing that hath encouraged GODS children and given them heart in prayer hath beene this hope and assurance that they should finde audience and respect with GOD O thou that hearest prayer or because thou hearest prayer all flesh shall resort unto thee Psal. 65.2 GOD excepts no man all shall be heard For thou LORD art good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all them that call upon thee Ps. 86.5 The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Psal. 145.18 It shall come to passe that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered Ioel 2.32 which is repeated Acts 2.21 and Rom. 10.13 Though our prayers be weake yet let us remember that the promise is made to all We may see the proofe of this in a prayer made in much infirmity Psal. 31.22 GOD is more ready to heare then we to aske to give then we to receive 1 Pet. 3.12 His eares are open as a kinde mother or nurse which useth to be so wakefull that shee will heare the child so soone as ever it begins to cry Dan. 10.11 Feare not Daniel for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand and to humble thy selfe before GOD thy words were heard yea before they call I will answer and while they speake I will heare Esay 65.24 that is in our purpose of Prayer This the faithfull have gloried in Psal. 4.3.17.6 and 38.15 GOD hath specially bound himselfe to heare his children in those prayers that they make unto him in their afflictions the time of trouble is the very set houre of Audience The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous and his eares are open to their cry Psal. 34.15 The righteous cry and the LORD heareth and delivereth them out of all their troubles verse 17. Which is repeated foure times in the 107. Psalme 6 13 19. and 28. verses The LORD saith Psal. 50.15 Call upon mee in the day of trouble I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorifie mee Hee will regard the prayer of the destitute aâ—d not despise their prayer Psal. 102.17 to 21. their teares sâ—ghes and groanings are not hid from him Psal. 39.12 He will heare in the morning Psal. 5.3 in the very season the due time when we are in trouble Yea so as hee will in our affliction in a speciall manner let us know that hee is our GOD and that he will deliver us Zach. 13.9 The LORD heareth the prayers of his people when they thinke they are cast out of his sight Psal. 31.22 GODS people have found comfort in all their afflictions by powring out their hearts to GOD in prayer Psal. 109.3 4. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee for thou hearest mee Psal. 86.7 The LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping the LORD hath heard my supplication the Lord will receive my prayer Psal. 6.8 9. A Noble man in this Kingdome had a ring given him by the Queene Elizabeth with this promise that if hee sent that ring to her at any time when he was in distresse shee would remember him and deliver him This was a great priviledge from a Prince and yet that ring though sent might not be delivered GOD hath given his children prayer as that ring and tells them whatsoever distresse they are in let them but send this up to him and he will be sure to relieve them and when they doe send up this it is sure
of truth 221 222. Promises to those that are persecuted for practice of good and for both together 222 223. Perseverance promises of and to it 330. Plenty see wealth Ponder what it is 32. Possession of the Divell see witchcraft Poverty promises in regard of it 181 182. Practice promises to the practice of the word 388. Promises to those that suffer for the practice of good 222. Praising God promises of and to it 397. Prayer is a means to apply the promises 33 34. Prayer is to be grounded on Gods promises 49. to 60. Promises to give the godly hearts to pray 374. Promises to help them to pray and to heare their prayers especially in trouble 374. to 380. Promises to prayer 381 382. Promises to fervent secret private and publick prayer 382. to 385. Preaching promises to it 386. Presence promises of Gods gracious presence with the godly 269. Promises the nature of them 1. to 8. How distinguished from commandements and threatnings and from purposes 1 5. The explanation of the word and the acceptations of it in Scripture 1 2 3. The definition of a Promise in generall 3. The divine Promises diversly defined 5. The division of a Promise in generall and of the divine Promises 3 4 11 to 16. Promises are the grounds of our hope and objects of our Faith 6 7. The order wherin faith layes hold on the Promises 8 9. The excellency of the Promises 18 to 26. The right use of the Promises 26 27. Generall and particular rules directing us how to use them 5 28 to 62. How spirituall and temporall things are promised 15 16 56. to 59. God must be sought to for the performance of his Promises 60 61. The properties of the Promises 63 to 9â— The manner how God performeth his Promises 96. He delayeth the fullfilling of his Promises 56 98 99 100. The persons to whom the Promises belong 104. to 110. Prosperity promises of it to the godly both to their persons and purposes 207 208. Providence promises of Gods speciall Providence over his people 270 27â— R RAiment promises of it 204. Reading of the word promises to it 386 387. Reconciliation promises of it 289. Redemption promises of it 280. Repentance 331. Promises 1. of it 2. to it 18. Reproaches promises to those that are reproached for both truth and goodnesse 224 to 227. Reproofe promises to it 402. Resurrection promises of it 420. Righteousnesse promises to make us righteous 288. promises to righteousnes 353 354 355. S SAbbath promises to those that sanctifie it 399 400. Sacraments a division of all the Sacraments 119 120 121. promises to the Sacraments in generall 393. Safety promises of it â—01 Salvation by Christ 278. Sanctification promises of and to it 294 to 298. Scandales promises against them 233. Scarcity see famine Seeking of GOD promises to it 407 408. Servants promises to godly servants 4â—6 447. Sicknesse promises in regard of it 180. Sin comforts in case of dismaiednesse under many and strong corruptions 259 260. Sleep promises of quiet rest and safety in the night 203. Sorrow promises of and to godly sorrow 334. to 339. Spirit promises of the Spirit 291 292. A promise to those that have the Spirit 293. Spirituall promises 215. Spirituall graces promised 300. How spirituall things are promised 15 55 56 57. Strength promises of bodily strength 201. Successe see prosperity Suffering see persecution T TEachers comforts to those who have no teachers or such as are bad 261 262. Temporall promises in regard of evill things 155. in regard of good things 190. to 193. Temporall things how promised 16 58 59. Temptations from the Divell and flesh promises against them 215 to 220. Threatnings 2 38. Testament see Covenant Tillage promises to it 209. marg Tithes a promise to paying of them 407. Truth comforts to such as suffer for the profession of the truth 221 222. Turning from sin promises of and to it 346 347. V VNcheerfullnesse comforts against it 250 251. Vocation see effectuall calling Vprightnesse promises of and to it of all sorts 355 356. Vse of the promises 20. to 62. Vse of faith in respect of afflictions 174. to 178. W WAiting on God promises to it 409 410. A promise to such as wait for the word 388. Warre promises to preserve from it 186 187. Watchfullnesse promises to it 400. Weak comforts to weak Christians 244 to 247. Wealth promises of it 205 206. Wise promises to her 448 449. Wisdome see Knowledge Witchâ—raft a promise against it 189 Word promises that Gods children shall hearken to it and to them that doe hearken to it 388 389. World promises against evill in the world in generall 231 232. Worldly cares see covetousnesse Z ZEale promises to it 361. FINIS * As Paula Marcella were to Ierome so is your Ladyship to those iudicious persons which resort unto you a great Questionist they to whom you propound your doubts do tam proficere quam prodesse as well benefit by you as benefit you Quis virtuteÌ„ ampâ—ectitur iosam praemisi tollas Inâ—ë Sat. 10. He that beleeves not the iudâ—ements will never sticke to do any evill he that believes not the Promisâ—s wil never be forward to do any good Esa. 12.3 Esay 66.11 3 Ep of Iohn 2. Rom. â—5 1 Rom. 3.12 * Pudeat illos saith Tully qui ita in studijs se abdiderunt ut ad vitam communem nulluÌ„ fructum proferre possint Paulum sepultae distat inertiae Câ—lata virtus Hor l. 4. Carm. od 9 Trisle mortalitatis privilegiuÌ„ est c. Euphormio Book 1. Perkins on 2. Hab. 4. Faith in the Commandements saith Dike breeds obedience in the Threatnings feare in the Promises Comfort The Greek words for Promise in the New Testament are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is tendred in the English a Message 1 Ioh. 1.5 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nuncius but most Vsually a Promise Ephes. 3.6 1 Ioh 7.25 and often in the Galatians it signifieth gratuâ—â—am ultrenamque promissionem a free and williâ—g Promise as both Budeus and Beza have observed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Pet ... 4. wâ—ich properly signifieth a Publike Promise made is foro before many ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 id est nunciare edicere The Latine 1. Promissienâ— promissiâ— whence comes the frencâ— word promesse and the english promise à pro nutto praemittitur enim promissiorei praesiandae 2. Pollicuum or pollicitatio which also signifieth a free Promise it commeth of polliceor and that of porro liceor Pollicemâ—â— spoute promittimus rogati saith Serâ—ius on Virg. 3. Sponsiâ— from Spondere quasi sponte dicere saith Scaliger Illyric clav Script Rom. 4.16 Gal 3. â—8 As often as S. Paul compares the Law with the Promise hee makes a comparison betweene the Law and Gospell Illyric ubi Supra Promissio interdum idem vales quod res promissa Piscator Act. 1.33 18 19 7.17 26.7 See Heb. 9.15 11.9 17 3â— 39.